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A DICTIONARY OF
THE PROVERBS IN ENGLAND
IN THE SIXTEENTH
AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURIES
In


MORRIS PALMER T1 LLEY
ADICTIONARY OF
THE
PROVERBS IN ENGLAND
IN THE SIXTEENTH
AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURIES
fl Col/6017012 0 f the Proverb F 0am! in
Englzk/z Literature
and the Dzktz'onarz'ej 0 f the Period
BY
MORRIS PALMER TILLEY
Ann Arbor - University of Michigan Press
1950
61.2.1. [1. .i. 2
P ' -
K 4 I
J?
.T Q
COPYRIGHT I 9 50
BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
qgiaaRfR. Z
/;1-’7~§@
FOREWORD
PROFESSOR TILLEY received the first idea of his work on
the proverb from an article by Max Forster: “Das
elisabethanische Sprichwort nach Th. Draxe’s Treasurie
of flncient fldagies (1616)” in flnglia, XLII (1918—19),
361—424. Starting from Forster’s suggestions, Tilley
produced a preliminary book on the Elizabethan prov-
erb: EZizaéet/zan Proveré Lore in Lyly’s Euphues and in
Pettie’s Petite Pallace (New York: The Macmillan Com-
pany, 1926). Tilley’s collection was immediately recog-
nized as indispensable for the study of Shakespeare.
However, not content with his success, Tilley went on
to plan a work on proverbs that should cover the whole
range of Elizabethan drama and be supplemented as
well from the Elizabethan proverb collections. Mean-
while the Early Modern English Dictionary came to
Michigan, and Tilley was appointed an associate editor.
The material assembled, consisting of quotations for-
merly collected for the New English Dictionary and of
the new Michigan collections, proved to be so consider-
able that the editors decided to separate the proverbs
and turn them all over to Tilley. The present Dic-
tionary, therefore, is based on an amalgamation of the
proverb materials of the Early Modern English Dic-
tionary with Tilley’s own immense mass of quotations.
The Dictionary covers the period from 1500 to 1700
in accordance with the limits which the editors of the
Early Modern English Dictionary set for themselves.
Tilley thought it advisable, However, to quote from cer-
tain eighteenth-century proverb collections, such as
those of Kelly, Fuller, Swift, and Franklin. These, and
especially Swift and Franklin, reveal what kind of
proverbs survived in the memories of the people until
deep down in the eighteenth century. War conditions
prevented Tilley’s using the 1642 edition of Torriano.
Tilley gave to his book thirty years of steady hard
work. Proverbs are not easy to recognize, and only an
expert can collect them. Tilley knew hundreds of
them, and in addition his memory was amazingly clear
and retentive. The slightest hint of a proverb in a
passage would send his mind darting at similar forms
in other authors, and he would not rest until he had
found the parent proverb. His Dictionary is the
achievement of a scholar whose special fitness for the
task will probably remain without a parallel.
Tilley lived to complete his work, and he had got it
ready for publication. After his death the University
requested me to superintend the final editing of the
Dictionary for the press. I had often discussed Tilley’s
plans with him at length, and besides we had worked

therefore think I know what Tilley’s intentions were.
I have altered very little. I have put in a few refer-
ences to Shakespeare that had been overlooked and I
have added a few explanations of obscure words. ‘A
number of obvious errors have been corrected, but the
work is substantially as Tilley left it. The plan and
organization of the Dictionary are entirely his. He is
the sole responsible editor. It is tragic that after
spending so many arduous years upon his work Tilley
should not have had the triumph of seeing it in print.
Tilley was not a dry-as-dust pedant, collecting sap-
less specimens for collection’s sake. His work gave
him a huge delight. He chuckled over the humor of
the proverbs and he admired their wisdom, their salti-
ness, and the frequent beauty of their form. He hoped
that other men would enjoy the rich feast he had pre-
pared for them and that his labors might help the
proverb to come to its own again. Above all, he felt a
deep responsibility to Shakespeare. Tilley was con-
vinced that the proverbs were of inestimable value be-
cause, in particular, they clear up passages hitherto 0b-
scure and, in general, they lead to a more intimate
understanding of important characteristics in Shake-
speare’s style. The Dictionary, massive in scholarship
and full of good things as it is, will remain a fitting
monument to so worthy a friend and fellow alive as was
Morris Palmer Tilley.
Tilley had made full notes for an Introduction, and
What follows is principally his work. The “I” in the
paragraphs below is Professor Tilley.

There is no agreement on what constitutes a proverb.
In this collection of proverbs, proverbial phrases,
and proverbial similes I have entered such material as
the writers in the period from 1500 to I700 included in
their elastic conception of what was proverbial. Ob-
viously this contemporary conception transcends the
limited definition of a proverb as a saying of the folk.
The proverb collections from these two centuries,
which are the basis of our Dictionary, admitted mate-
rial that seemed to their compilers to be proverbial or at
least of sufficient currency to be entitled to that term.
Moreover, writers of the Renaissance were fond of
introducing a statement by some such phrase as, “The
prouerb goeth . .” (A276), “As the Proverbe is . .”
(A314), “as we say . .” (A103), “We say . .” (B554).
Sometimes the context gives a foreign origin or analogue
of the proverb. For instance, under A155, 4/! is well,

over Shakespeare together, ferreting out proverbs. I
the old man dances, Ben Jonson says, “Saltat senex,
vi FOREWORD

as it is i’ the prouerbe,” and under C202, Remove the
cause and the eflect will cease, one quotation remarks
that this is a Latin saying and another that it is an
Italian proverb. Thus writers not only identify prov-
erbs which the collectors missed, but also trace them
back to their origin in foreign languages.
In addition to recording admitted proverbs, I have,
where I found recurring independent instances of the
same thought in printed works of the period, included
such sayings as well, preferring to err on the side of
inclusiveness rather than on the side of exclusiveness.
I have entered pithy expressions of old truths or of
accepted facts, the observations of generations, warn-
ings, admonitions, guides to conduct, accumulated wis-
dom that has stood the test of time.
I have also included a large number of proverbial
similes. They are the sayings of the folk, and they may
be as witty and expressive as the regular proverb. Be-
sides, they often find their way into great literature.
Compare As pale as ashes (A339), As merry as forty
beggars (B243), As melancholy as a gibbed cat (C129),
and As safe as a mouse in a cheese (M1221) and the
analogues there given.
Proverbs may be divided into two classes, the native
and the foreign, of which the native proverb has far
the greater variety of form. It sometimes shows a
Chinese brevity, as in Unknown unkissed (U14), Like
master like scholar (M724), Such beef such broth (B215),
Bear this, bear all (A172). In rhythm, these sound
like petrifications of alliterative poetry. Other native
proverbs are in rhyme. Probably the oldest recorded
here is When bale is highest boot is next (B59), which
not only alliterates but, in its original Middle English
form, also rhymed. Indeed, proverbs nearest to the
people, those about health, seedtime, harvest, the
weather, are most likely to be in rhyme. Some of the
rhymes (see B184, D121) have come down to our day.
Folk rhymes can occasionally be witty, as, for instance,
As thefool thinks the bell clinks (F445). But the native
proverb is not always terse; it may consist of many
clauses, as in A202, or of a long list of names, as in B22.
Few, if any, of these long-drawn-out proverbs have sur-
vived in current use.
The foreign proverb, on the other hand, is rarely
rhymed. It too may be concise and neat, and at times
it reproduces the strength of its original. Where drums
beat, laws are silent (D624) may not improve on Cicero,
but he would certainly have enjoyed the translation.
The typical popular proverb is an old truth concisely
and often adroitly worded. Generations file the phrase
until it is brief and sharp. Concentrated and profound
proverbs often become jewels of prose. They may be
witty, as, Bachelors’ wives and maids’ children are well
taught (B10), or vivid, as, My belly cries cupboard
(B301), or satiric, as, He hopes to eat of the goose that
shall graze on your grave (G353), or rise to a brilliant

It is interesting to see the popular mind at work on
variants of the same idea. Take the following ex-
amples: A covetous man does nothing good until he dies
(M85), A miser, like a hog, does no good until he dies
(M1005), Money, like dung, does no good till it is spread
(M1071). For the variations of another, more prolific
example, see G364. and the cross references there.
These proverbs cover the whole extent of the popular
reflections on life. Since they come from so many
different people, they will of course sometimes contra-
dict one another. Proverb M126 says, Every man is
the architect of his own fortune; M320, No man can make
his own hap. They give us primitive superstition,
such as the signs of ill omen (see G478, H150, P483,
R33), which the dramatists knew how to use with great
effect. Most of the weather and farming proverbs
may still be applicable (see A396, B743, D49, E191),
but others, like A hot May makes a fat churchyard
(M766), have outlived their usefulness. The health
proverbs are often both witty and wise, as, for instance,
many proverbs under “bed” (B183 ff.) and proverbs
like The best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr.
Merryman (D427). But A87 and A93 reveal a de-
plorable horror of fresh air. Again, some illustrate
popular customs, as, He is a friend at a sneeze, the most
you can get of him is a God-bless-you (F703). Others
show popular taste, as, Mutton is meat for a glutton
(M1341). The comments of the proverb collectors
give us interesting sidelights on social conditions.
Thus God never sends mouth but he sends meat (G207)
receives from Ray the comment, “This Proverb is
much in the mouth of poor people: who get children,
but take no care to maintain them.” Kelly says, “Spo-
ken to those that grudge their having many Children.”
Variations in the form of the proverb sometimes re-
flect important changes in history. For example, the
proverb Take heed of an ox before, a horse behind, of a
monk on all sides (H376) lost its point after the Ref-
ormation, and for “monk” the people substituted
“parson.” In one version, indeed, we even get “mon-
key.” The religious storms of the sixteenth century
produced two fine proverbs, Where God has his church
the devil has his chapel (G259) and While they think they
have God by the toe they have the devil by the fist (G260).
It is characteristic that among the most prolific sub-
jects we have God, the devil, and the seven deadly sins.
The popular proverbs about places deserve notice,
especially as most of them are now obsolete. Some
celebrate the wares produced by towns (A101, B22),
others make fun of certain districts, as in the examples
about Essex and Cotswold lions (L321, L323). Some
praise a delectable country, as, Blessed is the eye that
is between Severn and Wye (E228)—and no countryside
more deserves such praise! Then there are facetious
punning proverbs, as, To go to Bedfordshire (B198),
You are in the highway to Needham (H460), He was born

poetic figure, as, Gray hairs are death’s blossoms (H31).
at Little Witham (L373). See also S808 and W699.
FOREWORD vii

These are fashions in proverb-making that will probably
never be revived.
The numerous foreign proverbs come into English
in many different ways. Erasmus is an important
source and, after him, the dictionaries of foreign lan-
guages, especially those of Cotgrave and Torriano.
Howell, who separates the foreign from the English
forms, gives a large number not found elsewhere. Her-
bert’s collection is chiefly of the foreign proverb. In
addition, the translations of foreign works bring in
proverbs of all sorts. The Renaissance was in any case
so steeped in foreign literatures that writers could
freely allude to foreign proverbs, knowing quite well
that their readers would follow them. Frequently the
writer will give his source—“Seneca,” for example (see
under M1273), or “Horace” (see under M792). Myth-
ological figures enter into the proverbs (see A276, C21 1,
H177, I22, P186), and certain myths become household
words (“Bow of Ulysses” [B562], “Gordian knot”
[G375], “Rubicon” [R197]). A foreign proverb might
of course glow in the mind of a poet. .4 man is nothing
hut worms’ meat (M253) goes back to St. Bernard, and
Shakespeare uses it three times.
The Bible naturally exercised a stronger influence on
English than any other foreign work, if, indeed, we can
call a book foreign that was read in every household. It
is scarcely necessary to do more than direct attention
to a few of its proverbs, such as A32, D231, and D618
which especially attracted Shakespeare and other
Elizabethans. Proverb T371 shows that the Apocrypha
was well enough known to produce a popular saying.
Among the learned proverbs those from “unnatural
natural history” must be mentioned since they were
for a long time in fashion. Some of the more super-
stitious were used by learned and unlearned alike. I
need only refer to those about the basilisk (B99),
camomile (C34), the toad (T360), or to that proverb
which pleased Dryden, about the palm tree growing
straight when it bears a heavy weight (P37). Most of
these have passed away, but we still keep the one about
the ostrich (O83), the absurdest of them all.
In the main, those proverbs which are illustrated by a
considerable number of examples are the people’s
proverbs, the popular proverbs. Conversely, foreign
and learned proverbs often show only a few examples in
literature. For instance, under M80, .4 hlind man can
judge no colors, there is an example from Erasmus, fifteen
examples in all from proverb collections, and just one
from literature. The strong vitality of the English
proverbs is shown by their frequency outside the col-
lections.
In this Dictionary I have given especial prominence
to Shakespeare, not only because of his unchallenged
position but also because he knew the proverb more
thoroughly than anyone else. Proverbs reflected the
common beliefs of the time, they were the small change

served the speech habits of the people around him with
close attention. We shall never know whether, like
Hamlet, he used his “tables” to record remarkable
sayings or whether he diligently stored vivid phrases
up in his memory. Whatever he did, they were there
when he needed them.
There are some proverbs which Shakespeare repeats
again and again: H347 (nine times), I88 (seven times),
K175 (ten times), M514 (five times). The proverbs
also show the extent of Shakespeare’s learning. At
E1 16 he gives a proverb in French, at E158 he gives one
in Latin. Often of course the proverb helps us to un-
derstand a passage in Shakespeare (see B197, F496,
M1114). Sometimes Shakespeare makes use of comic
distortion, as where Als dead as a herring (H446) be-
comes “By gar, de herring is no dead so as I vill kill
him” (Merry Wives cy’ Windsor II iii 12).
Or one can see Shakespeare using a proverb to achieve
sublimity. Note, for example, JIOI, To drink the juice
of mandrake (mandragora), which he employs with such
terrible power in Othello III iii 330—33. We can see him
shaping the same proverb to produce many different
effects in poetry, as he does M1 175, 4 red morningfore-
tells a stormy day (see Venus and Adonis, l. 453, Richard
the Second III iii 62, First Part of Henry the Fourth
V i I). Occasionally he is our only source for a prov-
erb; this is true of Heaven is ahove all (H348), which he
uses four times.
Sometimes Shakespeare expands a proverb. He
transforms Make hay while the sun shines (H235) into:
The sun shines hot, and if we use delay,
Cold biting winter mars our hop’d-for hay.
—Third Part of Henry the Sixth IV viii 60—61
At other times he merely glances at a proverb, giving
us a splinter of it or a slight floating allusion. The
familiar proverb It is too late to call again yesterday (Y3I)
is woven into Salisbury’s words:
One day too late, I fear me, noble lord,
Hath clouded all thy happy days on earth.
O, call back yesterday, bid time return,
And thou shalt have twelve thousand fighting men!
—Richard the Second III ii 67—70
For the Renaissance such dexterously evasive hints
constituted one of the chief beauties of style.
Finally, a delight in exuberance led the Elizabethans
to produce long strings of proverbs, one after the other.
Greene sometimes fills a whole page with them, and even
the judicious Hooker will go as far as three at one time.
It is important to see how Shakespeare employed this
device. Compare, for instance, Richard the Second II i
33—9, Romeo and Yuliet II vi 9—15, and Hamlet I iii
59—80. In all these passages we have the same tech-
nique deliberately exploited, but for opposite effects.
In Richard the Second the authority of the proverbs

of conversation. It is obvious that Shakespeare ob-
gives strength to the words of a dying prince. In the
viii
FOREWORD
other two speeches, where they illustrate the character
of the speaker, it is unlikely that Shakespeare intended
the use of these hackneyed proverbs to indicate a high
degree of intelligence.
As we might expect, Shakespeare’s work sums up the
Elizabethan attitude toward proverbs. The dramatist
Heywood resembles him in his use of the linked proverb,
Webster comes near to him in skillful allusiveness, but
no writer exhibits anything like Shakespeare’s compre-
hensive knowledge of every kind of proverb. This Dic-
tionary will perhaps inspire the proper scholar to show
how much Shakespeare’s style in prose and verse re-
ceived from the proverb in humor, in rich, full sweet-
ness, in tragic power.
will be found to apply to two centuries of English
literature.
As the seventeenth century drew to a close, there set
in a reaction to the enthusiastic use of proverbs in liter-
ature, with the result that in the eighteenth century
proverbs were first frowned upon and then banished
from polite literature, and, finally, from polite conversa-
tion. As a consequence, an astonishing number of the
proverbs which we record have perished.
The vitality of proverbs differs vastly. Apparently,
conciseness and a homely figure make for survival.
Proverb 5569, N0 smoke without some fire, survives
(Where there is smoke there is fire), while a daring figure
like It is a hold mouse that hreeo’s in the cat’s ear (MI 231)
dies.
It is interesting to see what happens when there is
competition between proverbs ofthe same general mean-
ing. We keep C175 and have given up M1232 and
M1239; we keep S937 and have given up M1236. The
evolution of modern form through rejection of alterna-
tives can be studied in M1243, M1246, and M1258.
Sometimes we transform the proverb completely.
Proverb W606 has now become Dog does not eat dog;
M1221 is now .4s snug as a hug in a rug. Sharpers to-
day peddle gold bricks, not golden mountains (M1217).
At the present time there are signs of a return of in-
terest in the sayings of the past as one means of under-
standing more completely the thoughts of the sixteenth
and seventeenth centuries. The earlier practice of
considering the common use of similar ideas by two
writers as a debt by the one to the other is now more
generally recognized as the use by both of a proverbial
thought of their time.
book to assist the student of sixteenth- and seventeenth-
century writers to recognize the proverbs of that period
and to determine, where possible, their meanings.
Thus a study of proverbial material often brings us
into intimate contact with the current ideas of the day.
Both sides of contemporary disputes find utterance at
times in crystallized proverbial form. As we have
seen, the superstitions of the past as well as the wisdom
of the past are found side by side with expressions of
And what is true of Shakespeare-
It is the main purpose of this ‘

Frequently the observations of a writer turn out to be
not original with him but only his expression of thoughts
shared by his contemporaries and either already recog-
nized as proverbs or on their way to being so recognized.
In a complete collection of the proverbial thoughts of a
century, or of any period, we should find assistance in
compiling a history of the ideas of that time. And
among the sources of a writer, the proverbial material
used by him should be recognized.
The Dictionary owes much to the assistance of many
friends both in and out of Ann Arbor. Without the
wholehearted cooperation of Professor Warner G. Rice,
Director of the University of Michigan Library, and of
his efficient staff, and without their tireless efforts over
a number of years to supply the books needed, no prog-
ress could have been made. Generous financial support
by the late Dean Clarence Yoakum and the Executive
Board of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate
Studies made possible for me more than six years of
editing, besides giving me the assistants and typists I
needed. Before that, the federal agencies Works Prog-
ress Administration and National Youth Administra-
tion placed at my disposal a staff of students and of
others to copy on slips the quotations used in this work.
I wish to acknowledge also the continued support and
assistance given me by Professor Louis I. Bredvold, of
the English Department of the University of Michigan.
I owe a debt of gratitude besides to Professor Richard
Jente, of the University of North Carolina, and to Pro-
fessor Archer Taylor, of the University of California.
To Dr. Eugene McCartney, Editor of Scholarly Pub-
lications at the University, and to his able associate,
Miss Grace Potter, I owe an especial debt for their help
in preparing the manuscript for the printer.
MORRIS P. TILLEY

After Professor Tilley’s death a generous donor, Mr.
Dexter M. Ferry, Jr., came forward and gave $11,600
to make possible the publication of the Dictionary. It
is a pleasure to express the thanks of the University of
Michigan to Mr. Ferry for his munificent gift. In ad-
dition, the Dictionary has been supported by grants from
the Horace H. Rackham Fund and from the Fund for
Scholarly Publications of the University. On Profes-
sor Tilley’s death Miss Grace Potter saw the Dictionary
through the press with a skill, knowledge, and patience
that are beyond praise.
Professor Tilley’s notes are incomplete.
from my conversations with him, however, that there
are many scholars whom he intended to thank, but no
record of his intention remains. I should like in his
name to convey to those unknown scholars that grati-
tude for their services which Professor Tilley felt and
would surely have expressed if he had lived.
I know

opposite views. The proverb was everybody’s weapon.
HEREWARD T. PRICE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD
NOTE ON FORM AND ARRANGEMENT
A DICTIONARY OF THE PROVERBs IN ENGLAND IN THE
SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURIEs
BIBLIOGRAPHY
SHAKESPEARE INDEX
INDEx OF SIGNIFICANT WORDs IN THE PROVERBs
PAGE
xi
769
803
809
NOTE ON FORM AND ARRANGEMENT
A Dictionary of the Proverbs in England in the Sixteenth and Seven-
teenth Centuries contains some 1 1,780 proverbs, a bibliography of the
proverb collections and works of literature cited, an index of Shakes-
peare quotations appearing in the text, and an index of the signifi;
cant words in the proverbs.
MAKE-UP or THE PROVERB UNIT
Each proverb unit in the Dictionary consists, essentially, of a sig-
nificant statement of the proverb (the “entry form”) and a body of
supporting citations. At the beginning of the paragraph containing
the citations there is, in brackets, an occasional brief comment on
the proverb by the present editor. The citations attesting the use
of the proverbs are drawn from proverb collections and other books
of the period from I 500 to 1700; occasional important examples
beyond these dates are also included. In accordance with the gen-
eral procedure followed in historical dictionaries, the citations are
arranged under the proverb in chronological order. Certain kinds
of citations, however, occurring irregularly, constitute exceptions to
this chronological procedure: Citations from the Bible (and the
Apocrypha) and from the Latin works of Erasmus appear in brackets
and immediately precede the other citations, since they frequently
seem to be the sources of English proverbs; and all examples from
Shakespeare are grouped in a separate paragraph following the
chronological treatment of the other citations. Below the Shake-
speare citations may be found, where relevant: references to author-
ities who supply additional material on the particular proverb; cross
references to related proverbs in the Dictionary; and, finally, a
numeral in parentheses which indicates how many other examples
of the proverb have been collected.
ENTRY FORM or THE PROVERB
The entry form of each proverb (i.e., the wording that is set in
boldface type) is determined by the examples under it. If examples
from a number of proverb collections are cited, the wording that
occurs most frequently in such examples has ordinarily been chosen
as the entry form. If only one proverb collection is cited among
illustrations from other works, the wording of that proverb collection
generally becomes the entry form. Where no example from a prov-
erb collection occurs, the entry form is usually determined by the
wording that is common to most of the supporting citations. In a few
instances, however, no common form was apparent, and the entry
form was supplied by me.
The varied wording of more or less clearly related quotations
caused considerable trouble in setting up the entry forms, since many
quotations do not reproduce the proverb word for word. They
merely recognize the proverb, by allusion, reminiscence, twisting or
inversion of the language, or in other ways. Sometimes such quo-
tations are grouped under one entry, sometimes they are split up
among two or more. Some examples might very well be entered
under one or other of several closely related proverbs. The impor-
tant variants are indicated in parentheses in the entry forms, but no
attempt is made to represent all the variant forms of the proverb;
versions that appear to be the whim of a particular writer are gener-
ally ignored.
Except in a very few proverbs, the entry forms follow modern
usage in spelling, hyphenation, and the like; archaic forms are
modernized, with a few exceptions, and contractions are generally
expanded.
CATCHWORD
Each proverb has a catchword, which is the word (or words) ap~
pearing in boldface capitals and small capitals in the entry form.
The first substantive (excluding pronouns) in the entry form is
chosen as the catchword. If no substantive occurs in the entry form,
the first finite verb is the catchword. For proverbs lacking both
substantive and verb, the first important word is chosen.

Verbal nouns are treated as substantives, not as forms of the
verb; consequently, “doing,” for example, is not treated with “do,”
but will be found in its place after “dog trick.”
Phrases of two or more words are treated as compound catchwords
wherever the terms are taken to define a single concept, but where
the first element is taken to be attributive, the second is considered
to be the distinctive substantive. Thus “apple tree,” “back door,”
and “had I wist” (Beware of had I wist) are treated as compound
catchwords, but “Essex lions” will be found under “lions” and
“Bristol milk” under “milk.” In any event, all important elements
of the compounds are entered in the Index of Significant Words.
SEQUENCE OF PROVERBS
The proverbs are arranged alphabetically according to catchwords.
When two or more proverbs have the same catchword, their order
is determined by the initial letters of the first words in the entry
forms, except Where the first word is an article. In such situations
the first letter of the second word determines the sequence. Compound
words and phrases used as catchwords are alphabetized as though
they were written solid. Thus we have the series: “Jack, Jack-a-
Lent, jackanapes, Jack-at-a-pinch, Jack Drum’s, jacket, Jack
Fletcher,” and so on, and “harvest, harvests, harvest ears, harvest
time” (for the position of the plural “harvests” in the second of these
series, see the paragraph below).
Plurals and Possessives as Catchwords.—Plural substantives used
as catchwords occur after the singular form of the same terms used
as catchwords and are arranged in a group according to the initial
etters of the first words of the entry forms. Occasionally the
singular of a substantive does not appear as the catchword of any
proverb, but the plural does. When this happens the plural takes
the same place it would have taken if the singular had been present
(e.g., “spy” does not occur as a catchword, but the plural “spies”
nonetheless follows “spurring”). In some instances, furthermore,
where the spelling of the catchword (“fish,” for example) is the same
for both singular and plural and where it is impossible to distinguish
with certainty singular and plural meanings, the group of proverbs
containing such catchwords is arranged in simple alphabetical se-
quence as though the catchwords were all singular. Singular pos-
sessives used as catchwords occur after the nominative singular form
of the same words, and are also arranged according to the initial
letters of the first words. In the same fashion, plural possessives
as catchwords are entered after nominative plurals.
Verbs as Catchwords.-—Verbs used as catchwords occur in alpha-
betic order with respect to other catchwords when they are in the
infinitive form or any form spelled like the infinitive. All other
tenses of the verb, when used as catchwords, follow the infinitive
form in this order: third person present indicative, past tense, per-
fect tense, past participle, present participle. Within each form the
proverbs are arranged according to the initial letters of the first words.
When all the forms of the verb represented in the proverb catchwords
have been arranged according to this system, the alphabetization re-
sumes with the catchword that would normally follow the infinitive
of the verb (whether or not the infinitive actually appeared as a
catchword). This leads to such a sequence as: “lordship, lost (As
good lost as found, and so on), Loseham Fair.” (For the treatment
of verbal nouns, see under Catchword, above.)
Diflerentiation of Catchwords on Basis of Meaning—When the
same catchword in different proverbs has two or more meanings,
then the proverbs with this catchword are arranged in separate
groups according to meaning. To illustrate the method used, let
us take the catchword “charge.” All proverbs so catchworded will
appear after those having the catchword “char-folks” and before
those having the catchword “charitable”; i.e., the group of “charge”
proverbs will appear in alphabetic order with respect to other catch-
words. The catchword “charge,” as used in this Dictionary, has
two meanings: expense and responsibility. “Charge expense” is


xii NOTE ON FORM AND ARRANGEMENT

entered as a heading, and under it are listed in alphabetic order
according to the first word in the entry forms all proverbs catch-
worded “charge” in which that term has the meaning “expense.”
Then “Charge = responsibility” is entered as a heading, and all
“charge” proverbs having that meaning are entered alphabetically
under it. (See Nos. C243—C247.) Puns and plays on words occa-
sionally make the location Of a proverb under one or another mean-
ing simply a matter of editorial preference.
Diflerentiation of Catchwords on Basis of Grammatical Function.—
The procedure followed for catchwords having different meanings
is also observed with catchwords having different grammatical func-
tions. For instance, all proverbs catchworded “care,” used as a
noun, are listed alphabetically under the heading “Care: subst.”
Under the heading “Care: verb” appear all proverbs in which “care”
as a verb is the catchword. (See Nos. C82—C89.) The adjectival
and adverbial uses of a catchword are given last.
NUMBERING OF PROVERBS
Each proverb is preceded by a symbol composed of a letter and
a number. The letter is the initial of the catchword governing the
alphabetic location of the proverb, and the numbers start with “I”
and run consecutively for each letter of the alphabet. (Rearrange-
ment of some of the proverbs since the original numbering was
completed has made it necessary to resort occasionally to numberings
like C18a and GI61—2.)
EXPLANATION OF MEANINGS OF ENTRY FORMS
If the meaning of a proverb is obscure, an interpretation is sup-
plied, usually in square brackets at the beginning of the quotations.
The meaning of obsolete or dialect words in the entry forms is given
in footnotes. If the quotations themselves explain the proverb or
in other ways make its meaning clear, as the Ray quotation does in
-M1266, no additional explanation is offered.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES IN THE TEXT
There is a standardized bibliographical formula in the text for every
citation illustrating a proverb. Although this formula varies from
citation to citation, it generally includes, in the order stated, the
date, the author's name, the title of the work, and various divisions
in that work.
The Data—Wherever possible, the date cited is the date of the
first edition, even though the quotation may be taken from a later
edition. Sometimes a double date appears: [1598] 1616. Such a
device is employed when it is possible to ascertain that the date of
composition was ten or more years earlier than the date of first
publication. All dates for Shakespeare’s works are dates of com~
position as given by G. L. Kittredge in his The Complete Works of
Shakespeare, 1936. In the main, other dates are taken from A Short-
Title Catalogue, by A. W. Pollard and G. R. Redgrave, The Cambridge
Bibliography of English Literature, edited by F. W. Bateson, or
Annals of English Drama, by Alfred Harbage.
The Author’s Name.—The author’s surname is preceded by the
initial of his given name only when two or more authors in the
period have the same surname. If the attribution is doubtful, the
name is placed in brackets. Certain names that occur repeatedly
(e.g., those of the authors of some of the proverb collections) have
been abbreviated: “Cl.” for John Clarke, “Dr.” for Thomas Draxe,
and so on. In the text, translations are ascribed to the translator.
The Title.—The title of the work is usually given in abbreviated
form. The complete title may be found in the Bibliography.
The Divisions.—The various divisions in a work are part, act,
volume, page, and the like. In general, a comma separates volume
and page designations (where they occur) from book, part, chapter, -
act, and other similar divisions, as in “1647 ]. Howell Let. II 72,
II 499.” Here “II 72” means Book II, letter 72, and “II 499” means
Volume II, page 499. If page, or volume and page, are the only
divisions used, a comma follows the title: “1579 Gosson Apol. Sch.
Abuse, p. 68.” Occasionally, to facilitate identification, the title of
a section within a work follows the book title, e.g., “I662 Fuller
lVorthies Devonshire, I 273.”
QUOTATIONS IN THE TEXT
Quotations from the works cited follow the bibliographical formulas
only when the wording difiers from the entry form of the proverb. If

a bibliographical formula stands alone it represents an occurrence of
the proverb as it is stated in the entry form.
The material after the formula may be a full quotation of the
version of the proverb found in the work at hand; e.g., after “1532
T. More Conf. Tyndale’s Ans. III, I 282” we have: “Be bold uppon yt
lyke blynde bayarde.” This quotation appears under the entry form
for B112, Who so bold (As bold) as blind Bayard? and is quoted
because, though More is obviously making use of the proverb, his
wording differs from that of the entry form. It will be found that
literary uses of the proverbs vary rather widely from the entry forms
and so they are usually quoted in full.
The material following the colon may be a partial quotation that
indicates how far the author’s wording differs from the wording in
the entry form of the proverb. The partial quotation is enclosed
in parentheses. For example, under proverb H820, Hunger makes a
man leap at a crust, we find: “1639 CL, p. 113: (will make).” Inas-
much as Clarke’s version of the proverb varies only slightly from
the entry form, complete quotation of it was deemed unnecessary.
The technique of partial quotation, therefore, was adopted in this
and similar cases. Parentheses that occur in the original quotation
are easily distinguished from this use. It should be noted in relation
to partial quotations, as well as in relation to bibliographical formulas
standing alone, that the spelling of the words omitted is not neces-
sarily that of the entry form.
Finally, the explanatory material found in the work cited may be
quoted. When readily separable, such explanatory material, illu-
minating the meaning of the proverb, is preceded by an asterisk and
may follow the full quotation or the partial quotation, or it may
follow immediately after the bibliographical formula. If it follows
the bibliographical formula, the proverb found in the work cited
was worded in the same way as the entry form, and is not quoted.
Occasionally, a proverb may appear as an explanation of a different
proverb in the work cited.
RELATION or BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES IN THE TEXT To THE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
It will be noted that full bibliographical information concerning
the citations is not to be found in the text. In order to ascertain
the complete titles, editions used, and other bibliographical data for
any given citation, the reader must consult the Bibliography (pp.
769—802).
The relation of the Bibliography to the citations in the body of
the book may best be explained in terms of the four types of bibli-
ographical formulas that occur in the text:
(I) 1525 MAYNARDE Drake’s Voyage, p. 14.
This is the most common form used in the text, giving date, au-
thor’s name, brief title, and reference. Complete bibliographical
information about this citation appears in the Bibliography, where
the work is listed under the author’s name, as follows: “Maynarde,
Thomas. Drake’s: Sir Francis Drake, His Voyage, ed. W. D.
Cooley, Hakl. S. [4], 1849.” The italicized word, Drake’s, serves
simply as a cue, so that the reader’s eye may pick up quickly the
particular item in which he is interested. These cue words are the
first or first few words of the short titles used in the text.
(2) 1616 DR., no. 87.
References to proverb collections and similar works ordinarily
appear in this form, that is, with the author’s name abbreviated and
the title of the work omitted. Bibliographical data for this citation
will be found under “*Draxe, Thomas. Dr.,” the asterisk indicating
that the entry is a proverb dictionary, or the like, and the abbrevi-
ation of the author’s name serving as the cue word for such references.
If several collections are attributed to the same author, some signif-
icant abbreviation of the title is added as a cue word to distinguish
them.
(3) I597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 3-. Poems, p. IO.
This form has been devised to give specific reference to individual
titles that constitute parts of larger works by the author. Cherrie
and Sloe is the title of a particular poem in Montgomerie’s collected
Poems. The form is distinguished by the colon separating the two
titles. The colon indicates that the reader will find this citation
under “Montgomerie, Alexander. Poems,” and not under “Mont-

NOTE ON FORM AND ARRANGEMENT
xiii

gomerie, Alexander. Cherrie and Sloe." In short, wherever a colon
appears within a citation, the bibliographical data for that item are
to be found under the author’s name, and the title following the
colon. Titles preceding the colon are not deemed of sufficient im-
portance to be entered separately in the Bibliography.
(4) 1565 Warningfor Wooers in C. Robinson et a1. Handf. Pleas.
Delights, p. 44.
This form has been devised to give specific reference to short works
that appear in miscellanies, anthologies, and similar collections.
The word “in” is the distinguishing feature. Wherever that prepo-
sition occurs in a bibliographical reference, the reader will find the
item listed under the name of the author immediately following the
“in.” Sometimes only a title follows “in”; then the item is to be
found under that title. (Anonymous titles are distributed among
the other entries in the Bibliography, the cue word [or abbreviation]
being taken as the basis for their alphabetical location.) Sometimes
an author’s name as well as a title will precede “in,” but in order to
find this item in the Bibliography the reader must still refer to the
author or title immediately following “in.”
CRoss REFERENCES
At the end of the proverb entry appear cross references to other
proverbs similar, or contrary, in meaning. Examples may be found
at Maog and W659. Though these cross references are not ex-

haustive, they are intended to show how proverbs overlap and how
there are many different ways of saying the same thing. They also
show how proverbs can contradict one another. As a rule, cross
references are not given for similes, although an exception is made at
M1221, where five appear.
INDEXES
The Dictionary has two indexes—a Shakespeare Index and a word
finder. The function of the Shakespeare Index is to help students to
discover whether a specific saying or utterance in Shakespeare’s
works is a proverb or is likely to be an allusion to one. A separate
index to Shakespeare is given both because of his preéminence and
because he often transformed his proverbial matter so completely
that its origin is difficult to recognize.
The Index of Significant Words refers only to the wording of the
entry forms of the proVerbs, and does not represent all the vari-
ations of wording in the supporting quotations. Reference is to the
number of the proverb. Any saying or quotation suspected of being
a proverb can usually be run down by a thorough search of the words
it contains, or their synonyms, in this word index. The subject
matter of the Dictionary may be studied by looking up the catch-
words (“love,” “woman,” “cat,” “dog,” “fox,” “friend, fortune,”
“belly,” and so on) in the body of the Dictionary, or the cognate
words in the Index of Significant Words.
MORRIS P. TILLEY
,) ‘(

A DICTIONARY OF
THE PROVERBS IN ENGLAND
IN THE SIXTEENTH
AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURIES
ABB
A1 Make ABB or warp of the business as soon as you
can
01640 SMYTH 39, p. 30: Il’e make abb or warp of it. If not one
thinge yet another. 1659 How. Eng. Prom, p. 17: *A metaphor
taken from weavers.
A2 He is able to bury an ABBEY
1678 RAY, p. 352: *A spendthrift.
Cf. A3: To bring an abbey to a grange.
A3 To bring an ABBEY to a grange
01485 Early Eng. Misc. 4, p. 26: And nowe that Abbay is torned to
a grange. [a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 420: Wks., I327:
Turne monasteris into water milles, Of an abbay ye make a graunge.
1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 572, p. 28: Owr change are soch, that an
abbeye turneth to a graunge we are so handled, we haue scarce
[owther] eyther horse or male. 1567 Prizes Drawn in Lottery
in Loseley MSS 81, p. 212: Sawtrey, by the way, Now a grange,
that was an abbay. 1639 CL., s.v. Profusio, p. 262: (He will
soon bring). 1670 RAY, p. 161: *We speak it of an unthrift.
Cf. A2: He is able to bury an' abbey.
A4 He swears like an ABBOT (falconer, lord, tinker)
1531 ELYOT GovernorI xxvi, I 275: For they wyll say he that swereth
depe, swereth like a lorde. 1611 COT., s.v. Chartier: He sweares
like a Carter; (we say, like a Tinker). I612 WEBSTER White Devil
V i 142: A new upstart: one that sweares like a Falckner. c1645
E. BROOKE Commonpl. Bk., p. 27: (like a Gentleman). 1659 N.R.,
p. 52. 1692 Pepys Bal. 396, VI 219: One . . swears like a Lord.
A5 If the ABBOT 0F GLASTONBURY might marry the
Abbess of Shaftesbury their heir would have
more land than the King of England
1655 FULLER Church Hist. VI ii, II 187: (The country—people had
a proverb, that if).
A6 He is an ABERDEEN’s man, taking his word again
1641 FER0., no. 433. 1721 KEL., p. 151: He’s an Aberdeen’s Man,
he may take his Word again. *We may apply it to them who deny
what they have said.
A7 He that spends beyond his ABILITY may hang him-
self with great agility
1611 COT., s.v. Despendre: (He that spendeth aboue his abilitie,
may at length hang). 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq.,
p. 176.
A8 ABRAHAM’s bosom
[Luke xvi 22: The beggar died, and was carried by the angels into
Abraham’s bosom.] 1601 YARINOTON Two Lam. Trag., s. D2:
Both soule and limbes shall haue a place to rest, In earth the last,
A

I
ABUNDANCE
the first in Abrams brest. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 425: He
heartily wishes her in Abraham’s bosom.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. [I IV i 103: Sweet peace conduct his
sweet soul to the bosom Of good old Abraham! 1597 Rich. [[1 IV
iii 38: The sons of Edward sleep in Abraham’s bosom. 1599 Hen.
VII iii 9: He’s in Arthur’s [for Abraham’s] bosom, ifever man went
to Arthur’s [for Abraham’s] bosom. ‘
See ST., no. 40.
A9 ABSENCE is a shrew
01500 Piers Fullham l. 290 in Early Pop. Poetry, II 13: And therefor
it is said in wordes few, how that long absence is a sherew. 8.1598
FERO. MS, no. 104. 1641 FERO., no. 108. 1668 RB, p. 8.
Cf. E229: The eye is a shrew.
A10 ABSENCE sharpens love
1633 GOFFE Orestes I i [s. B1]: Absence of things wee love . . makes
them the sweeter prove. I686 HORNECK Cruc. Yesus XV, p. 228:
The Arabians have a Proverb, Visit seldom, and yow increase love.
1732 FUL., no. 755: Absence sharpens Love, Presence strengthens it.
Cf. D77: He that comes every day shall have a cockney, he that
comes now and then shall have a fat hen; F717: One may visit a
friend sometimes but if he intends to be welcome he must not stay
long.
A11 The ABUNDANCE of money ruins youth
1611 COT., s.v. Argent: (Th’ aboundant, or free vse of).
Con, p. 216. 1670 RAY, p. 18.
much Mony).
1664
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Mony: (Too
A12 The ABUNDANCE of things engenders disdainful-
ness
c1533 BELLENDEN Hist. Rome III, I 241: Plente generis contemp-
tioun. [c1560] I581 WOODEs Con/l. Cons. I ii, s. Blv: Moreouer,
we do vse to loath that thing we alway haue, And doo delight the
more in that which mostly we doe want. 1573 SANF., f. 50v.
1600 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy III, p. 88: But plentie, as the
manner is, soon caused lothing. 1611 COT., s.v. Chose: We prize
not much the thing w’ are vsed vnto. 1616 WITHALS, p. 542:
Plentie causeth disdaine and loathing. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 9, p. 27.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: Abundance engenders loathing, and
scarcity an appetite. Ihid., p. 9: Rare things are dear, plenty
brings distaste. '
Cf. C749: The cow knows not what her tail is worth till she has
lost it; M1015: He will be missed when he is gone; W924: The
worth of a thing is best known by the want.
A13 Of the ABUNDANCE of the heart the mouth speaks
[Matt. xii 34.] I492 Salomon and Marcolphus, s. B2v: Of habun-
daunce of therte the mouth spekyst. 01547 BALE Three Laws IV, 5.
D7v: As thu art, thu speakest, after they hartes abundaunce.
1596 DEL., s. M7v. 1596 Edw. III, 5. D3: Thus from the harts
aboundant speakes the tongue. 8.1598 FERO. MS, no. 1108. 1611
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
ACCIPE
ADAM
CO'r., s.v. Four: (Out of the). 1623 WOD., p. 514. 1668 R.B.,
p. 42. 1684 l“. HAWKINS New Youth's Behavior, p. 17: (For out
of the).
Cf. F445: As the fool thinks the bell clinks; H321: Nearest the
heart nearest the mouth; H334: What the heart thinks the tongue
speaks.
A14 Better is one ACCIPE (take) than twice to say,
Dabo tibi (I will give you)
1584 I.th Sapho and Phao I iv 25: A dram of giue me, is heauier
then an ounce ofheare me. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 29: Womens
eares are sooner content with a dram of giue me, than a pound of
heare me. 1591 STEP., p. 150. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram, p. 84:
One hold is better then two I will giue thee. 1620 SHELTON Don
Quin. Pt. II, lxxi, IV 255: One, Take it, is worth more than two,
Thou shalt have it. c1640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw, p. 14: One
in hould is better than two I intend to giue thee, and once giuing is
much better than Often promising. 1651 HERB., p. 368. 1658
[EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 185: (Better one). 1659 HOW.
Fr. Prov., p. 2: Once take, is better then twice you shall have.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3: One Take is better then two promises.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 208: One hold, hold, is better than an hun-
dred take, take. 1732 FUL., no. 3734: Once taken is better than
twice given.
A15 There is no ACCORD where every man would be
a lord
1546 HEY. II vi, s. II: (There is no good accorde).
no. 968: (Thear is no good accord where every jack would).
DAv. Proa, no. 198. 1616 DR., no. 76. 1659 N.R., p. 95.
Cf. Mlo7: Every man cannot be a master (lord).
CI594 BACON,
I611
AI6—I7 ACCOUNT: subst.
A16—I7 To cast up ACCOUNTS
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho V i, s. G2: 1 wud not haue
em cast vp their accounts here, for more than they meane to be
drunke this tweluemonth. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pretelle, p.
157: The English say, To cast up ones Accounts, alluding to a
Shop-book; and vomiting also. 1678 RAY, p. 87: He’s about to
cast up his reckoning or accompts. *Of one drunk.
A18 ACCOUNT: verb
A18 Who must ACCOUNT for himself and others must
know both
1640 HERB., no. 205. 1664 COD., p. 227: (for others).
A19 He that gains well and spends well needs no
ACCOUNT BOOK
1640 HERB., no. 847. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 19:
(no count-book).
A20 Bate me an ACE, quoth Bolton
[An expression of incredulity, implying that an assertion is too
strong] 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. F3v: Nay, ther
hate me an ace (quod Boulon). 1578 \VHETSTONE I Promos and
Cass. IV vii, s. Bay. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. To Rdr.: And you wil be
readie (if I should say so) with Bate and an Ace, quoth Bolton.
61596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. Adore II i 15: Bate me an ace of that,
quoth Bolton. —Ile not bate ye a pinne on’t, sir; for, by this
cudgell, tis true. 1616 BRET., p. 6. 1616 DR., no. 365. 1623
CAM, p. 267. 1639 CL., p. 106. 1659 How. Eng. Prom, p. 14.
1664 COD., p. 188: Bate me an Ace key Boulten. I670 RAY, p. 163.
1681 ROB., p. 213: (ace of that, quoth Bolton).
Cf. B513: \Vide, quoth Bolton when his bolt flew backward.
(10)
A21 ACORNS were good till bread was found
01594 BACON, no. 871: Satis quercus. I597 BACON Col. Good and
Evil: ll""'ks., XIII 2719: (Satis quercus: Acorns were).

A22 From ACORNs come oaks
1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 38: But tal Cedars, from little graynes
shoote high: great Okes, from slender rootes spread wide. 1584
LYLY Sapho and Phao III iii 99: (Of Acornes). 1586 WITHALS,
5. D4: Of a nut springes an hasill, and of an Akorne an hye or tall
oake. 1615 H. CROOKE Descr. Body Man IV Pref., p. 198: An
Acorne hath in it the power of a mighty Oake. 1623 T. ADAMS
Barren Tree: Wks., p. 957: As the Oake growes from an Acorne.
[3.1635] 1647 R. CORBET Ladies New Dress: Poems, p. 584: An
acorne one day proves an Oke. I732 FUL., no. 4576: The greatest
Oaks have been little Acorns.
See SK., no. 171; T. 541, p. 266. Cf. B264: From small begin-
nings come great things; B681: Little brooks make great rivers;
S211: Of little seeds grow great cedars (trees); 8714,: Of a little
spark a great fire.
A23 Short ACQUAINTANCE brings repentance
1670 RAY, p. 142. 1732 FUL., no. 6365: Sudden Acquaintance
Brings long Repentance.
Cf. T553: Sudden trust (friendship) brings sudden (sure) re-
pentance.
A24 One ACRE of possession is worth a whole land of
promise
I596 NASHE Saflron-Walden: Wks., III 126: He saith in one leafe
that one acre of performance is worth twentie of the Land of Prom-
ise. I659 N.R., p. 82.
Cf. C674: I will not change a cottage in possession for a kingdom
in reversion (hope).
A25 He sits above that deals ACRES
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 522. I668 R.B., p. 26. I721 KEL., p. 162:
*An Appeal to the Divine Providence, Justice, and Omniscience.
A26 Neither praise nor dispraise thyself, thy ACTIONS
serve the turn
I581 PETTIE Civ. Cono. II, I 154: Let him alwayes have in minde
that saying, that a man ought not to speake of him selfe, eyther in
prayse or in disprayse. 1640 HERB., no. 767. 1664 COD., p. 207.
1670 RAY, p. 21.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. II iii 164: He that is proud eats up
himself. Pride is his own glass, his own trumpet, his own chron-
icle; and whatever praises itself but in the deed, devours the deed
in the praise.
Cf. M476: A man’s praise in his own mouth does stink; P547: He
that praises himself spatters himself.
A27 Our own ACTIONS are our security, not others’
judgments
1640 HERB., no. 173. 1659 N.R., p. 84.
best security, not other mens judgement).
A28 As old as ADAM
61578 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 82: Yower newe complaynte . . is nye
as owlde as Adam and Eve. 1662 Your Humble Serv. l. 37 in Roxb.
Bal., III 578: IfI had as many lives I should be as old as Adam.
A29 The old ADAM
1537 W. TURNER Old Learn. and New, s. A6: Thys doctryne . .
beateth downe the pryde and arrogaucye of the olde Adam. 1540
COVERDALE Fruitful Lessons Author to Rdr., p. 201 : The Old Adam
ought we to lay aside . . to put on Christ the Lord, as the new wed-
ding-garment. 1582 BATMAN Bartholome IX xxx, f. 151: Wee
might reclaime such corruption of our olde Adam. 1605 WILBRA-
HAM 701m, p. 73: The Old Adam not so glorious as the new. 1642
D. ROGERS Naaman To Rdr.: Corrupt selfe . . is (upon point) no
other then old Adam.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. VI i 29: And whipp’d th’ offending
Adam out of him.
See SM., p. 455; 51"., no. 49.
'man.
1664 COD., p. 208: (our
Cf. MI70: He is now become a new

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (5g. and 131.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ADAM
3 AFFLICTIO NS

A30 When ADAM delved and Eve span who was then
the gentleman?
1530 PALs., p. 511a: When Adam delveth and Eve span, who was
than a gentylman? a1536 HILL 25, p. 131: (a gentilman). 1592
GREENE Quip/for Upstart Courtier, p. 225: I will not forget the old
wiues logick, when Adam delud and Eue spanne, who was then a
Gentleman? 1605 S. ROWLANDS Hell’s Broke Loose, p. 15: For
when old Adam delu’d and Euah span, Where was my silken veluet
Gentleman? 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: (a Gentleman). 1670
RAY, p. 210: When Adam delv’d and Eve span, Where was then
the gentleman: Upstart a churl and gathered good, And thence did
spring our gentle blood. 1732 FUL., no. 6421: (span, Pray where
was then the Gentleman).
A31 We are all ADAM’s children but silk makes the
difference
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13: We are all Adams sons, silk onely
distinguisheth us. 1732 FUL., no. 5425.
Cf. D335: There is no difference of bloods in a basin.
A32 As deaf as an ADDER
[Ps. lviii, 4: They are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear.]
1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastwara' Ho V ii 75: I
will be deafe as an Adder. 01633 [CLAVELL AND MARMION] Sod-
a’ered Citizen IV v, p. 85: Thou wilt be as deafe as an Adder. 1680
DRYDEN Limherham V i, p. 108: Deaf as an Adder.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590-I 2 Hen. VI III ii 76: Art thou like the
adder waxen deaf? 1602 TC. II ii 171: For pleasure and revenge
Have ears more deaf than adders to the voice Of any true decision.
1609 Son. 112, l. 10: My adder’s sense To critic and to flatterer
stopped are.
See ST., no. 460.
A33 Whom an ADDER bites dreads a lizard
1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 257.
Cf. S227: He that has been bitten by a serpent is afraid of a rope.
A34 Come let us talk of ADDERS
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Serpi, p. 190: Come let’s talk of Adders,
we say, for to put it OH.
A35 Make ADo and have ado
1678 RAY, p. 70.
A36 Mickle ADo and little help
1579 GOSSON Sch. dhuse, p. 28: Much adoe and smal help.
RAY, p. 120.
it for me.
1670
1721 KEL., p. 222: I have mickle to do, and few to do
_ A37 More ADO than needs
1616 DR., no. 141. 1639 CL., p. 30: (To make more).
A38 Much ADO about nothing
1529 HYRDE Instr. Chr. Wom. V, p. 58: They make great ado about
many small matters. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 191: (about a little
matter). 1611 FLOR., s.v. Gran romore etc., p. 218: (Great noise
and little wooll, or as we say much). 1639 CL., p. 51: (You make
much). 01640 SMYTI-I 84, p. 32. 1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions 4,
p. 208: This pudder comes to no more than much ado about noth-
ing. 1672 WALK. 48, p. 52: Much matter of a wooden platter; A
great deal of stir about nothing.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 Much fldo ahout Nothing: [Title].
Cf. S568: Much smoke little fire. (9)
A39 Much ADo to bring beggars to the stocks
1616 DR., no. 140. 1639 CL., p. 19. I670 RAY, p. 60: (to stocks,
and when they come there, they’ll not put in their legs).
A40 Much ADO to keep cart on wheels
1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 242. 1662 NEWGOME Diary, p. 56:
I must endeavour to walke closer with God or I cannot keepe cart
on wheeles.

A41
There is more ADO with one jackanapes than all
the bears
01569 PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 543, s. C4v: Heares more a do
with Jacke Napes, then twenty Beares. 1616 DR., no. 756: (with
Iacke an Apes). 1639 CL., p. 73: (More adoe with). 1670 RAY,
p. 108: (More to do with). 1694 D’URFEY 2 Don .Quix. I ii, p. 119:
(one Jackanapes, than with all the Bears).
A42 ADVERSITY makes men Wise
1611 COT., s.v. Vent: Aduersities teach a man wit.
Rogue I 11 i, I 236. 1659 N.R., p. 17.
makes a man wise not rich.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. V] III i 24: Let me embrace thee,
sour adversity, For wise men say it is the wisest course. 1599 A.Y.
II i 12: Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which, like the toad, ugly
and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.
Cf. A43: In adversity men find eyes; A53: Affiictions are sent us
by God for our good; C840: Crosses are ladders that do lead to
heaven; E137: An enemy (Adversity) makes a man to know him-
self, whereas a friend (prosperity) fiatters a man and deceives him;
W447: The wind in one’s face makes one wise.
1622 MABBE
1678 RAY, p. 92: Adversity
A43 In ADVERSITY men find eyes
1616 DR., no. 54.
Cf. A42: Adversity makes men wise; C840: Crosses are ladders
that do lead to heaven.
A44 Though old and wise yet still ADVISE
1640 HERB., no. 134. 1664 COD., p. 217. 1670 RAY, p. I.
1687
MIEGE, s.v. T0 advise: (’tis good to advise).
1705 Pleas. Art,
P- I49-
Cf. A45: It is good to be well advised.
A45 It is good to be well ADVISED
1616 DR., no. 382. 1639 CL., p. 52: ’Tis good to have good advise.
[hid., p. 305: Be well advised.
Cf. A44: Though Old and wise yet still advise.
A46 An ADVOCATE’s suit is a suit which never dies
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 18: *Note III, p. 20: An everlasting sute,
as the English are wont to say.
See L., IV 66.
A47 There are more ADVOCATES than lawyers
1616 DR., no. 1039.
A48 AFFECTION is blind reason
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 10. 1664 COD., p. 205: (Meer Afi'ection).
Cf. L506: Love is blind; L517: Love is Without reason.
A49 AFFECTIONS1 are the wings of the soul
1616 DR., no. 59. 1659 N.R., p. 2.
[1passions]
A50 Strong AFFECTIONsl give credit to weak argu-
ments
1639 CL., p. 27.
[1passions]
A51 He is AFFLICTED
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk.
A52 Do not add AFFLICTION to the afflicted
1550 TAv. Flowers Sent, s. A2v: Upbrayed noman of hys misfor-
tune. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 171: (Following the common
saying that wee must not adde).
See OTTO, no. 1018; PF., no. 356.
a drowned mouse (rat).
Cf. W102: Pour not water on
A53 AFFLICTIONS are sent us by God for our good
1659 N.R., p. 17. 1675 BROOKS Golden Key: Wks., V 491: By
afi'lictions God . . betters the hearts of his people.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
AFLOAT
AGE

SHAKESPEARE.——1610 Cym. III ii 33: Some griefs are med’cinable.
Ibid. III vi 9: Will poor folks lie, That have afflictions on them,
knowing ’tis A punishment or trial? 1611 W.T. 11 i 121: This
action I now go on [imprisonment] Is for my better grace.
Cf. A42: Adversity makes men wise; C840: Crosses are ladders
that do lead to heaven; L564: He that loves well does punish well;
M138: Every man must suffer his afflictions; M285: A man must
take all well in worth that God has sent; P327: Bitter pills may have
wholesome effects.
A54 T 0 be AFLOAT
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: He was at an ebbe, though he be nowe a
flote. 1562 HEY. Epig. 55, p. 135: Thou art a flote thou weenst,
beyng in the fleete. 1593 DRAYTON Idea 5,1. 184: Wks., I 70: And
wealth with me was never yet afloate. 1616 DR., s.v. Prosperity,
no. 1742: He is a float.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 17.61 IV iii 222: On such a full sea are we
now afloat.
A55 More AFRAID than hurt
1530 PALS., p. 558a: (He was sorer frayed). 1546 HEY. I iv, s.
BIV. 8.1598 FERG. MS, no. 674: He is wors fleyed nor he is hurt.
1611 GRUT., no. 192. 1614 CAM., p. 310. 1616 DR., no. 705: (He
is more feared). 1639 C1.., p. 309. Ibid., p. 310: (More feared).
Ibid., p. 311: (Worse afraid). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Spavento, p. 199: (More fraid). 1670 RAY,
p. 61. 1721 KEL., p. 153: (He was worse flay’d [frighted]).
SHAKESPEARE.——1599 Hen. VI ii 154: She hath been then more
fear’d than harm’d, my liege. .
Cf. N200: The noise is greater than the nuts. (6)
A56 AFRICA is always producing something new
(monsters, serpents)
[ERAs. Adagia, 886A: Semper Africa novi aliquid apportat.] 1548
COOPER, s.v. Affrica: [As in Eras.]. *A prouerbe, applied to in~
constant and wauerynge persones, neuer contente with one state,
but alwaies desirouse ofnouelties. 1580 BARET, S-194: [As in Eras].
*A Prouerbe vsed towards men of small trust, or confidence, al-
waies seeking and hunting after newes. 1591 SPENSER Ruins Rome
xxix (tr. from Du Bellay): Wks., p. I 14: All that which Afrike ever
brought forth strange. 1630 D’AVENANT 7ust It. III, p. 235:
Africa breeds no monster like to thee. 1645 D. FEATLEY Dippers,
p. 72: The Presse now adays is like Africa . . it brings forth every
day some new monster. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 4: Affrica bring-
eth forth Serpents. Ibid. 13, p. 4: Evermore from Aflrica, come
new things.
SHAKESPEARE—I608 C. I viii 3: Not Afric owns a serpent I
abhor More than thy fame and envy.
See OTTO, no. 35.
A57 Beware an AFTERCLAP
1535 LATIMER Serm., p. 29: For he can give us an after-clap when
we least ween; that is, suddenly return unawares to us, and then he
giveth us an after-clap that overthroweth us. 1552 BOORDE Brev.
Health 358 I, f. I 15: And whosoeuer he be the which can cough, so
long he cannot dye, but beware the after clapes. 1616 DR., no.
2344: (Beware of).
Cf. R62: The relapse is more dangerous than the disease. (31)
A58 AFTERWIT comes over late
1692 R. L’EsrRANGE Fables I62, I 144: After-Wit comes too Late
when the Mischief is Done. I697 MER., p. 164.
A59 AFTERWIT is dear bought ,
1593 RS. Phoenix Nest, p. 76: Yet costly is the price of after wit.
1709 DYKES, p. 6: After-Wit is commonly dear bought.
A60 An AFTERWIT is everybody’s Wit
I611 C0'I‘., s.v. Sage: An after-wit is euerie bodies wit; any man can
tell, after a blow giuen, how it might haue been auoided. I659
N.R., p. 12. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. After-wit.
A61 AFTER YOU is good manners
1581-90 Timon IV ii, p. 65: Goe thou before; Old age is reuerent;
weele follow thee. 1622 G. MARKHAM AND SAMPSON Herod and

Antipater IV, s. I4: After great men is alwayes good manners.
[61630-40] 1659 R. BROME Qu. and Concubine III vii, p. 61: After
you is manners. 1660 TATHAM Rump I, p. 14. 1721 KEL., p. 42:
*Spoken when our Betters offer to serve us first. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. II, p. 438.
Cf. P89: At an ill passage honor thy companion.
A62 AGE and experience teach wisdom
1616 DR., no. 1545: (teacheth). I623 W011, p. 483: In growing old,
Men learne alwayes Some Thing . . Age brings on Wisedome.
Cf. T535: Trouble brings experience and experience brings wis-
dom.
A63 AGE and wedlock bring a man to his nightcap
1594 Tam. Shrew, s. FIv: For forward wedlocke as the prouerbe
sayes, Hath brought him to his nightcap long ago. 1634 R. BROME
AND T. HEYWOOD Lanc. Witches IV, p. 231: How now Lawrence,
what has thy wedlock brought thee already to thy night-cap?
1639 CL., p. 279. 1670 RAY, p. 47.
Cf. A64: Age (Winter) and wedlock tame both man and beast;
A65: Age and wedlock we all desire and repent of.
A64 AGE (Winter) and wedlock tame both man and
beast
1616 DR., no. 2395: (Mariage and want of sleepe tame). 1623
CAM., p. 265: (lames man and beast). 1636 CAM., p. 290: (tames
man and beast). 1639 CL., p. 279: (tame man and beast). Ibid.,
p. 328: (Wedding and ill wintering tames). 1659 N.R., p. 5:
(tames man and Beast). 1664 COD., p. 205: (Marriage and want of
Sleep tame). 1670 RAY, p. 47: (Wedding and ill wintering, tame).
1721 KEL., p. 358: (Wedding and ill wintering tame).
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. IV i 22: Is she so hot a shrew as
she’s reported? “She was, good Curtis, before this frost; but thou
know’st winter tames man, woman, and beast.
Cf. A63: Age and wedlock bring a man to his nightcap.
A65 AGE and wedlock we all desire and repent of
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 209: There is no oddes betweene mar-
riage and olde age: because we desire to trie them, and when we are
but once entangled with either of them, then have we sought but
our own sorow and discontentment. I732 FUL., no. 780.
Cf. A63: Age and wedlock bring a man to his nightcap.
A66 AGE breeds aches1
I596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 18: You haue heard the old prou-
erbe (age breedes aches). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 8: Aged and ached.
Cf. A69: He fears old age that knows it brings with it a world of
woes; A72: Old age is full of infirmities.
[1a punning proverb, for “aches” was pronounced dch'E'z (like h’s)]
A67 AGE should be housed
01594 BACON, no. 1604: A Fan soixante et doux temps est qu’on se
house. 1619 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Maid’s Trag. IV, p. 52:
You [Callinax] shall hereafter doat in your own house, not in the
Court.
SHAKESPEARE—~1600-I H. III i 136: Let the doors be shut upon
him [Polonius], that he may play the fool nowhere but in’s own house.
1605-8 T. Ath. III v 104: Now the gods keep you old enough that
you may live Only in bone [at home?], that none may look on you!
A68 He dotes for AGE
1530 Bus, p. 52 5b: I dote for age, as olde folkes do.
I553-
A69 He fears old AGE that knows it brings with it a
world of woes
1616 WITHALS, p. 566. 1639 CI.., p. 279.
Cf. A66: Age breeds aches; A72: Old age is full of infirmities.
1616 DR., no.
A70 Old AGE comes stealing on
1577 T. KENDALL Flowers Epig, p. 86: Old croked age with stealyng
steps, encrocheth on by kynde. 1616 WITHALS, p. 543: (stealing
upon us). 1639 CL., p. 280. '
SHAKESPEARE.—I600—I H. Vi 79: But age with his stealing steps
Hath clawed me in his clutch.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
AGE
AIR

A71 Old AGE is crooked
1616 DR., no. 1550.
A72 Old AGE is full of infirmities
1616 DR., no. 1547.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I605-6 K.L. I i 296: ’Tis the infirmity ofhis age.
Cf. A66: Age breeds aches; A69: He fears old age that knows it
brings with it a world of woes.
A73 Old AGE is sickness of itself
[ERAs. fldagia, 594E: Ipsa senectus morbus est.]
Prov. 33, p. 297: IfI dye of no other disease than old age.
WALK. 93, p. 33: (sickness enough of it self).
See DUR., I, no. 80; OTTO, no. 1623. Cf. M704: No marvel if
old men be sick.
A74 Old AGE tires both body and soul
1616 DR., no. 1551.
1666 TOR. It.
1672
A75 A virtuous old AGE is a crown of glory
1616 DR., no. 1555. 1664 COD., p. 207: (Old Age attended with
Virtue is).
A76 When AGE is jocund it makes sport for death
1640 HERB., no. 633. 1659 NR, p. 124.
(jocond, and frolick).
Cf. A155: All is well, the old man dances; M348: An old man in
love hugs death; P230: Old people’s frisking does presage their end-
mg.
A77 Where old AGE is evil youth can learn no good
01535 ELYOT Educ. 14, s. F4: Where age is shameles there nedes
must youth be without shamefastnes. 1616 DR., no. 1540: (faultie
and goodnesse). 1664 COD., p. 226: (goodness). 1670 RAY, p. 20.
A78 A11 ill (lean) AGREEMENT is better than a good (fat)
judgment
1573 SANF., f. 107v: A leane agreement is better than a fatte sen-
tence. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32: Better is a leane agreement,
then a fat sentence. 1640 HERB., no. 260. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. I: [As in 1573 Sanf.]. 1659 NR, p. 18. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17,
p. I: A sorry agreement is better than a good sute in Law. 1753
FRANKLIN, p. 30: A lean Award is better than a fat Judgement.
See DI'JR., II, no. 528. Cf. P150: Better a lean peace than a fat
Vlctory.
1664 COD., p. 229:
A79 An AGUE in the spring is physic for a king
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Ague. 1732 FUL., no. 6249.
A80 The Bamwell1 (Kentish) AGUE
I678 RAY, s.v. One that hath the Fr. Pox, p. 88: He has got a
Kentish ague. Ihid.
[lSee Sugden, p. 48.]
A81 The Covent Garden1 AGUE
I678 RAY, p. 88: *One that hath the Fr. Pox.
[ISee Sugden, p. 134.]
1670 RAY, p. 32.
A82 A quartan AGUE1 kills the old men and cures the
young
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: (the old, and). 1678 RAY, p. 41: (and
heales young)“ 1732 FUL., no. 3991: Quartane Agues kill old Men,
and cure young. '
[Ian ague that had its paroxysm every third day]
A83 AGUES (Sicknesses) come on horseback but go
away on foot
1611 COT., s.v. Maladie: Diseases come a horsebacke, and returne
on foot. 1654 WHITLOCK Zootomia, p. 124: Sicknesse posteth to us,
but crawleth from us. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12: Sicknesses come
on horse-back, go away afoot, viz. slowly. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8,

p. 138: Evil cometh by cart-loads, and goes away by ounces,
commeth on horse-back, and goes away afoot. 1678 RAY, p. 33.
A84 Autumnal AGUEs are long or mortal
1640 HERB., no. 148. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 22: Agues or
Feavers in the Fall, all alwayes long or mortal. 1659 N.R., p. 14.
A85 He is out of his AIM
1639 CL., p. 6: You are out of your ayme.
p. 249. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 187: He means well, but is clean
out of his ayme. He’s quite beside the cushion. 1677 E. COLEs
Eng. Lat. Diet., s. Blv: I am quite out of my Aim.
Cf. C929: To set one beside the cushion.
Mid, s.v. Perplexus,
A86 One can take no AIM (One cannot take true aim)
at things too high
1616 DR., no. 6: A man must not roame aboue his reach.
How. It. Prov., p. 10.
Aim).
Cf. M1115: He will shoot higher that shoots at the moon (sun)
than he who aims at the tree; S833: Talk not too much of state af-
fairs; T206: The things that are above us are nothing to us.
1659
1732 FUL., no. 3742: (One cannot take true
A87, The AIR of a window is as the stroke of a crossbow
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: Window wind like the hit of a crossbow.
1678 RAY, p. 42. 1732 FUL., no. 6257.
Cf. A93: Fresh air is ill for the diseased or wounded man.
A88 As free as the AIR (wind)
[7710. iii 8: The wind bloweth where it listeth.] 1607 T. HEYWOOD
Fair Maid Exch., p. 18: A man as free as aire, or the Sunnes raies,
As boundlesse in his functions as the heavens. [01607] 1655 A.
BREWER Lovesick King I, p. 7: Pale deaths effect shall take away
the cause, and I be free as Ayr. 1612 N. FIELD Woman Is l/Veather-
cock I ii, p. 21: We speak but by the way, man: ne’er despair; I can
assure you, she is yet as free as air. I613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD
Insat. Countess I i 54: I am free as air. [01622] I647 FLETCHER AND
MASSINGER Double Marr. IV, p. 385: I am free, free as air. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: [As in 7no. iii 8].
SHAKESPEARE.~—1594—5 L.L.L. IV iii 107: The lover, sick to
death, Wish’d himself the heaven’s breath. 1596 M. V. II vi 16:.
Hugg’d and embraced by the strumpet wind! I599 Hen. VI i 47:
That, when he speaks, The air, a charter’d libertine, is still. 1604
0. IV ii 78: The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets. 1608 C. I ix
87: Were he the butcher of my son, he should Be free as is the wind.
1611 Temp. I ii 498: Thou shalt be as free As mountain winds.
A89 As good as ever flew in the AIR
1678 RAY, p. 285.
A90 As light as AIR (wind)
01530 Youth, s. A4: My heart as light as the wynde.
SHAKESPEARE.~—1604 0. III iii 322: Trifles light as air Are to the
jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ.
A91 As loved (dear) as the AIR I breathe
1604 MARSTON Malcontent V iii 113: Yes, more loved than my
breath; With you I’ll dance. 1605 JONSON Sejanus III 728, p.
417: From my warme side, as lou’d, as is the ayre. 1605 MARSTON
Dutch Courtesan II ii 194: He has a ring, as clear as the air to him.
A92 As subtle (clear, thin) as AIR
1558 PI-IAER .deneid IV 783, s. L4: And thinne as aier her life went
out. 1616 BRET., p. 6: Nothing is more subtill then the Aire. 1636
MASSINGER Duke Florence IV ii, p. 269: ’Tis clear as air. That your
ambitious hopes . . gave connivance to it. 1691 Satire agst. Fr.,
p. 21: They’re satisfied if Sence is thin as Air.
A93 Fresh AIR is ill for the diseased or wounded man
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 52: The air whereby we live, is death to
the diseased or wounded man. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ee4:
A wound, by the Phisitions prescriptions, must be kepte from the
aire. [1614] I631 JONSON Barth. Fair 11 v 178: Get some helpe to

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6'.
AIR
ALEXANDER

carry her legge out o' the ayre . . she has the Mallanders, the scratch-
es, the crowne scabbe, and the quitter bone, i’ the tother legge.
I616 JONSON Ev. Man in l/um. II iii 46: It is this new disease . .
for loues sake, sweet heart, come in, out of the aire . . the aire will
doe you harme. 1631 JONSON Staple News II i 45: I feare your
Grace Hath ta’ne too much of the Sharpe ayre.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQI 3 llen. V] II vi 27: The air hath got into
my deadly wounds. 1600-1 H. II ii 209: Will you walk out of the
air, my lord? ——Into my grave? 1600—1 I i 275: Will’t
please your worship to come in, sir? ——No, I thank you, forsooth,
heartily. I am very well. 1604 O. V i 104: O, bear him out 0’ th’
air. 1606—7 A.C. IV ix 13: The poisonous damp of night disponge
upon me, That life, a very rebel to my will, May hang no longer on
me! 1611 W.T. III ii 105: Lastly, hurried Here to this place, i’ th’
open air, before I have got strength Oflimit. 1613 T.N.K. I iv 37:
Bear ’em speedily [of wounded] From our kind air, to them unkind,
and minister What man to man may do.
See PF., no. 380; SM., p. 217; T. 751, p. 352. Cf. A87: The air of
a window is as the stroke of a crossbow; $990: When the sun rises
the disease will abate.
A94 It is an ill AIR where nothing is to be gained
I640 HERB, no. 866: (where wee gaine nothing).
222. 1670 RAY, p. 1.
Cf. W421: It is an ill (evil) wind that blows no man good (to
good).
1664 COD., p.
A95 As mad as AJAX, who killed sheep
1607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amb. III ii 432: Quarrel with sheep, And
run as mad as Ajax. 1732 FUL., no. 3287: Love is as mad as Ajax;
it kills Sheep, so it kills me.
.SHAKESPEARE.—-ISQ4-5 L.L.L. IV iii 7: This love is as mad as
A] ax: it kills sheep; it kills me—I a sheep.
A96 A false ALARM
1579 GOSSON Apol. Sch. Abuse, p. 49: That is a vain brag and a
false alarme. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels III i 77: The frame of a
woolfe in the hangings. . gaue a false alarme to the heart. 1616
DR., no. 1838. 1634 MILTON Comus (1645 ed.) 1. 363: Wks., Pt. I,
I 98: Or if they be but false alarms of fear, How bitter is such self-
delusion?
See ST., no. 74.
A97 No ALCHEMY to1 saving
1640 HERB, no. 114. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 10: ’Tis tried
Alquimy to have rent and spend nothing. I659 N.R., p. 79. 1664
COD., p. 207. 1670 RAY, p. I. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 149-. No
Alchymy to Saving, for that’s the best way to Thrive. 1710
PALMER, p. 162: No Alchymy like to thrift.
Cf. P61: Parsimony is the best revenue.
[llike]
A98 He is paced like an ALDERMAN
I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. I4: Vsing an aldermans pace before he
can wel gange. 1611 COT., s.v. Abbe: A leasurely walking, slow
gate, Alderman’s pace. 1616 WITHALS, p. 559. 1639 CL., s.v.
Arrogantia, p. 32. 1670 RAY, p. 162. 1685 S. WESLEY Maggots I:
And struts . . As goodly as any Alderman.
A99 ALE (Liquor) that would make a cat speak
1585-1616 Shirburn Bal. 21, p. 93: Who is it but loues good Liquor?
Twill make a Catte speake. 1606 BRETON Packet Letters Pt. II:
Wks., II 50: I haue spoken for Ale that will make a Cat speake.
[CI609] I647 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Coxcomb II, p. 329: There’s
Ale will make a Cat speak, at the harrow. 1639 CL., s.v. Lacessen-
tis, p. 184: ’Twould make a cat speake. I661 Antid. agst. Mel,
p. 19: And old liquor able to make a cat speak, and a wise man
dumb. 1678 RAY, p. 88: (cat to speak). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
II, p. 449: It will make a cat speak, and a wise man dumb.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. II ii 85: Open your mouth. Here
is that which will give language to you, cat.

AIOO Banbury ALE, a half-yard pot
1658 MENNIS AND SMITH Wit Restored: Facetiae, I 281. I661 Pr.
Blacksmith l. 121 in Roxb. Bal., II 130: Banbury-ale a two-yard pot,
The divell a tinker dare stand to’t, Ifonce the toast be hissing hot.
AIOI Derby1 ALE and London beer
I614 COOKE Greene’s Tu Quoque, 5. F4: I haue sent my daughter
this morning . . to fetch a draught Of Darby Ale. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 258.
Cf. B22: Dunmow bacon and Doncaster daggers, Monmouth
caps and Lemster wool, Derby ale and London beer; MI 105: Mon-
mouth caps.
[ISee Sugden, p. 151.]
A102 Fair Cheve good ALE, it makes many folks speak
as they think
1678 RAY, p. 93: *Fair chieve is used in the same sence here as . .
Good speed, Good success have it . . In vino veritas. I710 PALMER,
p. 18. 0
Cf. T578: Truth is in ale as in history; W465: In wine there IS
truth.
A103 Good ALE is meat, drink, and cloth
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall I, p. 189: The liquor [ale] itselfis the
Englishman’s ancientest and wholesomest drink, and serveth many
for meat and cloth too. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Guarnaccia, p. 223: Also
a kind of wine like malmesie, that is (as we say Of strong Ale) meate
and drinke and cloth. 1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful
Lady IV, p. 282: In this short sentence Ale, is all included: Meat,
Drink, and Cloth. 1617 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Fair Quarrel
II ii 158: I love it [wrestling] as well as I love my meat after supper;
’tis indeed meat, drink, and cloth to me. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 1 1. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 309: Good wine needs no meat to
it. *Note 153, p. 322: It is Meat, and Cloth ofit self. 1670 RAY,
p. 1. 1670 WALKER Idiom. Ang.-Lat., p. 20: (and Cloathing).
1672 WALK. 71, p. 25: (meat, and drink and cloth). I687 MIEGE,
s.v. Ale. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 449: (My ale is).
A104 Good ALE is wine’s equal
3.1598 F ERG. MS, no. 453: Good aill is wynes eveinis [equal].
A105 Good ALE makes good sale
211598 FERG. MS, no. 454.
Cf. S71: Better good sale than good ale; W462: Good wine needs
no bush (ivy bush, Sign).
A106 He mends as sour ALE mends in summer
1546 HEY. II ix, 8. K4: (Than wolde ye mende . . as). 1553 Res-
publica IV ii, p. 32: As zoure ale in sommer, that is still wurse and
wurse. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 77: The worlde amendes like
sower ale in Sommer. 1616 DR., no. 2505: (as sowre ale in Sum-
mer). 1616 WITHALS, p. 565: Our matters mend as sowre ale cloth
in summer. 1623 CAM., p. 272: (It mends). 1639 CL., p. 83: It
mends like some ale in summer worse and worse. 01640 SMYTH
20, p. 28: Hee mends like sowre ale in Sommer. Hee growes from
nought to worse. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: She mends as sower
ale doth in summer. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Poggia, p. 151: To
grow worse and worse; To mend as sower Ale doth in Summer.
1678 RAY, p. 260: To mend as sowre ale does in summer.
(10)
Cf. F370: He mends as the fletcher does his bolt.
A107 The nappy strong ALE of Southwark keeps many
a gossip from the kirk *:
1665 BRATHWAITE Com. on Chaucer, p. 6: Where the best Ale is . .
was made good long ago, as may appear by that overworn Proverb,
The nappy strong Ale of Southwirke Keeps many a Gossip fra the
Kirke.
A108 If ALEXANDER were a cook all the world should
know it
1616 DR., no. 2212.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ALIVE
ALL
A109 ALIVE today and dead tomorrow
1611 COT., s.v. Demain: Some are aliue to day, that will be dead to
morrow. 1616 DR., no. 1428. 1632 Pepys Bal. 86, II 236: (To day
aliue).
Cf. G469: Today above ground tomorrow under; M402: Today
a man tomorrow a cuckold; M404: Today a man tomorrow none;
T368: Here today gone tomorrow.
A110 He is ALIVE and alive-like
1616 DR., no. 951: (and a lines like). 1639 CL., p. 275.
Phras. Paer., p. 201.
1671 CL.
ALL are fools
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13: We are all fools
A111
1639 CL., p. 314.
some way or other.
A112 ALL are not friends that speak us fair
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 95: Nor [are] all friends that
beare a faire face. 1587 RANKINS Mirr. Monsters, f. 1 1: Not everie
one to be estaemed a friend that speaketh faire. 1596 DEL., s.
P5v: Too much Art towards a friend, is a token of a foe. [1602]
1631 CHETTLE Hofl'man V, s. I3v: And ’tis well knowne: Bitter de-
ceit useth the sweetest speech. 1639 CL., p. 128. 1659 N.R., p.
42: He speaks me fair but wishes my throat cut. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 29, p. 57: Where there is least heart, there is most tongue.
1670 RAY, p. 93. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Friend: (that carry it fair with
us). 1732 FUL., no. 500: (that speak one fair). 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 413: Many a one says well, that thinks ill.
See DiiR., I, no. 497. Cf. M1296: Whoso makes much of thee
that was not wont either will deceive or stands in need of thee;
S727: He that speaks me fair and loves me not, I’ll speak him fair
and trust him not.
A113 ALL are not hunters that blow the horn
1586 WITHALS, s. E6: Euery horne blower is not a hunter.
RAY, p. 160.
See ST., no. 1223.
1678
A114 ALL are not in bed that shall have ill rest
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I I3. 1530 PALS., p. 422a: They be
nat all in bedde yet that shall have yvell rest to nyght. 1546 HEY.
II vii, s. KIv: (All be not abedde). 1616 DR., no. 1996.
Cf. A166: All that are in bed must not have quiet rest.
A115 ALL are not maidens that wear bare hair
1641 FERG., no. 146: (that wears). 1668 R.B., p. 10. I721 KEL.,
p. 4: All is not Gold that glisters, nor Maidens that wear their Hair.
*It was the Fashion some Years ago for Virgins to go bare headed;
the Proverb means, that every thing is not so good as it appears.
Cf. A146: All is not gold that glisters (glitters).
A116 ALL are not saints that go to church
1586 WITHALS, s. K6: They be not all saints of this be you sure, that
goe in and out at the Churche dore. 1659 N.R., p. 1: All who come
into a Church, say not their Prayers.
A117 ALL are not thieves that dogs bark at
1616 DR., no. 542. 1639 CL., p. 177. 1664 C0D., p. 185.
RAY, p. 148. 1694 D’URFEY 2 Don Quix. IV ii, p. 160.
1670
A118 ALL are not tumers that are dish-throwers
1678 RAY, p. 212. 1732 FUL., no. 503.
A119 ALL are of the same dust
[Eccl. iii 20: All are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. ERAS.
Adagia, 273A: Omnia idem pulvis.] 1552 TAv., f. 62: All is one
selfe duste or ashes. From earth we came, and to earth we shall.
Yea the scrypture sayeth that asshes we be, and to asshes we shal
reuerte. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 182: As one sayde, wee are
all made of durt. 1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight II xiii, p. 275: Though
some jars were betwixt them whilest living, their dust well agreed
in the same grave.
SHAKESPEARE—1610 Cym. IV ii 4: But clay and clay differs in dig-
nity, Whose dust is both alike. Ihid. IV ii 246: Mean and mighty
rotting Together have one dust.
See OTTO, no. 1142. Cf. D142: Death is common to all; E117:
The end makes all equal; G428: We shall lie all alike in our graves;
I46: We in diversely but end alike; M501: All men are made of the
same metal.
A120 ALL are presumed good till they are found in a
fault
1640 HERB., no. 938.
A121 ALL at this day are scholars to the fox
1616 DR., no. 782.
A122 ALL brings grist to your mill
1583 GOLDING Calvin on Deut. CXXIII, p. 755: As the prouerbe
says, there is no likelihoode that those thinges will bring gryst to
the mill. I655 FULLER Church Hist. III vi, I 381: And here foreign
casuists bring in a bundle of mortal sins, all grist for their own mill.
1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 784: ’Tis a doctrine, contrived
to bring grist to the pope’s mill. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mo-
linaio, p. 106: To pay ones own self. . or bring grists to ones mill.
1670 RAY, p. 178. 1732 FUL., no. 506.
See ST., no. 1246. (5)
A123 ALL came from and will go to others
1611 COT., s.v. Estre. 1640 HERB., no. 41. 1658 [EDMONDSON]
Comes Fac. in Via, p. 21: All did come from others, and must go to
Others. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 23: All hath been anothers, and
will be anothers. I659 N.R., p. 11.
A124 ALL commend patience but none can endure to
suffer
1732 FUL., no. 508.
SHAKESPEARE—1592—3 C.E. II i 34: A wretched soul bruis’d
with adversity We bid be quiet when we hear it cry; But were we
burd'ned with like weight of pain, As much, or more, we should
ourselves complain. 1598—9 M.A. III ii 29: Every one can master
a grief but he that has it. Ihid. V i 27: No, no! ’Tis all men’s
office to speak patience To those that wring under the load of sor-
row, But no man’s virtue nor sufficiency To be so moral when he
shall endure The like himself . . Forthere was never yet philosopher
That could endure the toothache patiently.
Cf. M182: The healthful man can give good counsel to the sick.
A125 ALL commonly rejoice at new things
1616 DR., no. 1492.
A126 ALL complain
1640 HERB., no. 746.
A127 ALL covet all lose
a1536 HILL 39, p. 129: He that all coweitith, often all lesith. 1546
HEY. II ix, s. L2v. 1562 HEY. Epig. 94, p. 141. 1591 STEP., p.
156. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 67: He that all coueteth, all
looseth. 1611 COT., s.v. Convoiter: He that couets all looses all.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 88. 1611 GRUT., no. 35. 1614 CALL, p. 303.
1616 DR., no. 367. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xiii, III 98.
1639 CL., p. 270. 1651 HERB., p. 368. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 4. 1659 N.R., p. 4. 1670 RAY, p. 73. 1672 WALK. 104, p. 55.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Etreindre: Some lose all by coveting all.
SHAKESPEARE.——1592—4 I Hen. V] V iv 144: I’ll rather keep That
which I have than, coveting for more, Be cast from possibility of all.
See PF., no. 33. Cf. A191 : He that will have all dies Ofmadness;
A192: He that will have all loses all; M1295: Who too much grips
(grasps, embraces) the less he holds (holds nothing fast). (20)
A128 ALL cracks all bears
9.1598 FERG. MS, no. 128. 1668 R.B., p. 9. 1721 KEL., p. 41:
*Spoken against Bullies who keep a great hectoring and blustring;
yet, when put to it, tamely pocket an AHront.
Cf. T254: He that threatens and smites not is afraid.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl‘.
ALL
ALL

A129 ALL fails that fools think
c1500 Melusine XXXVI, p. 254: That the fole thinketh oftymes
commeth to foly. 01534 BERNERs Huon 136, p. 502: It is a comune
sayng that many thingis lackethe of folysshe thoughtis. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 50. 1668 R.B., p. 1: (thinks).
See 814., no. 148.
A130 ALL follow the corpse to the grave but every man
bewails his own griefs
1616 DR., no. 2029.
A131 ALL for what will you give me
1616 DR., no. 379. 1639 CL., p. 219: (All for ask what will).
A132 ALL goes down Gutter Lane
1631 [BRATHWAITE] Whimzies Piper, p. 145: Whatsoever hee
draines from the four corners of the citty, goes in muddy taplash
doune Gutter-lane. I662 FULLER Worthies London, II 59. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tozzi, p. 219: To pass down the lane of mor-
sels, viz. down the throat; which the English from the Latin say,
Down Guttur-lane. I670 RAY, p. 243: *Guttur-lane . . leading out
of Cheap-side, East of Foster-lane. The Proverb is applied to
those, who spend all in drunkenness and gluttony, meer belly-gods:
Guttur being Latine for the throat.
A133 ALL in all and all in every part
1583 STUBBEs Anat. Abuses I, p. 29: He is al in all; yea, so perfect.
1593 RS. Phoenix Nest, p. 28: Tota in toto, et tota in qualibet
parte. 1596 DRAYTON Mortim. l. 169: Wks., I 342: Shee’s all in
all, and all in euery part. 1599 J. DAVIES Nosce Teip., p. 27: Shee
is all in all, and all in part. 1605 I Yeronimo II iv 2: You are as like
Andrea, part for part, As he is like himselfe . . I could not think but
Andreas selfe, so legd, so facst, so speecht, as all in all. 1607
MIDDLETON Phoenix I i 167: Indeed that’s all. —’Tis all in all.
1639 CL., s.v. Ab initio, ad finem, p. 3: He’s all in all.
SHAKESPEARE—"I598 2 Hen. [V V v 30: ’Tis ‘semper idem,’ for
‘absque hoc nihil est.’ ’Tis all in every part.
A134 ALL is alike at the latter day, a bag of gold and
a wisp of hay
1611 COT., s.v. Fiens: All will be one at the latter day. 1639 CL.,
p. 215.
A135 ALL is but lip wisdom that wants experience
1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. I xviii, I I 13: (which wants experience).
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 157. 1732 FUL., no. 522.
A136 ALL is fish that comes to net
1523—5 BERNERs Chron. Froissart, III 376: Suche as came after,
toke all. . for all was fysshe that came to net. 1540 PALSGRAVE
Acolastus Declaration Names, p. 14: All is fysshe that commeth to
the nette with hym. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 90: (the nette).
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 121. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 171: (coms
1n the net). 1611 COT., s.v. Mesnage: (comes to the householders
net). 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 166. 1616 DR., no. 376: All is fish with
him that commeth to the net. 1623 CAM., p. 266. 1639 CL., p.
270. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: (his nett). 1659 N.R., p. 10.
I670 RAY, p. 176. I721 KEL., p. 13: (comes in the Net).
*Spoken of them that make Gain of every thing. (13)
A137 ALL is good if God say amen
1580 BARET, V—89: Virgula diuina. A Prouerbe to be vsed, so
often as we enioie whatsoeuer we wish and that without the helpe
of man: God himselfe saieng Amen to our desires. 01606 Row-
LANDs Terr. Battle Ded., p. [2]: My Penne neuer was, nor neuer
shalbe (God saying Amen) Mercinarie. I616 CORYATE Trav. Eng.
Wits, p. 6: I haue determined (if God shall say Amen) to spend
seauen years more. 1616 WITHALS, p. 570: All good, and God say
Amen. 1639 CL., p. 235.
A138 ALL is good that God sends
1616 DR., no. 1591: Wee must take all well in worth that God
sendeth. 1639 CL., p. 273. 1721 KEL., p. 47: *An Answer to them
A141

that think what they have given us, or what we have gotten not
good enough.
A139 ALL is (All stratagems are) lawful in love and
war
[1623] 1647 FLETCHER AND MAssINGER Lovers’ Prog. V, p. 143:
All stratagems In love, and that the sharpest war, are lawfull.
1687 BEHN Emp. Moon I iii, p. 413: Advantages are lawful in Love
and War. 1709 CENTLIVRE Man’s Bewitched V, p. 148: Strata-
gems ever were allow’d _of in Love and War.
See APP., p. 384. Cf. L508: Love is lawless.
A140 ALL is lost, both labor and cost
1548 ELYOT, s.v. Oleum: Oleum et operam perdere, to lose labour
and coste. I616 WITHALS, p. 573. 1639 CL., p. 153. I672
WALK. 69, p. 12: To lose both ones labour and cost.
ALL is lost that falls beside1 one’s own mouth
1618 DYKE Philemon, p. 108: They . . snatch it all to themselues,
grudging another the least morsell, thinking all is lost that goes
besides their owne lips. 1639 CL., p. 76: All’s lost that falls beside.
1721 KEL., p. 19: All was tint [lost] that fell by. *Spoken when
Correction is given to them who deserve it well; as if no Blows were
amiss, but those which did not hit. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p.
467: I warrant you think all is lost that goes beside youryown
mouth.
[loutside]
A142 ALL is lost that is given to a fool
1611 COT., s.v. Donner: Whatsoeuer is giuen to fooles is lost. 1616
DR., no. 2307. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8. 1659 N.R., p. 15: All
that’s given to a fool, is cast away. 1664 COD., p. 224: Whatsoever
is given to a fool, is lost.
A143 ALL is lost that is put in a riven dish
1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, s. 11v: When wee
haue done our best, al’s but put into a riuen dish, wee are but frumpt
at and libell’d vpon. 1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 154: All you
doe for him is put into a riven dish. Ibid., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 169.
1670 RAY, p. I 37: *All is lost that is bestowed on an ungrateful per-
son; he remembers no courtesies. I672 WALK. 51, p. 47: (into).
1681 ROB., p. 1280.
A144 ALL is not alway
1562 HEY. Epig. 95, p. 215: But all is not alway: as all men do say.
A145 ALL is not at hand that helps
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 6: (in hand). 1668 R.B., p. 1: (in hand).
1721 KEL., p. 21.
A146 ALL is not gold that glisters (glitters)
a1536 HILL 26, p. 129: It is not all gold that glareth. 1546 HEY.
I x, s. C4v. 1566 HOL., p. 261. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32:
Al that glistreth is not gold. 1590 SPENSER II viii 14: Yet
gold all is not, that doth golden seeme, Ne all good knights, that
shake well speare and shield. 1596 DEL., s. P 5v: All that glistereth,
is not gold. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 94: (glitteres). I611 GRUT.,
no. 36. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., no. 522. 1639 CL., s.v.
Hypocrisis, p. 139. I640 HERB., no. 302. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 12. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sole, p. 194: To think that all is
gold that glisters, to be overcredulous. 1670 RAY, p. 97.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M.V. II vii 65: ‘All that glisters is not
gold—Often have you heard that told.’
See ST., no. 719. Cf. A115: All are not maidens that wear bare
hair. (68)
A147 ALL is not gospel that comes out of his mouth
1546 HEY. II ii, s. G1: (that thou dooest speake). I578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 214: Thincking . . all to bee gospell that Euphues
vttered. 1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears, II 95: His Creditors (thinking
all is Gospell he speakes). 61594 BACON, no. 1565: Ce n’est pas
Evangile qu’on dit parmi la ville. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 324: All is
not Gospell claw-backs speakes. 1616 DR., no. 732: (that the

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl. ), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ALL
ALL

Clawbacke speaketh). 1639 CL., p. 141. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 9: (that’s spoken up and down the town). I661 Mer. Droll. II,
p. 238: Now all is Gospl that she saith. 1670 RAY, p. 178: (gospel
comes). 1732 FUL., no. 529.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. V i 295: As a madman’s epistles are
no gospels, so it skills not much when they are deliver’d.
Cf. G379: The gospel is in your mouth.
A148 ALL is not lost that is in danger (peril, hazard)
01500 Melusine XXII, p. 147: All is not yet lost that lyeth in parell.
8.1598 FERG. MS, no. 5: All is not tint [lost] that is in perrill. 1611
COT., s.v. Gesir. Ihid., s.v. Peril: (in some hazard). 1639 CL., p.
294. 1664 COD., p. 185. 1668 RB, p. 2: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
1670 RAY, p. 117. 1700 CRAWFORD Courtship IV ii, p. 36: (in
hazard, as the saying is). 1721 KEL., p. 12: All is not bint [lost]
that’s in peril. *Signifying, that our Aflairs may come to a better
Efifect, than is now expected.
Cf. L80: It is not lost that comes at last.
A149 ALL is not paid that is promised
1639 CL., p. 194.
Cf. M128: Every man keeps not his promise.
A150 ALL is not well (is well)
1616 DR., s.v. Danger, or peril, no. 423. 1672 WALK. 7, p. 28:
All’s not right with them. Ihid. 55, p. 31: All’s well now; the dan-
ger’s over; the worst is past.
Cf. A164: All shall be well and Jack shall have Jill.
A151 ALL is not won that is put in the purse
1639 CL., p. 45: (’Tis not all saved that’s). 1672 WALK. 71, p. 32:
*Sometime a penny well spent is better than a penny ill spared.
1678 RAY, p. 194. I732 FUL., no. 531.
Cf. P209: Sometime a penny well spent is better than a penny ill
spared.
A152 ALL is vanity
[Eccl. xii 8: Vanity of vanities . . all is vanity.] 01475 Mankind l.
760, p. 28: Vanitas vanitatum, all ys but a vanyte. 1639 CL., p.
314: Vanity is in all. 1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions 4, p. 208: All is
nothing in the World but Vanity.
A153 ALL is well and the man has his mare again
1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. H3v: All shall be well and you
shall haue your puppie againe. [1625] I647 FLETCHER Chances III
iv, p. 219: Why, the man has his Mare again, and all’s well. 1675
DUFFETT Mock-Temp. V ii, p. 169: Now the man shall have his
Mare again, and all friends. 1678 RAY, p. 259. 1694 DRYDEN
Love Triumph. III ii, p. 431 : Then all shall be set right, and the man
shall have his mare again.
SHAKESPEARE.—1595 M.N.D. III ii 463: The man shall have his
mare again, and all shall be well.
Cf. A164: All shall be well and Jack shall have Jill.
A154 ALL is well that ends well
3.1536 HILL 93, p. 110. 1546 HEY. I x, s. C3v.
171, p. 154. 01594 BACON, no. 949.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 416. 1611 GRUT., no. 37. 1614 CAM., p. 303.
1616 DR., no. 577. 1616 WITHALS, p. 556. 1639 CL., p. 117.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659 N.R., p. 5. 1668 RB, p. 9.
1562 HEY. Epig.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 131.
1670 RAY, p. 85. 1672 WALK. 66, p. 43. 1721 KEL., p. 48. 1732
FUL., no. 3668: Nothing is ill, that ends well.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 All’s Well That Ends Well: [Title]. Ihid.
IV iv 35: All’s well that ends well. Still the fine’s [the end’s] the
crown. Ihid. V i 25: All’s well that ends well yet.
See ST., no. 542. (10)
A155 ALL is well, the old man dances
[ERAs. Adagia, 7251‘: Omnia secunda saltat senex.] 01594 BACON,
no. 865: [As in Eras]. 1616 JONSON Epic. II vi 10: Succeedes it,
or no? —Past imagination, sir, omnia secunda; you could not haue
pray’d to haue had it so wel: Saltat senex, as it is i’ the prouerbe.
1639 CL., s.v. Praeter spem bonum aut malum, p. 258: All will do
wel, the old man danceth.

See OTTO, no. 1628.
for death.
Cf. A76: When age isjocund it makes sport
A156 ALL is well when the mistress smiles
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17.
Cf. H838: When the husband drinks to the wife all would be well,
when the wife drinks to the husband all is well.
A157 ALL is well with him who is beloved of his
neighbors
1611 COT., s.v. Voisin: He that hath neighbors loue liues well at
home. 1640 HERE., no. 10. I659 N.R., p. 9: (that is). 1664
COD., p. 226: (Well is it with him).
A158 ALL lay load on a willing horse
1611 COT., s.v. Tirer: On touche tousiours sur le cheval qui tire:
The free drag-horse is alwayes ouerraught. 1616 DR., no. 1006.
1639 CL., p. 104. 1670 RAY, p. 116: (the willing horse).
Cf. B577: The least boy always carries the greatest fiddle; F414:
Folk call on the horse that will carry always.
A159 ALL lies and bleeds (lies a bleeding)
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2: Aduise ye well for here doeth all lye and bleede.
1562 HEY. Epig. 209, p. 160-. Here lithe all and bleadth. 01565
Bughears IV iii 36: Thou has sene nothinge yet, to that thou shalt
see for yet it lies and bledes. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 194: Loue lyes a
bleeding. 1616 DR., no. 2063: His matter lieth a bleeding. 1634
T. HEYWOOD Maidenhead Well Lost IV, p. 148: All our fortunes lie
a bleeding. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 348: The matter lies a bleed-
mg.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. III i 194: My blood for your rude
brawls doth lie a-bleeding.
A160 ALL looks yellow to the jaundiced eye
1612 WEBSTER White DevilI ii 107: The fault . . is not in the eye-
sight. —True, but they that have the yellow Jaundeise, thinke
all objects they looke on to bee yellow. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch
Prof. II 17, p. 184: Nero thought no person chaste, because he was
so unchaste himself. Such as are troubled with thejaundice see all
things yellow. 1709 POPE Ess. Crit. l. 559: Wks., II 68.
Cf. W870: He that is giddy thinks the world turns round.
A161 ALL must be as God will
1616 DR., no. 492. 1639 CL., p. 114: What God will, must be-
[hid., p. 232. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15: That must be which
pleaseth God.
Cf. M1331: What must (shall, will) be must (shall, will) be.
A162 ALL must live under a law
1616 DR., no. 1198. 1639 CL., p. 181: We must live according to
the Law. Ihid., p. 232: We must live by lawes.
Cf. L109: The law must rule us and not we the law.
A163 ALL must not be gotten by force
1616 DR., no. 768.
A164 ALL shall be well and Jack shall have Jill
[01517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. A4v: What auayleth Lordshyp,
yourselfe for to kyll With care and with thought howe Jacke shall
haue Gyl? 1546 HEY. II iii, s. G1v: Al is wel. Jak shal haue gill.
1611 DAv. Prov., no. 121. 1623 CAM., p. 266. 1639 CL., p. 63.
1659 N.R., p. 9: (when Jack shall have a Gill). 1670 RAY, p. 199.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 883: Our wooing doth not end
like an old play: Jack hath not Gill. 1595 M.N.D. III ii 458: And
the country proverb known, That every man should take his own,
In your waking shall be shown: Jack shall have Jill; Naught shall go
ill. 1600—1 I iv 127: Sir, the maid loves you, and all shall
be well.
Cf. A150: All is not well (is well); A153: All is well and the man
has his mare again; M209: Let every man have his own.
A165 ALL that a man thinks comes not to pass
1616 DR., no. 2442.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part Omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a. comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
ALL 10
ALL
A166 ALL that are in bed must not have quiet rest
1639 CL., s.v. Ii’ortunae commutatio, p. 123. 1670 RAY, p. 60.
Cf. A114: All are not in bed that shall have ill rest.
A167 ALL that is alike is not the same
1639 CL., p. 96.
SHAKEsPEARE.—I599 7.6'. II ii 128: Every like is not the same, O
Caesar.
Cf. L288: No like is the same.
A168 ALL that is sharp is short
1546 HEY. II ii, 5. G1: But al thyng that is Sharpe is short, folk haue
tolde. 1616 DR., s.v. Violence, no. 2248. 1639 CL., s.v. Vis in-
justa, p. 321. I655 FULLER Church Hist. IX v, III 55: Short but
sharp.
Cf. E222: No extreme will hold long; L559: Love me little love
me long; N321: Nothing violent can be permanent.
A169 ALL that shakes falls not
1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 204: All that shaketh doth
not fall: The contexture of so vast a frame holds by more than
one naile. I640 HERB, no. 1015. 1659 N.R., p. 18.
A170 ALL that the clerk gets his punk devours
1611 COT., s.v. Femme: (Clarke toyles for). 1659 N.R., p. 7.
ALL would have all, all would forgive
1641 FERG, no. 90. 1664 T. KILLIGREW l Thomaso IV ii, p. 357:
All would have all. 1668 R.B., p. 6.
A172 Bear (Take, Suffer) this, bear (take, suffer) ALL
1592 Arden F., s. G4v: Ah, Mosbie, Periurde beast, beare this and
all. 1593 PEELE Edit). I x, s. G3v: Madam, pardon me and pardon
all, NO iustice but the great runnes with the small. 1598 Muce-
dorus, s. F2v: Thanks Segasto; but yet you leveld at the crowne.
—-—Maister, beare this and beare all. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women
Ab. viii, s. HI: Rascall, take that and take all, do yee heare sir, I doe
not meane to pocket vp this wrong. [a16oo] 1639 DELONEY Gentle
Craft II, p. 53: Put up this and put up all. 1601 ]. MANNINGHAM
Diary Feb. 24, p. 24: Will you endure such an injury? Faith put
vp them and put vp anything. 1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks.,
p. 9: Beare this, beare more. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MAR-
STON Eastward Ho I i 142: Nay Slife, take this and take all: as I am
a Gentleman borne, Ile be drunke, grow valiant, and beate thee.
1605 DANIEL Philotas 111 iii, p. 144: Take him take all. CI605
DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 40: Suffer this, sir, and suffer all. 1608
MIDDLETON Family Love IV iii I38: IfI wink at this, let me be stone
blind, or stoned to death: bear this, and bear all! 1611 CHAPMAN
May Day IV iv 72: ’Slight, Captain, take this and take all. 1629
Wine, Beer 1. 159, p. 28: Suffer this, and suffer all, to him againe.
[1633] I655 MASSINGER Guardian I ii, p. 203: Easy injunctions,
with a mischief to you! Suffer this and suffer all. 1634 T. HEY—
WOOD Maidenhead Well Lost I, p. 109: If suffer this take all? why
the meanest Lady would neuer brooke an equall? 1639 CL., p.
324: Take this and take all.
SHAKESPEARE.——I599 A.Y. IV iii 14: Bear this, bear all!
says I am not fair, that I lack manners.
Cf. I68: He invites a new injury who bears the old patiently;
L244: Anything for a quiet life. (6)
A173-4 Both together do best of ALL
1639 CL., p. 10.
A175
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 351.
a Thing unequally divided.
A171
She
Deal small and serve ALL
1721 KEL., p. 90: *Spoken when we see
A176 Either ALL or none at all
1639 CL., p. 18.
A177 Fair Chevel ALL where love trucks
1670 RAY, p. 47.
[lsucceeds 2deals]
I)
-o

A178 He bears down ALL before him
1616 DR., no. 1379.
A179 He cannot hold but ALL must out
1616 DR., no. 165. 1623 WOD., p. 498: He tells all what comes in
his Mouth. *Spoken so to him that can not Manage his Month.
1639 CL., s.v. Taciturnitas, Laudata, et Illaudata, p. 301: He can-
not hold.
Cf. B433: Blab (Labbe) it wist and out it must; M1252: His
mouth runs over.
A180 He has not lost ALL who has one throw to cast
1611 COT., s.v. Failli: (He hath not mist that hath). 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 15: He hath not yet lost, who hath once to throw more.
1664 COD., p. 197. 1670 RAY, p. 16. I687 MIEGE, s.v. To lose:
(that has).
A181 He has pissed ALL he has against the wall
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV iv, p. 140: Where is that stroy good
(that thou spent vpon hoores and pyssed agaynst the walles, all that
he hath). 1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia II Journ. Abroad, p. 1 10:
Their auncetours left them not one foote oflande, or els they them-
selues haue pyssed it agaynste the walles. I592 NASHE Pierce Penn.,
p. 206: Helpe . . that our Countrey-men may not pisse out all their
witte and thrift against the walles. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Nettitia, p. 116: To have gamed and lavish’d away all one had, and
pist it against the wall. 1678 RAY, p. 88: *Drinking phrase.
A182 He looks as if he had sold ALL and took nothing
for it
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13.
A183 He sups ill who eats ALL at dinner
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 136: Ifthou hadst dined so poorelie . .
thou wouldst not have supped so slenderlie. 1611 COT., s.v. Dis-
ner: Hee suppes ill that dines all; after a gluttonous, and disordinat
youth followes a needie, and hungrie age. 1616 DR., no. 874: He
that eateth vp all at dinner hath nothing for a supper. 1659 HOW.
It. Prov., p. 6: (that eats). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 44: (eats up
all at dinner). 1678 RAY, p. 125: (Ma! soupe qui tout disne. He
sups). 1732 FUL., no. 2030: [As in 1666 Tor.].
Cf. D342: He that saves his dinner will have the more for his
suppen
A184 He teaches ill who teaches ALL
1611 SANF. Span. Tongue v, p. 64: He teacheth ill that teacheth all;
which made me carefull to cutte off Impertinencies. 1659 How-
Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1670 RAY, p. 147. I687 MIEGE, s.v. To teach:
(that teaches all).
A185 He that believes ALL misses, he that believes
nothing hits not
1631 MABBE Celestina I, p. 57: It is as great an errour to beleeve
nothing, as it is to beleeve every thing. 1640 HERB, no. 360.
A186 He that comes last makes ALL (the door) fast
I562 HEY. Epig. 202, p. 160: (make). 1566 HOL., p. 260: (the
dore). I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: (let hym shut the doore).
1611 COT., s.v. Dernier: The last commer shuts the doore; strikes
vp the bargaine; ends the businesse. 1611 GRUT., no. 119. 1614
CAM., p. 307: (make). 1639 CL., p. 304. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 6: Last makes fast. *Viz. Shut the dore. Ibid., p. 8: (must
make). 1659 N.R., p. 54. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 317: Who
cometh behind, let him shut the door. 1670 RAY, p. 112. I732
FUL., no. 6308.
A187 He that gives ALL before he dies provides to
suffer (is a fool)
1623 WOD., p. 486: This last is the greatest Folie; meaning to giue
away his Goods to vngratefull Children before hee dye. 1640
HERB, no. 849. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 4: Who parts with his
estate before he dieth is a fool. 1659 N.R., p. 58. 1664 COD., p.
200: (He that gives away all from himself before).

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ALL
ALL

SHAKES PEARE.—-16o5-6 K.L. I iv 1 1 8: WouldI had two coxcombs
and two daughters! —Why, my boy? —If I gave them all my
living, I’ld keep my coxcombs myself.
Cf. D570: He will not put off his doublet (clothes) before he goes
to bed; G308: Who gives away his goods before he is dead take a
beetle and knock him on the head.
A188 He that grants ALL that is asked is much harder
than Hercules tasked
1593 PEELE Edw. I x, s. G3V: Glocester, an olde said saying, he that
grants all is askt, Is much harder then Hercules taske.
A189 He that is warm thinks ALL so
1640 HERE, no. 80. 1659 N.R., p. 44.
Cf. B296: He whose belly is full believes not him that is fasting
(empty); S676: Little knows the fat sow (man) what the lean does
mean.
A190 He that ventures too far loses ALL
01534 BERNERS Huon 101, p. 335: Some tyme it fortuneth that it is
foly to aduenture to moche forward and to late to repent ofter.
1611 COT., s.v. Adventurer. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and
Eloq., p. 174.
Cf. M279: A man must not be too venturous; N319: Nothing
(Nought) venture nothing (nought) have; N320: Nothing venture
nothing win.
A191 He that will have ALL dies of madness
1573 SANF., f. 103v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: Who al wil
haue, through fransie dyeth.
Cf. A127: All covet all lose.
A192 He that will have ALL loses all
1481 CAXTON Reynard 33, p. 95: (Who that wold haue). 1573
SANF., f. 52: He that embraceth too much, bindeth nothing, and as
the common English Prouerbe is, All haue, all loose. 01573 I.
WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, 8. C4: Let him nothing get that euery-
thing would haue. 1616 DR., no. 366: All haue, all foregoe. I629
Bk. Mer. Kid. 87, p. 27. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 291: Who will
have all, loseth all.
Cf. A127: All covet all lose; A194: He would all have and nought
forgo; M1295: Who too much grips (grasps, embraces) the less he
holds (holds nothing fast).
A193 He that would please ALL and himself too under-
takes what he cannot do
1639 CL., p. 20: He that seekes all men to please and not himselfe
offends. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: (Who would). 1664 COD.,
p. 225: (Who would). 1670 RAY, p. 132. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To
please.
Cf. ~[103: Jupiter himself cannot please all; M319: No man can
have every man’s good word; M526: He that all men will please
shall never find ease; N86: He had need rise betimes that would
please everybody; P88: It is hard to please all parties (men).
A194 He would ALL have and nought forgo
1562 HEY. Epig. 278, p. 169.
(All would have).
Cf. A192: He that will have all loses all.
1616 DR., no. 375. 1639 CL., p. 40:
A195 I have lost ALL and found myself
[ERAs. Adagia, 679F: Nunc bene navigavi, cum naufragium feci.]
1578 LYLY Euph. rinat. Wit, p. 314: Zeno hearing that this onely
barke wherein all his wealth was shipped to haue perished, cryed
out, thou hast done well Fortune to thrust me into my gowne agayne
to embrace Philosophy. 1639 CL., p. 198.
A196 Let ALL live as they would die
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 149: Learne . . to liue hereafter
as though thou shouldest not liue at all. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv.
III, II 70: That they learne to live as if they were stil at the point to
dye. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw, f. 84: Live and hope as if
thou shouldest die immediately. 1640 HERE, no. 721. 1659 N.R.,

p. 74. 1727 T. FULLER Directions 190, p. 9: Live in the world as if
thou meanest to leave it.
A197 None so good that’s good to ALL
1639 CL., p. 16.
Cf. A213: Who gives to all denies all.
A198 Of ALL and of all commend me to Ball, for by
licking the dishes he saved me much labor
1678 RAY, p. 65.
A199 Pardon (Forgive) ALL but thyself
01526 Dicta Sap., s. A3: Be mylde to other to thyne owne selfe
roughe. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 102: He pardoned everyone
but hymselfe. 1611 COT., s.v. Pardonner: (Pardon all men). 1623
WOD., p. 507: Pardon for all Men, but none for thy selfe. 1640
HERE, no. 673. 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 8: Forgive any one
sooner then thy self. 1664 COD., p. 209. 1670 RAY, p. 10: Forgive
any sooner then thy self.
A200 Praise none too much, for ALL are fickle
1640 HERE, no. 770. 1659 N.R., p. 87.
A201 Since you know ALL and I nothing, tell me what
I dreamed last night
1640 HERE, no. 332. 1664 COD., p. 211.
A202 Speak not ALL you know, do not all you can,
believe not all you hear
01500 Prov. Wisdom l. 60: Say not all that thou kanne. 1576 R.
EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [91], l. 8: Beleue not euery speache,
nor speake not all you heare. 1580 LODGE Reply to Gosson, p. 33:
Men know more then they speak if they be wise. 1596 DEL., s.
O7v: Thinke more then thou speakes, and hope for the best. 1598
BARCKLEY Fel. Man V, p. 535: Beleeue not all thou hearest: doe not
all thou maiest: nor speake all that thou knowest. 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. 12: Never tell all thou knowest, thou canst, or hast. 1659
HOW. Span. Prov., p. 17: Do not speak all thou knowest, do not
judge all thou seest, and thou shalt live in peace. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 18, p. 71: Never ofTer to speak, or tell all thou knowst, or
canst, or hast to say. Ihid. 9, p. 185: Do not discover what thou
hearest, shew not what thou hast, take not all thou desirest, speak
not all thou knowst, do not all thou canst do, and thou shalt live
happily. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica,
II 35: All that thou knowest do not speak. 1739 FRANKLIN, p. 16:
Proclaim not all thou knowest, all thou owest, all thou hast, nor all
thou canst.
SHAKESPEARE.—I605-6 K.L. I iv 131: Have more than thou
showest, Speak less than thou knowest, Lend less than thou owest,
Ride more than thou goest, Learn more than thou trowest.
See DiiR., II, no. 249.
A203 Take ALL and pay all
1601 MARSTON Yack Drum I, s. B3: Rule all, pay all, take all with-
out checke or snib. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. H0 I i, s.
B2v: Thou art faine to take al, and pay all. 1623 WEBSTER Devil's
Law-Case III i 13: As your Dutchwomen . . Take all and pay all,
and doe keep their Husbands So silly . . of their owne estates. 1642
D. ROGERS Matr. Honor iv, p. 92: Your heires must be faine to take
all, and pay all, and so fleece the rest. 1678 RAY, p. 349.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I II ii 123: Do what she will, say
what she will, take all, pay all.
A204 Take ALL and pay the baker
1678 RAY, p. 348. 1721 KEL., p. 331 : Take it all pay the Malt-Man
(Baker). *Spokenjocosely when we give all Ofsuch a thing. 1732
FUL., no. 4303.
A205 To live peaceably with ALL breeds good blood
1640 HERE, no. 956.
A206 To make ALL sure
1639 CL., p. 278: Make all sure. 1672 WALK. 66, p. 11: I have
made it sure [set it safe] for their coming at; set it out of their way.
I have stopt them from doing mischief; prevented their doing harm.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8’.
ALL
ALMOST
12

SHAKESPEARE.—ISQ7 1 Hen. IV V iii 47: I have paid Percy; I
have made him sure. Ibid. V iv 126: I’ll make him sure; yea, and
I'll swear I kill’d him.
A207 To set ALL a going if it were a mile to the bottom
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sughero, p. 208: (Prodigally to sink all
one hath; the English says, To set).
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2 Hen. IV V iii 56: Fill the cup, and let it
come! I’ll pledge you a mile to th’ bottom.
Cf. W146: It is a great way to the bottom of the sea.
A208 To set ALL at six and seven
[Originally a dicing phrase.] 1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 267v: There is
a prouerbe, omnem iacere aleam, to cast all dyce by whiche is Sig-
nified, to sette all on Sixe and seuen, and at all auentures to ieoperd
assaiyng the wilde chaunce Of fortune, bee it good bee it badde.
1546 HEY. I xi, 5. E1: I maie breake a dishe there; and sure I shall
Set all at Sixe and seuen, to wyn some wyndfall. 1562 HEY. Epig.
160, p. 153: I will set all, euen at syxe and at seuen, Ye, and repent
all, betwene ten and eleuen. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 743: He sets all
upon sex or seven. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (I will set). 1670
RAY, p. 192. I732 FUL., no. 5195: To leave all at Sixes and Sevens.
SHAKESPEARE.-—-1596 Rich. I] II ii 120:All is uneven, And every-
thing is left at six and seven.
See ST., no. 2393. (50)
A209 Venture not ALL in one bottom
[ERAS. Adagia, 1026B: Ne uni navi facultates.] 1580 LYLY Euph.
and His Eng., p. 63: I aduentured in one Ship to put all my wealth.
61600 Charlemagne l. 411, p. 14: Yet me thynke it were not fytt in
polycie to venture all in one pore Shallowe Boate. [1613-14] 1623
WEBSTER Duch. Malfi III v 71: Let us not venture all this poore
remainder In one unlucky bottom. 1615 CROOKE Descr. Body Man
Pref. t0 Controversies, p. 36: AS a Marchant that lost all his inherit-
ance in one bottome. 1639 CL., p. 207. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 75, p. 134: There’s no venturing all in one bottom. 1672
WALK. 65, p. 53.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-4 1 Hen. VI IV vi 32: O, too much folly is
it, well I wot, To hazard all our lives in one small boat! 1596 M. V.
I i 42: My ventures are not in one bottom trusted.
Cf. A214: Who has all in one place has all in the fire; B279: I
must not hang all my bells upon one horse; E89: To put all your
eggs in one basket; OI 8: Put not all your offerings in one Stock. (9)
A210 Whatever he can wrap and wring, ALL is his own
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rappoli, p. 165: (To live of Rapine and
Plunder; the English say, What ever he).
A211 When ALL is consumed repentance comes too
late
1481 CAX'I‘ON Reynard 40, p. 110: That after they repente hem and
thenne it is to[o] late. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. C4: To late (quoth myne
aunt) this repentance shewd is. [01560] I581 WOODES Confl. Cons.
IV i, s. F1v: Then will you repent it, when it is to late. 1573
GASCOIGNE Gascoigne’s Memories (1575 ed.): Posies, p. 66: Bought
witte is deare, and drest with sower salte, Repentaunce commes to
late . . Who spares the first and keepes the last unspent, Shall finde
that sparing yeeldes a goodly rent. 1601 ]. MANNINGHAM Diary
Jan. 26, p. 17: All our life wee have tyme to repent, but at death, it
is tOO late. 1603 DRAYTON Barons’ Wars II xvii 136, p. 31: Ill
comes too soone, Repentance oft too late. 1611 COT., s.v. Des-
pendre. 1623 WOD., p. 516: To late repents the Man when no more
is to spend. 1664 COD., p. 224. 1670 RAY, p. 22. 1687 MIEG-E,
s.v. Repentance. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 154. 1732 FUL., no. 5545:
(When all is gone).
Cf. B551: It is too late to spare when the bottom is bare; G17: He
repents too late that repents at the gallows.
A212 When ALL is gone and nothing left what avails
the dagger with the dudgeon haft?
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D3: (left, farewell dagger with dudgin
haft). 1639 CL., p. 281: (what good do’s the dagger). 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1670 RAY, p. 6. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 150. 1732
FUL., no. 6393: (with Dudgeon Haft).

A213 Who gives to ALL denies all
1611 COT., s.v. Donner: Hee that gives me all denies me all: He that
Offers me all, meanes to give me nothing. I640 HERB., no. 38.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 186. 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 10: Who Offers me all, denyes me all. 1659 N.R., p. I I9.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 73: Who gives all, neglects all. 1721 KEL.,
p. 163: He that gives all, would give nothing. *When we ask a
Share of what one has, if they give us all, we alledge that it was in a
Pet, and with a Grudge.
Cf. A197: None so good that’s good to all; M453: He that fills
every man’s mouth needs much meal; M1292: To Offer much is a
kind Of denial; N272: He that promises too much (all) means
nothing.
A214 Who has ALL in one place has all in the fire
1659 How. It. Prov., p. IO. 1664 COD., p. 228. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 9, p. 132: Who hath all he hath in one place, hath it all in the
fire.
Cf. A209: Venture not all in one bottom.
A215 Ye are ALL cunts benison1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1616.
[Iquarrelsome]
A216 Ye eat ALL and dryts1 all and harles2 the barrow
at your arse
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1586.
[1void excrement 2drag]
A217 You see what we must ALL come to if we live
1678 RAY, p. 65.
A218 ALL ONE but their meat goes two ways
1678 RAY, p. 78.
A219 ALL’s OUT is good for prisoners but nought for
the eyes
1678 RAY, p. 186: *It’s good for prisoners to be out, but bad for the
eyes to be out. This is a droll used by good fellows when one tells
them, all the drink is out.
A220 An ALMOND for parrot
[61517] c1545 SKELTON Speak Parrot l. 50: Wks., II 4: An almon
now for Parrot, dilycatly drest. 1577 GRANGE Garden, s. SI: What
nothing but mum? an Almon for parrot, Speake Parrot I pray thee,
may nothing be got? 1581 B. RICH Fare. Mil. Prof., p. 63: Have
you founde your tongue now, pretie peate? then wee most have an
almon for parrat. CI589 NASI-IE Almondfor Parrot: Wks., III 339:
[Title]. [1598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. G3v: An
Almonde for Parret, a Rope for Parret. 1599 BUTTES Diet’s Dry
Dinner, s. E2: Phillis was turned into an Almond-tree, for telling
tales out of schoole: euer sithence, it hath bene a by-word: an Al-
mond for the Parrat. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. I i 67: My tongue
speaks no language but an almond for [a] parrot, and crack me this
nut. I635 TAYLOR Bawd: Wks. F., p. 97a: Shee knowes a bribe
to a Catchpole is as sufficient as an Almond for a Parrot. 1640
JONSON Magn. Lady V vii 42: Almond for Parrat; Parrat’s a brave
bird.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. V ii 193: The parrot will not do more
for an almond than he for a commodious drab.
Cf. N359: Crack me that nut, quoth Bumstead.
ALMOST and well-nigh (very nigh) save many a
lie
1639 CL., p. 106: (saves). 1662 FULLER Worthies England, I 57:
(very nigh, Have saved). 1670 RAY, p. 56: (very nigh). 1732
FUL., no. 6188: (and hard by, Saves).
Cf. A222: Almost was never hanged.
A221
A222 ALMOST was never hanged
1639 CL., p. 103. 1670 RAY, p. 56.
Cf. A221: Almost and well-nigh (very nigh) save many a lie.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ALMS
AMIENs
13

A223 ALMs never make poor
1640 HERE, no. 185. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 1: Giving 0f
Almes never lightens the Purse. 1659 N .R., p. 5: (makes). I666
TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 128: (lessen the purse).
Cf. A226: Great almsgiving lessens no man’s living; G128: Giving
much to the poor does increase a man’s store; H72: The hand that
gives gathers; M509: Charitable men lose nothing; P471: That
which is given to the poor is lent to God.
A224 He that preaches gives ALMs
I640 HERE, no. 783.
A225 It were ALMS (almsdeed) to punish him
[01497] al 520 MEDWALL Fulgens, s. EIV: It were almys to wrynge
me by the care. 1533 ELYOT Of Know. IV, p. 67b: Nay I trowe,
than were it almes to hang me. 01570 INGELEND Disoh. Child, s.
C3: It were almes by my trothe, thou were well beaten. 1586 W.
WARNER Alhion’s Eng. VI 30: Poems, p. 577: They flout him to his
face, and helde it almes to arme his head (i.e. . . to fit him with
horns). [1627] 1686 R. SANDERSON dd Magistratum i: Serm., I 257:
If he be hungry it is alms to feed him; but if he be idle and unto-
ward, it is alms to whip him. 1628 EARLE Micro. 27, p. 48: No man
verifies the Prouerbe more, that it is an Almes-deed to punish him.
A226 Great ALMSGIVING lessens no man’s living
1640 HERE, no. 186. 1659 N.R., p. 38: (Great allowing).
FRANKLIN, p. 34: (lessen).
Cf. A223: Alms never make poor.
I737
A227 Hungry ALMSMEN are Venus’ apes
1616 DR., no. 1319.
A228 Never less ALONE than when alone (He is never
alone who is accompanied with noble thoughts)
01555 Songs and Bal. Philip and Mary 6, p. 22: Never was I lesse
alone then beyng alone. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 49: And ther-
upon Scipio said, that he was never lesse alone, then when he was
alone, for that being gotten by him self into some solitarie place, he
discoursed many thinges in his minde, perteining to the increase of
his honour. I590 SIDNEY Arcadia 1, Bk. I xiii, I 88: They are
never alone (saide I) that are accompanied with noble thoughts.
I600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 50: Wise-men haue companie, though
left alone. 01614 DRUMMOND Fair Is Yoke (1616 ed.): Poet. Wks.,
I 5: I neuer want Delight, euen when I grone, Best companied when
mostI am alone. [1625] I647 MASSINGER ET AL. Love’s Cure III iii, p.
199: She never is alone, that is accompanied With noble thoughts.
[1625] 1661 WEBSTER Curefor Cuckold I i 81: I have heard some
say, Men are ne’re less alone, then when alone, Such power hath
meditation. 1667 MILTON Par. Lost IX 249, p. 269: For solitude
sometimes is best societie. 1732 FUL., no. 1927: He is never alone,
who is accompanied with noble Thoughts.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R._‘7. (Q) I i 133: I noting his afiections by
mine owne, That most are busied when th’ are most alone, Pursued
my honor, not pursuing his. 1601 T.N. I iv 36: Some four or five
attend him—All, if you will; for I myself am best When least in
company. 1611 Temp. (E) III i, p. 10: But these sweet thoughts,
doe euen refresh my labours most busie lest, when I doe it. (8)
A229 He carries his ALTAR with him
1616 DR., s.v. Pouertie, no. 1681.
I A230 He that serves at the ALTAR ought to live by the i
altar
1546 Suppl. Commons in Fish Supplfor Beggars, p. 72: Affirminge
that it is but mete that suche as serue the aulrer, should haue a
liuynge therby. 1732 FUL., no. 2294.
A231 What cannot be ALTERED must be borne not
blamed
[ERAS. Adagia, 117D: Feras non culpes, quod vitari non potest.]
1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. I V, p. 24: It were now but folly to
spend time in bootelesse complaints, nor to lament the thing which
may not be remedied. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p. 74:
Thinges which cannot be altered are to be borne, not blamed. 1592
LYLY Midas IV ii 59: That must be borne, not blam’d, that cannot
be Changed. 1732 FUL., no. 5481.
SHAKESPEARE.———I608 C. IV vii 1 I : I must excuse \Vhat cannot be
amended.
Cf. C921: Past cure past care; C922: What cannot be cured must
be endured; T204: Things past cannot be recalled but may be re-
pented.
A232 He is AMATED and amazed
1616 DR., s.v. Doubting, no. 544.
A233 The Welsh AMBASSADOR1
I608 MIDDLETON Trick to Catch Old One IV v 173: Thy sound is like
the cuckoo, the Welch ambassador. 01623 kVelsh Amhass. IV, p.
45: They saie the welsh embassador will haue her. 1631 DEKKER
Match Me in Lond. II, p. 166: The Welch Embassador, has a Mes-
sage to you sir. 01637 M. PARKER Bill Fare l. 81 in Roxh. Bal., I
72: Three dozen of Welsh Embassadors bakt. 1683-4 CLERKE in
Reg. Magd. College, IV 135: Mr. Clerke, commoner, complain’d of
Sir Chernock, demy, for abusing him. . calling him foole, Welsh
ambassadour (an expression for an owle).
[lcuckoo]
A234 AMBITION is the last affection1 a noble mind can
putofi ‘
1611 JONSON Cat. III 247, p. 477: Ambition, like a torrent, ne’re
lookes back; And is a swelling, and the last affection A high minde
can put OH. 1638 MILTON Lycidas l. 70: Wks., Pt. I, I 79: Fame is
the spur that the clear spirit doth raise (That last infirmity of
Noble mind) To scorn delights, and live laborious dayes. 1732
FUL., no. 1270: Desire of Glory is the last Garment, that even wise
Men put off.
[1passion]
A235 AMBITION loses many a man
1616 BRET., p. 5: Ambition endangers life. 1659 N.R., p. 14.
SHAKESPEARE.—I605-6 M. I vii 25: I have . . only Vaulting am-
bition, which o’erleaps itself And falls on th’ other side.
A236 He is young enough to AMEND
1546 HEY. II ix, 8. K3vz Ye be yong ynough t0 mende.
no. 81.
Cf. M533: In young men to err is less shame.
1616 DR.,
A237 Some do AMEND when they cannot appairl (grow
worse)
I530 PALs., p. 531b: I praye God amende hym, for he can nat well
empayre. I546 HEY. II ix, 3. LIV: Howe ye will amende, whan ye
can not appayre. I562 HEY. Epig. 106, p. 143: He may soone
amend for he can not apeyre. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 265. 1616
DR., no. 482. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: He may mend, but not
grow worse. 1664 COD., p. 198: [As in 1659 How.]. 1721 KEL., p.
154: He may grow better, but he cannot be worse. *Spoken of
them who are extremely wicked, or extremely sick.
Cf. T216: When things are at the worst they will mend.
[lgrow worse]
A238 He is not far from AMENDMENT who confesses
his fault
I546 HEY. II Vi, s. 12: Let your amendement amende the matter.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 3. I732 FUL., no. 789: Amendment is
Repentance.
Cf. C589: Confession of a fault is half amends.
A239 AMIENs was taken by the fox and retaken by the
lion
I651 HERE, p. 366. 1657 LEIGH, p. 259: (the Fox, retaken).
*Because the Arch-Duke took it be [sic] a stratagem, and Henry the
fourth regained it by force.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
ANCHOR
14 ANVIL

A240 Like an ANCHOR, that is ever in the water and
never learns to swim
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VIII, p. 134: (Thou art like vnto an anker,
which is alwaies in). 01594 BACON, no. 923: (will never learn to
swym). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 11: He is like an anchor, which
though alwayes in the water, yet never drinks. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 39, p. 10: An Anchor is ever in the water, and yet never swims.
*Note 57, p. 19: Once a block-head, and alwaies a blockhead, nature
generally will predominate.
Cf. B278: Bells call others but themselves enter not into the
church.
A241 To cast one’s ANCHOR
1569 UNDERDOWNE Aethiop. Hist. VIII, p. 216: Let us as the Prov-
erbe saith, cast our last anchore.
See ST., no. 84.
A242 There spoke an ANGEL
01596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More I i 176: There spake an angel].
1599 H. PORTER Two Wom. Ab. vi, 5. F3v: There speakes an angell.
I605 CHAPMAN, _]ONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho II ii 272: The
blond-hound Securitie will smell out ready money for you instantly.
——There spake an Angel]. 1607 _]0NSON Volp. II iv 20: There spoke
My better Angeli. 1608 MIDDLETON Family Love V iii 132. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 259: There spake a sybill. *Note 136, p. 276:
Ironically spoken oft times, as if one would say, There spake
Wisdom it self.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 KY. V ii 64: And even there, methinks an
angel spake.
A243 ANGER and heartsease are utter enemies
1611 COT., s.v. Aise. I659 N.R., p. 12.
A244 ANGER dies quickly with a good man
1669 WllNSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p.
1664 COD., p. 184.
I732 FUL., no. 796: Anger is short-liv’d in a
190. I670 RAY, p. I.
good Man.
Cf. A246: Anger is short madness; R30: Rancor sticks long by the
ribs.
A245 ANGER edges valor
1639 CL., p. 178.
A246 ANGER is short madness
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 23]: He that can not refrayne his Ire hath no
power ouir his Witte. 01569 W. WAGER Longer Thou Livest, s.
C2v: Wrath and Madnesse they say be all one. 1615 T. ADAMS
Mystical Bedlam: Wks., p. 492: Neyther is it a short madnesse; that
we may say of it, as the Poet of anger, furor breuis est; but of long
continuance. I616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady III,
p. 268: Be not angrie Sir, but as the Poet sings, let your displeasure
be a short furie. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 iii 9, p. 233: Anger,
a perturbation . . preparing the body to melancholy and madness
itself: anger is temporary madness. 1631 JONSON Staple News V vi
14: If your short madnesse, be not more then anger, Conceiued
for your losse!
SHAKESPEARE.—16O5-8 T. Ath. I ii 28: They say, my lords, Ira
furor brevis est: but yond man is ever angry.
Cf. A244: Anger dies quickly with a good man.
A247 ANGER punishes itself
[ERAS. Similia, 588C: Ita iracundia sibi nocet saepenumero, cum
aliis nocere studet.] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p. 66: It fell
out with him as it doth commonly, with all those that are Cholar-
icke, that he hurt no man but himself. I732 FUL., no. 799.
A248 ANGLESEY is the mother of Wales
1613 DRAYTON Poly-Olb. IX 390, p. 179: Mona . . was call’d (in
former times) her Country Cambria’s mother. 1662 FULLER
kVorthies Anglesey, II 570: Mon Mam Cymbry. That is, Anglesey
is the Mother of Wales . . because. . she . . is said to afibrd Corn
enough to sustain all Wales.

A249 Two ANONS and a by-and-by is an hour and a half
1636 CAM., p. 308. I659 N.R., p. 102. 1664 COD., p. 212: Two,
and One, and By and By, is an Hour and Half. 1670 RAY, p. 56:
(and half). 1732 FUL., no. 5321: (are).
A250 You are such ANOTHER
[“Tu quoque,” a retort to one’s accuser] [01517] I533 SKELTON
Magn., s. D1: Cockys bonys herde ye euer syke another. 1553
Respublica III vi, p. 29: This same I got by sectourshipp of my
Mother, -——A vengeaunce on hir, old witche, for suche an other.
1578 T. LUPTON Allfor Money, s. D3v: By the Mass I thought thou
was euen such an other. 1614 COOKE Greene’s Tu Quoque: [Title].
[1614] I631 JONSON Barth. Fair II iii 54: Thou art such another mad
merry Vrs still! 1633 FORD ’Tis Pity I, p. 98: But hee is such
another Dunce, I fear Hee’le neuer winne the Wench. I640
BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 122: Trust me, Husband, you
are such an other. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Huomo, p. 82: The
English say . . you are such another man.
SHAKESPEARE—1598—9 M.A. III iv 87: Yet Benedick was such
another. 1602 T.C. I ii 296: You are such another! (15)
An ANSWER in a. word
1668 R.B., p. 9.
A251
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 120.
A252 The shortest ANSWER is doing
I640 HERB, no. 548. I659 N.R., p. 110: (anger [for answer]).
A253 A shrewd ANSWER is always ready
1616 DR., no. 2492.
A254 Such ANSWER as a man gives, such will he get
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1195. I668 R.B., p. 49.
A255 There is no ANSWER for, GO from my house, and,
What will you have with my wife?
1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xliii, IV 43: I would faine know
what foure Proverbs they be . . What better (said Sancho) then . .
GO from my house, What will you have with my wife?
See SM., p. 478.
A256 The ANT had wings to do her hurt
1584 LYLY Camp. IV ii 13: Ants liue safely, til they haue gotten
wings. I584 LYLY Sapho and Phao II i 129: Keepe not companie
with Antes that haue winges. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II,
xxxiii, III 252: (The Proverbe sayes, The Ant). 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 29: The Ant got wings to her own destruction. *This
may be applyed to mean men when they come to too much riches;
whence proceeds pride and ambition, and consequently their ruine.
1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quite. IV i, p. 68.
A257 The ANVIL fears no blows
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. I 1 8: A good anvil fears no hammer.
ROB, p. 102: The great anvil doth not fear noise or stroaks.
FUL., no. 4395.
1681
1732
A258 He has hammered it on his own ANVIL
1616 DR., s.v. Liars and Lying, no. 1327.
A259 To a hard ANVIL a hammer of feathers
1611 COT., s.v. Marteau: A dure enclume marteau de plume: By
patience we quaile, or quell all harsh attempts. 1623 VVOD., p. 508:
(For a). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 118: (a feather hammer).
Cf. F372: To break a flint (blade) on a feather bed.
A260 When many strike on an ANVIL they must strike
by measure
1640 HERB, no. 547: You must strike in measure when there are
many to strike on one anvile. 1664 COD., p. 230: You must strike
in Measure, when many strike on the Anvill. I670 RAY, p. 17.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Many. 1732 FUL., no. 5561: (they must observe
Order).

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ANVIL 1 5 APO THECARY

A261 When you are an ANVIL hold you Still, when you hath in a whip. 01640 SMYTH 88, p. 33: As proud as an Ape of a
are a ha H Her Strike your fill whip; viz. not proud at all; rather in dislike of the thinge. 1659
_ h How. Eng. Prov., p. 12: I love it as an Ape loves a whipp. 1670
1591 FLOR- S“- F' XI) 13' 101: (But bemg the ammerl' I640 RAY, p. 2051As fond ofit, as an Ape ofa whip and a bell. 1678 RAY,
HERE, no. 334. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 3: When thou art an anvil
obey the hammer. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 16: When thou art
an Anvil suffer like an Anvil, when thou art a Hammer strike like a
Hammer. 1664 COD., p. 227. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 118:
When one is an anvil, one must suHer, when a hammer, strike.
1670 RAY, p. 1. 1696 D’URFEY3 Don Quite. 111 ii, p. 257: (But
when).
A262
P- 355-
Cf. B127: As willingly as the bear goes to the stake; C150: He
loves me as a cat does mustard; D220: As the devil loves holy water;
D512: To love it as a dog loves a whip.
A268 As free as an APE is of his tail
1670 RAY, p. 205.
An APE is an ape, a varlet is a varlet, though they
be clad in silk or scarlet
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I. 1670 RAY, p. 2. 1677 RICHARDSON
Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 36. 1732 FUL., no. 6391.
See ST., no. 31. Cf. A263: An ape is an ape though clad in scarlet
(gold); A266: As fine as an ape in purple.
A263 An APE is an ape though clad in scarlet (gold)
[ERAS. Adagio, 264F: Simia in purpura. Mid, 265A: Simia simia
est, etiamsi aurea gestet insignia.] 1539 TAV., f. 21: (although she
weare badges of golde). I577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. Elv:
By profe I finde an ape an ape, in purple be she plast. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 31v: Bedecke an Ape with gold, and he wyl be an
Ape styl. 1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xix, p. 201 : An ape
wilbe an ape, by kinde as they say, Though that ye clad him all in
purple array. 1602 JONSON Poetaster V iii 630: And apes are apes,
though cloth’d in scarlet. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Scimia, p.
185: To be an ape in Purple, viz. an unworthy Person extoll’d and
promoted to high Preferment and Dignity.
Cf. A262: An ape is an ape, a varlet is a varlet, though they be
clad in silk or scarlet; A352: An ass is but an ass though laden with
A269 As wise as an APE
1530 PALS., p. 591b: She hath so insensed him with folye that he is
almoste as wyse as an ape. 01569 W. WAGER Longer Thou Livest, s.
C3. 1685 If Sorrow, Tyrant in Ined. Poet. Misc., s. XI: (And
sometimes it makes them as).
A270 Every APE thinks his puppy the fairest
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 87: (As the ape dooth his young
ones) I thinke mine the properest of them all. 1611 COT., s.v.
Femme: (her puppie). 1659 N.R., p. 29. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I,
p. 26: An Ape thinks her young one the fairest.
Cf. C851: The crow thinks her own bird fairest (whitest); K40:
Of kin to the owl, who thinks herself fairest; M131: Every man likes
his own thing best; P173: Every peddler thinks well of his pack;
P513: Every potter praises his own pot. '
A271 The higher the APE goes the more he shows his
tail
01594 BACON, no. 924: He doth like the ape that the higher he
clymbes the more he shows his ars. 1640 HERE, no. 741. 1659
gold_ N.R., p. 105. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Scimia, p. 1 85: To do as the
_ . _ ape, viz. the higher it climbs up, the more it shews its naked breech.
A264 The APE klus her young W1th klndness (by 1670 RAY, p. 57. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Ape. 1721 KEL., p. 194:
*High Stations become not mean Persons, for they will misbehave
in them.
A272 An old APE has an old eye
clipping)
[ERAS. Similia, 612E: Simia catulos fere complexu necat.] 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng. Ep. Ded., p. 5: Glad I was to sende them
both abroad, least making a wanton of my first, with a blinde con-
ceipt, I should resemble the Ape, and kill it by cullyng [fondling,
embracing] it. 1586 G. WHITNEY Choice Emblems II, p. 188: With
kindenes, lo, the Ape doth kill her whelpe. [01589] 1601 LYLY
Love’s Metam. IV ii 74: That young cruell resembleth old Apes, who
1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. II, p. 39: Nay, an old ape has an
old eye; I shall go before, an’ thou woot show me a love-trick, and
lock me into the garden. 1636 CAM., p. 291. 1639 CL., p. 267.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Prato, p. 156: (The English say . . An
kill by culling. . neuer smiling but when shee meaneth to smite. old Ape). 1670 RAY, p. 126.
1615 T. ADAMS Black Saint: Wks., p. 369: These are Satan’s white
boyes, or rather blacke boyes, which he kills, like the Ape her
young, with kindness, and damnes with indulgence. 1616 DR.,
no. 266: The ape so long straineth (or clippeth) her yong ones,
vntill she kill them. 1639 CL., p. 240. 1664 COD., p. 215: The
Ape so long clippeth her young, till at the last she killeth them.
1670 RAY, p. 2: [As in 1664 Cod.].
Cf. K51: TO kill. with kindness.
A265 As drunk as an APE
01500 Blowhols Test. 1. 280 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 104: Such as
wilbe as drongen as an ape. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 96:
Some are Ape dronke full of lawghter and of toyes. 01560 MOWN-
TAINE Trouhles in Narr. Reform. App., p. 337: (He was as). 1583
STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 151: Swilling and gulling, night and day,
till they be as drunke as Apes. 1616 DR., no. 554: (drunken).
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Porco, p. 154: The English say . . as
drunk as an Ape, when merry and drunk.
A273 To make one his APE
1533 HEYWOOD Yohn, s. B3: To make her husband her ape.
See ST., no. 27.
A274 To say an APE’s patemoster
1611 COT., s.v. Barboter: To chatter, or didder for cold; to say an
Apes Paternoster. 1653 URQUHART Gargantua I xi,I 54: He would
. . say the Apes Paternoster.
Cf. D315: He is pattering the devil’s paternoster.
A275 A PER SE
[3.1511] 1532 HENRYSON Test. Cress. (Thynne ed.) 1. 78: Poems, III
180: O, fayre Creseyde! the fioure and a per se Of Troy and Grece.
[01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 903, p. 409: Ye ar ane verie
Apersie. 1575 G. HARVEY Let. BA, p. 104: A verie A per se A, not
her fellowe in Europa. 1616 DR., s.v. Excellencie, no. 613: A perse
A. 1639 CL., s.v. Excellentia et aequalitas, p. 104: A per se a.
SHAKESPEARE.—I602 T.C. I ii 15: They say he is a very man per
se And stands alone.
A266 As fine as an APE in purple
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 9: I will cloth it (like an ape in
purple) that it may be admitted into the better company. 1616
DR., no. 18. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, indecora, p. 7
Cf. A262: An ape is an ape, a varlet is a varlet, though they be
clad in silk or scarlet.
A276 APOLLo’s words and Cato’s works are worthy of
praise
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. I3: The prouerb goeth, that Apollo his
words and Cato his works are worthy praise.
A267 As fond as an APE of a whip
1588 [MARPRELATE] Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. 123: The Reader
cannot choose but have as great delight therein as a jackanapes
A277 As proud as an APOTHECARY
1678 RAY, p. 288.

1639 CL., p. 32.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl'.
APOTHECARY I 6
APPLE

A278 A broken APOTHECARY a new doctor
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 2.
Cf. C737: A young courtier an old beggar; S255: An Old serving-
man a young beggar.
A279 He chafes like an APOTHECARY
1639 CL., p. 178.
A280 To speak like an APOTHECARY
1616 WITHA LS, p. 560: You speake like a Pottecary. 1639 CL., s.v.
Garrulitas, p. 133: He prates like a poticary. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 15: You speak like a Pothecary, viz. Ignorantly. 1670
RAY, p. 195: (To talk like).
A281 The APOTHECARY’S mortar spoils the luter’s
music
1640 HERB., no. 919. 1664 COD., p. 222: (Lutinists Musick).
A282 APOTHECARIES would not give pills in sugar
unless they were bitter
[ERAS. Similia, 606T: Ut Pharmacopolae bracteis aureis tegunt re-
media quaedam, quo pluris vendant.] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 99: The admonition of a true friend should be like the prac-
tise of a wise Phisition, who wrappeth his Sharpe pils in fine sugar.
1598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 182: Phisitions in bitter medicines do
mingle some sweet thinges, that they may allure their patient to
take them: so parentes ought to asswage the sharpenes of reprehen~
sion with milder words. 1616 DR., no. 627: If the Apothecaries
pilles had a good taste, they would neuer gilde them ouer. 1639
CL., p. 108. I670 RAY, p. 2.
Cf. P325: To sugar (gild) the pill.
A283 APPAREL makes (Clothes make) the man
[ERAS. Adagia, 731E: Vestis virum facit.] a15oo Prov. Wisdom l.
59: Euer maner and clothyng makyth man. [a1558] 1568 7acob
and Esau IV viii, s. E4v: Now I see apparell setteth out a man.
1611 COT., s.v. Robbe: Handsome apparell sets out a man exceed-
ingly. 1616 BRET., p. 9: Neate apparell graceth a man. 1616
DR., no. 97: (a man). 1622 MABBE Rogue II 11 viii, III 343: For
as man’s apparell is, so is his esteeme.
SHAKESPEARE.——1600-1 H. I iii 72: The apparel oft proclaims the
man.
See DiiR., I, no. 914; OTTO, no. 476. Cf. A284: Handsome ap-
parel makes fools pass for wise men (hides much deformity); A349:
An ass covered with gold is more respected than a good horse with a
packsaddle; G206: God makes and apparel shapes but money makes
the man; M827: Meat makes and cloth shapes but manners make a
man; S451: Silk and satin (Fine clothes) make not a gentleman;
T17: The tailor makes the man; T23: Nine (Three) tailors make a
man. (5)
A284 Handsome APPAREL makes fools pass for wise
men (hides much deformity)
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. X2v: For when his apparell was of his
backe, all his wit was deare of twopence. 1600 JONSON Ev. Man
out Hum. II vi 45: Rich apparell has strange vertues; it makes him
that hath it without meanes, esteemed for an excellent wit. 1611
COT., s.v. Clerc: (Handsome, or decent apparrell makes fooles oft
passe). Ibid., s.v. Herisson: Good clothes hide much deformitie;
or, a clowne well cloathed seemes a Gentleman. 1658 E. PHILLIPS
Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 178: Good Clothes hide much deformity.
1664 COD., p. 197.
SHAKESPEARE.——16o5-6 K.L. IV vi 168: Through tatter’d clothes
small vices do appear; Robes and furr’d gowns hide all.
Cf. A283: Apparel makes (Clothes make) the man; C476: Under
a ragged (threadbare) coat lies wisdom; M528: Honest men and
knaves may possibly wear the same cloth; S849: Dress up a stick
and it does not seem to be a stick.
A285 APPEARANCES are deceitful
1526 TYNDALE New Test. John 7, f. 83: Judge not after the vtter
aperaunce: but iudge rightewes iudgement. 1608 MIDDLETON Fam-
ily Love I ii 148: Outward apparance is no authentic instance of the

A291
inward desires. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 12: Appearance oft de-
ceives.
SHAKESPEARE—1610 Cym. V i 29: Let me make men know More
valour in me than my habits Show . . To shame the guise 0’ th’
world, I will begin The fashion, less without and more within.
See ST., no. 1994. Cf. D336: There is smalldifference to the eye of
the world in being nought and being thought so; T199: Things are
not as they seem.
A286 APPETITE comes with eating
01594 BACON, no. 1597: En mangeant l’appetit vient. I611 COT.,
s.v. Appetit: [As in 01594 Bacon]. 1623 WOD., p. 475: A Stomocke
commes by eating. *Profit comes by Exercise. 1653 URQUHART
Gargantua I v, I 37. 1657 LEIGH, p. 268: The stomack comes by
eating, the thirst is quencht by drinking. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8,
p. 12: An appetite is gotten by eating. *Note 67, p. 19: Alluding to
that Epicurian saying, Ever whilst you live, if thou wilt eat a good
dinner, eat a good breakfast.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 H. I ii 143: Why, she would hang on him
As if increase of appetite had grown By what it fed on.
Cf. B419: One bit draws down another; E54: Eating and drinking
take away one’s stomach; M1 149: The more one drinks (eats) the
more one may; 5166: Scratching and eating wants but a beginning;
S402: One shoulder of mutton draws (drives) down another.
A287 The APPETITE opens itself as soon as the eye
1616 DR., no. 1028.
A288 To moderate the APPETITE is a virtue, to let it
loose is a vice
1616 WITHALS, p. 539: (is virtue and is vice). 1664 COD., p. 213.
Cf. M792: The golden mean is best; M793: The mean (The merry
mean) is the best; M804: Measure is a merry mean.
A289 To rise with an APPETITE
1558 BULLEIN Govt. Health, f. 26v: And so leaue with an appetite,
passinge the time wiselie betweene dinner and supper. 1567 G.
F ENTON T rag. Dis. 10, II 133: DO commonly rise from the table
with an appitit. 1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 203, p. 167: The
surest way in feeding is to leaue with an appetite, according to the
Old saying. I648 HBRRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 220: So as to rise
still with an appetite. 1662 FULLER Worthies England, I 48: Phy_
sicians prescribe it as a rule of health, to rise with an appetite.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Stanza, p. 203.
A290 As dear as the APPLE of my eye
1562 BROOKE Romeus and Yul. l. 1871, p. 196: Whom I do hold as
deere, as thapple of myne eye. 1563 Hastings in Mirrorfor Magis-
trates III, Pt. I, II 289: I lou’d him, Baldwine, as the apple of mine
eye. I595 [W.S.] Locrine V iii, s. 13v: He was . . More deare to me
then the apple of mine eie. 01600 MARLOWE Mass. at Paris xii 27,
p. 221: IS all my love forgot, which held thee dear, Ay, dearer then
the apple of mine eye?
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 475: And laugh upon the
apple of her eye?
See ST., no. 101. (12)
As like as an APPLE is to an oyster (nut)
I559 COOPER, s.v. Similis: (is to a nutte, or as wotemeale to grene
chese). 1609 Ans. to Robinson, p. 82: Then we Shall see howe like
this apple is to that oyster. 1616 DR., no. 2287: (apple to). 1639
CL., p. 96. 1661 A. BROME Clown: Poems, p. 670: And they do go
no more aleek, Than an apple’s like an oyster. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Tonnina, p. 217: AS much difference as may be, As an
Apple is like an Oyster, saith the English. 1670 RAY, p. 206:
(apple to). 1732 FUL., no. 707: (to a Lobster).
SHAKESPEARE.——I594-8 T.S. IV ii 99: He is my father, sir; and . .
In count’nance somewhat doth resemble you. ——AS much as an
apple doth an oyster.
A292 Better APPLE given nor eaten
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 220. 1668 R.B., p. 11.
An Apple is better given than eaten by a time.
1721 KEL., p. 42:

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
APPLE
APRIL
17

A293 He that’s cooled with an APPLE and heated with
an egg, over me shall never spread his leg
c1640 SMYTE 7, p. 27.
A294 One rotten APPLE corrupts all those apples that
lie near it
01577 NORTI-IBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 125: A rotten apple laid
among sounde apples, which will rot all the rest. 1586 WITI-IALS, s.
D4v: A perished apple doth quicklye rotte the next onto it. 1616
DR., no. 1104. 1639 CL., p. 217: (those, that be neare it). 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 5: The rotten apple spoils his companion.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 148: One rotten apple spoyls a hundred.
[bid 24, p. 201: One rotten pear spoyls a whole heap. 1736
FRANKLIN, p. 11: [As in 1659 How.].
See DUE, I, no. 353. Cf. E246: The sore eye infects the sound;
S308: One scabbed sheep mars (infects) a whole flock; S774: A
spoonful of skitter will spill a potful of skink; W240: One ill weed
(turd) mars a whole pot of pottage (porridge).
A295 Won with an APPLE (egg) and lost with a nut
(the shell)
1546 HEY. I x, S. C3: She is lost with an appull, and woon with a
nut. 01573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 121. 1575 GASCOIGNE Ferd.
and Leonora: Posies, p. 450: Nor woman true but even as stories
tell, Wonne with an egge, and lost againe with shell. 1604 [DAL-
LINGTON] View France, s. XI: A childish humour, to bee wonne with
as little as an Apple, and lost with lesse then a Nut. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 380. 1616 DR., s.v. Frowardnesse, no. 813: Wonne with
an egge, and lost with the shell. I630 Tinker Turvey, p. 73: Marian,
thinking she had lost her lover with a nut, sent him a present of
apples to winne him againe. 1639 CL., s.v. Inconstantiae, p. 159:
Won with the egge and lost with the shell. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 15: He may be gOtt by an Apple, and lost by a Nutt.
See T. 706, p. 336.
A296 APPLES, eggs, and nuts you may eat though
dressed by sluts
I586 WITHALS, s. A7: (a man maye eate thoughe they be dressed by
a slute). 1639 CL., p. 136. a1656 M. PARKER Man’s Fel. and
Misery l. 67 in Roxb. Bal., II 186: My wife is such a beastly slut,
Unlesse it be an egge or a nut, I in the house dare nothing eat.
1670 RAY, p. 33: An apple, an egg and a nut, you may eat after a
Slut. Poma, ova atque nuces, si det tibi sordida, gustes. I672
WALK. 14, p. 39. 1681 ROE, p. 113: (one may eat after sluts).
A297 APPLES of gold in pictures of silver
[Prov. xxv 11.] 1615 T. ADAMS Wolf Worrying Lambs: Wks., p.
382: Ere their words be like apples of gold, with pictures of siluer;
they must be refined in some Academicall fornace. 1640 BRATH-
WAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 277: They [your words] are like Apples
of Gold with Pictures of Silver; such is their propriety.
See ST., no. 100.
A298 APPLES, pears, and nuts spoil the voice
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 212: An apple,
a pear, and a nut, spoyleth the voice. I678 RAY, p. 41.
A299 APPLES, pears, hawthom—quick, oak, set them
at Allhallontide and command them to prosper,
set them at Candlemas and intreat them to
grow
1678 RAY, p. 350.
A300 Sodom APPLES outwardly fair, ashes at the core
I533 ELYOT Of Know. V, p. 100: Or be lyke unto apples of the deed
se’, whiche be delicate in colour without, but within ther is nothing
but coles and powder unsavery. I582 BATMAN Bartholome XV
cxx, f. 239: In the brinke of this sea, about the countries that be
nigh to Sodoma, grow the foresaid apples and be faire to sight, and
stinking and bitter in the taast. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil III
ii 66: You see my Lords what goodly fruict she seemes, Yet like
those apples travellers report To grow where Sodom and Gomora

stood, I will but touch her and you straight shall see Sheele fall to
soote and ashes. I615 BRA'I‘HWAITE Strap. for Devil, p. 48: See
painted Sodom~apples faire to th’ eye, But being tutcht they perish
instantly. 01620 Pepys Bal. 20, I 129: The fairest apple to the eye,
may have a rotten core. 1638 CHILLINGWORTH Charity Main-
tained Answer V, II 186: Like the apples of Sodom, fall to ashes
upon the first touch. 1640 BRA'I‘HWAI'I‘E Art Asleep Husb., p. 119:
Sodoms apples; faire to the eye false at the heart: outwardly, prom-
ising juyce; inwardly, providing dust. 1654 WHITLOCK Zootomia,
p. 237: They are like Sodome Apples, enduring the Eye, not the
Touch.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M.V. I iii 102: A goodly apple rotten at
the heart.
Cf. B163: Beauty and chastity (honesty) seldom meet; F3: Fair
face foul heart; F29: Fair without but foul within.
Two APPLES in my hand and the third in my
mouth
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
A301
A302 We APPLES swim, quoth the horse turds
1616 WITHALS, p. 570. 1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia, p. 32. 1642
D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 545: Hypocrites are very glad when Gods
and their ends concurre As the dung swimming in the same streame
with the Apples, said, We apples swimme. 1678 RAY, p. 253: (See
how we apples). 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 134, I 124: Upon a . .
Fall of Rain, the Current carry’d Away a Huge Heap of Apples,
together with a Dunghill that lay in the Water-Course . . as they
went thus . . the Horse-Turds would be . . Crying out still, Alack a
day! How We Apples Swim!
See TAY., p. 209, and ibid., Index, p. 12.
A303 An APPLE-SQUIRE
1601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. V i 74: You young apple squire, and
olde cuckold maker. [01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 174:
I liue . . by the sinnes of the people, in being a Squire of the body.
——Oh, an Apple-squire. 1616 DR., no. 2335: An Apple (or Venus)
squire.
A304 To be tied to the sour APPLE TREE
1670 RAY, 193: *To be married to an ill husband.
s.v. Sour: (to a Sour Apple-tree).
1730 BAILEY
A305 To be up the queen APPLE TREE
1670 RAY, p. 198.
A306 APRIL and May are the key of all the year
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 21: April and May the keyes of the
year. 1732 FUL., no. 809.
A307 APRIL (March) borrows three days of March
(April) and they are ill
1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. VI iv, III 183: So it is usual among
us . . to ascribe unto March certain borrowed days from April.
1670 RAY, p. 41. 1686-7 AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and Yudaism, p.
95. I721 KEL., p. 252: March borrowed from Averil Three Days,
and they were ill. 1732 FUL., no. 6134: April borrows of March
again Three Days of Wind and Rain.
A308 In APRIL Dove’s flood is worth a king’s good
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Stafford, I 587. 1662 FULLER Worthies
Stafi'ordshire, II 303: *Dove, a River parting this and Derby-shire,
when it overfloweth its Banks in April, is the Nilus of Staffordshire.
1670 RAY, p. 252.
A309 In APRIL the cuckoo can sing her song by rote;
in June, out of tune, she cannot sing a note
1562 HEY. Epig. 95, p. 216.
See THOMAS DYER English Folk-Lore (1880), p. 56.
A310 In the APRIL of one’s age
I590 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. III x, I 405: In the april ofyour age you
should be like April. 1593 R.S. Phoenix Nest, p. 87: The skarlet

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original.
For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
APRIL
ARSE BEATING
18
Rose . . his buds disclose . . So in the Aprill of mine age, My liuely
colours do asswage. 1595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 832, s. EIv: I
seeme, about some twenty years, the very Aprill ofmine age. 1596
GRIFFIN Fidessa 35, p. 35: I haue not spent the Aprill of my time,
The sweet of youth in plotting in the aire.
SHAKESI’EARE.—1609 Son. 3, l. 9: She in thee Calls back the
lovely April of her prime.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. II vi 10: Hold death awhile at the
arm’s end. I will here be with thee presently.
Cf. B633: You give me bread for cake; S807: To hold one at
staff’s (stave’s) end; W904: The world still he keeps at his staff’s
end that needs not to borrow and never will lend.
A3 18 ARM = weapon
A311 When APRIL blows his horn it’s good for hay A318 He that fights with silver ARMS is sure to over-
and corn come
1670 RAY, p. 41: (good both for). *That is, when it thunders in 1611 COT., s.v. Argent: (He that doth fight with). 1664 COD., p.
1732 FUL., no. 6198. 197.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Pass. Pilgr. 18, l. 29: The strongest castle,
tower, and town, The golden bullet beats it down.
See DiiR., I, no. 614. Cf. A356: An assladen with gold climbs to
the top of the castle; B665: Make a bridge of gold (Silver) for a
flying enemy.
A319 ARMOR is light at table
1640 HERB., no. 928.
April. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. April.
A312 To hold by the APRON STRINGS
1647 N. WARD Simple Cobbler, p. 63: Apron-string tenure is very
weak, tyed but of a slipping knot, which a childe may undoe, much
more a King. 1678 RAY, p. 226: *In right of his wife.
A313 A good ARCHER is not known by his arrows but
his aim
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 104: A cunning Archer is not
knowen by his arrow but by his ayme. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p.
245: Not who shoots, but who hits, is a good Archer. 1732 FUL.,
no.135.
A314 An ARGUS abroad and a mole at home
A320 It is absurd to warm one in his ARMOR
I659 N.R., p. 63.
A321 As straight as an ARROW
1586 W. WARNER Albion’s Eng. VI 31: Poems, p. 579: As peart as
bird, as straite as boult, As fresh as flower in May. [1618] 1640
1640 HERB, no. 771.
I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 160: As the Proverbe is, wee see better
a farre of, then hard by us, and that at home wee see no more then
Moles, but abroade as muche as Argus. 1616 DR., no. 298: Hee is
Eagle eyed in other mens matters, but as blind as a buzzard in his
owne. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 16. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Argo, p. 6: To be an Argus in another bodies business, and a Mole
in ones own. 1732 FUL., no. 582: An Argus at home, and a Mole
abroad.
Cf. M617: They are wise in other men’s matters and fools in their
own; S31: A saint abroad and a devil at home.
A3 I 5-A3 I7 ARM = upper limb
A315 The sore ARM must have the scarf, the sore leg
the bed
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. III, p. 45: A man must keepe his arme on his
brest, and his legg in his nest. 1611 COT., s.v. Gesine: Keepe a
sore arme to thy bosome, a sore leg in thy bed. 1639 CL., p. 205.
A316 Stretch your ARM no farther than your sleeve
will reach
1541 CovERDALE Chr. State Matr. XIX, f. I3v: Strech out thine
arme no farther then thy sleve wyll retche. 1549 LATIMER Serm.
8, p. 108: Put thy hand no farther than thy sleeve will reach. 1569
M. PARKER Corr. 270 July I, p. 351: I take some heed not to extend
my sleeve beyond mine arm. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. IIv: For
pleasure or credit they stretch their hands further then their sleues
will reatch. 1590 GREENE Mourn. Garm., p. 216: My sutes were
silke, my talke was all of State, I stretcht beyond the compasse of
my sleeue. a1598 FERG. MS, no. I 131: Put your hand no further
nor your sleev may reach. 1639 CL., p. 211. 1664 COD., p. 210:
(arms). 1668 R.B., p. 43: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 57.
I672 WALK. 20, p. 36: Put your arm no further than your sleeve will
give leave. 1697 MER., p. 165: (Thrust your arm). 1721 KEL.,
p. 277: (Put your Hand). *That is, spend no more than your
Estate will bear. -
A317 To keep (hold) one at ARM’S end
1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 18 5: Onely poore England giues him
bread for his cake, and holdes him out at the armes end. 1639
FULLER Holy War IV xiii, p. 190: He found it most policie to keep
the enemy off at arm’s end. 1669 PENN No Cross No Crown XIII,
p. 344: Live loose to the World, have it at Arm’s-End. 1679 DRYDEN
Trail. and Cress. Ep. Ded., p. 248: You would keep off such a dedi-
cator at arm’s-end. 1704 T. BROWN Praise Pov.: Wks., I 109: NO
Penelopes now, to keep importunate Suitors at Arms-end.

JONSON Hon. Wales 1. 166 in Masques at Court, p. 502: And the
Howards by got, is Welse as strait as any arrow. I666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Fuso, p. 68. 1678 RAY, p. 289. 1682 BEHN City Heiress
II i, p. 219: Here’s a shape, here’s a Face, a Back as strait as an
Arrow.
A322 As swift as an ARRow
1563 FULKE Meteors III, p. 68: The matter . . beateth the cloud
before it and so it carried as an arrow out of a bow. I582 BATMAN
Bartholome VIII xxviii, f. 133: For he mooueth swifter than an
arrowe. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 327. 1672 WALK. 44, p. 16:
As swift as a swallow; as the wind; as an arrow out of a bow.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. III ii 101: Swifter than arrow.
A323 He that shoots always aright forfeits his ARROW
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 34. 1813 RAY, p. 321.
A324 Oftentimes the ARROW hits the shooter
a1536 HILL 27, p. 129. 1615 RA. Val. Welsh. IV v, s. G4v: But
curses are like arrowes shot upright, That oftentimes on our owne
heads do light. 1709 KINGSTON Apoph. Cur. 97, p. I 5: Like Arrows
shot against Heaven, fall upon their own Heads.
Cf. C924: Curses return upon the heads of those that curse.
A325 Shoot one ARROW after another
1559 Bauern-Bruegel 15, p. 144: Den einen Pfeil nach dem andern
schiessen. 1600 CHAMBERLAIN Letters 37, p. 99: Shoote one arrow
after another, and let them take theire fortune. 1630 T. ADAMS
Fool and Sport: Wks., p. 775: His owne fancy perswades him, as men
doe fooles, to shoot away another arrow, thereby to find the first:
so hee looseth both. 1633 MARMION Fine Companion IV iv, p. 174:
Yes, send one arrow after another, and lose both. 1639 CL., p.
116. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: Shoot the second shaft, and
perhaps thou maist find again the first.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 M.V. I i 140: In my schooldays, when I
had lost one shaft, I shot his fellow ofthe selfsame flight The selfsame
way with more advised watch, To find the other forth; and by ad-
venturing both I oft found both.
Cf. C47: To burn one candle to seek another.
A326 Dirten ARSE dreads aye
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 359. I721 KEL., p. 8 5: *When People are
sensible that they have done amiss, they are Still apprehensive of
Discovery.
A327 An ARSE BEATING is but an arse heating
1639 CL., p. 75.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ARSIE VERSIE
ASK
I9

A328 ARSIE VERSIE
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 6v: Many persones dooe arsee versee, in that
thei take the losse of a lytle money more greuously at the hert,
then the losse of a frende. 1552 TAv., f. 62v: Thynges done pre-
posterously, cleane contrarily, and arsy versy as they say. 1611
F LOR., s.v. Allo sproposito, p. 21: Arcie-uersie, cleane from the
purpose. 1627 DRAYTON Eleg. to Wm. Brown 1. 33: Wks., III 209:
All arsey varsey, nothing is it’s owne, But to our proverbe, all turnd
upsidedowne. 1670 RAY, p. 162. 1681 ROE, p. 134: Arsewersie;
or Topsy-turvey.
See OTTO, no. 172. Cf. K35: Kim-kam.
A329 ART and part
1670 T. BLOUNT Law Diet, s.v. Art. Art and Part is a Term used in
Scotland and the North of England. When one is charged with a
Crime they say, He “as Art and Part in committing the same, i.e.
That he was both a Contriver, and acted his Part in it.
See ST., no. 1779.
A330 ART apes nature
01533 DUWES Intro. Fr., p. 894: For how beit that arte is folower of
nature folowyng her right nygh. 1640 C. HARVEY Synagogue (1661
ed.) 52: Poems, p. 82: Men often find, when Nature’s at a stand,
And hath in vain try’d all her utmost strength, That Art, her ape,
can reach her out an hand. 1663 MACKENZIE Relig. Stoic (1711
ed.) XIII: Essays, p. 61: Art which is Man’s Offspring, doth ape
Nature.
ART (Knowledge, Learning) has no enemy save
ignorance
1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy II ii, p. 140: Certaine grosse ig-
norants of whom it is truly spoken scientia non habet inimicum
nisi ignorantem. 1592 GREENE Groatsworth, p. 103: Tis an old said
saw: To learning and law, ther’s no greater foe, than they that
nothing know. 1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. I i 219: Arte hath
an enemy cal’d Ignorance. 1613 WITHER Ahuses II 1, I 231: For
thus the saying goes, and I hold so; Ignorance onely is true wis-
domes foe. 1644 TAYLOR To 70hn Booker: th. Q, II A3: I
will answer with an old said Saw, Art hath no enemy but ignorance.
1654 WHITLOCK Zootomia, p. 160: (Knowledge).
A331
A332 ART is long, life short
1552 BULLEIN Govt. Health, f. 4v: And although our life be short,
yet the art of physick is long. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 43:
(and life is short). 1594 R. CAREw Exam. Men’s Wits I, p. 7: Mans
life is very short, and the arts long and toilsome. 1602 Poet.
Rhap. 137, I 196: Life is short, and learning long. 1630 T. ADAMS
Meditat. Creed: W ks., p. 1139: Ars longa, vita breuis.
A333 By ART and deceit men live half the year and
by deceit and art the other half
1573 SANF., f. 51: With art, and with deceIPte, Men liue halfe
the yeare: With deceite and with arte, Men liue the other parte.
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 26 [28]: With art and with deceit, halfe
the yeere we liue: with deceit and with art, we line the Other part.
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 105: Euery man with arte and guiles,
halfe of the year beguiles: And with guile and with arte, he liues the
other parte. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 17: One of
those who (as the Italian Proverb is) live by their trading and cheat-
ing one half of the year, and by their cheating and trading the other
half. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 14: By deceipt and couzenage, we
live out half the year, by couzenage and deceipt, we live out the
other part. 1732 FUL., no. 1037.
Cf. K153: There is more knavery by sea and land than all the
world beside.
A334 In every ART it is good to have a master
1640 HERE, no. 615. 1659 N.R., p. 69. 1664 COD., p. 202.
TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 14: (it behoves to).
A335 It is ART to hide art
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. GIV: It is a chiefe point of art to dis-
semble art. 1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. I xii, I 75: Well might he
1666

A341
perceave the hanging of her haire in fairest quantitie, in locks, some
curled . . with such a carelesse care, and an arte so hiding arte.
1602 BRETON Packet Letters I: Wks., II 11: I haue heard Schollers
say, that it is Art to conceale Art. 1603 BRETON Dial. Full Pithe:
Wks., II 7. 1616 JONSON Alch. II iii 199: Which art our writers
Vs’d to obscure their art. 1662 N. ROGERS Rich Fool, p. 25: It is a
good Art to hide Art (as one speaketh). 1732 FUL., no. 815: Art
must be deluded by Art.
A336 ARTHUR could not tame woman’s tongue
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 23.
A337 ARTHUR himself had but his time
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 35. 1662 FULLER Worthies Cardiganshire,
II 578: Arthur was not, but whilest he was. 1787 GROSE Prov.
Gloss., s.v. Cardigan: Arthur was not but whilst he was. *Spoken
of a great family reduced to indigence.
A338 Hey brave ARTHUR BRADLEY
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom vi, p. 49: For the honour
of Artrebradle, This age wold make me swere madly! [1614] I631
JONSON Barth. Fair II ii 124: O Lord! doe you not know him,
Mistris, ’tis mad Arthur of Bradley, that makes the Orations. 1639
CL., s.v. Derisio, p. 85. 1656 Wedding of Arthur O’Bradley l. 9 in
Roxh. Bal., VII 314: (Oh! brave). 1661 Mer. Droll. II, p. 313: For
the honour of Arthur of Bradly, Oh brave Arthur of Bradly, O
fine Arthur of Bradly, O brave Arthur of Bradly, oh.
A339 As pale as ASHES
01475 Partonope 1. 10165, p. 421: Chonged hir fressh colour rede
Into pale or wanne as asshes dede. 1477 CAXTON Yason, p. 156:
He . . after becam pale and dede as asshes. 01510 SKELTON
Bowge Courtl. 293: th., I 41: He loked pale as asshes to my syghte.
1530 PALS., p. 627b. 1567 Mer. Tales and Quick Answ. 48 in Shale.
Yen-Bits, I 64: Which sayenge made Eumonus as pale as asshes for
fere. 01600 MARLOWE Mass. at Paris xviii 72, p. 239: As pale as
ashes! nay, then, ’tis time To look about. 1607 Pleas. Conc. Hoh-
son 26 in Shah. yest-Bksw III 42: Which saying made Maister
Doctor as pale as ashes for feare.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. III ii 54: A piteous corse, a bloody
piteous corse; Pale, pale as ashes, all bedaub’d in blood.
A340 Divine ASHES are better than earthly meal
1640 HERE, no. 680. 1659 N.R., p. 27: (meat). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 20, p. 44: Heavenly ashes is more worth, than worldly flower
[flour].
I proud (stout) and thou proud (stout), who Shall
bear the ASHES out?
1562 HEY. Dial. I x, p. 22: And than betwene hir and the rest of the
rout, I proud, and thou proud, and who shall beare thashes out.
1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia, p. 33. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (shall
carry out the ashes). 1732 FUL., no. 6284: I stout, and thou Stout;
Who shall carry the Dirt out?
A342 He that is ASHAMED to eat is ashamed to live
1611 COT., s.v. Manger.
. 17 .
Cf. 830: Never be ashamed to eat your meat; S276: Shame
shall fall them that shame think to do themselves a good turn.
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq.,
A343 ASK and have
1535 W. STEWART Chron. Seat. 1. 32294, II 402: Thairwith bot ask
and haue. 1691 1. WILSON Belphegor II i, p. 16: It is but ask and
have. 1755 FRANKLIN, p. 29: Ask and have, is sometimes dear
buying.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. I i 201: Titus, thou shalt obtain
and ask the empery.
Cf. M272: A man must ask excessively to get a little; S719: Speak
and speed, ask and have; W2: He who serves well needs not be
afraid to ask his wages.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
ASK
20 Ass

A344 He that cannot ASK cannot live
1616 DR., no. 228. 1639 CL., p. 41.
Cf. A346: He will not lose it (Nothing is lost) for asking (for want
of asking); 898: Bashfulness is an enemy to poverty; T393: The
lame tongue gets nothing.
A345 A good ASKER (shameless beggar) should have a
good naysayer (shameless denial)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 13. 1611 COT., s.v. Bon: A bold asker is best
matched by a resolute denier. 1616 WITHALS, p. 549: A Shame-
lesse beggar would haue a shamelesse deniall. 1639 CL., p. 37:
A shameless begger must have a shameful] deniall. 1641 FERG., no.
13: (naysay). 1668 R.B., p. 3: (nay-say). 1721 KEL., p. 21: A
sturdy Beggar should have a stout Naysayer. *Spoken when we
give a flat Denial to an importunate Solicitor, signifying that his
Importunity deserves such Usage. 1732 FUL., no. 6364: Shameless
Pray, Must have shameless Nay.
Cf. C808: Shameful craving must have shameful nay.
A346 He will not lose it (Nothing is lost) for ASKING
(for want of asking)
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 196: Your Proverb . . is countervailed
of this other proverb, That nothing is lost for asking. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Avaritia et Rapacitas, p. 38. 1665 R. HOWARD Committee I,
p. 61: I see thou wou’dst not lose any thing For want Of asking.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 69: There’s nothing lost by asking. 1670
RAY, p. 58: Lose nothing for asking. I721 KEL., p. 381: You’ll let
nothing be tint [lost] for want of craving.
Cf. A344: He that cannot ask cannot live; A347: To be had for
the asking; M264: A man may lose his goods (Many things are lost)
for want of demanding (asking) them.
A347 To be had for the ASKING
8.1579 N. BACON Prayer Penitent: Recr. Age, p. 21 : Where for thaske-
inge I maye it have. 1700 CONGREVE Way World VII, p. 41: That
he may have her for asking for.
Cf. A346: He will not lose it (Nothing is lost) for asking (for want
of asking); M264: A man may lose his goods (Many things are lost)
for want of demanding (asking) them.
A348—A372 Ass=donkey
A348 As dull as an Ass
[a1547] c1568 COPLAND Seven Sorrows Prol., s. A2: Yet shoulde we
were as dulle as any asse. 01547 BALE Three Laws III, s. D3v: As
dull as euer were asses. I672 WALK. 31, p. 15: A very ass; block-
head; dullard; cockscomb; stock.
A349 An Ass covered with gold is more respected
than a good horse with a packsaddle
I620 SHELTON Don .S’Zuix. Pt. II, xx, III 156: And an Asse cover’d
with golde makes a better shew than a horse with a pack saddle.
1732 FUL., no. 584.
Cf. A283: Apparel makes (Clothes make) the man.
A350 An Ass endures his burden but not more than
his burden
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83. 1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt-
II, lxxi, IV 252-. It now sufliseth . . that the Asse endure his Charge,
but not the sur-charge. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 45:
Asses will endure their burthens, but no more then their burdens.
1651 HERB., p. 368. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 238:
(Will endure his burthen, but no more).
Cf. A365: One poor ass cannot carry two burdens.
A351 An Ass in a lion’s skin
1484 CAXTON Fab. Avian 4, p. 219, title: The fourthe fable is Of the
asse and of the skynne of the Lyon. 1607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amb.
I ii 180: As well as the ass, stalking in the lion’s case, bare himself
like a lion, braying all the huger beasts out of the forest? 1710
True State Trin. Coll., p. 5: He must be some Ass in a Lion’s Skin.
1732 FUL., no. 3773: One may discern an Ass shrouded in a Lion’s
Skin, without Spectacles.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 K.7. III i 128: Thou wear a lion’s hide?
Doff it for shame, And hang a calve’s-skin on those recreant limbs.
Cf. W614: A wolfin a lamb’s (sheep’s) Skin.
A352 An Ass is but an ass though laden with gold
1615 J. TAYLOR Revenge: Wks. F., p. 306: An Asse in cloth Of gold,
is but an Asse. 1732 FUL., no. 585.
Cf. A263: An ape is an ape though Clad in scarlet (gold); A360:
The ass though laden with gold still eats thistles.
A353 An Ass is cold even in the summer solstice
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 401.
A354 An Ass is eaten up of wolves
1616 DR., no. 1984. I732 FUL., no. 821: Asses die, and Wolves
bury them.
A355 An Ass is known by his ears
1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 697, p. 34: With long eares lyke an asse.
I548 ELYOT, s.v. Asinus: The asse waggeth his eares. A prouerb
applied to theim, whiche although they lacke learnynge, yet will
they babble and make a countenaunce, as if they knewe somewhat.
1586 WITHALS, s. C4: By their wordes we knowe fooles, and asses by
their eares. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. G2v:
We know the Asse by his eares. 1607 WALKINGTON Optic Glass III,
p. 38: A lion [is known] by his paw, an asse by his ears, a goat by his
beard. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 34: Asses haue long
cares, and women extreme long tongs. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 37, p.
15. Ibid. 5, p. 190: (by his ears, and a fool by too much speech).
Cf. E16: He may go shake his ears.
A356 An Ass laden with gold climbs to the top of the
castle '
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 166: When he had prefixed and appoynted
to take a certain castle and fortresse beeyng veraye Strong and well
fensed, and his spyes had brought woorde again, to bee a thyng out
of peraduentures hard to dooe, yea and (the south to saye) vtterly
vnpossible: he demaunded whether it wer of suche hardnesse and
dificultee, that it were not possible for an asse beeyng heauie loden
with gold to haue accesse and entreaunce or passage vnto it. 1585
ROBSON Choice Change, s. N2: There is no place inuincible, wherein
an asse laden with gold, may not enter. 1587 GREENE Euph. to
Philautus, p. 221: There was no Citty so strong, whereinto an asse
laden with golde could not enter. I612 CHAPMAN W idow’s Tears
I iii I 50: You must be the ass charged with crowns to make way to
the fort, and I the conqueror to follow, and seize it. 1616 DR., no.
206: There is no earthly gate, which an asse laden with golde cannot
enter into. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxxv, III 268: The
usuall proverbe is An asse laden with gold, will go lightly up hill:
and that Gifts doe enter stone-wals and Serve God, and work hard.
1630 T. ADAMS God’s Bounty 1: Wks., p. 863: Philip was wont to
say, that an asse laden with golde, would enter the gates of any
Citie. 1631 MABBE Celestina III, p. 72: There is not any place so
high, whereunto an Asse laden with gold will not get up. 1645
J. HOWELL Let. I ii 9, I 108: There’s no fence or fortress against an
Ass laden with Gold. 1659 N.R., p. 95: There is no earthly gate
that an ASS laden with money cannot enter. 1732 FUL., no. 588:
(An Ass loaded with and a Castle).
See JENTE 237, p. 427. Cf. A31 8: He that fights with silver arms
is sure to overcome; G106: Gifts break through rocks; K24: A silver
key can open an iron lock; M1050: If money go before all ways lie
open; M1084: Money will do anything.
A357 An Ass must be tied where his master will have
him
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 110: Let the servaunte . . tye the
Asse (as they say) where his maister will have him tyed, without
any contradiction. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: Tie the Asse where
your master will have you. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 15: One must
tye the asse where the owner will have it. *Note 94, p. 19: NO
disputing for Servants with their Superiours. 1732 FUL., no. 589.
Cf. G168: The goat must browse where She is tied; M716: He
never thrives who with his master strives; M719: If the master bid
go the servant must run.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (53:. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Ass 2 I
Ass

A358 An Ass (horse) pricked must needs trot
1573 SANF., f. 102. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27v: (A pricked
horse). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 225: A spurred horse of force must
trott. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 58, p. 28.
A359 The Ass that brays most eats least
1611 COT., s.v. Asne. 1664 COD., p. 216. 1670 RAY, p. 3.
Cf. S297: A bleating sheep loses her bit.
A360 The Ass though laden with gold still eats thistles
1611 COT., s.v. Ortie: *Appliable to a rich, and most wretched penie-
father; one that all the yeare long bestowes not a bit of good meat
on himselfe. [01613] 1632 T. HEYWOOD 1 Iron Age IV, p. 342:
Vlisses hath . . An Asse fit for service and good for burthens, to
carry gold, and to feede on thistles. 1629 MASSINGER Roman
Actor II i, p. 25: Or the Asse whose back is cracked with curious
viands, yet feeds on thistles. [1632] I659 MASSINGER City Madam
II i, p. 423: Or wilt thou . . being keeper of the cash, Like an ass that
carries dainties feed on thistles? I640 HOWELL Dodona’s Grove,
p. 32: The Arcadian Asse, who, though laden with gold, browseth on
thistles. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 1 1: Like the Arcadian Asse, who
eats thistles though laden with gold; meant of the covetous miser.
1660 HOWELL Parley Beasts II, p. 17: To such the proverb may
sometimes be applied . . the Asse oftentimes carries gold on his back,
yet feeds on thistles. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 35, p. 15: An asse, though
loaded with gold, eats but nettles and thistles. Ibid. 7, p. 179:
The Arcadian ass loaded with gold, feeds on straw. *Note 46, p.
182: The embleme of a Wretch, or a Miser, who cannot afford him-
self a meals meat.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I599 7.C. IV i 21: He shall but bear them
[honors] as the ass bears gold, To groan and sweat under the busi-
ness . . Then take we down his load, and turn him off (Like to the
empty ass) to shake his ears And graze in commons.
Cf. A352: An ass is but an ass though laden with gold.
A361 Better ride on an Ass that carries me than a
horse that throws me
01594 BACON, no. 938 : Tomar asino que me lleve y no cavallo que me
devinque. 1616 DR., no. 2322: Better is an asse that carrieth me,
then an horse that layeth me on the ground. 1640 HERE, no. 254:
(I had rather ride on). 1659 N.R., p. 67: I had rather ride on a
horse that carries me then an Asse that throws me. 1664 COD., p.
187: Better to ride on an Ass that carries me, than on an Ass that
throws me. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 16: I had rather have an asse
to carry me, than a horse to throw me all along on the ground.
1670 RAY, p. 2: (then an Asse that throws me). 1705 Pleas. Art,
p. 150: (’Tis better riding on an ass that carries me than on).
A362 Every ASS thinks himself worthy to stand with
the king’s horses
' 1616 DR., no. 291: There is not an asse amongst them, but hee is
worthy to stand amongst the Kings horses, in the same stable.
1639 CL., s.v. Philautia, p. 254. 1664 COD., p. 191. 1670 RAY,
p. 58.
A363 It is a sorry Ass that will not bear his own burden
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4.
A364 It is good to hold the Ass by the bridle
1596 DEL., s. N6v. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 21 8: (good still to).
CL., p. 161. 1651 HERE, p. 371.
Cf. W10: It is good walking with a horse in one’s hand.
1639
A365 One poor Ass cannot carry two burdens
1611 COT., s.v. Asne: (two proud ones). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p.
11: One Ass cannot carry two proud men. 1664 COD., p. 207.
Cf. A350: An ass endures his burden but not more than his'
burden.
A366 To see an Ass play on a harp
[ERAS. Adagia, 164E: Asinus ad lyram.] 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship
Fools, II 257: The swete Cymball is no pleasour to an asse. I548
COOPER, s.v. Asini homines: Asinus ad liram, An asse at an harpe.
*A prouerbe applied vnto theym, whyche haue no iudgement in

wysedome and learnyng. 1580 BARET, A—589: Asinus ad tibiam.
*A Prouerbe vsed towardes those which nether doth marke, nor
vnderstande, nor prayse those things which are most excellent and
woorthy prayse. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. L3v: To see an Asse
play on an harpe contrary to his sex. 1586 J. CASE Pr. Music,
p. 28: There are a great many cocks and to use a domesticall prov-
erb, a great many asses at the harp. 1672 WALK. 59, p. 53: A sow
to a fiddle; pigs play on the Organs. Asinus ad lyram. 1732 FUL.,
no. 1282: Did you ever before hear an Ass play upon a Lute?
See Dt'IR., II, no. 591; OTTO, no. 184. Cf. H505: You were born
at Hogs Norton, where pigs play on organs; J38: Thejay is unmeet
for a fiddle; P306: A pig plays on the organs; S679: A sow to a
fiddle.
A367 When an Ass climbs a ladder we may find
wisdom in women
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 401.
find)
Cf. W568: The wit of a woman is a great matter.
1732 FUL., no. 5546: (you may
A368 Who drives an Ass and leads a whore has pain
and sorrow evermore
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1528: (hes toyl and sorrow for evermore).
1611 COT., s.v. Mener: He that beleeues a woman and leads an
Asse, hath brought his bodie (and mind) t’an euill passe. 1617
MORYSON Itinerary III Iii, III 403: (Hath toile and sorrow). 1639
CL., p. 259. I658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 175: He
that believes a woman, and leads an Ass, will never be in quiet.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 15: (busieth himself alwaies, and is never
out of trouble). 1670 RAY, p. 52.
Cf. G57: He that spends his gear on a whore has both shame and
scathe.
A369 The dull Ass’s trot lasts not long
1573 SANF., f. 1 10: The trot ofan asse, and a fyre ofstrawe endureth
but a while. 1639 CL., s.v. Languor vehementia, p. 185.
SHAKESPEARE—1600—1 H. Vi 64: For your dull ass will not mend
his pace with beating.
A370 He that washes an Ass’s head loses both his
soap and labor
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34: Who washeth an Asses head, loseth
both labour and sope. 1592 LODGE Euph. Shadow, p. 53: Who
washeth the Asses eares, looseth both his Sope and his labour.
01594 BACON, no. 1578: A laver la test d’un asne, on no perd que le
temps et la lexive. 1611 COT., s.v. Asne: *In vaine one striues to
make learned a sottish, or make honest a gracelesse, person. 1639
CL., p. 155. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 10: To wash an Asses head,
one doth but lose sope and time. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3:
Sopeis lost on the head ofan Ass. 1660 HOWELL Parley Beasts III,
p. 28: I find the old proverb true that he who washeth an asse’s
head doth lose both time and sope. 1664 COD., p. 21 1: [As in 1659
How. Span. Prov.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 15: Who washeth an
asses head, loseth his soap, and who preacheth to a desart, loseth
his speech.
See DUE, I, Suppl., no. 435.
A371 You will make me believe that an Ass’s ears
are made of horns
1659 How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 8.
A372 The very ASSEs may have a bit there
I579 TOMSON 1st Ep. Paul to Tim. ii: Serm. Calvin, p. 151: (a bit
there, as we say in common prouerbes).
A373—A3 79 Ass = numskull
A373 He is a very Ass that thinks to live ever
1611 COT., s.v. Fol: (that thinkes he shall liue euer). 1659 N.R.,
P- 44-
A374 He is an Ass that brays against an ass
1616 DR., no. 754.
Cf. A378: It is better to be mute than with an ass to dispute.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
Ass
ATTENDANCE

A375 He is an Ass that cannot make use of his own
1611 COT., s.v. Marotte: He is an asse that knowes not and cannot
rule his owne (familie, or affections). 1659 N.R., p. 45.
A376 He is an Ass that gives flesh for bones
1611 COT., s.v. Fol: (that looses flesh for bones). 1616 DR., no.
1284: It is folly to lose the flesh for the bones. 1658 E. PHILLIPS
Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 177: He is a fool that loses flesh for bones.
That is to say, he is a fool that refuses a fine plump girle for a lean
one. 1659 N.R., p. 53.
A377 He is an Ass that hurts himself
1611 COT., s.v. Fol: (hurts himselfwith his own helps).
p. 42.
A378 It is better to be mute than with an Ass to dis-
pute
1616 DR., no. 755. Ibid., no. 1077. I
Cf. A374: He is an ass that brays against an ass.
1659 N.R.,
A379 The veriest ASSES hide their ears most
1639 CL., p. 298.
A380-A387 Ass = rump
A380 He rose with his Ass upward
1581—90 Timon I i, p. 20: This man this daye rose with his arse vp-
wards. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Luna, p. 93: To come off well,
and prove lucky in any undertaking, to have risen with ones rump
upward. Ibid., s.v. Porri, p. 155: Some Women jestingly in Eng-
land, when ask’d how they do, answer, As my Mother did with my
upwards. 1678 RAY, p. 80: *A sign of good luck.
A381 His Ass (breech, tail) makes buttons
01563 Yuck Yuggler, s. B3: His arse makith buttens now. 1568
FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. B1v: My buttocks made buttons of
the new fashion. 1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. B2: There is no
remedy For feare my tayle makes buttons. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Gia-
como giacomo, p. 209: As much to say trembling or quaking for
feare, as wee say his taile makes buttons. 1612 DEKKER IfIt Be
Not Good, p. 328: Then there’s a cooke—-Whose arse makes buttons.
1616 DR., no. 397: His taile doeth make buttons. [1623] 1653
MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Span. Gypsy IV iii 166: O Soto, I
make buttons! 1639 CL., s.v. Metus Poenae, p. 208: (breech).
Ibid., s.v. Timiditas, p. 311: (taile). I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Lappe, p. 8 5: To be in a pannick fear, for ones arse to make buttons.
1670 RAY, p. 165: (breech). I697 MER., p. 166: (breech). 1721
KEL., p. 172: *Spoken of him who is in a terrible Fright, or as they
say, Dirt stay’d.

A382 I will not creep in her Ass to bake in her oven
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. I670 RAY, p. 215: (into her). 1721
KEL., p. 208: I will not creep in his Arse, for a Week of his fair
Weather. *That is, I’ll scorn to creep or cringe to him for any
Thing that ever I will get by him. Eng. I’ll not creep in his Arse
to bake in his Oven.
A383 It has neither Ass nor elbow
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 833: (Itis). 1641 FERG., no. 527. I668 R.B.,
p. 31. I721 KEL., p. 223: *Spoken of a Thing that is wholly un_
shapely.
A384 To hang an Ass (groin)
[The phrase signifies a hanging back, a reluctance] 1546 HEY. II
vi, 5. II: Namely, suche an olde wytche, suche a mackabroyne As
euermore lyke a hog hangeth the groyne On her husband. 1577
HOLINSHED Chron. Hen. VI 1429, III 163: At this answer the duke
hoong the groine. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 54: Some of
our rude countrimen English this (Obtorto collo) hanging arse.
1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case V iv 20: The Welshman in’s play,
do what the Fencer could, Hung still an arse. [1633] 1655 MAS-
SINGER Guardian V iv, p. 275: Nay, No hanging an arse. 1663 S.
BUTLER Had. I i 453, p. 36: For Hudibras wore but one Spur, As

wisely knowing, cou’d he stir To active Trot one side of’s Horse,
The other wou’d not hang an Arse. 1681 BEHN 2 Rover III i, p.
155: Think of a Million, Rogue, and do not hang an Arse thus.
Cf. N231: To hang a nose.
A385 You may lend your Ass and shit through your


ribs
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 57: Lend you mine
A and sh through my ribs. *That is lend you that whereof
I have necessary and frequent use, and want it my self. It is a
Russick Proverb and of frequent use in that nation, and was I sup-
pose, first brought over to us by some Merchants that traded there.
A386 You would kiss my ASS before my breeches be
down
1639 CL., s.v. Haeredipetae, p. 136: Will ye kiss his tayl before his
hose be down. 1670 RAY, p. 183. 1672 WALK. 75, p. 59: You are
kissing my breech before my hose be down. 1721 KEL., p. 18: A
Man can no sooner let down his Breeks [breeches], but you are
ready to kiss his Arse. *A satyrical, spiteful Reflection on them
who are ready to Offer for these Bargains, which we, in hopes to get
them cheaper, give up; be it Farm, House, or any such thing.
Cf. M752: It is an easy matter to kiss a man’s tail when the
breeches be down.
A387 You would lose your Ass if it were loose
[01552] I575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle I iv, s. A4: By Gogs
soule I thenk you wold loes your ars, and it were loose. 01563
Yuck Yuggler, s. C4v: Thou woldest lyse thyne arse if it were loose.
A388 An ASSHEAD of your own
[01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 149: Beat out an Asses head
of your owne. 1636 T. HEYWOOD Love’s Mistress I, p. 92: An Asse
head of thy owne, thou must performe.
SHAKESPEARE.——1595 M.N.D. III i 1 19: What do you see?
see an ass-head of your own, do you?
Cf. F519: A fool’s head of your own.
A389 ASTROLOGY is true but the astrologers cannot
You
find it
1640 HERB, no. 637. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. I: (but Where is the
Astrologer?). I659 N.R., p. 16. 1664 COD., p. 190: Condemned
although every where it be for Falshood, yet Astrology may be
true, though the Astrologers can never find it. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
34, p. 16: (but the Astrologer is hard to find).
A390 An ASTRONOMER is no prophet
1616 DR., no. 851.
It is as far from ATHENS (heaven, Highgate) to
England (earth, London) as from England
(earth, London) to Athens (heaven, Highgate)
1533 J. HEYWOOD Play Weather, s. A4v: And, on my fayth, I
thynke, in my conscyens I have ben from hevyn as farre as heven is
hens. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 227. I584 LYLY Camp.
II ii 123: It was as far from my tub to your pallace, as from your
palace to my tub. 1606 DEKKER News from Hell: Non-Dram. W ks.,
II I 37: Hee desires therfore to know how far it is from earth to hell;
and being told that hell is just so many miles from earth, as earth is
from heaven, he stands in a browne study. [01616] I630 Patho-
machia V v, p. 52: All affections . . differ . . as the way, leading from
Thebes to Athens differs from that which leads from Athens to
Thebes. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 19: From Verona to Vicenza there
are thirty miles, from Vicenza to Verona thirty two; this is meant of
ascents and descents, as twixt Highgate and London. 1659 How.
New Sayings, p. 3: ’Tis further from London to Highgate, then from
Highgate to London.
See E. S. MCCARTNEY, “Popular Methods of Measuring,” Classi-
cal 7’0urn., XXII (1927), 338.
A392 To dance ATTENDANCE
[01522] c1545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court 1. 625: Wks., II 46:
Ye must daunce attendaunce, And take pacient sufferaunce. 1562
A391

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ATTORNEY
23 AWLS

HEY. Epig. 257, p. 166: He dauncth attendance. 1577 GRANGE
Garden, s. O2: In hope I spende my time, in hope to gayne my will,
I daunce attendance euery day. 1590 GREENE Mourn. Garm., p.
1 3 5: Fortune daunceth attendance on thy will. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 15: Friscus doth daunce attendance on his punck. 1621 R.
BURTON Anat. M. III 11 ii 4, p. 706: Therefore I advise thee . . not
to use your suitors over kindly . . but now and then . . shut him out
of doors once or twice, let him dance attendance. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Loggia, p. 91: To put one off, and defer one, to make one
dance attendance, and wait, as the English say.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590—I 2 Hen. VII iii 174: Last time I danc’d
attendance on his will Till Paris was besieg’d, famish’d, and lost.
1597 Rich. III III vii 56: Welcome, my lord. I dance attendance
here. I think the Duke will not be spoke withal. 1613 Hen. VIII
V ii 29: Not thus to suffer A man of his place . . To dance attend-
ance on their lordships’ pleasures. (12)
A393 No good ATTORNEY will ever go to law
1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 206: *Note I, p. 223: Meant, Not to be a
medler with other folks matters.
A394 As old as AUGHT
1639 CL., p. 280.
A395 He is well eased1 that has AUGHT of his own
when others go to meat
9.1598 FERG. MS, no. 481. 1668 R.B., p. 22.
He is well eased, that has ought of his own.
has his own to do his own Turn with.
Cf. E36: He is at ease who has enough; H451: They are lightly
herrit that have their own.
[lentertained]
1721 KEL., p. 132:
*He is best serv’d who
A396 Dry AUGUST and warm does harvest no harm
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 57, p. 128. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33,
p. 4: A wet August never brings dearth. 1732 FUL., no. 6209.
A397 He was born in AUGUST
8.1598 FERG. MS, s.v. Of skilful persones, no. 614: He wes borne in
August he hes a gust of all things. 1662 FULLER Worthies North-
umberland, II I 89: He was born in August . . is onely the periphra-
sis of a licorish person, and such said to be born in August, whose
tongues will be the Tasters of every thing they can come by.
Cf. W28: Born in the wane of the moon.
A398 One of my AUNTS
1607 MIDDLETON Mich. Term III i 271: She demanded of me wheth-
er I was your worship’s aunt or no. 1664 T. KILLIGREW Parson’s
Wed. III i, p. 108: Yes, and follow her like one of my Aunts of the
Suburbs. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Quelle, p. 162: To be one, viz.
of those women that live a merry life . . wanton Girls; the English
oft-times express the same by, One of my Cousins, or one of my
Aunts, Ladies of Pleasure.
Cf. A399: She is one of my aunts that made my uncle go a beg-
ging.
A399 She is one of my AUNTS that made my uncle go
a begging
1678 RAY, p. 227.
Cf. A398: One of my aunts.
A400 AURORA (The morning) is a friend to the Muses
[ERAS. De Conscrih. Epist.,I 447E: Aurora musis amica.] 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. H4: Aurora men say, is a frend to Muses.
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 136: It is said, that The morning is a
sure and sweet friend to the Muses. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. I, p. 3:
(You should rise with Aurora who is). 1614 TAILOR Hog Hath Lost
Pearl I, p. 433: The muses assist you sir: what, at your study so
early? -—O, chiefly now, sir; for Aurora musis amica. 1616 DR.,
no. 1433: The morning is the best for study. 1627 W. HAWKINS
Apollo ShrovingI i, p. 104: The morning is the Muses gainest friend.
1732 FUL., no. 4681: The Muses love the Morning.
See R. JENTE “Morgenstunde hat Gold im Munde,” Puhl. Mod.
Lang. Assn., XLII (1927), 865—72.

A401 Like AUTHOR like book
1611 COT., s.v. Giuvre: Like Author like worke; such as the writer
such his booke. 1623 WOD., p. 516: Such Author such Worke.
1664 COD., p. 204. 1670 RAY, -p. 15.
Cf. B273: A bell is known by the sound; B365: A bird is known
by its note and a man by his talk; M75: As the man is so is his talk;
S735: Speech is the picture (index) of the mind.
A402 AUTHORITY (Honor, Office) shows what a man is
[ERAS. Adagia, 389E: Magistratus virum indicat.] 8.1500 Prov.
Wisdom l. 167: When man hath, what his wyll is, Then shewyth he,
what he is. 1530 PALS., p. 674b: A man is never knowen tyll he be
put in auctorite. 1539 TAv., f. 28v: Authoritie declareth a man,
*The meanyng of this prouerbe is this that in a priuate lyfe, where
no rule is borne, a mans disposition and maners be not esPyed,
But lette him ones be put in office and authoritie, so that in maner
he maye do what hym lusteth: anone he sheweth himselfe what he
is. 1549 LATIMER Serm. 11, p. 177: It is a proverb that Magistra-
tus virum commonstrat, Office and authority sheweth what a man
is. 1550 TAv. Flowers Sent., s. A2: Authoritie or offyce vttereth
what the man is. 1552 TAv., f. 29: [As in Eras.]. Not onlye a
rowme or offyce declareth the man, but a man declareth the offyee.
1611 COT., s.v. Baguette: The way to discerne a knave, or clowne,
is to giue him authoritie. 1612-26 ]. HALL Contempt. I xiii, I 155;
Honour shews the Man, and if there be any blemishes of Imperfec-
tion, they will be seen in the Man, that is unexpectedly lifted above
his Fellows. 1639 CL., p. 193. 1642 D. ROGERS. Matr_ Honor ii,
p. 45: Magistracy makes not the man, but discovers what metell is
in him. 1659 N.R., p. 2: A Place, or Office discovers a. man, what
he is. 1732 FUL., no. 5122: ’Tis the Place, that shews the Man,
SHAKESPEARE—1604 M.M. II ii 1 17: But man, proud man,
Drest in a little brief authority . . Plays such fantastic tricks before
high heaven As make the angels weep.
Cf. H583: Honors change manners; K125: If you would know a
knave give him a staff; M238: Man honors the place, not the place
the man; N3 1 2: Nothing more proud than basest blood when it does
rise aloft; P535: Power weakens the wicked.
A403 A kindly AVER1 will never make a good horse
8.1598 FERG. MS, no. 176: (neuer be). 1599 JAMES I Basil. Doron
II, p. 74: It is an olde and true Prouerbe, That a kindly Auer will
neuer become a good horse; for . . it is euill to get out of the fleshe
that is bred in the bone. 1670 RAY, p. 218. 1721 KEL., p. 40: A
kindly Aver was never a good Nag. *Those who are naturally of a
low, mean Mind, will make but a sorry Figure in a higher Station.
[1work horse]
A404 AWE makes Dun1 draw
1639 CL., s.v. Disciplina, p. 93. 1670 RAY, p. 58.
Cf. A405: Well worth awe that gars the plow draw.
[1a horse]
A405 Well worth AWE that gars1 the plow draw
9.1598 FERG. MS, no. 1480. 1668 R.B., p. 56. 1721 KEL., p. 354:
(aw, it makes). *Spoken when People are over-aw'd to do a thing,
which otherways they would not do.
Cf. A404: Awe makes Dun draw.
[lmakes]
A406 Without AWL (all) the cobbler’s nobody
1639 CL., p. 71: (Without All).
SHAKESPEARE.—-1599 FCC. I i 23: Thou art a cobbler, art thou?
——Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl.
A407 Six AWLS (alls) make a shoemaker
1668 SKIPPON Diary Sept. 15, p. 163: (Six alls). 1670 RAY, p. 216.
A408 To pack up one’s AWLS
[1670] 1689 C. COTTON Voy. to Ire.: Poems, p. 304: And packing my
nawls, whip’d to horse and away. 1681 ROE, p. 971. 1694
MOTTEUX Gargantua IV Prol., III 46: The Enemy, who were al-
ready packing up their Awls. a17oo B.E., s.v. Pack: Pack up your
Nawls and be gone.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
Ax
Ax

A409 The Ax goes to the wood where it borrowed
its helve
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 396: (from whence it). *It is used
against those who are injurious to those from whom they are derived,
or from whom they have received their power. 1732 F U L., no. 4401.
A410 He looks like a Lochaber Ax
1641 FERG., no. 407. 1721 KEL., p. 373: You look like a Lochaber
Ax new come from the Grindstone. *Proverbial Comparisons, us’d
when People look sillily, demurely, foolishly, or wildly.

A411 He sends the Ax after the helve
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2v: For here I sende thaxe after the helue
awaie. I587 BRIDGES Def. Church Govt. I, p. 90: If the axe were
gone, is this the remedy, to hurle the helue after it? 1616 DR., s.v.
Prodigalitie, no. 1729. 1623 WOD., p. 481: Wee must not cast the
Handle after the Axe. *Mea[ning] wee must not loose all, for it may
serue for an other Axe: or cast not all Hope out of vs when Weake.
1670 RAY, p. 164: Bill after helve.
See ST., no. 1227. Cf. H413: To throw the helve after the
hatchet; R173: Throw the rope in after the bucket.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
B
B
B
B
1 He knows not a B from a battledorel
1565 J. HALLE Hist. Expostulat., p. 16: He had no learnyng in the
world, nor coulde reade Englishe (and as I suppose knewe not a
letter, or a b from a bateldore). 1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p.
197: O Love thou art like to . . a pot of strong ale, that bewitch a
mans wits that he knoweth not a B. from a Battildore. 1609
DEKKER Gull’s Horn-Bk. Proem: Non-Dram. Wks., II 205: You
shall not neede to buy bookes, no, scorne to distinguish a B from a
battle doore. 1616 WITHALS, p. 567. I621 TAYLOR Motto Ded.:
Wks. F., p. 203: Criticks . . That of a B will make a Battledore.
1639 CL., s.v. Stupidi, p. 297. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16. 1670
RAY, p. 163. 1681 RoB., p. 757.
See ST., no. I. (9)
[lhornbook]
2 A BABELER wearies all the company
1611 COT., s.v. Grillon des champs: Loud bablers are euer oifensiue
at feasts. 1616 DR., no. 105. 1659 N.R., p. 10.
B3 Much BABBLING is not without ofiense
1616 DR., no. 108. I659 N.R., p. 76.
B4 As innocent (clear) as a newborn BABE (child,
chrisom-child)
I538 BALE K. 70han l. 858, p. 41: As clere, as that daye thow wert
borne. [01600] 1657 DAY, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Lust’s Domin-
ion V i, p. 169: I know myself am clear, As is the new-born infant.
1608 MIDDLETON Family Love V iii 344: I am as innocent in this as
the child new-born. I609 ARMIN Two Maids More., s. D3: I . . am
now as cleare as is the babe new borne. 1615 W. SMITH Hector
Germ. V iv, p. I 34: Shee is as chaste for any lust from mee, As vn-
borne Infants. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II ii 146: The poore wretch
is as guilty [for innocent] from it, As the Child was, was borne this
very morning. 01679 Remarkable Cures in Somers Tracts, VIII
131: Though they died as innocent as the child unborn. I680
BUNYAN Mr. Badman: Wks., III 663: Mr. Badman died like a lamb,
or, as they call it, like a chrisom-child.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V II iii 11: ’A made a finer end, and
went away an it had been any christom child. 1600—1 II
ii 39: As [good a maid as] my mother was the first hour I was born
[Mrs. Quickly is speaking]. (5)
B5 Love the BABE for her that bore it
1639 CL., p. 285: (bare).
Cf. C312: Many kiss (love) the child for the nurse’s sake.
B6 The BABY comes out of his mother’s parsley bed
1622 MABBE Rogue I 1 ii, I 85: I call my selfe his sonne . . since that
from that Mellon-bed, I was made legitimate by the holy right of
matrimony. *Footnote: Agreeing with that phrase which we use
to little children, when we tell them they were borne in their moth-
ers Parsley-bed. [01637] 1659 Land. Chant. ii, p. 329: My mother
in deed used to say that I was born to be a gardner’s wife, as soon as
ever I was taken out of her parsley bed. 1640 R. BROME Antipodes
I iv, p. 242: I am past a child My selfe to thinke they are found in
parsley beds. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ginepraio, p. 74: (To be
born, and come out of).
B7 Ye be a BABY of Beelzebub’s bower
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3V.
B8 To look BABIES in another’s eyes
[To see the small images of oneself reflected in the pupils of another’s
eyes.] 01565 Bugbears IV v 40: Some one or other lookt babies in

B11
BACK
here eie. 1591 SIDNEY Astrophel and Stella xi, p. 247: When thou
sawest, in Natures cabinet, Stella, thou straight lokest babies in her
eyes. [1604-17] 1647 FLETCHER Woman’s Prize V i, p. 79: To look
gay babies in your eyes young Rowland, And hang about your
pretty neck. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 161, p. 322: The English
say, To look babies in one anothers eyes. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Occhi, p. 120: To look babies in one anothers eyes, as Lovers do,
to look stedfastly and wishly. 1682 BEHN City Heiress III i, p.
254: Sigh’d, and lookt Babies in his gloating Eyes.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M.V. V i 242: I swear to thee, even by
thine own fair eyes,Wherein I see myself. 1605—8 T. Ath. I ii 1 14:
Joy had the like conception in our eyes And at that instant like a
babe sprung up. (25)
B9 We BACHELORS grin but you married men laugh
till your hearts ache
1651 HERB., p. 373: (We batchelors laugh and shew our teeth, but
you). 1659 N.R., p. 1 18: (We Batchellers shew our teeth, but you
and heart). 1670 RAY, p. 48. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Bachelor: Bach-
elours grin and Married Men laugh till their hearts ake. 1732 FUL.,
n0-5433-
B10 BACHELORS’ wives and maids’ children are well
taught
1546 HEY. II vi, s. II: (be well tought). 1549 LATIMER Serm. 11,
p. 178: The maid’s child is ever best taught. 01594 BACON, no.
492. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 205: (euer well are taught). 161 1 GRUT.,
no. 49. 1614 CAM., p. 304: (be well taught). 1616 DR., no. 633:
(must needs be well taught). 1639 CL., p. 58. 01640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 23: Batchelours wiues and mayds children
are best taught as they think, but wisdome knowes that ignorance
was neuer a good Tutresse. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (and
Maydens Children be well taught). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 1 5 5:
Many a one chastiseth a wife, who hath her not, who when he hath
her, knows not how to chastise her. *Note 150, p. 164: (The Eng-
lish say, Batchelors wives). 1670 RAY, p. 51: (are always well
taught). I721 KEL., p. 394: Young Men’s Wives, and Maiden’s
Bairns are ay well mannered.
Cf. C340: He that has no children does bring them up well;
C346: Who has no children feeds them fat; M106: Every man (one)
can rule a shrew but he that has her; W357: He that has no wife
beats her often.
B11—B17 BACK = back of the body, etc.
The BACK of a herring, the poll of a tench, the side
of a salmon, the belly of a wench are best
01640 SMYTH 59, p. 31: The backe of an hearinge, the poll of a tench,
The side of a salmon, the belly of a wench. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 192, p. 226: According to the English Proverb; The jowl of a
Samon, the tail of a Tench, the back of an Herring, and the belly of

a .
Cf. W689: Of women and fish the middle is best.
B12 Fall BACK fall edge
[Come what may.] 1553 Respublica l. 1467, p. 48: Well, fall backe,
fall edge, I am ons at a poincte . . taduenture a onncte. 01608
MIDDLETON Your Five Gallants I ii 76: Fall back, fall belly, I must
be maintained. 1615 T. ADAMS Two Sons: Wks., p. 423: He speaks
his thought; fall backe fall edge. 1619 Two Wise Men II iii, 5.
D4V: Ile neuer meddle with any matter out of the length and
bredth of my Anvile, fall back, fall edge while I breathe. I622
MABBE Rogue I I i, I 53: Fall backe, fall edge, goe which way you

25
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
BACK
BAD GER

will to worke. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Elog., p. 177.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: Fall edge, fall blade, whatsoever hap-
pen. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bere, p. 13: To drink, or be drownd,
viz. sink or swim, fall back, fall edge. 1670 RAY, p. 174. 1678
R. L’ESTRANGE Mor. I xii, p. 93: And, fall back, fall edge, we must
be Grateful still. 1732 FUL., no. 1494.
Cf. B15: Stick to him back and edge; S485: Sink or swim.
B13 His BACK is broad enough to bear jests
9.1529 SKELTON Manerly Margery l. 12: Wks., I 28: Go watch a
bole, your bak is brode. [1547—53] c1565 WEVER Lusty Yuventus,
s. D3v: My backe is broade inought to bare away that mock. I604
DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 62: I thanke you Mistris, my back’s
broad enough, now my Masters gown’s on. 1639 CL., s.v. Derisio,
p. 86. 1670 RAY, p. 163. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 416: I sup-
pose you think my back is broad enough to bear everything.
See ST., no. 1960.
B14 I bear him on my BACK
1546 GARDINER Letters Jan. 19, p. 222: As for lernyng, Skore berith
the other two on his bak, as they saye, and thin[ke]th himself gret
inough soo to doo. 1639 CL., s.v. Taedium ex iteratione, p. 303:
I bore him all the while on my back. 1670 RAY, p. 164: *That is, I
remember his injuries done to me with indignation and grief, or with
a purpose of revenge.
B15 Stick to him BACK and edge
1639 CL., s.v. Amicitia, p. 26. 1659 Lady Alimony III V, 5. H1:
By the influence of a white powder . . they have engaged them-
selves over, back and edge. 1668 MARVELL Corr. Oct. 27, II 261:
For to say the truth, my Lord Generall has been back and edge to
you in the businesse. 1673 BEHN Dutch Lover II iii, p. 250: I’ll
have no more to do with you back nor edge. 1681 ROB, p. 647:
You have such a friend as you could wish; one that will stick to you
back and edge.
Cf. B12: Fall back fall edge.
B16 To break one’s BACK
[01607-25] 1632 W. ROWLEY New Wonder IV, p. 169: O my poor
father! This loss will break his back. 1721 KEL., p. 397: I’ll
break your Back, and send you to the Skinner Trades. *This
Threatning is commonly in jest.
SHAKESPEARE.——I605-8 T. Ath. II i 23: I love and honour him,
But must not break my back to heal his finger. 1613 Hen. VIII
I i 83: Many Have broke their backs with laying manors on ’em For
this great journey.
B17 To Claw one by the BACK
[To flatter one.] a1542 WYATT Epig. 6: Poems, I 48: Take hede of
him that by thy back the claweth; For none is wourse than is a
frendely ffoo. 1546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: I clawd her by the backe in
waie of a charme. 1547-8 LATIMER Serm. and Rem. 49, p. 421:
For I will flatter no man, nor yet claw his back in his folly; but
esteem all men as I find them, allowing what is good, and disallow-
ing what is had. 1549 LATIMER Serm. 8, p. 124: The flatterers and
flibbergibs another day shall come and claw you. by the back.
01570 Marr. Wit and Science IV i, s. DIV; Lustily spoken, Let me
claw thee by the backe. 1597 J. HALL Satires I Prol., p. [9]: Hath
made his pen an hyred parasite, To claw the back of him that beast-
ly lives.
See ST., no. 1844.
B18 BACK = reverse
B18 AS bare as the BACK of my hand
1641 JONSON Timber, p. I 5: They that stood were ragged, bare, and
bald as your hand. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mano, p. 98: To
have that which is upon this hand, viz. nothing, for you shew the
palm of your hand stretch’d, and nothing in it; the English say, no
more than on the back of my hand. 1678 RAY, p. 281.
B19 He both BACK-BEATS him and belly-beats him
1639 CL., s.v. Rigor, p. 274.

B20 As straight as the BACKBONE of a herring
1678 RAY, p. 289. ~
B21 The BACK DOOR robs the house
1640 HERB, no. 470. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 213: The back-door
spoyls the house. 1732 FUL., no. 4402.
Cf. D48: Two daughters and a back door are three arrant (stark)
thieves; D560: The postern door (back door) makes thief and whore;
W370: A nice wife and a back door do often make a rich man poor.
B22 Dunmow BACON1 and Doncaster daggers, Mon-
mouth caps2 and Lemster wool,3 Derby ale4
and London beer
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: (Lemsters). I670 RAY, p. 258.
Cf. A101: Derby ale and London beer; M1105: Monmouth caps;
W753: Lemster wool (ore).
[15ee Sugden,p. I59. 2Ibid.,p.35o. 3Ibid.,p.3o4. 4Ibid.,p.151.]
B23 He loves BACON well that licks the swinesty door
1678 RAY, p. 96. 1732 FUL., no. 1978: (that licks the Sow’s
Breech).
Cf. M819: He loves roast meat well that licks the spit; M1339: He
loves mutton (sheep’s flesh) well that dips (wets) his bread in the
wool.
B24 To save one’s BACON
I682 BEHN City Heiress I i, p. 210: I go [to church] to save my
Bacon, as they say, once a Month. 1692 J. WASHINGTON Def.
People Pref. , p. xii: He was resolved to take a course like the Soldier
in Terence, to save his Bacon. 01693 Cat. Books in Harl. Misc., V
269: The broad Way to save a Man’s Bacon, and damn his Soul.
1696 Pepys Bal. 479, VII 216: But yet to save their Bacon. a1700
B.E., s.v. Bacon: He sav’d his Bacon. *He has escaped with a
whole Skin. (5)
B25 Where you think there is BACON there is not so
much as a chimney
I640 HERB, no. 319: (there is no chimney). 1664 COD., p. 227.
Cf. C265: There is not always good cheer where the chimney
smokes.
B26 To Change the BAD for the better
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 127: Who is so foolish that will not be con-
tent to change for the better? 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 206:
Although I loued Philautus for his good properties, yet seing Eu-
phues to excell him, I ought by Nature to lyke him better. I591
STEP., p. 156: It is alwayes good to change for a better.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.C.V. II vi 12: And he wants wit that
wants resolved will To learn his wit t’ exchange the bad for better.
1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 72: If by me broke, what fool is not so wise To
lose an oath to win a paradise?
327 To go from BAD to worse
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K3: Suche dryfts draue he, from yll to wars and
wars. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Feb., 1. 12, p. 11: From good to
badd, and from badde to worse. I583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I,
p. 69: But runne daylie a malo ad peius (as they say) from one mis-
chiefe to an other. 1598 T. ROGERS Celest. Eleg. in Lamport Garl.,
s. C5: From bad to worse the world still growes to nought. 1611
COT., s.v. Monde: The world growes euerie day worse and worse.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 11: (The world goes alwayes from). 1667
MILTON Par. Lost XII 106, p. 382: Still tend from bad to worse.
1678 BUNYAN Pilg. Prog. I, p. 1 I2: Thou hast done in this according
to the proverb, Changed a bad for a worse.
SHAKESPEARE—1610 Cym. IV ii 132: His humour Was nothing
but mutation,—ay, and that From one bad thing to worse.
Cf. G272: Out of God’s blessing into the warm sun; G320: To
come from little good (ought) to stark nought; H713: From the
horses to the asses; M988: He is gotten out of the mire and is fallen
into the river; T168: All things grow worse and worse.
B28 Gip, quothBADGER (Gilbert) when his mare kicked
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: Gip quoth Gilbert when his Mare
farted. 1678 RAY, p. 8 5: (Gip with an ill rubbing, quoth). *This

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BAG
BAIRNS’
27

is a ridiculous expression, used to people that are pettish and fro-
ward.
B29 Bodel a BAG and bairn
01640 SMYTH 77, p. 32: *An ill hap falles where it is feared.
[lexpect]
B30 An empty BAG (sack) cannot stand upright
1659 N.R., p. 15. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 245: (sack). *Note 14,
p. 274: Men must be fed, if you will have them to stand to their
work, or their arms. 1740 FRANKLIN, p. 17. 1750 FRANKLIN, p.
24: ’Tis hard (but glorious) to be poor and honest: An empty Sack
can hardly stand upright; but if it does, ’tis a stout one!
B31 He is able to put him up in a BAG
1662 FULLER Worthies Cardiganshire, II 579: They had a kind of
Play, wherein the stronger . . put the weaker into a Sack; and hence
we have borrowed our English by-word . . He is able to put him up
in a Bagge.
B32 To give one the BAG
01576 Common Cond. l. 215, s. B1: This tinkerly trade wee geue it
the bagge. 1592 GREENE Dey’. Conny Catching, p. 86: If he meane
to giue her the bagge, he selleth whatsoeuer he can, and so leueth
her. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. III ii 36: Let a man pay them neuer
so much, they’ll giue him nothing but the bag. 1607 DEKKER AND
WEBSTER West. Ho IV ii, s. GIV: Feare our oares haue giuen vs the
bag. 1613 T. ADAMS White Devil: Wks., p. 58: As he-gaue Religion
the bag for the World, so the world gaue him the bagge, and turned
him a begging.
See ST., no. 2617.
B33 Toom1 BAGS rattle
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1252: (rattles).
[lemPtYl
B34 He is like a BAGPIPE, he never talks till his belly
is full
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 53: I am like the bagpipes of Bologna, who
can neuer play, vntill they be full. 1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua V ii, s.
K2: I am like a bag-pipe, that neuer sounds but when the bellie is
full. 1616 DR., no. 816: A baggepipe will not lightly speake, vntill
his belly be full. 1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, s. E4: What
Planet strucke? quite mute, Or Bagge-pype-like, not speake before
thou art full, Not one wise word. 1623 WOD., p. 249: Sir, I am like
vnto the Bagpipes of Bolonia which can not blow vnlesse they be
full of Wind. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 207: When the bagpipe is
full, then it begins to sound. *Note 225, p. 227: When the belly is
full, then one begins to talk. 1678 RAY, p. 291: (be full). 1732
FUL., no. 2459: (He’s like a Bagpipe; you never hear him till).
B35 Lincolnshire BAGPIPEs
1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s. C1: The
sweet Ballade of the Lincoln-shire bagpipes. 1617 MORYSON Itin-
erary III 1 iii, III 463: Lincolnshire Belles and Bag-pipes. . are
proverbially spoken of. 1622 DRAYTON Poly-Olh. XXIII 266, p.
474: And Bells and Bag-pipes next, belong to Lincolneshire. 1662
FULLER Worthies Lincolnshire, II 6. 1670 RAY, p. 237: *Whether
because the people here do more delight in the bagpipes then others,
or Whether they are more cunning in playing upon them, indeed the
former of these will inferre the latter.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IVI ii 82: I am as melancholy as a
gib-cat . . or the drone of a Lincolnshire bagpipe.
1668 R.B., p. 51: (rattles).
B36 Whiles1 thou whiles I, so goes the BAILIERY2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1454. 1668 R.B., p. 45. 1721 KEL., p. 352:
*Spoken when Persons, and Parties, get Authority by turns.
[Isometimes 2magistracy]
B37 The BAILIFF OF BEDFORD is coming
1655 FULLER Hist. Camhridge 5, p. 105: In the next (being a wet
and windy) Winter, down comes the bailiff of Bedford (so the coun-
try-people commonly call the over-flowing of the river Ouse) . . and
breaks down all their paper-banks. 1662 FULLER Worthies Bed-
fordshire, I 116. 1670 RAY, p. 220.

B38 He is arrested by the BAILIFF OF MARSHLAND
1662 FULLER Worthies Norfolk, II 126: He is arrested by the Baily
of Marshland. The aire of Marshland in this County is none of the
wholesomest . . Hence . . strangers coming hither are clapt on the
back with an ague. I670 RAY, p. 245.
B39 As sore cries the BAIRN that is dung1 at night as
he that was dung in the morning
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 57: Als sore greitis the bairne that is dung
efter-noone as he that is dung befor-noone. 1668 R.B., p. 3: [As in
a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 12: *He that is now in Prosperity,
when I am in Adversity, may find as severe a Change of Fortune
afterwards.
[1beaten]
B40 A beltless BAIRN cannot lie
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 121. 1721 KEL., p. 41: *I have not heard this
used, but it is in the old Scotch Collection: I suppose it means a
Child before it be so old as to wear belted Truese, will not have the
Cunning to invent a Lie.
Cf. C328: Children (Drunkards) and fools cannot lie (Children
and fools speak truth).
B41
1641 FERG., no. 550.
It is a sair dung1 BAIRN that dare not greet2
1668 R.B., p. 33. 1721 KEL., p. 177: (that
may not greet). *They are under great Awe, that may not com-
plain. Spoken when People take it ill, that we dare to complain of
their hard, and severe Usage.
[lbeaten 2cry]
B42 It is an ill-faced BAIRN that is gotten against the
father’s will
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 860. 1721 KEL., p. 188: (It is a thrawn
fac’d). *Kindness extorted come always with an ill Grace.
B43 Let him who begot the BAIRN hold the bairn
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 968.
Cf. B712: Let him take the bull that stole away the calf; C765:
Who bulls the cow must keep the calf.
B44 A silly1 BAIRN is eith2 to learn
15th 0. Ratis Raving III 121, p. 94: For sely barnis are eith to leire.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 20. 1668 R.B., p. 4.
[1good, forward 2easy, quick]
B45 A tarrowing1 BAIRN was never fat
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 70. 1668 R.B., p. 6. 1721 KEL., p. 13: *A
Person always complaining of, and unsatisfied with his Condition,
cannot be happy.
[lcomplaining]
B46 Better my BAIRNS (children) seek of me than I of
them
1560 BECON Cat. VI, p. 356: Better it is that childern crave of their
parents, than that parents should ask of their children. 1721
KEL., p. 69: *An Excuse of Parents, for not giving their Children
too great a Portion.
B47 I am beggared and all my BAIRNS
1577-87 W. HARRISON Descr. Eng. II v, I 108: And it is also growne
into a prouerbe in the south, when anie man susteineth a great hin-
derance, to saie, I am beggered, and all my barnes.
Cf. U8: To be utterly undone.
B48 Ill BAIRNS are best heard at home
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 819. 1668 R.B., p. 30. 1721 KEL., p. 187:
*A Discouragement to extravagant Boys, who are fond of travelling.
B49 BAars’ mother brust1 never
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 166: A bairnes mother bursted never except
of sorrow. 1641 FERG., no. 206. 1668 R.B., p. 14. 1721 KEL.,
p. 62: *Because she will keep Meat out of her own Mouth, and put
it into theirs.
[lburst]

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entryf orm.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
BAIT
BANNING
28
B50 BAIT: subst.
B50 The BAIT hides the hook
1576 PE'I‘TIE Pet. Pal, II 3: Being ignorant that under most green
grass lie most great snakes, and under enticing baits entangling
hooks, he bit so greedily at the bait ther beauty, that he swallowed
down the hook of hateful hurt. Ibid., II 164: Shall I greedily de-
vour the bait, which I know hath a hook hidden in it to hurt me?
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 222: Beautie . . was a deceiptfull
bayte with a deadly hooke. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 82: The
hooke is hidden under the bayte, or the Serpent amongest the flow-
ers. 1591 GREENE Farew. to Folly, p. 290: Couering an inuenomed
hooke with a faire baite. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. I ii 66: For her
[the world’s] most beauteous looks Are poisoned baits, hung upon
golden hooks. 1605 I 7eronimo I i 1 I8: Him with a goulden baite
will I allure. 1607 JONSON Volp. I iv 134: This hope IS such a bait,
it couers any hooke. 1622 J. TAYLOR Farew. to Tower Bottles III:
Wks. F., p. 612: The sweet bate couers the deceiuing hookes, And
false harts can put on good words and lookes. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
28, p. 80: Shun the bait which covers the hook. 1732 FUL., no. 4403.
Cf. S585: Snake in the grass.
B51 BAIT: verb
B51 What BAITS one banes1 another
1639 CL., p. 57. . _
Cf. M483: One man’s meat 13 another man’s p01son.
[lpoisons]
B52 As you BAKE so shall you brew (eat)
1548 E. HALL Hen. VII: Chron., f. 7v: Suche breade as they bake,
suche muste they eate. 1560-77 lliisogonus III i 197: AS thou
bakst, so shat brewe. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 46: But as bake
many times, so they brue. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D4: Such
as thou bakest, such shalt thou eat. 1594 GREENE AND LODGE
Look. Glass, s. F2: Nay, euen as you haue baked, so brue, iealousie
must be driuen out by extremities.
Cf. B189: He that makes his bed ill lies there; B654: As one brews
so let him bake (drink); S687: As they sow so let them reap; T228:
He that sows thistles Shall reap thorns (prickles).
B53 Be not a BAKER if your head be of butter
1640 HERB., no. 317. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
192. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7: (ifthy head be made ofbutter).
1664 COD., p. 187. 1670 RAY, p. 2: *Hispan. 1732 FUL., no. 1321:
Don’t turn Baker, if your Head be made of Butter.
B54 He should be a BAKER by his bowlegs
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho II ii, S. C4v: Will womens
tounges (like Bakers legs) neuer go straight. 1667 R. L’ESTRANGE
Visions 3, p. 189: The devils . . are for the most part wrinkled and
baker-legged. 1670 COMENIUS Yanua Ling. Triling. 30, p. 67: He
that is baker-knee’d, wears away his own knees. 1678 RAY, p. 91:
*Relating to several trades.
B55 A BAKER’S wife may bite of a bun, a brewer’s wife
may drink of a tun, and a fishmonger’s wife
may feed of a conger, but a servingman’s wife
may starve for hunger
1598 I.M. Health to Serving Men, s. I4v: (Mee thinkes he myght
remember the olde saying: A Bakers).
B56 It is good BAKING beside meal
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 829. 1668 R.B., p. 31: (besides). 1721 KEL.,
p. 181: *That is, People may do well enough, when they have some
to uphold, and supply them.
Cf. C349: He must needs swim that is held up by the chin.
B57 The BALANCE1 distinguishes not between gold and
lead
1640 HERB., no. 625. 1659 N.R., p. 103: (gold and silver).
COD., p. 220. 1670 RAY, p. 2.
[lscale]
1664

B58 Every BALANCE1 has its counterpoise
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 53. 1732 FUL., no. 1458: (Every Scale).
[lscale]
B59 When BALE is highest boot is next1
15th 0. AUDELAY Timor Mortis 366 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 248:
Lerne this lesson of blynd Awdlay: When bale is hyest, then bot
may be. 1546 HEY. I xii, S. E4: Comfort your selfe with this old
text, That telth vs, when bale is hekst, boote is next. [a1563] 1661
Tom Tyler and His Wife 1. 918, p. 26: When bale is bad, good boot
is ny. 1567 GOLDING Metam. XIV 557, p. 286: And when that bale
is hyghest growne, then boote must next ensew. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 182: When bale’s at the highest, then boote is nighest. 1616
DR., no. 996. 1639 CL., p. 123. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15:
(When bale is hekst). 1670 RAY, p. 58: *It is as much as to say,
When things are come to the worst they’ll mend.
See ST., no. 1643. Cf. D84: It is always darkest just before the
day dawns; E124: In the end things will mend; S216: Seil comes not
while (till) sorrow be gone (over); T216: When things are at the
worst they will mend.
[lnearest]
B60 Make no BALKs1 (not a balk) in good ground
(bear-land2)
1636 CAM., p. 302: (Make not a balke of). 1641 FERG., no. 642:
(of good bear land). 1642 FULLER Holy State II xxiii, p. 148: Some
say that in silencing many gentile families, he makes baulks of as
good ground as any he ploweth up. 1659 N.R., p. 78: [As in 1636
Cam.]. 1668 R.B., p. 38: (of good beer-land). 1670 RAY, p. 58:
(Make not balks of). 1721 KEL., p. 247: (Bearland). *Spoken
when it is proposed to marry the youngest Daughter, before the
eldest. 1732 FUL., no. 3316.
[1strips of unploughed land dividing holdings 2land set‘aside for
barley]
B61 As round as a BALL
1562 HEY. Epig. 68, p. 137: [He] turnd round as a ball. 1583
STUEBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 126: Then to Bocardo goeth he as round
as a ball. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 66, p. 19: What is that: round as a
ball, longer then Paul’s Steeple, weather-cocke, and all? Solution.
It is a round bottome of thred, when it is unwoond.
Cf. H593: As round as a hoop.
B62 He has struck the BALL under the line
1562 HEY. Dial. Ixi, p. 35: (Thou hast striken the). 1611 DAv.
Prov., no. 161 : Lenaea hath strooke the ball vnder line. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Prodigalitie, no. 1724. 1634 [S. ROWLEY] Noble Soldier II, s.
DIv: Shee has beene strucke under line, master souldier.
SHAKESPEARE._IOII Temp. IV i 235: Mistress line, is not this
my jerkin? [Takes it down.] Now is the jerkin under the line.
B63 He has the BALL at his foot
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 588.
See 511., p. 520.
B64 An Old BAND (ensign) is the honor of a captain
1573 SANF., f. 102v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28: (Ensigne).
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 65, p. 28: (is a captaine’s honor).
B65 Be as be may is no BANNING (Be as be may)
[9.1529] 1542—8 SKELTON Elynour Rum. l. 261: Wks., I 103: Be that
as be maye. I530 PALs., p. 444b: Be as be maye. 1546 HEY. II i,
s. F3. 01563 7ack 7uggler, s. B2v: Bee as bee maye. I564
BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 22. 1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, s.
D4v. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. March, I. 58, p. 16: Let be, as may
be. 1594 LYLY Mother B. 11 ii 21. 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 20: Be as
be may, no banning is. 1623 CAM., p. 267. 1639 CL., s.v. Con-
temptus, p. 72. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 59:
Be as it may be is no banning. 1721 KEL., p. 75: Be it so, is no
banning. *Spoken when we unwillingly give our consent to a
Thing.
SHAKESPEARE.——1599 A.Y. III iii 42: But be it as it may be, I will
marry thee.
Cf. T202: Things must be as they may. (12)

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BANNOCK
BARK (BARKs)

B66 Bite not (Bourd1 not with) my BANNOCK2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 284: (Bourd not with). 1721 KEL., p. 56:
*That is, do not intrude upon my Interest or Property, which no
Man will willingly part with.
[ljest 2a cake baked in ashes]
B67 BANNOCKS1 is better than no bread
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 275: (nor na kind bread). 1668 RB, p. 14:
(nor na kind of bread). I721 KEL., p. 67: *Better a course Thing
than nothing at all.
[1cakes baked in ashes]
B68 There is no great BANQUET but some fare ill
1640 HERE, no. 664: (fares). 1664 COD., p. 220. 1670 RAY, p. 2.
B69 A BARBER learns to shave by shaving of fools
1611 COT., s.v. Raire: By trimming fooles about the gill, a Barbers
prentise learns his skill; or, by doing a thing ill one learns to doe
much better. 1654'WHITLOCK Zootomia, p. 46: The fools Beard
teacheth the young Barber his Trade. 1659 N.R., p. 20: By shaving
a fool many learn to sheare. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 21: (of mad
men, or fools). 1670 RAY, p. 141. 1732 FUL., no. 6.
B70 One BARBER shaves not so close but another finds
work
1640 HERE, no. 663: (No barber shaves so close but). 1659 N.R.,
p. 81: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 208. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
23, p. 21: There is not a beard in the World so well shaven, but an-
other Barber will find fault with it. 1670 RAY, p. 2. I732 FUL.,
n0-3737-
B71 One BARBER trims (shaves) another
[Barber surgeons treated their colleagues free of charge] 1611
COT., s.v. Barbier: Vn barbier rait l’autre. One knaue trimmes;
excuses, helpes; soothes, or flatters, another. 1623 WOD., p. 522:
(shaves). *One good turne for an other, or his cont. 1658 E.
PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 175: One Barber trims another.
’Tis very kindly done of them. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 35, p. 21.
B72 A young BARBER and an old physician
1573 SANF., f. 50. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32. 01594 BACON,
no. 581. 1623 WOD., p. 490: A yong Barber, an old Doctor. 1629
Bk. Mer. Rid. 5, p. 26: (and old physitian). 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 15. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15: Beware of a young Physitian,
and an old Barber. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 21.
See DUE, I, no. 43. Cf. P265: An old physician and a young
lawyer.
B73 As common as a BARBER’S chair
1554 HILARIE Resur. Mass, s. A3vz The worse for God, the better
for me I am as common as the Barbours chayre. 1579 GOSSON
Apol. Sch. Abuse, p. 66: Venus . . that made her self as common as a
Barbars chayre. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III IV i 3, p. 904:
Venus, a notorious strumpet, as common as a barber’s chair. 1639
CL., s.v. Meretrix, p. 207. 1678 RAY, p. 90: (Shee’s as common as).
1732 FUL., no. 4129: [As in 1678 Ray].
Cf. B74: Like a barber’s chair, fit for every buttock; C109: As
common as the cartway.
B74 Like a BARBER’S chair, fit for every buttock
1678 RAY, p. 66. 1732 FUL., no. 3218: (for every one).
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. II ii 17: It is like a barber’s chair,
that fits all buttocks.
Cf. B73: As common as a barber’s chair.
B75 BAREERS are correctors of capital crimes
1659 How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 9.
B76 A BARGAIN is a bargain
1553 WILSON Rhet., p. 34: Resting vpon this point, that a bargaine
is a bargaine, and must stand Without all exception. 1592 Arden
F., s. D2: But that a bargane is a bargane, and so foorth, you should
do it your selfe. [a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. G4v: But the best is, a

bargayne’s a bargayne. 1619 Two Wise Men I i, s. B4V: And what
falt is in me, a bargaine is a bargaine: and if I giue them a little
more for their land when it is forfeited, they may thanke me. 1633
SHIRLEY Witty Fair One V v, p. 361: A lady is a lady, a bargain is a
bargain. 1678 RAY, p.66. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 361, I 328.
B77 A good BARGAIN is a pickpurse
1611 COT., s.v. Argent: Good cheape commodities are notable picke-
purses. 1623 WOD., p. 478: Good chapenes drawes Mony out of
purse. 1640 HERE, no. 12. 1657 LEIGH, p. 261: [As in 1611 Cot.].
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 22: On a good bargain
think twice, for a good bargain is a pick-purse. 1659 N.R., p. 14.
1664 COD., p. 186. 1670 RAY, p. 58. 1732 FUL., no. 1701: Good
Bargains are Pick-pockets. I747 FRANKLIN, p. 24: Many have
been ruin’d by buying good pennyworths.
See ST., no. 713. Cf. B79: On a good bargain (pennyworth)
think twice (pause a while).
B78 It is an ill BARGAIN where no man wins
01600 A. DOUGLAS, quoted in Notes and Queries, Ser. 10, II 22:
There is a proverb that says, the bargain is ill made where neither
of the parties doth gain. I721 KEE, p. 182. 1732 FUL., no. 2839:
It is a bad Bargain, Where both are Losers. Ibid., no. 2878: It is
a silly Bargain, Where no Body gets.
B79 On a good BARGAIN (pennyworth) think twice
(pause a while)
1640 HERE, no. 525. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
22: (twice, for a good bargain is a pick-purse). 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. 10: Think well upon’t when thou art offered a good penni-
worth. 1659 N.R., p. 82. 1664 COD., p. 208. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
35, p. 65: At a good peny-worth, pause a little while. *Note 36,
p. 78: For there may be some fraud in the commodity, or in the
person, as being ill gotten. 1670 RAY, p. 2: *Ital. 1705 Pleas. Art,
p. 150. 1739 FRANKLIN, p. 15: At a great pennyworth, pause a
while.
Cf. B77: A good bargain is a pickpurse.
B80 To sell one a BARGAIN
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Carote, p. 31: To over-reach, or chouce a
body in any bargain to make one believe any thing; To that purpose
the English very properly use a drolling proverbial phrase, To sell
one a bargain.
SHAKESPEARE—1594-5 L.L.L. III i 102: The boy hath sold him
a bargain—a goose, that’s flat.
See ST., no. 1241.
Some BARGAINS dear bought good cheap would be
sold
I562 HEY. Dial. I Viii, p. 15. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 394: Some bar-
gaine’s deare bought and cheape should be sold: So many would
sell their wiues if they could. 1639 CL., s.v. Voluptas, p. 326:
Cheape sold and deare bought.
B82
1640 HERE, no. 627.
B81
To be beloved is above all BARGAINS
1659 N.R., p. 103. 1664 COD., p. 220.
B83 BARK: subst.
B83 As near as BARK to tree
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 87: As neere is Fancie to Beautie
. . as the stalke to the rynde, as the earth to the roote. 1633 MAR-
MION Fine Companion V ii, p. 191: Master Dotario, and my daugh-
ter fEmilia, hand in hand, and married together! . . —Well, there
they are bark and tree. 1639 CL., p. 286.
SHAKESPEARE—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 285: Domain is mine as sure
as bark on tree.
Cf. H88: Put not your hand between the bark and the tree;
M72: As near to other as man and wife.
B84 BARK: verb
B84 He never BARKs false
1639 CL., s.v. Aberrandi, p. 2.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi'.
BARKERS 30 BASILISK’S

B85 Great BARKERS are no biters B91 To dance BARNABY
[01537] 01560 UDALL Thersytes, 3. E1: Great barking dogges, do not
most byte And oft it is sene that the best men in the hoost Be not
suche, that vse to bragge moste. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and
Pithias, s. E4v: These barking whelpes were neuer good biters, Ne
yet great crakers were euer great fighters. 1573 SANF., f. 102v:
A barking Dogge will doe no hurt. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f.
28v: A barking dog hurteth not. 1611 COT., s.v. Chien: The dogge
that barkes much bites little; a great prater, a weake performer.
1614 CAM., p. 306. 1616 DR., no. 539: The dogge hath barked at
me, but not bitten me. Ibid., no. 540: Bragging mastiues seldome
bite. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 66, p. 28: A barking dog seldome bites.
1639 CL., p. 142. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 193.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 40, p. 35: A dog that barks, bites not. 1721
KEL., p. 112: *Great Boasters are not always best Performers.
See ST., no. 921. Cf. B86: The greatest barkers are not the
sorest biters (bite not sorest); D461: A dog will bark ere he bite;
D503: A still dog bites sore; D528: Cowardly dogs bark much;
D531: Dogs barking aloof bite not at hand.
B86 The greatest BARKERS are not the sorest biters
(bite not sorest)
1552 TAV., f. 66v: Fearefull dogges do barke the sorer. Great
braggers commonly be least fyghters, and most cowardes euen as
the mooste barkyng dogges be for the most parte lest biters. 1584
GREENE Card Fancy, p. 152: Orlanio . . thought the greatest bark-
ers were not alwayes the sorest biters. 1599 [GREENE] George a
Greene, s. E4: That wil I try. Barking dogs bite not the sorest.
1616 WITHALS, p. 555: (not the greatest byters). 1639 CL., p. 153:
(bite not sorest). Ibid., p. 193. 1670 RAY, p. 59: (bite not sorest).
1672 WALK. 25, p. 40: (are not alwayes the sorest biters).
Cf. B8 5: Great barkers are no biters.
B87 BARLEY makes the heap but wheat the cheap
01640 SMYTH 71, p. 32: *Meaninge, that a good wheat yeare pulles
downe the price of its selfe and of all other graines, which noe other
graine doth.
B88 A BARLEYCORN is better than a diamond (pearl) to
a cock
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 148: I mean to continue as I am, and not
to change for the worse . . or [give] a precious stone for a barley-corn
with Aesop’s cock. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 213: And thereof
arose the fable of the Cock finding a precious stone, which he set
lesse by then a barly corne. I587 GREENE Euph. to Philautus, p.
179: Prefer not a barlie come before a pretious Jewel, set not a fad-
ing content before a perpetual! honor. 1589 NASHE Anat. Absurd-
ity: Wks., I 31: Aesop’s Cocke, which parted with a Pearle for a
Barlie-kurnell. I598 MARLOWE Hero and Leander II 51, p. 54:
Like Aesop’s cock, this jewel he enjoyed, And as a brother with his
sister toyed. 1602 [COOKE] How Man May Choose, s. G3: Heres
right the dunghil Cock that finds a perrle. [01618] 1647 FLETCHER
ET AL. .Qu. Corinth III i, p. 40: Oh Mediocrity, Thou prizelessjewel,
only mean men have But cannot value; like the precious Jem,
Found in the Mukhill by the ignorant Cock. 1635 F. QUARLES
Emblems (1643 ed.) III ii: Wks., II 69: We snatch at barly grains,
while pearls stand by Despis’d; such very fools art thou and I.
1638 T. RANDOLPH Muses’ Look. Glass III ii, p. 224: [You] can
tell What use the pearl is of, which dunghill-cocks Scrape into dirt
again. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables I, I 1: As a Cock was turning
up a Dunghill, he spy’d a Diamond. Well (says he to himself) . . a
Barley-Corn had been worth Forty on’t. 1732 FUL., no. 7. -
B89 BARLEY STRAW is good fodder when the cow gives
water
1678 RAY, p. 51.
B90 When the BARN is full you may thresh before the
door
1647 J. HOWELL Let. II 24, II 416: When the barn was full, any one
might thrash in the haggard [stackyard]. 1721 KEL., p. 354. I732
FUL., no. 5570.

[To dance with a quick movement] 1664 C. COTTON Scarron. I,
p. 13: Bounce, cries the Port-hole; out they fly, And make the
World dance Barnaby. I664 ETHEREDGE Com. Revenge V ii 28:
Widow, here is Musique; send for a Parson, and we will dance
Barnaby within this half-hour. 1727 Address Company Oxford in
Roxb. Bal., VIII 27o: Speak, and we’ll let your thunder fly And
make the world dance Barnaby.
B92 BARNABY BRIGHT, the longest day and the shortest
night
[St. Barnabas day, the eleventh of June, was in Old Style reckoned
the longest day.] 1595 SPENSER Epithal. l. 266: Wks., p. 738: This
day the sunne is in his chiefest hight, With Barnaby the bright.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 20: (and shortest night). 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 21: On Saint Barnabies day the Sun said, here I will
stand. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 22: At St. Barnaby, is the longest
day of Summer. 1672 Westminster Droll. II, p. 100: It was in June,
and ’twas on Barnaby Bright too, A time when the days are long,
and nights are short. 1678 RAY, p. 51. 1732 FUL., no. 6206.
B93 As broad as a BARN DOOR
[8.1521] c1545 J. HEYWOOD Four PP, s. D3v: Hys browes as brode
as barne durres. .
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R]. III i 99: ’Tis not so deep as a well,
nor so wide as a church door.
B94 Neither (Never a) BARREL better herring
I538 BALE K. Yohan l. 1874, p. 96: Lyke lorde lyke Chaplayne,
neyther barrell better heryge. 1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 165v: Twoo
feloes beeyng lyke flagicious, and neither barell better hearyng,
accused either other. 1546 HEY. II xi, s. M1: (In neither barrell).
I573 GASCOIGNE Supposes IV vi, p. 225: There is neuer a barrell
better herring, beetwene you both. 1611 COT., s.v. Colot. 1616
DR., no. 1250: (Neuer a). 1639 CL., p. 14. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 5: (In neither barrel). Ibid., p. 13: (Never a). 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Rotto, p. 173: Not to know which to shun, or to chuse,
which to leave, or which to take; the English say, NO barrel better
Herring. I670 RAY, p. 163: (Never a). (14)
B95 To be bout as BARROW was
*Chesh. bout, that is
1678 RAY, p.
1670 RAY, p. 217: Be bout as Barrow was.
without it. 1674 RAY Words Not Gen. Used, p. 10.
66: To be bout, i. e. without, as Barrow was.
B96 To be dressed like BARTHOLOMEW BABIES1
1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions 4, p. 214: [He] sate as if he had been
boxed up, like a Bartholomew-Baby. I670 BROOKS London’s
Lamentations: Wks., VI 51: Men . . were dressed up like fantastical
antics, and women like Bartholomew-babies.
[lsee Sugden, p. 48.]
B97 BASHFULNESS does moderate desires
1616 WITHALS, p. 542: (our desires). 1664 COD., p. 188.
B98 BASHFULNESS is an enemy to poverty
1539 TAV.,
1664 COD.,
[ERAS. Adagia, 613B: Verecundia inutilis viro egenti.]
f. 26: Cast away bashfulnes where nede constrayneth.
p. 188. 1670 RAY, p. 2.
Cf. A344: He that cannot ask cannot live.
B99 The BASILISK’S eye is fatal
1597 LYLY Woman in Moon IV i 73: Detested falsor! that to Stesias
eyes Art more infestious then the Basiliske. 1599 H. PORTER Two
Women Ab. xii, s. L1: O, that it were the Basseliskies fell eye, To
poyson thee. I602 JONSON Poetaster Sec. Sounding, l. 35, p. 204:
Are there . . no poet-apes, That come with basiliskes eyes, whose
forked tongues Are steept in venome, as their hearts in gall? 1606
JONSON Volp. V viii 29: Lets flye him. ——Excellent Basiliske! turne
vpon the vulture. 1682 J. BANKS Virtue Betrayed I, p. 6: Her Crown
is hideous to my sight, Its Jewels fatal as the Eyes of Basilisks.
SHAKESPEARE.--ISQO-I 2 Hen. VI III ii 52: Come, basilisk, And
kill the innocent gazer with thy sight. 1591 3 Hen. VI III ii 187:

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BASKET 3 1
BEAN

I’ll slay more gazers than the basilisk. 1597 Rich. IIII ii 148: Out
of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes . . Would they were
basilisks, to strike thee dead! 1599 Hen. VV ii 14: As we are now
glad to behold your eyes . . which hitherto have borne in them . .
The fatal balls ofmurthering basilisks. 1610 Cym. II iv 107: It is a
basilisk unto mine eye, Kills me to look on’t. 1611 W. T. I ii 388:
Make me not sighted like the basilisk.
See OTTO, no. 240. Cf. C495: The cockatrice slays by sight only.
B100 He that makes one BASKET may make a hundred
1611 COT., s.v. Corbeille: He that makes a basket makes a pannier;
he that can do one thing can do another. 1732 FUL., no. 2234.
It is not a BASKET of hay but a basket of flesh
which will make a lion roar
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 410: *That is, it must be flesh and not
hey which will give courage and strength to a lion.
B101
B102 You shall have the BASKET
1678 RAY, p. 344: *Taunton.
vied for pleasing his master.
Said to the journeyman that is en-
B103 A BASKET JUSTICE will do justice right or wrong
[The basketjustices were so called because they allowed themselves
to be bought by baskets of game] 1601 GLASCOCK, Dec. 1 in
Townshend Hist. Coll., p. 268: A Justice of Peace . . for half a
Dozen of Chickens will Dispence with a whole Dozen Penal Stat-
utes. These be the Basket-Justices. 1678 RAY, p. 74: A basket
Justice; a Jyll Justice; a good forenoon Justice. 1732 F UL., no. 8.
B104 BASTARDS by chance are good, by nature bad
01594 BACON, no. 1505: Bon bastard c’est d’aventure, mechant c’est
la nature. 1611 COT., s.v. Meschant. 1616 DR., s.v. Vaunting,
no. 2216: If a bastard doth well, it is at aduenture, but when he
doth ill, it is naturall. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 6: If a Bastard be
good, ’tis by chance, if bad, ’tis by nature. 1659 N.R., p. 20.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 22: A bastard to be good, its a chance, to
be bad, its his disposition.
Cf. B456: Blood is inherited but virtue is achieved.
B105 The BATH of the blackamoor has sworn not to
whiten
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram, p. 83: *That which is bred in the bone
will neuer out of the flesh. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p.
15: Hope not to reclaime him whom God forsakes, for the bath of a
Blackmore hath sworn not to whiten, and that which is bred in the
bone will neuer out of the flesh. 1651 HERE, p. 369.
Cf. B436: Black will take no other hue; E1 86: To wash an Ethiop
(blackamoor, Moor) white; F365: It will not out of the flesh that is
bred in the bone.
B106 BATTLES cost both sides blows
1639 CL., p. 318. 1664 COD., p. 186: Battels cost Blows on both
sides.
B107 The BAVIN1 burns bright but it is but a blaze
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 218: Yet will you commonly obiect
this . . that hot loue is soone colde, that the Bauin though it bourne
bright, is but a blaze. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U2v: Soone
ripe, soone rotten: quickly spent, thats easely gotten: bauin burnes
brighte, but it is but a blaze. 1584 GREENE Arhasto, p. 194: I went
out of my tente . . hoping that hot loue would be soone cold, that
the greatest bauin was but a blaze. 1594 LYLY Mother B. IV i 45:
Bauins will haue their flashes, and youth their fansies; the one as
soone quenched as the other burnt. 1603 CROSSE Virtue’s Com-
monw., p. 133: [Pleasure] which like a bauin giueth goodly blaze . .
but is soone out. 1607 DEKKER AND WILKINS Yests in Dekker
Non-Dram. Wks., II 273: A iest is the buibling vp of wit. It is a
Bauin which being well kindled maintaines for a short time the
heate of laughter.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV III ii 61: With shallow jesters
and rash bavin wits, Soon kindled and soon burnt.
[1a bundle of brushwood used for firewood]

B108 BAWDs and attorneys, like andirons, the one
holds the sticks,the other their clients,till they
consume
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
B109 At a BAY
1546 HEY. I ii, s. A3v: But I am at baye. By other parables oflyke
weighty weyght. 1616 DR., s.v. Doubting, no. 377. I666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Introl, p. 83: To have any one at a bay, viz. to have
one at a stand, or pass, S0 that there’s no passage for him, namely in
dispute, to be too hard for one, to gravel, and non-plus him.
SHAKESPEARE—""1592 T. And. IV ii 42: At such a bay. (15)
B110 BAYARD1 of ten toes
1597 ES. Disc. Knights Post, s. A3: As I traueiled . . upon my well
approued hacney, (ould Bayard of ten toes). 1616 BRETON Good
and Bad: W hs., II 14: His trauell is the walke of the woful and his
horse Bayard of ten toes.
See ST., no. 93.
[1a bay horse]
B111 Keep BAYARD1 in the stable
1546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v: Theyr landlorde came to theyr howse to
take a stresse For rent. to haue kept bayard in the stable. 1623
CAM., p. 169. 1639 CL., s.v. Securitatis, p. 278.
[1a bay horse]
B112 Who so bold (As bold) as blind BAYARDI?
01475 CAXTON Hist. Troy Prol., I 4: And began boldly to renne forth
as blynd bayard. 0.1529 SKELTON Agst. Garnesche l. 101: Wks., I
123: Bolde bayarde, ye are to blynde. 1532 T. MORE Conf. Tyn-
dale’s Ans. III, I 282: Be bold uppon yt lyke blynde bayarde. 1546
HEY. I viii, s. C1. 1556 T. HILL Brief and Pleas. Epit. Physiog.
Pref. [p. 7]: I haue Wyth blynde bayarde aduentured to turne into
Inglish, that whiche I haue founde in other tounges. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 101, p. 142. 1563 J. PILKINGTON Burning St. Paul’s XII, p.
610: If he be as bold as blind Bayerd to lead thee wrong . . thou
shalt be condemned as well as he. 1567 GOLDING Metam. Ep., 1.
1 18, p. 3: None so bold too vaunt themselves as blindest Bayardes
are. 1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. B1: (As bolde). 1611 DAY.
Prov., no. 397. 1611 GRUT., no. 323. 1614 CAM., p. 314. 1616
DR., no. 189: (Who is so). 1639 CL., s.v. Audacia, p. 41. 1659
N.R., p. 120. 1670 RAY, p. 64. Mid, p. 201: (As bold). 1672
WALK. 45, p. 58. 1681 ROE, p. 270.
Cf. B507: Boldness is blind; H634: The blind horse is hardiest;
M909: Mettle is dangerous in a blind horse. (43)
[1a bay horse]
B1 13 The BEADS in the hand and the devil in capuche1
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram, p. 84: The beades in the hand, and the
diuell in his capuch or cape of his cloake,:i. God in his mouth and
the diuell in his hart: good words and wicked deeds. 01640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 37: The uniust man euer pretends the
most iustice; and like the Fryer, hath his Beads in hand, but the
deuil in his capouch: God in his mouth, but the deuill in his heart,
good words, but wicked deeds. 1651 HERE, p. 368: (in Capuch or
cape of the cloak). 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 15: Beads about his
neck, and the Devil in his body.
Cf. G194: God in the tongue (hand) and the devil in the heart.
[1hood]
B1 14 A BEAN in liberty is better than a comfit in prison
1640 HERE, no. 649. 1664 COD., p. 185. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23,
p. 86: Its better to have a bean with liberty, than a comfit in re-
straint. 1670 RAY, p. I 5. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 152: (with liberty).
1732 FUL., no. 9.
Cf. B618: Dry bread at home is better than roast meat abroad.
B115 Every BEAN has its black
3.1624 M. SMITH Serm. [p. 198]: The Iewes vse it for a Prouerbe
amongst them, that There is no Pomegranate so sound, but it hath
some rotten kernels in it, fewer or more: and we also use to say,
Euery Beane hath his blacke. 1639 CL., p. 21 1: (his black). 1670

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
BEAN
BEAR (BEAR’S)
32
RAY, p. 59. 1672 WALK. 26, p. 40: *He is lifeless that is faultless.
1709 DYKES, p. 103. 1732 FUL., no. 1406.
Cf. L270: He is lifeless that is faultless; M116: Every man has
(NO man is without) his faults.
B116 He has sold a BEAN and bought a pea
01640 SMY'I'H 29, p. 29: Hee hath sold a beane and bought a peaze;
hee hath sould a pound and bought a penny; hee hath sold Bristoll
and bought Bedminster. *Reproaches to an unthrifty man.
B117 Like a BEAN in a monk’s hood
1546 HEY. II vi, s. I2: You make hir a cookqueyn, and consume hir
good, And she must syt lyke a beane in a monks hood. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 177, p. 155: A beane in a monkes whood, very good. Here is
the beane, but where is the whood. 1611 COT., s.v. Febve: (We
say, like).
B118 Not worth a BEAN
01527 J. RASTELL Calisto and Mel., s. EIv: A thing not well handlyd
is not worth a bene. 1546 HEY. I x, s. DIv: Beggyng ofher booteth
not the worth of a beane. [01565] 1595 Peddler's Proph., s. D4: All
is not worth a beane. 1624 R. MOUNTAGUE (to Cosin) in Cosin
Corr. I6, I 25: We have no phisitions in theise parts worth a beane.
B119 Abstain from BEANS
01535 ELYOT Educ. 12, s. F2: Absteyne from Beanes, Busy not thy
selfe with ouer mani matters. I539 Tav., f. 54v: A fabis abstineto.
Absteyne from beanes. *There he sondry interpretacions of thys
symbole. But Plutarche and Cicero thynke beanes to be forbyd-
den of Pythagoras, bycause they be wyndye and do engender im-
pure humours and for that cause prouoke bodely lust. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 281: To absteine from beanes, that is, not to
meddle in Ciuill alfayres or businesse of the common weale. 1603
P. HOLLAND Morals Educa. OfChildren, p. 15: Abstaine from beanes
i. Intermeddle not in the affairies of State and government: for
that in olde time men were woont to passe their voices by beanes.
1662 FULLER Worthies Leicestershire, I 562: I read a Latine Prov—
erb, A Fabis abstineto, Forbear Beans; whereof some make a civil
interpretation, Meddle not with the matters of State; because an-
ciently men cast in a Bean, when they gave their suffrages in pub-
lick elections.
B120 The more BEANS (sheep) the fewer (fewer eggs)
for a penny
1550 Causes Decay Eng. in Complaint and Reform, p. 136: As touch-
ing the first proverb of the six, we do think The more sheep, the
dearer is the wool. The more sheep, the dearer is the mutton. The
more sheep, the dearer is the beef. . The more sheep, the fewer eggs
for a penny. 01640 SMYTH 53, p. 31: *Meaninge, When beanes
prove best wheat and barley proove worst, wherby the price of
pulse is raised.
B121 Set BEANS in the wane of the moon
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 21, p. 57: Set garlike and beanes, at
S. Edmond the king, the moone in the wane, thereon hangeth a
thing. 1813 RAY, p. 43: Sow or set beans in Candlemas waddle.
*Wane of the moon. Somer.
B122 Sow BEANS in the mud and they’ll grow like
wood
1639 CL., s.v. Tempestiva, p. 307. 1647 FULLER Worse Times:
Good Thoughts, p. 83: I saw in seedtime a husbandman at plough in
a very raining day; asking . . why he would not rather leave Off than
labour in such foul weather, his answer was . . Sow beans in the mud,
And they’ll come up like a wood! 1670 RAY, p. 44. I732 FUL., no.
6143.
B123 Sow or set BEANS in Candlemas1 waddle2
1678 RAY, p. 343: *Wane of the Moon. Somer.
[lFeb. 2 2wane of the moon]
B124 Three blue BEANS in a blue bladder, rattle, blad-
der, rattle
1595 PEELE Old lVives’ Tale 1. 819, s. E1. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort.
I ii 215. 1686-7 AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and yudaism, p. 12.
B131

1718 PRIOR Alma I: Poems, p. 210: They say . . That, putting all his
Words together, ’Tis Three blew Beans in One blew Bladder.
B125 To sow BEANS in the wind
[To labor in vain.] 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom V,
p. 45: It is not for Idlenis that men sowe beanes in the wind.
B126—B134 BEAR: subst.
B126 As handsomely as a BEAR picks mussels
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus III i, p. 100: It becommeth hym as wel
to do, as to see a camell skyppe vp and down, or a cowe to beare a
saddel or a beare to pycke muskles. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H1: Eche
of his ioyntes agaynst other iustles, AS handsomly as a beare pick-
eth muscles.
Cf. C30: It becomes him as well as it becomes a camel to dance;
C758: It becomes him as well as a cow does a cart saddle.
B127 As willingly as the BEAR goes to the stake
1546 HEY. I ix, s. C2: (With as good will as a beare). 3.1580 G.
HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 177: The trewnt is as hardly afterward brouht
to schoole as a bare to the stake. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 89: Yet
I am as loath to goe to it, as a beare is to goe to the stake.
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 401: A beare goes to the stake with more good
will: Then some queanes goe to stake. 1616 DR., s.v. Need, no.
1479: Hee must be drawen as a Beare to a stake. 1639 CL., s.v.
Invite, p. 187: (With as good will as). Ibid., p. 321: As willing as a
beare to the stake. 1642 D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 45: So that if he
goes, yet it is as a Beare to the stake. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15:
He goes as a Bear to the stake. 1670 RAY, p. 163: To go like a
Bear t0 the stake. 1732 FUL., no. 5174: Togo like a Bear to a Stake.
Cf. A267: As fond as an ape of a whip; C150: He loves me as a cat
does mustard; D220: AS the devil loves holy water.
B128 The BEAR wants a tail and cannot be a lion
1662 FULLER Worthies Warwickshire, II 405: He [Robert Dudley,
Earl of Leicester] was then suspected . . [of] an ambitious design to
make himself absolute Commander (as the Lion is King of Beasts)
over the Low Countries. Whereupon some . . wrote under his
Crest . . Ursa caret cauda, non queat esse Leo. The Bear he never
can prevail To Lion it, for lack of Tail . . This Proverb is applyed
to such who . . aspire to what is above their worth to deserve, or
power to atchive.
See APR, p. 30.
B129 If it were a BEAR (wolf) it would bite you
1616 DR., s.v. Blindness, no. 175. 1639 CL., s.v. Stupidi, p. 298.
01640 Grobiana’s Nuptials ix, p. 189: If he had beene a beare, he
would have bit you. 1659 N.R., p. 66. I670 RAY, p. 163. 8.1700
B.E., s.v. Bear: If it had been a Bear it would have hit you. *Of
him that makes a close search after what just lies under his Nose.
1721 KEL., p. 196: Ifit had been a Wolf, it would have worried you.
1732 FUL., no. 2688. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 400: Ifit had been
a bear, it would have bit you.
B130 Like a BEAR to a honeypot
1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 399: At Sudburie, where
the Martin-mongers swarmd to a lecture, like beares to a honnie
ppt. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 179: A bear is delighted with honey.
Cf. H491 : The hog (dog) is got into the honeypot (porridge-pot).
You dare as well take a BEAR (boar) by the tooth
1601 DENT Pathway to Heaven, p. 57: For what doth he else but . .
put his Finger in the Lyon’s Mouth, and. . take the Boar by the
tooth. 1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Polso, p. 152: (TO meddle where there’s danger; the English say, To
go about to take). 1670 RAY, p. 163. 1672 WALK. 98, p. 49.
a17oo B.E., s.v. Bear-garden-discourse: (As good take). *Of a bold
desperate Undertaking. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Bear: *That is, You
dare not attempt it. 1732 FUL., no. 5895.
B132 Sell not the BEAR’S skin before you have caught
him
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 53: I trusted so much, that I
solde the Skinne before the Beaste was taken. 1616 DR., no. 933:

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BEAR (BEARS)
BEARD
33



A man must not sell the Beares skinne, before the Beare be killed.
01625 Hist. Bermudas II, p. 27: Like the poore man who would
needes sell the beasts-skin before he had the beast. 1639 CL., s.v.
Frustrata spes, p. 130. 1641 HOPTON Report in Rushworth Hist.
Coll. III i, IV 436: We must not dispose of the Bears Skin till the
Bear be Dead. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 4: Letts take the Bear first,
and then letts sell the skin. I662 FULLER Worthies Cornwall, I
208: He had no other clothes to wear then those which were to be
made of a skin of a Bear not yet killed. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Pelle, p. 139: To sell the skin before the beast be taken, viz. to be
too forward and daring, to have an over-good opinion of ones own
abilities. 1670 RAY, p. 59. I721 KEL., p. 376: You sell the Bear
Skin on his Back. *Spoken to them who promise, or dispose of a
thing that is not in their Power. Eng. You sell the Bear Skin
before you have caught him. 1732 FUL., no. 4095.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V IV iii 93: The man that once did
sell the lion’s skin While the beast liv’d, was kill’d with hunting
him.
See ST., no. 979. Cf. C292: You count (reckon) your chickens
before they be hatched. (5)
B133 Are you there with your BEARS?
[“Are you there again?” or “Are you at it again?”] 1594 LYLY
Mother B. II iii 45: I . . come to make choise of a mistres. ——A ha,
are you there with your beares? 1642 J. HOWELL For. Trav. III,
p. 16. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1668 T. SHADWELL Sullen
Lovers V, p. 87: Faith are you there with your Bears? nay then I
have brought my Hoggs to a fair Market. 1670 RAY, p. 163.
1732 FUL., no. 811.
B134 He would bind BEARS
01520 [DUNEAR] Manner Crying Play I. 7: Poems M., p. 170: That
with the strenth ofmy hand Beres may bynd. [1523] 1568 SKELTON
How Doughty Duke Albany 1. 206: Wks., II 74: But ye and your
hoost, Full of bragge and boost, And full of waste wynde, Howe ye
wyll beres bynde. 1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 1840, p. 94: M akynge the
people, to beleue he coulde bynde bears. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdi-
ties, no. 24.
SHAKESPEARE.-—16oo-1 I i 303: You are afraid if you
see the bear loose, are you not? . . That’s meat and drink to me now.
I have seen Sackerson loose twenty times, and have taken him by
the chain.
B135—B136 BEAR: verb (=endure)
B135 BEAR and forbear
1573 SANF., f. 5: *In the first he admonisheth vs, that we should en-
dure aduersitie with a stout courage. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points
Husb. 89, p. 180: Both beare and forbeare now and then as ye may.
1631 FULLER David’s Heinous Sin: Poems, p. 52: The burdens they
impose on us to beare . . we must forbeare. I688 BUNYAN Bldg.
House God: W ks., II 589: To bear and forbear here, will tend to rest.
Cf. B136: Bear with me and I will bear with thee.
B136 BEAR with me and I will bear with thee
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2v: Beare with them, that beare with you.
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. ix, s. H3v: Well, I must beare with
her, sheel beare with me. 1639 CL., p. 63.
Cf. B135: Bear and forbear.
B137—B142 BEAR: verb (=give birth to)
B137 As naked as they were BORN
01534 BERNERS Huon 50, p. 169: As naked as euer he was borne.
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 53v: Either of theim as naked as euer thei
wer born. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 ii 3, p. 684: At our com-
ing to Brasil, we found both men and women naked as they were
born. 1653Total Rout, final couplet: But oh my poore Ranter,
thus totterd and torne, And almost as naked as ere thou wert born.
SHAKESPEARE—I605—6 M. I vii 21: And pity, like a naked new-
born babe . . Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye.
See L., II 856; ST., no. 1527.
B138 First BORN first fed
1616 DR., s.v. Occasion, no. 1523.
237. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 4.
B139 He that is BORN to be hanged (drowned) shall
never be drowned (hanged)
01503 A. BARCLAY Castle Labor, s. B1: He that is drowned may no
man hange. [01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 2096, p. 454:
Quha ever beis hangit with this cord Neids never to be dround.
[a1563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife 1. 782, p. 190: Ifyour fortune
bee to hang on a tree, Five foot from the ground, ye shall never bee
drownd. 01576 Common Cond. l. 1193, s. E2v: I thinke it be my
desteny to be hanged or dround. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 106: One that often hath wished drowning, hath beene hanged
once for al. 1611 COT., s.v. Pendre: He thats ordained to be hangd
will neuer be drownd (say we). 1611 GRUT., no. 124. 1614 CAM., p.
307. 1616 BRET., p. 6: Hee that is borne to be drownd, shall neuer
be hang’d. 1616 DR., no. 490. 1639 CL., p. 114. 1658 E. PHIL-
LIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 180. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 2: Who is born to be hang’d, will never be
droun’d in water. 1668 RB, p. 24: He that was born to be hang’d
will never be drown’d. I670 RAY, p. 64. I721 KEE, p. 158: (will
never). *Spoken when ill Persons escape some imminent Danger,
as if they ow’d their Life to the Gallows. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,
p. 399: (will never).
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. I i 156: Go, go, be gone, to save
your ship from wrack, Which cannot perish, having thee aboard,
Being destin’d to a drier death on shore. 1611 Temp. I i 30: Me-
thinks he hath no drowning mark upon him; his complexion is per-
fect gallows. Ibid. I i 61: He’ll be hang’d yet, Though every drop
of water swear against it And gape at wid’st to glut him.
See ST., no. 831. Cf. W232: Wedding and hanging go by destiny.
(9)
1639 CL., s.v. Opportunitas, p.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11.
B140 He that is once BoRN once must die
1596 DEL., s. O8v: (He that once is borne). 1639 CL., p. 323: Once
borne must dye. I651 HERE, p. 368. 1659 N.R., p. 61.
Cf. D327: It is as natural to die as to be born; M73: As soon as
man is born he begins to die.
B141 We are not BORN for ourselves
[ERAS. Adagia, 1094E: Nemo sibi nascitur.] 01523 A. BARCLAY
Mirr. Good Manners, p. 28: We be not borne for our priuate profite.
1552 CAIUS Bk. agst. Sweat, f. 3V: Man beyng borne not for his owne
vse and commoditie alone, but also for the common benefite of
many. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 32: Man being borne not onely
for himselfe, but for his Countrie, parents and friends. 1583 STUEEES
Anat. Abuses I, p. 25: And common reason aduertiseth vs, that wee
are not borne for our selues onelie. I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 11:
Let your Countries care be your hearts content, and thinke that you
are not borne for your selues, but to leuell your thoughts to be loyall
to your Prince. 1631 Rule Health, s. A2: Plato that great Philos-
opher avoucheth, that man is not born for himselfe alone, but also
for the good of his friends and the Commonweale. 1639 CL., p.
22: Men not borne to doe themselves good. Ibid., p. 264.
SHAKESPEARE.——16o5-8 T. Ath. I ii 105: We are born to do bene-
fits.
Cf. C39: A candle (torch) lights others and consumes itself; N57:
I am nearest to myself.
B142 Who is BORN fair is born married
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 236: She that is born hand-
some is born married. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 19, p. 4: She who is born beautifull, and comely, is born mar-
ried. *Note 13, p. 18: Meaning, that she will go off without a Por-
tion, the want ofwhich, usually retards many a match. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4141: She, that is born a Beauty, is half married.
Cf. F4: A fair face is half a portion; F199: Few take wives for
God’s sake or for fair looks.
B143 A red BEARD and a black head, catch him with a
good trick and take him dead
I586 WITHALS, s. L7: Thou shalte knowe a lewde fellowe, by his
bearde, eyther redde or yellowe. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
BEARD
BEAUTY
34

1670 RAY, p. 212. I710 PALMER, p. 114: Tho’ it be a piece of Wit
to picture Judas with . . a Black Head, and a Carrot Beard; yet I
believe a Man may have all these, and be very Honest. 1732 FUL.,
no. 1915: He is false by Nature, that has a black Head and a red
Beard.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. III iv 7: His very hair is of the dis-
sembling colour. —Something browner than Judas’s.
B144 Whoever has a divided BEARD the whole world
will not prevail against him
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 400: *This Proverb is used of those who
are cunning, and such are they thought to be whose heard is divided
from much handling.
B145 Long BEARDS heartless, painted hoods witless,
gay coats graceless, make England thriftless
1580 STOW Chron. Eng., p. 228: *The Scots made manye taunting
rimes against the Englishmen, for the fond disguised apparell by
them at that time vsed; amongst the which this was. 1589 PUT-
TENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xvi, p. 174: (make all England thrift-
lesse). 1602 J. MANNINGHAM Diary Jan. 30, p. 116. 1623 CAM.,
p. 199. 1662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 83: *This sing-song was
made on the English by the Scots, after they were flush’d with vic-
tory over us in the reign of King Edward the Second. I787 GROSE
Prov. Gloss., s.v. England.
B146 He speaks BEAR GARDEN
1678 RAY, p. 66: *That is, such rude and uncivil, or sordid and dirty
language, as the Rabble that frequent those sports, are wont to use.
1698 COLLIER Short View V, p. 232: This is brave Bear-Garden
Language! 1732 FUL., no. 2033: He talks in the Bear-Garden
Tongue.
B147 He is the black BEAR OF ARDEN
1662 FULLER Worthies Warwickshire, II 404: *Arden is a Forrest,
anciently occupying all the Wood-land part of this County. By
the Black Bear is meant Gay Beauchamp Earl of Warwick.
B148 He that has eaten a BEAR PIE will always smell
of the garden1
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: (He who hath eaten of a Bear-pye).
1670 RAY, p. 216.
[lbear garden]
B149 The awfulest BEAST is a bearded king
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1386.
beast like to a wicked Lord.
1611 COT., s.v. Seigneur: There is no
B150 The BEAST that goes always never wants blows
1640 HERB, no. 256. I659 N.R., p. 98. 1664 COD., p. 218.
B151 The BEAST with two backs
1650 S. SHEPPARD Loves Amandus and Sophronia in Shak. Allusion-
Bk., II 2: They knockd for . . the Mistresse of the house. . to make the
Beast with two backs. [a1660] 1693 URQUHART Gargantua I iii, I
31: These two did Often times do the two backed beast together.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bestia, p. 14: To play the beast with two
backs, viz. to play the Sodomite.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 O. I i 1 16: Your daughter and the Moor are
now making the beast with two backs.
B152 Better a BEAST sold than bought
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 16.
Cf. S221: Better sold than bought.
B153 A good BEAST will get himself a heat with eating
1611 COT., s.v. Mangeant: A good beast heates it selfe while it
eates; viz. eates hard, feeds heartily. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 8:
A good beast gets heat in eating. 1732 FUL., no. 136.
B154 He 2 BEAST does die that has done no good to his
country
1640 HERB, no. 986. 1659 N.R., p. 60: (He a beast must die).

B155 It is a strange BEAST that has neither head nor
tail
1616 DR., s.v. Tale, no. 2103. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 8.
COD., p. 202: (without Head, or Tayl).
Cf. H258: It has neither head nor tail.
1664
B156 Who goes a BEAST to Rome a beast returns
1594 R. CAREW Exam. Men’s Wits I, p. 8: He that goes a beast to
Rome, returns a beast againe. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 240.
Cf. M251: A man is never the better for going to Rome; W613:
The wolf goes to Rome and there leaves his hair and not his man-
ners (conditions).
B157 All BEASTS of prey are strong or treacherous
1640 HERB, no. 1016. I659 N.R., p. 18.
B158 The most deadly of wild BEASTS is a backbiter
(tyrant), of tame ones a fiatterer
1550 TAV. Flowers Sent., s. A8v: There be two whiche byte most
deedly, of wylde beastes, the backbyter, and of tame the flatterer.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1125: Of al tame creatures a flatterer is the
worst. 1710 ADDISON Whig-Examiner V, p. 468: It was a saying of
Thales, the wise Milesian, That of all wild beasts, a tyrant is the
worst; and Of all tame beasts, a flatterer.
See APB, p. 577.
B159 Of all tame BEASTS I hate sluts
1678 RAY, p. 81. 1732 FUL., no. 3697: (a Slut).
B160 To BEAT (pinch) one black and blue
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 201, p. 113: I may tel you
That yet I am bothe black and blew. 01580 Wife in Morel’s Skin
1. 770 in Early Pop. Poetry, IV 211: I shall her coyle [whip] both
backe and bone, And make her blew and also blacke. 1580 BARET,
B—8II: He that hath his fleshe well beaten, and made blacke and
blewe. 1594 LYLY Mother B. V iii 120: Do you not thinke it would
beate my heart blacke and blew? I600 [LYLY] Maid’s Metam. II ii
103: We will pinch you blacke and blew. 1609 Every Woman in
Her Hum., s. D3: I haue it in blacke and blew to shew heere.
SHAKESPEARE—I592-3 C.E. II ii 194: They’ll suck our breath or
pinch us black and blue. 1600—1 IV v 115: Mistress
Ford, good heart, is beaten black and blue. 1601 T.N. II v 12: We
will fool him black and blue. Shall we not? (26)
B161 It is good BEATING proud folks, for they’ll not
complain
1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia, p. 31. 1670 RAY, p. 133.
B162 As bold as BEAUCHAMP
1608 MIDDLETON Mad World V ii 22: Being every man well hors’d
like a bold Beacham. I613 DRAYTON Poly-Olb. XVIII 255, p. 369:
That brave and god-like brood of Beuchamps . . so hardy and Strong,
That after of that name it to an Adage grew, If any man himselfe
adventrous hapt to shew, Bold Beuchampe men him tearm’d, if none
so bold as hee. 1616 DR., s.v. Boldnesse, no. 191: Bolde Beau-
champe. 1639 CL., s.v. Impudentiae, p. 152. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Warwickshire, II 405: *I conceive that Thomas [Beau-
champ, Earl of Warwick], the first of that name [ fl. 1346], gave the
chief occasion to this Proverbe. I670 RAY, p. 201.
B163—B177 BEAUTY = comeliness
B163 BEAUTY and chastity (honesty) seldom meet
1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [59], l. 14: Twixt comelinesse
and chastitie, A deadly strife is thought to be. 1578 T. PROCTOR
ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 66: Chastity a vertue rare, Is seldome knowen
to run her race: where cumly shape and beauty faire, Are seene to
haue a byding place. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 209: Who
knoweth not how rare a thing it is (Ladies) to match Virginitie with
beautie. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 10: For it is a matter al-
most impossible, and sieldome seene, that those two great enimies,
bewty and honesty agree togither. 1586 WITHALS, s. M3: The
fairer woman commonly, The more enclinde to lecherye. 1591

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BEAUTY
3 5 BEAUTY
FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 193: Because beawtie and honesty seldome
agree, for of beautie comes temptation, of temptation dishonour.
1608 DAY Law Tricks V, p. 78: ’Tis rare To finde a woman wan-
ton, Chast and fayre. I623 WOD., p. 478: Beautie and Chastitie . .
Keepe but seldome Companie. 1636 T. HEYWOOD Chall. for
Beauty I, p. 9: Few there are that weare both these ascriptions,
Chaste, and fayre. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 42.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. I ii 40: ’Tis true; for those that she
makes fair she scarce makes honest, and those that she makes hon-
est she makes very ill-favouredly. Ihid. III iii 28: Would you not
have me honest? ——No, truly, unless thou wert hard-favour’d; for
honesty coupled to beauty is to have honey a sauce to sugar.
1600—1 H. III i 102: Are you honest? . . Are you fair? . . for the
power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from what it is to a
bawd than the force of honesty can translate beauty into his like-
ness.
See DiiR., II, no. 326. Cf. A300: Sodom apples outwardly fair,
ashes at the core; B164: Beauty and folly are often matched to-
gether; B175: Beauty without goodness is worth nothing (is like
wine that has taken wind); B334: She is better than she is bonny;
F29: Fair without but foul within. (9)
B164 BEAUTY and folly are often matched together
1611 COT., s.v. Beauté. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 5: (go commonly
together). 1664 COD., p. 188. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 39, p. 196: (are
oft in company). 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 7: (are old companions).
SHAKESPEARE.—-I6IO Cym. I ii 31: Her beauty and her brain go
not together.
Cf. B163: Beauty and chastity (honesty) seldom meet.
B165 BEAUTY does fade like a flower
1563 RAINOLDE Found. Rhet., f. 26v: Beautie sone fadeth. 1575
GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. I i, p. 24: Beauty will not alwayes last.
1579 H.C. Forest Fancy in Coll. Anglo-Poet., III 219: Bewty doth
fade. . like a Flower. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 423: Fairnes is a faid-
ing floure. 1598 T. ROGERS Celest. Eleg. in Lamport Garl., s. D1v:
Beautie is like a faire but fading flower. 1600 NASHE Summer’s
Last Will: Wks., III 283: Beauty is but a flowre, Which wrinckles
will devoure. 1616 DR., s.v. Beauty, no. 161: The fairest things
will fade. 1616 WITHALs, p. 543: Beautie is a fading thing. I623
WOD., p. 477: Beautie passeth shortly away. 01640 W.S. Coun-
trym. Commonw., p. 27: Beauty’s a blossom that fadeth. 1732 FUL.,
no. 953: Beauty is soon blasted.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 A.Y. V iii 29: How that a life was but a
flower in springtime. 1601 TN. I v 56: As there is no true cuckold
but calamity, so beauty’s a flower.
Cf. B167: Beauty is a blaze (blast); B169: Beauty is but a blos-
som; G395: Grace will last, favor (beauty) will blast; M623: Good
manners are durable but beauty is perishing. . (7)
B166 BEAUTY draws more than oxen
1640 HERE, no. 681. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6: The dugs draw
more then cable ropes. 1659 N.R., p. 21. 1664 COD., p. 188.
1670 RAY, p. 2. 1721 KEL., p. 76: *This is an English Proverb,
the Scottish one that answers it is smutty. 1732 FUL., no. 948.
Cf. H20: One hair of a woman (Nature) draws more than a hun-
dred yoke of oxen (ten oxen).
B167 BEAUTY is a blaze (blast)
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 307: Helen, in hir newe glasse view-
ing hir olde face . . cryed: Beautie where is thy blaze? 01592 Soli-
man, s. D1v: Whats beauty but a blast? 1592 LYLY Midas II i
108: Beautie in a minute is both a blossome and a blast. [01597]
I609 JONSON Case Is Altered V viii 27: Because you haue beauty?
O Gods light a blast. 1613 E. CARY Mariam III i, s. D4v: But say
you thought her faire, as none thinks else, Knowes not Pheroras,
beautie is a blast. 1639 CL., p. 119.
Cf. B165: Beauty does fade like a flower; B169: Beauty is but
blossom; G395: Grace will last, favor (beauty) will blast; M623:
Good manners are durable but beauty is perishing.
B168 BEAUTY is a blessing
1616 BRET., p. 5: (a naturall blessing).
SHAKESPE.IRE.——1590—1 2 Hen. VI I i 21: Thou hast given me in
this beauteous face A world of earthly blessings to my soul.

B169 BEAUTY is but a blossom
1592 LYLY Midas II i 108: Beautie . . is . . a blossome. 1596 DEL.,
s. M5v: Beautie of the body, is like to the flowers of the spring.
1616 DR., no. 158. 1664 COD., p. 187. 1670 RAY, p. 2: Beauty is a
blossom. 1672 WALK. I, p. 39. 1681 ROE, p. 223. 1732 FUL.,
no. 947: [As in 1670 Ray].
See Dt-JR., II, no. 327. Cf. B165: Beauty does fade like a flower;
B167: Beauty is a blaze (blast); F359: All flesh is grass; M623:
Good manners are durable but beauty is perishing; P567: Pretti-
ness dies first (quickly).
B170 BEAUTY is but skin-deep
1613 OVERBURY Wife: Wks., p. 37: All the carnal! beauty of my
wife, Is but skin-deep. 1615 T. ADAMS Spirit. Navigator: W ks., p.
406: The beauty of the fairest women is but Skinne-deepe. 1616
DAVIES Select Hushand, p. 6. 1630 DRUMMOND Cypress Grove:
Poet. Wks., II 80: Will some Ladies vaunt of their Beautie? That
is but Skin-thicke. 1732 FUL., no. 950: Beauty is but Skin deep;
within a Filth and Putrefaction.
B171 BEAUTY is no heritage (inheritance)
1616 DR., no. 160. 1659 N.R., p. 23.
ance). 1670 RAY, p. 2: (inheritance).
heritance).
Cf. S253: Service is no inheritance (heritage).
1664 COD., p. 187: (inherit.
1732 FUL., no. 951: (In-
B172 BEAUTY is potent but money is omnipotent
I670 RAY, p. 122. 1672 WALK. 28, p. 46. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Mony.
1732 FUL., no. 952: (but Money is more Potent).
Cf. B174: Beauty without bounty avails nought; B178: A poor
beauty finds more lovers (sweethearts) than husbands; L512: Love
is potent but money is omnipotent.
B173 BEAUTY may have fair leaves yet bitter fruit
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p. 169: Beautie may haue faire
leaues and foule fruite. 1732 F UL., no. 955.
B174 BEAUTY without bounty avails nought
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 72: Beautie without riches, goeth
a begging. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 266: Bewtie but bountie availis
not. 1623 WOD., p. 479: It is Beautie without Bountie. 1668
R.B., p. 14: Beauty but bounty avails nought. 1721 KEL., p. 68:
Beauty but Bounty availeth nothing.
Cf. B172: Beauty is potent but money is omnipotent; B178: A
poor beauty finds more lovers (sweethearts) than husbands; M1054:
Money breeds rage; love, marriage; M1074: Money makes marriage.
B175 BEAUTY without goodness is worth nothing (is
like wine that has taken wind)
1590 SPENSER III i 48: So shamelesse beauty soone becomes a
loathly sight. 1596 DEL., s. M4v: Beauty without vertue, doth
not deserue to be loued. 1611 COT., s.v. Beauté: (is like wine that
hath taken wind). 1657 LEIGH, p. 261: [AS in 1611 Cot.]. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. I: (is like faded wine). 1732 FUL., no. 957:
Beauty without Virtue is a Curse.
Cf. B163: Beauty and chastity (honesty) seldom meet.
B176 Sweet BEAUTY with sour beggary
1546 HEY. I xiii, s. FIv: Swete beautee with soure beggery, naye I
am gon, To the welthy wythred wydow, by seynt John.
Cf. $1038: Take (Mingle) the sweet with the sour.
B177 Where BEAUTY is there needs no other plea
1648 J.S. Wit’s Lahyrinth, p. 2.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593—4 Lac. 1. 29: Beauty itself doth of itself
persuade The eyes of men without an orator. Ihid. l. 268: All
orators are dumb when beauty pleadeth.
B178 BEAUTY=a person of great beauty
B178 A poor BEAUTY finds more lovers (sweethearts)
than husbands
1612 WEBSTER White Devil V i 211: Alas! poore maides get more
lovers then husbands. 1640 HERE, no. 477. 1658 [EDMONDSON]

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
BECAUSE
BED
36

B181
Comes FM. in Via, p. 237: (more suitors). 1659 N.R., p. 12: (A
pure beauty). Ibid., p. 51: Handsome women without Portions,
finds more sweet-hearts then Husbands. 1664 COD., p. 190: (Com-
mon Beauties find). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 23: The handsome
without portion, find more Sweet-hearts, than Husbands. I721
KEL., p. 40: A fair Maiden togherless [without a portion] will get
more Sweethearts than Husbands. *Her Beauty will get her
Sweethearts; but they say, a togherless Dame sits long at home.
1732 FUL., no. 958: Beauties without Fortunes, have Sweethearts
plenty, but Husbands none at all.
Cf. B172: Beauty is potent but money is omnipotent; B174:
Beauty without bounty avails nought.
B179 BECAUSE is woman’s reason
1551 T. WILSON Rule Reason, f. 80: Beyng asked why they will doe
this and that, they aunswere streight. Marie, because, I will doe
it, or because it pleaseth me beste so to doe . . Some women are
subiect to this aunswere. [01589] I601 LYLY Love’s Metam. IV i 78:
Womens reasons; they would not, because they would not. 1594
LYLY Mother B. IV ii 110: Wherefore came you hether, Silena . .?
—Because I dyd, and I am heere because I am. 1602 J. MAN-
NINGHAM Diary Feb. 6, p. 129:1 will not believe it, because I will not,
is . . a woman’s reason, as they say here. 1602 MIDDLETON Blurt
I i 189: A woman’s reason, I will not dance, because I will not dance.
[1634] 1655 MASSINGER Very Woman I i, p. 367: Shall I lose The
privilege of my sex, which is my will, To yield a reason like a man?
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Raggione, p. 163: To give a Womans
reason, viz. because I will have it so, so it must be. 1721 KEL., p.
68: *An answer to them, who, being ask’d why they did such a
Thing, say Because, and no more.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. I ii 22: Your reason? —I have no
other but a woman’s reason: I think him so because I think him so.
1602 T.C. I i 108: Wherefore not afield? —~Because not there.
This woman’s answer sorts.
(5)
Cf. F421: Idle folks lack no excuses.
B180 BECCLES for a Puritan, Bungay for the poor,
Halesworth for a drunkard, and Bliborough
for a whore
1670 RAY, p. 253.
A BECK1 is as good as dieugarde2
1546 HEY. I x, s. DIv: And thus with a becke as good as a dieu gard,
She flang fro me. 01547 BALE Three Laws IV, s. E2: As good is a
becke, as is a dewe vow garde. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s.
F1 v: A nod shall serue for a due garde. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. F4: A becke of yours, is as good as a Dieugarde. 1591 FLOR.
Sec. F. VI, p. 81: Each beck of yours Shall be in stead of diew garde
vnto me. 01594 BACON, no. 479: (as a dieu vous garde). 1603
FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 109: A wink, a cast Of the eye. .
a becke is as good as a Dew guard. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 315: (as
a Dieu-guard).
[lbow, nod 2spoken salutation]
B182 To be at BECK and bay
I591 [BRETON] Brittons Bower Delights, p. 59: I sought, I sued, I was
at becke and bay, I crept, I kneelde, a heauen it was to please.
1593 PEELE Edw. I ii, s. B3v: Friar, I am at beck and baye, And at
thy commaundement to sing and say. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note
I 17, p. 294: To be at a beck, in exact obedience.
B 183 Better to go to BED supperless than to rise in debt
1654 FULLER Grand Assizes: Serm., II 290: The Italians have a
Proverb, It is good to goe to Bed without supping, and to rise in the
Morning with[out] owing. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6: ’Tis
wholsomer to go to bed without a supper, then rise in debt.
1664 COD., p. 222: (’Tis better to go to bed without Supper, than).
1670 RAY, p. 7: *Hispan. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 150: (It is better to
go). 1732 FUL., no. 899: Better go to Bed supperless, than rise in
Debt. 1739 FRANKLIN, p. 16: Rather go to bed supperless than
run in debt for a breakfast.
Cf. B196: Who goes to bed supperless all night tumbles and
tosses; 5999: Who sups well sleeps well; SIOO6: Sleep without sup-
ping and wake without owing.

B184 Early to BED and early to rise makes a man
healthy, wealthy, and wise
1523 A. FITZI-IERBERT Husb., p. 101: At grammer-scole I lerned a
verse, that is this, Sanat, sanctificat, et ditat surgere mane. That
is to say, Erly rysyng maketh a man hole in body, holer in soule,
and rycher in goodes. [01530] c1545 H. RHODES Bk. Nurture (1577
ed.) 1. 57 in Babies Bk. etc., p. 72: Ryse you earely in the morning,
for it hath propertyes three: Holynesse, health, and happy welth, as
my Father taught mee. 01535 J. BERNERS Treat. Fishing, p. 5:
He muste take hede to thys sentence Of the olde prouerbe . . he must
ryse erly the wiche thing ys ryght prophetabul to man. [01602]
1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King V, p. 75: The most wise Doe say ’tis
healthfull Stil lbetimes to rise. 1611 COT., s.v. Matineux: An earlie
man is buxome, healthfull, carefull. 1616 DR., no. 1434: He Shal be
healthfull that riseth in the morning. 1639 CL., s.v. Diligentia, p.
91. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12: An
early riser is healthy and careful. 1664 COD., p. 191: (healthfull).
1670 RAY, p. 38: (Early to go to bed and). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Bed:
[As in 1670 Ray]. 1732 FUL., no. 6080: (Early to go to Bed and
will make). 1735 FRANKLIN, p. 10.
SHAKESPEARE.——I6OI T.N. II iii 1: Not to be abed after midnight
is to be up betimes; and ’diluculo surgere,’ thou know’st. (5)
B 185 Eat till you sweat and work till you freeze and lie
in BED till your bones ache
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 250: These Abbaie lubbers . . which
laboured till they were colde, eat til they sweate, and lay in bed till
their boanes aked. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p.
12: I can eat tell I sweate and worke tell I am a-cold. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., S. Giv: Nowe mistris Antigone, you haue laboured
[in eating] till yow sweate, and I haue toyled till I am drye. I594
LYLY ildother B. I i 40: Thou shalt eate till thou sweate, play till
thou sleep, and sleepe till thy bones ake. 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 47: He which laboureth til he be a cold, eats till he
sweats, and lyes in bed till his bones ake, may well be accounted a
lazie, cowardly companion. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 4: To sweat
at meat, and freeze at work. 1721 KEL., p. 100: Eat till you sweat,
and work till you frize. *An upbraiding Speech to lazy Servants
who love Meat better than Work. 1732 FUL., no. 2424: He’ll eat
till he sweats, and work till he freezes.
B186 Go to BED with the lamb and rise with the lark
1580 LYLY Euph. andHis Eng, p. 16. 1590 GREENE Never Too Late,
p. 124: I see you keepe the prouerbe for a principle, to bed with the
Bee and vp with the Larke. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not
Me, p. 304: Though I be stirring earlier than the larke, And at my
labour later than the lambe. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North.
Ho II, s. C2: Such a watch as this, would make me go downe with
the Lamb, and be vp with the Larke. 1616 WITHALS, p. 571: He
goeth to bed with the Larke, and riseth with the Lambe. 1618
BRETON Court. and Countrym.: Wks., II 6: We rise with the Larke
and goe to bed with the Lambe. 1639 CL., s.v. Somnolentia, p.
292. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub I vi 7: Madam, if he had couched with
the Lambe, He had no doubt beene stirring with the Larke. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Verona, p. 229: TO go soon to roost, and soon
up; the English say, To lye down with the Lamb, and rise with the
Lark. 1670 RAY, p. 38. 1721 KEL., p. 123: (and rise with the
Laverock [lark]).
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Hen. V III vii 33: Nay, the man hath no
wit that cannot, from the rising of the lark to the lodging of the
lamb, vary deserved praise on my palfrey. (6)
B187 He that goes to BED thirsty rises healthy
1640 HERB., no. 996. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I 3: Who goes to bed
athirst, riseth in health. 1659 N.R., p. 60. 1670 RAY, p. 36: *Gall.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Bed.
B188 He that lies long in BED his estate feels it
1640 HERB., no. 175: (a-bed). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in
Via, p. 24. 1659 N.R., p. 51: (abed). 1664 COD., p. 198: He who
lyes long a bed his State feels it. 1669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help
Discourse, p. 190: (He who). 1670 RAY, p. 3. I705 Pleas. Art,
p. 150: (He who).

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BED
BEE
B189 He that makes his BED ill lies there
01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 88: Lett them . . go to there bedd
as themselues shall make it. 1640 HERE, no. 336. 1658 [ED-
MONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 190. 1664 COD., p. 199. 1670
RAY, p. 3. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 150. (must lie in it). 1721 KEL., p.
16: As you make your Bed, so you lye down. *According to your
Conditions you have your Bargain. 1732 FUL., no. 2233: (must be
contented to lie ill).
Cf. B52: As you bake so shall you brew (eat).
B190 If the BED could tell all it knows it would put
many to the blush
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Elog., p. 192: What if the bed
should speak what it knows? -—It would put some persons strange-
ly to the blush; 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. I670 RAY, p. 3.
1732 FUL., no. 2702.
B191 Last in BED best heard
3.1598 FERG. MS, no. 949: (Last in the bed). 1668 R.B., p. 36.
1721 KEL., p. 238: *Spoken when they who lye longest are first
serv’d.
B192 Loath to BED loath out of it
9.1598 FERG. MS, no. 935: (Loth to the bed).
1721 KEE, p. 237: Loth to Bed, and loth out of it.
bers guise, loth to Bed, and loth to rise.
Cf. D602: Loath to the drink and loath from it; S547: The slug~
gard’s guise, loath to go to bed and loath to rise.
I668 R.B., p. 34.
*Eng. Lub-
B193 To lie in BED and forecast
1678 RAY, p. 75.
B194 To look for and not to come, to be in BED and not
to sleep, to serve and not to be accepted are
three deadly things
1573 SANF., f. 50. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27: To tary for a
thing that commeth not: to lye a bed, and sleepe not: to serue wel
and not be accepted, be three things to dy. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. I,
p. I 3: To long for that which coms not. To lye abed and sleepe not.
To serue well and please not. To haue a horse that goes not. To
keepe a man obeyes not. To lye in iayle and hope not. To be sick
and recouer not. To loose ones waye and know not. To waite at
doore and enter not, and to have a friend we trust not: are ten such
spites as hell hath not. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: To stand wait-
ing and not to come, to lie a bed and not to sleep, to serve well and
not to please, are three things as bad as death.
Cf. S875: To have a stomach and lack meat, to have meat and
lack a stomach, to lie in bed and cannot rest are great miseries.
B195 Who goes drunk to BED begets but a girl
1606 MARSTON Parasitaster II i 166: He should have . . seen them
drunk once a day; then would they at their best have begotten but
wenches. 1607 MIDDLETON Phoenix II iii 70: Strangers are drunk-
en fellows, I can tell you; they will come home late a’ nights, beat
their wives, and get nothing but girls. 1622 T. MAY Heir I, p. 524:
I lay my life ’twill prove a girl, because ’twas got in drink. 01633
[CLAVELL AND MARMION] Soddered Citizen IV iii, p. 79: I loue
Boyes dearely well, If you come drunke to Bedd, you will gett
nothinge but Girles. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sconciatura, p.
18 5: The English say, Who gets but a Girl, goes home drunk to bed
that night. 1673 D’AVENANT News IV, p. 174: The third grape is
for Bacchus, not for Cupid. Besides, if I am drunk I shall get
wenches.
B196 Who goes to BED supperless all night tumbles
and tosses
1567 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. II 28, III 215: Accordynge to the prov-
erbe: He that goeth to bed supperlesse, lyeth in his Bed restlesse.
1573 SANF., f. 103v: He that goeth to bedde without his supper, is
out of quiet all the night. 1578 FLOR. First. F. XIX, f. 29: (shal
turne and tosse al night). 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. X, p. 151: Little
sleep comes in his head, who empty bellied goes to bed. 1629 Bk. Mer.
Rid. 89, p. 28: [As in 1573 Sanf.]. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: Who

goeth supperless to bed museth most part of the night. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 24: Who goes to bed without some supper, hath a
light brain all the night. 1659 N.R., p. 118. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
7, p. 44: Who goes to bed without his supper, tumbles and tosses all
the night long. 1670 RAY, p. 37. o .
Cf. B183: Better to go to bed supperless than to use In debt;
S999: Who sups well sleeps well.
B197 Ye would make me go to BED at noon
1546 HEY. II Vii, s. Klv: And whan ye haue made me a loute in all
these, It semeth ye wolde make me go to bed at noone. 1577
GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. N4v: Thus trusting to your Honors
curtesie, at noone I bid good night. Ibid., 3. RI: My Lady . . Doth
force my harte with woe to pine And biddes my ioyes at noone good
ni hte.
gSHAKESPEARE.—16o5-6 K.L. III vi 89: We’ll go to supper i’ th’
morning. So, so, so. —-*And I’ll go to bed at noon.
B198 To go to BEDFORDSHIRE
1608 MIDDLETON Mad World II v 29: You come rather out of Bed-
fordshire; we cannot lie quiet in our beds for you. 1665 C. COTTON
Scarron. IV, p. 76: Each one departs to Bedfordshire; And pillows
all securely snort on. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ciloffo, p. 39: To
Bedford-shire, and there to sleep. Ibid., s.v. Reposorium, p. 167:
To go to bed; which the English express by Bedfordshire. _ _
See ST., no. 1232. Cf. W699: Women are born In Wiltshire,
brought up in Cumberland, lead their lives in Bedfordshlre, bring
their husbands to Buckingham, and die in Shrewsbury.
B199 A mad BEDLAM
[01522] 01545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court 1. 652: Wks., II
47: Such a madde bedleme For to rewle this reame. 1545 COVER-
DALE Enchiridon III, p. 500: To be mad bedlames. 1553 Respub-
lica IV iv, p. 36: Thoughe zome bee starke bedlems, yet Wise
volkes beeth no dawes. I565 AWDELEY Frat. Vagabonds, p. 9:
Raging lyke mad bedlams, one runneth one way, an other an other
way. 1571 GOLDING Psalms xvi 5, I 49v: Blynd folke runne gad-
ding hither and thither like mad Bedlems. 1616 DR., s.v. Wrath-
full, no. 2511. 1639 SLINGSEY Diary, p. 42: One that went in h1s
apparell more like a bedlam than a workman. 1670 COMENIUS
7anua Ling. Triling. 64, p. 167: When they are fudled, how brutish-
ly they play the mad bedlams.
B200 To scratch one with a BEDSTAEE1
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Spazzatora, p. 199: To wipe one with a
rubbing-brush, viz. to reward, and applaud one, spoken jestingly. to
one . . who thinks to have done some great matter . . and in reality
hath done little better than nothing; the English in this case say, By
all means scratch him with a Bed-staff.
[1a Stick to spread the bedclothes in making a bed]
B201 To look as if he 'had eaten his BEDSTRAw
1678 RAY, p. 286.
B202 As busy as a BEE
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 36: A comely olde man as bUSIe
as a Bee among his Bees. 1587 GREENE Penelope’s Web, p. 208.
1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. I xiv, I 94: Basilius as busie about me as
a Bee to know anything. a164o J. DAY Peregr. XV, p. 68: As buste
as a bee in the midst of them. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. IX vu,
III 102: [They] were as busy as bees, newly ready to swarm. I670
RAY, p. 202. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 41: (I am as). 1672 WALK.
11, p. 21: (You are as).
B203 As quick as a BEE
1546 HEY. I ix, s. C2: Hie me home agayne hitherward quicke as a
bee. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U2v: Readie in wit, and quicke as
a Bee. 1583 STUEBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 96: As quick as a Bee, as
they say. 1595 CHURCHYARD Charity, p. 16: As quicke as Bee,
seekes honie eury where. 1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag. XVIII 33, p.
264: She is as nimble as a bee. 1616 DR., no. 1790. ibid., no.
20491 (AS SWift). I732 FUL., no. 666: As brisk as a Bee In a Tar-
Pot.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
BEE
BEETLE
38

B204 The BEE is often hurt with its own honey
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 208: As the Bee is oftentimes hurte
with hir owne honny, so is wit not seldome plagued with his owne
conceipte. I600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 52: As Bees by their owne
hony 0ft are hurt, So wit by wisdome many times is scourg’d. 1600
CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 854: As a Bee is oftentimes hurt with his
owne Honie: So is Wit not sildome plagued with his owne conceit.
1600 THYNNE Embl. and Epig., p. 19: Much like the Bees, whose
honnie breedes their paines by surfetting thereon Immoderatelie.
1601 P. HOLLAND Hist. World XI xix, p. 321D: Bees are causers of
their own death . . by excessiue deuouring of hony. 1616 DR., s.v.
Rod, or punishment, no. 1886: The Bee often hurt with it[s] owne
hony.
B205 The BEE sucks honey out of the bitterest flowers
(thyme)
[ERAS. Similia, 59011: Ut apis ex amarissimo thymo, suavissimum
mel colligit.] I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 206: The Bee that
gathereth Honny out of the weede, when she espyeth the faire
flower flyeth to the sweetest. Ibid., p. 309: Resemble the Bee
which out of the dryest and bitterest Time sucketh moyst and sweet
Honny. 1589 NASHE Anat. Absurdity: Wks., I 30: Euen as the Bee
out of the bitterest flowers and sharpest thistles gathers honey.
1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 792: As the Bees gathereth most
sweete Honiy, out of the withered Tyme, and out of other hearbes
of more vnpleasant iuyce.
Cf. B208: Where the bee sucks honey the spider sucks poison.
B206 A dead BEE makes no honey
1573 SANF., f. 102. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27V: (wil make no
hony). 1596 DEL., s. P7v. 1611 COT., s.v. Miel: Vn’ Abeille
morte ne fait plus de miel: A dead thing is good for nothing. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 227: (will make no hony). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 61,
p. 28. 1651 HERB, p. 369. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 12: (no more
honey).
B207 Where the BEE can suck no honey she leaves her
sting behind
I584 LYLY Sapho and Phao Prol. at Blackfriars, p. 371.
BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Kn. Burn. Pestle Prol., p. 160.
1613
B208 Where the BEE sucks honey the spider sucks
poison
a1542 WYATT How by Kiss etc.: Wks., p. 160: Nature, that gave the
bee so feate a grace To find honey of so wondrous fashion, Hath
taught the spider out of the same place To fetch poison by strange
alteration. I563 FOXE Acts and Monum. XI, VII 491: Ye know
right well, that where the bee gathereth honey, even there the spin-
ner gathereth venom. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal. , II 76: The spider out
ofmost sweet flowers sucketh poison. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. I 86: There frequented to his lodging . . as well the Spider to sucke
poyson, of his fine wyt, as the Bee to gather hunny. I591 FLOR.
Sec. F. To Rdr.: They [critics] doo not seeke honie with the bee, but
suck poyson with the spider. 1596 Edw. III, s. C3v: O that I were
a honie gathering bee, To beare the combe of vertue from his flower,
And not a poison sucking enuious spider, To turne the vice I take to
deadlie venom. 1606 JONSON Volp. II i 30: The spider, and the bee,
oft-times, Suck from one flowre. [01613] I647 BEAUMONT, FLETCH-
ER, AND N. FIELD Four Plays, p. 312: Sweet Poetry’s A flower,
where men, like Bees and Spiders, may Bear poison, or else sweets
and Wax away. 1616 DR., s.v. Malice, no. 1345. 1647 J. HOWELL
Let. III 4, II 517: The Bee and the Spider suck honey and poison
out of one Flower. 1732 FUL., no. 5661.
Cf. B205: The bee sucks honey out of the bitterest flowers
(thyme). ' (24)
B209 Every BEE’S honey is sweet
1640 HERB, no. 605. 1659 N.R., p. 30.
B210 AS thick as BEES
01536 COPLAND Highway Spittle House I. 1067, p. 70: They swarme
so thyke as bees in a rout. 1558 PHAER Aeneid VI 742, s. R3v:
And peoples thick on euery syde that no man nomber can. As bees
1664 COD., p. 192.

in medowes fresh. 01570 INGELEND Disob. Child, s. F4v: They
come on thicker, then swarmes of Bees. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I,
I 65: Ill tongues, which swarme in greater number then Bees doe
in July.
B211 BEES that have honey in their mouths have
stings in their tails
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 224: The Bee that hath honny in hir
mouth, hath a sting in hit tayle. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D3v:
With honye in her mouth, and a sting in her tayle. 1584 LYLY
Sapho and Phao IV iv 18: A right womanne, whose tongue is lyke a
Bees stinge, which pricketh deepest, when it is fullest of honnye.
[1588] 1617 GREENE Alcida, p. 59: The purest hunny Bee is not
Without his sting. 1598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 31: As Bees have
both honie and a sting: so preachers must teach both Law and Gos-
pel. 1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 284: As a Bee doth carry a
floure in her mouth, but behinde dooth pricke verie sharpely with
her sting. 1640 JONSON Sad Shepherd II vi 99: His mouth, and
tongue with dropping honey flowes . . —Yet like the Bees it had
a little sting. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof. I 21, p. 22: These bees ’
carry honey in their mouths, but they have a sting in their tails.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pecchie, p. 137: To be like the bees, Viz.
which have honey in the mouth, but a Sting in the tail. 1732 FUL.,
no. 959.
Cf. H553: Honey is sweet but the bee stings; H558: Seeking
honey I caught the bee by the tail; T391: A honey tongue a heart of
gall (poison).
B212 When BEES are old they yield no honey
1616 DR., s.v. Old Age, no. 1543. 1664 COD., p. 225.
19. 1732 FUL., no. 3706: Old Bees yield no Honey.
1670 RAY, p.
B213 Where BEES are there is honey
1639 CL., s.v. Industriae, p. 162.
I732 FUL., no. 5636.
1616 DR., s.v. Gaine, no. 829.
1670 RAY, p. 60.
B214 Salt BEEF finds the way to the wine without a
candle
1611 COT., s.v. Vin: The salt-beefe eater needs no candle to light his
drinke the way to his mouth. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 10.
Cf. M836: Salt meat draws down drink apace.
B215 Such BEEF such broth
1591 LODGE Catharos, p. 11: Such beefe, such broth, such lips, such
lettuce. 1598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 218. ‘
Cf. L326: Like (Such) lips like (such) lettuce.
B216 To complain of fat BEEF
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Brodo, p. 21: To complain of fat broth,
viz. to find fault where there’s no need, the English say, to complain
of fat Beef.
B217 The BEER (ale) runs atilt
1620 Descr. Love, s. C6v: Flinging the beere away cause it run loe;
Nay faith, saies one, it is a sinne to spil’t, For that is noble beere
that runnes at tilt. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pietra, p. 148: When
the Wine is almost spent, it is prop’d, or heav’d up with a stone,
that it may run faster; the English say drollingly of Beer or Ale,
that it runs a tilt.
B218 What is better than the BEER that’s made of
malt?
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14.
B219 AS blind as a BEETLE
1549 LATIMER Serm. 11, p. 141: In this wisdom he is as blind as a
beetle. 1579 FULKE Heskins . . Overthr., p. 243: I holde him as
blinde as a beetle. I598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man VI, p. 670: In earthly
things we have Lynces eyes, but in spirituall things we are as blind
as beetles. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 29. 1639 CL., p. 52.
I659 N.R., p. 48: (He is as). 1670 RAY, p. 201: (a beetle or bat).
(I6)

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important Word.
BEETLE
BEGGAR
39

B220 As dull as a BEETLE
1520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 36: Tendre wyttes with suche derke
ambage be made as dull as a betle. 1670 RAY, p. 204.
B221 The BEETLE flies over many a sweet flower and
lights in a cowshard
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 124: The humblebee flieth all day in the
pleasant air, and thinketh much to alight even upon the sweet
flowers, but at night taketh no scorn to lodge in a cow’s foul shard.
1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 19: (The Scarabe flies). 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 26: Hee therefore that leaueth his own house
to seeke aduentures, is like . . the Fly that shunneth the Rose, to
light in a cowshard. 1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 26: And yet
oft times [the women in France] nestling all day in the Sunne with
the Beetle, are at night contented with a cowsherd for shelter.
1592 GREENE Def. Conny Catching, p. 87: The beetle that makes
scorne all day of the daintiest flowers, and at night takes vp his
lodging in a cowsherd. 1599 CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth xiii 57,
p. 88: Blind as a beetle, madam, that awhile Hovering aloft, at last
in cowsheds falls. 1606 DEKKER News from Hell: Non—Dram. W ks. ,
II 109: Hee that prouides liuing for his child, and robs him of learn-
ing, turnes him into a Beetle, that flyes from perfumes and sweet
Odors, to feede on a cow-sheard. 1612 DEKKER If It Be Not Good,
p. 289: And not like rauens, kites, or painted Iayes, Soare high, yet
light on dunghills, for stinking preyes. [01613] 1639 CHAPMAN
Chahot IV i 14: Like crows and carrion birds, They fly o’er flowery
meads, clear springs, fair gardens, And stoop at carcases. 1640
JONSON Tale Tuh IV v 60: A Squire? And thinke so meanely? fall
upon a Cow-shard? 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Scarafaggio, p. 182:
TO do as the Beetle-fly, viz. to hover and hover about a long time,
and at last lights and fixes on a Sir Reverence; spoken of such as are
very nice, coy and scrupulous in their Choice as to Marriage, as
well Women as of Men, and at last light upon a pityfull ugly incon-
siderable Match; which the English express to the same purpose, by
Lightening on a Cow-tird, relating as to mans Choyce.
SHAKESPEARE—16o6-7 A.C. III ii 20: They are his shards, and
' he their beetle.
Cf. C780: Look high and fall into a cow turd; H806: An humble-
bee in a cow turd thinks himself a king; OI 3: Bad odors attract the
vulture (beetle), perfumes repel him.
B222 Better BEG than steal
1639 CL., p. 225. 1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions 5, p. 233: He that
asks an alms, pleads that ’tis honester to beg than steal.
See DUE, I, no. 209.
B223 He BEGs of them that borrowed of him
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 727: He begges at them that borrowed at him.
1721 KEL., p. 170: *Spoken of the Man who by his liberal, or squan-
dering Temper, has ruined his Estate.
B224 As big as a BEGGAR
1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. B1.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 10: See
the begger looks big.
B225 As drunk as a BEGGAR
1616 DR., no. 555: As drunken as a Rat or Beggar. 1622 DEKKER
AND MASSINGER Virgin Martyr III, p. 58: Be drunk as a beggar, he
helps you home. 1639 CL., p. 47. 1670 RAY, p. 204: *This Prov-
erb begins now to bedisused, and people instead of it are ready to
say, As drunk as a Lord: so much hath that Vice (the more is the
pity) prevail’d among the Nobility and Gentry of late years. 1684
AYRES Vox Clam. II, p. 14: What an abominable thing must it
needs be to see a Gentleman to debase himself. . to drink and be
drunk as a Begger (as the Proverb hath it)?
Cf. L439: As drunk as a lord (emperor).
B226 A BEGGAR can never be bankrupt
1616 WITHALS, p. 572. 1639 CL., p. 243. 1670 RAY, p. 60.
FUL., no. 963: Beggars can never be Bankrupts.
Cf. B229: The beggar may sing before the thief; M345: No naked
man is sought after to be rifled; N331 : They that have nothing need
fear to lose nothing.
I732

B227 A BEGGAR can no beggar well abide
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 29: It goith with phisicians as it cloth
with beggars that on can not wel brook another. 1614 T. RAVENS-
CROFT Apol: Disc. Degrees [p. 5].
Cf. B237: One beggar is woe (bides woe) that another by the door
should go; T643: Two of a trade seldom agree.
B228 The BEGGAR is never out of his way
1616 DR., no. 2330: (A begger). 1630 T. ADAMS Politic Hunting:
W ks. , p. 1 20: Let them [vagrant rogues] alone, and they will trauerse
their wayes; which are no wayes. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15.
1670 RAY, p. 2. 1732 FUL., no. 965: Beggars never are out of their
Way.
B229 The BEGGAR may sing before the thief
1546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v. 1586 WITHALS, s. N5V: Before the theefe
full safely doth the begger tune his song. 1593 PEELE Edw. I xii,
s. G4V: A mans purse pennilesse may sing before a thiefe. 1611
DAV. Prov. , no. 94: He may sing before theeues that no mony brings.
1611 GRUT., no. 248. 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1616 DR., no. 142.
Ihid., no. 402: (The poore may). 1617 MORYSON Itinerary I 11 iv,
I 402: I made the proverbe true, that the passenger having nothing,
sings before the thiefe. [1632] 1659 MASSINGER City Madam III iii,
p. 454: When you had nothing, praise your poverty for’t, You could
have sung secure before a thief. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664
COD., p. 187: Beggars may sing before a King. Ihid., p. 214: The
beggar will sing before a thief. 1672 WALK. 2, p. 39: Who so merry
as he that hath nought to lose? Cantabit vacuus coram latrone
viator.
See OTTO, no. 1250. Cf. B226: A beggar can never be bankrupt;
M345: No naked man is sought after to be rifled; N249: Who can
sing so merry a note as he that cannot change a groat? N331:
They that have nothing need fear to lose nothing.
B230 A BEGGAR pays a benefit with a louse
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Dd4: He that helpes a begger out of the
ditch shalbe stung with his lyce. 1678 RAY, p. 98. 1732 FUL., no.
10.
Cf. B240: Sue a beggar and get (catch) a louse; B249: You think
beggars have no lice; D537: He that lies down (goes to bed, sleeps)
with dogs must rise with fleas; L471: A louse is a man’s (beggar’s)
companion; R161: A rogue’s wardrobe is harbor for a louse.
B231 Better die a BEGGAR than live a beggar
1664 COD., p. 188. 1670 RAY, p. 2: (Better to die).
888.
1732 FUL., no.
B232 Every BEGGAR is descended from some king and
every king is descended from some beggar
1602 [W.S.] Ld. Cromwell, s. A3: Theres legions now of beggars on
the earth, That their originall did spring from Kings: And manie
Monarkes now whose fathers were, The riffe-raffe of their age.
1653 FULLER Infant’s Advoc.: Serm., II 222: (We have a saying,
Every).
B233 He is a sairy (poor) BEGGAR that may not go by
one man’s door
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 506: (He is ane sillie begger).
no. 334. 1668 R.B., p. 23.
that cannot go by one Door.
to do you Service.
1641 FERG.,
1721 KEL., p. 146: He’s a poor Beggar
*Spoken to them that threaten never
B234 I know him as well as the BEGGAR’knows his dish1
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: And my selfe knowth hym . . Euen as well
as the begger knowth his bag. 1562 HEY. Epi g. 295, p. 171: (knowth
his bag). 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 85: Knowe as well . . as the
begger knowith his dishe? 1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 74: Such as
he knew as well as the Begger his dishe. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. EeI: I will bee as true to thee as the begger to his dishe. 1603
CHE'I‘TLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. H4: Madame,
we know him as well as a begger knowes his dish. 1606 CHAPMAN
Sir G. Goosecap IV ii 164: Know me? ’Slight, he knows me no more
than the beggar knows his dish! 1616 DR., no. I 170: (as the Beg-

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
BEGGAR
BEGGARS
4o

ger doth his dish). 1617 MORYSON Itinerary III 11 i, III 479: Who
know the way aswell as a begger knowes his dish. 1639 CL., p.
227: (as the beggar his dish). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15. I670
RAY, p. 183: (To know one as well as). 1670 WALKER Idiom. Ang.-
/.at., p. 46.
Cf. KI7I: I know him well (as well as ifI had gone through him
with a lighted link); P98: To know it as well as one knows his pater-
noster; P484: I know him not though I Should meet him in my
porridge (portage dish); T246: I know your thoughts (know you) as
well as ifI were within you (in your belly). (7)
[lalms dish]
B235 It would make a BEGGAR beat his bag
1678 RAY, p. 228.
B236 One BEGGAR is enough at one door
1611 COT., s.v. Huis: So many beggers at one doore, so many suitors
for one thing, are not good, or, are not like to speed. 1639 CL., s.v.
Liberalitas, p. 187: (at a doore).
One BEGGAR is woe (bides woe) that another by
the door should go
1520 WHI'I‘TING'I‘ON Vulgaria, p. 71: But it is comenly sayd euery
begger is woo that ony other Shold by the dore go. 1552 TAV., f. 9:
(byddeth wo). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 38: (that one other be the
gait [gate] g[o]). 1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 36: (One
begger is wo, another). 1616 DR., s.v. Beggars, no. 145: (when an-
other doeth by the doore goe). 1616 WITHALS, p. 557: (bideth
woe). 1623 CAM., p. 275. 1639 CL., p. 13: (One beggar’s woe,
another). Ibid., s.v. Invidia, p. 176: (One beggar bideth woe, an-
other). 1659 N.R., p. 82. 1668 R.B., p. 3: Ane Beggar is wae,
another by the gate gae. 1670 RAY, p. 60: It’s one beggers wo, to
see another by the door go. 1672 WALK. 28, p. 40: [As in 1639 Cl.,
p. 13]. 1681 ROB., p. 229: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1721 KEL., p. 268:
One Beggar is ay wo, that another by the Gate go.
See DUR., I, no. 226. Cf. B227: A beggar can no beggar well
abide; P514: The potter envies the potter, the smith the smith;
T643: Two of a trade seldom agree.
B237
B238 Set a BEGGAR on horseback and he will ride a
gallop (run his horse out of breath)
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 100: (and he will never alight). 1594
Con. York and Lan., s. B4: anesse the Adage must be verefide That
Beggers mounted, runne their horse to death. 1599 GREENE Or-
pharion, p. 36: (and they say he will neuer light). 1602 [W.S.] Ld.
Cromwell, s. E1: Heele fullfill the old Prouerbe: Set Beggers a horse-
backe, and theile ride. 1611 GRUT., no. 226: (at horsback, and he
will ride his horse presently out of breath). 1614 CAM., p. 311: (a
horseback, and he will gallop). 1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER
Scornful Lady IV, p. 281: Such beggars once set 0’ horse back, you
have heard will ride, how far you had best to look. 1616 DR., no.
1699: (runne his horse out of breath). 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M.
II 111 ii, p. 507. 1631 JONSON Staple News Intermean 4, p. 362: I,
but set a beggar on horse-backe, hee’ll neuer linne till hee be a gal-
lop. 1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia, p. 31. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9:
(a hors-back, and he will gallop). 1659 N.R., p. 90: (he will gallop).
1668 R.B., p. 42: Put a beggar on horseback, and he will ride fast, or
else break his neck. 1670 RAY, p. 60. 1672 WALK. 27, p. 40.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Beggar.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQI 3 Hen. VII iv 125: It needs not. . proud
queen, Unless the adage must be verified, That beggars mounted
run their horse to death.
See DI'iR., I, no. 228. Cf. B239: Set a beggar on horseback and he
will ride to the devil; K137: Set a knave on horseback and you shall
see him shoulder a knight. (8)
B239 Set a BEGGAR on horseback and he will ride to
the devil
1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 174: These whelpes drawne vp to the
heauen of honor from the dunghill of abiect fortune, haue long been
on horseback to come riding to your Diuelship. 1626 CART Cun-
ning Age 42 in Pepysian Garl., p. 241: There is an old Prouerbe, that
oft hath bin try’d, Set a beggar on horse-back, to th’ Gallowes heel
ride. 1639 CL., p. 213. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Superbia, p.

208: (After an Estate is gotten, to wax Proud, viz. to make ill use
of it, as such do who have gotten it by indirect means; the English
says, Set a Beggar on). 1677 SMITHFIELD j’ockey, p. 2: And is so
fierce in his getting money, that he verefies the Proverb; Set a Beg-
gar on Horse-back, and he will ride post to the Devil. 1721 KEL.,
p. 298. 1732 FUL., no. 4104.
Cf. B238: Set a beggar on horseback and he will ride a gallop (run
his horse out of breath); K137: Set a knave on horseback and you
shall see him shoulder a knight; V56: Set a villein on a mule and he
knows neither God nor the world.
B240 Sue a BEGGAR and get (catch) a louse
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus et vilitatis, p. 72. 1654 GAYTON Pleas.
Notes Don Quix. III iii, p. 83. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 40. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: Goe to Law with a beggar, thou shalt gett a
lowse. 1670 RAY, p. 60. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Laws, p. 190:
Who would sue a beggar, to get a louse? 1672 WALK. 5, p. 34:
(catch). 1681 ROB., p. 229: (catch). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Beggar:
(catch). 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Louse: (catch). 1732 FUL., no. 4285:
(catch).
Cf. B230: A beggar pays a benefit with a louse; L471 : A louse is a
man’s (beggar’s) companion.
You will scratch a BEGGAR before you die
1670 RAY, p. 64: *Meaning
B241
1639 CL., p. 209: (a begger one day).
himself. I732 FUL., no. 6035.
B242 A BEGGAR’S purse is bottomless (always empty)
[ERAS. Adagia, 5610: Mendici pera non impletur. Ibid., 687D:
Mendicorum loculi semper inanes.] 1539 TAV., f. 39: A beggers
scryppe is neuer fylled. 1616 WITHALS, p. 566. 1639 CL., p. 38.
1672 WALK. 91, p. 55: (is never full; is alwayes empty). 1681 ROB.,
p. 229: (always empty).
B243 As merry as forty BEGGARS
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens
March 1: You’l be as merry as forty Beggars I find. 01700 E.
WARD London Spy XI, p. 264: Both were . . as Merry as Beggars.
B244 BEGGARS breed and rich men feed
1639 CL., s.v. Divitiae, p. 98. 1670 RAY, p. 60. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Beggar. 1721 KEL., p. 75: *Poor Peoples Children find a Support
in the Service of the Rich and Great. 1732 FUL., no. 6270.
BEGGARS can bear no wealth
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 291. 1721 KEL., p. 64: Beggars dow [are able
to] bide [bear] no Wealth. *Spoken to those who having risen from
a mean Estate to a wealthy, turn proud and insolent.
B245
B246 BEGGARS make a free company1
[1658] 1687 CLEVELAND Char. Country Committee-Man: Wks., p.
75: There was a time, when such Cattle would hardly have been
taken upon suspicion for Men in oflice, unless the old Proverb were
renewed, That the Beggars make a Free Company, and those their
Wardens.
[1guild]
B247 BEGGARS should be no choosers
1546 HEY. Ix, s. D1. 1562 HEY. Epig. 18, p. 131. 1578 T. PROC-
TOR ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 9: Sith beggars haue no choyce: not
need had euer law The subiecte Oxe doth like his yoke: when hee is
driuen to draw. 01594 BACON, no. 478. 01600 Charlemagne l.
534, p. 19: Beggars must be no chussers, I am one the proverbe
proues it, an oulde servingman. 1611 COT., s.v. Emprunter: Bor-
rowers (we say beggars) are not chusers. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 120.
1611 GRUT., no. 51. 1614 CAM., p. 304. 1616 DR., no. 139: (must
be). 1639 CL., p. 222: (must not be). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4.
1670 RAY, p. 60: (must be no). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Chuser: (must
not be). 1698-9 DRYDEN Let. 32, p. 148: As for the rarities you
promise, if beggars might be choosers, a part of a chine of honest
bacon wou’d please my appetite more than all the marrow puddings.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594-8 T.S. Ind. i 41: Would not the beggar
then forget himself? —Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose.
<7)

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BEGGARS
BEGINNING
41

B248 To swear by no BEGGARS (bugs)
I579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 33: Caligula . . swore by no bugs, that
he would make him a consul. 1596 LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 17:
He . . swears by no small bugs. 1599 [GREENE] George a Greene, s.
B2v: And by no beggars swore that we were traytours. 1603 DEK-
KER Wonderful Year: Non-Dram. Wks., I 87: And swore by no beg-
gers that now was the houre come for him to bestirre his stumps.
1617 MORYSON Itinerary I 11 iii, I 343: Be content with this an-
swere, otherwise (I sweare by no beggars) I will praise you to your
face.
B249 You think BEGGARS have no lice
1594 R. WILSON Cobbler’s Proph., s. D3: What thinke ye as the
Prouerb goes that beggers haue no lice? a1598 FERG. MS, no.
1547: Ye trow beggars hes no lyce and then thay ar swarming full.
[1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. V, 5. K1 v.
Cf. B230: A beggar pays a benefit with a louse; L471: A louse is a
man’s (beggar’s) companion.
B250 The BEGGARS OF BATH
I662 FULLER Worthies Somersetshire, II 279: *Many in that place,
some Natives there, others repairing thither from all parts of the
Land, the Poor for Alms, the Pained for ease. I670 RAY, p. 251.
B251 Like the blind BEGGARS OF BOLOGNA
1664 J. WILSON Cheats II iv, p. 26: He’s like the blind Beggars of
Bolonia, a man must give ’um a Half-penny to sing, and Two-pence
to hold their tongues.
Cf. M1328: Musicians (Singers) know no means to be entreated
either to begin or end.
B252 He is lodged in BEGGARS’ INN
[01605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 113: That foure-squared
sinne Has almost lodg’d vs in the beggers Inne. 1639 CL., s.v.
Paupertas, p. 244.
B253 Good to BEGIN well, better to end well
1664 COD., p. 195. 1670 RAY, p. 8. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 151: (’Tis
good to begin well, but better). 1721 KEL., p. 123.
Cf. E1 15: Better never to begin than never to make an end.
B254 Well BEGUN is half done
1539 TAV., f. 9: Principium dimidium totius. The begynnynge is
halfe the hole. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D2: It is Aristotle in
his Ethicks, that a good beginning is more then halfe the worke.
[8.159I] 1675 H. SMITH Young Man’s Task: Wks., I 223: Such a
Victory it is to begin well, as our prouerbe saith, He which hath be-
gun well, is half his way. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 16 5: A begun thing
is halfended. 1602 Poet. Rhap. 131, I 1 89: Begin, and halfe is done,
yet halfe vndone remaines. 1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua II ii, s. D2v:
He that once begun well, hath halfe done, let him begin againe and
there’s all. 1616 WITHALs, p. 555. 1631 KNEVET Rhodon and
Iris V ii, s. H2v: We have a faire beginning, and what’s well begun,
(If that the proverbe speakes truth) is halfe done. 1639 CL., p. 3.
1641 FERG., no. 136: A begun work is half ended. 1659 How. Br.
Prov., p. 1 1: Once begun, halfdone. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15.
1664 COD., p. 224. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 48: Who beginneth
well, hath his work half done. 1668 R.B., p. 10: [As in 1641 Ferg.].
1732 FUL., no. 6294.
See ST., no. 184. Cf. B256: Every beginning is hard; S846: The
greatest (hardest) step is that out of doors (over the threshold). (16)
B255 The BEGINNING of virtue is of nature
1577 WOOLTON Castle Christ., s. B8v: Hereof that common saying
commeth, that the beginning of vertue is of Nature, to wyt of Per-
fect Nature.
B256 Every BEGINNING is hard
1530 WHITFORDE Wk. Householders, s. BIv: (harde and of greate
difiiculte). 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. III ii, s. E3: Begin-
nings are harde, this prouerbe is olde. 1590 SPENSER III iii
21: Let no whit thee dismay The hard begin, that meets thee in the


dore. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 219: (is difficult). 1672 WALK. 68,
p. 32: The worst is at first; you will find it easier afterward.
See ST., no. 185. Cf. B254: Well begun is half done; S846: The
greatest (hardest) step is that out of doors (over the threshold).
B257 Everything has (All things have) a BEGINNING
01500 Melusine XXXIX, p. 304: In euery thing most be bygynnyng
tofore the ende cometh. a1536 HILL 12, p. 128: (All thing).
01542 BOORDE Diet. Health, p. 240: Yet euery thynge must haue a
begynnynge. 1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes V v, p. 236. 1575 GAS-
COIGNE Glass Govt. II iii, p. 37: All thinges haue a beginning, shee is a
woman, and nothing is unpossible. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
EIV: Indeed euery thing hath a beginning (as the parasite told his
maister, which said he toke his seruaunt for no liar, and now had
found it contrary). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1: All things hes ane be-
gining except G[od]. 1611 COT., s.v. Commencement. 1616 DR.,
no. 121. Ibid., no. 125: Euery thing hath his seed. [01620] 1661
MIDDLETON Mayor Queenb. IV iii 87: I’ll be the first, then: Every-
thing has beginning. 1623 WOD., p. 507: All things haue their
Beginning. *Said to those that thinke Matters fall them too long.
1631 SHIRLEY Love Tricks Prol.: Nothing so true As all things have
beginning. 1641 FERG., no. 1: All things hath a beginning (God
excepted). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 219: Every thing must haveits
beginning. 1668 R.B., p. 2: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 93:
*Spoken to encourage a Man to go on with a small Business, Stock,
or Interest, in hopes of future Advancement.
B258 From the BEGINNING to the end
1594 See. Report Dr. Faustus II, p. 43: They declared it from the bee-
ginning to the ending. I672 WALK. 42, p. 37.
Cf. E85: From the eggs to the apples.
B259 A good BEGINNING makes a good ending
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 3]: And sayd the lokyng vpon the ende of the
Worke, yf it be good, yeueth hope to the benynnyng. a1536 HILL
42, p. 129. 1546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: Of a good begynnyng comth a
good ende. 1560 I mpat. Poverty, s. D4: Of a good and vertuous be—
ginning cometh a good ending. 1562 HEY. Epig. 141, p. 150: Of a
good begynnyng, there cumth a good eende. 01594 BACON, no.
950: Of a good beginning comes a good ending. 8.1598 FERG. MS,
no. 2. I602 BRETON Mother’s Bless.: Wks., I 5: (a blessed end).
1606 Wily Beguiled vi, p. 25: (end). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 418: [As
in 1562 Hey.]. 1611 GRUT., no. 203: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1614
CAM., p. 310: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1616 DR., no. 115: (end). [1622]
1647 FLETCHER Women Pleased II vi, p. 260: (A good beginning, We
have a proverb saies, makes). 1639 CL., p. 299: A good beginning a
good ending. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (hath a good ending).
Ibid., p. 9: [AS in 1546 Hey.]. 1659 N.R., p. 2: [As in 1639 Cl.].
1664 COD., p. 208: [As in 01594 Bacon]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p.
218: (end). 1668 R.B., p. 2. 1670 RAY, p. 60: *A good life makes
a good death. 1721 KEL., p. 50. 1732 FUL., no. 137.
Cf. B260: A hard beginning has (makes) a good ending; B261: An
ill (bad) beginning has an ill (bad) ending; B262: Such beginning
such end; L245: A good life has a good death. (10)
B260 A hard BEGINNING has (makes) a good ending
1546 HEY. I iv, s. B1: (maketh). Ibid. II viii, 5. K3: And tourne
his yll begynnyng to a good ende. 1562 HEY. Epig. 21, p. 131 : Of a
harde beginning, comth a good endyng. 1571 WHYTHORNE Songs,
p. 162: Of a hard beginning comes a good end, many say; Which
prouerb old a comfort is to some where cares beares sway. 1611
GRUT., no. 12: (maketh). [01613] 1631 CHAPMAN Caesarand Pomp.
III ii 18: Your last skirmish . . Proves ill beginnings good events
foreshow. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1616 DR., no. 1832: He turneth an
ill beginning to a good ende. [01619] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Knt.
Malta II V, p. 115: Evil beginning hours may end in good. 1639
CL., p. 198: (end). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659 N.R., p. 7.
1721 KEL., p. 47: A hard Beginning is a good Beginning. *Spoken
to hearten those who meet with Difficulties at their first setting out.
Cf. B2 59: A good beginning makes a good ending.
B261 An ill (bad) BEGINNING has an ill (bad) ending
[ERAS. Adagia, 1161B: Mali principii malus finis.] 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 149: Commonly there commeth an yll ende

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff
BEGINNING
BELL
42

where there was a naughtie beginning. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III,
II 70: For an untoward beginning, hath ever an unlucky ending.
1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 196: A light beginning, a heauie
ending. I605 Lond. Prod., 3. F4: Such bad beginnings oft haue
worser ends. 1611 COT., s.v. Cornu: A carelesse, erronious, or ig-
norant entrance into a busines disorders the whole course of it, and,
in conclusion, mars it. 1631 GOFFE Raging Turk II i, s. B2v: But
bad beginnings haue a fatall end. 1631 MABBE Celestina III, p. 74:
For a bad beginning can never make a good ending. 1639 CL., p.
109. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and 15109., p. 176: He that begins
a matter untowardly, ends it ill-favouredly. *This Proverb con-
cerns Courters of Mistrisses and getters Of Maidenheads. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 90: Of an ill beginning, an ill end.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 K7. III i 94: This day all things begun,
come to ill end.
Cf. B259: A good beginning makes a good ending; B262: Such
beginning such end.
B262 Such BEGINNING such end
1546 HEY. II ix, s. LI.
GRUT., no. 239. 1614 CAM., p. 312.
ginning like ending. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9.
92. 1670 RAY, p. 3: Such a beginning such an end.
4274: Such a Beginning, such an Ending.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. II vi 9: These violent delights have
violent ends. 1604 O. I iii 350: It was a violent commencement,
and thou shalt see an answering sequestration.
Cf. B259: A good beginning makes a good ending; B261: An ill
(bad) beginning has an ill (bad) ending.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 281: (an end). 1611
1616 DR., no. 116: Like be-
1659 N.R., p.
1732 F UL., no.
B263 Beware BEGINNINGS
1611 COT., s.v. Pain: In the beginning of a cause are faults the soon-
est made. 1616 DR., s.v. Beginning, no. 129: In my beginning, God
be my speed. 1639 CL., s.v. Principium, p. 259.
B264 From small BEGINNINGS come great things
[ERAS. Adagia, 9111*: Ex minimis initiis maxima.] I611 COT., s.v.
Commencement: Of small beginnings are great matters raised.
1630 T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: Wks., p. I 163: From small and
vnlikely beginnings, the Diuine Prouidence produceth great effects.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: A small beginning makes a great web.
Cf. A22: From acorns come oaks; B68 1: Little brooks make great
rivers.
B265 BELIEVE well and have well
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K3v. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 271.
no. 52. 1614 CAM., p. 304. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7.
N.R., p. 21. I670 RAY, p. 61. I732 FUL., no. 968.
Cf. H611: Hope well and have well.
B266 Better BELIEVE it than go where it was done to
prove it
1639 CL., p. 73: As good beleeve it as goe and try. 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. 2: ’Tis better believe then try it. 1670 RAY, p. 164: *Ital.
1611 GRUT.)
1659
B267 I cannot BELIEVE it though I saw it myself
1639 CL., s.v. Impossibilia, p. 146.
Cf. B268: I will believe it when I see it; E274: One eyewitness is
better than ten earwitnesses; S212: Seeing is believing; T446: As
true as touch.
B268 I will BELIEVE it when I see it
1616 WITHALS, p. 574.
Cf. B267: I cannot believe it though I saw it myself; E274: One
eyewitness is better than ten earwitnesses; S21 2: Seeing is believing.
B269 We soon BELIEVE what we desire
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 177: I did perceive, if desire to have it so
did not deceive me. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 11: But
they gessed as they wished. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. I lvi, p. 5:
It is a proverbe used long ago, We soone beleeve the thing we would
have so. 1596 DEL., s. O5v: We easily beleeue what we do desire.
1605 JONSON Sejanus IV 491, p. 435: HOW easily, Doe'wretched men
beleeue, what they would haue! I611 DAV. Prov., no. 46. 1616
DR., s.v. Simplicity, no. 1985: We soone beleeue that we would

haue. 1623 CAM., p. 280. I623 MASSINGER Duke Milan V ii, p.
92: He easily believing what he wished. 1639 CL., p. 229. 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 208, p. 323: Quod volumus, facile credimus.
1681 ROB, p. 620: A fool believes the thing he would have so. 1696
Cornish Com. II i, p. 16: What we desire, we easily believe. 1732
FUL., no. 5426: We are apt to believe what we wish for.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVIV V 92: I never thought to hear
you speak again. —Thy wish was father, Harry, to that thought.
See DI'iR., II, no. 720; OTTO, no. 459. Cf. D178: To deceive one-
self is very easy.
B270 Quick BELIEVERS need broad shoulders
1640 HERB, no. 39. 1659 N.R., p. 88.
B271 As clear as a BELL
1670 RAY, p. 203: *Spoken principally of a sound without any jar-
ring or harshness.
B272 As sound as a BELL
1605 Trial Chivalry, s. C1: But my heart is as sound as a bell. 1608
TOPSELL Hist. Serpents, p. 41: And from that time forwards, he re-
mained well and lustie, and as sound as a Bell. 1616 DR., s.v.
Healthfull, no. 952. [1623] 1636 DAY AND DEKKER Wonder King.
I, p. 221: Old! hem? All heart of brasse, sound as a bell. 1630
MASSINGER Picture IV ii, p. 202: I am sound as a bell, a tough Old
blade, and steel to the back, as you shall find me In the trial on your
anvil. 1639 CL., s.v. Salubritas, p. 275. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. Health, p. 158: I thank God I am as sound as a Bell. I ayle
nothing. 1687 SEDLEY Bellamira III, p. 29: I am as sound as a
Bell, Fat, Plump and Juicy.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. III ii 12: He hath a heart as sound
as a bell.
Cf. S842: He is steel (metal) to the back. (7)
B273 A BELL is known by the sound
1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 51: The Bell is knowen by his sounde.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 38, p. 189: Men are known by their speech, and
bells by their ringing. I673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 34.
Cf. A401: Like author like book; B274: A cracked hell can never
sound well; B365: A bird is known by his note and a man by his
talk; S735: Speech is the picture (index) Of the mind.
B274 A cracked BELL can never sound well
1630 T. ADAMS Generat. Serpents: W ks., p. 890: A wicked mans
tongue discovers him. A Bell may haue a crack, though inuisible:
take the Clapper and strike, and you shall soone perceiue it. 1732
FUL., no. 6358.
Cf. B273: A bell is known by the sound; B36 5: A bird is known by
his note and a man by his talk; S73 5: Speech is the picture (index)
of the mind. .
B275 He bears away the BELL
[I523] I568 SKELTON How Doughty Duke Albany 1. 183: Wks., II 73:
We bear away the bell. I540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 86:
There is no man worthy to beare the bell, or to rule the roste, but I.
1562 HEY. Dial. I x, p. 22: For beautie and stature she beareth the
bell. 1596 SPENSER IViv 25:50 Satyrane that day wasjudg’d
to beare the bell. 1616 DR., s.v. Excellency, no. 617: He is worthy
to cary away the bell. 1616 WITHALS, p. 552. 1639 CL., s.v. Ex-
cellentia, p. 104. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: He beareth the bell.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gara, p. 71: To bear away the bell, to
carry away the prise. 1670 RAY, p. 164: (To bear). (8 5)
B276 To curse with BELL, book, and candle
[A form of excommunication ending with the words, “Do to (close)
the book, quench the candle, ring the beli!”] [01470] 148 5 MALORY
Morte d’Arthur XXI i, p. 839: I shall curse you wyth book and belle
and candell. 1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 1034, p. 50: For as moch as kyng
Johan doth Holy church so handle, here I do curse hym, wyth
crosse, boke, bell and candle. 1592 NASHE Strange News To Rdr.:
W ks., I 262: The blind Vicar wOuld needs . . curse me with bel, book,
and candle. 1610 ROWLANDS Martin Mark-All, p. 6. 1670 RAY,
p. 170.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 K]. III iii 12: Bell, book, and candle shall
not drive me back. (9)

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most imIJOItant word.
BELL
BELLY
43

B277 Who shall tie (hang) the BELL about the cat’s
neck?
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 254: Thynkynge that theyr dedes
may be kept secretely about the Cattis necke such men a bell doth
tye. [3.1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 163: Wks., I 317: And
loth to hang the bell Aboute the cattes necke. 1546 HEY. I xi, s.
E1: (I will hang). 1562 HEY. Epig. 255, p. 166. 01594 BACON, no.
645: (I will hang). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1494: Who wil bell the
cat? 1603 STANDEN Let., p. 474. 1623 J. TAYLOR Discovery by
Sea: Wks. F., p. 188: Not one will aduenture to hang the Bell about
the Cats necke. 1636 CAM., p. 297: Hang the bell about the Cats
necke. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72: (put the bell). 1641
FERG., no. 534: It is weill said, but wha will bell the cat. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sonaglio, p. 196: T0
OHer to be the first to fasten a bell on the cats neck, Viz. the first to
venture upon danger, to be bold and daring, alluding to the Fable in
lEsop, of the Rats and the Cat. 1668 R.B., p. 32: [As in 1641
Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 68: (hang). 1721 KEL., p. 180: [As in 1641
Ferg.]. *Alluding to the Fable of the Mice, proposing to put a Bell
about the Cat’s Neck, that they might be apprised of her coming.
1732 FUL., no. 5717: Who shall bell the Cat?
(7)
See ST., no. 1094.
B278 BELLS call others but themselves enter not into
the church
1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p. 330: The property of Bels is to call
men to service, and never enter into the Church themselves. 1640
HERB., no. 567. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: The bells call others to
Mass, though they never go themselves. 1659 N.R., p. 22. 1664
COD., p. 187: Bells call others into the Church, but enter not them-
selves into it. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Campane, p. 25: To do as
the bells, viz. they call others to Church, but themselves never enter
therein. 1670 RAY, p. 3: Bells call others to the Church, but enter
not in themselves. 1732 FUL., no. 969: Bells call others to Church,
but go not themselves. 1754 FRANKLIN, p. 30: The Bell calls others
to Church, but itself never minds the Sermon.
See DUE, I, no. 604. Cf. A240: Like an anchor, that is ever in
the water and never learns to swim.
B279 I must not hang all my BELLS upon one horse
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: *Give all away to one son. 1670 RAY,
p. 215: I’ll not hang all my bells on one horse, i.e. give all to one son.
1732 FUL., no. 1786: Hang not all your Bells upon one Horse.
Cf. A209: Venture not all in one bottom.
B280 Many BELLS many clappers
1616 DR., s.v. Women, no. 2453.
B281 They agree like BELLS, they want nothing but
hanging
1594 Knack to Know Knave, s. C3: Why, we should gree together
lyke belles. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet II: Wks., p. 192: The
great Theeues agree one with another . . They tune like Bells, and
want but hanging. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: (they want but
hanging up). 1664 COD., p. 212: (hanging up). 1670 RAY, p. 161.
1697 MER., p. 166. 1732 FUL., no. 4948.
Cf. C426: They agree like the clocks of London.
B282 To take off your BELLS and let you fly
[“An old proverb taken from hawking . . applied to the dismissal of
any one that the owner has no longer occasion for.”—J. O. Halli-
well Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, s.v. Bells] '1566
I Smile to See in C. Robinson et al. Handf. Pleas. Delights, p. 53:
Least he at length as I haue done, Take off thy Belles and let thee
flie. 1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s.
A4: Ile be hangd if he do not . . giue her the belles, let her flye.
Cf. W432: To go down the wind.
B283 Allow thy BELLY what thou shouldst, not what
thou mayest
1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sickness II: Wks., p. 330: Seneca’s rule is
good, Dandum ventri quod debes, non quod potes: Allow thy belly
what thou shouldest, not what thou mayest. 1662 N. ROGERS
Rich Fool, p. 277: The Belly (saith one) is no troublesome Creditor,

it is contented with a little; if thou givest it what it should have, not
what thou canst give it.
B284 The BELLY carries the'legs and not the legs the
beHy
I599 MINSHEU Span. Dial, p. 33: A Biskaine trauelling a foote
fainte for want of foode, filled his belly, afterward went lustely, and
said, the belly carrieth the feete, and not the feete the bellie. 1620
SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxxiv, III 260. 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don
Quix. IV i, p. 69: The Legs carry the Belly, and not the Belly the
Legs. 1732 FUL., no. 3194: Let the Guts be full, for it’s they that
carry the Legs.
B285 A BELLY full of gluttony will never study willingly
1586 WITHALS, s. H6: (with gluttony). 1678 RAY, p. 146: *The
old proverbial Verse. Impletus Venter non vult studere libenter.
1732 FUL., no. 6115.
Cf. B293: A fat belly does not engender a subtle wit; B303: When
the belly is full the bones would be at rest; P123: Fat paunches
make lean pates.
B286 The BELLY has no ears
[ERAS. Adagia, 659E: Venter auribus caret. Venter non habet
aures.] 1539 TAv., f. 47v: The bely hath no eares. When the
belyes mater is in hande, honeste reasons be not admitted, ne herde.
1550 BECON Fortr. Faithful: Cat., p. 601. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv.
IV, II 139: One . . being reproved at the table, for eating to much,
saide, Pardon me, my bellie and my throate have no cares. 1611
COT., s.v. Oreille: (The hungrie bellie). I611 DAV. Epig., no. I 34.
I615 WELDE Yanua Ling. 272, p. 12: The belly wanteth eares.
1639 CL., p. 1 13. 1659 N.R., p. 2: (A hungery belly). 1664 COD.,
p. 215: The hungry belly wanteth ears. 1670 RAY, p. 61.
Cf. B287: The belly is not filled (fed) with fair words; M187: A
hungry man an angry man. (13)
B287 The BELLY is not filled (fed) with fair words
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. C2: I neuer heard that a
man with wordes could fill his belly. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 227: Fayre words fatte fewe. 1616 WITHALS, p. 583: (fed).
1639 CL., s.v. Fames, p. 113: (fed). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 131:
Praises fill not the belly. 1670 RAY, p. 61. 1732 FUL., no. 1491:
Fair Words fill not the Belly.
See DUE, II, no. 714. Cf. B286: The belly has no ears; H573:
Honor will buy no beef; W794: Fair words (promises) make fools
fain.
B287a The BELLY is the truest clock
1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 76: Therefore we shepheards say, tis time
to goe to dinner: for the Sunne and our stomackes, are Shepheards
dialls. 01594 BACON, no. 1470: Il n’est horloge plus juste que le
ventre. 1611 COT., s.v. Horloge: The bellie is the best, or truest
Clocke. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I 3: There’s no clock truer then
the belly. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 428: My stomach serves me
instead of a clock.
SHAKESPEARE—1592-3 CE. I ii 66: Methinks your maw, like
mine, should be your clock And strike you home without a mes-
senger.
Cf. S872: My stomach (belly) has struck twelve (rung noon).
B288 The BELLY robs the back
[01552] I575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle II, Fyrste a Songe:
Backe and syde go bare, go bare, booth foote and hande go colde: But
Bellye god sende thee good ale ynoughe, whether it be newe or olde.
1611 COT., s.v. Robbe: Choyce food, and costlie fare, doe make the
backe goe bare. 1618 HORNBY Scourge Drunkenness, p. 13: That
by his paunch his backe should fare the worse. 1659 How. Br.
Prov., p. 3 3. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 17: A velvet belly, and coarse
clothes. 1721 KEL., p. 390: Your Belly will never let your Back be
rough. *Spoken to Spendthrifts. 1732 FUL., no. 2690: If it were
not for the Belly, the Back might wear Gold. I hid, no. 6043: Your
Belly will never let your Back be warm. 1750 FRANKLIN, p. 26:
[As in 1732 Ful., no. 2690].
Cf. B297: His belly is too strong for his purse; H517: He has a
hole under his nose that all his money runs into; M81 1: Better have
meat than fine clothes.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
BELLY
BELLY
44

B289 The BELLY that is full may well fast
1586 WITHALS, s. M1: The man whose belly filled is, commendeth
fasting much iwis. 1612 JONSON Alch. III ii 74: Nor shall you need,
ore-night to eate huge meales, To celebrate your next daies fast the
better. 1732 FUL., no. 4409.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594 T.G.V. II i 30: When you fasted, it was
presently after dinner. 1594-5 L.L.L. I ii 151: Villain, thou shalt
fast for thy offences ere thou be pardoned. —Well, sir, I hope when
I do it I shall do it on a full Stomach.
Cf. S1011: Every surfeit foreruns a fast.
B290 The BELLY thinks the throat out
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 78: I am loste or vndone for
hunger, or my bealye weneth my throte is cut for hunger. 1575
CHURCHYARD Chips, p. 127: When hongry mawe thinks throet is cut
in deed. 1597 BRETON Dial. Anger and Pat. in Will Wit (1599 ed.):
Wks., II 60: My belly will thinke my throat cut that I feede no
faster. [01622] 1647 [BEAUMONT AND] FLETCHER Love’s Pilgr. II ii,
p. 265: Let’s walk apace; hunger will cut their throats else. 1623
CAM., p. 279: (is cut). 1623 WOD., p. 515: His Belly thinkes his
Throat is cut. 1639 CL., p. 114. 1659 N.R., p. 113: (is cut).
1670 RAY, p. 164. 1672 WALK. 81, p. 25: My belly thinks my throat
cut. 1721 KEL., p. 379: Your Weime [belly] thinks your Wizran
[throat] is cutted. *Spoken to them who have wanted Meat long.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 430: Mr. Neverout, you are in great
haste; I believe your belly thinks your throat is cut.
B291 Better BELLY burst than good drink (meat) lost
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 8. 1678 RAY, p. 1001
(meat). 1721 KEL., p. 63: Better Belly brust [burst] as good Meat
spill. *Spoken facetiously, to urge your Friend to eat. 1732 FUL.,
no. 881. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 443: (than good liquor be
lost).
B292 A fasting BELLY may never be merry
a1536 HILL 22, p. 131.
Cf. M187: A hungry man an angry man.
B293 A fat BELLY does not engender a subtle wit
[ERAS. Adagia, 853C: Pinguis venter non gignit sensum tenuem.]
1580 BARET, P—388: [As in Eras]. *A Prouerbe to be applied to
those, which riot and abound in bellie cheere, and yet would seeme
to excel! Pallas in reason, which things are quite contrarie: for
riotousnesse doth dull the wit. 1584 LYLY Camp. I ii 78: An old
saw of abstinence, Socrates’: The belly is the heads graue. 1586
YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 142: (Know that this Proverbe is as true as
common, That a fat bellie). I596 DEL., S. O6v: He marres his wit,
that pampereth his body too much. 1611 COT., s.v. Emporter: Le
ventre emporte la teste . . said . . of those, who aboue all things re-
spect their bellies; or by an excessiue diet ruine, or dull, their under-
standings. 1732 FUL., no. 1633: Full Bellies make empty Skulls.
1758 FRANKLIN, p. 35: A full Belly makes a dull Brain.
Cf. B285: A belly full ofgluttony will never study willingly; B302:
Never good that mind their belly so much; P123: Fat paunches
make lean pates.
B294 A full BELLY gives good counsel
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 140: Then would I know . . how that
olde Proverbe may be verified, That from a full bellie proceedeth
sounder counsell. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 51: From a full belly
proceeds the best counsel. Ibid. I I, p. 301.
Cf. C701: Counsels in wine seldom prosper.
B295 A full BELLY neither fights nor flies well
1611 COT., s.v. Tripe: (He thats full bellied neither). 1640 HERB.,
no. 88. 1659 N.R., p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 217: (The full belly never).
1732 FUL., no. 1634: Full Guts neither run away, nor fight well.
B296 He whose BELLY is full believes not him that is
fasting (empty)
1573 SANF., f. 104v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29v: He that is
fed, beleeueth not the fasting. 1602 J. MANNINGHAM Diary Nov.,
p. 141: The foole when his owne belly is full thinkes all the worlde
hath enoughe. 1611 COT., s.v. Pance: He that hath gorged him-

B297
B301
B302
selfe thinkes all mens mawes be full. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 102, p. 29.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9: Who hath dined well, believes not him
who is hungry. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 249: Who is full, believes
not who is fasting. 1732 FUL., no. 2283: He that’s full, takes no
Care for him that’s fasting. Ibid., no. 2399: (not him whose is
empty).
Cf. A189: He that is warm thinks all so; S676: Little knows the
fat sow (man) what the lean does mean; W366: Little kens the wife
that sits by the fire how the wind blows cold in Hurly-burly Swire.
His BELLY is too strong for his purse
1639 CL., s.v. Gula, p. 135. 1664 COD., p. 197.
Cf. B288: The belly robs the back.
B298 Hold (Fill), BELLY, hold (fill)
01535 [J. RASTELL] Gentleness and Nobility, s. A6: There is no ioy
nor pleasure in this world here But hyll bely fyll and make good
chere. [01588] 1604 MARLOWE Faustus II iiib 32. 1599 NASHE
Lenten Stufi: Wks., III 190: The first shoulde haue his gut bumbast-
ed with biefe and nothing else, till hee cride hold, belly, holde. 1606
CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap IV ii 215: And we shall nuptials have;
hold, belly, hold! 1611 FLOR., s.v. A crepa cuore, p. 9: At hearts
ease, as a mans heart would wish, hold bellie hold. Ibid., s.v.
Agiosa, p. I 5: Store, enough and to spare, hold belly hold. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tira-pelle, p. 216: To eat as long as ones belly
is able to hold, Hold belly hold.
B299 I wish it were in your BELLY for me
1594 LYLY Mother B. V iii I I6: I would her tongue were in thy belly.
1602 JONSON Poetaster II i 136: Would the andyrons were in your
great guttes, for mee. [1614] I631 JONSON Barth. Fair I v 91:
Would the Fayre and all the Drums, and Rattles in’t, were i’ your
belly for mee. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 443: (in your guts for
my share).
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IV III iii 56: ’Sblood, I would my
face were in your belly!
B300 It were well for your little BELLY if your guts
were out
1678 RAY, p. 343.
My BELLY cries cupboard
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Hungry, p. 168: *Vacuus mihi venter
crepitat. 1678 RAY, p. 237: (His belly). 1694 EOHARD Eunuch
IV, p. 88: My Belly chym’d Cupboard above half an Hour ago.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 430: Dinner’s upon the table. —Faith,
I am glad of it; my belly began to cry cupboard.
Cf. S872: My stomach (belly) has Struck twelve (rung noon).
Never good that mind their BELLY so much
1678 RAY, p. 347.
Cf. B293: A fat belly does not engender a subtle wit.
B303 When the BELLY is full the bones would be at
rest
[01486-1500] 01530 MEDWALL Nature II, s. GIv: And whan I am
well fed Than get I me to a soft bed my body to repose. 01523 A.
BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 59: And when belly full is, the
bones would haue rest. a1536 HILL 36, p. 129: (bonis wold hawe
rest). 1546 HEY. II ii, S. F4. 1553 Respublica III iv, p. 26. 1590
GREENE Never Too Late, p. 108: My bellie is full and my bones
would be at rest. 1591 H. SMITH Noah Glass Drunkards: Wks., I
310: When the belly is full, the bones are at rest, so, when Noah
was full, his thoughts were at rest. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1460:
(bones wold hav rest). 1611 COT., s.v. Pance. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 322: (bones most would rest). 1611 GRUT., no. 302. 1614
CAM., p. 314. 1616 BRET., p. 9. 1616 DR., no. 815. 1616 WITH-
ALS, p. 575: A ful-fed-belly must haue his bones at rest. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Somnolentia, p. 292. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1668 R.B.,
p. 45. 1670 RAY, p. 61. 1721 KEL., p. 344: *People are dispos’d
to sleep after a full Meal: Witness a Congregation on Sunday After-
noon.
Cf. B285: A belly full of gluttony will never Study willingly;
P123: Fat paunches make lean pates.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BELLY
45 BEST

B304 When the BELLY is full the mind is amongst the
maids
1611 COT., s.v. Danse: When the bellie is full the breech would be
figging. 01645 E. BROOKE Commonpl. Bk, p. 27. 1755 FRANK-
LIN, p. 31: A full Belly brings forth every Evil.
Cf. C211: Without Ceres and Bacchus Venus grows cold; D25:
Dancing follows a full belly.
B305 A BELLYFUL is a bellyful though it be but of
chopped hay
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11: A belly full, though it be of hay.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sacco, p. 175: To fill ones belly with any
thing, no matter what, and to prejudice; the English say, A belly-
full is a belly-full, though it be but of chop’d hay. 1678 RAY, p.
100: (whether it be meat or drink). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Belly: A
Belly full is a Belly full. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua V xxiii, III 314:
A Belliful’s a Belliful. I721 KEL., p. 34: (if it were but of bear
[barley] Coff [chaff]). *If a Man gets his Satisfaction, though but
of course Meat, he has no reason to complain. 1732 FUL., no. 1 1:
[As in 1678 Ray]. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 444: I have made
my Whole dinner of beef. —Why, colonel, a bellyful’s a bellyful, if
it be but of wheat-straw.
B306 To have a BELLYFUL
01475 Mankind l. 632, p. 23: Ofmurdur and man-slawter I haue my
bely fyll. [01521] 1533 J. HEYWOOD Pard. and Friar, s. B1: Ther-
fore preche hardely thy bely full. 1583 GOLDING Calvin on Deut.
CXI, p. 684: Let him thunder his belly full. 1687 LOVELL Com.
Hist. VII, p. 86: The Spectators, having had their Belly-fulls of
Laughing.
SHAKESPEARE—1610 Cym. II i 22: Every Jack-slave hath his
belly full of fighting.
B307 He is a BENCH WHISTLER
01542 BOORDE Diet. Health VIII: Intro. and Dietary, p. 245: The
stronge man sayde to hym, fye on the, benche-whystler! wylt thou
sterte away nowe? I546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: That benchwhistler
(quoth I) is a pinchepeny. 1562 HEY. Epig. 153, p. 152: Thou art
a benchwhistler, a shryll whystlyng wenche. 1584 R. SCOT Disc.
Witchcr. xxiv, p. 528: All the other saints or idols being in compari-
son of them but bunglers, and benchwhistlers. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 144. [01613] 1632 T. HEYWOOD I Iron Age V, p. 343: A very
bench-whistler and loues Cresida, Hell and confusion swallow him.
1618 HORNBY Scourge Drunkenness, p. 17: And he that will not
drinke off his Whole scowre, Is a bench-whistler, and a peasant
slaue. (8)
B308 He gapes for a BENEFICE
1616 WITHALS, p. 557. 1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 38. I670 RAY,
p. 177: To gape for a benefice.
B309 BENEFITS are soon forgotten
1630 T. ADAMS Wks., p. 265: And of all obiects of the memory, a
benefit is soonest forgotten. 1732 FUL., no. 4649: The Memory of
a Benefit soon vanisheth; but the Remembrance of an Injury stick-
eth fast in the Heart.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 A. Y. II vii 1 84: Thou bitter sky That dost
not bite so nigh As benefits forgot.
Cf. B311: Benefits please, like flowers, While they are fresh;
B620: Eaten bread is forgotten; K47: Kindness is lost that is done
to an old man and young child.
B310 BENEFITS bind
1616 DR., s.v. Good turns, no. 918. 1639 CL., s.v. Servitus, p. 283.
B3 1 1 BENEFITS please, like flowers, while they are fresh
1640 HERE, no. 40a. 1659 N.R., p. 23: (when they are fresh).
Cf. B309: Benefits are soon forgotten.
B312 I hope better, quoth BENSON when his wife bid
him, Come in, cuckold
1678 RAY, p. 86. 1732 FUL., no. 2608.
B313 I have the BENT of his bow
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4: I, hauyng the bent of your vncles bow.
1562 BROOKE Romeus and Iful. l. 717, p. 144: So well this Juliet, this
wyly wench dyd know . . the true bent of her bowe. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 244, p. 165. 1567 Trial Treasure, s. B1: It is I [Natural In-
clination] that doe guyde the bente of your bowe. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 220: Doe you therefore thinke me easely en-
tised to the bent of your bow? 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. C3: All
this (Philotimus) to bring thee to the bent of her bow. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 15. I670 RAY, p. 164: To have the bent ofones bow.
1672 WALK. 41, p. 30: (I have got the).
B314 As brown as a BERRY
01550 Robin Consc. l. 268 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 243: My face as
browne as a berry. 1640 TATHAM Love Crowns End, p. 20: Thy
nose is as broun as a berry.
B3 1 5 FromBERWICK t0 Dover, three hundred miles over
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 105: Oftentimes they beginne as much from
the matter, as it is betwixt Douer and Barwike. 1642 D. ROGERS
Naaman, p. 367: Though you should runne from Barwicke to Dover.
1662 FULLER Worthies Northumberland, II 188: *That is, from one
end of the Land to the other. Semnable the Scripture expression,
From Dan to Ber-Sheba. 1670 RAY, p. 247: *Northumberland.
B316 Bad is the BEST
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 77: Bad is the best, the worlde amendes
like sower ale in Sommer. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. sept., l. 105,
p. 41: Badde is the best (this English is fiatt). 1606 DAY Isle
Gulls, s. EIV. 1616 WITHALS, p. 567. [1616-24] 1639 FLETCHER ET
AL. Bloody Brother IV ii, p. 293: Bad’s the best of us. 1639 CL., p.
14. I678 RAY, p. 96: Where bad’s the best, naught must be the
choice. 1732 FUL., no. 5635: Where bad’s the best, bad must be
the Choice.
SHAKESPEARE—1609 Son. 1 14, l. 7: Creating every bad a perfect
best.
B317 The BEST is as good as stark nought
1616 WITHALS, p. 581. 1639 CL., s.v. lEqualitas, p. 14.
B318 The BEST is behind
01500 SKELTON Agst. Comely Coystrowne l. 68: Wks., I 17: Take thys
in worth, the best is behynde. 1562 HEY. Epig. 137, p. 149: The
best is behynde, the woorst is before. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 279: But the greatest thinge is yet behinde. 1612 DAEORNE Chr.
Turned Turk l. 2044, p. 248: Tush, the best is behind man: doe’st
thinke I doe not beare a braine about me? 1622 G. MARKHAM
AND SAMPSON Herod and Antipater II, s. F4: Our Scale is still assend-
ing; and you’le finde Better, and better; and the Best behinde.
1630 T. RANDOLPH Conceited Peddler, p. 49: For now the proverb
true I find, That the best part is still behind. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 6. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Annello, p. 5: To have found
the ring, but not the stone, Viz. the best is yet behind.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 A.Y. I ii I 19: I will tell you the beginning;
and if it please your ladyships, you may see the end; for the best is
yet to do. 1605-6 M. I iii 116: Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor!
The greatest is behind. 1611 Temp. III iii 49: I will stand to, and
feed; Although my last, no matter, since I feel The best is past.
Cf. D1 15: Farewell my good days, they will be soon gone; W917:
The worst goes foremost; W918: The worst is behind.
B319 The BEST is best cheap
1546 HEY. II vii, 5. I4: The best is best cheape (quoth he) men saie
clere. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 48, p. 104: Count best the
best cheape. 1582 WHETSTONE Hept. CivilDisc., s. Q1 V: Accordyng
to the oulde Prouerbe: The best, is best cheape. 1611 GRUT., no.
250. 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1616 DR., s.v. Better, or Best, no. 148-.
(Best is). 1639 CL., p. 104. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 97, p. 163: (Best is). 1669 WORLIDGE Systema
Agric. VII, p. I 19: The best are best cheap. 1670 RAY, p. 61: *For
it doth the buyer more credit and more service. 1697 MER., p. 166:
(Best is). 1721 KEE, p. 327: (ay best cheap). 1732 FUL., no.
4414: (the best cheap).
Cf. W64: Ill ware is never cheap. (7)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
BEST
BETTER
B320 The BEST is best to speak to
1697 MER., p. 164.
Cf. M710: Better speak to the master than the man.
B321 The BEST may amend
1616 DR., no. 85. 1659 N.R., p. 105.
B322 The BEST must crave their aces of allowance
1672 WALK. 29, p. 23.
Cf. G403: He must have his grains of allowance; L270: He is life-
less that is faultless.
B323 The BEST of the sport is to do the deed and say
nothing
1640 HER5., no. 807. 1664 COD., p. 221.
86: The best of the game is, to do deeds, and to speak little.
RAY, p. 25. .
B324 Deem the BEsT (Judge nothing) till time has
tried the truth out
15th 0. Moral Prov. in Relig. Antiq., I 92: Deme the best of every
doute, Tyl the truthe be tryed out. a1536 HILL 28, p. 131:Deme no
thyng that in dowt till the trowth be tred owt. I546 HEY. II v, s. H4.
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 105: Iudge nothing till the end be scene.
Cf. T338: Time tries the truth.
B325 I see the BEsT but follow the worst
1523 A. FI'I‘ZHERBERT Husb., p. 94: And he is an vnhappy man or
woman, that god hath gieuen bothe wyt and reason, and putteth
hym in chose, and woll chose the worst parte. 1567 GOLDINo
Metam. VII 25, p. 137: The best I see and like: the worst I follow
headlong still. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 244: For it is a common
saying, that he is in great faulte, which knoweth what is good and
doeth it not. 1590 GREENE Francesco’s Fortunes, p. 139: Foresee
not the best and follow the worst. 1592 DANIEL Comp]. Rosamund
l. 433, p. 96: We see what’s good, and thereto we consent, But yet
we choose the worst, and soone repent. 1599 I. DAVIEs Nosee Teip.,
p. 36: Medea saw . . and prais’d the better course . . [but] she
pursu’d the worse. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho IV i, s.
F3v: Whats bad I follow, Yet I see whats good. 1613 T. HEYWOOD
Brazen flge, p. 212: The best I see, the worst I follow still. 1633
T. HEYWOOD Eng. Two. I ii, p. 23: In Youth there is a Fate, that
swayes vs still, To know what’s Good, and yet pursue what’s Ill.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 50: It is not
enough to know good, but one must do it.
Cf. C688: He can give others good counsel but will take none
himself; F464: A fool is he that has his choice and chooses the worst;
W912: It is good to fear the worst; W913: It is good to fear (Provide
for) the worst, the best will save itself.
B326 Make the BEST of a bad bargain (market)
1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xvii, p. 184: The figure Para-
diastole . . we call the Curry-fauell, as when we make the best of a
bad thing. 1622 MABBE Rogue I I ii, I 63: 0f this spilt water, hee
gathered up as much as he could, making the best of a bad bargaine.
1642 T. BARROW (to H. Oxinden, July 3) in Oxinden Let. 238, p. 310:
He must nowe make the best Off a bad cause. 1663 PEPYs Diary
Aug. 14, III 251: I . . therefore am resolved to make the best of a
bad market. 1670 RAY, p. 61. 1692 R. L’ESTRANOE Fables 106,
I 100: But when it came to the Worst at last, the Dog had the Wit
we see, to make the Best ofa Bad Game. 1696 DILKE Lover’s Luck
IV, p. 33: Let’s make the best ofa bad Market; pop into a Coach;——
Drive to a Tavern, and drink away Sorrow. 1721 KEL., p. 247:
(Market). *Since you have faln into a troublesome Business, mend
it by your Cunning and Industry. 1732 FUL., no. 3325.
SHAKESPEARE.——16O4 O. I iii 172: Good Brabantio, Take up this
mangled matter at the best. 1608 C. V Vi 145: His own impatience
Takes from Aufidius a great part ofblame. Let’s make the best ofit.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p.
1670
There is never a BEST among them, as the fellow
said by the fox cubs
1678 RAY, p. 228. 1721 KEL., p. 361: You breed Of [take after] the
Tod’s [fox’s] Bairns, if one be good, all are good. *Spoken of a bad
Family, where there are none to mend another.
B327

B328 We must hope for the BEST and fear the worst
1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorbodue I ii, s. C1: Good is I graunt
of all to hope the best, But not to liue still dreadlesse of the worst.
1573-80 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 175: Spero optima, metuo pessima.
9.1579 N. BACON Of Hope, Fear: Rear. flge, p. 13: Whiche is better
harde to iudge iuste: For hopeinge good and happeninge soe Longe
looked for ioye releue the smale woe. I587 BRIDGES Def. Church
Govt. I, p. 74: I wishe the best, and therefore ifI feare the worst: I
hope I am the easier to bee pardoned. 1596 DEL., s. N2v: We must
feare the worste, and also hope the best. 1596 SPENSER IV Vi
37: Its best to hope the best, though of the worst alTrayd. [01602]
1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King II, p. 36: The worst I feare, and yet
the best I hope. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw, p. 4.8: To Wish
all things for the best: and to thinke vpon the worst. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 13, p. 66: One ought to desire the best, and expect the worst.
1678 R. L’ESTRANOE Mor. II x, p. 197: I will hope the best, and pro-
vide for the worst.
Cf. E195: Bear with evil (ill) and expect good; W91 1: If the worst
come to the worst; W912: It is good to fear the worst; W913: It is
good to fear (provide for) the worst, the best will save itself.
B329 A good BE STILL is worth a groat1
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2: The perill of pratyng out of tune by note
Telth vs, that a good be still is woorth a grote. 1616 DR., s.v.
Silence, no. 1977.
[1fourpence]
B330—B332 BETTER: subst.
B330 BETTER is better
1599 Warningfor Fair Women, s. C3v: He keeps you wel, who saies
the contrary? Yet better’s better. 1616 DR., s.v. DilTerence, no.
498. 1639 CL., s.v. Excellentia, p. 105.
B331 He niffers1 for the BETTER
a1598 FERO. MS, no. 650.
[lexchanges]
B332 Seldom comes the BETTER
01515 A. BARCLAY Eelog. I, p. 5: When the good is gone . . Seldome
the better reentreth in the place. 1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 434:
(It is comynly sayd that selde). 1546 HEY. I iv, s. B1. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 1 1 I, p. 144. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 132: The common say-
ing is, the change is seldom made for the better. 1579 Civil and
Uneivil Life, p. 9: This chaunge . . is . . from the better to the worse:
For as the Prouerb sayth: Seldome coms the better. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. U1: (Full seldome). 1599 H. PORTER Two
Women .45. iii, s. EIV. 01600 Club Law I vi, p. 15: Though I say it
that should not saye it, seldome comes the better. 1611 GRUT., no.
221. 1614 CAM.,p.3I I. 1616 DR.,s.V. Succession, no. 2073. 1616
WITHALS, p. 556: Though seldome, yet sometime comes the better.
1639 CL., p. 84. Ibid., p. 124: [As in 1616 Withals]. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 9. Mink, p. 18: (a better). *Meant of wife or Gov-
ernments. 1664 COD., p. 211: (a better). 1670 RAY, p. 140: (a
better).
SHAKESPEARE—I597 Rich. III II iii 4: I11 news, by’r Lady. Sel-
dom comes the better. I fear, I fear ’twill prove a giddy world.
1599 1C. III ii 117: I fear there will a worse come in his place.
B333-B335 BETTER: adj.
B333 The BETTER the worse
1582 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 195: Quo melius, e0 pej us; as
Diogenes answerid on, that commendid his sonne unto him, for ex-
cellent Dawnsing. 1584 GREENE Morando Pt. I, p. 88: I thinke of
Louers as Diogenes did of dauncers . . the better, the worse. 1584
LYLY Camp. V i 4: How like you this? doth he well? [Perim
daneetlz.] —The better, the worser. 1601 JONSON Ev. Man in
Hum. I i 161: But it’s no matter; the worse, the better. 1615 T.
ADAMS Mystical Bedlam: W ks., p. 485: The better we were, we are
the worse . . We may tell of the Lands, Lordships, honours, titles, that
were once ours; and then sigh out the song, fuimus Troes, we haue
beene blessed. I625 BACON Apothegms: W ks, XIII 384: Diogenes

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BETTER
BIND
47

said ofa young man that danced daintily, and was much commend-
ed, The better, the worse.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. I i 283 : The best that ever I heard.
—Ay, the best for the worst. 1600-1 H. III ii 259: It would cost
you a groaning to take off my edge. —Still better, and worse.
Cf. G24: The better gamester the worser man.
B334 She is BETTER than she is bonny
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1203. 1721 KEL., p. 298: *An additional
praise of a Woman who is commended for her Beauty.
Cf. B163: Beauty and chastity (honesty) seldom meet.
B335 To be no BETTER than one (it) should be
1604 Pasq. Yests in Shak. 7est-Bks., III 3 5: A man Whose wife was no
better then she should be. 1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. G3v: Some of
it is no better then it should be, or my iudgement deceiues me.
1607 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Woman Hater IV iii, p. 123: I sus-
pect the house to be no better than it should be. 1609 Every W om-
an in Her Hum., s. B1: Your head is not a hayre better then it should
be. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 16, p. 172: She is no better than she
should be. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 425: She’s no better than
she should be.
B336 If BEVER1 has a cap you churls of the vale look to
that
1662 FULLER Worthies Leicestershire, I 562: *That is, when the
Clouds . . hang over the Towers of the Castle, it is a prognostick of
much rain . . to . . that fruitful Vale, lying in the three Counties of
Leicester, Lincoln, and Nottingham. 1670 RAY, p. 236.
Cf. H471: When the hill wears a cap it means mischief; S497: If
Skiddaw has a cap Scruffel wots full well of that.
[lBelVOir]
B337 BEWARE what and to whom you speak
1616 WITHALS, p. 551. 1664 COD., p. 188.
B338 He turns to his old BIAS again
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 33: If euer I fall to mine Old
Byas, I must put thee in the fault that talkes ofit. 1585 [MUNDAY]
F idele and Fort. V iv, s. G4v: Bowle to thy biase. 1589 NASHE Ret.
Pasga Wks., I 74: Hee fell into the biace of Rome againe. 1616
DR., s.v. Faults, no. 687.
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. V i 267: But nature to her bias drew
in that.
B339 To run against the BIAS
1616 DR., s.v. Ignorance, no. 1074: Out of his byas. 1616 WITH-
ALS, p. 561: *Invita Minerva. 1639 CL., s.v. Natura, p. 224.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1594—5 L.L.L. IV ii 1 13: Study his bias leaves and
makes his book thine eyes. 1596 Rich. II III iv 5: My fortune runs
against the bias. 1605-6 K.L. I ii 121: The King falls from bias of
nature.
Cf. N51: To go against nature (Invita Minerva).
B340 The BIBLE and a stone do well together
1672 MARVELL Rehear. Transprosed I, p. 151: The Welch have a
proverb, that the Bible and a stone do well together, meaning, per-
haps, that if one miss, the other will hit.
Cf. B634:You Show bread in one hand and a Stone in the other.
B341 BID me and do it yourself
1639 CL., s.v. Vices oflicii, p. 317.
Cf. D482: I will not keep a dog and bark myself; M84: Command
your man and do it yourself.
B342 He that does BIDDING deserves no clinging1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 774. 1641 FERG., no. 384: (serves na ding-
ing). 1668 R.B., p. 27. 1721 KEL., p. 149: (serves). *An Apol-
ogy, when we are told that we are doing a Thing wrong, intimating
that we were bid to do so.
Cf. B444: Do as you are hidden and you will never bear the blame.
[lbeating]

B343 Weel BIDEs weel betides
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1475. 1668 R.B., p. 57. 1721 KEL., p. 138:
He that well bides well betides. *He that waits patiently, may
come to be well serv’d at last.
B344 Two BIGS will not go in one bag
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 22.
B345 The BIGGER eats the bean
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2. 1573 Twelve Mer. 7ests Edyth II in Shak.
yest-Bks., III 89: And yet alway I stand in great doubt, Least that
the bigger wyll eate the Been. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 196: Euer the
bigger the beane doth eate.
B346 Be not too bold with your BIGGERS or betters
1546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v: Euery wise man staggers, In earnest or
boorde to be busy or bolde With his biggers or betters. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 3.
Cf. B417: He loses many a good bit that Strives with his betters;
M856: It is no meddling with our betters; P405: It is ill playing with
short daggers.
B347 BILL=ax, pickax, or the like
B347 Strike (Cut) or give me the BILL
1672 WALK. 47, p. 37: *Mind what you are about.
1228: (Cut).
1732 FUL., no.
B348 BILL = beak
B348 To keep BILL under wing
[1525-40] 1557 Merry Dial, p. 68: At lyght trifles, it is best to play
bill vnder wyng. 1546 HEY. II V, s. H2V: If he chide, kepe you bill
vnder wyng. 1548 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 92: After this . .
the duke of Yorke . . thought it mete neither long to dissimule nor
farther to kepe his bil vnder wing.
B349 In and out, like BILLESDON, I wot
1678 RAY, p. 317: *Leicestershire.
B350 BILLINGSGATE LANGUAGE
1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. II vi, p. 60: Most bitter Bil-
lingsgate Rhetorick. 1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 56: *Bil-
lings was formerly a Gate . . being the prime Landing-place, and
Market for some Sea Commodities. Now . . much rude folk repair
thither; so that one may term this the Esculine Gate of London,
from the drosse and dregs of the baser people flocking thither . . all
populous Cities, have their Billings-gate language in those places
where rude people make their rendezvouz. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Villanie, p. 232: To scould, and miscall one in the basest manner
that may be: the English say, To pay one home, in Billings-gate
Language._ 1670 RAY, p. 241. 1687 BEHN Lucky Chance I ii, p.
201: She . . did so rail at him, that what with her Billingsgate and
her Husband’s hammers, I was both deaf and dumb. (6)
B351 BILLY has found a pin
a1694 BOOTH Agst. Arhitrary I mprisonments: W ks., p. 104: In our
Countrey when a Man makes a great stir about a matter, and it ends
in nothing that is significant, we say, Billy has found a Pin.
B352 Fast (Sure) BIND fast (sure) find
1484 CAXTON Fah. Aesop V 4, p. 135: Who that wel byndeth, well
can he unbynd. 1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 1883, p. 96: As the saynge
is, he fyndeth that surely bynde. 1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4. 01560
MOWNTAINE Trouhles in Narr. Reform. VII, p. 205: For I have harde
say . . faste byend, faste fyend. 1562 HEY. Epig. 283, p. 169.
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 83, p. 173: Drie sunne, drie winde,
Safe binde, safe finde. 01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 88: So do,
so haue: and fast bynd, fast fynd. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. I, p. 15:
Thou saiest well, but lock it with the key—Fast binde, faste finde.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 237: Bind fast find fast. 1611 COT., s.v.
Abandon. 1611 GRUT., no. 95. 1614 CAM., p. 306. 1616 DR., no.
1910. [1622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Span. Curate 11 ii, p.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
BIND (BOUND)
BIRD
48

83: So, so, fast bind, fast find. 1639 CL., p. 278. 1655 FULLER
Church l/ist. IV iv, I 526: Because sure bind, sure find. 1659 How.
Br. Prov., p. 39. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 21, p. 133: The English say Sure bind, sure find. 1668 R.B., p.
13: Bind fast, find fast. 1670 RAY, p. 146: Sure bind sure find.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Sure: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1721 KEL., p. 106: *An
Encouragement to careful securing, and laying up, as the only way
to keep and preserve. 1732 FUL., no. 6178: [As in 1670 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.——1596 M. V. II v 53: Shut doors after you. Fast
bind, fast find—A proverb never stale in thrifty mind.
Cf. F77: Over fast (sicker) over loose. (5)
B353 One is not BOUND to see more than he can
1653 FULLER Infant’s Advocate: Serm., II 242: (Our English Prov-
erb . . One is).
B354 They that are BOUND must obey
1525 Maid Emlyn l. 286 in Early Pop. Poetry, IV 92: The bounde
must euer obaye. I530 PALS., p. 645a: He that is bounde must
nedes obey. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H2. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 46:
But, alas, they that are bound must obey; he must follow of force
his General-Captain. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. F3v: Alas said
Philotimus, the bound must bend. 01594 BACON, no. 961. 1599
H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iii, s. E1: Do not misuse me so, do not,
for thogh he that is bound must obay, yet he that wil not tarrie may
runne away so he may. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 152: (must needs
Obay). 1611 GRUT., no. 285. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 DR., no.
1930. 1639 CL., p. 284. 1654 ROBINS jack Plough-Lad’s Lam. 55
in Cav. and Pur., p. 363: Ther’s no honest man in Town nor in Citty,
But if he be bound then he must obey. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p.
5: (He that’s bound). 1670 RAY, p. 64.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. I i 217: I am tied to be obedient.
1596 Rich. II III iii 207: For do we must what force will have us do.
(9)
B355 Hall BINKS1 are sliddery2
[8.1511] 1570 HENRYSON Wolf and Wedder: Fab., p. 192: Bewar in
welth, for Hall benkis arrycht Slidder. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 507.
1668 R.B., p. 24. 1721 KEL., p. 133: *Great Mens Favour is un-
certain.
[lbenches 2slippery]
B356 He is as bare as the BIRCH on Yule even
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 726.
B357 AS free as BIRD in air
[01521] 1533 J. HEYWOOD Pard. and Friar, s. A1: But let our
thoughtes fro suche thynges be as free As be the byrdes that in the
ayre flee. 1635 T. POWELL Art Thriving in Somers Tracts, VII 204:
He may trade as free as a bird in ayre.
B358 As merry as a BIRD in May
1639 CL., p. 286.
B359 As merry as BIRD on bough (brier)
01460 Wisdom l. 626, p. 56: As mery as the byrde on bow. 1520-40
Songs in Rawl. MS C813 VI, p. 318: Then was I blythe as bryde on
brere. 1554 HILARIE Resur. Mass, s. B8: As gladde as byrdes vpon
bryers. 1560 Proud Wives’ Pater Noster l. 166 in Early Pop. Poetry,
IV 159: (brere). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 20: As a bird on the bough.
B360 Better a BIRD in hand than a vulture flying
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: *A birde in hand woorth ten in A
the bush. 1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, lxxi, IV 255: And better
is one sparrow in the hand, then a vulture flying in the ayre. 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 19: Better a wren with quietnesse,
than a Vulture byting, for one bird in the hand is worth two in the
bush. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 100: It’s better to have a Linnet in
the cage, than a Hawk in the field, a bird in the cage, than four in
the bush.
Cf. B363: A bird in the hand is better than (is worth) two in the
bush (ten in the wood); F152: A feather in hand is better than a bird
in the air.

B361 Better to be a BIRD of the wood than of the cage
1566-8 WILMOT ET AL. Gismond V iv 14: Shall I now leade my life
All solitarie, as doeth the bird in cage. I611 COT., s.v. Cage:
Mieux vault estre Oiseau de bOis que de cage. *The difference be-
tweene libertie, and thraldome. 1623 WOD., p. 505: (in the Wood
then in the Cage). *So said of Libertie better then Boundage.
1640 BRATHWAITE ’Art Asleep Husb., p. 44: Birds in a cage sing with
a sorry heart. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 4: (then a cage-bird). 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 10. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 296: A bird likes
not the cage.
Cf. K55: Better to be king of a molehill than a kaiser’s slave.
B362 A BIRD cries too late when it is taken
1611 COT., s.v. Crier: Too late cries the bird when Shee is taken.
*Too late comes repentance when we are sure of punishment. 1616
DR., no. I 186. 1623 WOD., p. 513: To late cries the Bird when it is
caught.
Cf. R32: Too late does the rat repent in the cat’s paws.
B363 A BIRD in the hand is better than (is worth) two
in the bush (ten in the wood)
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 74: Better haue one birde sure with-
in thy wall Or fast in a Cage than twenty score without. a1536
HILL 6, p. 128: A birde in hond is better than thre in the wode.
01540 J. HEYWOOD Wit and Folly, p. 24: An old proverb . . Better
one byrd in hand then ten in the wood! 1546 HEY. I xi, S. D4:
Better one byrde in hande than ten in the wood. 01565 Bugbears
I ii 64: Rather wold he one birde redy cawght in his hand then two
in the bushe. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 71 : One birde in the hande
is woorth two in the wood. 1611 GRUT., no. 60: Better on bird in
the hand, then ten in the wood. 1616 BRET., p. 5: (is worth).
1616 DR., no. 247: (One bird). I616 WITHALS, p. 577: (Better is a
bird in the hand, than). 1631 DRUE Duch. Sufl'olk III,S. F1v: One
bird ith’ hand’s worth two ith’ bush. 1637 CAM., p. 303: (One bird
in hand is). 1639 CL., p. 256: (Better one bird i’th hand, than).
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3: (in hand). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p.
141: Its better to have a pidgeon in hand, than a thrush in the bush.
1670 RAY, p. 62: (One bird i’th’ hand is worth). 1697 MER., p. 164:
Better one bird in hand than twa in a bush. 1732 FUL., no. 3739:
[As in 1670 Ray].
See ST., no. 2464. Cf. B360: Better a bird in hand than a vulture
flying; E70: An egg today is better than a hen tomorrow; F152: A
feather in hand is better than a bird in the air. (55)
B364 The BIRD is flown
1546 HEY. I xii, s. F1: Er the next day, the byrds were flowne eche
one, To seke seruyce. I573 GASCOIGNE Lover Warned: Posies, p.
94: The Byrdes were flowen before I found the nest. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 1350: That nest is flowen. I632 SHIRLEY Love in Maze V
v, p. 363: The Bird is flown indeed, la. 1649 MILTON Eikon. IX, p.
155: It troubl’d him, That the Birds were flowne. 1655-62 GUR-
NALL Chr. in Armor, p. 46: He comes when the bird is flown. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 10: The nest made, the bird flown. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Scena, p. 183: The English of an empty purse say,
The Birds are flown.
B365 A BIRD is known by its note and a man by his talk
1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 51: The Bell is knowen by his sounde,
the Byrde by her voyce, the Lyon by his rore, the Tree by the
fruite, a man by his woorkes [sic]. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 10: The
bird by his note, the man is known by his words. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. I I, p. 37: (by his note, and a bodies wit by his speech). Ibid.
25, p. 1 89: By the feathers, and by the tone, is a bird known, but the
brain is known by learned speech. 1732 FUL., no. 12.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 M.V. V i 112: He knows me as the blind
man knows the cuckoo, By the bad voice.
Cf. A401: Like author like book; B273: A bell is known by the
sound; B274: A cracked bell can never sound well; M75: As the man
is so is his talk; S735: Speech is the picture (index) of the mind.
B365a A BIRD (egg) of the same nest
1631 JONSON Staple News V ii 53: 0 me! what times are these! of
frontlesse carriage! An egge o’ the same nest! the Fathers Bird!

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BIRD
BIRD
.49

It runs in a blood. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Companion, p. 59:
Another bird of the same brood.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. IV iii 318: What’s he?
crow 0’ th’ same nest.
Cf. B376: An ill (evil) bird (crow) lays an ill (evil) egg; W293: A
whelp of the same litter.
——-E’en a
B366 The BIRD that can sing and will not sing must be
made to sing
1678 RAY, p. 343.
won’t sing, must be made sing.
gar’d [made to] sing).
verse People.
1681 ROE, p. 1133: A bird that can sing, and
1721 KEL., p. 320: (should be
*Spoken when we use rough Means to per-
B367 Each BIRD loves to hear himself sing
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2: Each bird is well pleased with his own
voice. Ibid., p. 19.
B368 The early BIRD catches the worm
1636 CAM., p. 307. 1659 N.R., p. 109. 1670 RAY, p. 84.
FUL., no. 5118: ’Tis the early Bird, that catcheth the Worm.
1732
B369 Every BIRD is known by his feather
I597 BRETON Wits’ Trenchmour: Wks., II 13: A bird is commonly
knowne by his feather. I616 BRET., p. 5. 1639 CL., p. 180. I732
FUL., no. 1407: (by its Feathers).
Cf. B371: A fair bird has fair feathers.
B370 Every BIRD must hatch her own eggs
1616 BRET., p. 6: (Euery Bird hatcheth). 1639 CL., p. 200. I670
RAY, p. 62: (egg).
own Eggs).
B371
1639 CL., s.v. Nobilitas, p. 226.
feathers make a fair fowl.
Cf. B369: Every bird is known by his feather.
1697 MER., p. 166. 1732 FUL., no. 1409: (its
A fair BIRD has fair feathers
1657 LEIGH, p. 268: The fair
B372 He has brought up a BIRD to pick out his own
eyes
1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 33: In liking Rosalynde thou hatchest vp
a bird to pecke out thine owne eyes. 1639 CL., p. 170: (He hath
bred a bird). 1662 FULLER Worthies Lancashire, I 543: I know you
have hatched up some chickens that now seek to pick out your eyes.
1670 RAY, p. 165. 1672 WALK. 69, p. 53: You bring up a bird to
pick out your own eye. I732 FUL., no. 1864.
B373 He that will take the BIRD must not scare it
01594 BACON, no. 1543: Qui veut prendre un oiseau, qu’il ne l’ef-
farouche. 1611 COT., s.v. Oiseau: Deale gently with the bird thou
mean’st to catch. *Be not too harsh to those thou faine wouldst
win. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 14: To fright a bird is not the
way to catch her. 1639 CL., p. 31 1: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1640 HERE,
no. 42. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8: Who will take a bird, he must
not scare him. 1659 N.R., p. 42: (the Bird let him not scare it).
1664 COD., p. 198: (skare it away). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20, p. 193:
Who intends to catch a sparrow, must not scare it. 1670 RAY, p.
95: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1721 KEL., p. 106: Flaying [frightening] a
Burd [bird] is no the way to grip [catch] it. *A vile Intimation! that
a Man should conceal his ill Intentions upon any, lest they provide
against it, and so prevent it. 1732 FUL., no. 1627: Frightning of a
Bird is not the way to catch it.
B374 I heard a BIRD sing (A little bird said so)
1546 HEY. II v, s. H3: For I dyd lately here . . one byrd that in
myne care was late chauntyng. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. F3v:
I had a litle bird, that brought me newes ofit. 1590 NASHE Pasg.
Apol. Pt. I: Wks., I 1 14: I heard a byrd sing more then I meane to
say. [1618] 1647 FLETCHER Loyal Subj. IV ii, p. 138: I heard a
Bird sing, they mean him no good ofiice. [1625] I661 WEBSTER
Curefor Cuckold V i 338: I must sowder you together. —You? why
I heard A bird sing lately, you are the onely cause Works the divi-
sion. 1627 W. HAWKINS Apollo Shroving III vi, p. 140: I heard a
bird sing (hearke in your eare) that there’s an accusation against

you. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Land. III, p. 171 : True knowledge
of my innocence, be sure a bird Chanted that tune to mee. [1641]
1652 SHIRLEY Cardinall i, p. 278: Take heed; the Cardinal holds
Intelligence with every bird i’ the air. 1711 SWIFT 70m: to Stella
23, May 23, II 263: I heard the little bird say so.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVV v II I: I will lay odds that, ere
this year expire, We bear our civil swords and native fire As far as
France. I heard a bird so sing.
B375 If every BIRD had (should take) his own feathers
he should be as rich as a new-shorn sheep
(you would be naked)
01580 LODGE Reply to Gosson, p. 1: Though men . . pollish there
wrytings with others sentences yet the simple truth wil . . bestowing
euery fether in the bodye of the right M. tourne out the naked dis-
sembler into his owen cote. 1581—90 Timon III i, p. 46: Giue mee
my cloke, Achilles; it is colde . . This birde hath lost his borrowed
feathers. I613 WITHER Abuses II 5, II 338: The Jay would hardly
brooke the weather, If euery Bird should take away her feather.
1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet III: Wks., p. 208: If euery Bird
should fetch her owne feathers, you should haue a naked Pope.
1616 DR., no. 202. 1639 CL., s.v. Lucrum ex scelere, p. 191: If
every fowle had his feather, then~. I659 N.R., p. 6 5: (If every
man had his own he would). 1663 N. WAKER Refined Courtier II,
p. 50: There are some. . that, if they were stript of their stolen
plumes, and that evry bird had its own feathers, would appear as
bald, and despicable, as Aesopsjack-daw. 1732 FUL., no. 2675: I
every Bird take back its own Feathers, you’ll be naked.
SHAKESPEARE—1605-8 T. Ath. II i 30: When every feather sticks
in his own wing, Lord Timon will be left a naked gull.
Cf. F163: Fair (Fine) feathers make fair fowls (fine birds); S295:
As rich as a new-shorn sheep; S299: He is as bare as a new-shorn
sheep. (7)
B376 An ill (evil) BIRD (crow) lays an ill (evil) egg
[ERAS. Adagia, 343E: Mali corvi malum ovum.] I536 LATIMER
Serm. 5, p. 42: Ye know this is a proverb much used: An evil crow,
an evil egg. 1539 TAV., f. 18v: Of an euyll rauyn an euyll egge . .
The chylde for the moost part followeth the fathers Steppes. 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 15: (Whereby the Proverbe is verified, that
an ill). 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p. 327: A bad egge ofan evill
crow. I611 COT., s.v. (Euf: (a naughtie egge). 1639 CL., s.v.
Originis, p. 238: An ill egge of an ill Hen. 1659 N.R., p. 5: (a
naughty Egge). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 55: From an ill raven, an
ill egg.
SHAKESPEARE—1605-6 M. IV ii 83: What, you egg! Young fry
of treachery!
Cf. B365a: A bird (egg) of the same nest; B381: Such bird such
nest (egg). (5)
B377 It is a foul BIRD that defiles his own nest
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 173: It is a lewde byrde that fyleth
his owne nest. a1529 SKELTON Agst. Garnesche l. 197: Wks., I 125:
That byrd ys nat honest That fylythe hys owne nest. 1546 HEY.
II v, s. H3: (fyleth). I552 TAV., f. 58V: It is a foule thyng for a man
to slaunder the treasure or thinges of his owne house. We haue a
verye prety prouerbe in Englysh which we vse in the same sense.
It is an euil byrde that defyleth her owne neste. 1586 WITHALS, 5.
A4: It is an ill Birde that berayes her owne nest. 1590 LODGE Rosa-
lynde, p. 37: Is it not a foule bird defiles the owne nest? 1593 Life
and Death Straw I, s. B4v: Nor can it sink into my womans head,
That were it not for feare or pollicie So true a bird would file so faire
a nest. 211598 FERG. MS, no. 1187: Sho is a foul burd quho fylis hir
awin nest. 1611 GRUT., no. 146: (fileth). 1614 CAM., p. 308:
(fileth). 1616 DR., no. 2172: It is an ill bird, that defileth it[s] owne
nest. 1639 CL., p. 86: [As in 1586 Withals]. 1641 H. OXINDEN (to
Henry of Deane) in Oxinden Let. 229, p. 297: That foule and evill
bird which bewraies her owne nest. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8.
1670 RAY, p. 62: It’s an ill bird that beraies its own nest. 1672
WALK. 48, p. 38: ’Tis an ill bird that defiles her own nest.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A. Y. IV i 206: We must have your doublet
and hose pluck’d over your head, and show the world what the bird
hath done to her own nest.
Cf. B447: He spits on his own blanket.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
BIRD
BIRDS
B378 It is an ill BIRD that picks out the dam’s eyes
1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 169: (Ill fare that bird that). Ihid.,
s.v. Religionis, p. 272.
B379 A little BIRD is content with a little nest
1616 DR., no. 1260: For a little bird, a little nest. 1732 FUL., no.
244.
Cf. B381: Such bird such nest (egg).
B380 The more the BIRD caught in lime strives the
faster he sticks
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 97: As the bird caught in lime . . the more
they strive the faster they stick. 1578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit, p.
289: Like the bird in the limebush which the more she striueth to
get out, the faster she sticketh in. 1586 WITHALS, s. E6: The more
that the little birdes doe striue to rid themselues out of the lyme, the
more they intangle themselues therein. 3.1640 DAY Peregr. VI,
p. 53: Like a fishe in a net or a selie bird in a limebushe, the more he
strove to enlardge himselfe the faster he was entangled. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 26, p. 296: The bird, the more he flutters, the more he in-
tangles himself.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I H. III iii 68: O limed soul, that, strug-
gling to be free, Art more engag’d!
B381 Such BIRD such nest (egg)
1591 STEP., p. 156: Of a good egge comes a good bird. I611 COT.,
s.v. Nid. 1623 WOD., p. 516. 1655 MOFFETT Health’s Improvem.
xvi, p. 1 3 5: As the Greek Proverb saith, Like Crow, like Egg. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 35, p. 296: As the bird, such is the egg.
See DI'JR., I, no. 331. Cf. B376: An ill (evil) bird (crow) lays an
ill (evil) egg; B379: A little bird is content with a little nest; W293:
A whelp of the same litter.
B382 Thou art a bitter BIRD, said the raven to the star-
ling
1678 RAY, p. 195.
B383 Thou singest like a BIRD called a swine
1678 RAY, p. 269. 1732 FUL., no. 5230: (To sing like).
B384 To be in for a BIRD
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 14: And afaith, then,
he is in for a herd. 1588 [MARPRELATE] Epistle: Marpr. Tracts, p.
70: I hope to see you in for a bird. 1598 R. BERNARD Andria I i, p.
11: He is taken, he is in by the snare; he is in for a bird, he is in by
the weeke.
Cf. W244: He is in by the week.
B385 To every BIRD his own nest is best
01594 BACON, no. 1587: A tous oiseaux leurs nids sont beaux. 1611
COT., s.v. Oiseau: To eurie bird her neast seemes faire; most men
like houses of their owne contriuing. 1616 DR., s.v. Home, or a
mans house, no. 983. 1623 WOD., p. 505: Every Birds Nest seemes
to it Faire. 1639 CL., p. 101. 1640 HERB., no. 75: The bird loves
her nest. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9: Every bird thinks his own nest
the fairest. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9: Every bird is pleased
with his own nest. 1664 COD., p. 192: Every Bird thinks his own
Nest is the best. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 168: (his neast seems
fair). I732 FUL., no. 1408: Every Bird likes its own Nest best.
See DUR., I, no. 820.
B386 To have a BIRD in one’s breast
1642 DERINo Coll. Speeches Relig. XV, p. 107: SO sings the bird in
my breast. 1662 FULLER Worthies Leicestershire, I 581: Burdet
patiently and chearfully took his Death, aflirming he had a Bird in -
his brest (his own Innocency) that sung comfort unto him.
B387 To hit the BIRD in the eye
1639 CL., s.v. Mira nova, p. 210: (He hits). 1670 RAY, p. 181:
(o’th’eye). 1672 WALK. 39, p. 52: To hit the bird (crow) in the eye.
B388 To take the BIRD by its feet
1678 RAY, p. 354: (birds [for bird]).

B389 Ye are my BIRD for as black as ye are
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1626.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 .4. Y. V iv 61 : An ill-favoured thing, sir, but
mine own.
B390 You may gape long enough ere a BIRD fall in your
mouth
1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 153.
no. 5945: (fly into your mouth).
Cf. L71: He thought that roasted larks would have fallen into his
mouth; M1261: To drop in one’s mouth.
B391 As bare as a BIRD’s ass
01475 Mankind l. 482, p. 18: Yt ys as clen as a byrdis ars. 1529 T.
MORE Dial. conc. Heresy III xv, p. 238: And sometyme as bare as, a
byrdes arse. 1540 PALsORAVE Acolastus IV iv, p. 141. 1546 HEY.
II viii, s. K3: Suche dryfts draue he, from yll t0 wars and wars, Tyll
he was bare as a byrds ars. 1616 WITHALS, p. 571. 1639 CL., s.v.
Paupertas, p. 243. 1670 RAY, p. 201.
1670 RAY, p. 96. 1732 FUL.,
B392 Whist, whist, I smell a BIRD’s nest
1678 RAY, p. 276.
B393 BIRDs of a feather will flock (fly) together
I578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. II iv, s. CIV: Byrds of a fether,
best fiye together. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ee3: For that thou
and I haue bene birdes of one feather. 1590 R. WILSON Three Lords
and Three Ladies Lond., s. E1: Birdes of a fether wil flie together,
but when they be taken then are they baken. I611 GRUT., no. 69.
1614 CAM., p. 304. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A6): (will fiye to-
gether). 1616 DR., s.v. Likenesse, no. 1241. 1616 WITHALS, p.
581: (will fly together). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 41, p. 27: (feather flye
together). 1639 CL., s.v. Societas, p. 290. 01640 SMYTH 80, p. 32.
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 40: (will flie together). '1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Scarpe, p. 182: To cling and hold together, as Birds of a
feather. I670 RAY, p. 61: (feather flock together). I697 MER., p.
166: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1721 KEL., p. 75: *Spoken when People of a
Humour, Temper, or Trade, consort together. I732 FUL., no.
6295: [As in 1670 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.—I591 3 Hen. VIII i 169: With Clifford and the
haught Northumberland, And of their feather many moe proud
birds. Ihid. III iii 161: Both of you are birds of selfsame feather.
See DiiR., II, no. 564. Cf. L283: The like, I say, sits with the
lay. (45)
B394 BIRDs once snared (limed) fear all bushes
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom viii, p. 55: The silly bird
once caught in net, If she ascape aliue, Will come no more so ny the
snare, Her fredome to depriue.
SHAkEsPEARE.~1591 3 Hen. V] V vi 13: The bird that hath been
limed in a bush With trembling wings misdoubteth every bush.
1593-4 Lac. 1. 88: Birds never lim’d no secret bushes fear.
Cf. M1228: The escaped mouse ever feels the taste of the bait.
B395 March BIRDs are best
1678 RAY, p. 344. I732 FUL., no. 3368.
B396 Old BIRDs are not caught with chaff
1481 CAXTON Reynard 40, p. 1 10: Wenest thou thus to deceyue me
. . I am no byrde to be locked ne take by chaf,I know wel ynowh good
corn. 1581-90 Timon IV ii, p. 62: (An olde birde is not). 1611
COT., s.v. Vieil: The old birds care avoides the snare. 1623 CAM.,
p. 275. 1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends V i, s. K4V: Old birds will not
be catch’d with shaffe. 1639 CL., s.v. Prudentia, p. 266. 1640 R.
BROME dsparagus IV xi, p. 200: We’ll . . teach ’hem to licke hony,
catch birds with Chaffe. 01640 Grohiana’s Nuptials Vii, p. 182:
Owles are not catch’d with chaEe. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 10: An
Old bird is not caught by nets. 1659 N.R., p. 85. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov., note 31, p. 242: The English say, There’s no catching of old
birds with chafi‘. 1670 RAY, p. 126: You can’t catch old birds with
chafl’. 1732 FUL., no. 3707.
See DiiR., I, no. 49. Cf. F647: An old fox cannot be taken by a
snare.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BIRDS
BIT
51

B397 Small BIRDS must have meat
1602 JONSON Poetaster III iv 258: For sparrowes must haue foode.
1639 CL., s.v. Solicitudo, p. 292. 1670 RAY, p. 63: *Children must
be fed, they cannot be maintained with nothing.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600—1 I iii 38: Young ravens must
have food.
Cf. D533: Dogs must eat.
B398 Then we shall catch BIRDS tomorrow
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2v. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 15.
Cf. M1177: Tomorrow morning I found a horseshoe.
B399 There are no BIRDS of this year in last year’s nests
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxxiv, IV 274: I pray you goe not on
so fast, since that in the nests of the last yeere there are no birds of
this yeere. 1732 FUL., no. 4863.
B400 To kill two BIRDS with one stone
1611 COT., s.v. Coup: *TO make a double vse, or profit, of his trauell-
1656 HOBBES Questions Liherty, Necessity, Chance XII, p. 1 17: T. H-
thinks to kill two birds with'one stone, and satisfy two arguments
with one answer. 1659 N .R., p. 71: (Kill two). 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Fava, p. 59. 1670 RAY, p. 197: (with one shaft or stone).
I697 DRYDEN Aeneid Ded., p. 38: (Thus, as we say in our homespun
English proverb, he kill’d two). 1732 FUL., no. 5192.
See ST., no. 2433. Cf. F404: To kill two flies with one flap; G30:
To stop two gaps with one bush; J79: Onejourney and two errands;
MI 269: To stop two mouths with one morsel; P319: To take (catch)
two pigeons (doves) with one bean. (9)
B400a To love hollow BIRDS1
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pelato, p. 139: To feed upon dainty
morsells . . the English say, To love Hollow-birds.
[li.e., all bones and no meat]
B401 You catch BIRDS by laying salt on their tails
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 99: It is. . a foolish bird that
staieth the laying salt on hir taile. 1616 WITHALS, p. 580: *Reti
ventos captas. 1627 W. HAWKINS Apollo Shroving IV i, p. 147:
Come to me at my lodging, and I will lay salt on this birds tayle for
feare of flying away. 1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 155. 1654
GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. IV vi and vii, p. 203 : To catch regall
birds, by laying salt upon their tailes. 1704 SWIFT Tale Tub VII, p.
137: Men catch knowledge, by throwing their wit 0n the posteriors
of a book, as boys do sparrows with flinging salt upon their tails.
1721 KEL., p. 380: You will ne’er cast Salt on his Tail. *That is, he
has clean escap’d. 1732 FUL., no. 2851: It is a foolish Bird that
stayeth the laying Salt upon her Tail. -
B402 BIRTH is much but breeding is more
1639 CL., s.v. Educatio, p. 103. 1670 RAY, p. 63: (but breeding
more). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Birth. 1721 KEL., p. 67. 1732 FUL.,
no. 983.
Cf. B648: It is breeding and not birth that makes a man; N47:
Nature passes nurture; N357: Nurture is above (passes) nature;
U1: Better (A child is better) unborn than untaught.
B403 T0 sell one’s BIRTHRIGHT
[Hehn xii 16: Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as
Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.] 1618 T.
ADAMS Happiness Church: W ks., p. 567: There be some . . that sell
their Birthright. 1649 G. DANIEL Trinarch. Hen. V, 346, IV 187:
’Tis a strange Gutt, that for a Gruell Meale Resigns her Birthright.
B404 As dry as a BISCUIT
1620 ].C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids V i, s. 01: Set my lips to a Flagon
of Beere . . and drunke it as dry as a Bisket.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 A.Y. II vii 39: As dry as the remainder
biscuit After a voyage.
B405 The BISHOP has blessed it
1528 TYNDALE Ohed. Chr. Man, p. 304: When a thing speedeth not
well, we borrow speech, and say, The bishop hath blessed it; be-
cause that nothing speedeth well that they meddle withal.
See SM., p. 420.

B406 The BISHOP has put his foot in it
1528 TYNDALE Ohea’. Chr. Man, p. 304: If the porridge be burned
too, or the meat over roasted, we say, The Bishop hath put his foot
in the pot. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 49, p. 108: Blesse Cisley
(good mistris) that Bishop doth ban for burning the milke of hir
cheese to the pan. 1634 R. BROME AND T. HEYWOOD Lanc. Witches
II, p. 202: I do thinke there is so much of the Divell in’t as will turne
all the milke shall come in’t these seven yeares, and make it burne
too, till it stinke worse than the Proverbe of the Bishops foot. I641
MILTON Animadv. upon Remons. Def.: Wks., Pt. I, III 176: I doubt
not but they will say, the Bishops foot hath been in your booke, for
I am sure it is quite spoil’d by thisjust confutation. 1668 H. MORE
Div. Dial. II xvii, p. 270: Phansying the sign of the Devil’s paw, or
senting the Sulphur of Hell in every thing as strongly as the Bishop's
foot in milk burnt to the Skillet bottom. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,
p. 383: The cream is burnt too. -—Why, madam, the bishop has
set his foot in it.
B407 The BISHOP makes things better than he finds
them
1616 DR., s.v. Excuse, no. 620.
B408 N0 BISHOP n0 king
I589 LYLY Whipfor Ape l. 83: Wks., III 420: Yes, he that now
saith, Why should Bishops bee? Will next crie out, Why Kings?
The Saincts are free. 1608 J. CHETWIND in Harington Brief View
St. Church Ep. Ded.: That King who held that Prophetick Axiom as
a sure truth, and we see it fulfilled, No Bishop, No King. [1640—4]
1692 Bagshaw’s Speech in Rushworth Hist. Coll. III i, IV 186: It is
holden at this day that Episcopacy is inseparable to the Crown of
England; and therefore it is commonly now said, No Bishop, no
King, NO Mitre no Scepter. 1641 PRYNNE Antip. Prel. I Prol., s.
B2: We must necessarily conclude their N0 Bishop, No King, to be
a notorious Bull. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. X i, III 180: I ap-
prove the calling and use of bishops in the church; and it is my
aphorism, N0 bishop, no king. 01690 Pepys Ba]. 277, V 94: N0
Bishops, no King, is a Proverb most true.
Cf. C403: Cities seldom change religion only; C8 39: No cross no
crown; M1027: No miter no crown. (6)
B409 Once a BISHOP and ever a bishop
1655 FULLER Church Hist. VII i, II 334: Latimer, by the courtesy of
England, (once a bishop and ever a bishop,) was in civility saluted
Lord.
See 514., p. 339.
B410 Well is him and woe is him that has a BISHOP of
his kin
1530 PALs., p. 458a: He never felte we or never shall blynne, that
hath a bysshoppe to his kynne. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1493: (in his
kin). 1721 KEL., p. 347: *Because such may be advanc’d, and per-
haps disappointed.
What, a BISHOP’S wife? Eat and drink in your
gloves?
1678 RAY, p. 229.
B411
B412—B423 BIT = insignificant amount
B412 Better a BIT than no bread
01640 SMYTH 98, p. 33: *Somethinge is better then nothinge. Noth-
inge hath noe savour.
Cf. B414: A bit in the morning is better than nothing all day or
than a thump on the back with a stone; B416: He gives him the bit
and the buffet with it (a bit and a knock); N290: Nothing has no
SHVOI'.
B413 BIT about is good bartering
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 288.
B414 A BIT in the morning is better than nothing all
day or than a thump 0n the back with a stone
1639 CL., p. 114: A bit i’th morning’s better than nought all day.
1670 RAY, p. 33. 1721 KEL., p. 74: Better a bit in the Morning

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
BIT
52 BITTER

than fast all Day. *Sometimes they say, than on the bare Shins
with a Beetle. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Bit: A Bit in the Morning is
better than nothing all Day. *An Excuse for taking unnecessary
bits or Whets at unreasonable or improper Times.
Cf. B412: Better a bit than no bread; B416: He gives him the bit
and the buffet with it (a bit and a knock); P467: He serves the poor
with a thump on the back with a stone.
B415 The BIT that one eats no friend makes
1640 HERB., no. 142. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 21:
(makes no friend).
B416 He gives him the BIT and the buffet with it (a
bit and a knock)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 570. 1639 CL., p. 240: A bit and a knock.
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 129: I should bee much bet~
ter for a bit and a buffet with’t. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Banda,
p. 10: The English say, to feed one with a bit and a knock. 1671
KIRKMAN Eng. Rogue II vi, p. 303: I told him I had a cursed mother-
in-law, who fed me only with a bit and a knock. 1721 KEL., p. 31 1:
(Take the Bit, and). *Bear some ill Usage of them by whom you
get Advantage.
Cf. B412: Better a bit than no bread; B414: A bit in the morning
is better than nothing all day or than a thump on the back with a
stone; B420: With a bit and a bob, as they feed apes; B634: You
show bread in one hand and a stone in the other.
B417 He loses many a good BIT that strives with his
betters
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 9.
Cf. B346: Be not too bold with your biggers or betters; M856: It
is no meddling with our betters.
B418 He will have a BIT for his cat
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gazza, p. 72: To get a wench to lye with-
all, to get a bit for ones cat. 1678 RAY, p. 89: *A wencher.
B419 One BIT draws down another
1639 CL., s.v. Illecebra mali, p. 148. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12:
One bit drawes on another.
Cf. A286: Appetite comes with eating; S166: Scratching and eating
wants but a beginning; S402: One Shoulder ofmutton draws (drives)
down another; S549: One Slumber (sleep) invites another.
B420 With a BIT and a bob, as they feed apes
1576 GAscOIGNE Steel Glass, p. 172: When Fencers fees, are like to
apes rewards, A peece of breade, and therwithal a bobbe. 1590 R.
HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 4: As men feed Apes: with a bit and a
boxe on the eare. 1639 CL., p. 93. 1672 WALK. 55, p. 10: You feed
me like an Ape, with a bit and a knock. 1678 RAY, p. 226: A bit and
a knock [or bob] as men feed apes. 1732 FUL., no. 14: A Bit and
a Knock, as Men feed Apes.
Cf. B416: He gives him the bit and the buffet with it (a bit and a
knock).
B421 You may see by a BIT what the bread is
1616 DR., s.v. Guessing, no. 857: (By a little bit, a man may see
what). 1639 CL., s.v. Conjecturae, p. 64.
Cf. H43: The half is more than the whole; H44: The half shows
what the whole means; L342: By the little is known the much.
B422 He will make nineteen BITS of a bilberry
1678 RAY, p. 229: *Spoken of a covetous person.
Cf. B423: To make two bits of a cherry.
B423 To make two BITS of a cherry
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Schifa il poco, p. 184: To play the Hypo-
crite, and be demure, one that will make two bits of one Chery, but
in private can devour a pound and more. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargan-
tua V xxviii, III 337: Nothing is to be got out of him but mono-
syllables: by Jingo, I believe he wou’d make three bits of a Cherry.
Cf. B422: He will make nineteen bits of a bilberry.
'B431

B424 BIT=part of a bridle
B424 To take the BIT in the teeth
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. X4v: With the bitt in his teeth to
flinge where he list. 1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 410:
But if like a restie Iade thou wilt take the bitt in thy mouth, and
then runne ouer hedge and ditch, thou shalt be broken as Prosper
broke his horses. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 259: Some iades there be
take the bit in their teeth. 1642 FULLER Holy State V xix, p. 439:
They had gotten the bit into their own teeth. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Denti, p. 52: To take the bit with ones teeth, viz. to fret,
and be devilish angry.
B425 The hasty BITCH brings forth blind whelps
[ERAS. Adagia, 459B: Canis festinans caecos parit catulos.] 1551
RALPH ROBINSON Utopia To Rdr., p. 19: But as the latin prouerbe
sayeth: The hastye bitche bringeth furth blind whelpes. For when
this my worke was finished, the rudenes therof Shewed it to be done
in poste haste. I559 COOPER, s.v. Canis: *A prouerbe applyed to
them, whiche beynge hastye in settynge foorth theyr workes, do
make them vnperfecte. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 61: Whelps are
ever blind that dogs in haste do get. 1580 BARET, C—59: [As in
Eras]. *A Prouerbe applyed vnto those, that take no deliberation
in bringing any thing to passe. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p.
4: My first burthen comming before his time, must needes be a blind
whelp. 1582 STANYHURST Aeneid Ded., p. 56: Lyke as forelittring
biches whelp blynd puppies, so I may bee perhaps entwighted of
more haste then good speede. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 33: (pup-
pies). 1681 ROB., p. 705: (Hasty bitches bring). 1721 KEL., p.
343: [AS in Eras].
See DUR., I, no. 340. Cf. H197: More haste than good speed;
P224: Hasty people will never make good midwives. (6)
B426 He will BITE near (A close biter)
01608 MIDDLETON Your Five Gallants IV vii 37: Yea, mistress New-
cut? at first give me a trip? A close bite always asks a secret nip.
1616 DR., no. 536: A close biter. 1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 242.
B427 To BITE and whine
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I2: She can, and dothe here, bothe bite and
whine. 01594 BACON, no. 668.
B428 Though I be BITTEN I am not all eaten
1639 CL., s.v. Fortunae commutatio, p. 124. Ibid., s.v. Spes frus-
trata pertinax, p. 295: Though he be bitten, hee is not quite eaten.
1664 COD., p. 213: Though he is bitten, he is not eaten. 1670 RAY,
p. 164. 1732 FUL., no. 6170: (Tho’ I am bitten).
B429 To bite the BITER
1693 D’URFEY Rich. Heiress Epil., p. 104: Once in an Age the Biter
should be bit. 1710 E. WARD Nuptial Dial. 9, II 179: I think she
merits equal Praise That has the Wit to bite the Biter.
Cf. D179: He that deceives (beguiles) another is oft deceived
(beguiled) himself; D182: To deceive the deceiver is no deceit.
B430 BITING and scarting1 is Scotchmen’s wooing
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 286. 1641 FERG., no. 204: (is Scots folks
wooing). 1668 R.B., p. 14: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 257:
Nipping [pinching] and scarting is Scots Folks wooing. *When
we see Boys and Girls jarring, we suspect them of some Intrigue.
Cf. B431: Biting and scratching gets the cat with kitling; $165:
By scratching and biting cats and dogs come together.
[1scratching]
BITING and scratching gets the cat with kitling
1659 N.R., p. 23: By biting and scratching the Cat is with Kitlin.
1678 RAY, p. 110: *Men and maid-servants that wrangle and quar-
rel most one with the other, are often observed to marry together.
I732 FUL., no. 984: (with Kitten).
Cf. B430: Biting and scarting is Scotchmen’s wooing; SI 65: By
scratching and biting cats and dogs come together.
B432 Who has BITTER in his mouth spits not all sweet
1640 HERB., no. 418. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
190. 1664 COD., p. 228. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 27: Who hath

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BLAE
53 BLAMES

gall in his mouth, cannot spit honey. 1670 RAY, p. 3. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2387: (He who hath Bitter in his Breast, spits).
B433 BLAE (Labbe) it wist and out it must
a1500 Harl. MS3362, p. 309: (Labbe). I562 HEY. Dial. I x, p. 19:
(Looke what she knowth, blab it).
Cf. A179: He cannot hold but all must out; M1252: His mouth
runs over.
B434 He that is a BLAE is a scab
1616 WITHALS, p. 550.
RAY, p. 63.
1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 132.
1732 FUL., no. 6296: (a meer Scab).
1670
B435 BLACK best sets forth white
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel]. 1237: Wks., I 411: The whyte ap-
peryth the better for the black. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit Ep.
Ded., p. 181: We commonly see that a black ground doth best
beseme a white counterfeit. 1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc.,
s. R3: Euerie vertue is commended by his contrarie. A Diamond
seemeth the fairer, for his foyle. Blacke best setteth foorth White.
Good is most praysed in the reprehension of euill. 1590 SPENSER
III ix 2: But never let th’ensample of the bad Offend the good:
for good, by paragone Of euill, may more notably be rad, As white
seemes fayrer, macht with blacke attone.
SHA KES PEA RE.—01 595 R7. I V 50: So shows a snowy dove troop-
ing with crows AS yonder lady o’er her fellows shows. Ibid. III ii
19: Whiter than new snow upon a raven’s back.
Cf. C630: Contraries being set the one against the other appear
more evident. -
B436 BLACK will take no other hue
1538 BALE K. _7ohan l. 2347, p. I 18: The crowe wyll not chaunge her
hewe. I546 HEY. II ix, s. K4v: They saie, blacke will take none
other hew. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 69: It is so black that it will
take no other colour to cloud it. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p.
191: Doe you not knowe that which all men doe aflirme and knowe,
that blacke will take no other coulour? 1593 PEELE Edw. I viii,
s. FIv: (An aged saying and a true, Black). 211598 FERG. MS, no.
265: Black wil be no other hew. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 264. 1611
GRUT., no. 70: (none other hew). 1614 CAM., p. 304. 1616 BRET.
(Hunt. frag, s. A7). 1616 DR., s.v. Desperate, or without hope or
grace, no. 483: (no other colour). 1616 WITHALS, p. 553. 1639 CL.,
p. 168. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 187. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 168: Black takes no other colour. 1668 R.B.,
p. 14: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 63. 1721 KEE, p. 66:
*Intimating the Difficulty of reclaiming perverse People. 1732
FUL., no. 987.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. IV ii 99: Coal-black is better than
another hue In that it scorns to bear another hue.
See DUR., II, no. 61 6. Cf. B105: The bath ofthe blackamoor has
sworn not to whiten; G172: Above God there is no lord, above black
there is no color, and above salt there is no savor. (10)
He that wears BLACK must hang (carry) a brush
at his back
1639 CL., s.v. Malum accersitum aut retortum, p. 201: (They that
weare and their back). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (Who wears
black, must carry). 1670 RAY, p. 63. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Black:
(should have a brush at his back). 1721 KEL., p. 172: (carry a
Brush on his Back). 1732 FUL., no. 6298.
B437
B438 No more like than BLACK is to white
01570 Marr. Wit and Science V i, s. E2: They are no more like . .
then blacke to white. 1574 B. RICH Dial. betw. Merc. and Eng.
Sold, s. A2: S0 cleane chaunged, as there is difference betweene white
and blacke. 1587 RANKINS Mirr. Monsters, f. 14: Easily then is
white discerned from blacke, a vile offence from a godly pretence.
1619 Two Wise Men VII i, s. M4: Yes, contrarie enough, as white is
to blacke. 1640 WHATLEY Prototypes 26, p. 65: As far as unlike to
Jacob, as black and white are unlike each to other. 1663 S. BUT-
LER Hud. I iii 1372, p. 142: And contrary as black to White. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 199: *Nothing like.

B439 T 0 have it in BLACK and white
1560fl7 Misogonus III ii 63: Yow nede not care a pinn, ifyow hate
in white and blacke. 01600 I Ret.from Parn. II, p. 43: I have it
here in white, as they say. 1601 MARSTON 7ack Drum I, 5. B2: I
let nothing without good black and white, I warrant you. [01605]
1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 126: ’Tis set downe, Madam, here in
blacke and white already. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. IV iv
20: He has basted me, rarely, sumptiously! but I haue it here in
black and white. 1637 SHIRLEY Gamester III iv, p. 238: ’Tis ex-
traordinary fine news, in black and white. 1655 FULLER Church
Hist. VII i, II 343: He shall cause to be set out in black and white, or
otherwise. I663 COWLEY Cutter Coleman St. I V, p. 181: I saw it
from a good hand beyond Sea, under Black and White, and all in
Cypher. I675 CROWNE Country Wit I, p. 20: I have it under black
and white. 1696 DILKE Lover’s Luck II, p. I I : I’dad, I’dad, I have
clap’d it under the Hatches of Black and White, that it shan’t es-
cape me.
SHAKESPEARE—1598-9 M.A. V i 313: Which indeed is not under
White and black.
See ST., no. 2684. (12)
B440 To make BLACK white
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 178: You would faine with your
witte cast a white vpon blacke. I582 BRETON Flourish upon Fancy
and Toys Idle Head: Wks., I 6: To think black white, and wrong for
right, And know not cheese from chalke. 1584 R. WILSON Three
Ladies Lond., s. B4: I can make blacke white, and white blacke
againe. I594 MARLOWE Edw. III iv 247: Such reasons make white
black, and dark night day. 1672 WALK. 98, p. 33: They turn black
into white, and white into black. 1732 FUL., no. 5206: To make
White Black, and Black White.
SHAKESPEARE—16o5-8 T. Ath. IV iii 28: Thus much of this will
make black white, foul fair. I613 Hen. VIIII i 208: That dye is
on me Which makes my whit’st part black.
See OTTO, no. 1225. Cf. B441: To say that black (white) is
white (black); C853: He will say the crow is white; M720: If the
master say the crow is white the servant must not say ’tis black.
B441 To say that BLACK (White) is white (black)
a1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II 414: [We] must sey that
white is blacke. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 159: To please all
parties I will beleeve that black is white. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Nero, p. 115: To make one believe that black is white, viz. by
Sophistry and chopping ofLogick to circumvent one, and make one
believe any thing.
Cf. B440: To make black white; C853: He will say the crow is
white; M720: If the master say the crow is white the servant must
not say ’tis black.
B442 As plentiful (cheap) as BLACKBERRIES
1690 T. BROWN Chang. Rel. II: Bays’ Reasons, p. 35: Were Reasons
as cheap as Black-berries.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV II iv 264: If reasons were as
plentiful as blackberries, I would give no man a reason upon com-
pulsion, I.
B443 He can swim without BLADDERS
01640 Grobiana’s Nuptials ii, p. 167: Ile not instruct thee, thou
canst swimme without bladders. 1644 J. HOWELL Pre-eminence
Parl.: Dodona’s Grove, p. 17: My whole life (since I was left to my-
self to swim, as they say without bladders). 1732 FUL., no. 1821.
B444 BLAME: subst.
B444 Do as you are bidden and you will never bear the
BLAME
1678 RAY, p. 101.
Cf. B342: He that does bidding deserves no dinging.
B445 BLAME: verb
B445 He that BLAMEs would buy
[Prov. xx 14: It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer; but when he
is gone his way, then he boasteth.] 1590 H. SMITH Benefit Conten-

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
BLANK
BLOOD
54
tation: Wks., II 279: As Solomon saith of the buyer, while he is in
buying, he dispraiseth the things which he buyeth, and saith, It is
naught, it is not worth the price which ye ask. 1608 1. DAY Law
Tricks [I i, p. 32: You will not buy me sure, you praise me so. 1640
HERB., no. 406. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 20: He
that praiseth would sell, and he that blames would buy. 1659 N.R.,
p. 56. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 26: Who findeth fault, means to
buy. I732 FUL., no. 2383: He who findeth Fault meaneth to buy.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. IV i 75: Fair Diomed, you do as chap-
men do, Dispraise the thing that you desire to buy; But we in si-
lence hold this virtue well, We’ll not commend what we intend to
sell.
Cf. M537: Many men do lack what they would fain have in their
pack; M648: He that speaks ill of the mare will buy her; P546: He
praises who wishes to sell.
B446 He is BLANK
1615 WEBSTER Char., p. 32: When his hopes fall, hee’s blanke.
1616 WITHALS, p. 573: I am blancke. 1639 CL., s.v. Taciturnitas,
p. 302. 1681 ROB., p. 1130: He was quite blank, silent; at a non-
plus.
B447 He spits on his own BLANKET
a1598 F MO. MS, no. 702: *Of feckles foolish persons. 1721 KEL.,
p. 367: You take a bite out of your own Hip. *What you say re-
flects upon your self, or Family. Eng. You spit on your own
Blanket (lap).
Cf. B377: It is a foul bird that defiles his own nest; S536: You spit
on your own sleeve.
B448 He that at every BLAST puts to the lee will never
be good sailor
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 681.
B449 I hold BLENCH of him
1670 T. BLOUNT Law Dict., s.v. Blench: To hold Land in Blench, is,
by payment of a Penny . . or such like thing, if it be demanded.
1721 KEL., p. 209: *An allusion to the different Tenures by which
Lairds hold their Lands, some Ward, some black Ward, some
Blench. This last pays no Service.
B450 BLESSING of your heart, you brew good ale
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 17: God blesse the brewer well
cooled is my throate. 1622 JONSON Masque Augurs l. 1 8 I : Masques
at Court, VII 635: Our Ale’s o’ the best, And each good guest Prayes
for their souls that brew it.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594 T.C.V. III i 304: And thereof comes the
proverb, ‘Blessing of your heart, you brew good ale.’
Cf. G266: God’s blessing on your heart for it; T67: But the good
ale tankard, happy might it be.
B451 The BLIND eat many a fly
a1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II 414: [They] do make
the blind eate flyes. 1546 HEY. II V, s. H4V: (many flyes). 1578
FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34. a1598 FERo. MS, no. 301: Blind folkis
eat many flies. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 16. 1611 GRUT., no. 251:
The blindman eate many flees. 1614 CAM., p. 312: (The blindman
eats). 1616 DR., s.v. Simplicity, no. 1982. 1639 CL., p. 52. 1640
HERB., no. 552. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1664 COD., p. 220.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 161: It falls to a blind mans lot, to swallow
down many a flye. 1670 RAY, p. 63. 1732 FUL., no. 4428.
Cf. H622: To wear a horn (To be a cuckold) and not know it will
do one no more harm than to eat a fly and not see it. (20)
B452 If the BLIND lead the blind they both fall into the
ditch
[Luke vi 39: Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall
into the ditch?] 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 203: A blynde man
hym ledyth that also hath no syght 50 both in the dyche fallyth.
I546 HEY. II V, s. HIv: Where the blind ledth the blinde, both fall
in the dike. 01547 BALE Three Laws III, s. D4: Into the dytche,
the blynde the blynde maye lede. 1548 COOPER, s.v. Caecus:
Caecus ceco dux. One blynd man leadeth an other, A prouerbe sig-
nifiyng one ignorant person to teache an other vnlearned: one foole

to geue an other foole counsaile. 1580 BARET, C—270: *A Prouerbe
to be vsed towardes those, which want the gift of reason, and yet
will seeme to giue counsayle. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 169: When
the blinde leades the blinde, both in the ditch we finde. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Aveugle: *An ignorant Pastor leads an ignorant Sheepe headlong
into hell. 1611 GRUT., no. 252: (The blinde leade the blinde, and
both). 1614 CAM., p. 312: [As in 1611 Grut.]. 1616 DR., no. 174.
1639 CL., s.v. Aberrandi, p. 2: (the blind, both fall). 1659 How.
Br. Prov., p. 30: When the blind leads the blind, both are down in
the ditch. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9: The blind lead the blind,
they will stumble. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: When the blind car-
rieth the banner, woe to them who come behinde. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Blind: (leads). (11)
B452a BLINDMAN’S HOLIDAY
1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 195: What will not blinde
Cupid doe in the night, which is his blindmans holiday? 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., p. 230-. The evening comes on. ’Tis blind-mans holy-
day. 1678 RAY, p. 229: Blind-mans holiday, i.e. twilight, almost
quite dark. a1700 B.E.: Blind-man’s-holiday, when it is too dark
to See to Work.
B453 As dull as a BLOCK
1565 K. Darius, s. F3V: And make them so dull AS euer was a blocke.
1678 PHILALETHES Brev. Alchemy, p. 383: The whole company al-
chymists. . do mainly labour after congelation, though in their
Solution . . they are as stupid as Blocks.
B454 To lay (throw, cast) a BLOCK in another’s way
1546 HEY. II v, s. H3: I haue (quoth she) mo blocks in his waie to
laiei 1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes I iii, p. 198: I hoped to haue caste
a blocke in his waie. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 32: I tould him
there was a certain block in the wai but I doutid not but it shuld be
remoovid wel enouh. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. X1: Suche a
block as Aurelia laid to stumble at, that neuer thought one straw
would lie in her way. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 200: Many haue many
blocks in their waies. 1616 DR., no. 975: Men haue many blockes
in their way. I hid, no. 977: He is a great blocke, or a foule mote in
his way. I634 HALL Contempl. II i, III 5: Every thing is a Block
in our way. I672 WALK. 81, p. 18: You have thrown a block in my
way; put a spoke in my cart.
Cf. S769: To set (put) a spoke in one’s cart (wheel). (9)
B455 As red as BLOOD
[01470] 148 5 MALORY Morte d’Arthur XVII iV, p. 694: Hit was reed
as blood. a15oo Croxton Play of S acr. l. 594: Alle thys oyle waxyth
redde as blood. 1559 MORWYNG Treas. Evon. l. 10, p. 360: Till the
oyll haue gotten a colour as red as bloud. 1594 Con. York and Lan.,
s. C2v: What colours his cloake? why red maister, as red as blood.
1595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 137, s. BIV: A Duke that had a faire
daughter as white as snowe and as redd as bloud.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. V] II i 109: What colour is this
cloak of? —Red, master; red as blood. I609 Lover’s Comp]. 1.
198: Of pallid pearls and rubies red as blood.
B456 BLOOD is inherited but virtue is achieved
1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 17: Men cannot leaue their vertues to
their heires. 1620 SHELTON Don Quin. Pt. II, xlii, IV 37. 1676
HOEBES Iliad XX, p. 308: Though Vertue l[i]eth not in Pedigree.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. I i 47: Her dispositions She inherits
. . She derives her honesty and achieves her goodness.
Cf. B104: Bastards by chance are good, by nature bad; V82:
Virtue is more important than blood.
B457 The BLOOD of the martyrs is the seed of the
Church
1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet III: Wks., p. 205: The bloud of
Martyrs seedes the Church. 1625 PURCHAS Pilgrims I i 2, I 168:
The seed, the fatning of the Church was the Bloud of her slaine
Martyrs. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. I iv, I 30: Ofall Shires in Eng-
land, Staflordshire was . . the largest sown with the seed of the
church, I mean, the blood of primitive martyrs. [8.1680] 1759 S.
BUTLER Gen. Rem., I I 35: The ancient Churches, and the best.
By their own Martyrs Blood increas'd.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BLOOD
BLOW
55

B458 BLOOD will have blood
[Gen. ix 6: Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be
shed.] 01560 MOWNTAINE Troubles in Narr. Reform. VII, p. 201:
And howe yt ys sayed that blud reqyryth blude. 1565 NORTON
AND SACKVILLE Gorhoduc IV ii, s. F4v: Blood asketh blood, and
death must death requite. 1567 PICKERING Horestes, s. B4v:
For this is true that bloud for bloud, my fathers deth doth craue.
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 4 5: Vengeance asketh vengeance, and blood
blood, and they that sow slaughter shall be sure to reap ruin and
destruction. 1578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. II vi, s. C3v:
Blood axeth blood. [01590] 16 54 CHAPMAN AND PEELE Alphonsus
I i 208: And blood with blood must be requited thus [Poisons him].
1594 PEELE Battle Alcazar V, s. E4v: Bloud will have bloud, foul
murther scape no scourge. 1602 MARSTON Antonio’s Rev. III ii
212: Blood cries for blood, and murder murder craves. 1616 DR.,
no. 1441. 1660 TATI-IAM Rump I i, p. 4: Blood requires blood, then
from the Purple Grape I’le suck my fill.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 K}. I i 19: Here have we war for war and
blood for blood. Ihid. II i 329: Blood hath bought blood, and
blows have answer’d blows. I604 M.M. V i 412: The very mercy
of the law cries out . . ‘An Angelo for Claudio! death for deathl’
1605—6 M. III iv 122: It will have blood, they say; blood will have
blood.
Cf. S525: He that slays shall be slain. (17)
B459 Good BLOOD cannot lie
01489 CAXTON Sons Aymon IX, p. 248: But as men sayen true blood
may not lye. I611 COT., s.v. Sang: Good bloud cannot, (the well-
bred will not) lie; a noble nature, confronted by wrong, scorne, or
any base condition, doth quickly discouer it selfe. 1623 WOD., p.
478: *True, for ill Manners come most of euill Bloud, and ill Diet.
I657 LEIGH, p. 261: *A worthy nature cannot conceal itself.
B460 Good BLOOD makes poor pudding1 without suet
1665 J. WILSON Projectors II, p. 240: I have so Often heard him pro-
test against your great matches, as he calls ’em, and compares ’em
to an ill pudding—all blood and no fat. I678 RAY, p. 66: Good
blood makes bad puddings without groats or suet. *Nobility is
nothing but ancient riches: and money is the idol the world
adores. 1732 FUL., no. 1703.
Cf. B461: He has good blood if he had but groats to him; C394:
A rich citizen’s daughter marrying a nobleman is like a black pud-
ding: the one brings blood, the other suet; G68: A gentleman with-
out money (living) is like a pudding without suet.
[1blood pudding, sausage]
B461 He has good BLOOD if he had but groats to him
1670 RAY, p. 166: *Chesh. Good parentage if he had but wealth.
Groats are great oatmeal, of which they are wont to make black
puddings. I732 FUL., no. 1870: He has good Blood in him but
wants Grotes to it.
Cf. B460: Good blood makes poor pudding without suet; G68:
A gentleman without money (living) is like a pudding without suet.
B462 His Welsh BLOOD is up
1631 SHIRLEY Love Tricks V iii, p. 90: Her Welsh plood is up, look
you. 1662 FULLER Worthies Wales, II 556.
B463 It is easy to draw BLOOD out of a scabby head
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 4.
B464 It runs in a BLOOD
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 890. 1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case IV ii
81: Take their prolIer, or else the Lunacy runnes in a blood. 1627
R. SANDERSON Ad Populum iii: Serm., I 384: Tempers of the mind
and affections become hereditary, and (as we say) run in a blood.
1641 MILTON Reas. Church Govt. I iv: Wks., Pt. I, III 200: anesse
we shall choose our Prelats only out of the Nobility, and let them
runne in a blood. '
B465 Like BLOOD, like good, and like age make the
happiest marriage '
[ERAS. Adagia, 301D:Aequalem uxorem quaere.] 1578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. Wit, p. 283: Yet let his wife be such a one as is neither much

more noble in birth, or farre more richer in goodes, but according to
the wyse saying: choose one euery way, as neare as may bee equall
in both. 1639 CL., p. 28: (makes). I670 RAY, p. 48. 1672 WALK.
21, p. 40: (Like good, like blood, and). 1681 ROB., p. 266: (good,
like age make the best marriage). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Marriage.
1732 FUL., no. 6184: (goods).
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. I iii 115: She’ll none 0’ th’ Count.
She’ll not match above her degree, neither in estate, years, nor wit.
See DiiR., I, no. 601. Cf. E178: Marry your equal.
B466 There is no BLOOD to be got out of a turnip
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 232: *Note 15, p. 242: Alluding, that
from such a Creditor, payment cannot be expected, quite broke.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rapa, p. 165: To go about to fetch bloud
out of a turnip, viz. to attempt impossibilities.
Cf. W107: To fetch (wring) water (blood) out of a stone (flint).
B467 You are come of a BLOOD and so is a pudding1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1553: Ye ar sib [kin] to a pudding ye ar com of
a blood. 1721 KEL., p. 368: *Spoken to them who boast of their
genteel Blood. 1732 FUL., no. 5847: (of good Blood, and so is
Goose-Pudding).
[1blood pudding, sausage]
B468 Timely BLOSSOM timely fruit (ripe, bear)
1639 CL., s.v. Initium laudatum, p. 171: (beare). 1670 RAY, p.
149: (ripe). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Timely: (ripe). 1732 FUL., no.
5057- .
B469 BLOSSOMS ere May not good some say
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 8.
B470 A BLOT in his escutcheon
1678 RAY, p. 66.
B471 A BLOT is no blot unless it be hit
1662 FULLER Worthies Yorkshire, II 535: But a Blot is no Blot, ifnot
hit; and an Advantage, no Advantage, if unknown. 1664 I. WILSON
Cheats V iii, p. 72: Provided alwayes, you carry it prudently, for
fear of scandal :—A blot, is no blot, till it be hit. 1678 RAY, p. 103.
1732 FUL., no. 993: Blots are no Blots, till hit.
Cf. L381: Live charily if not chastely; S472: A sin unseen is half
pardoned.
B472—B475 BLow: su bst.
B472 The first BLOW is as much as two
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1359: That is a good cuff whilk brings home
two. 1640 HERB., no. 907. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via,
p. 179. 1659 N.R., p. 104.
B473 He has got a BLOW over the nose with a French
cowlstaff
1678 RAY, p. 88: *One that hath the French Pox.
B474 One sound BLOW will serve to undo uS all
1611 COT., s.v. Coup. 1640 HERB., no. 34. 1659 N.R., p. 82:
(to undo all). 1664 COD., p. 208.
B475 The second BLOW makes the fray
1589 BACON Advert. Controv. Church, p. 37: I should p[er]case re—
member the p[ro]uerbe, that the second blow maketh the fray.
1597 BACON Col. Good and Evil: Wks., XIII 289. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 18. 1670 RAY, p. 138. 1732 FUL., no. 4742.
B476-B477 BLow: verb
B476 BLow first and sip afterwards
I670 RAY, p. 103. I732 FUL., no. 995.
Cf. D606: One cannot drink and whistle at once; M227: A
man cannot spin and reel at the same time; M318: No man can do
two things at once; 5998: It is impossible to sup and blow together
(with one breath).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
BLOWN
BOAT
B477 He is BLOWN up
1639 CL., s.v. Internecio, p. 176. 1678 RAY, p. 89: *A bankrupt.
B478 He was born at BLOXHAM
I662 FULLER Worthies Lincolnshire, II 19: It is a common expres-
sion of the Countryfolk in this County, when they intend to charac-
ter a dull, heavy, blundering person, to say of him, he was born at
Bloxham.
B479 Better a BLUSH in the face than a spot in the heart
1620 SHELTON Don .Quix. Pt. II, xliv, IV 51: (Better shame in).
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 2: A blush in the face is better then a blot
in the heart. 1732 FUL., no. 859.
B480 BLUSHING (Bashfulness) is Virtue’s color (is a
Sign of grace)
1562 HEY. Epig. 64, p. 189: [Red is] a token of grace: they blushe
for shame. 1595 OATMEALE Quest Eng, p. 151: Margaret blushing
(for She hath a little grace yet left her). [01602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD
Royal King II, p. 22: You make the Lady blush. —Why to change
face They say in modest Maides are signes of grace. 1605 BACON
Adv. Learning I, p. 108: It was truly said that rubor est virtutis
color . . though sometimes it come from vice. I609 DEKKER Gull’s
Horn-Bk. V: Non-Dram. Wks., II 239: If you haue not so much
grace left in you as to blush. 1616 DR., s.v. Bashfulnes, no. 113:
Bashfulnesse is the blush of vertue. 1627 W. HAWKINS Apollo
Shroving II iii, p. 117: Blushing is vertues scarlet roabe. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Verecundia, p. 316: Blushing is Vertues die. Verecundia est
virtutis tinctura. Ibid. : Hee hath some grace in’s face. 1659 N.R.,
p. 23: Bashfulnesse is a Sign of grace. 1670 RAY, p. 64. I732
FUL., no. 999. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 392: Well, however,
blushing is some Sign of grace.
SHAKESPEARE—I594 T.C. V. V iv 165:1 think the boy hathgracein
him; he blushes. 1598 2 Hen. IV II ii 80: Come, you virtuous ass,
you bashful fool, must you be blushing? . . What a maidenly man-
at-arms you are become! 1598-9 M.A. IV i 35: Behold how like a
maid she blushes here . . Comes not that blood as modest evidence
To witness simple virtue? (7)
B481 He cannot say B0 to a goose
1588 [MARPRELATE] Epistle: Marpr. Tracts, p. 91: He is not able to
say ho! to a goose. 1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed with Kind,
p. 121: There’s not one amongst them all can say ho to a Goose.
1609 DEKKER Work for Armor.: Non-Dram. Wks., IV 153: The
prowdest of them all should not dare to say B0 to a Taylors Goose.
[1611] I630 MIDDLETON Chaste Maid in Cheaps. I i 84: All my life-
time, sir; I could ever say ho to a goose; Farewell to your worship.
1639 CL., s.v. Ignoratio, p. 145: He cannot say shooh to a goose.
1640 MENNIS AND SMITH Wit’s Recreations: Facetiae, II 188: You
see, I can cry BO unto a goose. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670
RAY, p. 178: He cannot say shooh to a goose. 1694 ECHARD Epid.
IV iv, p. 106: I did as tho’ I was a silly ClOd-pated Ass, that cou’dn’t
say B0 to a Goose. (6)
B482 As brim1 as a BOAR
[01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. IV vi 5: Else will he come never
bore so brymme. 01580 Wife in Morel’s Skin 1. 847 in Early Pop.
Poetry, IV 214: Forth She came, as brym [as] a bore, And like a dog
she rated him than. 1657 R. Hood and Tanner l. 71: Rob. Hood
Poems, II 33: Then Robin raged like a wild boar As soon as he saw
his own blood.
[lfierce]
B483 He feeds like a BOAR in a frank1
I602 Liberality and Prod. V iv, S. F2: That like a Bore in a stie, he
fed me at last. 1631 LENTON Char. 15, p. 71 : And then feed at ease
like a boar in a frank. 1678 RAY, p. 291.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVII ii 159: Where sups he? Doth
the old boar feed in the Old frank?
[1811']
B484 To foam like a BOAR
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3V: She fometh lyke a bore. 1571 R. EDWARDS
Damon and Pithias, s. C4: Fomyng lyke a Bore.
B491

B485 BOARD = piece of lumber
B485 As stifi as a BOARD
1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. I, p. 3: My handes are . .stiffe as a borde by
worke continuall.
B486-B487 BOARD =table
B486 At the BOARD be a maid but a clown in bed
1586 WITHALS, s. H6v: *That is, handsome at meate, but homely at
sleepe. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 280: At board and bed, neither
shame nor shyness.
SHAKESPEARE.—I604 O. II i 110: You [women] are . . Players in
your housewifery, and housewives in your beds.
Cf. W702: Women are in church saints, abroad angels, at home
devils.
B487 Knock under the BOARD (table)
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iv, s. E3: Sbloud yee shall take
more then will do yee good, Or Ile make yee clap vnder the table.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pagliucca, p. 127: To have got soundly
drunk, a cup too much, a cut in the leg, a fox, so as to knock under
the table. 1678 RAY, p. 74: *He must do so that will not drink his
cup. 1691 Bragad. V i, p. 58: He that knocks under board shall be
look’t upon as a Dissenter, and amerc’t a Penal Groat the next
Morning. '
Cf. C905: He has got a cup too much; L184: He has cut his leg.
B488 Great BOAST (and) small roast
01536 COPLAND Highway Spittle House I. 978, p. 66: (and). 1546
HEY. I xi, s. D4: Great boste and smal roste, Maketh vnsauery
mouthes. 01570 Marr. Wit and Science IV ii, s. D2. 1591 HAR—
INGTON Orl. Fur. XXV lxvi, p. 203: As if there were great boast and
little rost. 1592 H. SMITH Poor Man’s Tears: Wks., II 50: Great
boast and small roast makes unsavoury mouths. I611 COT., s.v.
Petit: (and). *The more you talke the lesse you will doe. I611
DAV. Prov., no. 348: (and). 1611 FLOR.,s.v. Spampanata,p. 518: A
vanting, a bragging, a great boast and small roste. 1611 GRUT., no.
108. 1614 CAM., p. 306. 1616 DR., no. 181: [As in 1546 Hey.].
Ibid., s.v. Vaunting, no. 2217: (and). 1639 CL., p. 144-. (and).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 193: (and). 1670 RAY,
. 64.
Cf. B489: The greatest boasters (crackers) are not the greatest
doers (the boldest men); B591: Great braggers little doers; P602:
Great promise small performance; T63: The greatest talkers are not
always the wisest men; T64: The greatest talkers are the least (not
the greatest) doers; V36: Empty vessels sound most; V37: Full
vessels sound least. (7)
B489 The greatest BOASTERS (crackers) are not the
greatest doers (the boldest men)
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 198: For greattest crakers ar nat ay
boldest men. 01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 76: The
greatest crakers are not the boldest men. [01537] CI 560 UDALLTher-
sytes, s. A1. 1616 DR., s.v. Greatnesse, no. 920: The greatest crakes
are not alwayes the best.
Cf. B488: Great boast (and) small roast; L318: Who takes a lion
absent fears a mouse present; R212: A good ruser was never a good
rider.
B490 Ill goes the BOAT without the oar
1573 SANF., f. 102: Ill goeth the Barcke without oares. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 126: (without an ore). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 229.
1616 DR., s.v. Means, no. 1362. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 64, p. 28:
(without oares). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I: The Boat goes but
ill without Oars.
To be in the same BOAT (ship)
[ERAS. Adagia, 410A: In eadem es navi.] 1584 HUDSON Hist. 7n-
dith III 352, p. 51: What! haue ye paine? so likewise pain haue we:
For in one bote we both imbarked be. 01594 BACON, no. 740: You
are in the same shippe. 1643 PRYNNE Power Parl. Appendix, p.
209: Whence verily even in the common proverb, those who are

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BOAT
BOLT

conversant in the same danger, are said to be in the same Ship.
1710 E. WARD Nuptial Dial. 18, II 360: Therefore the Sinner, and
the Saint, Are often in the self-same Boat.
See ST., no. 2039.
B492 You must trim the BOAT
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 167: If all would keep on one side, the ship
would be lost. *Note I I , p. 1 72: As the English say, You must trim
the boat, usually applyed as to disputes, and arguments.
B493 Ye may get waur1 BODES2 ere Beltan3
1641 FERG., no. 907: (Will). 1668 R.B., p. 58: (Will). 1721 KEL.,
p. 368: *Spoken to them that refuse a present good Offer. 1732
FUL., no. 5948: You may have worse Oliers before May-day.
[lworse 20561'8 3May Day]
B494 To be BODKIN
[To be wedged in between two others] 1638 FORD Fancies IV,
p. 304: Where but two lie in a bed you must be Bodkin bitch-baby
must ye.
See SM., p. 536.
B495 BODY =a human being
B495 A BODY is esteemed according as he values him-
self
1659 N.R., p. 15.
Cf. W923: The worth of a thing is as it is esteemed (valued).
B496—B503 BODY =the human body
B496 The BODY is more (sooner, better) dressed
than the soul
1616 DR., s.v. Apparel, no. 99: His body is better clothed then his
soule. 1640 HERB., no. 913. Ioid., no. 914: (sooner drest). I658
[EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 233. 1659 N.R., p. 49: His
body is better cloathed then his soul.
B497 The BODY is the prison of the soul
1584 LYLY Camp. Iii 36. 1732 FUL., no. 4429: (the Workhouse of).
B498 The BODY is the socket of the soul
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 8: (but the Sockett of the Soul).
COD., p. 218: [As in 1659 How.]. 1670 RAY, p. 3.
1664
B499 I am all yours except BODY and goods
1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p. 328: (and goods, which is now
growne into a common proverb).
B500 It is a good BODY,1 she wants but a new pair of
sleeves
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16.
[1a pun on “body” meaning a woman’s garment]
B501 A little BODY does often harbor a great soul
I611 COT., s.v. Buisson: A little bodie (oft) harbours a great heart.
1664 COD., p. 185: (doth oftentimes harbour a great Heart). 1670
RAY, p. 16. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Little. 1732 FUL., no. 3252:
Little Bodies have commonly great Souls.
SHAKESPEARE—"1599 Hen. V II Prol. 16: 0 England! model tO
thy inward greatness, Like little body with a mighty heart.
B502 Dieted BODIES are but bridges to physicians’
minds
1655 MOFFETT Health’s I mprovem. i, p. 8: *These addle proverbs.
B503 Great BODIES move slowly
1612-26 HALL Contempl. I xxi, II 312: Great bodies must have
slow Motions. 1677 M. HALE P. Atticus II, p. 451: Great Bodies,
they move slowly, yet move they must. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Slowly.
1721 KEL., p. 124: *Spoken of the Deliberations OfParliaments, and
other great Assemblies, or in Jest to them that go slowly on in their
Business.

B504 As brisk (busy, brag) as a BODY LOUSE
[01552] I575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle II iv, 5. CW: And home
she went as brag, as it had been a bodelouse. 1560—77 Misogonus
II iv 225: (busy). 01570 Marr. Wit and Science II i, s. BI: (brage).
[1632] 1653 R. BROME Court Beg. Epil., p. 272: As briske as a Body-
lowse in a new Pasture. 1639 CL., p. 287: (busy). 1656 CUL-
PEPER Ghost: durum Pot., p. 12: [They] wil revive and shew them-
selves as Brisk as Body-Lice. 1670 RAY, p. 202. 1671 KIRKMAN
Eng. Rogue II xvi, p. 304: I quickly began to be as brisk as a body-
louse.
Cf. N 329: There is nothing so crouse as a new-washen louse.
B505 Be BOLD with what is your own
1630 D’AVENANT Cruel Brother II, p. 136: My good Lord, the prov-
erb will persuade you To be bold with what’s your own.
B506 More (Not so) BOLD than (as) welcome (wise)
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom i, p. 10: Thou mayest be
More welcome and more bolde. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 162: Where I thinke my selfe welcome I loue to bee bolde. 1584
Dram. Rec. Lansdowne MSS IX, p. 167: There appered my lord
Ffitz Gerrald and one Cotton a yonge man of xvii yeres of age, more
bold than wise. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 53: This house is free,
and you are not so bold as welcome. 1616 DR., no. 188: He is more
bold then wise. 1631 KNEVET Rhodon and Iris V v, s. II : Tell him,
I’me resolu’d to be a guest, More bold then welcome at his bloudy
feast. 1640 SHIRLEY Love’s Cruelty II i, p. 208: You are very bold.
-—Not so bold as you are welcome. 1664 COD., p. 195: [As in 1616
Dr.]. 1721 KEL., p. 251: More hamely [familiar] than welcome.
I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 393: You are more bold than welcome.
B507 BOLDNESS is blind
1625 BACON Essays, p. I 17: This is well to be weighed; that bold-
nesse is ever blind. 1732 FUL., no. 1005.
Cf. B112: Who so bold (As bold) as blind Bayard? M909:
Mettle is dangerous in a blind horse.
B508 If you love the BOLL you cannot hate the branches
1639 CL., s.v. Similitudinis, p. 285.
Cf. T488: He that loves the tree loves the branch.
B509 BOLSTER or pillow, be it whose will for me
1546 HEY. II v, s. H4v: Bolster or pyllow for me, be whose wull .
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3.
B510 Buy the BOLSTER (pillow) of one in debt and thou
wilt sleep soundly
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 22.
B511 This BOLT (arrow) came never out of your bag
a1536 HILL 30, p. 129: This arow cwmmeth newer owt of thin own
bow. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1312: (That bolt). 1641 FERG., no.
843. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 16: That arrow came not out of my
quiver. I668 R.B., p. 52. I697 MER., p. 165: (com). 1721 KEL.,
p. 305: (That Bolt).
B512 To have shot one’s BOLT
c1475 Mankind l. 775, p. 29: My bolte ys schott.
Anat. Absurdity, I 7: Euery man shotte his bolte. 1619 Two Wise
Men I i, s. BIv: Ther’s your iudgement, and bolt soone shot. 01625
T. EGERTON (to Essex) in Dr. Farmer Chet/1am MS, I 40: I will not
p’sume to advise yow but I shoote my bowlte and tell you what I
thinke. 1627 W. HAWKINS dpollo Shroving III ii, p. 130: My
Masters bolt is soone shot. I654 BRAMI-IALL Yust Vindic. 6: Wks.,
I 185: Thus a bold stranger altogether ignorant of our histories and
of our lawes shoots his bolt at all adventures upon the credit of a
shamefull fiction. 1703 DUNTONAthen. Oracle, IV 247: Nor shall we
presume to shoot our bolt, whether Of these two were the greater.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 402: Miss, you have shot your bolt: I
find you must have the last word.
See ST., no. 1295. Cf. F515: A fool’s bolt is soon shot. (6)
1589 NASHE

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
BOLTON
BONES

B513 Wide, quoth BOLTON when his bolt flew back-
ward
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. To Rdr. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20.
RAY, p. 84: Wide quoth Wilson.
Cf. A20: Bate me an ace, quoth Bolton.
B514 As dry (hard) as a BONE
01555 Songs and Bal. Philip and Mary 5, p. 14: Also the congars, as
dry as a bonne. 01576 Common Cond. l. 1425, s. FIV: Hard geare
to eat, as hard as a bone. 1610 BOLTON Elem. Armor. Table
Words, s. Ee2: Skeletos in Greeke is bony, or dry as a Bone. 1637
SHIRLEY Lady Pleas. IV ii, p. 68. 1678 RAY, p. 283.
1678
B515 A broken BONE (leg) is the stronger when it is
well set
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 206: Doth not he remember that the
broken boane once sette together, is stronger than euer it was?
1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 137: Bones that are broken and
after set again, are the more Stronger . . reconciled friendship is the
sweetest amitie. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil II i 143: Like bones
which broke in sunder and well set Knit the more strongly. 1639
CL., p. 28: A broken leg is stronger when ’tis well set. 1651 WAL-
TON Life Wotton, s. C2: As broken bones well set become stronger,
so Sir Henry Wotton did not only recover, but was much more con-
firm’d in his Majesties estimation.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2 Hen. IVIV i 221 : Ifwe do now make our
atonement well, Our peace will, like a broken limb united, Grow
Stronger for the breaking. 1604 0. II iii 327: This broken joint
between you and her husband entreat her to splinter; and . . this
crack of your love shall grow stronger than ’twas before. ,
Cf. F40: The falling-out Oflovers is a renewing of love; F759: A
broken friendship may be soldered but will never be sound; SI 50:
Scorn at first makes afterlove the more.
B516 Gnaw the BONE that is fallen to thy lot
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 41 1.
B517 He has a BONE in his mouth (throat)
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 337v: Demosthenes [having been bribed not
to speak] . . refused to speake, allegeyng that he had a bone in his
throte and could not speake. 1623 WOD., p. 496: *So said to him
that answeres not quickely being spoken to. 1659 HOW. It. Prov.,
p. 6: He hath no bones in his mouth, he is a smooth-toungd fellow.
Cf. B523: To have a bone in one’s arm (leg); D620: He has the
Silver dropsy.
B518 He has cast a BONE between them
1616 DR., s.v. Contention, no. 346. 1639 CL., p. 94. I640 THOS.
PEYTON (to Henry Oxinden, April 20) in Oxinden Let. 142, p. 164:
On Munday they cast bones one at another all the day, for soe Sir
Peter Heyman’s phrase was, which was I thinke contradicting one
another’s opinions. 1679 Popish Plot, p. 25: The late Bone that
was thrown in the sitting of the last Parliament. '
Cf. B522: To give one a bone to pick; D237: The devil has cast a
bone to set strife.
B519 He that gives thee a BONE would not have thee
die
1640 HERB., no. 351. 1650 TAYLOR Holy Living IV viii, p. 194: A
cup of water, if it be but love to the brethren . . shall be accepted.
Chi ti da un’ ossa, non ti verrebbe morto. 1664 COD., p. 228: (Who
gives thee but). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 73: Who gives thee but a
bone, would not see thee dead. I732 FUL., no. 2045: (He that be-
stoweth but a Bone on thee would not).
Cf. GI 13: He that gives me small gifts would have me live.
B520 The nearer the BONE the sweeter the flesh
01557-8 T. EMLEY Maid That Would Mary: Old Ballads, p. 21: The
nigher the bone, the flesh is much sweter. 1586 WITHALS, s. MIV:
The fleshe which to the bones sticke nearer, is commonlye in taste
the sweeter. 1614 COOKE Greene’s Tu Quoque, s. D2: (The saying
is, The nearer). 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A4v). 1639 CL., s.v.
Industriae, p. 163: (the sweeter is the flesh). 1659 How. Br. Prov.,

p. 21. 1662 FULLER Worthies Wales, II 550: As the sweetest Flesh
is said to be nearest the Bones, so most delicious Vallies are inter-
posed betwixt these Mountains. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 41, p. 39.
I670 RAY, p. 64.
See DUR., I, no. 469. (5)
B521 To carry a BONE in the mouth
[Said of a ship when she makes the water foam before her.] 1627 SMITH Sea Gram. II, p. 232: If the Bow be too broad, she will sel-
dome carry a Bone in her mouth or cut a feather, that is, to make a
fome before her.
See SM., p. 502.
B522 To give one a BONE to pick
1565 CALFHILL Ans. to Treat. Cross V, p. 277: Only therefore will I
add this, which may be a bone for you to pick on. 1577 GRANGE
Gold. Aphroditis, s. I 3: Gnawe on this bone, all is not golde that glis-
tereth. 1580 BARET, B—910: I haue giuen him a bone to gnawe, or
I haue caste him in doubte. 1583 MELEANCKE Philot., S. C1: I cast
the[e] a bone to bite on. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. V, p. 71: You giue me
a hard bone to gnaw vpon, with these cardes. I612 CHAPMAN
Widow’s Tears II i 39: Has given me A bone to tire on, with a pes-
tilence. I639 CL., s.v. Diflicultatis, p. 88: _’Tis a bone worth the:
picking. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rodere, p. 171: To give one
wherewithall to gnaw, viz. to puzzel a man, to put one to his trumps,
to give one a bone to pick, that will hold tack, or a Crow to pluck.
1670 RAY, p. 165: There’s a bone for you to pick. 1681 R. L’Es-
TRANCE Ohservator 64, Vol. I: But here’s a Bone for ye to Pick.
1721 KEL.,p. 217: I’ll give you a Bone to pick, that willstickin your
Ha’se [throat]. *I’ll tell you of something, that you will not easily
digest. 1732 FUL., no. 4872: [As in 1670 Ray].
Cf. B518: He has cast a bone between them; C855: I have a crow
to pluck with you; D237: The devil has cast a bone to set strife;
T545: To put one to his trumps. (20)
B523 To have a BONE in one’s arm (leg)
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw, p. 49: Many men would gripe
at great matters, but they haue a bone in their armes which hinders
them. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Poltrone, p. I 5 3: To be so sluggish,
as not to be able to move or stir; the English say, To have a bone
in ones arm, as if that should be an hindrance from labour. I678
RAY, p. 67: I have a bone in mine arm. *This is a pretended ex-
cuse, whereby people abuse young children when they are impor-
tunate to have them do something, or reach something for them,
that they are unwilling to do, or that is not good for them. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 464: Besides, I can’t go, for I have a bone
in my leg.-
Cf. B517: He has a bone in his mouth (throat); B525: Were it
not for the bone in the leg all the world would turn carpenters.
B524 To put (wish) a BONE in one’s hood
[01550] 1560 Nice Wanton, s. A4v: A bone in your hoode I shall put
ere it be longe. 1562 HEY. Epig. 187, p. 157: And I wishe (quoth
she) a bone in your whood.
B525 Were it not for the BONE in the leg all the world
would turn carpenters
1640 HERB., no. 1013: *To make them crutches. I658 [EDMOND-
SON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 184: (all would turn carpenters).
Cf. B523: To have a bone in one’s arm (leg).
B526 BONES bring meat to town
01640 SMYTH 56, p. 31: *Meaninge, Diflicult and hard things are not:
altogetherto bee reiected, or things of small consequence. I646
FULLER Andronicus, p. 451 : We have an English Proverb that bones
bring meat to Town, and those who are desirous to feast themselves
on the pleasant and profitable passages of Historie, must be content
some time to stoop their stomacks to feed on hard words, which
bring matter along with them. 1721 KEL., p. 337: The Bones bears
the Beef home. *An Answer to them that complain that there are
many Bones in the Meat that they are buying.
B527 He made no BONES of it
[01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, s. A2V: I pray the good Mulciber
make no mo bones. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 46: He never

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BONES
BORROW
59

made ani bones at it, but trudgd up roundely, to work the feat.
1581 B. RICH Fare. Mil. Prof., p. 147: My maide . . shall make no
bones to deliver you this male. 1619 H. HUTTON Folly’s Anat., p.
34: I hope you’l make no bones to taste this dish. 1640 BRATH-
WAITE Art Asleep Hush, p. 63: The short-breath’d Smith . . makes
me no bones of that. 1665 PEPYS Diary Oct. 16, V 120: (We now
make). 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Willing, p. 375.
See ST., no. 174. (55)
B528 T0 lay one’S BONES to work
1616 DR., s.v. Idleness, no. 1054: He will not lay his bones to worke.
I616 WITHALS, p. 557: First lay your bones to worke, then call on
God.
B529 I will never drite1 in my BONNET and set it on my
head
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 1: He hath shit in his hat, and then claps
it on his head; which is meant of one who hath lain with a woman,
and marrieth her afterwards. 1721 KEL., p. 178: *I will never
make a whore of a Woman that I resolve to marry, or marry the
Woman that I have made a Whore of.
[1void excrement]
B530 A great BOOK is'a great mischief
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. Democ. to Rdr., p. 19: Oftentimes it falls
out (which Callimachus taxed of old) a great Book is a great mis-
chief. I640 CRUSO Co'mpl. Capt. Ep. Ded., s. AI : A Great book is a
great mischief (as it is in the Greek Adagie).
B531 He is quite beside the BOOK (cushion)
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 187: He means well, but is clean out of
his ayme. He’s quite beside the cushion. 1672 WALK. 69, p. 32:
*Mightily mistaken.
B532 To speak without BOOK
1579 TOMSON 2d Ep. Paul to Tim. iv: Serm. Calvin, p. 959: I
speake not without the booke, I haue my matter in writinge. 1599
H. PORTER Two Women Ah. viii, s. G1: Me thinkes you speake with-
out the booke, To place a fower wheele waggon in my looke. 1611
Sec. Maiden’s Trag. IV i, p. 51: I’ue all yor mynde without booke.
I620 Descr. Love, s. D6: I haue my lesson now without booke.
[01633] 1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 43: And what doth
a Player else, but onely say that without book, which we may read
within Book? 1690 LOCKE Sec. Let. Tol.: Wks., II 294: To shew
you, that I do not speak wholly without-book; give me leave to
mind you of one passage of yours.
B533 Not worthy to carry his BOOKS after him
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72: (Not worthy to beare his).
s.v. Excellentia, p. 105: He is not worthy to carry his bookes. 1670
RAY, p. 200. 1672 WALK. 72, p. 54: Not worthy to wipe his shoes;
to hold him water, to wash his hands; to carry his books after him;
not to be named the same day (year of our Lord) with him.
Cf. L84: Not worthy to loose the latchet of his shoes; S378: Not
worthy to wipe his shoes.
Ihid.,
B534 To be in (out of) one’s BOOKS
I547 BALE God’s Promises IV, s. C3v: Thu mayest vpon them loke,
And if thu wylt not, thrust me out of thy boke. 1549 LATIMER
Serm. 8, p. I 24: Ifyou follow them, you are out of your book. 1562
HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 36: And I (quoth he) crosse the quyte out of my
booke. I576 FULWELL Ars Adulandi IV, s. E2v: I also found out
which of his gentlemen wayters was greatest in his bookes. 01600
1 Ret.from Parn. II, p. 41 : But as for those neat youths they are out
of my books; and yet I lie, for they are more in them than the’le pay
in haste. [1607-16] 1652 MIDDLETON ET AL. Widow I i 92: I must
have him wise, as well as proper, He comes not in my books else.
[01607-25] 1632 W. ROWLEY New Wonder III, p. 151: Is your name
found again within his books? 1608 TOPSELL Hist. Serpents, p. 73:
Reposing themselues wholie in his books, fauour, and pleasure.
1609 T. HEYWOOD Troia Brit. V 68, p. 102: That wench is modest!
oh shees in my Bookes, I onely loue her for her modest lookes.
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Hush, p. 32: That Seignior . . fell so
highly in her-books, as in the end she became a Soliciter to her Suit-

er. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Libro, p. 90: Not to have him in his
book, viz. not to have a good esteem of him. I670 WALKER Idiom.
Ang.-Lat., p. 65: He was hugely in your books.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. II i 225: A herald, Kate? 0, put
me in thy books! 1598-9 M.A. I i 78: I see, lady, the gentleman is
not in your books.
See ST., no. 13. (16)
B535 A fortunate BOOR needs but be born
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 26.
Cf. F611: He dances well to whom fortune pipes; M146: Give a
man luck (fortune) and throw him into the sea; W560: Little wit
serves unto whom fortune pipes.
B536—B537 BOOT: subst.
B536 Be jogging while your BOOTS are green
SHAKESPEARE.—I594—8 T.S. III ii 213: You may be jogging
whiles your boots are green.
See SM., p. 59.
B537 To give one the BOOTS
[To make game ofone ?] 1594 LYLY Mother B. IV ii 32: What doo
you giue me the boots? 1600 l/Veakest to Wall, 5. CI: Tis not your
big belly, nor your fat bacon, can cary it avay, if ye offer vs the
boots. 1606 DEKKER Seven Deadly Sins: Non-Dram. Wks., II 60:
Polonia gives him the bootes. _
SHAKESPEARE.—1594 T.G. V. I i 25: You are over boots in love . .
~Over the boots? Nay, give me not the boots!
B538 BOOT: verb
B538 They that are BOOTED are not always ready
1611 COT., s.v. Housé: Tel est housé qui n’est pas prest. *Sayd of
one thats furnished many wayes, and yet wants his principall helpe.
Ihid., s.v. Prest: Some, though they booted are, vnreadie are. 1640
HERB., no. 83. 1659 N.R., p. 107.
B539 To play BOOTY
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV iv, p. 139: Shal not I be boty or party
felow with the? 1565 AWDELEY Frat. V agahonds, p. 9: And consent
as though they wil play booty against him. 1584 Leicester’s Com-
monwealth, p. 131: These two conj oyned Earles, doe seeme for the
time to draw together, and to play booty. 1622 MABBE Rogue I
III vi, II 203: We are three of us, let us all play booty, and joyne
together to coozen the Cardinall. 1639 FULLER Holy War III v, p.
117: To saue their own stakes [the Templars] would play booty
with ten Turks. 1643 BOWLES Myst. Iniq., p. 26: Who by playing
booty on both sides that he might be sure to save his stake had like
to have lost all. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Unconstant, p. 347:
*To hold with the hare, and run with the hound. 1699 ]. DRAKE
Stages Surv., p. 221: We shou’d conclude, that the Preacher played
booty and betrayed the cause he pretended to plead for. (26)
B540 To play BOPEEP
1528 TYNDALE Ohed. Chr. Man, p. 214: Mark how he playeth b0-
peep with the scripture. a1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: W ks.,
II 420: Thus youe make vs sottes, And play with vs boopepe, With
other gambaldes like, To pill oure Lordes sheepe. 1538 BALE K.
yohan l. 2478, p. 126: Playe boo pepe. 1599 H. PORTER Two
Women Ah. ix, s. H3: Ill play bo-peep with her behind this tree.
B541 BOROUGH-MEN merry, more bread than drink
1639 CL., p. 113.
Great Glen there are more great dogs then honest men.
Shire.
1678 RAY, p. 317: Bread for Borrough-men, At
*Leicester-
B542 He that will BORROW must pay
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A7v). 1639 CL., p. 246.
B543 Not so good to BORROW as to be able to lend
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3v.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
BORROW
60 Bow

B544 Who will BORROW when he has not, let him bor-
row when he has
1659 N.R., p. 118. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 118.
Cf. H650: Have a horse of your own, you may borrow another.
B545 He that goes a BORROWING goes a sorrowing
1552 TAV., f. 46—46v: (Is’oelix, qui nihil debet ..The Englysh prou-
erbe also testyfyeth: that he that). 1573 TUSSER 500 Points
llusb. 52, p. 116: (Who goeth). 1616 DR., no. 201. 1623 CAM., p.
270. 1639 CL., p. 220. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: (Who goes).
1664 COD., p. 198. 1669 WORLIDGE Systema Agric. XI, p. 233: (a
sorrowing, is an old and true proverb). 1678 RAY, p. 104. 1705
Pleas. Art, p. 157. 1721 KEL., p. 139. 1743 FRANKLIN, p. 21:
Borrowing makes sorrowing.
See DUR., I, no. 256. (5)
B546 He will creep into your BOSOM
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3: She speaketh as She wolde crepe into your
bosome. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 15: He calls me friend,
Ile creepe into his bosome and sting him there to death. I616
WITHALS, p. 574: Hee speakes as though hee would creepe into your
bosome. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VI IV i I: The gaudy, blabbing,
and remorseful day Is crept into the bosom of the sea. 1597 I Hen.
IVI iii 265: Your son . . Shall secretly into the bosom creep Of that
same noble prelate.
Cf. M1250: He speaks as if he would creep into one’s mouth.
B547 BOTCH (Patch) and sit, build and flit
1618 W. LAWSON New Orch. and Garden IV, p. 12: Tenants, who
have taken up this Proverb, Botch and sit, Build and flit. 01640
SMYTH 93, p. 33: *I beshrew this proverbe, wherby the tenant is kept
from a comly repairinge of his house, for doubt of havinge it taken
in revertion over his head. 1664 COD., p. 209: Patch and long slit,
build and soon flit. 1670 RAY, p. 21: [As in 1664 Cod.].
B548 To brew in a BOTTLE and bake in a bag
01542 BOORDE Diet. Health V: Intro. and Dietary, p. 240: For these
men the which do brew in a botyl and bake in a walet, it wyll be long
or he can by lacke a salet. 1678 RAY, p. 91: *Relating to several
trades.
B549 What are you good for? to stop BOTTLES?
1678 RAY, p. 342.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I H. V i 224: Why may not imagination
grace the noble dust of Alexander till he find it stopping a bung-
ole?
B550-B552 BOTTOM=lowest part
B550 He brought the BOTTOM of the bag clean out
1546 HEY. II x, 5. L3.
B551 It is too late to spare when the BOTTOM is bare
1539 TAV., f. 32: It is to late sparinge at the botome. 01555 Songs
and Bal. Philip and Mary 10, p. 30: To latte they spare, when all ys
goone. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Parsimonia: Sera parsimonia in fundo, It
Is to late to spare when the barell is at the bottome. 1581—90 Ti-
mon IV v, p. 71: (When all is spent). 01584 G. HARVEY Margi-
nalia, p. 102: TOO late sparing at the bottum; where nothing left,
but the least, and last. 01594 BACON, no. 1003: Thrift is too late
[when you come] to the bottom of your stock. 1598 BARCKLEY
Fel. Man V, p. 628: (when all is out). 1616 WITHALS, p. 581.
1639 CL., p. 262: TOO late to spare when all is spent. Ibid., p. 283.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 5: It is too late for a prodigal!
to spare at the bottome. 1664 COD., p. 201. 1670 RAY, p. 144.
1672 WALK. 63, p. 48.
See DUR., II, no. 369. Cf. A211: When all is consumed repent-
ance comes too late; B674: Better spare at the brim than at the
bottom. (6)
B552 Who still takes out and puts not in will quickly
find a BOTTOM
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 10: Where they take out and put nothing
In, they quickly go to the bottom. Ibid., p. I I. 1664 COD., p. 225.

[1732—57] 1758 FRANKLIN Way to Wealth, p. 34: Always taking out
of the meal-tub, and never putting in, soon comes to the bottom.
Cf. N280: Ifyou put nothing into your purse you can take nothing
out; N326: There came nothing (nought) out of the sack but what
was in it (there).
B553 BOTTOM=skein of thread
B553 Wind up your BOTTOM
1632 J. HOWELL Let. I vi 3, I 300: I could not wind it up closer, nor
on a lesser bottom. 1639 CL., s.v. Bibacitas, Bibendi, p. 46. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 24: Wind up your bottoms, and drink your cup.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bacco, p. 9: To take of his full cups, or to
wind up his bottom roundly. Ibid., s.v. Riporre, p. 169: TO con-
clude and finish any tale or Story, to bring it to a period, to wind up
ones bottom, to put up ones pipes, say Taylers and F idlers. 1670
RAY, p. 216.
Cf. H802: She is not a good housewife that will not wind up her
bottom; P345: To put up one’s pipes. (7)
B554 Cut not the BOUGH that thou standest upon
1528 TYNDALE Obed. Chr. Man, p. 304: We say—Cut not the bough
that thou standest upon: whose literal sense is, Oppress not the
commons: and is borrowed of hewers.
B555 The BOUGHS that bear most hang lowest
1655 FULLER Church Hist. X iii, III 231: His humility set a lustre
on all, (admirable that the whole should be so low, whose several
parts were so high) . . like a tree loaden with fruit, bowing down its
branches. 1732 FUL., no. 4430.
B556 Short BOUGHS long vintage
1640 HERB., no. 504.
B557 Who trusts to rotten BOUGHS may fall
01576 Common Cond. l. 557, s. CIV: Hee that trusts to a broken
bough may hap to fall from the tree. 01615 Pepys Bal. 14, I 94:
'Who trusts to rotten boughes shall fall ere they bewares.
B558 To buy dear is not BOUNTY
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 22:
1670 RAY, p. 4.
1640 HERB., no. 156.
(is no bounty). 1664 COD., p. 217.
B559 Sooth BOURD1 is no bourd
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2: It is yll iestyng on the soothe. Soth bourd
is no bourd, in ought that myrth dooth. 1562 HEY. Epig. 88, p.
140. 1591 HARINGTON Apol. Poet.: Orl. Fur., f. 6: (As the old say-
ing is, Sooth). a1598 FERG. MS, no. I 175. 1616 DR., s.v. Jesting,
no. 1067. 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady I vii 36: ’Ware your truejests,
Mr. Compasse. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 37. I668
R.B., p. 47. 1721 KEL., p. 3: (A sooth bourd). *Spoken when
People reflect too satyrically upon the real Vices, Follies, and Mis-
carriages of their Neighbours.
Cf. J43: True jests are the worst; J44: The truest jests sound
worst in guilty ears; W772: There is many a true word spoken in
jest.
[ljest]
B560 That is a good BOURD1 that all men laugh at
9.1598 FERG. MS, no. 1360: (laughs).
[ljest]
B561—B565 Bow: subst.
B561 A Bow long bent at last waxes weak
I541 COVERDALE Chr. State Matr. XIX, f. 62: The bowe will breake
yf it be to sore bent. 1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 28: (at length must
ware weake). 01573 I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, s. C2: The bow
that euer standeth bent too far wyll neuer cast The mind which
euermore is slack, doth badly prone at last. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit, p. 251: Is it not true which Seneca reporteth, that as to much
bendinge breaketh the bowe, so to much remission spoyleth the
minde? 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. R4: Like a bowe longe bent
that in proces weakens. I611 GRUT., no. I. 1614 CAM., p. 302.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BOW
Box


1616 DR., s.v. Recreation, no. 1825: A Bow tOO much bent will be
broken. 1639 CL., p. 213. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1664
COD., p. 183: (bent waxeth weak). I670 RAY, p. 65. I721 KEL.,
p. 33: A Bow o’er bent will weaken. *Eng. All Work and no
Play makes Jack a dull Boy. 1732 FUL., no. 1013: Bows too long
bent, grow weak.
See DI'JR., I, no. 255; OTTO, no. 159; ST., no. 296. Cf. W842: All
work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. (19)
B562 The BOW of Ulysses
[A task of great difiiculty] 1545 ASCHAM Tox., p. 135: Penelope
brought Vlixes bowe downe amonges the gentlemen, whiche came
on wowing to her, that he whiche was able to bende it and drawe it,
might inioye her. 1678 DRYDEN All/for Love Pref., p. 326: The
death of Antony and Cleopatra . . has been treated by the greatest
wits of our nation . . and . . their example has given me the confi-
dence to try myself in this bow of Ulysses.
B563 He outshot him in his own BOW
1597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 1 101: Poems, p. 39: In your
awin bow ye are owre-schot, Be mair than half ane inch. 1605
BACON fldv. Learning II, p. 351: I doubt not but learned men with
mean experience, would far excel men Of long experience without
learning, and outshoot them in their own bow. [a1618] 1652 F.
GREVILLE Sidney 2, p. 33: Philip did so far overshoot him in his own
bow, as those friends which at first were Sir Philip’s for this Secre-
tarie’s sake, within a while became so fully owned and possest by
Sir Philip, as now he held them at the second-hand. 1637 R.
MONRO Exped. with Mac-Keyes II 55 : The Invincible Gustavus, who
still did out-shoot him out Of his owne Bowe. 1639 CL., s.v. Excel-
lentia, p. 106. 1647 N. WARD Simple Cohhler, p. 17: Rather then
the devill will lose his game, he will out-shoot Christ in his own bow.
1664 COD., p. 197. 1670 RAY, p. 188: (To outshoot a man in).
1672 MARVELL Rehear. Transprosed I, p. 217: Our Author, who had
before outshot Sibthorp and Manwaring in their own bows. I683
DRYDEN AND LEE Duke Guise IV iv, p. 375: Here’s a Rogue now,
will out-shoot the Devil in his own Bow. 1721 KEL., p. 138: (He’s
o’er-shot in). 1732 FUL., no. 2469: (He’s overshot in).
Cf. W204: To beat one at his own weapon. (6)
B564 I have a good BOW but it is in the castle
a1598 FERO. MS, no. 851. 1668 R.B., p. 30. 1721 KEL., p. 183-.
*Spoken to them who say that they have a Thing very proper for
that Business, but it is not at hand. 1732 FUL., no. 2601: (but I
can't come at it).
Cf. P652: He has left his purse in his other hose (breeches).
B565 To bring to one’s Bow
1652 GAULE Mag-astro-mancer 27, p. 355: Merlin therefore is .con-
sulted, who to bring her tO his bow; scorns to use any petty magical
Philbus. 1653 H. COOAN Pinto’s Trav. 72, p. 294: Hoping by this
means to bring him to his bowe with less peril. 1675 BROOKS
Golden Key: Wks., V 497: Neither Darius, his presidents, nor princes,
could ever bring Daniel to their bow. 1679 WALLER Trag. Hist.
Yetzer, p. 26: Hoping to reduce him to his Obedience, and bring him
to their bow. 1682 BUNYAN Holy War II, III 264: Mansoul being
wholly at his beck, and brought wholly to his bow. a1697 DAM-
PIER Voyages and Descriptions I, p. 560: The Dutch . . have lately
endeavoured to bring the King, who is very young, to their BOW.
B566 Bow: verb
B566 Better BOW than break
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 58: Better is to bow, then to brest. 1530
PALs., p. 660a: Better plye than breake. I546 HEY. I ix, s. C2:
(Better is to). 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 189. I562 HEY. Epig.
155, p. 152. 1566 HOL., p. 261. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 93:
You ought rather to bowe then to breake. 01594 BACON, no. 944:
Better to bow then to breake. 1596 DEL., s. O5v: It is better to
bow then to breake. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 253. I611 COT., s.v.
Plier: *Better to yeeld vnto good aduice, or the violent sway of the
time, then by following his own opinion, or humor, to draw on him-
selfe a certaine destruction. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 143: (It’s better).
I611 GRUT., no. 64: (Better to). 1614 CAM., p. 304: (Better to).
1616 DR., no. 153: (It is better to). 1623 WOD., p. 509: (Better

bend). 1639 CL., p. 232. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (Better to).
1664 COD., p. 187: (Better to). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 207: It’s
better to bend, than to break. *Note 223, p. 227: Alluding to the
fable of the Willow and the Oak. 1668 R.B., p. 12: (nor break).
1670 RAY, p. 65: (Better to). 1721 KEL., p. 73: *Better give way
to a present Torrent, than by obstinately withstanding or opposing
it, ruin our selves. 1732 FUL., no. 882.
See DI'JR., I, no. 238. Cf. B636: It will sooner break than bow;
F653: We must fall down before a fox (lion, fortune) in season;
L368: TO yield a little is better than to be Stifi'.
B567 Wide at the BOW HAND
[Far from the mark] 1604 DEKKER I Hon. Whore, p. 10: Y’are
wide ath bow hand still brother: my longings are not wanton, but
wayward. [01620] I654 WEBSTER [AND T. HEYWOOD] Appius and
Virg. III iv 9: I take thee to be an honest good fellow. —Wide of
the bow-hand still: Corbulo is no such man.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV i 135: Wide 0’ the bow-hand!
I’faith, your hand is out.
B568 Sole1 your BOWL well
1658 BRAMHALL Schism Guarded Intro.: Wks., II 366: It were
strange if he should throw a good cast, Who soals his bowl upon an
undersong; alluding to that ordinary and elegant expression in our
English tongue soal your bowl well, that is, be careful to begin your
work well. 1677 E. COLEs Eng. Lat. Dict., s. Ss4v: TO sole a bowl,
probe et rite emittere globum.
[1throw]
B569 He that will play at BOWLS must expect to meet
with rubs
SHAKESPEARE—1594-5 L.L.L. IV i I40: Challenge her to bowl.
—I fear too much rubbing. 1596 Rich. I] III iv 3: Madam, we’ll
play at bowls. ——’Twill make me think the world is full of rubs.
See APP., p. 62; ST., no. 147.
B570 He is a long BOWMAN
1678 RAY, p. 89: *Said Of a lier.
B571 Bourd1 not with BOWTY2 lest he bite you
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 246: Bourd not with bawtie. Ibid., no. 247:
Bawtie wil byt yow. 1641 FERG., no. 178: Bourd not With bawtie.
I668 R.B., p. 13: Bourd not with Bawty, fear lest he bite ye. 1721
KEL., p. 56: *Do notjest tOO familiarly with your Superiors, lest you
provoke them to make you a surlish Return.
[1] est 2a watchdog]
B572 BOWWOWS1 is no wedding
c1569 J. PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 182, s. B3: Baw waws is no
weddinge the prouerbe doth tell.
[lnoisy protest]
B573 Box = blow
B573 A Box on the ear
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Morto, p. 1 10: To have found one that
hath left him a great estate by will; the English term it, A sound box
on the ear. Ibid., s.v. Persica, p. 142: A windfall, a sound Legacy,
or box on the ear, or for ones Father or Friends to be born before
one. Ihid., s.v. Sbruffego, p. 181: A thing fallen to one by chance,
without so much as dreaming of it, a wind-fall, a box on the ear, a
good estate.
Cf. F740: Happy is he whose friends were (whose father was)
born before him.
B574 Box = measure
B574 The chief Box of health is time
1640 HERB., no. 905.
B575 Box =p1ace
B575 Thou art in a wrong Box
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4: The wrong waie to wood, and the wrong sow
by theare And therby in the wronge boxe to thriue, ye weare.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi lI.
BOY
BRAIN
62

8.1555 N. RIDLEY Conf. hetw. Ridley and Bourn: Wks., p. 163: Ifyou
will hear how St Augustine expoundeth that place, you shall per-
ceive that you are in a wrong box. a1598 FERo. MS, no. 1432.
1611 DAY. Prov., no. 38: Some men to thriue are in the wrong box.
1616 DR., s.v. Vnthriftie, no. 2315: He is in the wrong boxe to thriue.
1672 WALK. 22, p. 29: You are quite out of the way; wide of the
mark; clearly mistaken; in a wrong box.
Cf. M668: He shoots wide of the mark. (15)
B576 A BOY, has a purse and twopence in it
[01608] 1638 W. ROWLEY A Shoe. a Gent. V i 206: A boy I’m sure,
has a Purse and two pence in’t. 1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker IV
ii, p. 56: Is it a boy, has it a purse, and two pence in’t?
B577 The least BOY always carries the greatest fiddle
1670 RAY, p. 1 12: *All lay load upon those that are the least able to
bear it. For they that are least able to bear, are least to resist the
imposition of the burden. 1732 FUL., no. 4629: The least Boy car-
ries the biggest Fiddle.
Cf. A158: All lay load on a willing horse; F414: Folk call on the
horse that will carry always.
B578 A smiling BOY seldom proves a good servant
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (seldom good servant). 1670 RAY, p.
24. 1721 KEL., p. 53: A laughing fac’d Lad makes a lither Servant.
*It is supposed such are too full of Roguery to be diligent.
B579 To be one’s white BOY (son)
1539 TAV., f. 48: He that can flatter and saye as I say, shalbe myne
owne whyte sonne. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I i 49: Holde
up his yea and nay, be his nowne white sonne. 1568 FULWELL
Like Will to Like, s. CIV: Thou wast once a white sonne. 1581-90
Timon I iii, p. 10: What speake the Virgines of me . . ——They
terme you delight of men, white boye. 1599 H. PORTER Two Wom-
en Ah. viii, s. GIV: Whose white boy is that same? 1606 CHAPMAN
Sir G. Goosecap IV i 13: And you were her white son, I warrant, my
Lord! 1639 FULLER Holy War I xiii, p. 20: The pope was 10th to
adventure his darlings into danger; those white-boys were to Stay at
home with his Holinesse their tender father.
B580 An unhappy (ill, shrewd) BOY (lad) may make a
good man
1548 E. HALL Hen. IV Introd.: Chron., f. 9: Experience teacheth,
that . . of a shreude boye proueth a good man. 1592 GREENE Disp.
hetw. He and She, p. 239: My Mother allowed of my vnhappy parts,
alluding to this prophane and old prouerbe, an untowarde gyrle
makes a good Woman. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 193: Ane ill lad may
be ane good man. Ibid., no. 194: Ane ill lad a good hanget man.
1616 DR., no. 83: (A shrewd boy maketh). 1639 CL., p. 168. I655
FULLER Church Hist. X iv, III 268: (Verified the proverb, that an
untoward boy may). 1659 N.R., p. 2: (makes). 1670 RAY, p. I I I :
(lad). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Lad: (An unhappy Lad sometimes makes).
Cf. C522: Of a ragged colt comes a good horse.
B581 To leave BOY’s play and fall (go) to blowpoint
1616 WITHALS, p. 569. 1639 CL., p. 197. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 16: (go). 1670 RAY, p. 215: (go). 1681 ROB., p. 997. 1732
FUL., no. 3166: Leave Boy’s Play, and go to Push-Pin. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 381: Come, let us leave off children’s play; and go to
push-pin.
B582 He that is manned with BOYS and horsed with
colts shall have his meat eaten and his work
undone
1623 CAM., p. 270. 1639 CL., p. 156. 1659 N.R., p. 42: (man’d by
Boyes). 1664 COD., p. 198: (will have). 1670 RAY, p. 118. 1721
KEL., p. 169: (will have). *Because the Boy will neglect his Busi-
ness, and the Horse will throw him. 1732 FUL., no. 2286.
B583 Jest with BOYS and leave the saints (holy things)
alone
1578 WHETSTONE 1 Promos and Cass. III v, s. D3: Non bonus est,
ludere cum sanctis. The quietest, and the thryftiest course they

say, Is, not to checke, but prayse great mens amys. 1583 STUEBES
Anat. Ahuses II, p. 67: Besides, you knowe the olde prouerbe, Non
bonum est ludere cum sanctis, It is not good to meddle with these _
holie ones, for feare of thunderbolts, to insue. 1612 T. ADAMS Gal-
lant’s Burden: W ks., p. 14: We say (Non bonum ludere cum sanctis)
it is no safe iesting with holy things. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8.
1710 PALMER, p. 322: Play with Children and let the Saints Alone.
Cf. E242: Jest (Bourd) not with the eye or with religion (honor).
B584 You seek a BRAcK (gap) where the hedge is
whole
1616 'WITHALS, p. 568.
break a gap). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16.
1732 FUL., no. 5901: (You find a Gap).
B585 BRACKLEY BREED, better to hang than feed
1636 T. POWEL .Mystery Lending and Borrowing in Somers Tracts,
VII 212: Heer’s the full summe of the reckoning and a pottle over;
though we be Leicestershire fed, yet we be not Brackley bred, I as-
sure you. 1639 CL., p. 203: (then to feed). 1670 RAY, p. 246.
B586 What have I to do with BRADSHAW’S windmill?
1678 RAY, p. 317: *What have I to doe with another mans business?
Leicestershire. 1732 FUL., no. 5492.
1639 CL., s.v. Culpandi, p. 80: (You’d
1670 RAY, p. 165.
B587 BRAG is a good dog
1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 146: Brag is a good Dogge, whyle he
will holde out: but at last he may chaunce to meete with his matche.
1599 'H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. I4: I, brags a good dog,
threatned folks liue long. [3.1600] 16 39 DELONEY Gentle Craft II, p.
53: Brag is a good dog, quoth Stutely, but tell us, hast thou made
thy Will? 1616 DR., s.v. Cowardise, no. 390. 1636 CAM., p. 294.
1639 CL., s.v. Iactantia, p. 142. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
1659 N.R., p. 20.
B588 BRAG is a good dog but Holdfast is a better
1709 DYKES, p. 123. 1721 KEL., p. 23: *Eng. 1730 BAILEY, s.v.
Brag: *This Proverb is a Taunt upon Braggadochio’s, who talk big,
boast and rattle.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V II iii 53: Men’s faiths are wafer-
cakes, And Hold-fast is the only dog, my duck.
B589 BRAG is a good dog but that he has lost his tail
I618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.: Wks., II 7: If Brag were not a
good dogge, I know not how hee would hold vp his taile. I678
RAY, p. 105.
B590 BRAG is a good dog if he be well set on but he
dare not bite
1670 RAY, p. 65: Brag’s a good dog if he be well set on. 1678 RAY,
p. 105. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Brag: Brag’s a good Dog ifhe well be set
on. *That is, if it have a good Foundation, or a capacity to support
it. 1732 FUL., no. 1015: Brag’s a good Dog, but dares not bite.
B591 Great BRAGGERS little doers
1552 TAV., f. 67: Great braggers commonly be least fyghters.
[a16oo] 1639 DELONEY Gentle Craft II, p. 62: It is an old saying, they
brag most that can doe least. 1611 COT., s.v. Langue: Those that
brag most, execute least. 1659 N.R., p. 4: A vapourer in words,
but not in deeds. I732 FUL., no. 1753.
Cf. B488: Great boast (and) small roast.
B592 He that fills his BRAIN with Wine can put nothing
else in it
1616 DR., s.v. Vanity, no. 2211. 1664 COD., p. 196.
B593 An idle BRAIN idle counsel
1616 DR., no. 749. Ibid., no. 2213: From an idle braine an idle
discourse.
B594 An idle BRAIN is the devil’s shop
1678 RAY, p. 161. 1732 FUL., no. 3053: Idle Brains are the Devil’s
Workhouses.
Cf. IIO: Idleness is the devil’s cushion.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BRAIN
BREAD
63

B595 If the BRAIN sows not com it plants thistles
1640 HBRB., no. 1017. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
181. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: The brain that sowes not com
plants thistles. *If there be not good thoughts, there are bad.
1659 N.R., p. 70. 1670 RAY, p. 3: The brain that sowes not com
plants thistles. 1732 FUL., no. 4437: The busy Brain, that sows
not Corn, sows Thistles.
Cf. W241: Weeds come forth on the fattest soil if it is untilled.
B596 T0 bear a BRAIN
[To bear a brain meant to be thoughtful, prudent, or cautious]
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. D4v: Be not to bolde my frende I
counsell you bere a brayne. 01569 PHILLIP Patient Grisscll l.
1361, s. F3v: Eate my meat I can thanke God, with him that Beares
a head. 1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 120: Some potestats . .
will by fittes beare a braine. [8.1600] 1662 LT. Grim Collier Croy-
don V i, s. 19: Nay but Ione, have a care, bear a brain for all at once.
1605 CHAPMAN All Fools IV i 204: Well, sir, let me alone, I’ll bear a
brain. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub I ii 27: I am old Rivet still, and beare
a braine.
SHAKESPEARE—"01595 R7. I iii 29: Nay, I do bear a brain.
B597 You will not believe he is bald (dead) till you
see his BRAIN
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 48: I am . . as incredulous as
those, who thinke none balde, till they see his braynes. 1591 FLOR.
Sec. F. VII, p. 125: (beleeue that I am balde, vnles you see my
braines). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1648: Ye will not trow ane scalled
man till ye sie his harnes [brains]. 1639 CL., s.v. Iudicandi recte,
secus, p. 181: (braines). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 4: The bald will
not believe till he sees his brains. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11:
(believe one bald, except you). 1666 ORMONDE (to Wm. Legge,
May 5) in MS Earl Dartmouth, p. 13: This I have sayd over and
over, but perhaps thay will not beleeve a man is bald till they see his
braines. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cervello, p. 36: Not to believe
that one is bald, unless one may see his brain, viz. to be wilfully
obstinate. I670 RAY, p. 163: (brains). 1678 RAY, p. 67: You’ll
not believe a man is dead till you see his brains out. 1732 FUL., no.
6031: [As in 1678 Ray]. Ihid., no. 6032: You’ll not believe him
Bald, till you see his Brains.
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. IV ii 125: Nay, I’ll ne’er believe a
madman till I see his brains. 1605-6 M. III iv 78: The time has
been That, when the brains were out, the man would die, And there
an end! But now they rise again . . And push us from our stools.
B598 He has no more BRAINS than a burboltl
[01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. III ii 88: He hath in his head . . As
much braine as a burbolt. 1672 WALK. 61, p. 1 1: He hath no more
wit than a stone; no more brains than a burbout. He is a very
Codshead.
[1bird bolt]
B599 His BRAINS are addle
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III IV i 2, p. 895: Their brains were
addle, and their bellies as empty of meat as their heads of wit.
1670 RAY, p. 165. I672 WALK. 48, p. 16: Your brains are addle;
you are crack’d braind; not well in your wits. 1689 DRYDEN Don
Sehast. Prol., p. 321 : His brains grow addle, And all the rest is purely
from this noddle.
B600 His BRAINS crow
1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, s. F1: I am pretily well, And soes
mine hoast, I thinke his braines doe crow. 1678 RAY, p. 230.
B601 His BRAINS will work without barm1
1670 RAY, p. 166: *Yorksh. 1732 FUL., no. 2505: His Brains want
no Barm to make them work.
[lyeast formed on brewing liquors]
B602 To beat (cudgel)0ne’s BRAINS
01579 [MEREURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 31 : To teare myselfe
and beate my braines, And all for Wisdomes sake! I581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. II, I 248: Wherby even amongst men, the hearers are

made melancholike by beating their brains to understand it. 1596
HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 42: I beate my braines about it. 1665
Char. Coflee House, p. 10: Truth is, old Poets beat their brains To
find out high and lofty strains. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cervello,
p. 36: To beat ones brains about the understanding or finding out of
any thing.
SHAKESPEARE.~—16oo—I H. V i 63: Cudgel thy brains no more
aboutiL
See ST. , no. 944. Cf. S790: A spur and a whip for a dull horse. (8)
B603 BRAINTREE for the pure and Bocking for the poor,
Coggeshell for the jeering town and Kelvedon
for the Whore
I670 RAY, p. 228.
B604 Much BRAN and little meal
1616 DR., s.v. Boasting, no. 182. 1639 CL., p. 142. 1670 RAY, p.
65. 1732 FUL., no. 3477: (and little Flour).
Cf. C871: Great cry and little wool.
B605 BRANDY is Latin1 for a goose
[An apology for drinking a dram after eating goose.] 1588 [MAR-
PRELATE] Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. 140: Can you tell your brother
Marprelate, with all your learning, how to decline what is Latin for
a goose? 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 445.
Cf. T6: Tace is Latin for a candle.
[1i.e., slang]
B606 Fly, BRASS, thy father is a tinker
1639 CL., s.v. Profusio, p. 262. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12: Fly
brass, the Coblers nose in the Tinkers arse.
Cf. F95: Your father was no glazier; P41: Mock no pannierman,
your father was a fisher.
B607 His old BRASS (cloak) will buy you a new pan
(kirtle)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 96: I haue now lyued compasse,
for Adams olde Apron, must make Eue a new Kirtle. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. C3: She will make a Metamorphosis of that
deuice, and shaping a new coate' of an olde blanket. 01592 KYD
Span. Trag. III vi, s. F3v: Doest thou thinke to liue till his olde
doublet will make thee a new trusse? 3.1598 F ERG. MS, no. 1127:
Often hath it bein sein that Eva’s old kirtl hath maid old Adam a
pair of new breeches. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1 1: N ewes, newes,
the skin of your arse will make a new pair of shOOes. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. SilVestra, p. 193: A new Sute to be made of an old
Cloak. I721 KEL., p. 163: *An Encouragement to a young Woman,
to marry an old wealthy Man: because his Riches will get her a new
Husband, when he shall dye. 1732 FUL., no. 6059: (Your old
Brass will bring you).
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-I I iii 17: An old cloak makes a
new jerkin; a wither’d servingman a fresh tapster. 1606i] A.C. I
ii 172': If there were no more women but F ulvia, then had you in-
deed a cut, and the case to be lamented. This grief is crown’d with
consolation; your old smock brings forth a new petticoat.
Cf. H205: My old hat must have a new band.
B608 If BRAYTON BARGH and Hambleton bough and
Burton bream Were all in thy belly ’twould
never be team1
1670 RAY, p. 2 57: *It is spoken of a covetous and unsatiable person,
whom nothing will content. 1697 MER., p. 165.
[1full]
B609 Another’s BREAD costs dear
1640 HERB., no. 320.
B610 Be fair conditioned and eat BREAD with your
pudding1
1678 RAY, p. 79.
[lblood pudding, sausage]

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
BREAD 64 BREAD
B618 Dry BREAD at home is better than roast meat
B611 BREAD and cheese is good to eat when men can
get no other meat (are physic to such as are in
health)
I586 WITHALS, s. G3v: Bread and cheese for the sound are good fees.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 277. I655 MOFFETT Health’s Improvem. xxv,
p. 236: Bread and Cheese be the two targets against death. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 20, p. 92: Cheese and bread is physick to such as are
in health. 1721 KEL., p. 59.
Cf. B628: To him who is hungry any bread is pleasant; L400: A
white loaf and a hard cheese never shame the master; M841: They
that have no other meat, bread and butter are glad to eat.
B612 BREAD is a binder
1594 GREENE AND LODGE Looking Glass, s. B2vz The Ale is a restor-
ative, bread is a binder, marke you Sir. 1611 CHAPMAN May Day
I i 425: Ifyou chance to tell a lie, you must bind it with some oath
as by this bread for bread’s a binder, you know. 1616 BEAUMONT
AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady IV, p. 283: Ale is their eating and
their drinking surely, which keeps their bodies clear, and soluble.
Bread is a binder. 1638 BRATHWAITE Barnabee’s Your. I, II B1:
Bread’s a binder, wealth’s a miser, drink down care, and thou art
Wiser.
B613 BREAD is the staff of life
1648 BEAUMONT Psyche XII 130, p. 9: This Sacramental Bread,
and this alone, Is that supporting Staff of Life, with which The
stoutly-faithful Generation Their gallant journey take to heav’n.
1655 MOFFETT Health’s Improvem. xxv, p. 235: Many meats be
loathed naturally, of some persons, yet we never saw, read, nor
heard of any man that naturally hated Bread . . because it is the
staff ofLife. 1660 J. HOWELL Parley Beasts VI, p. 86: Ther is not a
competency of bread (which is the staff of life). 1676 SAMMES
Antiq. Brit., p. 345: The whole country was exhaust of Bread, the
staff and strength oflife. 1704 SWIFT Tale Tub IV, p. 113: Bread,
says he, dear brother, is the staff of life. 1710 M. HENRY Expos.
Test. Psalms CIV xviii, II: Here is bread, which strengthens man’s
heart, and is therefore called the staff of life.
B614 BREAD of one day, an egg of one hour, wine of
one year, fish of ten, a woman of fifteen, and
a friend of a hundred
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 59: An egg of an houre, bread of a daie,
kidd of a moneth, wine of sixe, flesh of a yeare, fish of ten, a woman
of fifteene, and a friend of a hundreth, he must have that will be
merrie. 1659 How. It. Prov.,p. 14. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3,p. 181 : An
egg of an hours laying, bread of a daies, flesh of one years growth, fish
often, a woman offifteen, and a friend of a hundred years standing.
See DUR., II, no. 330. Cf. Y32: Yesterday’s bread, and this
day’s flesh, wine of the year past bring health.
B615 BREAD with eyes, cheese without eyes, and wine
that leaps up to the eyes
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: Blind cheese, bread with eyes, wine that
leaps into your eyes. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8: Bread with eyes,
cheese without eyes. 1659 N.R., p. 22: Bread with holes, cheese
without holes, and wine that sparkles into the eyes, are the best.
1664 COD., p. 189: Choose Bread with eyes, and Cheese without
eyes. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 186: Bread with eyes, cheese blind,
and wine that sparkles up to the eyes. 1670 RAY, p. 3: Bread with
eyes, and cheese without eyes. *Hispan. 1732 FUL., no. 1017.
B616 Buckinghamshire BREAD and beef
1622 DRAYTON Poly—Olb. XXIII 247, p. 473: Rich Buckingham
doth beare the term of Bread and Beefe, Where if you beat a Bush,
tis ods you start a Theefe. 1662 FULLER Worthies Buckingham-
shire, I 134: *The former is as fine, the latter as fat in this as in any
other County. 1670 RAY, p. 220.
B617 Crumb not your BREAD before you taste your
porridge
1595 COPLEY kVits, Fits IV, p. 120: Tast your pottage before you
crumb in your bread. [01616] I639 FLETCHER M. Thomas IV iv, p.
I 52.

abroad
1622 MABBE Rogue I 111 x, II 261: Better is a hard crust in thine
owne house, then a cram’d Capon in another Mans. 1640 HERB.,
no. 677. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 232: (I had
rather eat dry bread at home then). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5:
(Dry bread is better at home then). 1659 N.R., p. 28: [As in 1659
How.]. 1664 COD., p. 191. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 186. 1670
RAY, p. 13: *Ital. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Home. 1705 Pleas. Art, p.
152. 1732 FUL., no. 1118: (Coarse Bread).
Cf. BI 14: A bean in liberty is better than a comfit in prison; S75:
Better eat salt with philosophers of Greece than sugar with courte-
sans (courtiers) of Italy.
B619 Eat BREAD at pleasure, drink wine by measure
1611 COT., s.v. Vin: *A Precept which the French obserue in the
first (howsoeuer in the second) part; for no people eat more bread,
nor haue better bread to eat, then they. 1659 How. It. Prov., p.
14: Bread as long as it last, but wine by measure. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 23: Bread enough, and Wine by measure.
Cf. P409: Eat at pleasure, drink by measure.
B620 Eaten BREAD is forgotten
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 80. 1623 CAM., p. 268. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 169. I659 N.R., p. 30: (forgot). 1664 COD.,
p. 191: (forgot). 1670 RAY, p. 84. 1732 FUL., no. 1358.
Cf. B309: Benefits are soon forgotten.
B621 He that sets the BREAD in the oven naughtily
draws out the loaves crushed awry
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 37: He that sets the bread in the ouen naughtily, draws
out his Batch crusht and ill-fauoured: and as one brews, so let him
drinke; as men plot, so let them proue. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12:
Who puts not his bread aright in the oven, drawes forth crooked
loaves.
Cf. B654: AS one brews so let him bake (drink).
B622 He would eat finer BREAD than is made of wheat
1546 HEY. II vii, S. I4: Lyke one of fonde fancy so fyne and so neate
That wold haue better bread than is made of wheate. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 181: Desire . . to eate finer bread then is made
of Wheat, to weare finer cloth than is wrought of Woll. 01592
PEELE Speeches to Qu. Eliz.: Wks., II 313: She would eat fairer
bread than is made of wheat. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p.
30: They will haue better bread then is made of wheate. 1611
COT., s.v. Froument: Would you haue better bread then’s made of
wheat? *A taxation of ouer-much curiositie, or daintinesse. 1616
DR., s.v. Gluttony, no. 881. I620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II,
lxvii, IV 225: I seeke not in other mens houses better bread then is
made of wheat. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: Will you have better
bread then is made of Wheat? I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pane, p.
I 29: To seek for better bread than what is made of flower, or of what
is made of Wheat, viz. not to be satisfied with reason, not to know
when one is well. 1670 RAY, p. 3: Would you have better bread
then is made of wheat? *Ital. 1732 FUL., no. 5826: Would you
eat finer Bread than is made of Wheat or wear finer Cloth than is
made of Wool?
Cf. K183: He knows (knows not) when he is well.
B623 His BREAD is buttered on both sides
1678 RAY, p. 232: *He hath a plentiful estate: he is fat and full.
1697 MER., p. 166. 1732 FUL., no. 6044: (Your Bread).
B624 Lemster1 BREAD and Weabley2 ale
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Hereford, I 620: So renowned also is it for
wheat, and bread of the finest floure, that Lemster bread and
Weabley Ale are growne unto a common proverbe. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 20: Webley Ale, Medley Bells, Lemster Ore; three
things in Herefordshire, which are the best in that kind. 1662 FUL-
LER Worthies Herefordshire, I 447. 1700 J. BROME Trav., p. 102:
Hence it is grown Proverbial among the Inhabitants, For Lempster
Bread and Weobley Beer, none can come near.
[lSee Sugden, p. 304. 2See ibid., p. 559.]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BREAD
BREECH
6s

B625 Plow deep, thou shalt have BREAD (corn) enough
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8. 1756 FRANKLIN, p. 33: Plough deep
while Sluggard sleep; And you shall have Corn to sell and to keep.
B626 Stolen BREAD is ever sweetest
1616 WITHALS, p. 555: *Sport is sweet when there are no lookers on.
[1621] I658 DEKKER, FORD, AND W. ROWLEY Witch Edmon. III i,
p. 384: You’ll eat stollen Goods, Tom, will you not? —Oh best of
all. The sweetest bits, those. 1639 CL., s.v. Voluptas, p. 326.
Cf. D28: Danger and delight grow both upon one stalk (stock);
F779: Stolen fruit is (Stolen apples are) sweet; P423: Stolen pleas-
ures are sweetest; S779: Sport is sweetest when there be no spec-
tators; W131: Stolen waters are sweet.
B627 There is no BREAD locked from true friends
1616 WITHALS, p. 553. 1639 CL., s.v. Amicitia, p. 26: NO bread is
lockt from true freinds. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Adar. Sayings:
flnglo-Belgica, II 26: Men lock up no bread from friends.
Cf. F722: When a friend asks there is no tomorrow; F726: A
friend’s dinner is soon dight; F736: Friends do tie the purse with a
cobweb thread.
B628 To him who is hungry any BREAD is pleasant
1622 MABBE Rogue I I v, I 130: All bread is savoury to the hungry.
1664 COD., p. 216.
Cf. B61 1: Bread and cheese is good to eat when men can get no
other meat (are physic to such as are in health); H814: Hunger has
always a good cook; M841: They that have no other meat, bread
and butter are glad to eat.
B629 To take the BREAD out of one’s mouth
1601 WHEELER Treat. Commerce, p. 37: Eating as it were the
bread out of his mouth. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pane, p. 130:
To take bread out of ones mouth or hand, viz. to take from him his
livelyhood and subsistence for himself and his family. I694 MOT-
TEUX Gargantua IV xvi, III 100: You little Prigs, will you offer to
take the Bread out of my Mouth?
B630 What BREAD men break is broken to them again
1629 ]. TAYLOR Wit and Mirth 55: Wks. F., p. 348: In this the
prouerb is approued plaine, What bread men breake is broke to
them againe.
B631 Where BREAD is wanting all is to be sold
I611 COT., s.v. Pain. 1616 DR., s.v. Need, no. 1477: (wanting, a
man must sell all that he hath). 1733 FRANKLIN, p. 6.
B632 Who has no more BREAD than needs must not
keep a dog
[ERAS. ddagia, 577E: Te ipsum non alens, canes alis.] I640 HERB.,
no. 128: (neede). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 25:
(Who hath [no] more bread then needs). Ihid., p. 238: (He that
hath no more then needs). 1659 N.R., p. I 19: (need). 1732 FUL.,
no. 2151: (He that has nothing to spare, must not).
Cf. D474: He is not able to give a dog a crust; L345: He can give
little to his servant that licks his knife; P193: He has not a penny
to buy his dog a loaf.
B633 You give me BREAD for cake
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 210: I beleeve it be lawfull for the
wife to give her Husbande (as Bocace saith) Bread for a Cake.
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. X, p. 153: Then you would giue me cake for
bread. 1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 185: Onely poore England
giues him bread for his cake, and holdes him out at the armes end.
1611 COT., s.v. Robert: I will giue him bread for his cake, or as good
as he brings. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 16.
Cf. A317: To keep (hold) one at arm’s end; D238: The devil has
owed me a cake of a long time and now has paid me a loaf.
B634 You Show BREAD in one hand and a stone in the
other
1539 TAV., f. 25: Altera manu fert lapidem, panem ostentat altera.
He beareth a stone in the one hande, and breade in the other. 1577

HOLINSHED Chron. Hen. II 1173, II 153: Shewing bread in the one
hand (as they say) and hiding a stone in the other. 1581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. II, I 137: He oiiereth you bread with one hand, and
throweth a stone at you with another. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p.
171: Bread with the one hand showes, stones with the other throwes.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gonnella, p. 77: To carry bread in one
hand, and a cudgel in the other, to feed with a bit and a knock.
1732 FUL., no. 5994.
Cf. B340: The Bible and a stone do well together; B416: He gives
him the bit and the buflfet with it (a bit and a knock).
B635 BREAD’S house skaild1 never
1641 FERG., no. 205. 1668 R.B., p. 14. 1721 KEL., p. 20: (A
Bread House). *Bread is the Stali- of Life, and while People have
that, they need not give over Houskeeping.
[lscattered]
B636 It will sooner BREAK than bow
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 24: For sooner breake
then bowe great trees oflong age. I623 WOD., p. 509: (then bend).
Cf. B566: Better bow than break.
B637 The BREAKING OPEN of letters is the basest kind
of burglary
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 6.
SHAKESPEARE.—16o5-6 K.L. IV vi 264: Leave, gentle wax; and,
manners, blame me not [for opening another’s letter].
Cf. E264: Neither eyes on letters nor hands in coHers (purses).
B638 He that has BREAMS in his pond is able to bid
his friend welcome
1653 WALTON Complete .dngler E. X, p. 142: (The French esteem
this fish highly; and to that end have this proverb, He that hath).
B639 A corrupt BREATH stains a clear glass
1616 DR., s.v. Infection, no. I 103.
p. 217.
B640 He can laugh and cry both with a BREATH
1616 DR., s.v. Dissimulation, no. 515: He doeth laugh and weepe
with one breath. 1616 WITHALS, p. 581: (It is a hard thing to
laugh). 1639 CL., s.v. Impossibilia, p. 147: ’Tis hard to laugh and
cry both in a breath. 1670 RAY, p. 184: (and both in a wind).
1732 FUL., no. 4120: She can laugh and cry, both in a Wind.
SHAKESPEARE.——1592-3 VA. 1. 413: For I have heard it [love]
is a life in death, That laughs, and weeps, and all but with a breath.
Cf. E248: To cry (look up) with one eye and laugh (down) with
the other; L92a: To laugh and cry at once (like rain in sunshine).
B641 He runs himself out of BREATH
1599 CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth v 65, p. 60: Here’s a poor name
run out Of breath quickly. 1606 CHAPMAN Gent. Usher III ii 428:
That phrase is . . run out of breath. 1616 DR., s.v. Haste, or over-
much speed, no. 937. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub III vii 23: You Sir
will run your counsels out of breath.
SHAKESPEARE—1592-3 C.E. IV i 57: Fie, now you run this hu-
mour out of breath!
1639 CL., s.v. Morum contagio,
B642 You but spend your BREATH (wind) in vain
1578 T. LUPTON Allfor Money, s. A4v: I doe but wast my winde.
1639 CL., p. 301.
B643 Scratch my BREECH and I will claw your elbow
01565 Bughears I ii 14: Stope downe a low And kisse my round
rivette while I clawe thine ellbowe. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 920:
(Kiss my ars and I shal). I611 COT., s.v. Contrelouer: To scratch
the backe of one who hath alreadie clawed his elbow. 1616 WITH-
ALS, p. 564. 1639 CL., p. 246. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12: For
one good turn another will itch, Claw my elbow and Ile scratch your
brich. 1670 RAY, p. 140: *When undeserving persons commend one
another. 1672 WALK. 55, p. 47: *One good turn requires another.
1694 D’URFEY 2 Don Quix. II ii, p. 134: (Scratch my Back, and).
1721 KEL., p. 290: (Scart [scratch] ye my Arse, and). *Sometimes it

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
BREECH
BREWING
66

signifies doing a piece of Service, and I’ll do you another: But oftner
it is used as a contemptuous By-word, when an unreasonable Thing
is propos’d.
Cf. C405: Claw me and I will claw thee; KI: Ka me ka thee;
T616: One good turn asks (requires, deserves) another.
B644 You seek (To beg) a BREECH of a bare-assed man
1546 HEY. I ix, 3. CIV: There is nothyng more vayne, as your selfe
tell can, Than to beg a breech of a bare arst man. 1559 COOPER,
s.v. Nudus: T 0 take rayment from a naked man, prouerbially vsed
to take or seke a thyng of a man that he hath not, to take a brieche
from a barearst man. 1580 BARET, B—150: (To pull a breeche
from). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 410: (It’s ill begging). 1616 WITH-
ALS, p. 554. 1619 J. TAYLOR Kick. Win. 2: Wks. F., p. 197: To
Seek a breech from breechlesse men ’twere vain. 1639 CL., s.v.
Paupertas, p. 243. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (You begg).
1670 RAY, p. 3: (To beg breeches). 1678 RAY, p. 231: (You seek
breeches). 1697 MER., p. 166: (You seek breechs).
Cf. B650: It is ill to take breeks off a bare ass; R7a: To take
raiment (clothes) from a naked man.
B645 She wears the BREECHES
1567-8 T. HOWELL New Sonnets: Poems, p. 151: He is a cokes: and
worthy strokes, whose wife the Breeches beare. 1577 GRANGE
Garden, s. R3: Thus will she beare the rule, And weare the breeches
of hir mate. 1592 GREENE Quipfor Upstart Courtier, p. 219: I saw
a great many Of women vsing high wordes to their husbandes; some
striuing for the breeches. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels IV iii 125:
Shee has worne the breeches, it seemes, which haue done so. 1606
BRETON Choice, p. 18: She that is master of her husband must weare
the breeches. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 24: Morus his manly wife, the
breech doth weare. 1639 CL., p. 328: The good wife weares the
breeches, the good man the homes. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Marito, p. 100: To make him [her husband] subject unto her, to
wear the breeches. 1670 RAY, p. 18 5: The woman is master, or as
we say, wears the breeches. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 373: A
woman that weares the breeche.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI V v 23: That you might still
have worn the petticoat, And ne’er have stol’n the breech from
Lancaster.
See ST., no. 748.
M727: Most master wears no breech.
B646 BREED : subst.
B646 Beware of BREED
I670 RAY, p. 65: *Chesh. I678 RAY, p. 105: *Chesh. An ill breed.
Cf. M647: The gray mare is the better horse;
(30)
B647 BREED: verb
B647 Not where one is BRED but where he is fed
1557 T. NORTH Dial Princes II xviii, p. 242: The proverb Not from
whence thou commest, but whereof thou feedest. I620 SHELTON
Don Quix. Pt. II, x, III 76: Thou art knowne by him that doth thee
feed, not by him that doth thee breed. 1662 FULLER Worthies, I
59: The Latines have a proverb, non ubi nascor, sed ubi pascor;
making that place their mother, not which bred, but which fed them.
Cf. B648: It is breeding and not birth that makes a man; F174:
Better fed than taught; U18: Better untaught than ill taught.
B648 It is BREEDING and not birth that makes a man
1639 CL., p. 99. Mid, p. 174: Breeding is all in all. Ibid., p. 276:
Good breeding makes a man. 1659 N.R., p. 121: We must not
judge of men by their birth but by their breeding. 1664 COD., p.
188: Breeding, not Birth, makes a Man.
Cf. B402: Birth is much but breeding is more; B647: Not where
one is bred but where he is fed; N47: Nature passes nurture; N357:
Nurture is above (passes) nature.
B649 He sits full still that has a riven BREEK1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 581. 1668 R.B., p. 27. 1721 KEL., p. 149:
*A Man who is not very clamorous in his Complaints, may lye un-
der as great Inconveniencies as they that do.
Cf. S531: A broken sleeve holds the arm back.
[lbreeches]

B650 It is ill to take BREEKS1 off a bare ass
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 805: (It is hard to tak a breik) . 1641 FERG., no.
500: (take a breik). 1668 R.B., p. 29: (a breik off a bare [arse]).
1721 KEL., p. 183: *Eng. Where nothing is, nothing is to be had.
Cf. B644: You seek (To beg) a breech of a bare-assed man; N337:
Where nothing is, nothing can be had.
[lbreeches]
B651 To have a BREEZEl in his breech
1612 WEBSTER White DevilI ii 155: I will put brees in’s tayle, set
him gadding presentlie. [01616] 1639 FLETCHER M. Thomas IV vi,
p. 154: What, is the breeze in your Breech? 1678 RAY, p. 232:
*Spoken of one that frisks about, and cannot rest in a place.
[lsadfly]
B652 BREVITY is the soul of wit
1612 ]. TAYLOR Laugh and Be Fat: Wks. F., p. 237: Shortest writ,
the greatest wit aflioords, And greatest wit, consists in fewest words.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo—1 H. II ii 90: Therefore, since brevity is
the soul of wit . . I will be brief.
B653 This must be if we BREW (sell ale)
1678 RAY, p. 87: *That is if we undertake mean and sordid, or
lucrative employments, we must be content with some trouble, in-
convenience, afl'ronts, disturbance, 810. 1721 KEL., p. 295: Sik
Things will be, if we sell Drink. *Spoken of a particular Incon-
veniency that follows such a Trade, Profession, or way of Living.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 466: Well, thus it must be, if we sell
ale.
B654 As one BREws so let him bake (drink)
1530 PALS., p. 472a: As he hath brewed, so let him drinke. 1546
HEY. I viii, 5. CI: As I wolde nedes brewe, so must I nedes drynk.
1552 TAV., f. 49v: The prouerbe which commonly we vse in englyshe
. . is this: such ale as he hath brued, let hi drynke him self. 01570
INGELEND Disoh. Child, s. D3v: But as he had brewed, that so he
shulde bake. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. V iv, s. G4v: As you
brew, so bake. 01594 BACON, no. 631: As he brewes so he must
drink. 1594 True Trag. Rich. III iii, s. B3V: Well euen as they
brew, so let them bake for me. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 864: If ye
brew weil you wil drink the better. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women
Ah. viii, 8. HIV: Euen as they brew, so let them bake. I605 R.F.
Sch. Slov. II 2652, p. 105: It was his owne fault; for thee, as he
brewd so let him bake. 1611 GRUT., no. 47: As I brewe, so must I
needs drinke. 1614 CAM., p. 303: [As in 1611 Grut.]. 1614 TAI-
LOR Hog Hath Lost Pearl II, p. 449: As she brews, so let her Bake; so
said the ancient proverb. 1616 DR., no. 1820: As you brew, so you
shall bake. 1639 CL., p. 196: As you brew so shall you drinke.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: As I brew, so must I bake. Ibid., p.
18: As they brew, so let them bake. 1670 RAY, p. 3: As I brew so I
must drink. Ibid., p. 165: As they brew, e’en so let them bake.
1697 MER., p. 166: [As in 1670 Ray, p. 165]. 1721 KEL., p. 186:
If you brew well, you’ll drink the better. *If what you have done
be good, and right, you will find the Efl'ects accordingly.
Cf. B52: As you bake so shall you brew (eat); B621: He that sets
the bread in the oven naughtily draws out the loaves crushed awry;
S687: As they sow solet them reap; T228: He that sows thistles
shall reap thorns (prickles). (47)
B655 He smiles like a BREWER’S horse
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
B656 One whom the BREWER’S horse has bit
I 1635 T. HEYWOOD Philocothonista X, p. 44: To title a drunkard by,
wee . . strive to character him in a more mincing and modest phrase;
as thus . . One whom the Brewers horse hath bit.
See APP., p. 67.
B657 It is a sairleREWING that is not good in the new-
Ing2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 780. 1668 R.B., p. 28. 1721 KEL., p. 181:
(that’s no). *Spoken when People are much taken with new
Projects.
[1sorry 2when it is new]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BRIBE ’ 67
BRIDLE

B658 A BRIBE enters everywhere without knocking
1616 DR., s.v. Bribery, no. 207. 1617 B. RICH Irish Huhhuh, p. 10:
Honestie stands at the gate and knocks, and bribery enters in.
1639 CL., s.v. Munerum corruptela, p. 220: A bribe will enter with-
out knocking. 1659 N.R., p. 13. I670 RAY, p. 65: [As in 1639
Cl.]. 1732 F UL., no. 1019: Bribes will enter without knocking.
Cf. G108: Gifts enter without knocking.
B659 BRIBES blind the wise man’s sight
[01550] 1560 Nice Wanton, s. B3: Brybes (saith Salomon) blind the
wise mans sight. 1612 T. TAYLOR Comm. Ep. Titus I 7, p. 153:
Bribes, which blinde the eyes of the wise, to the staying or peruert-
ing the course of iustice. 1732 FUL., no. 1018: Bribes throw Dust
into cunning Men’s Eyes.
B660 To make BRICKS without straw
[Ex. v 7: And Pharaoh commanded . . Ye shall no more give the
people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather
straw for themselves] 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 iii I 5, p. 276:
Patrons they are . . but (hard taskmasters they prove) they take
away their straw, and compel them to make their number of brick.
1656 Trepan, p. 7: Then like one of King Pharaoh’s Tax-masters
that would have them make Bricks or Money without straw; she
tells him plainly she will pay none of his Debts. 1622 ORMONDE (to
Legge, June 20) in MS Earl Dartmouth, p. 10: If they will not let
that [act] passe . . and yet will have us keepe armys, is it not re-
quireing a tale of bricks, without allowing the straw. 1695 Low-
THER Memoirs, p. 94: I found we were called to make Brick without
Strawe.
B661 The BRIDE goes to her marriage bed but knows
not what shall happen to her
1651 TAYLOR Holy Dying I i, p. 269: Many brides have died . .
according to the saying of Bensirah, the wise Jew, the bride went
into her chamber, and knew not what should befal her there. I678
RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 412.
B662 A fair BRIDE is soon busked1 and a Short horse
soon whisked2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 33. 1641 FERG., no. 34: (wispt). 1668 R.B.,
p. I: (is soon wispt). 1721 KEL., p. 1: A bony Bride is soon busked.
A short Horse is soon whisked. *These two Proverbs are often re-
peated together for the Rhyme’s Sake: The first signifies, that what
is of it self beautiful, needs but little adorning: And the other, that
a little Task is soon ended.
Cf. H691: A short horse is soon curried.
[1dressed 2rubbed down]
B663 Happy is the BRIDE the sun shines on and the
corpse the rain rains on
1607 Puritan I, s. A3v: If Blessed bee the coarse the raine raynes
vpon, he had it, powring downe. 1632 T. RANDOLPH 7m. Lovers
V iii, p. 160: A fair sun Shine on the happy bridegroom. 1648
HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. I 13: Blest is the Bride, on whom the
Sun doth shine. I678 RAY, p. 348.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOOI T.N. IV iii 26—35: Plight me the full assur-
ance of your faith . . and heavens so shine That they may fairly
note this act of mine!
B664 She Simpers like a BRIDE on her wedding day
1678 RAY, p. 288.
B665 Make a BRIDGE of gold (silver) for a flying en-
emy
I576 LAMBARDE Peramh. Kent, p. 41 1: It was well saide of one Hosti
fugienti, pons aureus faciendus. If thyne enemie will flie, make
him a bridge of golde. 1579 G. FENTON Hist. Guicciardin II, p. 78:
Not to stoppe the way of the enemy . . but rather (according to an
old councell) to make him a bridge of siluer. 1594 NASHE Unfort.
Trav., p. 222: Who will not make his enemie a bridge of gold to file
by? 1596 DEL., S. P2v: When thine enemie wil flie, make him a
golded bridge. 1604 [DALLINGTON] View France, s. M3: Hee had no
reason, but to make the Card that was now going, a Bridge of Gold

(as the Prouerbe is). 1611 GRIMESTONE Hist. France II, p. 410:
But these valiant captaines knew that the best course was to make
a bridge of gold to a flying enemy. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt.
II, lviii, IV 162: One onely Knight expects you, who is not of that
minde, or opinion of those that say, To a flying enemy a silver
bridge. [I633] I655 MASSINGER Guardian I i, p. 196: For a flying
foe, Discreet and provident conquerors build up A bridge of gold.
1639 CL., p. 219: Make your enemy a silver bridge to pass over.
1642 FULLER Holy State IV xvii, p. 329: He makes his flying enemy
a bridge of gold. 1653 URQUHART Gargantua I xliii, I 146: Open
therefore unto your enemies all the gates and wayes, and make to
them a bridge of silver rathe then faile, that you may be rid of
them. 1659 How. Span. Prov. p. 10: A silver bridge to a flying
enemy. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I I, p. 96: To a flying enemie, a bridge
of gold. 1732 F UL., no. 3312: Make a Silver Bridge for your Enemy
to fly over.
See DUR., I, no. 474.
Cf. A318: He that fights with silver arms
is sure to overcome.
B666 On BRIDGE, on plank, and in river the boy (ser-
vant) before and master after
1561 T. HOBY Courtier II, p. 173: Whan the. Duke was passing over
a very swift river, he said to the trompetter: Goo on. The trumpet-
ter tourned him backe with his cappe in his hande and after a
reverend maner, saide: It shalbe youres my lorde. 1595 COPLEY
Wits, Fits V, p. 137: A Noble-man being to passe through a water,
commaunded his Trumpetter to goe before, and sound the depth of
it: Who to shew himselfe very mannerly, refus’d this encharge, and
push’d the Noble-man himself forward, saying. No (sir) not I,
your L. shall pardon me. 1611 COT., s.v. Pont: Ore waters deepe,
and bridges weake or hollow, the man must lead the way, the maister
follow. I623 WOD., p. 520. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, indecora, p. 6:
No man before his guide. 1657 LEIGH, p. 264: (and on River, The
Servant). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8: Over a bridge, a plank, or
river, the servant before, the master after.
Cf. P89: At an ill passage honor thy companion.
B667 To make a BRIDGE of one’s nose
1678 RAY, p. 23 I : *To intercept ones trencher, cup, or the like; or to
Offer or pretend to do kindnesses to one, and then pass him by and
do it to another, to lay hold upon and serve himself of that which
was intended for another. a1700 B.E., s.v. Nose: You make a
Bridge of his Nose, when you pass your next Neighbor in Drinking,
or one is preferr’d over another’s Head. 1732 F UL., no. 5202.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 436: Pray, my lord, don’t make a bridge
of my nose.
B668 BRIDGES were made for wise men to walk over
and fools to ride over
1678 RAY, p. 106.
Cf. L417: London Bridge was made for wise men to go over and
fools to go under.
B669 Shake a BRIDLE over a Yorkshire tike’s grave
and he will rise again
1677 Smithfield Yockey, p. 4: (Hence grew the Proverb; Shake a).
See APP., p. 718.
B670 T o bite upon the BRIDLE
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 18: When these courtiers sit on the
benches idle, Smelling those dishes they bite upon the bridle. 1546
HEY. II viii, s. K2: T0 haue made hir chowe on the brydell one fyt.
1549 LATIMER Serm. 13, p. 230: His Father gave him looking on,
and suffered him to bite upon the bridle awhile. 1575 GASCOIGNE
Glass Govt. II v, p. 40: She seemed to bite on the bridle. I589
GREENE Menaphon, p. 111: Olympia . . had sufliciently bitten on
the bridle. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho
IV ii 25: They are like to bite 0’ the bridle. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 19: Lett him chomp upon the bitt, and think on it. 1670 RAY,
p. 164. 1672 WALK. I, p. 50: To champ upon the bit. 1721 KEL.,
p. 393: You may bite on your Bridle. *That is, you may vex your
self, but get no Amends.
Cf. T8: He frets like gummed taffety (grogram, velvet). (3o)

In partial quotations wording (not Spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
BRIDLE 68
BROTHER

B671 To give one the BRIDLE (reins)
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2: I gaue hir the bridell at begynnyng. 01570
Marr. Wit and Science II i, s. B2v: Giue her not the bridle for a
yeare or twayne. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. B4v: Giuinge the
bridle into thy handes, to vse the rayne or the spur at thine owne
pleasure.
See ST., no. 2254.
B672 To be out of the BRIERS
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Streppole, p. 206: *To be out of danger.
Cf. B673: To leave one (To be) in the briers.
B673 To leave one (To be) in the BRIERS
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 98: Thou art a sure spere at nede,
that leues a man stykkynge in the breres. 1538 BALE K. Yohan l.
1582, p. 73: I kepe owt fryers lest they shuld Bryng the, moch farder
into the bryers they have mad labur. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon
and Pithias, s. G2: He hath left his friend in the briers.. 1585
[MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II i, s. C3: Your owne doubtfulnes tan-
gles you still in the briers. 1600 Sir Oldcastle, s. K2v: Art thou
ith bryars too? 1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends IV iii, s. H4v: What
shall I answer? I am i’th bryers. 1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 251:
He left him in the briars. 1670 RAY, p. 166. 1672 WALK. 57,
p. 11:To stick in the bryars; to lie in the dirt; to be at a Stand; not
to be able to get out. a17oo B.E., s.v. Briers: In the Briers, in
trouble.
Cf. B672: To be out of the briers.
B674 Better spare at the BRIM than at the bottom
1523 A. FITZHERBERT Husb., p. 99: Thou husbande and huswife,
that intend to . . kepe measure, you must spare at the brynke, and
not at the bottom. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H1: (at brym than at bot-
tom). 1557 TUSSER 100 Points Husb. 35, p. 23: Some spareth too
late, and a number with him, the foole at the bottom, the wise at
the brim. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 240: (at the breird [brim], nor at
the bottom). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 148: Better at brim then at
bottome to spare. 1611 GRUT., no. 62: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1614
CAM., p. 304: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1616 DR., no. 2132: (It is better
to spare at). 1623 CAM., p. 277: Spare at brim, rather then at
bottome. 1639 CL., p. 281: (at brim). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
5. 1664 COD., p. 188: (Better to spare). 1668 R.B., p. 13: [As
in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 144.
Cf. B551: It is too late to spare when the bottom is bare.
B675 It is ill to BRING but1 that is no there ben2
I641 FERG., no. 504: (butte the thing
1668 R.B., p. 30: [As in 1641 Ferg.].
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 809.
that is not there beene).
1721 KEL., p. 194.
[ltoward the door
B676 He has sold BRISTOL and bought Bedminster
01640 SMYTH 29, p. 29: *Reproaches to an vnthrifty man.
2what has never been in the house]
B677 It is as BROAD as it is long
1678 RAY, p. 67: As broad as long.
there’s no difference, it is all one.
Rem., I 110: ’Tis as broad as long.
as).
See ST., no. 348.
B678 To burst at the BROADSIDE
1670 RAY, p. 217: *Drinking phrase.
B679 To stink like a BROOK1
a1529 SKELTON Agst. Garnesche l. 55: Wks., I 128: Sche seyd your
brethe Stank lyke a broke.
See SM., p. 544. Cf. P461: To stink like (worse than) a polecat.
[lbadger]
B680 It is hard to fling at the BROD1 or kick at the prick
a1598 FERG. MS, nos. 815—16:(brod. It is hard to kick at the prick).
1641 FERG., no. 510. 1668 R.B., p. 30.
Cf. F433: Folly it is to spurn (kick) against a prick.
[lgoad]
*Take it which way you will,
[a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen.
1732 FUL., no. 2933: (It is even

B681 Little BROOKS make great rivers
1596 DEL., s. M7v: Of a little brooke, comes forth a great riuer.
I605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho I ii 127: The
greatest riuers flow from little springs. 1611 COT., s.v. Petit: Of
narrow brookes come nauigable riuers. 1616 DR., no. 1253: Little
brookes may turne to great riuers. 1624 WEBSTER Monuments
Honor 1. 199, p. 322: As Seas from Brookes, as brookes from Hillocks
rise, Let all good men this sentence oft repeate, By unity the small-
est things grow great. 1639 CL., p. 238.
Cf. A22: From acorns come oaks; B264: From small beginnings
come great things.
B682 A new BROOM (besom) sweeps clean
1546 HEY. II i, s. F3v: Som therto said the grene new brome swep-
ith cleene. 01565 Bugbears IV v 70: New brome clean work doth
make. 1571 WHYTHORNE Songs, p. 165: The new broome sweepeth
Cleane, a prouerb old. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 1 10: He must
take heed of falling into the common errour of servauntes, who like
a new broome which sweepeth the house Cleane, serve diligentlye at
the first, but after growe slouthfull. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 73: Ane
new bissome soupes cleane. 1611 GRUT., no. 272: The new greene
brome swepeth cleane. 1614 CAM., p. 313: (The new). 1616 DR.,
s.v. New things, no. 1494. 1639 CL., p. 210. 1655 FULLER Church
Hist. II v, I 206: Though they swept clean at the first, as new be-
soms, yet afterwards [the monks] left more dust behind them of
their own bringing in than their predecessors had done. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1668 R.B., p. 5: (Bissom). 1670 RAY,
p. 125. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To sweep: *A new Servant is always best
at first. 1697 MER., p. 163: (bissome). 1721 KEL., p. 15: (Be-
som). *Spoken of new Servants, who are commonly very diligent;
and new Officers who are commonly very severe. 1732 FUL., no.
3533: New Brooms sweep clean.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQO—I 2 Hen. VI IV vii 34: I am the besom that
must sweep the court clean Of such filth as thou art.
See DUR., II, no. 176; ST., no. 225. Cf. M947: A new mill does
grind the corn well; O22: A new oflice, like a new garment, straight
at first putting on. (12)
B683 Though new BROOMS sweep clean yet Old friends
still retain
1616 WITHALS, p. 569: (yet old friendship will retaine).
s.v. Amicitia, p. 25.
1639 CL.,
B684 Many esteem more of the BROTH than of the
meat sod therein
1577 STANYHURST Descr. Ireland I in Holinshed Chron., VI 7: Set-
teth himselfe foorth to the gaze, by making more of the broth, than
the flesh is worth. 01640 SMYTH 69, p. 32.
B685 The BROTHER had rather see his sister rich than
make her so
1611 COT., s.v. Avoir: The brother loues to see, but not to make, his
Sister rich. 1678 RAY, p. 203: (see the sister rich). 1732 FUL., no.
4435-
B686 He has made a younger BROTHER of him
1597 ES. Disc. Knights Post, s. C2v: Thou must not thinke to make
a younger brother of me. 1678 RAY, p. 85.
B687 The younger BROTHER has the more wit
1607 SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. III, p. 42: The younger brothers
I (according to the old wiues tailes) alwaies prooued the wisest
men. 1678 RAY, p. 85.
Cf. B688: The younger brother is the better (ancienter) gentle-
man.
B688 The younger BROTHER is the better (ancienter)
gentleman
1642 FULLER Holy State I xv, p. 47: The Younger Brother, Some ac-
count him the better Gentleman of the two, because sonne to the
more ancient Gentleman. 1657 J. HOWELL Londin. To Rdr.: A
Child born to-day as he is part of the Universe, and the product of
Time, may be said to be more ancient then Adam, which I conceive

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite Verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BROTHERS
BUCKRAM

to be the meaning of that common saying among us, The younger
Brother is the ancienter Gentleman. 1678 RAY, p. 85: (ancienter).
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 415: You are a younger brother. —Well,
madam, the younger brother is the better gentleman.
Cf. B687: The younger brother has the more wit.
B689 Between BROTHERS put not thou thy hand, for
who severs them has ever the worst
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: Betweene brothers put not thou
thy hands; for who so seuers them hath the woorst of it. 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 19: It is no wisdome between broth-
ers to put the hand, for who seuers them, hath euer the worst.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 12: Who parts brothers comes by the
worst.
Cf. H88: Put not your hand between the bark and the tree.
B690 Much BRUIT little fruit
1612 BACON Essays, p. 261: But according to the French proverb,
Beaucoup de bruit, peu de fruit; Much bruit, little fruit. 1639
CL., p. 134. 1639 FULLER Holy War II xxix, p. 81: The French
proverb was verified of this voyage, Much bruit and little fruit.
They not only did no good in the Holy Land . . but also did much
harm. 1670 RAY, p. 66. 1732 FUL., no. 6122.
See Di'IR., II, no. 541.
B691 To buy a BRUSH
8.1700 B.E., s.v. Brush: Bought a Brush, 0. Run away: Also a small
Faggot, to light the other at Taverns, and a Fox’s Tail.
See APP., p. 70.
B692 AS wild as a BUCK
1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, s. D1: Thou wilt be like To Pasquill,
Wilde as a Bucke, or Liueret Bred in March. 1619 BEAUMONT AND
FLETCHER King No King II, p. 174: As God save me la, thou’rt as
wild as a Buck. 1639 CL., p. 287. 1670 RAY, p. 208.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. III i 72: It would make a man mad
as a buck to be so bought and sold.
B693 He is like a BUCK of the first head
1584 PARSONS Copy Let. M..d., p. 167: And this was euident in this
mans father, who being a Buck of the first head . . was intolerable
in contempt of others. 1678 RAY, p. 67: *Brisk, pert, forward;
Some apply it to upstart Gentlemen.
B694 Where goes the BUCKET there goes the rope
1642 FULLER Holy State II xv, p. 107: (According to the Spanish
proverb, Where).
See Di'JR., I, no. 898.
bucket.
B695
Cf. R173: Throw the rope in after the
Like two BUCKETS of a well, if one go up the
other must go down
1484 CAXTON Fah. Alfonso 9, p. 278: Two bokettys were there of
whiche as the one came upward the other went dounward . . Thus
[sayd the Foxe] hit is of the world For when one cometh doune the
other goth vaard. I562 HEY. Epig. 110, p. 143: As fast as one
goth, an other cumth in vre [sic]. Twoo buckets in a well, come
and go so sure. 1604 MARSTON Malcontent III i 274: Did you e’er
see a well with two buckets, Whilst one comes up full to be emptied,
another goes down empty to be filled? Such is the state of all
humanity. 1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. C4v: I can compare my lord
and his friend to nothing in the world so fitly as to a couple of water
buckets, for whilst hope winds the one up, dispaire plunges the
other downe. 1608 G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN Dumh Knt. II, p.
158: Will and affection in this prince are like Two buckets, which do
never both ascend. I618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.: Wks., II
9: Though the World be like a Well with two Buckets, that when
one falleth, another riseth, yet the fall is much swifter than the ris-
ing. [I636] I655 STRODE Float. Island II i, p. 165: Thus the King
and I, Or I and he, are up and down like Buckets. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Secchie, p. 187: To do as the buckets do of a Well,
viz. to go sometimes up, and sometimes down,just as the things of
the World go, according to the course Of Fortune.

B701
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. 1] IV i 184: Now is this golden crown
like a deep well That owes two buckets, filling one another, The
emptier ever dancing in the air, The other down, unseen, and full of
water.
Cf. M337: NO man loses (wins) but another wins (loses); R136:
The rising of one man is the falling of another; W897: The world is
like a ladder, one goes up, the other down. (7)
B696—B699 BUCKLE: subst.
B696 He will bring (hold) BUCKLE and thong together
I546 HEY. II viii, s. K2v: Tyll he at length came to buckle and bare
thong. I600 Weakest to Wall, s. E2: My benefice doth bring me in
no more But what will hold bare buckle and thong together. I675
Pepys Bal. 92, III 12: Hold Buckle and Thong together. I678
RAY, p. 232: (He’ll bring). 1732 FUL., no. 2422: (He’ll bring).
Cf. B697: Hold him to it buckle and thong; B699: To agree as
buckle and thong; E135: To make both ends meet.
B697 Hold him to it BUCKLE and thong
I658 MENNIS AND SMITH Wit Restored: Facetiae, I 280: When one is
held to it hard, buckle and thong. 1678 RAY, p. 73.
Cf. B696: He will bring (hold) buckle and thong together.
B698 If you be angry you may turn the BUCKLE of your
girdle behind you
1600 SINGER Quips upon Questions, s. C4v: But for to quiet this dis-
tempered elfe, The next way is, to let him please him selfe. Or as
the prouerbe is, no man to minde him, But turne the buckle of his
Belt behind him. 1607 WALKINCTON Optic Glass XV, p. 161: Let
them turn the buckle of their dudgeon anger behinde. 1621 R.
BURTON flnat. M. Democ. to Rdr., p. 103: If any man take excep-
tions, let him turn the buckle of his girdle, I care not. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Contemptus, p. 68: Turne the buckle of your girdle behind you.
1656 CROMWELL Let. and Speeches, II 531: If any man be angry at
it,~I am plain, and shall use an homely expression: Let him turn
the buckle of his girdle behind him! 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12:
(If you are angry, turn). 1661 COWLEY Dis. Govt. Cromwell, II
306: Bidding them turn the Buckles of their Girdles behind them.
1670 RAY, p. 162. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Anger, p. 17: Turn
the buckle of your girdle behind you. Who cares for your anger?
9.1700 B.E., s.v. Girds: *TO one Angry for a small Matter, and whose
Anger is as little valued. I732 FUL., no. 2737. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 417: Ifmiss will be angry for nothing . . bid her turn the
buckle of her girdle behind her. '
SHAKESPEARE.—I598-9 M.A. Vi I41: I think he be angry indeed.
——If he be, he knows how to turn his girdle. (8)
B699 To agree as BUCKLE and thong
1631 MABBE Celestina III, p. 71: His mother and I were nayle, and
flesh, buckle and thong. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 297, p. 228:
They’l be sure to hold together, Buckle and Thong. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Pane, p. 129: To be alwaies together, to agree, and
be close friends, Castor and Pollux; the English say, Buckle and
Thong.
Cf. B696: He will bring (hold) buckle and thong together.
B700 BUCKLE: verb
B700 Let them BUCKLE for it
1678 RAY, p. 352: *Somerset.
BounceBUCKRAM,velvet’s dear, Christmas comes
but once a year, and when it comes it brings
good cheer, but when it’s gone it’s never the
near1
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 71: Bounce Buck-ram velvet’s deare.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: Christmas come’s but once a year, and
when it come’s there is good cheer. I670 RAY, p. 21 1.
Cf. C369: Christmas comes but once a year.
[lnearer]

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
BUD
BULL
7O

B702 To nip in the BUD (blossom)
[01605] I630 DEKKER 2 lion. Whore, p. 122: Now it [love] is but in
the bud. Well, say she’s nipt. 1607 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER]
Woman Hater Ill i, p. 96: Yet I can frown and nip a passion, Even
in the bud. [1640] 1658 COKAYNE Masque at Brethic, p. 8: Dost
thou approach to censure our delights, And nip them in the bud?
[1641-8] 1699 HOLLES Mem., p. 2: To blast our Hopes, nip all the fair
Blossoms of Reformation. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To die, p.
85: He was nipt in the bud. He died an untimely death.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590-1 2 Hen. VI III i 89: Thus are my blos-
soms blasted in the bud. 1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 810: Iffrosts and fasts,
hard lodging and thin weeds Nip not the gaudy blossoms of your
love. (23)
B703 BUGBEARS (Bugs) to scare babes
I582 GOSSON Plays Con/utedin Eng. Drama and Stage, p. 203: These
bugges are fitter to feare babes then to moue men. 1592 NASHE
Pierce Penn., p. 227: Meere bugge-beares to scarre boies. [01622]
1647 MASSINGER ET AL. Laws Candy V i, p. 288: I Am not a baby to
be fear’d with bug-beares. 1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209. 1657
R. BAX'I‘ER Call to Unconverted I, p. 64: Hell, that before did seem
but as a bug-bear to frighten men from sin, doth now appear to be a
real misery.
SBAKESPEARE.——1594-8 T.S. I ii 211: Tush, tush! Fear boys
with bugs!
Cf. K142: You fray an old knave with a bugbear. (15)
B704—B707 BUILDING = constructing
B704 BUILDING and marrying of children are great
wasters
1611 COT., s.v. Maison: Much building, and often bridalls make
bare pastures, and naked side-walls. 1640 HERB., no. 11. 1659
N.R., p. 21. 1664 COD., p. 187. 1678 RAY, p. 3: *Gall. 1721
KEL., p. 60: Bigging [building], and Bairns marrying are great
Wasters. *What Expence building of Houses, and marrying of
Children requires, is best known by Experience.
Cf. B705: Building is a sweet impoverishing; B706: Building is a
thief; C244: The charges of building and making of gardens are un-
known.
B705 BUILDING is a sweet impoverishing
1640 HERB., no. 455. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 24:
In Building and Gardening you are sweetly undone. 1659 N.R.,
p. 22. 1664 COD.,pi 187. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 82: To build
is a sweet impoverishment. 1678 RAY, p. 3: *It is called the Span-
ish plague.
See DUR., I, no. 147. Cf. B704: Building and marrying of chil-
dren are great wasters; B706: Building is a thief; C244: The charges
of building and making of gardens are unknown.
B706 BUILDING is a thief
1602 J. MANNINGHAM Diary, p. 9: The proverbe is that building is a
theife, because it makes us lay out more money than wee thought
on.
Cf. B704: Building and marrying of children are great wasters;
B705: Building is a sweet impoverishing; C244: The charges of
building and making Of gardens are unknown.
B707 BUILDING is chargeable
1616 DR., s.v. Ability, no. 5.
1659 N.R., p. 21.
Cf. C244: The charges of building and making of gardens are un-
known. .
1639 CL., s.v. Modestia, p. 212.
B708 BUILDING = edifice
B708 A high BUILDING a low foundation
1623 CAM., p. 265. 1639 CL., p. 18. 1659 N.R., p. I: (A huge
Building). 1670 RAY, p. 103. 1732 FUL., no. 2499: High Build-
ings have a low Foundation.
Cf. F619: Be sure to build on a good foundation.

B711
B709—B717 BULL = the animal
B709 He bellows like a BULL but is as weak as a bul-
rush
[01616] 1630 Pathomachia II ii, p. 18: This Argument may rush like
a Bull, but it is as weake as a Bull-rush. 1639 CL., p. 142.
B710 He looks like a BULL that has beshit the fair
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. I670 RAY, p. 214.
He may bear (carry) a BULL that hath borne
(carried) a calf
[ERAS. Adagia, 90D: Taurum tollet, qui vitulum sustulerit.] 1539
TAV., f. 10: [As in Eras.]. *He that hath borne a calfe, shal also
beare a bull, he that accustometh hym selfe to lytle thynges, by
lytle and lytle shalbe hable to go away wyth greater thynges. I578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 187: Hee that wyll carry a Bull wyth
Milo, must vse to carrye him a Calfe also. 1580 BARET, T—84:
[As in Eras.]. *A Prouerbe applied vnto those, that falling into
small offences when they are yoong, committe great sinnes when
they are of perfect age. 1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 3: He
that will carry a Bull with Milo, must carry him a calfe also: and
hee that will haue hearts ease must needs haue some arse-smart
with all hearts ease. 01594 BACON, no. 511: [As in Eras.]. 1607
TOPSELL Hist. Four-footed Beasts, p. 64. 1615 WELDE 7anua Ling.
417, p. 26: He will cary a Bull, that carieth a Calfe. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 7, p. 288: Well may he carry a bull, who hath already born a
calf. 1758 FRANKLIN, p. 34: He that carries a small Crime easily,
will carry it on when it comes to be an Ox.
B712 Let him take the BULL that stole away the calf
1548 E. HALL Rich. III: Chron., f. 23v: Accordyng to the old
prouerbe, let him take the bul that stale away the calf. I568
GRAFTON Chron. Rich. III, II 142: (that stale away the Calfe).
Cf. B43: Let him who begot the bairn hold the bairn; C765: Who
bulls the cow must keep the calf.
B713 To be as strong as (To sweat like) a BULL
1574 HELLOWES Guevara’s Fam. Epp., p. 27: At the instant to giue
battel, they did sacrifice an Oxe: to giue the captaine to vnderstand,
that they ought not only to be strong as a Bul, but also subtle, wise
and prouident as a Foxe. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Toro, p. 218:
To be as strong as a Bull, viz. main strong; the English useth the
Phrase, To Sweat like a Bull.
B714 To milk a BULL (he-goat)
[ERAS. Adagia, 132A: Mulgere hircum.] 01548 BOORDE Ans. Bk.
Beards l. 1 14, p. 314: Who goth a myle to sucke a bull, Comes home
a fole, and yet not full. 1548 COOPER, s.v. Mulgeo: Mulgere hircos,
spoken prouerbially of a thyng veraie absurd and contrary to reason.
[1616] I631 JONSON Devil Is Ass V ii I: Put me to. . milking of
Hee-goates. I623 WOD., p. 517: To milke hee-Goate. 1639 CL.,
p. 295: To milke a bull or hope in vaine. I672 WALK. 70, p. 59: To
suck [milk] a bull. 1699 PENKETHMAN Love without Int. IV iv, p.
28: A pretty Account, Faith, of the Rise of Cuckoldom, a Bull, and
a Milk-maid! Doubtless hence come the Proverb of sucking a
Bull.
See OTTO, no. 812. Cf. R27: While the one milks the ram (he-
goat) the other holds under the sieve.
B715 To roar like a BULL
I545 ASCHAM Tox., p. 42: Roring lyke a bull, as some lawyers do.
1581—90 Timon I v, p. 19: By Joue, I made him bellow like a bull.
SHAKESPEARE.—1597 1 Hen. IV II iv 285: And, Falstaff, you . .
roar’d for mercy, and still run and roar’d, as ever I heard bullcalf.
1598 2 Hen. IV III ii 186: Come, prick me Bullcalf till he roar again
. . What, dost thou roar before thou art prick’d?
B716 The town BULL is as much a bachelor as he
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gallo, p. 70: To be the cock of the parish,
viz. to be a great whore-master, to be the town bull. 1678 RAY, p.
66: Then the town-bull is a Batchelour. i.e. as soon as such an one.
a1700 B.E., s.v. Bull: A Town-bull, a Whore-master. 1732 FUL.,
no. 706: AS lawless as a Town-Bull. Ibid., no. 4803.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (SE. and D1.) or bv first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BULL’S
BURN
71

SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IV II ii 169: A proper gentlewoman,
sir, and a kinswoman of my master’s. —Even such kin as the parish
heifers are to the town bull.
B717 He wears the BULL’S feather
3.1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II 421: Lyke cokold foles
together . . And yet do not consydre We wer an oxes fether. 1621
R. BURTON Anat. M. III III iv 1, p. 850: Augustus, Antonius, An-
toninus etc., that wore fair plumes of Bull’s feathers in their crests.
1664 ]. WILSON Cheats II iv, p. 27: Let no man disorder his rest,
By believing Bull’s feathers in’s Crest. 1678 RAY, p. 67: *This is a
French Proverb, for a cuckold. 01680 Bull’s Feather in Roach.~ Bal.,
III 418: And to all merry Cuckolds who think it no scorn To wear
the Bull’s Feather, though made of a Horn. 1694 MO'I‘TEUX Gar-
gantua V xxix, III 341: Thou’lt never ’scape wearing the Bull’s
Feather; thy Wife will be as common as the Highway.
B718 BULL = blunder
B718 That is a BULL, sir
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 70. 1640 R. BROME Antipodes V iv,
p. 323: Dumbe Speaker! that’s a Bull. 1651 NATH. BACON Laws
Eng. II 11, p. 63: I suppose it is no Bull, to speak of a common
Peace, in the place of War. 1673 MILTON True Rel: W ks., VI 167:
Whereas the Papist boasts himself to be a Roman Catholick, it is a
meer contradiction, one of the Popes Bulls. 1674 E. SETTLE Notes
Empress Morocco, p. 18: That supposition would be almost as great
a Bull, as the first Lines in his Indian Emperour. 1708 British
Apollo 22, April 28, Vol. I: Why, when People speake improperly is
it term’d a Bull? —It became a Proverb from the repeated Blun-
ders of one Obadiah Bull, a Lawyer of London, who liv’d in the
Reign of King Henry the Seventh.
B719 He looks as big as if he had eaten BULL BEEF
1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 64: They haue eaten bulbief, and threat-
ned highly, too put water in my woortes [beer], whensoeuer they
catche me. 1580 BARET, T—27o: Titanicus aspectus. A Prouerbe
applied vnto such as haue a terrible and frowning countenance, and
(as our common byword saith) which looke as though they had
eaten Bulbeefe. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y2: Thou hast eaten
bulbeefe and braggest highlie. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. I ii 15:
Thats to say, when thou eatst bull biefe. 1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia,
p. 33. 1670 RAY, p. 164: (To look as). 1672 WALK. 100, p. 50:
(To look big as bull beef; as if he had). 1681 ROB., p. 257: He looks
as big as bull beef. 3.1700 B.E., s.v. Bull: To look like Bull-beef, to
look Big and Grim. 1732 FUL., no. 1970.
B720 Every BULLET has a lighting place
1573 GASCOICNE Fruits War 67: Posies, p. 154: Sufficeth this to
prove my theme withal, That every bullet hath a lighting place.
See APP., p. 72.
B721 As mad as the baiting BULL OF STAMFORD
I662 FULLER W orthies Lincolnshire, II 6: *William Earl Warren . .
saw two Bulls fighting for a Cow in the Meadow [of the castle], till
all the Butchers Dogs, great and small, persued one of the Bulls . .
clean through the Town. This fight so pleased the said Earl, that
he gave all those meadows . . where first the Bull duel began, for a
Common to the Butchers of the Town . . on condition that they find
a mad Bull, the day six weeks before Christmas day, for the contin-
uance of that sport every year. 1670 RAY, p. 237. 1732 FUL., no.
714: (baited Bull at Stamford).
B722 To take a BUNTING for a lark
I600 BRETON Pasquil’s Foolscap: Wks., I 23: In taking ofa Bunting
for a Larke . . He that doth so his Will to folly fit Doth plainely
shewe he hath no perfect wit. 1622 BRETON Strange News: W ks.,
II I 3: And like good birders kindly Knew a Bunting from a Larke.
SHAKESPEARE.—1602 A.W. II v 6: Then my dial goes not true.
I took this lark for a bunting.
B723 They cleave (stick, hold) together like BURS
[01514] 1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 18: Together they cleaue
more fast then do burres. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H4. 1553 Respuhlica
I iii, p. 10: We must all holde and cleve togither like burres. [01560]

1581 WOODES Confl. Cons. IV v, s. G3: We cleaue as fast as burre.
1570 GOOGE Popish Kingdom II, f. 20: But fast as burres to wooll
they sticke. 1639 CL., s.v. Concordia, p. 63: (They hold). 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: (They stick). 1670 RAY, p. 194: (To stick).
1678 RAY, p. 250: (They hang).
Cf. B724: To stick like burs.
B724 T 0 stick like BURS
1534 J. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. C1: Wherby I thought her owne
tale lyke a bur Stack to her owne back. 1560—77 Misogonus II iv
94: As close as a burr. 1595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale l. 270, s. B3v:
5 Hangs on me like a Burre. 1678 BUNYAN Pilg. Prog. Apol. I, p. 87:
They will stick like burs.
SHAKESPEARE.—1595 M.N.D. III ii 260: Hang off, thou cat, thou
burr! Vile thing, let loose. I599 A.Y. I iii 13: They are burrs,
cousin, thrown upon thee in holiday foolery. 1602 T.C. III ii 119:
They are burrs, I can tell you; they’ll stick where they are thrown.
I604 M.M. IV iii 189: I am a kind of burr; I shall stick.
See ST., no. 1183. Cf. B723: They cleave (stick, hold) together
like burs.
B725 Everyone Shall bear his own BURDEN
1600 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy XXXV, p. 906: Every man is to
beare his owne burden. I611 COT., s.v. Moulin: (his owne burthen,
or answere for himselfe). 1623 WOD., p. 503: (his Burden). 1659
N.R., p. 74: Let every one his own burden bear.
Cf. B728: To lay one’s burden upon another’s back; P174: Let
every peddler carry his own burden.
B726 It is a sad BURDEN to carry a dead man’s child
1655 FULLER Church Hist. II v, I 202: Our women have a proverb,
It is a sad burden to carry a dead man’s child; and, surely, an his-
torian hath no heart . . to exemplify dead canons. 1670 RAY, p. 53.
1732 FUL., no. 2873: (It is a sad Burthen for a Woman to).
B727 Light BURDEN far heavy
I546 HEY. II ix, s. L2v. 1562 HEY. Epig. 113, p. 144. I611 COT.,
s.v. Chose: We say, Light burthen farre heauie; a little thing borne
farre growes heauie. 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 40: A light lode is heauy
to carry farre. 1616 DR., no. 21 I. 1619 DRAYTON Idea 59: Wks.,
II 340: Light Burthen’s heavy, if farre borne. 1623 CAM., p. 265:
[As in 1611 Dav.]. 1636 CAM., p. 291: (A light). 1639 CL., p. 88:
[As in 161 1 Dav.]. 1640 HERB., no. 15: Light burthens long borne
growe heavie. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1659 N.R., p. 14: A
light burden carried far, proves heavy. Ihid., p. 75: [AS in 1640
Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 183: A little thing forborn [for far borne]
groweth heavy. 1670 RAY, p. 1 14: Light burdens far heavy. 1683
BUNYAN Greatness Soul, I 124: We use to say, light burdens far car-
ried are heavy. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Light: [As in 1670 Ray].
B728 To lay one’s BURDEN upon another’s back
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 12: So mens common gise is alway
to lay the burthen . . vpon some other backe . . It is a true prouerbe.
Cf. B72 5: Everyone shall bear his own burden; P174: Let every
peddler carry his own burden.
B729 The greatest BURDENS are not the gainfullest
1611 COT., s.v. Acquests: *The goodnesse of a thing rests not in the
greatnesse ofit. 1664 COD., p. 215. 1670 RAY, p. 4. 1721 KEL.,
p. 336: *That is, they who labour sorest, have not the best Wages.
B730 To take a BURFORD BAIT1
1662 FULLER Worthies Oxfordshire, II 220: *This . . is a bait, not to
stay the stomach, but to lose the wit thereby, as resolved at last into
drunkenness. 1670 RAY, p. 249.
[1drink]
B731 BURN: subst.
B731 Ye may drink of the BURN1 but not bite of the
brae2
1641 FERG., no. 908. 1668 R.B., p. 58. 1721 KEL., p. 344: We can
drink of the Burn, when we cannot bite of the Brea. *Spoken when
People want Bread, for none complain for want of Drink.
[1brook 2hill]

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
BURNS
BUSH
72

B732 BURN : verb
B732 He that BURNS most shines most
1640 HERB., no. 564.
Cf. C39: A candle (torch) lights others and consumes itself.
B733 A BURRI around the moon bodes wind and rain
1631 [BRA'rHWAI'rE] Whimzies 22, p. 104: A burre about the moone
is not halfe so certaine a presage of a tempest, as her brow is of a
storme. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 21: The Moon with a circle
brings water in her beak. 1678 [WINSTANLEY] Poor Roain’s Seold,
p. 3: A Burr about the Moon, is not half so certain a Presage of a
Tempest at Sea, as her Brow is of a Storm on Land. 3.1700 B.E.:
Bur, a Cloud or dark Circle about the Moon; boding Wind and
Rain.
Cf. M1122: Pale moon does rain, red moon does blow; M1127:
Old moon-mist dies never of thirst.
[lcircle]
B734 BURROUGH’S end of sheep, some one
1678 RAY, p. 68.
B735 A bad BUSH is better than the open field
1670 RAY, p. 58: *That is, it is better to have any, though but a bad
friend or relation, then to be quite destitute and left to the wide
world. 1721 KEL., p. 53: An ill Bush is better than no berl
[shelter]. laid.,p.210:(anopen Field). *Eng. 1732 FUL.,no. 432:
A thin Bush is better than no Shelter.
B736 BUSH natural, more hair than wit
1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 68: Thy tales (quoth he) shew long heare,
and short wit, wife. 01596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More III ii 269:
Thy head is for thy shoulders now more fitt; Thou hast less haire
vppon it, but more witt. 1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l.
185, p. 54: Haire? It’s the basest stubble; in scorne Of it, This
Prouerbe sprung, he has more haire then wit. 1608 DAY Hum.
out Breatlz IV ii, p. 56: I haue got his hayre; ifI coulde come as
easily by his wit. 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum, s. BI: Is there
any scarcitie of haire Boy? —Somewhat thin, and yet there is
more hayre then wit. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Tentenna pennacchio, p.
558: A tisty-tosty-wag-feather, one that hath more haire then wit.
1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears II iv 114: Make much of thy hair,
thy wit will suit it rarely. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKS'I‘EAD Insat.
Countess III iv I70: Ushers should have much wit, but little hair.
1616 WITHALS, p. 572. 1621 J. TAYLOR Super. Flag..- Wks. F., p.
34: Many of these the prouerbe well doth fit, Which sayes, Bush
naturall, More haire then wit. 1631 KNEVET Rhodon and Iris II i,
s. DI: Now is the old proverbe really perform’d, More haire than
wit. 1636 T. HEYWOOD Challfor Beauty II, p. 16: The women goe
wrapt in so much fur, that of necessity they must have more haire
then wit. 1639 CL., p. 298. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Senno, p.
189: A simple Gull; more hair than wit, saith the English. 1670
RAY, p. 166. 1697 MER., p. 166. 1732 FUL., no. 1025: (more
Hairs).
SHAKESPEARE.—1592~3 C.E. II ii 83: There’s many a man hath
more hair than wit. 1594 T.G.V. III i 361: She hath more hair
than wit.
Cf. W524: Wisdom consists not in a beard.
B737 He that is afraid of every BUSH will never prove
good huntsman
01526 Dieta Sap., s. D3v: He that is agast or afrayd of eche bushe
may nat go through the wodde. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 123: He that feareth euery bush, must neuer goe a birding, he
that casteth all doubts, shal neuer be resolued in any thing. 1590
GREENE Never Too Late, p. 81: (shall neuer). a1598 FERG. MS, no.
680. 1732 FUL., no. 2098: He that feareth every Bush, must never
go a Birding.
See DiiR., I, no. 532.
must not go to the wood.
Cf. L143: He that is afraid of the leaves
B738 He thinks every BUSH a bugbear (bear)
I584 Leicester’s Commonwealth, p. 241: I shall surely be quak-britch,
and thinke every bush a theefe. 1678 RAY, p. 232: (a boggard).

B741
*A bugbear or phantasm. I732 FUL., no. 6002: You take every
Bush for a Bug-bear.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. 971: Let . . the dire thought ofhis
committed evil Shape every bush a hideous shapeless devil. 1595
M.N.D. V i 21 : Or in the night, imagining some fear, How easy is a
bush suppos’d a bear!
Cf. C597: A clear conscience laughs at (fears not) false accusa-
tions; D432: Ill doers are ill deemers; F125: The faulty stands on his
guard; I82: Innocence is bold; T1 12: The thief does fear each bush
an oflicer.
B739 Here if you beat a BUSH it’s Odds you’ll start a
thief
1622 DRAYTON Poly-Ola. XXIII 248, p. 473: Where if you beat a
bush, ’tis odds you start a thief. 1662 FULLER Wort/ties Bucking-
hamshire, I I 34: *No doubt there was just occasion for this Proverb
at the original thereof, which then contained satyricall truth, pro-
portioned to the place before it was reformed; whereof thus our
great Antiquary: It was altogether unpassable in times past by
reason of Trees, untill that Leofstane Abbot of St. Alban’s did cut
them down, because they yielded a place ofrefuge for thieves. But
this Proverb is now antiquated as to the truth thereof, Bucking-
ham-shire affording as many Maiden Assizes as any County of
equall populousness. 1670 RAY, p. 220. I732 FUL., no. 2496: (its
Odds but you start a Thief).
Cf. TI 13: A thief hides himself in a bush.
B740 One beats the BUSH and another catches the
bird
I472 MARGARET PASTON (to Sir John, June 5) in Paston Let. 803, V
142-. We bette the busschysse . . and have the byrds. 1526 BONDE
Pilgr. Perf., f. 141: Whiche . . hath. . betten the busshe that you
may catche the byrde. 1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4: And whyle I at length
debate and beate the bushe, There Shall steppe in other men, and
catche the burdes. 01576 Lover’s Compl. l. 15 in Roxa. Bal., II
309: Hard hap had I to beate the bush, And another to catch the
bird. 1579 SPENSER Slzep. Cal. Oct., 1. 17, p. 44: I beate the bush,
the byrds to them doe flye. 1606 2 Ret. from Parn. II v, s. DIv:
It hath beene my luck alwayes to beat the bush, While another kild
the Hare. 1614 CAM., p. 311: (bush another catcheth the birds).
1616 DR., s.v. Frustrate, no. 814. 1629 Descr. Love in Eng. Garn.,
VII 14: ’Twas I that beat the bush; The bird, to others flew. 1639
CL., p. 2: (bush, another gets the bird). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p.
9: [As in 1614 Cam.]. 1664 COD., p. 208. 1670 RAY, p. 128. 1721
KEL., p. 275: (grips the Bird). *Spoken when one reaps the Effects
of another Man’s Labour. I732 FUL., no. 3738.
See ST., no. 1754. Cf. M358: The poor man turns his cake and
another comes and takes it away. (26)
One BUSH (grove) cannot harbor two robin red-
breasts
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. L4v: (One bushe saith the Prouerbe).
1586 G. WHITNEY Clzoiee Emalems I, p. 55: One groaue, maie not
two redbreastes serue. [01590] 1654 CHAPMAN AND PEELE Al-
phonsus I i 63: Una arbusta non alit duos erithraeos.
Cf. C281: One cherry tree suffices not two jays; S717: Two spar-
rows On one ear Of corn cannot agree.
B742 To beat (go) about the BUSH
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 35: A longe betynge about the
busshe and losse of tyme to a yonge‘begynner. I546 HEY. I iii, 5.
A4: And Whyle I at length debate and beate the bushe. 1553 T.
7 WILSON R/zet., p. 2: If he . . tell it orderly, without goynge about the
bush. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 37: Goe not about the bushe
with subtile wordes, but plainely speake the truthe to me. 1586
WITHALS, s. 08v: (You go). 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not
Me, p. 329: And not to go far about the bush, I am come to be a
suter unto you. 1611 COT., s.v. Aller: To vse idle circumstances,
needlesse ceremonies; we say, to go about the bush. 1616 DR., s.v.
Words, no. 2497: (He goeth). 1631 MABBE Celestina IV, p. 93:
Why went’st thou about the bush with mee? 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. Tedious, p. 329: You go about and about the bush.
1696 Cornish Com. IV ii, p. 33: He doth not beat about the Bush,
but falls immediately upon the point. 1721 KEL., p. 204: I will not

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
B USHEL
BUTCHER
73

*That is, I’ll tell you my Mind
Always said in
(20)
B743 A BUSHEL of March dust is worth a king’s ransom
1533 HEYWOOD Play Weather, s. C2: And now to mynde there is
one olde prouerbe come One bushell of march dust is worth a kynges
raunsome. I557 TUSSER 100 Points Hush. Sonnet, p. 233: A bushel
of Marche dust, worth raunsomes of gold. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points
Hush. 46, p. 97: March dust to be sold, Worth ransome of gold.
[01597] 1609 JONSON Case ]s Altered V xiii 67: A faire March, is
worth a kings ransome. [a1635] 1648 R. CORBET Certain Poem:
Poems, p. 562: One strike ofMarch-dust for to see N0 proverb would
give more than he. 1639 CL., p. 307: (A coome [measure] ofMarch
dust). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 8. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Berkshire, I 84: In England a bushel of March dust is
worth a King’s randsom. I670 RAY, p. 41. 1685 R. BOYLE Causes
Saluhrious Air III: Wks., IV 285: It is proverbially said in England,
that a peck of March dust is worth a king’s ransom; so unfrequent is
dry weather, during that month, in our climate. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
March. 1732 FUL., no. 6390: (is a Thing, That’s worth the Ran-
som of a King).
go about the Bush with you.
freely, without Fear, Flattery, or Circumlocution.
Anger.
B744 In a BUSHEL of winning is not a handful of cun-
ning
[1477] 1652 T. NORTON Ord. Alchemy I, p. 22: An old Proverbe, In
a Bushell of weeninge, Is not found one handfull of Cunninge.
a1536 HILL 32, p. 131.
B745 Between the BUSINESS of life and the day of
death a space ought to be interposed
I640 HERB., no. 40b.
B746 Everybody’s BUSINESS is nobody’s business
1611 COT., s.v. Ouvrage: Euerie bodies worke is no bodies worke.
1648 H. PARKER Free Trade, p. 7: Every mans businesse is no mans
busines. I653 WALTON Complete Angler II, p. 49: A wise friend of
mine did usually say, that which is everybody’s business is nobody’s
business. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 169: That which is every
bodyes, is no bodyes. 1709 STEELE Tatler No. 1 8: Because a Thing
is every Body’s Business, it is no Body’s Business. 1732 FUL., no.
141 I .
B747 He has more BUSINESS than English ovens at
Christmas
01594 BACON, no. 912: He hath moe to doe than the ovens in Christ-
mas. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1. Mid, p. 21: I have more business
then London Fornaces at Christmass. *I have more to do then I
can turn my hands unto. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Natale, p.
1 15: To have more a do than Ovens at Christmass, viz. as in Eng-
land where they bake much at that time of the year.
B748 He that does a serious BUSINESS in haste rides
post upon an ass
1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 10. 1664 COD., p. 195: (He who).
B749 He that stays does the BUSINESS
1640 HERB., no. 184. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11: Who stayes
long doth his business. Ibid., p. 17: (his business). 1659 N.R.,
P- 49-
B750 If you would have your BUSINESS done, go; if
not, send
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 319: Who will have a thing, let him go,
who will not have it, let him send. [1732-57] 1758 FRANKLIN
Way to Wealth, p. 31.
Cf. B755: Who does his own business fouls not his hands; D401:
For that which thou canst do thyself rely not on another; M195: If
a man will have his business well done he must do it himself.
B751 In little BUSINESS stands great rest
8.1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 57. 1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 1410:
Wks., I 417: With litell besynes standith moche rest.

B752 Mind your own BUSINESS
I532 WHITTINGTON Little Bk. Good lllanners, s. Div: Be nat ouer
besy in other mennes causes. 1611 COT., s.v. Heureux: He is verie
happie that followes his owne businesse. 1625 BACON Essays, p.
104: Neither can he that mindeth but his own business find much
matter for envy. 1639 CL., p. 11: Mind your businesse. Ibid.,
p. 20: Meddle with your own businesse. 1662 TRAPP Com. Old,
New Test. 1 Thess. 4, V 627: And to do your owne business Not
oaring in other men’s boats, not meddling in other men’s bishoprics.
1694 Acct. Trials Manchester, p. 42: Evry one to mind his own busi-
ness, and not to follow them who are given to change. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2239: He that mindeth not his own Business, shall never be
trusted with mine.
Cf. B759: Busy will have bonds (bands); M854: Meddle with
what you have to do; O5: It is not good to have an oar in every
man’s boat.
B753 One BUSINESS breeds another
1529 T. MORE Dial. Diverse Mat. I: Wks. 1557, p. 105: It is an Old
said saw, that one busynes begetteth and bryngeth forth another.
1691 WILSON Belphegor V iii, p. 60.
B754 To go through-stitch with a BUSINESS
[To do a thing thoroughly] 1579 GOSSON Apol. Sch. Abuse, p. 68:
Philippe of Macedon . . was not able to go thorowe stitche. [1602]
I631 CHETTLE Hoflman III, s. F3v: Now wee are in, we must goe
through stitch. 01605 Life and Death Ratsey, S. C4v: But he
thought he would goe through Stitch now, as he had begunne. 1615
Exchange Ware at Second Hand in Contrih. to Early Eng. Lit., p. 7:
Band, Ruffe, and Cuffe, at first so well did goe Through Stitch, as
nought might added be therto. 1678 RAY, p. 271. 1732 FUL., no.
5176.
Cf. H496: To make a hog or a dog of it. (29)
B755 Who does his own BUSINESS fouls not his hands
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. I, p. 11: He that dooth his owne busines, doth
not defile his hands. [211633] 1652 G. HERBERT Priest to Temple
XXXII, p. 197: The Italian says, None fouls his hands in his own
business; and it is an honest andjust care, so it exceed not bounds
for every one to imploy himself to the advancement of his affairs.
1640 HERB., no. 415. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 11: (his fingers).
1659 N.R., p. I 17. 1664 COD., p. 228. 1732 FUL., no. 2086: (hurt-
eth not his Hand).
Cf. B750: If you would have your business done, go; ifnot, send;
D401: For that which thou canst do thyself rely not on another.
B756 Without BUSINESS debauchery
1640 HERB., no. 1002. 1659 N.R., p. 123.
Cf. 19: Idleness begets lust.
B757 Great BUSINESSES (engines) turn on a little pin
1640 HERB., no. 716. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p-
183: Great engines turn on little pins.
B758 A BUSKIN that will serve both legs
[ERAS. Adagia, 64C: Cothurno versatilior.] 01594 BACON, no. 792:
*Said of an inconstant, slippery man, who was now on this Side, now
on that. 1638 CHILLINOWORTH Rel. of Prot. I ii sec. 99: Wks., I
225: His argument will be like a buskin that will serve any leg.
B759 ‘ BUSY will have bonds (bands)
1616 DR., s.v. Busie, no. 370. 1639 CL., p. 20. 1670 RAY, p. 66:
(bands).
Cf. B752: Mind your own business; C621: To be too busy gets
contempt; T534: Search not too curiously lest you find trouble.
B760 As bawdy as a BUTCHER
01640 SMYTH 62, p. 31: *Meaninge, that filthines stickes to his con-
ditions, as visibly as grease to the butchers apron.
B761 The BUTCHER looked for his knife when he had
it in his mouth
01635 M. PARKER Good Workman l. 77 in Roxh. Bal., III 321: Hee’d
with his candell looke his knife, When hee had it in his mouth.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
BUTCHER 7 4
BUTTER

1639 CL., s.v. Copiae, p. 75: (knife and t’was in his mouth).
[a1654] 1689 SELDEN Tahle Talk, p. 104: We look after Religion as
the Butcher did after his Knife, when he had it in his Mouth. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: So the butcher look'd for his knife when it
was in his mouth. 1670 RAY, p. 166. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v.
Abound, p. 4: The Butcher sought his knife, and ’twas in’s mouth.
1692 R. L’IfisrRANoE Fables 372, I 340. I721 KEL., p. 363:You breed
of the Butcher, you seek the Knife, and it is in your Teeth. *Spo-
ken to them that are seeking what they have about them. 1732
FUL., no. 4438. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 400: Well; I’m like the
butcher that was looking for his knife, and had it in his mouth: I
have been searching my pockets for my snuff-box, and, egad,
here it is in my hand.
Cf. B762: The butcher looked for the candle and ’twas in’s hat.
B762 The BUTCHER looked for the candle and ’twas
in’s hat
1639 CL., s.v. Copiae, p. 75.
Cf. B761: The butcher looked for his knife when he had it in his
mouth.
B763 He would have made a good BUTCHER but for the
by-blow
1639 CL., s.v. Crudelitas, p. 77.
B764 As surly as a BUTCHER’S dog
1670 RAY, p. 208.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 Hen. VIIII i 120: This butcher’s cur is
venom-mouth’d . . therefore best Not wake him in his Slumber.
B765 I think this is a BUTCHER’S horse, he carries a
calf so well
1678 RAY, p. 232.
Horse; he).
B766 Like a BUTLER’s box at Christmas
[The butler’s box was a box into which players put a portion of their
winnings at Christmas time for the butler.] 1594 H. SMITH Yonah
Punishment 2: Wks., II 256: The law is like a butler’s box; play still
on, till all come to the candlestick. 1611 L. BARRY Ram-Alley II,
s. C3v: Keepe your mony, for law Is like a Butlers box: while you
two striue, That picks vp all your mony. 1629 TAYLOR Wit and
Mirth I5: Wks. F., p. 181: Westminster Hall. . is like a Butler’s
Box at Christmas amongst gamesters: for whosoeuer loseth, the
Box will bee sure to bee a winner. 1660 TAYLOR Ductor Duhit. III
iii, X 251 : Whoever lost, Signor papa, like the butler’s box, was sure
to get.
1732 FUL., no. 4291: (Sure, that’s a Butcher’s
B767 As fat as BUTTER
1584 LYLY Camp. I ii 76: I would make mine eyes fatte as butter.
1678 RAY, p. 283. 1720 GAY New Song Similes l. 19: Poems, II
278: My checks as fat as butter grown.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IVII iv 560: A gross fat man.
fat as butter.
—As
B768 As soft as BUTTER
1567 GOLDING Metam. XIII 937, p. 270: More soft than butter
newly made. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xii, III 94: My Lady
is as gentle as a lambe, and as soft as butter. 01625 WITHER
Scholar’s Purgat.: Misc. Wks., I 95: I found the words of their
mouthes as soft as butter.
B769 As sure as if it were sealed with BUTTER
I546 HEY. II Vii, S. KIv: (Euery promyse that thow therin doest
vtter, Is as sure, as it were). 1562 HEY. Epig. 120, p. 145: AS sure
as it were sealde with butter, for sooth: Sum butter seale lastth, as
longe as some waxe dooth. I580 BARET, V—236: Volaticum iusiu-
randum . . A Prouerb to be vsed, when we will note a vaine promise,
or 0th, which is void and of none effect, so soone as it is made: and
as our common by word saith, is as sure as an Obligation sealed with
butter. 1600 Look ahout You, s. B4: As sure as an obligation seal’d

with butter. 1616 DR., s.v. Vncertainty, no. 2261. 1639 CL., s.v.
Diflidentiae, p. 90.
See APP., p. 555. Cf. B771: Butter is good for anything but to
stop an oven or seal a letter; M1225: As sure as a mouse tied with a
thread; W74: A warrant sealed with butter.
B770 BUTTER is gold in the morning, silver at noon,
and lead at night
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 196, p. 156: (According to the old
English prouerbe: Butter is). 1652 FULLER Comm. on Christ’s
Tempt.: Serm., II 89: Some meats are said to be Gold in the morn-
ing, silver at noon, but lead at night. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5.
1670 RAY, p. 36: (silver at noon, lead at night). 1682 S. BUTLER
Mercurius Menippeus in Somers Tracts, VII 69: This butter-print
parliament was gold in the morning and lead at night. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Butter. 1721 KEL., p. 74. 1732 FUL., no. 1032.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 383: They say, butter is gold in a morn-
ing, silver at noon, but it is lead at night.
B771 BUTTER is good for anything but to stop an oven
or seal a letter
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It.
Span., p. 6: Butter is good for any thing but to stop an Oven. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Riva, p. 170: There is no rule but hath, or may
have its Exception; as if the English should say, Butter is good for
every thing, but to stop a hot Oven.
Cf. B769: As sure as ifit were sealed with butter; W74: A warrant
sealed with butter.
B772 BUTTER is mad twice a year
[1626] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Noble Gent. I, p. 180: Mad as May-
butter. 1631 JONSON Staple News Second Intermean, p. 325: So
butter answer my expectation, and be not mad butter; If it be: It
shall both Iuly and December see. 1678 RAY, p. 50: Butter is said
to be mad twice a year; once in Summer time in very hot weather,
when it is too thin and fluid, and once in Winter in very cold weath-
er, when it is too hard and diflicult to spread. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 383: Butter, I’ve heard ’em say, is mad twice a-year.
B773 BUTTER is once a year in the cow’s horn
01640 SMYTH 55, p. 31: My milke is in the Cowes home, now the
zunne is ’ryv’d at Capricorne: meaninge, when the dayes are at
Shortest, the cowe commonly then fed with strawe and neere the
calvinge, gives little or no milk. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14:
Butter is in the Cows horns one a year. 1670 RAY, p. 44.
B774 He looks as if BUTTER would not melt in his
mouth
1530 PALS., p. 620a: (He maketh as thoughe butter). 1546 HEY. I
x, s. C4v: (She lookth as butter and her mouth). I563 FOXE Acts
and Monum. IX, VI 37: I follow rather mine own inclination, than
to take the pains to speak as butter would not melt in my mouth.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 103: There are some servantes, who
in their maisters presence, looke as though butter would not melte
in their mouth. 1610 A. COOKE Pope Yoan in Harl. Misc., IV 126:
And of so temperate Carriage, that Butter would not melt in their
Mouths. [1612] I657 MIDDLETON Women Beware Women III ii 71:
See how she simpers it, as if marmalade Would not melt in her
mouth! 1616 DR., s.v. Slienesse, no. 2005: (as though). 1639
CL., s.v. Hypocrisis, p. 141. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: (She
looks as and her mouth). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Limosina, p.
90: (A cunning knave, a sly coult, that carries it, as if that butter).
1670 RAY, p. 171: (As demure as if butter). I696 D’URFEY3 Don
Quix. III i, p. 243: The Jade simpers as if Butter would not melt in
her mouth; but cheese of three half pence a pound won’t choak her,
as the old saying is. 1721 KEL., p. 157: (He looked and would not
have melted). *Spoken of roguish Fellows, who upon Occasion,
and Design, look and speak demurely. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,
p. 398: She looks as if butter wou’dn’t melt in her mouth; but, I
warrant, cheese won’t choke her. (12)
B775 It is not all BUTTER that comes from the cow
1546 HEY. II ix, 3. LIv: (that the cow shits).
[As in 1546 Hey.].
1611 GRUT., no. 166:
1614 CAM., p. 308: [As in 1546 Hey.]. I639

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
BUTTER 7 5
BYGONES

CL., p. 157: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in
Via, p. 190: All is not Butter the Cow lets fall. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 8: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1. 1659
N.R., p. 68: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 31: All is
not butter the Cow yields. Ihid. 22, p. 294: All is not butter that
the cow makes. 1670 RAY, p. 66: All is not butter the cow shites.
B776 It melts like BUTTER in a sow’s tail
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (in a Sowes arse). 1670 RAY, p. 216.
B777 Like BUTTER in a dog’s throat
1639 CL., p. 95: The dog hath gotten the butter to keep. 1721
KEL., p. 236: Like Butter in the black Dog’s ha’se [throat]. *That
is, past Recovery. 1732 FUL., no. 699: As irrevocable as a Lump of
Butter in a Greyhound’s Mouth.
B778 N 0 BUTTER will stick on his bread
1546 HEY. II vii, s. KIv: But there will no butter cleaue on my
breade. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 26: NO butter [will]
cleaue on the bread of a trauailer. 1591 GREENE Disc. Coz., p. 22:
Well saith the setter, no butter wil cleaue on my bread. 1636
CAM., p. 303. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: There is no butter will
stick to my bread. 1664 COD., p. 206. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p.
177: My willows produce no oyl. *Note 33, p. 181: Meant, that no
butter will stick upon my bread. 1670 RAY, p. 166: (to his bread).
1697 MER., p. 166. 3.1700 B.E., s.v. Butter: (on his Bread, nothing
thrives . . in his Hand). 1721 KEL., p. 267: (to my Bread). *Spo-
ken when all Means we use to thrive miscarry.
B779 That which will not be BUTTER must be made
into cheese
1678 RAY, p. 107. I732 FUL., no. 4387.
B780 To melt like BUTTER before the sun
1592 H. SMITH Poor Man’s Tears: Wks., II 48: No; it [wealth] will
melt and consume away like butter in the Sunne. [a1594] 1605 K.
Leir, s. 11: These foolish men are nothing but meere pity, And melt
as butter doth against the Sun. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sale, p.
1 76 : (To waste and decline in ones Estate; the English use the Phrase,
To melt like). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Butter: My Mony melts like But-
ter against the Sun.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV II iv I33: Didst thou never see
Titan kiss a dish of butter? Pitiful-hearted butter, that melted at
the sweet tale of the sun! 1600—1 III v 1 18: As subject to
heat as butter; a man of continual dissolution and thaw.
B781 To scold like BUTTERWIVES (butterwhores)
1639 CL., s.v. Rixosus, p. 275. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rotti, p.
173: To fall into fractions, viz. to be angry, and scould like a Butter-
whore. 01675 R. HOOKE Diary Oct. 15, p. 187: Fincham scolded
like a Butter whore. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua V xvi, III 294: The
old fusty Landlady kept her ground, swearing, like any Butter-
whore.
B782 Not worth a BUTTON
[01530] c1555 BERNERS Arthur Little Br., p. 470: His harneis auailed
him not a botton, for he was persed to the harte. 1620 SHELTON
Don Quin. Pt. II, xxii, III 168: You have some . . whose knowledge
and remembrance is not worth a button. 1672 WALK. 30, p. 15:
Not worth a chip; a button. (15)
B783 Better to BUY than to borrow (beg, beg or bor-
row)
1539 TAV., f. 13v: Emere malo quam rogare. I had leuer bye, then
begge. *Herby is signifyed that a thynge obteyned with moche
Sute and prayer, is in dede derely bought. 1616 DR., s.v. Borrow-
ing, no. 200: It is better to buy then borrow. 1639 CL., p. 59: Bet-
ter buy then beg or borrow. Ihid., p. 220. 1641 FERG., no. 210:
Better buy as borrow. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 15: Better borrow
then beg. 1659 N.R., p. 63: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1664 COD., p. 187.
1668 R.B., p. 14: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 59: Better buy,
than borrow. 1732 FUL., no. 884: [As in 1721 Kel.].

B787
B791
B784 BUY when I bid you
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 224. 1668 R.B., p. 11.
B785 He that BUYS dear must sell dear
01538 T. STARKEY Eng. in Reign Hen. VIII II, p. 175: He that byth
dere may sel dere. 1622 J. TAYLOR Brood Cormorants: Wks. F.,
p. 7: He that dearly buyes must dearely sell. 1681 YARRANTON
Eng. Improvem., II 183: (The Old saying is, He).
B786 Who always BUYS and sells feels not what he
spends
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 1: (Who buyes and sells).
227: [As in 1659 How.]. 1732 FUL., no. 5693.
Cf. L459: He buys and sells and lives by the loss.
1664 COD., p.
To be BOUGHT and sold
[To be tricked] [01497] a152o MEDWALL Fulgens, s. B5: I tell you
the mater is bought and solde. [01522] 01545 SKELTON Why Come
Not to Court 1. 169: Wks., II 38: I drede we are bought and solde.
[01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, s. A2: That were at a conuention
heauen to bye and sell. 1546 HEY. I x, s. C3: Than will the pik-
thanke it tell To your moste enmies, you to bie and sell. 1611
DAv. Prov., no. 378: Marcus doth buy and sell me. 1639 CL., s.v.
Derisio, p. 86: You are bought and sold like sheepe in a market.
1670 RAY, p. 166: To be bought and sold in a company. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 463: No matter how I look; I am bought
and sold. .
SHAKESPEARE—1592's C.E. III i 72: It would make a man mad
as a buck to be so bought and sold. 1592-4 1 Hen. VI IV iv 12:
Whither were you sent? —Whither, my lord? From bought and
sold Lord Talbot. 1596 K7. V iv 10: Fly, noble English; you are
bought and sold! 1597 Rich. III V iii 305: Be not so bold, For
Dickon thy master is bought and sold. 1602 T.C. II i 51 : Thou art
bought and sold among those of any wit. ('7)
B788 Let the BUYER beware
1523 A. FITZHERBERT Hush, p. 73: Caueat emptor, beware the
byer. I607 SHARPHAM Fleir II, s. C4: Beware the buyer say they,
you shall have enough for your money. 1615 T. ADAMS Mystical
Bedlam: Wks., p. 484: In other bargaines, caueat emptor, saith the
Prouerbe: Let the buyer take heed. 1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II i 691,
p. 149: Buyers, you know, are bid beware. I672 WALK. 41, p. 41:
Let the buyer look to himself.
Cf. N85: Who buys has need of a hundred eyes, who sells has
enough of one.
B789 BUYING and selling is but winning and losing
1669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 135. 1678 RAY, p. 107.
1732 FUL., no. 1036.
B790 It is ill BUYING of oats from a goose
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 866.
This BUYING of bread undoes us
1678 RAY, p. 67.
B792 He is a blind BUZZARD
1577 T. KENDALL Flowers Epig., p. 143: When buzzard blynd thou
canst not see what is before thy feete. 1600 BRETON Pasguil’s
Foolscap: Wks., I 26: Hee that is sworne that hee will neuer see,.Let
him play Buzzard with his blinded sight. 1616 DR., s.v. Blind-
nesse, no. 170. 1631 DRUE Duch. Suflolk II, s. C4v: Did he crosse
this way and you not see him, the more blind buzzard you? 1639
CL., p. 52: A blind buzzard. 1681 OTWAY Soldier’s Fort. IV, p. 52:
I’ll . . weep till blind as buzzard.
B793 Let BYGONES be bygones
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K3v: Let all thyngs past pas. 1636 RUTHER—
FORD Let. 62, p. 166: Pray . . that byegones betwixt me and my Lord
may be byegones. 1648 NETHERSOLE Parables 5, p. 5.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
CAB
C1 The great CAB1 and the little cab go down to the
grave
1678 RAY Adagia Heér., p. 399.
[1a Hebrew dry measure]
C2 In two CABS1 of dates there is one cab of stones
and more
1678 RAY fldagia Hebr., p. 406.
of Dates there is One Cab of Stones.
has some Rub.
[1a Hebrew dry measure]
I710 PALMER, p. 364: In Two Cabs
*No Way so Smooth but it
C3 Ten CARSl of speech descended into the world and
the women took away nine of them
1662 TRAPP Com. Old, New Test. I Tim. 5, V 646: (The Rabbins
have a proverb, That ten kabs of speech).
[In Hebrew dry measure]
C4 A threefold CABLE (cord) is not easily broken
I607 HIERON Good Fig/2t: Serm., I 219: This is like Salomons three-
fold cord, which is not easily broken. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Ban-
quet II: Wks., p. 192. 1616 DR., s.v. Vnitie, no. 2285. 1642 D.
ROGERS xldatr. Honor xiv, p. 296: (cord). 1667 POOLE Dial. Priest
and Protestant I, p. 41: Here is a fourfold cord, which you will find is
not easily broken.
C5 To keep a CACKLING and lay no eggs
1615 T. ADAMS Two Sons: Wks., p. 428: Here’s one cackles when
hee has not laid; and God comming findes his nest empty. This is to
fry in words, freeze in deeds. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9. 1732
FUL., no. 5867: You cackle often but never lay an Egg.
C6 CADGERSl speak of lead saddles2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 303. I668 R.B., p. 15. 1721 KEL., p. 77:
Cadgers has ay mind of load Sadles. *Spoken when People bring
in, by Head and Shoulders, a Discourse of those things they are
affected with, and used to.
[lpeddlers 2packsaddles]
C7 She can cackle like a CADOWE1
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 26: Ah, that drabe,
She can cackle like a cadowe.
See APP., p. 77.
[lj ackdaw]
C8 Either CAESAR or nobody
I649 LEICESTER j'our. July 10, p. 77: If you say, Cesar or nothing,
they say, Republique, or nothing. 1652 TEMPLE Essays, p. 75:
Though a wise man hee cannot scape the imputation of a greate
folly in a slight action choosing Of his motto [Caesar aut nullus].
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cesare, p. 36: To be either Cesar or no
body, not to be a neuter. 1681 C. LYTTELTON (to C. Hatton, Dec.
6) in Hatton Corr., II II: He must be either Caesar aut nullus. -
C9 Render unto CAESAR the things which are Caesar’s
[Matt. xxii 21: Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are
Cesar’s.] 1630 T. ADAMS Good Politic. Direct.: Wks., p. 836: They
forsake Christ; and will not giue Caesar his due.
See ST., no. 1 120.
C10 He builds CAGES for oxen to bring up birds in
1678 RAY, p. 352: *Disproportionable. 1732 FUL., no. 1815: He
builds Cages fit for Oxen, to keep Birds in.
C

CALAMITY
C1 1 He needs not a CAKE of bread at all his kin
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 549.
C12 His CAKE is dough
1559 BECON Displ. Popislz Mass: Prayers, p. 277: Or else your cake
is dough, and all your fat lie in the fire. [3.1563] 1661 Tom Tyler
and His Wife 1. 238, p. 7. I585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. V iv, 5.
G3: (Your cake). [01597] I609 JONSON Case Is filtered V xii 102:
Steward your cake is dow, as well as mine. 1616 DR., s.v. Ill suc-
cesse, no. 2065. 1639 CL., s.v. Spes frustrata, p. 294: Your cake’s
dough. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 18: His cake is become dough, or
his nose is put out ofjoynt. I665 PEPYS Diary April 27, IV 402:
Which puts . . me into a great fear, that all my cake will be doe still.
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 95, p. 19: Still misfortunate, still my cake is
dow. 1670 RAY, p. 167: (Your cake). 1671 CL. Pliras. Puer., s.v.
To disappoint, p. 95. a1700 B.E., s.v. Cake: Cake is Dough. *Of
a Miscarriage or failure of Business. 1721 KEL., p. 191: I thought
all my Meal dough. *I thought all my Pains ill bestowed. Spoken
when we are disappointed Of our Expectation. 1732 FUL., no.
6045: (Your Cake).
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—8 T.S. I i 109: Our cake’s dough on both
sides. laid. Vi 145: My cake is dough. But I’ll in among the rest,
Out of hope of all but my share of the feast.
Cf. F79: The fat (All the fat) is in the fire. (14)
C13 It is CAKE and pudding to me
1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 1899, p. 55: By my troth
sweet Ladies, it’s Cake and pudding to me, to see his face make
faces, when hee reades his Songs and Sonnets. 1721 KEL., p. 172:
He woos for Cake and Pudding. *Spoken when People pretend
Courtship, to promote another Interest.
C14 There was never a CAKE but it had a make1
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: There is no
1668 R.B., p. 49.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1249.
cake, but there is the like ofthe same make.
1670 RAY, p. 4: [As in 1659 How.]. Ibid., p. 293. 1678 RAY, p. 68:
Every cake hath its make, but a scrape-cake hath two. *Every
wench hath her sweet-heart, and the dirtiest commonly the most.
1721 KEL., p. 316: (but had). *None so good but there may be as
good. 1732 FUL., no. 6363: There is never any Cake, But there’s
some Of the same Make.
[1an equal]
C15 You can’t eat your CAKE and have your] cake
(have it too)
1546 HEY. II ix, 5. L2: (Wolde ye bothe eate).
no. 272: A man cannot eat his cake and haue it stil. 1616 DR., no.
1097: You cannot both eat your cake, and haue it. 1633 G. HER-
BERT Size 107: Temple, p. 157: Wouldst thou both eat thy cake, and
have it? 1639 CL., p. 38: (your cake too). Ibid., s.v. Impossibilia,
p. 147: You cannot both eate your Cake and give your Cake. 1658
E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 176: A man cannot eat his
Cake, and have his Cake. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14: (Would
you eat). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7: He would eat his cake, and
find his cake in his pocket. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Botte, p. 19:
TO eat ones cake, and have it too. 1670 RAY, p. 84.
Cf. C755: He would sell the cow and sup the milk; E80: There be
many that will have both the egg and the hen.
161 1 DAv. Prov.,
C15a CALAMITY (Extremity) is the touchstone of a
brave mind (unto wit)
I607 JONSON Volp. V ii 6: Good Wits are greatest in extremities.
1607 Puritan III, s. F2v: Ile trie it, it may hit: Extremity is Touch-

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
76
CALE-HILL
CAMEL
77

stone vnto wit. 1732 FUL., no. 1045. 1752 FRANKLIN, p. 28:
Calamity and Prosperity are the Touchstones of Integrity.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. IV i 3: You were us’d To say extremity
was the trier of spirits; That common chances common men could
bear; That when the sea was calm, all boats alike Show’d master-
ship in floating.
Cf. C715: Great courage is in greatest dangers tried.
C16 AS old as CALE-HILL
1639 CL., p. 171.
C17 The greatest CALF is not the sweetest veal
1659 N.R., p. 106. 1732 FUL., no. 4569.
018 He eats the CALF in the cow’s belly
1642 FULLER Holy State III ix, p. 172: The law of good husbandry
forbids us to eat a kid in the mothers belly, spending our pregnant
hopes before they be delivered. 1721 KEL., p. 138: *Apply’d to
them who spend their Rent before it be due. 1732 FUL., no. 1843.
Cf. C292: You count (reckon) your chickens before they be
hatched.
1636 CAM., p. 307.
C18a A quiet CALF sucks its dam and another cow
also
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 28: A mild calf sucks his own dam, and
another. *The gloss is, that they who are of a gentle, mild nature,
will find entertainment in all places. I732 FUL., no. 372.
Cf. E209: The gentle ewe (sheep) is sucked by many lambs (every
lamb); L35: The humble (meek) lamb sucks its own dam and others
also.
C19 You would have the CALF with the white face
1576 SANFORD Mirror Madness, s. B6v: They muste have the Calfe
wyth the whyte face, they muste haue they know not what. I599
CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth vii 183, p. 71: That calf with a white
face IS his fair daughter. [I600] I659 DAY Blind Beg. II, S. D3v:
You’d have the Calf with the white face I think. 1611 CHAPMAN
May Day II i 463: She would have you come like a calf with a white
face. I616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady IV, p. 275:
How I worshipt thisprettie calf with the white face here. 1620
].C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids I iii, s. C2v: Yet beshrew me they are a
couple of handsome Calues with white Faces. 1637 T. HEYWOOD
Pleas. Dial. Iupiter and I0, p. 266: I will keep thee (Calfe with the
white face) safe enough from bulling. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh II iv
2: You doe not know when yo’ are well, I thinke: You’ld ha’ the
Calfe with the White face, Sir, would you? 1732 FUL., no. 5526:
What would you have? a Calf with a white Face?
C20 A CALE’S head will feast a hunter and his hounds
I678 RAY, p. 108.
C21 Essex CALVEs
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. I 3 5: Foes mustbe frende, quoth an
Essex kalfe. 1599 BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, s. II: Essex calfes the
prouerb praiseth. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON East-
ward H0 II ii 243: These women Sir, are like Essex Calues. I617
MORYSON Itinerary III 11 i, III 463: Essex men are called calves,
(because they abound there). 1625 DEKKER Rod for Runaways:
Non_Dram. Wks., marginal note, p. 294: A Essex Calfe killed with-
out a Butcher. 1662 FULLER Worthies Essex, I 340: *Essex [pro-
duces] . . Calves of the fattest, fairest, and finest flesh in England
(and consequently in all Europe). 1670 RAY, p. 227. 1677 BEHN
1 Rover II i, p. 29: There are things about this Essex Calf, that shall
take with the Ladies.
Cf. L321: Essex lions.
C22 His CALVES are gone down to grass
I678 RAY, p. 232: *This is a jeer for men with over-slender legs.
C22a You CALL me scabbed because I will not call
you scald
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1543: Ye call me scabbitt becaus I wil not call
yow scald. 1641 FERG., no. 375: He cals me Skabbed, because I will

not call him skade. 1668 R.B., p. 27: [As in 1641 Ferg.].
KEL., p. 179: If you call me scabbed, I’ll call you scal’d.
1721
C23 Everyone must walk (labor) in his own CALLING
(vocation)
[I Cor. vii 20: Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he
was called.] 1539 TAV., f. 33: Let euerye man exercise hym selfe
in the facultie that he knoweth. Let the kobler medle wyth clowt-
yng his neyghbours shoes, and not be a captaine in felde, or meddel
wyth maters concernynge a common wealth. 1549 CROWLEY Voice
Last Trumpet l. 5: Wks., p. 57: Fyrste walke in thy vocation, And do
not seke thy lotte to chaunge. I549 LATIMER Serm. 12, p. 215:
Labour in thy vocation. 1551 BECON Flower Prayers: Prayers, p.
25: Every man labour according to his vocation and calling. 1604
DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 49: Ifit be my vocation to sweare, every
man in his vocation. 1605 MARSTON Dutch Courtesan I i 108:
Every man must follow his trade, and every woman her occupation.
1608 MIDDLETON Family Love III ii 25: ’Tis my vocation, boy; we
must never be weary of well-doing. 1612 CHAPMAN W idow’s Tears
II ii 68: Alas, madam, we would all be glad to live in our callings.
1616 DR., no. 1531: Let euery one follow and walke in their owne
calling. 1616 WITHALS, p. 578: Let every man betake him to his
owne occupation. 1623 WOD., p. 493: Wee ought to remaine in the
Trade wee haue learned. 1636 D’AVENANT Wits II i, p. 230: Nay,
pray Master Snore, let her labour on in her calling, else she can’t
pay her rent. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: Serve God in thy Call-
ing, ’tiS better then praying; viz. This is meant of foolish imperti-
nent Zelotts. 1681 ROB., p. 795: To labour in his vocation or call-
Ing.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-I 2 Hen. VI IV ii 17: And yet it is said,
‘Labour in thy vocation’; which is as much to say as ‘Let the magis-
trates be labouring men’; and therefore should we be magistrates.
1597 1 Hen. IVI ii 1 16: Why, Hal, ’tis my vocation, Hal. ’Tis no
Sin for a man to labour in his vocation.
Cf. C480: Let not the cobbler (shoemaker) go beyond his last;
M104: Every man as his business lies. (26)
024 After a CALM comes a storm
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 20: For after fayre sea-
son, oft falleth sore tempest. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 91: Calm
continueth not long without a storm. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 220: Feelyng as it were newe stormes to arise after a pleas-
aunt calme. 1597 LOK Son. Chr. Pass. 60: Ecclesiastes, p. 208: And
stormes insue the calme before that went. 1608 G. MARKHAM AND
MACHIN Dumh Knt. III, p. 164: But hush, no words; there is a calm
before the tempest. I613 STEPHENS Cynthia’s Rev. I xi, s. D3v:
A quiet calme foretels tempestious winde. 1616 DR., s.v. Change,
no. 253. I659 N.R., p. 4: A calm pretends a storm. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 23, p. 28: A calm oft threatneth a storm.
Cf. S908: After a storm comes a calm (fair weather).
C25 CAMBRIDGE requires all to be equal
1662 FULLER Worthies Cambridgeshire, I 155: *Some interpret this
of their Commons, wherein all of the same mess go share and share
alike. Others understand it of the expenses out of the Hall . .
Some expound the words, that Graduates of the same degree . . are
to be Fellows well met. I670 RAY, p. 221: Cantabrigia petit aequa-
les or aequalia.
C26 As hard as for a CAMEL to pass through a needle’s
eye
[Mark x 25: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye ofa needle,
than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.] 1534 LUP-
SET Treat. Dying Well, p. 286: For as harde a thynge it is to plucke
through the small nedels eie a greatte caboull rope, as to brynge a
rich man in at heuens wycket. [01560] 1581 WOODES Confl. Cons.
IV v, s. G3v: Which caused Christ himselfe to say, that with much
lesser payne Should Camel passe through needles ey, then rich men
Heauen obtayn. 01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. E1:
It is as easy for a Cammel through an Nedles eye to thrust; AS for
him that on riches hath fixed his minde: The way to eternall salua-
tion to finde. 1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, S. B2v: It is as un-
possible for thee his company to deny: AS it is for a Cammel to
creep through a needles eye. I615 WELDE Yanua Ling. 302, p. 20:

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
CAMEL
CANDLE

A Camell goeth not through the eye of a needle. 1622 FITZ-
GEFFREY Elisha: Poems, p. xxix: He had learned how to make the
camel passe through the needle’s eye, namely, by casting off the
bunch on the back, the superfluous load ofriches.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1596 Rich. I] V v 16: ‘It is as hard to come as for
a camel To thread the postern of a small needle’s eye.’ (7)
C27 The CAMEL going to seek horns lost his ears
[ERAS. Adagia, 829F: Camelus desiderans cornua, etiam aures per-
didit.] I608 CHAPMAN Consp. Byron IVi 138: But for a subject to
affect a kingdom, Is like the camel that ofJove begg’d horns. I613
CHAPMAN Rev. Bussy D’Amh. II i 176: Those foolish great-spleen’d
camels, That to their high heads, begg’d of Jove horns higher.
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 399: *Against those who being discon-
tented with what they have, in pursuit of more lose what they once
had. 1732 FUL., no. 4439: (to get Horns). ’
C28 A CAMEL in Media dances in a little cab1
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 398: *This proverb is used against those
who tell incredible things.
[’21 Hebrew dry measure]
C29 A CAMEL when he means to drink troubles the
water
1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet To Rdr.: Wks., III 396: It is said
that camels neuer drinke, til they haue troubled the water with
their feete. 1594 LYLY Mother B. V iii 23 3: We determined a little
to trouble the water before they dronke. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p.
34: *Note 9, p. 58: That he might not see his own deformity.
C30 It becomes him as well as it becomes a CAMEL to
dance
[ERAS. Adagia, 630A: Camelus saltat.] 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus
III i, p. 100: It becommeth hym as wel to do, as to see a camell
skyppe vp and down, or a cowe to beare a saddel or a beare to pycke
muskles. 1580 BARET, C—43: Camelus saltat. *A Prouerbe aptly
to be applied vnto those, which are vnfitte by nature to doe the
thing that they woulde seeme to be apt vnto. 1607 TOPSELL Hist.
Four-footed Beasts, p. 96: The wantonnes thereof appeareth by the
prouerbe of a dauncing Camell, when one taketh upon him more
then his skill will serue to discharge.
Cf. B126: As handsomely as a bear picks mussels; C758: It be-
comes him as well as a cow does a cart saddle; S672: AS meet as a
sow to bear a saddle.
C31 Cambridgeshire CAMELS
1662 FULLER Worthies Cambridgeshire, I 156: *I cannot reconcile
this common saying to any considerable sense . . All that I can re-
cover of probability is this: the Fen-men dwelling in the Northern
part of this County, when stalking on their stilts, are little Giants
indeed. 1670 RAY, p. 221 : *I look upon this as a nickname ground-
lesly fastned on this countrey men, perhaps because the three first
letters are the same in Cambridge and camel.
C32 Old CAMELS carry young camels’ skins to the
market
1651 HERB., p. 369. 1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 399: Many old
Camels carry the skins of the young ones to the market.
C33 As crooked as a CAI/IMOCK1
[01522] c1545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court 1. 114: Wks., II 30:
As right as a cammocke croked. a1529 SKELTON Agst. Garnesche l.
29: Wks., I 117: Your longe lothy legges, Crokyd as a camoke.
1594 LYLY Mother B. I iii 106: They studie twentie yeeres together
to make vs grow as Straight as a wande, and in the ende by bowing
vs, make vs as crooked as a cammocke.
[1a crooked or curved stick]
C34 The more CAMOMILE is trodden down the more it
spreads
[ERAS. Similia, 606A: Crocum gaudet calcari, premendoque melius
provenit . . Ita virtus adversis exercita rebus, laetius emicat.] I567
MAPLET Green Forest II, p. 67: This [camomile] hath that laudable
preheminence for that the more it is trod and kept vnder, the more

a great deale and the better it commeth vp and prospereth. I576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 36: As the herb camomile the more it is trodden
down the more it spreadeth abroad, so virtue and honesty the more
it is spited the more it sprouteth. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p.
196: Though the Camomill, the more it is trodden and pressed
downe, the more it spreadeth. 1591 LYLY Entertainment at Cow-
dray: W ks., I 426: True loue which springs, though Fortune on it
tread as camomel by pressing down doth grow. 1596 DEL., s. P 5v:
The more saffron is troden vnder foote, the better it is. 1607 G.
WILKINS Miseries Enf. Marr., S. E4: And like to Cammomil, Flow-
rish the better being trodden on. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet
III: Wks., p. 205: If troden Vertue grow so fast, like Camomill,
how then doth restrained Vice thriue? 1616 Somnium l. 71 in RC.
Times’ Whistle, p. 139: Cammomill trodden doth the farther spred,
And the palme prest, the higher lifts his head. 1637 SHIRLEY Hyde
Park III ii, p. 502: N e’er was simple camomile so trod on, yet still I
grow in love. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20, p. 181: The palm, the more
it is oppressed, the more it riseth. *Note 26, p. 223: The like is said
of Camomile. 1682 GREw Anat. Plants I iii, p. 28: For Propaga-
tion, the Trunk-Roots of Chamaemile do well serve. Whence we
have the reason of the common observation, that it grows better by
being trod upon.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQ7 I Hen. IV II iv 441: Though the camomile,
the more it is trodden on, the faster it grows, yet youth, the more it
is wasted, the sooner it wears.
Cf. P37: The straighter (higher) grows the palm the heavier the
weight it bears. (12)
C35 I have victualled my CAMP
I678 RAY, p. 345: *Filled my belly.
C36 CAN is eith1 carried about
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 325: Can doe is eith borne about. 1721 KEL.,
p. 78: *Eng. Cunning is no Burthen.
[leasily]
C37 As true as that the CANDLE ate the cat
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 12, p. 242: (The English say, As true as
that). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pelo, p. 139: To be as true as
that a frog is hairy, viz. most false, as true as the candle eat the cat.
01700 E. WARD London Spy X, p. 230: (AS plain as that). 1732
FUL., no. 4351: That is as true as that the Cat crew, and the
Cock rock’d the Cradle.
C38 As upright as a CANDLE stands in a socket
I546 HEY. II i, S. F2v.
C39 A CANDLE (torch) lights others and consumes it-
self
1584 LYLY Camp. Prol., p. 316: These torches, which giuing light to
others, consume themselues. I598 MARLOWE Hero and Leander
VI 60, p. 130: Sweet torch, true glass of our society; What man does
good, but he consumes thereby? 1607 SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl.
II, p. 30: She like a candell to light others burnes hir selfe. 1636 W.
SAMPSON Vow Breaker IV ii, p. 63: Our angers have like tapers spent
themselves, And onely lighted others, and not us. 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. 6: I spend my self to serve others, Viz. a candle. 1659
N.R., p. I. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 35: A candle gives light to
others, and wasteth it self. 1732 FUL., no. 2044: He that beareth a
Torch, Shadoweth himself to give light to others. 1742 FRANKLIN,
p. 19: The painful Preacher, like a candle bright, Consumes himself
in giving others Light.
SHAKESPEARE—1592—3 V.A. l. 755: The lamp that burns by
night Dries up his oil to lend the world his light. 1604 M.M. I i
33: Heaven cloth with us as we with torches do, Not light them for
themselves; for if our Virtues Did not go forth of us, ’twere all alike
As if we had them not. 1608 P. I Prol. 15: I life would wish, and
that I might Waste it for you, like taper light.
Cf. B141: We are not born for ourselves; B732: He that burns
most shines most; C45: One candle can light many more.
C40 He that worst may must hold the CANDLE
1546 HEY. II ii, S. G 1: Who that worst may shal holde the candyll.
1560 E. MORE Def. W om. l. 29, p. 107: Wherby thys proverbe shew-

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CANDLE
79
CANDLE

eth playne, no lesse true then olde, That thei most ofte that wurst
may the candle use to holde. [8.1563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife
1. 894, p. 25: And he that worst may the candel carry, If Patience
pray thee, do never varry. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 54: How un-
equally it is provided that those which worst may, are driven to hold
the candle! 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 201: He that worst may
is alwaye enforced to holde the candell. 1590 GREENE Never Too
Late, p. 42: Driven when I am weakest to the wal, and when I am
worst forst to holde the candle. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah.
x, S. J3v. I611 COT., s.v. Chandelle: (We say) he that worst may
holds the candle. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 354: Shee that worst may,
doth the candle hold: Faith then she is too yong or too old. 1614
CAM., p. 307. 1616 DR., s.v. Weakenesse, no. 2368: (may holdeth
the candle). 1639 CL., s.v. Imperitia, p. 149. 01640 SMYTH 66,
p. 32: Hee that worst may, must hold the candle. Or, the weakest
goes to the wall. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1670 RAY, p. 159:
(may, still holds the candle). *Gall. 1732 FUL., no. 2361: [As in
1670 Ray].
Cf. W185: The weakest goes to the wall.
C41 His CANDLE burns within the socket
1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 410: Olde Martin with a
wit worn into the socket. 1598 F LOR., s.v. Aluerde, p. I 5: Almost
in the end: as we say, in the socket. 1630 MASSINGER Picture III
iv, p. 177: You but blow out a taper that would light your under-
standing, and, in care of’t, Is burnt down to the socket. 1633 F.
GREVILLE Caelica 88, p. 114: When as man’s life . . In socket of his
earthly lanthorn burns. 1639 CL., s.v. Senectus, p. 279: (My can-
dle). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Verde, p. 228: The English say, To
burn in the Socket, to be almost Spent; spoken of Persons decaying
in their Estates, or of such Persons as are a dying. 1670 RAY, p.
167: *That is, he is an old man. 1672 WALK. 3, p. 50: *A down man.
1681 ROB., p. 307.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI II vi 1: Here burns my candle
out; ay, here it dies. 1598 2 Hen. IVI ii 176: What! you are as a
candle, the better part burnt out. 1605—6 M. V v 22: And all our
yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out,
brief candle! 1606-7 A.C. IV xv 84: Ah, women, women, look! Our
lamp is spent, it’s out! . . We’ll bury him.
Cf. C49: To go out like a candle in a snuff.
C42 It is good to hold (set) a CANDLE before the devil
01461 ANON. (to John Paston, Dec.) in Paston Let. 495, IV 12: It
is a comon proverbe, A man must sumtyme set a candel befor the
Devyle. 1520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 107: Thou art aboute to
please a shrewe (I haue espyed) as a man that offereth a candell to
the deuyll. [01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, s. D3v: (set). 1546
HEY. I x, s. C3v: I . . thought it not euyll To set vp a candell before
the deuyll. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,s. E3:They thought it good to
hould a candell before the deuill, and speake him faire while their
feete were in his mouth. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, S. I4:
Yet Ile giue him good words, tis good to hold a candle before the diuell.
1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 26: Infaith I looke like an old Prov-
erbe, Hold the candle before the devill. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 1 11:
Whores set vp a candle before the deuill. 1616 DR., s.v. Tyranny,
no. 2206: To set a candle before the deuill. 1636 CAM., p. 299.
1639 CL., p. 148: Set up a candle before the Devil. 01640 SMYTH
21, p. 28: Hee hath ofl’ered his candle to the divell. *This (now
common) thus arose; Old flillimore of Cam, goinge in Anno I 584, to
present Sr. Tho. Throgm: of Tortworth with a suger lofe, met by
the way with his neighbor S. M: who demanded whither and vpon
what busines hee was goinge, answered, To offer my candle to the
Divill: which comminge to the cares of Sr. Tho: At the next mus-
ter hee sent two of flillimores sonnes soldiers into the Low countries,
where the one was slayne and the other at a deere rate redeemed his
returne. 1644 J. HOWELL Pre-eminence Parl.: Dodona’s Grove,
p. 20: According to the Italian Proverb, That one must sometimes
light a candle to the Devil. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I: ’Tis good
sometimes to hold a candle to the Devill. 1678 RAY, p. 70: It’s
good Sometimes to hold a candle to the Devil. *Holding a candle
to the devil is assisting in a bad cause, an evil matter. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3039: It may be necessary sometimes to hold a Candle to the
Devil.
See DiiR., II, no. 435. (I8)
C43 It smells of the CANDLE (lamp, oil)
[ERAS. Adagia, 2900: Lucernam olet.] 1542 UDALL Apoph., f.
333v: One Pythias obiected to Demosthenes, that his argumentes . .
smelled all of the candle: signifiyng, that he pronounced none ora-
cion but out of writyng, and made with greate studie, by candle in
the night tyme. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. N1: [They] will
not Sticke to say behinde my backe that this little volume of mine
smelleth of the oyle and candle (as Pythias the Oratour sometime re-
ported Of the workes of Demosthenes). I580 BARET, O—82: Olet
lucernam. *A Prouerbe aptlie to be applied vnto those, which be-
stowe great labour in bringing vnto vnderstanding things vnknowen
vnto them: but it is rather to be applied to the industrie of the mind,
than otherwise. 1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne I, I 48: Some com-
positions . . smell of the oile, and of the lampe, by reason of a cer-
taine harshnesse . . which long plodding labour imprints in them
that be much elaborated. 1605 BACON Adv. Learning I, p. 104:
Aeschines . . told him, That his orations did smell of the lamp.
1608 HARINGTON Brief View St. Church, p. 165: A well labour’d Ser-
mon . . that smelt of the Candle. 1631 JONSON Staple News Prol.
Court, p. 283: A Worke not smelling of the Lampe, to night, But
fitted for your Maiesties disport. 1633 J. HOWELL Let. II 21, II
418: I thank you heartily for your last Letter, in regard I found it
smelt of the Lamp. 1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. To Rdr., II 4:
A work of this nature . . should smel of oyl, if duly and deservedly
handled. 1672 WALK. 16,p. 50:It smells ofthe lamp; a studied piece.
See ST., no. 1323. Cf. E103: It smells of elbow grease; I77: To
smell of the inkhorn; L44: It smells more of the lamp than of wine;
O31: To burn the midnight oil.
C44 Not to be able to hold a CANDLE to one
1641 DERING Virtues Carmelite, p. 43: Though I be not worthy to
hold the candle to Aristotle. [1641—8] 1699 HOLLES Mem., p. 37:
Only that the World might see which was the way to rise, and which
to be sure to meet with contrary Winds and Storms, and so to make
all men at least to hold Candles to these visible Saints.
See SM., p. 327.
C45 One CANDLE can light many more
1586 WITHALS, s. G7v. I598 FLOR. Ep. Ded., s. A3v: Your taper is
to light to you first, and yet it may light your neighbours candle.
1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 478: As the Candle that is carried in
a Lanthorne, shall light many Candles, and yet loose no part of
his own light.
Cf. C39: A candle (torch) lights others and consumes itself.
C46 To burn (waste) a CANDLE to find a pin (flea)
1623 WOD., p. 504: To wast a Candle and find a Flee. 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. I: (a whole candle). I685 CODRINGTON Coll. Prov-
erhs 1205, p. 134: [As in 1659 How.].
C47 To burn one CANDLE to seek another
1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 41: I gaue my self to that exercise in
hope to thriue but I burnt one candle to seek another, and lost bothe
my time and my trauell, when I had doone. 01580 LODGE Reply to
Gosson, p. 7: Spende one candle by seeking another. 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 25: Did not all the Romaines saye that he
that wandered did nothing els but heap sorowes to his friends, and
shame to himself, and resembled those that seeking to light a Lynke,
quenched a Lamp. I584 LYLY Sapho and Phao I iii 21: Burning
out one candle in seeking for an other. 1622 TAYLOR Thief: Wks.
F., p. 122: Like one that doth one Candle burne In seeking ofanother.
Cf. A325: Shoot one arrow after another.
C48 To burn (light) one’s CANDLE at both ends
1611 COT., s.v. Chandelle: Brusler la chandelle par les deux bouts.
*To wast, or spend, things disorderedly; to squander hee cares not
how, nor what. 1658 FLECKNOE Enig. Char., p. 118: Consuming
just like a Candle on both ends, betwixt Wine and Women. 1659
HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 6: He burns his candle at both ends, viz. a great
unthrift. 1659 How. It. Prov. Introd. Letter: You shall meet also
there with debosh’d youngsters, who use to . . burn their candles at
both ends. 1721 KEL., p. 72: Burn a Candle at both ends, and it
will not last long. *Spoken when both the Husband and the Wife
are Spenders. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Candle: The Candle burns at both


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
CANDLE
CAP
80

Ends. *Said when Husband and Wife are both spendthrifts.
FUL., no. 1965: (He lights his).
Cf. G328: A good fellow lights his candle at both ends.
1732
C49 To go out like a CANDLE in a snuff
[a1535] 1553 T. MORE Dial. Comf. II iii: Wles. 1557, p. 1172: I can-
not licken my life more metely now than to the snuffe of a candle
that burneth within the candlestickes nose. I589 LYLY Pappe with
Hatchet: Wks., III 410: Within a while appeared olde Martin with a
wit worn into the socket, twinkling and pinking like the snuffe of a
candle. 1644 Pet. Retailers, p. 178: A very Considerable yeerly
summe; which surely would be better had, and reserved, then lost,
and cast away like the snuffe Of a Candle to offend Others. 1649 HALL Cases Conscience, p. 364: Had they done the like in other
cases, their light had not gone out in a snuffe. 1658 W. CHAMBER-
LAINE Love’s Victory IV, p. 59: The swaggering Gallant goes out like
a snuff, when the constant housekeeper gives the best light at last.
1678 RAY, p. 285.
Cf. C41: His candle burns within the socket. (6)
C50 When CANDLES be out (At night) all cats be gray
1562 HEY. Dial. I v, p. 10: (When all candels). [01590] I654 CHAP-
MAN AND PEELE fllphonsus III i 332: By night all cats are grey.
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. VIII, p. 131: I never looke SO strictlie to the
matter, I like all Women well. —-—I think so, for to thee, all cats are
graie in the darke. 1596 LODGE Marg. America, p. 56: All cattes
are grey in the darke. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 387: When all candles
be out all catts be gray: This none but careless leachers will say.
1616 WITHALS, p. 571: (All candles out, all). 1639 CL., s.v. Ignora-
tio, p. 145: (When all candles). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: In the
dark all Catts are grey. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 170: The Eng-
lish say, that in the night, all cats are gray, And Jone is as good as
my Lady in the dark. 1670 RAY, p. 68: When candles are out, all
cats are gray. 1672 WALK. 44, p. 41. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Cat: [As
in 1670 Ray]. 1721 KEL., p. 9: All Cats are alike grey in the Night.
Eng. Joan’s as good as my Lady, in the dark. I732 FUL., no. 507:
All Cats are alike grey in the Night.
See ST., no. 1104. Cf. J57: Joan is as good as my lady in the dark.
C51 A good CANDLEHOLDER proves a good gamester
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 4. I732 FUL., no. 138:
A good Candle-SnufTer may come to be a good Player.
C52 If CANDLEMAS DAY1 be fair and bright winter will
have another flight; if on Candlemas Day it
be shower and rain Winter is gone and will not
come again
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 1441: Wks., I 418: How men were
wonte for to discerne By candlemes day, what wedder shuld holde.
1576 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 175: A faire Candlemas, a fowle
Lent. 1584 R. SCOT Disc. Witchcr. XI xv, p. 205: If Maries purifi-
eng daie, Be cleare and bright with sunnie raie, Then frost and cold
shalbe much more, After the feast than was before. 1612 WEBSTER
White Devil V vi 265: Let all that belong to Great men remember
th'ould wives tradition, to be like the Lyons ith Tower on Candle-
mas day, to mourne if the Sunne Shine, for feare of the pittifull re-
mainder of winter to come. 1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. VI iv,
p. 183: According to the proverbial distich, Si Sol splendescat Maria
purificante, Major erit glacies post festum quam fuit ante. I678
RAY, p. 51. 1732 FUL., no. 6486.
[Web 2]
C53 On CANDLEIVIASDAY1 throw candle and candlestick
away
1678 RAY, p. 344. I732 FUL., no. 6152: You should upon Candle-
mas-day Throw Candle and Candlestick away.
[lFeb. 2]
C54 On CANDLEMAS DAY1 you must have half your
straw and half your hay
01640 SMYTH 42, p. 30: At Candlemas a provident husbandman
should have halfe his fodder, and all his corne remaininge. I678
RAY, p. 52. 1732 FUL., no. 6487.
llli‘eb. 2]

C55 When CANDLEI/IASDAY1 is come and gone the snow
lies on a hot stone
1678 RAY, p. 43.
[lFeb. 2]
C56 The CANKER soonest eats the fairest rose (flowers)
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 28: The canker which commonly breedeth
in the fairest rose. [hid., I 1 16: For as in the fairest rose is soonest
found a canker, so in fairest speech is falsehood and feigning rifest.
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 1 8: I see now, that as the Canker
soonest entreth into the white Rose, so corruption doth easliest
creepe into the white head. 1600 BODENI-IAM Belvedere, p. 221:
As freshest flowres the canker soonest eats, So youthfull heads are
quickly caught by vice.
SHAKESPEARE—I594 T.G.V. I i 42: Yet writers say, as in the
sweetest bud The eating canker dwells, so eating love Inhabits in
the finest wits of all. 1609 Son. 35, l. 4: And loathsome canker lives
in sweetest bud. Ihid. 70, l. 7: For canker vice the sweetest buds
doth love.
Cf. L120: The finest lawn (cloth) will be the soonest stained;
S450: The fairest silk is soonest soiled; T490: The most fruitful tree
(The ripest fruit) is eaten by worms (the caterpillar); W576: The
finest wits are soonest subject to love; W734: Every wood has its
worm.
C57 Who was killed by a CANNON BULLET was cursed
in his mother’s belly
1609 ARMIN Two Maids More., 5. H3: They say hees curst that by a
cannon dies, may I be blest in such a destiny. 1623 CAM., p. 208:
Now he is thought the most vnfortunate, and cursed in his mothers
wombe, who dyeth by great Shot. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6:
(Who is killed). 1662 FULLER Worthies Sussex, II 383: Yet do I
not believe what Souldiers commonly say, that he was curs’d, in his
Mother’s belly, who is kill’d with a Cannon. 1670 RAY, p. 110.
I732 FUL., no. 2285: (He that’s killed by a Cannon, was). 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 424: He was cursed in his mother’s belly that
was kill’d by a cannon-bullet.
C58 CANTERBURY is the higher rack but Winchester is
the better manger
1608 HARINGTON Brief View St. Church, p. 70: A bishop of Winches-
ter one day in pleasant talk, comparing his Revenue with the Arch-
bishops of Canterbury, should say, Your Graces will showe better in
the Rack, but mine will be found more in the Manger. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Mediocria tuta, p. 206. 1662 FULLER Worthies Hampshire, I
402: *W. Edington, Bishop of Winchester, was the Authour Of this
expression, rendring this the reason of his refusal to be removed to
Canterbury . . Indeed, though Canterbury be graced with an higher
honor, the revenues of Winchester . . are more advantagious to
gather riches thereon. The Proverb is appliable to such who prefer
a wealthy Privacy before a less profitable Dignity. 1670 RAY, pl
230. 1732 FUL., no. 1055.
C59 A CANTERBURY TALE
1549 LATIMER Serm. 8, p. 106: We might as well spend that time in
reading of profane histories, of Cantorburye tales, or a fit of Robyn
Hode. I575 TURBERVILLE Ble. Falconry, p. 260: A thing not only
friuolous to talke of, and a verie olde womans fable, or Cantorburie
tale, but also verie perillous to be put in practise. I580 LYLY Euph.
and His Eng, p. 43: I can-not tell whether it bee a Caunterbury
tale, or a Fable in Aesope. I589 GREENE Menaphon, p. 86: Who-
soeuer, Samela, descanted of that loue, told you a Canterbury tale.
1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap III i 164: Ay, indeed, sir, the best
Tales in England are your Canterbury Tales, I assure ye. 1608
TOPSELL Hist. Serpents, p. 259: It is euery mans choyse to interprete
these to be eyther fables and Canterburi-tales, or true historicall
narrations. 1663 Westminster Wedding in Roxh. Bal., VII 230: A
sad relation, a strange Canterbury Tale.
Cf. T53: Tales of Robin Hood are good for fools. ( 5)
C60 Cast your CAP at the moon
I609 ARMIN Ital. Tailor To Rdr.: Wks., p. 143: Euery Pen and inck-
horne Boy, will throw vp his Cap at the homes of the Moone in cen-
sure. 1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 154.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CAP
CARD

SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. I i 216: They threw their caps As they
would hang them on the horns 0’ th’ moon.
C61 He is one that will not lose his CAP in a crowd
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Beretta, p. 14: Not to lose ones cap in any
crowd whatsoever, viz. to understand his interest to a doit, or pins
head. 1732 FUL., no. 1940.
C62 He may cast his CAP after him for ever overtaking
him
1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. F1: I set some of my Parishioners Wines
such Coppies; as their Husbands might cast their cappes at it, but
could neuer come neare. 1608 DAY Hum. out Breath IV iii, p. 61:
Shee’s scapt indeed, my lord; you may cast your cap after her, for
I see you can do no other good vpon hir. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND
FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle II i, p. 184: For clean action and good
delivery, they may all cast their caps at him. 1616 DR., s.v. Excel-
lency, no. 612. I616 WITHALS, p. 564: The rest may cast their caps
at him. I631 DEKKER Match Me in Lond. II, p. 167: Cast your
Cap at her, but she’s gon hurried into a Coach drawne with foure
horses. 1633 MASSINGER New Way to Pay I ii, p. 115: If they had
been practised at Breda, Spinola might have thrown his cap at it,
and ne’er took it. 1639 CL., s.v. Excellentia, p. 105: The rest may
cast their Caps at him. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 274:
Or else he may throw his cap at thee, and giue thee [up] for one got
out of his reach. 1670 RAY, p. 168: They may cast their caps at
him. *When two or more run together, and one gets ground, he
that is cast and despairs to overtake, commonly casts his hat after
the formost, and so gives over the race. So that to cast their caps
at one, is to despair of catching or overtaking him. a1700 B.E.,
s.v. Cap: He may fling up his Cap after it, when a thing or a busi-
ness is past Hope.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-8 T. Ath. III iv 101: I perceive our masters
may throw their caps at their money. (10)
C63 If his CAP be made of wool
[211582] 1635 Long Meg Westminster in Old Bk. Coll. Misc., II 9: I’ll
make thee pay every farthing, if thy cap be of wool. 1618 BEL-
CHIER Hans Beer-Pot, S. D2v: You shall not flinch, if that your cap
be wool. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh II ii 107: You will answer it, and
your Cap be of wooll. I662 FULLER Worthies Herefordshire, I 446:
[In] the Reign of King Henry the Eighth . . velvet caps becoming
fashionable for Persons of prime Quality, discomposed the proverb,
If his Cap be made of Wooll, as formerly comprising all conditions
of people how high and haughty soever. 1670 RAY, p. 167.
C64 The three-comered CAP
1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes V iiii, p. 233: We will teache maister
Doctor to weare a cornerd cappe of a new fashion. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Piedi, p. 147: To be hang’d on a Gibbet, which the
English oft express by the Three corner’d-Cap.
Cf. T501 a: The triple tree.
C65 Thy CAP has more ease than thy head
1546 HEY. II vii, s. KI: My cap is better at ease than my hed.
1562 HEY. Epig. 64, p. 136: Thy cap is better at ease then thy hed.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 257: Some coockolds cappes haue more ease
then their head. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1664 COD., p. 212.
C66 You shall have the red CAP
1678 RAY, p. 352: *Somerset.
Said to a marriage-maker.
C67 He that gives thee a CAPON give him the leg and
the Wing
1640 HERB., no. 109. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8: (a leg and a
wing). 1659 N.R., p. 46. 1664 COD., p. 198. 1670 RAY, p. 11:
(Who gives thee). *Hisp.
Cf. G355: He that turns the goose should have the neck; G364:
To steal a goose and give the giblets in alms.
C68 If thou hast not a CAPON feed on an onion (on
bread and onion)
I611 COT., s.v. Chapon. Ihid., s.v. Oignon: If thou want a Capon,
fall to bread and an Onyon; or, let not the want of dainties discon-

1616 DR., s.v. Nature, no. 1464: For want of Capons,
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 10: (no capon, content
1664 COD., p. 200. 1670 RAY, p.
tent thee.
bread and Onions.
thy self with bread and onion).
4: *Gall.
C69 A CAPTAIN (ruler) Should not sleep the whole
night
[ERAS. Adagia, 635E: Non decet Principem solidam dormire noc-
tem.] 1539 TAV., f. 46v: It is not semynge for a capitayne or ruler
to slepe all the hole nyght. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dic-
ing, p. 74: Whom God hath placed to rule aright, Ought not to
sleepe a full whole night.
Cf. W50: War must be waged by waking men.
C70 Such as the CAPTAIN is such is the soldier
1618 BOLTON Roman Hist. II xviii, p. 226: (It is a saying, that Such).
Cf. K70: Like king (prince) like people; P583: Like priest like
people.
C71 A White-livered CAPTAIN for all his brazen face
I616 WITHALS, p. 554: (Hee is white liverd for). 1639 CL., s.v.
Timiditas, p. 310.
C72 As cunning as CAPTAIN DRAKE
1678 RAY, p. 353.
C73 Where the CARCASS is there the eagles will gather
[Matt. xxiv 28: Wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be
gathered together.] 1599 T. HEYWOOD 1 Edw. IV, p. 35: The Eagle
once will stoop to feed on carion. 1613 T. ADAMS White Devil: W ks.,
p. 52: The Eagles flocke to a carkeis, and theeues hanker about rich
doores. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw, p. 42: Where the car-
rion is, thither the eagles resort, and where is ability to bribe, there
is power to do uniustly. 1684 AYRES Vox Clam. IV, p. 71: Where
the Carcase of Debauchery and Wickedness is, thither these Eagles
will be gathered together. 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 6: Where carcasses
are, eagles will gather, And where good laws are, much people flock
thither.
C74 He has a sure CARD
[01537] 01560 UDALL Thersytes, s. E1: Nowe thys is a sure carde,
nowe I may well saye. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 324: A
cleere conscience is a sure card, truth hath the prerogatiue to speak
with plainnes. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. xii, s. L3v: It had
bin better and he had said a sure carde. —-Why sir? —. . Be-
cause it is the Prouerbe. 1616 DR., s.v. Suretiship, no. 2083. 1641
PRYNNE Antip. Prel. I i, p. 23: Pope Alexander, Beckets surest
Card. 1680 Ohs. on Curse Ye Meroz, p. 20: They must have a surer
Card for their Religion than other Jews. 3.1700 B.E., s.v. Card—
Wool: A sure Card, a trusty Tool, or Confiding Man.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. Vi 100: As sure a card as ever won
the set.
C75 To outface with a CARD of ten
[To brag, to bluff] 01510 SKELTON Bowge Court I. 314: Wks., I 42:
Fyrste pycke a quarell, and fall oute with hym then, And soo out-
face hym with a carde often. 1520 WHITTINOTON Vulgaria, p. 93:
I set very lytle or nought by hym that can not face oute his ware
with a carde of .x. 01548 BRINKELOW Compl. Rod. XIX, p. 45:
Eyther he shal haue fauor for his masters sake, or elS bragg it owt
with a carde of.x. 1577 H.I. Decades II vi, VII 312: Yet we will not
stick to face them out with a card often. I581 BELL Agst. Osorius
III, p. 477: If this gallaunt challenger were as valiaunt in armes, as
he can face out the matter with a carde of tenne, surely he were man
good enough to ouerthrow all the Pigmees in the world. 1605 Trial
Chivalry, s. D4v: These Frenchmen think to out-face vs with a card
often. 1608 J. DAY Law Tricks V i, p. 82: I may be out-fac’d ofmy
selfe with a Carde of ten. I633 Dux Grammaticus, p. 165: I set very
little or nought by him that cannot face out his ware with a card of
ten. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 78: (I’le face out my ware, with).
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. II i 407: Yet I have fac’d it with a
card of ten.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
CARDS
CARPENTER
C76 CARDS are the devil’s books
1676 Poor Rohin’s Alman. Prognost., s. C4, quoted in App., p. 81:
Cards and dice. . the devil’s books and the devil’s bones. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 461 : Damn your cards, said he, they are the
devil’s books.
C77 He has good CARDS to Show for it
[1635] 1655 MASSINCER Bashful Lover V i, p. 412: I met with a
rougher entertainment, yet I had Good cards to shew. 1641
SMECTYMNUUS [S. MARSHALL ET AL.] Vindic. I, p. 9: He was unwill-
ing they should shew as good cards for their standing as he pretends
for his own. 1678 RAY, p. 354: He hath good cards to shew. 1732
FUL., no. 1887.
C78 Many can pack the CARDS that cannot play
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: (yet cannot play well). *Witty men
seldom wise. 1670 RAY, p. 20. 1694 D’URFEY 2 Don Quin. III ii,
p. 146: There’s many will shuflie the Cards that won’t play. 1732
FUL., no. 3341: (the Cards better than they can play).
C79 To throw up one’s CARDS
1639 FULLER Holy War II xviii, p. 68: Like furious gamesters, [they]
threw up their cards, not out of dislike of gaming but of their game.
a1721 PRIOR Vicar Bray and More: Dialogues Dead, etc., p. 256:
What think you of. . Regulus, Cato, and Brutus . . When ever the
Game did not go well they always threw up the Cards.
C80 When you have counted your CARDS you will find
you have gained but little
1548 PATTEN Exped. Scot. Pref. in Eng. Garn., III 63: Let them tell
their cards, and count their winning!
Tell thy cardes, and than tell me what thou hast wonne. 01594
BACON, no. 641: [AS in 1562 Hey.]. 1616 DR., no. 1280: Let him
count his cardes, and see his winnings. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
15: (When you have told your cards you). 1670 RAY, p. 215.
1732 FUL., no. 5628: (you’ll find you have little left).
C81 He is in good CARDING
1678 RAY, p. 68.
C82-C88 CARE: subst.
C82 CARE brings gray hair
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 324: Cair and sorrow maks ane soon auld like.
1616 DR., no. 232. 1659 N.R., p. 25.
Cf. C84: Care will kill a cat; H626: Horns and gray hairs do not
come by years.
C83 CARE is no cure
1678 RAY, p. 108. 1732 FUL., no. 1060.
SHAKESPEARE.——I592-4 I Hen. VI III iii 3: Care is no cure, but
rather corrosive, For things that are not to be remedied.
Cf. C921: Past cure past care.
C84 CARE will kill a cat
[1611 Apocrypha Ecclus. xxx 23: Sorrow hath killed many.] 1585--
1616 Shirhurn Bal. 21, p. 91: Let care kill a catte, Wee’le laugh and
be fatte. 01600 1 Ret. from Parn. I, p. 40. 1601 JONSON Ev. Alan
in Hum. I iii 83. I602 [COOKE] How Man May Choose, s. B2: They
say griefe often shortens life. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER]
Knt. Burn. Pest/e V i, p. 226: Care live with cats, I defie thee. 1616
DR., no. 234. Ihid., no. 235: (kill an horse). 1639 CL., p. 292.
01640-1 CROUCH Beggars All A-Row 7 in Cav. and Pur., p. 1 16: My
Grannam she hath often said, that care will kill a Cat. 1670 RAY,
p. 67: *And yet a cat is said to have nine lives. I682 N.O. Lutrin
IV, p. 40: Exiling fretting Care, that kills a Cat. 1732 FUL., no.
1062: Care will kill a Cat; yet there’s no living without it.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. III i 268: This sorrow is an enemy.
1598-9 M.A. V i 132: What though care kill’d a cat, thou hast met-
tle enough in thee to kill care. 1601 T.N. I iii 2: I am sure care’s
an enemy to life.
Cf. C82: Care brings gray hair. (5)
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 29:.

C85 Hang CARE (sorrow)
01600 1 Ret.from Parn. I, p. 40: Hange Sorrow! 1601 JONSON Ev.
Man in Hum. I iii 83: Hang Sorrow. 1604 Wit Woman, s. C4v:
Why? hang sorrow, twill not buy a Pipe. 1639 CL., p. 292. I666
TOR. It. Prov., note 24, p. 162: As the English say, Hang sorrow,
cast away care.
C86 Have a CARE to gain, for there will come a time of
spending
1616 DR., s.v. Providence, no. 1766.
spend).
Cf. D89: Lay up for a rainy day.
C87 He takes great CARE how to shame himself
1639 CL., p. 200.
1664 COD., p. 197: (a time to
1616 WITHALS, p. 561.
C88 Great CARES are great merchandise
1616 WITHALS, p. 541. 1664 COD., p. 194: Great Care is great Mer-
chandizing.
Cf. C194: No (Mickle) cattle no (mickle) care; C506: Much coin
much care; W198: Little wealth (goods) little care.
C89 CARE: verb
C89 He CARES not how he has it so he may but get it
1616 WITHALS, p. 584: They care not how they come by it, so they
may haue it. 1639 CL., s.v. Lucrum ex scelere, p. 190. Ibid., p. 191:
He cares not who loseth, so he but winnes.
C90 CARE NOT would have it
1670 RAY, p. 67. 1721 KEL., p. 80: *Ifyou ask a Man ifhe will have
such a Thing, and he answers I care not, it is a Sign that he would
have it.
C91 As the CARL1 riches he wretches2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 76. 1668 R.B., p. 4. 1721 KEL., p. 24:
*Many Men are found to grow the more niggardly as their Wealth
encrease, which has given Occasion to many Proverbs.
[lchurl 2grows niggardly]
C92 Kiss a CARL1 and clap2 a carl and that’s the way
to tine3 a carl, knock a carl and ding4 a carl and
that’s the way to win a carl
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 923: Kisse a cairle and clap a cairle and tyne
a carle, douse a carle and souss a carle and win a carle. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Prier: The more y’ intreat a Clowne the lesse heele doe. 1623
WOD., p. 520: Pray a Clowne the lesse he will doe. 1657 LEIGH, p.
271: Sooth a Clown and he will deal roughly with you, deal roughly
with him and he will speak you fair. 1721 KEL., p. 228: *People of
mean breeding, are rather to be won by harsh Treatment, than civil.
I733 FRANKLIN, p. 6: Anoint a villain and he’ll stab you; stab him,
and he’ll anoint you. '
Cf. N133: He that handles a nettle tenderly is soonest stung.
[Ichurl 2soothe 3lose 4beat]
C93 The best CARPENTER makes the fewest chips
I611 CORYATE Crudities, I 407: (For, according to the old proverbe,
the best carpenters make). [1632] 1653 R. BROME Novella III i, p.
132: The best carpenters make fewest chips.
Cf. C94: Such (Like) carpenter such (like) chips; W939: He is not
the best wright that hews the maniest speals.
C94 Such (Like) CARPENTER such (like) chips
[01530] c1555 BERNERS Arthur Little Br., p. 319: I knowe Well my
lorde Arthur hath bene here. . he is a good carpenter, for he hath made
here a fayre syght of chyppes. 1546 HEY. II vii, s. I4: (carpenters).
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 6: I thinke the same: suche Carpen-
ter, suche chips. 1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. C2. a1579
N. BACON Agst. Idleness: Recr. Age, p. 4: Suche Carpenter suche
chippes you knowe. 1611 GRUT., no. 242. 1614 CAM., p. 312.
1616 DR., s.v. Likeness, no. 1239: Like Carpenter, like chips.
I616 WITHALS, p. 564: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1639 CL., p. 287: [As in

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CARPER
CARVER

1616 Dr.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1659 N.R., p. 90. 1664
COD., p. 204: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1670 RAY, p. 115: [As in 1616 Dr.].
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 444: You have eaten nothing . .
—-See all the bones on my plate; they say a carpenter’s known by
his chips.
Cf. C93: The best carpenter makes the fewest chips; W939: He
is not the best wright that hews the maniest speals.
C95 A CARPER can cavil at anything
1643 HORN AND ROBOTHAM Gate Lang. lxxxv 838: A trifler is ever
playing the foel and medleth with babies . . a carpet . . taunteth
and findeth fault with all things. 1732 FUL., no. 33.
C96 As smooth as a CARPET
1678 RAY, p. 289: *Spoken of good way.
C97 To be upon the CARPET
[a1689] 1734 RERESBY Mem., p. 172: Till he had a more perfect
account of a treaty now upon the carpet with Spain. 1726 WODROW
(to Mrs. Wodrow, May 16) Corr. 127, III 255: The great cry made
for the people’s powers in election . . which is the case now upon the
carpet.
See ST., no. 2242.
C98 A CARPET KNIGHT
1580 BARET, B—956: Those which doe not exercise themselues with
some honest affaires: but serue abhominable and filthy idlenesse,
and as we vse to call them carpet knightes. 1585 R. EDWARDS Par.
Dainty Dev., p. [130], l. 10: They had liued like Carpet knightes,
(Consuming ydely) all their dayes. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore,
p. 47: Now, looks My M. just like one of our carpet knights, only
he’s somewhat the honester of the two. 1616 DR., s.v. Wanton-
nesse, no. 2334. 1618 HANNAY Happy Hush, p. 174: A Carpet
Knight, who makes it his chiefe care, To tricke him neatly vp.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. V ii 32: A whole book full of these
quondam carpet-mongers. (5)
C99 N0 CARRION will kill a crow
[01620] 1647 [BEAUMONT AND] FLETCHER Wit at Sev. Weapons III, p.
104: Every one knows the state of his own body, No Carrion kills a
Kite. 1670 RAY, p. 76. 1732 FUL., no. 3553: N0 Carrion will poi-
son a Crow.
C100 He CARRIES well to whom it weighs not
1640 HERB., no. 387.
C101 The best CART may overthrow
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 29: Well (quoth his man) the best cart
maie ouerthrowe. 1611 COT., s.v. Chartier: The best of them some—
times overturnes his cart; or, (as we say) the best Cart may ore-
throw. 1611 GRUT., no. 249. 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1623 WOD., p.
496: There is no Cart so good, but tumbles ouer some Tymes. *So
said that none of vs is alwayes sure. 1639 CL., s.v. Inculpatus, p.
160. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1659 N.R., p. 1 12. 1670 RAY,
p. 67. 1732 FUL., no. 4410.
C102 If ever I get his CART whemling1 I’ll give it a put2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 798: IfI can gait his cairt at a waulter [over-
turn] I shall lend it a putt. 1668 R.B., p. 29: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
I721 KEL., p. 197: *IfI get him at a Disadvantage, I’ll take my Re-
venge on him. 1732 FUL., no. 2674: If ever I catch his Cart over-
throwing, I’ll give it one Shove.
[loverturning 2push, shove]
C103 To set the CART before the horse
[ERAS. Adagia, 273A: Plaustrum bovem trahit.] 1520 WHITTINGTON
V ulgaria, p. 36: The teycher setteth the cart before the horse that
preferreth imitacyon before preceptes. 1529 T. MORE Dial. Di-
verse Mat. I: th. 1557, p. 154: Muche like as ifwe woulde go make
the carte to drawe the horse. 1546 HEY. II vii, s. I 3: Or set the cart
before the hors, well he can. 1552 TAV., f. 62v: (Currus bouem
trahit. Ye set). 1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xiii, p. 170:
We call it in English proverbe, the cart before the horse, the Greeks
call it Histeron proteron, we name it the Preposterous. 1611 COT.,

s.v. Boeuf: (We say, to set). 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 22:
(He setteth and horses). 1616 WITHALS, p. 554: The Cart before
the horse. 1630 J. TAYLOR Siege Yerusalem: Wits. F., p. 15: Dis-
ordred, like the cart before the horse, All reu’rence and respect did
yeeld to force. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 6: [As in 1616 Withals].
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12: (You put). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Carro, p. 31: To set the cart before the oxen, viz. to do things pre-
posterously; the English say, the cart before the horse. 1670 RAY,
p. 167. 1721 KEL., p. 393: (You drive). 1732 FUL., no. 4440: [As
in 1616 Withals].
SHAKESPEARE—16054 K.L. I iv 244: May not an ass know when
the cart draws the horse?
See DUR., II, no. 222; ST., no. 1756. Cf. P434: The plow goes
before the oxen. (31)
C104 You put1 at the CART that’s ay ganging2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1295: Thay put at the cairt is ay gangand.
1668 R.B., p. 53: They put at the Cairt, that is ay gangan. 1721
KEL., p. 371: *Spoken to them whom we have been very ready to
serve, when our readiness that way encourages them to put the
sorer upon us.
[lpush 2going]
0105 I am left out of the CART’S tail
3.1542 WYATT Defence: Wks., p. xxxvi: It is a common proverb: I am
left out of the cart’s tail, and it is taken upon packing gear together
for carriage, that it is evil taken heed to, or negligently slips out of
the cart and is lost. I688 SCOT Hist. Name, p. 35: According to
the old Proverb, They but fell from the Wains tail.
C106 To be cast at CART’S ass
[To be disgraced] 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus Prol., p. 18: As who
saith, that we wold for our new inuentions dryue the comedies of
Plautus and Terence frome the hyghe deasse, downe behynde the
Skryne, or cast them out at the cartes ars. 01558 Wealth and Health
l. 230, s. B1v: I am cast out at the cartes arse. 1562 HEY. Dial. I
ix, p. 17: I am cast at carts ars. 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 398: I am
cast at carts arse; may they say that skyp Away from the cart, to
auoide the whipp. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 204, p. 226: One who is
under the Beadles lash, as the English say, at the Carts arse.
C107 All the CARTS that come to Crowland are shod
with silver
I662 FULLER Worthies Lincolnshire, II 6: *Venice and Crowland . .
may count their Carts alike; that being sited in the Sea, this in a
morasse and fenny ground, so that an horse can hardly come to it.
1670 RAY, p. 237.
C108 CARTS well driven go long upright
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 29: Cartis well driuen (quoth he) go longe
vpright thowe.
0109 As common as the CARTWAY
1493 [H. PARKER] Dives and Pauper, f. ivv : Other wickednesses ben
as common as the carteway. 1566 DRANT Horace’s Sat. I vii, s.
D6v: (carts way).
Cf. B73: As common as a barber’s chair; H457: AS common as the
highway.
C110 To be one’s own CARVER
[To take or choose for oneself, at one’s own discretion.] 1573 GAS-
COICNE Supposes III iii, p. 213: In such cases it is not lawful for a
man to be his owne carver. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 203:
And in this poynt I meane not to be myne owne caruer. I594
NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 257: It is not for a straunger to be his owne
caruer in reu[e]nge. 1611 COT., s.v. Ciseaux: All is at his owne dis-
position, or in his owne hand; he may now be his owne caruer.
1614 RALEIGH Hist. World V v, VII 739: [He] plainly told them,
that the Romans would be their owne Carvers, and take what they
thought good. 1640 F. QUARLES Enchyridion I: Wks., I 11: Lest
they become their own Kervers; and so, of good Servants, turne bad
Masters. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Patti, p. 134: To have been
first to take, to have been his own carver or chuser.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
CASE
CASTLES
84

SHAKESI’EARE.—ISQO Rich. [1 II iii 144: Be his own carver and
cut out his way. 1600-1 II. I iii 19: He may not, as unvalued per-
sons dO, Carve for himself. 1604 0. II iii 173: He that stirs next to
carve for his own rage Holds his soul light. 1605—6 M. I ii 16:
Brave Macbeth . . Disdaining Fortune . . (Like valour’s minion),
carv’d out his passage.
Cf. M126: Every man is the architect Of his own fortune; S219:
Self-preservation is nature’s first law. (26)
C111 The CASE is altered, quoth Plowden
1578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. V iv, S. F2v: The case is altred
quight. 1594 LYLY Mother B. V iii 40: O ho, the case is altered! goe
thether then, and be haltered for me. [01597] I609 JONSON Case [s
Altered V v 5: O God, the case is alterd. I602 Liherality and Prod.
IV i, s. D3: But now how my case is altered suddenly. I603 DEK-
KER Batch. Banq. IX: Non-Dram. Wks., I 235: Then is their long
warre come to an end, and the case (as Ployden sayth) cleane al-
tered. 01629 F.D. Excell. Medley l. 95 in Roxh. Bal., I 59: Your
case is altered in the law quoth Ployden. I631 DEKKER Penny-
Wise 1. 47, p. 183: But in these dayes the case is altred (quoth
Ployden). 1639 CL., p. 223. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: *A
Lawyer Of that name, who being asked by a neighbour of his what
remedy there was in Law against some hoggs that trespassed his
ground, he answered, he might have very good remedy; but the
other replying, that they were his hoggs, nay then, the case is alter’d
said Ploydon. 1662 FULLER Worthies Shropshire, II 254. I670
RAY, p. 162.
SHAKESPEARE—I591 3 Hen. VI IV iii 31: Ay, but the case is
alter'd. (16)
C112 He is in ill CASE that gives example to another
1573 SAN F., f. 110: Naught is he that giueth an example to an other.
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33v: Wretched is he, that geueth ex-
ample tO others. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 125, p. 29.
C113 Well goes the CASE where wisdom counsels
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Wisdom: (case
when wisdom counsels).
C114 A CASK and an ill custom must be broken
I640 HERB., no. 27. I659 N.R., p. 15.
Cf. C931: A bad custom is like a good cake (A bad custom is),
better broken than kept; L183: Cut Off the leg Of an ill custom.
C1 15 CAST = extremity
C1 15 He is at last CAST
1616 DR., s.v. Olde age, no. 1557.
C 1 16 CAST = quantity
C116 He keeps a CAST of merlins
I678 RAY, p. 89: *A Wencher.
C1 17 CAST = taste
CI 17 TO give one a CAST of his office
[01553] 1566-7 UDALL Roister D. I iv 4: Speak to them; of mine
office he Shall have a cast. I577 GRANGE Gold. Alphroditis, 8. NW:
Here Boreas with his swelling cheekes Shewed a caste Of his office.
1607 Puritan I, 3. B4: I, I pray, Maister keeper giues a cast of your
office. 1654 FULLER Comf. in Calam.: Serm., II 271: Captaines of
the Forces indeed they were; and here they Shewed a Cast Of their '
Office, violently to force two aged persons. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
44, p. 79: The Devil gives him a cast of his Office. 1678 RAY, p.
263. 8.1700 B.E., s.v. Office: A cast of your office, or a Touch Of
your employment. (10)
C118 CAST =turn
C118 To speak in one’s CAST
[To speak in a man’s cast is to speak during his part, to interrupt]
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p. 55: IfI may speak in your cast,

C121
quoth Iffida. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tratto, p. 220: To have
gotten the better of one by interrupting of his discourse, and speak-
ing in his cast, as they say. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 130.
CI 19 CAST = venture
0119 Rub and a good CAST
1614 T. FREEMAN Ruhhe, and a Great Cast: [Title]. 1639 CL., s.v.
Modus, p. 213. I678 RAY, p. 81: *Be not too hasty, and you'll
speed the better: Make not more haste then good speed.
C120 Better a CASTLE of bones than of stones
[1571] 1633 E. CAMPION Hist. Ire. II vi, p. 90: I remember the
Proverbe, better a Castle of bones, then Of stones, where strength
and courage of valiant men are to helpe us.
Cf. M555: Men (Men’s love), not walls, make the city (prince)
safe; U12: Unity (Union) is the strongest building (bulwark) of
cities.
A CASTLE of comfort
01550 BEOON 4 Castle of Comfort: Cat.: [Title]. [01570] 1599 Clyo-
mon and Clamydes xiii, S. E3: You haue a castle ofcomfort brought,
in that you haue me told. 01626 Dick Dev. I iii, p. 23: I think long
till I be at home in our Castle Of comfort.
C122 A CASTLE that parleys and a woman that hears
will both yield
I549 Complaint Scotland XIII, p. 108: Ther is ane ald prouerb that
says, that ane herand damysele, and ane spekand castel, sal neuyr
end vith honour. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p. 105: Castles
that come to parlue, and woemen that delight in courting, are will-
ing to yeelde. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 38: It behoveth an
honest woman to shew her selfe so sober and chast . . that no man
be so hardie t0 assayle her. For in deed Castles that come to par-
ley, are commonly at the poynt tO render. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
175: A speaking castle and ane hearing maiden ar easy wone. I598
SYLVESTER Weeks II I ii 308: And rapt with ioy, [the lover] vpon
this point persists, That parley’ng Citie never long resists. I637 HOWELL Let. II 4, II 379: Some Beauties . . will endure . . a siege;
but will incline t0 parley at last, and . . Fort and Female which
begins to parley is halfwon. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 5: The woman
who hearkens, and the town which treats, the one will yield, the
other will do.
Cf. C402: Cities are taken by the ears; V14: Valor (A castle, A
city) that parleys is near yielding.
C123 Were I in my CASTLE of Bungay upon the river
of Waveney I would not care for the King of
Cockney
1577-87 W. HARRISON Descr. Eng. II xiv, II 266: As for those tales
that go of Breston castle . . that said in contempt of king Henrie the
third . . If I were in my castell of Bungeie, Vpon the water of
Waueneie, I wold not set a button by the king of Cockneie, I repute
them but as toieS. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 21: (Were I near my
Castle Of Bungey, Upon the River of Wavenley, I would ne care
for).
C124 CASTLES are forests of stone
I640 HERB., no. 930. 1659 N.R., p. 24: Castles are Fortresses of
stone.
C125 To build CASTLES in Spain
1477 CAXTON Yason, p. 2 5: He began to make castellis in Spaygne as
louers doo. 1567 G. F ENTON Trag. Dis. 13, II 249: He began to
sighe and build castels in Spaine. 1611 COT., s.v. Chasteau: *TO
muse he knows not what about. 1623 WOD., p. 517: (To make).
165iHERB., p. 366. I657 LEIGH, p. 265: *We say, To build Castles
In t e air.
See ST., no. 1444. Cf. C126: To build castles in the air.
C126 To build CASTLES in the air
I566 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. I 44, I 266: Alerand . . was a building of
Castels in the ayre. 1577 GRANGE Gold. dphroditis, s. I2v: I see

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form. first), or by most important word.
CAT
CAT
85

you buylde your Castles in the ayre. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
K4v: Meaning no more at this time to build Castles in the aire.
1594 GREENE Orl. Fur. I ii, p. 234: I know thee and thy stragling
groomes Can in conceit build Castles in the Skie. I605 CHAPMAN,
JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho IV ii 17: My Daughter, his
Lady, was sent Eastward, by land, to a Castle of his, i’ the ayre.
1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 16: (He would build). 1621 R.
BURTON Anat. M. I II ii 6, p. 212: They may build castles in the air
for a time. 1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 156. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 12: (He builds). I670 RAY, p. 166. 1690 T. BROWNE
Let. Friend, p. 177: They build not Castles in the Air who would
build Churches on Earth. 1690 LOCKE Human Under. I iv, p. 74:
At least, ifmine prove a castle in the air, I will endeavour it shall be
all of a piece, and hang together. 1721 KEL., p. 393: (You build).
1732 FUL., no. 2054: He that builds Castles in the Air, will soon
have no Land.
See OTTO, no. 6; ST., no. 1444.
Spain.
Cf. C125: To build castles in
(53)
C127 AS a CAT plays with a mouse
1566 J. STUDLEY Agam. Pref. to Rdr., p. 22: With whom (as the cat
with the mouse) it liketh her to daly. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphro-
ditis, s. H2v: The Catte delights to play a long time with the mouse
hyr prisoner, before she enioyes his death. 01580 Wife in Morel’s
Skin 1. 493 in Early Pop. Poetry, IV 200: Euen as the cat was wonte
with the mouse To play, forSOth euen so did he. 1586 WITHALS, s.
L3: A full cat doth often tymes dallye with a caught mouse.
[8.1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. F2v: Play not the Cat, which dallieth with
the mouse; And on a sudden maketh her a pray. 1602 Alarmfor
London, s. D3: So is the Cat that dallieth with the mouse. 1615 W.
GODDARD Nest Wasps 1, s. A4: Like Catt with mouse come sporte
you swiftlie faste But see like catt you pinche and nipp at laste.
1626 BRETON Fantastics: Wks., II 13: The cat Sits playing with the
mouse which she hath catched. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gatta,
p. 71: To do as the cat doth, viz. when it hath play’d awhile with
the mouse, to give it a gird, squeezing the head, and eat it. 1710 C.
SHADWELL Fair Quaker II, p. 22: You play with him as a Cat plays
with a Mouse. "
SHAKESPEARE.—I593—4 Lac. 1. 5 54: Yet, foul night-waking cat,
he doth but dally, While in his hold-fast foot the weak mouse pant-
eth.
Cf. C161: An Old cat sports not with her prey.
C128 As a CAT watches a mouse
01534 Bk. Merchants, s. E1: They haue a C. eyes euer open to watch
as the cat for a mous. 1538 BALE K. yohan l. 1768, p. 90: Not to
bolde yet, for a mowse the catte wyll gape. I579 GOSSON Sch.
Abuse, p. 3 5: To watche their conceites, as the Catte for the Mouse.
1584 LODGE Alarm agst. Usurers, p. 2: As the Catte watcheth the
praye of the Mouse, so dilygentlye intendes hie to the compassing
ofsome young Nouice. 1623 J. HOWELL Let. I iii 18, I 169: It was
no handsome comparison of Olivares, that he watch’d her as a cat
doth a Mouse. a17oo B.E., s.v. Mouse-trap: He watcht me, as a
Cat does a Mouse.
C129 As melancholy as a gibbed CAT
1592 LYLY Midas V ii 100: I am as melancholy as a cat. 1599
CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth xi II, p. 83: (as a cat). I609 W.M.
Man in Moon, p. 39: (as a cat). I629 SHIRLEY Wedding IV iii, p.
422: An thou hadst been wise, thou mightest have kept thee at
home with thy melancholy cat. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
1670 RAY, p. 206. 1672 WALK. 6, p. 20: A crabbed (cankerd) fel-
low: as melancholly as a cat. 1694 D’URFEY 2 Don Quix. I i, p.
108: Yonder he lies, and as melancholy as a Cat in a Church-
Steeple, expecting my return.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IVI ii 82: I am as melancholy as a
gib-cat.
Cf. C515: As melancholy as a collier’s horse; D438: AS melan-
choly as a dog.
C130 AS nimble as (He signifies no more than) a blind
CAT in a barn
01640 SMYTH 45, p. 30.
than).
1732 FUL., no. 2020: (He signifies no more,

C131 As nimble as a CAT on a hot bakestone
1639 CL., p. 286: As nimble as a cat. 1678 RAY, p. 285: To go like
a cat upon a hot bake Stone. 1697 MER., p. 164.
C132 A baited CAT may grow as fierce as a lion
I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xiv, III 106: If a Cat Shut into a
roome, much baited and straightened, turne to be a Lyon. 1710
PALMER, p. 305.
C133 Before the CAT can lick her ear
1593 PEELE Edw. I ii, s. B3: But goe and come with gossips cheere,
Ere Gib our Cat can lick her care. 1670 RAY, p. 168. 1732 FUL.,
no. 960.
Cf. H630: As shortly as a horse will lick his car.
0134 A blate1 CAT makes a proud mouse
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 88. I668 R.B., p. 7. 1721 KEL., p. 25:
*When Parents and Masters are too mild and easy, it makes their
Children and Servants too saucy and impertinent.
[lbashful]
C135 CAT (Kit) after kind
1578 WHETSTONE J Promos and Cass. I iii, S. B2v: Kytte wyll to
kinde, of custome, or by chaunce. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II
15: Cat will after kynde. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 179: Cat after
kinde will either hunt or scratch. 1599 Life Sir T. More in Eccl.
Biog., II 112: She would now and then show herself to be her
mother’s daughter, kitt after kinde. [I602] I631 CHETTLE Hofl-
man III, s. FIV: Thou hast as rheumatique a tongue to persuade . .
but thou art even kitt after kind. 1611 GRUT., no. 73. 1614
CAM., p. 305. 1639 CL., p. 224. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8.
Ibid., p. 12: Catt to her kind. 1670 RAY, p. 183: (Kit). 1732 FUL.,
no. 1070.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. III ii 109: If the cat will after kind,
So be sure will Rosalinde.
See ST., no. 2104. Cf. C136: Cat after kind, good mouse hunt;
C167: That cat is out of kind that sweet milk (cream) will not lap
(lick, Steal); L286: Like will to like. (12)
C136 CAT after kind, good mouse hunt
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D3. [01550] 1560 Nice Wanton, s. A2: A good
mouse hunt, is cat after kyng. I597 BRETON Wit’s Trenchmour:
Wks., II 11: Kat after kinde will be euer good Mouse hunt. 1611
COT., s.v. Geline. 01640 SMYTH 12, p. 27: My catt is a good mous-
hunt. *An vsuall speach when wee husbands commend the dili-
gence of our wives.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 RY. IV iv 1 1 : Ay, you have been a mouse-
hunt in your time . . —A jealous hood.
Cf. C135: Cat (Kit) after kind; C167: That cat is out of kind that
sweet milk (cream) will not lap (lick, steal); L286: Like will to like.
C137 The CAT has eaten her count
[01560] 1581 WOODES Confl. Cons. III iv, s. D4: But gyf the Sents
war gone, the Cat had eate my mark. 1678 RAY, p. 68: *It is spo-
ken of women with child, that go beyond their reckoning.
C138 The CAT is hungry when a crust contents her
1611 COT., s.v. Chat. 1664 COD., p. 216. 1670 RAY, p. 4. 1732
FUL., no. 1071: Cats are hungry, when a Crust will content them.
C139 The CAT is in the cream pot
1678 RAY, p. 233: *This is used when People hear a great noise and
hubbub amongst the good wives of the town, and know not what it
means; but suppose that some sad accident is happened; as that the
cat is faln into the cream-pot or the like.
C140 The CAT knows whose lips (beard) She licks well
enough
8.1500 Harl. MS 3362, p. 309: Wel wot the cat whas berd he [licks].
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 1438: Wks., I 418: And wele wotith
the cat whos berde she likkith. 1562 HEY. Dial. II ix, p. 81.
01594 BACON, no. 505: The catt knows whose lippes she lickes.
1611 GRUT., no. 253. 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1616 DR., no. 241: [As

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
CAT
CAT
86

in 01594 Bacon]. 1639 CL., p. 264. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 12:
The cat knowes and licks whom she likes. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 9. 1659 N.R., p. 113: [As in 01594 Bacon]. 1670 RAY, p. 68:
[As in c1594 Bacon]. 1732 FUL., no. 4442: [As in 01594 Bacon].
C141 A CAT may look on a king
1546 HEY. II V, S. H3: Can ye iudge a man (quoth I) by his lookyng?
What, a cat maie looke on a kyng, ye know. 1553 Respublica IV iv,
p. 38: Thought is free, and a catt, they zaith, maie looke on a king,
pardee. I562 HEY. Epig. 117, p. 145. 1590 GREENE Never Too
Late, p. 181: A Cat may looke at a King, and a swaynes eye hath
as high a reach as a Lords looke. 01594 BACON, no. 489. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 21: Ane half-pennie cat may look to the king and so
may the cat that cost nothing. 1611 GRUT., no. 3. 1614 CAM., p.
302: (vpon a King). 1616 DR., no. 236. 1639 CL., s.v. Asperitas,
p. 35: (at a King). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. I664 Miraculum
Basilicon in Royal Miracle VI, p. 141: But he grumbling whilst he
went forth saith, A Cat may look upon a King. 1668 R.B., p. 3:
A half-penny Cat may look to the King. 1670 RAY, p. 68. I709
DYKES, p. 41: (at a King). 1721 KEL., p. 11: A halfpenny Cat
may look at a King. *An Answer to them that ask you, why you
look at them, or what you look at.
See DiiR., I, no. 867. Cf. V54: The view of merchandise will cost
a man nothing.
CI42 The CAT sees not the mouse ever
I659 N.R., p. 102. 1664 COD., p. 220: (not
1670 RAY, p. 67. 1732 FUL., no. 4443: (not
1640 HERB., no. 588.
the Mouse always).
every Mouse).
0143 The CAT, the rat, and Lovel, our dog, rule all
England under a hog
1516 FABYAN New Chron. Eng. and Fr. VII, p. 672: (our dogge,
Ruleth all). *The whiche was ment, that Catisby, Ratclyffe, and
the lorde Louell, ruled the lande vnder the kynge [Richard III],
which bare the whyte bore for his conysaunce. 1577 HOLINSHED
Chron. Rich. III 1484, III 422: [Richard III executed] a poore gen-
tleman called Callingborne, for making a small rime of three of his
. . Councellors . . lord Louell, sir Richard Ratclilfe . . and Sir William
Catesbie . . The Cat, the Rat, and Louell our dog, Rule all England
vnder an hog. Meaning by the hog, the . . wild boare, which was the
king cognisance. 1669 W[INSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 152.
C144 The Cat would eat fish but she will not wet her
feet
16th 0. Old English Proverbs in Relig. Antiq., I 207: The Cat doth
love the fishe, but She will not wett her foote. 1552 TAV., f. 59:
The cat wold fyshe eate, but She wyl not her fete weat. 1562 HEY.
Dial. I xi, p. 28: (and would not Wet her feete). 1566 HOL., p. 261:
The Cat loueth fish, but She loueth not to wet her foote. I583
MELBANCKE Philot., S. OI: (The Cat would licke milke, but). 1586
WITHALS, s. A8vz (but is loath to touche the water). 1591 STEP.,
p. 156: The cat loueth fish, but he is loth to wet his foote. 1596
DEL., S. 1’8v: (A cat loues fishe well, but). a1598 FERG. MS, no.
1542: Ye breid of the cat sho wald fain fish eat but hes not will hir
feet to weet. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 58: (but for wetting her feete).
1611 GRUT., no. 254: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1614 CAM., p.312: [As in
1562 Hey.]. 1616 DR., s.v. Idlenesse, no. 1060: (The Cat would
faine haue water, but). 1623 CAM., p. 279: The Cat loueth well
fish, but she is loth her feete to wet. I623 WOD., p. 480: Faine fish
would the Cat eate, but her Feet would not wete. *So said in Ab-
sence of Maisters having vnruly Servants. 1631 MABBE Celestina
VII, p. 126: And if the Cat will haue fish, she must wet her foote.
1639 CL., p. 327: The cat loves fish well, but’s loath to wet her foot
to catch them. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (but she would not).
1668 R.B., p. 57: Ye breed of the cat, ye would fain have fish, but ye
have na will to wet your feet. 1670 RAY, p. 67: The cat loves fish,
but She’s loath to wet her feet. 1721 KEL., p. 307: The Cat would
fain Fish eat, But she has no Will to wet her Feet. *Spoken to
them that would gladly have, but will not labour. 1732 FUL., no.
6130: Fain would the Cat Fish eat, But she’s loth her Feet to wet.
SHAKESPEARE.——I6O5-6 114. I vii 44: Letting ’I dare not’ wait up-
on ‘I would,’ Like the poor cat i’ th’ adage?
See DiiR., I, no. 871.

C145 A gloved CAT can catch no mice
1573 SANF., f. 105. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30: A cat gloued,
catcheth no mise. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 121: A gloued cat,
doth neuer catch good rat. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 92: A gluifed cat
was neuer a good hunter. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 113, p. 29. I668
R.B., p. 7: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1754 FRANKLIN, p. 30: The Cat in
Gloves catches no Mice.
Cf. C157: A muffled (muzzled, cuffed) cat was never good mouser
(hunter).
C146 He bides as fast as a CAT bound with a saucer
1641 FERG., no. 412.
Cf. D436: As long as a dog (cat) would be bound with a blood
pudding.
C147 He can hold the CAT to the sun
a1598 FERG. MS, s.v. Of wylie [wily] persones, no. 649.
C148 He hoped well that got the CAT with two tails
1639 CL., p. 294. 1721 KEL., p. 391: You’ll get the Cat with the
two Tails. *A Jest upon People of large Expectations.
C149 He is sure of a CAT that has her skin
01594 BACON, no. 1652: Celuy a bon gage du chatte qui en tien la
peau. 1611 COT., s.v. Chat. 1623 WOD., p. 508: He hath a good
Paund of the Cat that holds him by the Skin. *So said ofhim that
is full Handed. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 176:
*Would I were as sure of an hundred pound.
Cf. MI 163: We can have no more of the fox but the Skin; MI 167:
You can have no more of a cat than her skin.
C150 He loves me as a CAT does mustard
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 567: (as weil as catis dois mustard).
CL., p. 235: (as the cat).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: As the Catt licks mustard.
Phras. Puer., s.v. To abhor, p. 1: (He loves it, as).
p. 287: To love it as a cat loves mustard.
Cf. A267: As fond as an ape ofa whip; B127: As willingly as the
bear goes to the stake; D220: As the devil loves holy water.
How (What) can the CAT help it if the maid be
a fool?
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: What fault hath the Cat, ifthe mayd
be mad. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IX, p. 147: What, is the cat to blame,
if maides be mad with shame? I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in
Via, p. 138: (What). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 11: It is not the cats
fault, if the Mistress of the house be a fool. 1664 COD., p. 201: [As
in 1659 How.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 101 : (What). *Note 18,
p. I 1 1 : A servant ought to lay things commestible out of the way, for
the cat doth but according to her kind. I670 RAY, p. 67. 1732
FUL., no. 2553. Ibid., no. 5595: When the maid leaves the Door
open, blame not the Cat.
1639
Ibid., p. 286: As a cat loves mustard.
1671 CL.
1678 RAY,
C151
C152 Let the CAT wink and let the mouse run
[1500] 1522 World and Child, S. C2v: A ha syrs let the catte wyncke
For all ye wote not what I thynke I shall drawe hym suche a draught
of drynke That conscyence he shall awaye cast. [211525] 01545
SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 458: Wks., I 328: But swete ypocras ye
drynke, With, Let the cat wynkel Iche'wot what eche other thynk.
[a1529] 1542—8 SKELTON Elynour Rum. l. 305: Wks., I 105: But
drynke, Styll drynke, And let the cat wynke. 1546 HEY. II iv, s.
G3. 1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. C2: Nay stay I pray you, and
let the Cat winke. 01594 BACON, no. 657. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 7: (and the Mouse runs).
C153 Like a CAT, he’ll still fall upon his legs
[01616] I639 FLETCHER M. Thomas III iii, p. 138: Not hurt him, He
pitcht upon his legs like a Cat. I637 SHIRLEY Young Admiral IV
iv, p. 159: Like a cat I should light upon my legs, and run home
again. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Seta, p. 191: To come off well in
any thing one undertakes, and to be fortunate, as is said of a Cat,
that still falls on its legs. I678 RAY, p. 282: He’s like a cat; fling
him which way you will he’ll light on’s legs. 1732 FUL., no. 3220.
See ST., no. 1862.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CAT
87
CAT

C154 Like a CAT, to have nine lives
1570 W. BALDWIN Beware Cat (1589 ed.) in Coll. Anglo-Poet, I 1 14:
For witches haue gone often in that likenes, and therof hath come
the prouerb as trew as common, that a Cat hath nine liues. [01592]
1615 T. HEYWOOD Four Prent. Lond., p. 191: For my oune part, ifI
had nine liues like a Cat; they were all sure to dye one Dogges death.
1605 MARSTON Dutch Courtesan III i 108: Thou hast nine lives, like
a cat. [01616] 1639 FLETCHER M. Thomas III i, p. 127: There be as
many lives in’t, as a Cat carries, ’Tis everlasting liquor. 1616 JON~
SON Ev. Alan in Hum. III i 131: I had beene slaine, ifI had had a
million of lines. —~’Twas pittie, you had not ten; a cats, and your
owne, ifaith. [01619] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Knt. Malta VI ii, p.
147: If thou scap’st thou hast Cats luck. 1639 CL., s.v. Longevitas,
p. 190: As many lives as a cat. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gatta,
p. 71: To have more lives than a cat, viz. to survive dangers. 1678
Scourge Poor Rohin, p. 3: Sure he has got as many Lives as a Cat,
and like her too, is perpetually Mewing and Scratching. 1684 BUN-
YAN Pilg. Prog. II, p. 229: He had, as they say, as many lives as a
cat.
SHAKESPEARE.—CI595 R7. III i 79: What wouldst thou have
with me? —Good King of Cats, nothing but one ofyour nine lives.
Cf. W652: A woman has nine lives, like a cat.
C155 The liquorish1 CAT has (gets) many a rap
I611 COT., s.v. Chat: (lickorous). Ihid., s.v. Lescheur: (comes vnto
many a pat). 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 6: A lickrous catt, beares
many a patt. 1664 COD., p. 216. 1670 RAY, p. 4: (gets). 1732
FUL., no. 6228: (gets).
[llustful]
C156 The more you rub a CAT on the rump the higher
she sets up her tail
1678 RAY, p. 109.
C157 A mufi‘led (muzzled, cufied) CAT was never good
mouser (hunter)
1596 DEL., s. M3v: A mufted Cat is no good mouse hunter. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 333: Cuft catt’s no good mouse-hunt. 1616 DR.,
no. 771: Cuft cat no good mouse hunt. 1623 CAM., p. 266:
(musled). 1639 CL., p. 145: (is never). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 2: A muflied Cat no good Mons-hunter. 1659 How. It. Prov., p.
7: A muffed cat takes no mice. 1659 N.R., p. 13: (musled). 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 39, p. 101: A furr’d cat catcheth no mice. 1670 RAY,
p. 67: (is no). 1721 KEL., p. 50: A musled Cat was never a good
Hunter. *Spoken to them that set about Work with their Gloves
on.
Cf. C145: A gloved cat can catch no mice.
CI58 My CAT has no such ears
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
C159 Never was CAT or dog drowned that could but
see the shore
01594 BACON, no. 590: A catt will never drowne ifshe sees the shore.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 36: Neither dog nor cat ever drown, so
long as they can discern the shore. 1732 FUL., no. 3532.
C160 An old CAT laps as much milk as (more milk
than) a young
1623 CAM., p. 266. 1639 CL., p. 258. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 12:
The old cat knows what to make of milk. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 13: The old Catt lapps more then the Kittling. 1659 N.R., p. 6:
(laps as much, as a young Kitlin). 1664 COD., p. 185. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Capra, p. 29: The English say, an old cat will lap up
more milk than half a dozen kitlings. I670 RAY, p. 68: [As in 1659
NR]. 1732 FUL., no. 3709: Old Cats may lap as well as young
Children.
C161 An old CAT sports not with her prey
1640 HERB., no. 1023. 1659 N.R., p. 18.
Cf. C127: As a cat plays with a mouse.
C162 Put an old CAT to an old rat
I669 D’AVENANT Man’s .Master I, p. 16: (AS the proverb says, put).
C163 A scalded CAT (dog) fears cold water
1561 T. HOBY Courtier II, p. 191: As dogges, after they have bine
once scaulded with hott water, are aferd of the colde. 1596 DEL.,
S. M6v: (doth feare the coldest water). 1611 COT., s.v. Chat: The
scaulded cat feares water though’t be cold. Ihid., s.v. Chien: The
scaulded dog feares euen cold water. 1639 CL., s.v. Secundae ex-
perientiae, p. 277: (feares the coldest water). 1640 HERB., no. 13:
(The Scalded dog). 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 5: (A burnt Dog).
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: Cold water seems hot to a scalded dog.
1659 N.R., p. 19: A dog scalded with hot water is afterward afraid
of cold. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 39, p. 36: A dog once Scalded with hot
water, is aifraid of cold water. 1670 RAY, p. 140. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Scalded. I694 D’URFEY IDon Quix. V ii, p. 89: (The scalded
cat). 1732 FUL., no. 1315: Dogs once Scalded, are afraid even of
cold Water. Ihid., no. 4075: Scalded Cats fear even cold Water.
See ST., no. 2536. Cf. C297: The burnt child dreads the fire; S227:
He that has been bitten by a serpent is afraid of a rope.
C164 Send not a CAT for lard
1640 HERB., no. 640.
C165 She is like a CAT, she will play with her own tail
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Hush, p. 45: The Cat, for want of a
Consort, will play with her owne tayle. I678 RAY, p. 90: (with her
tail). *A Whore. 1732 FUL., no. 4131. '
C166 Such a CAT cannot be caught without mittens
1577 HOLINSHED Chron. Rich. II 1380, II 731: The Englishmen in
those daies were cats not to be catched without mittens. . and
againe the French men were as warie. 1623 WOD., p. 504: (with
out a Muflie). *So said dissigning Impossibilitie in any Thing.
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 16: They will not be caught without mit-
tains.
Cf. M1028: To handle without mittens.
C167 That CAT is out of kind that sweet milk (cream)
will not lap (lick, steal)
01547 BALE Three Laws II, s. B1v: I shall kepe ye as well from that,
As my grandame kept her cat, From lyckynge of her creame.
[3.1558] 1568 7acoh and Esau IV iv, S. E3: Cat after kinde (saith the
prouerbe) swete milke wil lap, If the mother be a shrew, the daugh-
ter can not scape. 1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. I 15: The catte will
eate no sweete milke, for feare of marring her teeth: so you would
not be in looue, no though you might. 1596 DEL., s. O4v: The Cat
that once hath tasted of the creame, will not be quiet, till she hath
gotten more. 1660 TATHAM Rump I, p. 8: As greedy on’t, as a Cat
is of a dish of milk. 1678 RAY, p. 108.
SHAKESPEARE.—1597 l Hen. IV IV ii 64:1 am as vigilant as a cat
to steal cream. 1611 Temp. II i 287: For all the rest, They’ll take
suggestion as a cat laps milk.
Cf. C135: Cat (Kit) after kind; C136: Cat after kind, good mouse
hunt
C168 That that comes of a CAT will catch mice
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 101: Who comes of a cat, either takes
mice, or scratches. 1678 RAY, p. 109: *Ital.
C169 Though the CAT winks awhile yet sure she is not
blind
01570 Maid Will You Marry? in C. Robinson et al. Handf. Pleas.
Delights, p. 40: (Although the Cat doth winke a while). 01590 Mother
Wat/rin’s Ale in Coll. 79 Bl. Letter Bal., p. 254: Cat will after kind,
All winkers are not blind. 1609 ROWLANDS Whole Crew Kind Gos-
sips, p. 20: The Cat oft winkes, and yet she is not blinde. 1678 RAY,
p. 109.
Cf. W500: Although I wink I am not blind.
C170 To buy a CAT in a poke
I623 WOD.,p. 480: A Man can not buy a Pig in a Pocket (Or a Cat).
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 23: Never buy a cat in a bag. 1659 How.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
CAT 8 8 CATS

Fr. Prov., p. 9. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gatta, p. 71 : To sell a cat cloath too, When the Cat’s away the Mouse will play. 1639 CL.,
in a poke, viz. to sell wares unseen and unperused; the English say, s.v. Indiligentia, p. 162: (may play). 01640 SMYTH 95, p. 33: The
to sell a pig in a poke. mice will play when the catt is away 1648 On Death Warner in
See ST., no. 1093. Cf. P304: I will not buy a pig in a poke. Cent. Broadside Eleg, p. 53: When th’ Catt’s abroad, the Mice may
better play. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 20: When the cat’s from
C171 To know a CAT from a Cony (COWlSta-fi) home, the mice keep house. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (the
[01565] I595 Peddler’s Proph., s. A4: Thinke not but that I know a Mouse may PlaYh 1664 C011, P. 2291 Where there are “0 'Catsa
Cat from a Cony. I696 DILKE Lover’s Luck III, p.17: I knowacat the Mice dance. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 263: When the cat 15 not
from a Cowle staff_ in the way, the mouse will play. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Cat: (the Mice
play). 1732 FUL., no. 6131: (may play).
C172 T0 turn the CAT in the pan SHAKESPEARE.—1599 Hen. VI ii 172: Playing the mouse in ab-
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I3: Tourne the cat in the pan, Or set the cart be- sehee 0t the cat-
tore the here, Well he (3311- 01579 lMERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wis- See ST., no. 884. Cf. M725: The master absentand the house dead;
dom iii, p. 24: I am as very a turncote as the wethercokeofPoles; For M1232: The mouse goes abroad [Where the eat 13 net lord; M1239:
now I will calle my name Due Disporte . . So, so, findly I can turne Weh kens the mouse that the eat 15 out Of the house- (6)
the catt in the pane. I600 BRETON Pasquil’s Madcap: Wks., I 7: . .
It cannot turne the cat so in the pan. 1619 H. HUTTON Folly’s C176 when the CAT wmks htfle WOtS the mouse What
Anat. To Rdr.: Connive yong wits (which on your humoure stand) the cat thmks
1’1, with the proverbe, Turne the cat i’th’ band. 1659 How. Eng. 1678 RAY, p, 109, 173;, Pm“, no, 6453,
Prov., p. I4: (This is to turn the). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Frit- Cf. R19: When the rain rains and the goose winks little wots the
tata, p. 67: To change purpose, to alter ones discourse; and fall on gosling what the goose thinks,
other matter; the English say, to turn the cat in the pan. 1670 RAY,
p. 197: To turn cat in pan. 1672 WALK. 35, p. 57: *To say and un- CI77 You shall have what the CAT left on the malt
say; to eat his words; to Sing another tune. 8.1700 B.E.: Cat-in-pan, heap
turn’d, ofone that has chang’d Sides or Parties. 1721 KEL., p. I 51:
He has turn’d his Cloak on the other Shoulder. He has chang’d his
Side, Party, or Interest. The English say he has turn’d Cat i’the
Pan: The reason Of which Expression I do not know.
See ST., no. 1945. Cf. C420: He has turned his cloak on the other
Shoulder. (34)
C173 To whip the CAT
[To vomit.] 1550—1700 Master Malt Is Gentleman l. 123 in Roxh.
1600 T. WILSON State Eng, p. 24: He must have all . . the rest that
which the catt left on the malt heape. I616 WITHALS, p. 554:
Worthy of that the Cat left in the mault. 1639 CL., s.v. Con-
temptus, p. 71: (left i’th malt heape). 1670 RAY, p. 168: (that the
cat left i’th’ malt-heap).
C178 You will be like the singed CAT then, better than
you are likely1
Bal., II 382: But Mault made hym the cat to whip. I611 COT., a1598_F13RG- MS, no- 1641: Ye at Sih to a Singet catt Ye at better nor
s.v. Bertrand: To be drunke . . to whip the cat. I611 FLOR., s.v. Ye at 111(1)“, 1721_ KEL') P: 382: *A Return to them that Say they’ll
Brianzesco, p. 68: Tipsie, drunken, pot-Sicke, giuen to wine, whip heat You; Slgnltymg that they 100k as If they were net able-
the cat. 1622 TAYLOR Thief: Wks. F., p. 285: To be a Drunkard, l’then You 100k]
and the Cat to whip, Is call’d the King Ofall good Fellowship. I665 ' :
PEPYS Diary Aug. 14, V 45: I will and have already almost brought C179 Long and small’ hke a CAT S elbow
it to that pass, that the King shall not be able to whip a cat, but I a1598 FERG- MS, no- 976: (the cats ethowl- Mid-s no- 1647: (Ye at
be at the tail of it. long). 1721 KEL., p. 238: (the Cat’s Elbow). *A disparaging Re-
See STU no_ 1059. Cf_ F651, To catch the fox_ fiection upon slender People. 1732 FUL., no. 3268: (Long and slen-
der, like).
C174 Well might (It was not for nought that) the CAT
wink (winked) when both her eyes were out
1529 T. MORE Dial. cone. Heresy III xvi, p. 241: Ye saye well quod
he, But yet as weomen saye, somewhat it was alway that the cat
winked whan her eye was oute. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G2v: But som~
what it is, I se, whan the cat wynkth, And bothe her eyen out.
01563 Yack Yuggler, s. E3V: Sumwhat it was sayeth the. prouerbe
olde That the Catte winked when here iye was out. 1616 DR., no.
240‘. It IS not fOI‘ nought that the Cat winketh when DOtl'l her eyes CATS
C180 To have CAT’S eyes
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. I3: Tush, feare not that,
swones they must have Cattes eyes then. 1607 DEKKER AND WEB-
STER North. Ho I, S. B3: I could teare out those false eyes, those Cats
eyes, that can see in the night. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD
Insat. Countess V ii 134: These night works require A cat’s eyes to
impierce dejected darkness.
are out. 1639 CL., s.v. Libertas veritas, p. 188: Well may the cat S ares)
winke when her eyes are out. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2: The Catt p _ _
winked, when both her eyes were out. 1660 S. FISHER Rustic’s a1598 FERG; MS: ’10- 306- I639 CL-> S-V- Patelmomas P: 245": What
Alarm, p. 159: Therefore the Cat winkt when both her eyes were out, the Seed “flte Spares the cat eates' I64I FEM?» no- 821: That
and that T. D. durst not speak his mind out positively. 1670 RAY, Whleh hUSSIeS Spares: eats eats' I668_ R-B'i 16‘ cats eat that
p. 67_ HuSSIeS spares. Ibid., p. 51: That which hUSSIes spares, Cats eat.
1670 RAY, p. 144: [AS in 1639 CL]. 1697 MER., p. 164: (that which
C175 When the CAT’S away the mice Will play sluts spares). 1721 KEL., p. 326: The things that Wives hains
a1536 HILL 48, p. 132: The mowse goth a-brode, wher the cat is not [Spares]: cats eat: *What is too niggardly Spatid is Often as Widely
lorde. 1573 SANF., f. 109: When the Catte is not at home, the Myce squander’d- I732 FUL') n0~ 5520: [AS in I639 Cl~l-
daunce. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33: When the Cat is abroade,
the Mise play. 1580 BARET, M—487: Vsed when any take libertie C182 It rams CATS and dogs
in the absence of their gouernour, and as we say, when the cat is [1628] 1653 R- BROME City Wit IV 1, P- 3341 It Shall Paine - - Dogs
away, the mouse may play. 1603 DEKKER Batch. Bang. II: Non- and polecats, and so forth. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 454: He
Dram. kas., I 169: (the mouse). 1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed was sure it WOUId rain cats and dogs-
with Kind., p. 135: Mum; there’s an old prouerbe, when the Cats Cf- M968! T0 rain millstones.
away, the Mouse may play. 1611 COT., s.v. Rat: The Rats may . .
safely play, when the Cat’s away. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag.,s. A6v): 0183 Keep no more CATS than WI“ catCh mlce
(the Mouse may play). 1616 Dr., no. 11: (the Mice play). 1623 1673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 84: (kill Mice). *Thrift. I678
WOD., p. 480: Rats they walk at their Ease, if Cats do not them RAY, p. 350: (I will keep). *No more in family then will earn their
meeze. *So said in the Absence ofMaisters having vnruly Servants. living. Somerset. I710 PALMER, p. 358. I732 FUL., no. 2638: I
1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker III ii, p. 44: As it is in the painted will keep no Cats, that will not catch Mice.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CATS
CAUL
89

C184 They agree like CATS and dogs
[1525-40] I 557 114erry Dial., p. 80: Ye are alwaies one at a nother,
agreinge lyke dogges and cattes. 1566 DRANT Horace’s Sat. I vii, S.
D7: Lyke dogge, and catte, these two did then agree. I566 HOL.,
p. 267: These thinges agree not together. . Dogges and cates in a
kitchin. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 8 5: As well they will agree to-
gether as dogs and cats. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 27: He that
compareth our instruments with those that were vsed in ancient
times, Shall see them agree like Dogges and Cattes. 1602 [COOKE]
How Man May Choose, S. A3: Such young brats Would gree together
euen like dogs and cats. 1616 DR., s.v. Contention, no. 338: (They
agree together). I623 WOD., p. 491. I629 PARKER Warningfor
Wives 52 in Pepysian Garl., p. 301: Like cat and dog they still
agree’d; Each small offence did anger breed. 1633 T. PEYTON (to
A. Oxinden, May 12) in Oxinden Let. 72, p. 88: They live here, it
may bee as your catt doth amongst the dogges, in a pittyfull feare.
1639 CL., p. 94. 1670 RAY, p. 161. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables
428, I 399: In the Days of Yore, when Men and their Wives agreed
like Dog and Cat in a House together. 1698 HENNEPIN Cont. New
Disc. XIV, p. 62: Therefore why Should you oblige us for to live
like Doggs and Catts together when only Changing one with another,
we live at quiet? 1721 KEL., p. 1 18: ’Gree like Dogs. *Ironically
forbiding Children to fall out about their Meat. I732 FUL., no.
4949: They agree like Dogs and Cats coupled.
See DUR., I, no. 765.
C185 They agree like two CATS in a gutter
1546 HEY. II i, S. F4: (They two agreed, lyke). 1589 L. WRIGHT
Display Duty, f. 12v: (Agreeing like. . two). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 3.
C186 Two CATS and a mouse, two wives in one house,
two dogs and a bone never agree in one
1486 J. BERNERS Bk. Hawking, II F5v: Too Wyues in oon hous, too
cattys and oon mous: Too dogges and oon boon: theis shalt neu’ ac-
corde in oon. 1585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. L4v: These will
neuer accorde in one. Two wiues in one house. Two cattes and
one mouse. Two dogges and one bone. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
1416: Tuo wyves in on house and tuo catis about ane mouse wil
never agrie. a16oo Cat. MSS Corp. Christi Col., II 227: Wyfes and
one howse cattes and one Mowse dogges and one bone can neuer
agree alle yn oone. 1611 COT., s.v. Accorder: (We say, Two).
1670 RAY, p. 151. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Two. 1732 FUL., no. 6095:
Two Cats and one Mouse, Two Wives in one House, Two Dogs at
one Bone, Can never agree in one.
Cf. D544: Two dogs never agree about one bone; W325: Two
whores in a house will never agree.
C187 They draw the CAT HARROW
01554 LINDSAY Compl. Sir David Lindsay l. 305, p. 311: For euery
lord, as he thocht best, Brocht in ane bird to fyll the nest; To be ane
wacheman to his marrow: Thay gan to draw at the cat harrow.
I721 KEL., p. 329: *That is, they thwart one another.
C188 CATCH: subst.
C188 To lie at CATCH
1620 RYVES Poor Vicar’s Plea, p. 141: That hee seeme not to lie at
catch for an aduantage against his inferiour fellow Minister. 1659
FULLER AppealII, p. 405: I have to do with an adversary who lieth
at catch for the least advantage. I681 HICKERINGILL Horrid Sin:
Wks., I 175: A High-way Man lyes at catch but for a small parcel
of Money. 1699 Feigned Friendship V, p. 47: A needy Beauty
perhaps, who for want of Fortune is fain to lye upon the Catch.
Cf. P402: To play underboard.
C189 CATCH : verb
C189 CATCH that catch may
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., S. E4v: They catche that catche may
kepe and holde fast. 1530 PALs., p. 478b. 1553 Respublica I iii, p.
6: Therefore catche that catche maye, hardely, and spare not.
1562 HEY. Epig. 293, p. 171. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s.

B2v: And I forbid a carping knight to catche where catche he can.
[01612] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Capt. IV iii, p. 289: I’le ha’ no mercy
But catch as catch may. 1617 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Fair
Quarrel II ii 187: I’ll wrestle with any man for a good supper . . I’ll
take your part there, catch that catch can. 1629 WADSWORTH
Eng. Span. Pilgr. II, p. 8: Whereupon [he] forced me to Silence with
the danger of my life for feare hee should loose the pillaging Of the
other; for it was catch as catch may, and therefore disrobed me of
the other boote. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1678 RAY, p. 68.
(I 1)
C190 It is ill CATCHING of fish when the hook is bare
1584 GREENE Mirror Mod, p. 16: (Tis heard to catch). [1588]
I617 GREENE Alcida, p. 76: (Ill catching). 1620 SHELTON Don
Quix. Pt. II, lxxi, IV 250: Trouts are not caught with nothing.
1732 FUL., no. 1545: Fish are not to be caught with a Bird-call.
C191 They are not (are) CATER-COUSINS
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 322: They be cater cosyns: and almoste
neuer a sonder. 01580 LODGE Reply to Gosson, p. 44: We should
find you catercosens with a, (but hush) you know my meaning.
1598 R. BERNARD Andria V ii, p. 82: They are not now cater cous-
ins. 1616 WITHALS, p. 574: Cats and dogs will sooner be cater-
cozens, then they. 1622 MABBE Rogue I 1 vii, I I 57: I was not halfe
Cater-cousins with him because by his meanes I had lost my cloake.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fuochi, p. 68: Not to be cater-cosins, not
to set their horses together. 1670 RAY, p. 168. 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. To Hate, p. 156: You and they’l never agree—be cater-
cousins. 1672 WALK. 45, p. 30: *Ira inter eos intercessit.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 M. V. II ii 138: His master and he (saving
your worship’s reverence) are scarce cater-cousins.
C192 To go CATERWAULING
1546 HEY. II v, s. H3: My cat gothe a catterwawyng. 01550
BECKE Two Dial., p. 29: They [men] go a catterwallynge and bore-
huntinge. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II ii, 5. C4: They goe a
catter-walling. [1625] I647 FLETCHER Chances II ii, p. 197: The
old woman’s gone too. ——She’s a Catterwauling Among the gut-
ters. I673 HEAD Cant. Acad., p. 120: This disloyal Husband had
left the . . Bed of his . . constant Bed-fellow to go a catterwowling.
C193 Lang lean1 makes hameald2 CATTLE
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 959: (Lang lend). 1641 FERG., no. 568.
1668 R.B., p. 34: Long lean makes a hameald cattle.
[lalone 2homely]
C194 No (Mickle) CATTLE no (mickle) care
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1036: Meikle catle meikl cair. Ibid., no.
1091: No cattell no cair no pennie no wair. 1639 CL., s.v. Divitiae,
. 98.
Cf. C88: Great cares are great merchandise; C506: Much coin
much care; W198: Little wealth (goods) little care.
C195 Old CATTLE breed not
1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s Sickn.: Wks., p. 454: Old cattell breed no
longer; doted trees deny fruit: the tired earth becomes barren.
1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 169. 1670 RAY, p. 127.
C196 When I am dead make me a CAUDLE1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1449: (mak no caddell). I637 NABBES Micro-
cosmus IV, p. 198: By that time you are dead I will have made you
a cawdle. 1641 FERG., no. 71 1: (make me caddell). 1668 R.B., p.
44. 1721 KEL., p. 351: (make me Cawdle). *Be kind to me when
I am alive, for I Shall not value, or be better for your Presents when
I am dead. 1732 FUL., no. 5558.
Cf. D133: After death the doctor (physic); M809: After meat
comes mustard.
[1a warm drink]
C197 He was born with a CAUL
1612 JONSON Alch. I ii 1 28: Yo’ were borne with a caule 0’ your head.
1632 T. RANDOLPH Yeal. Lovers II ii, p. 89: Did not I tell you, Sir,
that I was born With a caul upon my face? 1648 HERRICK Hesp.:
Poet. Wks., p. 167: For either sheet, was spread the caule That doth

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
CAUSE 90
CERES

away the effect will follow. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 80: It hath
ever been a common saying, Remove the cause, the effect is also
removed.
the Infants face enthrall, When it is born: (by some enstyl’d The
luckie Omen of the child). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 19: He is born
with his head coiff’d, viz. rich. 1667 BRISTOL Elvira V, p. 90:
Were we not born with cauls upon our heads? Thinkest thou,
Chichon, to come off twice a-row Thus rarely from such dangerous
adventures? 1668 T. SHADWELL Sullen Lovers V, p. 80: Sure I was
born with a Caul on my Head, and wrapt in my Mothers Smock;
the Ladies do so love me. 1703 DUNTON Athen. Oracle, III 84a:
What are we to think of such as are born with Cawls about their
Heads? Some would persuade vs that they are not so subject to
the Miseries and Calamities of Humanity. 01704 D’URFEY Old
Mode and New IV ii, p. 57: Sure I was born with a Cawl on my
Head, things come so strangely lucky. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p.
415: You were born with a caul on your head, you are such a fa-
vourite among the ladies.
See ST., no. 891. Cf. C539: He came in hosed and shod; M1203:
He was lapped (wrapped) in his mother’s smock; S772: He was
born with a silver spoon (a penny) in his mouth.
0203 A small CAUSE may produce much grief
a1579 N. BACON Of Yohn and Zone: Recr. Age, p. 32: Of a smale
cause grewe noe smale Stryfe. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 4.
C204 You must not starve a CAUSE
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 8: Starve not thy cause for want of fees,
nor thy horse to save a bottle of hay. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 37,
p. 133: (As the English commonly say of Clyents towards their
Lawyers; You). 1712 ARBUTHNOT Law Bot. PitI vi: Hist. Yohn
Bull, p. 142: John did not starve the Cause; there wanted not Yel-
low-boys to fee Counsel, hire Witnesses, and bribe Juries.
C205 To put in (enter) a CAVEAT
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II I iv 2, p. 393: It was a chief caveat of
Seneca to his friend Lucilius, that he should not alter his Physician.
1642 FULLER Holy State I xii, p. 37: She enters a silent caveat by a
blush. 1682 PEPYS (to W. Hewer, May 26) in Pepys Corr., VI 147:
Which pray let Sir Anto. Deane think of, and of putting in a caveat
against his getting any pardon. (7)
C206 CAer will enter in at any hole and if it find none
it will make one
1616 DR., no. 243. 1664 COD., p. 189: (Cavils will enter in at any
hole, if it).
C198 CAUSE causes
1546 HEY. I ix, s. C2: Cause causeth (quoth he) and as cause caus-
eth me, So will I doo. 1616 DR., s.v. Provokement, no. 1776.
C199 Crabbed1 was and CAUSE had
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 308. 1668 R.B., p. 16.
l'angryl
1721 KEL., p. 80.
C200 He that is angry without a CAUSE must be
pleased without amends
I508 STANBRIDGE Vulgaria, p. 23: Yf thou be angry with me with-
out a cause thou shall be made at one Without a mendes. I546
HEY. II iv, s. G4v: He . . that will be angry without cause, Muste be
at one, without amends. 01563 Yuck Yuggler, S. B4: By my faith yf
thou be angrie without a cause You shall haue a mendes made with
a cople of straws. 01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. A4:
To be angry without a cause, w’out mends must be eased. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 478: He that crabes [becomes angry] without a caus
wil meise [become calm] without a mendse. 1616 DR., no. 88: (an
amends). 1639 CL., p. 178: (If you be angry without cause, you
must). 1641 FERG., no. 305: He that crabbes without cause, Should
mease without mends. I642 FULLER Holy State III viii, p. 169: Be
not angry with any without a cause. If thou beest, thou must . . as
the Proverb saith, be appeas’d without amends. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 3. 1668 R.B., p. 21: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 56:
(cause, shall be). 1721 KEL., p. 80: Crab without a Cause, and
mease without Amends. Ibid., p. 146: (must mease Without
Amends). 1732 FUL., no. 2277.
0207 As straight (tall) as a CEDAR
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I ii, S. B4: Straighter then Cedar.
1611 CHAPMAN May Day I i 123: Tall and high, like a cedar.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. IV iii 89: As upright as the cedar.
C208 High CEDARS fall (are shaken) when 10w shrubs
remain (are scarcely moved)
01592 Soliman, s. H3v: But the shrub is safe when the Cedar shak-
eth. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 57: Cedars are shaken, when
shrubs do feel no bruize.‘ 1607 DEKKER Whore Bab., p. 220: Bid
him trust his misery in our hands, Great trees I see do fall, when the
shrub stands. 1616 DR., no. 1358: The low Shrubs are the least
annoyed by the winds. 1622 T. ADAMS City of Peace: W ks. , p. 1004:
The tall Cedars feele the fury of tempests; which blow ouer the
humble Shrubs in the low vallies. 1630 D’AVENANT Cruel Brother
V, p. 179: The Shrub Securely grows. The tallest tree Stands Most
in the wind. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 25: For high
cedars are Shaken with the wind, when low Shrubs are scarcely
moued, and men in high places had need to looke to their sure foot-
ing. 1644 Pet. Retailers, p. 172: For now the Axe is laid to the
rootes of Shrubs, whereas heretofore tall Cedars bare off the Stroake.
Cf. P339: The pine wishes herself a shrub when the ax is at her
root; T509: The highest trees abide the sharpest storms (winds).
It is a bad CAUSE that none dares speak in
1670 RAY, p. 4: (dare).
1732
C201
1639 CL., p. 199. 1664 COD., p. 201.
1721 KEL., p. 204: It is an ill Cause that none dare speak in.
FUL., no. 2840: (bad Cause indeed, that).
0202 Remove the CAUSE and the effect will cease
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 62: The cause taken away the effect van-
isheth. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 16: Take away,
C209 He has good CELLARAGE
I678 RAY, p. 234.
therefore, the causes, the effectes wil easily be remedied. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 170: Ifloue haue the panges which the
passionate set downe, why do they not abstaine from the cause?
1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 44: For it is trulye said. . Take
away the Cause and the effecte falleth. 1587 RANKINS Mirr. Mon-
sters, marginal note, f. 5V: Take away the cause and the effect
ceaseth. 1591 I Troublesome Reign Yohn, S. G3v: Cut off the cause
and then the effect will dye. 01592 Soliman, S. GI: (and then the
effect will die). 1594 GREENE Friar Bacon, s. E1v: I haue learnd
at Oxford then this point of schooles, Abbata causa, tollitur effectus.
1596 SPENSER FQ. VI vi 14: For when the cause, whence euill doth
arize, Remoued is, th’effect surceaseth. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON,
AND MARSTON Eastward Ho Prol., l. 1: For ther’s no effect Where
there’s no cause. I616 R.C. Times’ Whistle l. 2800, p. 88: The ef-
fect doth perish when the cause is gone. 1620 SHELTON Don Quin.
Pt. II, lxvii, IV 227: The cause being removed, the sin will be saved.
1641 OXINDEN (to Dallison) in Oxinden Let. 228, p. 293: There is a
lattine saying the English whereof is this, the cause being taken

0211
C210 CENSURE, which spares the raven, torments the
dove
[ERAS. Adagia, 844D: Dat veniam corvis, vexat censura columbas.]
01594 BACON, no. 541: [As in Eras.]. 1604 [DALLINCTON] View
France, s. RIv: Th’ensnaring Lawes let CroWes goe free, While
Simple Doues entangled bee. I611 COT., s.v. Corbeau: Censure
torments Pigeons, and frees Ravens. 1732 FUL., no. 3873: Pid-
geons are taken, when Crows fly at Pleasure.
Cf. L1 16: Laws catch flies (little flies) but let the hornets (great
flies) go free; M152: The great man is the spider, the poor man is the
fly.
Without CERES and Bacchus Venus grows cold
[ERAS. Adagia, 52IF: Sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus] 1539
TAV., f. 36: [As in Eras.]. *Wythout meate and drynke the lust of
the body is colde. 1555 SHERRY Treat. Fig. Gram., f. 23v: Without
Ceres and Bacchus Venus is colde: where Ceres is put for meate,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CERTAINTY
CHAMELEON
91

Bacchus for wyne, and Venus for Lechery. 1580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 83: Wine is . . the onely sauce that Bacchus gaue Ceres
when he fell in loue. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., S. E1: Where Bac-
chus and Ceres be caterers for the house, Venus will haue her gam-
balde reuels. [01589] 1601 LYLY Love’s Metam. V i 45: You shall
present in honour of my mother Venus, Grapes and Wheate; for
Sine Cerere at Baccho friget Venus. [1589-99] 1610 [MARSTON]
Histrio-M. III, s. E1v: Ceres and Bacchus tickled, Venus stirres.
1593 PEELE Edw. I ii, S. B3v: Louers desire, and pleasures coole:
Sanct Ceres’ sweetes and Bacchus vine. 1594 LYLY Mother B. II
v 51: Sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus, without wine and sugar
his veins wold waxe colde. 1598 R. BERNARD Eunuch IV v, p. 146:
This is a true saying: Without fine feeding and drunkennesse, lecher-
ous lust is out of courage. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial, p. 52: Nei-
ther Venus nor Vulcan, without Ceres and Bacchus are worth a
cherrie stone. 1600 THYNNE Emhl. and Epig., p. 7: Doth love and
luste feele their decaye, Yf Ceres and Iacchus [sic] be awaye? 1602
JONSON Poetaster IV v 134: Wine, and good liuers, make true louers.
1608 Mer. Devil Edmon., s. F2v: Sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus.
That is, theres a good breakfast provided for a marriage, thats in
my house this morning. 1630 T. ADAMS Contempl. Herhs: W ks.,
p., 1042: Venerie will freese, if wine and iunkets doe not make her a
fire. [a1660] 1693 URQUHART Gargantua III xxxi, II 162: As it is
implied by the old proverb which saith That Venus takes cold when
not accompanied with Ceres and Bacchus. 1694 ECHARD Eunuch
IV, p. 82: If twasn’t for meat and good Drink the women must
gnaw the sheets. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 466: Hands ofl!
that’s meat for your master. [Colonel is ahout to kiss her.] ——Faith,
colonel, you are for ale and cakes.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. II iii 123: Dost thou think, because
thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and ale?
See OTTO, no. 1868. Cf. B304: When the belly is full the mind is
amongst the maids; D25: Dancing follows a full belly; T395: A
lickerish tongue (mouth) a lickerish tail.
C212 He that leaves CERTAINTY (surety) and sticks to
chance, when fools pipe he may dance
I546 HEY. II xi, s. L4v: Who that leaueth suretee, and leaneth to
chaunce, Whan fooles pipe, by auctoritee he maie daunce. 1616
DR., no. 248: (and leaneth vnto chance, when fooles pipe, by au-
thoritie he may dance). 1639 CL., p. 157: (and leanes to chance).
I670 RAY, p. 68. 1721 KEL., p. I 89: (Chance, When the Fool pipes,
he shall dance). *Eng. 1732 FUL., no. 6439.
Cf. F522: I will not dance to every fool’s pipe.
C213 He is not free that draws his CHAIN
1596 DEL., s. N2v. 1611 COT., s.v. Eschappé: Il n’est pas eschappé
qui traine son lien: He is not freed that trayles his shackles after
him; or, due punishment euer comes at length, although some-
times it be deferred a while. 1623 WOD., p. 492: He hath not eS-
caped that traileth his band. *So said to him that Sinneth openly
in the fullnes of Sin. 1640 HERB., no. 825. 1657 LEIGH, p. 267:
He is not quite got away who drags his chain after him. 1659 HOW.
Fr. Prov., p. 15: He hath not broke prison who drags his train after
him. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 6: He is not freed, who drags his
chain after him. 1659 N.R., p. 59. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I 1, p. 42:
He is not fled, who drags his chain after him.
Cf. H666: The horse that draws after him his halter is not alto-
gether escaped; S243: He is not free that serves others.
C214 CHAINS of gold are stronger than chains of iron
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 94: Chayns of Gold, bynd more
strongly then those of yron. I732 FUL., no. 1079.
C215 They may Sit in the CHAIR that have malt to sell
1639 CL., s.v. Divitum praerogativa, p. 99. 1670 RAY, p. 68.
1732 FUL., no. 4967.
C216 As like as CHALK and charcoal
1639 CL., s.v. Differentiae, p. 89: They are as like, as chalk, and
char-cole.
See L., II 848.

C217 CHALK is no shears
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 320: Calk is no shears. 1668 R.B., p. 15:
Calk is na sheares. 1721 KEL., p. 83: *Taken from Taylors mark-
ing out their Cloth before they cut it, Signifying that a Thing may
be proposed, that will never be executed.
C218 No more like than CHALK and cheese (To give
chalk for cheese)
1530 PALS., p. 595a: There is difference bytwene chalke and chese.
1540-60 Love Feigned, p. 24: I perceve by your comunication and
Ingenious talke ye can easilye descerne good chese frome chalke.
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: As well agreeth thy comparison in these, As
a lyke to compare in taste, chalke and chese. 01570 Marr. Wit
and Science V i, 5. E2: They are no more like: Then chalke to cheese.
1580 BARET, C—5 5: As absurdly things be done contrarie to nature:
and as we vse to terme it, to giue chalke for cheese. 1602 DEKKER
[AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 807, p. 27: Rascalls be here that will haue
your grace take Shalke for shees. [1607] 1631 T. HEYWOOD 1 Fair
Maid West II, p. 277: They took me for a simple gull, indeed, that
would have had me to have taken Chalke for cheese. 1616 DR.,
no. 496: There is a dilIerence betweene chalke and cheese. I6I6
WITHALS, p. 570: He knowes chalke from cheese. 1639 CL., p. 18:
I aske of cheese and you tell me ofchalke. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 3: You give me chalk for cheese. 1670 RAY, p. 206. 1681 ROB.,
p. 752: I talk of chalk and you ofcheese. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Chalk:
It is no more like than Chalk is like Cheese. (33)
C219 The CHAMBER of Sickness is the chapel 0f devo-
tion
1616 DR., no. 1975. 1639 CL., p. 273.
p. 6: The Sickmans chamber a good Chappell.
I670 RAY, p. 24. I732 FUL., no. 4444.
Cf. D270: The devil was Sick, the devil a monk would be; the
devil was well, the devil a monk was he.
1659 How. New Sayings,
1664 COD., p. 213.
C220 Empty CHAMBERS make foolish maids
1611 COT., s.v. Chambre: Emptie chambers make women play the
wantons. 1640 HERB., no. 29. 1659 N.R., p. 31: (makes).
Cf. H773: A house well-furnished makes a good housewife.
C221 As changeable as a CHAMELEON
[ERAS. Adagia, 805E: Chamaeleonte mutabilior.] 1580 G. HARVEY
Three Letters, p. 71: Not a fewe dubble sacred Tani, and chaunge-
able Camelions. [01597] I609 JONSON Case Is Altered V i 17: His
thoughts, Cameleon-like, change euery minute. 01625 DAVIES
To Anth. Coo/re in Dr. Farmer Chetham MS, I 76: Here my Came-
lion Muse her selfe doth chaunge to divers Shapes of gross absurdi-
t1es.
C222 The CHAMELEON can change to all colors save
white
[ERAS. Similia, 565A: Chamaeleon omnem imitatur colorem praeter-
quam album.] 1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. IV, s. Q4v:
Lyke as a Chamell hath all coulours saue whyte: so hath a flatterer
al poyntes saue honestie. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wis-
dom ix, p. 57: I can turne into all coullers like the commillion. 1580
MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 134: There came to my father such a comely
Camellion: that could chaunge himselfe into all hues sauing honesty.
1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 224: An old Camelion, that could put
on all Shapes, and imitate any colour, as occasion serued. 1599
SILVER Paradoxes Def, s. A3: [Our fashions are] resembling the
Camelion, who altereth himselfe into all colours saue white. 1606
DEKKER Seven Deadly Sins: Non-Dram. Wks., II 21: The politick
Bankrupt is . . a Cameleon that can put himselfe into all colours.
1630 T. ADAMS Love’s Copy: W’ks., p. 812: Like Camelions, we turne
to the colour of our company. 1631 JONSON Staple News III i 34:
I am Vertumnus, on euery change, or chance, vpon occasion, A true
Chamaelion, I can colour for’t. 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 2:
Chameleons take all colours but the white, And Schismaticks all
fancies but the right. 1672 BUCKINGHAM Rehear. IV ii, p. 55: Love
takes Cameleon-like, a various dye From every Plant on which it
self does lye. 1687 DRYDEN Hind and Panther III 788, p. 242: But

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
CHANCE
CHAPEL
[your conscience] is much of the cameleon hue, To change the dye
with every distant view.
SHAKESPEARE.—-ISQI 3 Hen. VI III ii 191: I can add colours to
the chameleon. 1594 T.G.V. II iv 23: Do you change colour?
“Give him leave, madam; he is a kind Ofchameleon.
See Or'ro, no. 381. (16)
C223 The CHANCE of war is uncertain
1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia II OfWarfare, p. 138: As the chaunce
of battell is vncerteine and doubtful. 1565 NORTON AND SACK-
vILLE Gorhoduc V i, s. G3v: Yet doubtfull is the chaunce ofbattailles
ioyned. 1568 GRAFTON Chron. Hen. VI, I 622: And thus chaunce
hapned, accordyng t0 the olde prouerbe, saiyng: in warre is nothing
certaine, and victorie is euer doubtfull. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I
36: As the event of battle is always doubtful. 1594 LODGE Wounds
Civil War II i, 5. C1 v: Doubtfull is the hazard of this warre. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 425: For chanc Of wear no man should murning mak.
01599 MARLOWE Eleg. I ix 29, p. 165: Doubtful is war and love.
1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag. XVIII 956, p. 295: Doubtfull ys th’ euent
of warres. 1616 DR., no. 598: The Euent or issue is vncertaine.
1623 MASSINGER Duke Adi/an I i, p. 8: How uncertain The fortune
0fthe war is, children know. 1637 SHIRLEY Example IV i, p. 334: Al-
though the chance Of war be uncertain, you can tell which hand IS
fortunate. I658 HOOLE Sent. Puer., p. 40. I681 ROB., p. 499: The
chance, or fortune OfWar is very doubtfull.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T.A. I i 264: Though chance of war hath
wrought this change of cheer. 1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 533: But we will
put it, as they say, to fortuna della guerra. 1597 l Hen. [VI iii 94:
He never did fall off, my sovereign liege, But by the chance of war.
1598 2 Hen. [VI i 166: You cast th’ event of war . . And summ’d
the accompt Ofchance before you said, ‘Let us make head.’ 1602
T. C. P101. 31 : Now good or bad, ’tis but the chance Of war. 1608
C. V iii 140: Thou know’st, great son, The end ofwar’s uncertain.
1610 Cym. V v 75: Consider, sir, the chance Of war. The day Was
yours by accident.
See T. 664, p. 319.
C224 It is too late to grieve when the CHANCE is past
1616 WITHALS, p. 544: It is too late to repent to morrow. 1636
CAM., p. 300. 1639 CL., p. 95: (when the day’s lost). 1659 N.R.,
p. 66. 1732 FUL., no. 5256: (Too late to grieve, when).
C225 More by CHANCE (luck) than any good cunning
1616 DR., s.v. Fortune, no. 779. I721 KEL., p. 248: More by good
luck, than by good guiding. *Spoken when a Thing, ill managed,
falls out well.
C226 N 0 CHANCE but comes again
1596 DEL., s. N3v: There is not vnder heauen any chaunce, but it
returnes againe. 1611 COT., s.v. Retourner: All things that haue
beene will be; no chance but comes againe. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov.,
p. 4: There’s not a chance but comes again.
C227 There is CHANCE in the cock’s spur
1678 RAY, p. 111. 1732 FUL., no. 4890: (in a Cock’s Spur).
C228 CHANGE (Exchange) is no robbery
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: Though chaunge be no robbry . . Yet shall
that chaunge rob the changer of his wyt. I562 HEY. Epig. 179, p.
155. 1600 Look about You, 8. C4v: Nay quicke, vncase, I am bold
to borrow it, Ile leaue my gowne, change is no robbery. 1606 Wily
Beguiled xii, p. 46: An your heart be hers, her heart is yours, And so
change is no robberie. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 155. I613 MARSTON
AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess II i I 10: Change is no robbery; yet
in this change Thou robb’st me of my heart. 1616 DR., no. 252.
1639 CL., p. 18. I640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Hush, p. 127: She
held change no robbery. I655 FULLER Church Hist. I v, I 52: In
lieu of what he left behind him, (exchange is no robbery,) he carried
along with him some of St. Alban’s dust. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 7. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 291: A thing that is found, is not
stoln. *Note 1 13, p. 294: As the English say . . Change is no rob-
bery. 1670 RAY, p. 86: (Exchange). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Exchange:
(Exchange). 1721 KEL., p. 105: Fair Exchange is no Rob’ry.
*Spoken when we take up one Thing, and lay down another. 1732
FUL., no. 1478: (Exchange).

C229 CHANGE is sweet
[ERAS. Adagia, 287B: Jucunda vicissitudo return] 1539 TAV., f.
23v: Chaunge Of thynges is pleasaunt. Where shyft of thynges is
not, mans mynde anone shal waxe wery and dul. I594 Sec. Report
Dr. Faustus VII, p. 64. 1721 KEL., p. 77: Change of Dee’ls is light-
some. *Variety is always pleasing, whereas one continual Talk is
tedious.
Cf. C235: Changing of works is lightening of hearts.
C230 CHANGE of pasture makes fat calves
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3: (And some sey, chaunge). 1575 GASCOIGNE
Glass Govt. IV iii, p. 63: (Hast thou not Often heard, that change).
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis,s. E1 : The change of pasture helpes
by proofe to make fat calues. 1602 MARSTON Antonio’s Rev. III ii,
p. 152. I607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho II i, s. B3v: You
may see, what change of pasture is able to doe. ——It makes fat
Calues in Rumny Marsh, and leane Knaues in London. 1607 G.
WILKINS Miseries Enf. Marr., s. A3v: Lets to London, theres va-
riety: and change of pasture, makes fat Calues. +But change 0
women bawld Knaues, Sir Knight. 1611 GRUT., no. 74: (pastures).
1614 CAM.,p. 305. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag.,s. A6v). 1639 CL.,s.v.
Lusus, p. 191. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2: Change of Pasture
makes fat calfs, Change ofWomen makes lean knaves. I659 N.R.,
p. 25. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Topo, p. 218: (To be taken with
variety; the English saith, Change of). 1670 RAY, p. 69. I696
D’URFEY3 Don Quix. IV i, p. 263. 1732 FUL., no. 1081.
Cf. C232: Change of women makes bald knaves; M831: New
meat begets a new appetite.
CHANGE Of weather is the discourse of fools
1664 COD.,
C231
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 2: (weather the discourse).
p. 189. 1670 RAY, p. 28: *Hisp. I732 FUL., no. 1082.
C232 CHANGE of women makes bald knaves
1623 CAM., p. 267. 1639 CL., s.v. Foeminae, p. 118. I659 N.R.,
p. 25. 1664 COD., p. 189: (lean Knaves). 1670 RAY, p. 50.
Cf. C230: Change Of pasture makes fat calves.
C233 There is CHANGE of all things
[ERAS. Adagia, 286A: Omnium rerum vicissitudo est.] a1538 WYATT
Now All Change I. I: Poems,I 337: Now all of change Must be my
songe. I539 TAV., f. 23v: (There is an alteracion). I576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., II 137: For no man is so surely settled in any estate, but
that fortune may frame alteration. I591 SPENSER Ruins Time 1.
206: Wks., p. 62: All things doo change that under heaven abide.
1616 DR., no. 249. 1616 WITHALS, p. 543: Every thing is subject to
change.
Cf. F606: Fortune is fickle; F617: Fortune’s wheel is ever turning.
C234 To be no CHANGELING
1563 FOXE Acts and Monum. XI, VII 1 I 1: I am no Changeling, nor
none will be. [01597] 1609 JONSON Case [s Altered I iv 5: Slid I am
no changling. [01602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King III, p. 38: He
scornes to be a Changeling, or a shifter. [3.1680] 1759 S. BUTLER
Gen. Rem., II 64: He is no Changeling. I681 ROB., p. 323: He’s no
changeling; he is still the same man. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p.
381 : I see you are no changeling.
SHAKESPEARE.~—1608 C. IV vii 10: Yet his nature In that’s no
changeling.
Cf. G200: God is no changeling. (20)
C235 CHANGING of works is lightening of hearts
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 304. I641 FERG., no. 214: (lighting thearts).
1668 R.B., p. 15: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 77: (Changes
of)
Cf. C229: Change is sweet.
C236 He that is fit for the CHAPEL is meet for the field
1579 GATES Def. Mil. Prof., p. 37: The Prouerbe (no lesse wise then
it is olde) is also profitable, as it is moste true, He that is fitte for the
Chappell, is meete for the fielde.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), Or by most important word.
CHAPMAN 93
CHEAP

C237 He is a fond CHAPMAN that comes after the fair
1616 BRET., p. 9. 1639 CL., s.v. Intempestiva, p. 175.
Cf. D1 12: You come a day after the fair.
C238 I think we will be all CHAPMEN, quoth the good-
wife when She got a turd on her back
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1523: (We ar all chapmen). 1721 KEL., p.
213: *A Reprimand to those who perk up with their Superiors.
C239 The first CHAPTER of fools is to hold themselves
wise
I573 SANF., f. 104v: (is to be helde or accompted wise). 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 29v: (is to count them selues wise). I581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. I, I 93: (is to esteeme themselves wise). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. I. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 42, p. 196: The first part of folly is,
to hold ones self wise. I732 FUL., no. 4525: (is to esteem them-
selves Wise).
Cf. C240: The first chapter of fools magnifies themselves; C582:
He that is wise in his own conceit is a fool; D193: The first degree of
folly is to hold oneself wise, the second to profess it, the third to de-
spise counsel; H607: There is more hope of a fool than of him that
is wise in his own eyes.
0240 The first CHAPTER of fools magnifies themselves
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 61: (them selues magnifies). 1616 DR., s.v.
Follie, no. 737: (magnifie themselues).
Cf. C239: The first chapter of fools is to hold themselves wise.
0241 This CHAR1 is charred
01570 Marr. Wit and Science IV iv, S. D4v: Thys chayer is chared
well. 1593 PEELE Edw. I vi, 3. E3: Why so this chare is charde.
01596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More III 1 118: This charre beeing
charde, then all our debt is payd. 1670 RAY, p. 168: That char is
char’d (as the good wife said when she had hang’d her husband).
[1a particular business]
0242 CHAR—FOLKS are never paid
1678 RAY, p. I 12: *That is, give them what you will they are never
contented. 1732 FUL., no. 1083: (never paid enough).
0243-0245 CHARGE = expense
0243 Lessen CHARGE and save cost
1616 DR., no. 1764. 1664 COD., p. 204.
0244 The CHARGES of building and making of gar-
dens are unknown
1640 HERE, no. 408. 1659 N.R., p. 101. 1664 COD., p. 219.
Cf. B704: Building and marrying of children are great wasters;
B705: Building is a sweet impoverishing; B706: Building is a thief;
B707: Building is chargeable; M1039: He begins to build too soon
that has not money to finish it.
0245 Thou dost not bear my CHARGES that thou
Shouldst command me
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iii, s. E1: You shall not command
me, you giue me neither meate, drinke, nor wages. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 23, p. 267.
SHAKESPEARE—I594-8 T.S. II i 259: Go, fool! and whom thou
keep’st command.
0246—0247 CHARGE = responsibility
0246 He that has CHARGE of souls transports them not
in bundles
1640 HERE, no. 979.
0247 NOW you have a CHARGE look to it
1616 WITHALS, p. 581. 1639 CL., s.v. Diligentia, p. 92.

0248 The CHARITABLE gives out at door and God puts
in at the window
1678 RAY, p. 353.
Cf. G128: Giving much to the poor does increase a man’s store;
M509: Charitable men lose nothing; P471:That which is given to
the poor is lent to God; S743: To a good spender God is the treas-
LII'CI‘.
0249 AS cold as CHARITY
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16. 1659 N.R., p. 9.
Cf. C253: Charity grows cold.
1670 RAY, p. 202.
0250 CHARITY and pride do both feed the poor
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw, f. 202. 1732 FUL., no. 1084:
Charity and Pride have different Aims, yet both feed the Poor.
0251 CHARITY begins at home
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 277: For perfyte loue and also
charite Begynneth with hym selfe for to be charitable. 1572 T.
WILSON Disc. Usury, p. 235: And I have heard say that . . charity
beginneth first at it selfe. 1607 B. BARNES Devil’s Charter I iv, s.
B4: Your neerest Charity concernes your selfe. [01614] I639
FLETCHER Wit without Money V, p. 198: Charity and beating begins
at home. 1616 DR., s.v. Thriftinesse, no. 2128. 1616-30 Partial
Law II ii, p. 34: For Charity (men say) begins at home. 1639 CL.,
p. 20. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 179: Charity be-
gins at home, But it doth not end at home. 1659 FULLER Appeal
I, p. 317: Charity begins but doth not end at home. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 24: Do good to thee and
thine, and then to others, if thou canst. *Note 29, p. 32: Charity
begins at home. 1670 RAY, p. 69. 1672 WALK. 39, p. 30: Charity
begins at home; every thing would live. 1732 FUL., no. 1085:
Charity begins at home, but should not end there.
See DiiR., II, no. 40. Cf. C318: To Christen one’s own Child
first. (I 5)
0252 CHARITY construes all doubtful things in good
part
[I Cor. xiii 7: Charity . . Beareth all things, believeth all things,
hopeth all things, endureth all things] 1599 RAINOLDS Overthrow
Stage Plays, p. 45: Charitie beleeueth all things, hopeth all things.
1616 DR., no. 623. 1664 COD., p. 188: Charity and Industry do
take all things doubtfull in the best construction.
0253 CHARITY grows cold
01605 Life and Death Ratsey, s. CIv: Our present times make good
that Old saying: Charitas laudatur at alget. 1640 SHIRLEY St. Pat.
for Ire. III i, p. 399: Would I were a while in the frozen seal charity
is not cold enough to relieve me. 1642 T. BROWNE Relig. Med. II
iv, p. 80: ’Tis the general complaint . . that Charity grows cold.
1732 FUL., no 2103: He that feeds upon Charity, has a cold Dinner
and no Supper.
Cf. C249: AS cold as charity.
0254 Let CHARITY measure all your actions
1616 DR., no. 255. 1664 COD., p. 203.
0255 Happy is he that CHASTENS himself
1640 HERE, no. 137. 1659 N.R., p. 49. 1664 COD., p. 198: (Who
doth chasten himself).
C256 CHATTING to chiding is not worth a chewet1
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2v: Ifhe chide, kepe you bill vnder wyng muet.
Chattyng to chydyng is not worth a chuet.
[1] ackdaw]
0257 Good CHEAP is clear
1580 H. GIFFORD Farewell Court: Gilloflowers, p. 152: Although the
gallant be so braue, And sell such pleasures here, They that best
cheape doe buy the same, Shall find it all too deere. I591 FLOR.
Sec. F. VII, p. 123: On things good cheape consider well. 1640
HERE, no. 257. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. [183:

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi (I.
CHEAP 94
CHEESE
*For it tempts a man to buy what he hath no need of. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 8a: *For it tempts a man to buy what he needs not.
1664 COD., p. 194: *lior it tempteth a Man to buy what he wanteth
not. 1732 FUL., no. 1704: Good Cheap, is Dear at long-run.
See ST., no. 713. Cf. C258: Light cheap lither yield; W64: Ill
ware is never cheap.
C258 Light CHEAP lither yield
1670 RAY, p. 114: *That that costs little, will do little service; for
commonly the best is best cheap.
Cf. C257: Good cheap is clear; W64: Ill ware is never cheap.
C259 They buy good CHEAP that bring nothing home
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1258: (who brings). I668 R.B., p. 52: (that
brings). 1721 KEL., p. 318: *Spoken to them that think our
Pennyworth too dear.
C260 CHEAPSIDE1 is the best garden
1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 49: Natural Commodities are not
to be expected to growe in this place . . Cheapside being called the
best Garden only by metaphore. 1670 RAY, p. 17: (At London
they are wont to say, Cheapside is).
Cf. M675: The market is the best garden.
[ISee Sugden, p. 111.]
C261 As sure as CHECK
1627 J. TAYLOR Armada: Wks. F., p. 95: But those worthy Mari-
ners are dead, and an old Prouerbe, As sure as Check with them.
1658 F. OSBORNE Qu. Eliz. and K. 7ames, p. 464: Let the Proverb
As sure as check bayl me from the least suspicion of hyperboly.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: *Viz. Exchequer. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Danari, p. 51: Sure to be paid down upon the nail, when
ever demanded; The English say, as sure as check. 1670 RAY,
p. 207: As sure as Check, or Exchequer pay. *This was a Proverb
in Queen Elisabeths time, the credit of the Exchequer beginning in,
and determining with her reign.
C262 To give a CHECKMATE
[1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. B4: Reason may haue a
chek mate. [01517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. A4v: To play with me
checke mate. 1538 BALE K. yohan l. 254, p. 13: Thou art Checke
mate. 01558 Wealth and Health 1. 398, S. B4: A little to cheke mate.
1560 Impat. Poverty, s. B1: Let not hassarde nor riotour, with you
be checke mate. [01560] I581 WOODES Confl. Cons. II iii, S. C3:
He thinks himself Check mate. 1587 GREENE Penelope’s Web, p.
198: Would not (sith they had so womanly taken the checke) pro-
ceede any further in giuing the mate. I603 FLORIO Essays Illon-
taigne II, II 481: As an impetuous or raging torrent . . check-
mates what ere it meeteth withall.
See ST., no. 1970.
C263 CHEEK by jowl
[01530] 01555 BERNERS Arthur Little Br., p. 352: They made great
chere eche to other, and $00 rode togyther cheke by cheke tyl they
came to theyr tentes. 1576—7 HANMER Anc. Eccles. Hist. Eusebius
VIII xxv, p. 164: He who . . lived checke by iolle with the Emperor.
01600 Club Law I iv, p. 4: Mee thinks it is the finest sight to see us
goe cheeke by gole togither. 1605 SYLVESTER Weeks I Iv 18: Be
thou my Coach-man, and now Check by Joule With Phoebus’
Chariot let my Chariot roule. 1622 MABBE Rogue I 111 x, II 265:
And pulling a stoole to him, sets himself checke by jole with his
Lordship. 211655 HOWELL Let. IV 36, II 620: Nor is there any
exception of persons in their Churches, for the Cobler will kneel
with the Count, and the Laundress gig by geoul with her Lady.
1664 J. WILSON Cheats I iii, p. 9: A Woman need not be asham’d to
sit Jig by Joule, with the best of the Parish. 1678 RAY, p. 234: To
go cheek by jowl with one. 1684 F. HAWKINS New Youth’s Be-
havior, p. 54: If he be a man of great quality, walk not at all with
him check by joul.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQS AI.N.D. III ii 338: I’ll go with thee, cheek
by jowl. (I 5)

0264 Good CHEER and good cheap gars1 many haunt
the house
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 439.
(makes many).
Cf. M597: Where men are well used they will frequent there.
[lmakes]
1668 R.B., p. 20. 1721 KEL., p. 117:
C265 There is not always good CHEER where the chim-
ney smokes
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxv, IV 214: (where there is a smok-
ing Chimney). 1694 D’URFEY! Don Quix. I i, p. 12: (where there’s
a smoking chimney). I732 FUL., no. 4930.
Cf. B25: Where you think there is bacon there is not so much as
a chimney.
C266 When good CHEER is lacking our friends will be
packing
1616 WITHALS, p. 557. 1639 CL., s.v. Adulatio, p. 12.
p. 69. 1732 FUL., no. 6299.
1670 RAY,
C267 After CHEESE comes nothing
1623 CAM., p. 266. 1639 CL., s.v. Gula, p. 136. 1655 FULLER
Church Hist. VI V, II 275: AS after cheese, nothing to be expected.
1670 RAY, p. 36. 1721 KEL., p. 52: *As being always the last Dish.
1732 FUL., no. 769.
C268 As thin as Banbury1 CHEESE
1562 HEY. Epig. 24, p. 204: I neuer saw Banbery cheese thicke
enough. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p.91: More fine then any Ban-
berry cheese. 1601 MARSTON 7ack Drum III, s. E3v: Put off your
cloathes, and you are like a Banbury cheese, Nothing but paring.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600—1 I i 130 [Bardolph to Slender]:
You Banbury cheese!
[15ee Sugden, p. 43.]
C269 CHEESE digests all things but itself
1566 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 140: Caseus est nequam, quia
digerit omnia, Se quam. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao III ii 26: It is
against the old verse, Caseus est nequam. —Yea, but it disgesteth
all things except it selfe. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet I: Wks.,
p. 170: To him are serued in . . a large and lauish feast of Crucifixes,
vnctions, scrapings, traditions, Reliques, etc. And as Cheese to
digest all the rest, yet it selfe neuer digested, Treason. I678 RAY,
p. 40: Cheese it is a peevish elfe, It digests all things but it self.
*This is a translation of that old rhythming Latin verse, Caseus est
nequam, quia digerit omnia se quam.
C270 CHEESE is good that comes from a niggard (mi-
ser)
1611 COT., s.v. Fourmage: Cheese is good when a miserable hand
giues it; according whereunto they say also: Tout fourmage est bien
sain qui vient de chiche main. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12. 1659
HOW. Span. Prov., p. 23: That Cheese is wholesomest which comes
from a Miser. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 84, p. 99: That is good
cheese that comes from a Niggards hand, for one ought not, like
unto Plough-men, to make a meals meat of it. 1737 FRANKLIN,
p. 12: The miser’s cheese is wholesomest.
Cf. U2: An unch is a feast of bread and cheese.
C271 I would eat more CHEESE if I had it
1605 R. ROWLANDS Rest. I ntell. VII, p. 19 5: (According as one
would say at London I would). I683 DRYDEN Vindication Duke
Guise, p. 157: An author of theirs has told us roundly the west-coun-
try proverb: Chud eat more Cheese, and chad it.
C272 If you will have a good CHEESE and have’n old
you must tum’n seven times before he is cold
1656-91 AUBREY Nat. Hist. Wilts. II vii, p. 105. 1678 RAY, p. 352:
*Som. 1732 FUL., no. 6477: (have good Cheese, and have old, You
must turn him). .

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CHEESE 95
CHICKEN

C273 Suffolk CHEESE
1636 D’AVENANT Wits III iii, p. 177: My watch are above at Tea
Trip for a Black pudding and a pound o’ Suffolk cheese. I661
PEPYS Diary Oct. 4, II I I6: I found my wife vexed at her people for
grumbling to eat Sufi’olk cheese. 1691 T. SHADWELL Sco’urers V,
p. 136: Who snores with Fumes from Suffolk Cheese and Bacon.
C274 Toasted CHEESE has no master
1678 RAY, p. 82.
C275 You cannot see green CHEESE but your teeth
(mouth) must water
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2v: (Ye maie see no greene chese but). 1553 Res-
puhlica III iv, p. 26: Ye can see no grene cheese but your teethe
wyll watier. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1617: Ye saw never grein cheiss
but your eyn reild. 1616 DR., no. 374: He seeth no green cheese,
but his mouth doth water after it. 1639 CL., p. 39: He sees no
green cheese but his mouth waters after it. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 4. 1670 RAY, p. 198. 1721 KEL., p. 365: You never saw green
Cheese but your Teeth watered. *Spoken to them who covet some-
thing from us.
Cf. T430: To have one’s teeth to water at anything.
C276 You have eaten some Hull CHEESE1
1678 RAY, p. 340: *Are drunk. Yorkshire.
[15ee Sugden, p. 257.]
C277 As red as a CHERRY
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., S. E2v: Her lusty lyppes ruddy as the
chery. 01550 Rohin Consc. l. 270 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 243: If
God make me looke as red as a Cherry. 1577 T. KENDALL Trifles:
Flowers Epig., p. 292: Her nipples red as cherries. 41584 R. WIL-
SON Three Ladies Lond., s. E1v: These lips are cherry red. 1614
Toss Pot in Bk. Songs and Bal., p. 128: And drinke till our cheeks be
as red as a cherry. 1678 RAY, p. 288.
C278 CHERRIES and news fall price soonest
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit To Gent. Rdrs., p. 182: Cheries be ful-
some when they be through rype, bicause they be plenty, and bookes
be stale when they be printed, in that they be common. 01594
BACON, no. 149.
C279 Eat not CHERRIES (prunes) with your lord
1535 Dial. Creatures 20, s. G1v: As it is sayde in a commune prou-
erbe, I counsel! not seruauntis to ete Cheryes with ther bet-
tyrs. For they wyl haue the Rype and leue them the harde. 1611
COT., s.v. Cerise: No wise man will be very familier with one that is
much better, or mightier than himselfe; besides, hee that eates cher-
ries with his master gets not many good ones. Ihid., s.v. Manger:
Meane men are not to eat cherries (viz. are not to be verie familiar)
with great Lords; least the stones of the best flye faster at their eyes
then (their portion) the worst into their mouthes. 1623 WOD., p.
510: Wee ought not to eate Prunes with our Lord, or King: for the
Maister eats alwayes the Prunes and Cherises that are ripe; the
sower and vnripe remaine for the Groomes. *So said of those that
soare too high out of their Rankes. 1642 FULLER Holy State III v,
p. 162: He that eats cherries with Noblemen shall have his eyes
spirted out with stones. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 47: It’s not good
eating cherries with persons of quality. *Note I I 5, p. 60: For that
is tedious picking work, and they likely have fill’d their bellies be-
fore with good cheer, and a body Shall come away with a hungry
stomach. 1678 RAY, p. 1 1 1: Those that eat cherries with great
persons shall have their eyes sprinted out with the stones. 1721 KEL.,
p. 100: Eat Pease withthe King, and Cherries with the Beggar.
*Pease are best when young, and Cherries when ripe. 1732 FUL., no.
5026: Those, that eat Cherries with great Persons, shall have their
Eyes squirted out with the Stones.
See DiiR., I, no. 718; ST., no. 869. Cf. C280: He that eats cher-
ries (pears) with his lord picks none of the best; P163: Share not
pears with your master either in jest or in earnest.

0280 He that eats CHERRIES (pears) with his lord picks
none of the best
1611 COT., s.v. Poire: (Peares). *Therefore let him that will eat
well eat with his equall. 1659 N.R., p. 43: (with his Love picks not
the best).
Cf. C279: Eat not cherries (prunes) with your lord; P163: Share
not pears with your master either in jest or in earnest.
0281 One CHERRY TREE suffices not two jays
1567 Prizes Drawn in Lottery in Loseley MSS 123,487, p. 208: What
is a tree of cherries worth to foure in a company. 1576 LAMBARDE
Peramh. Kent, p. 298: It might wel be verified of them, which was
wont to be commonly sai de, Vnicum Arbustum, non alit duos Erith-
acos. One Cherry tree sufliceth not two Iays.
Cf. B741 : One bush (grove)cannot harbor two robin redbreasts.
0282 CHESHIRE, chief of men
1608 HARINGTON Brief View St. Church, p. 244: He was translated
to Chester the chiefe City of that Shire, that some call chiefe ofmen.
1613 DRAYTON Poly-Olh. XI 8, p. 219: For which, our proverbe calls
her, Cheshire, chiefe of men. 1644 J. TAYLOR Crop-Ear Cur: Wks.
Q, II B2v: The Cheshire men . . tendred themselves as a Guard
for the person of King Richard the Second, in a time of Rebellion,
for which they are honoured ever since with the Proverbe of Chesh-
ire chiefe of men. 1662 FULLER Worthies Cheshire,l 182: *The
Cestrians have always demeaned themselves right valiantly in their
undertakings. 1670 RAY, p. 222. ~
0283 Neither in CHESHIRE nor Chawbent
1678 RAY, p. 301: *Nither in Kent nor Christendome. Chawbent
is a town in Lancashire.
0284 To take the CHESTNUTS (nuts) out of the fire with
the cat’s paw (dog’s foot)
1586 G. WHITNEY Choice Emhlems I, p. 58: The ape, did reach for
Chestnuttes in the fire, But fearinge muche, the burning of his toes,
Perforce was bar’de, longe time from his desire. 1640 HERB., no.
580: To take the nuts from the fire with the dogge’s foot. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 1 I : (Like the Ape that takes the Chestnuts out of).
1662 FULLER Worthies Surrey, II 357: The Fable is well known ofan
Ape, which, having a mind to a Chest-nut lying in the fire, made the
foot of a Spannel to be his tongs, by the ,proxy whereof he got out
the Nut for himself. 1664 COD., p. 216: The Ape sometimes makes
use of the Cats foot to get the Chestnut out of the fire. 1664 WILSON Cheats V iv, p. 74: Some few That . . make use of us, as the
Monkey did of the Cat’s Paw, to scrape the Nuts out of the fire.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 252: An ape takes the chestnuts out of the
fire with the cats claw. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 186, I 164:
’Tis a Court-Master-Piece, to draw Chesnuts out of the Fire with
other Peoples Fingers.
See ST., no. 1089; TAY., pp. 184, 199.
0285 Said the CHEVIN1 to the trout, My head is worth
all thy bouk2
1496 J. BERNERS Fishing with Angle [p. 16]: The cheuyn is a stately
fysshe: and his heed is a deyty morsell. I678 RAY, p. 52.
[lchub 2belly]
0286 They love like CHICK
1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 108: And so dresse him up with
Love, As to be the Chick ofJove. 1678 RAY, p. 347: *Somerset.
0287 AS tender as a CHICKEN
I678 RAY, p. 289. 1721 GAY New Song Similes l. 69: Poems, II
280: Till you grow tender as a chick.
0288 The CHICKEN crams the capon (cock)
1678 RAY, p. 345: *Somerset.
a-days, cram the Cock.
Cf. C291: Chickens feed capons.
1732 FUL., no. 1091: Chickens, now-

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
CHICKEN
CHILD
C289 The CHICKEN is the country’s but the city eats it
1640 HERB., no. 108. 1659 N.R., p. 108. 1664 COD., p. 189:
Chickens are bred in the Countrey, but the City eats them. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 214: The hen is the poor mans, but the rich man
eats it. 1670 RAY, p. 4. 1732 FUL., no. 4447: The Chickens are
the Country’s, but the City eats them.
Cf. C321: Child’s pig but father’s bacon.
C290 He is a CHICKEN
1633 T. STAFFORD Ire. AppeasedI xix, I 199: Not finding the De-
fendants to be Chikins, to be afraid . . ofevery cloud or kite. 1636
T. HEYWOOD Chalk/or Beauty V, p. 60: Ifyou intend Revenge do’t
in my absence. —Th’art a chicken, leave us. 1707 FARQUHAR
Beaux Strat. IV ii, p. 324: You assure me that Scrub is a coward?
-——A Chicken, as the saying is.
C291 CHICKENS feed capons
I678 RAY, p. 111: *As I understand it, chickens come to be capons,
and capons were first chickens. I732 FUL., no. 1056: Capons were
at first but Chickens.
Cf. C288: The chicken crams the capon (cock).
C292 You count (reckon) your CHICKENS before they
be hatched
1560-77 Misogonus IV v 15: My chickings are not hatcht I nil to
counte ofhim as yet. 1580 BARET, A—433: (Our phrase is, to recken
chickens before). 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p. 175: The good
Huswife . . tooke thought to bring forth hir chikens before she had
Hens to lay Egs. 1616 DR., no. 1817: Hee counteth his chickens
before that they be hatched. 1623 CAM., p. 281. 1639 CL., p. 294.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II iii 923, p. 218:
To swallow Gudgeons e’er they’re catch’d; And count their Chick-
ens, e’er they’re hatch’d. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sacco, p. 175:
To count ones chickens before they be hatch’d, and presume upon un-
certainties. I670 RAY, p. 73: (Count not). 1674 J. HOWARD Eng.
M. III, p. 31: Take heed we don’t reckon our chickens before they
are hatcht. I732 FUL., no. 1185: (Count not).
See DUR., I, no. 333. Cf. B132: Sell not the bear’s skin before
you have caught him; C18: He eats the calfin the cow’s belly; F620:
Count not four except you have them in a wallet (bag); H728: TO
reckon without one’s host (hostess); S310: Shear sheep that has
them. (11)
C293 They CHIDE handsmooth1
1616 DR., s.v. Brawling, no. 203.
[twithout check, uninterruptedly]
C294 He that sharply CHIDES iS ready to pardon
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxx, IV 247: (Remember the old
Proverb which teaches us, that he who). 1732 FUL., no. 2298: (is
most ready to pardon).
C295 As sore weeps the CHILD afternoon as a forenoon
1639 CL., s.v. Similitudinis, p. 288.
C296 Better a snotty CHILD than his nose wiped off
1611 COT., s.v. Enfant: (then a noselesse). I640 HERB., no. 823.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 27: Rather let the Child be snottie then
pluck oft his nose. *This Proverb teacheth that they who have those
to govern who are habituated, and hardened in some customes,
from which one would withdraw and wean them, and it being un-
possible to doe it altogether, one should endeavour to correct the
greatest part and leave alone the lesser by pressing them too much.
I659 N.R., p. 20. 1664 COD., p. 186: Better to have a Child with a
snotty Nose, than to have no Nose at all.
C297 The burnt CHILD dreads the fire
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 16: For children brent still after
drede the fire. a1536 HILL 45, p. 129: Brente honde fire dredith.
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV iii, p. 136: The burned chylde, fyer __
dredeth. 1552 TAV., f. 3: The Englyshe prouerbe is in this fasshion
pronounced. The brent chylde fyer dredeth. I566 HOL., p. 260.
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 217: Brunt

bairnes fyre dreadis. 1614 CAM., p. 304: Burnt child fire dreades.
1616 DR., no. 631: (feareth the fire). 1616 WITHALS, p. 576. 1639
CL., p. 110: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4. 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 24, p. 58: (As the English say, The burnt).
1668 R.B., p. 6: A burnt bairn fire dreads. 1670 RAY, p. 66. I721
KEL., p. 55: Burn’d Bairn Fire dreads. *He that has been in Dan-
ger from any Thing, or in any Place, will be more cautious how he
engages with any of these afterwards. 1732 FUL., no. 4436.
See DUR., I, no. 531. Cf. C163: A scalded cat (dog) fears cold
water; S227: He that has been bitten by a serpent is afraid of a rope.
(45)
C298 The CHILD has a red tongue like its father
1687 RAY, p. 234.
Cf. F97: You are your father’s own son.
C299 A CHILD may have too much of his mother’s
blessing
1639 CL., p. 161: (A man). *Nocet indulgentia matrum. 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span, p. 9. 1670 RAY, p. 122: *Moth-
ers are oftentimes too tender and fond of their children.
Cf. G277: Godfathers (Mothers) oft give their blessings in a clout.
C300 The CHILD says nothing but what it heard by the
fire
1640 HERB., no. 296. 1659 N.R., p. 98: (but what it learn’d by the
fire). 1664 COD., p. 218. 1670 RAY, p. 4: (but what he heard at
the fire). I721 KEL., p. 318: The Bairn speak in the Fields what
he heard by the Slett [fireside]. *Spoken when we suspect that
Children heard from their Parents what opprobrious Words they
say of us, or to us. 1732 FUL., no. 4449: (but what he heard at the
Fire-side).
Cf. C344: What children hear at home soon flies abroad; G471 : The
groundsel speaks not save what it heard Of the hinges; P363: Small
(Little) pitchers have wide ears.
C301 The CHILD that is born must be kept
I605 R.F. Sch. Slov. Ep., p. 2: (’Tis a Proverb, the child thats).
C302 The CHILD was born and cried, became a man,
after fell sick and died
1605 Lond. Prod., s. A4: (According to the Old proverb, The childe).
C303 Correct a CHILD behind and not before
1640 HERB., no. 118: (A child correct). 1664 COD., p. 189.
C304 Give a CHILD while he crave and a dog while his
tail wave, you shall have a fair dog and a foul
child
1639 CL., s.v. Intemperantia, p. 175: (till he crave, and a dog till his
tayle wave, and you’st). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12: (he’l crave and
will wave). 1670 RAY, p. 82: (till he craves, and a dog while his tail
doth wave, and you’ll have a fair dog, but a foul knave). 1721 KEL.,
p. 1 12: Give a Bairn his Will, and a Whelp his fill, and none of these
two will thrive. *The Whelp will be fat and lazy; and the Child
will be perverse and froward. I732 FUL., no. 6456: Give a Child
all he Shall crave, And a Dog while his Tail doth wave; And you’ll
have a fair Dog, and foul Knave.
Happy is the CHILD whose father goes to the
devil
1549 LATIMER Serm. 9, p. 146: (The old saying is, Happy). 1552
LATIMER Serm. 21, p. 410: There is a common Saying amongst the
worldlings, Happy is that child whose father goeth to the devil . .
Many a father goeth to the devil for his child’s sake; in that he . .
scraped for his child, and forgat to relieve his poor miserable neigh-
bour. 1578 T. LUPTON Allfor Money, s. D3: (But happie are those
children whose). I591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. I I7: (Happie the
childe whose). 1612 T. ADAMS Gallant’s Burden: W ks., p. 27: The
Prouerbe is vile, ifeuer true, Happy is the Sonne whose Father goes
to the Deuill. 1616 DR., no. 838: Happie are those children, whose
fathers goe t0 the deuil. I633 SHIRLEY Bird in Cage III ii, p. 412:
0305

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CHILD 97
CHILD (CHILD’S)

Pf
(Happy is that son whose). 1639 CL., s.v. Divitiae, p. 97. 1655 J.
HOWELL Let. IV 9, II 573: (Hence I believe sprung the City proverb
Happy). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1670 RAY, p. 100: (whose
father went to the Devil). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Happy: Happy the
Child whose Father is gone to the Devil. 1721 KEL., p. 171:
(Happy the Son, whose). *Intimating that great Estates are
gotten by Usury, or other ill Arts. 1732 FUL., no. 1791: (whose
Father went to the Devil).
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI II ii 47: Happy always was it
for that son Whose father for his hoarding went to hell?
Cf. M364: A rich man is either wicked himself or the heir of a
wicked man. (7)
0306 He cares not whose CHILD cries, so his laugh
1585—1616 Shirburn Bal. 2, p. 22: Some care not how others’ chil-
dren crye, soe they themselues can prosper well. 1721 KEL., p. 137:
(whose Bairn greet if his laugh). *Spoken of selfish People, whose
Endeavours terminate upon, and center in, themselves. 1732 FUL.,
no. 1823.
0307 He has neither CHILD nor chicken (chick)
1639 CL., s.v. Solitudo, p. 291. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gallo,
p. 70: No body to be there, no soul living, chick, nor child.
See ST., no. 1140.
0308 He that cockers his CHILD provides for his
enemy
[1611 Apocrypha Ecclus. xxx 9: Cocker thy child, and he Shall make
thee afraid] 1640 HERE, no. 784. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac.
in Via, p. 236. 1659 N.R., p. 59.
0309 It is a wise CHILD (father) that knows his own
father (child)
[ERAS. Adagia, 688B: Manet etiam hodie vulgi jocus, quo dicunt,
sapientem esse filium, qui patrem silum norit.] 1586 WITHALS, S-
L4: Wise sonnes they be in very deed, That knowe their Parentes
who did them breede. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. C1v: I am not so
wise a child as you take me for, I neuer knewe my father. 1613
WITHER Abuses 1’2, I 66: Is’t not hence this common Prouerbe
growes, ’Tis a wise childe that his owne Father knowes? 1617 B.
RICH Irish Hubbub, p. 16: We were wont to say, it was a wise childe
that did know the owne Father, but now we may say, it is a wise
Father that doth know his owne childe. 1639 CL., p. 240. I640
SHIRLEY Opportunity I i, p. 376: See if he first knows me; ’Tis a wise
father that knows his own child. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13:
(He is). 1670 RAY, p. 69: (child knows).
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. II ii 80: It is a wise father that knows
his own child.
Cf. M1193: Ask the mother if the child be like his father.
0310 A late CHILD an early orphan
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 10. 1742 FRANKLIN, p. 20: Late Chil-
dren, early Orphans.
0311 Let not a CHILD Sleep upon bones
1678 RAY, p. 3 51: *The nurses lap. Somerset.
0312 Many kiss (love) the CHILD for the nurse’s sake
a15oo Harl. MS 3362, p. 309: Ofte me kessyt the chil for . . 1546
HEY. II vii, s. K1. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 98: (She kist the
childe for). 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 57: (Belike he loves the
childe for). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 401: For lov of the nurice mony
kisses the bairne. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 251: (Some kisse). 1611
GRUT., no. 187. 1614 CAM., p. 310. 1639 CL., s.v. Amor, p. 27:
Love the child for the nurses sake. Ibid., p. 135. 1655—62 GUR-
NALL Chr. in Armor, p. 54: Some will kiss the child for the nurse’s
sake, and like the present for the hand that brings it. 1659 How.
Br. Prov., p. 29: For the mothers sake, kiss the son. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1668 R.B., p. 19: [AS in a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY,
p. 111. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To kiss. 1697 MER., p. 164: For love
of the nurse the bairn gets mony a cuss. 1721 KEL., p. 243: Many
one kisses the Bairn for Love of the Nurrish. *That is, shews
their Kindness to the Companions, Friends, or Relations, of those

upon whom they have a Design, which they hope by their Influence
to effect. 1732 FUL., no. 3351.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. V] V vii 31: And that I love the
tree from whence thou sprang’st Witness the loving kiss I give the
fruit.
Cf. B5: Love the babe for her that bore it; C323: He that wipes
the child’s nose kisses the mother’s cheek; L28: The lady kisses her
man for his master’s sake.
0313 A naughty CHILD is better Sick than whole
1640 HERE, no. 229. 1664 COD., p. 217: The naughty Child is
better sick than well.
0314 She is past dying of her first CHILD
1639 CL., s.v. Sera poenitentia, p. 282: A maid after marriage, or
she’l never die of her first child. 1678 RAY, p. 240: *She hath had
a bastard.
Cf. M14: As good a maid as her mother.
0315 Thy CHILD that is no child leave upon the waters
and let him swim
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 41 1.
0316 To a CHILD all weather is cold
1640 HERE, no. 728. 1659 N.R., p. 94. 1664 COD., p. 221. 1670
RAY, p. 4.
0317 To be with CHILD to hear (see) something
1549 N. UDALL ET AL. Paraph. Luke xxiii, f. 177: For the man had
of long tyme been wyth chylde to haue a Syghte of Jesus, of whome
he had hearde so many thynges. 1553 Respublica I iii, p. 8: Are ye
with Childe to heare? [01560] 1581 WOODES Confl. Cons. IV i, s.
F2v: For I am with child, till that I do it heare. 1639 CL., p. 186:
I am with child till you tell me. 1660 PEPYS Diary May 14, I 139: I
sent my boy, who like myself, is with child to see any strange thing.
0318 To Christen one’s own CHILD first
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: ’Tis good Christning of a mans own
child first. Ibid., p. 1 I: Ile Christen my own child first. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Minestra, p. 105: To dish out ones own pottage
first; the English say, to Christen ones own child first. 1670 RAY, p.
129: ’Tis good christening a mans own child first. 1694 D’URFEY
2 Don Quix. III ii, p. 146: Charity . . begins at home, you know;
and ever, while you live, Christen your own Child first. 1721 KEL.,
p. 310: The Priest christens his own Bairn first. *An Apology for
serving our selves before our Neighbours. *Eng. Charity begins at
home. 1732 FUL., no. 2633: I will Christen my own Child first.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 388: You know, the parson always
christens his own child first.
Cf. C251: Charity begins at home.
0319 When the CHILD is christened you may have
godfathers enough
1639 CL., s.v. Serum remedium, p. 283: (christ’ned every man will
be Godfather). 1670 RAY, p. 69: *When a mans need is supplied
or his occasions over, people are ready to offer their assistance or
service. 1732 FUL., no. 5573: (When the Christning is Over, you).
0320 A CHILD’S bird and a boy’s wife are well used
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 1452: Wks., I 419: But who may haue
a more vngracyous lyfe Than a chyldes birde and a knauis wyfe?
1678 RAY, p. 351: *Som. 1732 FUL., no. 37: (A Child’s Birds, and).
C321 CHILD’S pig but father’s bacon
1678 RAY, p. 111: *Parents usually tell their children, this pig or
this lambe is thine, but when they come to be grown up and Sold,
parents themselves take the money for them. 1732 FUL., no. 1 101:
(but Father’s Hog).
Cf. C289: The chicken is the country’s but the city eats it.
0322 A CHILD’S service is little yet he is no little fool
that despises it
1640 HERE, no. 202.
Cf. C690: If the counsel be good no matter who gave it.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
CHILD (CHILD’S) 98
CHILDREN

C323 He that wipes the CHILD’S nose kisses the
mother’s cheek
1640 HERB., no. 1025. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
236. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 18.
Cf. C312: Many kiss (love) the child for the nurse’s sake.
C324 It is no CHILD’S play
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. D4: Crafty conueyaunce is no
chyldys game. [a1525] 01545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 300: Wks.,
I 322: And no more ye make Of symony, men say, But a chyldes
play. [01525-9] 1561 Godly Qu. Hester l. 269, p. 12: To speake be-
fore a king, it is no childes playe.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV V iv 75: To it, Hal!
shall find no boy’s play here, I can tell you.
Nay, you
C325 Be patient and you shall have patient CHILDREN
1678 RAY, p. 346.
C326 Better CHILDREN weep than old men
1541 COVERDALE Chr. State Matr. XXI, f. 61: Better it is that
children wepe then old men. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D3v. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 255: Better bairnes greit nor bairded men. 1605 CHAPMAN
All Foo/s I i 315: Better young want than old. 1611 GRUT., no. 54.
1614 CAM., p. 304. 1616 DR., no. 257: (It is better that). 1639
CL., p. 281: (than old folke). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (Better
children cry). 1668 R.B., p. 12: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I721 KEL.,
p. 62: Better Bairns greet as bearded Men. *Better you make
your Children cry with seasonable Correction, than they make you
cry by their after Miscarriage.
Cf. R155: Spare the rod and spoil (spill) the child (He that
spares the rod hates the child). ' (5)
C327 CHILDREN and chickens must be always picking
I573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 88, p. 178: Yong children and chick-
ens would euer be eating. 1623 CAM., p. 267: (are alwayes feeding).
1639 CL., p. 113: (must ever be eating). 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 33: It is an old saying, that children, chicken, and
whelps would euer bee feeding. I659 N.R., p. 25: (are alwaies a
feeding). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 211: Fryers, women, children
and chickens, never think they have their belly full. 1670 RAY, p.
33. 1732 FUL., no. 6078.
C328 CHILDREN (Drunkards) and fools cannot lie
(Children and fools speak truth)
1537 C. HAYES in St. Papers Hen. VIII 1283, Addenda, Vol. I, Pt.
i, p. 437: [It is] an old saying that a child, a fool and a drunken man
will ever show their conditions and the truth. 1546 HEY. I xi, s.
D4v. I552 TAV., f. 62: (Children, drunkers, and fooles). 1560-77
Illisogonus I i 185: Children and fooles they say can not l[y]. 1573
SANF., f. 109: (tell truth). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33: (tel
truth). 1596 DEL., S. N7v: Fooles and children often do prophesie.
1611 DAY. Prov., no. 379: Truth’s told by babes and fooles. 1611
GRUT., no. 75. 1614 CAM., p. 305. 1616 DR., no. 263: Children
often tell trueth. 1639 CL., p. 316. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 26. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15: (speak truth). 1664
COD., p. 189. 1670 RAY, p. 69: (speak truth). *The Dutch Prov-
erb hath it thus, You are not to expect truth from any but children,
persons drunk or mad. In vino veritas, we know. 1721 KEL., p.
103: Fools, Bairns, and drunken Men, tell all that is in their Mind.
1732 FUL., no. 1092: (tell Truth).
SHAKESPEARE.——I599 71C. (folio) I iii 74: Why Old men, Fooles,
and Children calculate.
See ST., no. 1145. Cf. B40: A beltless bairn cannot lie; H303: A
full heart lied never; M514: Dying men speak true (prophesy);
W465: In wine there is truth. (18)
C329 CHILDREN and fools have merry lives
1639’CL., s.v. Stupidi, p. 298. 1670 RAY, p. 69. 1672 WALK. 43,
p. 47. 1681 ROB., p. 330: (live merry lives). 1732 FUL., no. 1093.
Cf. K188: In knowing nothing is the sweetest life.
C330 CHILDREN are certain cares but uncertain comforts
1639’:CL., p. 240: Children are uncertaine comforts, but certaine
cares. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: Children are a certain care, and

C331
6334
1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
1721 KEL.,
an uncertain comfort. 1664 COD., p. 189.
s.v. Children, p. 52: Certain cares, uncertain comforts.
p. 83. 1732 FUL., no. 1095.
CHILDREN are poor men’s (parents’) riches
1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., 8. X2v: Children are the most
rich Iuelles in the worlde. 1611 COT., s.v. Enfant: *In other Coun-
tries, whose people are industrious, they may perhaps be so; but in
ours, for the most part, Store of children make poore men plaine
beggers. 1616 DR., s.v. Children, no. 256: (the parents riches).
1631 DRUE Duch. Suflolk IV, s. H3: Greeue not too much [for your
children], though such are poore mens treasure. 1664 COD., p. 1 89:
(their Parents Riches). Ibid., p. 190. 1670 RAY, p. 4. 1732 FUL.,
no.1094.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOO2 A.W. I iii 26: And I think I shall never
have the blessing of God till I have issue 0’ my body; for they say
barnes are blessings.
Cf. C338: Good children are the best comforts.
C332 CHILDREN learn to creep before they go (A man
must creep before he goes)
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus Ded., p. 1 I: They [young scholars]
schulde soner be able perfytely to go, then they coulde afore tymes
be able to creepe. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: (er they can lerne to go).
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 107: A bairne most creip er he gang. 1611
GRUT., no. 76: (ere they can goe). 1614 CAM., p. 305: [As in 1611
Grut.]. 1616 DR., no. 123: A man must creepe before that he can
goe. 1659 N.R., p. 13: A man must creep before he go. Ibid., p.
24. 1668 R.B., p. 8: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 26: A
Bairn must creep ere it gang. *An Excuse for them who do not so
well at first, as it is hoped they will do afterward.
Cf. C820: First creep, then go (Learn to creep before you go);
K49: Kindness (Love, Kind) will creep where it cannot go; L150:
Learn to say before you sing.
C333 CHILDREN pick up words as pigeons peas and
utter them again as God shall please
1670 RAY, p. 213.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. V ii 3 15: This’ fellow peeks up wit
as pigeons pease, And utters it again when God doth please.
CHILDREN suck the mother when they are young
and the father when they are old
1602 J. MANNINGHAM Diary, p. 12: An old child sucks hard; i.
children when they growe to age prove chargeable. I678 RAY, p.
112. 1732 FUL., no. 1099: (and the Father, when grown up).
C335 CHILDREN to bed and the goose to the fire
1670 RAY, p. 168. 1675 W. CHURCHILL Divi Britannici, p. 278: It
was high time (as the Vulgar Proverb hath it) to put the Children
to bed, and lay the Goose to the fire. I710 STEELE Tatler No. 263:
There is a venerable proverb, which we have all of us heard in our
infancy, of putting the children to-bed, and laying the goose to the
fire. This was one of the jocular sayings of our forefathers.
C336 CHILDREN when little make parents fools, when
great, mad
1640 HERB., no. 933: Children when they are little make parents
fooles; when they are great they make them made. 1658 [EDMOND-
SON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 236: Children when they are little, make
their Parents Fools, but when they are great, they do make them
mad. 1659 N.R., p. 25. 1664 COD., p. 190: [As in 1640 Herb.].
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 84: Great children a vexation of the heart,
small children, a pain in the head. 1670 RAY, p. 4: (Children when
they are little). 1732 FUL., no. 1100.
C337 CHILDREN will do like children (Boys will have
toys)
1621 GRANGER Exp. Eccles. xi 9, p. 315: But youth will be youth,
youth must not be abridged of libertie, yong men must be borne
withall. 1672 WALK. 1, p. 55: Boys will have toys; children will do
like children. 1681 ROB., p. 330.
See TAY., p. 16. Cf. F547: Fools will still be fools.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CHILDREN
CHIP

P1
0338 Good CHILDREN are the best comforts
I616 BRET., p. 8: Children are the comfort of their Parents.
CL., p. 188: Good children are the parentsjoy. Ihid., p. 240.
Cf. C331: Children are poor men’s (parents’) riches.
1639
0339 He that has CHILDREN, all his morsels are not
his own
1640 HERE, no. 419. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: Who hath children,
his loaf is not all his own. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 89.
0340 He that has no CHILDREN does bring them up
well
1573 SANF., f. 103. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 80, p. 28.
Cf. B10: Bachelors’ wives and maids’ children are well taught;
C346: Who has no children feeds them fat.
0341 He that has no CHILDREN knows not what love is
1595 Rich. Duke York, s. H2: You haue no children Deuells, ifyou
had, The thought of them, would then haue stopt your rage. 1639
CL., p. 240: None knowes the affection of Parents but they that
have children. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 89: (Who hath no chil-
dren, knows not).
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI V v 62: How sweet a plant have -
youuntimelycropp’d! You havenochildren,butchers! Ifyouhad,
The thought of them would have stirr’d up remorse. 1596 K7.
III iv 90: You hold too heinous a respect of grief. —He talks to me
that never had a son. 1605-6 M. IV iii 204: Your castle is sur-
pris’d; your wife and babes Savagely Slaughter’d . . —My children
too? —Wife, children, servants, all That could be found . . —Be
comforted . . —He has no children.
0342 He that loves his CHILDREN corrects them well
1616 DR., no. 259.
Cf. L564: He that loves well does punish well.
0343 She spinswell that breeds her CHILDREN
1640 HERE, no. 144. 1659 N.R., p. 89.
0344 What CHILDREN hear at home soon flies abroad
1611 COT., s.v. Enfant. 1623 WOD., p. 514: What Children heare
about the Hearth, is soone knowne in the Church, And of women
also. 1664 COD., p. 224: (doth soon fly abroad). 1670 RAY, p. 4:
[As in 1664 Cod.]. 1732 FUL., no. 5482.
Cf. C300: The child says nothing but what it heard by the fire;
P363: Small (Little) pitchers have wide ears.
0345 When CHILDREN stand quiet they have done
some ill
1640 HERE, no. 500. 1664 COD., p. 229. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20,
p. 45: When children lye quiet, it is suppos’d they have done some
mischief. 1670 RAY, p. 4: (some harm).
0346 Who has no CHILDREN feeds them fat
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX [f. 28v]: (feedeth them wel). 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 236. 1616 DR., s.v. Experience, no. 634: (He that hath
no).
Cf. B10: Ba'chelors’ wives and maids’ children are well taught;
C340: He that has no children does bring them up well.
0347 It is easier to build two CHIMNEYS than to main-
tain one
1640 HERE, no. 887. 1659 N.R., p. 104. 1664 COD., p. 188:
Better it is (especially as the World now goes) to build two Chim-
neys, than to maintain one. 1757 FRANKLIN, p. 33: (than main-
tain one in Fuel).
0348 Many CHIMNEYS little smoke
1583 STUBEES Anat. Ahuses I, p. 105: Many Chimnies, but little
smoke; faire houses, but small hospitalitie. 1616 DR., s.v. Hospi~
talitie, no. 1009.
0349 He must needs swim that is held up by the CHIN
1530 PALS., p. 451a: (that is borne up by the chynne). _ a1536 HILL
47, p. 129: He mai lightli swim, that is hold wp by the chin. 1546

HEY. I v, s. B2. [a1550] 1626 7ests Scogin in Shak. 7est-Bks., II
119. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. 12v: It hath pleased thee
of thy gratious goodnesse with tender fiste to holde me vp by the
chinne. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng. Ep. Ded., p. 6: If your
Lordship with your lyttle finger doe but holde me vp by the chinne,
I shall swimme. 01594 BACON, no. 473. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 802:
It is easie swiming quhair the head is borne up. 1611 COT., s.v.
Menton. Ihid., s.v. Nager: *A fauourite of the time, or of authori-
tie, may boldly swimme where another would sinke. 1611 GRUT.,
no. 117. 1614 CAM., p. 307. 1616 DR., s.v. Friendship, no. 795:
Hee cannot sinke that is holden vp by the chinne. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 569. [01620] 1647 [BEAUMONT AND] FLETCHER Wit at Sev. Weap-
ons I, p. 67: Well he may make a padler i’ th’ world . . but never a
brave Swimmer, Born up by th’ chin. 1623 WOD., p. 504: He may
well swimme that hath his Chin borne vp. *So said of him that
hath good Helpe, and prosperes also. 1639 CL., p. 43. 1641 FERG.,
no. 497: It is eith [easy] to swimme where the head is holden up.
1655 FULLER Church Hist. IV i, I 456: Whose safety . . is not so
much to be ascribed to his own strength in swimming, as to such as
held him up by the chin. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1659 HOW.
Fr. Prov., p. 11: (He may boldly swim who is). 1659 N.R., p. 42.
1664 COD., p. 196: (He needs must). 1668 R.B., p. 29: It is eith to
swim where the head is hild up. 1670 RAY, p. 147: *Gall. 1721
KEL., p. 129: (He may well swim that’s). *Spoken of the thriving
Condition of those, who have some to support, assist, and raise
them. 1732 FUL., no. 6088.
Cf. B56: It is good baking beside meal.
0350 So we get the CHINK we will bear with the stink
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 59.
Chink, we’l bear with stinke. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1: (the
clink). 1664 COD., p. 210. 1670 RAY, p. 70: (So we have). 1672
WALK. 44, p. 47: (So we have). 1681 ROE, p. 332: So we may
have the Chink, we will away with the stink. 1721 KEL., p. 359:
We will bear with the Stink, when it brings in the Clink. *Eng.
Pain is forgotten when Gain follows. I732 FUL., no. 6277: We will
bear with the Stink, If it bring but in Chink.
Cf. G3: Gain savors sweetly from anything; M1069: Money is
welcome though it come in a dirty clout; M1297: Muck and money
go together.
1639 CL., p. 293: So we get
0351 As dry as a CHIP
I631 JONSON New Inn I-V i 3.
p. 45: Dry as a chip.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Coppo,
0352 A CHIP of the old block
01626 Dick Dev. IV i, p. 60: Why may not I be a chipp of the same
blocke out of which you two were cutt? 1633 W. ROWLEY Match
at Midn. II, p. 29: What, art thou a fortune-teller? -—~A chip of
the same block—a fool, sir. 1635 SWAN Spec. Mundi I iii, p. 18: A
chip of that block which maketh all things common. 01640 SMYTH
31, p. 29: (Hee’s a true chipp of). *Like sonne like father. I659
N.R., p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 168: *He is his fathers own son: taken
always in an ill sence. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Chip: (’Tis a Chip of).
1695 CONGREVE Lovefor Love III, p. 135: ’Twould be but like me,
A Chip of the old Block. 1697 MER., p. 166. 8.1700 B.E., s.v.
Chip: Chip of the old Block. *A Son that is his Father’s likeness.
Cf. F92: Such a (Like) father such a (like) son; F97: You are your
father’s own son. (1 1)
0353 Like a CHIP in a pottage (porridge) pot, does
neither good nor harm
1659 N.R., p. 74: (Like a chip in pottage doth). 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Finocchio, p. 63: To be like fennel in sausiges, Viz. for
Stufling, that might be as well left out, as put in; The English say,
as a chip in pottage, that signifies little or nothing. I670 RAY, p.
168. 1680 DRYDEN Limherham IV i, p. 76: That is a chip in por-
ridge; it isjust nothing. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Chip: He is like Chip in
Porridge, il ne fait ni bien ni mal. 1697 MER., p. 166: Like a chip
in the porridge pot.
Cf. J70: He is John Herb in the pottage, that will do neither good
nor harm.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
CHIP
CHRISTMAS
IOO

C354 Look not too high lest a CHIP fall in your eye
a1536 HILL 48, p. 129: Clime not to hie, lest chipis fall in thin eie.
1565 Warningfor Wooers in C. Robinson et al. Handf. Pleas. De-
lights, p. 46: Looke not too hie, least that a chip fall in thine eye.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p. 219: In the choyce of a wife . .
one looketh high as one that feareth no chips. 1589 PEELE
Eclogue Cratulatory l. 21: Wks., II 270: Thou art too crank [bold],
and crowdest all too high; Beware a chip fall not into thine eye.
1603 BRETON Dial. Full Pithe: Wks., II 6: Who looketh hye, may
haue a chip fall in his eye. 1611 GRUT., no. 177. 1614 CAM., p.
309. 1616 DR., s.v. Ambition, no. 61: (fall into thine eie). 1639
CL., p. 23. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 204. 1670
RAY, p. 102: (in thine eye). 1696 D’UREEY3 Don Quix. II ii, p.
231. I732 FUL., no. 6316.
Cf. C357: Hew not too high lest the chips fall into the eye.
C355 Not to care a CHIP
1577 HOLINSHED Chron. Hen. VIII 1532, VI 293: They would not
weigh two chips the force of his father. 1577 STANYHURST Descr.
Ireland II in Holinshed Chron., VI 17: I weigh not two chips which
waie the wind bloweth. 1675 C. COTTON Scofl'er Scoft, p. 115: I
know, but care not of a chip Where the shooe wrings your Ladiship.
C356 As merry as three CHIPS
I546 HEY. I vii, s. B4.
C357 Hew not too high lest the CHIPS fall into the eye
1535 W. STEWART Chron. Scot. 1. 20189, I 654: T0 huif ouir hie
Quhill that the spaill [chip] fell into thair ee. a1536 HILL 38, p.
132: He that heweth t0 hye, the chippis will fall in his ye. I546
HEY. II vii,s. I4: (in thyne iye). I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Bb3:
The chips of the tree, which thou wouldst hew downe, may fiye in
thy face. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 490: He that hewes over hie the
spaill wil fall in his ey. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 4. 1668 R.B., p. 22:
[AS in a1598 Ferg.]. 1678 RAY, p. 369: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721
KEL., p. 128: He that hews above his Head, may have the Speal fall
in his Eye. *He that aims at Things above his Power, may be
ruined by his Project. 1732 FUL., no. 2164: He that hews above
his Height, may have Chips in his Eyes.
Cf. C354: Look not too high lest a chip fall in your eye. (5)
C358 There is small CHOICE in rotten apples
[8.1667] 1698 LACY Sauny the Scot I, p. 2.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—8 T.S. I i 138: Faith, as you say, there’s
small choice in rotten apples.
C359 CHOLER has more heat than light
1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 4.
C360 The CHOLERIC drinks, the melancholic eats, the
phlegmatic sleeps
1659 N.R., p. 94: (the melancholy eats).
1670 RAY, p. 5.
1640 HERB., no. 918.
1664 COD., p. 222: (the melancholy eats).
C361 CHOOSE for yourself and use for yourself
1639 CL., s.v. Nuptiae, p. 230.
Cf. M134: Every man must choose and use his own wife.
C362 In CHOOSING a wife and buying a sword we
ought not to trust another
1640 HERB., no. 486. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
233. 1659 N.R., p. 68. 1664 COD., p. 202.
Cf. M134: Every man must choose and use his own wife; T123:
The best or worst thing to man for this life is good or ill choosing
his good or ill wife; W381: The wife and the sword may be showed
but not lent.
C363 To CHOP and change
[To alter, to make different] I530 PALs., p. 484b: I love well to
choppe and chaunge every day. 01541 COVERDALE Confut. Stand-
ish, p. 419: Ye pervert the words of holy scripture . . as ye chop and
change with it. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 118: Where there is
no other talke but of buying and selling, Ofchopping and chaunging.

1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 213: They have so chop’d and
chang’d, that they seem to have altered their whole Creed. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 339: To chop and change, and turn his penny.
(31)
C364 That which CHRIST has not the exchequer carries
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 21. I660 HOWELL Parley Beasts II,
p. 18: The Court and the clergy suck the greatest part Of the fat,
whence grew the Proverb, What the Cheque takes not, the Church
takes.
C365 She that knows where CHRIST’S cross stands
will never forget where great A dwells
1593 Tell-Trothes Gift in Tell-Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 3 3:
(Suppose the worst that can happe, imagine Shee will neuer be good,
building vpon the old sayinge: Shee that).
C366 A complete CHRISTIAN must have the works of a
Papist, the words of a Puritan, and the faith of
a Protestant
1635 J. HOWELL Let. II I I, II 402: One who said, That to make one
a compleat Christian, he must have the works Ofa Papist, the words
of a Puritan, and the Faith of a Protestant.
See SM., p. 5.
C367 After CHRISTMAS comes Lent
1611 COT., s.v. Banquet: After feasting fasting. [1632] 1659 MAS-
SINGER City Madam IV iv, p. 472: She hath feasted long, And after
a carnival, Lent ever follows. 1678 RAY, p. 1 13: After a Christmas
comes a Lent. 1732 F UL., no. 770.
C368 At CHRISTMAS great loaves, at Easter clean
souls, and at Whitsuntide new clothes
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16.
C369 CHRISTMAS comes but once a year
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 12, p. 28. 1602 DEKKER [AND
MARSTON] Satiro. l. 2510, p. 71: You and your Itchy Poetry breake
out like Christmas but once a yeare. I611 GRUT., no. 77. 1614
CAM., p. 305. 1616 DR., s.v. Mirth, no. 1392: Christide (or Christ-
mas) commeth but once in the yeere. 1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-
Pot, s. G2v: Tis Christmas now, It comes but once a yeare. 1622
WITHER Christm. Car.: 7am, III 917: And what they want they take
in Beere: For, Christmas comes but once a yeare. 1639 CL., p. 307.
1652 TAYLOR Christmas In and Out: Wks. 52., I 16. 1659 N.R.,
p. 25. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 166.
Cf. B701: Bounce buckram, velvet’s dear, Christmas comes but
once a year, and when it comes it brings good cheer, but when it’s
gone it’s never the near.
C370 CHRISTMAS lasts not all the year
1639 CL., p. 233.
Cf. C372: They keep Christmas all the year.
A light CHRISTMAS a heavy sheaf
1670 RAY, p. 4.
C371
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12.
C372 They keep CHRISTMAS all the year
1672 WALK. 83, p. 25. I681 ROB., p. 783.
Cf. C370: Christmas lasts not all the year.
C373 They talk of CHRISTMAS so long that it comes
1611 COT., s.v. Noel: So long is Christmas cried that at length it
comes. Ibid., s.v. Venir: So long is Christmas called for that it
comes; a constant importunitie at length preuailes. 1623 WOD., p.
516: So long do they cry for Christmasse til it come. Tyme bringing
foorth his Due, whether wee will, or no. 1640 HERB., no. 834.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 193: Christmas is so much
talk’d of, that it comes at last. 1659 N.R., p. 114. 1664 COD., p.
221. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 166: Christmass is so much wish’d
for, that it comes at last. 1670 RAY, p. 26.
Cf. E47: Easter (Christmas) so wished for long, passes away in
one day; L423: Long looked for comes at last.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CHRISTMAS PIE
CIPHER
IOI

0374 He has eaten many a CHRISTMAS PIE
1639 CL., s.v. Longaevitas, p. 189.
0375 Mark the CHRONICLES aright, when Oxford
scholars fall to fight, before many months ex-
pired England will with war be fired
1662 FULLER Worthies Oxfordshire, II 221 : *Chronica si penses, cum
pugnent Oxonienses, Post aliquot menses volat ira per Angligi-
nenses . . I confesse, Oxonienses may import the broils betwixt the
Townsmen ofOxford, or Townsmen and Scholars; but I conceive it
properly to intend the contests betwixt Scholars and Scholars.
0376 The CHURCH is no wild cat, it will stand
01410 Pride Life I. 425 in Non-Cycle Myst. Plays, p. 102: Nay churc
nis no wyl coot, Hit wol abid ther. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat.
agst. Dicing, p. 23: (stande still).
0377 The CHURCH is not so large but the priest may
say service in it
1678 RAY, p. 113.
0378 The CHURCH will lose nothing and defend noth-
ing
1609 OVERBURY Obs. Trav.: Wks., p. 242: The unproportionable
part of the land which the church holds . . is . . dead to militarie
uses. For, as they say there [in France], The church will lose noth-
ing, nor defend nothing.
0379 Let the CHURCH stand in the churchyard
1678 RAY, p. 1 13. 1732 FUL., no. 3192: Let the Church have leave
to stand in the Church-yard.
0380 The nearer the CHURCH the farther from God
a1536 HILL 12, p. 130. I546 HEY. I ix, s. CIV: (The nere to the
churche). I579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. July, I. 97, p. 33: To kerke the
narre, from God more farre, has bene an old sayd sawe. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1077: Nearest the kirk farthest from God. 1611
COT., s.v. Eglise: (The neerer to the Church). 1611 DAV. Prov. , no.
32. 1611 GRUT., no. 271: (The nerer to the church). 1611 TOUR-
NEUR Ath. Trag. I iV, p. 191: (And verify the Prouerbe—The nearer).
1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 BRET., p. 5. 1616 DR., no. 807: (The
neerer to the Church). 1639 CL., s.v. Hypocrisis, p. 141. 1659
How. Br. Prov., p. 40: (the farther from Christ). 1668 R.B., p. 40:
Neirest to the Kirk, farthest fra God. 1670 RAY, p. 70. 1721 KEL.,
p. 261: Nearest the Kirk, farrest from God. *Spoken to them who
do not take these Advantages, that they might easily have had.
1732 FUL., no. 4683. '
(16)
See DUE, I, no. 811; ST., no. 1787.
0381 Though you see a CHURCHMAN ill yet continue
in the church still
1640 HERE, no. 694. 1659 N.R., p. 101.
(a Churchman live an evil life, yet).
0382
1664 COD., p. 221:
As hungry (poor) as a CHURCH MOUSE (church
rat)
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 205. I672 COREY Gen-
erous Enemies I, p. 10: All that live with him Are as poor as Church-
Rats. 1731 Norfolk Gamester in Pol. Bal., II 223: The owner, ’Tis
said was once poor as church-mouse.
C383 CHURCH WORK goes on slowly
1629 T. ADAMS Visitat. Serm.: Wks., p. 935: If the Ouerseers looke
not well to the busenesse, too many will make Church-worke of it;
for such loytering is now fallen into a Prouerbe. 1639 FULLER
Holy War I xxiii, p. 36: So that, contrary to the proverb, Church-
work went on the most speedily. 1677 MARVELL Growth Popery
p. 388: To wait for their coming from Madrid would make church-
work, whereas we need the swiftest expedition. I678 RAY, p. 1 13.
1732 FUL., no. 1106.
C384 Choke up, the CHURCHYARD is nigh
I678 RAY, p. 343. I732 FUL., no. 1102: (Choak up, Child; the).
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 407: Choke, chicken, there’s more a-
hatching.
C385 No CHURCHYARD is so handsome that a man
would desire straight to be buried there
1640 HERE, no. 962. 1659 N.R., p. 81: (No Church~yard so hand-
some as a man would).
C386 Claw a CHURL by (Grease a fat sow in) the tail
and he (she) will beray your hand
I546 HEY. II vii, s. 13v: (by thars, and he Shiteth in my hande).
[8.1558] 1568 Yacob and Esau II iii, S. C4: This prouerbe in Esau may
be vnderstande: Clawe a churle by the tayle, and he will file your
hand. 1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua V ii, s. K1 v: I lin’d your gutts there,
and you vse me thus? but grease a fat sowe, etc. 1611 COT., s.v.
Asne: (by the breech, and he will beray your fist). 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 83: (hee’l mute in thy fist). 1611 GRUT., no. 78: (by th’
and he in thy hand). 1614 CAM., p. 305: (by the arse,
and he Shiteth in thy hand). I616 WITHALS, p. 581: Claw an Old
churle by the breech, and he will shite in your fist. [1621] 1640
JONSON Gypsies Metam. l. 776: Masques at Court, VII 591: (by the
arse, and hee’l shite in your fist). 1638 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and
Biog., p. 175: Claw an Ass by the breech and hee’l bewray your
fingers. 1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 170. 1659 How. Br. Prov.,
p. 9: Rub a churles tail he will give thee a turd. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 14: Grease a fat Sow in the tail, she will shite in your fist.
1664 COD., p. 189: (by the Breech, and he will foul your hand).
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 306: Who doth good to a clown, shites in
his own hand. 1668 R.B., p. 15: Clap a carle on the culs, and he
will shit in your louf. I670 RAY, p. 70: (by the breech, and he will
sh in your fist). *Persons of servile temper or education, have
no sense ofhonour or ingenuity, and must be dealt with accordingly.
Cf. K123: Gall a knave and he will grease you; S682: To grease a
fat sow in the tail. (7)
C387 Lay not a CHURL upon a gentleman
1586 WITHALS, S. D7: *Drinke not beere after wine. 1618 BEL-
CHIER Hans Beer-Pot, s. D3v: Why then farewell, I care not I for
Beere, My Captaine gaue me some Canarie wine: The Churle he
Shall not ride the Gentleman. 1637 TAYLOR Drink and Welcome:
Wks. Q, II C2v: And after to drinke Beere, nor will, nor can He
lay a Churle upon a Gentleman. 1639 CL., s.v. Luxus et Mollities,
p. 192: Lay not churle upon gentleman (Post Vina, ne potes mera).
a17oo B.E., s.v. Churl: (To put a churl). 1721 KEL., p. 186: I will
never put the Carle above the Gentleman. *Spoken when we Offer
Ale to them that have been drinking Claret. 1732 FUL., no. 5982:
You put the Clown above the Gentleman. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
II, p. 449: Will you taste a glass of October? —No . . I like your
wine, and won’t put a churl upon a gentleman.
Cf. M743: The mastifir never loves the greyhound (A churl never
cares for a gentleman).
0388 A CHURL’S feast is better than none at all
1594 GREENE AND LODGE Looking Glass, S. E2: (We must feed vpon
prouerbes now, as . . a churles feast is).
Cf. F145: No feast to a miser’s.



C389 CIDER is treacherous because it smiles in a
man’s face and then cuts his throat
1630 T. ADAMS God’s Anger: W ks. (1861), III 267: Those bottled
windy drinks, that laugh in a man’s face, and then cut his throat.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 435: Pray, my lord, how is it [cider]
treacherous? -—Because it smiles in my face, and cuts my throat.
0390 An old CINQUE CATER
1639 CL., s.v. Experientiae, p. 110. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Tempo, p. 213: Of an Old crafty Fellow; as the English word is, and
Old Cinquequater, and Old Tost, one of the Old Stamp.
0391 He is a CIPHER among numbers
1547 J. HARRISON Exhor. to Scots, p. 229: Our presidentes . . doo
serue but as Cyphers in Algorisme, to fill the place. 01584 G.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
CIRCUMSTANCES 1 02
CLIENT

HARVEY Marginalia, p. 102: Be not a Cipher in any thing, wherein
you have interest. 1595 [W.S.] [.ocrine IV ii, 3. G4v: Vncle, Scorne
you your royall soueraigne, As if we stood for cyphers in the court?
1616 DR., no. 323. 1639 CL., p. 70. I640 WHA'I‘ELEY Prototypes
6,174: HOW unhappy a thing is it to be in the world as a cipher in
Arithmeticke. 1659 N.R., p. 54: He stands for a Cipher. 1664
COD., p. 198. 1670 RAY, p. 170: To stand for a cypher. 1688 J.
EvELYN Diary and Corr. Dec. 22, III 291: I, an empyty cipher in the
world . . have found nothing solid.
SHAKESPEARE.——16o4 M.M. II ii 39: Mine were the very cipher
of a function, To fine the faults whose fine stands in record, And let
go by the actor. 1605-6 K.L. I iv 213: I am a fool, thou art
nothing. (15)
C392 The CIRCUMSTANCES of an act make it good
1581 LAMBARDE Eiren. IV v, p. 478: The circumstances of an acte,
do either aggrauate or diminish the offence therein. 1619 DRAYTON
Idea 28: les., II 324: In ev’ry thing I hold this maxim still, The
circumstance doth make it good.
See APP., p. 100.
C393 The CITIZEN is at his business before he rise
1640 HERB., no. 951. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 24.
1659 N.R., p. 93.
C394 A rich CITIZEN’S daughter marrying a nobleman
is like a black pudding :1 the one brings blood,
the other suet
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19.
Cf. B460: Good blood makes poor pudding without suet.
[lblood pudding, sausage]
C395 ' Do not dwell in a CITY where a horse does not
neigh nor a dog bark
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 402.
C396 Do not dwell in a CITY whose governor is a
physician
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 397.
C397 Far from CITY far from health
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 22. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 47: (the
city).
C398 A great CITY a great solitude
1612 BACON Essays, p. 166: The Latin adage meeteth with it a
little: Magna civitas, magna solitudo. . because in a great town
friends are scattered. 1732 FUL., no. 191.
C399 In my own CITY my name, ina strange city my
clothes, procure me a respect
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 409.
C400 That CITY cannot prosper where an 0x is sold
for less than a fish
1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. III xxi, s. P4: (A citie can not
prosper, whan an oxe). 1550 TAv. Flowers Sent, S. B3: It is
meruayle that, that citye can be saufe, in whiche an oxe is solde for
lesse price, then a fishe is solde for. 1732 FUL., no. 4336.
C401 That CITY is in a bad case whose physician has
the gout
.1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 397.
C402 CITIES are taken by the ears
I640 HERB., no. 963.
Cf. C122: A castle that parleys and a woman that hears will both
yield; V14: Valor (A castle, A city) that parleys is near yielding.
C403 CITIES seldom change religion only
1651 HERB., p. 318. 1659 N.R., p. 25.
Cf. B408: No bishop no king.

C404 He has got a CLAP
1530 Song Bk. 6,1. 12, p. 129: Kytt hath got a clap vnder a thornel
1678 RAY, p. 88: *One who has the Fr. pox.
C405 CLAW me and I will claw thee
1530 PALS., p. 486a: Clawe my backe and I wyll Clawe thy toe.
1531 TYNDALE Expos. john, p. 206: We say Claw me, claw thee.
I552 TAV., f. 65: Clawe me, Clawe thee. Beare witnes with me, and
I wyll beare witnes with the. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D2.
1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet II: Wks., p. 192: Claw me, and I will
claw thee: Winke at mine, and I will not see thy faults. 1615 Ex-
change Ware at Second Hand in Contrib. to Early Eng. Lit., p. 18:
The little epilogue begins . . Claw me, and Ile claw thee, the prov-
erb goes. 1616 DR., no. 727. 1637 T. HEYWOOD Pleas. Dial. 14,
p. 228: Claw me. I’le Claw thee; Let’s live many dayes. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1672 WALK. 107, p.45. 1721 KEL., p.76:
*Spoken when we see two mutually obliging one another for their
Interest. 1732 FUL., no. 1110.
Cf. B643: Scratch my breech and I will claw your elbow; KI: Ka
me ka thee; M1306: One mule (ass, horse) does scrub (scratch, claw)
another; NI: Nab me, I’ll nab thee.
C406 As cold (pale) as CLAY
01600 Death’s Summons 1. I I in Roxb. Bal., IV 27: His face was pale
as any clay. 01680 Careful Wife’s Counsel 1. 47 in Roxb. Bal., III
480: Will find the world as cold as clay.
C407 He claws it as CLAYTON clawed the pudding
when he ate bag and all
1678 RAY, p. 282. 1732 FUL., no. 1826.
C408 It is the CLERK makes the justice
1661 Mer. Droll. I, p. 37: It’s we Commons make the Lords, as the
Clarks make the Justice. 1668 A. BROME Leveller: Poems, p.
657: ’Tis we commons make lords, and the clerk makes the justice.
1678 RAY, p. I I4. a1731 DEFOE Compl. Gent. I Vi, p. 239: So mak-
ing good the old proverb that the clark makes thejustice, while the
master does just nothing. 1732 FUL., no. 3024: It is the Justice’s
Clerk, that makes the Justice.
C409 The greatest CLERKS are not the wisest men
1481 CAXTON Reynard 27, p. 63: It is true that I long syth haue
redde and herde that the beste clerkes ben not the wysest men.
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 60: It is comenly sayd the greatest
clerkes be not all the wysest men of the worlde. 1546 HEY. II v, s.
HIv: (be not all). 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 149: (I perceive now
that saying is true, that the greatest). I580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 23. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 13. 1611 GRUT., no. 259: (be
not). [01613] 1631 CHAPMAN Caesar and Pomp. II i 106. 1614
CAM., p. 312: (be not). 1631 [BRATHWAITE] Whimzies 20, p. 99:
He palpably gulls, and consequently proves All clerkes are not the
wisest men. 1639 CL., p. 151: (are not alway). 1641 FERG., no.
857. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. III i, I 284: Henry Beauclerk . .
crossed the common proverb, The greatest clerks are not the wisest
men; being one of the most profoundest scholars and most politic
princes in his generation. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (are not al-
wayes). 1664 COD., p. 214. I670 RAY, p. 71: (are not always).
*For prudence is gained more by practise and conversation, then by
study and contemplation. 1732 FUL., no. 4570.
See DUR., I, no. 574. (14)
CLEVELAND in the clay, bring in two soles and
carry one away
1670 RAY, p. 2 57: *Cleveland is that part of Yorkshire . . where the
ways in winter time are very foul and deep. I697 MER., p. 165:
(bring tway shun carry yane away).
C410
C41 I A CLIENT ’twixt his attorney and counselor is like
a goose ’twixt two foxes
1659 How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 9.
Cf. C713: The countryman between two lawyers is like a fish be-
tween two cats.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CLIMBED
CLOCKS
103


C412 He that never CLIMBED never fell
1546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v. 1562 HEY. Epig. 262, p. 167. 1599 MIN-
SHEU Span. Dial., p. 57: He that neuer gat vp, can neuer fall. 1611
COT., s.v. Cheoir: He that climbes not fals not; he that ventures not
failes not. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 373: (neuer yet fell). 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 15: (Who never). 1670 RAY, p. 5: (Who never).
I732 FUL., no. 5713: Who never climbed high, never fell low.
SHAKESPEARE—1590—1 2 Hen. VI II i 98: What, and wouldst
climb a tree? —. . Too true; and bought his climbing very dear.
1610 Cym. III iii 45: Did you but know . . the art 0’ the court . .
whose top to climb IS certain falling.
Cf. N320: Nothing venture nothing win.
0413 Hasty CLIMBERS have sudden falls
1592 GREENE Repentance, p. 158: Hee forseath not that such as
clime hastely fall sodainely. 1605 Capt. T. Stukeley, s. DI: But
there are many daungers by the way, and hastie climers quicklie
catch a fall. a16o7 DYER My Mind to Me: Wks., p. 121: And
hasty clymers soon do fall. 1616 BRET., p. 9. 1616 RC. Times’
Whistle l. 1 141, p. 38: And ’tis a saying held for true of all, A sud-
den rising bath a sudden fall. 01624 Pepys Bal. 37, I 229: Hasty
climbers oft doe fall. 1639 CL., s.v. Ambitionis, p. 23. I670
RAY, p. 71. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Climber. 1732 FUL., no. 1802.
See DUE, I, no. 739.
0414 The highest CLIMBERS have the greatest. falls
(The higher he climbs the greater his fall)
01460 Wisdom l. 444, p. 154: Who clymyth high, his ffalle grett is.
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 140: He that coueytys hye to clym
aloft, If he hap to fall, his fall can nat be soft. [01525-9] I561
Godly Qu. Hester l. 1175, p. 46: The hygher they clyme the deper
they fall. 1566 W. WAGER Cruel Dehtor l. 97, s. D1: The hygher
that any man presumeth to clyme The sorer is hys hurte Whan he
chaunceth to fall. 1577 GRANGE Garden, s. P3: Who climeth so hie
(quoth she) must needs get a fal. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. July, 1.
12, p. 32: Great clymers fall unsoft. 1584 B. RICH Hist. Herodotus
I, p. 24: (the heaviest falles). 1592 RF. Eng. Faust Bk., p. 10:
Faustus forgot that the high climbers catch the greatest falles.
01595 W. SPELMAN Dial, p. 96: The ould saynge the higher thou
clymeste, and thy foote Slyppe, the greater is thy fall. [1598] I616
HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. H4v: (They say, high climers).
1611 COT., s.v. Vallee: They that the highest climbe the lowest fall.
1616 DR., no. 64: The higher that I clime, the greater is my fall.
1623 WOD., p. 503: After great Climming, comes great Downe-
comming. *So said of Affliction and Rest. 1641 L. PRICE Life
and Death T. Wentworth 8 in Cav. and Pur., p. 122: But those that
clime highest of all Doe catch the greatest fall. 1658 FRANCK
North. Mem., p. 39: The higher any man rises, the greater is his fall
expected. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 11: A high climbing, a great
coming down. 1659 N.R., p. 107: The higher I climb the greater
my fall.
Cf. F131: Climb not too high for fear of falling; S823: The higher
standing (up) the lower (greater) fall; T489: The highest tree has
the greatest fall. (6)
0415 April CLING good for nothing
1678 RAY, p. 345: *Somerset.
0416 To kiss the CLINK1 (counterl)
1561—2 New Ballad against Unthrifts in Anc. Bal., p. 227: Then
some the Counter oft doo kisse, If that the money be not paid.
I588 UDALL State Church, p. 22: I will make thee kiss the Clinke
for this geare. 1620 ROWLANDS Night Raven, p. I 1: You kisse the
Counter sirra.
[1prison]
0417 A CLOAK for the rain
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. B4: Ye, for your wyt is cloked for
the rayne. 1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. IV, p. 29: This lustie Codrus
was cloked for the rayne. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H2V: What cloke for
the rayne so euer ye bryng me, My selfe can tell best where my shoe
doth wryng me. 1548 E. HALL Hen. VIII: Chron., f. 42v: What-
soeuer was saied by the recorder, in his excuse, was taken as a cloke

for the rain. 1552 TAV., f. 59v: As yf a man beynge taken in the
house of a fayre womanne whiche hath no good name, fayneth that
he came thyther to haue a shyrte made of her, or for other affayres.
This is a clooke for the rayne. 1573 New Custom II ii, s. C2: Shee
can finde a cloke for euery rayne. 1599 H. PORTER Two lVomen
Ah. x, s. K1: ’Tis good to have a cloake for the raine, a bad shift is
better than none at all. 1599 Warning Fair Women, s. B4: A verie
good cloake mistres for the raine, And therein I must needes com-
mend your wit, Close dealing is the safest. I603 CHETTLE, DEK-
KER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. E1: Howe darst thou leaue
them without a cloke for the raine. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 86: A
queane hath euer a cloke for the rayne. 1616 DR., s.v. Excuse, no.
622. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. III, p. 56: ’Tis a very dark
night, sir; you’ll not have a cloak for the rain.
Cf. C418: Have not thy cloak to make when it begins to rain;
5968: Although the sun shines leave not your cloak at home.
0418 Have not thy CLOAK to make when it begins to
rain
1596 Edw. III, s. E4v: He that no sooner will prouide a Cloake, Then
when he sees it doth begin to raigne, May preaduenture for his
neg[li]gence, Be throughly washed when he suspects it not. 1639
CL., s.v. Prudentia, p. 267: Hee that provides not a cloak before the
raine, may chance to be wet to his cost. 1732 FUL., no. 1808.
Cf. C417: A cloak for the rain.
0419 He has a CLOAK for his knavery
01633 [CLAVELL AND MARMION] Soddered Citizen I iii, p. 11: Mee
thinkes I haue, a Cloake for my knavery. I678 RAY, p. 235.
0420 He has turned his CLOAK on the other Shoulder
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 714: He hes changed his cloak upon his other
shoulder. 1721 KEL., p. 151: *He has chang’d his Side, Party, or
Interest. The English say he has turn’d Cat i’the Pan: The reason
of which Expression I do not know.
Cf. C172: To turn the cat in the pan; T353: He has turned his
tippet (coat).
0421 To have a CLOAK for all waters (1 am for any
weather)
1607 TOURNEUR Rev. Trag. V i, p. 145: Content! I’me for any
wether! 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Aqua, p. 2: *Against all weath-
ers.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. IV ii 68: I am for all waters.
See ST., no. 1479. Cf. $17: To have a saddle for all horses.
0422 Under a bad CLOAK lies a good drinker
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: *The woorse outwardly at-
tired, the better inwardly lined. 1620 SHELTON Don Quin. Pt. II,
xxxiii, III 255: Well, well, to speake as thou dost, a badde cloake
often hides a good drinker.
Cf. C476: Under a ragged (threadbare) coat lies wisdom.
0423 AS clean as a CLOCK
1672 H. MORE Brief Reply To Rdr., p. 328: You will meet with the
Holy Society of the Wipers every where, who will be ready to wipe
you as clean as a Clock before you come at the Castle.
See APP., p. 100.
0424 As cold as a CLOCK
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 247. I583 GREENE Mamillia I, p.
66: Cold as a clock. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., S. H3v: Burning
within, as cold without as a clock. 1592 LODGE Euph. Shadow, p.
51: AS coole as a clock.
0425 The CLOCK goes as it pleases the clerk
1612 T. ADAMS Gallant’s Burden: Wks., p. 22: Take heed you stay
not too long, the Deuill is a false Sexton, and sets the Clocke too
slowe, that the Night comes ere we be aware. 1678 RAY, p. 114.
1732 FUL., no. 4451.
0426 They agree like the CLOCKS of London
1589 NASHE Ret. Pasq.: W ks., I 84: The Preachers of England begin
to strike and agree like the Clocks of England, that neuer meete

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
CLOTH I 04
CLOUDS

1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 2I: (like
1678 RAY, p. 325. I732 FUL., no.
iumpe on a point togather.
London clocks). *Not at all.
4950: (like London-Clocks).
Cf. B281: They agree like bells, they want nothing but hanging.
C427 Better it is to lose CLOTH than bread
a1536 HILL 51, p. 129.
C428 The CLOTH must still be shom lest it should hap
to be consumed with moths
1570 GOOGE Popish Kingdom III, f. 41: (According to the proverbe
thus, the cloth).
C429 The finest CLOTH is eaten by moths
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 27: The moth which most of all eateth the
best cloth. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 185: The finest cloathe
is soonest eaten wyth Moathes. Ibid., p. 251 : Doth not the Moathe
eate the finest garment, if it bee not worne? 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. E1: The serpent lurkes in the grene grasse, the mothes eat
the best garmentes. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 197: Moths doe
marr the finest cloth. 1599 Archpriest Contro., I I 16: These were
the moathes that breede [in] the best cloathes. 1600 BODENHAM
Belvedere, p. 176: As mothes the finest garments doe consume, So
flatterers feed vpon the frankest hearts. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p.
280: In the finest garment, the moth doth greatest harm. *Note
10, p. 292: Meant that the Devil chiefly tempts the best Christians.
1732 FUL., no. 4411: The best Cloth may have a Moth in it.
See DUR., I, no. 107. Cf. L120: The finest lawn (cloth) will be
the soonest stained.
C430 He that dines and leaves lays the CLOTH twice
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 82: Who dineth and leaueth for
another time, couers the table twice. i. He that keepeth in store,
serueth his turne when he hath neede. 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 28: Use temperance in thy dyet, for who dineth and
leaueth for another time, couers the table twice, and he that keepes
any thing in store, serues his owne turne when he hath need. 1640
HERB., no. 343.
C431 It is a bad CLOTH (wool) that will take no color
(dye)
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4v. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p. 169:
Be your cloath neuer so badde it will take some colour, and your
cause neuer so false, it will beare some shew Ofprobabilytie. 1592
LYLY Gall. IV i 40: (It is a bad cloth . . that). 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 286: (It is bad cloth). I611 GRUT., no. 145. 1614
CAM., p. 308. 1639 CL., s.v. Ingenii malicia, p. 167: (’Tis bad
cloth will). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 188: (Bad
Cloath it is that). 1666 TOR. It Prov. 31, p. 124: That’s ill wooll
that can not be dyed. I670 RAY, p. 71: (It’s a bad cloth indeed
will). *Ital. 1732 FUL., no. 2841.
C432 Like Northern CLOTH, Shrunk in the wetting
I594 NASHE Terrors Night: Wks., I 384: He shall see [the Witches]
shrinke faster than Northren cloath, and outstrip time in dastardly
flight. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho II i, s. B4: Charing-
crosse was Olde, and Olde thinges must shrinke as well as new
Northern cloth. [1614] 1631 JONSON Barth. Fair IV iv 14: Doe
my Northerne cloth zhrinke i’ the wetting? ha? 1627 TAYLOR
Armada: Wks. F., p. 93: Their wits that were spent and like
Northern Cloth shrunke in the wetting, are speedily recouered.
1632 R. BROME North. Lass II i, p. 24: Is she Northern (dee hear)
will she not shrink i’ the wetting? 1682 N.O. Lutrin III, p. 28: Re-
call your wonted worth, new frights forgetting; ’Tis York-shire
Cloath, you know, that shrinks i’ th’ wetting!
Cf. I 38: Three ills (evils) come from the North, a cold wind, a
shrinking cloth, and a dissembling man; W278: He shrinks in the
wetting.
C433 To cut it out of whole CLOTH
1546 GARDINER Letters Jan. II, p. 233: Crymsen damaske . . as we
saye, cut owte of the hol cloth. 1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: Wks.,
II 94: Two or three thousand pound . . When hee hath it all in his

handes, for a month or two he revels it, and cuts it out in the whole
cloth. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Sbraciare, p. 468: To swagger or as we say
to cut it out of the whole cloth, to vaunt, t0 cracke, to boast shame-
lesly. 1677 W. HUGHES Man Sin II ix, p. 143: Romish Chymists
have cut Paracelsus out in the whole cloth.
C434 All the CLOTHES on your back was once in clews1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 148: (was once clews). 1721 KEL., p. 34: *A
senseless Rhyme to them that ask you what News.
[1balls Of thread or yarn]
C435 Ever since we wear CLOTHES we know not one
another
1640 HERB., no. 323. 1659 N.R., p. 29.
C436 He is in his better blue CLOTHES
1678 RAY, p. 66: *He thinks himself wondrous fine.
C437 Mend your CLOTHES and you may hold out this
year
1640 HERB., no. 100. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 24.
1659 N.R., p. 77. 1664 COD., p. 206.
C438 He is in the CLOTH MARKET
1678 RAY, p. 235: *In bed. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 381: I hope
your early rising will do you no harm. I find you are but just come
out of the cloth market.
C439 Every CLOUD has a Silver lining
1634 MILTON Comus(1645 ed.) : Wks., Pt. I, I 93 : Was I deceiv’d, or
did a sable cloud Twin forth her silver lining on the night?
See APP., p. 572.
C440 He that pries into every CLOUD may be struck
with a thunderbolt
1639 CL., s.v. Arcanum, p. 31. Ihid., s.v. Curiositas, p. 78: He
that will be sifting every cloud may be smitten with a thunderbolt.
I670 RAY, p. 134. 1732 FUL., no. 2255: (into the Clouds).
C441 To be under a CLOUD
1662 FULLER Worthies Norfolk, II 130: When he [Sir Edward Coke]
was under a cloud at Court, and outed of his Judge’s place, the
lands . . were . . begged by a Peer. 1666 PEPYS Diary Oct. 10, VI
15: The Duke of Albemarle is under a cloud. a1674 CLARENDON
Hist. Rehel. XVI, VII 475: They concluded, that they would call
Mountague, who had lain privately in his own house, under a cloud.
C442 After black CLOUDS clear weather
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4: After clouds blacke, we Shall haue wether
clere. 01550 REDFORD Wit and Science, p. 45: After stormy clowdes
cumth wether clere. 1562 HEY. Epig. 38, p. 133: After clouds
blacke, we shall haue wether cleere. I611 DAv. Prov., no. 110:
After skies lower we shall haue faire weather. I611 GRUT., no. 33.
1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., no. 995: After that the skie lowreth,
wee shall haue faire weather. 1639 CL., s.v. Malum vertens bene,
p. 198: (faire weather). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7. I659 N.R.,
p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 5: (After clouds comes). 1721 KEL., p. 48:
(After Clouds).
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. V iii 34: But to the brightest beams
Distracted clouds give way.
See DUR., II, no. 251. Cf. R8: After rain (showers) comes fair
weather (the sun); S908: After a storm comes a calm (fair weather).
C443 All CLOUDS bring not rain (storms)
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 208.
SHAKESPEARE—I591 3 Hen. VI V iii 13: Every cloud engenders
not a storm.
C444 To speak in the CLOUDS
I602 BRETON Packet Letters Pt. I: Wks., II 10: You must not speake
in the clouds to them that are acquainted with the Moone. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 319: He speaks i’th clouds, few can understand
him.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CLOUDS
COAL
105


C445 When the CLOUDS are upon the hills they’ll
come down by the mills
1678 RAY, p. 49.
0446 As pale (white) as a CLOUT
01489 CAXTON Sons Aymon XIX, p. 419: He . . becam pale as a
white cloth for the grete wrathe that he had at his herte. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pezza, p. 144: To be as wan as a clout new
wash’d . . the English say the like, Pale as a clout. I678 BUNYAN
Pilg. Prog. I, p. 147: At this, Little-faith looked as white as a clout,
and had neither power to fight nor fly.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. II iv 21 8: When I say so, She looks as
pale as any clout in the versal world. 1600-1 H. II i 81: Pale as his
shirt, his knees knocking each other. 1604 O. V ii 272: O ill-starr’d
wench! Pale as thy smock! 1610 Cym. II ii 15: Fresh lily, And
whiter than the sheets!
0447 Better to see a CLOUT than a hole out
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 274: Better in clout nor holl out.
p. 299: (It is better to).
1636 CAM.,
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 68: Better
clout than all out. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: Better a clout
then the arse out. Ibid., p. 16: A clout is better then a hole. I659
N.R., p.63: (It’s better to). 1664 COD., p. 188. 1668 R.B., p. 13:
Better a clout nor a hole out. 1670 RAY, p. 71: (Better see a).
1721 KEL., p. 60: Better a Clout, than the Hole out. *Spoken to
them who find fault with a Patch about you. 1732 FUL., no. 6310:
(Better see a).
0448 They are CLOVE and orange
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum.: [Two characters are named
Clove and Orange]. a17oo B.E., s.v. Handycrafts: They are Hand
and Glove, of Friends or Camerades that are Inseparable, and al-
most to the Same purpose Clove and Orange. 1732 FUL., no. 4951.
0449 Give a CLOWN (carl) your finger and he will take
your hand
1640 HERE, no. 1 1 1. 1659 N.R., p.38. 1664 COD., p. 227: When
you give a Clown your finger, he will take your whole hand. I670
RAY, p. 5: (your whole hand). 1721 KEL., p. 1 18: (Carle and
whole Hand). *SuHer an unmannerly Fellow to intrude upon you,
and he will intrude more and more.
See DUE, I, no. 465. Cf. I49: Give an inch and he will take an
ell.
0450 A Middlesex CLOWN
1640 JONSON Tale Tub I iii 45: (As they zay) a Clowne of Midlesex.
1662 FULLER Worthies Middlesex, II 36: *Clown [derives] from
Colonus, one that plougheth the ground . . ofwhich Middlesex hath
many of great estates . . The multitude of Gentry here . . discover
the Clownishness of others, and render it more conspicuous. 1670
RAY, p. 238: Middlesex clowns.
C451 CLOWNS kill each other and gentles cleave to-
gether
I611 COT., s.v. Vilain: Clownes are but cold, the gentle kind, in
mutuall conversation. 1623 WOD., p. 520: (Clownes kill other, and).
0452 As sure as a CLUB
1560—77 Misogonus II V 82: His lands are myne as sure as a clubb
Naue let the world wagge. 1584 R. SCOT Disc. Witchcr. IV ix, p.
84: Hir prophesie fell out as sure as a club. 1596 NASHE Saflron-
Walden: Wks., III 26. 1616 DR., no. 2079. 1640 R. BROME As-
paragus IV v, p. 185: As sure as a Club, this Clowne is sent for out
of the Country, to soder up his crack’d Neece in Matrimony. 1640
JONSON Tale Tub II ii 71: As right as a Club, still. 1656 R.
FLECKNOE Diarium IX, p. 45: Sure as a club ’twill happen t’ye.
C453 CLUBS are trump
1588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 267:Taking up a cudgel. . sware solemnly
that shee would make clubs trumps, if hee brought any bastard brat
within her dores. 1594 Selimus xx, s. H1: And yet when my wife
begins to plaie clubbes trumpe with me, I am faine to sing. 1604

DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 44: Ile neir play at cards more when
clubs is trump. 1615 SWETNAM Arraign. Women, p. xxiii: Now if
thou drive hir off with delayes, then hir forehead will be so full of
frownes as if she threatned to make clubbs trump. 01640 SMYTH
30, p. 29: Beware, Clubs are trumps; Or clubs will prove trumps.
*A caution for the maids to bee gone for their Mistresses anger hath
armed her with a cudgell; Or, to the silly husband to bee packinge,
for his wife draweth towards her altitude.
0454 Hertfordshire CLUBS and clouted shoon
1622 DRAYTON Poly-Olb. XXIII 249, p. 473: So Hartford blazon’d
is, The Club, and clowted Shoone. 1662 FULLER Worthies Hart-
fordshire, I 426: *Some will wonder how this Shire, lying so near to
London . . should be guiltie ofso much rusticalness. But the finest
Cloth must have a List, and the pure Pesants are of as coarse a
thread in this County as in any other place. 1670 RAY, p. 230.
0455 To escape CLUDE and be drowned in Conway
I662 FULLER Worthies Carnarvonshire, II 585: *However, that
Pilot is to be pitied, who, to shun Scylla, doth run on Charibdis,
because those Rocks were neer . . whereas the two Rivers of Clude
and Conway are twenty miles asunder . . but little or much in such
cases are the same with indiscreet persons.
Cf. 5169: Between Scylla and Charybdis.
0456 You speak in CLUSTERS, you were begot in nut-
ting
1678 RAY, p. 346. 1732 FUL., no. 6009: You were begot a Nutting;
you speak in Clusters.
0457 A COACH-AND-SIx may be driven through an act
of Parliament
a1686 SIR STEPHEN RICE in Macaulay Hist. Eng. III xii, p. 1429:
What . . the law . . gave them, they could easily infer from a saying
which, before he became a Judge, was often in his mouth. I will
drive, he used to say, a coach and six through the Act of Settlement.
See SM., p. 5.
0458 As black as a COAL
1530 PALS., p. 662a: He was as blacke as a cole whan he was deed.
1578 G. BEST Voyages Discovery I, p. 54: I my selfe have seene an
Ethiopian as blacke as a cole. 1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum.
IV vi 140: Euen as black as coales. 1632 MUNDY Travels XII, II
175: Within a raile was an Image as black as a Cole. 1640 TATHAM
Love Crowns End, p. 20: ’Tis as black as a coal. 1678 RAY, p. 281 .
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. IV ii 99: Coal-black.
See OTTO, no. 349. (7)
0459 I have a cold COAL to blow at
1641 FERG., no. 548: (Its a cold). 1668 R.B., p. 33: (It’s a cold).
I721 KEL., p. 204: *Spoken after some great Loss, or Disappoint-
ment of Expectation. 1732 FUL., no. 2600.
0460 Let them that be acold blow at the COAL
a1536 HILL 52, p. 129: He that hath nede, mwst [sic] blowe at the
cole. 1546 HEY. I x, s. DIV. 1580 G. WALKER Detection Dice
Play, p. 6: Let them that be acold blow the coals, for I am already
on the sure side. 01594 BACON, no. 637. 9.1598 FERG. MS, no. 937:
(ar cold). 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho
V i 121: Thou wert a fire to be a Lady, and now your Ladishippe
and you may both blowe at the Cole, for ought I know. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Cercher. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 313: (bee colde). 1616 DR.,
no. 328: (Let him that is cold). 1639 CL., p. 99: Let him that’s
cold blow the coale. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 39: Who the cold
doth most fear Let him blow the fire. 1664 COD., p. 204: Let him
that is cold blow the Fire. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 95: Who is
cold, let him blow the fire. 1668 R.B., p. 35: (are cold). I670 RAY,
p. 72: [As in 1639 C1]. 9.1700 B.E., s.v. Coals: Let him that has
need blow the Coals, Let him Labour that wants. I721 KEL., p.
235: [AS in 1616 Dr.]. *Let them drudge about Business, that want
it, and expect Benefit by it. 1732 FUL., no. 3184: [As in 1664 Cod].
SHAKESPEARE—1594-8 T.S. IVi 9: But I with blowing the fire
shall warm myself.
Cf. C465: To blow the coals.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl".
COAL I 06
COAT

Punch COAL, cut candle, set brand on end, nei-
ther good housewife nor good housewife’s
friend
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 36, p. 242: The English say, Burn candle,
break cole, set stick an end, is neither good housewivery, nor yet
good houswives friend. 1678 RAY, p. 295: (nor good housewives
C461
friend). 1732 FUL., no. 6424: (Break Coals; cut Candle; set Brand
an end).
C462 As hot as COALS
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus III ii, p. 104: He loueth thee as hot as
coles. 1551 T. WILSON Rule Reason, f. 84V: You shalbe as hote as
coles by and by.
C463 Glowing COALS sparkle often
1616 DR., s.v. Malice, no. 1340. 1639 CL., s.v. Odium, p. 235.
1670 RAY, p. 72: *When the mind is heated with any passion, it will
often break out in words and expressions. 1732 FUL., no. 1662:
Glowing Coals will be sparkling.
C464 He will carry (bear) no COALS
[01522] c1545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court l. 240: Wks., II 34:
Wyll ye bere no coles? 1575 CHURCI-IYARD Chips, p. 37: He carryed
coales that could abide no geast. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. N3v:
The Slaunderers, haue . . fifty mens voices . . to bee the colecarriers
ofmany a loude lye. I598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, S. G3v: It wyll
beare no coales, it wyll not take any wrong at your handes. 1600
JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. V i 16: Here comes one that will carrie
coales, ergo, will hold my dogge. I603 CROSSE Virtue’s Commonw.,
p. 15: For now ifone . . will carrie coales, and meekely suffer rebuke,
he is noted of cowardize. 1631 MABBE Celestina VII, p. 127: He
is chollericke, and I can carrie no coles. a1700 BRAMSTON Autobiog,
p. 42: And soe in all things iustifie themselues . . shewinge plainly
they would carrie no coals. a1700 B.E., s.v. Coals: He’ll carry no
Coals, not to be Pissed upon, or Imposed upon.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R]. I i 1: Gregory, on my word, we’ll not
carry coals. 1599 Hen. V III ii 48: I knew by that piece of service
the men would carry coals. (14)
C465 To blow the COALS
1485 CAXTON Life Chas. the Great II, p. 1 19: By my fayth, syr clue,
ye can wel playe and blowe atte cole. 01510 DRAKE Triplex Pars
in Liedersammlungen, p. 23: Wold all such were in pelago in a bote
full of holys vt ibi cum doloribus thus myght he stere and blowe the
colys Till he were sub fluminibus. [01522] c1545 SKELTON Why
Come Not to Court 1. 81: Wks., II 29: We may blowe at the cole.
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 610: Wks., I 386: Forsothe, quod She,
theys be haskardis and rebawdis . . Brainles blenkardis that blow at
the cole. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [93], l. 27: And to
my hope I reape no other hire, But burne my self, and I to blowe
the fire. 1581 R. BOWES in Tytler Hist. Scot. II, VIII 92: After
every effort to blow the coals, as he expressed it. 1598 R. BERNARD
Andria III iv, p. 55: He hath disordered, put out of frame, and
marde every thing. He hath stirred the coales. 1659 HOW. Span.
Prov., p. 19: From blowing coles there comes a flame, and from ill
words a quarrel. 1672 WALK. 82, p. 12: Privately to instigate; set
on; set against; blow the coles. 1675 PENN Eng.’s Int. Cons. II:
Wks., I 693: It is the Interest of Governors, to be put upon no
thankless Offices; that is, to blow no Coals in their own country . .
Not to be the Cat’s Foot. I682 BANKS Virtue Betrayed Epil., p.
80: To blow such Coales our Conscious Muse denies. a1700 B.E.,
s.v. Coals: T o blow the Coals, to raise differences between Parties.
Cf. C460: Let them that be acold blow at the coal; F785: Add fuel
to the fire.
C466 To carry COALS to Newcastle
8.1601 MELVILLE Autobiog., p. 163: Salt to Dysert, or colles to New-
castell. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p.. 259: Then
your maske, silke-lace, washt gloues . . as common as coales from
Newcastle. 1662 FULLER Worthies Northumberland, II 188: *That
is, to do what was done before; or to busy one’s selfin a needless im-
ployment. 1662 GRAUNT Obs. Bills .Mortality Ep. Ded., p. 3: I
should (according to our English Proverb) thereby but carry Coals

C471
to Newcastle. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Egitto, p. 56: To carry
Crocodils into Egypt, viz. to carry coles to New-Castle. 1670 RAY,
p. 167. 1672 WALK. 55, p. 58. 1697 MER., p. 166: He carrys
coale to New Castle. a1700 B.E., s.v. Coals: Coals to Newcastle
when the Drawer carries away any Wine in the Pot or Bottle. 1732
FUL., no. 1064: Carry Coals to Newcastle.
Cf. G137: To carry glasses to Venice; O97: You bring owls to
Athens; S77: He carries salt to Dysart; S682: To grease a fat sow in
the tail; W106: To cast water into the sea (Thames).
C467 To fetch over the COALS
1588 MARPRELATE Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. I 37: Let us hear how
you fetch your brethren ouer the coals, with your next reason.
1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap II i 104: I hope here lies that shud
fetch a perfect woman over the Coals, i’ faith! 1611 F LOR., s.v.
Sfagumato, p. 494: A gull, one that will easily be cousened or fetcht
ouer the coles. 1639 FULLER Holy War V ii, p. 230: If they should
say the Templars were burned wrongfully, they may be fetched over
the coals themselves. 1661 Mer. Droll. II, p. 228: Your Blacksmith
can fetch them over the coals.
C468 To heap COALS of fire on one’s head
[Rom. xii 20: Thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.] 1590 R.
HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. I 5: Doc good against euill: and heape
hoat burning coales vpon his head. [a1600] 01647 Edm. Ironside l.
852, p. 40: So heapest thou Cole of fier uppon thie head and blessest
mee with Cursing impious preist. 01605 Ratsey’s Ghost, s. E4v:
You may heape more coales vpon your head, then you can well tell
how to put off.
See ST., no. 1237.
C469 The COAST is (is not) clear
[a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 1259: Wks., I 359: Tyll the
cost be clere. 1546 HEY. II viii, s. K3: All was not clere in the
coste. 01565 Bugbears V v 4: Are the Costes clere abowte? I600
JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. V vii 42: Good sir, looke, and the coast
be cleere, I’ld faine be going. 1616 DR., s.v. Danger, no. 422: (is
not). Ibid., s.v. Warinesse, no. 2345: A man must see that the
coast bee cleere. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Polli, p. 152: They de-
liver, and cunningly convey Love-messages . . if the Coast be clear.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 76: Here’s no fear, the coast is clear.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-4 I Hen. VII iii 89: See the coast clear’d,
and then we will depart. (35)
C470 As sure as the COAT is on one’s back
1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. IV iii, p. 62: I will be as true to thee as
thy coate is to thy backe. 1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209: (coats on
your back). 1670 RAY, p. 208. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Cap: As sure as
the cloths on his back.
Cf. 51008: I am here as sure as you are there.
A blue COAT without a badge
1597 BRETON Wits’ Trenchmour: Wks., II 10: Olde Ling without
mustard is like a blew coate without a Cognisaunce. 1655 FULLER
Church Hist. IX v, III 35: A blue coat without a badge is but a
white coat in effect; as nothing informing the beholder to what lord
the bearer thereof doth relate.
Cf. H574: Honor without maintenance is like a blue coat without
a badge.
C472 Cut your COAT according to your cloth
1546 HEY. I viii, s. C1: I shall Cut my cote after my cloth. When I
haue her. 1580 BARET, A—43: To bestow or spende according to his
abilitie . . to cut his coate accordyng to his cloth. I586 WITHALS,
s. F2: Let a garment of course wooll defende thy bodye, Cut thy
Coate accordinge to thy cloth. 1596 DEL., s. N4v: We must cut
our coate according to our cloth. 1611 COT., s.v. Cousteau: The
coat according to the cloth. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 409: Prusus,
and’s wife, cuts their coate to their cloth. 1611 GRUT., no. 80:
(after your cloth). 1614 CAM., p. 305: (after your cloath). 1616
DR., no. I: A man must cut his coat according to his cloth. 1639
CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 128. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: (after your
cloth). 1670 RAY, p. 72: (You must cut). 1721 KEL., p. 83:


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
COAT
COCK
107

(Cloak). *Let your Expence be suited to your Income. 1732 FUL.,
no.1229.
See ST., no. 2250. Cf. E217: One ought to make the expense ac-
cording to the income (means); L189: Everyone stretches his legs
according to his coverlet; M807: Measure thrice what thou buyest
and cut it but once; 8149: Score twice before you cut once.
0473 I would not be in your COAT (skin) for anything
1520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 98: Leue of thy mokkes and Japes.
Yf you were in my coote you woldes haue lytle luste to scoffe.
1560—77 Misogonus III i 73: I would not blin an I were in your coat
till I had tried erye way. I573 GASCOIGNE Supposes IV V, p. 224:
I wold not be in your coate for mo conney skins than I gat these
twelue monethes. 1573 HOLLYBAND Cit. at Home, p. 37: I would
not be in thy skinne for twentie crownes ofgolde. I592 LYLY Midas
I ii 89: (coats). 1633 SHIRLEY Bird in Cage III ii, p. 413: What
wise man in Italy would be in my coat now? 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh
IV vi 71: I would not be i’ my Masters coat for thousands.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. IV i 32: I would not be in some of
your coats for two-pence. (5)
0474 It is not the gay COAT that makes the gentleman
1616 WITHALS, p. 581: (a gentleman). 1639 CL., p. 124. 1664
COD., p. 202. 1670 RAY, p. 11: (coat makes the Gentleman).
1705 Pleas. Art, p. 151. 1732 FUL., no. 3002: It is not the find [sic]
Coat, that makes the fine Gentleman.
Cf. C476: Under a ragged (threadbare) coat lies wisdom; S451:
Silk and satin (Fine clothes) make not a Gentleman.
0475 To Shape a COAT for the moon
1647 N. WARD Simple Cohhler, p. 27: He that makes Coates for the
Moone, had need take measure every noone. 1656 Trepan, p. 34:
I conclude with her Religion, which to tell you what it is, were to
shape a Coat for the Moon. 1670 RAY, p. 186. 1678 RAY, p.
260: (You may as soon shape). 1732 FUL., no. 6158: You may as
soon Make a Cloak for the Moon.
0476 Under a ragged (threadbare) COAT lies wisdom
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U2: He found that Wit commonly
wears a wallet at his backe, when Follies robes be veluets. 1600
NICHOLSON Acolastus Afterwit l. 1305, s. H3v: While veluet
breeches is allow’d to ride And aged Wisdome walketh bare and
thinne. 1616 DR., s.v. Poor, no. 1687: Many times wisedome lieth
vnder a threed-bare cloth. 1639 CL., s.v. Modestia, p. 212. 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 37: Under pretence of crueltie, may
lurke most sincere Iustice; for under a bad cloake may lye a wise
person, and the worse outwardly attired, the better inwardly lined.
1659 N.R., p. 1 16: Under a threadbare cloak lies many times much
learning. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 3 1 I : Under greasie clothes, are oft
found rare virtues. 1732 FUL., no. 5374:-Virtue is despised, ifit be
seen in a Threadbare Cloak.
Cf. A284: Handsome apparel makes fools pass for wise men
(hides much deformity); C422: Under a bad cloak lies a good
drinker; C474: It is not the gay coat that makes the gentleman.
C477 COATS change with countries
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17.
0478 They praise them for their gay COATS
I616 WITHALS, p. 562. 1639 CL., s.v. Luxus, p. 192.
0479 The COBBLER deals with all [awl]
1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia, p. 32: The cobler deales with all, aule.
0480 Let not the COBBLER (shoemaker) go beyond his
last
[ERAS. Adagia, 228A: Ne sutor ultra crepidam.] 1539 TAV., f. 11:
Euery man muste practyse that science and facultie, that hath ben
afore taughte him. Let not the shomaker medle further then hys
shoes. Lette the ploughman talke of his plough. I hid., f. 3 3: Let
euerye man exercise hym selfe in the facultie that he knoweth. Let
the kobler medle wyth clowtyng his neyghbours shoes, and not be a
captaine in felde, or meddel wyth maters concernynge a common
wealth. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. Q3v: I giue this phrase
to vewe, Forbidding Sowters to exceede, the clowting of a shooe.

I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 180: The Shomaker must not go
aboue his latchet, nor the hedger meddle with anye thing but his bill.
It is vnsemely for the Paynter to feather a shaft, or the Fletcher to
handle the pensill. I6I6 WITHALS, p. 569: Cobler keepe your last.
1630 T. ADAMS Physicfrom Heaven: Wks., p. 293: Let the Shooe-
maker looke to his boot, the Fisher to his boat, the Scholler to his
booke. 1639 CL., p. 21: Cobler keepe to your last. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 12: (Shooe-maker). 1672 WALK. 57, p. 47. 1721
KEL., p. 242: *Taken from the famous Story of Apelles, who could
not bear that the Cobler should correct any part of his Picture be
yond the Slipper.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. I ii 39: It is written that the shoe-
maker Should meddle with his yard and the tailor with his last, the
fisher with his pencil and the painter with his nets.
See ST., no. 2012; M. P. TILLEY, “A Parody of Euphues in
Romeo and Yuliet,” Modern Language Notes, XLI, I (Jan., 1926),
1—8. Cf. C23: Everyone must walk (labor) in his own calling (vo-
cation); M104: Every man as his business lies; M758: Let him med-
dle with his own matters; M854: Meddle with what you have to do.
(15)
COBBLER’S law, he that takes money must pay
the shot
I678 RAY, p. 90: *Relating to several trades.
C481
C482 COBBLERS and tinkers are the best ale drinkers
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 5. 1732 FUL., no. 6229.
0483—0492 COCK = male barnyard fowl
0483 Better be a COCK for a day than a hen for a year
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13.
0484 The COCK crows but the hen goes
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19. 1670 RAY, p. 5.
0485 The COCK is the countryman’s clock
1619 MIDDLETON Triumphs Love: Wks., VII 320: The vigilant cock,
The morning’s herald and the ploughman’s clock. 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. 16.
0486 Every COCK is proud on his own dunghill
[ERAS. Adagia, 1030A: Gallus in suo sterquilinio plurimum potest.]
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D2. 1562 HEY. Epig. 242, p. 165. 1579 SPENSER
Shep. Cal. Sept., 1. 47, p. 40: As cocke on his dunghill crowing cranck.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 72: Ane cok is crous [bold] in his awne midding
[dunghill]. 1611 COT., s.v. Chien: (We say, a cocke is valiant on).
1611 GRUT., no. 86: (in his owne dunghill). 1614 CAM., p. 305: (in
his owne dunghill). 1616 DR., s.v. Cowardice, no. 391: A cocke on
his owne dunghill. 1616 WITHALS, p. 558: (A Cocke fights well on).
1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia, p. 32: Hee’s on his own dunghill. Ihid.,
p. 142. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 3. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 286:
Every one may say his pleasure under his own roof. *Note 64, p.
293: The English say, Every cock may crow upon his own dunghill.
1668 R.B., p. 5: A cock is crouse upon his own midding. 1670 RAY,
p. 72. 1721 KEL., p. 8: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. *A Man is stout when
he is at home, and has his Friends and Relations about him. 1732
FUL., no. 1412.
See TAY., p. 90. Cf. D465: Every dog is stout at his own door
(is a lion at home). (I I)
0487 He leaps from the COCK to the ass
1623 WOD., p. 519: (Thou leapest from).
1653 URQUHART Gargantua I xi, I 55.
*He goes from the matter.
0488 If the COCK molt before the hen we Shall have
weather thick and thin, but if the hen molt be-
fore the cock we shall have weather hard as a
block
1656—91 AUBREY Nat. Hist. Wilts. I i, p. 16: When the hen doth
moult before the cock, The winter will be as hard as a rock; But if
the Cock moults before the hen, The winter will not wett your shoes
seame. 1670 RAY, p. 43.
*An vnsavourous Speech.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 14:

In partial quotations wording (not Spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
COCK
COCKNEY
108

C489 T0 leap like a COCK at a blackberry
1670 RAY, p. 209: *Spoken of one that endeavours, but can do no
harm.
Who eats his COCK (dinner) alone must saddle
his horse alone
I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram, p. 84: Whosoeuer eates the cocke alone,
saddles the horse a lone, i. He that will keepe his meat and his
money to himselfe, must doe his busines himselfe. 1640 HERB., no.
344. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 2: He that vncharitably
will keepe his meat and his mony to himselfe, must euermore do his
business himselfe; for whoeuer eats the colt alone; must not disdaine
to saddle the horse alone. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 19: (let him
saddle). 1664 COD., p. 228: (dinner). 1670 RAY, p. 8: (dinner).
*Hispan.
C490
C491 The young COCK crows as he the old hears
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 235: The young Cok lerneth t0 crowe
hye of the olde. 1546 HEY. I x, s. C2v. 1552 TAV., f. 19: Of an
euyll father commethe neuer a good chylde. For as oure Englyshe
prouerbe testifieth. The yonge cocke learne to crowe Of the olde.
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 31: The yung cockerels, hearing thes
ould cocks to crow so lustely, followid after with a cockaloodletoo.
1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xviii, p. I 89: AS the olde cocke
crowes so doeth the chick. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 65: As the old cok
croues the young cok leiris [learns]. 1611 COT., s.v. Boeuf: (Wee
say. . the young cocke). I611 DAv. Prov., no. 407. I611 GRUT.,
no. 262. 1614 CAM., p. 313: (croweth as the old heareth). 1616
DR., s.v. Children, no. 260: (as he heareth the olde). 1623 CAM., p.
265: As the old cock crowes, the yong learnes. 1639 CL., p. 146:
[AS in 1623 Cam.]. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10: [As in 1614 Cam.].
1664 COD., p.215: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1668 R.B., p. 1: [As in a1598
Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 127: As the old cock crows, so crows the
young (or so the young learns). *Ital. 1721 KEL., p. 13: [As in
a1598 Ferg.]. *When old Age is evil, Youth can learn no good.
See ST., no. 1736. Cf. F92: Such a (Like) father such a (like)
son; P309: The young pig grunts like the Old sow. (6)
C492 Young COCKS love no coops
1636 CAM., p. 310. 1664 COD., p. 230. 1732 FUL., no. 6036.
C493 COCK = spigot
C493 He sets COCK on the hoop
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 436: He setteth a1 thyngs at cocke in the
hope. [a1535] I 553 T. MORE Dial. Comf. II vii: Wks. 1557, p. 1 177:
They . . set them downe and dryncke well for our sauiours sake, sette
cocke a hoope, and fyll in all the cuppes at ones, and then lette
Chrystes passion paye for all the scotte. 01569 W. WAGER Longer
Thou Livest, S. B2: Set cocke a whope, and play care away. 1580
H. GIFFORD Farewell Court: Gilloflowers, p. 148: Wherefore reioyce,
set cocke 0n hoope, Let nothing make thee sad. 1606 T. HEYWOOD
2 If You Know Not Me II, p. 257: These knaues Sit cocke-a-hope,
but Hobson pays for all. 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 287. 1616 DR., s.v.
Prodigality, no. 1728. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh V iii 51: Nay, then
—set Cock a hoope. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 5: *He is prodigal.
1663 S. BUTLER Had. I iii 14, p. 99: Hudibras . . having routed the
whole Troop, With Victory was Cock-a-hoop. 1670 RAY, p. 169:
To set cock on hoop. *This is spoken of a prodigal, one that
takes out the spigget and lays it on the top of the barrel, drawing
out the whole vessel at once without any intermission.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. I v 82: You’ll make a mutiny
among my guests! You will set cock-a-hoopl
Cf. D288: Let the devil pay the maltman; H220: To make havoc
and set cock on the hoop; R175: To be on the high ropes. (25)
C494 COCK = stack
C494 You have it in dry COCK
1639 CL., s.v. Occulta, p. 234. I672 WALK. 90, p. 13: It is got into
dry cock; out of harms way. 1681 ROB., p. 678: It is got in a dry
cock.
C501

C495 The COCKATRICE slays by sight only
01548 BRINKELOW Compl. Rod. XXIV, p. 69: What a cockatryse
syght was it to se such an abhomynable sort of pompos bisshops in
lordly parlament robys. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 17: The cocatrice
by sight only Slayeth. I593 PEELE Edw. I xii, s. H2v: His sight to
me is like the sight of a Cockeatrice. 1595 SPENSER Amoretti 49:
Wks., p. 727: And kill with looks, as cockatrices doo. 1609 F.
GREVILLE Mustapha IV iv, p. 384: Mischiefe is like the cocka-
trice’s eyes Sees first and kills; is seene first and dies. 1670 CO-
MENIUS Yanua Ling. Triling. 15, p. 28: And the cockatrice so hurt-
ful . . banefull, that it killeth only with its look.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593—4 Luc. l. 540: Here with a cockatrice’ dead-
killing eye He rouseth up himself and makes a pause. 01595 R7.
III ii 46: And that bare vowel ‘I’ shall poison more Than the death-
darting eye of cockatrice. 1597 Rich. III IV i 55: A cockatrice hast
thou hatch’d to the world, Whose unavoided eye is murtherous.
1601 T.N. III iv 214: They will kill one another by the look, like
cockatrices.
Cf. Egg: The basilisk’s eye is fatal.
C496 Crush (Kill) the COCKATRICE in the egg
1656 T. BURTON Diary, I 131: I hope we shall provide a way . . to
nip these cockatrices in the egg. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17.
1669 N. SMITH Quakers’ Spirit. Court, p. 15: I thought it was best
to kill the Cockatrice in the Egg. 1679 J. BANKS Destr. Troy II, p.
15: We’l crush the Egg that holds this Cockatrice. 1689 D. GREN-
VILLE Farewell Visitation Speech: Remains, p. 49: Crushing a re-
bellion, like a cockatrise in the Shell. I732 FUL., no. 3124: (Kill a).
C497 COCKLE =damel, or the like
C497 COCKLE and corn grow in the same field
1602 Poet. Rhap. 129, I 187: The self same ground both come and
cockle breeds. 1685 DRYDEN Thren. Aug. 1. 351, p. 78: Our isle
indeed, too fruitful was before; But all uncultivated lay. . With
rank Geneva Weeds run o’er, And cockle, at the best, amidst the
corn it bore.
Cf. C659: In much corn is some cockle.
C498 COCKLE = depths
C498 To rejoice the COCKLES of one’s heart
1671 EACHARD Ohserv. Answ. Enquiry, p. 26: This Contrivance of his
did inwardly . . rejoice the Cockles of his heart. 1685 WESLEY
Maggots Ans. to Joyner’s Smart Let., p. 126: It terrifies the Coccles
of my Heart. 1690 T. BROWN Bays’ Chang. Rel. II: Bays’ Reasons,
p. 33: Now you rejoyce the cockles of my heart. I696 DILKE
Lover’s Luck V, p. 43: I warrant my young Mistress . . will feel the
Cockles of her Heart leap.
C499 COCKLE=oyster, clam, etc.
C499 AS close as COCKLES
I631 SHIRLEY Love Tricks III ii, p. 28.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. IV i 130: I keep close for all this,
Close as a cockle.
C500 His COCKLOFT is unfurnished
1621 J. HOWELL Let. I ii 1, I 100: Sir, said Bacon, Tall Men are like
high Houses of four or five Stories, wherein commonly the upper-
most Room is worst furnish’d. I646 FULLER Andronicus, p. 501:
Often the Cockloft is empty, in those which nature hath built many
stories high. 1662 FULLER Worthies Westminster, II 104: Edward
the First . . was very high in stature. And though oftimes such . .
are observed to have little in their cock-loft, yet was he a mostjudi-
cious man. 1678 RAY, p. 23 5: *He wants brains. Tall men are com-
monly like high houses, in which the uppermost room is worst fur-
nished.
A London COCKNEY
I557 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 92, p. 183: Some cockneies with
cocking are made verie fooles, fit neither for prentise, for plough,


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.). or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CODPIECE POINT
COLLAR
109


nor for schooles. 1580 BARET, C—730: A cockney after Saint
Augustine, a childe that sucketh long: but Erasmus taketh it
for a childe wantonly brought vp. I600 ROWLANDS Letting Hu-
mor’s Blood Sat. 4, p. 65: I scorne . . To let a Bowe-bell Cockney put
me downe. I617 MINSHEU Guide, s.v. Cockney: A Cockney . . Ap-
plied only to one borne within the sound of BOW-bell, that is, within
the City ofLondon. 1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 55: London
Cockneys . . I meet with a double sense of this word Cockeney . . 1.
One coaks’d or cocker’d, made a wanton or nestle-cock of . . so that
. . they can endure no hardship . . 2. One utterly ignorant of
Husbandry. . so that they may be perswaded any thing about
Rural Commodities. 1670 RAY, p. 240.
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. IVi 14: I am afraid this great lubber,
the world, will prove a cockney.
C502 Hold or cut CODPIECE POINT
1678 RAY, p. 73.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. I ii 1 14: Hold, or cut bowstrings.
C503 Poorer than CODRUS
[ERAS. Adagia, 252A: Codro pauperior] 1548 COOPER, s.v. Cod-
rus. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 76: But wert. . thou
Croesus, he Codrus, I would not forsake him to haue thee.
See OTTO, no. 875.
0504 Jeering COGGESHALL
1662 FULLER Worthies Essex, I 340. 1670 RAY, p. 227: *This is no
Proverb: but an ignorninious Epithete fastned on this place [Cogge-
shall] by their neighbours, which as I hope they do not glory in, so
I believe they are not guilty of.
0505 To keep a foul COIL1
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. B3v: A foul coyle he
keepes in this Courte. I611 COT., s.v. Grabuger: *To make a great
stirre, or monstrous hurly burly. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 24: Keep
a huge coyle, or nothing can (or) speaketh loudest, doth least.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 18: To keep a foul horrible coyl. 1663 S.
BUTLER Had. I iii 183, p. 104: He rag’d and kept as heavy a Coil as
Stout Hercules for Loss of Aylas.
SHAKESPEARE—1598-9 M.A. V ii 98: Yonder’s Old coil at home.
1602 A.W. II i 27: I am commanded here and kept a coil With——
‘Too young,’ and ‘The next year,’ and ‘ ’Tis too early.’ 1613 T.N. K.
II iv 18: What a coil he keeps.
[lbustle, ado]
0506 Much COIN much care
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32: The plenty of things dooth ingender
care. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 153v. 1639 CL., s.v.
Solicitudo, p. 292. 1670 RAY, p. 75. 1672 WALK. 17, p.36. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Coin. 1732 FUL., no. 3478.
See OTTO, no. 1369, note. Cf. C88: Great cares are great mer-
chandise; C194: NO (Mickle) cattle no (mickle) care; M363: A rich
man and a miserable; M1098: To have money is a fear, not to have
it a grief; R109: Riches bring care and fears; W196: In wealth (weal)
beware of woe; W198: Little wealth (goods) little care.
0507 To pay one in his own COIN
1589 GREENE Tully’s Love, p. 133: Lentulus. . paide hir his debt
in hir owne coine. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 18: She dealt
very discreetely to paie you with the same money. [1618] 1650
RALEIGH Apol., p. 65: It shall be . . unlawfull for us to defend our
selves and pay them with their owne Coyne. 1622 MABBE Rogue
I 1 iv, I I 15: You are now payd in your owne money. 1633 FORD
’Tis Pity IV, p. 132: And now haue fitted her a iust payment in her
owne coyne. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 74: These
three merry Gossips practised one day how they might pay him
home in his own Coin. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Capellaccio, p. 28:
To give one as good as he brings, to be reveng’d, and pay one in ones
own coin. 1670 RAY, p. 189. 1694 ECHARD Eunuch IV, p. 82: 1’
faith I’ll pay him in his own Coyn before I sleep.
See ST., no. 1580. Cf. G122: I shall give you (You Shall have) as
good as you bring; R195: To give one a Rowland for an Oliver.
(15)

0508 Where COIN (wine) is not common commons
must be scant
1546 HEY. II i, s. F2. 1611 COT., s.v. Herbe: Commons must needs
be short Where no meat’s to be come by. 1611 GRUT., no. 317:
(wine and s[c]ant). 1614 CAM., p. 314: (wine and s[c]ant). 1616
DR., s.v. Ability, or power, no. 2. 1639 CL., s.v. Fames, p. 113.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: (wine and s[c]ent). I659 N.R., p.
117. 1670 RAY, p. 74.
Cf. D344: Dinners cannot be long where dainties want.
0509 As common as COLEMAN HEDGE1
1585 HIGGINS Nomenclator, p. 532: An arrant whore; a coleman
hedge. I616 WITHALS, p. 563. 1639 CL., s.v. Lucrum ex scelere,
p. 191. 1670 RAY, p. 202.
[1See Sugden, p. 125.]
C510 To play COLE-PROPHET
1546 HEY. I ix, s. CIV: Ye plaie coleprophet (quoth I) who takth in
hande To know his answere before he doo his errande. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 89, p. 214: Thy prophesy poysonly to the pricke goth: Cole-
prophet and cole poyson thou art both. 1565 AWDELEY Frat.
Vagabonds, p. 15: Cole Prophet is he, that when his Maister sendeth
him on his errand, he wyl tel his answer therof to his Maister as he
depart from hym. [01565] 1595 Peddler’s Proph., s. D1: I trust to
see such cold prophets fired, Before your false and pratling prophe-
cies, be brought about. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 222: You
may gentleman accompte me for a colde Prophet, thus hastily to
deuine of your disposition. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. C03: [She]
had a cold prophesy verified on him. 1584 R. SCOT Disc. W itchcr.
IX iii, p. 170: To plaie the cold prophet, as to recount it good or bad
lucke, when salt or wine falleth on the table.
0511 COLEWORTS (Cabbage) twice sodden
[ERAS. Adagia, 196D: Crambe bis posita mors] 1552 TAV., f. 56V:
Crambe twyse sod is death . . *Nowe this Crambe was in olde tyme
much vsed in feastes and bankettes, but if it were twyse sod it was
so Iothed and abhorred, that the Grekes made a prouerb on it. For
as often as they wolde signifi a thyng agayne, and agayne repeted
not without tedyousnes a greuaunce, they sayde forthwith in theyr
langage. Crambe twyse serued is death. I559 MORWYNG Treas.
Evon. l. 8, p. 47: Theese repetycions moue irckesomenesse to the
reader, yea even if it be but meanly learned, neuer a whit les then
colewortes twise sod. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 154:
Which I must omitte, least I set before you, Colewortes twise
sodden. I 583 FULKE Def. XV, p. 470: These coleworts were sodden
enough once before, that they need not be set on again. 1601
JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. V i 41: Your wife an honest woman, Is
meate twise sod to you sir. 1647 R. STAPLETON Sat. vii 204, p. 126:
The same verses i’ th’ same tune instills, Poore School-masters this
twice boil’d Lettuce kills. 1662 FULLER Worthies Kent, I 488:
Crambe bis cocta . . appliable to such who grate the ears Of their
Auditors with ungratefull Tautologies, of what is worthlesse in it
selfe. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Verze, p. 229: To make one to eat
Colewarts twice heated, viz. to use Repetitions and Tautoligies in
ones discourse, that the Company is weary of them. 1732 FUL.,
no. 429: A Tale twice told, is Cabbage twice sod.
SHAKESPEARE—I594—5 L.L.L. IV ii 22: Twice-sod simplicity, bis
coctus! O thou monster ignorance, how deformed dost thou look!
See OTTO, no. 454. Cf. G472: Grantham gruel, nine grits and a
gallon of water; J20: Jack of Dover; T39: A good tale is none the
worse to be twice told. (14)
C512 COLL1 under canstick,2 he can play with both
hands
1546 HEY. I x, 3. C3: Colle vnder canstyk she can plaie on both
hands; Dissimulacion well she vnderstands. I559 BECON Displ.
Popish Mass: Prayers, p. 260: Therefore can ye not play cole under
candlestick cleanly. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4.
[ljugglery 2candlestick]
0513 After a COLLAR comes a halter
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Bb4: Beware you accord not to wear an
hempton cord. For after a collar comes an haulter. 1659 How.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
COLLIER I 1 0
COMB

Eng. Prov., p. 17: After a Coller comes a halter, quoth the Tanner
of Tamworth, when Henry the Fourth called for a coller to make
him a Squire.
SHAKESPEARE.—-—01595 Rf. I i 3: I mean, an we be in choler,
we’ll draw. ~—Ay, while you live, draw your neck out of collar.
1597 1 Hen. IVII iv 356: Choler, my lord, ifrightly taken. —No,
if rightly taken, halter.
C514 If you wrestle with a COLLIER you will get a
blotch
1618 HARINGTON Epig. II 36, p. 103: The prouerbe sayes, who fights
with durty foes, Must needs be soyld, admit they winne or lose.
1732 FUL., no. 2802.
Cf. T602: He that wrestles with a turd, fall he undermost or
uppermost, he shall be sure to be bedirten.
C515 As melancholy as a COLLIER’S horse
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
Cf. C129: As melancholy as a gibbed cat.
C516 A COLLIER’S cow and an alewife’s sow are always
well fed
1678 RAY, p. 1 19: *Others say a poor mans cow, and then the reason
is evident, why a Colliers is not so clear.
C517 It is a dear COLLOP1 that is taken (cut) out of the
flesh
1546 HEY. I x, 5. D1: (cut out of thowne fleshe). 1569 J. ROGERS
Glass Godly Love, p. 186: For they dye not all together, that leave
collops oftheir owne flesh alive behinde them. [1571] 1633 E. CAM-
PION Hist. Ire. II x, p. 134: Were they never so deare collopps ofyour
owne flesh and bloud. 1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes III iii, p. 214:
She is a collop ofmy owne flesh. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 61:
Who willed him to consider that his sonne was a collup of his own
flesh, and came from his Loynes. 1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p.
44: It is a neere collop, saies he, is cut out of the owne flesh. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 908: It is a neir collop is cut out of thy owin flesh.
1616 DR., s.v. Children, no. 265. 1639 CL., p. 240. 1659 How.
New Sayings, p. 3: (cutt out of ones own flesh).
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-4 1 Hen. VI V iv 18: God knows thou
art a collop of my flesh. 1611 W.T. I ii 134: Yet were it true To
say this boy were like me . . Most dear’st! my collop!
Cf. F366: My own flesh and blood.
[’slice of meat]
C518 It is a sairy1 COLLOP2 that is taken ofi a capon
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 81 8: It is a shamed collop is gotten ofa capon.
1641 FERG., no. 512. 1668 R.B., p. 30. I721 KEL., p. 189: (that’s
got off a Capon). *One cannot take much where there is but little.
[lsorry 2Slice of meat]
C519 As many COLORS as there are in the rainbow
[01589] 1601 LYLY Love’s Metam. IVi 27: This Garland of flowers,
which hath all colours of the Rainebowe. [01633] 1662 R. BAKER
Theatrum Redivivum, p. 60: Seeing there are as many Vices in it, as
there are Colours in the Rain-bow. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ta-
volozzo, p. 212: The English says, As many Colours as in the Rain-
bow.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 K.7. IV ii 13: To smooth the ice, or add
another hue Unto the rainbow . . IS wasteful and ridiculous excess.
1600-1 IV v I 1 9: I was beaten myselfinto all the colours of
rainbow. 1611 W. T. IV iv 205: He hath ribbons of all the colours
i’ th’ rainbow.
C520 T0 fear no COLORS1
1594 True Trag. Rich. III iv, s. B4v: Be as be may, I will neuer
feare colours nor regard ruth. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x,
s. 14v: I feare no colours. 1601 YARINGTON Two Lam. Trag., s.
C2v: I’le fear no coulours. 1605 JONSON Sejanus I 285, p. 364: For
those that are [beautiful], their beauties feare no colours. 1613
MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess II i 38: Then came . . one
that, it seem’d, feared no colours. [1622] 1647 FLETCHER Women
Pleased IV i, p. 283: Goe saddle my fore-horse, put his feather on

too, He’ll praunce it bravely, friend, he fears no Colours. 1639 CL. ,
p. 66: A good conscience feares no colours. Ibid., s.v. Fortitudinis,
p. 120: A stout heart feares no colours. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v.
To Encourage, p. 109: Fear no colours. 1678 RAY, p. 347: Truth
fears no colours. 1679 DRYDEN Trail. and Cress. II ii, p. 309: Take
a good heart, man . . and fear no colours. 1732 FUL., no. 5296: [As
in 1678 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. IV ii 155: Sir, tell me not of the
father; I do fear colourable colours. 1598 2 Hen. IV V v 94: Fear
no colours! 1601 T.N. I v 5: He that is well hang’d in this world
needs to fear no colours.
[lhostile standard or foe; i.e., have no fear]
C521 As ragged as a COLT
[01537] 01560 UDALL Thersytes, s. C2v: Beelzebub the mayster deuyll
as ragged as a colte.
See APP., p. 520.
C522 Of a ragged COLT comes a good horse
1520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 108: Many a ragged colt proued to
[be] a good horse. 9.1536 HILL 10, p. 128: (ofa rwgged colte). 1546
HEY. II xi, 3. D3: (there comthe). 1548 E. HALL Hen. IV Intro.:
Chron., f. 9: Experience teacheth, that of a rugged colte, commeth a
good horse. I551 T.W1LSON Rule Reason, f. 73 : A ragged Colte maie
proue a good horse. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 29: The
olde Hermit glad to see this ragged Colte retourned . . thought not
to adde sower words. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON
Eastward Ho V V 73: The Ragged Colt, may prooue a good Horse.
1611 GRUT., no. 204. 1614 CAM., p. 310. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag,
s. A6): [As in 1551 T. Wilson]. 1639 CL., p. 168: Many a ragged
colt makes a good horse. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 19, p. 211: Of a scabby coult, oft times comes a pretious
horse. I670 RAY, p. 72: A ragged colt may make a good horse.
*An unhappy boy may make a good man. It is used sometimes to
signifie, that children which seem less handsome when young, do
afterwards grow into shape and comeliness. 1721 KEL., p. 48: [As
in 1551 T. Wilson]. *And so may an untoward slovenly Boy prove
a decent and useful Man.
See DUR., I, no. 136. Cf. B580: An unhappy (ill, shrewd) boy
(lad) may make a good man; O6: To sow his wild oats.
C523 There is no COLT but will break some halter
1611 COT., s.v. Lien: The colt that’s halter breakes not mettall
wants. 1623 WOD., p. 510: The Coult is no Thing worth if hee
breake not his Halter. *Said ofyong Men to venture. I659 N.R.,
p. 103. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p.43: Every coult breaks one halter,
and when he is a good one, sometimes two.
C524 When you ride a young COLT see your saddle
be well girt
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13.
Colt.
C525 He has a COLT’S tooth in his head
01565 Bugbears III i 25: As yf hys coltes teeth in his head were yet
stiking. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 172: I had not thought
that as yet your coltes tooth stucke in your mouth. I588 GREENE
Perimedes, p. 91 : Hee hath beene a wag, but nowe age hath pluckt out
all his Coltes teeth. [1614-33] 1637 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER
Elder Brother II iii, p. 19: If he Should love her now, as he hath a
Colts tooth yet. 1639 CL., s.v. Intemperantia, p. 174. I670 RAY,
p. 169: To have a colts tooth in ones head. *It is usually spoken of
an old man that is wanton and petulant. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Colt.
1732 FUL., no. 1881: (yet, in his old Head).
SHAKESPEARE—1613 Hen. VIII I iii 48: Your colt’s tooth is
not cast yet.
Cf. T420: To have a sweet (wanton) tooth. (I4)
1670 RAY, p. 5. 1730 BAILEY, s.v.
C526 COMB: subst.
C526 He has cut his COMB
1542 BECON Nosegay: Early Wks., p. 205: This shall pluck doun
your comb, as they use to say. 1548 E. HALL Hen. IV: Chron., f.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
COMB
COMES
III


12v: My combe was clerely cut. 1562 HEY. Epig. 83, p. 214: Two
daies after this, he trode not nor fed not, His comb sore cut. 3.1578
ScoflLady in C. Robinson et al. Handf. Pleas. Delights, p. 14: Your
answer hath cut off his comb. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 197:
Princes should . . cut the combes of these clownish cockscombes.
1601 DENT Pathway to Heaven, p. 31 : The Holy Ghost cuts all their
Combs, and plucketh down all Pride of Flesh. 1616 DR., s.v. Cor-
rection, no. 360. 1639 CL., p. 184: He’l cut your combe. 1670
RAY, p. 169: To cut ones comb. (18)
0527—8 COMB: verb
0527—8 COMB Single (seldom) comb sore
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 910: (seldome). 1641 FERG., no. 553. 1668
R.B., p. 33. I721 KEL., p. 82: *Taken from Childrens Heads,
which if long uncomb’d will become so entangled, that it will put
them to Pain. Apply’d to those who forbear for a while, and then
come with Severity.
C529 COME (Hap) what come (hap) may
[1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature 1, s. C3: Hap what hap may.
01489 CAXTON Sons Aymon XIV, p. 332: I care not, sayd Rychard,
hap as it hap wyll. 1530 PALS., p. 578b: Happe that happe maye.
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3v: Come what come wold. 1560-77 Misogonus
III ii 54: Ile colefeke him my selfe forte come onte what will. 1573
GASCOIGNE Supposes V i, p. 229: Hap what hap can, I can never hap
well in favour with him againe. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 181: Let
hap what hap will, thou hast promised to be mine. 1584 GREENE
Card Fancy, p. 168: He was so puffed vp with wrath and choller, as
hap what hap would, he fell into these tearmes. I594 LYLY Mother
B. II iii 13: Come what will, Ile make a way. 1595 [W.S.] Locrine
III iii, s. FIv: Let come what will,I meant to beare it out. 1607
SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. IV, p. 46: Instantly sue out a diuorce,
hap what hap shall. 1616JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. III iii 65: Come
what will, Ile tempt my fortune, once. 1639 CL., p. 122. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: Do what thou oughtest, let come what will
come. 1672 WALK. 29, p. 57: Come on’t what will come; We must
take our chance.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1590-1 2 Hen. VI III ii 402: O, let me stay, be-
fall what may befall! 1592 T. And. V i 57: If thou wilt not, befall
what may befall, I’ll speak no more. 1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 1 12: Cried,
‘Via! we will do’t, come what will come!’ Ihid. V ii 879: Befall
what will befall. 1594—8 T.S. IV iv 109: Hap what hap may, I’ll
roundly go about her. 1597 I Hen. IVI ii 162: Well, come what
will, I’ll tarry at home. 1600-1 H. IV v 135: Let come what comes.
1601 T.N. II i 48: But come what may, I do adore thee so That dan-
ger shall seem sport. 1605-6 K.L. IV i 49: I’ll bring him the best
’parel that I have, Come on’t what will. 1605—6 M. I iii 146: Come
what come may, Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.
1613 T.N.K. II iii 17: Come what can come, The worst is death.
Ihid. III vi 127: Then come what can come Thou shalt know, Pala-
mon, I dare as well Die as discourse or sleep.
Cf. D400: Do what you ought and come what come can; H137:
Hap good hap ill (evil). (10)
0530 First COME first served
01548 BRINKELOW Compl. Rod. XVII, p. 41: Ye haue a parcyall
lawe in making of tachmentys, first come, first seruyd. 1585 [MUN-
DAY] Fidele and Fort. I ii, s. B2v. 1593 Pass. Morrice in Tell-
Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 91: The drift whereof is, that first
commers should be first serued. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah.
x, s. I3v: So, first come first seru’d; I am for him. I608 ARMIN
Nest Ninnies: Wks., p. 20: He found the Sexton . . making 9 graues
. and, who so dyes next, first comes first serv’d. 1614 CAM., p.
306. 1616 DR., s.v. Occasion, no. 1520. 1616 WITHALS, p. 578.
1639 CL., p. 307. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. [1663] 1673 D’AV-
ENANT Playhouse I, p. 76: The proverb does appoint the first
that come To be first serv’d. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 14: Who
first comes, first lodges. *Note 82, p. 19: Meant in Inns, and as
the English saith, First come, first serV’d. 1670 RAY, p. 90. 1721
KEL., p. 111. 1732 FUL., no. 1543.
See ST., no. 1452. Cf. H463: He that comes first to the hill may
sit where he will; M941: He that comes first to the mill grinds
first. (10)
C531

If they COME they come not, if they come not
they come
I662 FULLER Worthies Northumberland, II 188: *Customary in the
Wars betwixt the Crowns ofEngland and Scotland. For the cattle
of people living hereabout, turn’d into the common-pasture, did,
by instinct and custome, return home at night, except violently in-
tercepted by the Free-booters and Borderers . . If therefore these
Borderers came, their cattle came not; if they came not, their cattle
surely returned. 1670 RAY, p. 248.
0532 If thou wilt COME with me bring with thee
1573 SANF., f. 109V. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33v: (go with
me). 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 6: Bring somewhat with thee,
If that thou meane to live with mee. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 115, p.
29. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: If thou wilt live with me, bring
something with thee. 1732 FUL., no. 6286: Bring something, Lass,
along with thee, If thou intend to live with me.
Cf. C536a: He is welcome who comes well laden; H537: Let
Homer yield to such as presents bring; L530: Love will cool ’twixt
a pair of sheets if there be not wherewithal to keep them warm;
M816: He brings (carries) meat in his mouth.
C533 Lightly COME lightly go
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L1: Lyght come lyght go. 1577 GRANGE Gold.
Aphroditis, 5. PW: Light wanne, light lost againe, be sure them thus
to finde, For lightly comen, so lightly gone, this is a harlots kinde.
1578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. II iv, s. IIV: Who gets a
pace as meryly may spend. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 948: Lightlie
coms lightly goes. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 126: Light come, light
goe. 1616 DR., no. 1112: Hastily come, hastily goe. Ihid., s.v.
Prodigalitie, no. 1725. 1623 CAM., p. 273. 1631 MABBE Celestina
I, p. 29: Quickly be wonne, and quickly be lost. 1632 R. SANDER-
SON Ad Populum v: Serm., I 490: (The ding-thrift’s proverb is,
Lightly). 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 69. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 6: Light come light go. 1664 COD., p. 196: [As in 1616 DR.,
no. 1112]. 1668 R.B., p. 36: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p.
114. 1721 KEL.,p. 231. 1732FUL.,no.3213:Lightcome,Lightgo.
See DI'iR., II, no. 651; ST., no. 688. Cf. T201: Things hardly
attained are long retained (highly deemed). (10)
0534 To COME off bluely
1658 See. Narr. Late Parl. in Harl. Misc., III 462: Yet . . [he] came
off bluely in the end. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 278, p. 228: The
English say, To come bluely off, or blank. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Mantoua, p. 99: To come off blewly, and lamely in any business.
1675 CROWNE Country Wit III, p. 56: I should come off bluely now
ifI should not have enough. I678 RAY, p. 230: To come bluely
off. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua IV xxxv, III 146: He still came off
but bluely, by reason of the Care and Vigilance of the Chitterlings.
1710 T. WARD Eng. Reform. I, I 83: We shall come off but bluely
here.
0535 What, do you COME or send?
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Scala, p. 181: To go down [Stairs] swiftly,
to measure them all at once, in danger of breaking ones neck; to
such the English say, What do ye come or send? 1678 RAY, p. 346.
0536 As proud COMES behind as goes before
[01552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. NeedleV ii, s. C4v: As proude
coms behinde they say, as any goes before. [1611] 1630 MIDDLETON
Chaste Maid in Cheaps. II iv 15: There comes as proud behind as
goes before. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia, p. 33.
I655 FULLER Church Hist. III iii, I 322: York was rather quiet than
contented, pleasing itself that as Stout came behind as went before.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659 N.R., p. 8: (as before). 1670
RAY, p. 133: As proud come behind as go before. *A man may be
humble that is in high estate, and people of mean condition may be
as proud as the highest. 1697 MER., p. 164: (As good comes).
1732 FUL., no. 724: As proud come behind as go before.
Cf. L441: He that follows the lord hopes to go before.
C536a He is welcome who COMES well laden
01534 BERNERS Huon 68, p. 235: They that giue are ever welcome.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1268: They ar ay welcom that brings. I611

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl’.
COMES
COMING IN
IIQ

COT., s.v. Beau: No man’s esteemd so faire as he that comes full
handed. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: (well loden). 1666 TOR.
lt. l’rov. 18, p. 107: He is welcome who comes stooping. *Note
52, p. 112: Or huncht-backt, a Sign, he brings something that he
is loaded with, and such every where make their way. Ibid. 23,
p. 213: Welcome, that brings. 1668 R.B., p. 51: [As in a1598
Fer
Cgf. C532: If thou wilt come with me bring with thee; H537: Let
Homer yield to such as presents bring; M816: He brings (carries)
meat in his mouth.
C537 He that COMES uncalled sits unserved
1597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 1082: Poems, p. 38: Yea, I
half hard another yit, Quha cum uncallt, unservd suld sit. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 517. 1668 R.B., p. 24. 1721 KEL., p. 77: Come
uncall’d, sit unserv’d. *They have no reason to expect good Usage,
who go to a Feast uncall’d. 1732 FUL., no. 1 I23: Come, uncalled;
sit, unserved.
Cf. G476: An unbidden guest knows not where to sit (must bring
his stool with him).
C538 To it again, nobody COMES
1639 CL., p. 303. 1670 RAY, p. 197. I672 WALK. 62, p. 53.
C539 He CAME in hosed and shod
1678 RAY, p. 74: *He was born to a good estate.
Cf. C197: He was born with a caul; S772: He was born with a
silver spoon (a penny) in his mouth.
C540 I CAME, saw, and overcame
1587 GREENE Penelope’s Weh, p. 206: And, say as Caesar did in his
conquests, veni, vidi, vici. 1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III
xvi, p. 175: So might the Poesie of Caesar haue been altered thus.
I came, and I saw, and I overcame. 1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s
Tears I iii 106: What, in a conqueror’s style? But come and over-
come? [01615-22] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Beg. Bush V ii, p. 277: So
I, to bread my Chronicle, came forth Caesar Van-dunk, et veni,
vidi, vici. I616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. II iv 18: Veni, vidi,
vici, I may say with Captayne Caesar. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix.
Pt. II, xiv, III 102: I came, I saw, and conquered her.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594-5 L.L.L. IVi 68: ‘Veni, vidi, vici’; which to
annothanize in the vulgar . . He came, saw, and overcame. 1598
2 Hen. IV IV iii 44: I mayjustly say with the hook-nos’d fellow of
Rome—I came, saw, and overcame. 1599 A. Y. V ii 33: There was
never anything so sudden but . . Caesar’s thrasonical brag of ‘I
came, saw, and overcame.’ I610 Cym. III i 22: A kind ofconquest
Caesar made here; but made not here his brag Of ‘came, and saw,
and overcame.’
See OTTO, no. 1859.
C541 COMELY not gaudy
1615 WELDE yanua Ling. 179, p. 12: Let thy attire be comely, not
gorgeous. 1631 BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlew. A Gentlew., s. GgIv:
Shee knowes the vse of Apparell. . making this her Impreze:
Comely, not Gaudy.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-I H. I iii 70: Costly thy habit as thy
purse can buy . . rich, not gaudy.
See APP., p. 438.
C542 Cold COMFORT
1571 GOLDING Psalms x 14, I 34v: We receive but cold comfort of
whatsoever the scripture speaketh concerning Gods power and
justice, onlesse euery of us apply the same to himselfe according as
need that require. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I ii, s. B3: If
this colde comfort in my need, be all that I shall haue. 1612 JONSON
Alch. IV v 73: A peck of coales, or so, which is cold comfort. 1616
RC. Times’ Whistle l. 1703, p. 56: But with poore Lazarus they
shall obtaine Cold comfort and small reliefe to sustaine.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594-8 T.S. IV i 31: Shall I complain on thee to
our mistress? whose hand . . thou shalt soon feel, to thy cold com-
fort. 1596 K]. V vii 42: I beg cold comfort. (5)

C543 Stark dead be thy COMFORT
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
C544 Concealed COMFORTS are the sweetest
1639 CL., p. 185.
Cf. P423: Stolen pleasures are sweetest.
C545 The COMFORTER’S (counselor’s) head never aches
1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 84: The old adage is not alwayes
true, consulenti numquam caput doluit. I590 LODGE Rosalynde,
p. 34: Being such a good Phisition to others, wilt thou not minister
receipts to thy selfe? But perchance thou wilt say: Consulenti
nunquam caput doluit. 1640 HERB., no 388. 1659 N.R., p. 99.
1664 COD., p. 219. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 50: A good comforters
head never ak’d in this world. 1670 RAY, p. 5: *Ital. 1732 FUL.,
no- 4454- _
Cf. M182: The healthful man can give good counsel to the Sick.
C546 It is as long in COMING as Cotswold barley
1662 FULLER Worthies Gloucestershire, I 377: (It is long in). *It
is applied to such things as are slow, but sure. The Corn in this
cold County on the Woulds . . is very backward at the first; but
afterwards overtakes the forwardest in the County. 1670 RAY, p.
228. 1732 FUL., no. 2908: (a Corning).
C547 It is better COMING to the beginning of a feast
than the end of a fray
1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall Ded., p. 3: I would it had bin Per-
cevals hap, to haue corn to the beginning of a friendly feast, or to the
latter ending of so dangerous a fraye. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1332:
The beginning of a feast and the end of ane play is best. [a1600]
01647 Edm. Ironside l. 1135, p. 52: Sure yeare a tall mann —~I sir
at the end of a fraye, and begininge of a feast. [1635] I655 MAS-
SINGER Bashful Lover III iii, p. 404: They said, Haste to the begin-
ning of a feast, There I am with them; but to the end ofa fray—That
is apocryphal. I672 MARVELL Rehear. T ransprosed I, p. I 19: It is
better being at the beginning ofa feast, than to come in at the latter
end Of a fray.
SHAKESPEARE.—-I597 I Hen. IV IV ii 85: To the latter end of a
fray and the beginning of a feast Fits a dull fighter and a keen guest.
Cf. C548: It is ill coming to the end of a feast (shot) and begin-
ning of a fray; E114: Better come at the latter end of a feast than
the beginning of a fray.
C548 It is ill COMING to the end of a feast (shot’) and
beginning of a fray
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I3v: (It is yll commyng, I haue harde say, To
thend of a shot, and). 01560 COPLAND 7y! Braintford’s Test. 1. 204,
p. 14: He that goeth to a fray at the begynny[n]g, And to a good
meale at the latter endyng, Shall haue a farte for his good attendyng.
1611 GRUT., no. 161. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet IV: Wks., p.
219: Satans Guests are vnhappily come from the end of a Feast, to
the beginning of a fray. 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616 DR., s.v. anor-
tunate, no. 2278: (of a shot, and the beginning of a fray). 1639
CL., s.v. Infortunii sive exitii, p. 165: (Ill luck to come at the end of
a shot, and). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: (It is an ill coming to).
Cf. C547: It is better coming to the beginning of a feast than the
end of a fray; EI 14: Better come at the latter end Ofa feast than the
beginning of a fray.
[treckoning]
C549 No COMING to heaven with dry eyes
1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet I: Wks., p. 180: The Prouerbe is too
true for many; NO man comes to heauen with drie eyes. 1630 T.
ADAMS Seed-Time and Harvest: W ks., p. 649: Many Saints haue now
reaped this crop in heauen, that sowed their seed in teares. Dauid,
Mary Magdalene, Peter; as if they had made good the Prouerbe,
No comming to heauen with dry eyes.
C550 A good COMING IN is all in all with a widow
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
COMMAND 1 13 COMPANY

C551 COMMAND: subst. 0556 A fat COMMODITY has no fellow
0551 The COMMAND of custom is great I659 HOW' Eng' Prov“ P- 13-
I616 WITHALS, p. 541: The force of custome and Antiquitie avail-
0557 Rate thy COMMODITIES at home but sell them
eth much. 1640 HERE, no. 586. I659 N.R., p. 1 15. 1664 COD.,
p. 220.
Cf. C932: Custom (Use) is another (a second) nature; U22: Once
a use and ever a custom.
C552 COMMAND: verb
0552 He is not fit to COMMAND (govern) others that
cannot command (govern) himself
1508 STANBRIDGE Vulgaria, p. 56: It becometh hym euyll to be a
mayster vpon seruauntes that can not ordre hymselfe. 01520 DUN-
BAR Dwell in Ct. l. 8: Poems, II 98: He rewlis weill, that weill him
selfcan gyd. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 158: Solon saith, that they
only are fit to govern other, who can well guide themselves. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 112: Iulius Caesar . . conquered all
thinges sauing him-selfe. I584 LYLY Camp. V iv 150: It were a
shame Alexander Should desire to commaund the world, if he could
not commaund himselfe. I590 SPENSER FAQ. II v I5: Vaine others
ouerthrowes, who selfe doth ouerthrowe. I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s
Commonw., f. 156: He is vnworthy to be a maister ouer others, that
cannot maister himselfe. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p. 289: It
is a hard case, when he that cannot governe himselfe, shall beare
rule over others. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxxiii, III 252:
For hee that cannot governe himselfe, will ill governe others. [1621]
1647 FLETCHER Pilgr. II ii, p. 175: How vilely this shows, In one
that would command anothers temper, And bear no bound in’s own?
1623 WOD., p. 487: He (do wee say) who is true Prince, and King,
Ought first rule him selfe with good Gouverning. 1625 T. ADAMS
Holy Choice: Wks., p. 945: How is he fit to gouerne others, that hath
not learn’d to gouerne himselfe? 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 233: He
cannot be a good King over others, who is not a King over him-
self. 1669 PENN N0 Cross No Crown XIX, p. 383 : Cato . . would say,
No Man is fit to Command another, that cannot Command himself.
C553 The ten COMMANDMENTS
[The ten fingernails, especially of a woman] [a1521] CI 545 HEY-
WOOD Four PP, s. EIV: Thy wyfes .x. commaundements may serch
thy .v. wittes. 01569 PHILLIP Patient Grisselll. 415, s. C2v: Her
ten commaundements are sene in the goodmans face. 1594 Con.
York and Lan., s. B4: Could I come neare your daintie vissage with
my nayles, Ide set my ten commandments in your face. 1594 Se-
limus xx, s. HI: I would set a tap abroach, and not line in daily feare
of the breach of my wiues ten-commandemens. 1607 DEKKER AND
WEBSTER West. H0 V i, s. II: Your Harpy that set his ten command-
emets vpon my backe.
SHAKESPEARE—I590-1 2 Hen. VII iii I44: Could I come near
your beauty with my nails, I would set my ten commandments in
your face.
See ST., no. 613. (5)
0554 Who COMMENDS himself berays himself
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 6. 1664 COD., p. 228: Who commends
himself, betrays himself, and bewrays himself. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
16, p. 130: (besmeers himself with dirt).
Cf. N117: He dwells far from neighbors (has ill neighbors) that
is fain to praise himself; P547: He that praises himself spatters
himself.
0555 Every COMMODITY has its incommodity
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 76: How true do I try that saying that every
commodity hath a discommodity annexed unto it! 1581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. I, I 29: This saying, That everie commoditie, bringeth
with it a discommoditie. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. E1: Wher
God buildes a church, the deuill builds a chappell, and euery com-
moditie hath his discommoditie. 1611 COT., s.v. Envers: No com-
moditie without a discommoditie. 1616 DR., no. 272: (hath his dis-
commoditie). 1623 WOD., p. 505: No Commoditie with out incom-
moditie. 1672 WALK. 26, p. 36: No convenience without its incon-
veniency. I721 KEL., p. 312: There was never a good Town, but
had a Mire at one end of it.
0561
C563

abroad
1611 COT., s.v. Priser. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 218: Fix thy rates
at home, and in the market sell.
C558 Evil COMMUNICATIONS (words) corrupt good
manners
[1 Cor. xv 33.] 1530 PALS., p. 499a: (Foule wordes). 1533 T.
MORE Debell. Salem xiv: Wks. 1557, p. 960: For (as saynt Paule
speaketh of such heresies) euill communicacion corrupteth good
maners. 1539 TAV., f. 28v: Corrumpunt mores bonos colloquia
praua. Naughtye communications spyl good maners. *This prou-
erbe declareth, that commonly we proue suche as they be with
whome we be conuersaunt. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, S.
13v: (Ill words corrupts). 1599 RAINOLDS Overthrow Stage Plays,
p. 109: (Evillspeeches). I631 BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlew. Behavior,
p. 41: As by good words euill manners are corrected, so by euill
words are good ones corrupted. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 231:
(Ugly discourse corrupts). 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Say-
ings: Anglo-Belgica, II 26: (words). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Evil: (cor-
rupts).
See DUE, I, no. 584.
0559 A merry COMPANION is a wagon in the way (is as
good as a nag) ‘
01526 Dicta Sap., s. B3v: A mery felowe that can commune well by
the waye, auoydeth so the werynesse therof, lyke as though thou rod-
est in a wagayne. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 323: A pleasant
companion is a bayte in a iourney. I583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I,
p. 22: A good Companion too trauayle withall, is insteade ofa Wag-
on or Chariot. For as the one doth ease the painfulness of the way,
so doth the other alleuiat the yrksomnes of the iourney intended.
1597 LYLY Woman in Moon IV i 283: A merry companion is as good
as a Wagon, for you Shalbe sure to ryde though yee go a foote. 1616
BRET., p. 8. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II 11 vi 4, p. 481: A merry
companion is better than any musick, and as the saying is, a pleas-
ant companion is as a waggon to him that is wearied on the way.
1639 CL., p. 291: Good company is a good coach. 01640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 5: An honest pleasant companion is in~
Stead of a chariot to a wearied person by the high-way. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 4: A pleasant companion is better then a chariot.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1 1: (is as good as an ambling horse). 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 49: A merry companion on the way, is as good
as a nag.
See DUE, I, no. 587. Cf. C566: Good company makes short
miles; D352: Sweet discourse makes short days and nights; H714:
Good horses make Short miles.
0560 There is no COMPANION like the penny
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13. 1664 COD., p. 220. 1670 RAY, p.
21: *Hispan. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Peny. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 154.
1732 FUL., no. 4891.
Cf. P204: The penny in pocket is a good companion; P205: A
penny in purse will bid me drink when all the friends I have will not;
P656: His purse is his best friend.
You are a crafty COMPANION
1639 CL., p. 158. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 18: He is a cunning
crafty companion.
0562 Better to be beaten than be in bad COMPANY
1664 COD., p. 188. 1670 RAY, p. 2.
Choose thy COMPANY before thy drink
1639 CL., s.v. Amicitia, p. 24.
0564 COMPANY makes a man spend
1616 DR., no. 286.
Cf. F744: He that has many friends eats too much salt with his
meat.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation 500 pp. xi ff.
COMPANY
COMPEERS
114
C565 COMPANY makes cuckolds
1639 CL., p. 152. I678 RAY, p. 116. I732 FUL., no. 1132.
C566 Good COMPANY makes short miles
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 84: Much talke ther was in the
way, which much shortned their way. [8.1594] 1605 K. Leir, 3. B3:
Thy pleasant company will make the way seeme short. 1645 F.
QUARLES Solomon’s Recant. IX: Wks., II 185: Short miles and way-
beguiling Company. 1653 WALTON Complete Angler I, p. 2: Good
company makes the way seem the shorter.
SHAKESPEARE.~1593-4 Lac. 1. 791: As palmers’ chat makes
Short their pilgrimage. 1596 Rich. II II iii 6: Your fair discourse
. . hath very much beguil’d The tediousness and process of my
travel.
See DUR., I, no. 587. Cf. C559: A merry companion is a wagon
in the way (is as good as a nag); D352: Sweet discourse makes short
days and nights; H714: Good horses make short miles.
C567 He that dies without the COMPANY of good men
puts not himself into a good way
1640 HERB., no. 988.
C568
1616 DR., s.v. Experience, no. 642.
He that goes not in COMPANY knows nothing
1664 COD., p. 198.
C569 Ill (Evil) COMPANY brings a man to the gallows
1573 SANF., f. 106v: Euil companie is that whiche bringeth men to
the gallowes. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 86: 11 company is that,
that bringes many to the gallowes. 1616 DR., no. 288. 1664 COD.,
p. 200: (many a Man). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 49: Ill company
condemns a body to the gallows.
C570 It is better to be alone than in bad (ill) COMPANY
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 8]: It is better a man . . to be alone than to
be acompayned with euill people. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II
124: (in ill company). 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. II, p. 15: (than euill
acompanied). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 268: Better be alone nor in ill
companie. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 4: I stande to that old
saying, better alone then euill accompanied. 1601 JONSON Cyn-
thia’s Revels V iv 426: Better be alone, sir; then ill-accompanied.
1616 DR., no. 2026: (in ill company). 1631 MABBE Celestina II, p.
65: Better it is, for a man to be alone, then ill accompanied. 1639
CL., p. 291: (Better bee alone). 1668 R.B., p. 15: [As in a1598
Ferg.].
See DUE, I, no. 34. Cf. I7: Better to be idle than not well
occupied.
C571 It is good to have COMPANY in trouble (misery)
[ERAS. Epist, I 427E: Societas miseriam levat.] 1509 A. BARCLAY
Ship Fools, II 236: A prysoner lyenge longe in payne and wo Hath
consolacion and great confort certayne To haue many mo be part-
nes of his payne. 1549 LATIMER Serm. 9, p. 136: It is comfort of
the wretched to have company. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 129: But
notwithstanding the comfort by other men’s calamity be miserable,
yet it doth me good to think that other have been as sluttishly
served by women as myself. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 238:
In miserie Euphues it is a great comfort to haue a companion.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., S. Z2: I suppose (Philotimus) thou thinkst
it a comfort in thy miserie, to haue a companion in extremitie.
[01588] 1604 MARLOWE Faustus II i 42: Solamen miseris socios
habuisse doloris. 1591 STEP., p. 1 50: The more companie the more
comfort. 1596 DEL., s. O3v: The comfort of the vnluckie, is to
haue for fellowes many vnluckie. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels
V iv 595: When men disgraces Share, The lesser is the care. 1616
DR., no. 712. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II,xiii, III 98: If that
which is commonly spoken be true, that to have companions in
misery is a lightner ofit, you may comfort me. 1664 COD., p. 194:
(Good it is). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Male, p. 95:T0 be glad to
have companyons in misery; the Latin says, solamen miseris, socios
habuisse doloris. 1670 RAY, p. 5. 1672 WALK. 5, p. 39. 1732
FUL., no. I 131: Company in Misery makes it light.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. (Q. 2 and Ff.) V iii 169: Friends
should associate friends in grief and woe. 1593-4 Lac. 1. 790: Fel-

C578
lowship in woe doth woe assuage. 1594—5 L.L.L. IV iii 49: In love,
I hope—sweet fellowship in shame. Ibid. IV iii 127: Domain, thy
love is far from charity, That in love’s grief desir’st society. 01595
R]. III ii 116: Sour woe delights in fellowship. 1605-6 K.L. III
vi I 10: Who alone suffers suffers most i’ th’ mind. 161 I W. T. I ii 190:
There have been . . cuckolds ere now . . there’s comfort in’t.
See ST., no. 388. Cf. F295: I am not the first and shall not be the
last. (27)
C572 It is the COMPANY that makes the feast
1653 WALTON Complete Angler III, p. 89: ’Tis the company and not
the charge that makes the feast.
See APP., p. 110. Cf. L424: A cheerful look makes a dish a
feast; M516: Few men and much meat make a feast.
C573 Not to be fit COMPANY for a dog
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cani, p. 27: The English . . say, not fit
company for a dog.
C574 Who keeps COMPANY with the wolf will learn to
howl
1579 TOMSON 2 Tim. iii: Serm. Calvin, p. 873: Is it to giue vs leaue to
doe euill, and for euery one of vs to say, he maye goe houle amongest
the wolues? 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 75: Learne this of me: With
Woolues who haunts, doth learne to howle. 1623 WOD., p. 274:
Hee who hantes with Wolues doth learne to houle. 1649 J. HALL
Cases Conscience, p. 187: It is fit for euery honest man to seeme as
he is; what do you howling amongst Wolves, if you be not one?
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 228. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
17, p. 132: Who useth to haunt woolves, learns by them to howl.
1670 RAY, p. 30. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Wolf: (with a Wolf). 1732
F UL., no. 5706: (Who keep).
See DUR., II, no. 31. Cf. M536: Keep not ill men company lest
you increase the number.
C575 It is COMPARISON that makes men happy or mis-
erable
1676 T. SHADWELL Virtuoso II, p. 131: No Man’s happy but by
comparison. I732 FUL., no. 5071.
Cf. C576: Comparisons are odious.
C576 COMPARISONS are odious
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 7: But thai wil sai Comparisons ar
odius. 1580 H. GIFFORD, To Rdr.: Gilloflowers, p. 6: If comparisons
were not odious, I woulde heere liken all such whelpes of Zoilus.
I592 LYLY Midas IV i 9: Comparisons cannot bee odious, where the
Dieties are equall. a1598-FERG. MS, no. 309. 01600 Club Law
I vi, p. 14: Even so I say here, ifI may be so bold to compare, com-
parisons being so odious. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap IV ii 59.
1622 J. TAYLOR Thief: Wks. F., p. 286: Comparisons are odious, as
some say, But my comparisons are so no way. 1640 HERB., no.
714. 1664 COD., p. 189. 1668 R.B., p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 72.
1697 MER., p. 164. 1721 KEL., p. 49: All Comparisons are odious.
*Because they can hardly be made without some Disparagement to
one of the Parties. 1732 FUL., no. 1134.
SHAKESPEARE.——1598-9 M.A. III v I 8: Comparisons are odorous.
Cf. C575: It is comparison that makes men happy or miserable;
N298: Nothing is good or bad but by comparison. (37)
C577 Live Within COMPASS
1596 R. WHYTE (to Sir Rob. Sidney, March 7) in Let. and Mem.
State, II 26: I beseech your Lordship determine vpon some Cours to
liue within your Compass, and to gett out of Debt, forI feare me it
wilbe long er any Aduancement wilbe laid vpon you here for your
Good. 1639 CL., s.v. Modestia, p. 212. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Istroppa, p. 84: To be no waies able to bridle ones self, and keep
within compass as the English say excellent well. 1732 FUL., no.
914: Better live within Compass, than have large Comings in.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV III iii 21: [I] lived well, and in
good compass.
Compare only with thy COMPEERS
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 8 5: And beware that he compare
not with suche as be his betters. Ibid., p. 100: I shall teche hym


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
COMPLAINT
CONFESSION
115

what is to compare hymselfe with his better. 1659 HOW. Br.
Prov., p. 4.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. I iii 122: Art thou good at these
kickshawses, knight? —As any man in Illyria, whatsoever he be,
under the degree of my betters.
Cf. M624: Good manners to except my Lord Mayor of London.
0579 Some complain to prevent COMPLAINT
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 95: Pretily to cloake thine own
folly, thou callest me theefe first, not vnlike vnto a curSt wife, who
deseruing a check, beginneth first to scolde. [a1594] I60 5 K. Leir,
3. E1: And now like a contentious crafty wretch, He first begins for
to complayne himselfe, When as himselfe is in the greatest fault.
01599 MARLOWE Eleg. I viii 80, p. 162: Thy fault [woman’s] with
his fault so repuls’d will vanish. [a16oo] 1611 Tarlton’s fests in
Shak. fest-Bks., II 220: It [mustard] is like a witty scold, meeting
another scold, knowing that scold will scold, begins to scold first.
1616 JONSON Epic. II ii 99: Him shee loues most shee will seeme to
hate eagerliest, to decline your ielousie; or, faigne to bee ielous ofyou
first. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. I.
SHAKESPEARE—1592—3 C.E. IV i 50: I should have chid you for
not bringing it, But like a shrew you first begin to brawl. 1597
1 Hen. IV III iii 75: You owe me money, Sir John, and now you
pick a quarrel to beguile me ofit. 1597 Rich. IIII iii 324: I do the
wrong, and first begin to brawl. 1599 A.Y. IV i 177: O, that
woman that cannot make her fault her husband’s occasion, let her
never nurse her child herself, for she will breed it like a fool! 1601
T.N. I iii 5: Your cousin, my lady, takes great exceptions to your
ill hours. —Why, let her except before excepted!
Cf. N112: Who more ready to call her neighbor scold than the
arrantest scold in the parish? Q3: To pick a quarrel; W319: Call her
whore first.
0580 Cold of COMPLEXION good of condition
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 124: Cowldist of complexion, And best
of condition, complayne of extreame heate. 1678 RAY, p. 116.
1732 FUL., no. 1119.
C581 COMPLIMENTING is lying
[1590-1600] 1661 Thracian Wonder IV i, p. 216: Come, sit down.
—Fair mistress. —-Good sir, sit; this is my place. —~Seat you.
Fie, fie! compliment. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 382: For I have
heard say, complimenting is lying.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. III i 109: ’Twas never merry world
Since lowly feigning was call’d compliment.
Cf. C732: Full of courtesy full of craft; W817: Many words will
not fill a bushel (fill not the firlot).
0582 He that is wise in his own CONCEIT is a fool
1573 SANF., f. 51v: The greatest token of a foole is to accounte him
selfe wise. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v: The chiefest account
of a foole, is to hold hym selfe wise. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I
93: The wise man admonisheth us, not to bee wise in our owne con-
ceite. [01589] 1601 LYLY Love’s Metam. III i 64: Haue not I an ex-
cellent wit? —If thou thinke so thy selfe, thou art an excellent
foole. 1616 BRET., p. 52. 1662 T. SCOTT Belg. Pismire, p. 10: He
is a wise foole; wise in his owne conceipt. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p.
147: Who thinks that he is not a fool, is a very fool indeed.
SHAKESPEARE—1598-9 M.A. III v 65: And we must do it wisely.
——We will spare for no wit, I warrant you. Here’s that Shall drive
some of them to a noncome. Ihid. IV ii 75: You are an ass. ——- . .
I am a wise fellow. 1601 T.N. I v 36: Those wits that think they
have thee [wit] do Very oft prove fools.
Cf. C239: The first chapter of fools is to hold themselves wise;
H607: There is more hope of a fool than of him that is wise in his
own eyes; M127: Every man is wise in his own conceit; M425: The
wise man knows himself to be a fool, the fool thinks he is wise. (7)
0583 He is CONCERNED
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk.
C584 CONDITION makes and condition breaks law
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 31 1. 1641 FERG., no. 221: Condition makes,
and condition breaks. 1659 N.R., p. 26: Conditions breaks Laws.

1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 195: Bargains and conditions break laws.
1668 R.B.,p. 16: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 77: Condition
makes, Condition breaks. *Particular Conditions, agreed to, and
condescended upon, binds a Man in Law.
0585 One ill CONDITION mars all the good
1546 HEY. II vi, s. 12: With many condicions good, one that is yll
Defaceth the floure of all, and dothe all spyll. 1580 BARET, C—72:
Capra Scyria. *A Prouerbe applyed to those, which being indued
with many good vertues, yet the vices that they are affected with,
doe Vtterly staine and obliterate them . . a little leauen leaueneth a
whole lumpe. 1581 B. RICH Fare. Mil. Prof., p. 197: Like as we saie,
one vice spilles a greate noumber of vertues. 1616 DR., no. 690.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 H. I iv 36: The dram of e’il Doth all the
noble substance often dout To his own scandal.
Cf. S774: A spoonful of skitter will spill a potful of skink; W240:
One ill weed (turd) mars a whole pot of pottage (porridge).
0586 He is proper (noble) that has proper (noble)
CONDITIONS
1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 18: By my troth, he is a propper man;
but he is proper that proper doth. 1614 CAM., p. 307. 1616 DR.,
no. 154: They are pretie, that haue pretie conditions. Ihid., no.
841: Hee is a gentleman that hath gentle conditions. Ihid., no.
1505: Hee is noble, that hath noble conditions. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 8. 1659 N.R., p. 52. 1664 COD., p. 197: He is noble who
hath noble conditions. 1670 RAY, p. 22.
Cf. D410: He is handsome that handsome does; V85: Virtue is the
true nobility.
C587 CONFESS and be hanged
[01589] 1633 MARLOWE few Malta IV ii 18: Blame not us, but the
proverb, Confess and be hanged. Pull hard. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 322. [01608] 1638 W. ROWLEY A Shoe. a Gent. III ii 22: Oh
dame, Ile confesse and be hang’d rather then Ile bee prest. 1612
DEKKER IfIt Be Not Good, p. 345: I haue confest, and shall be hang’d.
1616 DR., no. 301. 1631 SHIRLEY Love Tricks IV vi, p. 76: Did you
hear him confess it? —Here’s right confess and be hang’d now.
1639 CL., s.v. Impudentiae, p. 152. 1662 FULLER Worthies
Warwickshire, II 407: The Simple Earl was perswaded . . to confess
the fact . . and so . . soon after found the Proverb true, Confess,
and be beheaded. 1678 RAY, p. 116.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. III ii 34: Promise me life, and I’ll con-
fess the truth. —Well then, confess and live. 1604 0. IV i 38: To
confess, and be hang’d for his labour. 1605-8 T. Ath. I ii 22: Con-
fess’d it? Hang’d it, have you not? (8)
C588 CONFESSION and sorrow without amendment are
the pumping of a ship without stopping the
leaks
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 5. 1685 CODRINGTON Coll. Proverhs
232, p. 99: (are like the pumping of).
0589 CONFESSION of a fault is half amends
1592 Arden F., s. HIV: A fault confessed is more then halfe amends.
1602 Poet. Rhap. 7, I 23: Faults confest are halfe amended, And I
haue, In this halfe, al that I craue. 1616 DR., no. 300: The con-
fession of a fault, is halfe an amends. 1618 HARINGTON Epig. III
25, p. 148: A fault confest, were halfe amended. 1639 CL., p. 223.
1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 94: He pays the halfe, who do’s
confesse the Debt. 1664 COD., p. 190: (makes half amends for it).
1670 RAY, p. 5: [As in 1664 Cod.].
Cf. A238: He is not far from amendment who confesses his fault;
C590: Confession of a fault pardons it.
0590 CONFESSION of a fault pardons it
1606 CHAPMAN M. D’Olive I i 68: Your free confession . . Doth lib-
erally excuse what wrong soever Your misconceit could make you
lay on me. 1616 DR., no. 1835: Hee that faulteth and amendeth,
recommendeth himselfe to God. [1622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MAS-
SINGER Prophetess V iii, p. 388: For faults confess’d, they say, are
half forgiven. 1624 MASSINGER Bondman III iv, p. 88: A free con-
fession of a fault wins pardon. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 236: Con-

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
CONFESSION
CONSCIENCE
116

fession takes Off the rigour of the fault. 1680 R. L’ESTRANGE
Twenty Select Colloq. 13, p. 190: Many are ofOpinion, that what you
once Confess to a Priest, is immediately struck out of the Devil's
memory, so that he shall never twit you in the Teeth for’t.
SHAKESPEARE.——-16oo—I I i 107: If it he confessed, it is
not redressed.
Cf. C589: Confession ofa fault is halfamends.
C591 Open CONFESSION is good for the soul
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 159: (Ane open confessione). 1721 KEL., p.
270: *Spoken ironically, to them that boast of their ill Deeds.
C592 Open CONFESSION open penance
1599 Ld. Clifl'ord in MirrorforMagistrates III, Pt. I, II 1 95 : Open con-
fession axeth open penaunce. 1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks.,
p. 35: Take thy forfet (Harry) sayes the foole, open confession, open
penance.
C593 He is no CONJURER
1668 DRYDEN Martin Mar-All IV i, p. 53: (You are). 1672 WALK.
77, p. 25: (I am). 1678 RAY, p. 68. 1695 CONGREVE Lovefor Love
II, p. 122: [Who] by the account I have heard of his Education, can
be no conj urer.
C594 He came in with the CONQUEROR
1639 SHIRLEY BallI i, p. 12: Is he not a complete gentleman? his
family Came in with the conqueror.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. Ind. i 4: The Slys are no rogues.
Look in the chronicles: we came in with Richard Conqueror.
C595 Safe CONQUEST without bloodshed is the greatest
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 75: The noblest conquest, is
without bloodshed. [01622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Dou-
h/e .Marr. V, p. 402: That’s a victory, Which is got with least loss.
1664 COD., p. 210.
Cf. V52: It is a great victory that comes without blood.
C596 A clear CONSCIENCE is a sure card
1579 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 324. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3:
Clear conscience a sure card. 1732 FUL., no. 41.
Cf. C609: A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder.
C597 A clear CONSCIENCE laughs at (fears not) false
accusations
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p. 40: A cleere conscience needeth
no excuse, nor feareth any accusation. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s
Commonw., f. 11: [As in 1580 Lyly]. I602 MANNINGHAM Diary
Feb. 4, p. 123: A guiltles conscience needes not feare the lawes.
I607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amh. II i 10: So confident a spotless con-
science is, So weak a guilty. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 50: A good
Conscience is not afl’raid. 1732 FUL., no. 42.
SHAKESPEARE—I611 W. T. III ii 31: I doubt not then but inno—
cence shall make False accusation blush.
Cf. B738: He thinks every bush a bugbear (bear); I82: Innocence
is bold; T112: The thief does fear each bush an officer; T583: Truth
loves (fears no) trial.
C598 The CONSCIENCE and the eye are tender parts
1639 CL., p. 66.
Cf. F.242: Jest (Bourd) not with the eye or with religion (honor).
C599 A CONSCIENCE as large as a shipman’s hose
1639 CL., p. 66. 1670 RAY, p. 205.
Cf. C607: He has a conscience as large as a Franciscan’s Sleeve.
C600 CONSCIENCE is a cutthroat
1616 WITHALS, p. 554. 1639 CL., p. 66.
C601 CONSCIENCE is a thousand witnesses
[ERAS. Adagia, 394D: Conscientia mille testes] 1539 TAV., f. 29:
(Conscientia mille testes. The conscience is). 1573 SANF., f. 52:
(The conscience serveth for). I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v:
(Conscience serueth in stead of). 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p.
. C607

296: Thine owne conscience, which is vnto thee a thousande
wytnesses. 1592 GREENE Philomela, p. 200: I see, and with trem-
blingI feele, that aguiltye conscienceisathousand witnesses. 1616
DR., no. 304: (The conscience is). 1623 WOD., p. 481: Conscience
is worth a Thousand Witnesses. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 33, p. 27:
(Conscience serveth for). 1631 JONSON Staple News V ii 61 : Ifthou
hast a conscience, That is a thousand witnesses. 1633 W. ROWLEY
All’s Lost by Lust II vi 30: Margaretta and my selfe, Besides a
thousand witnesses within. 1651 HOBBES Leviathan I 7, p. 31.
SHAKESPEARE.—1597 Rich. III V ii 17: Every man’s conscience
is a thousand men, To fight against this guilty homicide. Ibid. V
iii 194: My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, And every
tongue brings in a several tale, And every tale condemns me for a
villain.
See OTTO, no. 422. Cf. C603: Conscience is witness enough. (6)
C602 CONSCIENCE is hanged up long ago
1616 DR., no. 318. 1639 CL., p. 66: Conscience was hang’d long
agoe. I659 N.R., p. 25.
C603 CONSCIENCE is witness enough
1639 CL., p. 66.
Cf. C601: Conscience is a thousand witnesses; H408: N0 hell like
a bad conscience.
C603a A CONSCIENCE wide enough to swing a cat in
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ciapelletto, p. 38: A large conscience, as
one would say, that one might swing a cat in’t. Ihid., s.v. Con-
scientia, p. 44: The English say, to have a wide conscience, as one
may swmg a cat In’t.
C604 An evil CONSCIENCE breaks many a man’s neck
I678 RAY, p. 116.
C605 A good CONSCIENCE is a continual feast
1616 DR., no. 316. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 29: (is the
best feast, for that is continuall). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: A
good conscience a continual Feast. I672 WALK. 8, p. 35. [8.1680]
1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., II 273: For a good Conscience being a
perpetual Feast. [1732-57] 1758 FRANKLIN Way to Wealth, p. 43:
(is a continual Christmas).
Cf. M969: A contented mind is a continual feast.
C606 A guilty CONSCIENCE is a self-accuser (feels con-
tinual fear)
15981.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. A3: The guyltie conscience thinkes
what as is sayd, is alwayes spoken himselfe to vpbrayde. 1600
BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 9: A guiltie conscience is a gnawing worme.
I604 DRAYTON Owl (1619 ed.) 1. 174: Wks., II 484: A guiltie Con—
science feeles continuall feare. 1639 CL., p. 66: A guiltie con-
science bewrayes it selfe. I659 N.R., p. 15: (is evermore suspicious,
and full of fear). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 154: Who is guilty of any
misdeed, thinks that every body is speaking of his fact. 1671
FLAVEL Saint Indeed, p. 16: To a guilty Conscience, the whistling
leaves are Drums and Trumpets. I721 KEL., p. 9: A guilty Con-
science selfaccuses. *A Man that has done ill, by his Slight, Fear,
or Diffidence, shews his Guilt. 1732 FUL., no. 208: A guilty Con-
science never thinketh it self safe.
SHAKESPEARE.—16OO-1 H. III i 83: Conscience does make cow-
ards of us all.
Cf. H408: No hell like a bad conscience; TI I 2: The thiefdoes fear
each bush an officer.
He has a CONSCIENCE as large as a Franciscan’s
sleeve
01594 BACON, no. 1503: II a la conscience large come la manche
d’un cordelier. I657 LEIGH, p. 267. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 5:
His conscience is as large as the sleeve of a Cordelier Fryer. 1659
N .R., p. 50.
Cf. C599: A conscience as large as a shipman’s hose.
C608 He has a CONSCIENCE like a cheverel’s1 skin
1583 STUBBES Anat. Ahuses II, p. 12: The lawiers have such
chauerell consciences. 1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: l/Vks., III


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CONSCIENCE
CONTENT
117

407: They make their consciences Stretch like chiuerell in the raine.
[1589-99] 1610 [MARSTON] Histrio-M. V, 3. F1 v: The cheuerell
conscience ofcorruptedlaw. 1620 J. TAYLOR Pr. Hemp-Seed: Wks.
F., p.557: My bladders all were blown One by a cheuerill con-
scienc’d Vsurer. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III Iv ii 3, p. 940: They
have cheverel consciences that will stretch. 1662 FULLER kVorthies
Wales, II 553: Cheverel-consciences, which will stretch any way
for advantage. I678 RAY, p. 351: *That will stretch. A Cheverel
is a wild goat. Somers.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. II iv 87: O, here’s a wit of cheveril,
that stretches from an inch narrow to an ell broad! I613 Hen.
VIII II iii 31: The capacity Of your soft chiverel conscience.
Cf. G142: You are as supple as a glove; L167: Raw leather will
stretch. (7)
[lkid’s]
0609 A quiet CONSCIENCE sleeps in thunder
1721 KEL., p. 14: A safe Conscience makes a sound Sleep. *And
doubtless a bad Conscience will have the contrary Effect. 1732
FUL., no. 374: (causes a quiet Sleep.) Ibid., no. 375. I747 FRANK-
LIN, p. 24: A quiet Conscience sleeps in Thunder, but Rest and
Guilt live far asunder.
SHAKESPEARE—16o5-6 M. IV 1 85: I may tell pale-hearted fear
it lies And sleep in spite of thunder.
Cf. C596: A clear conscience is a sure card; T1 18: When it thun-
ders the thief becomes honest.
0610 Some make a CONSCIENCE of spitting in the
church yet rob the altar
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. I, p. 13: Some . . make it a matter of conscience
to spitt in the church, and at another time Will beray the altar.
I640 HERE, no. 646. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1: Many make a con-
science to spit in the Church who shite after upon the Altar. 1659
N.R., p. 89. 1664 COD., p. 211. 1754 FRANKLIN, p. 30: Some
make Conscience of wearing a Hat in the Church, who make none
of robbing the Altar.
C611 Whose CONSCIENCE is cumbered and stands not
clean, of another man’s deeds the worse will
he deem
15th 0. Proverbs in Relig. Antig., I 20 5.
Cf. F117: Who is in fault (guilty) suspects everybody.
0612 To speak without CONSIDERATION is to shoot
without aim
1616 DR., s.v. Speach, no. 2044.
0613 To put on one’s CONSIDERING CAP
1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 40: The Cobler puts ofl’ his con-
sidering cap. 1608 DAY Law Tricks V i, p. 81 : How now, Father,
haue you put on your Considering Cap and bethought you? [1618]
I647 FLETCHER Loyal Subject II i, p. 104: And now I’le put on my
considering cap. I657 LIGON Hist. Barbadoes, p. 42: They fall
back, and put on their considering caps. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Pensatoio, p. 140: To stand musing and pondering about the
result of any business, to be in a brown study . . As one should say,
TO put on ones Considering-cap. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To
Consider, p. 62: Put on your considering cap. 1675 CROWNE
Country Wit I, p. 19: O, pray do you throw Considering-Caps
aside. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 419: Guess who it was that told
me? come, put on your considering cap.
Cf. $945: To be in a brown study.
0614 To order without a CONSTABLE
1670 RAY, p. 216.
0615 To outrun the CONSTABLE
[01633] 1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 99: With too much
haste they outrun the Constable. 1639 CL., s.v. Elabendi, p. 103:
He outran the Constable. [a1654] 1689 SELDEN Table Talk, p. 76:
There was another trick found out to get money . . But now they
have so out-run the Constable. 1663 S. BUTLER Hud. I iii 1367, p.
142: Quoth Hudibras, Friend Ralph, thou hast Out-run the Con-

stable at last. 1670 RAY, p. 169: *TO spend more then ones allow-
ance or income. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens March 8:
You out-run the Constable, Brother. 1694 ECHARD Phormio V,
p. 241: But we Shou’dn’t have out-run the constable as the saying
is. 9.1700 B.E., s.v. Out-run: Out-run the Constable. *TO Spend
more than is Got.
0616 You might be a CONSTABLE for your Wit
I600 JONSON Ev. Alan out Hum. I ii 15: Why, and for my wealth I
might be a Iustice of Peace. —I, and a Constable for your wit.
1674 VINCENT Young Gallant’s Acad., p. 3: All that are chosen Con~
Stables for their Wit, go not to Heaven. 1678 RAY, p. 236.
SHAKESPEARE—1598-9 M.A. III iii 22: You are thought here to
be the most senseless and fit man for the constable of the watch.
0617 The CONSTABLE OF OPPENSHAW sets beggars in
stocks at Manchester
1678 RAY, p. 301.
0618 CONSTANCY has one foot on land and another on
sea
1664 COD., p. 190.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. II iii 65: Men were deceivers ever,
One foot in sea, and one on shore; To one thing constant never.
Cf. W525: Wisdom has one foot on land and another on sea.
0619 The CONSTANCY of the benefit of the year in
their seasons argues a deity .
1640 HERE, no. 769. 1664 COD., p. 221: (in the four several! sea-
sons).
0620 He has got the new CONSUMPTION
I678 RAY, p. 88: *One that hath the Fr. Pox.
0621 To be too busy gets CONTEMPT
1640 HERE, no. 734. 1659 N.R., p. 95.
Cf. B759: Busy will have bonds (bands); T94: He is more busy
than he has thanks for his labor; T534: Search not too curiously
lest you find trouble.
0622 It is ill CONTENDING with the master of thirty
legions
I605 BACON Adv. Learning I, p. I 16: Neither was it accounted weak-
ness, but discretion, in him that would not dispute his best with
Adrianus Caesar; excusing himself, That it was reason to yield to
him that commanded thirty legions. 1630 T. ADAMS Man’s Com-
fort: Wks. (1861), III 285: The philosopher that had shamed him-
self by weakly disputing with Adrian . . thus excused himself. .
Would you have me contend with him that commands thirty le-
gions?
C623—C627 CONTENT: subst.
C623 CONTENT (A mind content) is a kingdom (crown)
I591 GREENE Fare. to Folly, p. 280: A minde content both crowne
and kingdome is. 1616 BRET., p. 6: Content is a kingdome in this
world. 1616 WITHALS, p. 541: A contented minde is a Kingdome.
I640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 274: Content is worth a
Crowne.
SHAKESPEARE—15913 Hen. VI III i 64: My crown is call’d con-
tent; A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy.
Cf. C623a: Content is all; C629: Contentment (A contented mind)
is great riches; M972: My mind to me a kingdom is.
0623a CONTENT is all
1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 38.
Cf. C623: Content (A mind content) is a kingdom (crown); C624:
Content is happiness; C625: Content is the philosopher’s stone,
that turns all it touches into gold; C629: Contentment (A contented
mind) is great riches.
C624 CONTENT is happiness
1580 H. GIFFORD Praise Cont. Mind: Gilloflowers, p. 82: Contented
men enioy the greatest blisse. 1592 DEL., p. 14: Happy is the man

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. F or full explanation see pp. xi ii.
CONTENT
COOKS
118
that desireth no more then he hath. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 52:
Who is contented, enjoys. 1732 FUL., no. 1152.
Cf. C623a: Content is all; M470: A man’s discontent is his worst
evil.
C625 CONTENT is the philosopher’s stone, that turns
all it touches into gold
1642 FULLER Holy State III xvii, p. 195: Those who seek for the phi-
losopher’s stone . . this jewel! of Contentment (which turns all into
gold. . ) must come . . divested of . . covetous thoughts. 1732 FUL.,
no. 1154. 1758 FRANKLIN, p. 34.
Cf. C623a: Content is all; L106: The law is the philosopher’s stone.
C626 CONTENT lodges oftener in cottages than palaces
1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao I i 15: Sweete life, seldom found vnder
a golden couert, often vnder a thached cotage. 1732 FUL., no. 1155.
Cf. L519: Love lives in cottages as well as in courts.
C627 He that studies his CONTENT wants it
1611 COT., s.v. Aise: Hee that studies his contentment ouermuch,
euer wants it. 1640 HERB., no. 4. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 31 : That man liueth in most excesse of troubled thoughts
and care, which most desireth rest and quietnesse. 1659 N.R., p.
44: [As in 1611 Cot.]. 1664 COD., p. 197: He that overmuch Stud-
ieth his own contentment, ever wanteth it.
C628 CONTENT: adj.
C628 He is never CONTENT
1596 DEL., s. O5v: Vnhappy is he that desireth, and is neuer con-
tent. 1616 DR., s.v. Couetousnesse, no. 371. 1639 CL., s.v. In-
gratitudo, p. 170: Wee are never content.
Cf. M332: No man is content with his lot.
C629 CONTENTMENT (A contented mind) is great riches
01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. B1V:A minde wel content,
Is great riches as wise king Salomon dooth say. 1576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., I 103: I think myself endued with the greatest riches in the
world, to wit, your person, and mine own contented mind. 1588
GREENE Perimedes, p. 60: Poorely content is better then richlye cou-
etous. 1611 COT., s.v. Contenter: We say, a contented mind is a
great treasure; or, is worth all. Ibid., s.v. Suffisance: He thats con-
tent, of riches hath great store, but he thats discontented is most
poore. 1616 DR., no. 349. I623 WOD., p. 48 1 : Contentment passes
Richesse. 1664 COD. , p. 190: Contentment is Treasure enough, nor
needs he more who is contented with what he hath. 1749 FRANKLIN,
p. 25: Content makes poor men rich; Discontent makes rich Men
oor.
Cf. C623: Content (A mind content) is a kingdom (crown); C623a:
Content is all; M470: A man’s discontent is his worst evil; W194:
The greatest wealth is contentment with a little.
C630 CONTRARIES being set the one against the other
appear more evident
1533 ELYOT Of Know. V, p. 96: For every thinge sheweth moste per-
fecetly, and after the common proverbe of marchantis, best to the
sale, whan it is ioyned or compared with his contrary. 1553 T.
WILSON Rhet, p. 125: Contraria inter se opposita magis eluces-
cunt. That is to say, Contraries being set the one against the
other, appeare more evident. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pith-
ias, s. C1 : As thynges by their contraryes are alwayes best prooued.
1596 DEL., s. M7v: Two contraries, giue light the one to the other.
Cf. B435: Black best sets forth white.
C631 A CONTROLLER is not without contempt
1591 LODGE Catharos, p. 14: (It is an olde saying and a true, A con-
troller). ’
C632 CONVERSATION makes one what he is
1659 N.R., p. 26.
C633 CONIES love roast meat
1656—91 AUBREY Nat. Hist. Wilts. I x, p. 59: ’Tis aZ’saying, that 00-
nies doe love rost-meat.
1640 HERB., no. 920.

C634 As testy as an old COOK
1678 RAY, p. 290.
C635 Every COOK commends his own sauce
1663 GERBIER Adv. Builders, p. 104: For as every Cook commends
his oun sauce; more then one cook to a dish will spoile it.
See APP., p. 113.
C635a A good COOK is half a physician
01542 BOORDE Diet. Health XVIII: Intro. and Dietary, p. 277. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 17: Let the Cooke be thy Phisition.
1598 GREENE 7ames [V II i, p. 1 14: My cooke is your phisitian.
Cf. C640: Better wait on the cooks than the mediciners.
C636 He is an ill COOK that cannot lick his own fingers
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 27: He is an euyll coke that can not
lycke his owne lyppes. 1546 HEY. II viii, s. K3: (A poore cooke
that maie not). 1552 TAV., f. 19: (For as oure common prouerbe
sayeth. He is an euyll cooke, that). 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
G4: (It is an euill coke that may not). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 540:
(He is a sarie cook that may not). 1611 COT., s.v. Miel: We say,
he is an ill Cooke that lickes not his owne fingers; One may say, he
is vnwise, who in the managing of publicke businesse addes not
somewhat vnto his priuate. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 263: No cooke
but lickes his oun fingers, wee see. 1611 GRUT., no. 39: (An ill
cooke that). 1614 CAM., p. 303: (An ill cooke cannot). 1616 DR.,
s.v. Prouidence, no. 1761: (that knoweth not to licke). 1616 WITH-
ALS, p. 556. 1626 BRETON Fantastics Dec.: Wks., II 11: If the
Cooke doe not lacke wit, hee will sweetly licke his fingers. 1639
CL., s.v. Prudentia, p. 266. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (An ill
cook that). 1668 R.B., p. 25: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p.
73. 1721 KEL., p. 138: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. *Apply’d satyrically
to Receivers, Trustees, Guardians, and other Managers. Signi-
fying that they will take a Share of what is among their Hands.
1732 FUL., no. 2450.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R}. IV ii 6: Marry, Sir, ’tis an ill cook
that cannot lick his own fingers. (I 5)
C637 An ill COOK should have a good cleaver
1668 R.B., p. I: (would have). 1721 KEL., p. 23: *He that is not
dextrous at his Work, should have good Tools.
0638 He that loves another better than himself starves
in a COOK’S shop
1611 COT., s.v. Aimer. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p
175. 1659 N.R., p. 47. ‘ _
Cf. C639: You starve in a cook’s shop; W853: He that kills him—
self with working must be buried under the gallows.
C639 You starve in a COOK’S shop
1618 T. ADAMS Happiness Church: Wks., p. 565: We see others
Esurientes in popina; as the by-word is, staruing in a Cookes shoppe,
wretched in their highest fortunes. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5:
What, shall we starve in a Cooks-Shop, and a shoulder of mutton by?
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Forno, p. 6 5: To suffer ones self to fam-
ish in an oven full of bread, Viz. to be an idle fellow, and good for
nothing, to Starve in a Cooks Shop. 1670 RAY, p. 194: What?
Starve in a cooks shop. *This may be made a sentence by putting
it imperatively, Never starve, etc. 1732 FUL., no. 6001. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 441: I’m very glad you like it; and pray don’t
spare it. -—No, my lord; I’ll never starve in a cook’s shop.
Cf. C638: He that loves another better than himself starves in a
cook’s Shop.
C640 Better wait on the COOKS than the mediciners
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 229: Better byd the cooks nor the medicineris.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pistore, p. 150: To be better for the Baker
to come than the Physician, Viz. a Sign of health of body. 1668
R.B., p. 12: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 57: (the Cooks as
the Leaches). *Better have Patience till your Meat be ready, than,
by eating it raw, or ill dress’d, to throw your self into Diseases.
See DUR., II, no. 49. Cf. C635a: A good cook is halfa physician;
P260: Kitchen physic is the best physic.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
COOKS
119
CORN

0641 Salt COOKS bear blame but fresh bear shame
1670 RAY, p. 73. 1732 FUL., no. 6300: (But fresh Cooks Shame).
0642 Too many COOKS spoil the broth
01580 J. HOOKER Life Sir P. Carew, p. I I I: As the common prov-
erbe is, the more cookes the worse pottage. 1662 GERBIER Dis.
Bldg., p. 23: (Its a saying among them . . Too many Cooks spoils
the Broth. 1663 GEREIER Adv. Builders, p. 104: More than one
cook to a dish will spoil it. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 57: Where
many Cooks are, the pottage proves salt. I732 FUL., no. 4657:
The more Cooks, the worse Broth.
See ST., no. 1224. Cf. D593: Many dressers put the bride’s
dress out of order.
0643 COOK-RUFFIAN, able to scald the devil in his
feathers
1670 RAY, p. 169.
or a very bad one.
3.1700 B.E.: Cook-ruflin. *The Devil of a Cook,
1732 FUL., no. 1159: (out of his Feathers).
0644 A COOLING CARD
1560-77 Misogonus III ii 23: Heavy newes for yow I can tell yow of
a cowlinge carde. 01565 Bughears III i 48: I beleve for all hys
dotage it wylbe a coolyng carde to abate the yoothes courage.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 93: All louers . . are cooled with
a carde of teene, or rather fooled with a vaine toy. 1590 GREENE
Never Too Late, p. 102: This newes was such a cooling Card to this
Curtizan, that the extreame heate of her loue was already growne
to bee luke warme. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap II i 234: Their
livers were too hot, you know, and for temper sake they must needs
have a cooling card plaid upon them. 1621 JAMES I Answ. Com-
mons in Rushworth Hist. Coll. I i, I 51: And God sent us a Colling-
card this Year for that heat. 1680 DRYDEN Limherham I i, p. 18:
That, besides herself, is a cooling Card. a1700 B.E., s.v. Card-
Wool: A cooling Card, cold comfort, no hope.
SHAKESPEARE—1592—4 I Hen. VI V iii 84: There all is marr’d;
there lies a cooling card. (8)
0645 As bald as a 0001
1531 TYNDALE Expos. Yohn, p. 224: The body . . is made as bare as
Job, and as bald as a coot. 1534 J. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. C2:
Thou blynde balde cote. 1546 HEY. I v, s. B2v: What though she
be toothlesse and balde as a coote? 1566 ADLINGTON Gold. Ass V,
p. 107: Older than my father, more bald than a Coot. 1604
BRETON Grimellos Fort; Wks., II 13: And left her [head] as bare as a
balde Coote. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 111 i 2, p. 830: I have
an old grim sire to my husband, as bald as a coot. 1659 How. Eng.
. Prov., p. IO. 1670 RAY, p. 203.
0646 As black as a 000T
1639 CL., p. 287. 1688 R. HOLME Acad. Armory II xii, II 272:
The Proverb, as black as the Coot.
0647 It is but a COPY1 of his countenance
01569 W. WAGER Longer Thou Livest, s. C2v. 1616 DR., s.v.
Threatning, no. 2122. 1673 DRYDEN Assig. III i, p. 414: Sure this
is but a copy of her countenance; for my heart . . whispers to me,
She loves me still. 1678 RAY, p. 70.
[limitation, pretended behavior]
0648 To change (turn) one’s COPY
1523—5 BERNERS Chron. Froissart, II 262: Thus the knyghtes and
squyers turned theyr copies on both partes. 1553 Respuhlica II ii,
p. 16: We must nowe chaunge our Coppie. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv.
III, II 25: But if the husbande once change his coppie and con-
ditions, lette him bee bolde that she will doe the like. 1598 LM.
Health to Serv. Men, s. GIv: Yf couetous and worldly, then he turn-
eth his copie, and prattles of sparing. I606 CRAIG Amor. Songs:
Wks., No. 5, p. 21: But beeing old, hee chaunged copie, and writ as
violently against it. [01607-25] 1632 W. ROWLEY New Wonder
III, p. 138: Then did my father change his copy, and set up a brew-
house. 1612 JONSON Alch. V v 134: What, doe you change your
copy, now? (6

0649 The right CORAL needs no coloring
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit Ep. Ded., p. 181: The right Coral
needeth no colouring. Where the matter it selfe bringeth credit,
the man with his glose winneth smal commendation. 1581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. Ep. Ded., I 4. 1732 FUL., no. 1706: (Good Coral).
Ihid., no. 4051: Right Coral calls for no Colouring.
Cf. M639: The fine marble needs no painting.
0650 The CORD breaks at the last by the weakest pull
1612 BACON Essays, p. 127: Storms, though they blow over divers
times, yet may fall at last; and, as the Spanish proverb noteth well,
The cord breaketh at the last by the weakest pull.
0651 All the CORN in the country is not Shom by kem-
pers1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 37. 1668 R.B., p. 2: (by the Kempers)’
1721 KEL., p. 4: (All Corn is not). *Things may be done wel
enough by Men of ordinary Strength, Power, or Skill, though not
excelling in any of these; and it is offer’d in excuse for a Man who
may be useful in his Art or Profession, though there are many
better.
[lreapers]
0652 CORN and horn go together
1678 RAY, p. 116: *For prices, when corn is cheap cattel are not
clear, and vice versa.
0653 The CORN hides itself in the snow as an old man
in furs
1640 HERE, no. 237. 1659 N.R., p. 97: (in snow).
218: (The Corn in winter hides it self in snow, as).
C654
1664 COD., p.
CORN in good years is hay, in ill years straw is
com
1640 HERE, no. 212: (In good yeares come is hay, in). 1659 N.R.,
p. 67: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 189. 1670 RAY, p. 5.
1732 FUL., no. 1162.
C655 CORN is cleaned (cleansed) with wind and the
soul with chastenings
I640 HERE, no. 154. I659 N.R., p. 26: (with wind the soul with
chastenings). 1664 COD., p. 189: (cleansed). I670 RAY, p. 5:
Corn is cleansed with the wind and the soul with chastning.
C656 CORN is not to be gathered in the blade but
the ear
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 128: (in the budde, but in the
care). 1732 FUL., no. 1163. Ihid., no. 5528: Wheat is not to be
gather’d in the Blade, but in the Ear.
Cf. C658: He eats his corn in the blade.
C657 Grind good CORN and blow not the horn
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 30: *This Proverb adviseth every one to
perform his duty, and to do good, but not to brag of it afterwards.
0658 He eats his CORN in the blade
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 195: Preferring . . the budde before
the flower, the greene blade before the ripe care of come. 1616
DR., no. 1675: (A poore man eateth his). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 1:
He hath eaten his corn in the blade; spoken of a young unthrift.
1659 How. It. Prov. Introd. Letter: You shall meet also there with
debosh’d youngsters, who use to eat their Corn in the greene blade,
and to burn their candles at both ends. [a166o] I693 URQUHART
Gargantua III ii, II 29: I gave . . proofof my Temperance in eating
my Corn whilst it was but Grass.
Cf. C656: Corn is not to be gathered in the blade but the ear.
0659 In much CORN is some cockle
I600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will Epil.: Wks., III 293: In much
Corne is some Cockle; in a heape of coyne heere and there a peece of
Copper. 1611 CORYATE Crudities, I 145: But what good come I
pray you is there ever found, wherewith some cockle is not mingled?
Cf. C497: Cockle and corn grow in the same field.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
CORN
COUGH
IQO

C660 Look at your CORNl in May and you’ll come
weeping away, look at the same in June and
you’ll come home in another tune
1639 CL., p. 307: They that go to their come in May, may come
weeping away: They that go in June, may come back with a merry
tune. 1670 RAY, p. 41. 1732 FUL., no. 6203.
Cf. W213: Calm weather in June sets corn in tune.
['Wheat]
C661 Much CORN lies under the straw that is not seen
1639 CL., s.v. Ignoratio, p. 145. 1670 RAY, p. 73.
3480: Much Corn lies in the Chat-T unseen.
C662 Who sows his CORN in the field (He that sows)
trusts in God
1640 HERB., no. 338: (He that sowes). 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 5:
When the corn is in the field ’tis Gods and the Saints. I659 N.R.,
p. 58: (He that soweth). 1664 COD., p. 228: (doth trust in God).
1670 RAY, p. 24.
Cl. $694: Forbear not sowing because of birds.
1732 FUL., no.
C663 You measure everyone’s CORN by your own
bushel
1644 MILTON /Zreopagitiea, p. 345: We shall know nothing but what
is measur’d to us by their bushel. I670 RAY, p. 186. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Bushel: To measure another man’s Corn by his own
Bushel. 1732 FUL., no. 3380: Measure not Others Corn, by your
own Bushel. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 426: You measure my
corn by your bushel.
Cf. F567: Measure yourself (not another) by your own foot;
M1318: You muse as you use; Y1: You measure everyone by your
own yard.
C664 To turn in a narrow CORNER
I611 COT., s.v. Charron: A good carter turnes in a narrow corner.
1616 SS. Hon. Lawyer III, 3. E2: He is a cunning Coach-man that
can turne Well in a narrow roome.
C665 He is CORN—FED
I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 207, p. 165: Of such as carry it high, who
are pamper’d, and corn-fed, as they say ofjades. 1678 RAY, p. 236.
C666 He does sail into CORNWALL1 withoutabark (boat)
61565 Bugbears III i 28: She wyll not fayle For hys further prefer-
ment to send hym in to Come wayle. 1567 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. II
26, III 128: They seemed . . to be iealous ouer their Wyues. But . .
eyther of them without shipping, sought to send other into Corn_
ouale. 1591 FLOR. See. F. IX, p. 143: She spins crooked spindles
for her husband, and sends him into Cornwall without ship or boate.
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 17: To goe to Cornwal without a boat. I662
FULLER Wort/ties Cornwall, I 210: *This is an Italian Proverb, Where
it passeth for a description (or derision rather) of such a man who is
wronged by his wife’s disloyalty. I670 RAY, p. 223. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2013: (He sail’d into).
[1the land of cuckolds (cf. eornu “horn”) (see Sugden, p. 132)]
C667 The CORRUPTION of one is the generation of
another
1576 LAMBARDE Peramb. Kent, p. 271: The olde Maxime of Philos-
ophie, Corruptio vnius, generatio alterius: The corruption of one, is
the generation ofanother. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., 3. Y3. I600
THYNNE Emel. and Epig., p. 70: Ones corruption is others genera-
tion, as natures lawe hath linked with her band. 1604 MARSTON
Maleontent III i 155: The corruption of coin is either the generation
ofa usurer or a lousy beggar. I611 CHAPMAN May Day III iii 162:
The corruption of a bawd is the generation of a witch. 1611 DEK-
KER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, s. E3v: For would you know a
catchpoole rightly deriu’d, the corruption ofa Cittizen, is the gener-
ation of a seriant. 1630 T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: Wks., p. 1 100:
The generation of one being the corruption of another. 1640 JON-
SON Magn. Lady III v[i] 58: The corruption of one thing in na-
ture, Is held the Generation of another. 1693 DRYDEN Ded. Third

Mise., p. 55: Thus the corruption of a poet is the generation of a
critic. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 453: They say, that the corrup-
tion of pipes is the generation of stoppers.
C668 The CORRUPTION of the best is worst
1630 T. ADAMS Rage Oppression: Wks., p. 609: But it is euer true:
Optimi corruptio pessima. The fairest flowers putrified, stinke
worse then weedes. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Land. III, p. 174:
Good things abus’d, convert to poyson thus. 1633 MARMION Fine
Companion III ii, p. 150: That which is best in nature Turns to the
worst corruption. I634 HALL Contempl. II Residue, III 84: But,
there is nothing so ill as the Corruption of the best. 1642 D.
ROGERS Matr. Honor ii, p. 34: (of best). 1704 SWIFT Tale Tub
Apol., p. I 8: We are taught by the tritest maxims in the world, that
Religion being the best of things, its corruptions are likely to be the
worst. 1732 FUL., no. 1166: Corruption of the Best becomes the
Worst.
Cf. L297: The lily is fair in show but foul in smell; N317: Nothing
so good but it (The best things, Everything) may be abused.
C669 It will not (will) quit the COST
1616 DR., s.v. Hinderances, no. 979: (quitt cost). 1633 G. HER-
BERT Clz. Porch: Temple, p. 22: And to instruct them, ’twill not quit
the cost. 1639 CL., s.v. Industriae, p. 163: ’Twill not quite for cost.
1642 FULLER Holy State V xix, p. 437: The digging ofthem out never
quitted the cost. 1669 WORLIDGE Systema Agric. X, p. 210: And
if you have Water plenty in your Hop-Garden, it will quit the cost
in such years.
See ST., no. 2105. (8)
C670 More COST more worship
1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. Adv. to Rdr.: At least (by the old prov-
erbe) the more cost, the more worship. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Com-
monw., f. 153v. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1305: The more cost the
mor honour. 1615 G. MARKHAM Eng. Housewife, p. 220: Accord-
ing to the Old Proverbe More cost, most Worship. 1616 DR., s.v.
Prosperity, no. 1746. 1639 CL., p. 91. 1668 R.B., p. 53: [As in
a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 73. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Cost: Much
Worship, much Cost. I721 KEL., p. 317: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. *Spo-
ken to them that propose an expensive Thing, when a cheaper would
do.
C671 Who may woo but1 COST?
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1453: Wha may OW but cost? 1641 FERG.,
no. 715. 1668 R.B., p. 44. 1721 KEL., p. 352: *That is, no great
matter can be easily attain’d or atchiev’d.
[lwithout]
C672 With COST one may make pottage of a stool foot
1678 RAY, p. 70. 1732 FUL., no. 5796: With Cost, good Pottage
may be made out ofa Leg ofajoint Stool.
C673 He that counts all COSTS will never put plow in
the earth
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 510. 1668 R.B., p. 24: (put plow in the
yeard). 1721 KEL., p. 126: (the Plough in the Erd). *He that
forcasts all Difficulties, that he may meet with in his Business, will
never set about it.
C674 I will not change a COTTAGE in possession for a
kingdom in reversion (hope)
1639 CL., p. 256: (hope). I669 W[1N$TANLEY] New Help Discourse,
p. 196. 1670 RAY, p. 73. 1732 FUL., no. 2643: (my Cottage and
Palace in Reversion).
Cf. A24: One acre of possession is worth a whole land of promise;
H596: A good hope is better than a bad possession.
C675 The COUCH is the idle man’s prison
1616 DR., s.v. Idlenesse, no. 1053.
C676 A COUGH will stick longer by a horse than half a
peck 0f oats
1678 RAY, p. 117. 1732 FUL., no. 54: (than a Peck of Oats).

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
COUGH
COUNSEL
121

0677 A dry COUGH is the trumpeter of death
1654 J. HOWELL Let. IV 9, II 574: Mr. Watts is still troubled with
coughing, and . . as the Turk hath it, A dry Cough is the Trumpeter
of Death. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 8: A dry Cough the Trum-
peter Ofdeath. 1664 COD., p. 183. I670 RAY, p. 5. I730 BAILEY,
s.v. Trumpeter.
0678—C701 COUNSEL: subst.
0678 Come not to COUNSEL uncalled
1539 TAV., f. 12v: (counsayle afore thou be called). 1597 MONT-
GOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 1079: Poems, p. 38: Thair is a sentence
said be sum, Let none uncalld to counsell cum, That welcum weins
to be. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 310: (to the counsell). 1668 R.B., p. 16:
(to the councell). 1721 KEL., p. 80: *Spoken to oflicious Persons.
C679 COUNSEL breaks not the head
I640 HERE, no. 439. 1659 N.R., p. 26. 1664 COD., p. 189.
0680 COUNSEL is as good for him as a shoulder of
mutton for a sick horse
1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. II i 73: But, counsel! to him, is as
good, as a shoulder of mutton to a sicke horse. 1678 RAY, p. 236.
1732 FUL., no. 1 179: Counsel is as welcome to him, as a Shoulder 0t
Mutton to a sick Horse.
Cf. S399: AS fit as a shoulder ofmutton for a sick horse.
0681 COUNSEL is no command
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 317.
so; but you may do as you please.
1721 KEL., p. 76: *That is, I advise you
1732 FUL., no. 1182.
0682 The COUNSEL thou wouldst have another keep
first keep thyself
1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., s. D2: Ye shal not kepe my counsel,
ifye can not kepe your own. 1603 MANNINGHAM Diary March
26, p. 149: Quod taceri vis, prior ipse taceas. I606 MARSTON Para-
sitaster III i 177: With what justice can you expect secrecy in me
that cannot be private to yourself. 1623 CAM., p. 279. 1664 COD.,
p. 212: The Counsaile which thou wouldest have another to keep,
first keep it thy self. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 388: Miss, can
you keep a secret? —Yes I can. —Well, miss, and so can I.
SHAKESPEARE—1598-9 M.A. III iii 92: Keep your fellows’ coun-
sels and your own. 1600-1 H. IV ii 9: Do not believe it. —Be-
lieve what? —That I can keep your counsel, and not mine own.
Cf. C694: Keep counsel first thyself.
0683 Good COUNSEL cannot be bought too dear
I606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. E4: Good counsel! is worth good monie,
Madame. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 10: No value can be put upon
good counsel. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 51.
See SM., p. 123.
0684 Good COUNSEL does no harm
1616 DR., no. 381: (will doe).
0685 Good COUNSEL lightly1 never comes too late
1640 JONSON Tale Tub III vii 22: Good counsels lightly never come
too late. 1678 RAY, p. 117. 1732 FUL., no. 1708: (never comes
amiss).
Cf. H41 1: Help never comes too late.
[1commonly, usually]
1639 CL., p. 67.
0686 Good COUNSEL proceeds from a friendly mind
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 74: It is an assured Sign of a free and
friendly mind to give good counsel. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 150: Seeing so good counsaile could not proceede of any ill con-
ceipt, thought once againe to sollicite his friend. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. I 1: The counsel of him who loves thee, though thou likest
it not, yet write it down.
0687 Good COUNSEL will sometimes do more than a
thousand men
1616 DR., s.v. Counsell, no. 386.
times).
1664 COD., p. 194: (will do some-

0688 He can give others good COUNSEL but will take
none himself
1616 DR., no. 383. 1659 N.R., p. 55: He gives others good counsell
but takes none himself. 1664 WILSON Cheats I ii, p. 4: Most men
can counsel others, few, themselves.
Cf. B325: I see the best but follow the worst.
0689 He that refuses to buy COUNSEL cheap shall buy
repentance dear
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 82: (good cheap). 01670
T.H. Hist. Whittington, p. 5: (The saying is not so old as true, He).
Cf. R81—2: To buy repentance too clear.
0690 If the COUNSEL be good no matter who gave it
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 21: Refuse not any mans good
counsell . . though it come from thy inferiour. 1732 FUL., no. 2704.
Cf. C322: A child’s service is little yet he is no little fool that
despises it; F449: Even a fool sometimes speaks a wise word (to the
purpose).
0691 Ill COUNSEL is worst to the counselor
1539 TAV., f. 4v: Malum consilium consultori pessimum. Euyll
counsayle is worst to the counsaylour. 1639 CL., p. 21: Ill counsel
hurts the Counseller. I652 GAULE Mag-astro-mancer 27, p. 369:
Ill counsell is alwaies worst to the Counsellor.
0692 111 COUNSEL mars all
1616 WITHALS, p. 579: Ill counsaile is the Devill and all.
p. 22.
1639 CL.,
0693 It is an ill COUNSEL that has no escape
1640 HERE, no. 71 I . 1659 N.R., p. 65: (counsell hath no miscape).
0694 Keep COUNSEL first thyself
1616 DR., s.v. Secrets, no. 1917: Keepe your owne counsell, if you
bee wise. 1639 CL., s.v. Consilium, p. 67. 1664 COD., p. 203.
1670 RAY, p. 5: Keep counsel thy self first. 1732 FUL., no. 3117:
[AS in 1670 Ray].
Cf. C682: The counsel thou wouldst have another keep first keep
thyself.
0695 Neither COUNSEL nor salt is presented unless de-
manded
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 52: (or Salt).
Cf. M626: It is not good manners to offer salt or brains; P565:
Do not make a present of a knife, for it will cut love.
0696 Take COUNSEL of your pillow
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus I i, p. 25: Than truely lyued I lyke one
that Sleapeth on bothe his eares. i. than had I nothynge to breake
my slepe with, but that I myght take my golden slepe in the
mornynge and tourne me on the other syde to rounde [whisper]
with my pyllowe. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 21: You counsel
me to take counsel of mi pillow. I577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, S.
H3: Shee . . willed him to spende the night in pleasant conceytes . .
N.O. graunting hyr the aduice of hyr pillow, seemed content. 1579
GOSSON Apol. Sch. Abuse, p. 70: If plaiers take a little more coun-
sell of their pillowe, they shall finde them selues to be the worste.
1600 CECIL (to Thos. Windebank, Feb. 26) in St. Papers Domestic
Ser., p. 398: Then he desired to look upon his instructions, to ad-
vise with his pillow. 1608 J. DAY Law Tricks I ii, p. 20: Ile take
counsell of my pillow. 1611 COT., s.v. Conseil: Night giues aduise;
We say, take counsell of your pillow. 1616 WITHALS, p. 559: (on
your pillow). 1639 CL., p. 85: Consult with your pillow. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Capezzale, p. 28: To make ones accounts with
the boulster, viz. to sleep upon’t, and consult with ones pillow.
1668 H. MORE Div. Dial. III xl, p. 560: You say well, Philopolis, it
will not be amiss to consul with one’s Pillow, as the Proverb is, and
sleep upon ’t. 1670 RAY, p. 169: (ones pillow). 1672 WALK. 9, p.
50: To take counsel of (to consult with) ones pillow.
SHAKESPEARE—1590-1 2 Hen. VI III ii 375: And whispers to his
pillow, as to him, The secrets of his overcharged soul. 1605-6 M.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation See pp. xi ti.
COUNSEL
COURSE
122
V i 80: Infected minds To their deaf pillows will discharge their
secrets. 1606-7 /I.C. I ii 41: You think none but your sheets are
privy to your wishes.
See ST., no. 213. Cf. N174: Night is the mother ofcounsels. (1 1)
C697 Take no COUNSEL of a fool (of green heads)
1616 DR., no. 751. 1639 CL., p. 183: (of greene heads).
Cf. F469: A fool may sometimes give a wise man counsel.
C698 Take not COUNSEL in the combat
1642 D. ROGERS Matr. Honor ix, p. 199: (As the Proverbe saith,
Take not).
C699 T0 the COUNSEL of fools a wooden bell
1611 COT., s.v. Cloche: A conseil de fol cloche de bois. Call fooles
to counsell by a woodden bell. Ibid., s.v. Fol: When loggarheads
consult logs serue for bells. I640 HERB., no. 531. 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 14: (To a councel).
C700 We have better COUNSEL to give (take) than to
take (give)
1639 CL., p. 22. 1664 COD., p. 226: (to take, than to give).
C701 COUNSELS in wine seldom prosper
I640 HERB., no. 805: Wine-counsels seldome prosper. 1664 COD.,
p. 190: (do seldome prosper). I670 RAY, p. 5. I732 FUL., no.
1184: Counsel over Cups is crazy. ma, no. 6392: The Counsels
that are given in Wine, Will do no good to thee, or thine. 1733
FRANKLIN, p. 6: Take counsel in wine, but resolve afterwards in
water.
Cf. B294: A full belly gives good counsel.
C702 COUNSEL: verb
C702 He that will not be COUNSELED cannot be helped
1639 CL., p. 22. 1664 COD., p. 198. 1670 RAY, p. 6. I721 KEL.,
p. 129: *Spoken when your wholesome Advice is rejected by a wil-
ful, and obstinate Man. 1732 FUL., no. 2350. I747 FRANKLIN, p.
24: He that won’t be counsell’d, can’t be helped.
See DUR, II, no. 238.
C703 He that is his own COUNSELOR knows nothing
sure but what he has laid out
1640 HERB., no. 994. 1659 N.R., p. 59.
Cf. F490: He that teaches himself has a fool to his master.
C704 Though thou hast never so many COUNSELORS
yet do not forsake the counsel of thy own soul
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 414.
C705 To be put out of COUNTENANOE
1606 J. HALL Heaven uponiEart/z IV: Wks., III 179: There are some
firm and Obdurate Fore-heads, whose Resolution can laugh their
Sins out of Countenance. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 19: He was put
quite out of countenance. 1707 J. STEVENS Night ddventurer IV:
Com. Wks., p. 62: We left him in that good Humour, and went away
looking upon one another, much out of Countenance, because our
Project succeeded no better.
SHARES PEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 272: This pert Berowne was
out of count’nance quite. Mid. V ii 611: I will not be put out of-
countenance.
See ST., no. 2193.
C706 Oft COUNTING makes good friends
1530 WHITFORDE Wk. Householders, s. A4: The commune prouerbe
is that ofte rekenynge holdeth longe felawshyp. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1102. I668 R.B., p. 42. 1721 KEL., p. 271: (keeps Friends
long together). *Old and intricate Accounts are often the Cause of
Misunderstanding, which often adjusting prevents.
Cf. R54: Even reckoning makes long friends.

C707 Ovemarrow COUNTING culzies1 no kindness
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1103. 1668 R.B., p. 42. 1721 KEL., p. 273:
*When People deal in Rigour with us, we think our selves but little
Oblig’d to them.
[lgains]
C708—C71 1 COUNTRY = nation
C708 Every COUNTRY has its law (fashion)
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, ix, III 71: Every country hath
their several] fashions. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 22: Every nation
its own fashion. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 40, p. 125.
See DUR., II, no. 6. Cf. C71 1: So many countries so many laws
(customs).
C709 In every COUNTRY dogs bite
1640 HERB., no. 617. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Far. in Via, p.
190. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 36.
C710 In every COUNTRY the sun rises in the morning
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Far. in Via, p.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 262:
1670 RAY, p. 25.
1640 HERB., no. 617.
191. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6.
In all Countreys the sun gets up in the morning.
C711 So many COUNTRIES so many laws (customs)
1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. U4v: (customes). [c1590]
1654 CHAPMAN AND PEELE Alp/ionsus III i 240: So many lands, so
many fashions. 1596 DEL., s. M4v. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s
Commonw., f. 188. 1657 LEIGH, p. 261: (customes). I659 N.R.,
p. 89: (customs). I666 TOR. It. Prov. IO, p. 184: (so many fashions).
I670 RAY, p. 73: (customes). *Gall. I732 FUL., no. 4196: (Cus~
toms).
See ST., no. 2577. Cf. C708: Every country has its law (fashion).
C712 COUNTRY = rural area
C712 You must go into the COUNTRY to hear what
news at London (in town)
1678 RAY, p. 345. 1732 FUL., no. 1664: Go into the Country, to
hear what News in Town.
C713 The COUNTRYMAN between two lawyers is like a
fish between two cats
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 27: The Countrey-man is ’twixt two
Lawyers as a fish ’twixt two cats. I737 FRANKLIN, p. 12.
Cf. C41 1: A client ’twixt his attorney and counselor is like a goose
’twixt two foxes.
C714 When a COUPLE are newly married the first month
is honeymoon 0r smick smack, the second is
hither and thither, the third is thwick thwack,
the fourth, the devil take them that brought
you and I together
1670 RAY, p. 53.
C715 Great COURAGE is in greatest dangers tried
I606 MARSTON Sop/ion. II ii 60: Much danger makes great hearts
most resolute. 1611 COT., s.v. Danger. 1639 CL., p. 123: Fortune
doth try men.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 K]. II i 82: For courage mounteth with
occasion. I602 T.C. I iii 33: In the reproofof chance Lies the true
proof of men.
Cf. C15a: Calamity (Extremity) is the touchstone of a brave
mind (unto wit); H305: A good heart conquers ill fortune (over-
comes all).
C716 To cool one’s COURAGE
1678 RAY, p. 236.
C717 If that the COURSE be fair, again and again,
quoth Bunny to his bear
1639 CL., s.v. Iteratio citra taedium, p. 179: (If that course).
RAY, p. 163.
1670

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive fOrm first), or by most important word.
COURT
COURTESY
123

C718 At COURT everyone for himself
1611 COT., s.v. Court: In Court men studie onely their owne for-
tunes. 1616 DR., no. I 157:'In the Kings Court, euery man for him-
selfe. 1640 HERE, no. 790. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: In the
Court let every one shift for himself. 1659 N.R., p. 3. 1732 FUL.,
no. 825.
Cf. M1 12: Every man for himself (for one).
0719 Better happy at COURT than good service
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 251: Better happie to court nor good service.
1668 R.B., p. 12: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 65: *Courtiers
are often raised by some lucky turn Of good Fortune, rather than
by good Service, or great Qualifications.
0720 The COURT has no almanac
1640 HERE, no. 888. 1659 N.R., p.95. 1664 COD., p. 189: Courts
have no Almanacks. Ihid., p. 222. 1670 RAY, p. 6: [As in 1664
Cod., p. 189]. 1732 FUL., no. 1192: Courts keep no Almanacks.
C721 COURT to the town and whore to the window
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 302. 1668 R.B., p. 15. 1721 KEL., p. 78:
*Persuading our Daughters to stay within, and not be gadding, and
gaping after every new sight: For such Practise looked liker a Whore
than a modest Virgin.
0722 Far from COURT far from care
1639 CL., s.v. Mediocria tuta, p. 205: (Farr from court and). 1672
WALK. 45, p. 41. 1721 KEL., p. 105: *A real Truth, but rarely be-
lieved, till confirm’d by Experience. 1732 FUL., no.15o3.
Cf. J81: Far from Jove (Jupiter) far from thunder (lightning).
0723 He that lives in COURT dies upon straw
1573 SANF., f. 103v: (vppon a pallet ofstrawe). 1578 FLOR. First F.
XIX, f. 29: (in a straw bed). 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 312:
Who so lyueth in the courte shall dye in the Strawe. 1591 FLOR.
Sec. F. IX, p. 147. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 91, p. 28. 1659 HOW. It.
Prov., p. 1 I: (Who liveth at Court). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 54:
Who lives on the Court, dyes on the straw.
Cf. C737: A young courtier an old beggar; M1316: He that lives
with the muses Shall die in the straw.
0724 He that will in COURT dwell must needs curry
favel1
a15oo Prov. Wisdom l. 91: Who so wyll in cowrt dwell, Nedis most
he cory fauell. 01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. I, p. 7: In court moste
part doth dwell Flatterers and lyers, curriers of fafell. 1552 TAV.,
f. 47V: Our Englyshe prouerbe agreeth with the same. He that wyl
in courte dwell, must nedes currye fabel. *And ye shal vnderstand
that fabell is an olde Englyshe worde, and signifieth as much as
fauour doth nowe a dayes. I562 HEY. Dial. II v, p. 54: They can
currifauell, and make faire wether. 1616 DR., s.v. Flatterie, no.
736: (must speake Hauell).
[1favor]
0725 In COURT, city, and country
1573 TUSSER500 Points Hush. 71, p. 162: For citie, for countrie, for
Court, and for cart. 1576 FULWELL Ars Adulandi I, s. C2: There
you shalbe entertayned very noblye, bothe in the Court, Citie, and
Countrey. 1580 BARET, V—269: With these coruorants, both Court,
Citie and Countrie swarmeth. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels IV i
140: I would wish to . . know all the secrets of court, citie, and
countrie. [01602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King III, p. 44: The
humours of Court, Citty, Campe, and Country I have trac’t. 1604
DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 73: There’s a thousand about your court,
city, and country madder than he. 1606 MARSTON Parasitaster IV
i 192: All manner of fools, of court, city, or country, of what degree,
sex, or nature! 1611 TOURNEUR Ath. Trag. IV iv, p. 239: If any
man,’Court, Citie, or Countrey, has found my Lady. 1613 A.
WHITAKER Good News from Va., s. F4: And you shall find neither
Court nor Countrey, Citie, or Village, without the importunate
crauings of those that crie Giue, Giue. 1622 G. MARKHAM AND
SAMPSON Herod and Antipater III, s. G1: A man may bee forsworne
in any place, Citty, Court or Country, has no difference. I629

R.M. Micrologia To Rdr., S. A3: I haue madly rambled through,
Court, City, Country, University.
0726 Leave the COURT ere the court leave thee
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 940: Leav the court or it leav yow. 1641
FERG., no. 577: (Leave the court, or). 1668 R.B., p. 35. 1710
PALMER, p. 61. 1721 KEL., p. 234: *A good Advice in its literal
Sense, if Courtiers would take it, but it signifies that we should
mortify our vicious Inclinations, by Consideration and Religion,
before old Age make them forsake us.
Cf. W558: Leave wit before it leave you.
0727 One (Neither) of the COURT but none (nor) of
the counsel
1546 HEY. I xi, 8. E3: I was nother of court nor of counsaile made.
1560-77 Misogonus IVi I35: Thou wert nether oth court nor 0th
counsaile. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, S. D2v: I am of
the Court in deede, but none of the Counsell. 1580 LYLY Euph.
and His Eng., p. 143: But howe he imployed it, he shall himselfe
vtter, for that I am neither of his counsaile nor court. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 162: Marc is of Court but not of Councell made. 1611
FLOR., s.v. Minoringo, p. 315. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72.
1640 JONSON Tale Tuh II v 42: But most I muse at, is, that I, being
none 0’ the court, am sent for thither by the council. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Corte, p. 47: To be neither of the Court, nor yet of
the Council, viz. to have nothing to do in any action. I670 RAY,
p. 170. 1721 KEL., p. 272: *One of the Party, but not admitted
into their Secrets, and Intrigues.
0728 In COURTS are cares
1639 CL., p. 138.
0729 The COURTESAN weeps with one eye, the wife
with two, and the nun with four
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 16. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 54: A Courte-
zan weepeth with one eye, the Married women with two, the Nun
with four.
0730 Courtesy is cumbersome to them that ken it not
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 316. 1668 R.B., p. 15. 1721 KEL., p. 156:
Heigh how is heavy some, An old Wife is dowisome, And Courtesy is
cumbersome, To them that cannot shew it. *The Whole is for the
sake ofthe Last, viz. that People who are not used to good Breeding,
and mannerly Behaviour, perform it very untowardly.
C731 COURTESY on one Side only lasts not long
I611 COT., s.v. Courtoisie: Courtesies vnrequited continue not-
1640 HERE, no. 804. 1659 N.R., p. 25. 1664 COD., p. 189: (doth
never last long). 1670 RAY, p. 6: Courtesie on one side doth never
last long. 1732 FUL., no. I 191 : Courtesy on one Side can never last
long.
0732 Full of COURTESY full of craft
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 116: In fairest speech is . . feigning rifest.
1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 210: Much companie, much knauery,
as true as that old adage, Much courtesie, much subtiltie. 1613
WITHER Ahuses II i, I 199: Much curtesie, much craft. 1616
DR., no. 729. 1639 CL., p. 13: (and full). Ihid., p. 139: The more
courtesie the more craft. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1659 N.R.,
p. 34. 1670 RAY, p. 73: *Sincere and true hearted persons are least
given to complement and ceremony. It’s suspicious he hath some
design upon me, who courts and flatters me. 1721 KEL., p. 350:
Where there is o’er mickle Courtesy, there is little Kindness. 1732
FUL., no. 1635: (and full).
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. IIII iii 290: Look, when he fawns he
bites. 1599 C. IV ii 20: When love begins to sicken and decay It
useth an enforced ceremony. 1605-8 T. Ath. I ii 1 5: Nay, my lords,
ceremony was but devis’d at first To set a gloss on faint deeds, hol-
low welcomes, Recanting goodness, sorry ere ’tis shown; But where
there is true friendship, there needs none. 1608 P. I iv 75: Who
makes the fairest Show means most deceit.
Cf. C581: Complimenting is lying; T587: Truth seeks no corners;
T593: Truth’s tale is simple (Truth is plain); W796: Few words
among friends are best; W817: Many words will not fill a bushel
(fill not the firlot). (7)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
COURTESY
Cow
124
C733 It is a rank COURTESY when a man is forced to
give thanks for his own
1664 COD., p. 203: (for his own again).
FUL., no. 2871: (for What is his own).
1670 RAY, p. 20. 1732
C734 A slow COURTESY is a discourtesy
1611 COT., s.v. Discourtois: A lateward courtesie is a discourtesie;
fauours that are long a doing are loathsome, done. 1659 HOW. Fr.
Prov., p. 7.
Cf. G98: A gift much expected is paid, not given.
C735 Who takes (begs) a COURTESY of another sells
him his liberty
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 8.
is to sell one’s Liberty.
Cf. G104: Who receives a gift sells his liberty.
1732 FUL., no. 5137: To beg a Courtesy
C736 He may freely receive COURTES1ES that knows
how to requite them
1664 COD., p. 195: (He freely may). 1670 RAY, p. 22.
C737 A young COURTIER an old beggar
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 20: Oft yonge courters be beggers in
their age. 1591 FLOR. See. F. IX, p. 147: (and an). 1606 B. RICH
Faults, f. 54: I haue approoued the Prouerb, A yong Courtier, an
olde Beggar. 1607 TOURNEUR Rev. Trag. IV iv 156: When woemen
are yong Courtiers, they are sure to be old beggars. 1616 BRET.,
p. 6. 1618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.: Wks., II 5: Tell me
whether you find the prouerbe true, of the Courtier young and Old.
1639 CL., p. 193. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-
Belgiea, II 29.
Cf. A278: A broken apothecary a new doctor; C723: He that lives
in court dies upon straw; S255: An Old servingman a young beggar;
S256: A young servingman an Old beggar.
C738 COURTING and wooing bring dallying and doing
1636 CAM., p. 294. 1659 N.R., p. 24. 1664 COD., p. 189. I670
RAY, p. 48. 1732 FUL., no. 6264: (Canting and Wooing, Brings).
Cf. O82: Ossing comes to bossing.
C739 Call me COUSIN but cozen me not
1631 JONSON Staple News IV iii 78: I am coozen’d by my Cousin,
and his whore! 1655 FULLER Hist. Cambridge 5, p. 117: To try
whether he could make cousens Of his aunt’s children. 1678 RAY,
p. 118. 1732 FUL., no. 1046.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III IV iv 223: Cousins indeed, and
by their uncle cozen’d Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life.
1600-1 IV V 79: There is three cozen-germans that has
cozen’d all the hosts of Readins.
Cf. C741: Cousin-germans, quite removed.
C740 Marry come up, my dirty COUSIN
1678 RAY, p. 68: *Spoken by way Oftaunt, to those who boast them-
selves Of their birth, parentage, or the like. 01700 E. WARD London
Spy XVII, p. 416. 1721 KEL., p. 82: Come up my dirty Cousin.
*A Reprimand to mean People, when they propose a Thing that
seems too saucy. I732 FUL., no. 3374. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II,
p. 443: A kiss! marry come up, my dirty cousin.
SHAKESPEARE—c1595 R]. II V 64: Marry come up, I trow. Is
this the poultice for my aching bones? 1608 P. IV vi 159: Marry
come up, my dish Of chastity with rosemary and bays!
C741 COUSIN-OERMANS, quite removed
1678 RAY, p. 69. 1732 FUL., no. 1193.
Cf. C739: Call me cousin but cozen me not.
C742 COVER: subst.
C742 The COVER is worthy of such a cup
[ERAS. Adagia, 387C: Dignum patella operculum.] 1611 COT., s.v.
Couvercle: Couvercle digne du chauderon. A Couer good enough
for the cauldron. 1615 WELDE 7anua Ling. 307, p. 20.
See OTTO, no. 1355. Cf. C906: Such cup (pot) such cover (potlid).

C743 COVER: verb
C743 He that COVERS thee discovers thee
1620 SHELTON Don Quint. Pt. II, v, III 48: For the Proverbe that
sayes; He that covers thee, discovers thee.
C744 COVETOUSNEss (Too much) breaks the bag (sack)
01594 BACON, no. 616: (sack). 1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83:
Couetousnes bursteth the bagge. 1611 COT., s.v. Sac: Avarice
rompt le sac: The miser coueting to make his bags hold ouermuch,
breakes them, and looses the most of that they had in them. 1612
SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, III vi, I 171: But as covetousnesse breakes
the sacke, so hath it also torne my hopes. 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. I: Couetousnesse bursteth the bagge. 1651 HERB.,
p. 368. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 2: (both sack and bag). 1659
N.R., p. 24. 1664 COD., p. 214: (TOO much). I666 TOR. It. Prov.
8, p. 17: *Note 104, p. 20: Meant by over—covetousness. 1670
RAY, p. 26: (Too much). 1732 FUL., no. I 174: (Sack). Ibid., no.
5259: (Too much).
Cf. M1152: More than enough is tOO much.
C745 COVETOUSNESS brings nothing home
1601 DENT Pathway to Heaven, p. 81: The Old Proverb saith Covet-
ousness bringeth nothing home. 1639 CL., p. 37. 01640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p.33: It is impossible for an intemperate and
extreme couetous man to bee rich, for couetousnesse neuer brings
any thing home. 1678 RAY, p. I 17: *Ref. to Fable Ofdog who saw
his shadow in the pond. Ital. 1732 FUL., no. 1175.
Cf. C798: Craft brings nothing home.
C746 COVETOUSNESS is (Riches are) the root of all evil
[1 Timothy vi 10: For the love Of money is the root of all evil.]
a1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II 423: Be ware of covet-
yse, The rote of all ill vice. 1549 LATIMER Serm. 11, p. 184: It is a
true saying, Radix omnium malorum avaritia, Covetousness is the
rOOt of all wickedness. 61565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, 5.
B4: Couetouse (saith the wise man) is the root of all euil. 1566 L.
WAGER Mary Magd., s. B4v: You know that my name is called Cu-
piditie, Whom Scripture calleth the roote Of all iniquitie. 1589 L.
WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 5v: Couetousnesse is the roote of all euill,
the ground of all vice. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A6). 1616
WITHALS, p. 546: (Riches are). 01670 T. H. Hist. Whittington, p.
26: It is an Old and true saying, Covetousness is the mother of mine
and mischief.
Cf. II3: Idleness is the mother (nurse, root) of all evil (Vice, sin);
P578: Pride is the root Of all sin; R106: Riches and sin are oft mar-
ried together.
C747 As nimble (comely) as a Cow in a cage
1546 HEY. II i, 3. F3: (She is in this mariage As comely as is). 1577
GRANGE Gold. flphroditis, s. E4v: So misfauoured, that vglyer
coulde not be, as seemely as a cowe in a Cage, a dogge in a dublet,
or a sowe with a saddle. 1678 RAY, p. 287. 1697 MER., p. 166.
Cf. D452: A dog in a doublet.
C748 A barren Cow never loves calf
I623 WOD., p. 519: A Barbarian Kowe knowes no Calfe but her owne.
NO kindnes of a barren Woman to Children. 1659 HOW. Br.
Prov., p. 3 5.
Cf. S683: A yeld sow was never good to grices.
C749 The Cow knows not what her tail is worth till
she has lost it
1611 COT., s.v. Vache: Vache ne sgait que vaut sa queue iusques 21
cc qu’elle l’ait perdue. The want, more then the vse, indeares the
worth of good things; we know our friends best when we want them
most. 1623 WOD., p. 523: A Kow knowes not what her Taile may,
Vntil shee haue mist it all away. *Spend not our Goods but by
Measure. I640 HERB., no. 864: (have lost it). 1664 COD., p. 222.
See D6R., I, Suppl., no. 953. Cf. A12: The abundance of things
engenders disdainfulness; M1015: He will be missed when he is gone;
W922: We never know the worth Of water till the well goes dry;
W924: The worth Of a thing is best known by the want.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Cow
Cow
125

0750 A COW may catch a hare
1611 COT., s.v. Lievre: *Patient perseuerance wins ground of hastie
vehemence; so may a slow-paced Cow oretake the nimble Hare.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
See ST., no. 1209. Cf. C763: Set a cow to catch a hare.
0751
1560-77 Misogonus II iii 65.
Shrewde kyne Shall haue shorte homes.
5. Y2: Few curst kine haue long hornes. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 89:
Ane evil-willie cow sould haue short homes. 1599 MINSHEU Span.
Gram., p. 83: To a greedie eating horse, a short halter. i. To a prod-
igall man meane fortune: a curst cowe short homes. 1623 CAM.,
p. 267: Curst Cowes, haue Short homes. 1630 D’AVENANT fast It.
II, p. 225: You think, because you’re cursed, We’ll allow you short
A curst Cow has short horns
1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 64:
1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
horns. 1639 CL., p. 76. 1640 HERE, no. 527. 01640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 36: (should haue but short homes). 1641
FERG., no. 93: An ill willy kow Should have Short hornes. 1664
COD., p.190: Curst Kine have short Horns. I668 R.B., p. 7: [As in
1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 74: [Asin 1623 Cam]. 1721 KEL.,p.1 I:
[As in 1641 Ferg.]. *It were a pity that a Man ofill Nature should
have much Authority; for he’ll be sure to abuse it.
Cf. D447: A curst dog (cur) must be tied short; G217: God sends
a curst (shrewd) cow short horns; H696: To a greedy eating horse
a short halter.
0752 Drive (Bring) a 00w to the hall and she will run
to the byre1 again
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 231: (Bring). I668 R.B., p. 12: (Bring).
1721 KEL., p. 86: Drive a Cow to the Hall and she’ll run to the
Bayer. *Spoken when People of mean Breeding, and low Educa-
tion do not take to, or become, a more honourable Station.
[1cowshed]
0753 He that owns the Cow goes nearest her tail
(takes her by the tail)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 523: (ought [owned] the kow). 1611 COT.,
s.v. Queue: Let him that owes th’ Asse hold him by the tayle. 1668
R.B., p. 26: (owes). 1670 RAY, p. 129: Let him that owns the cow,
take her by the tail. 1694 D’URFEY 2 Don Quix. III ii, p. 146: [As
in 1670 Ray]. 1721 KEL., p. 128: (ows). *Every Man is busy,
and careful, about his proper Interest.
0754 He tint1 never a Cow that grat2 for a needle
1641 FERG., no. 380. 1668 R.B., p. 27. 1721 KEL., p. 149: (He
never tint a Cow, that). *It is a Token that a Man had never a
great Loss, who is immoderately griev’d for a small one.
[llost 2wept]
0755 He would sell the Cow and sup the milk
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 657. I721 KEL., p. 379: (You cannot sell):
*Eng. You cannot eat your Cake and have your Cake. I732 FUL.,
no. 2786: Ifyou sell the Cow, you sell her Milk too. Ibid., no. 5885:
You can’t sell the Cow, and have her Milk too.
Cf. C15: You can’t eat your cake and have your cake (have it
too).
0756 His Cow has calved
[01522] 01545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court I. 83: Wks., II 29:
Our mare hath cast her fole. [01552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt.
Needle IV i, s. D1: Hath your browne cow cast hir calfe, or your
sandy sowe her pigs. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. IV ii 110:
How now! whose cow ha’s calu’d? 1678 RAY, p. 70: His cow hath
calved, or sow pig’d. *He hath got what he sought for, or expected.
0757 If one give thee a Cow run with a cord
1616 DR., no. 1530. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 193.
0758 It becomes him as well as a Cow does a cart
saddle
[ERAS. Adagia, 681B: Clitellae bovi sunt impositae] 1530 PALS.,
p. 427b: Thou arte as mete to be a great mans kerver as a kowe to
beare a sadle. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus III i, p. 100: It becom-

meth hym as we! to do, as to see a . . cowe to beare a saddel. 1548
COOPER, s.v. Clittelae: A packe saddle on a cowe. *A prouerbe
notynge a man as vnmete for an Oflice, roume, or dignitee, as a cowe
to beare a saddle. 01566 KNox Hist. Rey”. I, I 242: Als seimlye a
sight . . as to putt a sadill upoun the back of ane unrewly kow.
1573 New Custom I i, S. A3: As fit a sighte it were to see . . a sadl[e]d
cowe. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 5: (He becomes it as well as).
Ibid., s.v. Indecorum, p. 160: It becomes you as a cart-saddle doth
a cowe. 1670 RAY, p. 203. 1677 W. HUGHES Man Sin ll xii, p. 215:
That becometh him as handsomely (according to our Proverb) as A
saddle doth a Cowes back. 1680 R. L’ESTRANGE Twenty Select
Colloq. 16, p. 213: To my Phancie, a Packsaddle does as well upon
an Ox, as Learning upon a Woman.
Cf. B126: As handsomely as a bear picks mussels; C30: It be-
comes him as well as it becomes a camel to dance; D452: A dog in a
doublet; S672: As meet as a sow to bear a saddle.
C759 Like COW like calf
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 21: Her sonne is like the mother . .
like Cowe like Calfe. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 21: As the Cow so
the Calf.
Cf. M1 1 99: Like mother like daughter; W292: We may not expect
a good whelp from an ill dog.
0760 Look to the Cow and the sow and the wheat
mow and all will be well enow
I678 RAY, p. 347: *Som.
0761 Many a good Cow has an ill (evil) calf
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 72: It is comenly sayd: many a good
kowe bryngeth forthe a sory calfe. I546 HEY. I x, 5. D1: (euyll).
1580 BARET, H—4o6: A Prouerbe often vsed, when as wise fathers
haue foolish and vndiscreete children: and as our vulgar speach is,
Many a good cow hath an ill calfe. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 71: Ane
good cow may haue ane evill calfe. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND
MARSTON Eastward Ho IV ii 164: Why doost thou weepe now?
thou art not the first good Cow hast had an ill Calfe. I611 GRUT.,
no. 183: (euill). 1614 CAM., p. 309. 1616 DR., no. 1569. 1639
CL., p. 84: (a bad calfe). 1659 N.R., p. 76. 1664 COD., p. 205.
1668 R.B., p. 5: (A good Cow may have). 1670 RAY, p. 74: (hath
but a bad calf).
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. I ii 120: Good wombs have borne
bad sons.
Cf. M421: A wise man commonly has a fool to his heir (has foolish
children).
0762 Milk the Cow that stands still.
the flying?
01594 BACON, no. 553: (Milk the standing cowe). [1594—5] 1688
Gesta Grayorum, p. 38: The Proverb is a Countrey-Proverb, but
significative, Milk the Cow that standeth still; why follow you her
that flieth away?
0763 Set a 00w to catch a hare
1678 RAY, p. 342. 1697 MER., p. 166: (to git a hare).
Cf. C750: A cow may catch a hare.
Why follow you
0764 She looked on me as a Cow on a bastard calf
1678 RAY, p. 353: *Som.
0765 Who bulls the Cow must keep the calf
1550—1700 Ans. to Bux. Virg. l. 53 in Roxb. Bal., III 368: Said they
The Calf must with the Cow. 01565 Bugbears IV v 7: Then ifI
have the Cowl must have the Calf too. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 175: And to muse who should father my first childe, wer to
doubt when the cowe is mine, who should owe the calfe. 1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. HIV: Let him that got the calfe keep the cow.
1611 CHAPMAN May Day III iii 141: If my bull leap your cow, is not
the calf yours? 1612 [BRETON] Cornucopia l. 2352, p. 78: Yours is
the Cow, and you shall keepe the calfe. 1634 T. HEYWOOD Maiden-
head Well Lost V, p. 159: ’Tis fit, iqustice bee not quite exil’d That
he that wedds the mother, keepe the child. 1659 How. Prov. Let.
to Phil. [p. v]: In our Common Law there are some Proverbs that
carry a kind of authority with them, as that which began in Henry

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl'.
Cow 126 CRAB

the Fourth’s time, He that bulls the cow must keep the calf. 1659 SHAKESPEARE.—1599 7.C. II ii 32: Cowards die many times be-
How. Eng. Prov.,p. I I : (He that buyes). I670 RAY, p. 66. 1691 T. fore their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. 1604
SOUTHERNE Sir flnlony Love IV, p. 221: I had the reputation ofit
[begetting a bastard] indeed and should have had the cow with the
calf.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 KY. I i 123: In sooth, good friend, your
father might have kept This calf, bred from his cow, from all the
world.
Cf. B43: Let him who begot the bairn hold the bairn; B712: Let
him take the bull that stole away the calf.
C766 Who will sell the Cow must say the word
1623 WOD., p. 511: Who selles the Kowe telles the word.
HERB., no. 786.
C767 Who would keep a Cow when he may have a
quart of milk for a penny?
1659 How. Prov. Let. Advice [p. ix]: In this Case it is better to buy
a Quart of Milk by the penny then keep a Cow. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 12: He that can gett a quart of milk for a peny, need not
keep a Cow. 1670 RAY, p. 74: (a pottle of milk for a penny).
01691 Young Man’s Rambles in Roxa. Bal., VIII 859: What need I
keep a Cow, or at such charges to be, When I can have a quart of
milk for a penny? 1721 KEL., p. 221 : I’ll never buy a Cow, when I
can have Milk so cheap. 1732 FUL., no 5697.
C768 A red Cow’s milk is restorative
1602 LYLY Enlertainments at Harefiela': W ks., I 492: You shall haue
. . redd cowes milk, and they say in London that’s restorative.
See SM., p. 25.
C769 To a Cow’s thumb
1670 RAY, p. 216: *TO a hairs breadth. 1681 E. RAWLINs Heraeli-
tus Ridens Nov. 1: Let him alone, he’l trim their Whiskers, and
comb their Perukes for them to a Cows thumb.
Cf. H28: Not to stir a hair’s breadth; H29: Within a hair’s breadth.
C770 To grow downwards (backward) like a Cow’s tail
a1598 FERG. MS, no.1592: Ye breid ofa tyks taill ye grow ay back-
ward. 1649 PEMBROKE Gradus Simeonis in Somers Tracts, VII 87:
I would still be growing, though it be downwards. Why should not
old lords, as well as old men, be cows-tails? 1653 URQUHART Gar-
ganlaa II xxvii, I 308: \Vhich never grow but like Cowes tailes
downwards. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Verno, p. 229: Not to grow
at all, or to grow slowly; spoken Ironically; the English say, To
grow downwards like a Cows tayl. I672 VVALK. 63, p. 24: He grows
downward like a calves tail. 1678 RAY, p. 249: To grow like a cows
tail, i.e. downwards. 1710 E. WARD Nuptial Dial. 5, II 76: You’re
growing downwards now, Like Tail of Heifer or of Cow. 1721
KEL., p. 361: You breed of the Cow’s Tail, you grow backward.
*Spoken to Boys who do not improve at School.
C771 AS Cows come to town, some good some bad
1639 CL., s.v. Multi, p. 219.
C772 Till the Cows come home
1610 A. COOKE Pope 7mm in Harl. Misc., IV 125: Drinking, eat-
ing, feasting, and revelling, till the Cow come Home, as the Saying
is. [01612] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Capt. IV ii, p. 285: Drink till the
Cow come home, ’tis all pay’d boyes. I616 BEAUMONT AND
FLETCHER Scornful Lady II, p. 248: Kiss till the Cow come home,
kiss close, kiss close knave-s. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 446: I
warrant you lay abed till the cows came home.
1640
C773 A COWARD changes color
[ERAS. Adagio, 102E: Ignavi vertitur color.] 1552 TAV., f. 52v:The
cowarde chaungeth colours. 1616 DR., no. 394: (often changeth
colour). 1639 CL., p. 310: [As in 1616 Dr.].
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 jiC. I ii 122: His coward lips did from their
colour fly.
C774 A COWARE dies many deaths, a brave man but
one
1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess IV iii 97: A
hundred times in life a coward dies!
M.M. III i 39: Yet in this life Lie hid moe thousand deaths.
Cf. D27: Better pass a danger once than be always in fear; F129:
To fazarts hard hazards are death ere they come there; M219: A
man can die but once.
C775 If he be a COWARD he is a murderer
1595 COVELL Polim., s. N1v: Alleadging an olde prouerbe to that
ende, If he).
C776 It is better to be a COWARE than foolhardy
1611 COT., s.v. Coiiard. 1616 Dr., no. 706. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 6: (Better be). 1664 COD., p. 188: Better be a Coward, than too
desperately to be fool-hardy.
Cf. D79: He that fights and runs away may live to fight another
day.
C777 Put a COWARD to his mettle and he will fight the
devil
1669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 107: Make a Coward
Fight, and he will kill the Devil. 1721 KEL., p. 281. 1732 FUL.,
no.398o.
Cf. D216: Despair (Love) makes cowards courageous (desperate);
N62: Necessity makes the coward grow courageous.
C778 COWARDS are cruel ,
[01470] 1485 MALORY Morte d’drt/zur XVIII xxiv, p. 770: For
thenne euer wylle a coward shewe no mercy. 1591 HARINGTON
Orl. Fur. XXXVI Moral, p. 304: Cruelty ever proceeds from a vile
minde, and Often from a cowardly heart. 1616 DR., no. 407: Cruell
people are fearefull. 1639 CL., p. 76: [As in 1616 DR.]. 1732 FUL.,
no.1194.
Cf. C866: Cruelty is a tyrant that’s always attended with fear.
C779 Between COWHITHE and merry Cossingland the
devil shits Benacre, 100k where it stands
1670 RAY, p. 253: *It seems this place is infamous for its bad situa-
tion.
C780 Look high and fall into a Cow TURD
1640 JONSON Tale Tue IV v 60: A Squire? And thinke so meanely?
fall upon a Cow-shard? You know my mind. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 13. 1678 RAY, p. 69: He’s fallen into a
Cowturd. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Turd: He aimed at great Things, and
fell into a Turd.
Cf. B221: The beetle flies over many a sweet flower and lights in
a cowshard; L431: Look high and fall low.
C781 She looks like a Cow TURD stuck with primroses
1678 RAY, p. 69: (He looks).
C782 To be cut in the CochMB (head)
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho V i, s. I2: Then has he beene
twice cut ith head since we landed, once with a Pottle-pot [drunk]
and now with old iron [cut]. [1623] 1636 DAY AND DEKKER Wonder
King. II, p. 242: I could not Keep out your scurvy desperate hoggs-
head from coming In upon me, I’me cut i’ th’ cockscombe. 1785
GROSE Class. Diet., s.v. Cut: A little cut over the head; slightly in-
toxicated.
1732 FUL., no. 4134.
C783-C784 CRAB = crab apple
- C783 AS sour as a CRAB
1616 DR., s.v. Solitarinesse, no. 2019.
35-
C784 The CRAB of the wood is sauce very good for the
crab of the sea, but the wood of the crab is
sauce for a drab that will not her husband obey
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: A Crabb of the Wood, is sawce very
good, for a Crabb of the Sea; The wood of a Crabb, is good for a
Drabb that will not her Husband obey. 1670 RAY, p. 210. 1730
1639 CL., s.v. Asperitas, p.

BAILEY, s.v. Crab.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CRABS
CRANE’S
I27

0785—0786 CRAB =the sea food
C785 CRABS breed babs by help of good lads
1678 RAY, p. I 19: *Country wenches when they are with child usu-
ally long for Crabs: or Crabs may signifie Scolds.
0786 The greatest CRABS are not all the best (the best
meat)
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2: (be not all the best meate). 1611 COT., s.v.
Journée: We say, the greatest crabs are not all the best meat. 1611
GRUT., no. 260: (be not). 1614 CAM., p. 312: (be not). 1639 CL.,
p. 180. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10: (be not). 1670 RAY, p. 75:
(are not always the best meat).
0787 T o be basted with a CRABSTICK
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Querciuolo, p. 162: To long to be soundly
basted, the English say, with a Crab-stick. I hid., s.v. Tempella, p.
21 2: To have a stout Mans Truncheon, viz. to be well provided with
a good Crab-stick.
0788 Plant the CRAB TREE where you will, it will never
bear sweet apples
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 191 : Plante and translate the crabbe
tree, where, and whensoeuer it please you and it will neuer beare
sweete apple. 1732 F UL., no. 3880: (it will never bear Pippins).
See DUE, I, no. 298.
0789 To be a little CRACKED (touched)
1610 J. HALL Com. Apol.: Recoll. Treat., p. 758: Iudge whether that
which this man was wont so oft to object to his brother (a crackt
braine) appeare not plainely in this goodly equipage of'reasons.
1611 COT., s.v. Estropié: F ranticke, witlesse, braine-sicke, braine-
crackt. 1669 STURMY Mariner’s Mag. I ii, p. 16: Some there are . .
a little touched, (as the common Saying is). 1672 WALK. 48, p. 16:
You are crazed in the head; your brains are addle; you are crack’d
braind; not well in your wits.
See ST., no. 2194.
0790 As cunning as CRADDOCK
1678 RAY, p. 280.
0791 Cast not thy CRADLE over thy head
1678 RAY, p. 347.
0792 Foul (Fair) in the CRADLE, fair (foul) in the sad-
dle
1614 CAM., p. 306: (prooueth faire in the sadle). 1639 CL., s.v-
Degenerantium in pejus, p. 83: (Faire and foule). Ihid., p. 198:
[As in 1614 Cam.). Ihid., p. 261. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 8-
Ihid., p. 19: (clean in the saddle). 1659 N.R., p. 33: [As in 1614
Cam.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 84: Children Angels, when men,
Devils. *Note 11, p. 98: As the English say, Fair in the cradle,
fowl in the saddle. Ihid. 4, p. 206: Fowl in the saddle, fair in the
street. *Note 21 1, p. 227: The English revert it, Fowl in the cradle,
fair in the saddle. 1670 RAY, p. 87: Fair in the cradle, and foul in
the saddle. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 51: Bad it’h cradle, worse it’h
saddle. 1709 KINGSTON Apoph. Cur. 247, p. 50: [As in 1670 Ray].
1732 FUL., no. 6119: [As in 1670 Ray].
0793 Shod in the CRADLE, barefoot in the stubble
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1173. 1668 R.B., p. 47. 1721 KEL., p. 289:
(and barefoot in the Stubble). *Spoken of those who are tenderly
used in their Infancy, and after meet with harsher Treatment.
0794 To rock the CRADLE in one’S spectacles
1678 RAY, p. 69. 1732 FUL., no. 5220: (in Spectacles).
C795 CRADLE STRAWS are scarce out of his breech
1678 RAY, p. 346. 1697 MER., p. 166.
See ST., no. 496. Cf. M1204: His mother’s milk is not out of his
nose.

0796 All the CRAFT is in the catching
1616 DR., s.v. Impossibility, no. 1093. 1631 MABBE Celestina IX,
p. 163. 1639 CL., p. 88. I670 RAY, p. 170. la168o] 1759 S.
BUTLER Gen. Rem., II 279: For all the Craft is not in the Catching
(as the Proverb says) but the better half at least in being catched.
I697 PIX Innocent Mistress II, p. 1 1: Ay, but the Craft will be in
catching as the Saying is.
0797 CRAFT against craft makes no living
1640 HERE, no. 884. 1659 N.R., p. 26.
C798 CRAFT brings nothing home
1616 DR., no. 401. 1664 COD., p. 1 88. 1670 RAY, p. 6. 1732 FUL.,
no. 1199: Craft counting all things, brings nothing home.
Cf. C745: Covetousness brings nothing home; C900: Too much
cunning undoes.
C799 CRAFT is bastard policy
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 189.
0800 CRAFT lies in clouted shoes
1618 HARINGTON Epig. I 11, p. 55: I heare some Say, and some be-
lieue it too, That craft is found eu’n in the clouted Shoo. I624
Tahle Good Nurture II l. 120 in Roxh. Bal., II 574: Craft lies under
clowted shoone. [1635] I655 MASSINGER Bashful Lover V i, p. 410:
There’s craft In the clouted shoe.
0801 The gentle CRAFT
1594 R. WILSON Cohhler’s Proph., s. G3: Ile . . fall to my old trade
of the gentle craft the Cobler. I599 [GREENE] George a Greene, S
F 4v: You shall be no more called Shoomakers. But you and yours
to the worlds ende, Shall be called the trade of the gentle craft.
1637 PRICE Round Boys, Indeed 78 in Pepysian Garl., p. 447: The
gentle Craft doth beare good will, to all kind hearted tradesmen
Still. 1678 RAY, p. 91 : *Relating to several trades. 1688 R. HOLME
Acad. Armory III iii, III 99: A Man on a Seat [a Shooe-maker] . .
exercising of the Gentle Craft.
0802 He that has not the CRAFT let him Shut up Shop
1640 HERE, no. 854. 1659 N.R., p. 58: (his Craft).
Cf. S394: He has Shut up shopwindows; W68: When the wares
be gone shut up the shopwindows (shop).
0803 There is CRAFT in daubing
01510 Hickscorner, s. A6: For ye knowe well there is crafte in daub -
ynge.. 1623 CAM., p. 278. 1639 CL., s.v. Adulatio, p. 12. 1659
‘ N.R., p. 104: (a craft). 1664 COD., p. 216. 1670 RAY, p. 75: (a
craft). *There is a mystery in the meanest trade. 1678 RAY, p.
120: There is more craft in dawbing then throwing dirt on the wall.
1732 FUL., no. 4891.
0804 Of all CRAFTS to be an honest man is the master
craft
1678 RAY, p. 13. 1732 FUL., no. 3696: Of all Crafts to an honest
Man, downright is the only Craft.
0805 The CRANE to avoid sleep holds a stone in its foot
[ERAS. Adagia, 861D: Grues lapidem deglutientes.] 1553 T. WILSON
Rhet., p. 191: Craines in the night haue their watch . . The watch
for his safeguard, and because he would not slepe, holdeth a stone in
his foot. 1580 BARET, G—610: [As in Eras.]. *A Prouerbe to be
applied vnto those, which when they go about any affaires, are so
circumspect and warie, that their purpose and labour must haue
good euent and successe. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng. Ep.
Ded., p. 5: What I haue done, was onely to keepe my selfe from
sleepe, as the Crane doth the stone in hit foote.
0806 You can well skill of CRANE’S dirt, your father
was a poulter
1530 PALS., p. 719b. 1594 LYLY Mother B. II iii 56: (You are well
scene in cranes durt, your father).
Cf. F9 5: Your father was no glazier.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
CRAVER I 28
CRETANS
C807 A sore CRAVER was never a good payer
a1598 liERO. MS, no. 145. 1721 KEL., p. 286: Sore Cravers are ay
ill Payers. *This Proverb, and the Reverse, viz. Ill Payers are
sore Cravers, l have never yet seen fail.
Cf. P129: An ill payer makes a sore craver.
C808 Shameful CRAVINO must have shameful nay
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 29. 1611 COT., s.v. Demandeur: Wee say,
shameful! crauing must haue a shameful] nay. 1611 DAY. Prov.,
no. 376. 1611 GRUT., no. 225. 1614 CAM., p. 311. 1616 DR., no.
480: (must haue shamefulldenying). 1639 CL.,p. 152. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1659 N.R., p. 90. 1664 COD., p. 211: [As in 1616
Dr.]. 1670 RAY, p. 141.
Cf. A345: A good asker (shameless beggar) should have a good
naysayer (shameless denial).
C809 As crooked as CRAWLEY BROOK
1662 FULLER Worthies Bedfordshire, I 116: *A nameless brook . .
running by Crawley, and falling immediately into the Ouse. But
this Proverb may better be verifyed Of Ouse it self in this Shire,
more maeandrous then Maeander. 1670 RAY, p. 220.
C810 He cries CREAK
[1523] 1568 SKELTON How Doughty Duke Alhany l. 299: Wks., II 77:
Gyue it vp, and cry creke, Lyke an huddypeke. [01537] c1560
UDALL Thersytes, s. A3: I woulde make the knaues to crye creke.
1557 TUSSER 100 Points Hush. 72f, p. 230: These huswiues crye
creake, for their voice will not sounde. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit, p. 247: Yet Euphues is content to bee crauen and crye creeke.
1582 T. WATSON Heleatompathia 1: Poems, p. 37: I now cry creake,
that ereI scorned loue. 1596 NASHE Saflron-Walden: Wks., III 34:
They are the heauiest, whose Cart hath cryde creake vnder them.
1616 DR., s.v. Yeelding, no. 2522. I616 WITI-IALS, p. 575: TO turn
tail, to cry creak.
Cf. T16: To turn tail. (5)
C811 That is the CREAM of the jest
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Coda, p. 41: To end any thing abruptly,
to leave out the cream Of the jest. 1678 RAY, p. 69.
C812 Every CREATURE thinks her own fair
[ERAS. Adagia, 74E: Suum cuique pulchrum.] 1592 LYLY Gall. I
iii 4: Euerie one thinketh his owne childe faire. 1659 HOW. It.
Prov., p. 2.
Cf. C851: The crow thinks her own bird fairest (Whitest); M115:
Every man has his delight; M131: Every man likes his own thing
best.
0813 There is no CREATURE so like a man as an ape
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A5v). 1639 CL., p. 285: (so like man).
C814 CREDIT lost is like a Venice glass broke
1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet II : Wks., p. 193: A mans name is like a
glasse, ifit be once crack’d, it is soone broken. 1633 SHIRLEY Witty
Fair One II ii, p. 303: And ifshe chance any way to crack her Venice
glass, it will be not so easily soldered. 1659 How. New Sayings, p.
4: Reputation like a Venice-glasse easily crackd. 1664 COD., p. 189.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vetro, p. 230: To be like a glass, viz. once
broken, never mended again; sometimes spoken of the Virginity Ofa
Maid, sometimes Of the Credit of a Merchant or Trader. I670
RAY, p. 6. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 150: Credit is like a Venice Glass,
soon broken. 1732 FUL., no. 4021: Reputation crackt, is a Venice-
Glass broke.
Cf. G134: As brittle as glass; W646: A woman and a glass are ever
in danger.
C815 CREDIT ought rather to be given to the eyes than
to the ears
[ERAS. Adagia, 67D: Oculis magis habenda fides, quam auribus.]
1539 TAV., f. 3v: Credite is rather to be gyuen to the eyes then to
the cares, that is, the thynges that be sene are more certayne, than
that be harde. I597 [BODENHAM] lVit’s Commonw., f. 154. 1658
C821

HOOLE Sent. Puer., pp. 26, 27: The eyes are more faithful than the
eares.
Cf. E274: One eyewitness is better than ten earwitnesses.
C816 He that buys dear and takes upon CREDIT con-
sumes the body and loses the seed
1573 SANF., f. 102v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28v: (Who buyeth
deere, and taketh ofcredit consumeth). 1596 DEL., s. N7V: Credit
without profit doth leaue a man behind. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 70, p.
28: (credit, shall ever sell to his losse).
C817 He that has lost his CREDIT is dead to the world
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 119: If a man haue lost his credence: he
is halfe vndon. 1590 GREENE Franceseo’s Fortunes, p. 154: She
which hath crackt her credite is hanged. 1616 DR., no. 1455: What
is a man, when his good name is gone? 1639 CL., p. 87: To lose a
man’screditis the greatestlosse. 164OHERB.,no.353. 1659 HOW.
Span. Prov., p. 12: Who hath lost his good name, goes dead up and
down. 1659 N.R., p. 55. 1664 COD., p. 199. 1670 RAY, p. 6.
Mid, p. 124: Take away my good name and take away my life.
1705 Pleas. Atrt, p. 150. 1732 FUL., no. 2142. Mid, no. 4306: [As
in 1670 Ray, p. 124].
SHAKESPEARE—1604 0. II iii 259: What, are you hurt, Lieu-
tenant? —Ay, past all surgery. —Marry, God forbid! —Rep-
utation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation!
Cf. N25: He that has an ill (evil) name is half hanged.
C818 The CREDITOR has a better memory than the
debtor
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 8. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 11: Creditors
have better memories than debtors.
Cf. D172: Debtors are liars.
C819 As sure (true) as CREED
[01517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. A3v: All that ye Say is as trewe as
the crede. [01552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle IV ii, S.
D2v: As sure as is your crede. I602 Poet. Rhap. I31, I 188.
C820 First CREEP, then go (Learn to creep before you
so)
1606 Wily Beguiled Vii, p. 31: First creepe and then goe. I616
WITHALS, p. 576: (and then goe). 1639 CL., p. I 16: (and then goe).
Ihid., p. 265: Learne to creepe before you goe. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 4: We must creep before we can go. 1659 N.R., p. 34.
I662 FULLER Worthies Surrey, II 360: He did first creep, then run,
then fly into Preferment. 1670 RAY, p. 75: You must learn to creep
before you go. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Creep: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1732
FUL., no. 3164: Learn to crawl, before you can go.
Cf. C332: Children learn to creep before they go (A man must
creep before he goes); K49: Kindness (Love, Kind) will creep where
it cannot go; L150: Learn to say before you sing.
Eat well of the CRESSES
1538 ELYOT, s.v. Ede: Ede nasturtium, is applied to a dull and
grosse persone: and foras moche as Nasturtium, called Cresses,
being eaten . . causeth the dulle spirites to wake therfore by this
prouerb is ment, Plucke vp thy spirites or awake dullarde or luske.
1567 MAPLET Green Forest II, p. 73: It auaileth much to memory,
whereof ariseth this Prouerbe: Eate wel of the Cresses.
C822 CRETANS are liars (Use craft against Cretans)
[Titus i 12: The Cretians are always liars. ERAS. fldagia, 81F:
Cretiza cum Cretensi . . id est, adversus mendacem mendaciis utere.]
1539 TAV., f. 9: Cretiza cum Cretensi. Practyse craft wyth the
craftie. Of the vanitie and dissimulation Of the Cretians thapostle
Paule also speketh. Thys prouerbe byddeth VS Otherwhiles tO dis-
semble wyth dissemblers, namelye where singilnes woll take no
place. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Creticus: *A prouerbe vsed Wher a
crafty man will deceiue him that is craftye; a theefe steale from a
thefe, or a lier lie before them, that vse to make leasynges. 1571 R.
EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. G3: To speake more playner, as the
prouerbe doth go, In faith Carisophus, Cum cretence cretiso. 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 186: IfI be in Crete, I can lye, ifin Greece
I can shift, if in Italy I can court it. 1580 BARET, C—1608: Creti-

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CREW
CROSS
129

zare cum Cretensibus. A Prouerbe vsed, when one craftie and de-
ceitfull man will seeme to deceiue another, that is as craftie as him-
selfe. 1582 BATMAN Bartholome XV xlii, f. 222: Recited by S.
Paule . . saieng . . The Cretians are alwayes liers, euill beasts, and
slow bellies. 1590 GREENE Mourn. Garn2., p. 136: In Crete thou
must learne to lye, in Paphos to be a loner, in Greece a dissembler.
[01616] I630 Pathomachia I iii, p. 9: Now must I houle with
VVolues, and in the Crete play the Cretian.
See OTTO, no. 463. Cf. F31: Grecian faith; G440: When Greek
joins Greek, then is the tug of war.
0823 One of the same CREW 0r faction
01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 20: Take heede, there-
fore, least you be one of that crewe. [a1613] 1686 BODLEY Let.
Bacon: Trec. Bodl., p. 149: I am one of that crew. 1616 DR., no.
1245. 1631 R. BOLTON Comfort Consciences I i 10, p. 38: Whatso-
ever thou dost, do not become one of this reprobate crew.
C824 Sick of the idle CRICK and the bellywark in the
heel
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Torcicollo, p. 218: To be sick of a crick
in the neck, viz. to play the Hypocrite, who turns his neck a side in
a posture of Devotion . . or like him that hath a crick in his neck.
1678 RAY, p. 254: *Belly-wark, i.e. belly-ake. It is used when
People complain of sickness for a pretence to be idle upon no appar-
ent cause.
0825 AS merry as a CRICKET
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D2: (Now mery as). 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and
Fort. V iv, s. H1: Wee’le be as merry as Crickets. [a1600] 1662 I.T.
Grim Collier Croydon V i, s. 19: We will eat and kiss, and be as merry
as your Cricket. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 186: Phryne’s as merry as a
cricket sometimes; But angry as a waspe, when she reads my rimes.
1616 DR., no. 1405. 1639 CL., p. 286. 1653 URQUHART Gargantua
I xxix, XXIV 109: And send them home as merry as crickets unto
their own houses. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 206.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IVII iv 100: AS merry as crickets,
my lad.
0826 CRIMES (Mischiefs) are made secure by greater
crimes (mischiefs)
01592 KYD Span. Trag. III xii, s. H4v: Per scelus semper tuturn est
sceleribus iter. For euils unto ils conductors be. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 1112: Of ane ill coms many. 1604 MARSTON Malcontent
V ii 208: Black deed only through black deed safely flies. 1612
WEBSTER White Devil II i 314: I’le make her sure. -——Small mis-
chiefes are by greater made secure. [01613] 1632 T. HEYWOOD 2
Iron Age IV, p. 402: Per scelus semper tutum sceleribus iter. Bold-
ly you haue begun, and being once in, Blood will cure lust, and mis-
chiefe phisicke sinne. 1630 D’AVENANT Cruel Brother V, p. 194: I
know the tricks of Majesty. They think they cannot be secure
after Doing ill, but by doing worse. I633 GOFFE Orestes II iv, s.
C4v: Mischiefe by mischiefe findes the safest way.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III IV ii 63: But I am in So far in
blood that sin will pluck on sin. 1605-6 M. III ii 55: Things bad
begun make strong themselves by ill.
Cf. E196: Do evil and evil will come of it. (6)
C826a He has got the CRINCKAMS
1678 RAY, s.v. One that hath the Fr. Pox, p. 88.
0827 He that mocks a CRIPPLE ought to be whole
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 163: For as the Prouerbe is, Hee that
mocketh the lame, must take heede that he him selfe goe upright.
I611 COT., s.v. Mocquer: He mocks that least may; the greatest
mockers haue comonly most imperfections. I640 HERE, no. 561.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13: Let him go right who mocketh the lame.
1659 N.R., p. 58. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 324: Who derides a
Criple must be streight himself. 1732 FUL., no. 2290: He that
scoffs at the Crooked, had need go very upright himself.
Cf. F107: He finds fault with others and does worse himself (He
that will blame another must be blameless himself); H60: It is hard
(ill) halting before a cripple; P532: He should have a hale pow that
calls his neighbor nitty know.
C831

0828 If one dwell by (next door to) a CRIPPLE he will
learn to halt
[ERAS. Adagia, 387E: Si juxta claudum habites, subclaudicare
disces] 01535 ELYOT Educ. 3, 5. B3: This prouerbe is vsed: He
that dwelleth by a crepyll, shall lerne to halte. 01577 NORTH-
BROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 80: According to the old saying: If
thou with him that haltes doest dwell, To learne to halt thou shalt
full well. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 267: It is an olde Prouerbe
that if one dwell the nexte dore to a creple he wil learne to hault.
I611 CHAPMAN May Day II i 659: Is not he an arrant knave, you
next door to a knave, because next door to him? 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 15, p. 324: Who converseth with a Criple, suddenly learns to
halt.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. II iv 28: Th’art a knave! ——You
should have said, sir, ‘Before a knave th’art a knave’; that’s
‘Before me th’art a knave.’ This had been truth, sir.
See DUE, II, no. 30. Cf. H60: It is hard (ill) halting before a
cripple.
0829 CRITICS are like brushers of noblemen’s clothes
165,1 HERE, p. 372. 1659 N.R., p. 24.
0830 She will as soon part with the CROCK as the
porridge
1678 RAY, p. 352: *Som.
CROCODILE TEARS
[ERAS. Adagia, 543A: Crocodili lachrymae] 1548 COOPER, s.v.
Crocodilus: *A prouerbe, applied unto theim, which hatyng an other
man, whom they would destroie, or haue destroied, thei will seme
to bee sorye for hym. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 220: The
Crocodile shrowdeth greatest treason vnder most pitifull teares.
1594 R. WILSON Cobbler’s Proph., 5. E2: Weepe as the Crocodile.
I607 JONSON Volp. III vii 119: Crocodile, that hast thy teares pre-
par’d, Expecting, how thou’lt bid ’hem flow. I612 BACON Essays,
p. 159: It is the wisdom of Crocodiles, that shed tears when they
would devour. [1635] 1655 MASSINGER Bashful Lover IV ii, p. 408:
She yielded to my crocodile tears. 1645 D. FEATLEY Dippers, p.
249: Then shedding a few Crocodile teares, and seeming to take
compassion on him. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Coccodrillo, p. 41:
To do as the Crocodil, viz. which kills a man, and afterwards weeps
over him. 1675 Ape-Gentlew., p. 5: In short her smiles are more
treacherous then a Crocodiles tears.
SHAKESPEARE—1590-I 2 Hen. VI III i 225: Gloucester’s Show
Beguiles him as the mournful crocodile With sorrow snares relenting
passengers. 1604 O. IV i 256: If that the earth could teem with
woman’s tears, Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. 1606-7
A.C. II Vii 46: What manner 0’ thing is your crocodile? —The
tears of it are wet.
See ST., no. 1283. (20)
0832 As rich as CROESUS (a king)
1577 T. KENDALL Flowers Epig., p. 57: As riche as Cresus Affric is-
1578 T. LU PTON AllforMoney, S. C1: So that contentation makes me
as rich as a king. 1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 5v: As rich in
possessions, as Croesus. 1696 DILKE Lover’s Luck II, p. 8: And I
get a Patent for it, I shall be as Rich as Croesus. 1724 DEFOE Rox-
ana, p. 73: As rich as Croesus?
SHAKESPEARE—1598-9 M.A. III v 23: If I were as tedious
[Dogberry’s mistakefor rich] as a king, I could find in my heart to
bestow it all of your worship.
0833 As coy as CROKER’S MARE
1546 HEY. II i, S. F2v: She was to theim as koy as a crokers mare.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1670 RAY, p. 202.
0834-0836 CRoss=a coin, or the side of a coin,
bearing the impression of a cross
0834 CROSS I win, pile you lose
[Heads I win, tails you lose] 1673 T. SHADWELL Epsom Wells II, p
123: Worse than cross I win, pile you lose. 1678 S. BUTLER Hud.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
CROSS
CROW
130

III iii 685, p. 393: Matrimony, and Hanging here, Both go by Des-
tiny so clear, That you as sure may pick and chuse, As Cross I win,
and Pile you lose. 1712 SWIFT Rem. Barrier Treaty, IV 371: This
I humbly conceive to be perfect Boys Play; Cross I win, and Pile
you lose; or, What’s yours is mine, and What’s mine is my own.
Cf. C835: Cross or (and) pile; M980: What is mine is yours and
what is yours is mine (your own).
C835 CROSS or (and) pile
[Heads or tails.] 01460 Wisdom l. 462, p. 63: With the crose and
the pyll I xall wrye yt. 1552 HULOET Ahced., s. E2: Cast lottes or
crosse and pyle. 1614 OVERBURY ET AL. News: Wks., p. 175: Good
and ill is the crosse and pile in the ayme of life. 1665 J. WILSON
Projectors Prol., p. 216: That, in effect, ’tis but a cross or pile In all
that’s written, whether well or ill. 1673 BEHN Dutch LoverI i, p.
230: Cross or pile who shall go. 1681 ROB., p. 408. 1681 ]. SCOTT
Chr. Life II iii, p. 218: What is this, but to cast Lots for their Souls,
and throw Cross or Pile for their eternal Salvation?
Cf. C834: Cross I win, pile you lose. (30)
C836 He has never a CROSS (penny, halfpenny) to
bless himself withal
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iv, p. 91: He shal not haue a halfe-
penye lefte to blesse hym with. Ihid. IV iv, p. 140: That hath neuer
a crosse lefte him to blesse him with. 1546 HEY. II viii, 3. K3: He
had not nowe one peny to blysse hym. 1557 T. NORTH Dial
Princes IV vii, p. 625: The pestilence ofpenny he hath in his purse,
to blesse him with. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii,
p. 31: I haue neuer a crose to blesse me. 1598 BARNFIELD Lady
Pecunia, p. 141: Who many times, hath not a Crosse to blesse him.
01605 Ratsey’s Ghost, s. D4v: You picke euerye poore mannes pocket
. . till you leaue them neuer a penny to blesse themselues. [01607-
25] 1632 W. ROWLEY New WonderIII, p. 149: I’m afraid your good
husband will leave you ne’er a cross i’th’ house to bless you with.
1616 WITHALS, p. 567. 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 243. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: He hath not a peny to bless him. 1670
RAY, p. 170. I732 FUL., no. 1893.
Cf. D233: The devil dances in an empty pocket.
C837—C840 CRoss=the cross of Christ, often as a
symbol of trials and misfortunes
C837 The CROSS in his breast and the devil in his
actions
1616 DR., s.v. Hypocrisie, no. 1038. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 1:
(He carrieth the Cross on his breast, and). 1732 FUL., no. 4462:
The Cross on the Breast, and the Devil in the Heart.
C838 Each CROSS has its inscription
1639 CL., s.v. Afiiictio, p. 16. I670 RAY, p. 75: *Divines truly say,
that many times we may read the sin in the punishment.
C839 No CROSS n0 crown
1621 F. QUARLES Hadassa 9: Wks., II 56: The way to Blisse lyes not
on beds of Downe, And he that had no Crosse, deserues no Crowne.
I669 PENN No Cross No Crown: [Title]. 1678 RAY, p. 120. 1684
On Charles H in Cent. Broadside Eleg., p. 169: He bore his Cross
before he wore his Crown. 1709 DYKES, p. 278. 1732 FUL., no.
6.
5Cf. B408: N0 bishop no king; M1027: N0 miter no crown; W170:
The way to bliss lies not on beds Of down.
C840 CROSSES are ladders that do lead to heaven
1616 DR., no. 406: The Crosse is the ladder of heauen. 1641 JON-
SON Timher, p. 3: Heaven prepares good men with crosses; but no
ill can happen to a good man. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9: Crosses
draw one upwards. 1664 COD., p. 188. 1670 RAY, p. 6. 1732
FUL., no. 1208: Crosses are Ladders to Heaven.
Cf. A42: Adversity makes men wise; A43: In adversity men find
eyes; A53: Afilictions are sent us by God for our good; E137: An
enemy (Adversity) makes a man know-himself, whereas a friend
(prosperity) fiatters a man and deceives him; W447: The wind in
one’s face makes one wise.

C841 CROSS =market cross
C841 To be cried at the CROSS
01528 SKELTON Divers Ballads and Ditties: W ks., I 24: It can be no
counsell that is cryed at the cros. 1611 COT., s.v. Sing: Thou hast
not cried it at the crosse, nor made all the world ring ofit; thou did-
dest not greatly publish, or brag of, it. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Palio, p. 127: To divulge, or publish any thing; The English say, To
tell no body but folks, or get it cry’d by an Oyes at the Market
Cross.
Cf. F428: To tell nobody but folks.
C842 CRoss=a symbol made of two
crossed lines
C842 To make a CROSS on a gate
1546 HEY. I xi, 5. E3v: Come, go we hens frend . . And now will I
make a crosse on this gate For coming here again. 1562 HEY. Epig.
289, p. 170: I wyll make a crosse vpon this gate, ye crosse on Thy
crosses be on gates all, in thy purse non.
C843 He has CROTOHETS in his head
1577-87 W. HARRISON Descr. Eng. II xxii, I 339: If a man should
well consider of all the 0d crochets in such a builders braine. 1592
G. HARVEY Four Letters III, p. 189: A Wilde head, ful ofmad braine
and a thousande crotchets. 1611 COT., s.v. Moucheron: To haue
many . . crotchets in the head. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 17.
1629 RM. Micrologia II, s. C8v: His head is troubled with many
Crotchets. 1670 RAY, p. 170: To have crotchets in ones crown.
a1700 B.E., s.v. Crochets: Crochets in the crown, whimsies, Mag-
gots. (10)
C844 AS black as a CRow
I538 BALE K. Yohan l. 88, p. 6: Curse the as blacke as a crowe.
1608 ]. DAY Hum. out Breath I i, p. 10: Should the Crow teache, I
am not all Crow black. 01620 Pepys Ba]. 24, I 159: (as any Crow).
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 53, p. 17: (as any crow). 1639 CL., p. 287.
1664 T. KILLIGREW 2 Thomaso I ii, p. 390: It keeps him as black as
a raven. 1678 RAY, p. 281: As black as a coal; as a crow or raven.
SHAKESPEARE.—161I W. T. IV iv 221: Cypress black as e’er was
crow.
C845 As safe as a CRow (sow) in a gutter
1639 CL., s.v. Dissimilitudinis, p. 97: (a sowe i’ th gutter).
RAY, p. 207.
Cf. C852: He struts like a crow in a gutter.
1670
C846 Breed up a CRow and She will peck out your eyes
1616 DR., s.v. Vnthankefulnesse, no. 2303: Nourish a Rauen, and he
will scratch out thine eyes. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 4: Some do
nourish a Crow that will peck out their eyes. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 6. 1664 COD., p. 187. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. IO, p. 55: Feed
a crow, and at last he will peck out thy eyes.
Cf. V68: T0 nourish a viper (snake) in one’s bosom.
C847 The CRow bewails the Sheep and then eats it
1640 HERB., no. 454. I659 N.R., p. 101: (and eats it). 1664 COD.,
p. 190: Carrion Crows bewail the dead Sheep, and then they eat
them. 1670 RAY, p. 6: Carrion crows bewail the dead sheep and
then eat them. *Ital. 1732 FUL., no. 1 21 I: Crows bewail the dead
Sheep, and then eat them.
C848 The CRow bids you good morrow
01640 SMYTH 70, p. 32: *A phrase Wherby wee figuratively call a
man a knave.
C849 The CRow cannot be blacker than her wings
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 82: (his wings).
ceede the highest degree. 1616 DR., no. 167: The crow is not more
black then his feathers. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 28:
Wrong no man in thy prayse or disprayse, for the Crow cannot bee
blacker than her wings, nor can any thing exceed the highest degree.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7.
Cf. D255: The devil is not so black as he is painted.
*Nothing can ex-

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CROW
CROWN (CROWNS)
131


0850 A CROW is never whiter for washing herself often
I678 RAY, p. 121. 1732 FUL., no. 1210: Crows are never the whiter
for washing themselves.
Cf. W323: A whore is like a crow, the more she washes the blacker
she is.
0851 The CROW thinks her own bird1 fairest (whitest)
[1513] 1553 DOUGLAS Aeneid IX Prol., III 207: The blak craw think-
is hir awin byrdis quhite. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3: (byrds fairest in
the wood). 1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia I, p. 35: So both the
Rauen and the Ape thincke their owne yonge ones fairest. I576
FULWELL Ars Adulandi III, S. D3v: The Oule thought her owne
birdes fairest and in this respect parentes for the most part are
blinde. 1578 T. LU PTON All for Money, S. B2: Yet the crowe thinkes
her blacke birdes of all other the fairest. 1580 H. GIFFORD,T0 Rdr.:
Gilloflowers, p. 6: Being in this poynt not vnlike the crow, who al-
waies thinks her owne byrdes fayrest. 1596 DEL., s. M4v: The
Crow dothe thinke her owne birds the fairest. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1256: (whytest). 1604 Wit Woman, s. B2: They saide, after the
old prouerbe; that the Crowe thinkes her bird of a fayre feather.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 371: (fairest in the wood). 1611 GRUT., no.
255: (owne birdes the fairest). 1614 CAM., p. 312: (birds). 1616
DR., no. 267: (birdes). 1639 CL., p. 254: (her own fairest). 1641
FERG., no. 786. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1668 R.B., p. 52.
1670 RAY, p. 76. 1721 KEL., p. 91: Every Crow thinks its own
Bard bonniest. 1732 FUL., no. 4463. Ihid., no. 4698: The Owl
thinks all her young ones Beauties.
Cf. A270: Every ape thinks his puppy the fairest; C812: Every
creature thinks her own fair; K40: Of kin to the owl, who thinks her-
self fairest; M131 : Every man likes his own thing best; P173: Every
peddler thinks well of his pack. (5)
[inestling]
0852 He struts like a CROW in a gutter
1589 Rare Triumphs Love and Fortune I 273, s. B2: They are set a
sunning like a Crow in a gutter. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 1. 1664
J.W1LSON Cheats III [iv], p. 41 : It should be a Sweetheart (forsooth)
—how it struts, like a Crow in a Gutter! 1670 RAY, p. 203: To
strut [or strag] like a crow in a gutter. 3.1700 B.E., s.v. Crow-over:
Strut like a Crow in a Gutter, said injeer of the Stalking of a proud
Fellow.
Cf. C845: As safe as a crow (sow) in a gutter.
0853 He will say the CROW is white
1529 T. MORE Dial. conc. Heresy III ii, p. 207: Thou if thei would
Saye the crowe were white. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H2V: Were not you
as good than to say, the crow is Whight? I553 Respuhlica I iii, p. 6:
Youe the-Crowe-is-white youe, youe the-swanne-is-blacke youe.
1578 T. PROCTOR ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 97: The simple sorte hee
can by slight, make to beleeue the Crow is white. Ihid., p. 19 5: I
wyll say the crowe is whyte. Art thou so lyght, What is thy cre-
dence, when the crowe cumth in syght. 1580 H. GIFFORD Delecta-
hle Dream: Gilloflowers, p. 1 13: I cannot say the crow is white. 1619
R. SANDERSON Ad Clerum i: Serm., I 1 19: Shall any charity bind me
to think the crow is white, or the blackamoor beautiful? 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 332: If you say the
crow is white, he’l say so too.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 P. IV Prol. 32: With the clove of Paphos
might the crow Vie feathers white.
Cf. B440: To make black white; B441: To say that black (white)
is white (black); M720: If the master say the crow is white the ser-
vant must not say ’tis black.
0854 The hoarse CROW croaks before the rain
1616 DR., s.v. Signes, forerunners, no. 1970. 1664 COD., p. 214.
0855 I have a CROW to pluck with you
[01517] c1545 SKELTON Speak Parrot l. 389: Wks.,II 19: Yow fyrste
dare boldlye plucke the crowe. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H3: If he leaue
it not we haue a crow to pull. 1560-77 .Misogonus I iv 39: Throwe
the knave downe and with him plucke a crowe. 1594 LYLY Mother
B. II i 81: If I thought thou meantst so . . Thou shouldst haue
a crow to pull. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1487: We hav ane crow to
pluk. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. IIV: Be sure

weele plucke a crow together. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Gatta, p. 204: As
wee say he hath an ill Crow to pull. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2:
(I have a Goose to). *I have something to complain of. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rodere, p. 171: To give one a bone to pick . . or
a Crow to pluck. I668 R.B., p. 55: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY,
p. 170. 1721 KEL., p. 397: I’ll pluck a Crow with you, come of the
Feathers What like. 1732 FUL., no. 25 .
SHAKESPEARE—1592—3 C.E. III i 80: Well, I’ll break in. Go
borrow me a crow. — . . If a crow help us in, sirrah, we’ll pluck a
crow together.
See DUE, I, no. 752. Cf. B522: To give one a bone to pick. (5)
0856 One CROW never pulls out another’s eyes
1573 SANF., f. 104. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: One Crow wil
neuer pul out another Crowes eyes. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 93, p. 28.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 55: Crows with crows, pull not out one
anothers eyes. 1732 FUL., no. 3744: One Crow will not peck out
another Crow’s Eyes.
See ST., no. 929. Cf. W606: One wolf (bear) will not eat (bite,
prey upon) another.
0857 When the CROW begins to build then sheep be-
gin to yield
01640 SMYTH 50, p. 31.
0858 When the CROW flies her tail follows
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1451.
R.B., p. 45: (flees).
1641 FERG., no. 713: (flees). 1668
0859 A white CROW (raven)
[ERAS. Adagia, 1105D: Corvus albus.] 01550 GOSYNHYLL School-
house Wom. l. 546, p. 1 26: When Ethna hil offire is scant; The Crowe
is white, and blacke is Chalke. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 30: For
any chaste liner to haunt them was a black swan, and a white crowe.
1639 CL., s.v. Raritas, p. 271: (raven). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 47:
A black Swan, a White crow. 1725 N. BAILEY The Lying-in Woman:
Familiar Colloq., p. 226: Is it not a strange sight to see a white crow?
Cf. 81027: As rare as a black swan.
0860 You look as if you would make the CROW a pud-
ding
[8.1600] 1639 DELONEY Gentle Craft II, p. 37: Plucke up a good heart
woman! Let no man . . say thou gavest the crow a pudding be-
cause loue would let thee line no longer. 1678 RAY, p. 237: *Die.
1721 KEL., p. 167: He ows a Pudding to the Glade [kite]. *Spoken
of a poor weak Beast which we suspect to be a dying. 1732 FUL.,
no. 5932: You look as tho’ you’d make the Crow a Pudding e’re
long.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. VII i 91: By my troth, he’ll yield the
crow a pudding one of these days.
0861 A CROWD is not company
1612 BACON Essays, p. 166: For a crowd is not company; and faces
are but a gallery of pictures . . where there is no love. 1732 F UL.,
no. 62.
0862—0863 CROWN = diadem
0862 The royal CROWN cures not the headache
1612-26 J. HALL Contempl. I xviii, II 227: Yet could not that mis-
gotten Crown of his, keep his Head always from aking. 1640
HERE, no. 572. 1659 N.R., p. 102. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 78:
(A Royall Crown). 1757 FRANKLIN, p. 34.
Cf. C863: Crowns have cares.
C863 CROWNS have cares
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 101: In greatest charge are greatest cares.
Ihid., II 136: Kingdoms, they say, are but cares. 1590 LODGE Ros-
alynde, p. 28: What cares wait vpon a crown! What griefes are in-
cident to dignitie! What sorrowes haunt royal Pallaces? 1594
Selimus i, s. A3v: Such is our life, vnder Crownes, cares do lie. 1605
DANIEL Philotas II iii, p. 132: High fortunes are but high calamities.
1639 CL., p. 137. Ihid., p. 272: (Kingdomes).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
CROWN
CUCKOLD
132
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. 1/ IV i 194: Part of your cares you
give me with your crown. 1598 2 Hen. IV III i 31: Uneasy lies the
head that wears a crown.
Cf. C862: The royal crown cures not the headache; H582: Great
honors are great burdens.
C864 CROWN = top
C864 From the CROWN of the head to the sole of the
foot
1533 HEYWOOD Yohn, s. A1v: (From the top of). 1552 BOORDE
Brev. Health Pref. t0 Rdrs., s. A5. 1605 CI-IAPMAN, JONSON, AND
MA RSTON Eastward Ho III iii 74: That her presence will touche, from
the foote to the forehead. 1606 Wily Beguiled V, p. 23: All that a
woman should haue, from the crowne Ofmy foote, to the sole of my
head. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh IV ii 81 : Ene from the sole 0’ the head,
To the crowne O’ the foot. 1672 WALK. 40, p. 37.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M./l. III ii 9: From the crown ofhis head
to the sole Of his foot, he is all mirth. 1611 Temp. IV i 233: From
toe to crown he’ll fill our skins with pinches.
See OTTO, no. 1822. Cf. T436: From top (head) to toe (heel).
C865 The CRow’s-FOOT grows under her eye
1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. IV V, p. 66: When the Crowes feete grow-
eth under her eye. 1578 LYLY Euph. Ainat. Wit, p. 203: When the
blacke crowes foote shall appeare in theyr eye. 1584 LYLY Sapho
and Phao IV ii 20: Nowe crowes foote is on her eie. [01589] 1601
LYLY Love's Metam. IV i 135: When the Crow shall set his foote in
their eye . . they Shall finde their misfortunes to be equall with
their deformities.
C866 CRUELTY is a tyrant that’s always attended with
fear
1664 COD., p. 190. 1670 RAY, p. 6.
Cf. C778: Cowards are cruel.
C867 CRUELTY is more cruel if we defer the pain
1596 DEL., s. M5v. 1651 HERB., p. 370. 1659 N.R., p. 25.
C868 To gather up one’s CRUMES
1474 SIR JOHN PASTON (to Margaret Paston, Nov.) in Paston Let.
856, V 211: I toke so my crommys. [1547—53] c1565 WEVER Lusty
Yuventus, s. C3: And hys crumes he hath well gathered. 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 78: What with hir merry sporting, and good
nourishing, I began to gather vp my crumbes. I581 PETTIE Civ.
Conv. II, I 196: Yet when they have pickt up their crummes a little,
they will bee maister one Of another. 1600 NASHE Summer’s Last
Will I. 908: Wks., III 262: AS was it frost-bitten in the blade, yet
picked up his crumbs again afterward. 1602 DEKKER [AND MAR-
STON] Satiro. l. 948, p. 31 : Ah little roague, your Wit has pickt vp her
crums prettie and well. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho IV,
s. E2v: I ha pickt vp my cromes in Sesus colledge in Oxford one day
a gad while ago. 1621 ]. HOWELL Let. I ii 1, I 99:1 . . am recover-
ing and picking up my crums apace. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Massa, p. 101: At last, to pick up ones crums, to live as it were by
the by. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Health, p. 158: He gathers up
his crumbs now every day.
C869 A CRUST is better than no bread
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A5).
Cf. H36: Better half a loaf than no bread.
1732 FUL., no. 1213.
C870 To leap at a CRUST
1616 DR., s.v. Hunger, no. 1026: Hee will leape at a crust.
CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 244. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 388: I be-
lieve, Colonel, Mr. Neverout can leap at a crust better than you.
Cf. H820: Hunger makes a man leap at a crust.
C871 CRY: subst.
C871 Great CRY and little wool
a1476 FORTESCUE Governance Eng. X, p. 132: And So his hyghnes
shall haue therofi, but as hadd the man that sherid is hogge, muche
crye and litil WOll. I579 GOSSON Sch. flhuse, p. 28: AS one said at
1639'

the shearing 0f hogs, great cry and little wool, much adoe and smal
help. 1599 RAINOLDS Overthrow Stage Plays, p. 104. 1614 T.
ADAMS Soul’s Sickness: Wks., p. 447: You would say . . as that
wise man sheering his hogges: Here is a great deale Of cry, but
a little wooll. 1616 DR., s.v. Boasting, no. 183. 1636 CAM., p.
302: (Much cry). 1639 CL., p. 144. Ibid., p. 154: Here’s a great
deale Ofcry and little wooll, quoth the fellow when he shore his hogs.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13: A great cry and little wooll, quoth the
Devil when he sheard the hogg. 1659 N.R., p. 76: (Much cry).
1664 COD., p. 193: Great Cry, and a little Wool, when the Hog was
shear’d. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Porco, p. 154: (A great cry).
1670 RAY, p. 170: Here’s a great cry and but a little wool, (as the
fellow said, when he shear’d his hogs). *Ital. 1721 KEL., p. 47:
A great Cry and little Wool quoth the Deel when he clip’d the
Swine. *Spoken Ofgreat Pretences and small Performances. I732
FUL., no. 192: (A great Cry).
See ST., no. 662. Cf. B604: Much bran and little meal. (12)
CS72—C873 CRY: verb
C872 I am sorry for thee but I cannot CRY
1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. D2: Alas Conscience I am
sorie for thee, but I cannot weepe. 01592 KYD Span. Trag. III v,
s. F2V; I am in a sort sory for thee; but ifI should be hanged for thee,
I cannot weepe. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pes-
tle I i, p. 170: I am sorry for your losses, But as the proverb says, I
cannot cry. 1641 Archy’s Dream in Old Bk. Coll. Misc., III
16: Archy said he was very sorry, but could not cry. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Rincrescere, p. 1 68: To be sorry indeed, but SO as not
to cry for’t. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,p. 388: I’m sorry for it, but I
can’t cry.
C873 You CRY before you are hurt
1548 Parr’s Child in Relig. Antiq., II 16: Ye may the bet-
ter understand thatI cry not before I am pricked. 1575 GASCOIGNE
Glass Govt. V viii, p. 83: Thou maist be compared to the patient
which crieth out before the Chirurgions instrument do touch him.
1611 COT., s.v. Anguille: Such as . . crie before their paine approch
them. 1678 RAY, p. 346. I721 KEL., p. 204: It is time enough to
cry, Oh, when you are hurt. *Spoken to dissuade People from
groundless Fears.
Cf. H57: You halt before you are lame.
C874 CRY YOU MERCY killed my cat
1639 CL., s.v. Sera poenitentia, p. 281. 1670 RAY, p. 68: *This is
spoken to them who do one a shrewd turn, and then make satisfac-
tion with asking pardon or crying mercy.
C875 As clear as CRYSTAL
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 290: My purpyll pall, ouercouereth
all Clere as Christall. 1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 36: His
eyes be clere as crystall. 1567 MAPLET Green Forest I, p. 26: Iris is
a kinde of Stone . . Of colour as cleare as the Cristall. 1584 SCOT
Disc. Witchcr. XIII vi, p. 293: A stone about the bignesse ofa beane,
as cleere as the cristall. I590 SPENSER III i 15: Whose face
did seeme as cleare as Christall stone. 1606 SYLVESTER Weeks I
111 141: And, cleer as crystall, in the glasse doth hop. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Manifest, no. 1351. 1631 SHIRLEY Love Tricks V ii, p. 85: My
conscience is as clear as crystal. 1670 RAY, p. 202. 1684 CREECH
Idylliums XXX, 5. T4v: Small Fountains flow’d, and bubled O’re
the Grass, As clear as Chrystal, and as smooth as Glass. (1 1)
C876 Better be a CUCKOLD and not know it than be
none and everybody say so
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 14: Better to be a Cuckold and none
know it, then to be none, and yet to be thought so. 1732 FUL., no.
871. -
C877 The CUCKOLD is the last that knows of it
1636 CAM., p. 306. 1639 CL., p. 328: If a wife makes her husband
cuckold, he shall heare of ’t last i’ the parish. 1659 N.R., p. 107:
(knows it). 1693 DRYDEN j'uvenalx 528, p. 202: For cuckolds hear
the last. 1732 FUL., no. 1216: Cuckolds themselves are the very
last that know it.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CUCKOLD
CUDGELS
I33


SHAKESPEARE—1611 W. T. I ii 217: They’re here with me already;
whisp’ring, rounding, ‘Sicilia is a so-forth!’ ’Tis far gone When I
shall gust it last.
Cf. G332: The goodman is the last that knows what’s amiss at
home.
0878 The CUCKOLD was very cunning but he was cun-
ninger that cuckolded him
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6: The Cuckold knowes much, but he
knowes more who gives him the horns. 1732 FUL., no. 4465.
0879 He that is a CUCKOLD and allows it may be so
forever
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 12: Who is a Cuckold and consents, let
him be still a Cuckold for me. 1732 FUL., no. 2169.
0880 If a CUCKOLD come he’ll take away the meat if
there be no salt on the table
1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 9: Service without salt, by the
rite ofEngland, is a Cuckholds fee, ifhe claime it. 1678 RAY, p. 69.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 433: Here’s no salt; cuckolds will run
away with the meat.
0881 It is better to be acold than a CUCKOLD
1678 RAY, p. 69.
0882 Let every CUCKOLD wear his own horns
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 6. 1732 FUL., no. 3174.
Cf. H625: He wears the horns.
0883—4 A malcontented CUCKOLD has no wit
1612 [BRETON] Cornucopia l. 2791, p. 92: Well doth their folly this
old saying fit A malecontented cuckold hath no wit.
0885 Who is a CUCKOLD and conceals it carries coals
in his bosom
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 14: (coales in his heart). 1664 COD., p.
225. 1670 RAY, p. 6: *Hisp. 1732 FUL., no. 2332: He that thinks
himself a Cuckold, carries live Coals in his Heart.
0886 T 0 send one to CUCKOLD’S haven
1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho IV i 1: All
haile, faire Hauen of married men onely [i.e. cuckold’s haven].
1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. D2: And a Dutches long to giue her hus-
bands the horning, let it never greeve butchers to doe homage at
Cuckolds haven. 1638 Cuckolds Haven 448 in Rollins Analyt. In-
dex, p. 46: [Title]. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Corneto, p. 46: To
make one a cuckold, as one would say in English, to send one to
Cuckolds Haven.
0887 CUCKOLDS are Christians
1678 RAY, p. 69. 1732 FUL., no. 1215: Cuckolds are Christians all
the World over.
0888 CUCKOLDS are kind to those who make them so
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 31: This same is
kind cuckolds luck. I620 Westw.for Smelts, p. 40: Which made her
to beleeve that the proverbe is true (cuckolds are kinde men). 1696
MANLEY Lost Lover V i, p. 31: Vain hopes of having the Proverb of
your side, That Cuckolds are kind to those who make them so.
C889 CUCKOLDS come by destiny
1577 GRANGE Garden, s. R2: As Cuckoldes come by destinie, so
Cuckowes sing by kinde.
SHAKESPEARE—16oo-1 III v 106: But fate, ordaining
he should be a cuckold, held his hand. 1604 O. III iii 275: ’Tis des-
tiny unshunnable, like death. Even then this forked plague is
fated to us When we do quicken.
Cf. M682: Marriage is destiny.
0890 As scabbed as a CUCKOO
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: (As scabby). 1670 RAY, p. 207.
0891 The CUCKOO sings all the year
[Cuckoldry continues throughout the year] 01550 GOSYNHYLI
Schoolhouse Wom. 1.320, p. 117: All beit that few men doo him hear,
The cuckoo singeth all the year. [01605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon.
Whore, p. 121: Ile trust neither Lord nor Butcher with quicke flesh
for this tricke; the Cuckoo I see now sings all the yeere.
0892 A CUCKOO thinks herself a fine bird
1616 DR., s.v. Conceitednesse, no. 296. 1639 CL., s.v. Philautia, p.
2 54: (The cuckow).
Cf. K40: Of kin to the owl, who thinks herself fairest.
0893 When the CUCKOO comes to the bare thorn sell
your cow and buy you corn, but when she
comes to the full bit sell your corn and buy you
sheep
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: When the Cuckow sitteth on a dry
thorn, Sell thy Cow, and sow thy Corn. 1670 RAY, p. 43. 1732
FUL., no. 6200.
0894 You are like the CUCKOO, you have but one song
1535 Dial. Creatures 46, s. P2: Many folkes . . synge allwaye oon
songe lyke the Cuckowe. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. III, p. 39: Thou haste
it euer in thy mouth, euen as the cuckos song. Ibid. XII, p. 169:
You harpe still on that string, and you haue it as ready as the Cooc-
koe hath his song. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal BanquetIV: Wks., p. 219:
He is like the Cuckoe, alwaies in one tune. 1616 WITHALS, p. 554:
You play the Cuckowe, you harpe alwayes upon one string. 1639
CL., s.v. Taedium ex iteratione, p. 303. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p.
25: The cuckoe hath nothing to do, But the same to say and sing
too. 1660 TATHAM Rump IV, p. 48: And like the Cuckoo, have but
one Note. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Uccellaccio, p. 225: Alwaies
the same, the Cuckow’s tune; the English say, To harp alwaies upon
one string, to go over and over again the same Arguments. 1681
ROB., p. 12: To be still cuckow; or to have always the same song.
I732 FUL., no. 5850: (a Cuckow).
Cf. G384: You breed of the gouk, you have aye but one rhyme
(song); M1324: He is a bad musician that can sing but one song;
S638: To sing the same (one) song; S936: To harp upon one (the
same) string.
0895 AS 0001 as a CUCUMBER
I615 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Cupid’s Rev. I, p, 224: Young
Maids were as cold as Cowcumbers. 1720 GAY New Song Similes
l. 11: Poems, II 278: Cool as a cucumber could [I] see The rest of
womankind.
0896 To chew the CUD upon a thing
1547 Homilies I, s. C6: Let VS ruminat, and (as it were) chew the
cudde, that wee maye haue the sweete iuyce . . and consolation of
them. 1596 SPENSER FAQ. V vi 19: Chawing the cud of griefe and
inward paine. 1606 BRETON Choice, p. 29: To chewe the cud of this
kindnesse. [01618] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Qu. Corinth IVi, p. 51:
Revenge is now the Cud That I do chaw. 1634 [S. ROWLEY] Noble
Soldier I, s. C1: There’s cud enough for you to chew upon. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rugumata, p. 174: To have chew’d it well, viz.
to have studied and considered the matter, sifted and examined it;
the English express the same by, Chewing the Cudd. I670 RAY,
p. 168: *To consider ofa thing, to revolve it in ones mind: to ru-
minate. (11)
0897 To lay down the CUDGELS
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Scherma, p. 1 84: To have lost ones Fence,
viz. to be fain to yield, having been beaten; the English say, To
cross, and lay doun the Cudgels. 1670 RAY, p. 170.
Cf. C898: To take up the cudgels
0898 T 0 take up the CUDGELS
1654 WHITLOCK Zootomia, p 233: A second sort are Discoverers of
their Affections taking up the Cudgels on one side or other. 1662
FULLER Worthies Westmorland, II 432: Mr. Chillingworth, a great
Master of Defence in School-divinity, took up the Cudgells against
him.
See ST., no. 826. Cf. C897: To lay down the cudgels.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
CUNNING I 34
CUR

C899 CUNNING (Knowledge, Skill) is no burden
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 40: Connynge (be it neuer so moche)
semeth no burden to hym that hath hit. 1539 TAV., f. 22V: Cun-
nynge (they say) is no burthen. 1573-80 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p.
72: Kunninge would nowe be, I perceive, no burden. 1578 FLOR.
First I". XIX, f. 34v. 1616 DR., s.v. Learning, no. 1191. I616
WITHALS, p. 582: Sapiens sua bona secum fert. Knowledge is no
burthen. 1636 CAM., p. 294. 1639 CL., p. 79. Ibid., s.v. Scien-
tiae, p. 276: (Skill). 1640 HERB., no. 688: (Knowledge). 1641
FERG., no. 559: Knowledge is eith [easily] born about. 1664 COD.,
p. 189. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 87, p. 14: (Knowledge). 1668
R.B., p. 34: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 76: *It is part of
Bias his goods, it will not hinder a mans flight when the enemies are
at hand. 1732 FUL., no. 4182: (Skill).
C900 Too much CUNNING undoes
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3.
Cf. C798: Craft brings nothing home.
0901 A drunken CUNT has no porter
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 144: Ane druken cunt had neuer ane good dore
bar. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6.
See KEL., p. 29.
C902 AS great as CUP and can
[As constant and familiar companions as cup and can.] a1700 B.E.,
s.v. Cannikin. I729 SWIFT Lioel on Dr. Delany: Misc. Poems, p.
388: You and he are cup and can. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p.
463: Miss, I hear that you and Lady Coupler are as great as cup and
can.
Cf. C903: As merry as cup and can.
C903 As merry as CUP and can
1546 HEY. II iii, 3. G2v: Mery we were as cup and can coulde holde-
1560-77 Misogonus II ii 89: The merye man, with cupp and cann-
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. III ii, s. E2v: (We shall be as).
1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 248. 1610 ROWLANDS Martin Mark-
dll, p. 49: Where they, as merry as pot and canne passe their time
in villany and robbery. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 362. 1639 CL., s.v.
Bibacitas, p. 47. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: As merry as Cup and
Can, as merry as Tinkers, as mice in malt. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
p. 218: (We’l be as). 1678 RAY, p. 287.
Cf. C902: AS great as cup and can; M1242:"As merry as mice in
malt; T350: As merry as tinkers.
C904 A CUP in the pate is a mile in the gait
1656 F. OSBORNE Advice to Son I 1i, p. 28: Especially when they
have got a pot in their pate. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua IV lxv,
III 228. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 452.
Cf. S791: A spur in the head is worth two in the heel.
C905 He has got a CUP too much
I615 BRATHWAITE Strap. for Devil, p. 1: Nor’s my tutch For such as
loue to take a cup too-much. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cervello,
p. 36: To be high of the brain, viz. to have taken a cup too much, to
be high flown, and cup-shotten. Nid., s.v. Pagliucca, p. 127: To
have got soundly drunk, a cup too much, a cut in the leg, a fox, so
as to knock under the table. 1678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk.
Cf. B487: Knock under the board (table); C911: To be in one’s
cups; L184: He has cut his leg.
C906 Such CUP (pot) such cover (potlid)
1532 T. MORE Conf. Tyndale’s Ans. Pref., s. Bb: A very mete
couer for such a cuppe. 1549 LATIMER Serm. I I, p. 181: She was a
rich woman, she had her lands by the sheriff’s nose. He was a
gentleman of a long nose. Such a cup, such a cover! 1586 WITH-
ALS, s. G7: Like pot, lyke potlid, like bottel, like stopple. 1611
COT., s.v. Couvercle: Such pot such pot-lid, like maister like man.
1623 WOD., p. 516: Such Pot such Couer. 1639 CL., p. 288: Like
cover like cup. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. IX ii, II 485: John
Story . . a cruel persecutor in the days of Queen Mary . . great with
the Duke de Alva, (like cup, like cover!). 1732 FUL., no. 4276:

C911
Such a Pot must have such a Lid. 1754 BERTH., s.v. Dish: The
dish wears its own cover.
Cf. C742: The cover is worthy of such a cup; M723: Like
(Such a) master like (such a ) man (servant); W216: Fair is the
weather where cup and cover d0 hold together.
C907 To carry one’s CUP even
1473 SIR JOHN PASTON (to John Paston, Nov. 25) in Paston Let.
843, V 201: Ber the cuppe evyn, as What-calle-ye-him seyde to As-
lake. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pie, p. 146: To know how to de-
mean ones self with every body, to keep ones cup even. a1700
B.E., s.v. Cup of the Creature: To carry one’s Cup even between
two Parties, to be equal and indifferent, between them.
Cf. C910: When the cup is fullest bear it evenest.
C908 T0 drink of the same CUP
[ERAS. ddagia, 327E: Eodem bibere poculo.] 1576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., I 42: And shall I see my sweet Sinnatus slain, and not drink of
the same cup? 1578 LYLY Euph. flnat. Wit, p. 238: Nowe shalt
not thou laugh Philautus to scorne, seeing you haue both druncke of
one cup. 1596 SPENSER Vi 15: That I mote drinke the cup
whereofshe dranke. 1605 RF. Sch. Slov. I 771, p. 41: Be sure she
taste Of the same cup. [1621] I652 FLETCHER Wild Goose Chase V
i, p. 376: The rest will drink too (Believe me, Sir) of the same Cup.
1640 JONSON Magn. Lady V i 7: There’s your errour now! YO’
ha’ drunke 0’ the same water.
C909 To kiss the CUP
1579 GOSSON Sch. Alhuse, p. 25: Kissing the cupp too often. 1623
COCKERAM Eng. Dict., s.v. Delibate: To sip, or kiss the cup.
SHAKESPEARE.—161I Temp. II ii 133: Here, kiss the book.
[Gives him drink]
C910 When the CUP is fullest bear it evenest
a1598 FERO. MS, no. 1446. 1668 R.B., p. 45. I721 KEL., p. 346:
When the Cup’s full carry it even. *When you have arrived at
Power and Wealth, take a care of Insolence, Pride, and Oppression.
1730 BAILEY, s.v. Cup: When the cup’s full carry it even. 1732
FUL., no. 122: A full Cup must be carried steadily.
Cf. C907: To carry one’s cup even.
To be in one’s CUPS
1562 HEY. Epig. 38, p. 185: At those three cuppes when euer thou
dines or suppes, Ere thou goe to bed, thou hast in all thy cuppes.
1611 FLOR., s.v. Gozzare, p. 216: To prattle as one merrie in cups.
1618 HORNBY Scourge Drunkenness, p. 20: A gentleman vnto his
teeth will braue, and in his pots most malapertly bragge. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Beva, p. 14: To be in his cups, viz. to live a
merry life, and at ones ease.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V IV vii 47: As Alexander kill’d his
friend Cleitus, being in his ales and his cups, so also Harry Mon-
mouth . . turn’d away the fat knight.
See ST., no. 956. Cf. C905: He has got a cup too much; L184:
He has cut his leg.
C912 CUPBOARD LOVE
[ERAS. ddagia, 1900: Ollae amicitia.] 01594 BAOON, no. 697.
01665 Milkmaid’s Resolution 1. 29 in Roxb. Bal., VI 529: And
all for the love of the cubbard. 1678 RAY, p. 69: Cream-pot love.
*Such as young fellows pretend to dairy-maids, to get cream and
other good things of them.
Cf. F762: Trencher friendship.
- C913 Still CUPID’S arrows stick near to the heart
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 389: Still Cupid’s arrowes neere the hart do
stick. 1616 DR., s.v. Of carnal Love, no. 1313.
C914 A cumbersome1 CUR is hated in company
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 118: Ane cumbersume curr in companie is
heated for his mischivousnes. 1641 FERG., no. 122: A cumbersome
cur in companie, is hated for his misscariage. 1668 R.B., p. 9: [As
in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 38: *Spoken to an impertinent Fel-
low, when he begins to be quarrelsome and breed disturbance.
[ltroublesome, ill-natured]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CUR I35
CUSHION
Ft
0915 A CUR will bite before he bark

SHAKESPEARE—15913 Hen. VI V iv 37: What cannot be avoided
1623 CAM., p. 265. 1639 CL., p. 274: A curre bites before hee barkes.
1659 N.R., p. 2.
Cf. D503: A still dog bites sore.
0916 A snarling CUR (dog) has a scurvy coat
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2: A snarling dog hath a ragged coat. Ihid.,
p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 184.
0917 Brabbling CURS never want sore ears
1611 COT., s.v. Chien: *A common brabler comes by many a knock;
quarelsome lads are seldome without blacke eyes, broken pates, or
scratcht faces. I hid., s.v. Hargneux: A brabling curre is neuer with-
out torne eares. 1640 HERE, no. 52. 1659 N.R., p. 22. 1664
COD., p. 187: (Brabling Dogs). 1670 RAY, p. 3. 1694 D’URFEY
1 Don Quix. IV i, p. 60. 1732 FUL., no. 6231.
0918 Two CURs shall tame (bite) each other
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 26: Like Zorita dogs, who having no other
do bite one another. 1732 FUL., no. 3238: Like those Dogs; that
meeting with no body else, bite one another.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. I iii 391: Two curs shall tame each
other.
0919 Yelping CURS will raise mastiffs
1669 WORLIDGE Systema Agric. X, p. 228: The small bawling Curs
are the surest Watchers, and are good to rouze up the Mastiffs.
1721 KEL., p. 360: *Spoken when mean and unworthy People, by
their private Contentions, cause Difference among greater Persons.
1732 FUL., no. 5838: Yelping Currs may anger Mastiffs at last.
0920—0921 CURE: subst.
0920 He that bewails himself has the CURE in his
hands
1640 HERE, no. 437. 1664 COD., p. 229: (Who bewails).
0921 Past CURE past care
1567 J. PICKERING Horestes, S. E1v: Sease of syr kyng leaue morn-
ing lo, nought can it you auaylle. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 108: In
vain it is to complain, when my care is without cure. I593 GREENE
Mamillia II, p. 154: Rather remember the olde proverbe, not so
common as true, past cure, past care, without remedie, without re-
membrance. I609 W.M. Man in Moon, p. 41: But suppose that
which you suspect were certaine, sores past cure are past care. 1616
DR., no. 1604: We must not care for that, which cannot be remedied.
1619 DRAYTON Eng.’s Hero. Epist. Rich. II to Q. Isahel: Wks.,
II I 98: Comfort is now unpleasing to mine Eare, Past cure, past care.
[01622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Douhle Marr. I, p. 329:
But What is past my help, is past my care.
SHAKESPEARE—1592-4 I Hen. VI III iii 3: Care is no cure, but
rather corrosive, For things that are not to be remedied. 1594-5
L.L.L. V ii 28: For past cure is still past care. 1596 Rich. II II iii
171: Things past redress are now with me past care. 1600-1 H. I ii
106: We pray you throw to earth This unprevailing woe. 1605—6
M. III ii I 1: Things without all remedy Should be without regard.
What’s done is done. 1609 Son. 147, l. 9: Past cure I am, now rea-
son is past care.
Cf. A23 1: What cannot be altered must be borne not blamed; C83:
Careis no cure; C922: What cannot be cured must be endured; G453:
Never grieve for that you cannot help; S660: Sorrow will pay no debt;
T203: Things past cannot be recalled. (I 1)
0922 CURE: verb
0922 What cannot be CURED must be endured
1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Sept., 1. 138, p. 41 : And cleanly cover that
cannot be cured: Such il as is forced mought nedes be endured.
1602 Poet. Rhap. 1 1, I 50: Perin, enough; few words beene alwayes
best, Needs must be borne that cannot be redrest. 1664 COD., p.
213: That which cannot be cured, must with patience be endured.
1670 RAY, p. 76. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 15: What we cannot
cure, we must endure. 1672 WALK. 27, p. 36.
’Twere childish weakness to lament or fear. 1594 T.C. V. II ii I:
Have patience, gentle Julia. —~I must, where is no remedy.
1600—1 V v 251: What cannot be eschew’d must be em-
brac’d.
Cf. A231: What cannot be altered must be borne not blamed;
C921: Past cure past care.
0923 There is no CURING of a grief concealed
1616 DR., no. 303. 1664 COD., p. 215: (curing a grief concealed).
0924 CURSES return upon the heads of those that curse
1592 Arden F., s. G4: For curses are like arrowes shot vpright,
Which falling doun light on the sutors head. 1611 COT., s.v. Fue-
ille: Those that curse often shall accursed be. 1623 WOD., p. 503:
Curses are but Leaues, who sows them, them vpheaues. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 2, p. 26: Curses and Processions, return to the place from
whence they came.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III I iii 239: ’Tis done by me, and
ends in ‘Margaret.’ -—Thus have you breath’d your curse against
yourself.
Cf. A324: Oftentimes the arrow hits the shooter; H356: Who spits
against heaven, it falls in his face.
0925 A CURTAIN LECTURE
1633 T. ADAMS Expos. Peter II v, p. 310: Often have you heard how
much a superstitious wife, by her curtain lectures, hath wrought upon
her Christian husband. 1649 F. QUARLES Virgin Widow II, p. 296:
For which I have had already two curtaine Lectures, and a black
and blue eye. 1678 RAY, p. 69: *Such an one as a wife reads her
husband when she chides him in bed. 1694 CONGREVE Douhle Deal-
er II, p. 32: But remember I have a Curtain lecture for you, you dis-
obedient, headstrong Brute.
See ST., no. 171. (7)
0926 AS sick as a CUSHION
1678 RAY, p. 288. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 408: Poor miss! She’s
sick as a cushion; she wants nothing but stufling.
0927 He has deserved a CUSHION
1678 RAY, p. 69: *That is, he hath gotten a boy.
0928 To miss the CUSHION
[a1525] 01545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 998: Wks., I 349: And whan
he weneth to syt, Yet may he mysse the quysshon. 1546 HEY. II
ix, 3. L2v: Ye myst the cushyn for all your haste to it. 1560—77
Misogonus IV i 101 : As cunninge as yeare ye mist cushinge once yet
Margerye. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 237: Truely Euphues
you haue miste the cushion. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D4: [He
is circumspect lest he] misse of the cushion he ment to sit on. 1611
FLOR., s.v. Granchio, p. 217: As we say to fish faire and catch a frog,
or as we say to misse the cushion. 1639 CL., p. 2: You mist the cush-
ion.
Cf. F767: You fish fair and catch a frog. (8)
0929 To set one beside the CUSHION
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2v: And I maie set you besyde the cushyn yit.
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I ii, s. B2v: New commers haue set
my Maister beside the cushin. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1431: Thow
sittes far besyd the cuschion. 1608 Mer. Devil Edmon., s. D2: A
Sleight plotted . . To thrust Mounchenseys nose besides the cushion.
a1624 M. SMITH Serm., p. 188: Sometimes putting them besides the
Cushion, and placing others in their roome. 1654 GAYTON Pleas.
Notes Don Quix. II i, p. 36: He let fly at the Biscaine . . and as we
say in our poor English Proverb, put him clean beside the Cushion.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Squadra, p. 202: The English say, Beside
the Cusheon. 1670 RAY, p. 170: To be beside the cushion. 1672
WALK. 47, p. 52: To miss his mark; beside the cushion.
Cf. A85: He is out of his aim; M669: To miss his mark (aim);
N244: To wipe the nose of someone; $18: To set one beside the
saddle.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
CUSTOM
CUT
I36

0930 As stale as CUSTOM
01596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More II iv 249:TO vrdge my imperfec-
tions in excuse, Were all as stale as custome.
SHAKESI'EARE.—1606-7 d. C. II ii 240: Age cannot wither her nor
custom stale Her infinite variety.
A bad CUSTOM is like a good cake (A bad custom
is), better broken than kept
1611 COT., s.v. Coustume: Gasteau, et mauvaise coustume se doiv-
ent rompre: For the one does no good, the other much hurt, ifit be
kept. Ibid., s.v. Gasteau: A (good) cake, and an ill custome Should
be broken. 1622 MABBE Rogue II 111 i, IV 79: A bad Custom is bet-
ter broken than kept. 1660 T. HALL Funehria Florae, p. 31: Old
Customes, if they bee evil customes, are better broken than kept.
1670 RAY, p. 76. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 72: ’Tis best to break
an ill custom. 1721 KEL., p. 272: (An ill Custom). I732 FUL., no.
832: Bad Customs are better broke than kept up.
SHAKESPEARE.—ICOO-I H. I iv 15: It is a custom More honour’d
in the breach than the Observance.
Cf. C114: A cask and an ill custom must be broken; C935: Cus-
tom without reason is but an ancient error; L183: Cut Off the leg Of
an ill custom; O7: An unlawful oath is better broken than kept.
C931
C932 CUSTOM (Use) is another (a second) nature
[ERAS. rldagia, I 149D: Usus est altera natura.] 1547 W. BALDWIN
Treat. .Mor. Phil. III v, S. N6v: Custome is as it were an other na-
ture. 1558 BULLEIN Govt. Health, f. 68v: As Aristotle saieth: . .
Custome is like vnto another nature. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat.
agst. Dicing, p. 10: For like as it is harde for a man to alter nature,
so custome, if it be once rooted, cannot easily bee plucked vp and
expelled; and therefore it is, that learned men doe cal custome an-
other nature. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 171: To loue a faire
woman is vsuall, and vse is another nature. 1596 DEL., S. N6v:
Custome in time, vnto nature is chaunged. 1600 THYNNE Emhl.
and Epig., p. 1: It hath byn . . a thinge allwaies vsed (and therfore
to be pardoned, since custome maketh one other nature, and the
Lawe sayth, Comunis error facit ius). 1607 MARSTON What You
Will III ii 40: (a second). 1615 T. ADAMS Mystical Bedlam: Wks.,
p. 486: That custome being a second nature, the heart hath lost the
name Of heart. 1616 DR., no. 412. 1620 ].C. Two Mer. Milk-
Maids III i, s. H4v: For I can Endure a beating as well as another
man, Custome’s another Nature. 1639 CL., p. 67. 1659 N.R., p.
24: (a second). 1664 COD., p. 190. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 318:
Use is turn’d into nature. 1670 RAY, p. 76. 1721 KEL., p. 83: (a
second). *SO Strong is inveterate Custom, that it Often conquers,
and bears down, Nature it self.
SHAKESPEARE.——16oo-1 H. III iv 168: For use almost can change
the stamp of nature.
See OTTO, no. 426; ST., no. 689. Cf. C551 : The command of cus-
tom is great; C934: Custom makes sin no sin; U22: Once a use and
ever a custom. (12)
C933 CUSTOM makes all things easy
[M600] 1639 DELONEY Gentle Craft II, p. 62: Labour by custome be-
commeth easie. 1732 FUL., no. 1225.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Al. Y. II i 2: Hath not old custom made this
life more sweet Than that Ofpainted pomp? 1600—1 H. Vi 76: Cus-
tom hath made it in him a property of easiness. 1604 O. I iii 230:
The tyrant custom, most grave senators, Hath made the fiinty and
Steel couch ofwar My thrice-driven bed ofdown. 1608 C. II iii 1 24:
Custom calls me to’t. What custom wills, in all things should we
do’t, The dust on antique time would lie unswept.
C934 CUSTOM makes sin no sin
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 166: But use of evil maketh us think it no
abuse, sins oft assayed are thought to be no sin. I583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. H4v: Custome . . in continuance remoues all sent of sower.
1592 GREENE Disp. hetw. He and She, p. 270: Custome of sin, tooke
away the feeling of the sin. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 35:
Our sins by custome, seeme (at last) but small. 1614 T. ADAMS
Soul’s Sickness: Wks., p. 469: Custome hath rocked him asleepe in
the cradle of his sinnes. 1657 DAY, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON
Lust’s Dominion I i, p. 100: Hence strumpet! use Of sin makes thee

past shame. 1732 FUL., no. 1222: Custom is generally too hard for
Conscience.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I H. III iv 37: Ifdamned custom have not
braz’d it so That it is proof and bulwark against sense. Ibid. III
iv 161: That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat thabits evil.
Mid. IV vii 189: Nature her custom holds, Let Shame say what it
will. 1608 P. I Prol. 29: By custom what they did begin Was with
long use account’d no sin. 1611 W. T. IV iv 10: But that our feasts
In every mess have folly, and the feeders Digest it with a custom,
I should blush To see you so attir’d.
Cf. C932: Custom (Use) is another (a second) nature.
C935 CUSTOM without reason is but an ancient error
1647 Countrym. New Commonw. 29, quoted in App., p. 130: Cus-
tome (though never so ancient) Without truth, is but an old errour.
1732 FUL., no. 1226. Ibid., no. 3710: Old Custom, without Truth,
is but an Old Errour.
Cf. C931: A bad custom is like a good cake (A bad custom is),
better broken than kept.
C936 A good CUSTOM must root out that which an ill
has brought in
1616 DR., no. 415: (brought in, or vp). 1642 D. ROGERS Matr.
Honor ii, p. 53: Let Old customs be no prescriptions, and set a good
one against a bad. 1664 COD., p. 184.
SHAKESPEARE.—ICOO-I H. III iv 161: That monster, custom,
who all sense doth eat Of habits evil, is angel yet in this, That to
the use of actions fair and good He likewise gives a frock or livery,
That aptly is put on.
C937 With CUSTOMS we live well but laws undo us
1640 HERB., no. 966. 1659 N.R., p. 125.
C938-C940 CUT=bobtail (dog, horse, etc.)
C938 Come CUT and longtail
1605 CHAPMAN All! Fools V ii 189: [She] could set out her tail with
as good grace as any she in Florence, come cut and long-tail. 1605
CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho I i 86: Attir’d iust
to the Court-cut, and long tayle. 1606 2 Ret. from Parn. IV i, s.
F2v: As long as it [tobacco] lasts, come cut and long-taile, weele
spend it as liberally for his sake. [01607] 1655 A. BREWER Love-
sick King IV, p. 4: I think there’s some Match at Foot-bal to-
wards, the Colliers against the whole Country cut, and long tail.
[1621-39] 16 5 3 J. FORD Queen IV, p. 30: Love and money sweepes
all before them, be they cut or longtayle. 1630 D’AVENANT Cruel
Brother IV, p. 173: I will have ’em all; come cut and longtail.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 III iv 47: Ay, that I will, come
out and long-tail, under the degree of a squire! I613 T.N.K. V ii
49: And, for ajig, come cut and long-tail to him! He turns ye like
a top.
Cf. T9: Tag and rag, cut and longtail; T10: Tag, rag, and bob-
tail (Tag and rag).
C939 CUT dwells in every town
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 312: (in ilk toune). 1641 FERG., no. 222.
1668 R.B., p. 16. I721 KEL., p. 81: *Cut is a Dog’s Name, and
Cut is a publick Tax, and few Towns want that.
C940 Then call me CUT
[1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. B1v: Yf thou se hym not
take hys owne way Call me cut when thou metest me a nother day.
01565 Bughears V ii 79: Then Call me hardlie Cutt, yf my Arte de-
ceyve me soe. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. viii, s. HIV: Ile
meete you then; and I do not, call me cut, and you be a man. 1605
Land. Prod., s. C2v: And I doe not meete him, chill giue you leaue to
call Me cut. 1612 N. FIELD Woman Is Weathercock IV ii, p. 69: If
I help you not to that as cheap as any man in England, call me cut.
1640 JONSON Tale Tuh IV i 97: Then call me his curtall.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IVII iv 214: IfI tell thee a lie, spit
in my face, call me horse. 1601 T. N. II iii 202: Ifthou hast her not
i’ th’ end, call me Cut.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
CUT
CYPRESS TREES
I37


0941 CUT = Slice
0941 The first CUT and all the loaf besides
1662 FULLER W orthies Kent, I 485: Kent and Christendome (paral-
lel to Rome and Italy) is as much as the First Cut, and all the Loafe
besides. 1732 FUL., no. 4526.
Cf. K16: Neither in Kent nor Christendom.
0942 CUT = wrong, injury
0942 N 0 CUT to unkindness ‘
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 iv 7, p. 315: No cut to unkindness,
as the saying is; a frown and hard speech . . especially to Courtiers,
or such as attend upon great persons, is present death. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 27. 1732 FUL., no. 3557.
0943 A CUTPURSE is a sure trade, for he has ready
money when his work is done
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1670 RAY, p. 6.

0944 To scold like a CUTPURSE
1678 RAY, p. 288.
0945 Like CYPRESS TREES, that have fair leaves but no
fruit
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 202: The Cypresse tree beareth a
fayre leafe but no fruite. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 8: [Women]
desiring for husbandes, those who like cipres trees are high and fayre,
but beare no fruite. 1587 GREENE Penelope’s Web, p. 222: Her
words may be compared to Cipres trees that are great and tall, but
beare no fruite worth any thing. [01589] 1601 LYLY Love’s Metam.
I ii 10: Mine all of Cypres leaues, which are broadest and beautifull~
est, yet beareth the least fruit. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 191: A
beautiful woman is A Cipres tree, whence no fruites be. 1597 [B0—
DENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 47v: Vnprofitable eloquence is like Ci-
pres trees which are great and tall, but beare no fruite. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Cipresso, p. 40: To be like the Cypress-tree, Viz. to
bring forth leaves enough, and no fruits, viz. words enough, but no
deeds.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
D
DAFFING
DI DAFEING1 dow nothing2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 344: Daffing dow nothing but in deimings.
I641 FERG., no. 237. 1668 R.B., p. 17. I721 KEL., p. 277: Play
is good, but Dafiin dow not. *Spoken to them who are silly, and
impertinently foolish in their Play.
Cf. D576: Overjolly dow not.
[lfolly 2is of no use]
D2 He is DAGGED
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk.
D3 He will swear DAGGER out of sheath
I678 RAY, p. 271.
D4 I will not wear the wooden DAGGER
1670 RAY, p. 198.
Cf. D6: To come Off with a wooden dagger; $1048: A leaden
(wooden) sword (dagger) in an ivory (golden, painted) sheath (scab-
bard); 81054: To slay (cut one’s throat) with a leaden sword.
D5 Stabbed with a Bridport DAGGER
1662 FULLER Worthies Dorsetshire, I 310: *That is, hang’d . . at the
Gallowes; the best . . Hemp . . growing about Brydport. 1716
BROWNE WILLIS Notitia Parl., p. 365: That noted Proverb ofa Man’s
being hang’d, viz, That he is stabb’d with a Bridport Dagger.
D6 To come off with a wooden DAGGER
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Asso, p. 8: To be reduced to an ace, viz.
to have lost all, to be a clear Gentleman, to come off with a wooden
dagger. Ibid., s.v. Ovo, p. 126: Spoken among Gamsters; the Eng-
lish Say, to come off with a Wooden Dagger.
Cf. D4: I will not wear the wooden dagger.
D7 To take a DAGGER and drown oneself
1678 RAY, p. 238.
D8 Hold up your DAGGER HAND
1639 CL., s.v. Bibacitas, p. 46. 1670 RAY, p. 216.
D9 To be at DAGGERS’ DRAWING
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus I ii, p. 46: We neuer mete togyther, but
we be at daggers drawynge. 1616 DR., s.v. Contention, no. 339:
They are at daggers drawing. 1618 HARINGTON Epig. I 91, p. 89:
From spightfull words, they fell to daggers drawing. 1639 CL., p.
94: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sassi, p. 180: To be
at Daggers drawing upon the least occasion given. 1670 RAY, p.
170. I694 EOHARD Eunuch IV, p. 82: The Captain and she were
almost at Daggers drawing when I left em.
D10 DAINTY makes dearth
1590 SPENSER FAQ. I ii 27: So dainty they say maketh derth.
Cf. D213: Desires are nourished by delay; P426: Plenty makes
dainty; T145: That thing which is rare is dear. ‘
D1 1 The DAINTIES of the great are the tears of the poor
1640 HERB., no. 931. 1659 N.R., p. 94: (are teares of the poor).
Cf. P422: The pleasures of the mighty are the tears of the poor.
D12 Dear bought and far fetched are DAINTIES for
ladies
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. B2V: It is moche worthe that is
ferre fet. a1536 HILL 45, p. 132: A thynge ferre fett, is good for
ladyes. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. E1. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s.

DAME
A3: Whereof this Prouerbe came, Far fet and deere bought are good
for Ladyes. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. CIV; To be farre fetchte
and deare boughte . . we say is good for Ladies. 1589 PUTTENHAM
drt Eng. Poesy III xvi, p. 183: Things farrefet and deare bought
are good for Ladies. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 405: Far sought and
deir cost is good for ladies. 1611 GRUT., no. 81. 1614 CAM., p.
305. I616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A6v): Farre fetcht and dear
bought is good for Ladies. 1616 DR., no. I 800: (Farre fet, and deare
bought). 1633 W. ROWLEY .dll’s Lost by Lust I ii 22: They
are not things of prise, they are farre off And deare, yet ladies send
for ’em. 1639 CL., p. 271: [As in 1616 Bret.]. I641 FERG., no. 272:
Far sought, and dear bought, is good for Ladies. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 8. 1668 R.B., p. 19: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 89:
[As in 1616 Bret.].
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. III ii 313: Since you are dear bought,
I will love you dear.
See Him, I, no. 455; PF., no. 50; T. 213, p. 144. Cf. L370: What
costs little is less esteemed; P415: Pleasure is not pleasant unless it
cost dear; T145: That thing which is rare is dear. (38)
D13 Who DAINTIES love Shall beggars prove
1573 TUSSER500 Points Hush. 33, p.72: (a begger shall proue). 1732
FUL., no. 6336: (Beggars shall prove). I749 FRANKLIN, p. 25.
D14 T0 leap at a DAISY
[01552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle V ii, 5. C3: I will go
neare for this, to make ye leape at a Dasye. 1553 Respuhlica V ii,
p. 43: Some Ofvs erelong maie happe leape at a daisie. 1592 GREENE
Black Bk. Mess. To Rdr.: At last hee leapt at a daysie . . with a hal-
ter about his necke. I604 Pasg. 7ests in Shale. 7est-Bks., III 48: He
sayd: Haue at you Dasie that growes yonder; and so leaped Off the
gallows.
DI5-D16 DAM = mother
D15 The DAM of that was a whisker
1678 RAY, p. 89: *A great lie. 1681 HICKERINGILL News Colchester:
Wks., I 394: With what astonishment the People . . were struck,
when they read . . this Whisking Lye, in these very Wurds.
D16 To look as though he had sucked his DAM
through a hurdle
1670 RAY, p. 170. I732 FUL., no. 1971: (He looks as tho’ he).
D17 DAM =water held by dam
D17 A long-gathered DAM is soon run out
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 168: A dame that is long of gathering is soon
rune. I721 KEL., p. 38: *Spoken to old Batchelors, when they are
new married.
D18 DAME deem1 warily
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 338. 1668 R.B., p. 16. I721 KEL., p. 88:
Dame deem warily, ye wat no who wiles [blames] your sell [self].
[ljudse]
D19 He that will not be ruled by his own DAME
(father) must be ruled by his stepdame (step-
father)
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 203: But who that of his moders doc-
tryne hath disdayne; Shall by his Stepdame endure wo care and
payne. 3.1536 HILL 16, p. 128: (warned bi his owne fader, he shall
be warned bi his stepfader). 1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4vz (Shall be

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word. I
138
DAME
DANGER
139

ruled). 1616 DR., no. 2390: (led by his owne dame, shall be ruled).
1623 CAM., p. 271. 1639 CL., p. 233. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p.
40: Who regards not his mother, may step to his stepmother.
1659 N.R., p. 54. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 183: Who obeys not
his Father, in time will be made to obey his Father in Law. 1670
RAY, p. 77. 1732 FUL., no. 5729: Whoso is not dutiful to a good
Mother, Shall be punished by an ill Step-Mother.
Cf. M1207: He that will not hear motherhood shall hear step-
motherhood.
D20 She is an holiday DAME
1678 RAY, p. 73.
D21 DAMMING and laving1 is sure fishing
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 363: (is sicker fishing). 1721 KEL., p. 90:
Damming and loving [for laving] is sure Fishing. *An Advice to
prefer a sure Gain, though small, to the Prospect of a greater with
Uncertainty.
’ [1drawing the water from a pond]
D22 T o DANCE barefoot
[Said of an elder Sister when a younger one was married first.] 1742
DELANY Corr., II 188: The eldest daughter was much disappointed
that she should dance bare-foot, and desired her father to find out a
match for her. '
SHAKESPEARE—1594—8 T.S. II i 32: She must have a husband;
I must dance barefoot on her wedding day.
D23 Everyone is not merry that DANCES
1611 COT., s.v. Aise. 1640 HERE, no. 803: All are not merry that
dance lightly. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 175.
1659 N.R., p. 30.
D24 Never was DANCER good scholar
1611 COT., s.v. Danseur. I623 WOD., p. 489: A Daunser was never
a good Clercke: because he guides his Feet (as the Peacoke) better
then a Pen. I732 FUL., no. 1709: Good Dancers have mostly bet-
ter Heels than Heads.
D25 DANCING follows a full belly
1657 LEIGH, p. 263. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: The dance comes
from a full panch. I659 N.R., p. 27.
Cf. B304: When the belly is full the mind is amongst the maids;
C211: Without Ceres and Bacchus Venus grows cold.
D26 They love DANCING well that dance among thorns
1623 CAM., p. 279: (that will dance among thornes). 1639 CL., s.v.
Voluptas, p. 326. 1670 RAY, p. 77. 1732 FUL., no. 4966: (dance
barefoot upon Thorns).
Cf. M1339: He loves mutton (sheep’s flesh) well that dips (wets)
his bread in the wool.
D27 Better pass a DANGER once than be always in fear
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 275v: He [Caesar] answered, that better it
was ons for all together to dye, then to bee in perpetuall care of
takyng heede. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 42: Gentle death! come
with thy direful dart . . and with one death rid me of a thousand
deaths at once. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man V, p. 416: Were it not
better (said Iulius Caesar) to die once, then to liue in such continu-
all feare and suspition? 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 14: (Better to
pass). 1664 COD., p. 231: (You were better pass a danger once,
than to be). 1666 TOR. It Prov. 19, p. 202: It’s better to hazard
once, than to be alwaies in danger. 1670 RAY, p. 9: *It.
Cf. C774: A coward dies many deaths, a brave man but one.
D28 DANGER and delight grow both upon one stalk
(stock) -
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 14. 1732 FUL., no. 1231: (Stock).
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IV II iii 10: Out of this nettle,
danger, we pluck this flower, safety.
Cf. B626: Stolen bread is ever sweetest.

D29 A DANGER foreseen is half avoided
1658 FRANCK North. Mem., p. 95: Dangers foreseen are the sooner
prevented. 1732 FUL., no. 67.
Cf. H54: Half-warned (Forewarned) is half-armed (forearmed).
D30 DANGER itself the best remedy for danger
1651 HERE, p. 367. 1659 N.R., p. 27: (Danger it self is). 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 202: One danger is not overcome without an-
other. 1732 FUL., no. 1232: Dangers are overcome with Dangers.
Ihid., no. 3745: One Danger is seldom overcome without another.
Cf. D37: Without danger we cannot get beyond danger.
D31 The DANGER (river) past and God forgotten
I611 COT., s.v. Sainct: Le fleuve passé, le sainct oublié: The danger
past our vowes are soone forgotten. 1640 HERE, no. 203: (river).
1657 LEIGH, p. 272: When the danger is past the Saint is forgotten.
1659 N.R., p. 122: When the danger is past the fact is forgotten.
1664 COD., p. 217. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 247: The river past
over, the Saint forgotten: Item, The danger over, the Saint deluded.
1670 RAY, p. 6. 1721 KEL., p. 88: (Danger past). 1732 FUL., no.
1234: Danger past, God is forgotten.
Cf. D270: The devil was sick, the devil a monk would be; the devil
was well, the devil a monk was he; 5173: He that will learn to pray
let him go to sea.
D32 He incurs no DANGER that comes not where it is
1611 COT., s.v. Aller. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p.
I 5. -
Cf. D33: He that seeks danger perishes therein; T532: He that
seeks trouble never misses it.
D33 He that seeks DANGER perishes therein
1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, III vi, I 171: He which seekes the
danger perisheth therein. I659 N.R., p. 1 19: Who invites bears the
danger. 1732 FUL., no. 2292: (perisheth therein unpitied).
Cf. D32: He incurs no danger that comes not where it is; T532:
He that seeks trouble never misses it.
D34 He that will sail without DANGER must never
come upon the main sea
1639 CL., p. 250. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 182:
(must not sail on the Sea). 1670 RAY, p. 139: (He that would sail).
1732 FUL., no. 2353: He that will not sail till all Dangers are over,
must never put to Sea.
Cf. $177: Praise (Commend) the sea butkeep on land (ashore).
D35 The more DANGER the more honor
01534 BERNERS Huon 20, p. 56: Where as lyeth grete parelles there
lieth grete honour. [01570] 1599 Clyomon and Clamydes v, S. CW:
The bolder the attempt is, more fame it doth bring. 1596 DEL., S.
O7v: Through perils, credit ought to be sought. 1613 T. HEYWOOD
Brazen Age, p. 21 1: The greater dangers threaten The greater is his
honour that breaks through. [1618] 1647 FLETCHER Loyal Suhj. III
ii, p. 1 19: Great things through greatest hazards are atchiev’d still,
And then they shine. [01622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER
Douhle Marr. III, p. 363: The more danger, Still the more honor
Brother. [1624] 1640 FLETCHER Rule Wife IV, p. 209: For I re-
membred your old Roman axiom,The more the danger, still the more
the Honour. 1624 Nero II iii, p. 41 : The danger’s greater, So is the
glory. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Hush., p. 207: The more difl-i-
culty which attends the Taske, the more glorious shall be thy vic-
tory. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 40, p. III. 1732 FUL., no. 4658.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI V i 70: The harder match’d, the
greater victory! 1599 Hen. VIV iii 20: Ifwe are mark’d to die, we
are enow To do our country loss; and if to live, The fewer men, the
greater Share of honour.
(6)
Cf. H579: We cannot come to honor under coverlet.
D36 Who perishes in needless DANGER is the devil’s
martyr
1639 FULLER Holy War II xxix, p. 82: Nor will I listen to the un-
happy Dutch proverb, He that bringeth himself into needlesse dan-
gers, dieth the devils martyr. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: (He

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
DANGER
DAY
140

who perisheth in). 1670 RAY, p. 18. 1732 FUL., no. 5714: (Dan-
gers).
D37 Without DANGER we cannot get beyond danger
1640 HERB., no. 1003.
Cf. D30: Danger itself the best remedy for danger.
D38 I will put DARE behind the door and do it
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1383: Thay wil say dar behind the dore. I721
KEL., p. 209: *Spoken when People say, we Dare not do such a
Thing.
D39 He that gropes in the DARK finds that he would
not
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13: (that which he would not).
p. 12. 1732 FUL., no. 2124: (what he would not).
Cf. H385: Take heed you find not that you do not seek; T135: I
seek for a thing, wife, that I would not find.
1670 RAY,
D40 It is as good to be in the DARK as without light
1659 N.R., p. 63. 1670 RAY, p. 77.
D41 He that is dim-sighted has eaten DARNEL
1597 GERARDE HerbalI 51, p. 72: Darnell hurteth the eies and mak~
eth them dim . . and heereupon it seemeth that the old prouerbe
came, that such as are dim sighted should be said to eate of Darnell.
D42 He is out at first DASH
1639 CL., s.v. Aberrandi, p. 2. 1670 WALKER Idiom. Ang.-Lat., p.
130. 1672 WALK. 65, p. 59: To be out at the first dash.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQ4-5 L.L.L. V ii 585: A foolish mild man; an
honest man, look you, and soon dash’d.
D43 He that would the DAUGHTER win must with the
mother first begin
1670 RAY, p. 49. 1732 FUL., no. 6266.
Cf. E150: He that will England win must with Ireland first begin;
F663: He that will France (Scotland) win must With Scotland
(France) first begin.
D44 If your DAUGHTER be marriageable set your ser-
vant free and give her to him in marriage
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 409.
D45 Marry your DAUGHTER and eat fresh fish betimes
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 23. 1721 KEL., p. 86: Daughters and
dead Fish are no keeping Wares. *If SO! let the Daughters be dis—
pos’d of, and the Fish eaten as soon as conveniently you can; lest
the one miscarry and the other stink. 1732 FUL., no. 1235: [As in
1721 Kel.]. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 11.
Cf. D47: Marry your daughters betimes lest they marry them-
selves.
D46 When the DAUGHTER is stolen shut Peppergate
1662 FULLER Worthies Chester, I 200: *Pepper-gate was a postern
Of this city . . The Mayor . . had his Daughter (as she was playing
at ball with other Maidens in Pepper-Street) stoln away by a young-
man, through the same gate; whereupon . . he caused it to be Shut
up. 1732 FUL., no. 5574.
Cf. S838: When the steed (horse) is stolen shut the stable door.
D47 Marry your DAUGHTERS betimes lest they marry
themselves
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 V 5, p. 805: ’Tis good to get them '
husbands betimes . . they perchance will marry themselves else, or
do worse. 1651 HERB., p. 373. 1659 N.R., p. 79. 1670 RAY, p.
47. 1732 FUL., no. 3373.
Cf. D45: Marry your daughter and eat fresh fish betimes; S626:
Marry your son when you will, Your daughter when you can.
D48 Two DAUGHTERS and a back door are three arrant
(stark) thieves
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1248: (stark).
1670 RAY, p. 51: (errant). 1721 KEL., p. 304: (Stark).
1668 R.B., p. 51: (stark).
*Daugh-

ters are expensive, and Back-doors give Servants Opportunity to pur-
loyn their Master’s Goods. The Scots have an ill Opinion Of Back-
doors, and therefore have none. 1732 FUL., no. 5323.
Cf. B21: The back door robs the house; D560: The postern door
(back door) makes thief and whore; W370: A nice wife and a back
door do often make a rich man poor.
D49 DAVID1 and Chad2 sow peas good or bad
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (sow good and bad). *The first and
second of March. 1670 RAY, p. 43: *That is about the beginning
of March.
Cf. S38: Saint Benedick sow thy peas or keep them in thy rick.
[1March 1 2March 2]
D50 As wise as a DAw
01525 []. RASTELL] Gentleness and Nohility, s. C2v: Then fare ye
well as wyse as two dawys. 1567 Trial Treasure, S. B3v.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-4 I Hen. VIII iv 18: Good faith, I am no
wiser than a daw.
D51 He that marries a DAw (slut) eats mickle dirt
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 531. 1668 R.B., p. 25. 1697 MER., p. 165:
(slut).
D52 The dasnell1 DAWCOCK2 sits among the doctors
1616 WITHALS, p. 558: (comes dropping among the Doctors). 1639
CL., s.v. Stupidi, p. 297. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: (comes drop-
ping in among the Doctors). 1670 RAY, p. 217.
[1Stupid 2simpleton]
D53 Strike, DAWKIN, the devil is in the hemp
1678 RAY, p. 70.
Cf. D251: The devil is in the straw; P9: There is a pad in the
straw.
D54 Dab, quoth DAWKINS, when he hit his wife in the
ass with a pound of butter
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12. I670 RAY, p. 215: (on the A——).
D55 As bright as DAY
1520-40 Songs in Rawl. MS C813 VII, p. 320: Come amble me to
hur, I you praye, and to Agnes Irpe as bright as daye. 1631 JON-
SON Staple News IV ii 95: As bright as is the Sunne. 1640 JONSON
Tale Tuh III v 56: It shind, as bright as day. 1686 M.S. Birth Man,
p. 9: Who’le bear them up, are Angels bright as day.
See OTTO, no. 203.
D56 As clear as the DAY
1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., S. E4: It appereth as cleare as the day.
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. V ii 79: As cleere, as the noone-day.
1622 T. MAY Heir IV, p. 566: A case as plain, as clear as day. 1653
Total Rout: That the Constable and his train shall pay, For abusing
such Gentlemen cleer as the day. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Man-
ifest, p. 212: AS clear as noon day.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VIII i 106: Thou seest not well.
—Yes, master, clear as day.
D57 As merry as the DAY is long
1594 LYLY Mother B. I iii 48: As proud as the day is long. 1604
BRETON Passionate Shep.: Wks. I 10: Thus will I sit . . And plaie as
merry as the day is long. 1631 MABBE Celestina I, p. 54: (Even as
merry as). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tempone, p. 213: To live a
merry life as the day is long. 1705 CHAVES Cares Love II, p. 17:
We’ll live happy as the Day is long.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQC K]. IV i 18: I should be as merry as the
day is long! 1598-9 M.A. II i 51 : There live we as merry as the day
is long.
D58 As the DAY lengthens so the cold strengthens
1631 PELLHAM God’s Power, p. 818: The New Year now begun, as
the Days began to lengthen, so the Cold began to strengthen. 1639
CL., p. 18. 01640 SMYTH 42, p. 30: When the daies begin to length-
en the cold begins to strengthen. 1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DAY
DAY
141

IV xiii, II 81 : We observe the cold to augment, when the daies begin
to increase. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 39, p. 79: When the dayes do
lengthen, the cold doth strengthen. 1670 RAY, p. 43: (As the days
lengthen, so). 1721 KEL., p. 52: (lengthens the Cold strengthens).
*It is Often found that February and March are much more cold and
piercing than December or January. 1732 FUL., no. 6140.
D59 Be the DAY never so long, at last (at length)
comes (it rings to) evensong
1508 STANBRIDGE Vulgaria, p. 18. 1509 HAWES Past. Pleas. 42, p.
207: For though the day be never so longe, At last the belles ringeth
to evensonge. I546 HEY. II vii, s. 14V; (so longe, Euermore at laste
they ryng to euensonge). 1563 FOXE Acts and Monum. XI, VII
346: His saying was that, although the day was neuer so long, yet at
last it ringeth to euensong. 01594 BACON, no. 408: (it ringeth to
evensong). 1612 T. ADAMS Gallant’s Burden: Wks., p. 18: (yet
at last comes euening song). 1616 DR., s.v. Death, no. 437. 1639
CL., s.v. Mors, p. 216. 1670 RAY, p. 77: (at length). 1672 WALK.
54, p. 42: (at length). 1732 FUL., no. 6132: (At length).
Cf. D70: Every day the night comes; D90: The longest day has
an end; L423: Long looked for comes at last.
D60 The better DAY the better deed
1607 MIDDLETON Mich. Term III i 18. 1611 COT., s.v. Jour. 1612
S. ROWLANDS Knave Hearts, p. 46: (They say, The better). 1639
CL., p. 182. 1670 RAY, p. 77. 1672 WALK. 52, p. 42. 1721 KEL.,
p. 328: *I never heard this used but when People say that they did
such an ill thing on Sunday. 1732 FUL., no. 4422. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 414: (They say, the better).
SHAKESPEARE—1611 W. T. III iii 142: ’Tis a lucky day, boy, and
we’ll do good deeds on’t.
D61 Come DAY, go day, the day is long enough (God
send Sunday)
1616 DR., s.v. Slownesse, no. 2011. 1721 KEL., p. 77: Come Day,
go Day, God send Sunday. *Spoken to lazy unconscionable Ser-
vants, who only mind to serve out their Time, and get their Wages.
D62 The DAY has eyes, the night has ears
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1282. I668 R.B., p. 50.
(and the Night hath Ears).
Cf. F209: Fields have eyes and woods have ears.
D63 The DAY is short and the work is much
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 414. I755 FRANKLIN, p. 31: The Day is
Short, the Work great, the Workman lazy, the Wages high, the Mas-
ter urgeth; Up, then, and be doing.
1721 KEL., p. 336:
D64 Do and undo, the DAY is long enough
1616 WITHALS, p. 577: To doe and undoe.
opera, p. 156: (You doe). 1670 RAY, p. 171.
50. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. DO.
1639 CL., s.v. Inanis
1672 WALK. 14, p.
D65 Every DAY brings its bread with it
1640 HERE, p. 5: (his bread with it). 1659 N.R., p. 31.
It. Prov. 10, p. 73: (There’s no morrow but brings).
D66 Every DAY has his dolor
1639 CL., p. 318.
Cf. D91: NO day passes without some grief; D92: No day so clear
but has dark clouds.
1666 TOR.
D67 Every DAY in the week one shower of rain and on
Sunday twain
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1 I : *A Proverb in many Shires Of England.
1670 RAY, p. 257: (of the week a shower of rain).
Cf. H63: Hampshire ground requires every day of the week a
shower of rain and on Sunday twain.
D68 Every DAY is not holiday (Sunday)
1611 COT., s.v. Feste: Feaste last not alwayes; or, we must not al-
wayes thinke to feast it; euerie day is not Sunday (say we). I623
WOD., p. 489: It is not alwayes Holy, or Feast day. 1658 E. PHIL-

LIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 177: (Sunday). 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
37, p. 88: (holy-day).
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IVI ii 228: If all the year were
playing holidays, To sport would be as tedious as to work.
D69 Every DAY is not yesterday
1639 CL., s.v. Fortunae commutatio, p. 124.
D70 Every DAY the night comes
1573 SANF., f. 108v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33: Every day
commeth night. 01603 DEKKER Wonderful Year: Plague Pamph.,
p. 25: Night walks at the heeles of the day. 1623 WOD., p. 505:
No Day with out Night. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 146: Every
morning hath its evening.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 7C. V i 124: But it sufliceth that the day
will end.
Cf. D59: Be the day never so long, at last (at length) comes (it
rings to) evensong; N164: After night comes the day.
D71 Every DAY worse and worse
1616 WITHALS, p. 579. 1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 170.
D72 A fair DAY in winter is mother of a storm
1639 CL., p. 171: (A faire day is). 1651 HERE, p. 371: (the mother
of a storme). 1659 N.R., p. 19.
D73 The first DAY of April you may send a fool whither
you will .
1678 RAY, p. 353: April fools. *People sent on idle errands. I693
CONGREVE Old Bachelor I, p. 173: That’s one ofLove’s April—Fools;
is always upon some Errand that’s to no purpose. 1732 F UL., no.
6135.
D74 For ever and a DAY
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus I iii, p. 54: I saye my sonne, farewell for
euer and a daye. 1639 CL., s.v. Semper, p. 279.
SHAKESPEARE.——I594—8 T.S. IV iv 96: I have no more to say,
But bid Bianca farewell for ever and a day. 1599 A.Y. IV i 143:
NOW tell me how long you would have her after you have possess’d
her. —F or ever and a day.
D75 A good DAY will not mend him nor a bad day im-
pair him
1678 RAY, p. 71. 1732 FUL., no. 143.
D76 He is bursen1 all DAY with bearing timber to the
crag2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 761. Ibid., no. 1650: Yow ar weary the day
with bearing tries to the craig i.e. with drinking.
[lbreathless? 2throat]
D77 He that comes every DAY shall have a cockney,1he
that comes now and then shall have a fat hen
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 36. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 179: (and he that
comes but now and). 1616 DR., no. 925: (But he that commeth
now and).
Cf. A10: Absence sharpens love; F717: One may visit a friend
sometimes but if he intends to be welcome he must not stay long.
[legs]
D78 He that contemplates has a DAY without night
1640 HERE, no. 597. 1659 N.R., p. 43: (without a night). 1664
COD., p. 200. 1670 RAY, p. 5: (without a night). 1732 FUL., no.
2069: He that contemplates on his Bed, hath a Day without a Night.
D79 He that fights and runs away may live to fight
another DAY
[ERAS. Adagia, 3790: Vir fugiens, et denuo pugnabit] 01500 Me-
lusine XXXVI, p. 288: Oftyme it is said, that bettre it is to flee, than
to abyde a folyssh enterpryse. 1539 TAV., f. 28: A man that fleeth
woll also fyght agayn. By thys we be taught that we shulde not be
forthwith discouraged for a lyttell mysfortune. I542 UDALL Apoph.,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
DAY
DAY
I42

f. 335v: That same manne, that renneth awaye maye again fight,
an other daye. 1602 J. MANNINGHAM Diary Oct. 10, p. 60: A soul-
dier being challenged for flying from the camp said, Homo fugiens
denuo pugnabit. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II 111 vii, p. 552: He
that runs away in a battle, as Demosthenes said, may fight again.
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 179: He that cannot fight
let him run. ’Tis a notable piece of Matchavilian policy. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 96: Who flies may come back again to fight.
1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III iii 243, p. 379: For those that Fly, may
fight again; Which he can never do that’s slain.
SHAKESPEARE.—1602 A.W. III ii 39: Your son will not be kill’d
so soon as I thought he would. —Why should he be kill’d? ——So
say I, madam, if he run away . . The danger is in standing to’t.
See APP., p. 21 1. Cf. C776: It is better to be a coward than fool-
hardy; D354: Discretion is the better part of valor; P34: One pair of
heels (legs, feet) is worth two pair of hands. (5)
D80 He that knows what may be gained in a DAY
never steals
1640 HERB., no. 441. 1659 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 23:
(will never steal, nor beg, nor borrow).
D81 He that sees you in the DAY will not seek you in
the night
1573 SANF., f. 103v.
thee in the daytime).
day, will not seek thee by night.
you all Day, will not break the House for you at Night.
to Women Whom we pretend to be ugly.
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: (Who seeth
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: Who sees thee by
1721 KEL., p. 338: They that see
*Spoken
D82 I wept when I was born and every DAY Shows why
1640 HERB., no. 195. 1654 WHITLOCK Zootomia, p. 31: When first
brought forth, we cry; Each day brings forth its why. 1659 N.R.,
p. 68. 1664 COD., p. 202. I670 RAY, p. 28. I732 FUL., no. 2631:
(and now every Day Shews, Why).
SHAKESPEARE.—1605—6 K.L. IV vi 186: When we are born, we
cry that we are come To this great stage of fools.
Cf. W889: We weeping come into the world and weeping hence
we go.
D83 It falls in a DAY that falls not all the year after
1481 CAXTON Reynard 27, p. 66: Oftymes one day is better than
somtyme an hole yere. a1536 HILL 21, p. 128.
Cf. D97: One day will pay for all; H741: It happens in one hour
that happens not in seven years.
D84 It is always darkest just before the DAY dawns
1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight II xi, [I] 229.
See SM., p. 426. Cf. B59: When bale is highest boot is next.
D85 It is DAY still while the sun shines
1639 CL., s.v. Spes pertinax, p. 294. 1670 RAY, p. 77.
D86 It is good to take the DAY before you
1616 WITHALS, p. 567. 1639 CL., s.v. Opportunitas, p. 237: Tis
good taking day before us. 1732 FUL., no. 4998: This Day is yours,
but whose shall To-morrow be?
D87 It is never a bad DAY that has a good night
1639 CL., s.v. Exitium honestum, p. 1 10: (It’s never bad day that).
01640 SMYTH 74, p. 32: (Hee never has a bad day that). 1641 FERG.,
no. 855: They had never an ill day that had a good evening. 1664
COD., p. 201. 1668 R.B., p. 54: [As in 1641 Ferg.].
6. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 150. 1732 FUL., no. 3003: (It is not to be
called a bad Day, that).
D88 It will be a black (bloody) DAY to somebody
[1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. H3v: Here had been a black
day with some body else. 1634 J. FORD Perkin War. III, p. 197: A
bloudie houre will it prone to some.
SHAKESPEARE—15913 Hen. VI Vvi 84: Clarence, beware. Thou
keep’st me from the light; But I will sort a pitchy day for thee.
1597 Rich. 111 V iii 281 : A black day will it be to somebody. 1598
2 Hen. IV V iv 14: He would make this a bloody day to somebody!
I670 RAY, p.

D89 Lay up for a rainy DAY
01565 Bugbears III ii 23: Wold he have me kepe nothyng agaynst
a raynye day? 1582 BRETON Flourish upon Fancy and Toys Idle
Head: W ks., I 29: Wise men say, Keepe somewhat till a rayny day.
1616 DR., s.v. Prouidence, no. 1765: It is good to lay vp somewhat
against a rainie day. 1618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.: Wks., II
7: Keepe somwhat for a rainy day. 1639 CL., s.v. Diligentia, p. 93.
I662 FULLER Worthies England, I 37: Ergo, saith the Miser, part
with nothing, but keep all against a wet day. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Sete, p. 191: To have alwayes a reserve by one, for any occasion
that may happen; to lay up against a rainy day, say the English.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Frugal, p. 139: (To lay up for). 1691
NORRIS Practical Disc., p. 34: The Children of this World . . neither
will they let slip any other Advantage of advancing their Fortunes,
and of providing against a Wet Day.
Cf. C86: Have a care to gain, for there will come a time of spend-
ing; S326: It is good to have a shelter against every storm; S619:
Save something for the man that rides on the white horse.
D90 The longest DAY has an end
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 35: The longest Summers day
hath his euening. 1585 GREENE Planetom., p. 129: [As in 1580
Lyly]. 1611 COT., s.v. Grand: The longest dayes haue euenings;
(all earthlie things an end). 1611 GRUT., no. 26 5: (his end). 1612-
26 J. HALL Contempl. I xx, II 285: The longest Day mu st have his
Evening: Good Elisha, that had lived some ninety Years . . is now
cast upon the bed of his . . Death. 1614 CAM., p. 313: (his end).
1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends II iii, s. E2: The longest day I see will
haue his euening. 1639 CL., s.v. Mori, p. 214: (must have it’s
night). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 26:
There is no day so long but hath his evening. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 41, p. 79: (will have an end). 1678 RAY, p. 122: (must have
an end). 1694 T. SOUTHERNE Fatal Marriage IV, p. 240: (will have
an end). 1721 KEL., p. 337: (will have an End). *Spoken when
Men now in Power oppress us, signifying that there may be a Turn.
1732 FUL., no. 4633: (must have an End).
SHAKESPEARE.~1605-6 M. I iii I46: Come what come may,
Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.
See DiiR., II, no. 423. Cf. D59: Be the day never so long, at last
(at length) comes (it rings to) evensong. (8)
D91 N0 DAY passes without some grief
I616 WITHALS, p. 543. 1664 COD., p. 206. I670 RAY, p. 6.
FUL., no. 3558: (without something we wish not).
Cf. D66: Every day has his dolor; D92: N0 day so clear but has
dark clouds.
1732
D92 N0 DAY so clear but has dark clouds
1596 DEL., s. N3v: There is no day neuer so cleare, but it hath some
darke cloudes. 1645 Ross Medicus Med. I, p. 67: The fairest day
hath its clouds. 1651 HERB., p. 370.
SHAKESPEARE—~1590—I 2 Hen. VIII iv 1: Thus sometimes hath
the brightest day a cloud.
Cf. D66: Every day has his dolor; D91: N0 day passes Without
some grief.
D93 N0 DAY without a line
[ERAS. Adagia, 1 56A: Nullam hodie lineam duxi.] 1578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. Wit, p. 28 5: Followe Appelles that cunning and wise Painter,
which would lette no day passe ouer his heade without a lyne, with-
out some labour.
D94 Not a long DAY but a good heart rids work
1611 COT., s.v. Coeur: Not length ofday, but strength of heart, rids
worke. 1640 HERB., no. 24. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. I: ’Tis the
heart that doth the business, not the length of time. 1659 N.R.,
p. 79: Not length of daies but strength of heart rids the work. 1705
Pleas. Art, p. 156.
D95 Not worthy to be named the same DAY
1616 WITHALS, p. 561: (on the same day with him). 1622 DEKKER
AND MASSINGER Virgin Martyr I, p. 19: Is she, though fair, the same
day to be named With best Artemia? I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DAY
DAY’s
143


Rossignuolo, p. 173: Not to be nam’d of a day. 1670 RAY, p. 200.
1671 CL. P/zras. Puer., s.v. Dispraise, p. 99: Not to be nam’d the
same day. 1672 WALK. 56, p. 17: (the same day with you).
Cf. L84: Not worthy to loose the latchet of his shoes.
D96 One DAY judges another and the last is judge of
all
1611 COT., s.v. Dernier: One day rules another, but the last ouer-
rules all. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9.
D97 One DAY will pay for all
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1388: (The day wil com that wil). 1616 DR.,
s.v. Reuenge, no. 1855. I616 WITHALS, p. 551: (There will come a
time unexpected, which will).
Cf. D83: It falls in a day that falls not all the year after; H741:
It happens in one hour that happens not in seven years.
D98 One fair DAY in winter makes not birds merry
1599 EARL OF NOTTINGHAM (to Cecil, Aug.) in R. Cecil Cal. MSS,
IX 338: One fair day breed not opinion that it will be never foul
weather again. 1640 HERB., no. 970. 1659 N.R., p. 85.
D99 One may see DAY at a little hole
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4: I see daie at this little hole. 1565 M. PAR-
KER Corr. 190, Dec. 29, p. 249: My old experience there hath taught
me to spy daylight at a small hole. 1573-80 G. HARVEY Let. Bk.,
p. 80: On that can as soone as an other spye lighte at a little whole.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 92: (I can see). a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 659: (He wil sie day light at). 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag.,
s. A5v): (A man may). 1616 DR., no. 858: A man may see day
through a little hole. 1623 CAM., p. 275. 1639 CL., s.v. Conjec-
turae, p. 64. 8.1640 SMYTH 14, p. 27: (Day may bee discerned at).
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 3: Day and Truth may be discernd
through a little hole. 1670 RAY, p. 77. 1685 CODRINGTON Coll.
Proverbs 259, p. 100: [As in 1659 How.]. 1721 KEL., p. 84: Day
light will peep through a little hole. *A little Indication may dis-
cover a great Design.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594—5 L.L.L. V ii 732: I have seen the day of
wrong through the little hole of discretion. (14)
D100 Praise a fair DAY at night
1481 CAXTON Reynard 29, p. 75: Me ought not preyse t0 moche the
daye. tyl euen be come. 1552 TAV., f. 53v: At euen men shulde
the fayre daye praisen. As who shuld saye: before night be come,
we cannot praise the fairenes of the daye, bycause there maye come
in an houre, that cam not all the day before. And euen so it is of
mans lyfe. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1 156: Ruisse [praise] the fair day
at even. 1623 CAM., p. 275. 1639 CL., p. 171. 1640 HERB., no.
97: Praise day at night and life at the end. I659 How. Br. Prov.,
p. 26: Praise a fair day neither morn or noon, but at night. 1664
COD., p. 209. 1666 TOR. Iz‘. Prov. 25, p. 256: One ought not to
commend the day, before the evening be come. I668 R.B., p. 46:
[As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 88. 1721 KEL., p. 282: Ruse
the fair Day at Night. *Commend not a Thing, or Project, ’till it
has had its full Effect.
Cf. E1 16: The end crowns (tries) all; E190: The evening crowns
(praises) the day; I33: Say no ill of the year till it be past; P83:
Praise at parting.
D101 There will come a DAY of reckoning
1611 COT., s.v. Hoste: Our reckoning must be made one time or
other. 1616 DR., no. 1856. I721 KEL., p. 332: There is one Day
of Reckoning, and another of Payment. *A Threatning to be up
with some People hereafter.
D102 They take a long DAY that never pay
1678 RAY, p. 188.
D103 This DAY there is no trust, but come tomorrow
I594 LYLY Mother B. IV ii 24: I cannot help you at this time, I
praie you come againe to morrow. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Pegno, p. 138‘. Today no Trust, but to morrow, and that morrow
ne’r comes. I732 FUL., no. 4999.

D104 Though you rise early yet the DAY comes at his
time and not till then
1591 STEP., p. 148: A mans early rising bringeth day neuer the
sooner. 1640 HERB., no. 329. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 16: For
rising early the day breaks never the sooner. 1659 N.R., p. 98.
1664 COD., p. 218: Though you rise never so early, the Sun will rise
at his own time, and not till then.
Cf. E27: Early up and never the nearer.
D105 To a fair DAY open the window but make you
ready as to a foul
1640 HERB., n0. 1 19. 1659 N.R., p. 105: To a fair day open your
window. 1669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 190: [As
in 1659 N.R.l.
D106 T0 angle all DAY and catch a gudgeon at night
1618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.: Wks., II 9: The other angle all
day and catch a Gudgion at night.
Cf. F767: You fish fair and catch a frog.
D107 To know how to live another DAY
1663 WATERHOUSE Com. Forteseue VI, p. 1 13: The most rude, as well
as knowing of men do train up their Children in Callings, that they
may know how to live another day, as the Proverb is.
D108 T0 rise late (at ten o’clock), DAY or dayvnot
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mattina, p. 102: The English say, to rise
about nine a-clock, day, or day not. Mini, s.v. Visconti, p. 233:
When the Sun is got up high, as Great Personages rise late; at Ten
a clock, Day, or day not.
D109 What one DAY gives us another takes away from
us
1651 HERB., p. 370. 1732 FUL., no. 5475: What a Day may bring,
a Day may take away.
D110 Who rises late trots all the DAY
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 27: *Because he is behind hand with busi-
ness. I742 FRANKLIN, p. 20: He that riseth late, must trot all day,
and shall scarce overtake his business at night.
D111 You are feared 0f the DAY you never saw
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1606: Ye ar fleyed for the day yow saw never.
1721 KEL., p. 385: *Spoken to them who vex themselves with un-
necessary F ears and dismal Apprehensions.
D112 You come a DAY after the fair
[ERAS. Adagio, 3531): Post festum venisti.] [1525-40] 1557 Merry
Dial., p. 84: Thy counsaile is good, but it commeth a day after the
faire. I530 PALS., p. 802a: A day afore the fayre, whiche we use for
an adage, meanyng that one cometh to late. 1546 HEY. I viii, s.
C1: A daie after the fayre, comth this remors, For relefe. I596
NASHE Saflron-Walden: Wks., III 138: A day after the faire when
he is hangd Haruey takes him in hand. 1605 T. HEYWOOD I If
You KnowNotMe, p. 245: You’re come euen iust aday after the faire.
1616 DR., s.v. Latenesse, no. 1188: A day after the faire. 1616
WITHALS, p. 574. 1639 CL., s.v. Sera poenitentia, p. 281: [As in
1616 Dr.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Pasto, p. 136: To come . . too late, when all is gone, A day after
the fair, to kiss the hares foot. 1670 RAY, p. I 74: (To come). I672
WALK. 25, p. 15. 1721 KEL., p. 393: *That is, after the proper Sea-
son is over. 1732 FUL., no. 5868: (You came).
Cf. C237: He is a fond chapman that comes after the fair; H162:
To kiss the hare's foot; J71 : To send (To come) by John Long (Tom
Long) the carrier. (1 1)
D113 He does an excellent DAY’s work who rids him-
self of a fool
I611 COT., s.v. Fol: He does a good dayes worke that gets cleere of
a foole. 1664 COD., p. 197.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
DAYS I44
DEAL
D114 After three DAYS men grow weary of a wench,
a guest, and weather rainy (rain)
01594 BACON, no. 1626: Apres trois jours on s’ennuye de femme,
d’hoste et de pluye. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 15: A woman, a guest,
and rain are wearisome after three dayes. 1732 FRANKLIN, p. 5.
Cf. F310: Fresh fish and newcome guests smell by that time they
be three days Old.
D115 Farewell my good DAYS, they will be soon gone
1546 HEY. II ii, 5. GI. 1639 CL., p. 132: Our best dayes are gone.
Cf. B318: The best is behind.
D116 Halcyon DAYS
1580 BARET, H—5I: Halcyonis agis dies. *A Prouerbe aptly to be
applied to those, which do passe their life with great pleasure, and
much quietnesse, hauing (as we saie) Fortune at a becke. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Martino, p. 101: To have and enjoy What one can
wish, to have halcyon daies.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-4 1 Hen. VII ii 131: Expect Saint Martin’s
summer, halcyon days.
Cf. W886: To have the world (fortune) in a string.
D117 I will make him know churning DAYS
1678 RAY, p. 235.
D118 My dancing DAYS are done
1604 [DALLINGTON] View France, s. V1v: Neither should I speake
of Dancing (for my dancing dayes are done) to you that are a Mas-
ter in the Arte. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD lnsat. Countess II
i 86: Think of me as of the man Whose dancing days are not yet
done. 1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady V, p. 294:
My dancing days are done Sir. [1619] 1647 FLETCHER AND MAS-
SINGER Little Fr. Lawyer IV, p. 430. 1630 MASSINGER Picture II
ii, p. 153: I’ll be a locker on: My dancing days are past. 1658
FLECKNOE Enig. Chan, p. 67: His dancing days are never done.
1721 KEL., p. 256. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 398: I doubt her
dancing days are over.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R._‘}’. I v 33: For you and I are past our
dancing days.
D119 One of these DAYS is none of these days
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 185.
D120 So many DAYS old the moon is on Michaelmas
Day, so many floods
1661 M. STEVENSON Twelve Months Sept., p. 44: (They say) so many
dayes Old the Moon is on Michaelmass day, so many Floods after.
D121 Thirty DAYS have November, April, June, and
September; February has twenty-eight alone
and all the rest have thirty-one
1577 HOLINSHED Chron. III xiv, I 410: Thirtie daies hath Nouem-
ber, April], Iune, and September, Twentie and eight hath Febru-
arie alone, and all the rest thirtie and one, but in the leape you must
ad one. 1606 2 Ret.from Parn. III i, s. E1: How many dayes hath
September? —Aprill, Iune and Nouember, February hath 28. alone
and all the rest hath 30. and one. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 67:
Thirty dayes hath September, April, June, and November, of eight
and twenty there is one, and all the rest have thirty and one.
D122 Two dismal DAYS, the day of death and the day,
of doom
1639 CL., s.v. Mors, p. 215.
Cf. D161: Death’s day is doomsday; W382: A wife brings but two
good days, her wedding day and death day.
D123 You burn DAYLIGHT
[ERAS. Adagio, 556D: Lucernam adhibes in meridie.] 01565 Bug-
bears IV iii 21: But why burne we day light? 1587 CHURCHYARD
lVorth. W'ales, p. 84: Tyme rouleth on, I doe but daylight burne.
01592 KYD Span. Trag. III xii bis, s. H2v: Light me your torches

then. —Then we burne day light. 1599 T. HEYWOOD 1 Edw. IV,
p. 27: ’Sblood! we burn daylight; they will think, anon, We are
afraid to see their glittering swords. I612 PARKES Curtain Drawer
World, p. 55: How dost thou burne thy day-light to these thy re-
gardlesse children? 1616 WITHALS, p. 563. [01634] 1651 W. CART-
WRIGHT Ordinary I ii, p. 8: Put out your nose good lady You burn
day-light. 1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 154. 1655 FULLER
Church Hist. IV iii, I 520: For such . . do burn day-light in pelting
against petty towns in the out-skirts of a land. ’1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 15: We burn day-light. 1670 RAY, p. 170: To burn day-
light. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Plain, p. 253: To burn day-light.
*TO speak more than needs in a plain case. 1721 KEL., p. 393:
*That is, you trifle away the Time. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p.
467. NO candles yet . . don’t let us burn day-light.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R._7. I iv 43: Come, we burn daylight, ho!
. . I mean, sir, in delay We waste our lights in vain, like lamps by
day. 1600—1 II i 54: We burn daylight. Here, read,
read! (6)
D124 Speak well of the DEAD
1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 218: Reproach we may the liv-
ing; not the dead. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 160: To the absent,
and the dead no wrong ought to be offered. *Note 184, p. 165:
Meant, that one Ought to speak well of them, and not slander them
behind their backs. 1669 PENN No Cross No Crown XIX, p. 390:
Chilon . . would say . . Speak Well of the Dead. 1670 RAY, p. 78:
*De mortuis nil nisi bonum. 1672 WALK. 55, p. 42.
See DUR., II, no. 465. Cf. M591 : TO dead men and absent there
are no friends left.
D125 To lament the DEAD avails not and revenge
vents hatred
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 205.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598—9 M..d. V i 39: Yet bend not all the harm
upon yourself. Make those that do offend you sulTer too.
Cf. D126: To lament the dead avails not and to the living it is
hurtful; G453: Never grieve for that you cannot help; M999a: One
must not bemoan (wail) a mischief but find out a remedy for it.
D126 T o lament the DEAD avails not and to the living
it is hurtful
1530—60 Resurrection Our Lord I. 386, p. 13: For you doe but con~
sume your hart with heavines about a thinge, that ys remedilesse.
I600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 49: Come, weep not: mourning, though
it rise from loue, Helpes not the mourned, yet hurts them that
mourne. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 205. 1732 FUL., no. 5251: To
weep excessively for the Dead, is to affront the Living.
SHAKESPEARE.——I597 Rich. [IIII ii 36: I’lljoin with black despair
against my soul And to myself become an enemy. 1598-9 M.A. V
i 1: If you go on thus, you will kill yourself, And ’tis not wisdom
thus to second grief Against yourself. 1600-1 H. I ii 92: But to
persever In obstinate condolement is a course Ofimpious stubborn-
ness . . A fault against the dead, a fault to nature, To reason most
absurd, whose common theme IS death of fathers.
Cf. D125: To lament the dead avails not and revenge vents
hatred.
D127 The DEAF (Deaf men) gain (go away with) the
injury
1640 HERB., no. 921. 1659 N.R., p. 94. 1664 COD., p. 191: Deaf
Men go away with the injury. Ibid., p. 222. 1670 RAY, p. 6: [As
in 1664 Cod., p. 191]. 1732 FUL., no. 1243: Deaf Men go away
with the blame.
D128 To DEAL (play) aboveboard
1608 ]. HALL Char. I: Wks., II 451: All his Dealings are square,
and aboue the Board. [01622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER
Custom Country I i, p. 307: Yet if you play not fair play and above
board too, I have a foolish gin here. 1628 EARLE Micro. 67, p. 102:
It’s faire and aboue-boord without legerdemaine, and neither
sharkes for a cup nor a reckoning. 1640 R. BROME Antipodes III
i, p. 273: Here’s nothing but faire play, and all above boord. 1664
H. MORE Myst. Iniq. I 1 ix, p. 27: But if they would have dealt

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DEALING
DEATH
I45

above-boord . . they Should have distributed Honour or Worship.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Guerra, p. 80: To wage open, and pro-
claim’d war, to fight manly, as at gaming; the English say, fair
play above board.
Cf. P402: To play underboard.
D129 One seldom loses by DEALING with honest men
1611 COT., s.v. Perdre: He that deales with honest men is seldome,
or neuer a looser. I659 N.R., p. 85. 1678 RAY, p. 413: If thou
must deal, be sure to deal with an honest man.
SHAKESPEARE.——16oo-I I i 186: I’ll ne’er be drunk whilst
I live again but in honest, civil, godly company, for this trick.
D130 The DEARER it is the cheaper for me
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 22: *Meant I shall save
by not buying. 1732 FUL., no. 4472: (the cheaper it is to me; for
I shall buy the less).
D131 N0 DEARTH but breeds in the horse manger
1636 CAM., p.303. 1659 N.R., p. 79. 1664 COD., p. 206: No Dearth
but what is bred in the Horses Manger. 1732 FUL., no. 3559: (but
begins in).
Cf. F51: A famine in England begins at the horse manger.
D132 DEARTHS foreseen come not
1640 HERE, no. 403. 1659 N.R., p. 28.
D133 After DEATH the doctor (physic)
1566 HOL., p. 260: We saye in french after death, the phisitian: and
the english sayeth, after dinner, mustard. 1596 DEL., s. M3v:
When death is come, remedie is too late. 1596 SPENSER F..Q.-IV xii
28: It’s late in death, of daunger to aduize, Or-loue forbid him, that
is life denayd. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 153v: After
death the Physition. 1611 COT., s.v. Mort: After death drugs; the
mischiefe past, a remedie. I611 Sec. Maiden’s Trag. II ii, p. 29:
This comes like phisick when the parties dead, flowes kindnes now,
when tis so ill deserud. 1613 A. WHITAKER Good Newsfrom Va.,
s. F1: The Physition comes too late when the patient is dead. 1623
WOD., p. 503: After Death the Doctor: Mustard after the Meale.
*So said when Things come behind the Tyme. 1631 DEKKER
Match Me in Lond. III, p. 179: You giue me physicke after Im dead.
1639 CL., s.v. Sera poenitentia, p. 281: After death to Send for the
physician. I651 HERE, p.366. 1657 LEIGH, p. 260. I659 N.R.,
p. 18. 1670 RAY, p. 78. 1672 WALK. 56, p.42. 1681 ROB., p. 432.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 Hen. VIII III ii 40: All his tricks founder
and he brings his physic After his patient’s death: the King already
Hath married the fair lady. .
Cf. C196: When I am dead make me a candle; H269: To break
one’s head and give him a plaster; M809: After meat comes mustard.
D134 As pale as DEATH
1567 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. II 23, III 9: The colOur whereof is more
pale than death. [1602] I631 CHETTLE Hoflman I, S. B1v: Desert
looks pale as death. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn.
Pestle V i, p. 222: As mute and pale as Death it self. 1678 FOR-
RESTER (to Lauderdale 81, May 9) in Lauderdale Papers, III 140:
His face and lipps became as pale (almost) as death.
D135 As silent as DEATH
1679 [LEANERD] Counterfeits I i, p. 2: All the House silent as Death.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 O. V ii 93: Ha! no more moving? Still as
the grave. '
See SM., p. 392.
D136 As sure as DEATH
1601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. I iv 97: That I were iealous: nay, as
sure as death, Thus they would say. 1602 JONSON Poetaster IV iv
30: As sure as death, ’tis there. 1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. H2: As
sure as death tis she. 1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends V iii, s. L1: As
sure As Death or Iustice Hookes deuouring pawes, I Shall be ieer’d
to death, immediately. 1641 H. OXINDEN (to E. Dallison, Feb. I)
in Oxinden Let. 222, p. 279: As sure as death it is soe. 1660 [SHIR-
LEY] Andromana IV viii, p. 259: As sure as death, this is one Of the
rogues. 1670 RAY, p. 207.

SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. I i 486: And sure as death I swore
I would not part a bachelor from the priest.
Cf. N311: Nothing more certain than death and nothing more
uncertain than the time of its coming.
D137 DEATH and marriage make term day
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 339: Dead and mariag makis terme day.
1668 R.B., p. 16: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I721 KEL., p. 84: *Marriage
frees a Man from his Service in Scotland; and Death in all Coun-
tries.
Cf. D148: Death pays all debts.
D138 DEATH at the one door-and heirship at the other
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 361. 1641 FERG., no. 243: (Dead at). 1668
R.B., p. 16: (Dead at). 1721 KEL., p. 87: Death at one Door and
Hardship at another. *Spoken when the Head of a Family is dead,
by whose Industry they were upheld and kept together.
D139 DEATH devours lambs as well as sheep
1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xx, III 157: There is no trusting
in the raw bones, I meane Death, that devoures lambes as well as
sheepe. 1732 FUL., no. 1245.
Cf. L39: As soon goes the young lambSkin (lamb) to the market
as the old ewe’s (Sheep).
D140 DEATH has a thousand doors to let out life
1587 HUGHES ET AL. Misfort. Arthur I iii, s. A4: A thousand wayes
do guide us to our graues. [01600 ] 1633 F. GREVILLE Alaham IV
i, p. 257: IfNature saw no cause of suddaine ends, She that but one
way made to draw our breath, Would not haue left so many doores
to Death. 1602 MARSTON Antonio and Mel]. III ii 204: He’s [death
is] a good fellow, and keeps open house: A thousand thousand ways
lead to his gate. I603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne II, II 25: She [na-
ture] hath appointed but one entrance unto life, but many a thou-
sand wayes out of it. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi IV ii
225: I know death hath ten thousand severall doores For men, to
take their Exits. 1615 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Cupid’s Rev. I,
p. 234: Death hath more doors than one. [01622] 1647 FLETCHER
AND MASSINGER Custom Country II i, p. 323: Death hath so many
doors to let out life, I will not long survive them. 1633 W. ROWLEY
All’s Lost by Lust V v 174: There’s many wayes to end a weary life.
1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker II iv, p. 35: There be a thousand
waies to cozen Death.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. I v 13: Heavens lend A thousand
differing ways to one sure end.
D141 DEATH is a plaster for all ills _
1631 KNEVET Rhodon and Iris II ii, s. D3v: (ills they say).
D142 DEATH is common to all
[ERAS. Adagia, 923B: Mors omnibus communis] 1623 WOD., p.
514: Death biteth assoone Kings, and as boldly, as those that lead
his Waggan Baggage. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Lond. III, p.
175: Death is a common fate.
SHAKESPEARE—16oo—I H. I ii 72: Thou know’st ’tis common.
All that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity.
Cf. AI 19: All are ofthe same dust; E1 17: The end makes all equal;
G428: We shall lie all alike in our graves; I46: We in diversely but
end alike; M505: All men must die.
D143 DEATH is the grand leveler
1590 SPENSER II i 59: Death is an equall doome To good and
bad, the common Inne of rest. 1591 H. .SMITH Magistr. Script.:
Wks., I 367: This is some comfort to the poor, that once he shall
be like the rich; one day he shall be as wealthy, as mighty, and as
glorious as a king; One hour of death will make all alike. [01597]
1609 JONSON Case Is AlteredI ix 13: Princes, as beggers, all must
feed the graue. 1611 COT., s.v. Pourpre: Death kills, or makes,
alike, the rich, and poore. 1621 WILLIAMSON Wise Vieillard, p.
146: Death respects neither babe, young nor old, man nor woman,
rich nor poore, high nor low, strong nor weake. [1622] 1653 MID-
DLETON AND W. ROWLEY Changeling IV i 63: Earth-conquering
Alexander, that thought the world TOO narrow for him, in th’ end
had but his pit-hole. 1659 N.R., p. 27: Death and the Grave make

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8'.
DEATH
DEATH’S
I46

I672 WALK. 16, p. 36: We must all die,
no distinction of persons.
I732 FUL.,
high and low; rich and poor; death makes no difference.
no. 1250.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-I [1.1V iii 24: Your fat king and your lean
beggar is but variable service—two dishes, but to one table. That’s
the end. 1604 M.M. Ill i 40: Death we fear, That makes these
odds all even. 1610 Cym. IV ii 252: Thersites’ body is as good as
Ajax' When neither are alive.
Cf. F582: Six feet of earth make all men equal; G428: We shall
lie all alike in our graves; Y22: It Will be all one a hundred years
hence. (6)
D144 DEATH keeps no calendar
1640 HERB., no. 902. I659 N.R., p. 28.
TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 159: Death hath no Calendar.
6. I732 FUL., no. 1251.
See DUR., II, no. 450.
1664 COD., p. 191. I666
I670 RAY, p.
D145 The DEATH of a young wolf does never come too
soon
1596 DEL., s. N6v.
D146 The DEATH of the wolves is the safety of the
sheep
1573 SANF., f. 106v: (safetie of the beastes). 1578 FLOR. First F.
XIX, f. 31: (woolfe, is the health of the Sheepe). I596 DEL., s.
04v. 1651 HERB., p. 368: (of wolves). 1659 N.R., p. 93: The
death of Wolves is the safety of sheep. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p.
132: (wolf is the health of the sheep).
Cf. L258: The life of the wolf is the death of the lamb.
1651 HERB., p. 371.
The DEATH of wives and the life (standing) of
Sheep make men rich
1617 MORYSON Itinerary III 111 iii, IV 168: Sheepe . . inrich many,
so as it is proverbially said, He whose Sheepe stand, and wives die
(the husbands gaining their dowries) must needs be rich. 01640
SMYTH 60, p. 31: Ritch doth proove the man who hath the hand,
To bury wives, and t’have his Sheepe to stand. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 145, p. 164: The English say allusively, If Wives fall, and
Sheep stand, one must grow rich perforce. 1678 RAY, p. 353. 1721
KEL., p. 314: (and the standing of Sheep, is the best thing ever
came a poor Man’s Gate).
Cf. W347: A dead wife is the best goods in a man’s house; W382:
A wife brings but two good days, her wedding day and death day.
D147
D148 DEATH pays all debts
1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne I, I 37: The common saying is, that
Death acquits us all of all our bonds. 1609 Every Woman in Her
Hum., s. HIV: Till death. . cancels all bonds. [1619] 1632 N.
FIELD AND MASSINGER Fatal Dowry I ii, p. 101: And, though it be
a maxim in our laws, All suits die with the person. 1653 SHIRLEY
Cupid and Death, p. 357: Death quits all scores.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 1 Hen. IV 111 ii 157: The end of life can-
cels all bands. 1598 2 Hen. IV III ii 254: He that dies this year is
quit for the next. 1605-6 M. V viii 39: Your son, my lord, has
paid a soldier’s debt. 1610 Cym. V iv 159: But the comfort [of
death] is, you shall be called to no more payments, fear no more
tavern bills. 1611 Temp. III ii 140: He that dies pays all debts.
Cf. D137: Death and marriage make term day; H388: Let him
hang by the heels.
D149 DEATH takes no bribe
[01500] a1520 Everyman S, s. A4: And I [Death] wolde receyue
geftes great All the worlde I myght gete; All my custome is clene
contrary. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 15. I742 FRANKLIN, p. 20:
(bribes).
D150 DEATH when it comes will have no denial
1611 COT., s.v. Appel: Death admits no Appeale. 1672 WALK. 7,
p. 35. I681 ROB., p. 432.
D151 A fair DEATH honors the whole life
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34: A gallant death, doth honour a
whole life. 1616 DR., s.v. End, no.579: A worthy death crowneth

the life. 1640 HERB., no. 518. 1659 N.R., p. 14: (honours the
life).
D152 For his DEATH there is many a wet eye in Groby
P001
[Implying that no tears are shed by the friends of the dead man.]
1678 RAY, p. 317: *Leicestershire.
D153 He has not lived that lives not after DEATH
1640 HERB., no. 867. I659 N.R., p. 59.
D154 He laughs ill that laughs himself to DEATH
1616 DR., no. 1401: (A man laugheth ill, that). 1639 CL., p. 201.
1664 COD., p. 198. I670 RAY, p. 15. 1732 FUL., no. 1962.
D155 He that fears DEATH lives not
1640 HERB., no. 776.
Cf. M230: A man dies of the ill he fears.
D156 One had as good be nibbled t0 DEATH by ducks
0r pecked to death by a hen
1678 RAY, p. 240.
D157 Till DEATH all is life
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lix, IV 164. 1732 FUL., no. 5045.
Cf. L269: While there’s life there’s hope.
D158 T0 rhyme t0 DEATH, as they do rats in Ireland
1595 SIDNEY Def. Poetry, p. 46: I will not wish unto you. . to be
rimed to death as is said to be done in Ireland. 1602 JONSON
Poetaster To Rdr., l. 163, p. 322: Rime ’hem to death, as they doe
Irish rats In drumming tunes. 1631 JONSON Staple News Interm.
4, l. 54, p. 364: Or the fine Madrigall-man, in time, to haue runne
him out o’ the Countrey, like an Irish rat. 1632 T. RANDOLPH
7eal. Lovers V ii, p. 156: My poets Shall . . Rhyme ’em to death, as
they do rats in Ireland. [M680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., I 377:
He . . will take thee for an Irish Rat-catcher, that is said to Rhime
vermin to Death. 1690 TEMPLE Of Poetry: Misc. II, I 244: The
Proverb of Rhiming Rats to Death, came I suppose from the same
Root.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 A.Y. III ii 186: I was never so berhym’d
since Pythagoras’ time that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly
remember.
D159 Welcome, DEATH, quoth the rat when the trap
fell down
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1670 RAY, p. 28. 1682 E. RAWLINS
Heraclitus Ridens Feb. 7: (says the Rat). 1732 FUL., no. 5469:
(when the Trap fell).
D160 You have DEATH in your house and do bewail
another’s
I640 HERB., no. 372. I659 N.R., p. 99. 1664 COD., p. 219: (and
bewaylest thou anothers ?).
D161 DEATH’S day is doomsday
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 308: Euery ones deathes daye is
his domes daye. 1732 FUL., no. 1255.
Cf. D1 22: Two dismal days, the day ofdeath and the day ofdoom.
D162 T 0 be at DEATH’S door
[Ps. cvii 18: They draw near unto the gates of death.] 1550
COVERDALE Spiritual Pearl XVIII, p. 144: To bring unto death’s
' door, that he may restore unto life again. 1563 Induction in Mirror
for Magistrates III, Pt. I, II 322: His withred fist still knocking at
Death’s dore. 1567 GOLDING Metam. VII 224, p. 141: Duke Aeson
was away, Now at deathes doore and spent with yeares. 1596
SPENSER FAQ. IV iii 1: Euery houre they knocke at deathes gate.
1639 CL., p. 280: At death’s door. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Con-
fitemini, p. 44: To be neer dying, to be at deaths door, redy to make
ones confession.
SHAKESPEARE—15913 Hen. VI III iii 104: Even in the down-
fall of his mellow’d years, When nature brought him to the door of
death?

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DEBT
DECEIVES
I47


D163 DEBT is better than death
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6.
D164 He that gets out of DEBT grows rich
1611 COT., s.v. Acquiter. I640 HERB., no. 9. 1655—62 GURNALL
C/zr. in Armor, p. 361. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
23. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 8: He is rich who is not in debt. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 17. I659 N.R., p. 54. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
8, p. 65: Who is not in debt, is rich. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 156.
D165 I will not die in your DEBT (your debtor)
1508 STANBRIDOE Vulgaria, p. 20: HI were thy matche I wolde not
dye in thy dette. 211529 SKELTON Agst. Garnesche l. 173: Wks., I
125. [a1563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife 1. 393, p. 11: In faith I
will not die thy debter [i.e., I will pay you blow for blow]. 1571 R.
EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. E3v: As he payde mee, so wyll I
not die thy debter. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. M4v: It was
natiue to Aemilius his nature, to counteruaile all iniuries with a
contrary counterbuffe, and neuer to die in the debt of his trespas-
sours. 1606 ]. DAY Isle Gulls, s. E1v: Then take your winnings: ile
not die in debt. I607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho V, s. G1:
Thanke you . . I will not dye in your debt. I638 FORD Fancies
I, p. 9: IfI dye in thy debt for this . . let me be buried in a cole—
sacke. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Requite, p. 284: (I would not).
SHAKESPEARE.—'1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 43: Let me not die your debt-
or. Ibid. V ii 333: Consciences that will not die in debt. 01595
13.7. I i 244: Farewell. Thou canst not teach me to forget. I’ll
pay the doctrine, or else die in debt. 1599 A. Y. II iii 75: Yet for~
tune cannot recompense me better Than to die well and not my
master’s debtor.
D166 Out of DEBT out of danger
1639 CL., s.v. Usura, p. 327: (and deadly danger). 1641 PEACHAM
Wort/z Penny in Eng. Garn., VI 256: How bold, confident, merry,
lively, and ever in humour, are Moneyed Men. For being out of
debt, they are out ofdanger! I659 N.R., p. 83. 1664 COD., p. 208:
(and out ofdanger). 1670 RAY, p. 78. 1721 KEL., p. 269. I732
FUL., no. 3832.
Cf. D167: Out of debt out of deadly sin; M451: He is in every
man’s debt and danger.
D167 Out of DEBT out of deadly sin
1636 CAM., p. 304.
Cf. D166: Out of debt out of danger.
D168 To pay one’s DEBT to nature
[01500] 1516 FABYAN New Chron. Eng. and Fr. II, p. 28: Fynally
he payde the dette ofnature. 1599 GREENE Orpharion, p. 84: Who
being of great age, liued not long after, but paide his debt vnto na-
ture. I640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Hush, p. 295: I know well how
to pay my debt to Nature. 1674 Cox Gent/em. Recreation, II 2: It
must speedily die, and pay the Debt that’s due to Nature. 1681
Paradox agst. Life, p. 14: But since a Debt to Nature we do own,
Better on Scaffolds paid, than Beds of Down.
See ST., no. 2270. Cf. G237: I owe God a death.
D169 You can puind1 for DEBT but not for unkindness
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1495: We may poind for debt but no for
wnkyndnes. 1641 FERG., no. 903: (Ye may). 1668 R.B., p. 57:
(Ye may). 1721 KEL., p.349: (We can puind and Kindness). *If
our Friends will not be kind to us, we have no Remedy at Law.
Cf. M340: No man may puind for unkindness.
[1distrain, impound]
D170 Better 01d DEBTS than old sores
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 238. 1668 R.B., p.13. 1721 KEL., p. 65:*The
Debts may come in, and the Sores will ake. Spoken when we re-
ceive a Debt that we did not expect.
D171 Speak not of my DEBTs unless you mean to pay
them
1640 HERB., no. 991. 1659 N.R., p. 91.

D172 DEBTORs are liars
I640 HERB., no. 165. 1659 N.R., p. 28. 1664 COD., p. 191.
Cf. C818: The creditor has a better memory than the debtor.
D173 Of ill DEBTORS men take oats (hay, straw)
1579 GOSSON Ephem. P/zialo, p. 63: If Players get no better At-
turnie to pleade their case, I will holde mee contented where the
Haruest is harde, too take Otes of yl debters in parte of payment.
I595 COPLEY Wits, Fits III, p. 81: Of a bad paymaister better yet
take straw then nothing. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1109: Of evel
debters men taks oats. I611 COT., s.v. Paille: De mauvais payeurs
foin, ou paille: Take any thing thats offered you by an euill debtor.
I623 WOD., p. 482: Of an euill Payer Men should take all what they
can get of him. laid, p. 508: Take either Hay or Straw from an ill
Payer. I641 FERG., no. 676: (men takes eattes). I657 LEIGH, p.
263: Of an ill pay-master take any thing. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p.
10: Good whats musty, from bad pay-masters. 1659 HOW. Fr.
Prov., p. 9: From an ill debtor take hay or straw. I659 N.R., p. 32:
For a desperate debt take any satisfaction. 1668 R.B., p. 42.
1721 KEL., p. 273: (take Oaths). *That is, swearing to pay you
such a Time: And Men must take these Promises when they can
get no more.
Cf. H48: It is best to take half in hand and the rest by and by.
D174 One DECEIT (falsehood) drives out another
[ERAS. Similia, 606B: Ut amor pellat amorem, ceu clavus clavum,
ira iram, et dolor dolorem.] 1539 TAV., f. 32: Fallacia alia aliam
trudit. One disceyt dryueth out an other. As we se one nayle
dryuen out with an other nayle, so doth many tymes one crafte and
gyle expell an other. 1586 WITHALS, s. O8: One deceite doth barre
another.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 KY. III i 277: And falsehood falsehood
cures, as fire cools fire Within the scorched veins of one new burn’d.
I613 T.N.K. IV iii 103: It is a falsehood she is in, which is with
falsehoods to be combated.
Cf. D182: To deceive the deceiver is no deceit; F277: One fire
(heat) drives out another; G446: The greater grief (sorrow) drives
out the less; L538: One love drives out (expels) another; N17: One
nail drives out another.
D175 There is no DECEIT in a bag pudding
1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. D1: There is no deceite in
a bagge pudding, is there. 1678 RAY, p. 193.
Cf. F419: Fat folks are faithful (good-natured).
D176 There is no DECEI'I‘ in a brimmer
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1661 A. BROME Moe/e Song: Poems, p.
653: Then, then qualT it round, No deceit in a brimmer is found.
1670 RAY, p. 216. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 452.
D177 To do well is no DECEIT, to cast away his own
is no gain
I573 SANF., f. 105: (to put awaye his owne).
XIX, f. 30.
I578 FLOR. First F.
D178 To DECEIVE oneself is very easy
1640 HERB., no. 628. 1659 N.R., p. 103. 1664 COD., p. 220.
Cf. B269: We soon believe what we desire.
D179 He that DECEIVES (beguiles) another is 0ft de-
ceived (beguiled) himself
I484 CAXTON Fab. Aesop II 13, p. 50: As men saye it is meryte to
begyle the begylers . . And therfore he that begyleth other is oftyme
begyled hym self. 1566 W. WAGER Cruel Debtor l. 60, p. [144]: L0
here see, he that to deceiue al, hys mind doth cast By some meane is
deceyued hym selfe at the last. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIV, f. 14v:
Who often seekes others to deceiue, doth rest oppressed and de-
ceyued hym selfe. I590 SPENSER FAQ. II vii 64: So goodly did be-
guile the guyler of his pray. [01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered
V xii 91: I plaid the thiefe, and now am robd my selfe. I611 COT. ,
s.v. Rusé: He that seekes others to beguile, is ouertaken in his wile.
I611 JONSON Cat. IV 700, p. 520: Ill deedes are well turn’d backe,
vpon their authors. 1616 DR., no. 402. 1623 WOD., p. 476: Today

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
DECEIVES
DEER-STEALERS
I48

a Beguiler, to morrow beguiled. 1639 CL., p. 101: Wilie beguile
deceives himself. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 7: Who coseneth
another, coseneth himselfe more. 1664 COD., p. 195. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 3, p. 100: Who deceives, is afterwards deceived.
SHAKESI'EARE.—1604 0. IV i 98: To beguile many and be be-
guil’d by one.
See DUIL, II, no. 521. Cf. B429: To bite the biter; D182: To
deceive the deceiver is no deceit; L200: At length the fox is brought
to the furrier; M89: The deceitful man falls oft into the snares of
deceit; M393: To a crafty man a crafty and a half.
D180 He that once DECEIVES is ever suspected
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 23: Can he think to find me faithful to-
wards him, that am faithless to mine own father? 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. [28]v: Who is faultie, is suspected. 1578 LYLY
Euph. dnat. Wit, p. 205: Well dothe he know . . that She that hath
bene faythlesse to one, will neuer be faythfull to any. 1597 LYLY
Woman in Moon IV i 196: Once guiltie, and suspected euermore!
1611 COT., s.v. Poche: Corrupted once, we are tainted euer; once
get a blot, y’are stained alwayes. 1615 W. SMITH Hector Germ.
II iii, p. 87: He that is once false, will be neuer true. 1620 .I.C.
Two Mer. Milk-Maids III iii, 3. K2vz A man Suspected once, is
very sildome found In his heart that suspects him to be sound.
1640 HERB., no. 413. 1659 N.R., p. 56.
SHAKESPEARE—~1592-43 Hen. VI IV iv 30: For trust not him
that hath once broken faith. 1598 2 Hen. IV III i 88: King Rich-
ard might create a perfect guess That great Northumberland, then
false to him, Would of that seed grow tO a greater falseness. 1604
O. I iii 293: Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has
deceiv’d her father, and may thee.
See DUR., II, no. 65. Cf. L217: A liar is not believed when he
tells truth.
D181 Nobody DECEIVED but he that confides (trusts)
a1536 HILL 14, p. 130: In whom I trust most, soonest me deseyvith.
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 9: Ther’s none deceived but he who trusts.
1659 N.R., p. 80. 1732 FUL., no. 4928:'There is none deceiv’d,
but he that trusteth.
Cf. T559: He who trusts not is not deceived.
D182 To deceive the [DECEIVER is no deceit
[a155o] 1626 7ests Scogin in Shak. 7est-Bks., II 63: To deceive him
that goeth about to deceive is no deceit. 1566 W. WAGER Cruel
Debtor l. 54, s. T4v: To deceiue such one as is knowen deceiuable IS
no deceyte. 1576 FULWELL drs ddulandi VII, s. G3: Fallere fal-
lentum non est fraus to deceiue a deceiuer is no deceit. 1612 JON-
SON dich. V iv 102: To deceiue him Is no deceipt, but iustice, that
would breake Such an inextricable tye as ours was. 1616 DR., no.
404: (a deceiuer). 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Land. III, p. 187:
To spoyle the spoyler, Is Kingly iustice, ’tis a lawful! prize That’s
ta’ne from Pirates. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 40. 1659 N.R., p.
115. 1664 COD., p. 214. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 119: He deserves
honour, who deceives the Deceiver. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Nannicino, p. 114: To deceive the deceiver. 1732 FUL., no. 1261:
Deceiving Of a Deceiver, is no Knavery.
SHAKESPEARE.*~ISQO—I 2 Hen. VI III i 264: For that is good de—
ceit Which mates him first that first intends deceit. '
Cf. B429: To bite the biter; D174: One deceit (falsehood) drives
out another; D179: He that deceives (beguiles) another is oft de-
ceived (beguiled) himself; M996: He that mischief hatches mis-
chief catches. (10)
D183 A good DEED is never lost '
1611 COT., s.v. Perdu: Neuer came losse by doing a good deed.
1616 DR., no. 459. 1732 FUL., no. 1710: Good Deeds remain; all
things else perish.
D184 An ill DEED cannot bring honor
1640 HERB., no. 801. 1659 N.R., p. 18.
D185 Self DEED self fa1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1199: (self foe). 1641 FERG., no. 754. 1721
KEL., p. 300: *That is, as you do to Others, so it will befal you.
Cf. D395: DO as you would be done to; D405: Selfdo self have.
[‘comes to your share]
D187
D191

D186 DEEDS are fruit, words are but leaves
1616 DR., no. 457: (and words). 1664 COD., p. 190. 1670 RAY,
p. 7. 1732 FUL., no. 1263: (are Leaves).
Cf. D402: It is better to do well than to say well.
DEEDS are male (men), words are female (wom-
en)
1573 SANF., f. 52v: The deeds are man[l]y, and the words womanly.
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32V: Deedes are Males and Woordes
are Females. 1581 T. HOWELL Devises: Poems, p. 191: Women are
wordes, Men are deedes. 1596 DEL., S. O4v: The deedes are manly,
and the words womanly. 1598 FLOR. Ep. Ded: Wordes they are
women, and deeds they are men. 1605 BODLEY Letters to T. 7ames,
p. 136: Wordes are women, and deedes are men. 1611 DAY. Prov.,
no. 80: Deedes are males, wordes female are. 1616 DR., no. 2458:
(and words). 1621 ]. HOWELL Let. I i 39, I 87: The Neapolitans . .
make strong masculine Promises, but female Performances (for
deeds are Men, but words are Women). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 45, p.
27: The deeds are manly, and the words WOmanly. 1639 CL., p.
134: (but words). 1640 HERB., no. 837: Words are women, deedes
are men. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 5: Words are women, deeds
men. 1659 N.R., p. 28: Deeds are Males; words are Females.
1664 COD., p. 230: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 86:
[As in 1659 N.R.]. 1670 RAY, p. 7: [As in 1578 Flor.]. I732 FUL.,
no. 5814: Words are for Women; Actions for Men.
D188 The DEEPER the sweeter
1596 HARINGTON Metam. djax, p. 98: (The prouerb is, the). 1611
L. BARRY Ram-Alley I, S. B2v: Yet sayes the prouerbe, the deeperis
the sweeter. I614 COOKE Greene’s Tu Quoque, s. D2: (And
againe the Prouerb sayes, The). 1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER
Seornful Lady II, p. 246: Sir, will you put in deeper, ’tis the sweeter.
—Well said Old sayings. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A5). 1616
JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. II iv 41: (My poesie was, The). [1624]
1661 R. DAVENPORT City Nightcap I, p. 115. 1633 W. ROWLEY
Match at Midn. II, p. 441: The deeper the sweeter, forsooth. 1639
CL., s.v. Bibacitas, p. 46. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 382: Stir it
up with the spoon, miss; for the deeper the sweeter.
D189 As the stricken DEER withdraws himself to die
1557 SURREY Faithful Lover l. 35 in Tottel’s Misc., I 209: Then as
the striken dere withdrawes him selfe alone, SO doe I seke some
secrete place Where I may make my mone. I563 Buckingham in
.Mirrorfor Magistrates III, Pt. I, II 342: Like to the dere that strick-
en with the dart, Withdrawes himselfe into some secret place.
1575 RB. dpius and Virg., S. C2: I liue and languish in my lyfe, AS
doth the wounded Deare. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. G3:
And as the deare whiche Stricken is, dothe drawe himselfe alone, SO
will I seeke some secrete place where I might make my mone. 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y2v: The stricken Deare withdrawes him-
self to die, and so will I.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. 11nd. III i 89: Seeking to hide herself as
doth the deer That hath receiv’d some unrecuring wound. I599
A.Y. II i 33: To the which place [brook] a poor sequest’red stag,
That from the hunter’s aim had ta’en a hurt, Did come to languish
. . and the big round tears Cours’d one another down his innocent
nose In piteous chase. 1600—1 H. III ii 282: Why, let the strucken
deer go weep, The hart ungalled play.
D190 Where the DEER is Slain some of her blood will
lie
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1441: (slain pairt of the blood wil ly). 1641
' FERG., no. 703: (slain, some bloud will lye). I668 R.B., p. 44: [AS
in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 346: *Spoken when some of what we
have been handling is lost, or when-there is some indication ofwhat
has been a doing. 1732 FUL., no. 5663: (there will some Of his
Blood lie).
The greatest DEER-STEALERS make the best
park-keepers I
1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case I ii 214: There is no warier Keeper
of a Parke, To prevent Stalkers, or your Night-walkers, Then such
a man, as In his youth has been A most notorious Deare-stealer.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word. ' ‘
DEFEND
DESERVERS
I49



1655 FULLER Church Hist. IX iii, II 525: Always set a to catch
a ; and the greatest deer-stealers make the best park-keepers.
See SM., p. 43. Cf. TI 10: Set a thief (fool) to catch a thief (fool).
D192 DEFEND me and spend me
[1596] I633 SPENSER View Ireland, p. 624: They . . are very loth to
yeld any certayne rent, but onely such spendinges, saying common-
ly, Spend me and defend me. 1645 J. HOWELL Let. I i 7, I 30: So
that the Saying is truly verify’d here, Defend me and spend me.
1678 RAY, p. 3 51: *Saith the Irish churle.
D193 The first DEGREE of folly is to hold oneself wise,
the second to profess it, the third to despise
counsel
1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p. 362: Patrarke saith, To beleeve
that thou art wise, is the first degree to foolishnesse: the next is to
professe it. 1640 HERE, no. 456. 1659 N.R., p. 101. 1664 COD.,
p. 219: (to think ones selfwise). 1754 FRANKLIN, p. 30: (to conceit
one’s self wise).
Cf. C239: The first chapter of fools is to hold themselves wise.

D194 After a DELAY comes a let1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 137: After delay cumes ther a lette. 1641
FERG., no. 259: (Efter delay). I668 R.B., p. 18: (Efter delay).
1721 KEL., p. 52: *When People put off a Business for some time,
they afterward quite forget it. 1732 FUL., no. 6177: (Comes a
Stay).
[lhindrance]
D195 DELAY breeds danger (is dangerous)
1548 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 7: As the prouerbe Sayth, tary-
enge draweth and ieopardeth perrell. 1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd.,
s. EIv: There is euer peryll in muche delay. 1567 GOLDING Metam.
XI 432, p. 227: Delay breedes losse. I576 WAPULL Tide Tarries
No Man, s. D2v: In delaying comes harmes. 1577 GRANGE Gold.
Aphroditis, S. D4v: A. O. perceauyng this wide shotte, inferred, de-
lay breedeth daunger. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 182: They
know mora trahit periculum, delay bringeth danger. 1590 R.
WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s. F2: Daunger’s in
delay. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 353: (is dangerous). 1611 COT., s.v.
Loup. 1616 DR., no. 470: (is dangerous). I620 SHELTON Don
Quite. Pt. II, xli, IV 24: ’Tis ordinarily said, that delay breeds dan-
ger. 1639 CL., p. 304. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8. 1691 T. SOUTH-
ERNE Sir Antony Love V, p. 244: Delays are dangerous.
SHAKESPEARE—1592-4 1 Hen. VI III ii 33: Defer no time; delays
have dangerous ends.
See PF., no. 40; T. 145, p. 120.
gerous.
Cf. D196: Delay in love is dan-
(14)
D196 DELAY in love is dangerous
[01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered II vi 48: Loue hates delays.
01605 DAVIES Wit’s Pilg., p. 17: Delaie, in Lone, is daungerous you
know. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III IIlll, p. 727: Love brooks no
delays: the time’s quickly gone that’s spent in her company. 1633
GOFFE Orestes I i, s. A3v: True loue still hates delayes. 1721 KEL.,
p. 90: Delays in Love are dangerous. . *For either Party may alter
their Mind.
Cf. D195: Delay breeds danger (is dangerous); D198: Delays are
the death of suitors.
D197 That DELAY is good which makes the way the
safer
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3.
D198 DELAYS are the death of suitors
I616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A7v). 1639 CL., p. 304.
. 190.
Cf. D196: Delay in love is dangerous.
1664 COD.,
D199 When the DEMAND is a jest the fittest answer is
a scoff
1639 CL., p. 86: (Where theIdemand).
FUL., no. 5575: (the Answer).
Cf. F442: Answer a fool according to his folly.
1670 RAY, p. 109. 1732
D200 He that demands misses not unless his DE-
MANDS be foolish
1640 HERE, no. 355. I659 N.R., p. 56. 1664 COD., p. 228: (Who
demandeth).
D201 He that asks faintly begs a DENIAL
[a1591] 1675 H. SMITH Foodfor New-Born Babes: Wks., I 492: It is
an old saying, that he which asketh faintly, teacheth us to deny
him. [01612] 1633 P. FLETCHER Pisc. Eclog. V: Poems, II 288: Cold
beggars freez our gifts: thy faint suit breeds her no. 1648 HERRICK
Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 8: Who feares to aske, doth teach to be de-
ny’d. I732 FUL., no. 2042.
SHAKESPEARE—~1596 Rich. II V iii 103: He prays but faintly and
would be denied.
Cf. L427: A pitiful look asks enough.
D202 DENIALS make little faults great
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 137.
Denying a Fault, doubles it.
1732 FUL., no. 1267:
D203 To bind in DERBY’S bands
1576 GASCOIGNE Steel Glass, p. 163: To binde such babes, in father
Derbies bands. 1592 GREENE Quip for Upstart Courtier, p. 244:
They tie the poore soule in such Darbies bandes. 1602 R. CAREW
Surv. Cornwall I, p. 49: For which the poor wretch is bound in Dar-
by’s bonds to deliver him two hundred weight of tin at the next
coinage.
D204 It is easier to DESCEND than ascend
1611 GRUT., no. 151: (then to ascende). 1614 CAM., p. 308: (then
to ascend). 1639 CL., p. 260. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1659
N.R., p. 66. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 246: The ascent is diflicult,
the descent easie. 1732 FUL., no. 2927.
Cf. D205: The descent to hell is easy; F37: One may sooner fall
than rise; H465: It is easy to bowl down the hill.
D205 The DESCENT to hell is easy
1633 W. ROWLEY All’s Lost by Lust II vi 187: Basic discents to hell,
steepe steps to grace. 1697 DRYDEN Aeneid VI, p. 216: The gates
of hell are open night and day; Smooth the descent, and easy is the
way.
Cf. D204: It is easier to descend than ascend; H465: It is easy to
bowl down the hill.
D206 DESERT and reward be ever far odd (seldom
keep company)
1546 HEY. I xi, 5. E2v: (be oft tymes thyngs far od).
Prov., no. 33. 1616 DR., no. 1863. 1664 COD., p. 191: (do seldome
keep company together). 1670 RAY, p. 7: (seldom keep company).
1705 Pleas. Art, p. 150: (seldom keep company). 1732 FUL., no.
1269: Desert and Rewards very often go not together.
SHAKESPEARE—1609 Son. 66: [The sonnet is an extended devel-
opment of this theme].
Cf. D207: To reward one according to his deserts.
1611 DAV.
D207 To reward one according to his DESERTS
I598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. G3v: As the saying is, even re-
' warded him according to his desartes. I623 WOD., p. 506: Adorned,
and rewarded according to his Desearts.
Cf. D206: Desert and reward be ever far odd (seldom keep com-
pany) -
D208 First DESERVE and then desire
1636 CAM., p. 296. 1659 N.R., p. 33. 1664 COD., p. 193. 1670
RAY, p. 7. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 150.
D209 He that DESERVES best is commonly worst re-
warded
1616 DR., no. 1866. . -
Cf. H616: He that blows best bears away the horn.
D210 Great DESERVERS grow intolerable presumers
1651 HERE, p. 373.


In partial quotations wording (not Spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
DESIRE
DEVIL
I50
D211 DESIRE has no rest
1582 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 201: Desier sufferith no delay.
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 iii 11, p. 242: A true saying it is,
Desire hath no rest.
D212 DESIRE torments us and hope comforts us
1596 DEL., s. 04v. 1657 LEIGH, p. 260: Expectation torments.
Ibid., p. 268. 1659 N.R., p. 27: Desires torments us and hope com-
for[ts] us.
Cf. F614: If fortune me torments yet hope does me content.
D213 DESIRES are nourished by delay
1616 DR., no. 468. 1659 N.R., p. 27. 1664 COD., p. 190: (Delays).
1670 RAY, p. 7: (delays). I732 FUL., no. 1265: Delays increase
Desires, and sometimes extinguish them. Ibid., no. 1284: Difii-
culty makes Desire.
Cf. D10: Dainty makes dearth; T145: That thing which is rare
is dear.
D2I4-I5 He begins to die that quits his DESIRES
1611 COT., s.v. Abandonner: He truly begins to die that quits his
chicfe desires. I640 HERB., no. 2. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 1: He
well begins to dye, who from his own desires doth fly. 1659 N.R.,
p. 53: (desire).
Cf. M410: When an old man will not drink go to see him in
another world.
D216 DESPAIR (Love) makes cowards courageous
(desperate)
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 182: Consider the force of love which
maketh . . the most cowards most courageous. 1606 Wily Beguiled
xiv, p. 55: What? loue will make Cowards fyght: Much more a man
of my resolution. [1607] 1631 T. HEYWOOD 1 Fair Maid West III,
p. 298: How shame, base imputation, and disgrace, Can make a
coward valiant. 1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears V ii 190: Despair,
they say, makes cowards turn courageous. 1631 SHIRLEY Love
Tricks V ii, p. 58: Cowards in despair prove desperate. 1639 CL.,
p. 225. I648 HERRIcK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 309: Despaire takes
heart, when ther’s no hope to speed: The Coward then takes Armes,
and do’s the deed. 1659 How. Br. Prov. p. 22: Beat a coward oft,
thou wilt find he will fight. 1732 FUL., no. 58: A Coward’s Fear
can make a Coward valiant. Ibid., no. 1272: Despair gives Cour-
age to a Coward.
SHAKESPEARE—15913 Hen. VII iv 40: Cowards fight when they
can fly no further. 1592—3 V.A. l. 1158: [Love shall] put fear to
valour, courage to the coward. 1593—4 Lac. 1. 272: And when his
gaudy banner is display’d, The coward fights and will not be dis-
may’d.
Cf. C777: Put a coward to his mettle and he will fight the devil;
N62: Necessity makes the coward grow courageous.
D217 As black as the DEVIL
01550 REDFORD Wit and Science, p. 42.
p. 42: His face was as black as a devill in a playe.
p. 582. I670 RAY, p. 203.
D218 AS false as the DEVIL
1546 HEY. II V, s. H3v: The deuyll is no falser then is he. 1573
GASCOIGNE Supposes II ii, p. 205: As craftie as the Devill of hell.
1639 CL., p. 289: (He’s as).
01595 W. SPELMAN Dial.,
1616 WITHALS,
D219 As innocent as a DEVIL of two years old
1678 RAY, p. 286. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 418: (You are as).
D220 As the DEVIL loves holy water
01500 Life Robt. Devil 1. 174 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 226: They dyd
fiee fro hym, as the deuyll fro holy water. 1537 W. TURNER Old
Learn. and New, s. E5v: The deuyl is afrayed of holy water. 1576
LAMBARDE Peramb. Kent, p. 334: Remember by the Olde Prouerbe,
how well the Diuell loueth holy water. 01600 Charlemagne l. 2274,
p. 82: Faythe I loue thee yes as ye devyll does freirs holye water.
1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet I: Wks., p. 174: The prouerbe sayes,
the Deuill loues n0 holy water. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Diavolo,
p. 53: To shun as the devil doth the cross, viz. to abhor any thing

perfectly; The English say . . to love any thing as the devil loves
holy water. 1670 RAY, p. 184: To love one as the Devil loves holy-
water, or as the cat loves mustard.
Cf. A267: AS fond as an ape of a whip; B127: As willingly as the
bear goes to the stake; C150: He loves me as a cat does mustard.
D221 As the DEVIL mended his dame’s leg
01548 BRINKELOW Compl. Rod. XIV, p. 34: It is amended, euen as
the deuel mendyd his damys legg (as it is in the prouerbe): whan
he shuld haue Set it right, he bracke it quyte in pecys!
D222 Between the DEVIL and the deep sea (Dead Sea)
1637 R. MONRO Exped. with Mac-Keyes, II 55: I with my partie,
did lie on our Poste, as betwixt the Devill and the deepe Sea. 1639
CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 250: (dead). 1672 WALK. 60, p. 11: (dead).
1721 KEL., p. 58: *That is, between two Difficulties equally dan-
gerous.
Cf. H62: Between the hammer and the anvil; SI69: Between Scylla
and Charybdis.
D223 Bring you the DEVIL and I’ll bring out his dam
1616 WITHALS, p. 581: Bring thou out the devill, and I will fetch
out his damme. 1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209.
D224 The DEVIL always leaves a stink behind him
[a1592] 1675 H. SMITH Satan’s Compass. Earth: Wks., II 24: Into
every shop he [the devil] casts a short measure, or a false balance
. . Thus in every place where he comes . . he leaves an evil savour
behind him. 1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight IV Vii, p. 129: The Rab-
bins say, he was represented as an He-goat . . Indeed, both Devils
and Goats are said to go out in a stink.
Cf. V3oa: Venus always leaves an exquisite perfume behind her.
D225 The DEVIL and his dam
01547 BALE Three Laws III, s. DIV'. The deuyll or hys dam. 1550
CROWLEY Epig. l. 1443: Wks., p. 49: But they saye that ye purchase
the Deuill, his dame, and all. 1562 HEY. Dial. II Vii, p. 70: The
diuell with his dam, hath more rest in hell, Than I haue here with
the. [01588] 1604 MARLOWE Faustus II ii 96: Think on the Devil.
—And his dam too. [01600] 1657 DAY, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON
Lust’s Dominion IV V, p. 166: The devil and his dam, The Moor and
my mother. 1616 R.C. Times’ Whistle l. 3090, p. 97: Me thought as
both their heads together came, I saw the devill kissing of his dam.
1641 H. OXINDEN (to E. Dallison) in Oxinden Let. 204, p. 243: Shee
had beene delivered from the Devill and his dame.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-4 I Hen. VI I V 5: Devil, or devil’s dam,
I’ll conjure thee. Blood will I draw on thee—thou art a witch.
1600—1 IV V 109: The devil take one party and his dam
the other! 1604 0. IV i 153: Let the devil and his dam haunt you!
D226 The DEVIL and John of Cumber
Ibid., p. 18: (of Cumberland).
—The Devil and
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 1 I.
1660 TATHAM Rump IV, p. 47: Bertlam is gone.
John a Cumber go with him.
D227 The DEVIL and the dean begin with a letter;
when the devil has the dean the kirk will be
the better
I641 FERG., no. 862: (begins).
D228 The DEVIL and the Whirlwind go with him
01510 Hickscorner, s. C2V. 1590 Tarlton’s News out Purgatory, p.
56: There is no meane betwixt them, but that either a mans soule
_ must in post haste goe presently to God, or else with a whirlewind
and a vengeance goe to the divell!
D229 The DEVIL brought the bashful man to the court
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. [65]: It is said he [the devil] brought
the blushfaced yong man to the court. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p.
29: *This hath reference to Courtiers, in whom too much modesty
and bashfulnesse is not commendable.
D230 The DEVIL can cite Scripture for his purpose
[Matt. iv 6: And saith [the devil] unto him, If thou be the Son of
God, cast thyself down: for it is written . .] 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DEVIL
DEVIL
I51


Wit, p. 301 : The Diuell . . alledgeth al Scripture that may condemne
the sinner. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. R4: Thou imitates the
Deuill in his alleadging of Scriptures, for he neuer bringes out an
whole text, but so much as is for his owne enorm intended purpose.
[01589] 1633 MARLOWE Yew Malta I ii 1 11: What, bring you Scrip-
ture to confirm your wrongs? 1609 ARMIN Two Maids More., 3.
E4: The diuell has scripture for his damned ill. 1634 J. HALL Con-
templ. II ii, III 25: Let no Man henceforth marvel, to hear Here-
ticks or Hypocrites quote Scriptures, when Satan himself hath not
spared to cite them.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 2%. V. I iii 99: The devil can cite Scripture
for his purpose. An evil soul, producing holy witness, Is like a vil~
lain with a smiling cheek.
Cf. D266: The devil sometimes speaks the truth.
The DEVIL can transform himself into an angel
of light
[2 Cor. xi 14: For Satan himselfis transformed into an angel oflight.]
01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 24: (He [the devil] can).
1594 NASHE Terrors Night.- Wks., I 347: It is not to be gain-said,
but the divell can transforme himselfe into an angell of light. [1618]
1647 FLETCHER Loyal Suaj. III Vi, p. 133: They say the Devil can
assume heavens brightness, And so appear to tempt us. 1620
SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. IV, vi, II 77: Imitating therein the Divels
craft when he meanes to deceive any one that is vigilant and care-
full, for then he translates himselfe into an Angell of light, being one
of darkenesse.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1592-3 C.E. IV iii 51: She is the devil’s dam!
And here she comes in the habit of a light wench; and thereof comes
that the wenches say ‘God damn me!’ . . It is written, ‘They appear
to men like angels oflight.’ 1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 257: Devils soon-
est tempt, resembling spirits of light. 1600—1 H. II ii 626: The
spirit that I have seen May be a devil; and the devil hath power
T’assume a pleasing shape. 1604 0. II iii357: When devils will the
blackest sins put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,
As I do now.
Cf. D310: The white devil is worse than the black; V44: Vice is
often clothed in virtue’s habit.
D231
D232 The DEVIL dances in a woman’s placket
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15.
D233 The DEVIL dances in an empty pocket
01475 Mankind l. 481, p. 18: The deull may daunce in my purse for
ony peny. c1510 SKELTON Bowge Court 1. 364: Wks., I 44: The
deuyll myghte daunce therin for ony crowche. I566 DRANT Hor-
ace’s Sat. I i, s. A3: The deuille may daunce in crosslesse purse [cross
= a coin bearing the impression of a cross]. I580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 24: My Barrell of golde . . ranne so on the lees, that the
Diuell daunced in the bottome, where he found neuer a crosse.
1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 101: For well might the Divell
dance there [in his empty pocket], for euer a crosse to keepe him
backe. 1623 [W.W.] New and Merry Prognos., p. 24: Some wanting
money shall both ban and curse That the devill hath roome to dance
in their purse. [1635] I655 MASSINGER Bashful Lover 111 i, p. 401:
The devil sleeps in my pocket; I have no cross To drive him from it.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Quattrino, p. 161: The Devil a farthing
left, Idem, the English say to that purpose, if I mistake not, The
Devil is got into the pockets. I671 KIRKMAN Eng. Rogue II v, p.
303: The Devil might dance upon his [the grocer’s] counter, for there
was never a cross to keep him from it.
Cf. C836: He has never a cross (penny, halfpenny) to bless him-
self withal.
\
D234 The DEVIL divides the world between atheism
and superstition
I651 HERB., p. 369. 1659 N.R., p. 93.
D235 The DEVIL gets up to the belfry by the vicar’s
skirts
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 20: By the skirts of the Vicar the Devil
climes up to the steeple. 1732 FUL., no. 4476.

D236 The DEVIL go with thee down the lane
I562 HEY. Dial. II Vii, p. 68. 1619 Two Wise Men VII iii, s. OIv:
By that meanes thou wilt accompanie him to hell. —Downe the
lane to the Divell.
D237 The DEVIL has cast a bone to set strife
[1525-40] 1557 Merry Dial., p. 62: In the olde lawe, where the deuill
hadde cast aboone betwene the man and the wife, at the worste
waye, they myght be deuorsed. 1546 HEY. II ii, 8. G1: (to set
stryfe Betwene you). 61594 BACON, no. 654. 1609 P. HOLLAND
Roman Hist. Ammian XXXIX xvi, p. 376: The divell cast a bone
among them so that they fell at variance. 1616 DR., s.v. Strife, no.
2055: The deuill hath cast a bone betwixt them.
Cf. B518: He has cast a bone between them; B522: To give one a
bone to pick.
D238 The DEVIL has owed me a cake of a long time
and now has paid me a loaf
8.1700 B.E., s.v. Cakehis: The devil ow’d her a Cake, and has pai’d
her a Loaf, when instead of a small, a very great Disaster, or Mis-
fortune has happen’d to a Woman. 1732 FUL., no. 4477.
Cf. B633: You give me bread for cake; D261: The devil owed
him a shame and now he has paid it.
D239 The DEVIL himself can’t understand it
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s. v. Scarinzo, p. I 82: The Latin says, Ne Appolo
quidem intelligeret, but the English would say of an obstruse thing,
The Devil himself can’t understand it. laid, s.v. Zifera, p. 240:
For a thing to be extreme difficult to interpret and unfould, a meet
Cabale: the English say, The Devil himself can’t tell what to make
on’t.
D240 The DEVIL is a busy bishop in his own diocese
I548 LATIMER Serm. 6, p. 70: There is one that . . is the most dili-
gent prelate preacher in all England . . I will tell you: it is the devil.
He is the most diligent preacher of all other; he is never out of his
diocess. I641 FERG., no. 814. I721 KEL., p. 338. I732 FUL., no.
4479~
D241 The DEVIL is a knave
1553 Respttblica I iii, p. 6. 1571 Admon. Papists: Old Ballads, p.
85. [1625] 1639 R. DAVENPORT New Trick to Cheat Devil IV i, p.
2 51: The Proverbe sayes, The Divell’s a knave.
D242 The DEVIL is an ass
1607 DEKKER AND WILKINS 7ests: Dekker Non-Dram. Wks., II 275:
Lawyers get the Diuell and all: What an Asse, replied the Citizen
is the diuell? [I616] I631 JONSON Devil Is Ass Prol.,l. 1, p. I63:The
Divill is an Asse. That is, to day, The name of what you are met for,
a new Play. 1631 JONSON Staple News I Interm., l. 67, p. 303: There
was the Diuell of Edmonton, no such man, I warrant you. —The
Coniurer coosen’d him with a candles end, hee was an Asse. I681
OTWAY Soldier’s Fort. IV, p. 48: The Devil’s an Ass Sir.
D243 The DEVIL is at home
1620 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY World Tossed at Tennis 1. 739, p.
185: Why, will he have it in’s house, when the proverb says, The
devil’s at home? 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 382: I must needs go
home for half an hour. —Why, colonel, they say the devil’s at
home. 1754 RICHARDSON Grandison, I 243: The devil’s at home,
is a phrase: and our modern ladies live as if they thought so.
D244 The DEVIL is dead
01475 Mankind l. 586, p. 22: wast! pesse! the Deull ys dede!
[a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 36: Wks., I 312: The deuyll,
they say, isdede. 1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4: The deuill is deade wife
(quoth he). I562 HEY. Epig. 98, p. 141. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 134.
1616 WITHALS, p. 576: The devill is dead in a ditch. [1624] 1661
R. DAVENPORT City Nightcap III, p. 141: He thinks the devil’s dead
too. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7: Lets be merry, the devil is dead, I,
but his sonne is still living. 1664 COD., p. 203: [As in 1659 How.].
1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 67: Be merry, the devil is dead at Mala-
mocco. *Note 43, p. 79: Malamocco is a Haven neer to Venice,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
DEVIL 152
DEVIL

and as the English say, Hy tosse the Devil is dead, a fig for Jack a
dandy, so they say that proverb. 1671 Westminster Droll. I, p. 109:
The night is our own, for the Devil is dead. 1678 RAY, p. 70: Heigh
ho, the Devil is dead.
D245 The DEVIL is ever kind to his own
1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. D4v: You were worse then the deuil els,
—for they say hee helps his seruants. 1661 A. BROME New Monte-
bank: Poems, p. 148. 1721 KEL., p. 310: The Dee’ls ay good to his
own. *Spoken when they Whom we afi'ect not, thrive and prosper
in the World; as if they had their Prosperity from the Devil. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 459: The fondest fatherin the world. —Ay,
madam, that’s true; for they say, the devil is kind to his own. '
Cf. D248: The devil is good to some; D265: The devil shits upon
a great heap; D286: Ill does the devil preserve his servant; D312:
The devil’s child the devil’s luck; K130: The more knave the bet-
ter luck.
D246 The DEVIL is full of knowledge (is nought) be-
cause he is old
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 168: Young men for lacke Of yeeres and
experience cannot bee wise: And thereof commeth the Proverbe,
That the Divell is full of knowledge, because hee is olde. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 17, p. 67: The devil is naught, because he is old.
D247 The DEVIL is God’s ape
1579 TOMSON 1st Ep. Paulto Tim. iv: Serm. Calvin, p. 343: But see
howe the diuell . . playeth the Ape, and counterfeteth what so euer
God hath ordeined for our saluation. 1595 COVELL Polim., s. BIV:
Satan desiring in this to bee Gods Ape. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Ban-
quet III: Wks., p. 211: Obserue how the Deuill is gods Ape, and
striues to match and parallell him. 1639 FULLER Holy War IV xxi,
p. 206: In imitation belike (as the Devil is Gods ape) of those in the
Gospel. 1666 TOR-. It. Prov. 19, p. 67.
D248 The DEVIL is good to some
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (to some body).
Cf. D245: The devil is ever kind to his own.
1678 RAY, p. 70.
D249 The DEVIL is good when he is pleased
[01560] I 581 WOODES Confl. Cons. III iii, 8. D2v: The deuil is a good
fellow ifone can him please. [a16oo] I662 I.T. Grim Collier Croy-
don I iv, S. H6: For she is mild enough, if she be pleas’d. —So is
the devil, they say. 1639 CL., p. 214. 1670 RAY, p. 80. I684
BUNYAN Seasonable Counsel: Wks., II 707: The devil, they say, is
good when he is pleased. But Christ and his saints, when dis-
pleased. 1721 KEL., p. 333: *Spoken to People who readily take
every thing amiss. 1732 FUL., no. 1916: He is good as long as he’s
pleas’d; and so is the Devil. Ibid., no. 4478: (The Devil himself is).
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 429: She is very good humour’d.
—Ay, my lord; so is the devil when he’s pleased.
D250 The DEVIL is in the dice
1678 RAY, p. 70.
Cf. D251: The devil is in the Straw.
D251 The DEVIL is in the straw
1589 Triumphs Love and Fort. IV iv, s. F4: The Deuil is in the bed
Straw. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub IV vi 27: In every straw a Divell
. . I ha’ scene the Divell Among the Straw.
Cf. D53: Strike, Dawkin, the devil is in the hemp; D250: The
devil is in the dice; P9: There is a pad in the straw.
D252 The DEVIL is known by his claws (cloven feet,
horns)
[01588] I604 MARLOWE Faustus I ivA 57: I’ll tell you how you shall
know them; all he-devils has horns, and all she-devils has clifts and
cloven feet. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 58: Hee’s not cloven.
1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward H0 III ii 315:
Deuill shall he be if homes will make him. 1611 COT., s.v. Diable:
*A couetous heart discerned by catching hands. 1612 WEBSTER
White Devil V iii 103: ’Tis the Devill. I know him by a great rose he
weares on’s shooe TO hide his cloven foot. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 V ii 15: No man means evil but

D261 The DEVIL owed him a shame and now
the devil, and we shall know him by his horns. 1604 O. V ii 286: I
look down towards his feet—but that’s a fable. If that thou be’st a
devil, I cannot kill thee.
D253 The DEVIL is not always at a poor man’s door
1596 DEL., s. OI. 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 244.
D254 The DEVIL is not always at one door
1611 COT., s.v. Diable: *He tempts, and attempts, men sundrie
wayes. 1640 HERB., no. 31. 1659 N.R., p. 111. 1664 COD., p.
216: (at ones door). 1670 RAY, p. 7. 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quix.
IV i, p. 63. 1732 FUL., no. 4482.
D255 The DEVIL is not so black as he is painted
1592 RF. Eng. Faust Bk., p. 9: He thought the diuel was not SO
black as they vse to paynt him. 1596 LODGE Marg. America, p. 57:
Diuels are not so blacke as they be painted . . nor women so way-
ward as they Seeme. 1642 HOWELL For. Trav. IV, p. 98: The
Devill is not so black as he is painted, no more are these Noble Na-
tions and Townes as they are tainted. I654 WHITLOCK Zootomia,
p. 276: But still to be crying out, never worse Times, all is naught,
sometimes maketh the Divell blacker than he is. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. I I, p. 210: Pluto is not so ugly as he is painted.
See DUR., II, no. 431. Cf. C849: The crow cannot be blacker
than her wings; L314: Thelion is not so fierce as he is painted; M552:
Men make the wolf worse than he is.
D256 The DEVIL lurks behind the cross
I612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, I vi, I 58: Then was another book
opened. . The Knight Of the Cross . . quoth the curate. . it is a
common saying, The Divell lurkes behind the Crosse: wherefore let
it go to the fire. 01703 MOTTEUX Don .S’Zuix. II xlvii, II 299.
1732 FUL., no. 4486: The Devil’s behind the Cross.
See DUR., I, no. 937.
D257 The DEVIL made souters1 Shipmen, that can
neither steer nor row
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1410. 1721 KEL., p. 85: (Dee’l made souters
Sailers, that). *Spoken to them that take a Thing in hand that
they have no Skill of.
[1shoemakers]
D258 The DEVIL makes his Christmas pie of lawyers’
tongues and clerks’ fingers
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 179: Of three things the Deuill makes his
messe, Of Lawyers tongues, of Scriueners fingers, you the third may
gesse. 1616 T. ADAMS Forest Thorns: Wks., p. 1059: (his Christmas-
pyes). 1639 CL., p. 55. 1659 How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span.,
p. 9: (pies of Clerks fingers and Lawyers toungs). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 32, p. 120: Of three things the Devil makes a Salad, Advocates
tongues, Notaries fingers, and the third is understood. 1669—96
AUBREY Brief Lives, I 422: Sir Robert Pye, attorney of the court of
words . . happened to dye on Christmas day: the newes being
brought to the serjeant, said he The devil has a Christmas pye.
D259 The DEVIL never assails a man except he find
him either void of knowledge or of the fear of
God
1651 HERB., p. 373. 1659 N.R., p. 97.
D260 The DEVIL on Dun’s1 back
1639 CL., p. 197. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua IV xxxiii, III 142:
Poor Panurge began to cry and howl worse than ever . . There will
be the Devil upon Dun. 1709 W. KING Art Love III, p. 133: She’d
run, AS would the Devil upon Dun.
[1“Dun”=the name of a horse]
he has
paid it '
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 245, p. I 14: The Deuil, gos-
sip, ought me a shame. [01552] I575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Nee-
dle I iii, s. A3v: The Devill, or elS his dame, they ought her sure a

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DEVIL 153
DEVIL


shame. 1591 2 Troublesome Reign 7ohn, s. Dlv: The diuell owes I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 455: I must be with my Wife on Tues-
thee shame. 1602 [W.S.] Ld. Cromwell, s. CI: The diuell ought me day, or there will be the devil and all to pay.
a shame, and now hath paide it. 1605 Capt. T. Stukeley, s. B1: See
see, the deuil ought my maister a Shame and now he has paid him.
[01633] 1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 86: The Devil cer-
tainly owed him a shame, that put into his head, to take upon him
the handling of this Argument. [01638] 1653 R. BROME Damoiselle
III i, p. 416: The Devill sure Ought me a mischiefe, when he enabled
that Old Wretch, my Father to beget me. 1665 J. WILSON Projectors
V, p. 266: I was finely helpt up when I married you . . But the devil
ow’d me a good turn! 1672 MARVELL Rehear. Transprosed I, p. 7:
The Press hath ought him a shame a long time, and is but now be-
ginning to pay-off the debt. I679 D’URFEY Squire Oldsapp V ii, p.
56: The devil I think ow’d me a shame, and sought to pay it this way.
Cf. D238: The devil has owed me a cake of a long time and now
has paid me a loaf.
D262 The DEVIL rebukes sin 1 1
I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 18, p; 133: AS the English say, The Divil
corrects sin. 1670 RAY, p. 80. 1672 WALK. 8, p. 45: The devil re—
bukes sin; one thief accuseth another. 1682 BEHN Roundheads V,
p. 48: How the devil rebukes sin. 1721 KEL., p. 287: *Spoken when
we are reproved by wicked Men. 1732 FUL., no. 4485.
Cf. K21: The kettle calls the pot black ass.
D263 The DEVIL rides on a fiddlestick
[1619] 1647 FLETCHER Hum. Lieut. IV iv, p. 349: For this is such a
gig, for certain, Gentlemen, The Fiend rides on a Fiddle-stick.
[01620] I647 [BEAUMONT AND] FLETCHER Wit at Sev. Weapons I, p.
72: The Devil rides I think. 1634 R. BROME AND T. HEYWOOD
Lane. Witches III, p. 215: What do’S the Divell ride 0’ your Fiddle-l
stickes.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IV II iv 534: Heigh, heigh, the devil
rides upon a fiddlestick!
D264 The DEVIL run through you booted and spurred
with a scythe on his back
[1604-17] 1647 FLETCHER Woman’s Prize V ii, p. 85: A Sedgly
curse light on him, which is, Pedro; The Fiend ride through him
booted, and spurr’d, with a Sythe at’s back. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 2: *Sedgley curse in Staifordshire. 1678 RAY, p. 335: (with a
fishe on his back). *This is a Sedgeley curse.
D265 The DEVIL shits upon a great heap
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: *Of money. 1670 RAY, p. 80. 1721
KEL., p. 343: Where the Dee’l shites, he shites in a heap. *Envi-
ously spoken when those we affect not grow wealthy.
Cf. D245: The devil is ever kind to his own.
D266 The DEVIL sometimes speaks the truth
I635 GLAPTHORNE Lady Mother I iii, p. 123: (speaks truth). 1732
FUL., no. 5308: Truth maysometimes come out of the Devil’s Mouth.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. IIII ii 73: O wonderful, when devils
tell the truth! 1605-6 M. I iii 107: What, can the devil speak true?
Cf. D230: The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.
D267 The DEVIL take the hindmost
[1604—17] 1647 FLETCHER Woman’s Prize III v, p. 56. [1610] 1620
BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Phi/aster V, p. 136: They run all away,
and cry the Devil take the hindmost. [01614] 1647 FLETCHER
Bonduca IV iii, p. 130. [1619] 1647 FLETCHER Hum. Lieut. II iv,
p. 305: Yet I have seen him trip it tithly too, And cry the Devil take
the hindmost ever. 1663 S. TUKE Adven. Five Hours V, p. 118.
1671 DRYDEN Evening’s Love IV iii, p. 341: He came on purpose to
quarrel with you; break first with him, and prevent it. —If it be
come to that once, the devil take the hindmost. 1681 COLVILLE
Mock Poem II, p. 50: [They] runs to their Pottle, which they mind
most, Crying, the Devil take the hind-most.
Cf. MI 14: Every man for himself and the devil for all.
D268 The DEVIL (The devil and all) to pay
01500 Douce MS 104 in Relig. Antiq., I 257: Beit wer he at tome for
ay, Than her to serve the devil to pay. 1711 SWIFT Your. to Stella
31, Sept. 28, II 361: And then there will be the devil and all to pay.

D269 The DEVIL turns his back at a door shut
I599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 7: At a locked doore, the diuell him-
selfe goeth his way. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. I 1: (to a door that is shut). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I 1, p.213:
To a door that is shut, the Devil will turn his back.
D270 The DEVIL was sick, the devil a monk would be;
the devil was well, the devil a monk was he
I586 WITHALS, s. K8: The diuell was sicke and crasie, Good woulde
the Monke bee that was lasie. 1630 T. ADAMS God’s House: Wks.,
p. 634. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 16: The wolfbeing Sick wished to be
a Frier, but being well he repented of it. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p.
132: The woolf hath a great mind to be a Fryer whilst he is sick,
when he is well, he repents him ofit. *Note 82, p. 134: This is lit-
erally interpreted, but it hath been better worded, as followeth, The
Devil was sick, the Devil a Monk would be, the Devil was well, the
Devil a Monk was he. 1678 RAY, p. 296. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE
Fables I I 1, I 104: *This . . applies . . to Those that Promise more in
their Adversity than they either Intend, or are able to make good in
their Prosperity. 1721 KEL., p. 306: The Dee’l grew sick, and vow’d
a Monk to be, The Dee’l grew heal, and Dee’l a Monk was he. *Ap-
ply’dto them who make good Resolutions in their Adversity, which
they forget in their Prosperity. Translated from an Old Monkish
Rhyme, Daemon languebat, monachus bonus esse volebat, Sed cum
convaluit, mansit ut ante fuit. I
Cf. C219: The chamber ofsickness is the chapel of devotion; D31:
The danger (river) past and God forgotten; V97: Vows made in
storms are forgotten in calms.
D271 The DEVIL wipes his tail with the poor man’s
pride
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: (wipeth his arse). 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
13, p. 273: With poor mens pride, the Devil wipes his breech. 1670
RAY, p. 21.
D272 The DEVIL would have been a weaver but for the
temples
1678 RAY, p. 91: *Relating to several trades.
D273 Give the DEVIL his due
1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 407: Giue them their due
though they were diuels. 1596 NASHE Saflron-Walden: W ks., III
36. [1618] 1647 FLETCHER Loyal Subj. I iii, p. 85: Whose doubts
and envies—But the Devil will have his due. [1619] 1632 N. FIELD
AND MASSINGER Fatal Dowry IV i, p. 147: Nay, ’faith, thou art a
reasonable neat artificer, give the devil his due. 1639 CL., s.v. Ca-
lumnia, p. 53: Give him his due though he were the Devil. 1640
JONSON Tale Tub V x 20. 1661 COWLEY Dis. Govt. Cromwell, II 349:
I had a mind . . to give even the Devil (as they say) his right, and
fair play in a Disputation. 1670 RAY, p. 79. 1732 FUL., no. 1655:
(Give even).
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IVI ii 130: Sir John . . will give the
devil his due. 1599 Hen. VIII vii 126: I will take that up with
‘Give the devil his due.’ 1601 T.N. I v 270: But if you were the
devil, you are fair.
Cf. D634: Give everyone his due; S470: It is a sin to belie the devil.
(s)
D274 Go to the DEVIL and bishop you
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 446. 1637 [GILLESPIE] Dispute Ep. lntro., s.
A2v: He studieth not the Oracles ofGod, but the Principles of Satan-
icall guile, which he learneth so well, that he may goe to the Divell to
be Bishopped.
D275 He is good to fetch the DEVIL a priest
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 595. 1721 KEL., p. 379: (You are good to).
*Spoken to them, who tarry long when they are sent an Errand.
Cf. J71: To send (To come) by John Long (Tom Long) the
carrier.
D276 He is like the DEVIL, always in mischief
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl'.
DEVIL
DEVIL
154

D277 He looks as the DEVIL looked over Lincoln
1546 HEY. II ix, 3. K4: Than wold ye loke ouer me, With stomake
swolne, Lyke as the deuill lookt ouer Lyncolne. 1601 DENT Path-
way to Heaven, p. 31: As we say in a Proverb, as the Devil look’d
over Lincoln. 1616 DR., s.v. Contempt, no. 327: (He ouerlooketh
him as). 1616 WITHALS, p. 561. 1639 CL., p. 72: (He lookes or’e
me as). 1659 N.R., p. 55: (He over-looks him as). 1662 FULLER
Worthies Lincolnshire, II 6: (the Devil over Lincoln). *The divel
. . is supposed to have overlook'd this Church [Lincoln Minster] . .
with a torve [grim] and tetrick [gloomy] countenance, as maligning
men’s costly devotion. Ihid. Oxfordshire, II 220: (the Devil over
Lincoln). *Some fetch the original of this Proverb from a stone
picture of the Devil, which cloth (or lately did) over-look Lincoln
Colledge . . Beholders have since applied those ugly looks to envi~
ous persons. 1670 RAY, p. 206: TO look on one, as the Devil looks
over Lincoln. 1732 FUL., no. 1974: He looks like the Devil over
Lincoln. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 416: (She looked at me as).
D278 He must needs go that the DEVIL drives
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 1434: Wks., I 418: Nedes must he rin
that the deuyll dryuith. 1533 HEYWOOD 7ohn, s. A4v. 1546
HEY. II vii, s. I3: (whom the diuel doth driue). 1556 J. HEYWOOD
Spider and Fly LV, p. 230: Forth he must (they say) that the deuil
doth driue. 1567 Trial Treasure H., p. 297: (that is driven by the
devil’s drift). I579 GOSSON Ephemerides, f. 7V: Thou hast forgotten
that he is forced to go whom the deuil driues; and that neede maketh
euery man to trot. [01588] I604 MARLOWE Faustus IV iii 95.
1592 Arden F., s. H1 v: He whome the diuel driues must go perforce.
I606 Wily Beguiled Vii, p. 27: (He needs must goe that). 1611 COT.,
s.v. Gré: Needes must he goe whom the Diuell (necessitie) driueth.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 212: (that the deuill doth driue). 1611 GRUT.,
no. 116: [As in 1611 Dav.]. 1613 T. ADAMS White Devil: Wks., p.
59: He that the Deuill driues, feeles no lead at his heeles. 1614
CAM., p. 307. 1639 CL., s.v. Necessitas, p. 225: (He must needs
run whom). I659 N.R., p. 44. 1670 RAY, p. 80: (go, whom).
I721 KEL., p. 170: [As in 1639 CL]. 1732 FUL., no. 1993: (go,
Whom).
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. I iii 31: I am driven on by the flesh
[to marriage]; and he must needs go that the devil drives.
(18)
Cf. N79: Need makes the old wife trot.
D279 He must rise betimes that will cozen the DEVIL
1581—90 Timon IV ii, p. 62: Hee that will cheate mee must arise be-
times. 1630 T. ADAMS Faith’s Encouragem.: Wks., p. 722: He that
would deceiue the deuill, had need to rise betimes. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 19.
Cf. F645: He that will deceive the fox must rise betimes.
D280 He that has Shipped the DEVIL must make the
best of him
1678 RAY, p. 125. 1720 DEFOE Capt. Singleton, p. 9: However,
according to the English proverb, he that is shipped with the devil
must sail with the devil. I732 FUL., no. 2152: He that has pur-
chas’d the Devil, must make the most of him.
See DUR., II, no. 439. Cf. D282: He that takes the devil into
his boat must carry him over the sound.
D281 He that is busy is tempted but by one DEVIL, he
that is idle by a legion
1659 N.R., p. 121: Who labours is tempted by one Devil, but who
stands idle by a thousand. 1732 FUL., no. 2171.
D282 He that takes the DEVIL into his boat must
carry him over the sound
I678 RAY, p. 125. I732 FUL., no. 2326.
Cf. D280: He that has shipped the devil must make the best of
him.
D283 He will swear the DEVIL out of hell
1678 RAY, p. 271. 1732 FUL., no. 2431.
D284 He would have (To know) the DEVIL and all
01530 TYNDALE Expos. Matt, p. I I : He will save devils and all. 1604
DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 81: Til he got the divel and all. 1616

DR., s.v. Couetousnesse, no. 378. 1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 40.
01647 Good-Fellow’s Complaint 24 in Cav. and Pur., p. 209: Some
Knaves got by there feese, the Devill and all to boote. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Diavolo, p. 53: To know almost everything; The
English say, to know the devil and all. 1696 DILKE Lover’s Luck
I, p. 2: I would willingly shake hands with . . the Divel and all.
D285 If the DEVIL be a vicar you will be his clerk
I670 RAY, p. 171. I721 KEL., p. 196: If the Dee’l be Laird, you’ll
be Tenant. *Spoken of Trimmers, Turn-coats, and Timeservers.
I732 FUL., no. 5579: When the Devil’s a Vicar, then thou shalt be
his Clark.
D286 111 does the DEVIL preserve his servant
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3.
Cf. D245: The devil is ever kind to his own.
D287 Let one DEVIL ding1 another
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 457: Gar [make] ane devill ding ane other.
1721 KEL., p. 234: *Spoken when two bad Persons quarrel.
[lbeat]
D288 Let the DEVIL pay the maltman
01536 COPLAND Highway Spittle House 1. 682, p. 55: Make we mery
as longe as we can, And drynke a pace: the deuill pay the malt man!
1559 BECON Displ. Popish Mass: Prayers, p. 282: To drinke them
all out, to set cock on the hoop, let the devil pay the maltman.
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 123: A dogge hath but a daie. Let
the deuill paie the malt manne.
Cf. C493: He sets cock on the hoop.
D289 More like the DEVIL than Saint Laurence
1678 RAY, p. 256. 1732 FUL., no. 3457: (than to).
D290 One DEVIL is like another
1612 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. I, IV iv, II 44. I732 FUL., no. 3747.
One had as good eat the DEVIL as the broth he
is boiled in
1542 BRINKELOW Lament. Chr., p. 89: Yfit be so that God, through
the kynge, hath caste out the deuell out of this realme, and yet both
he and we soppe of the broth in which the deuell was soden. 1639
CL., p. 288: (he is sod in). 1670 RAY, p. 80: AS good eat the Devil,
as the broth he is boil’d in. 1696 D’URFEY3 Don Quix. I i, p. 221.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 444: (You had as good).
D291
D292 Sain1 you well from the DEVIL and the laird’s
bairns
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 927: (Keip yow from). Ibid., no. I 198. 1668
R.B., p. 48. I721 KEL., p. 288: (Sain your self from). *A Cau-
tion of poor People to their Children, how they meddle with their
Superiors; for if they hurt the Laird’s Bairns, they Will be sure to be
punished, but, if hurt by them, they will get no Right.
[lshield]
D293 Seldom lies the DEVIL dead in a ditch (by the
dike side)
[a1511] I570 HENRYSON Fox, Wolf, and Cadger: Fah, p. 152: Heir
Lyis the Deuill, quod he, deid in ane dyke. Sic ane selcouth [strange
thing] saw I not this seuin yeir. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1176: (by
ane dycksyd). 1639 CL., s.v. Hypocrisis, p. 140: The Devill is dead
in a ditch. Ihid., s.v. Simulatio et dissimulatio, p. 289: (in a dike).
1668 R.B., p. 48: (by the dike side). 1670 RAY, p. 79. 1721 KEL.,
p. 230: Long e’er the Dee’l lye dead by the Dike side. *Spoken when
we are told that some wicked Person is like to die. 1732 F UL., no.
4475: The Devil doth not lie dead in a Ditch.
D294 Speak of the DEVIL and he will appear
1591 LYLY Endim. I iii 3: O that we had Sir Tophas . . in the midst
of our myrth, and ecce autem, wyl you see the deuill? I666 TOR.
It. Prov., note 78, p. 134: The English say, Talk of the Devil, and
he’s presently at your elbow. 1670 RAY, p. 80: The Devil is never
nearer, then when we are talking of him. 1678 RAY, p. 125: Talk
of the Devil and he’ll either come or send. 1721 KEL., p. 299:

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DEVIL
DEVIL’S
I55


*Spoken when they, of whom we are speaking, come in by Chance.
1732 FUL., no. 4481: [As in 1670 Ray].
See DUR., II, no. 691. Cf. N33: Sooner named sooner come;
W607: Speak of the wolf and he will appear.
D295 That will come when the DEVIL is blind
[1639-61] 1662 Song in Rump Songs, I 8: The Scots in despite shall
please their own mind, And do what they please when the Devil is
blind. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Asino, p. 7: To come when an asse shall fly, viz. never, or when the
Devil is blind. I670 RAY, p. 215: When the Devil is blind. I670-
80 [I. WADE] Wade’s Reformation l. 20in Bagford Bal., I 7: They’l
pay me again when the Devil is blind. 61680 Pepys Bal. 106, III
88: The Brokers . . will bejust when the Devil is blind. I738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 397: I’ll make you a fine present one of these days.
—Ay; when the devil’s blind, and his eyes are not sore yet.
D296 There is a DEVIL in every berry of the grape
1636 J. HOWELL Let. II 3, II 377: He rails bitterly against Bacchus,
and swears there’s a Devil in every berry of his Grape. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 19: *A Turkish Proverb. 1676 T. WEAVER Commend.
Verses in Cotton Complete Angler, II 451: Make good the doctrine
of the Turks, That in each grape a devil lurks.
Cf. V60: The vine brings forth three grapes: the first of pleasure,
the second of drunkenness, the third of sorrow.
D297 Though I am black I am not the DEVIL
I592 GREENE Quipfor Upstart Courtier, p. 259: Marry, quoth hee,
that lookte like Lucifer, though I am blacke I am not the Diuell,
but indeed a Colier of Croiden. I595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 757,
s. D4: Well though I am blacke I am sure all the world will not for-
sake mee, and as the olde prouerbe is though I am blacke, I am not
the diuell.
D298 To give the DEVIL the one to carry away the
other
1533 HEYWOOD 70hn, s. A3v: I wold gyue the dyuell the tone to
cary away the tother. I533 HEYWOOD Play Weather, s. D2: The
deuyll shall haue the tone to fet the tother. CI569 PHILLIP Pa-
tient Grissell l. 191, s. B3v: To be rid I would giue the Deuill one
halfe to fetch the other.
D299 To hug one as the DEVIL hugs a witch
I640 GLAPTHORNE Wit in Constable II, p. 193: As the Divell hug’d
the witch. 1678 RAY, p. 286. 1732 FUL., no. 5189. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 425: I’ve seen her hug you as the devil hugged the
witch.
D300 To play the DEVIL for God’s sake
1670 Cloud Opened in Harl. Misc., IV 155: To play the Devil for
God’s Sake hath been a common Proverb, but was never entered
for an Article in a sober Belief. 1681 R. L’ESTRANOE Diss. Say-
ings, p. 66: Which is no more, in Short, than playing the devil in
God’s name.
D301 To play the DEVIL in the bullimong1
I670 RAY, p. 171.
[1a mixture of grains sown together]
D302 To play the DEVIL in the horologue
I519 HORMAN V ulgaria, p. 334: Some for a tryfull pley the deuyll
in the orlege. I546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: Here is the deuill in thorologe,
ye maie 'saie. [M553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. III ii 90: What will
he? —Play the deuill in the horologe. I562 HEY. Epig. 136, p.
149: The diuell is in thorologe, the houres to trye, Searche houres
by the sunne, the deuylls dyall wyll lye. 1590 R. HARVEY Plain
Percevall, p. 27: But tush thy gossips will Stand vpon it, that Mar-
tins Clocke goes true, though the Diuell were in the Horologe.
1593 G. HARVEY Let. Not. Cont., p. 276: Finding nothing in all those
pestilent and Virulent sheetes of wast-paper, but meere-meere for-
geryes, and the Diuell in the horologe. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 360:
The deuills in the horolodge: I thinke so; For the clockes lye faster
[ofte] then they go. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: The devil’s in the
orologe.


D303 To set the DEVIL on sale
1546 HEY. II vi, S. I2: Here is a tale—For honestee, meete to set the
dyuell on sale.
D304 Up with it if it be but a DEVIL of two years old
1639 CL., p. 202: (of two yeare old). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Saracino, p. 179: To be as courteous as a Saracin, viz. most inhu-
mane and cruel; spoken ironically; the English allusively say,
There’s no more harm in him, than in a Devil of two years old.
D305 When he has wounded himself he seeks to the
DEVIL for physic
1614 T. ADAMS Sinners Passing-Bell: Wks., p. 269: To act Wicked-
nesse, and then to cloake it, is for a man to wound himselfe, and
then goe to the Deuill for a playster. 1616 DR., no. 1625.
D306 When the DEVIL is a hog you shall eat bacon
I670 RAY, p. 217. 1732 FUL., no. 5578.
D307 When the DEVIL is dead there is a wife for Hum-
phrey
I678 RAY, p. 84.
D308 Where had the DEVIL the friar but where he
was?
1612 J. TAYLOR Sculler Epig. 7: Wks. F., p. 18. [1625] 1639 R.
DAVENPORT New Trick to Cheat Devil IV ii, p. 262: (So might come
to Justifie the Proverbe Where had). 1721 KEL., p. 355: Where it
was, and not where it grew. Eng. Where the Dee’l got the Fryer.
I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 405: Where did you get it? —Why,
where ’twas to be had; where the devil got the friar.
1732 FUL., no. 5580: (a Widow for Humphrey).
D309 Where none else will, the DEVIL himself must
bear the cross
1587 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 201: (Where none will).
no.5652.
Cf. P596: It is an evil (ill) procession Where the devil bears (car-
ries, holds) the cross (colors, candle).
D310 The white DEVIL is worse than the black
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1414. 1612 WEBSTER The White Divel: [Title].
Cf. D231: The devil can transform himselfinto an angel oflight.
I732 FUL.,
D311 A young DEVIL an old saint
I562 HEY. Epig. 61, p. 136: Then yong deuilles old saintes, in man-
kynde as I fynde. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 192: Ane yong devil ane
old feind. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 101: Some were yong deuills that
olde saints do grow.
Cf. S33: Young saint old devil; W324: A young whore an old
saint.
D312 The DEVIL’S child the devil’s luck
1678 RAY, p. 126. 1721 KEL., p. 333: The Dee’ls Bairns have Dee’ls
Luck. *Spoken enviously when ill People prosper.
Cf. D245: The devil is ever kind to his own; K130: The more
knave the better luck; M360: The properer (honester) man the
worse luck.
D313 The DEVIL’S guts
I678 RAY, p. 72: *The surveyours chain.
D314 The DEVIL’S mouth is a miser’s purse
1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: W ks., II 99: The Vsurers purse is Hell
mouth. I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 234: A covetous
mans purse, is called the deuils mouth. I600 BODENHAM Belvedere,
p. 128: The deuills mouth is tearm’d a miser’s purse.
D315 He is pattering the DEVIL’S patemoster
1530 PALS., p. 642a: I murmure, I make a noyse, I bydde the dyvels
Paster noster. I546 HEY. I xi, s. E1: Pattryng the diuels pater nos-
ter to her selfe. 1552 LATIMER Serm. 18, p. 350: Go not away with
the devil’s Paternoster, as some do. Do all things with a good

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
DEVIL’S
DIFFERENCE
156
mind. 1565 GOLDING Metam. II 984, p. 60: Began to mumble with
hir selfe the Divels Paternoster. 1640 JONSON Sad Shepherd II vi
59: What Devills Pater noster mumbles shee? 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 2: He is, pattring, the Devils Pater-Noster; Viz he grumbles
or mutters. 1665 J. WILSON Projectors II, p. 231: How he mumbles
the devil’s paternoster! 1670 RAY, p. 214: *Spoken of one that
mumbles and grumbles to himself. 1678 RAY, p. 264: *When one
is grumbling to himself and it may be cursing those that have an-
gred or displeased him.
Cf. A274: To say an ape’s paternoster.
D316 That which is gotten over the DEVIL’S back is
spent under his belly
1582 GOSSON Plays Confuted in Eng. Drama and Stage, p. 217.
1607 MIDDLETON Mich. Term IV i 91: What's got over the devil’s
back (that’s by knavery), must be spent under his belly (that’s by
lechery). 1616 WITHALS, p. 564. 1632 MASSINGER Maid Hon. II
ii, p. 330: What is got upon his [Satan’s] back, must be Spent, you
know where;——the proverb’s stale. 1639 CL., p. 262. 1670 RAY, p.
80: (What is gotten over). *What is got by oppression or extortion
is many times spent in riot and luxury. 1671 KIRKMAN Eng. Rogue
II v, p. 303: What was got over the Devil’s back was soon spent
under his belly. 1721 KEL., p. 344: What comes over the Dee’ls
Back, will go away under his Belly. 1732 FUL., no. 5496: (What
is gotten over).
D317 To be at the DEVIL’S ass-a-peak
1622 DRAYTON Poly-Olb. XXVI 406, p. 531: The DivelS-arse in the
Peake. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fini-Mondi, p. 63: To be one
knows not Where, at the Worlds end; The English say, at the Devils
arse a peak.
D318 To bear the DEVIL’S sack
[01517] I533 SKELTON Magn., S. CIv: Thus can I lerne you syrs to
bere the deuyls sacke. 1546 HEY. II V, S. H4v: I wyll not beare the
deuyls sack, by saint Audry! »
D319 Raise no more DEVILS (spirits) than you are
able to lay '
1631JONSON New Inn III ii 251: Beware, you doe not coniure vp a
spirit You cannot lay. 1639 CL., p. 247: Raise no more spirits than
you can conjure down. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. X iv, III 268:
The boy, having gotten a habit Ofcounterfeiting . . would not be un-
deviled by all their exorcisms, so that the priests raised up a spirit
which they could not allay. 1670 RAY, p. 135: [As in 1639 CL].
1687 MIEGE, s.v. To raise: Raise no more Spirits than you can lay
down. 1721 KEL., p. 283: *DO not Stir up a Strife, that you will
not afterward be able to appease. 1725 N. BAILEY Poet. Bangu.:
Familiar Col/09., p. 157: It is an Old saying and a true, it is an easier
matter to raise the devil than to lay him. 1732 FUL., no. 4000:
Raise up no Spirits, that you cannot conjure down again.
D320 AS true as the DIAL to the sun
1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III ii 174, p. 320: True as the dial to the sun
Altho’ it be not shin’d upon. 1742 FIELDING 7. Andrews I xviii, p.
100: She was as true to her husband as the dial to the sun.
D321 To move as does the DIAL HAND, which is not
seen to move
[ERAS. Similia, 6101": Horologii umbram progressam sentis, progre-
dientem non sentis.] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 176: The
tongue of a louer should be like the poynt in the Diall, which though
it go, none can see it going. 1589 GREENE Menaphon, p. 63: The
Sonne [hath] shadowes, but the motion is not seene; loue like those
should . . by long gradations passe into the heart. 1602 Poet. Rhap.
128, I 186: The Dial! stirres, yet none perceiues it mooue.
SHAKESPEARE—1609 Son. 104, l. 9: Yet doth beauty, like a dial
hand, Steal from his figure, and no pace perceiv’d.
D322 To be a rough DIAMOND
[1624] I647 FLETCHER W'ifefor Month IV, p. 46: On my Conscience
She is very honest, And will be hard to cut as a rough Diamond.
1631 DEKKER ll/[atch Me in Lond. IV, p. 200: For my part My Loy-

altie like a rough Diamond Shines The more ’tis cut. 1700 DRY-
DEN Pal. and Arcite Pref., p. 233: Chaucer, I confess, is a rough dia-
mond.
D323 DIAMONDS cut diamonds
1604 MARSTON Malcontent IV i 191: ’Tis found None cuts a
diamond but a diamond. [1613—14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch.
Malfi V v 92: Like diamonds we are cut with our own dust.
1629 J. FORD Lover’s Mel. I, p. 18: Wee’r caught in our owne
toyles. Diamonds cut diamonds. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in
Land. III, p. 177: Wer’t thou a Diamond worth the world, And ne’re
so hard,th thine owne Dust Shall cut thee. 1636 T. HEYWOOD
Chall.forBeauty II, p. 17: Of her chastity Some proofes I have made,
and found it like the Diamond, Save by a Diamond never to be
wrought. 1642 FULLER Holy State IV xi, p. 293: Then Gods dia-
monds often cut one another. 1651 R. WILDE Tragedy Mr. Love
in Cent. Broadside Eleg., p. 65: Thus this Diamond’s cut, By Dia-
monds onely. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 67: With a diamond a dia-
mond is cut. 1694 CONGREVE Double Dealer I, p. 23: Wit must be
foil’d by Wit; cut a Diamond with a Diamond. 1732 FUL., no.
1280. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 462: They must rise early that
would cheat her Of her money; Sharp’s the word with her; diamonds
cuts diamonds.
Cf. S843: Steel cuts steel.
D324 DICING, drabbing, and drinking are the three D’s
to destruction
1607 DEKKER Knight’s Conjuring III, p. 28: Dycing, drink-
ing, and drabbing . . were the ciuil plagues that very vnciuily de-
stroied the sonnes (but not the sinnes) Of the cittie. 1616 BRET.
(Hunt. frag., s. A7V). 1639 CL., p. 46: Drinking, drabbing, dicing,
and the Devil, bring men to destruction. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p.
63: Shun dice, and wine, and the feminal sex.
D325-D326 DIE: subst.
D325 As smooth (fit) as a DIE
1562 HEY. Epig. 27, p. 99. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. F1: (fit).
I648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 305: Smooth in each limb as a
die. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Dado, p. 51: As plain as a die, Viz.
even, level, without ascent, or descent; the English say, as smooth
as a die.
D326 The DIE is cast
1616 JONSON Epic. IV ii 43: Iacta est alea. 1720 OZELL Vertot’s
Rom. Rep. II xiii 287: Caesar . . throws himselfinto the River . . say-
ing . . Itisdone:The Die is thrown.
See OTTO, no. 55; ST., no. 2244.
D327—D328 DIE: verb '
D327 It is as natural to DIE as to be born
1626 J. TAYLOR Eleg. Lane. Andrewes: Wks. F., p. 471: Tis naturall
to dye, as borne to be. 1732 FUL., no. 2911.
Cf. B140: He that is once born once must die; M73: As soon as
man is born he begins to die.
D328 Old be or young DIE
1678 RAY, p. 182.
Cf. L377: If you would not live to be old you must be hanged
when you are young.
D329 The sparing DIET is the spirit’S feast
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. C2: Much meat breedes
heauynes, thinne diet makes thee light. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 162: For my wit will shew with what grosse diot I haue
beene brought vp. I600 DEKKER Old Fort. I ii 24: For a lean diet
makes a fat wit. 1602 BRETON Mother’s Bless.: Wks., I 6.
Cf. P123: Fat paunches make lean pates.
D330 The DIFFERENCE is wide that the sheets will not
decide
1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., S. FIV: Among the married,
quarrels in the day, are qualified With kisses in the night. 1611 W.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DIFFERENCE
DIRT
I57

VAUGHAN Spirit Detrac., p. 310: According to which agrees that Ital-
ian saying; . . the heate of the bed thawes oftentimes the ice ofse-
crecie or Taciturnitie. 1678 RAY, p. 201. 1732 FUL., no. 6155: (is
very wide).
D331 Little DIFFERENCE between a feast and a bellyful
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 215. 1721 KEL., p.
242: (and a Full). 1732 FUL., no. 3253. '
D332 There is a DIFFERENCE between Peter and Peter
1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV xx, II 239: Mr. Barber, you
should take heede how you speake; for . . there is some difference be-
tween Peter and Peter. 1631 MABBE Celestina VII, p. 130: Know
you not, the Proverbe tels us: That there is a great deale of differ-
ence betwixt Peter and Peter? 1672 WALK. 21, p. 29: What a dif-
ference there is betwixt man and man. 1732 FUL., no. 4937: (There
is some Difference between).
D333 There is a great DIFFERENCE between word and
deed
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1302: Thair is much betuix Word and dead.
1600 BLOUNT Hist. Uniting Portugal I, p. 21: Not knowing the dif-
ference betwixt saying and doing. 1611 COT., s.v. Dire: Betweene
saying and doing there is great difference. I bid. , s.v. Faict: There
is great difference betweene words, and deeds. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. I I: (twixt the word and the deed). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 71:
There’s a great deal of difference twixt doing and saying. 1668
R.B., p. 53: (There is meikle).
Cf. 5119: Saying and doing are two things; S121: Saying is one
thing and doing another; S122: Say well and do well end with one
letter, say well is good but do well is better; W802: From words to
deeds is a great space (distance). -
D334 There is DIFFERENCE between staring and stark-
blind (stark-mad)
1546 HEY. II vii, S. I4: The difference betweene staryng, and starke
blynde The wyse man at all tymes to folOwe can fynde. 01565 Bug-
bears I iii 48 : Thers a meane twene Starring and starke blinde. I 578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 189: Consider wyth thy selfe the greate
difference betweene staringe and starke blinde, wit and wisdome,
loue and lust. 1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 23 5: Hee mought
haue spied a difference, betweene staring, and stark-blinde. I611
GRUT., no. 82. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 DR., no. 495: (a dif-
ference andstarke mad). 1629 J. FORD Lover’s Mel. II, p. 32: Am
I starke mad? —No, no, you are but a little staring—there’s differ-
ence between staring and Stark mad. You are but whimsied, yet
crotchetted, conundroun’d, or so. 1639 CL., s.v. Modus, p. 213:
(a difference). 1659 How. *Eng. Prov., p. 12: (Stark madd). 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Piovere, p. 149: A difference . . twixt a mild
shower and a storm, twixt staring and stark mad. 1670 RAY, p. 79:
(and Stark blind [or mad]). 1681 ROB., p. 471: (some difference
and stark-mad). I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 463: (stark mad).
D335 There is no DIFFERENCE of bloods in a basin
1562 J. PILKINGTON Proph. Haggai II, p. 125: If the poor and rich
man’s blood were both in one basin, how should the one be known
to be better than the other, seeing we crack so much Of it? 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 67: You talke of your birth, when I
knowe there is no difference of blouds in a basen. 1732 F UL., no.
4907-
SHAKESPEARE.—1602 A.W. II iii 1 25: Strange is it that our bloods
. . pour’d all together, Would quite confound distinction.
Cf. A3 1 : We are all Adam’s children but silk makes the difference.
D336 There is small DIFFERENCE t0 the eye of the
world in being nought and being thought so
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 31: She shall finde small difference
(in respecte of the worlde) betweene beeing naughte, and beeing
thoughte naughte. 1732 FUL., no. 4936.
SHAKESPEARE—1609 Son. 121, l. 1: ’Tis better to be Vile than
vile esteemed When not to be receives reproach of being.
Cf. A285: Appearances are deceitful.

D337 ' When Dreams is pulled down Hull shall be-
come a great town
I670 RAY, p. 257.
D338 DILIGENCE is the mother of good fortune (luck)
1591 STEP., p. 148. 1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV xix, II 225:
It is a common proverbe, beautiful Ladie, That diligence is the
Mother of good hap. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: (luck). 1732
FUL., no. 1289. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 10: (luck).
D339 Too much DILIGENCE is hurtful
A 1561 T. HOBY Courtier I, p. 61: It hath bene a proverbe emonge
some most excellent peincters of old time, that To muche diligence
is hurtfull.
D340 After DINNER sit a while, after supper walk a
mile
1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. E3: (After dynner, talke a
while After). 1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 211, p. 186: (That old
English saying: After). 1605 ERONDELLE Fr. Garden, p. 107.
[1610] 1620 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Phi/aster II, p. 97: As men
Do walk a mile, women should talk an hour After supper: ’Tis their
exercise. 1611 GRUT., no. 34. 1613 WITHER Abuses II 1, IX 238:
As hauing sup’t tis good to walke a mile, SO, after dinner men must
sit awhile. 1614 CAM., p. 303. [01619] 1639 MASSINGER Unnat.
Combat III i, p. 35: AS the proverb says, for health sake, after dinner,
Or rather after supper; willingly then I’ll walk a mile to hear thee.
1639 CL., p. 107. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1659 N.R., p. 4.
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 75, p. 163: (and after supper). 1670 RAY,
p. 35. 1672 WALK. 16, p. 40. 1678 RAY, p. 36: After dinner sleep
a while, after-supper go to bed.
D341 At DINNER my man appears
1640 HERE, no. 37. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 239.
D342 He that saves his DINNER will have the more for
his supper
1611 COT., s.v. Souper: He that keepes his dinner hath the more to
his supper; he that spares while he’s young may the better spend
when hee’s old. 1616 DR., no. 2041 : (Hee that hath saued his din-
ner shall). 1639 CL., p. 241: (shall have more). 1670 RAY, p. 79.
1732 FUL., no. 2288. (Ibid., no. 5700: Who eats, and leaves, has
another Meal good.
Cf. A183: He sups ill who eats all at dinner; S710: He that spares
when he is young may the better spend when he is Old.
D343 He that would eat a good DINNER let him eat a
' good breakfast
1605 Fair Maid Bristow, s. C1: For as the old saying is, He that hath
a good dinner, knowes better the way to [s]upper. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 121, p. 60: As there is a tradition in England goes of a good
Trencher-man, who would alwaies say, if you would eat a good din-
ner, eat a good breakfast, for the more you fast, the more you may.
1678 RAY, p. 124.
Cf. M1149: The more one drinks (eats) the more one may.
D344 DINNERS cannot be long where dainties want
1546 HEY. II i, s. F2. 1611 GRUT., no. 82. 1614 CAM., p. 305.
1639 CL., p. 136. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1659 N.R., p. 27:
Dinner cannot be long where dainties are wanting. 1664 COD., p.
190: (where Dainties are but short). 1670 RAY, p. 79.
Cf. C508: Where coin (wine) is not common commons must be
scant.
D345 Cast no DIRT into the well that has given you
water
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 404: Never cast dirt into that fountain
of which thou hast sometime drank. *The meaning is that we
should not proudly despise or reproach that person or thing which
formerly have been of use to us. 1732 FUL., no. 1067.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi'.
DIRT
DISGUISED
158

SHAKESPEARE—I592 T. And. V ii 171: Here stands the spring
whom you have stain’d with mud. 1593-4 Luc. l. 577: Mud not
the fountain that gave drink to thee.
D346 DIRT bodes luck
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 367.
D347 DIRT parts company
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 346. 1668 R.B., p. 17. 1721 KEL., p. 88:
(good Company). *Spoken when unworthy Fellows break in upon
our Company, which makes us uneasy, and willing to break up.
D348 He that falls into the DIRT, the longer he stays
there the fouler he is
1640 HERB., no. 405. 1664 COD., p. 199. I721 KEL., p. 130: (the
longer he lies the fouler he is). *Spoken to those who lye under a
Slander, urging them to get themselves clear’d as soon as they can.
1732 FUL., no. 2096: (the longer he lies, the dirtier he is).
Cf. T602: He that wrestles with a turd, fall he undermost or up-
permost, he shall be sure to be bedirten.
D349 Throw DIRT enough and some will stick
1656 Trepan, p. 33: She will say before company, Have you never
had the French Pox? speak as in the sight of God: let them Reply
what they will, some dirt will stick. 1660 T. HALL Funehria Florae,
p. 38: Lye lustily, some filth will stick. 1678 B.R. Let. Cat/z. Gent.,
p. 7: ’Tis a blessed Line in Matchiavel-~—Ifdurt enough be thrown,
some will stick.
D350 What serves DIRT for if it do not stink?
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1439: (dirt if it stinks not). 1721 KEL., p.
354: *Spoken (as a great many other Scotish Proverbs) when mean,
base born People, speak proudly, or behave themselves saucily.
I732 FUL., no. 5501.
D351 The DIRTBIRD (dirt owl) sings, we shall have rain
I678 RAY, p. 80: (The dirt-bird [or dirt-owl]). *When melancholy
persons are very merry it is observed that there usually followes an
extraordinary fit of sadness; they doing all things commonly in ex-
tremes.
D352 Sweet DISCOURSE makes short days and nights
1611 COT., s.v. Long: Long discourses make short dayes. 1640
HERB., no. 723. I659 N.R., p. 91. 1664 COD., p. 21 1. 1670 RAY,
p. 7. 1732 FUL., no. 3885: Pleasant Discourses make Short Day
and Night.
Cf. C559: A merry companion is a wagon in the way (is as good
as a nag); C566: Good company makes short miles.
D353 While the DISCREET advise the fool does his
business
1640 HERB., no. 269.
309: (While the wise are advising).
hath his businesse).
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
1659 N.R., p. 117: (the fool
D354 DISCRETION is the better part of valor
1477 CAxTON Yason, p. 23: Than as wyse and discrete he withdrewe
him saying that more is worth a good retrayte than a folisshe abyd-
inge. 1619 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER King No King IV, p. 206:
My sword forc’d but not lost; for discreetly I rendred it. —It
shew’d discretion, the best part of valour. 1620 SHELTON Don
Quix. Pt. II, xxviii, III 213: To retire, is not to flye. 1747 FRANK-
LIN, p. 24: Courage would fight, but Discretion won’t let him.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 1 Hen. IV V iv 120: The better part of val-
our is discretion; in the which better part I have saved my life.
Cf. D79: He that fights and runs away may live to fight another
day; V12: Valor can do little without discretion; V15: Valor would
fight but discretion would run away.
D355 The chief DISEASE that reigns this year is folly
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
1664 COD., p. 221: (The chiefest Dis-
1640 HERB., no. 761.
308. I659 N.R., p. 105.
ease).

D356 A deadly DISEASE neither physician nor physic
can ease
1573 SANF., f. 101v.
disease, neyther Phisition nor phisick wil serue.
56, p. 28.
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27V: Vnto a deadly
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid.
D357 A desperate DISEASE must have a desperate cure
1539 TAV., f. 4v: A stronge disease requyreth a stronge medicine.
1555 EDEN Decades New World, p. 57: Th[e] expert phisitian vseth
vehement remedies for desperate diseases. 1573 G. HARVEY Let.
Bk., p. 23: Main evils you know must have main remmedies. 1576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 23: Grievous wounds must have smarting plas—
ters, and those medicines ever soonest heal us which most grieve us.
1605 CHAPMAN AllFools Vi 51 : Extreme diseases Ask extreme reme-
dies. 1616 DR., s.v. Severity, no. 1948: A Sharpe salue for a Sharpe
sore. [1618-29] 1659 BUCKINGHAM Prince’s Yourney Spain in Rush-
worth Hist. Coll.,I 120: According to the usual Proverb, A desper-
ate disease must have a desperate remedy. 1624 T. HEYWOOD Cap-
tives III iii 1 29: As desperate woonds still must have desperate cures,
so all rash mischeifes should have suddeine shiftes. 1639 CL., p. 200:
Desperate Cuts must have desperate cures. 1670 RAY, p. 76: [As
in 1639 Cl.]. 1732 FUL., no. 1274: Desperate Cases must have des-
perate Cures.
SHAKESPEARE.——I593-4 Lac. 1. 1337: Extremity still urgeth such
extremes. 01595 R7. II Pro]. 13: But passion lends them power,
time means, to meet, Temp’ring extremities with extreme sweet.
I hid. IV i 68: Hold, daughter. I do spy a kind of hope, Which craves
as desperate an execution As that is desperate which we would pre-
vent. 1598-9 M.A. IV i 253: TO strange sores strangely they strain
the cure. 1600-1 H. IV iii 9: Diseases desperate grown By desper-
ate appliance are reliev’d, Or not at all. 1605-6 M. IV iii 213: Be
comforted. Let’s make us med’cines of our great revenge To cure
this deadly grief.
See T. 574, p. 280.
plaster.
Cf. S646: A small sore wants not a great
D358 A DISEASE known is half cured
1614 T. ADAMS Sinner’s Passing-Bell: Wks., p. 267: The dis-
ease being knowne, it is halfe cured. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt.
II, 1x, IV 179: The beginning of health consists, in knowing the in-
firmity. 1732 FUL., no. 75.
D359 DISEASES are the interests of pleasures
1616 WITHALS, p. 542: (interest). 1664 COD., p. 190. I670 RAY,
p. 7. 1732 FUL., no. 1297: Diseases are the Price of ill Pleasures.
Cf. H292: To drink health is to drink sickness.
D360 DISEASES of the eye are to be cured with the
elbow
1616 DR., no. 571: Sore eies will not be touched. 1640 HERB., no.
199. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 187: Diseases of the
eye are to be cured by the Elbow, (not to be cured till you dresse it
with your Elbow). 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 24: (Distempers of).
*They must not be touched. 1659 N.R., p. 28: (Diseases of the
eyes). 1670 RAY, p. 39: You should never touch your eye but with
your elbow. 1732 FUL., no. 3529: Never rub your Eye but with
your Elbow.
D361
I640 HERB., no. 483.
draws in another).
Cf. M1012: Misfortune (Evil) never (seldom) comes alone.
DISGRACES are like cherries, one draws another
1659 N.R., p. 27. 1664 COD., p. 191: (one
D362 He is DISGUISED
I562 HEY. Epig. 34, p. 184: Three cuppes full at once shall oft dys-
gyse thee. 1622 DEKKER AND MASSINGER Virgin Martyr III, p. 56:
Iamaprince disguised. —Disguised! How? Drunk! 1631JON-
SON Staple News IV iii 52: I’ll shew you the way home, ifdrinke, Or,
too full diet haue disguis’d you. 1669 DRYDEN Wild Gallant I i, p.
35: Will not ale serve thy turn, Will? —I had too much of that last
night; I was a little disguised as they say. 1678 RAY, p. 87: *Of
one drunk.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DISH
DISPRAISE
I59


SHAKESPEARE.——I606-7 A.C. II vii 127: Strong Enobarb Is
weaker than the wine, and mine own tongue Splits what it speaks.
The wild disguise hath almost Antick’d us all.
D363 As easy as to lick a DISH
1678 RAY, p. 283.
D364 A DISH of dotterels1
I611 DRAYTON On Coryat’s Crudities: Wks., I 500: As men take
Dottrels, so hast thou ta’n us. 1639 CL., s.v. Munus non munus,
p. 220. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sole, p. 194: To imitate the Sun,
viz. to do as the Sunflower doth, viz. which openeth and Shutteth
with it; the English say . . To catch Dotterels.
[ldupes, gulls]
D365 The DISH (pot) wears its own cover
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15: Let every pot have its cover. 1680
R. L’ESTRANGE Twenty-Two Sel. Colloq. 9, p. 144: The Dish (as we
say) wears its oun Cover.
D366 Everyone that can lick a DISH
1678 RAY, p. 76: *As much to say as every one simpliciter, tag rag
and bobtail.
Cf. D370: Lick your dish.
D367 The first DISH pleases all
1640 HERB., no. 740. 1659 N.R., p. 104. 1664 COD., p. 221-
I670 RAY, p. 9. 1721 KEL., p. 336: The first Dish is ay best eaten-
*The English say, Pleases all. 1732 FUL., no. 4527.
D368 He has got a DISH
I678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk.
D369 Hold the DISH while I shed my pottage
1602 MARSTON Antonio and Mell. V i 21: And the word shall be;
Hold my dish, whilst I spill my pottage. 1670 RAY, p. 218.
D370 Lick your DISH
1670 RAY, p. 216.
Cf. D366: Everyone that can lick a dish.
D371 One DISH should serve the turn
1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. I ii, p. 22: To preuent Surfit, Thy
Diet shall bee to one Dish confin’d. 1633 W. ROWLEY All’s Lost
by Lust III iii 153: A man must not alwayes eate one sort of meat.
1639 CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129.
Cf. D378: Many dishes many diseases.
D372 Pay with the same DISH you borrow
1639 CL., s.v. Aequalitas, p. 14.
D373 She Simpers like a riven DISH
I678 RAY, p. 288.
Cf. F789: She Simpers like a furmity-kettle.
D374 To carry one’s DISH upright
[9.1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., II 334: An affected man Carries
himself like his Dish (as the Proverb says) very uprightly. 1725
DEFOE Everybody’s Bus., p. 503: You must carry your dish very
upright, or miss, forsooth, gives you warning.
D375 To hold one’s DISH under another person’s ladle
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 577: He hes haddin his dish under many fremd
[foreign] wyfs ladle. 1639 CL., p. 240: I will not hold my dish under
my childs ladle. 1721 KEL., p. 367: You wat [know] not what
Wives Ladle your Dish may come under yet. *Spoken by Mothers
to their Children when they find fault with the Kind, or Quality
of their Meat.
Cf. F572: To thrust one’s foot under another man’s table.
D376 You clap your DISH1 (beg, knock) at a wrong
man’s door
1546 HEY. I ix, s. CIV: (Ye beg at). 1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum.
II i 78: He . . claps his dish at the wrong mans dore. 1639 CL., s.v.

Inanis opera, p. I 54: You knock at a wrong doore. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 5: Thou beggest at the wrong door. 1678 RAY, p. 239:
(He claps his dish at).
[1beggar’s bowl]
D377 All her DISHES are chafing dishes
I562 HEY. Epig. 38, p. 206: Wyfe, all thy disshes be chaffyng disshes
plast: For thou chafest at sight of euery dishe thou hast. 1594
LYLY Mother B. V iii 1 14: But what sayest thou to thy dames chaf-
ing? —Nothing, but all her dishes are chafing dishes. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Anger, no. 94: (All his dishes). 1639 CL., s.v. Asperitas et m0-
rositas, p. 34: All his meat is in chafing dishes. 1664 COD., p. 184.
1670 RAY, p. 7. 1732 FUL., no. 519.
D378 Many DISHES many diseases
1630 T. ADAMS Good Politic. Direct: Wks., p. 832. I655 MOFFETT
Health’s I mprovem. xxix, p. 272: The Proverb saith, That many
dishes make many diseases. I734 FRANKLIN, p. 6.
Cf. D371: One dish should serve the turn; M802: Feed by meas-
ure (sparingly) and defy the physician; M829: Much meat much
malady.
D379 They were never fain that fidged nor full that
licked DISHES
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1279: Thay war never fain that fidged. I641
FERG., no. 807: They were never fain that fidgit. 1668 R.B., p. 50:
[As in 1641 Ferg.]. I721 KEL., p. 314: *Spoken when People shrug
their Shoulders, as if it was a Sign that they were not content.
D380 I will not make my DISHCLOUT my tablecloth
1678 RAY, p. 125. 1732 FUL., no. 2646.
D381 The DISPOSITION of the mind follows the consti-
tution (composition) of the body
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 122. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p.
167: But it is a reason among your Philosophers, that the disposi-
tion of the minde, followeth the composition of the body. 1591
GREENE Mourn. Garm., p. 170: If then sir, the more a man be
beautifull, the more he is vertuous: Gnatior est pulchro veniens é
corpore virtus. 1633 J. FORD ’Tis Pity II, p. 110: The f[r]ame And
composition of the Minde doth follow The frame and composition
of Body.
Cf. M974: A sound mind in a sound body.
D382 Serve a noble DISPOSITION (man) though poor,
the time comes that he will repay thee
1640 HERB., no. 364. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 47:
Serve a noble disposition, the time will come that he will requite
thee. 1659 N.R., p. 92: (man).
D383 DISPRAISE by evil men is praise
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. I, p. 8: A ribaudes blame is commenda-
tion. [c1530] c1545 H. RHODES Bk. Nurture (1577 ed.) 1. 30 in Ba-
bies Bk. etc. , p. 105: Be more ioyous and glad when thou displeasest
euil persons; and take the euill iudgments of them touching thee as
a true prayse of thee. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 214: Nei-
ther the curses of the Pope, (which are blessings to good people) . .
could either feare hir, or allure hir. 1595 GOSSON Quips for Upst.
Gentlewomen, p. 14: This lesson old was taught in schooles; It’s
praise to be dispraisde of fooles. 1597 [BODENHAM] W it’s Commonw.,
f. 217V: It is a praise to the godly to be dispraised of the wicked, and
it is likewise a disprayse to be praised of them. 1599 MINSHEU
Span. Dial., p. 38: Cursings of old whoores are praiers of health.
1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels III iii 14: So they be ill men, II
they spake worse, ’twere better: for of such To be disprais’d, is the
most perfect praise. 1613 T. ADAMS Heaven Earth Reconcil.: W ks.,
p. 72: They speake euill of me, but they are euill men and would
speake better of me, if I were worse. 1616 N. FIELD Remons., p.
220: The sclanders of the wicked are approbacions unto the godly.
I618 HORNBY Scourge Drunkenness, p. 18: Though scofiingly they
[drunkards] say he is precise, Yet drunkards tongues his credit can-
not staine: For blest are they which haue an euill report, By them
which are right of the dieuls consort. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 39:

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
DISPUTE
DO
I60
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 26: To
be blamed by the wicked is an honour. 1671 MILTON Par. Regained
Ill 55, p. 444: Of whom to be disprais’d were no small praise. 1680
FLA VEL Method Grace XXXV, p. 472: I could almost be proud upon
it, (said Luther) that I have got an ill name among the worst men.
1732 FUL., no. 653: An old Whore’s Curse is a Blessing. '
SHAKESPEARE—16004 H. V ii 138: I know you are not igno-
rant—. —I would you did,sir; yet, in faith, ifyou did, it would not
much approve me. 1602 A.W. IV iii 290: He has everything that
an honest man should not have; what an honest man should have,
he has nothing. —I begin to love him for this [for this dispraise of
me]. -—For this description of thine honesty? A pox upon him
for me! he’s more and more a cat.
Cf. P540: Praise by evil men is dispraise. (12)
A bad mans dispraise, praiseth.
D384 In too much DISPUTE truth is lost
01526 Dicta Sap., s. D3v: By moderate arguyng the trouth is bulted
out; but by immoderate it goth by. 1611 COT., s.v. Debatre: (By
too much arguing). Ibid., s.v. Verité: Too much debating makes
truth to be lost. 1623 WOD., p. 520: Great Dispute giues Truth a
Put. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 4: Too
much dispute makes truth to depart. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 67:
By too much debating, the truth happens to be lost. '
Cf. P614: Too much protesting makes the truth suspected; W828:
Where many words are, the truth goes by.
D385 There is no DISPUTING of taste
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial, p. 6: Against ones liking there is no dis-
puting. I732 FUL., no. 4908: (of Tastes, Appetites and Fancies).
D386 He that cannot DISSEMBLE knows not how to
live (rule)
1573 SANF., f. 20v: He that knoweth not how to dissemble, know-
eth not howe to raigne. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 116: (A settled
sentence amongst you, that he which knoweth not how to dissemble
knoweth). 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 236: He that cannot
dissemble in loue, is not worthy to liue. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I,
I 78: Hee which knoweth not howe to glose and flatter, knoweth not
howe to behave himselfe in companie. 1583 GREENE Mamillia I,
p. 132: Setled sentence amongst them: he that cannot dissemble,
cannot live. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao I ii 34: Why, do you thinke
in court any vse to dissemble? —-—Doe you knowe in court any that
meane to liue? 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. B3: He that
cannot lie, cog, dissemble, and flatter now a daies, Is not worthie to
line in the world. 1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy II xviii, p. 186:
Of the great Emperour who had it vsually in his mouth to say, Qui
nescit dissimulare nescit regnare. [01594] 1605 K. Leir, s. C4v:
But vs the world doth this experience giue, That he that cannot flat-
ter, cannot line. 1596 DEL., s. P2v: (cannot rule). 1598 BARCKLEY
Fel. Alan V, p. 634: That is effectually done which is commonly
spoken, he that cannot dissemble cannot live. 1604 [DALLINGTON]
View France, s. I3: King Lewes would have his sonne Charles learne
no Latine, forsooth, but onely this sentence, Qui nescit dissimulare,
nescit regnare, He that knows not how to dissemble, knows not how
to raigne. 1606 Wily Beguiled iv, p. 20: Qui dissimulare nescit, ne-
scit vivere. 1616 DR., no. 517. 1659 N.R., p. 55. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 25, p. 3: Who knows not how to flatter, knows not how to con-
verse in the World. Ibid. 33, p. 90: Who cannot dissemble, knows
not the way to live. *Note 62, p. 99: A Machivillian Maxim grown
to a Proverb. 1671 KIRKMAN Eng. Rogue II iv, p. 298: He who
steals not knows not how to live in this world.
D387 Better to go about than to fall into the DITCH
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 5. 1664 COD., p. 187. 1670 RAY, p. I:
*Hispan.
D388 Lie not in the DITCH and say God help me
1611 CHAPMAN May Day I i 248: Do not lie in a ditch, and say God
help me! Use the lawful tools he hath lent thee. 1639 CL., s.v.
Diligentia, p. 92: (Lye not in the mire). 1710 PALMER, p. 94: Don’t
he still and cry God help you. 1732 FUL., no. 5449: We must not
lie down, and cry, God help us.
Cf. G236: Help thyself and God will help thee.

D389 A DrURNAI.-MAKERl is the subamner2 to a histo-
rian
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2.
[’newspaper-maker 2subalmoner]
D390 DIVERSITY of humors breeds tumors
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 7. 1732 FUL., no. 6230.
D391 DIVIDE and rule
1605 J. HALL Medit. I 93, p. 69: For a Prince . . is a sure Axiome,
Diuide and rule. [01615] 1633 P. FLETCHER Purple Island VII 65,
p. 223: Which two swords he bore: his word, Divide and reigne.
D392 Make me a DIVINER (soothsayer) and I will
make you rich
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30. 1591 FLOR.
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. II I, p. 29.
1732 F UL.,
1573 SANF., f. 105.
Sec. F. VII, p. 119: (sooth sayer).
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7: (Make me a Prophet, and).
no. 33 I 5: (Sooth-sayer).
D393 ‘As good undone as Do it too soon
1546 HEY. II v, s. H4V. 1616 DR., s.v. Haste, no. 931: (as done
too soone). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3.
D394 Do as I say, not as I do
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 139: Take you no heade to that which
I doe, but marke that which I speake. 1631 MABBE Celestina I,
p. 27: Do you that good which I say, but not that ill which I do.
[a1654] 1689 SELDEN Table Talk, p. 93: (Preachers say, Do).
Cf. E64: The effect speaks, the tongue needs not; E213: Exam-
ples teach more than precepts; F673: Do as the friar says, not as he
does; P561: He preaches well that lives well; R206: We must walk
(live) by rules (laws) and not by examples.
D395 Do as you would be done to
[Matt. vii 12: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men
should do to you, do ye even so to them.] 1567 J. PICKERING Ho-
restes, s. D4: Therefore I wyshe eache Wight to do, to others as he
would, That they in lyke occasion, vnto him offer should. 1578
FLOR. First F. XIX, f. [28]: Christ left in his preceptes, DO not to
Others, that thou wilt not haue done to thee selfe. a1598 F ERG.
MS, no. 336. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho
III ii 49: We must do as we would be done too. 1635 OXIND'EN (to
Dixwell, Mar. 28) in Oxinden Let. 81, p. 100: The greatest policie is
to be an honest man, to doe to all men as wee would they should
doe to us. 1639 CL., s.v. Iustitiae, p. 181. '1651 HOBBES Leviathan
II 26, p. 140: DO not that to another, which thou thinkest unreason-
able to be done by another to thy selfe. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p.
39: What thou would not have done to thee, Do not the same good
man to me. 1668 R.B., p. 16. Ibid., p. 55: Use your friend, as ye
would have him. 1721 KEL., p. 90: (be done by). 1732 FUL., no.
1306: DO good, if you expect to receive it.
Cf. D1 85: Selfdeed self fa; L380: Live and let live. (I 2)
D396 Do it well or do it again
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 12: (Do it good, or). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 19: What’s well done is ever done. 1732 FUL., no. 1308: Do it
well, that thou may’st not do it twice.
Cf. S640: Soon enough if well enough.
D397 Do not Do it if thou wilt not have it known
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 2: If thou wilt not have it known do it not.
Ibid., p. 6. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 84: Do it not, if thou Wilt not
' have it known, at least blab it not thy self.
D398 Do well and have well
1480 CAXTON Dial., p. 47: I saye atte begynnyng, Who doth well
shall well haue. 1530 PALS., p. 677b. a1536 HILL 8, p. 130: DO
well whill thou art here and thou shalt haue well 'els Wher. 1546
HEY. II ix,,s. K3V. [a1582] 1635 Long Meg Westminster in Old Bk.
Coll. Misc., II 2: Let us do well, and we shall have well. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 337. 1611 COT., s.v. Bien: He that does well shall
speed well. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 270. 1611 GRUT., no. 83. 1614
CAM., p. 305. 1616 DR., no. 458. 1639 CL., p. 246. 1659 How.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
D0 161
Do (DOES)


Eng. Prov., p. 4. 1668 R.B., p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 82. I721 KEL.,
p. 90: *That is, be a good Man, and you will be kindly dealt by, for,
BoniS bona contingunt. 1732 FUL., no. 1311.
See DUE, II, no. 246.
D399 Do well for others yet look to yourself
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 11: Do well to thy self and thine, then to
others if thou canst. 1659 N.R., p. 28.
Cf. L432: He looks not well to himself that looks not ever.
D400 Do what you ought and come what come can
01594 BACON, no. 1507: Fais que tu dois, advient que pourra. 1639
CL., p. 82: Doe what becomes you. 1640 HERE, no. 813. 1658
[EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 182. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 6: (and come what can come). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: Do
what thou oughtest, let come what will come. 1659 N.R., p. 28:
(and come what can). 1664 COD., p. 190: (and come what can).
1670 RAY, p. 7: (and come what can). *Gall. 1705 Pleas. Art, p.
150: (and then come what can). 1721 KEL., p. 90: (and come what
will). *Men should act upon a steady Principle of Vertue, Justice,
and Honesty; not out of Fear, Interest, or Shame.
Cf. C529: Come (Hap) what come (hap) may.
For that which thou canst DO thyself rely not on
another
1541 COVERDALE Chr. State Matr. XIX, f. 64v: That whych thou
cannest do conueniently thy selfe commytte it not to another.
1566 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. I 20, I 87: This prouerbe old and true, a
sentence of the wise: The thing do not expect, by frends for to at-
chieue: Which thou thyself canst doe, thy selfe for to relieue. I611
COT., s.v. Faire. I640 HERE, no. 808: If thou thyselfe canst doe
it, attend no other’s help or hand. 1664 COD., p. 192. 1670 RAY,
p. 1: (For that thou canst). 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 150: Rely not on
Another, for what thou can’st do thy self.
Cf. B750: If you would have your business done, go; if not, send;
B7 5 5: Who does his own business fouls not his hands; M84: Com-
mand your man and do it yourself; M195: If a man will have his
business well done he must do it himself; M1251: He that has a
mouth Of his own must not say to another, Blow; S248: If you would
be well served serve yourself.
D401
D402 It is better to DO well than to say well
1567 Say Well in Good and Godly Bal., p. 208: Sayweill in wordis is
wonderous trick, Bot do weill in deidis is nimbill and quick. 1596
DEL., s. N2v: (then to speake well). 1616 DR., no. 461: Doing is
better then saying. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 84.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 Hen. VIII III ii 153: ’Tis a kind ofgood
deed to say well; ’And yet words are no deeds.
Cf. D186: Deeds are fruit, words are but leaves; SI23: Say well
is good but do well is better; W820: Not words but deeds.
D403-4 It is never too late to Do well
1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 6: Numquam sera est ad bonos
mores via. 1616 DR., no. 80. 1664 COD., p. 207: Never too late
to be good. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-
Belgica, II 38.
Cf. M875: It is never too late to mend (repent).
D405 Self D0 self have
1546 HEY. I viii, s. C1. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Intero: Selfe doe, selfe _
haue, hote suppe, hote swallow. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 46:
Selfe doe, selfe haue, they whette their Swoords against themselues.
1582 T. WATSON Hekatompathia 5: Poems, p. 41: The Prouerbe
saith of olde, Selfe doe, selfe haue. 1593 Tell-Trothes Gift in Tell-
Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 7: My Old lesson, Self do self have,
makes the patient often not to complains of a great sore, when an
other will cry out for no harme. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND
MARSTON Eastward Ho V i 121: Thou wert a fire to be a Lady, and
now your Ladishippe and you may both blowe at the Cole, for
ought I know. Selfe doe, selfe haue. 1611 GRUT., no. 223. 1614
CAM., p. 311. 1616 DR., s.v. Recompense, no. 1819. 1639 CL.,
p. 54. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 51:
*Note 134, p. 60: As
1671 CL.
Who counsels himself alone, alone repents.
the English say, Self do, self have. 1670 RAY, p. 141.

Phras. Puer., s.v. To punish, p. 270. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heracli-
tus Ridens Apr. 4: Selfdo, self have; if he will be dipt over head and
ears, who can help it?
Cf. D185: Selfdeed self fa; D416: As you have done so Shall you
feel. .
D406 We will DO anything that we may dance all
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
D407 What we DO willingly is easy
1596 LODGE Wit)! AIisery, p. 102: A good will winneth all things.
01599 MARLOWE Eleg. I ii 10, p. 145: A burden easly borne is light.
1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag. XVIII 840, p. 291: I fynd . . by experience
that nothinge ys so easy But yt will seeme hard vnto hym, that doth
the same vnwillingly. 1615 T. ADAMS Two Sons: Wks., p. 422:
(seemes easie). [1624] 1654 GLAPTHORNE [AND CHAPMAN] Rev. for
Hon. II ii 30: Constraint makes sweet and easy things laborious.
When love makes greatest miseries seem pleasures. 1641 FERG.,
no. 484: It is eith till [easy to work at], that the awn selfwill. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 82: That which is done willingly, is no labour.
I668 R.B., p. 28: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1732 FUL., no. 561: All
things are easy, that are done willingly.
SHAKESPEARE—16o5-6 M. II iii 55: The labour we delight in
physics pain. 1606-7 A.C. IV iv 20: To business that we love we
rise betime And go to’t with delight. 1611 Temp. III i 29: I should
do it With much more ease; for my good will is to it, And yours it
Is against.
Cf. H337: A willing heart performs his part; M634: He that works
after his own manner his head aches not at the matter; M975: A
willing mind makes a light foot; N299: Nothing is impossible (hard,
diflicult) to a willing heart (mind).
D408 You can’t Do but you must overdo
1639 CL., p. 247. 1721 KEL., p. 382., 1732 FUL., no. 5974: You
never do it, without overdoing it.
D409 He DOES well but none knows but himself
1639 CL., s.v. Ignoratio, p. 145.
D410 He is handsome that handsome DOES
1580 MUNDAY View Sundry Examples, p. 78: But as the auncient
adage is, goodly is he that goodly dooth. 1659 N.R., p. 49. 1670
RAY, p. 99. I732 FUL., no. 1917.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. III iv 401: In nature there’s no blem-
ish but the mind; None can be call’d deform’d but the unkind.
Virtue is beauty. 1604 O. I iii 290: If virtue no delighted beauty
lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black. '
Cf. C586: He is proper (noble) that has proper (noble) conditions;
D415: Well is that well does; F5: A fair face must have good con-
ditions; G67: A gentleman will do like a gentleman; G71: He is a
gentleman that has gentle conditions.
D411 'He that DOES amiss may do well
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 76, 28.
D412 He that DOES (seeks) that he ought not, that
happens to him he thinks not (finds what he
would not)
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28: Who doth that he ought not, chans-
eth hym he thinks not. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. V1, p. 97: Who dooth
what he ought not, Shall finde what he thought not. 1596 DEL., s.
P1v: He that doth what he ought not to do, shall finde what he
would not. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 13, p. 27: He that doth not that
which he ought, that haps to him which he never thought. 1640
HERE, no. 778: He that doth what he should not shall feele what
he would not. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: Seeking to do what thou
canst not, there will happen what thou wouldst not. 1659 N.R.,
p. 46. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 44: Who seeks what he should not,
finds what he would not. 1754 FRANKLIN, p. 31: He that doth
what he should not, shall feel what he would not.
Cf. M1211: He that mounts (climbs) higher than he ought falls
lower than he would; 8115: He who says (does) what he would
hears what he would not; T135: I seek for a thing, wife, that I
would not find.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
DO (DOES)
DOE
162
D413 He that DOES well wearies not himself
1616 DR., s.v. Contentment, no. 355. 1664 COD., p. 198. 1670
RAY, p. 28. I732 FUL., no. 2090.
D414 He that DOES what he will does not what he
ought
1664 COD., p. 199. 1670
I640 HERB., no. 346. I659 N.R., p. 55.
1732 FUL., no.
RAY, p. 29: (he will, oft doth not what he ought).
2091: [As in 1670 Ray].
D415 Well is that well DOES
1668 R.B., p. 55. 1721 KEL., p. 353. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Well.
Cf. D410: He is handsome that handsome does.
D416 AS you have DONE so Shall you feel
1568 GRAFTON Chron. Hen. IV, I 482: SO the common prouerbe was
verified, as you haue done, so shall you feele.
Cf. D405: Self do self have.
D417 Better it be DONE than wish it had been done
I546 HEY. II V, s. H4V. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1670 RAY,
p. 29. 1732 FUL., no. 890: Better do it, than wish it done.
D418 Everything is easy after it has been DONE
01594 BACON, no. 187: Everything is subtile till it be conceived.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 86.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 M.M. IV ii 221 : All difliculties are but easy
when they are known.
D419 That which is easily DONE is soon believed
1664 COD., p. 216. I670 RAY, p. 8. 1732 FUL., no. 4379.
D420 AS like as a DOCK to a daisy
1639 CL., s.v. Dissimilitudinis, p. 96: An odious comparison! a dock
to a dazie. 1670 RAY, p. 204: *That is very unlike.
D42I-2 In DOCK out nettle
[This phrase, which was originally a charm uttered to cure nettle
stings by dock leaves, became a proverbial expression for changeable-
ness and inconstancy.] I546 HEY. II i, s. F4: For, in one state they
twayne could not yet settyll, But waueryng as the wynde,in docke,
out nettyll. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. II iii 8: I can not
skill ofsuch chaungeable mettle, There is nothing with them but in
docke out nettle. 1586 WITHALS, s. E2v: Oute Nettle, in docke.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 329. 1616 DR., no. 2263. 1616 SS. Hon. Law-
yer IV, s. H3v: I thought this docke would fetch your nettle out.
1636 CAM., p. 303: Out nettle in docke. 1639 CL., p. 196. I659
N.R., p. 84: Out nettle in dock.
D423 He must be a DOCTOR at least that reads it
1616 WITHALS, p. 575: (at the least). 1639 CL., s.v. Obscuritas,
p. 231.
D424 If the DOCTOR (physician) cures, the sun sees
it, but if he kills, the earth hides it
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 147: Physitions are happy
men, because the sunne makes manifest what good successe so-euer
happeneth in their cures, and the earth burieth what faulte so-euer
they commit. I620 MELTON Astrolog., p. 17: You . . Medicasters
and Dog-leaches are happy, because the Sunne doth alwayes be-
hold your good successe, and the Earth couers all your ignorances.
1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case II iii 115: You that dwell neere
these graves and vaults, Which 0ft doe hide Physicion’s faults.
1637 T. HEYWOOD Pleas. Dial., p. 302: ’Tis said of all Physitians
What good comes by their Physick, the Sun sees: But in their art, if
they have bad successe, That the earth covers. 1658 [EDMONDSON]
Comes Fac. in Via, p. 188: Physicians faults are covered with earth,
and rich mens with moneys. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 80: Physi-
tians errors, the Earth doth cover, but rich Mens, Money. Ihid.
3, p. 285: The earth covers the Physicians errors. 1721 KEL., p.
184: *Spoken to dissuade ignorant People from Quacking, because
they cannot kill with License, as Doctors may.

D425 You need not doubt, you are no DOCTOR
I670 RAY, p. 172.
D426 That is but one DOCTOR’S opinion
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: (’Tis but). 1721 KEL., p. 336:
*Spoken with Resentment to them that offer their Advice con-
trary tO our Interest.
The best DOCTORS (physicians) are Dr. Diet, Dr.
Quiet, and Dr. Merryman
1558 BULLEIN Govt. Health, f. 37: The first was called doctor Diet,
the second doctor Quiet, and the third doctor Meriman. 1580 G.
HARVEY IAarginalia, p. 176: Si tibi deficiant Medici, Medici tibi
fiant Haec tria: Mens Hilaris, Labor, et moderata Dieta. assiduus
potius, quam immodicus. gymnastice, frictiones titillantes, at
temperatae. [211582] 1635 Long Meg Westminster To Rdr. in Old
Bk. Coll. Misc., II [I]: Amongst the three Doctors of health, Doc-
tor Merryman is not the least. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p.
80: Hee hath beene aduised to make choice of three Phisitions: Doc-
tor Diet, Doctor Quiet, and Doctor Meryman. 1607 HARINGTON
Eng. Doctor, p. 75: Vse three Physicions still; first Doctor Quiet,
next Doctor Merry-man, and Doctor Dyet. 1611 W. VAUGHAN
Spirit Detrac., p. 58: His seruants . . wished him onely to comfort
his heart with ioyes, and (as we vulgarly speake) to keepe Doctor
Merryman company. 1619 BASSE Help Discourse, p. 101: What
three things are those that chiefly preserve life? ——A joyfull Heart,
a quiet Mind, and a moderate Dyet. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II
11 vi 4, p. 481: This is one of the three Salernitan Doctors, Dr Mer-
ryman, Dr Diet, Dr Quiet, which cure all diseases. 1660 HOWELL
Parley Beasts II, p. 23: After those two, Doctor Diet, and Doctor
Quiet, Doctor Merriman is requisit to preserve health. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov., note 9, p. 172: As upon another score, the English match
the pattern; Three excellent Doctors, are, Dr. Dyet, Dr. Quiet, and
Dr. Merryman, that who ever shall keep to them, Shall never be
sick, but long liv’d. 1670 RAY, p. 39: (The best Physicians are).
*This is nothing but that Distich of Schola Salernitana Englished.
Si tibi deficiant medici, medici tibi fiant. Haec tria mens laeta,
requies, moderata diaeta. I672 WALK. 18, p. 40: The best Physi-
cians are Doctor Diet, Doctor Merriman, and Doctor Quiet. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 445: (The best doctors in the world are).
Cf. M802: Feed by measure (sparingly) and defy the physician.
D427
D428 To be DOCTORS at Daws’ Cross1
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 28: Thou shalt be
commist to Dawes crosse. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ylv: You
may sooner be Doctors at Dawes crosse. 1596 NASHE Saffron-
Walden: W ks., III 12: To grant them their absolute Graces to com~
mence at Dawes crosse.
[lfools’ cross ?]
D429 DOCTOR DODDYPOLL
01510 H ickscorner, s. CI: What, Mayster doctour dotypoll can you
not preche well in a blacke boll, Or dyspute ony dyuynyte. 1550
LATIMER Serm. 14, p. 245: They, like dodipoles, laughed this godly
father to scorn. 1600 The Wisdom of Doctor Dodypoll: [Title].
1616 WITHALS, p. 554: Doctor Dodipoll is more honored than a
good Divine. 1639 CL., p. 137: [As in 1616 Withals]. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 17: As learned as Doctor Doddipoll. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., s.v. anearned, p. 349: Doctor Dodipoll. Much hair,
little wit.
D430 Not worth a DODKIN
1594 LYLY Mother B. II ii 27: Well, Without Halfepenie all my witte
is not woorth a dodkin. I607 COWELL Interpreter, s.v. Doitkin, s.
O4: A base Coin . . Hence probably we retain that Phrase when we
would undervalue a Man, to say, He is not worth a Doit or Doitkin.
I612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, I vii,I 69: You must understand
that shee’s not worth a Dodkin. 1613-20 Faith. Friends IV V, p.
118: If my trade then prove not worth a dodkin, Curse, curse 0’
women, both my yard and bodkin!
D431 To trot like a DOE
01563 Yack juggler, s. BI : She tryppeth like a do. 1678 RAY, p. 8 3.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
D OERS
163 DOG

D432 Ill DOERS are ill deemers D442 A bad Doo never sees the wolf
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 167: He shall think you to be naught, be- 1611 COT., s.v. Chien: An ill dog hates to looke on a Wolfe. 1640
cause he himself hath been naught. Ibid., II 1 19: For mala mens,
malus animus, an evil disposition breedeth an evil suspicion. I586
WITHALS, s. K4v: The faithlesse man doth iudge in me, That in
himselfe he knowes to be. 1591 STEP., p. 66: Commonly the old
prouerb saith: he that hath bin a doer himselfe thinketh badly of
others. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 202: Ane ill disposition breidis ill sus-
pition mala mens malus animus. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial.,
p. 9: Whosoeuer is bad, hath suspition of another to be bad.
1672 WALK. 5, p. 28: An evil mind, an evil meaning. I721 KEL.,
p. 176: Ill doers, ill deemers. I732 FUL., no. 3069: (are ill Think~
ers). I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 418.
See APR, p. 323; SM., p. 217; T. 353, p. 195. Cf. B738: He thinks
every bush a bugbear (bear); F1 17: Who is in fault (guilty) suspects
everybody; TI 16: The thief thinks all are ofhis condition; V66: The
vintner fears false measure.
D433 As dry as a D00
[01588] 1604 MARLOWE Faustus II iiiB 33: O brave, prithee let’s to
it presently, for I am as dry as a dog. 1672 LACY Old Troop V i,
p. 191: I’m as dry as a dog.
D434 As greedy as a D00
1639 CL., p. 285. 1670 RAY, p. 205.
D435 As idle as a D00
1616 DR., no. 1063. 1639 CL., p. 287.
172.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p-
D436 As long as a D00 (cat) would be bound with a
blood pudding1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 687: (He wil byd als long fast as a cat wil be).
1672 WALK. 12, p. 8: You may as well think to tie a dog in chitter-
lin. 1721 KEL., p. 39: *That is a short while, for he would soon
eat his binding.
Cf. C146: He bides as fast as a cat bound with a saucer.
[1sausage]
D437 As low as Doc to bow
01536 COPLAND Highway Spittle House 1. 1031, p. 68: Theyr hus-
bandes must Obey as dog to bowe. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II
ii, p. 72: Be not to other men lyke a dogge to the bowe, or be not
S00 made to other mens becke, that it shall not be in thy power to
lyue after thyne own plesure. [a1558] 1568 7acob and Esau V iii,
s. F3: I shall make the Slaves couche as lowe as dog to bow.
D438 As melancholy as a D00
1592 FLEETWOOD (to Ld. Burghley) in Qu. Eliz. Times, II 417: Mr.
John Amersan . . is as malincholy as a curre dogge, according to the
Bysshopricke proverb. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 218: The
dice of late are growen as melancholy as a dog. I600 JONSON Ev.
Man out Hum. II ii 44: Of your stature, and very neere vpon your
complexion. ——Mine is melancholy: ——So is the dogges, iust.
1616 JONSON Epic. II iv 139: I’ll be very melancholique, i’ faith.
—As a dog, if I were as you, sir Iohn.
Cf. C129: As melancholy as a gibbed cat.
D439 AS nimble as a new-gelt D00
1678 RAY, p. 287.
D440 As sick as a D00
1592 G. HARVEY Four Letters I, p. 161: Sicke, as a Dog. 1599
BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, s. O4: Euen as he that saith, he is Dog-
sicke, as Sicke as a Dog: meaneth a Sicke Dog, doubtlesse. 1667 R.
L’ESTRANOE Visions Hell Reformed, p. 273: I am as sick as a dog.
D441 As weary as a D00
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 18: On one dishe dayly nedes shalt
thou blowe, Till thou be all wery as dogge of the bowe. I602 Lib-
erality and Prod. V i, s. E3.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. IV ii 5.9: 0 master, master, I have
watch’d so long That I am dog-weary!


HERB., no. 59.
D443 Beat the D00 before the lion
I557 SURREY Description Pangs Love 1. 41 in Tottel’s Misc., I 6:
And how the Lion chastised is by beating of the whelp. I600 CAW-
DRAY Treas. Sim., p. 6: As they that go about to make Lyons tame,
do vse to beate little whelpes before them, and to make them couch,
that so the Lyons seeing, they may do so also. 1602 CHAMBERLAIN
Letters 51, p. 148: It was so well and cunningly convayed to beate
the whelp before the lion, and reade her her lesson in her fellowes
booke. I607 TOPSELL Hist. Four-footed Beasts, p. 480: The best
way to tame lyons is to bring vp with them a little dogge, and often-
times to beate the same dog in their presence, by which discipline,
the lion is made more tractable to the will of his keeper. I611 COT.,
s.v. Batre: Batre le chien devant le Lyon. *To punish a meane
person in the presence, and to the terror, of a great one. 1640
HERB., no. 820. I653 URQUHART Gargantua I xi, I S4: He would
beat the Dogs before the Lion. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2: Correct
the Bear in presence of the Lion. 1659 N.R., p. 21.
SHAKESPEARE—I604 0. II iii 275: Even so as one would beat his
oHenceless dog to af-fright an imperious lion.
D444 The best D00 leaps the stile first
1678 RAY, p. 76: (leap).
1659 N.R., p. 11.
*Let the worthiest person take place.
D445 Better to have a D00 fawn on you than. bite
(bark at) you
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 221: Better a dog fan [fawn] nor bark on yow.
1616 DR., no. 533: As good to haue a dogge fawne vpon him, as
barke at him. 1639 CL., p. 219: Better have a dog to fawne on us,
then to bark, or bite us. 1668 R.B., p. 1 1: Better a Dog faun, nor
bark on you. 1678 RAY, p. 128. I721 KEL., p. 64: Better a Dog
fawn on you as bark at you. *It is good to have the good Will even
of the meanest. I732 FUL., no. 902: (Better have a Dog fawn upon
you)
D446 Bid a churlish Doo bite
1616 WITHALS, p. 581. 1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 154.
D447 A curst Doo (cur) must be tied short
1596 DEL., s. M4v. I611 COT., s.v. Chien: A froward curre must
be tied short; a currish fellow well fittered; (so will they doe least
hurt). I612 WEBSTER White DevilI ii 188: Women are like curst
dogges, civilitie keepes them tyed all day time, but they let loose
at midnight. 1616 DR., no. 1635. 1623 CAM., p. 265. 1639 CL.,
p. 208. I659 N.R., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 35: To a curst
dog, a short chain. I670 RAY, p. 76: (curre). I732 FUL., no. 65:
A curs’d Curr should be short ty’d.
Cf. C751: A curst cow has short horns.
D448 A dead Doo bites (barks) not
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. D3v: A dead dogge can
not bite. 1596 COPLEY Figfor Fortune, p. 23: Dead dogges barke
not. 1611 COT., s.v. Mordre: A dead man, (or as we Say, a dead
dog) bites not. [01622] I647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Custom
Country IV, p. 352: For a dog that’s dead, The Spanish proverb
says, will never bite. I629 MASSINGER Roman Actor V ii, p. 83:
We’ll dispatch him, fear not: A dead dog never bites. 1667 R.
L’ESTRANOE Visions Hell Reformed, p. 268: (will never bite).
I732 FUL., no. 5582: When the Dog’s dead, all his Malice dies with
him.
Cf. M510: Dead men bite not (do no harm).
D449 The Doc (wolf) barks in vain at the moon
1520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 72: They playe as the dogge doeth
that barketh at the moon all nyght. 1530 PALS., p. 443b: This
dogge barketh agaynste the moone. I580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 90: As lykely to obtain thy wish, as the Wolfe is to catch
the Moone. I bid. , p. I 50: Eager Wolues bark at the Moone though
they cannot reach it. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. E1: Nor so eger
as the wolfe, to barke at the moone, I cannot catche. 1590 LODGE

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted-matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
DOG
DOG
164
Rosalynde, p. 119: I tell thee Montanus, in courting Phoebe thou
barkest with the Wolves of Syria against the Moone. 1591 LYLY
Endim. II i 30: I am none Of those Wolues, that barke most when
thou [Cynthia] shynest brightest. 1594 LODGE Wounds Civil War
IV i, 3. H2: But brauling wolues, you cannot byte the moone. 1602
MARSTON Antonio’s Rev. III i 184: Now barks the wolf against the
full-cheek’d moon. 1630 MASSINGER Picture I ii, p. 138: The wolf
But barks against the moon, and I contemn it.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. V i 379: The wolf behowls the
moon. I599 A.Y. V ii 118: Pray you, no more of this; ’tis like the
howling of Irish wolves against the moon. 1599 7C. IV iii 27: I
had rather be a dog and bay the moon Than such a Roman.
Cf. M1119: The moon does not heed the barking dog; M1123:
To bark against the moon. (6
D450 The DOG fights best that out of danger plays
1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 251.
The DOG gnaws the bone because he cannot
swallow it
1640 HERB., no. 453. 1659 N.R., p. 101. 1664 COD., p. 219.
1670 RAY, p. 7: Dogs gnaw bones because they cannot swallow
them.
D452 A DOG in a doublet
I577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. F1: As seemely as . . a dogge in a
dublet. 1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p.31: My master will be as proud
as a dogge in a doublet, all in beaten damaske and'veluet. 01633
[CLAVELL AND MARMION] Soddered Citizen II i, p. 26: Like a dogge
in a doublett. 01640 SMYTH 90, p. 33: AS proud as a dog in a dub-
lett. *Very proud. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I: A dogg in a dub-
]ett, bitch in a baskett. 1660 TATHAM RumpIII, p. 38: Iwarrant
that Dog in a Doublet Haslerigg is the Ring-leader. 1664 T. KIL-
LIGREW 2 Thomaso I ii, p. 389: There’s a Cobler’s dog in a Doublet,
that lives in a cellar in the louvre, has out-revel’d them both, and
passes for a finer Gentleman.
Cf. C747: As nimble (comely) as a cow in a cage; C758: It becomes
him as well as a cow does a cart saddle; D490: It would make a dog
dofT his doublet; S672: As meet as a sow to bear a saddle.
D451
D453 A DOG (man) of wax
1607 G. WILKINS Miseries Enf. Marr., s. B3: But me a Dog of .wax,
come kisse, and agree. [1610] 1620 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER
Philaster I, p. 81: Oh! ’tis a Prince of wax. —A Dog it is. 1640
JONSON Tale Tub II ii 62: You’ll clap a dog of waxe as soone, Old
Blurt?
SHAKESPEARE.—61595 R]. I iii 75: A man, young lady! lady,
such a man As all the world—Why, he’s a man of wax.
Cf. M239: A man (thing) in print.
D454 The DOG offended, the sow suffered
1639 CL., s.v. Puniri pro alio, p. 270: *Canis peccatum sus dependit.
Cf. D493: Let the dog worry the hog.
D455 The DOG returns to his vomit
[Prov. xxvi 11: As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth
to his folly. ERAS. Adagia, 8301‘: Canis reversus ad vomitum.]
1535 COVERDALE Bible Prov. XXVI, III 45: Like as the dogg turn-
eth agayne to his vomite, euen so a foole begynneth his foolishness
agayne a fresh. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Canis: The dogge turneth
agayne to eate that he vomyted. A prouerbe referred to hym,whiche
beynge reconcyled to god, retourneth againe to his olde condicions
and vices. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 165: Shall I continue her com-
pany, which will convert to my confusion? Shall I with the dog
redire ad vomitum? 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 92: With
what face Euphues canst thou returne to thy vomit, seeming with
the greedy hounde to lap vp that which thou diddest cast vp. 1591
STEP., p. 154: The dogge turneth to his vomite againe. 1603 DEK-
KER Wonderful Year: Non-Dram. Wks., I 132: So that he left winch-
ing, and sate quiet as a Lamb, falling to his old vomite of Councell,
which he had cast vp before. 1616 WITHALS, p. 554: Like a dog to
his owne vomit againe. 1618 Hist. Perkin Warbeck in Harl. Misc.,
VI 513: Thus like a Dog She returns to her Vomit, or as a Spider,
D461

who, perceiving her Caul broken and torn in Pieces, still spinneth a
new Web. 01625 Hist. Bermudas III, p. 59: This bark is no soner
gone . . but . . the late conuerted Gouernour. . returns to his vomitt,
to his vomitt indeed.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2 Hen. IVI iii 97: (Thou common dog) . .
now thou wouldst eat thy dead vomit up. 1599 Hen. VIII vii 68.
Cf. D458: The dog to his vomit and the swine (sow) to his (her)
mire. (I2)
D456 The DOG that kills the wolf is at length killed
by the wolf
1616 DR., no. 530.
D457 The DOG (cat) that licks ashes trust not with
meal
I640 HERB., no. 385. 1659 N.R., p. 99. 1664 COD., p. 219: (trust
him not with meal). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 35: Trust not a dog
with flower, who licketh ashes. Ibid. 25, p. 101: To a cat that lick-
eth ashes, trust no flower. 1670 RAY, p. 82: *The Italians say this
Of a cat.
D458 The DOG to his vomit and the swine (sow) to
his (her) mire
[2 Pet. ii 22: According to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his
own vomit again; and, The sow that was washed to her wallowing
in the mire.] 1508 FISHER Sayings David in Psalms, p. 85: It is
very necessary that we . . neuer after . . fall and tourne agayne to
synne lyke a dogge that tourneth agayne to his vomyte, or a sowe
ones waltred in the cley wyll retourne to that fylthy place. 1580
BARET, S-I 142: Like swine to the mire, [they] returne to their filthi-
nesse. 01580 LODGE Reply to Gosson, p. 32: We shall see the dogg
returne to his vomit, and the clensed sow to her myre. 1585 E.
SANDYS Serm. 7, p. 140. 1595 H. SMITH yacob’s Ladder: W ks., II
92: Let the dog turn to the vomit, and the swine to the wallow.
1616 DR., no. 543: A dogge to his vomit, and a sow to her wallowing
in the mire.
SHAKESPEAREr—ISQQ Hen. V III vii 68: ‘Le chien est retourné
5. son propre vomissement, et la truie lavée au bourbier.’
Cf. D45 5: The dog returns to his vomit.
D459 The DOG wags his tail not for love of you but
of your bread
1616 DR., no. 529: (not for you, but for your bread). 1639 CL.,
s.v. Adulatio, p. 12. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 2: (not for thee, but
for the bread). 1664 COD., p. 190: Dogs wag their Tails not so much
inlove to you as ofyour Bread. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 36: Adog
wags not his tail for thee, but for the bread. 1670 RAY, p. 7: Dogs
wag their tails not so much in love to you as to your bread. *His-
pan. 1732 FUL., no. 1320: Dogs wag their Tails, not so much in
love to you, as your Bread.
Cf. W327: Whores and dogs fawn upon a man no longer than they
are fed. '
D460 The DOG who hunts foulest hits at most faults
1637 SHIRLEY Lady Pleas. II ii, p. 35: Give him leave To follow his
nose, madame, while he hunts In View,——he’ll soon be at a fault.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1. 1670 RAY, p. 7. 1732 FUL., no. 1318:
Dogs, that hunt foulest, hit off most Faults.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. II V 140: The cur is excellent at faults
A DOG will bark ere he bite
1562 HEY. Dial. X vii, p. 70: A dog will bark er he bite, and SO thow,
After thy barkyng wilt bite me, I trow now. 1611 GRUT., no. 5.
1614 CAM., p. 302. 1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209: Dogs bark be-
fore they bite. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1670 RAY, p. 81: [As
in 1639 Cl.]. 1732 FUL., no. 1316: Dogs ought to bark, before they
bite.
Cf. B85: Great barkers are no biters.
D462 A DOG will endure no companions in the kitchen
1611 COT., s.v. Chien: Mauvais chien iamais ne veut compagnon en
cuisine. *GreedIe, or Ill-natured people cannot indure competitors,
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DOG
DOG
165


or companions. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 176:
(companion).
Cf. D518: While a dog gnaws a bone he hates his fellow; D544:
Two dogs never agree about one bone.
D463 A DOG will not cry (bite, yowl) if'you strike
(beat) him with a bone
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 36: The dog will not bite thats struck with
a bone. a1715 SWIFT Vindication Libel: Pol. Poems, p. 447: The
dog will be patient that’s struck with a bone. 1721 KEL., p. 42:
(yowl). *People will bear easily some rough usage, nay even
Blows, if they see their Advantage in it. 1732 FUL., no. 79: (beat).
D464 Every DOG has his day
[a1525-9] 1 561 Godly Qu. Hester l. 636, p. 26: A prouerbe as men say
a dogge hath a day. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4: A dog hath a daie.
1550 Princess Eliz. in Stryp'e Eccles. Mem. XXVIII, Vol. II, Pt. i,
p. 367: Notwithstanding as a dog hath a day, so may I perchance
have time to declare it in deeds, which now I do write them but in
words. 1552 TAV., f. 63: A dogge hath a day. There is non so
vyle nor symple a person but at one tyme or other may auenge him-
selfe of wronges done vnto hym. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p.
123: A dogge hath but a daie. Let the deuill paie the malt manne.
[1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. II, s. E2: But all’s one, a dog has his
day, and I shall have mine too. 1611 COT., s.v. Fevrier. 1611
GRUT., no. 4: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1614 CAM., p. 302: [As in 1546
Hey.]. 1616 DR., no.538: [As in 1546 Hey.]. *Namely of reuenge.
1639 CL., p. 166: (A dog). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (A dogg).
1670 RAY, p. 80. I721 KEL., p. 93: (his Day, and a Bitch two Af-
ternoons). *Commonly spoken with a vindictive Mind, when in-
jur’d by those in Place or Power; hoping that we will have our Day
about with them. 1732 FUL., no. 1415: (its Day; and every Man
his Hour). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 445: Why, colonel, every
dog has his day.
SHAKESPEARE—16oo-I H. V i 314: Let Hercules himselfdo what
he may. The cat will mew, and dog will have his day. (14)
D465 Every DOG is stout at his own door (is a lion
at home) ‘
1659 N.R., p. 29: Every dog is a Lyon at home. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 33, p. 36: [As in 1659 N.R.]. Ibid.,14, p. 127: (Stout upon his
own dunghill). 1732 FUL., no. 1414.
Cf. C486: Every cock is proud on his own dunghill; M242: A man
is a lion in his own cause.
D466 Every naughty DOG hangs his tail
1573 SANF., f. 108v: (the tayle). [a16oo] 1611 Tarlton’s Yests in
Shak. Fest-Bk., II 223: Like a dog with his taile betweene his legs.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Coda, p. 41: To drag ones tail between
ones legs, Viz. to sneak away for shame, and this is spoken of a fox,
or a dog, which usually doth so.
D467 Fight DOG, fight bear, the devil part them
1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 178: Some . . will not make anie
bones . . to hazard at a bait with feight dog, feight beare (say they),
the deuill part all! [1623] 1653 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Span.
Gypsy IV iii 79: A match: we’ll fight dog, fight bear. 1632 R.
BROME North. Lass II v, p. 37: We shall have a foul house on’t I
fear. But since it is too late, fight dog, fight Bear, I’le turn my
Master loose to her. 1642 MONSON Naval Tracts III, p. 350: You
must fight according to the old Saying, Fight Dog, Fight Bear; that
is, till one be overcome. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY,
p. 175: Fight dog fight bear. 1672 WALK. 22, p. 51: [As in 1670
Ray]. 1687 BEHN Lucky Chance III ii, p. 229: Why, let ’em fight
Dog, fight Bear; Mun, I’ll to Bed. 1721 KEL., p. 16: Fight Dog,
fight Bear, Dee’l part. 1732 FUL., no. 1533: [As in 1670 Ray].
D468 Fling the DOG a bone
1616 DR., no. 532. 1639 CL., s.v. Munerum corruptela, p. 220.
D469 The foremost DOG catches the hare
1664 COD., p. 212. 1670 RAY, p. 10.
most Hound grips the Hare.
Cf. D480: The hindmost dog may catch the hare.
1721 KEL., p. 306: The fore-

D47o A good DOG deserves a good bone
1611 COT., s.v. Chien: *A good seruant good intertainment. 1640
JONSON Tale Tub II iv 10: A good Dog Deserves, Sir, a good bone,
of a free Master. 1678 RAY, p. 128. 1732 FUL., no. 144.
Cf. D487: It is an ill dog that deserves not a crust.
D471 A good DOG never barked but1 a bone
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 123: (without ane bone). 1641 FERG., no.
127. 1668 R.B., p. 9.
[lwithout]
D472 A good DOG seldom meets with a good bone
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 121: And seldome can a good dog finde
a good bone. I611 COT., s.v. Chien: (neuer lights on a good bone).
Ibid., s.v. Os: A vn bon chien n’escheut onques vn bon 0s: The
honester a man is the lesse is his preferment; the worse his lucke.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 37, p. 35.
Cf. M360: The properer (honester) man the worse luck.
D473 Hang a DOG on a crab tree and he’ll never love
verjuice
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: He that is hang’d in a Crabb tree, will
never love Verjuyce. 1670 RAY, p. 81. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE
Fables 59, I 59: Hang a Dog upon a Crab-tree, (we say) and He’ll
never love Verjuice. 1732 FUL., no. 5044: Tie a Dog to a Crab-
Tree, and he’ll never love Verjuice more.
D474 He is not able to give a DOG a crust
I546 HEY. II vii, 5. I4: Whiche shall bryng vs shortly to be vnable,
To gyue a dog a lofe. 1616 DR., s.v. Poore, or Pouertie, no 1686.
Cf. B632: Who has no more bread than needs must not keep a
dog; P193: He has not a penny to buy his dog a loaf.
D475 He looks like a DOG under a door
1530 PALS., p. 551b: The knave fleareth lyke a dogge under a doore.
1678 RAY, p. 70.
D476 He that has a DOG of his own may go to the kirk
with a clean breast
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 589. 1721 KEL., p. 132.
D477 He that would hang his DOG gives out first that
he’s mad
1530 PALS., p. 45ob: He that wyll kyll his neyghbours dogge beareth
folkes in hande he is madde. 1611 COT., s.v. Chien: Qui veut tuer
Son chien luy met la rage sus: When a bad Prince would be rid of a
good subiect, or seruant, the tricks is, to lay treason to his charge.
1639 CL., s.v. Culpandi, p. 80. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 36: Who
means to kill a dog, let him say that he is mad. 1670 RAY, p. 81.
1732 FUL., no. 2362.
D478 He will lie as fast as a DOG will lick a dish
I546 HEY. II Vii, s. 12v: (She 'will lye). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 684:
He can lie als weill as ane dog can lick ane dish. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 4: (She will ly). 1670 RAY, p. 184: (To lie). 1721 KEL.,
p. 151: He can lie as fast as a Dog can lick a Dish.
Cf. H660: He will lie as fast as a horse (dog) will trot.
D479 Help the lame DOG over the stile
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E1: As good a dede, As it is to helpe a dogge ouer
a style. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess II ii 21:
Ay, marry, here’s a stile so high as a man cannot help a dog o’er it.
1616 DR., s.v. Excuse, no. 619: He helpeth a lame dogge ouer a stile.
1638 CHILLINGWORTH Relig. Prof. I iii 33: Wks., I 341: I once knew
a man out of courtesy help a lame dog over a stile, and he for re-
quital bit him by the fingers. 1639 CL., p. 43: Helpe a lame dog
over a stile. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: To help a lame Dogg
over a stile. *To help one at a pinch. Ibid., p. 13: (’Tis good to
help a lame). I670 RAY, p. 184. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To
Help, p. 161: (Lift a lame). I732 FUL., no. 2490. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 410: I know I shall always have your good word; you
love to help a lame dog over the stile.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
DOG
DOG
I66

D480 The hindmost DOG may catch the hare
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 178: The last dogge oftentimes
catcheth the Hare. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. E1: The hindmost
hound, though old, may catch the hare. 1635 F. QUARLES Em-
blems (1643 ed.) IV iv: Wks., III 81: Be wisely patient . . The hind-
most Hound takes oft the doubling Hare. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 16: (The hindmost hound). 1662 FULLER Worthies Derbyshire,
I 257: As the last Dog most commonly catcheth the Hare which
other Dogs have turned and tired before; so such who succeed in
dangerous and difficult enterprises generally reap the benefit of the
adventures of those who went before them. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22,
p. 36: The last dog oft times fastens upon the hare. 1678 RAY, p.
127. 1681 ROB., p. 728. 1732 FUL., no. 4597: The hindermost
Dog catcheth the Hare.
Cf. D469: The foremost dog catches the hare.
D481 I am not everybody’s DOG that whistles
1616 DR., no. 196: Hee is ready to runne at euery mans whistle.
1616 WITHALS, p. 570. 1639 CL., p. 232. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 16: I am not like a dogg that cometh at every ones whisling.
D482 I will not keep a DOG and bark myself
I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Q2V: It is smal reason you should kepe
a dog, and barke your selfe. 1616 DR., no. 1938: A man must not
hire a dogge, and barke himselfe. 1639 CL., s.v. Indiligentia, p.
162: A man must [not] keepe dogs and barke himselfe. 1670 RAY,
p. 81: What? keep a dog and bark my self. *That is, must I keep
servants, and do my work my self. 1721 KEL., p. 203: (I’ll never
keep). I732 FUL., no. 2645. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 386: (I
won’t keep).
Cf. B341: Bid me and do it yourself.
D483 If the DOG bark go in, if the bitch bark go out
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 398.
D484 If the old DOG barks he gives counsel
1640 HERB., no. 193.
FUL., no. 2709.
See DiiR., I, no. 69.
1664 COD., p. 202. I670 RAY, p. 19. 1732
Cf. D498: An old dog barks not in vain.
D485 If you will have the DOG follow you (have a good
dog), give him bread (feed him well)
1611 COT., s.v. Chien: He that will haue a good dog must feed him
well; he that desires a good seruant must vse him well. 1659 HOW.
Span. Prov., p. 17.
D486 It is a good DOG can catch anything
1678 RAY, p. 70. 1732 FUL., no. 2854: (that can).
D487 It is an ill DOG that deserves not a crust
1580 BARET, D—697: Digna canis pabulo . . A Prouerbe declaring
that the laborer is worthie of his hire, it is taken as well of the la-
bour of the mind, as of the bodie. 1639 CL., s.v. Dignitas et ex~
cellentia, p. 91: (Its a bad dog that). 1670 RAY, p. 81. 1672
WALK. 60, p. 42: (’Tis a bad dog that). 1732 FUL., no. 2899.
Cf. D470: A good dog deserves a good bone.
D488 It is an ill (poor) DOG that is not worth the
whistling
1546 HEY. I xi, 3. E3: (It is . . A poore dogge). I602 BRETON Pack-
et Letters Pt. I: Wks., II 19: There are more maids then Maulkin,
and I count my selfe worth the whistling after. 1611 GRUT., no.
25: A poore dog that is not worth the whystling. 1614 CAM., p.
303: [As in 161 1 Grut.]. 1639 CL., p. 246. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 7: A sorry dogg that is not worth the whistling after. 1659 N.R.,
p. 66: (It’s an ill dog not). 1670 RAY, p. 81: (It is an ill dog’s not).
1675 R. HOOKE Diary Jan. 28, p. 214: He is not worth a whistle.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6o5-6 K.L. IV ii 29: I have been worth the
whistle.
D489 It is hard to make an old DOG stoop
1523 A. FITZHERBERT Husb., p. 45: The dogge must lerne it, when
he is a whelpe, or els it wyl not be: for it is hard to make an olde

dogge to stoupe. 1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 70. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 254: (an olde dogg lye low). 1616 DR., s.v. Olde age, no. 1541:
It is an hard matter to make an olde dogge to stoupe.
Cf. D500: An old dog will learn no tricks.
D490 It would make a DOG doff his doublet
1678 RAY, p. 239.
Cf. D452: A dog in a doublet.
D491 It would vex a DOG (man) to see a pudding creep
01629 F.D. Excell. Medley l. 51 in Roxh. Bal., I 58: Would not a dog
for anger swell, to see a pudding creepe. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 21. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Impossible, p. 175: (’Twould
anger a man). 1673 STEVENSON Cooks Catas. in Norfolk Anth., p.
17. I678 RAY, p. 79. I732 FUL., no. 3048. I738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. II, p. 452.
Cf. P630: To run as swift as a pudding would creep.
D492 Knit my DOG a pair of breeches and my cat a
codpiece
I678 RAY, p. 255.
D493 Let the DOC worry the hog
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13.
Cf. D454: The dog offended, the sow suflfered; D535: Dogs will
rid swine.
D494 Like a DOG in a fair
a1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II 445: Ye come among
VS plenty By coples in a peire, As sprites in the heire, Or dogges in
the ffayre.
See APP., p. 160.
D495 A living DOG is better than a dead lion
[Eccl. ix 4: For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope:
for a living dog is better than a dead lion.] 1581 MARBECK Com-
monplaces, p. 310: A quicke dogge is better then a dead Lion. This
Prouerbe, is the saieing of the Epicures. I583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. O4: Better a line dogge, then a dead Lion. I595 DANIEL Ci v. Wars
IV 3, p. 136: Their wisedome, which to present powre consents,
Line-dogges before dead Lyons, estimates. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art
Asleep Hush, p. 140. I655 FULLER Church Hist. III i, I 277: Doth
not Solomon say true, A living dog is better than a dead lion; when
such a little cur durst snarl at the corpse of a king? 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1659 N.R., p. 4. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 38, p. 36:
Rather a living dog, than a dead Lyon. 1697 VANBRUGH Provoked
Wife V v, p. 178.
See DI'J'R., I, no. 187.
D496 Love me love my DOG
01485 Early Eng. Misc. 7, p. 62: He that lovythe me lovythe my
hound. I528 TYNDALE Wicked Mammon: Doctrinal Treat., p. 84:
We say also, He that loveth not my dog, loveth not me. 1546 HEY.
II ix, s. K4V. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: Who loueth me, lou-
eth my hound. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Ahuses I, p. 178: It is a com-
mon saying amongst all men, borowed from the french, Qui aime
Jean, aime son chien; loue me, loue my dog. 1611 COT., s.v. Aimer.
1611 GRUT., no. 181. 1614 CAM., p. 309. 1616 DR., no. 535: (my
dog, or hound). 1639 CL., p. 26: (and love my dog). 1659 HOW.
Br. Prov., p. 5. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Cane, p. 26: To respect a dog for the Masters sake; the English
say, love me, and love my dog. 1668 R.B., p. 35. 1670 RAY, p.
80: (and love my dog). 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 106, I 100:
Love Me, Love my Dog, says the Old Proverb. 1697 MER., p. 164:
(and love my dog). 1732 FUL., no. 3292.
(12)
See DiiR., II, no. 47.
D497 Many a DOG is hanged for his Skin and many a
man is killed for his purse
1639 CL., s.v. Divitiae, p. 97.
D498 An old DOG barks not in vain
I573 SANF., f. 102v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. [28v].
8. P7V: (will neuer barke in vaine).
1596 DEL.,
I611 COT., s.v. Iapper: (neuer

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Doo
DOG
167


*The warning, or advise of an old man is euer to
1629 Bk. Mer. Kid. 67, p. 28. 1651 HERB., p. 369.
barkes in vaine) .
some purpose.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 1,p. 37. 1732 FUL.,
no. 371 1: Old Dogs bark not for Nothing.
Cf. D484: If the Old dog barks he gives counsel.
D499 An old Doe (hound) bites sore
1546 HEY. II vi, s. II: (It is saied of olde, an olde). 1552 TAV., f.
3v: (The englyshe prouerbe sayth thus An olde). I576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., I 166: Old dogs ever bite sorest. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 32:
(hund). I602 BRETON Packet Letters Pt. I: Wks., II 10: An old
dog bites sorer than a young Whelp. 1605 BRETON Old Man’s Les-
son: Wks., II 15. I611 COT., s.v. Vieil: An old dog barketh (we say
biteth) sure. 1611 GRUT., no. 41. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Olde age, no. 1546. 1616 WITHALS, p. 553. 1623 WOD., p.
489: No Barking to an old Dog. 1639 CL., p. 267. 1659 N.R., p.
10. 1668 R.B., p. 2: (hound). 1670 RAY, p. 126. 1721 KEL., p.
23: *Spoken to discourage one from provoking a Man of advanc’d
Years; for tho’ he is not able to tugg, or wrestle, yet he will give a
desperate Blow.
D500 An old D00 will learn no tricks
1636 CAM., p. 300: It is hard to teach an old dog trickes. 1639 CL.,
p. 283. I659 N.R., p. 68: [AS in 1636 Cam.]. I670 RAY, p. 127:
*It’s all one to physick the dead, as to instruct Old men. 1672
WALK. 37, p. 46: (no new tricks). I694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quite. II
i: 13' 2fl"
Cf. D489: It is hard to make an old dog stoop; S716: Old spar-
rows are ill to tame.
An old D00 (mastifi) will not be led in a string
(chain)
1586 WITHALS, s. C3: (in a leache, or will not be chained). Ibid.,
s. C3v: An old mastife will not go chayned or tied, or lead in a string.
1591 STEP., p. 152. I658 HOOLE Sent. Puer., p. 32: An old dog can-
not be Wonted to a chain. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings:
Anglo-Belgica, II 23: ’Tis ill leading old dogs in a string.
D501
D502 Sirrahl your Doo but sirrah not me, for I was
born before you could see
1670 RAY, p. 192: Sirrah your dogs. I678 RAY, p. 81: (Sirrah your
dogs, Sirrah not me, For). 1732 FUL., no. 6496.
[1a term of contempt or anger]
D503 A still Doo bites sore
I582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. G2: A sneaking dog, that neu-
er barkes but bites withall. 1593 Tell- Trothcs Gift in Tell-Trothes
New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 15: A stille dogge bites sore, but the barking
cur feares [frightens] more. 1616 DR., no. 537: A dog that biteth, and
barketh not. 1629 TUVILL Vade Mecum Of Gifts, p. I 30: The slow-
est barker, is the surest biter. 1639 CL., p. 325: He bites and barks
not. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 51: He that talks much,
consumes his valour from his lips, for the still dog bites sore.
Cf. B85: Great barkers are no biters; C915: A cut will bite before
he bark; M78: Beware of a Silent man (dog) and still water.
D504 There is a D00 in the well
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1318. I668 R.B., p. 54. I721 KEL., p. 305:
*[This] signifies . . that there is something amiss, but the Reason . .
I do not know.
D505 To be cozened as the D00 was who thought to
go to breakfast and went to hanging
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pascerre, p. 134: To be deceiv’d in ones
own designs and expectations; the English'say, To be couzen’d as
the dog was, who thought to go to breakfast, and went to hanging.
D506 To be old DOS at it
[1598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, S. A4v: I am Dogg at
this. [aréoo] 1662 I.T. Grim Collier Croydon II i, s. H2v. [01605]
I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 120: I ha beene Dog at a Cony in
my time. 1609 DEKKER Workfor Armor.: Non-Dram. Wks., IV
162: A lane of Brokers, who handled their Pieces passing well, and

were old dog at a marke. [1622] 1653 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY
Changeling V i 92: He is a Dog at a house of fire. 1639 CL., s.v.
Gula, p. 136: Old dog at a barly bag-pudding. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Gazzole, p. 72: To be an experienc’d man, to be old dog at any
thing. a1700 B.E., s.v. Old: Old-dog-at-it, good or expert.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594 T.C. V. IV iv 14: To be, as it were, a dog at
all things. 1601 T.N. II iii 63: I am dog at a catch.
D507 To blush like a black D00
1579 GOSSON Apol. Sch. Abuse, p. 75: We will make him to blush
like a blacke Dogge when he is graueled. 1584 R. WILSON Three
Ladies Lond., s. CIV: Hee has a face like a blacke Dogge. 1615 T.
ADAMS Black Saint: W ks., p. 377: A blacke Saint can no more blush,
than a blacke Dogge. I616 WITHALS, p. 5 57: Hee blusheth like a
black dogge, hee hath a brazen face. 1639 CL., s.v. Impudentiae,
p. 152: (He blushes like). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: (He blush-
eth like). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rapa, p. 165: The contrary
of blushing; the English say, He blush’d, I, like a black Dog. 1670
RAY, p. 201. I732 FUL., no. 1000. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p.
383: Blush! ay, blush like a blue dog.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. V i 121: What, canst thou say all
this and never blush? —Ay, like a black dog, as the saying is.
See ST., no. 920.
D508 To call a D00 a dog
1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III, title page: Written by one
that dares call a dog, a dog. [01590] 1654 CHAPMAN AND PEELE Al-
phonsus I ii 147: He said but right, and call’d a dog a dog._ I592
LYLY Midas IV iii 2: If you call a dog a dog, you are vndone.
Cf. S699: To call a spade a spade.
D509 To die like a D00
[1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. H2V: Let me die like a dog on
a pitch-fork. 1611 L. BARRY Ram-Alley III, s. E1: Die men like
dogs. 1680 [1. SPEED] Batt upon Batt, p. 5: For who without a
Psalm doth take a swing, Dies like a Dog.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. [V II iv 188: Die men like dogs!
I6o5-8 T. Ath. II ii 90: Thou wast whelp’d a dog and thou shalt
famish a dog’s death.
D510 To give one the Doc to hold
1678 RAY, p. 70: *To serve one a dog-trick.
D51 1 To look like a D00 that has lost his tail
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 42: ([He] lookith and had lost).
MELBANCKE Philot., s. D3: (To go like).
loundge’s as a dog that had lost his tayle.
1583
1639 CL., p. 259: He
1678 RAY, p. 286.
D512 To love it as a D00 loves a whip
I654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quite. IV iii, p. I 88: He went as will-
ingly as a dog to a whip. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mazzate, p.
102: To be Shye; the English say, as fond as a dog of whip. 1678
RAY, p. 287.
Cf. A267: As fond as an ape of a whip.
D513 To play the D00 in the manger, not eat yourself
nor let anybody else
[ERAS. Adagia, 371 F: Canis in praesepi.] 1546 Suppl. Commons
in Fish Suppl.for Beggars, p. 65, marginal note: These men are like
the dog in the manger. I564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 9: Like vnto
cruell Dogges liyng in a Maunger, neither eatyng the Haye theim
selues ne sufferyng the Horse to feed thereof hymself. I578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 318: Thou dealest with most of thy acquaint-
aunce as the Dogge doth in the maunger, Who neyther suffereth
the Horse to eate haye, nor will himselfe. 01594 BACON, no. 747:
A dog in the manger. I607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho V i,
S. G4v: And like Esops Dog, vnlesse himselfe might eate hay, Wil
lie in the manger and starue: but heele hinder the horse from eat-
ing any. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 iii 12, p. 246: Like a . . dog
in the manger, he doth only keep it, because it shall do nobody else
good, hurting himself and others. 1639 CL., p. 96: He neither will
doe, nor let doe. Canis in praesepi. 1670 RAY, p. 171. I672
WALK. 15, p. 50. I721 KEL., p. 242: Like a Dog in a Manger;

In partial quotations wording (not Spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
DOG
DOGS
I68

neither eat Hay, nor suffer the Horse to eat it. 1732 FUL., no.
3222: Like a Dog in a Manger; you’ll not eat your self, nor let the
Horse eat.
See DiiR., I, no. 756. Cf. G38: As the gardener’s dog, who would
not eat cabbage himself nor suffer others to do it. (6)
D514 To use one like a DOG
1618 HORNnY Scourge Drunkenness, p. 8: Ile vse thee like a dogge,
a low, or slaue. 1688 T. SHADWELL Sq. Alsatia I, p. 210: I’ll en-
: dure’t no longer. . I’ll teach him to use his Son like a Dog. 1714
STEELE Lover 7, p. 51: I was terribly afraid that. . if she caught
me at such an advantage, she would use me like a dog.
Cf. J52: To use one like a Jew.
D515 A waking DOG afar off barks at a sleeping lion
1591 LYLY Endim. III i 10: It is an Olde saying Madame, that a
waking dog doth a farre Off barke at a sleeping Lyon.
Cf. D531: Dogs barking aloof bite not at hand; H165: SO hares
may pull dead lions by the beard.
D516 When a DOG is drowning everyone offers him
drink
1611 COT., s.v. Chien: (a drowning). 1640 HERB., no. 77: (a-
drowning). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 193 :(a drown-
ing). I659 N.R., p. 122: (is drowned every one Offers him help).
1664 COD., p. 226. 1670 RAY, p. 7: (ofTers him water).
D517 When the DOG is beaten out of the room where
will they lay their stink?
[a1654] I689 SELDEN Table Talk, p. 27: The Bishops being put out
Of the House, whom will they lay the fault vpon now? When the
Dog is beat out of the Room, where will they lay the stink? 1732
FUL., no. 5581.
D518 While a DOG gnaws a bone he hates his fellow
1586 WITHA LS, s. MIV: Whiles a dogge doth gnaw a bone, he hates
his fellowe whom he loues alone. 1587 RANKINS Mirr. Monsters,
f. 19V: Such is their dissentious mindes, that like Dogges Striuing
at a bone, they gnarre one at another.
Cf. D462: A dog will endure no companions in the kitchen; D544:
Two dogs never agree about one bone.
D519 The worst DOG that‘is wags his tail
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33: The worst dog waggeth his tayle-
1611 DAY. Prov., no. 190. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 36: The pit-
tyfull’st dog that is, will wag his tail.
D520 Cut ofi a DOG’S tail and he will be a dog still
1573 SANF., f. 109v: (taile, he will). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f.
33V. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 122, p. 29.
D521 A DOG’S life, hunger and ease
01570 Marr. Wit and Science IV i, s. C3: A life wythall my hartI
would not wyshe a dogge. 1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua II iv, s. D4:
Here’s a Dogges life. 1624-36 POYNTz Relation, p. 45: Little better
then a dogs life. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Orbo, p. 122: To be at
ease; the English say, to live a dogs life, Hunger and Ease. 1670
RAY, p. 172. 1721 KEL., p. 1 8: A Dog’s Life, mickle Hunger, mickle
Ease. *Apply’d tO careless, lazy Lubbers, who will not work, and
therefore have many a hungry Meal. 1732 FUL., no. 78.
D522 A DOG’S nose and a maid’s knees are always
cold
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72: A dog’s nose is ever cold. 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span, p. 7: A womans knee and a doggs
snowt are alwayes cold. 1670 RAY, p. 51.
D523 To make a DOG’S bed
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II I 10: This old prouerbe, It is a hard
matter to make a bed for a dogge. [01614] I639 FLETCHER Wit
without Money II, p. 165: To find the natural reason why a Dog

turns twice about before he lie down. [1619] 1647 FLETCHER Mad
Lover III, p. 37: Get thee to School again, and talk of turnips, And
find the natural Cause out, why a Dog Turns thrice about e’re he
lyes down. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 9: He hath something to do who
maketh a bed for a dog. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Letto, p. 89:
*TO undertake a difl-icult task, and troublesome; for a dog in his
kennel, tumbles, and stirs the straw, as ifit did complain of his bed-
making, as one may say.
D524 To sleep DOG’S Sleep
1660 FULLER Better Times: Good Thoughts, p. 194: He sleepeth not,
but only shutteth his eyes in dogsleep. 1669—96 AUBREY Brief
Lives, II 46: He was wont to sleep much in the house [of Commons]
(at least dog sleepe). 1678 RAY, p. 269.
Cf. D536: He sleeps as dogs do when wives sift meal (bake);
E250: TO sleep with an eye open; F660: To be in a fox’s sleep;
H153: A hare sleeps with his eyes open.
D525 Wake not at every DOG’s bark
1562 HEY. Dial. II V, p. 56: For little more or lesse no debate make,
At euery dogs barke, seeme not to awake. 01594 BACON, no. 662:
At every dogges bark to awake. 1616 DR., no. 541.
D526 All DOGS bark not (N 0 dogs shall bark) at him
I540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 79: There shall no dogges barke
at myne ententes, or where aboutes I go. 1546 HEY. II V, s. H3V:
Whan he hunteth a doe that he can not auow, All dogs barke not at
hym. I607 DEKKER Knight’s Conjuring III, p. 30: He car’de not
what dogges bark’t at him. 1616 DR., s.v. Slienesse, no. 2007.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. I i 93: ‘I am Sir Oracle, And when I
ope my lips, let no dog bark!’ 1605-6 K.L. III vi 65: The little
dogs and all, Tray, Blanch, and Sweetheart, see, they bark at me.
D527 All the DOGS follow the salt bitch
1639 CL., s.v. Adulatio, p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 80.
D528 Cowardly DOGS bark much
[ERAS. Adagia, 908B: Canes timidi vehementius latrant.] 1539
TAV., f. 49: Fearfull dogges do barke the sorer. Great braggers
commonly be least fyghters, and moost cowardes, euen as the most
barkyng dogges be for the most parte lest byters. I607 TOPSELL
Hist. Four-footed Beasts, p. 176: Fearful Dogs (as the Prouerb im-
porteth) bark most vehemently. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil III
ii 169: Cowardly dogs barke loudest. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert.
Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 27.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 Hen. V II iV 69: Coward dogs Most spend
their mouths when what they seem to threaten Runs far before them.
Cf. B8 5: Great barkers are no biters.
D529 DOGS are fine in the field
1640 HERB., no. 935. 1664 COD., p. 191.
D530 DOGS bark more for custom than fierceness
1631 MABBE Celestina Ep. Ded., p. 5: Like dOgges that barke by
custome. 1647 WHARTON Merlini Anglici Pref., quoted in App.,
p. 158: (It is a common proverb, Dogs). 1732 FUL., no. 4338: That
Dog barks more out of Custom, than Care of the House.
D531 DOGS barking aloof bite not at hand
1596 DEL., s. M5v: A dogge that barkes farre of, dares not come
neere to bite. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 28. 1623 CAM., p. 268. 1639
CL., s.v. Maledicentia, p. 195: Dogs that barke eagerly farre OlT,
' dare not come neare to bite. 1659 N.R., p. 27. 1664 COD., p.
190: (Dogs that bark at distance). 1670 RAY, p. 59: [As in 1664
Cod.].
Cf. B85: Great barkers are no biters; D515: A waking dog afar
Off barks at a sleeping lion.
D532 DOGS begin in jest and end in earnest
1612—26 J. HALL Contempl. I x, II 108: And as Fools and Dogs use
to begin in jest, and end in Earnest, so did these Philistines. 1659
N.R., p. 27.
Cf. J46: Leave jesting while it pleases lest it turn to earnest.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DOGS
Does
169

D533 Does must eat
SHAKESPEARE—I608 C. I i 209: They . . sigh’d forth proverbs
——That hunger broke stone walls, that dogs must eat.
Cf. B397: Small birds must have meat; E193a: Everything would
live.
D534 Does run away with whole shoulders
I622 WITHER Christm. Car.: 7am, III 916: Ranke misers now, doe
sparing shun . . And dogs, thence with whole shoulders run. 1670
Raw, p. 172: *Not of mutton, but their own, spoken inderision of
a misers house.
D535 Does will ridl swine
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 345. 1668 R.B., p. 17. 1721 KEL., p. 85:
*A third Opposite will make two contending Parties agree.
Cf. D493: Let the dog worry the hog.
[lclear away]
D536 He sleeps as Does do when wives sift meal
(bake)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 768. 1721 KEL., p. 127: (when Wives bakes;
or when Wives sift Meal). *Apply’d to those who pretend to be
asleep, or unconcern’d, who are all the while making their Remarks.
Cf. D524: To sleep dog’s sleep.
D537 He that lies down (goes to bed, sleeps) with
Does must rise with fleas
1573 SANF., f. 103v: He that goeth to bedde wyth Dogges, aryseth
with fleas. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: Who sleepeth with
dogges, shal rise with fleas. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 38: But
you Shalbe driven . . to thinke with your selfe that hee which Sleep-
eth with the dogs, must rise with the flees. I611 COT., s.v. Chien:
They that lye downe with dogs rise vp with fleas; In filthie com-
panie what can one gaine but filth? I611 DAV. Prov., no. 238:
Who sleepes with dogs shall wake with fleas: But ladies doggs haue
none of these. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil V i 162: They have a
certaine spice of the disease, For they that sleep with dogs; shall
rise with fleas. 1623 CAM., p. 270: (He that goes to sleepe with
dogges). I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 88, p. 28: He that goeth to bed with
dogs riseth with fleas.- 1639 CL., s.v. Improbi, p. 151: (They that
goe to sleepe with dogs). I640 HERB., no. 339: Hee that lies with
the dogs riseth with fleas. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via,
p. 193: He that lyes with dogs riseth with Fleas. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 17: Who lies with dogs riseth up with fleas. I659 N.R.,
p. 42. 1664 COD., p. 197: He that goes to sleep with Dogs, shall
rise with Fleas. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 36: Who goeth to sleep
with dogs, riseth with fleas. I670 RAY, p. 82: (must rise up with
fleas). I72I KEL., p. 129: (sleeps). *If you keep Company with
base and unworthy Fellows, you will get some Ill by them, or learn
some Ill from them. 1732 FUL., no. 2216: (with the Dogs, must
rise with the Fleas). I733 FRANKLIN, p. 5: (shall rise up with
fleas).
See DI'iR., I, no. 771.
louse.
D538 Hungry Does will eat (love) dirty puddings
I546 HEY. I v, s. Bav. c1547 BALE Three Law: II, s. B4v: Ranke
loue is full of heate, Where hungry dogges lacke meate, They wyll
durty puddynges eate, For wante of befe and conye. I553 Res-
puhliea III vi, p. 28: For suche hongrye doggs will slabbe vp slut-
tishe puddinges. 1580 BARET, T—232: Those which feede grossely
and homelie, refusing nothing that is set before them: according to
our common saieng, Hungrie dogges eate durtie puddings. 1584
T. COGAN Haven Health 149, p. 127: A hungrie dogge will eate dir-
tie Puddings, as the Irish man saith. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. II ii
96: A hungry dog eats dirty puddings. I611 COT., s.v. Faim: To
him thats hungrie any bread seemes good; we say, hungrie dogs
loue durtie puddings. 1611 GRUT., no. 136. 1614 CAM., p. 307.
I616 WITHALS, p. 550: (loue). 1639 CL., p. 112. c1640 SMYTH
48, p. 31: Two hungry meales makes the third a glutton. In like
sense as, Hungry dogs eat durty puddings. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 2: (love). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Stomaco, p. 205: TO have
a good Stomack, viz. to fall upon any Carrion, as Birds of prey do;
often taken obsceanly; the English says, Hungry dogs will be glad
Cf. B230: A beggar pays a benefit with a

of dirty puddings. I670 RAY, p. 82.
402: An hungry dog will eat dung. I697 MER., p. 164: A hungry
dog is fain of a dirty pudding. I732 FUL., no. 2573. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. III, p. 466: (Scornful dogs).
See ST., no. 937. Cf. M789: Two hungry (ill) meals make the
third a glutton.
D539 Like Does, if one barks all bark
I612 WEBSTER White Devil V iii 93: That old dog-fox, that Politi~
tian Florence—Ile forsweare hunting and turne dog-killer; Rare!
Ile bee frindes with him. for marke you, sir, one dog Still sets
another a-barking. 1639 CL., p. I48. I732 FUL., no. 3736: One
barking Dog, sets all the Street a barking.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6I3 Hen. VIII II iv 159: Village curs, Bark
when their fellows d0.
D540 Little Does start the hare but the great ones
catch it
1640 HERB., no. 589: (hare, the great get her). 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. a: I started the Hare, and another took her. 1659 N.R.,
p. 73: (hare, the great one[s] get her). 1664 COD., p. 205. I670
RAY, p. 16. I732 FUL., no. 3254: (but great ones catch it).
D541 Many Does may easily worry one
1596 DEL., s. M7v: Two little dogges, make a mastif affrayd.
1639 CL., p. 56.
I678 RAY Adagio Hebr., p.
D542 Silly Does are more angry with the stone than
with the hand that flung it
[ERAS. Adagia, 995E: Canis saeviens in lapidem.] I546 HUGHE
Trouh. Man’s Med. I, S. A6: I wolde not have the. . ascrybynge
worldely myseries to the starres, fate and fortune, playing therin the
part ofthe dogge, whiche byteth the stone that is hurled at him. I580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., To Gentlemen Rdrs., p. I 11Where-in they
resemble angry Dogges, which byte the stone, not him that throw-
eth it. 1582 BATMAN Bartholome XVIII xxvii, f. 355v: An hound
is wrathfull and malicious, so that for to awreak himselfe, he biteth
oft the stone that is thrOwen to him; and biteth the stone with great
madnesse, that he breaketh his oun teeth, and grieueth not the stone,
but his oune teeth full sore. 01594 BACON, no. 905: [As in Eras].
1596 SPENSER IV viii 36: Like as a curre doth felly bite and
teare The stone, which passed straunger at him threw. I600
THYNNE Emhl. and Epig., p. 27: Dianiane dogge, with blinde furie
inflamed, fearinge the hurled stone which him offended, with Sharpe
and threatning teeth whollie inraged, doth bite the stone, on that
to be revenged. 1615 DANIEL Hymen’s Triumph II i, p. 354: That
were to bite the stone, a thing vniust, To punish him for .her con-
ceived lust. 1630 T. ADAMS Soul’s Refuge: Wks., p. 913: So the
Curre bites the stone, which could neuer haue hurt him, but from
the hand that threw it. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I4, p. 36: A dog goes
to the stone, and not to the hand that flung it. *Note 20, p. 58:
Many revenge themselves on the wrong Partie, out of passion or
over-sight. 1687—8 PEPYs Diary Feb. II, VII 314: [It] makes me
mad to see them bite at the stone, and not at the hand that flings
it. 1732 FUL., no. 4172.
Cf. H656: He that cannot beat the horse (ass) beats the saddle
(packsaddle).
D543 To go to the Does
1549 T. CHALONER Pr. Folly, s. MI: Rather shoulde we let all the
worlde goe to wreke bothe with dogge and catte (as thei saie) than
ones to make a lesyng. 1619 R. HARRIS Drunkard’s Cup, 5. A2v:
One is coloured, another is foxt, a third is gone to the dogs.
See ST., no. 740.
D544 Two Does never agree about one bone
I611 COT., s.v. Chien: *Churles will not part, nor part with, any
thing. 1664 COD., p. 216. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 36: Two dogs
at a bone, never agree. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ramo, p. 164:
Hardly two Gluttons agree upon one Trencher, two Dogs will fall
about one bone.
Cf. C186: Two cats and a mouse, two wives in one house, two
dogs and a bone never agree in one; D462: A dog will endure no
companions in the kitchen; D518: While a dog gnaws a bone he
hates his fellow.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
DOGS
DOOR
17o

D545 Two DOGS strive for a bone and the third runs
away with it
[01560] I581 WOODES Confl. Cons. II iii, s. C3: Two Dogges often-
times one bone would faine catch, But yet the thirde doo both them
deceiue. 1573 GASCOIGNE App.: Posies, p. 475: It hath been an
old saying, that whiles two doggs do Strive for a bone, the thirde
may come and carie it away. 1592 Arden F., 3. F2: I pray you,
sirs, list to Esops talk: Whilest two stout dogs were Striuing for a
bone, There comes a cur and stole it from them both. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 1389: Tua dogs stryves for on bone in coms the thrid and
taks it from them both. 1616 DR., no. 342: (and the third whiles
that they contend, taketh it away). 1639 CL., p. 94. 1670 RAY,
p. 152. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 5, I4: (According to the Old
Proverb, while Two Dogs are Fighting for a Bone, a Third). 1721
KEL., p. 308: Two Dogs striving about a Bone, and the third run
away with it). *Spoken when two, by their mutual Contentions,
hinder each other of a Place, and Preferment, and it has faln to a
third by that Means. 1732 FUL., no. 5324: (Two Dogs fight for a
Bone, and a third).
See DiiR., II, no. 753.
D546 To serve one a DOG TRICK
01540 Eng. Hist., VIII 284: I will heere, in the way of mirthe, de-
clare a prettie dog tricke or gibe as concerninge this mayden. 1667
FLECKNOE Tomaso, p. 11: By which Dog-trick of his . . he made
every one an enemy to him. 1678 RAY, p. 239. Ibid., p. 344:
That’s a dog-trick. a1700 B.E., s.v. Dog’d: He play’d me a Dog-
trick, he did basely and dirtily by me.
D547—D549 DOING = acting, performing
D547 By DOING nothing we learn to do ill
1567 G. FENTON Trag. Dis. 8, II 63: Plato, who aflirmeth that in
doynge nothyng men lerne to do evill. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II,
I 243: Cato used to say, That those whiche did nothing, learned to
doe yll. I640 HERB., no. 753. I659 N.R., p. 23. 1664 COD., p.
188. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 37, p. 171: (one learns to do amiss).
1670 RAY, p. 19: *Nihil agendo male agere discimus. 1672 WALK.
9, p. 39. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Nothing. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 153: (to
do evil). I732 FUL., no. 1038. Ibid., no. 4978: They, that do
nothing, learn to do ill.
See OTTO, no. 41. Cf. I7: Better to be idle than not well oc-
cupied; 113: Idleness is the mother (nurse, root) of all evil (Vice, Sin).
D548 , In DOING we learn
1640 HERB., no. 798. 1664 COD., p. 230: We learn in doing well.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 82: By doing, a body learns experience.
D549 One never loses by DOING good turns
1664 COD., p. 207. I670 RAY, p. 12. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 151.
1721 KEL., p. 275: (a good Turn). *Spoken by them who make a
Return for former Favours. 1732 FUL., no. 3786.
D550-D551 DOING = event
D550 Great DOINGS at Gregory’s, heat the oven twice
for a custard
1678 RAY, p. 72. I732 FUL., no. 1755.
D551 There is great DOINGS in the North when they
bar their doors with tailors
I678 RAY, p. 341: *Yorkshire. 1697 MER., p. 166.
D552 At the DOOR of the fold, words; within the fold,
an account
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 397: *The shepheard does with fair words
call back his fugitive sheep to the door of the fold, but when he gets
them in he punisheth them for straying away. It is applicable to
what may be expected from our governours against whom we have
rebeHed.

D553 The DOOR that is not opened to him that begs
our alms will be opened to the physician
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 407.
D554 Every DOOR may be shut but death’s door
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 317.
SHAKESPEARE—1610 Cym. V iv 204: Thou shalt be then freer
than ajailer. No bolts for the dead.
D555 He must stoop that has a low DOOR
1678 RAY, p. 206. I732 FUL., no. 1995.
SHAKESPEARE—1610 Cym. III iii 1: A goodly day not to keep
house with such Whose roof ’s as low as ours! Stoop, boys. This
gate Instructs you how t’ adore the heavens and bows you To a
morning’s holy oflice.
D556 Here is the DOOR and there is the way
01475 Mankind l. I 54, p. 6: Here ys the dore, her ys the wey! 1546
HEY. I xi, S. D4. 1592 Arden F., S. H4V: The dores are open, sir,
you may be gone. [01605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 145:
Look you, here’s a fine path, sir, and there, there the doore. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 414. 1616 DR., s.v. Contempt, no. 321. 1631
JONSON Staple News III iv 76: There lies your way, you see the
doore. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 70.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—8 T.S. III ii 212: The door is open, Sir;
there lies your way. 1601 T.N. I V 21 I: Ifyou be not mad, be gone
—Will you hoist sail, sir? Here lies your way. Ibid. III i
141: The Clock upbraids me . . There lies your way, due west.
D556a I had rather go by his DOOR than over his
grave
1721 KEL., p. 196: *Nothing but a Wish that our Sick Friend Should
recover.
Cf. E143: Better go by your enemy’s grave than his gate.
D557 Make not the DOOR (entry) wider than the
house
1597 BRETON Wits’ Trenchmour Ded.: Wks., II [6]: To make a large
gate to a little Towne, were but a mockerie to a trauailer, and no
praise to the builder. Ibid. To Rdr.: And so loth to make a long
entry to a little house, I will leaue to your leysures to reade. 1612
BRETON Wits Private Wealth Ded.: Wks., II 4: But lest I make too
great an Entry to a little House, I will shut the doore to my speech,
and onely rest in some better service. 1639 CL., s.v. Accessio pu-
silla, et nimia, p. 11.
D558 An open DOOR (gate) may tempt a saint
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 16: An open gate tempts a Saint. I732
FUL., no. 655.
Cf. O71: Opportunity makes the thief.
D559 Out of DOOR out of debt
I678 RAY, p. 354: *Of one that payes not when once gone. Som.
D560 The postern DOOR (back door) makes thief and
whore
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 71. 1623 CAM., p. 279. 1639 CL., s.v.
Occasio, p. 233. 1659 N.R., p. 103: The back door makes the thief
and whore. 1662 B. GERBIER Dis. Bldg, p. 14: Too many Staires
and back-Doores . . makes Thieves and Whores. 1664 COD., p. 212.
1670 RAY, p. 132: *The back door is that which ruines the house
[Italian]. I732 FUL., no. 6176.
Cf. B21: The back door robs the house; D48: Two daughters and
a back door are three arrant (Stark) thieves; W370: A nice wife and
a back door do often make a rich man poor.
D561 Sweep before your own DOOR
1624 T. ADAMS Temple: Wks., p. 990: When we would haue the
street cleansed, let euery man sweepe his owne doore, and it is
quickly done. 1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight III V, p. 327: How soon
are those streets made clean where every one sweeps against his
own door? 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 41: If every one will sweep

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DOOR
Dow
171

his own house, the City will be clean. 1670 RAY, p. 194: To sweep
before ones own door. I678 RAY, p. 208. 1732 FUL., no. 4296.
See ST., no. 2181. Cf. M196: Ifevery man mend one all shall be
mended.
D562 To love at the DOOR and leave at the hatch
1678 RAY, p. 258.
leave the Hatch.
Cf. L502: Love comes in at the window and goes out at the door.
1732 FUL., no. 5200: To love the Door, and
D563 When one DOOR is shut another is open
1586 D. ROWLAND Lazarillo, p. 32: This proverbe was fulfild, when
one doore iS Shut the other openeth. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial.,
p. 11: Where one dore shuts a hundred do open. I612 SHELTON
Don Quix. Pt. I, III vii, I 183: (Where and opened). 1631 MABBE
Celestina XV, p. 238: For when fortune shuts one gate, she usually
sets open another. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 213: There is never
one gate shut, but there is another open. I710 PALMER, p. 49:
When one Door Shuts another Opens. I732 FUL., no. 5654.
D564 At open DOORS dogs come in
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 46. I668 R.B., p. 2. 1721 KEL., p. 23: (come
benn [in]). *And so will Thieves, and impertinent Persons; an Ar-
gument to keep the Doors shut at Night.
D565 Old enough to lie Without DOORS
1678 RAY, p. 77.
D566 Well does he live within DOORS that is beloved
without doors
I611 COT., s.v. Aimé: He finds all well within, who is beloued with-
out, doores. 1664 COD., p. 225.
D567 AS dead (deaf, dumb) as a DOORNAIL
1580 BARET, S-686: (dumb). 1592 NASHE Strange News Ep. Ded.:
Wks., I 258: Weele strike it as dead as a door naile. 1599 RAINOLDS
Overthrow Stage Plays, p. 50. 1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks., p.
8. 1611 COT., s.v. Sourd: (deafe). 1616 DR., no. 430: (deafe).
01633 [CLAVELL AND MARMION] Soddered Citizen III x, p. 72. 1639
CL., s.v. Surditas, p. 301: (deafe). I670 RAY, p. 202. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., s.v. Wine, p. 376: ’Twas more dead then a door nail.
1697 MER., p. 163.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590—I 2 Hen. VI IV x 42: IfI do not leave you
all as dead as a doornail. 1598 2 Hen. [V V iii 125: What, is the
old king dead? ——As nail in door.
See ST., no. 449. Cf. H446: As dead as a herring. (10)
D568 As dull as (To sleep like) a DORMOUSE
1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 220: I am as drowsie as a dor-
mouse. [1610] 1620 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Phi/aster IV, p. I I7:
Dull as a Dormouse. 1613 T. HEYWOOD Brazen Age, p. 228: [As in
1608 T. Heywood]. 1634 R. BROME AND T. HEYWOOD Lane.
Witches V, p. 245: As sencelesse as a Dormouse. I666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Zocco, p. 240: To sleep like a Dormouse.
D569 Dorsetshire DORSERS
1662 FULLER Worthies Dorsetshire, I 311: *Dorsers are PedS, or
Panniers, carried on the backs of Horses, on which Haglers use to
ride and carry their Commodities . . first found out, or is most gen-
erally used in this County. 1670 RAY, p. 226.
D570 He will not put off his DOUBLET (clothes) before
he goes to bed
I603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne II, II 73: That answer . . which
fathers have commonly in their mouthes: I will not put off my clothes
before I be ready to goe to bed. 1622 J. HOWELL Let. I iii 11, I 158:
This does not suit with the Genius of an Englishman, who loves not
to pull off his Clothes till he goes to bed. 1659 HOW. New Sayings,
p. 1: Doff not thy clothes till thou goest to bed, Nor part with thy
Estate till thou art dead. 1662 FULLER Worthies Cumberland, I
236: Archbishop Grindall . . was Willing to put off his clothes before
he went to bed, and in his life-time to resigne his place. 1678 RAY,
p. 239: *Part with his estate before he die. 1697 MER., p. 166: I’le

not put of my dublet before I gang to bed. I733 FRANKLIN, p. 6:
The old man has given all to his son. O fool! to undress thy self be-
fore thou art going to bed.
Cf. A187: He that gives all before he dies provides to suffer (is a
fool); G308: Who gives away his goods before he is dead take a bee-
tle and knock him on the head.
D571 He that casts all DOUBTS shall never be resolved
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 123: (neuer be resolued in any
thing). 1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. I x, I 60: Oft it failes out, that
While one thinkes too much of his doing, he leaves to doe the effect
of his thinking. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi V ii 121:
They that thinke long, small expedition win, For musing much 0’
th’ end, cannot begin. 1732 FUL., no. 2063.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-I H. IV iv 39: Now, whether it be . . some
craven scruple Of thinking too precisely on th’ event. . I do not
know Why yet I live to say ‘This thing’s to do.’
D572 As innocent (harmless) as a DOVE
[Matt. x 16: Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.]
1580 Pet and Yackman in Hakluyt Principal Navig., III 255: Inno-
cent as doves, yet wilie as serpents. 1639 CL., s.v. Mansuetudo,
p. 204: Doves are harmelesse. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15.
I673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 131: For as our saviour doth ad-
vise us to be as Wise as Serpents, so doth he also advise us to be as
innocent as Doves.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590-I 2 Hen. VI III i 69: As innocent . . As is
the sucking lamb or harmless dove. _
Cf. D573: As loving (tame, patient) as a clove (pigeon); M1 162:
To have more of the serpent than the dove.
D573 As loving (tame, patient) as a DOVE (pigeon)
[ERAS. Adagia, 845E: Columbae cum avolant, fallunt caeteras per-
nicitate volatus: cum sedent, nihil mitius, aut simplicius.] [01553]
1566—7 UDALL Roister D. III ii 48: He is as loving a worme againe as
a clove. 1616 DR., s.v. Gentlenes, no. 843: As tame as a pigeon.
SHAKES PEARE.—1594-8 T.S. II i 295: For she’s not froward, but
modest as the dove. I595 M.N.D. I ii 83: But I will aggravate my
voice so that I will roar you as gently as any sucking dove. 1599
Pass. Pilgr. 7, l. 2: Mild as a dove. 1600—1 H. V i 309: AS patient
as the female dove When that her golden couplets are disclos’d.
Cf. D572: As innocent (harmless) as a clove; D574: Doves (Pi-
geons) have no gall.
D574 DOVES (Pigeons) have no gall
I577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. L4v: Afl-irmyng also that the Doue
hath no gall. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 105: The Doue
seemeth angry, as though she had a gall. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 647:
He is lyk ane dow [dove] he wants a gall. I604 DEKKER I Hon.
Whore, p. 10: He has no more gall in him than a clove; no more sting
than an ant. 01623 Welsh Ambass. II, p. 29: Alas poore doue, shee
has noe gall, loues you too well to heare you ill nam’d. 1638 T.
RANDOLPH Muses’ Look. Glass III iii, p. 230: Such a man As has no
gall. . Whom Nature meant a clove. 1646 T. BROWNE Pseud.
Epid. III iii, II 187: It has been averted by many holy Writers . .
that it [the dove] hath no gall.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-I H. II ii 604: But I am pigeon-liver’d and
lack gall To make oppression bitter.
See DI'J'R., I, no. 84. Cf. D573: AS loving (tame, patient) as a
clove (pigeon).
D575 lDOVERCOURT,’ all speakers and no hearers
1662 FULLER W orthies Kent, I 487: *The Proverb is applyed to such
irregular conferences, wherein the People are all Tongue, and no
Eares. I670 RAY, p. 234. 1700 T. BROWN Amusements VIII, p.
72: The Whole Room was a perfect Resemblance of Dover Court,
where all speak, but no Body heard or answer’d. I732 FUL., no.
1323. '
[ISee Sugden, p. 156.]
D576 Over jolly Dow1 not
a1598 FERo. MS, no. 1107. 1668 R.B., p. 42.
Cf. DI: Daffing dow nothing.
[1thrives]

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
DOWRY
DRIFT
I72

D577 A great DOWRY is a bed full of brabbles (bram-
bles)
1640 HERB., no. 754. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18.
p. 17: (brambles). 1664 COD., p. 184.
1732 FUL., no. 193: (Brambles).
Cf. W195: He that marries for wealth sells his liberty.
1659 N.R.,
1670 RAY, p. 8: *Hispan.
D578 DRACHM = coin
D578 To expect, to expect, is worth four hundred
DRACHMS
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 409.
D579 DRACHM = dram
D579 The DRACHM of the bottle
1678 RAY, p. 240: *This is the Seamens phrase for a draught of
brandy wine or strong waters.
D580 DRAFF is good enough for swine
01525 [J. RASTELL] Gentleness and Nobility, s. CIV. 1591 HARING-
TON Orl. Fur. XX lxxxiii, p. 159:Tis fit (quoth he) that swine Should
feed on draffe. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 340. 1613 J. TAYLOR Nip-
ping Abuses: les. F., p. 387: (A Prouerbe old) draffs good enough
for hogs. 1616 DR., no. 1144. 1623 CAM., p. 268. 1639 CL., s.v.
Stupidi, p. 297: Drawgh is for swine. 1668 R.B., p. 16. 1670 RAY,
p. 82. 1697 MER.,p.164. 1721 KEL.,p.85:*Spokenjocoselywhen
People refuse what is good, and fine, and feed upon that which is
more course.
See DUR., I, no. 155.
D581 DRAFF was his errand but drink he would have
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D2v: I knowe, er any more be tolde, That draffis
your errand, but drynke ye wolde. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng,
p. 221: Draffe was mine arrand, but drinke I would. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 660: He coms for draff but drink is his earand. 1619 Two
Wise Men VII i, s. M4: Draffe was your errant, but drinke you would
haue. 1623 CAM., p. 267: (drinke he would). 1639 CL., p. 19.
1670 RAY, p. 83. 1721 KEL., p. 88: Draff he sought, but Drink was
his Errand. *Spoken Of them who make a sleeveless Errand into
House where they know People are at Dinner. '
D582 Every DRAM of delight has a pound of pain
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 141: Then too true do I find that every
dram of delight hath a pound Of spite, and every inch ofjoy, an ell
of annoy annexed unto it. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 247:
Then shall he finde for euery pynte of honnye a gallon Of gall, for
euerye dramme of pleasUre, an ounce of payne, for euery inche of
mirth, an ell ofmoane. 1583 ME LBANCKE Philot.,s. F4:One dramme
of curtesie with you, maye serue for a whole pounde of discurtesie.
1595 [W.S.] Locrine IV ii, s. G3v: One dramme Ofioy, must haue a
pound Ofcare. 1596 SPENSER FHQ. IV x I: For euery dram of hony
therein found, A pound of gall doth ouer it redound.
Cf. H556: NO honey without gall; P41 1: For one pleasure a thou-
sand woes (sorrows); P413: Never pleasure without repentance;
P420: There is no pleasure without pain.
D583 A DRAUGHT of hen’s milk
[ERAS. Adagia, 222D: Lac gallinaceum.] 1601 P. HOLLAND Hist.
World Ep. to Vespasian: As the proverb goeth, looke to drinke there
or els no where, a good draught of hens milke. 1639 CL., s.v. Ra-
rItas, p. 271.
D584 It is sweet DRAWING in one line
1546 HEY. II Vii, s. I3vz We drew both by one line.
Vnitie, no. 2286.
1616 DR., s.v.
D585-D591 DREAM: subst.
D585 After a DREAM of a wedding comes a corpse
1639 CL., s.v. Ominandi, p. 236: (of weddings).
1670 RAY, p. 83.
Cf. D588: Dreams go by contraries.

D586 It is a true DREAM that is seen waking
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 784: It is a suith boord that men sies waking.
1668 R.B., p. 28: It is sooth board that men sees wakin. 1721 KEL.,
p. 179: *It is easy to guess what appears plain, and evident.
Cf. D591: Morning dreams are true.
D587 DREAMS are lies
1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag. VII 52, p. 7: Dreames be seldome to be
trusted. 1611 COT., s.v. Mensonge: There is no truth in dreames.
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 4: He erreth as much who holdeth all dreams
to be true, as he who holdeth there is none. I bid., p. 8: Dreams are
dotages or lyes.
See ST., no. 500.
D588 DREAMS go by contraries
1566 ADLINGTON Gold. Ass IV, p. 97: The visions Of the night do
Often chance contrary. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao IV ii 24: I
dreamed last night, but I hope dreames are contrary. 1608 MID-
DLETON Family Love IV iii 1: Good aunt, quiet yourself: ground not
upon dreams; you know they are ever contrary. 1633 W. ROWLEY
Match at Midn. IV, p. 73: O, strange! to see how dreams fall by con-
traries. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 261: Dreams Ought to be inter-
preted by contraries. 1672 WYCHERLEY Gent. Dancing-Master IV,
p. 205: Ne’re fear it, dreams gO by the contraries. 1695 CONGREVE
Lovefor Love IV, p. 158: Dreams and Dutch almanacs are to be un-
derstood by contraries. ’
Cf. D585: After a dream Of a wedding comes a corpse.
D589 Golden DREAMS make men awake hungry
1678 RAY, p. 129. 1732 FUL., no. 1695.
D590 If DREAMS and wishes were true there would
hardly be found a maid in all the nunneries
of Christendom
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16: Ifdreams and wishes had been true,
there had [hardly] been found a Mayd since the Virgin Mary to
make a Nunn of. Ibid., p. 18.
D591 Morning DREAMS are true
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II i, p. 66: After mydnyght men saye,
that dreames be true. 1584 R. SCOT Disc. Witchcr. X vii, p. 183:
In the morning . . there happen more pleasant and certeine dreames.
1612 JONSON Love Restored l. 300: Masques at Court, p. 385: All the
morning dreames are true. 1681 DRYDEN Span. Friar III iii, p.
463: At break of day, when dreams, they say, are true. 1713 GAY
Wife Bath IV vii, p. 60: [You] told me, that morning-dreams were
always true.
Cf. D586: It is a true dream that is seen waking.
D592 DREAM: verb
D592 He never DREAMED of it
1639 CL., p. 57.
SHAKESPEARE.——1600—1 H. II ii 7: What it should be . . I cannot
dream of. 1604 O. I i 5: If ever I did dream of such a matter, Ab-
hor me.
D593 Many DRESSERS put the bride’s dress out of or-
der
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 28: Many dressers discompose the Bride:
Because where there is diiTering opinions, there is disorder. I732
FUL., no. 3344.
Cf. C642: TOO many cooks spoil the broth.
D594 Fine DRESSING is a foul house Swept before the
doors
1640 HERB., no. 239. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
233: (door). I659 N.R., p. 35: (door). 1664 COD., p. 193. 1670
RAY, p. 8: (before the windows). 1732 FUL., no. 1538: Fine Dress-
ing is usually a foul House, swept before the Door.
D595 DRIFT is as bad as unthrift
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1678 RAY, p. 71.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DRINK
DRIVER
I73

D596—D605 DRINK: su bst.
D596 DRINK after grief goes merrily down
1611 COT., s.v. Dueil: Drinke after dole goes merrily downe; or, they
tiple now as much as erst they teend [grieved]. I659 N.R., p. 27.
D597 DRINK and drought come seldom together
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 347. I641 FERG., no. 240: (comes sindle [sel-
dom] together). I668 R.B., p. 17: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL.,
p. 88: (come not always togither). I732 FUL., no. 1329: [As in 1721
Kel.].
D598 DRINK but1 bread makes all the town astir
(house ado)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 354: (hous adoe). Ibid., no. 365.
[lwithout]
D599 Drink off your DRINK and steal no lambs
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20. I670 RAY, p. 216.
D600 He cares not how good his DRINK be so his
bread be good
_ 1616 DR., s.v. Gluttony, no. 876. 1639 CL., p. 136.
D601 He was hanged that left his DRINK behind
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: (who left his drink behind him). *A
thief being pursued to an Alehouse, left suddenly his drink behind,
and so was discover'd and hang’d. a1665 PRICE Good file 1. 103 in
Road). Bal., I 416. I670 RAY, p. 8. 1672 Westminster Droll. II, p.
86: Yet he was bang’d, nay some say hang’d, That left his drink be-
hind. 1678 RAY, p. 71: (behind him). *Good fellows have a story
_ of a certain malefactour, who came to be suspected upon leaving his
drink behind him in an Alehouse, at the News of an Hue and cry.
I721 KEL., p.'36: A Man was once hang’d for leaving his Drink.
*I[t] took its rise from the Villain that assassinated the Prince of
Orange. Spoken when Men proffer to go away before their Drink
be out. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 452: The man was hang’d
that left his liquor behind him.
D602 Loath to the DRINK and loath from it
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 947: Loath to the drink loth fra the drink.
1641 FERG., no. 585. 1668 R.B., p. 36: Laith to the drink, laith fra
it. 1721 KEL., p. 236: *People of a narrow and niggardly Spirit,
when they treat they will be very profuse.
Cf. B192: Loath to bed loath out ofit; F145: No feast to a miser’s.
D603 Such DRINK as will keep one in the right way
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Posticcia, p. I 55: To drink wine of a small
vine, viz. thin and light; as the English say of rot—gut Small bear,
Such drink as will keep one in the right way.
D604 To snatch a DRINK like the dogs of Egypt (at the
Nile)
[ERAS. Adagia, 3610: Ut canis e Nilo.] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 56: Wine should be taken as the Dogs of Egypt drinke wa-
ter, by snatches. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 90: You must . . im-
itate the dogge of Aegypt, which drinketh at the river ofNyle, and
then runneth his way. 01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 93: A hun-
ters feast. tanquam canis, bibens a Nilo, et fugiens. 1592 G.
HARVEY Four Letters III, p. 191 : The wittier sort tasteth, and flieth:
as the Dog from Nilus. 1606 MARSTON Sophon. III i 202: I’ll use
this Zanthia, And trust her as our dogs drink dangerous Nile, (Only
for thirst), that fly the crocodile. I616 WITHALS, p. 584: [As in
Eras]. I635 JONES Adrasta I, s. B2: Like the thirsty swift Egyp-
tian dogges, They scarcely taste of those faire seven-fold streames.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Egitto, p. 56: To do as the Egyptian dog,
viz. to drink, and run away, to make no stay, but to bait, and be
gone.
D605 Who likes not the DRINK God deprives him of
bread
I640 HERB., no. 390.

D606—D608 DRINK: verb
D606 One cannot DRINK and whistle at once
I586 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 36: It is a common saying, that one
cannot drinke and whistle altogether. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 6.
Mid, p. 8: (at one time). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bere, p. 13:
Not to be able to drink and whistle at one and the same instant time.
Cf. B476: Blow first and sip afterwards; M227: A man cannot
spin and reel at the same time; T294: I cannot run and sit still at the
same time.
D607 He that never DRANK was never athirst (adry)
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13. I659 N.R., p. 51: (adry).
D608 He has DRUNK more than he has bled
[CI5I7] I 533 SKELTON Magn., s. A4: Ye wene that I am dronken, by-
cause I loke pale, Me semeth that ye haue dronken more than ye
haue bled. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vino, p. 232: The English say
of one who hath taken too much of the Creature, and that reels in
the streets, well, He hath drank more than he hath bled to day.
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Ofone drunk. I732 FUL., no. 1867: He has drank
more than he has bled to-day.
D609 _It is best DRINKING at the fountain (wellhead,
spring)
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 258: Seeing therfore one maye loue
the cleere Conduit water, though he loath the muddie ditch. 1591
FLOR. See. F. To Rdr.: Rather drinke at the wel-head, than sip at
pudled streames. 1607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amh. I i 82: Leave the
troubled streams, And live, where thrivers do, at the well-head.
1616 DR., no. 780. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 92: Who intends to
have clear water, let him go to the spring. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Secchia, p. 187: To drink at the pail, viz. freely, and where there’s
enough; as one should say, At the Fountain head, and from a full
Bottle or Pot, by word of mouth, without either Glass or Cup.
1732 FUL., no. 1969: He loaths the Spring-head, and drinks the foul
Stream.
D610 - It is good DRINKING of wine at another man’s
cost
1542 UDALL imp/1., f. 126-. To one demandyng what wyne he best
loued and liked with his good wille to drynke, marie, quoth he, of
another mannes purse. *Marginal note: The best wine is, that a
bodye drynketh of another mannes cost. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv.
IV, II 152: I am of his minde, who being demanded what kind of
Wine pleased his tast best, answered, that which I drinke of another
mans purse. I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 82: It is great sauor-
ines to dine or eate, and not to paie any shot or reckoning. i. Good
drinking of wine of another mans purse. 1619 BASSE Help to Dis-
course, p. 108: Diogenes being asked, what wine of all other he loved
best? Answered, That which hee drank of another mans cost. 1633
SHIRLEY Bird in Cage I i, p. 379: I can taste wine that another man
pays for, and relish any thing that comes of free cost. CI640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 19: It is a great and prudent sauingnesse
to eat and pay no reckning, for it is good drinking ofwine at another
mans cost. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 308: The best wine is that
which is drank at anothers Table. 1721 KEL., p. 20: *Diogenes is
said to have thought that the best Wine which cost him nothing;
butitis oft us’d as an Exclamation. Eng. The wholesomest Meat
is at another Man’s Cost.
Cf. M613: He fares well of other men's cost; M847: The whole-
somest meat is at another man’s cost; N121: Neighbor quart is good
quart.
D61 I Many speak of my great DRINKING but few of my
sore thirst
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1054. 1721 KEL., p. 312: They speak of my
Drink, that never consider my Drouth. *They censure my doing
such a Thing, who neither consider my Occasions of doing it, or
what Provocations I had to do it.
D612 I will make you know your DRIVER
I678 RAY, p. 345: *Som.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
DROP I 74 DRUNK

D613 As lost as a DROP of water in the sea To soften it with their continual motion. For stones dissolv’d to
1567 PICKERING llorestes, S. D3v: And it [memory] once lost thou
shalt in South, accomptyd lyke to be, A drope of rayne that faulyth
in, the bosom of the see. [1619] 1647 FLETCHER Mad Lover II, p.
23: Ere we can turn our thoughts, like drops of water They fall into
the main, are known no more.
SHAKESPEARE."1592-3 CE. I ii 35: I to the world am like a drop
of water That in the ocean seeks another drop, Who, falling there to
find his fellow forth (Unseen, inquisitive), confounds himself. Ibid.
II ii 127: For know, my love, as easy mayst thou fall A drop of water
in the breaking gulf And take unmingled thence that drop again
Without addition or diminishing As take from me thyself, and not
me too.
D614 DROP by drop the sea is drained (the tub is
fined)
1611 COT., s.v. Esgouter: The sea by a continuall draining will grow
drie. 1623 WOD., p. 486: By Drop and Drop the Sea runnes out.
1657 LEIGH, p. 266: [As in 1623 Wod.]. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7:
Drop after drop fills the tub. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 4: By drop
and drop the Sea lesseneth. 1732 FUL., no. 1337.
Cf. F151: Feather by feather the goose is plucked; H21: Pull hair
and hair and you’ll make the car] (the horse’s tail) bare.
D615 The last DROP makes the full cup run over
1655 FULLER Church Hist. XI ii, III 399: When the cup is brim full
before, the last (though least) superadded drop is charged alone to
be the cause of all the running-over.
See SM., p. 447.
D616 Fat DROPS fall from fat flesh
1678 RAY, p. 137.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV II ii 1 15: Falstaff sweats to
death And lards the lean earth as he walks along. 1600—1 IV v 100: They would melt me out of my fat drop by drop.
D617 Many (Small) DROPS make a shower (flood)
[ERAS. Adagio, 1 12A: Minutula pluvia imbrem parit.] 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., I 171: Small drops Of rain engender great floods. 1576
WAPULL Tide Tarries No Man, s. E1 : Ninubula pluuia imbrem parit,
A mizeling shower ingendreth great wet. 1615 T. ADAMS Bad Leav-
en: W ks., p. 708: Small drops of raine commonly cause the greatest
flouds. 1616 SS. Hon. Lawyer IV, s. G2vz (floud). 1672 WALK.
19, p. 45. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Drop.
See ST., no. 1 175. Cf. L362: Many a little (Every little) makes
a mickle (a great); S554: Many smalls make a great.
D618 Constant DROPPING will wear the stone
[70b xiv 19: The waters wear the stones. ERAS. Adagia, 782E: As-
sidua stilla saxum excavat.] 1530 PALS., p. 530a: Water by Often
droppyng may make a hole in a marbyll stone. Ibid., p. 617b: The
droppes ofwater with ofte fallynge make the hole in a marbyll stone.
1580 BARET, A—654: *A Prouerbe aptly shewing that nothing is so
diflicult, but that industrie and labour will ouercome,accordyng to
that saying of Lilius. 1596 SPENSER F.Q. IV xii 7: Yet loe the seas
I see by often beating, Doe pearce the rockes, and hardest marble
weares; But his hard rocky hart for no entreating Will yeeld, but
when my piteous plaints he heares, Is hardned more with my aboun-
dant teares. 1611 COT., s.v. Continue: At length, or in continuance
oftime, the water pierceth stone. 1616 WITHALS, p. 553: Continuall
drops doe pierce the marble stone. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 3 3: The
drop wears out the stone Not by force, but oft falling on. 1659
HOW. It. Prov., p. 4: The stone yields to the water. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 4, p. 3: A drop of water breaks a stone.
SHAKESPEARE-*ISQI 3 Hen. VI III i 38: Her tears will pierce in-
to a marble heart. Ibid. III ii 50: Much rain wears the marble.
1592 T. And. II iii 140: But be your heart to them As unrelenting
flint to drops Of rain. 1592—3 V.A. l. 200: Nay, more [hard] than
flint, for stone at rain relenteth. 1593—4 Luc. l. 560: Tears harden
lust, though marble wear with raining. Ibid. 1. 588: Be moved with
my tears . . which . . Beat at thy rocky and wrack-threat’ning heart,
D62 1
D625

water do convert. Ibid. 1. 939: Time’s glory is to . . waste huge
Stones with little water~drops. 1596 Rich. II III iii 164: Or shall
we . . make some pretty match with shedding tears? As thus—t0
drop them still upon one place Till they have fretted us a pair of
graves Within the earth. 1602 T.C. III ii 193: When water drops
have worn the stones of Troy. 1604 0. IV iii 47: Her salt tears fell
from her, and soft’ned the stones. 1609 Lover’s Compl. l. 290: But
with the inundation of the eyes What rocky heart to water will not
wear?
See OTTO, no. 774; T. 113, p. 107. Cf. S886: A rugged stone
grows smooth from hand to hand; S887: Spit on a stone and it will
be wet at last. (25)
D619 He will not lose the DROPPINGS of his nose
1567 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. II I 3, III 299: As vsurers do God knowes,
Who cannot spare the dropping of their nose. I585 HIGGINS No-
menclator, p. 531: A miser . . One that will not lose the droppings of
his nose. 1602 [COOKE] How Man May Choose, s. G4v: It is such
an Old snudge, he will not loose the dropping of his nose. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Avaritia, p. 40. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Culo, p. 50: (To be extreme covetous, and miserable; The
English say, that will not part with). 1670 RAY, p. 184. 1672
WALK. 17, p. 8. -
Cf. E74: He will dress an egg and give the offal to the poor; P52:
He will not part with the parings of his nails.
D620 He has the silver DROPSY
[9.1511] 1570 HENRYSON Fox, Wolf, and Cadger: Fab, p. 150: Ye ar
siluer seik, I wait richt weill. I565 COOPER Thesaurus, s.v. Argen-
tagina: The siluer sicknesse. 1616 DR., s.v. Couetousnesse, no. 372.
1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 40: Sick of the silver dropsie. 1681 ROB.,
p. 1278: Argentangina dicitur, the silver-squincy, when a pleader
being bribed by the other side, feigns himself sick, and not able to
speak. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua IV IVi, III 203: I, wou’d sooner
sell you Silence, tho’ at a dearer Rate, as Demosthenes formerly
sold it, by the means of his Angentangina or Silver Squinsey.
Cf. B517: He has a bone in his mouth (throat).
After DROUGHT comes rain
15th 0. Metrical Proverb in Relig. Antig., I 323: After droght com-
myth rayne . . after rayne, Commyth drought agayne. [01517]
I 533 SKELTON Magn., s. AIV: After a drought there fallyth a showre
of rayne.
D622 DROUGHT never brought dearth
1533 J. HEYWOOD Play Weather, s. C2: And it is sayd syns afore we
were borne That drought doth neuer make derth of come. 1640
HERB., no. 745. 1656-91 AUBREY Nat. Hist. Wilts. I iii, p. 33: ’Tis
a saying in the West, that a dry yeare does never cause a dearth.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 21: A dry year never beggars the Master.
1659 N.R., p. 28. 1670 RAY, p. 42: Drought never bred dearth in
England. 1721 KEL., p. 8: A dry Summer never made a dear Peck.
*Though the Straw in such Years be short, yet the Grain is good and
hearty. 1732 F UL., no. 1338: [As in 1670 Ray].
D623 He that fears DROWNING comes near n0 wells
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 171: Those that feare drowning,
come neere no wells.
See DiiR., I, no. 532.
, D624 Where DRUMS beat laws are Silent
1596 DEL., s. O8v: Amongest the sound of trumpets and drummes,
the voice of good lawes cannot be heard. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr.
in Armor, p. 397: How can his [Christ’s ] laws be obeyed, if all his
subjects be in a hubbub one against another? Inter arma silent
leges. I721 KEL., p. 358. 1732 FUL., no. 5640: Where Drums
speak out, Laws hold their Tongues.
Ever DRUNK ever dry
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 51: The more that some drynke; the
more they wax drye. 1562 PILKINGTON Proph. Haggai I, p. 51:

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DRUNKARD I75
DUMP (DUMPS)


A drunken man is always dry, according to the proverb. I611
GRUT., no. 84. 1614 CAM., p. 305. 1616 DR., s.v. Drunkennesse,
no. 552. 1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia et Rapacitas, p. 37: (drinke).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 191. 1670 RAY, p. 83.
Cf. M211: Like a man in a dropsy, the more he drinks the more
he may; MI 149: The more one drinks (eats) the more one may.
D626 The DRUNKARD is known by his snout (nose)
I611 COT., s.v. Yvrongne: A drunkard is by his rich face discerned.
I623 WOD., p. 491: As the Drunkard goes, is knowne by his Nose.
True, Because it is full of Cupperose. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 13.
D627 A DRUNKARD is not master of his own soul
1616 DR., no. 557. 1664 COD., p. 185: (either of his Soul or Body)-
D628 Let but the DRUNKARD alone and he will fall of
himself
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 407. 1732 FUL., no. 3 1 93 : Let the Drunk_
ard alone; and by and by he’ll fall of himself.
D629 A DRUNKARD’S purse is a bottle
1640 HERB., no. 143. 1659 N.R., p. 19.
D630 There are more old DRUNKARDS than old physi-
cians
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 156: It is reported (as you know well
enough) that the number of old men that are dronkerds is greater,
then the number of olde men that are Phisitions. 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 4: (old good fellowes, then old Physicians). 1659 HOW.
It. Prov.,p. 15: (There be). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 297: (old men
Drunkards, than old men Physicians). 1732 FUL., no. 4858.
Cf. P274: There are more physicians in health than drunkards.
D631 The DUCKS fare well in the Thames
1670 RAY, p. 83.
Thames.
1732 FUL., no. 1346: Ducks fare well in the
D632 To make DUCKS and drakes with one’s money
[To squander one’s money foolishly.] 1581-90 Timon V v, p. 91%
I will make duckes and drakes with this my golde. I’le scatter it
and sowe it in the streetes, Before your fingers touch a piece thereof.
1605 CHAPMAN,JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho I i 118: Why,
do nothing, be like a gentleman, be idle . . make Duckes and Drakes
with shillings. [I625] I647 FLETCHER Chances IV ii, p. 226: Play at
duck and drake with my mony. 01626 Dick Dev. I ii, p. 14: The
poorest ship-boy might on the Thames make duckes and drakes with
pieces Of eight fetchd out of Spayne. 1653 SHIRLEY Cupid and
Death, p. 349: And play’d at duck and drake with gold, like pebbles.
I665 MARVELL Character Holland 1. 3 5: W ks.,I 244: Nature, itseem’d
asham’d of her mistake, would throw their land away at duck and
drake. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 321: To play at duck and drake.
See ST., no. 643.
D633 When DUDMAN and Ramhead meet
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall II, p. 330: Amongst sundry prov-
erbs, allotting an impossible time of performance, the Cornishmen
have this one, When Ram Head and Dudman meet. I662 FULLER
W orthies Cornwall, I 21 1: *These are two Forelands, well known to
Sailers, well nigh twenty miles asunder; and the Proverbe passeth
for the periphrasis of an impossibility. I670 RAY, p. 223.
D634 Give everyone his DUE
[Rom xiii 7: Render therefore to all their dues.] 1599 H. PORTER
Two Women Ab. iv, s. E2v: Give every man his due and give him no
more. 1602 JONSON Poetaster V i 91 : For, what I know is due, I’le
giue to all. 1611 COT., s.v. Payer: Giues them their due. 1634 T.
HERBERT Some Yrs. Travel III, p. 362: If they had given every man
his due. 1641 JONSON Timber, p. 66: Let Aristotle and others have
their dues. 1654 WHITLOCK Zootomia, p. 1 84: They study not Men
for any other end, than to give every one their Due.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 1 Hen. IVI ii 59: I’ll give thee thy due,
thou hast paid all there. I599 Hen. VIII vii 3: Let my horse have

D637
his due. 1602 T. C. II ii 173: Nature craves All dues be rend’red to
their owners.
Cf. D273: Give the devil his due; M209: Let every man have his
own.
D635 He that loses his DUE gets no thanks
I640 HERB., no. 359: (not thanks). I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac.
in Via, p. 22. I659 N.R., p. 56: (not thanks). 1664 COD., p. 228:
(Who loseth). I670 RAY, p. 8: (Who loseth). 1721 KEL., p. 53:
A Man gets little Thanks for losing his own. *If a Man do not ex-
act those Perquisites that he has a Title to, People will think them
not due. 1732 FUL., no. 5709: (Who loseth).
D636 Like a DUKE? Like a duck
[1523] 1568 SKELTON How Doughty Duke Albany 1. 222: Wks., II 74:
Syr duke, nay, syr ducke . . for small lucke Ye haue in feates of
warre. 1546 HEY. II vii, S. KIV: Lyke a duke, lyke a duck! (quoth
she) thou shalt fare, except thou Wilt Spare.
To dine with DUKE HUMPHREY1
1592 G. HARVEY Four Letters III, p. 206: To seek his dinner in poules
with Duke humphrey: to licke dishes, to be a beggar. 1597 J. HALL
Satires III vii, p. 48: Trow’st thou where he din’d to day? In sooth
I saw him sit with Duke Humfray. 1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men,
s. CIV: The Haul summons this consort ofcompanions, (vpon payne
to dyne with Duke Humfrie, or kisse the Hares foote) to appeare at
the first call. 1608 Penniless Parl., p. 50: Let me dine twice a week
at Duke Humphry’s table. 1612 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. I, I iii, I
37: The Potron of Cordova is a certaine fountaine whereon stands
a Pegasus: and to that fountaine resort a number of cunny-catching
fellows, as to Duke Humfrey at Pauls. [211635] 1651 T. RANDOLPH
Heyfor Honesty IV i, p. 454: Go to Paul’s: Duke Humphrey wants
a guest. I638 NABBES Covent Garden IV iv, p. 53: Some breake
their fasts with Duke Humphrey. 1662 FULLER W orthies London,
II 57: After the death of good Duke Humphrey . . this Proverb did
alter its copy; to dine with Duke Humphrey importing to be dinner-
lesse. I670 RAY, p. 172. a1700 B.E., s.v. Dine with: Dine with
Duke Humphrey, to go without a Dinner. 1732 FUL., no. 1290:
Dine with Duke Humfrey.
SHAKESPEARE.——I597 Rich. III IV iv 174: What comfortable hour
canst thou name That ever grac’d me with thy company? ~Faith,
none but Humphrey Hour, that call’d your Grace To breakfast once,
forth of my company.
Cf. H162: To kiss the hare’s foot; P494: You must kiss the post.
[ISee Sugden, p. 158.]
D638 To be at DULCARNON
01534 [T. MORE] Mrs. Roper to Lady Alington: Wks. 1557, p. 1441:
In good fayth father qd. I, I can no ferther goe, but am (as I trowe
Cresede saith in Chaucer) comen to Dulcarnon euen at my wittes
ende. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Dulcarnon: To be at Dulcarnon, to be non-
plussed, to be at one’s wits end.
D639 DUMMY1 cannot lie
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 363: Dumbie wil not lie.
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 34: The dumb I trow, speaks truth. 1668
R.B., p. 16. I721 KEL., p. 87: Dummy will not lye. *Spoken to
convince our Servants, and others, of their ill Usage of what has
been among their Hands: as if you would say, see my Horse is lean,
my Utensils are broken, my Grain is eaten.
[Ithat which cannot speak]
1641 FERG., no. 244.
D640 To be in the DUMPS
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 174: Frauncis . . seeing Philautus
all this while to be in his dumpes, beganne thus to playe with him.
1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 22: This fellow is falne so low
into his dumps, that there is no sport in reading him. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Solitarinesse, no. 2021: He is in his dumps. 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 2: You put me to my dumps, or my wits end. 1677 D’UR-
FEY Madam Fickle I, p. 6: Still in thy Dumps! not a word to save
a Mans longing? (I3)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
DUMPLINGS
DUST
I76

D641 Norfolk DUMPLINGSl
[1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. I, s. C2: Make me your cheat, your
gull . . your Norfolk dumpling. 1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks.,
p. 13: He lookt like a Norfolke dumpling thicke and short. 1662
FULLER Worthies Norfolk, II 125: *This cannot be verefied of any
dwarfish . . stature of people in this County . . But it relates to the
fare they commonly feed on. 1670 RAY, p. 245: *Norfolk.
['See Sugden, p. 369.]
D642 Draw DUNl out of the mire
1600 ROWLANDS Letting Humor’s Blood Sat. 4, p. 65: At the draw-
ing Dun out of the myer. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho
II ii, S. D3: I see I’me borne still to draw Dun out ath mire for you.
1608 J. DAY Hum. out Breath I iii, p. 18: But I must play, and draw
them all out o’th mire. 1640 SHIRLEY St. Pat.for Ire. III i, p. 394:
Then draw Dun out o’ the mire, and throw the clog into the fire.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 100: Who’l draw Dun out of the mire?
1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III iii 109, p. 375: But Ralph himself, your
trusty Squire, Wh’ has dragg’d your Donship out 0’ th’ Mire.
SHAKESPEARE.—01595 R}. I iv 41: If thou art Dun, we’ll draw
thee from the mire. '
Cf. D643: Dun is in the mire; H677: Let the quick horse draw
the dead horse out of the mire; M989: To leave (lie) in the mire.
[‘a horse]
D643 DUNl is in the mire
[Things are at a standstill or deadlock] 1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel
1. I433: Wks., I 418: Dun is in the myre, dame, reche me my spur.
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse W'om. l. 461, p. 122: Ane and other
little ye care . . Though dun and the pack lye in the mire. 1607 BEAU-
MONT [AND FLETCHER] Woman Hater IV iii, p. 120: Dun’s i’ th’ mire,
get out again how he can. 1670 RAY, p. 202: As dull as dun in the
mire. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua IV Ixiii, III 220: We were all out
of sorts, moping, drooping . . as dull as Dun in the Mire.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 K.L. II ii 4: Where may we set our hors-
es? —-I’ th’ mire.
Cf. D642: Draw Dun out of the mire; M989: To leave (lie) in the
mire.
[1a horse]
D644 DUN is the mouse
[A play on the word “done.”] 1600 Sir Y. Oldcastle, S. E3V: Dunne
is the mowse. I603 CHE'I‘TLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient
Grissill, s. A3: Yet don is the mouse, he still. 1605 Lond. Prod., s.
E3v. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho V i, S. H2v: Serieant
Ambush, as th’ art an honest fellow, scowte in some back roome,
till the watch-word be giuen for sallying forth. —-Duns the mouse.
1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. G3v: Ifmine Host say the word,
the Mouse shall be dun. 1611 DAV. Epig., no. 97: Dvnne is the
mouse (they say). 1620 J.C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids I ii, s. B4v:
Why then ’tis done, and dun’s the Mouse, and vndone all the Cour-
tiers. 01630 PARKER Excel. New Med. 1. 42 in Roxb. Bal., I 153:
I’le say no more but dun’s the Mouse.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 Rf. I iv 39: The game was ne’er SO fair,
and I am done. —Tut! dun’s the mouse, the constable’s own word!
Cf. M1220: As dun as a mouse.
D645 The DUNDER1 do gally2 the beans
1678 RAY, p. 347: *Som. Beans shoot up fast after thunder-storms.
[1thunder 2affright]
D646 As plain as DUNSTABIE1 HIGHWAY (Plain Dun-
stable)
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2v. 01569 J. PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. I 54, s.
B3: I am plaine Dunstable. 1569-70 W. ELDERTON A Newe Wela
Daye as Playne Master Papeste as Dunstable Way 1911 in Rollins
Analyt. Index, p. 166: [Title]. 1579 GOSSON Ephemerides Ep. Ded.
[p. 3]: Wherein I iudge him the more to be esteemed, bicause he vseth
no going about the bushe, but treades Dunstable waye in all his
trauell. 1597 BRETON Miseries Mavillia in Will Wit (1599 ed.):
Wks., II 48: Alas! to use glosing speeches gives suspicion of little
good meaning. . plaine Dunstable is the high way, and yet there
are many holes in it. 1611 FLOR., s.v. A la carlona, p. 17: Plainely,

D651
Dunstable-way. 1616 DR., s.v. Plainnesse, no. 1643: Plaine Dun-
stable. [1621] I658 DEKKER, FORD, AND W. ROWLEY Witch Ed-
mon. I ii, p. 364: What must it. be, Master Frank, or Son Frank?
I am plain Dunstable. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Bedfordshire, I 116: As plain as Dunstable Road. *Ap-
plyed to things plain and simple . . Such this Road; being broad and
beaten. 1670 RAY, p. 219: As plain as Dunstable road.
[ISee Sugden, p. 160.]
D647 As dry as DUST
1581—90 Timon II V, p. 40: I am as dry as duste. 1669 W[1NSTAN-
LEY] New Help Discourse, p. 178: Who is by drinking drunk as dry
as dust. 1679 D’URFEY Squire Oldsapp I i, p. 7: My Westwhaphlia,
at Dinner, has made me as dry as dust.
D648 He that blows in the DUST fills his eyes with it
1640 HERB., no. 566. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof. II 17, p. 183:
He that blows into a heap ofdust is in danger Of putting out his own
eyes. 1664 COD., p. 199. 1670 RAY, p. 3: He that blowes in the
dust fills his eyes. 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quin. IV i, p. 63: (will
make himself blind). 1732 FUL., no. 2048: He that blows in the
Dust, fills his own Eyes.
D649 Play off your DUST
1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 22: Come: play’t off to me, I am
your last man. —George supply the cup. 1639 CL., s.v. Bibacitas,
p. 46. I670 RAY, p. 216: *Drinking phrase.
SHAKESPEARE.—1597 I Hen. IVII iv 17: They call drinking deep,
dying scarlet; and when you breathe in your watering, they cry ‘hem!’
and bid you play it OII.
D650 To cast DUST in a man’s eyes
[ERAS. Adagia, 673A: Pulverem oculis offundere.] 01527 J. RAS-
TELL Calisto and Mel., s. A6v: Se ye not this smoke In my maisters
eyes that they do cast. 1612 J. CHAMBERLAIN in Court and Times
7ames I, I 169: To countermine his underminers, and, as he termed
it, to cast dust in their eyes. 1616 DR., s.v. Bribery, no. 205: (into
a mans eyes). 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. IV, p. 70: Now I
handsomely threw dust in’s eyes, and yet kept the plot swift afoot
too. 1639 CL., s.v. Munerum corruptela, p. 219: Cast dust in their
eyes. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Occhi, p. 1 20: To cast dust in a bod-
ies eyes, viz. to make one believe any thing, to ammuse one with a
company of Him flams. a17oo B.E., s.v. Amuse: TO throw dust
in one’s Eyes.
See ST., no. 2624.
To lick (kiss) the DUST (ground)
1535 COVERDALE Bible Psalms LXXI, I 24: His enemies shal licke
the dust. I589 NASHE Ret. Pasq.: W ks., I 77: Ouerthrow the state,
and make the Emperiall crowne of her Maiestye kisse the ground.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 M. V viii 28: TO kiss the ground before
young Malcolm’s feet. 1611 W. T. V i 199: They kneel, they kiss
the earth. .
D652 What a DUST do I raise, said the fly upon the
chariot wheel
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 153: The Flye, whiche sitting uppon a
Carte that was driven on the way, Saide, hee had raysed a verie great
dust. 1625 BACON Essays, p. 260: It was prettily devised of Aesop;
the fly sat vpon the axle-tree of the chariot wheel, and said, What
a dust do I raise! I718 PRIOR Flies: Poems, p. 135: (Says t’other,
perch’d upon the Wheel) Did ever any Mortal Fly, Raise such a
Cloud of Dust, as I? 1732 FUL., no. 5476: What a Dust have I
rais’d! quoth the Fly upon the Coach.
Cf. H737: We hounds slew the hare, quoth the messan.
D653 While the DUST is on your feet sell what you
have bought
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 401 : *The meaning is that we should sell
quickly (though with light gains) that we may trade for more.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), 01' by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
DUTCHMAN
DWARF
I77


D654 As dull as a DUTCHMAN
1639 CL., p. 296. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 20: As dull as a Dutch-
man, or a pie of petitoes. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Dull, p. 104.
I681 ROB., p. 510.
D655 The DUTCHMAN drinks his buttons off, the Eng-
lish doublet and away
1637 GLAPTHORNE Ladies’ Privilege III, p. 128: (As is the common
proverb, The).
D656 The DUTCHMAN drinks pure wine in the mom-
ing, at noon wine without water, in the evening
as it comes from the butt
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 20.
D657 DUTCHMEN (Hollanders) be wise (have their
wits) in their hands
I573 SANF., f. 106. 1630 T. ADAMS Generat. Serpents: W ks., p. 890:
The wit seemes to manifest it selfe in the hands: as the Italians say
of the Dutchmen, that their wit dwelles in their fingers end. 1659
N.R., p. 105: The Dutch have there wits in their hands. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 31, p. I 19: The Hollanders have their Wit in their hands.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.

An asterisk indicates a comment in the original.
*Note 14, p. 123: That is at their fingers ends, being singular in
Manifactures.
Cf. G88: The German’s wit is in his fingers.
D658 He that eats well and drinks well should do
his DUTY well
1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. I iv, p. 13: He that eates well
does his worke well. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 23: Who eats well
and drinks well doth do his duty. I732 FUL., no. 2095.
Cf. L10: He that will not labor must not eat.
D659 A DWARF on a giant’s shoulder sees farther of
the two
1611 COT., s.v. Geant: *We, hauing the aid of our auncestors knowl-
edge, vnderstand somewhat more then they did. 1621 R. BURTON
Anat. M. Democ. to Rdr., p. 20: I say with Didacus Stella: A dwarf
standing on the shoulders of a Giant may see farther than a Giant
himself; I may . . see farther than my predecessors. I640 HERB.,
no. 50. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: He who is upon the Giants
shoulders sees more then he who carryeth him. I659 N.R., p. I 3.
See F. E. GUYER, “Dwarf on Giant’s Shoulders,” Modern Lan-
guage Notes, XLV (June, 1930), 398—402.
For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
E
EAGLE EAR
E1 The EAGLE does not catch flies 1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 226: What peremptory eagle-sighted eye Dares
[ERAS. Adagia, 761 E: Aquila non captat muscas.] 1573 G. HARVEY
Let. Bk., p. 50: Now I se Aquila non capit muscas. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 223: The Eagle often snappeth at the Fly, men
are alwayes laying baytes for women, which are the weaker vessells.
1580 BARET, A—51 I: [As in Eras.]. *A Prouerbe to be applied vn-
to those which being puffed vp thorow ambition, dispise their in-
feriours, making no accompt of them. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II,
I 200: The Egle catcheth not flies. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax,
p. 121: Egles stoope not at flyes. 1601 R. JONES Sec. Bk. Airs Ded.
in Eng. Sch. Lut. Song Wr., V: They were Eagles, if they did not
catch flyes, as they are. 1603 BRETON Dial. Full Pith: Wks., II
8: An Eagle will catch at no flies. 1606 Wily Beguiled xii, p. 43:
The loftie Egle wil not catch at flies. 1613 J. STEPHENS Cynthia’s
Rev. I iii, s. C1v: May loues owne Eagle stoope at stinking flyes?
1630 T. ADAMS Politic Hunting: Wks., p. 116: The Eagles hunt no
Flyes, so long as there be Foules in the Ayre. 01640 W.S. Coun-
trym. Commonw., p. 47: Eagles stoope not to flyes. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 18, p. 12: An Eagle aims not at flies. 1721 KEL., p. 100:
Eagles catches no Flies.
SHAKESPEARE."-"1592 T. And. IV iV 82: Is the sun dimm’d that
gnats do fly in it? The eagle suffers little birds to sing.
See DiiR. I, no. 13. Cf. G376: A goshawk beats not at a bunting.
(11)
E2 An EAGLE does not hatch a dove
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 15: Remembring the saying [in choosing
a wife], that the Eagle breedeth not the Pigeon. I583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. G2v: Tigres are not borne of lambes, nor doues of rauens.
1597 BRETON Wits’ Trenchmour: Wks., II 12: An Eagle neuer hatcht
an Owle, nor ofa Lyon came a Monkie. [1613] 1647 FLETCHER ET
AL. Hon. Man’s Fort. III, p. 237: Doves beget Doves; and Eagles,
Eagles, Madam: A Citizen . . seldome at the best proves a Gentle-
man. 1617 T. ADAMS Soldier’s Honor: Wks., p. 1084: Among birds
you Shall neuer see a Pigeon hatch’d in an Eagles neast. 1631 DEK-
KER Match Me in Lond. III, p. 185: Thou shalt know An Eagles nest,
disdaines to hatch a Crow. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 12: A dove is
not hatch’d from an Eagle. 1694 DRYDEN Love Triumph. III i, p.
426: He proved his blood upon me, when we fought; Fierce eagles
never procreate fearful doves.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. II iii 149: ’Tis true—the raven doth
not hatch a lark.
See OTTO, no. 144.
E3 Only the EAGLE can gaze at the sun
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 231: No birde can looke againe the
Sunne, but those that bee bredde of the Eagle. 1584 LYLY Sapho
and Phao II iV 3: Vnhappy, canst thou not be content to beholde
the sunne, but thou muste couet to build thy nest in the Sunne?
1588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 279: No Fowle [must] gaze against the
Sunne but the Eagle. 1589 LODGE Scilla’s Metam., p. 13: The
climing mountaine . . Hath harbored . . Whole airies of Eagles prest
to flie That gazing on the Sonne their birth right vaunts. 1590
LODGE Rosalynde, p. 61: The Eagle a true born bird . . is knowen by
beholding the Sunne. 1590 SPENSER FQ. I x 47: As Eagles eye,
that can behold the Sunne. 1594 R. WILSON Cobbler’s Proph., s.
DI: Euen as the Eagle soares against the sunne, And spite of
Phoebus shine, pries in his face. 1622 DEKKER AND MASSINGER
Virgin Martyr I, p. 16: Rather a bright Sun Too glorious for him to
gaze vpon That took not first flight from the Eagles aeiry. 1632 T.
RANDOLPH Yea]. Lovers II vii, p. 101: I am turn’d eagle now, and
have an eye Dares boldly gaze on that adulterate sun.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI II i 91: Nay, if thou be that
princely eagle’s bird, Show thy descent by gazing ’gainst the sun.

look upon the heaven of her brow? I613 T.N.K. II ii 34: And like
young eagles teach ’em Boldly to gaze against bright arms.
E4 You cannot fly like an EAGLE with the wings of a
wren
1607 WALKINGTON Optic Glass To Rdr. [f. vi]: I haue soared also
aboue my pitch, attempting an Eagles flight with the wings of a
Wren.
See APP., p. 173.
E5 An EAGLE’S old age
[ERAS. Adagia, 355C: Aquilae senecta.] 1548 COOPER, s.v. Aquila:
Aquilae senectus, A prouerbe, spoken of an olde man, which drink-
eth more than he eateth. 1549-62 STERNHOLD AND HOPKINS Ps. in
Eng. Meter C 1607, p. 66: Like as the Eagle casteth her bill, where-
by her age reneweth. 01594 BACON, no. 752: [As in Eras.]. 1612
JONSON Alch. II i 55: Restore his yeeres, renew him, like an eagle.
I672 WALK. 63, p. 31: A fresh hearty old man. Aquilae senectus.
E6 To have an EAGLE’S eye
01605 Life and Death Ratsey, s. A4: For as hee had an Eagles eye to
espie aduauntage, so had he a Lions heart to effect his purpose. 1609
W. BARLow Eagle and Body, s. E4: So Faith, being Eagle eyed, can
. see the maiestie of God.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 RY. III v 221: An eagle, madam, Hath
not so green, so quick, so fair an eye. 1596 Rich. II III iii 68: Be-
hold, his eye, As bright as is the eagle’s.
E7 EAGLES fly alone
1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I I ix, I 56: Eagles we see fly alone, and they
are but Sheepe, which alwaies heard together. 1597 [BODENHAM]
Wit’s Commonw., f. 154V: Eagles flye alone, and they are but Sheepe
that alwayes flocke together. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch.
Malfi V ii 31: Eagles commonly fly alone: They are Crowes, Dawes,
and Sterlings that flocke together. 1639 CL., s.v. Solitudo, p. 291.
Cf. S314: They are but sheep that flock together.
E8 EAR=ear of corn
E8 Full EARS of corn hang lowest
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Spiche, p. 200: To prove to be like Ears
of Corn, viz. the fuller they are, the more they stoop, and humble
themselves. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Bel-
gica, II 28. I751 FRANKLIN, p. 27: Youth is pert and positive, Age
modest and doubting: So Ears of Corn when young and light, stand
bold upright, but hang their Heads when weighty, full, and ripe.
E9 EAR =handle, lug
IE9 Everything has an EAR and a pitcher has two
1639 CL., s.v. Opportunitas, p. 237.
Cf. E21 : To carry one by the ears like a pot (pitcher); T193: Most
things have two handles.
EIo—E26 EAR=the human ear
E10 He bites the EAR yet seems to cry for fear
01640 SMYTH 72, p. 32: *Meaning, hee doth the wronge yet first com-
plaines.
Cf. W319: Call her whore first.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
178
EAR
EARS
I79

fit
E11 He cannot hear on that EAR (side)
1533 UDALL Flowers Terence, f. 128: Surdo narrare fabulam, to tel a
tale to a deife body, is a prouerbe to be sayd of them that labour in
vayne. And it is the same that we vse to speke prouerbially, whan
we here a thyng that lyketh vs not, saying thus. I can not here in
that Side. 1546 HEY. II ix, s. K3v: Than were ye deafe ye coulde
not here on that syde. 1559 7ack Cadein Mirror for Magistrates III,
Pt. I, II 160: Being deafe (as men say) on that eare. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 652: He hears not on that ear. 1598 BERNARD Heauton. II
i,p. 1 88: But in faith full little wotes he how lightly I regard his talke.
How little I heare on that side, or how deafe I am. 1598 CHAMBERLAIN Letters 4, p. 12: I feare we are deafe on that side.
[01602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King III, p. 44: If he have a suite,
it strikes them deafe, They cannot heare of that Side. 1607 T. HEY-
WOOD Fair Maid Exch., p. 22: I thought you would not heare on that
Side. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 133: I heare not on that Side. 1640 JON-
' SON Magn. Lady I iii 29: Hee will not heare of it. —Not of that
1659 N.R., p. 43: He hears
eare. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 5.
with one ear that is deaf with the other. 1670 RAY, p. 180. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 375: He loves not to hear on that care. 1672
WALK. 36, p. 52. I681 R0B., p. 713. 1721 KEL., p. 150: He
is deaf on that side of his Head. *Spoken of those who like not, and
therefore take no Notice of, your Proposals.
Cf. E13: To turn (give) a deaf ear; H295: Who so deaf as he that
will not hear? T51: You tell a tale to a deaf man.
E12 In at one EAR and out at the other
01500 Life Rob. Devil 1. 249 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 229: (In at the
one ear). 1546 HEY. II ix, 8. K4v: Thaduise of all frends. .Went
in at the tone care, and out at the tother. I552 LATIMER Serm.
and Rem. 34, p 87: (It goeth in). 1562 HEY. Epig. 89, p. 140: (In
at the tone eare). I591 STEP., p. 154: (at another). a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 838: (It goes in at the on ear). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 285:
(It went in at the one eare). I6I6 WITHALS, p. 583: (at another).
1639 CL.,s.v. Oblivio, p. 230: (at another). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 5: (In at the tone ear). I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mercadante,
p. 103: (Not to mind much what anybody says, in at). 1668 R.B.,
p.32: (It goes in at). 1670 RAY, p. 173. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. To Forget, p. I 3 5: (at another). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Ear. I721
KEL., p. 221: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p.
466: All they can say goes in at one ear and out at t’other for me.
See DiiR., II, no. 205.
E13 To turn (give) a deaf EAR
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus I iii 47: He wotteth ful lyttel howe deffe
an care I intende to gyue hym. 1548 E. HALL Rich. III: Chron.,
f. 24: She began . . to relent and to geue to them no deffe ere. I570
WALSINGHAM (to Cecil, Dec. 23) in Digges Compl. Ambass., p. 17:
The King giveth a deafeare to a long negotiation. I576 GASCOIGNE
Diet Drunkards: W ks., II 461 : Who . . crying dayly against this hor-
rible and beastly custome, have the deafe eare turned unto their
spirituall admonitions. 1600 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy
XXXIII, p. 850: Scipio Africanus for a long time gave the deafe
eare unto them. 1623 WOD., p. 495: Hee playes the deafe Eare.
*So said of him that heares clearely, and yet will not heare. I665
PATRICK Parable Pilgrim XVIII, p. 176: Turn a deaf ear to him,
and do not go along with him.
Cf. E11: He cannot hear on that ear (side).
E14 When your EAR tingles (burns) people are talking
about you
1546 HEY. II i, s. F3: That daie hir eares might well glow. For all
the towne talkt of hir, hye and low. 01563 jack Yuggler, s. B2v: I
promise you I do curstlie feare For I feel a vengeable burning in my
left ere. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 64: Iffyda whose right
eare beganne to gloe. 1602 MIDDLETON BlurtI i 60: If all the wit
in this company have nothing to set itself about but to run division
upon me, why then e’en burn off mine ears indeed. 1607 Puritan
I, S. B4v: I warrant my Kinsman’s talking of me, for my left eare
burnes most tyrannically. 1639 CL., s.v. Probrum, p. 259: His eares
may burne. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 44, p. 134: Now people are
ta[l]king of thee, as the English use to say when their ears glow, or
tingle. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Orecchie, p. 123: To find his ears


to tingle, viz. mischief to be spoken of him somewhere. 1686-7
AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and 7udaism, p. I 10: When our cheek burn~
eth, or eare tingleth, we usually say that some body is talking of us.
1721 KEL., p. 394: Your Lugs might have youk’d [itched, glowed].
*That is, we were discoursing much about you, as if the glowing of
Peoples Ears did signify so much. -
SHAKESPEARE.~I598-9 M.A. III i 107: What fire is in mine ears?
Can this be true?
See ST., no. 1709.
E15 He dares not for his EARS
I608 TOPSELL Hist. Serpents, p. 67: The younger not daring for their
eares to breake into their father Lands. I678 RAY, p. 240.
E16 He may go shake his EARS
[01560] I581 WOODES Confl. Cons. II iii, s. C2v: For nether of you
both, a pin doo I care: Goe shake your eares both. 1573 G. HARVEY
Let. Bk., p. 42: And as for gentle M. Gawber, his Mastership may
go shake his eares elswhere, and appoint his diet at sum other table.
1611 COT., s.v. Bout: Il est au bout de sa corde. He can doe no
more, he can goe no further; he may put vp his pipes, goe shake his
eares. 1616 DR., s.v. Contempt, no. 330. 1620 HOWELL Let. I
i 21,1 55: They shut their Gates against him, and made him go shake
his Ears, and to shift for his Lodgings. 1634 M. PARKER Take
Time in Roxb. Bal., II 555: And Tom may go shake his long eares
like an asse. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus et vilitatis, p.~7I: Goe
shake your cares. Ibid., p. 312.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 7C. IV i 24: Having brought our treasure
where we will, Then take we down his load, and turn him off (Like
to the empty ass) to shake his ears. 1601 T.N. II iii 134: Go shake
your ears!
Cf. A355: An ass is known by his ears; P345: To put up one’s pipes.
E17 It is better to play with the EARS than the tongue
I596 DEL., s. N5v: It is often better to play with our eares, then
with our toung. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 217: (It is better play).
1616 DR., s.v. Quietnesse, no. 1794: (then with the tongue).
Cf. E26: Wide ears and a short tongue.
E18 Lend me your EARS awhile
1604 DEKKER I Hon. Whore, p. 9: Then lend me your cares. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Hear, Hearken, p. 159.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 :7. C. III ii 79: Lend me your ears; I come to
bury Caesar, not to praise him.
E19 My EARS are my own
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zuffoli, p. 242: To dispose of ones own as
one lists; the English say, My ears are my own.
Cf. 099: May we not do with our own what we list?
E20 To be all EARS
1634 MILTON Comus (1645 ed.) 1. 559: Wks., Pt. I, I 106: Iwas
all ear. 1658 Upon Dr. Hewittin Cent. Broadside Eleg., p. 77: That
Church which was all Ears. I667 MILTON Par. Lost IV 410, p. 121:
Turnd him all eare.
E21 To carry one by the EARS like a pot (pitcher)
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. N3v: Greate men of the world are like
great pottes (quoth Diogines) which be they neuer so great, you
may carrie them about by the eares. I605 JONSON Sejanus I 416,
p. 369: He permits himselfe Be carried like a pitcher, by the cares.
1611 CHAPMAN May Day III i 187: An arrant rook, by this light, a
capable cheating-stock! A man may carry him up and down by the
ears like a pipkin.
Cf. E9: Everything has an ear and a pitcher has two.
E22 To hang one’s EARS
1670 RAY, p. 179. 1672 WALK. 38, p. 37: (his ears).
See ST., no. 1707.
E23 To set (fall) together by the EARS
I546 HEY. II i, s. F4: Together by the eares they come. 1553 T.
WILSON Rhet., p. 37: When is the law profitable? Assuredly . . es-

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
EARS
EASE
180
pecially in this age, where all men goe together by the cares, for this
matter, and that matter. 01576 Common Cond. l. 895, 5. D2: Set
them by the cares. 1598 Archpriest Contro., I 80: Or set them and
other reverend preists together by the eares. 1616 DR., s.v. Con-
tention, no. 347: Hee hath set them together by the eares. 1639
CL., s.v. Discordia, p. 94: [AS in 1616 Dr.]. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Rabbia, p. 163: To set rage among the dogs, viz. to sow discord
in the neighbour-hood, or any where to set people togeather by the
cars. 1670 RAY, p. 173: To fall together by the ears. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., p. 94: He set them together by the ears. 1682 Fac-
tious Citizen IV, p. 66: They are going together by the Ears about
Logic and Reason.
SHAKESPEARE.—1602 A.W. I ii I: The Florentines and Senoys are
by th’ ears. 1608 C. I i 237: Were half to halfthe world by th’ ears,
and he Upon my party, I’d revolt, to make Only my wars with him.
See ST., no. 757. Cf. F250: Cut not the fire with a sword. (22)
E24 To sleep securely on both EARS (on either ear)
[ERAS. Adagio, 307B: In utramvis dormire aurem, est animo ocioso,
securo, vacuoque esse] 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus I i, p. 25: I lyke
one that sleapeth on bothe his eares .i. than had I nothynge to
breake my slepe with. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, S.
CI : At night secure dormiunt in vtranque aurem. 1602 Poet. Rhap.
II, I 51 : Thy store will let thee sleepe on either eare. 1616 JONSON
Oberon l. 161 : Masques at Court, p. 347: For they sleepe in either eare.
[1633] 1655 MASSINGER Guardian II ii, p. 211: Sleep you Secure on
either ear; the burthen’s your’s To entertain him, mine to bring him
hither. 1672 BRAMHALL Vindication III: Wks., III 518: Let him
set his heart at rest; I will remove this scruple out ofhis mind, that
he may sleep securely upon both ears.
See OTTO, no. 211.
E25 Who has EARS let him hear
[Rev. ii 7: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith.]
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 167: And yet hauing cares to
heare, She may as well giue an answer with a signe, as a sentence.
1615 T. ADAMS Wolf Worrying Lambs: Wks., p. 380: Let him that
hath ears to hear, hear. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 63: Who hath
ears let him hear, and who hath money, may spend it.
E26 Wide EARS and a Short tongue
1616 DR., s.v. Silence, no. 1979. 1639 CL., s.v. Taciturnitas, p.
302. 1664 COD., p. 224. 1670 RAY, p. 8. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Ear:
(short Tongue is best).
Cf. E17: It is better to play with the ears than the tongue.
E27 EARLY up and never the nearer
1546 HEY. I ii, s. A3: And than theyr tymely weddyng doth clere
appere, That they were early vp, and neuer the nere. 01594 BACON,
no. 1208: (Up early and). 1594 GREENE Friar Bacon, S. D1: Your
early vp, pray God it be the neere. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 304: (nere
the neere). 1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s Sickn.: Wks., p. 475: He is early vp
and neuer the neere; saluting Christ in the morning, but none of
those that stayed with him. 1616 BRET., p. 5: (ne’re the neere).
1616 DR., no. 2061. 1618 N. FIELD Amendsfor Ladies IV i, p. 146:
I have been early up, But, as God help me, I was never the near.
[1625] 1661 WEBSTER Curefor Cuckold II iv 48: If he be The earlier
up, he shall arrive at the proverb. 1639 CL., p. 154. 1640 JONSON
Tale Tub Epil., p. 92: Wherein the Poets fortune is, I feare, Still to
be early up, but nere the neare. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 4: Some
are early up yet nere the neer. Ibid., p. I I : As good without as nev-
er the nere. 1670 RAY, p. 84. 1732 FUL., no. 1351.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 Rich. II Vi 88: Better far OfI than near be
ne’er the near.
Cf. D104: Though you rise early yet the day comes at his time and
not till then; H786: What better is the house that the claw rises in
the morning?
E28 EARTH is the best shelter, truth the best buckler
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 38.
E29 The EARTH makes not the gold the worse
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. lVit, p. 202: The fine goulde is founde in the
filthy earth. Ibid., p. 261 : NO more then if they woulde neglect the

golde bycause it lyeth in the durtye earthe. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F.
XII, p. 181. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 285: The earth doth not
abase the gold.
E30 EARTH must go to earth (Dust to dust)
[Gen. iii 19: For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Eccl. xii 7: Then Shall the dust return to the earth as it was.] 01485
Early Eng. Misc. 5, p. 40: HOW erth schal to erthe he thinkes noth-
inge. 1549 Bk. Com. Prayer Burial Service: Earth to earth, ashes
to ashes, dust to dust. 1593 PEELE Edw. I xxiv, s. K3: An old saide
saw Earth must go to earth. 1667 MILTON Par. Lost Bk. X, l. 208,
p. 312: Dust thou art, and shalt to dust returne. Ibid., 1. 770, p.
332: Dust I am, and shall to dust returne.
See HILDA M. R. MURRAY (ed.), The Middle English Poem, Erthe
upon Erthe, E.E.T.S., 0.5. 141 (1911), xxxv—xxxviii. Cf. E31 : The
earth produces all things and receives all again.
The EARTH produces all things and receives all
again
1718 PRIOR Solomon III, p. 321 : From Earth all came, to Earth must
all return. 1732 FUL., no. 4493.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. II iii 9: The earth that’s nature’s
mother is her tomb.
Cf. E30: Earth must go to earth (Dust to dust).
E32 The EARTH that yields food yields also poison
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 52: The earth which yieldeth food to sus-
tain our bodies, yieldeth poison also to destroy our bodies. 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 247: The earth bringeth forth as well
Endyue to delyght the people, as Hemlocke to endaunger the pa-
tient, as well the Rose to distill as the Nettle to Sting. 1645 HOWELL Let. I vi 57, I 368: The Earth doth not always produce
Roses and Lillies, but she brings forth also Nettles and Thistles.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 RY. II iii 1 ff.: [The friar philosophizes on
the general theme].
See T. 178, p. 132.
E33 Like EARTH like pitcher
1611 COT., s.v. Cruche: Telle terre telle cruche: Such stuffe, such
work; such wit, such words. 1623 WOD., p. 516: Such Earth such
Pitcher. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6.
E34 Of the EARTH must the dike be bigged1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. II 11. 1668 R.B., p. 41. 1721 KEL., p. 235:
Let the Earth big the Dike. *Let the Expence that attends a
Thing, be taken out of the Profit that it yields.
[1built]
E31
E35-E42 EASE: subst.
E35 EASE is the sauce of labor
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 278. 1616 WITHALS, p. 542: Ease
is the best sauce for labour. 1639 CL., s.v. Recreatio, p. 271: Rec-
reation is sauce to labour.
E36 He is at EASE who has enough
01460 Wisdom l. 70, p. 54: Farewell, consyens! I know not yow; I
am at eas, hade I inow. 1493 [H. PARKER] Dives and Pauper, f. Iv:
It is an olde prouerbe: He is wel at ease that hath inough.
Cf. A395: He is well eased that has aught Of his own when others
go to meat; E163: He is wise (no fool) that knows when he has
enough (is well enough).
E37 He that is angry is not at EASE
1611 COT., s.v. Courrouce: Hee’s not at ease thats in a chafe. 1616
DR., s.v. Anger, no. 86. 1659 N.R., p. 46. 1664 COD., p. 197: (is
seldome at ease). I670 RAY, p. 1: (is seldome at ease). 1721 KEL.,
p. 165: (is Sindle [seldom] at ease). *His impatient Temper keeps
him always on the fret.
E38 He that is at EASE seeks dainties
1640 HERB., no. 978. I659 N.R., p. 59.
E39 If you would be at EASE all the world is not
1640 HERB., no. 1012.
185.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
EASE
EBONY
181


E40 Think of EASE but work on
1640 HERB., no. I74. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. I 82.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1659 N.R., p. 109. 1664 COD., p. 214.
I669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 192. 1670 RAY, p. 8.
I705 Pleas. drt, p. I 50.
E41 T o complain of EASE
I678 RAY, p. 236.
E42 You take your EASE in your inn
1546 HEY. I v, s. B2: Resty welth wylth me this wydow to wyn, To
let the worlde wag, and take myne ease in myne yn. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 26, p. 132. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 298: Some take ease in their
inne. 1616 DR., s.v. Olde age, no. 1542: An old man taketh rest in
his inne. I620 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY World Tossed at Tennis
1. 740, p. 185: These great rich men must take their ease i’ their inn.
I631 JONSON New Inn I iii 131: And ifI haue got A seat, to sit at
ease here, i’ mine Inne. 1639 CL., s.v. Somnolentia, p. 292.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV III iii 92: Shall I not take mine
ease in mine inn but I shall have my pocket pick’d?
E43 EASE: verb
E43 He that never EASEs himself faints
1616 DR., s.v. Recreation, no. 1828.
Cf. W842: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
E44 EAST and west (Extremes) become the same
1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II i 271, p. 136: Th’ Extream, of Glory, and
of Shame, Like East and West become the same.
See SM., p. 552.
E45 The longer EAST the shorter west
I546 HEY. I xiii, s. F2. 1611 GRUT., no. 264. 1614 CAM., p. 313.
1639 CL., s.v. Alibi diminutum, p. 17. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
I670 RAY, p. 84. I732 FUL., no. 6108: The longer East, The longer
West.
Cf. F592: The longer forenoon the shorter afternoon.
E46 At EASTER the Wind is at Chester
1611 CORYATE Crudities, I 93: Prov. At Easter the winde is at Ches-
ter.
E47 EASTER (Christmas) so wished for long, passes
away in one day
1611 COT., s.v. Desiré: Pasques long temps desirées sont en vn iour
tost passées: So that which was expected long is enioyed but little.
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 193: Easter so long long’d
for is gone in a day. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 13. 1664 COD., p. 189:
Christmas though long desired passeth away in one day.
Cf. C373: They talk of Christmas so long that it comes.
E48 When EASTER DAY sits in Lady Day’s1 lap England
must beware of a clap
1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s: Sic/en. Wks., p. 472: He dreams . . of a pop-
ish curse. And Our Lord lights in our Ladies lappe, and therefore
England must haue a clappe. I627 CROSFIELD Diary Mar. 25, p.
11: Our Saviour lies in our Ladyes lapp. 1648 LILLY Eng. Predict.
25 in Cav. and Pur., p. 216: (lap, The Proverbe bids England be-
ware of a clap). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16: When Christ falleth
in our Ladies lapp, Then lett England look for a clapp. I662 FUL-
LER Worthies Berkshire, I 79: When our Lady falls in our Lord’s lap
Then let England beware a sad clap ([or] mishap.) alias, Then let the
Clergy-man look to his cap . . It . . would intimate . . as ifthe blessed
Virgin . . watcheth an opportunity of revenge . . And when her day
(being the five and twentieth of March . . ) chanceth to fall on the
day of Christ’s Resurrection, then . . some signal judgment is in-
tended to our State, and Church-men especially.
[1Mar. 25]
E49 EAT and welcome, fast and heartily welcome
I678 RAY, p. 84. I721 KEL., p. 98: (fast and twice as welcome).
*A jocose Invitation to our known Friend to eat. 1732 FUL., no.
I355-

E50 EAT to live, not live to eat
c1577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 40: Thou lyuest not to
eate, butte eate as thou mayest lyue. I583 STUEBES .dnat. lihuses
I, p. 103: For as the Olde Adage saith, Non viuendum vt edamus,
sed edendum vt viuamus: Wee must not liue to eat, but wee must
eat to liue. I588 GREENE Perimedes, p. 21 : How happie are we that
eate to liue and line not to eat. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. A1. II 11 i 2,
p. 400: Eat and live, as the proverb is. [a166o] I693 URQUHART
Gargantua III xv, II 86: They eat not to live, but live to eat. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 314: It’s necessary to eat and drink to live, but
not to live for to eat and drink. 1672 T. SHADWELL Miser III, p.
57: People should eat to live, not live to eat; as the Proverb says.
1733 FRANKLIN, p. 5: (and not).
See OTTO, no. 588. Cf. P403: We should play to live, not live to
play.
E51 You EAT and eat but you do not drink to fill you
1670 RAY, p. 33: *Much drinking takes Ofl the edge of the Appetite.
E52 He that EATS while1 he brusts2 (lasts) will be the
worse while he die
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 551. I641 FERG., no. 318: (last).
p. 22: (lasts). 1721 KEL., p. 146: (the worse while he lives).
jocose Return to them that urge us to eat.
[ltill 2bursts]
E53 Great EATERS (Gluttons) dig their graves with
their teeth -
1630 T. ADAMS Politic Hunting: Wks., p. 108: They haue anteacted
their death, and buried themselues aliue: as the French prouerbe
sayes, They haue digged their graue with their Teeth 1655 FUL-
LER Church Hist. IV iii, I 524: King Edward . . by intemperance in
his diet, in some sort, digged his grave With his own teeth. 1659
HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 13: The Gluttons dig their own graves with their
teeth. 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 2: The Glutton diggeth his
grave with his teeth. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 30, p. 162: (It is said
of great eaters, that they dig). I721 KEL.,p. 52: Eng. A Man may
dig his Grave with his Teeth. 1732 FUL., no. 5896: You dig your
Grave with your Teeth.
See ST., no. 725.
I668 R.B.,
*A
E54 EATING and drinking take away one’s stomach
I611 COT., s.v. Mangeant: (will take away any mans Stomacke).
I670 RAY, p. 84: (takes away). 1721 KEL., p. 98: (takes away a
Man’s Stomach). *A Jest, but contrary to another. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. II, p. 434: This eating and drinking takes away a body’s
stomach.
Cf. A286: Appetite comes with eating.
E55 Often and little EATING makes a man fat
I657 LEIGH, p. 257. I659 N.R., p. 84. I670 RAY, p. 38.
E56 He that is at a low EBB at Newgate1 may soon be
afloat at Tybum
1562 HEY. Epig. 56, p. 135: Thou art at an ebbe in Newgate, thou
hast wrong. But thou shalt be a flote at Tyburne ere long. I662
FULLER Worthies Middlesex, II 36: *I allow not this satyricall Prov-
erb, as it makes mirth on men in misery. I670 RAY, p. 238.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IVI ii 41: Now in as low an ebb as
the foot of the ladder, and by-and-by in as high a flow as the ridge
Of the gallows.
Cf. A54: To be afloat; F378: After a flood (ebb) there comes an
ebb (flood); F3 80: There is not so great a flood but there is as low an
ebb; F381: High floods (LOW ebbs) have low ebbs (high floods);
T284: The tide will fetch away what the ebb brings.
PSee Sugden, p. 363.]
E56a As black as EBONY
I607 NORDEN Surv. Dial., p. 192: I saw pales made of an Oke . .
blacke as Ibony.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 247: Thy love is black as
ebony! I601 T.N. IV ii 41 : The clerestories towardlthe south north
are as lustrous [ironical for black] as ebony.
Cf. 149: As black as jet.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
EDGE
EGG
182
E57 He is upon the EDGE of his grave
1623 WOD., p. 497. 1657 LEIGH, p. 264: To be upon the brink of
the pit. Alterum pedem in cymba charonti habere.
Cf. F569: To have one foot in Charon’s boat; M346: An old man
has one foot in the grave.
E58 Good EDUCATION is (The best bred have) the best
portion
1639 CL., p. 103. I640 HERB., no. 946: (The best bred have).
1659 N.R., p. 94: The best bred have the best Portions.
Cf. V76: Virtue and a trade are the best portion for children.
E59 AS nimble as an EEL in a sandbag
1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels II V 23: They are all (as a youth
would say) no better then a few trowts cast a-shore, or a dish of eeles
in a sand-bagge. [1604—17] 1647 FLETCHER Woman’s Prize IV i, p.
58: She is as nimble that way as an Ee[le]. 1611 DEKKER AND
MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, s. H3v: Wriggle in and out, like an eele in
a sandbag. 1670 RAY, p. 206: As nimble as an eel. 1675 [DRYDEN]
Mistaken Husb. I iii, p. 590: AS nimble as an Eele rigglingin the mud.
1732 FUL., no. 719.
Cf. E60: As slippery as an eel.
E60 As slippery as an EEL
1534 HEYWOOD Play Love, s. E2: And coryd [curried] tyll he be
slyke as an ele. a1547 SURREY Frailty Beauty 1. 1: Poems, p. 47.
Brittle beautie . . slipper in sliding as is an eles taile. I562 HEY.
Epig. 285, p. 170: Take tyme when tyme cumth, asay to be bolde
of it, But slyper as an eeles tayle is the holde of it. [01588] I604
MARLOWE Faustus IV va 21: My horse . . has a buttock as Slick as
an eel. 1601 P. HOLLAND Hist. World IX xx, p. 247D: All that be
long and slipperie, as yeeles and Congres. 1622 ROWLANDS Good
News and Bad, p. 8: Fie vpon giddie Fortune, and her wheele, Vn-
constant, and as slipperie as an Eele. 1633 MARMION Fine Com-
panion V ii, p. 185: He is as slippery as an eel, in love. 1639 CL.,
p. 286. I678 RAY, p. 289. 1690 T. SHADWELL Amor. Bigot I, p.
27: Slippery as an Eele.
See ST., no. 5. Cf. E59: AS nimble as an eel in a sandbag; E61:
He holds a wet eel by the tail; H508: As much hold of his word as
of a wet eel by the tail; W640: Who has a woman has an eel by the
tail.
E61 He holds a wet EEL by the tail
[ERAS. Adagio, 179F: Cauda tenes anguillam.] 1576 R. EDWARDS
Par. Dainty Dev., p. [70], l. 12: Thus while I helde the Ele by the
taile, I had some hope, yet neuer wanted feare. 1593 Pass. Mor-
rice in Tell-Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 88: Is it not folly to
striue to keepe a wet Eele by the taile? a1598 FERG. MS, no. 689:
He that a grip of him hes halds a Slidderie eill be the taill. 1616
DR., s.v. Vncertainty, no. 2258. 1616 WITHALS, p. 554: (You haue
an Eele). 1641 FERG., no. 536: (I have a sliddrie eill). 1668 R.B.,
p.32: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1672 WALK. 17, p. 50: (You have a wet).
1721 KEL., p. 141: He has a sliddery Gripe that has an Eel by the
Tail. *Spoken to them who have to do with cunning Fellows, whom
you can hardly bind sure enough.
Cf. E60: As slippery as an eel; H508: As much hold of his word as
of a wet eel by the tail; W640: Who has a woman has an eel by the
tail.
E62 Hold fast an EEL with a fig leaf
[ERAS. Adagia, I80A: Folio ficulno tenes anguillam.] 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 146: Eeles . . stayed with a bitter Figge leafe.
1639 CL., s.v. Indeprehensos, p. 161: [As in Eras.]. 1732 FUL., no.
2519.
E63 You cannot hide an EEL in a sack
I640 HERB.,no. 758. 1659N.R.,p.127. I664 COD.,p. 231.
RAY, p. 8. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Eel. I732 FUL., no. 5875.
1670
E64 The EFFECT speaks, the tongue needs not
1546 HEY. II V, s. H4V: But it is as folke dooe, and not as folke say.
1640 HERB., no. 705. 1659 N.R., p. 94. 1664 COD., p. 221.
Cf. D394: Do as I say, not as I do.

E65 As an EGG without salt
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: An egg without salt doth neither good nor
hurt. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cappari, p. 29: To be as savoury
as Capers without salt; the English say, as an egge without salt.
E66 AS like as one EGG is to another
[ERAS. Adagia, 186A: Non tam ovum ovo simile.] 1542 BECON Po-
tation/or Lent: Early Wks., p. 90: Our houses . . are SO like one to
another, that ye can less discern an egg from an egg . . as they say.
1559 COOPER, s.v. Ouum: Ouum ouo simile, one egge like an other,
applied vnto theim, whiche be of lyke condicions or person. I620
SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxvii, III 210: As like one as one egge
is to another. 1638 CHILLINGWORTH Charity Maintained II, I 275:
They are as like your own, as an egg to an egg. 1654 GAYTON Pleas.
Notes Don Quix. I Vii, p. 23: Not eggs to eggs are liker. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. III, p. 460. '
SHAKESPEARE.——IOII W. T. I ii 1 29: We are Almost as like as eggs.
E67 Better is an EGG in peace than an 011 in war
01594 BACON, no. 1556: Mieux vaut en paix un oeufqu’en guerre un
boeuf. I611 COT., s.v. (Euf. I623 WOD., p. 503: Better an Eg in
Peace, then a Beeve in Warre. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 8: An egg
in peace is better then a beef in war. 1659 N.R., p. 23.
Cf. L350: It is better to enjoy a little with quietness than to pos-
sess much with trouble.
E68 An EGG and to bed
1639 CL., s.v. Fames, p. 1 13. 1732 FUL., no. 594.
I670 RAY, p. 36.
E69 An EGG is worth an 011 to the poor
1611 COT., s.v. Boeuf: An egge is as deere to a poore man, as an Oxe
to a rich; or, a poore man is as well content with an egge as with an
Oxe. I623 WOD., p. 508. 1732 FUL., no. 234: A Lamb is as dear
to a poor Man, as an Ox to the rich.
E70 An EGG today is better than a hen tomorrow
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. I: (’Tis better to have an egg to day then).
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. I: An Egge is better to day, then a Pullet
to morrow. Ibid., p. 5. 1664 COD.,p. 184: [As in 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 1]. Ibid., p. 187: (Better an Egge to day than). 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 1 13: It is better to have an egge today than to-
morrow a hen. 1732 FUL., no. 2916: It is better to have a Hen to
Morrow, than an Egg to Day. 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 8.
Cf. B363: A bird in the hand is better than (is worth) two in the
bush (ten in the wood).
An EGG will be in three bellies in twenty-four
hours
1678 RAY, p. 131. 1732 FUL., no. 1361: Eggs will be in three Bel-
lies in four and twenty Hours.
E72 Give him the other half EGG and burst him
I678 RAY, p. 241.
E71
E73 He that will steal an EGG will steal an ox
I596 DEL., 3. P1 v: (He that stealeth away an egg). 1639 CL., s.v.
Illecebra mali, p. 148. 1651 HERB., p. 369: (He that steals). 1659
HOW. Br. Prov., p. I : Who so stealeth an egge, Will steal a hen. Ibid.,
p. 4: He that Steals an egg will steal a nagg. 1659 N.R., p. 60: [As
in 1651 Herb.]. 1670 RAY, p. 145. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To Steal.
Cf. F226: Finger in dish finger in pouch; P332: He that will steal
a pin will steal a better thing (will be hanged for a pound).
E74 He will dress an ECG and give the offal to the poor
1678 RAY, p. 90: *A covetous person.
Cf. D619: He will not lose the droppings of his nose.
E75 I will warrant you for an EGG at Easter
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 210, p. 323:
The English Tradition was, Hai for an Egg at Easter. 1670 RAY,
p. 214. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 468: I suppose her ladyship
plays sometimes for an egg at Easter.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
EGG 1 8 3 EGGS


E76 It is very hard to shave an EGG E82 Who means to have the EGG must endure the
1596 DEL., s. N6v. 1623 WOD., p. 518: To find vpon an Eg some
Thing to sheeve. To make Vertue Where too much Scarcenesse
is. 1626 T. HAWKINS ET AL. Holy CourtI i, p. 17b: Envie (accord-
ing to the proverb) will offer to shave an egge, What will she not
do in a meadow? 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 243. I648 HERRICK
Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 202: Eggs Ile not shave. 1651 HERB., p. 371.
1732 FUL., no. 2952: (It is hard to).
See DiiR., II, no. 317.
E77 Neither good EGG nor bird
1591 STEP., p. 154: (nor good bird). 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet
I: Wks., p. 178: But sinne ofit selfe is good neither Egge nor Bird,
neither in Root nor Branch. 1639 CL., s.v. Degenerantium in pejus,
p. 84. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. I 80: An ill egg, an ill chick. I670
RAY, p. 173. 1678 RAY, p. 355: Hee’ll never dow (i.e. be good) egg
nor bird. I697 MER., p. 163: [As in 1678 Ray]. Ibid., p. 166: (nor
good bird). 1711 W. KING Vindication Sacheverell, p. 185: I have
been such a profiigate liver, egg, and bird. 1721 KEL., p. 262:
Never good Egg, or Burd. *Spoken of bad Boys, when they be-
come worse Men. 1732 FUL., no. 1998: He never was Good, neither
Egg nor Bird.
E78 One EGG is none, two somewhat, three enough,
four be too much, five give a deadly blow
1611 COT., s.v. GEuf. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12: One egg is as noth-
ing, two doe much good, three is enough, four are too many, five
bring death. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: One egg is nothing, two a
little better then nothing, three are something, five are too many,
and six kill. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 24: One egge is niggardli-
ness, two is gentleness, three is valour, the fourth is knavery. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 181: One egg is nothing, two a toy, three some-
what, more are Death.
E79 Out of the EGG a chicken was expected but behold
a cockatrice
1616 DR., s.v. Degenerate, no. 467.
E80 There be many that will have both the EGG and
the hen
1573 SANF., f. 109v: There are men in the worlde that woulde haue
the egge and the hen. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33v. 1629 Bk.
Mer. Rid. 1 18, p. 29: In the world there be men that will have the
egge and the henne. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gallina, p. 70: To
desire the egges and hen both, viz. to desire to have all, to desire
too much.
Cf. C1 5: You can’t eat your cake and have your cake (have it too).
E81 To come of the same EGG (nest)
[ERAS. Adagia, 49 1A: Ovo prognatus eodem.] [01553] I 566—7 UDALL
Roister D. I ii 122: No, but of the same nest (say I) it is a birde.
I559 COOPER, s.v. Ouum: [As in Eras.]. *Ofone father and mother,
or brought vp vnder one mayster, or in one schoole. I570 ASCHAM
Schoolmaster, p. 147: Jupiter in likenes of a swan, gat that egge vpon
Leda, whereof came Castor, Pollux and faire [H]elena. I578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 325: Did not Iupiters Egge bring foorth aswel
Helen a light huswife in earth, as Castor a light Starre in Heauen?
1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 27: Timotheus a bird of the same broode,
and a right hound of the same Hare, toke the 7. strings harp that
was altogether vsed in Terpandrus time. 1589 LYLY Pappe with
Hatchet: Wks., III 403: It was one of your neast. 01594 BACON,
no. 765: He came of an egge. I6I6 WITHALS, p. 574: [As in Eras.].
*There went but a pair of shears betwixt them. 1631 JONSON Sta-
ple News V ii 54: An Egge o’ the same nest! the Fathers Bird! It
runs in a blood, I see! 1633 MARMION Fine Companion IV i, p. 168:
That’s all one; you were all of a nest, they are flown away, and there’s
none left but yourself. [I636] I655 STRODE Float. Island II ii, p.
166: We might have layn together in one Egg AS well as Helena and
Clytemnestra. 1639 CL., s.v. Aequalitas, p. 14: [As in Eras.].
*Neither barrell better herring.
Cf. P36: There went but a pair of Shears between them.

cackling of the hen
[Robert Forby, in Vocabulary of EastAnglia (1830), p. 427, says that
this proverb means that scolding wives make the best housewives]
1659 N.R., p. 121. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 251: (endure the hens
cackling). 1670 RAY, p. 120: Erasmus saith, they commonly say,
He that would have eggs, must endure the cackling of hens. It is
I suppOse a Dutch proverb. I721 KEL., p. 214: If you will have
the Hen’s Egg; you must bear her Cackling. *If you will have a
good Thing, you must bear with the Inconveniencies that attend it.
1732 FUL., no. 2799: If you would have a Hen lay, you must bear
with her cackling.
E83 As dear as two EGGS a penny
1598 P. DE LA HAYE (to R. Percival, July 23) in R. Cecil Cal. MSS,
VIII 272: I shall have as good a bargain as an egg for a penny. I678
RAY, p. 282.
Cf. E92: You come with your five eggs a penny and four of them
be rotten.
E84 As sure as EGGS be eggs
1680 OTWAY Caius Marius IV, p. 43: ’Twas to seek for Lord Ma-
rius, as sure as Eggs be Eggs. a1700 B.E., s.v. Egg.
E85 From the EGGS to the apples
[ERAS. Adagia, 548D: Ab ovo usque ad mala . . pro eo, quod est, ab
initio convivii usque ad finem.] 1559 COOPER, s.v. Ouum: Ab ouo
vsque ad mala, prouerbially from the begynnyng to the endyng.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 216: To talke of other thinges
in that Court, wer to bring Egges after apples. I593 PEELE Edw.
I ii, s. C3v: He will fight Ab ouo vsque ad mala. 1616 WITHALS, p.
533: From the beginning to the end: Ab ovo usque ad mala. 1639
CL., s.v. Ab initio, ad finem, p. 3.
See OTTO, no. 1319. Cf. B258: From the beginning to the end.
E86 I have EGGS on the spit
[I614] I631 JONSON Barth. FairI iv 15: I haue both egges 0’ the
Spit, and yron i’ the fire. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. III vi 47:
Nay, soft and faire, I haue egges on the spit. 1665 C. COTTON
Scarron. IV, p. 96: Half-frighted out on’S little Wit, He now has
Eggs (i’ faith) 0’ th’ Spit. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 95: In so much
haste, that one would think he had eggs at fire. 1678 RAY, p. 241.
I713 SWIFT Your. to Stella 63, Apr. 23, III 151: I forgot to tell you
I write short journals now. I have eggs on the spit.
Cf. 199: He has many (other) irons in the fire.
E87 I have other EGGS to fry
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12.
Cf. 199: He has many (other) irons in the fire; N20: To have more
nails to drive than one.
E88 She that will not venture her EGGS shall never
'have chickens
1604 Wit Woman, s. C4v: Tush, feare no foule weather, a faint heart
neuer followed a fayre wench to the high wood, and she that will
not venter her egges, shall neuer haue Chickens.
Cf. N319: Nothing (Nought) venture nothing (nought) have;
S694: Forbear not sowing because of birds.
E89 To put all your EGGS in one basket
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ova, p. 125: To put all ones Eggs in a
Paniard, viz. to hazard all in one bottom. 1710 PALMER, p. 344:
(Don’t venture all).
See ST., no. 1044. Cf. A209: Venture not all in one bottom; OI8:
Put not all your offering in one Stock.
E90 To take EGGS for money
[1571] 1633 E. CAMPION Hist. Ire. II ix, p. 1 I3: Notwithstanding his
high promises, having also the Kings power, [he] is glad to take egges
for his money, and bring him in at leysure. 1604 [DALLINGTON]
View France, s. MIV: The Cauallery giues a furious onset at the
first charge: but after that first heate, they will take egges for their
money. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. V, p. 92: Oh rogue, rogue!

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
EGGS
ELEMENT
I84

I shall have eggs for my money: I must hang myself. 1666 PEPYS
Diary June 27, V 345: By the next fight, if we beat, the Dutch will
certainly be content to take eggs for their money. 1670 G.H. Hist.
Card. II i, p. 130: Contented to take Eggs (as it were) for their
money. 8.1700 B.E., s.v. Egge: He’ll be glad to take Eggs for his
money, or to compound the matter with Loss.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 W. T. I ii 160: Mine honest friend, Will you
take eggs for money? —NO, my lord, I’ll fight.
See ST., no. 537.
E91 To walk on EGGS
1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed with Kind, p. 137: Tread softly,
softly. —I Will walke on Egges this pace. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Ova, p. 125: To go as if Eggs were under one, viz. gingerly and
softly.
Cf. N100: To walk (stand) on needles’ points.
E92 You come with your five EGGS a penny and four
of them be rotten
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 272: Persones comyng in with their fine egges,
how that Sylla had geuen ouer his oflice of Dictature. 1546 HEY.
II i, s. F3: In came the thyrde, with his five egges, and sayde, Fifty
yere ago I knewe hir a trym mayde. 1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia
I, p. 56: An other commeth in with his fiue egges, and aduiseth to
hooke in the kynge of Castell with some hope. 1560H77 Misogonus
II v 23: What come yow in with your seven egges ifI cache yow Oth
vauntage. 1562 HEY. Epig. 261, p. 167: He cumth in with his five
egges. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1314: Tak him up thair with his four
egs and fyve of them rotten. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 32:
Hee commeth in with his fiue egges, whereof foure of them are addle,
or rotten. 1639 CL., s.v. Aliena a re, p. 19: He comes in with his
five egges, and foure be rotten. 1641 FERG., no. 845: Take him up
there with his five eggs, and four of them rotten. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 11: Nine Eggs a peny and eight addle. Ibid., p. 15: He
comes with his five Eggs a penny. 1659 N.R., p. 127: (egges and
four of them addled). 1668 R.B., p. 52: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670
RAY, p. 173. 1697 MER., p. 166. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p.393:
What! and you must come in with your two eggs a penny, and three
of them rotten.
Cf. E83: As clear as two eggs a penny.
E93 Your EGGS have two yolks (five chickens)
1639 SHIRLEY Ball II i, p. 21: Not an egg here but has five chickens
in’t. 1721 KEL., p. 367: *Spoken to them that think much of what
they give. 1732 FUL., no. 573: All your Eggs have two Yolks apiece,
I warrant you.
See DUR., II, Suppl., no. 352.
E94 Ill EGGING makes ill begging
1623 CAM., p. 272. 1639 CL., s.v. Necessitas, p. 225. 1659 N.R.,
p. 64. 1670 RAY, p. 84: *Evil persons by enticing and flattery,
draw on others to be as bad as themselves. .
E95 Not worth an EGGSHELL (egg)
1481 CAXTON Reynard 40, p. 1 IO: Thou woldest not sette by me an
egge shelle. 01500 T. MORE These Four Things 4: Wks., I 340:
This toye and that, and all not worth an egge. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 14: (Tis not worth).
E96 EILD1 would have honor (Age is honorable)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 373: Eild should be honoured. 1616 DR., no.
1538: Olde age is honourable. 1641 FERG., no. 247. 1668 R.B., p.
17. 1721 KEL., p. 99: Eild would be honoured. *Eng. Age is
honourable.
See DUR., I, no. 82.
Page]
E97 If it be not true here is my ELBOW
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17.
E98 My ELBOW itches, I must change my bedfellow
1650 HOLMES Daemonology in Brand Pop. Antiq., p. 675: And so
from the itching of the nose, and elbow, and several! affectings of

several! parts, they make several predictions too Silly to be men-
tioned, though regarded by them. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 461: (I Shall change bedfellows).
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. III iii 106: My elbow itch’d! I
thought there would a scab follow.
Cf. N224: If your nose itches you will kiss a fool.
E99 She has broken her ELBOW at the church door
1670 RAY, p. 166: *Chesh. It is spoken of a housewively maid that
grows idle after marriage. 1710 E. WARD Nuptial Dial. 26, I 313:
You crown the Proverb, That the nicest Maid Becomes the great-
est Slattern when she’s Wed. I721 KEL., p. 293: She broke her
Elbow at the Kirk Door. 1732 FUL., no. 4119: She broke her El-
bow on her Wedding-Day.
E100 To rub (scratch) the ELBOW
I598 GUILPIN Skialetheia, s. B6: He’le . . scratch the elbow too To
see two Butchers curres fight. 1673 D’AVENANT News III, p. 148:
You’ll give me leave tO rub my elbow first, In Sign that I am taken!
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. V ii 109: One rubb’d his elbow
thus, and fleer’d, and swore A better speech was never spoke before.
1597 I Hen. IV V i 76: Fickle changelings and poor discontents,
Which gape and rub the elbow at the news thurlyburly innovation.
E101 To shake one’s ELBOW
[To play at dice.] 1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case II i 178: This
comes of your . . Shaking your elbow at the Taule-board. I705
HEARNE Remarks and Coll. NOV. 26, I 100: Money, which. . he
squander’d away in shaking his Elbow. 1709 DYKES, p. 272:
The Prodigal shakes his Elbow at Dice.
E102 To be out at ELBOWS
01589 NASHE Almondfor Parrot: Wks., III 356: Your witte wilbe
welny worn thredbare, and your banquerout inuention cleane out at
the elbowes. [1614] 1630 JONSON Barth. Fair II v 123: Doe you
sneere. . ’twill be out at the elbows, shortly. 1631 JONSON Staple
News I ii 116: But then as they grew out At the elbowes againe.
1685 WESLEY Maggots Ep. to Rdr., s. A6: Who knows but. . my
Stockings happen to be a little out at Elbows. 01700 E. WARD
London Spy VII, p. 163: They are one Day very Richly Drest, and
perhaps out at the Elbows the next.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOO4 M.M. II i 61: He’s out at elbow.
Cf. H389: Out at heels.
E103 It smells of ELBOW GREASE
1616 WITHALS, p. 562: *Lucernam olet. 1639 CL., s.v. Diligentia,
p. 92. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 173: (To smell
of)
Cr. c43= It smells of the candle (lamp, oil).
E104 Now he has ELBOWROOM enough to turn him in
01540 BOORDE Bk. to Learn Man to Be Wise, s. A2v: He the whiche
wyll dwell at pleasure . . must dwell at elbowe rome. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Crudelitas, p. 76. 1644 Pet. Retailers, p. 174: There is as much
elbow-roome now in this City as in some remote Corporation Townes.
1648 BROOKS Glorious Day: Wks., VI 331: Give faith scope, give it
elbow—room to work. 1758 CHESTERFIELD Let. 2079, V 2334:
Which would give him more elbow-room to act against France.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 K}. V vii 28: Now my soul hath elbow
room.
E105 ELDEN HOLE1 needs filling
1670 RAY, p. 173: *Darbysh. Spoken of a lier. Elden-hole is a
deep pit in the Peak of Darbyshire without water, fathomless the
bottom; as they would make us believe.
[lSee Sugden, p. 170.]
E106 When ELDER is white, brew and bake a peck;
when elder is black, brew and bake a sack
1678 RAY, p. 352: *Som. 1732 FUL., no. 6478.
E107 He is out of his ELEMENT
1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 457, p. 18: (As my Ningle
sayes) tis out of my Element. 1606 CHAPMAN Gent. Usher III ii

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ELEMENT
END
185

454: It shall not be out ofmy element. I606 CHAPMAN M. D’Olive
II ii 278: They are out of the element of garlic. I611 Sec. Maiden’s
Trag. IV iii, p. 56: Tis owt of my elament to be in a churche sir.
1616 DR., s.v. Ignorance, no. 1075. 1622 JONSON Masque dugurs
l. 147: Masques at Court, VII 634: Hee will not undertake, it is out
of their element, he sayes. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. V, p.
90: This is sack to them, and out Of their element. 1639 CL., s.v.
Absurda, indecora, p. 9: Out ofhis Element. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. Absurd, p. 5: You are out of your element. 1699 W. KING
7our. Land. in Misc. Wits, p. 18: I beg you to consider that I am a
Virtuoso, and that your present discourse is quite out of my element.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600—1 IV ii I84: She works by charms,
by spells, by th’ figure, and such daub’ry as this is, beyond our ele-
ment. 1601 T.N. III iv I37: I am not of your element.
Cf. E108: To be in one’s element.
E108 To be in one’s ELEMENT
I602 JONSON PoetasterI ii 32: Talke to tapsters and ostlers . . they
are i’ your element. 1616 DR., no. 573: In his owne element. Ibid.,
no. 1373: Let him keepe him in his owne element. I682 Eleg. upon
Rupert in Cent. Broadside Eleg., p. I 5 5: So very Dextrous he grew,
that He Beat them in their own Element, the Sea.
See ST., no. 548. Cf. E107: He is out of his element.
E109 In a hundred ELLS of contention there is not an
inch of love
1640 HERB., no. 812. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 190.
1659 N.R., p. 63: (not one inch oflove).
E110 The EMPEROR of Germany is the king of kings,
the King of Spain king of men, the King of
France king of asses, the King of England
king of devils
1647 N. WARD Simple Cohhler, p. 48.
See SM., p. 433.
E1 Ioa Half EMPTY is half full
1641 FERG., no. 368: Half aunch [empty], is half fill.
p. 25: Half a nuch [for anuch] is half fill.
Cf. H2I4a: Have is half full (enough).
1668 R.B.,
He that goes far has many ENCOUNTERS
I659 N.R., p. 59.
E111
I640 HERE, no. 604.
E1 Iz-EI I 3 END = aim, purpose
E112 The END justifies the means
I620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xxii, III 165: They cannot be called
deceits . . that are done to a vertuous end. [1624] 1647 FLETCHER
W ife for Month IV, p. 44: A little evil may well be suffered for a gen-
eral good, Sir. I718 PRIOR Hans Carvel: Poems, p. 85: What if to
SpellsI had Recourse? ’Tis but to hinder something Worse. The
End must justifie the Means.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Luc. l. 528: A little harm done to a great
good end For lawful policy remains enacted. 1596 M. V. IV i 216:
To do a great right, do a little wrong. 1604 M.M. III i 268: The
doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit from reproof.
Cf. E203: Never do evil (ill) that good may come ofit; L237: Tell
a lie and find the truth.
E113 The END of fishing is not angling but catching
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 159: The ende of fishing is catch-
ing, not anglying. I732 FUL., no. 4497.
E1 I4—E129 END = conclusion, finish
E114 Better come at the latter END of a feast than
the beginning of a fray .
1616 DR., no. 716: (It is better to be at the ende of a feast, then at).
1623 CAM., p. 267: (Better comming at the latter end of a feast, then
at). 1639 CL., s.v. Hospitalitatis, et contra, p. 138: (Better to be
at the end of). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (at the end of). 1659

N.R., p. 23: (to the latter end of). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mon-
teforcoli, p. 108: (To avoid quarrels and scuflies; the English, It’s
better to come at the latter end of a feast, than at). 1670 RAY, p.
90. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Fray. I721 KEL., p. 73: (Better the end of).
*You may get Scraps at the one, and Blows at the other. 1732 FUL.,
no. 885.
Cf. C547: It is better coming to the beginning of a feast than the
end of a fray; C548: It is ill coming to the end of a feast (shot) and
beginning Of a fray.
E1 15 Better never to begin than never to make an END
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 176: Than leve a thynge onendyd
better nat begynne. 1548 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 7V: A thyng
were as good neuer to be began, as neuer ended. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 272: Better never begun nor never ended. I613 POTTS Disc.
Witches, p. 148: This discourse . . were better not begunne at all,
then not perfected. 1616 DR., no. 576: (It is better neuer to).
1639 CL., p. 247. 1664 COD., p. 201: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1668 R.B.,
p. 15: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1732 FUL., no. 3005: It is nothing to be-
gin, unless you proceed, and end well.
Cf. B253: Good tO begin well, better to end well; E123: He that
never begins shall never make an end.
E116 The END crowns (tries) all
01550 REDFORD Wit and Science, p. 2: Thende of hys jornay wyll
aprove all. 1552 TAV., f. 74: The ende declareth all. [01560] 1581
WOODES Confl. Cons. II iii, s. C4: Indeede you say trueth, the ende
is worth all. 01565 Bughears II V 34: The end shall trulye try. - I573
SANF., f. 104V: The ende doth all. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f.
29v: The end maketh al. 01592 KYD Span. Trag. II Vi, s.
D4v: The end is crowne of euery worke well done. I599 [GREENE]
George a Greene, s. D3: Nay, the end tries all. 1610—25 Stony-
hurst Pag. XVIII 743, p. 287: The ende will all disclose. 1611
COT., s.v. Borne: Th’ end tryes all; at length we shall see what will
be done. I617 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Fair Quarrel IV
i 145: Else you spoil the conclusion, and that you know crowns all.
1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. IV i, p. 73: The end still crownes the
deede. 1639 CL., p. 109: The end proves the act. Ibid., p. 117:
(tryeth). I640 JONSON Sad Shepherd Prol. 27, p. 9: So that the
End crowne all. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 90: The end does all.
SHAKESPEARE.——I590-1 2 Hen. VI V ii 28: La fin couronne les
(Buvres. 1598 2 Hen. [V II ii 50: Let the end try the man. 1602
.4.W. IV iv 35: All’s well that ends well. Still the fine’s the crown.
1602 TC. IV v 224: The end crowns all, And that old common ar-
bitrator, Time, Will one day end it.
See ST., no. 542; T. 190, p. 135. Cf. D100: Praise a fair day at
night; E125: Remember (Mark) the end; E190: The evening crowns
(praises) the day; P83: Praise at parting.
The END makes all equal
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31: (all men equal).
1636 CAM., p. 307. I659 N.R., p. 107.
E117
I573 SANF., f. 106.
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 66.
I732 FUL., no. 4496.
Cf. A119: All are of the same dust; D142: Death is common to
all; G428: We shall lie all alike in our graves; I46: We in diversely
but end alike.
E118 The END of our good begins our evil
I546 HEY. I viii, s. B4v: The ende of our good, And begynnyng of
our charge to gither stood. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 392. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Losse, no. I 291 : The end of his goods, is the beginning ofhis woe.
Cf. M232: A man far from his good is nigh his harm.
E119 The END of passion is the beginning of repent-
ance
I623 FELTHAM Resolves I 8, p. 10: It often falls out, that the end of
passion, is the beginning Ofrepentance. I732 FUL., no. 4498. I749
FRANKLIN, p. 25.
Cf. S859: There is a sting in the tail of all unlawful pleasures.
E120 Everything has an END
01475 Partonope l. 1 1 144, p. 447: Ye wote wele of all thing moste be
an ende. I530 PALS., p. 527b: Every thynge at the laste draweth


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
END
END
I86

to his ende. 01565 Bugbears V vii 31: Every thing hathe an end
and so have they. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A6). 1623 WOD.,
p. 499: There is no Thing but Takes End by Succession of Tyme.
Yea were it Stone and Iron.
Cf. F.121: Everything has an end and a pudding has two.
E121 Everything has an END and a pudding1 has two
1592 NASHE Strange News: Wks., I 281. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 130:
(All thingis hes ane end but). 1598 BASTARD Epig. III, p. 34: A
podding merits double praise, a podding hath two ends. 1605 CHAP-
MAN All Fools V ii 99: For as much, Valerius, as everything has
time, and a pudding has two [ends]. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLET-
CHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle I i, p. 168: As Writers say, all things have
end, And that we call a Pudding, hath his two. [1617] 1640 JONSON
Vis. Delight l. 75: Masques at Court, VII 465: The politique pudding
hath Still his two ends. 1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 132: (and a
pudding two). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I I: A pudding hath two
ends, but a fool hath none. 1667 BRISTOL Elvira IV, p. 61 : All pud-
dings have two ends, and most short sayings Two handles to their
meaning. 1668 R.B., p. 9: All things hes an end, a Pudding hes
twa. 1670 RAY, p. 85. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Non-sense, p.
231. I697 MER., p. 163: (All things hes). I721 KEL., p. 12: (All
things have). *Spoken sullenly; signifying that the Power of those
who now oppose us, will soon come to an end. 1732 FUL., no. 1465.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 416: (All things have).
Cf. E120: Everything has an end.
Psausage]
E122 He knows no END of his good (goods)
1562 HEY. Epig. 267, p. 167: (none ende). 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fe-
ver, p. 19: By God he shall paie for the Malte grindyng; he hath
enough, he knoweth no ende of his pelfe. [1571] 1633 E. CAMPION
Hist. Ire. II x, p. 133: The Deputy having a rich and plentifull kinde
of utterance . . answered at length, as he that knew no end of his
good. 1602 BRETON Wonders: Wks., II 12: (goodes). 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 167: No end of his goods: a late knight did kno. I613
BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle I i, p. 177: Thou hast
no end of thy goods. 1616 DR., s.v. Rich, no. I 871: (goods). 1639
CL., s.v. Divitiae, p. 97: (of his wealth). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p.
238: Who knows how much he gets a day, will ne’r be rich. *Note
59, p. 243: The English say, Infinite rich, no end of his estate; there’s
your Richman.
SHAKESPEARE.———I599 A.Y. III iii 52: It is said, ‘Many a man
knows no end of his goods.’ Right! Many a man has good horns
and knows no end of them.
Cf. E127: They know no end of their good nor beginning of any
goodness.
E123 He that never begins Shall never make an END
1616 DR., no. 124: A man must begin before that hee can make an
end. Ibid., no. 2014.
Cf. E115: Better never to begin than never to make an end.
E124 In the END things will mend
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. I670 RAY, p. 8.
End.
Cf. B59: When bale is highest boot is next; T216: When things
are at the worst they will mend.
E125 Remember (Mark) the END
[Lam. I 9: She remembereth not her last end.] 1509 A. BARCLAY
Ship Fools, I 30: Beware the ende is the leste poynt of his charge.
a1536 HILL 30, p. 131: Whan thow doste any thynge, think on the
ende. 1550 LATIMER Serm. 15, p. 294: Respice finem, mark the
end; look upon the end. 1552 TAV., f. 53v: Finem Vitae specta.
Marke the ende of the life. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dic-
ing, p. 184: In al your actions and doings, What soever you take in
hande, remember the ende, and you shal neuer do amisse. I578
FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32V: (Marke). 1590 GREENE Royal Exch.,
p. 321: Remember the ende (saith the wise man) and thou shalt
neuer doo amisse. 1592 NASHE Strange News: Wks., I 268: What
a hell it is for him, that hath built his heauen in vaine-glory, to bee
puld by the sleeue and bidde Respice funem, looke back to his
Fathers house. 1613 J. STEPHENS Cynthia’s Rev. II vi, 8. G3v:
1730 BAILEY, s.v.
E131

Purchase the name of Loyall honest friend; But (as our adage
sayes) obserue his end. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Lond. II, p.
I 51: A Counter you see still before me, to put me in mind of my end,
and what I must goe to, ifI trust too many with my ware.
SHAKESPEARE.—-I592-3 C.E. IV iv 44: Mistress, respice finem,
respect your end; or rather, to prophesy like the parrot, ‘beware the
rope’s end.’ 1598 2 Hen. IV II iV 302: Prove that ever I dress my-
self handsome till thy return. Well, hearken 0’ th’ end.
Cf. E116: The end crowns (tries) all; E128: Think on the end
before you begin.
E126 There is an END of an old song (story)
1603 DEKKER Wonderful Year: Non-Dram. Wks., I 148: (Heeres an
end of). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Musica, p. I 13: Of such a busi-
ness or purpose to be no more ofit, no more to be done; There’s an
end of the stories, say the English. 1675 C. COTTON Scofler Scoft,
p. 160: (And there’s an end of). 1707 EARL OF SEAFIELD in Lock-
hart Papers, I 223: He returned it to the clerk, in the face of Parlia-
ment, with this despising and contemning remark, Now there’s ane
end of ane old song. I721 KEL., p. 331: *That is, you have all that
I can tell you of it.
E127 They know no END of their good nor beginning
of any goodness
I546 HEY. I xi, s. EIV. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Z2v: Ah wretch
(quoth hee) that hast no end of thy goods nor beginning of goodnes.
1614 TAILOR Hog Hath Lost Pearl III, p. 467: There is no end of his
goods nor beginning of his goodness.
Cf. E122: He knows no end of his good (goods).
E128 Think 0n the END before you begin
[01500] a152o Everyman, s. A2: This story sayeth man in the begyn-
nynge Loke well and take good hede to the endynge. [01500] 1522
World and Child, s. B3v: Alwaye or ye begyn thynke on the endynge
For blame. 1556 J. HEYWOOD Spider and Fly LIX, p. 258: This
sage saying, the wyse haue saide and saie. Haue an iye to the ende,
ere thou ought begin. 1596 DEL., s. N3v: We must thinke vpon,
before we execute. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 7: Think and then do.
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 83, I 81: It is Wisdom to Consider the
End of Things before we Embark, and to Forecast Consequences.
See APP., p. 626. Cf. E125: Remember (Mark) the end; E170:
An examined enterprise goes on boldly; S859: There is a sting in
the tail of all unlawful pleasures.
E129 You will make an END of your whistle though
the cart overthrow
1678 RAY, p. 276. 1732 FUL., no. 6027: (overthrow for it).
EI3o-EI35 END =extremity, outer part
E130 He cares not which END goes forward
[01497] a152o MEDWALL Fulgens, s. C1: For he carith not whiche
ende goth before. 1608 WITHALs Dict., p. 86 [New English Diction-
ary, s.v. End, 24]: Negligently, caring not what ende goes forward.
1616 DR., no. 2297. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 29, p. 133: Prodigals
. . care not which end goes formost.
He goes in at the wide END of the horn and is
squeezed out at the small end
1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho I i 5 3: You all
i know the deuise of the Horne, where the young fellow slippes in at
the Butte end, and comes squesd out at the Buckall. [1624] I647
FLETCHER Wife for Month III, p. 3 5: The prodigal fool the Ballad
speaks of, That was squeez’d through a horn. [1639-61] 1662 Com-
mittee in Rump Songs, I 127: A poor Delinquent fleec’d and torn
Seems like a man that’s creeping through a horn, Finds a smooth en-
trance, wide and fit, but when Hee’s squeez’d and forc’d up through
the smaller end, He looks . . gaunt and pin’d. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 3: Who is bound for another, goes in at the wide hole of the horn,
and comes out at the small.
See APP., p. 370.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
END
ENGLAND
187


E132 He has (holds) the better (worse) END of the
staff
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 306: As often as thei see theim selfes to haue
the wurse ende of the staffe in their cause. 1546 HEY. II iii, s. G1 v:
Who had the wors ende of the staffe (quoth I now)? 1577 GRANGE
Gold. Aphroditis, s. I4v: He had conquered hir enimie (hauing the
best ende of the staer in his hande). 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl:
Wks., III 203: Which had the worst end of the Staffe in that sea iour-
ney . . I leaue to some Alfonsus. 1616 DR., s.v. anortunate, no.
2276: (He holdeth the worse). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1670
RAY, p. 173: (To have the better). 1688 BUNYAN Work Yesus
Christ: W ks.,I 175: I . . have given mine enemy the best end of the
Staff.
See APR, pp. 43, 715; SM., p. 520.
E133 To be at the END of one’s rope
I611 COT., s.v. Corde: Il est au bout de sa corde. He is at the end
of his meanes. I686 CHARDIN Coron. Solyman: Trav., p. 106: Be-
ing run to the end of his Rope, as one that had no more Excuses to
make.
E134 You will dance at the END of a rope without
teaching
[01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 138: Yet sure i’ th end he’ll
delude all my hopes, And shew me a French tricke danc’d on the
ropes. 1732 FUL., no. 6022.
E135 To make both ENDS meet
1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 242: (I cannot make). 1662 FULLER
W orthies Cumberland, I 236: Worldly wealth he cared not for, de-
siring onely to make both ends meet. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Tampella, p. 220: To make a hard shift to live, and bring both ends
together, as Coblers are said to do. 1670 RAY, p. 173. 1672 WALK.
18, p. 50: To make both ends meet; even at th’ years end. a1700
B.E., s.v. Ends: (Tis good to make).
See ST., no. 546. Cf. B696: He will bring (hold) buckle and thong
together.
E136 He that ENDURES (Who suffers) is not overcome
(overcomes)
[ERAS. Adagia, 8181“: In re mala, animo Si bono utare, adjuvat.]
1573 SANF., f. 51v: He that endureth hir, ouercommeth hir. 1578
FLOR. First F. XIX, f. [28]: Who suffereth, doth ouercome. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 503: He that thols [endures] overcoms. I611 DAV.
Prov., no. 232: Who suffers orecomes. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 28, p. 27:
He that can quietly endure over-cometh. 1639 CL., p. 242: Patient
men win the day. 1640 HERB., no. 848. 1659 N.R., p. 59. 1664
COD., p. 200. I668 R.B., p. 22: [AS in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p.
8. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To endure. 1721 KEL., p. 133: [As in a1598
Ferg.].
SHAKESPEARE.—16o6-7 A.C. IV xiv 135: Nay, good my fellows,
do not please sharp fate To grace it with your sorrows. Bid that
welcome Which comes to punish us, and we punish it, Seeming to
bear it lightly.
See OTTO, no. 1896. Cf. I72: Injuries slighted become none at all.
E137 An ENEMY (Adversity) makes a man to know
himself Whereas a friend (prosperity) fiatters
a man and deceives him
1508 J. FISHER Sayings David in Psalms, p. 76: And yf they spye
ony thynge in vs that is lewde or to be forboden they wyll craftely
colour it, or elles go by as they se it not, so that we neuer can knowe
our selfe, wherfore they be to be thought rather our enemyes than
our frendes. I573 SANF. Ep. Ded., s. A3v: Adversitie is better than
prosperity, for the one maketh a man to know himself . . the other
engendreth pride and forgetfulnesse of our humaine condition.
1732 FUL., no 4833: The wise Man draws more Advantage from his
Enemies, than a Fool from his Friends. 1756 FRANKLIN, p. 32:
Love your Enemies, for they tell you your Faults.
SHAKESPEARE.—-IOOI T.N. V i 21: So that by my foes, sir, I prof-
it in the knowledge of myself, and by my friends I am abused.
I605—6 K.L. IV vi 102: When the rain came to wet me once, and the

wind to make me chatter; when the thunder would not peace at my
bidding; there I found ’em [flatterers], there I smelt ’em out.
Cf. A42: Adversity makes men wise; C840: Crosses are ladders
that do lead to heaven; E206: Evils have their comfort, good none
can support with a moderate and contented heart; G212: God send
me a friend that may tell me my faults; ifnot, an enemy, and to be
sure he will; P612: Prosperity lets go the bridle; W152: The way to
be safe is never to be secure (He that is secure is not safe).
E138 He that dallies with his ENEMY dies by his own
hand (by his hand)
I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 82: Whosoever disdainfully dallies
with his enimie, dies by his owne hande .i. by making no reckoning
of his enimie, receaves damage. 1616 DR., no. 442: He that par-
doneth his enemie, shall die in his hands. 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 19: (Whosoeuer disdaineth and dallies with). 1659
HOW. Span. Prov., p. 14: Who dallies with his enemy dies betwixt
his hands. I732 FUL., no. 2073: (gives him leave to kill him).
Ibid., no. 2304: He that slights his Enemy, dies by his Hand.
E139 It is better to leave to an ENEMY at one’s death
than to beg of a friend in one’s life
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3.
leave for an enemy at).
1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: (’T is better
E140 It is good to see an ENEMY before we feel him
1639 CL., s.v. Insidiae, p. 173.
E141 One ENEMY is too much
I640 HERB., no. 519. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 31: Little mischief
too much. 1659 N.R., p. 84. 1664 COD., p. 208.
Cf. H436: Hercules himself cannot deal with two.
E142 There is no little ENEMY
01500 Melusine XX, p. 113: Dyspreyse not your enmyes though
they be litel. 1611 COT., s.v. Ennemi: No enemie can be tearmed
little: the least enemie is too great for him that loueth peace. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 8: There’s no enemy little, viz. we must not un-
dervalue any foe. 1733 FRANKLIN, p. 6.
Cf. F393: The fly has her spleen and the ant her gall.
E143 Better go by your ENEMY’S grave than his gate
1639 CL., s.v. Maledicentia, p. 195.
Cf. D556a: I had rather go by his door than over his grave.
E144 An ENEMY’S mouth seldom says well
1481 CAXTON Reynard I, p. 7: It is a comyn prouerbe An Enemyes
mouth saith seeld wel.
E145 He that has no ENEMIES has no friends
1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 169: He hath never a friend, who hath
never an enemie. I732 FUL., no. 2759: If you have no Enemies,
it’s a Sign Fortune has forgot you.
E146 ENGLAND is a good country but ill people
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 20. 1662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I
84: England a good Land, and a bad People. *This is a French
Proverb; and we are glad that they . . will allow any goodness to
another Country.
E147 ENGLAND is the paradise of women, the hell of
horses, and the purgatory of servants
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 205: (the purgatory of men, and the hell
of horses). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1699: England is said to be a hel
for horses a purgatorie for servantis ane paradice for wemen.
[01605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 148: England (they say) is
the onely hell for Horses, and onely Paradise for Women. 1617
MORYSON Itinerary III 1 iii, III 462: England . . is said to be the
Hell of Horses, the Purgatory of Servants, and the Paradice of Weo-
men. 1642 HOWELL For. Trav. XV, p. 105: Which makes them
call England, the Hell of Horses. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 20: Eng-
land the Paradise of women, the Purgatory of servants, and the Hell

In' partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
ENGLAND 1 8 8
ENOUGH

of horses. 1662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 81: (Hell Of Horses,
Purgatory of servants). *For the first, Billa vera . . For the next
. . Ignoramus . . For the last . . we cast it forth as full Of falshood.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 37, p. 119: England, a Paradise for Women, a
Purgatory for Purses, a He]! for horses. 1669 E. CHAMBERLAYNE
Anglia Notitia I, p. 335: In our Ancestors days . . England was
called the Purgatory of Servants, as it was and is Still, the Paradise
of Wives, and the Hell for Horses. 1670 RAY, p. 54: England is
the Paradise Of women. 1683 D.A. Whole Art Converse III viii, p.
I 19: ’Tis become Proverbial, that England is the Hell OfHorses, and
the Paradice of Women. 1732 FUL., no. 1369: England’s the Par-
adise of Women, and Hell of Horses.
E148 ENGLAND is the ringing island
1655 FULLER Church Hist. VI ii, II 176: This, in England, (com-
monly called the ringing island,) was done with tolling a bell. 1662
FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 80: *Thus it is commonly call’d by
Foreigners, as having greater, more, and more tuneable Bells than
any one Country in Christendom.
E149 ENGLAND were but a fling save for the crooked
stick and the grey goose wing
1662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 81: *But a fling, that is, a slight,
light thing, not to be valued . . But for the crooked Stick, etc.
That is, use of Archery.
E150 He that will ENGLAND Win must with Ireland
first begin
1567 DIEGO OR'I‘IZ, quoted in Froude Hist. Eng. 24, X 480: There
is an English proverb in use among them which says—He who
would England win, In Ireland must begin. 1586 W. WARNER
Albion’s Eng. X 54: Poems, p. 620: It is a saying auncient (not Au-
tenticall, I win) That who-so England will subdew, With Ireland
must begin. 1617 MORYSON Itinerary II I i, II 170: Incouraged by
the blind zeale . . or animated by an olde Prophesie He that will
England winne, Must with Ireland first beginne, did also raise two
. . rebellions. 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 2: Gett Ireland today,
and England may be thine to morrow. 1662 FULLER Worthies
Berkshire, I 83: (He that England will win). *England . . is tOO
great a morsel for a forreign foe to be chopped up at once; and
therefore it must orderly be attempted, and Ireland be first as-
saulted.
Cf. D43: He that would the daughter win must with the mother
first begin; F663: He that will France (Scotland) win must with
Scotland (France) first begin.
E151 Little ENGLAND beyond Wales
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Pembroke, I 652: This tract was inhabited
by Flemings . . [and] is tearmed by the Britains Little England be-
yond Wales. 1670 RAY, p. 258: *Pembrokeshire.
E152 ENGLISH = the English language
E152 To speak plain ENGLISH
1560—77 Misogonus III i 112: (Ile speake). 1594 LYLY Mother B.
III iv 10: I cannot speake Latine, but in plaine English. [1600]
1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. H3: This is the plain English on’t.
[1614] I631 JONSON Barth. Fair IV iii 91: I assure you, in this place,
that’s in plaine english. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Volgare, p. 236:
To speak it in Common speech, viz. in a Language that may be un-
derstood, in the common Dialect of the Nation; In plain English,
say they in England.
See OTTO, no. 924; ST., no. 582.
E153 ENGLISH = the English people
E153 The ENGLISH are the Frenchmen’s apes
1603 SYLVESTER Weeks I 11 231: Much like the French, or like our
selves, their Apes. 1662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 82.
E154 An ENGLISHMAN Italianate is a devil incarnate
1570 ASCHAM Schoolmaster, p. 78: The Italian sayth of the English
Man . . Englese Italianato, e vn diabolo incarnato, that is to say,

_ 57-
E16o—1
you remaine men in Shape and facion, but becum deuils in life and
condition. 1591 GREENE Disc. Coz., p. 6: I am English borne, and
I haue English thoughts, not a deuill incarnate because I am Ital-
ianate. 1612 T. ADAMS Gallant’s Burden: Wks., p. I2:That Prou-
erbe carries no lesse truth, then antiquitie with it: An Englishman
Italionate, is a Deuill incarnate. 1622 HOWELL Let. I iii 2, I 146:
There is an ill-favour’d Saying, That . . an Englishman Italianate
is a Devil incarnate. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1. Ibid., p. 18: (Ital-
ianated).
E155 One ENGLISHMAN can beat three Frenchmen
1745 H. WALPOLE Corr. July 13, IV 17: We, who formerly . . could
any one of us beat three Frenchmen, are now so degenerated that
three Frenchmen can evidently beat one Englishman.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V III vi 157: When they were in
health . . I thought upon one pair of English legs Did march three
Frenchmen.
See SM., p. 341. Cf. MI I 32: Three Moors to a Portuguese, three
Portuguese to an Englishman.
E156 You are a right ENGLISHMAN, you cannot tell
when a thing is well (when you are well)
1616 WITHALS, p. 567. 1639 CL., p. 247. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 16: (when you are well). 1670 RAY, p. 85: (A right Englishman
knows not when). 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 244: A right English-
man, he cannot let a thing alone when ’tis well. He will never
leave tampering at it. 1732 FUL., no. 382: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 444: Well, Mr. Neverout, I find you are a
true Englishman; you never know when you are well.
Cf. E163: He is wise (no fool) that knows when he has enough
(is well enough); F223: Who finds himself well let him not stir;
H512: He is wise that when he is well can hold him so; K183: He
knows (knows not) when he is well; W265: Never well, full nor
fasting.
E157 Eat ENOUGH and it will make you Wise
1592 LYLY Midas IV iii 40: (wise, an Olde prouerb).
Cf. P295: Pie lid makes people wise.
E158 ENOUGH is as good as a feast
1546 HEY. II xi, s. MI. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 1 19. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 200, p. 159: As good ynough as a feast. 01565 W. WAGER
Enough, s. A3v. 1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes IV iii, p. 221: (Enough
were as). 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U4V: (Inough they say,
is). 1611 COT., s.v. Assez: Inough is as good as a feast; or, too
much of any thing is good for nothing. I611 GRUT., no. 333.
1614 CAM., p. 305. 1616 DR., s.v. Contentment, no. 351. 1630
T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: W ks., p. 1212: Enough is a Feast. 1639
CL., s.v. Temperantia, p. 306. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1662
FULLER Worthies London, II 58: According to the Rule, Satis est
quod sufficit, Enough is as good as a Feast. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 245, p. 227: (The English say, Enough). 1672 WALK. 33, p.
1678 RAY, p. 132.
SHAKESPEARE—1594—5 L.L.L. V i I: Satis quod suflicit.
See DUR., I, no. 576. Cf. E159: Enough is enough; T158: Too
much Of one thing is good for nothing. (16)
E159 ENOUGH is enough
1546 HEY. II xi, s. MI. [M563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife 1.
658, p. 18: Enough is enough, as good as a feast. 01570 Marr.
Wit and Science IV iii, s. D4. 1573 GASCOIGNE Memories: Posies,
p. 64: And of enough, enough, and nowe no more. 1721 KEL., p.
93: Enough is enough Of Bread and Cheese.
Cf. E158: Enough is as good as a feast.
He grants ENOUGH that says nothing
1611 COT., s.v. Octroyer: He that sayes nothing yeelds enough.
1623 WOD., p. 476: *Because he grants what he promises, that is
just Nothing.
Cf. S446: Silence is (gives) consent.
E162 He has ENOUGH that is pleased (content)
1611 COT., s.v. Assez. 1623 WOD., p. 476: Who is content, hath
enough. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 175. 1659

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ENOUGH
189
ENVIED

How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: (who is content). 1659 N.R., p. 41. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 52: (who is contented with a little). I687
MIEGE, s.v. Enough: He only hath Enough that would have no
More.
E163 He is wise (no fool) that knows when he has
ENOUGH (is well enough)
I519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 104: He is a foole that cannot hold him-
selfe content when he is well at ease. 1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p.
67: But temprance teacheth this, where he kepeth scoole, He that
knoweth whan he hath enough, is no foole. I721 KEL., p. 163:
(when he’s well enough). 1732 FUL., no. 2475: [As in 1721 Ke1.].
Cf. E36: He is at ease who has enough; E156: You are a right
Englishman, you cannot tell when a thing is well (when you are
well); K183: He knows (knows not) when he is well.
E164 He knows ENOUGH that knows nothing if so be
he know how to hold his peace
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27V: He knoweth much, that knoweth
not, if he can hold his peace. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 121:
(Hee knoweth ynough, who knoweth nothing, if hee knowe how).
1611 COT., s.v. Scavoir: Hee is Cunning ynough that can hue and
hold his peace (for he that knowes more knowes too much; and as
good know nothing as know lesse). I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 21, p. 27.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: (who knows and holds his peace).
Cf. F531: Fools are wise as long as silent; P145: He is wise that
can hold his peace.
E165 He that has not ENOUGH has nothing
I611 COT., s.v. Assez. 1623 WOD., p. 513: Who hath not Enough
hath no Thing. 1659 N.R., p. 52.
E166 He will have ENOUGH one day when his mouth
is full of molds
1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia et Rapacitas, p. 38. I670 RAY, p. 173.
1721 KEL., p. 161: He’ll get enough one Day, when his Mouth’s
full of Mools. *Spoken of covetous People, who will never be sat-
isfied while they are alive. 1732 FUL., no. 2428: He’ll ne’er have
enough, till his Mouth is full of Mould.
E167 Of ENOUGH men leave
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1100: (leaves). 1668 R.B., p. 41. 1721
KEL., p. 272: *They who leave no Scraps can hardly be said to have
enough.
Cf. E168: There was never enough where nothing left (nought
leaves).
E168 There was never ENOUGH where nothing left
(nought leaves)
1639 CL., p. 38. Mid, p. 1 13: There’s never enough where nought
leaves. 1659 N.R., p. 104: There’s not enough if nothing be lost.
I670 RAY, p. 85: (nought leaves). I721 KEL., p. 326: (was left).
*When all is eaten up it’s a Token that the Commons were but
short.
Cf. E167: Of enough men leave.
E169 Who serves well asks ENOUGH
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: He asks
enough who serves well and saith nothing. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 14.
E170 An examined ENTERPRISE goes on boldly
I640 HERB., no. 614. 1659 N.R., p. 19.
Cf. E128: Think on the end before you begin.
EI7I—E176 ENVY: subst.
E171 ENVY can abide no excellency
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 155: Things most excellent are ever most
envied. £606 DAY Isle Gulls, S. A3: Enuie neuer workes but
against desert and merrit. I611 COT., s.v. Bien: No good thing


vngrudged at.
mulatio, p. 177.
Cf. E175: Envy (Calumny) Shoots at the fairest mark (flowers,
virtue).
1616 DR., no. 591. 1639 CL., s.v. Invidia et ae-
E171a ENVY is the companion of honor
I594 KYD Cornelia I 96: Hatred accompanies prosperitie. I597
BACON Essays, p. 264: Envy, which is the canker of honour, is best
extinguished by declaring a man’s self in his ends rather to seek
merit than fame; and by attributing a man’s successes rather to di-
vine Providence and felicity, than to his own virtue or policy.
1608 CHAPMAN Byron’s Trag. V iv 226: But danger haunts desert
when he is greatest. 1611 COT., s.v. Grand: Enuie the compan-
ion of honour. 1616 WITHALS, p. 560: Invidia Virtutis comes.
1660 WINSTANLEY Life K. Rich. HI: Eng. Worthies, p. 142: Honour
is alwayes attended on by Envy. 1721 KEL., p. 331: Envy, the
Companion of Felicity.
E172 ENVY never dies
1523-5 BERNERS Chron. Froissart, III 417: There is a comune prov-
erbe, the whiche is true, and that is, howe envy never dyeth.
I611 COT., s.v. Envie: Th’enuious die, but enuie liueth alwaies.
1616 DR., no. 586: Enuie is neuer dead.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592—3 C.E. III i 105: For slander lives upon
succession, For ever housed where it gets possession.
E173 ENVY never enriched any man
1616 DR., no. 585: A man shall neuer bee enriched by enuie. ' 1664
COD., p. 191: Envy never enricheth any one. 1670 RAY, p. 8.
I732 FUL., no. 1380: (Envy never yet).
E174 ENVY shoots at others and wounds herself
1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., 3. Z4V: Enuy is murdered with
his owne wepon. c1584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 103: Enuy
shootith at other: but hittith, and woundith herself. 1597 [B0-
DENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 22. 1732 FUL., no. 1381.
E175 ENVY (Calumny) shoots at the fairest mark
(flowers, virtue)
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 101: Envy always shooteth at high marks.
1616 DR., no. 589: Envy striketh at the fairest flowers. I616
WITHALS, p. 547: Envie seeketh the uttermost. Ibid., p. 560: *In-
Vidia Virtutis comes. 1639 CL., p. 177: Envie shootes at the fair-
est. 1732 FUL., no. 1049: Calumny and Conjecture may injure
Innocency it self.
SHAKESPEARE.——I6oo-I H. I iii 38: Virtue itself scapes not ca-
lumnious strokes. 1604 M.M. III ii 197: Back-wounding calumny
The whitest virtue strikes. 1609 Son. 70, l. 2: For slander’s mark
was ever yet the fair. 1611 W.T. II i 73: Calumny will sear Vir-
tue itself.
See OTTO, no. 728; T. 191, p. 136. Cf. E171: Envy can abide no
excellency.
E176 No ENVY like a monk’s
1611 COT., s.v. Moine. I623 WOD., p. 489: There is . . N0 Envie
to a Monckes. 1659 N.R., p. 80.
E177 ENVY: verb
E177 Better be ENVIED than pitied
[ERAS. ddagia, 1044B: Praestat invidiosum esse quam miserabi-
lem.] I546 HEY. I xi, s. D2v. c1565 W. WAGER Enough Good as
Feast, s. A3: A common saying better is enuy then rueth. 1584
LODGE .4larm agst. Usurers, p. 28: (Better to bee). [c1589] 1633
MARLOWE Yew Malta Prol., l. 27: Let me be envied and not pitied.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 262. 1611 GRUT., no. 53. 1614 CAM., p.
304. 1616 DR., no. 587: (It is better to be). 1616 WITHALS, p.
577: [As in 1616 Dr.]. a1633 DONNE Let. to Mr. T.W. l. 9: Poems,
p. 180: Men say, and truly, that they better be Which be envyed
then pittied. 1639 CL., p. 177: ’Tis better being envyed then
pityed. I640 JONSON Sad Shepherdl V I 1 I: SO much vertue should
not be envi’d. ——Better be so, then pittied. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 7. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 8: Be rather envied, then

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation See pp. xi ii.
EQUAL
EVENING
190

pitticd. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6: Envy is better then pity.
I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 133, p. 164: (One should chuse rather to
be). 1668 R.B., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 86: *This is a saying in most
languages. 1721 KEL., p. 74: *Happiness provokes the one, and
Calamity the other. 1732 FUL., no. 877: Better be spighted than
pitied.
See DUR., I, no. 178; ST., no. 204.
E178 Marry your EQUAL
[ERAS. Adagia, 301D: Aequalem uxorem quaere.] 01535 ELYOT
Educ. 14, s. F3V: For it is a prouerbe replenyshed with wysedome:
Seke the a wyfe pareile vnto the. 1539 TAV., f. 25: Seke the an
egal wyfe, that is to wytte, one that is not aboue thyn estate. 1552
TAV., f. 65v: Mary thy lyke. 1616 DR., no. 2470: Matching in
marriage must be with equalitie. Ibid., no. 2471: A man must not
marrie, but with his match. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, v,
III 46: Tis good marrying her with this her equall. Ibid. Pt. II,
xix, III 144: [My wife] would have every one marry with their
equals, holding her selfe to the Proverbe, that sayes; Like to like.
1639 CL., s.v. Nuptiae, p. 230: Marry with your match. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 15: Marry and converse with your equal.
Cf. B465: Like blood, like good, and like age make the happiest
marriage; F761: Perfect friendship (love) cannot be without equal-
ity.
E179 T0 ERR is human, to repent is divine, to perse-
vere is diabolical
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 6: Errare humanum est; in errore perse-
verare, belluinum. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 157: It is
naturall for man to erre, to be deceiued and to slide from the trueth.
01594 BACON, no. 1601: Faillir en une chose, humaine; se repentir
divine, perseverer diabolique. 1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. II
ii 17: Humanum est errare. 1631 MABBE Celestina I, p. 57: It is
proper to a man to erre; but to a beast, to persevere in an errour.
1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 212: The first shews thee a
weak man, humanum est errare. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12.
1709 POPE Essay Crit. l. 525: Wks., II 66: To err is human, to for-
give, divine. 1732 FUL., no. 2958: It is humane to err, but diabol-
ical to persevere. 1742 FRANKLIN, p. 20: (to repent divine; to per-
sist, devilish).
SHAKESPEARE—I608 P. I ii 42: Whereas reproof, obedient and
in order, Fits kings as they are men, for they may err.
See DUR., I, no. 797; OTTO, no. 820. Cf. M502: All men are
mortal.
E180 A Sleeveless (bootless) ERRAND
1546 HEY. I Vii, s. B4V: One mornyng tymely, he tooke in hande
To make, to my house a sleeuelesse errande. 1577 HOLINSHED
Chron. Edward IV 1465, III 284: He thought himselfe euill vsed
. . so as all men might thinke that his prince made small account
of him, to send him on such a sleeuelesse errand. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 1539: Ye ryde ane bootles earand. 1600 Look about You,
3. D2v: To keepe me backe You sent Iacke Daw your sonne with
ca ca ca, To tell a sleules tale. 1615 Exchange Ware at Second Hand
in Contrib. to Early Eng. Lit., p. 14: Ifyou goe, you shall never say
that Cufl'e came of a sleevelesse errand: I’le binde your hands, (I
warrant you), for striking. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 iii,
p. 727: And make sleeveless [or idle] errands to see her, plotting
Still where, when, and how to visit her. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 16: Ile go no more on your sleevelesse errands. 1668 R.B., p.
57: Ye ride a bootless errand. 1670 RAY, p. 173. 1721 KEL., p.
394: You ride a bootless Errand.
SHAKESPEARE.—1602 T.C. V iv 5: I would fain see them meet,
that that same young Troyan ass. . might send that Greekish
whore—masterly Villain with the sleeve back to the dissembling lux-
urious drab of a sleeveless errand.
See ST., no. 401. (42)
E181 He is not like to ESCAPE scot-free
1531 TYNDALE Expos. Yohn, p. 156: The poor sinner might go scot
free Without aughte at all! 1567 MAPLET Green ForestIII, p. I 56: As
likewise Daniell scaped scotchfree by Gods prouidence. I583
STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 184: But whosoeuer scapeth away the
best, goeth not scotfree. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 278: He

assigned him . . to drink out the rest of the poison in the glasse
that was left, and so go scot-free. 1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt.
I, IV viii, II 107: The last time that hee was heere, hee went away
scot-free for his supper, bedde, straw, and barley. 1616 DR., s.v.
Reuenge, no. 1860: Thinke not to escape scotfree. 1670 WALKER
Idiom. Ang.-Lat., p. 196. I681 ROB., p. 641. (67)
E182 It is but my ESSAY, I played not today
1616 DR., s.v. Experience, no. 641. 1639 CL., p. 110.
E183 Better be half-hanged than lose one’S ESTATE
1681 OTWAY Soldier’s Fort. V, p. 63: A man had better be half
hang’d then loose his Estate, you know.
See APP., p. 42. '
E184 ESTATE in two parishes is bread in two wallets
I640 HERB., no. 227.
Cf. S937: It is good to have two strings to one’s bow.
E185 He has a good ESTATE but that the right owner
keeps it from him
1678 RAY, p. 78. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 406: Well, however,
they say he has a great estate, but only the right owner keeps him
out of it.
E186 To wash an ETHIOP (blackamoor, Moor) white
[Yen xiii 23: Can the Ethiopian change his Skin, or the leopard his
spots?] 01542 BECON News out Heaven: Early Wks., p. 49: Here,
therefore, do ye nothing else than, as the common proverb is, go
about to make an Ethiop white. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Aethiops: *A
prouerbe applied to him that preyseth a thyng that is naught, or
teacheth a foole wisedome. This prouerbe grewe of one that bought
a Mooren and . . ceased not to wasshe the Mooren continuallye with
suche thynges as he thought would make hym white. 1580 BARET,
A—185: *To be applyed to those, whose labour and industrie is to
no purpose, and as we terme it, to bestowe labour in vayne. 1581
T. HOWELL Devises: Poems, p. 184: By trauaile who striueth, to
winne thanklesse Wight, Is like one that washeth a black a Moore
White. 1605 BRETON Pray Be Not Angry (1624 ed.): Wks., II 6:
Loose not thy paines, to teach an Owle to speake, Nor striue to wash
an Ethiopian white. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil V iii 269: It is a
dowry, Me thinkes, should make that sun—burnt proverbe false,
And wash the Ethiop white. 1625 DEKKER Rod for Runaways:
Non-Dram. Wks.,‘IV 290: No Plague frights them, no Prayers
stirre vp them, no Fast tyes them to obedience . . I wash an
Aethiope, who will neuer be the Whiter for all this water I spend
vpon him, and therefore let mee saue any further labour. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Liscia, p. 91: To undertake to wash a Black,
Labour in vain. 1670 RAY, p. 164: To wash a Blackmore white.
1672 WALK. 2, p. 50: To wash a black Moor white. Aethiopem
lavare. 1725 N. BAILEY Fish Eating: Familiar Colloq., p. 259: For
as the old saying is, you do but attempt to wash the blackamore
white.
See ST., no. 1556. Cf. B105: The bath of the blackamoor has
sworn not to whiten; L206: A leopard (panther) cannot change his
spots; V5: To labor in vain. ’ (43)
E187 EVEN brings all men home
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1500: Weil worth even brings all men home.
E188 Good EVEN, good Robin Hood
[01522] 01545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court I. 192: Wks., II 32:
He sayth, How saye ye, my lordes? Is not my reason good?
Good euyn, good Robyn Hood!
See SM., p. 123.
E189 The nearer the EVEN the more beggars
a1598 FERG. MS, 110. 1379.
E190 The EVENING crowns (praises) the day
1598 CHAPMAN Hero and Leander III: W ks., p. 71: Now we praise,
AS having parted: evenings crown the days. 1605 CHAPMAN All
Fools II i 208. 1616 BRET., p. 5: (praiseth). 1633 J. FORD ’Tis

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
EVENING
Evn.
191


Pity II, p. 116: Welcome sweete night, the Euening crownes the
Day. 1640 HERB., no. 631: The evening praises the day, and the
morning a frost. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 9: The Day commendeth
the Evening, and a good Life ones Death. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 10: The evening commends the day, and death life. 1664 COD.,
. 220: The evening praiseth the day, and the morning the frost.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 90: The end crowns the life, and the eve-
ning the day. 1670 RAY, p. 86. I721 KEL., p.336: *For as our
Success appears then, it is good or bad. I732 FUL., no. 4504.
See ST., no. 542. Cf. D100: Praise a fair day at night; E116:
The end crowns (tries) all; P83: Praise at parting. (5)
An EVENING red and morning gray is the sign of
a fair day
1586 WITHALS, s. N7v: The euening red, the morning gray, Fore-
shewes a cleare and summers day. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 385:
(Evening rid and morning gray it is appearanc of). 1600 SURFLET
Country Farm I viii, p. 35: A red euening and a white morning, set-
teth the pilgrime a walking. I611 COT., s.v. Matin: The euening
red, and morning gray presage a faire succeeding day. 1639 CL.,
p. 263: (and a morning gray, Are sure signes of). 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 21: (makes the Pilgrime to sing wellady). I659 N.R., p.
11: (and a morning gray, are hopefull signes of). 1664 COD., p.
215: (The evening red, and). 1670 RAY, p. 43: (and a morning
grey, Is a sign of). 1721 KEL., p. 335: The Evening red, and the
Morning grey Is the true Sign of a good Day.
Cf. M1 178: Cloudy mornings turn to clear evenings (days); R20:
The evening rainbow portends fair weather; S515: A red sky in the
evening is a Sign of a fair day.
E191
E192 To be wise after the EVENT
1616 JONSON Epic. II iv 81: Away thou strange iustifier of thy selfe,
to bee wiser then thou wert, by the euent. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 6: Every one is wise after the blow. 1717 WODROW Corr. 97,
Sept. 28, II 319: Had we not verified the proverb of being wise be-
hind the time, we might for ever [have] been rid of them.
Cf. M368: A Scottish man is wise behind the hand; P649: An
empty purse makes one wise, but too late; T185: If things were to
be done twice all would be wise; T528: Like the Trojans, we were
wise too late.
E193 EVERYTHING new is fine
1611 COT., s.v. Nouveau: Euerie new thing lookes faire. 1639 CL.,
p. 228: Every thing’s pretty, when ’tis new. 1640 HERB., no. 76.
1659 N.R., p. 30. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 171: A new, every
thing is handsome, and in season, every thing is good.
E193a EVERYTHING would live
1616 DR., no. 1229: (Euery man). 1670 RAY, p. I I6. 1672 WALK.
39, p. 30: Charity begins at home; every thing would live. 1721
KEL., p. 94: Every Thing would fain live. 1732 FUL., no. 1469.
Cf. D533: Dogs must eat.
E194 He that is EVERYWHERE is nowhere
I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 139: The Proverbe, That he is not any
where, who is every where. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f.
131: He is no where, that is euery where. I631 MABBE Celestina
I, p. 52: Hee that is every where, is said to be no where. 1648 H.
PARKER Free Trade, p. 7: Our common Proverbe puts us rightly in
mind, that he which dwells every where, dwells no where. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 132: He is no where, who is in every place.
1732 FUL., no. 2176.
SHAKESPEARE.—160I T.N. II iv 78: That their business might
be everything, and their intent everywhere; for that’s it that al-
ways makes a good voyage of nothing.
E195 Bear with EVIL (ill) and expect good
1573 SANF., f. 109v: Suffer the ill, and loke for the good. 1578
FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33v: Suffer the bad, and tary for the good.
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 1 17, p. 29: [As in 1573 Sanf.]. I640 HERB., no.
507. 1659 N.R., p. 22. 1664 COD., p. 187. 1670 RAY, p. 8.
I732 FUL., no. 945.
Cf. B328: We must hope for the best and fear the worst; M558:
Men take bitter potions for sweet health.
E196 Do EVIL and evil will come of it
1591 STEP., p. 154: He that speaketh euill of his brother, shall be
euill spoken of himselfe by another. 1616 DR., no. 1858. 1655-62
GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 478: One sin helps to kindle another;
the less the greater, as the brush the logs. 1732 FUL., no. 1305:
Do Evil, and look for the like.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 P. I i 137: One sin, I know, another doth
provoke.
Cf. C826: Crimes (Mischiefs) are made secure by greater crimes
(mischiefs).
Drawing EVIL about one as the northeast wind
does clouds
[ERAS. Adagia, 206D: Mala attrahens ad sese, ut caecias nubes.]
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 119: And as the north-east wind first gath-
ereth up the clouds, and then by puffs putteth them abroad again,
so she first by lovely looks allured to bring him in, and then with
frowning face lowered to drive him away. 1577 GRANGE Gold.
Aphroditis, s. K4: For euen as the wynde (called Secias) East and
by North, hath power to draw the clowdes vnto him. 01594
BACON, no. 825: [AS in Eras.].
E197
E198 He sucked EVIL from the dug
[ERAS. Adagia, 283C: Cum lacte nutricis.] 1531 ELYOT Governor I
iv, I 29: Often times the childe soukethe the vice of his nouryse
with the milk of her pappe. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 266:
Wherefore the common bye worde of the common people seemeth
to be grounded vppon good experience which is: This fellow hath
sucked mischiefe euen from the teate of his nursse. 1586 T. BOWES
Fr. Acad. I xvi, p. 165: We are no sooner borne . . but we follow
after wickednesse as if we had sucked iniquity togither with our
nurses milke. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 181: From . . woman . .
together with his milke hee sucks all euill and imperfection. 1591
H. SMITH Preparative Marriage: W ks., I 3 5: We say, He sucked evil
from the dug: that is, as the nurse is affected in her body or in her
mind, commonly the child draweth the like infirmity from her.
[01615-22] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Beg. Bush II iii, p. 231: But, be-
lieve me, I suck’d not in this patience with my milk. [1616] 1631
JONSON Devil Is Ass IV i 51: Nor were it reason in mee to expect
That for my sake, hee should put off a nature Hee suck’d in with
his milke. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. II v 17: And suck’d in
our ill customes, with their milke. 1616 5.5. Hon. Lawyer I, s. A4:
Sure, he did sucke this goodnesse from his Nurse. [1633] 1655
MASSINGER Guardian III vi, p. 237: And would not suffer in her
those desires she sucked in with my milk. [1634] 1655 MASSINGER
Very Woman III ii, p. 376: And from a lousy nurse he stole his na-
ture. 1678 RAY, p. 354.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. II iii 145: Even at thy teat thou
hadst thy tyranny. 01595 R7. I iii 67: Were not I thine only
nurse, I would say thou hadst suck’d wisdom from thy teat. 1597
Rich. III II ii 30: He is my son . . Yet from my dugs he drew not
this deceit.
See OTTO, no. 183; ST., nos. 1526, 1774.
E199 He that EVIL does never good weens
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 509. 1668 R.B., p. 24.
E200 He that helps the EVIL hurts the good
01526 Dicta Sap., S. B2v: The good men haue wronge, whan the yll
are suffred vnpunysshed. 1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. III
xxi, s. P4. 1596 DEL., s. O4v: To maintaine the wicked, is to do
wrong to the godly. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 156: He
that helpeth an evil man hurteth him that is good. 1607 JONSON
Volp. V xii 106: You hurt your innocence, suing for the guilty.
1616 RC. Times’ Whistle l. 1349, p. 45: For true’s the saying . . He
harmes the good that doth the evill spare. 1638 T. RANDOLPH
Muses’ Look. Glass IV iii, p. 251: He that’s merciful Unto the bad
is cruel to the good. 1639 CL., p. 325: Bonis nocet qui malis parcit.
1664 COD., p. 195: He wrongeth good Men that favoureth bad Men.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 207: It is injustice to have pity of an un-
just person. I732 FUL., no. 2163. 1748 FRANKLIN, p. 25: Par-

doning the Bad, is injuring the Good.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
EVIL 192
EXCUSE

SHAKESPEARE.—I604 M.M. II ii 99: Yet show some pity. -——I
show it most of all when I show justice; For then I pity those I do
not know, Which a dismiss’d offence would after gall.
See l)iiR., I, no. 260.
In EvIL there is odds
1639 CL., p. 197.
E201
1616 DR., no. 605.
E202 It is good to prevent an EVIL in the beginning
[ERAS. fldagia, 85F: Satius est initiis mederi, quam fini.] 1539
TAV., f. 9v: Better it is to remedy the begynnynges then the endes.
Stoppe a disease (sayeth the poete Ouide) whyle it is in the com-
mynge. 1616 DR., no. 133. 1623 WOD., p. 493: It is better to
helpe a Thing at the Beginning then at the End. 1664 COD., p.
194: (Good to prevent).
E203 Never do EVIL (ill) that good may come of it
[Rom. iii 8: And not . . Let us do evil, that good may come.] 1583
STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 124: (We must not doo euil, that).
1599 RAINOLI)S Ouerthrow Stage Plays, p. 9: The Spirite of trueth
teacheth vs that it is not lawfull for vs to doe evill, that good may
come thereof. 1607 DEKKER Whore Bah, p. 240: And this I find
—Quod non sunt facienda mala, vt veniant bona. For good; (how
great soeuer) must be don, N0 ill how small soeuer. 1612 BRIN-
SLEY [the Elder] Grammar Sch. XX, p. 234: We must never doe the
least evill, that we may obtaine the greatest good. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 35, p. 138: There neuer comes any ill, but it comes with a good
intent. 1675 Hist. Eliz. III, p. 306: And Chreicton . . avouched . .
That evill was not to be done that Good might come of it.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II II iii 145: To find out right with
wrong-—it may not be.
Cf. E112: The end justifies the means; L237: Tell a lie and find
the truth.
E204 To render EVIL for good
[1 Sam. xxv 21: He hath requited me evil for good.] 1484 CAXTON
Fah. Aesop V 4, p. 134: Men ought not to rendre euylle for good.
01489 CAXTON Sons Aymon X, p. 265: The proverbe may well be
reherced for a trouth, that sayth Often happeth evill for a good
tome. 1623 WOD., p. 512: And Ill for Good is greatest Wicked-
nesse.
Cf. G318: Set good against evil (Do good for evil); 124: For ill
do well, then fear not hell.
E205 Welcome, EVIL (mischief), if thou comest alone
1595 COPLEY Wits, Fits V, p. 144: One vsed to compare follies to
mischances, for that they seldome come alone: And therefore when—
soeuer hee sawe any man doe or say a follie, he would stil say: We]
fare it if it come alone. 1640 HERB., no. 140. 1664 COD., p. 227.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 137: Happy is that evil which cometh alone.
I732 FUL., no. 5471: (Mischief). 1749 FRANKLIN, p. 25: (Mis-
chief).
Cf. I32: It is a good ill that comes alone; M1012: Misfortune
(Evil) never (seldom)comes alone.
E206 EVILS have their comfort, good none can support
with a moderate and contented heart
1640 HERB., no. 204: (support. . with a).
Cf. E137: An enemy (Adversity) makes a man to know himself
whereas a friend (prosperity) Hatters a man and deceives him;
P612: Prosperity lets go the bridle.
E207 Of two EVILS (ills) choose the least
01500 Melusine XXIV, p. 237: Of two euylles men ought to choose
the lasse, whan nedes muste one be had. 1546 HEY. I v, 3. B2: Of
two yls, chose the least while choyse lyth in lot. 1576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., I 33: Of evils the least is to be chosen. I580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 108: Of two mischiefes the least is to be chosen. 1595
COPLEY PVits, Fits VII, p. 202: One being ask’d why hee married so
little a wife, he answered: Of euils, the least is best. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 1104. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 46: Out of two evils,
hee’s accounted wise, That can pick out the least. 1616 DR., no.
606: Of two euils the least is to be chosen. 1623 WOD., p. 482: Of

E211
two Euills wee must shun the greatest. 1629 MASSINGER Roman
Actor IV ii, p. 70: Of two extremes, Wisdom says, choose the less.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (ills). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 38, p. 137:
Of the two evils, the least is to be chosen. 1668 R.B., p. 41: (ills).
1678 RAY, p. 133: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1686 H.C. Rhet. I vi, p. 30:
And instead of the lesser good we choose the greater, and in lieu of
the greater Evil, we chuse the less. 1696 CIBBER Love’s Last Shift
III, p. 29. 1721 KEL., p. 271 : Of all Ills the least is the best. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 413: They say, of all evils we ought to choose
the least.
See Dim, II, no. 752; 0110, no. 1021; ST., no. 1304. Cf.
H639: Either win the horse or lose the saddle; 515: Better to lose
the saddle than the horse. (35)
E208 Some EVILS are cured by contempt
1651 HERB., p. 367. 1732 FUL., no. 1906: He is above his Enemies,
that despises their Injuries.
Cf. N102: Neglect will kill an injury sooner than revenge; W946:
To forget a wrong is best revenge.
E209 The gentle Ewn (sheep) is sucked by many
lambs (every lamb)
I611 COT., s.v. Agneau: (by too many Lambs). *Appliable to an
ouer-kind, or too familiar, woman. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love
and Eloq., p. 174. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 6: A mild sheep is suckt
by every lamb. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 198: A meek sheep is
suck’d by every lamb. *Note 146, p. 225: The English say, Where
pockets are full, men will borrow.
Cf. C18a: A quiet calf sucks its dam and another cow also; P447:
Where pockets are full men will borrow.
E210 She stamps like a EWE upon yeaning1
1678 RAY, p. 344: *Somers.
[lbringing forth young]
Good EXAMPLE makes all
1639 CL., s.v. Societas, p. 291.
E212 He has made an EXAMPLE
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Proverbiall periphrases of one drunk.
E213 EXAMPLES teach more than precepts
1570 ASCHAM Sehoolmaster, p. 66: One example is more valiable . .
than xx. preceptes written in bookes. 1613 T. ADAMS Heaven Earth
Reconei1.: Wks., p. 71: Hence it is, that Examples teach soonest.
1656 F. OSBORNE fldvice to Son I xlv, p. 34: Example prevails more
than Precept. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 81: Examples move more
than words. 1732 FUL., no. 146: A good Example is the best Sermon.
Ibid., no. 1476. 1747 FRANKLIN, p. 24: [As in 1732 Ful., no. 146].
Cf. D394: Do as I say, not as I do; F673: Do as the friar says,
not as he does; P561: He preaches well that lives well; R206: We
must walk (live) by rules (laws) and not by examples.
E213a The EXCEPTION proves the rule
1664 WILSON Cheats To Rdr., s. A2v: I think I have sufficiently
justifi’d the Brave man, even by this Reason, That the Exception
proves the Rule. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 80: The exception gives
Authority to the Rule. [hid., note 28, p. 242: And the Latin says
again, Exceptio probat Regulam.
Cf. R205: There is no general rule without some exception.
E214 Excusn: subst.
E214 A bad ExcusE (shift) is better than none at all
[01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. V ii 28: Yea Custance, better
(they say) a badde sense than none. I579 GOSSON Seh. Abuse, p.
42. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 127: (A bad excuse better
than). 1583 STUBBES Anat. flhuses II, p. 114: (It is an old saying,
Better a bad excuse than). 1599 H. PORTER Two Women 11h. x, s.
K1: (shift). 1600 SINGER Quips upon Questions, s. G1: (Better a
bad shyft made, then). 1614 CAM., p. 304: (Better a bad excuse,
then). 1616 DR., no. 626: A sory excuse is better then none. 1639
CL., s.v. Excusandi, p. 108: [As in 1614 Cam.]. 1659 How. Eng.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
EXCUSE
EYE
193


Prov., p. 7: [As in 1614 Cam]. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 49, p. 59:
(Where no better is to be had, a bad Shift is). 1670 RAY, p. 58: A
bad shift is better then none. Ibid., p. 86. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Bad:
[As in 1670 Ray, p.58]. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 119,1 I 12: At
the Worst, a Bad Shift is Better than None. 1732 FUL., no. 4: A
bad Shift is better than no Shift.
E215 EXCUSE: verb
E215 To EXCUSE is to accuse
1611 COT., s.v. Excuser: Some when they meane to excuse, accuse,
themselues. 1616 DR., no. 625. I623 WOD., p. 517: Such excuses,
that accuses him selfe. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh IV v 44: Squire,
these excuses argue more your guilt. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8:
Who accuseth himself, excuseth himself. 1664 COD., p. 191: Ex-
cusing is oftentimes accusing. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 254: Who
excuseth himself, himself accuseth.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 K}. IV ii 30: And oftentimes excusing of
a fault Doth make the fault the worse by the excuse.
See OTTO, no. 7. Cf. F104: A fault once excused (denied) is twice
committed.
E216 He will be his own EXECUTOR
1546 HEY. II Vii, s. I4v: I thynke it learnyng of a wyser lectour,
To lerne to make my selfe myne owne exectour. 1616 DR., s.v.
Security, no. 1921.
One ought to make the EXPENSE according to
the income (means)
1611 COT., s.v. Bourse: Measure thy appetite by thy abilitie. Ihid.,
s.v. Pain: We must proportion our expence by our meanes. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 13: Let thy expences be according to thy means.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 72: According to ones means, one makes
ones expense. Ihid. 13, p. 267.
SHAKESPEARE.—-—I600—I H. I iii 70: Costly thy habit as thy purse
can buy.
See DI'IR., II, no. 80.
cloth.
E217
Cf. C472: Cut your coat according to your
E218 EXPERIENCE is sometimes dangerous
I573 SANF., f. 105. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30: Experience
sometymes is perilous. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 110, p. 29.
E219 EXPERIENCE is the father of wisdom and memory
the mother
I578 LYLY Euph. flnat. Wit, p. 278: They fayned in their olde
fables memory to be the mother of perfection. 1581 PETTIE Civ.
Conv. I, I 33. I732 FUL., no. 1480.
Cf. E220: Experience is the mistress of fools; E221: Experience
is the mother of wisdom (knowledge); T320: Time and experience
make men wise; T329a: Time is the father of truth and experience
is the mother of things (science).
E220 EXPERIENCE is the mistress of fools
[ERAS. Adagia, 38E: Eventus . . stultorum magister est.] 1570
ASCHAM Schoolmaster, p. 62: Erasmus the honour of learning of all
oure time, saide wiselie that experience is the common schoolhouse
of foles, and ill men. 1578 LYLY Euph. flnat. Wit, p. 260: It is com-
monly sayd, yet doe I thinke it a common lye, that Experience is
the Mistresse of fooles, for in my opinion they be most fooles that
want it. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 380: Experienc may teach a fool.
1616 DR., no. 646. I617 MORYSON Itinerary I 11 iv, I 388: Which
councell after I found good by Experience, the mother of fooles.
1639 CL., p. I 10. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 52, p. 173: Experience,
the English say, is the Mother Of Fools. I668 R.B., p. 18: [AS in
a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 86. 1672 WALK. 68, p. 43. 1692 R.
L’ESTRANGE Fables 206, I I 85: Experience is the Mistriss of Knaves
as well as of Fools. 1721 KEL., p. 91: Experience teaches Fools.
*Spoken when People find themselves, or others mistaken in some
Things, and Courses, which they formerly lov’d, and approv’d of,
to their Disadvantage. 1732 FUL., no. 148 2. I743 FRANKLIN, p.
21: Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. III iii 129: Your ignorance (which finds
not till it feels . .) deliver you . . to some nation That won you with-
out blows!
See DUR., I, no. 415. Cf. E219: Experience is the father of wis-
dom and memory the mother; T329a: Time is the father of truth
and experience is the mother of things (science).
E221 EXPERIENCE is the mother of wisdom (knowl-
edge)
1576 LAMBARDE Peramh. Kent To Countrym., s. A4: Great expe-
rience . . is the very mother and maistres of Wisedome. I591 STEP.,
p. 150: (knowledge). 1616 DR., no. 632: (Experience the). 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 267: Experience the mother of knowledge. I700
CRAWFORD Courtship I ii, p. 10: (knowledge).
Cf. E219: Experience is the father of wisdom and memory the
mother; T329a: Time is the father of truth and experience is the
mother of things (science).
E222 No EXTREME will hold long
1596 DEL., s. P6v: An extreme griefe can not continue long.
COT., s.v. Durer: Extremities last not alwayes.
1639 CL., s.v. Vis injusta, p. 321.
Cf. A168: All that is sharp is short; L483: Hot love is soon cold;
N321: Nothing Violent can be permanent.
1611
1616 BRET., p. 6.
E223 Run not from one EXTREME to another
[1624] 1654 GLAPTHORNE [AND CHAPMAN] Rev. for Hon. IVi 265:
You exceed now As much in grief as you did then in rage. 1672
WALK. 97, p. 33: (into another). ‘
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-1 IV iv 1 I: Be not as extreme in
submission as in oHence. 1606-7 A.C. III iv 19: No midway ’Twixt
these extremes at all.
Cf. W651: A woman either loves or hates to extremes.
E224 Every EXTREMITY (extreme) is a vice (fault)
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v. 1583 STUBBES Anat. flhuses I, p.
33: Omne extremum vertitur in vitium, euery extreme is turned
into vice. 1597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 1426: Poems, p.
49: Sturt [trouble] follows all extreams. 1602 Poet. Rhap. 84, I
139: Extreames are alwayes worthy blame. 1616 DR., s.v. Rod,
or punishment, no. 1884: All extremitie is euill. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 547: Extreames are ever vices. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 30, p. 27:
(fault). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 81: (is an extreme Vice).
Cf. R122: Extreme right (justice) is extreme wrong (injustice,
injury).
E225 Always have an EYE to the door
I616 WITHALS, p. 580: (Have alwayes).
tempori, p. 282.
1639 CL., s.v. SerVire
E226 Better EYE out than always ache
[Matt. xviii 9: And if thine eye Offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it
from thee.] I546 HEY. I viii, s. C1. 1562 HEY. Epig. 17, p. 131.
1597 BACON Col. Good and Evil: Wks., XIII 289: Hereof the com-
mon forms are, better eye out then always ache. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 396: Better eies out then euer to ake. 1611 GRUT., no. 55.
1614 CAM., p. 304. 1616 DR., no. 572. 1639 CL., p. 202: (alwayes
aking). I670 RAY, p. 86: (always aking).
Cf. F225: Better finger off than always aching; T419: Better
tooth out than always ache; T432: Who has aching teeth has ill
tenants.
E227 Better to have one EYE than be blind altogether
1616 DR., no. 1258: Better it is to haue but one eye, then to be
blinde. 1664 COD., p. 187: (than to be blind altogether). Ihid.,
p. 188: Better to have a defect in one Eye, than not to see at all.
1670 RAY, p. 8.
Cf. E240: He that has one eye is a king among the blind; M303:
A man were better be half blind than have both his eyes out.
E228 Blessed is the EYE that is between Severn and
Wye
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: Happy is the eye, that dwels twix[t]
the Severn and the Wye. 1662 FULLER Worthies Herefordshire, I


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
EYE
EYE
194

447: *The Eyes of those Inhabitants are entertained with a pleas-
ant prospect . . But it seems this is a prophetical promise of Safety
to such that live secured within those great Rivers, as ifpriviledged
from martial impressions. 1670 RAY, p. 231: *Hereford. 1732
FUL., no. 6262.
E229 The EYE is a shrew
1591 H. SMITH Glass Drunkards: Wks., I 306: It is a true proverb,
The eye is a shrew; although it shew light, yet it leadeth many into
darkness. I659 N.R., p. 115. 1678 RAY, p. 354.
Cf. A9: Absence is a shrew.
E230 The EYE is the pearl of the face
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 167: As the eye hath euer bene
thought the Pearle of the face. 1732 FUL., no. 4506.
E231 The EYE is the window of the heart (mind)
1545 PHAER Reg. Life I, s. C4: The eyes . . are the windowes of the
mynde, for both ioy and anger . . are seene . . throughe them. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 175.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II I iii 208: Uncle, even in the glasses
of thine eyes I see thy grieved heart.
Cf. Fl: The face is the index of the heart (mind); F590: In the
forehead and in the eye the lecture of the heart (mind) doth lie.
E23Ia The EYE sees not itself but by reflection
[ERAS. Similia, 578B: Ut in alienis oculis nosmetipsos conspicimus:
Sic in aliena dictione quid nos deceat aut dedeceat, contemplandum
est.] 1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 428: As our eyes which do be-
hold heauen and earth, and other innumearabl creatures of God, doo
not see themselues, but looking in a Glasse . . they perfectly see
themselues.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 7.C. I ii 52: The eye sees not itself But by
reflection, by some other things. 1602 T.C. III iii 105: Nor doth
the eye itself. . behold itself, Not going from itself; but eye to eye
oppos’d Salutes each other with each other’s form.
E232 The EYE that sees all things else sees not itself
I594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 201: The eye that sees round about
it selfe, sees not into it selfe. 1599 DAVIES Nosce Teip., p. 20:
IS it because the minde is like the eye . . Whose rayes reflect not,
but outwardly: Not seeing it selfe when other things it sees?
1605 SYLVESTER Weeks I V1 784: As the Eye perceives All but it self.
1606 MARSTON Parasitaster IVi 584: The eye sees all things but
its proper self. 1615 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Cupid’s Rev. I,
p. 229: Look upon those eyes, That let all pleasure out into the
world, Unhappy that they cannot see themselves. 1732 FUL., no.
4507-
E233 The EYE will be where the love is
1566 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 137: Vbi amor, ibi oculus. 1577
GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. E4v: The eye likewise wil alway be
fixed where the hart is entered. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and
Wisdom iii, p. 27: Vbi animus ibi oculus, where he loues there he
lookes. 1612 T. ADAMS Gallant’s Burden: Wks., p. 24: Where the
love is, there is the eye. 1616 DR., no. 1324. 1648 J.S. Wit’s Lab-
yrinth, p. 45: My eyes pay tribute, where my heart payes love.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3: Every mans eye is upon that he loveth.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11: Where affection goes the eye goes.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 10: Where love is, there goes the eye.
See OTTO, no. 1271.
E234 The EYE will have his part
1640 HERB., no. 462. 1659 N.R., p. 101.
E235 Have an EYE (Look) to the main chance
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 245: Let me stand to the maine
chaunce. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 188: Alwayes haue an
eye to the mayne, what soeuer thou art chaunced at the buy. 1584
R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. E2v: Haue an eye to the maine
chaunce: As the Taylor that out of seuen yardes stole one. 1592
NASHE Strange News: les., I330. [01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Al-
tered IV ix 21: An eye to the maine chance, here you slaue, haue an

eye. 1605 CHAPMAN All Fools II i 294: But by their leaves I’ll have
a vigilant eye To the main chance Still. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Stare a
bottega, p. 530: To looke to the maine chance, to follow ones shop,
trade or businesse. 1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II ii 501, p. 173: As the
Ancients Say wisely, Have a care o’th’ main Chance. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Piedi, p. 147: To set a clue to ones feet, Viz. to walk
warily, and to look to the main chance. 1670 RAY, p. 1 17: (Look).
[a1677] 1700 HARRINGTON Syst. Politics: Wks. X, p. 512: The Mas-
ter of a Family that either keeps himself up to his antient bounds,
or increases his Stock, looks very well to the main Chance. 1681
ROB., p. 322: Have a care of the main chance. 1693 DRYDEN Per-
sius vi 158, p. 270: Be careful still of the main chance, my son.
1697 COLLIER Covetousness: Essays II, p. 136: With their good Fa-
vour, wise Men will look beyond their Nose, and take care of the
main Chance, and provide for Accidents and Age. 3.1700 B.E.
s.v. Eye-sore: (’Tis good to have).
SHAKESPEARE.——1590-1 2 Hen. VII i 208: Then let’s make haste
away, and look unto the main . . —Main chance,father, you meant.
E236 He has an EYE behind
[ERAS. Adagia, 792A: In occipitio oculos gerit.] [01552] 1575
[STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle II ii, s. B4: She hath an eie behind
her. 1553 Respublica II ii, p. 16: I am haulf afraide leste she have
an yei behynde. I616 WITHALS, p. 559. 1639 CL., s.v. Prudentia,
p. 266: (behind him). 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Provide, Provi-
dence, p. 268. 1672 WALK. 99, p. 13: (behind him). 1681 ROB.,
p. 1032: *A wary man.
Cf. E237: He has an eye in his neck.
E237 He has an EYE in his neck
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 656. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Occhi, p.
120: To have eyes even in the nape, Viz. to see eV’n behind one, to
be very circumspect and vigilant on all sides. 1721 KEL., p. 170:
*Spoken of wary and cautious People.
Cf. E236: He has an eye behind.
E238 He that has but one EYE must be afraid to (must
take heed how he) lose it
1596 DEL., s. P1 v. 1611 COT., s.v. Giil: Let him that hath but one
eye keepe it well; let him that hath but one helpe striue to preserue
it. 1639 CL., p. 305: (must take heed how hee lose it). 1651
HERB., p. 369. 1664 COD., p. 195: (must take heed how he loseth
it). 1721 KEL., p. 128: (must look well to that). *Spoken when
a Man hath but one thing of a Kind, and therefore shy to lend it.
1732 FUL., no. 2136: (had need look well to That).
E239 He that has but one EYE Sees the better for it
1639 CL., p. 44: (He which). 1659 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in
Via, p. 178. 1678 RAY, p. 134.
E240 He that has one EYE is a king among the blind
[ERAS. Adagia, 824C: Inter caecos regnat strabus.] [01522] 01545
SKELTON Why Come Not to Court l. 530: Wks., II 43: How an one
eyed Man is Well syghted when He is amonge blynde men? 1540
PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 88: Amongest xx blynde, an one eyed
man maye be a kynge. I611 COT., s.v. Aveugle: Vn borgne est
Roy au pais des aveugles. *An ordinarie scholler is held a great
Doctor by the ignorant multitude; and a meere swaggerer a tall
souldieur by women, and Children. 1617 MORYSON Itinerary III
1 ii, III 380: The French have a good Proverbe . . Among the blinde,
the pore blind are the kings. 1640 HERB., no. 46 5: In the kingdome
of blind men the one-ey’d is king. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 33:
Monoculus may be King in Caecus countrey. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
, p. 2: The put-blind is King in the blindmens countrey. 1659 N.R.,
p. 41. 1665 MARVELL Char. Holland 1. 41: Wks., I 244: Among the
blind the one-ey’d blinkard reigns, So rules among the drowned he
that draines. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 46: In the land of the blind,
who hath one eye, is the King. 1690 TEMPLE Of Poetry: Misc. II,
I 243: For among the Blind, he that has one Eye is a Prince. 1732
FUL., no. 2137: He that has but one Eye, is a Prince among those
that have none.
See ST., no. 255. Cf. E227: Better to have one eye than be blind
altogether; M303: A man were better be half blind than have both
his eyes out.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
EYE I95
EYE


He that winks with the one EYE and looks with
the other, I will not trust him though he were
my brother
1530 PALS., p. 782b: (with one eye and and he were my brother).
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 33: (He Winkth with the tone eie, and lokth
with the tother, I will). 1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., 8. C2: He
that loketh with one eie, and winketh with an other, I would not
trust (say they) if he were my brother. 1611 COT., s.v. Borgner:
To winke with one eye, and looke with another. 1611 GRUT., no.
128. 1614 CAM., p. 307. 1616 DR., no. 516: (He winketh with the one
eye, and tooteth with the other, I will). 1639 CL., p. 289: Hee that
winkes with one eye, and lookes with the other. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 8. I670 RAY, p. 87: (He that winketh with one eye, and
seeth with the other, I would not trust him, though). I673 DARE
Counsellor Manners, p. I 14. 1721 KEL., p. 169: He that looks with
one Eye, and winks with another, I will not believe him, though he
was my Brother. *If the Man naturally squint, my Countrymen
have an Aversion to him, and all who have any Thing disagreable,
if he wink, or nod, they look upon him to be a false Man. 1732
FUL., no. 6458: [As in 1670 Ray].
E241
Jest (Bourdl) not with the EYE or with religion
(honor)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 223: Bourd nather with me nor my honour-
1616 DR., no. 658: Faith and the eye are tender. I640 HERB., no-
157. Ibid., no. 158: The eye and religion can beare no jesting.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: The eye and holy things can bear no
jeasting. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3: I will notjest with my eye
nor with my faith. Ibid., p. 17: (nor with Religion). 1659 N.R.,
p. 105: There is no jeasting either with ones eye or ones Religion.
1664 COD., p. 202. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 39, p. 86: Let three things
alone, the Eye, a woman, and Religion. Ibid. 37, p. 1.75: One ought
not to jeast with the eye, nor yet with Religion. 1668 R.B., p. 12:
Bourd neither with me, nor with my Honour. 1670 RAY, p. 14:
(nor with religion). *Hispan. 1721 KEL., p. 64: Bourd not with
my Eye, nor with my Honour. *Both these are too tender Points
to be jested with; and the Honour often more nice than the Eye.
Cf. B583: Jest with boys and leave the saints (holy things) alone;
C598: The conscience and the eye are tender parts; R64: Religion,
credit, and the eye are not to be touched.
Hoke]
E242
E243 One EYE of the master’s sees more than ten
of the servants’
I640 HERB., no. 683. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13: One eye of the
Master seeth more then four of servants. 1664 COD., p. 207. I670
RAY, p. 17: *Ital. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Master. 1705 Pleas. Art, p.
153. 1732 FUL., no. 3749: (ten of the Man’s).
E244 Please the EYE but vex the heart (pick the purse)
[01607] 1655 A. BREWER Lovesick King III, p. 38: She may please
your eye a little . . but vex your heart. 1611 COT., s.v. Marchan-
dise: (and picke the purse).
See APP., p. 501.
E245 A proud EYE, an open purse, and a light wife
bring mischief to the first, misery to the sec-
ond, and horns to the third
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 229v: (breede mischiefe).
I647 Countrym. New Commonw. 35, quoted in App., p. 515.
E246 The sore EYE infects the sound
1561 J. HOBY Courtier III, p. 278: It is scene in a sore eye, that bee-
holding steadily a sound one, giveth him his disease. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 250. Ibid., p. 320: Straunge it is that the
sounde eye viewinge the sore shoulde not be dimmed. 1586
YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 180: Our eies by looking on others eies
that be Sicke and naught, are oftentimes infected (or rather fas-
cinated with some of their infirmities, and ill accidents). I600
CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 62: As whole and sound eies with behold-
ing and looking on sore eyes he annoyed and hurt: so good and hon-
est folks be oftentimes stained and hurt with the Company of

E251
wicked men. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels I v 40: My soule (Like
one that lookes on ill-affected eyes) Is hurt with meere intention on
their follies.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III I ii 148: Out of my sight!
dost infect mine eyes.
mine.
Cf. A294: One rotten apple corrupts all those apples that lie near it.
Thou
—Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected
E247 That the EYE sees not, the heart rues not
1546 HEY. II vii, S. I3. 1552 TAV., f. 13: (The Englyshe man hathe
a pretye prouerbe . . which is this. That the eye). 01565 Bug-
bears IV v 26: That we see not nor feele not, cannot greve vs a
Whitte. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 41: As the common saying is,
that which the eye seeth, the heart grieveth. I591 STEP., p. 152:
(That which the eye). 01594 BACON, no. 976. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1430: (The evil that the ey). 1611 COT., s.v. Coeur: (What the
eye). I611 GRUT., no. 247. 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1616 DR., no.
1697. I616 WITHALS, p. 556: That which the eye sees not, the
heart grieues not. 1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, lxvii, IV 227:
The heart dreames not of what the eye sees not. 1639 CL., p. 202:
(That which the eye). 1642 W. GOUGE Saints’ Support, s. C3v:
What eye sees not or eare heares not, heart rues not. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 224: [AS in 161 1 Cot.]. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 21, p. 153: If the eye seeth not, the heart doth not sigh.
*Note 131, p. 164: The English say, That which the eye ne’r sees the
heart ne’r rues. I668 R.B., p. 44: (Quhen the eye). 1669 PENN
No Cross No Crown V, p. 295: What the Eye views not, the Heart
craves not, as well as rues not. 1670 RAY, p. 86: [As in 161 1 Cot.].
1721 KEL., p. 341: [As in 1611 Cot.]. *Men may have Losses, but
if they be unknown to them they give them no Trouble.
See ST., no. 1692. Cf. E251: When the eye sees what it never
saw the heart will think what it never thought. (7)
E248 To cry (look up) with one EYE and laugh (down)
with the other
01520 WALTER Spectacle Lovers in Collier Bibliog. Acct., IV 212:
Full harde it is to fynde a woman stedfast, For yf one eye wepe the
other doth contrary. 01526 Dicta Sap., S. C4: The wepyng of an
heire is dissembled laughyng, yea he reioyceth though he wepe.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 683: He looks up with on ey and down with
the other. 1615 WELDE 7anua Ling. 190, p. 12: The weeping of an
heire, is laughter vnder a maske. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11
ii 4, p. 715: They . . weep with one eye, laugh with the other; or . .
they can both together. 1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions Lovers’
Madhouse, p. 247: One of them I saw crying with one eye . . and
laughing with t’other. I678 RAY, p. 242. 1732 FUL., no. 4737:
The rich Widow cries with one Eye, and laughs with the other.
SHAKESPEARE.——16oo-1 H. I ii 11: With an auspicious, and a
dropping eye, With mirth in funeral, and with dirge in marriage.
1611 1V. T. V ii 80: She had one eye declin’d for the loss of her hus-
band, another elevated that the oracle was fulfill’d.
Cf. B640: He can laugh and cry both with a breath; L92a: To
laugh and cry at once (like rain in sunshine); $13: To mourn in sack
and claret; S481: Many a one sings that is full sorry; W340: The
rich widow weeps with one eye and casts glances with the other.
E249 To have by the EYE
[To have in abundance] [01589] 1633 MARLOWE Yew Malta III iv
87: Assure thyself thou shalt have broth by the eye: My purse, my
coffer, and myself is thine. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt.
Burn. Pestle II, p. 181: Here’s Money, and Gold by th’ eye my boy.
E250 To sleep with an EYE open
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 41: To have a foolish wyfe, which
sleepeth (as they say) her eies being open. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Occhio, p. 121: *To look vigilantly to ones business.
Cf. D524: To sleep dog’s sleep; H153: A hare sleeps with his eyes
OPCI'I.
When the EYE sees what it never saw the heart
will think what it never thought
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1442: When the ey sies it saw not the heart
wil think it thought not. 1611 COT., s.v. Penser: When th’eyes
behold vnwoonted things vnwoonted thoughts possesse the heart.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
EYE
EYES
196
Ibid., s.v. Veoir: New obiects in the eyes, new thoughts in the heart.
1732 FUL., no. 5583.
Cf. l‘l247: That the eye sees not, the heart rues not.
E252 You cannot say black is his EYE
1528 ROY Read Me and Be Not Wrath, p. 70: They eate theyr belies
full. . And none sayth blacke is his eye. 1542 UDALL Alpoph., f.
105v: No Manne saiying blacke is their iyen. 1573 G. HARVEY
[.et. Bk., p. 12: No man al this while for ouht that I culd lern did
one sai black was mine i for it. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Ahuses I, p.
88: Vnder which pretence pretie conceites are practized, and yet
maie no man saie black is their eye. 1589 [MARPRELATE] Hay Any
W ork: Marpr. Tracts, p. 266: If you were my chaplains once, I trow
John Whitgift . . durst not once say blacke to your eyes. CI60O
Birth Hercules III iv, p. 64: Then will I see, if Sosia, or ten Sosiaes
dare saie to me Dromio, blacke is thine eye. [01600] 1706 George a
Greene 12 in Early Eng. Prose R0m., II 208: For there was none
would say so much as, black was his eye. I602 [COOKE] How Man
May Choose, 3. I2v: What’s he that dare say black’s her eie? 1605
T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 308: I keep my French
reuels, and none say so much as black is mine eye. 1616 DR., s.v.
Innocencie, no. 1130: None can say blacke to his eye. [I625] I647
MASSINGER ET AL. Love’s Cure III i, p. 191: I can say, black’s
your eye, though it be grey. I631 JONSON Staple News Intermean,
l. 25, p. 302: Hee can . . commit whom hee will, and what hee will
. . and no man say, blacke is his eye, but laugh at him. 1633 SHIR-
LEY Bird in Cage II i, p. 397: Ifyou have a mind to rail at them, or
kick some 0’ their loose flesh out, they shall not say black’s your eye,
nor with all their lynxes eyes discover you. 1675 BROOKS Golden
Key: Wks., V 250: He knew that the law could not say black was his
eye. 1678 RAY, p. 229: *That is you can find no fault in him,
charge him with no crime. (7)
E253 You would have your EYE full
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1597: Ye wold hav your ey full or your ers
wer full. 1721 KEL., p. 194: I would have my Eye full. *Spoken
when we complain of ones Wife, or Husband, that they are not big,
comely, or sightly.
E254 AS many EYES as Argus
1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 246, p. 13: Nay that ye can not, though ye
had argus eyes. 1560 DAUS Chron. 9, f. 120: They kepe so good
matche, that nothing can escape them, having as many eyes as had
eyther Janus or Argus. 1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes II i, p. 199: If I
had as many eys as Argus, I coulde not haue sought a man more
narrowly. 1631 JONSON Staple News III iv 15: Broker, returne to
your charge, be Argus-eyed, Awake, to the affaire you haue in hand.
1681 T110. JORDAN London’s 70y in Heath C0. Grocers, p. 545:
Let your Argus Eyes Search and find out Privy Conspiracies.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. III i 200: Ay, and by heaven,
one that will do the deed Though Argus were her eunuch and her
guard! 1596 M. V. Vi 229: Know him I shall, I am well sure ofit.
Lie not a night from home; watch me like Argus. I602 T.C. I ii
30: He is a gouty Briareus, many hands and no use, or purblind
Argus, all eyes and no sight.
See St., no. 110. (7)
E255 EYES as red as a ferret’s
1647 H. MORE Platonic Song Psychozoia II 85, p. 27: Strait Graculo
with eyes as fierce as Ferrit Reply’d. a1700 B.E., s.v. Ferreted:
(as a Ferret).
SHAKESPEARE.—-1599 ?.C. I ii 185: And Cicero Looks with such
ferret and such fiery eyes As we have seen him in the Capitol, Be-
ing cross’d in conference by some senators.
E256 The EYES have one language everywhere
1640 HERB., no. 952. 1659 N.R., p. 93: (a language every where).
E257 He has his EYES at his belt, his stomach in his
purse, his foot in his hand
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 561. 1732 FUL., no. 4502: The Epicure puts
his Purse into his Belly; and the Miser his Belly into his Purse.
E258 He sleeps out his EYES and profit
1616 DR., s.v. Sleepe, no. 2000. 1664 COD., p. 197.

E259 He that has EYES in his head will look about him
1616 BRET., p. 8. 1639 CL., s.v. Prudentia, p. 265.
E260 He that plays more than he sees forfeits his
EYES to the king
1614 CAM., p. 270. 1639 CL., s.v. Ignoratio, p. 145: (for more than).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. I659 N.R., p. 52. 1670 RAY, p. 132.
1721 KEL., p. 172: He that plays more than he sees, forfeits his Eyes.
*An Excuse for over-[Hooking an Advantage at Game.
E261 His EYES are bigger than his belly
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 134: Whose hunger is bigger than
their panches. I640 HERB., no. 1011: The eye is bigger then the
belly. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 15.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fame, p. 57: To have hunger bigger than
ones belly. The English say, to have ones eye bigger than ones
belly. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Eyes. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 444:
My eye's bigger than my belly.
See ST., no. 1683. Cf. G146: Better fill a glutton's belly than
his eye.
E262 It is long1 of your EYES, the crows might have
helped it when you were young
1678 RAY, p. 345.
[lbecause of]
E263 My EYES draw straws
[I am sleepy.] a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1046: My eyes is gathering
straes. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 468: Indeed my eyes draw
straws.
E264 Neither EYES on letters nor hands in cofiers
(purses)
1573 SANF., f. 108: Neither the eye in the letter, nor the hande in
the purse of another. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 89: Neither
eyes, nor handes in other mens writings or purses. 1640 HERB.,
no. 284. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: Nor Eye in a letter, nor hand
in a purse, nor ears in the secrets of another. 1659 HOW. Span.
Prov., p. 2: Nor eyes in letter, nor hands in chests. 1659 N.R., p. 71 :
Keep your eye off writings and your hand out of other mens pockets.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 127: Neither eyes in any bodies letter, nor
hand in any bodies pocket. MM. 39, p. 175: Cast not your eye on
any ones paper, neither give an ear to anothers secrets. 1736
FRANKLIN, p. 10: Nor eye in a letter, nor hand in a purse, nor ear
in the secret of another.
Cf. B637: The breaking open of letters is the basest kind of
burglary.
E265 T0 drink until one’s EYES stare like two blazing
stars
1607 WALKINGTON Optic Glass II, p. 25: For all Writers well-nigh
agree in this, that they [the Scythians] will . . drinke till their eyes
stare like two blazing starres, as we say in our proverbe.
E266 To have his EYES about him
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Biggio, p. 15: *To be no fool.
p. 60: He has all his eyes about him.
1813 RAY,
E267 To whirl the EYES too much shows a kite’s brain
1640 HERB., no. 713. 1664 COD., p. 229: (Whirling the Eyes too
- much, sheweth).
E268 Two (Four) EYES can see more (are better) than
one (two)
01594 BACON, no. 946: (are better). 1596 DEL., s. P1 v: Foure eyes
can see more then two. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: Fower
eies see better then two .i. Two heades are better then one.
1611 COT., s.v. Giil: Two eyes see better (two wits discerne more)
then one. 1611 GRUT., no. 293. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1639 CL., p.
43: (see better). 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 19: Foure
eyes see better than two, and two heads giue euer, more prudent

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
EYES
EYEWITNESS
I97


and safe counsell than one. 1642 FULLER Holy State IV V, p. 259:
Matters Of inferiour consequence he will communicate to a fast
friend . . for two eyes see more then one. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 10. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 175: Four eyes see better than two._
1670 RAY, p. 151: Two eyes see more then one. Plus Vident oculi
quam oculus. 1672 WALK. 77, p. 48: (see better). I732 FUL., no.
1606: Four Eyes see more than two.
Cf. H281: Two heads (wits) are better than one.
Who has none to still him may weep out his
EYES
1611 COT., s.v. Appaiser: He may weepe his eyes out that hath none
to still him. I640 HERB., no. 17. 1664 COD., p. 226. I670 RAY,
p. 25.
E269
E270 Who means to be lean must keep his EYES open
and his mouth shut
1659 N.R., p. 121.
E271 Your EYES are not matches
1639 CL., p. 52. 1721 KEL., p. 389: Your Een’s no Marrows [fel-
lows]. *Spoken when People mistake what they look at.
E272 The EYESERVANT is never good for his master
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
See ST., no. 1686.

E273 To be an EYESORE
I546 HEY. I v, s. B2: Reason laboreth wyll to wyn wyls consent,
To take lacke of beautie but as an eye sore. 1549 N. UDALL ET AL.
Paraph. Luke xvi, f. 138: He myght haue bene an iyesore to all.
1562 HEY. Epig. 35, p. 133: It is but an eie sore. [a1618] I632
RALEIGH Instr. to Son V: Remains, p. 98: Thou shalt be a burthen
and an Eye~sore to thy friends.
See ST., no. 467. (5)
E274 One EYEWITNESS is better than ten earwitnesses
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 299: One wytnes that sawe the dede: is
worthe .X. that hearde of it. 1539 TAV., f. 43v: One eye wytnesse,
is of more value, then tenne eare wytnesses, that is to saye, Farre
more credite is to be gyuen to suche as reaporte the thynge they
sawe wyth theyr eyes, than to such as speake but by heare saye.
1582 R. ROBINSON flssertion K. Arthur VIII, p. 39: Of more force
standes eye witnesse one, Than ten eare witnesses among. 1583
STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 60: But they say . . one eye witnesse is
better to be belyued than a thousand care witnesses besydes. 1616
WITHALS, p. 575: I will believe one that saw it, before tenne that
heard it. 1639 CL., p. 102: [As in 1616 Withals]. Ibid., p. 309:
(than two heare~so’s). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 286: One eye-Witness
is worth a hundred ear-witnesses. 1672 WALK. 78, p. 12: One eye-
witness is worth ten ear-witnesses. 1681 ROB., p. 567. I732 FUL.,
no. 3750: (better than ten Hearsays).
See DI'iR., I, no. 131. Cf. B267: I cannot believe it though I saw
it myself; B268: I will believe it when I see it; C815: Credit ought
rather to be given to the eyes than to the ears.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
F
FACE FACE
F1 The FACE is the index of the heart F29: Fair without but foul within; G194: God in the tongue (hand)
1586 WITHALS, s. L7: Your face doth testifie what you be inwardly-
1594 MARLOWE Edw. II IV vi 8: Father, thy face [by its honest lookl
should harbour no deceit. 1598 MARLOWE Hero and Leander II
I 29, p. 57: AS an index to a book, So to his mind was young Leander’s
look. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels II iii 13: I can refell that para-
dox . . of those, which hold the face to be the index of the mind.
I606 DANIEL Arcadia III ii, p. 257: Or are my lookes the index of
my heart? 1609 ARMIN Two Maids More., s. E2: Who knowes the
hearts affection by the face. 1611 COT., s.v. Vis: Our faults may
be read in our faces; Our visage telleth what our vices be. 1613
MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess II iii 5: Is not the face
the index of the mind? And canst thou not distinguish love by that?
1616 R.C. Times’ Whistle l. 631, p. 23: And that olde Saying is vn-
true, the face Is index of the heart. I631 MABBE Celestina I, p.
46: A man may now see, how for the most part, the face is the Index
of the mind. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p.317: (the image of the mind).
I670 RAY, p. 92: Vultus index animi.
SHAKESPEARE.~—1601 T.N. I ii 48: Though that nature with a
beauteous wall Doth oft close in pollution, yet of thee I will believe
thou hast a mind that suits With this thy fair and outward charac-
ter. 1605-6 K.L. III vi 56: And here’s another, whose warp’d looks
proclaim What store her heart is made on. 1605-6 M. I iv 11:
There’s no art To find the mind’s construction in the face.
Cf. E231: The eye is the window of the heart (mind); F3: Fair
face foul heart; F5: A fair face must have good conditions; F120:
Everyone’s faults are not written in their foreheads; F590: In the
forehead and in the eye the lecture of the heart (mind) doth lie;
H301: A blithe heart makes a blooming Visage; S735: Speech is the
picture (index) of the mind. , (13)
F2 A fair FACE and a foul bargain
1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 36: Such as marie but to a faire
face, tie themselues oft to a foule bargain. 1732 FUL., no. 87.
Cf. F3: Fair face foul heart; W795: Fair words make me look to
my purse; W800: Fine words dress ill deeds.
F3 Fair FACE foul heart
1584 LYLY Camp. II ii 55: Hermyns [ermines] haue faire skinnes,
but fowle liuers . . women faire faces, but false heartes. 1592 LYLY
Midas III iii 66: We would haue all our thoughts made of Church-
worke, and so carrie a holie face, and a hollow hart. 1600 DEKKER
Old Fort. I i 300: That fairest cheek hath oftentimes a soule Leprous
as sin itself. 1601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. IV iii 95: I haue
knowne fayre hides haue foule hartes eare now, I can tell you.
SHAKESPEARE.——I592-3 C.E. III ii 13: Bear a fair presence,
though your heart be tainted. 01595 R}. III ii 84: O, that deceit
should dwell In such a gorgeous palace! 1596 M. V. I iii 179: I like
not fair terms and a villain’s mind. 1599 7.C. II i 81: Seek none
[no hiding place], conspiracy. Hide it in smiles and affability!
For if thou path, thy native semblance on, Not Erebus itself was
dim enough To hide thee from prevention. 1605-6 M. I V 63:
Your face, my Thane, is as a book where men May read strange
matters. To beguile the time, Look like the time; bear welcome
in your eye, Your hand, your tongue; look like the innocent flower,
But be the serpent under’t. Ibid. I Vii 82: False face must hide
what the false heart doth know. Ibid. II iii 142: To Show an un—
felt sorrow is an office Which the false man does easy. Ibid. III
ii 34: Make our faces vizards to our hearts, Disguising what they
are. 1606-7 A.C. II Vi 104: There is never a fair woman has a
true face.
Cf. A300: Sodom apples outwardly fair, ashes at the core; F1:
The face is the index of the heart (mind); F2: A fair face and a foul
bargain; F16: To laugh (smile) in one’s face and cut one’s throat;

' face needes no painting, and a good cause no abetting.
and the devil in the heart.
F4 A fair FACE is half a portion
I530 PALS., p. 358: She that is good and fayre nede none other
dowrie. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 191: But of all, the fayrest is
the gretest treasure, For who borne is faire, is born an heire. 1616
DR., no. 157: Shee that is faire, hath halfe her portion. 1633 W.
ROWLEY All’s Lost by Lust III ii 68: Oh ye little amiable rogue you,
a good face is a good dowry, I see, sometimes. 1639 CL., p. 120.
1664 COD., p. 211: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1670 RAY, p. 87. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Fair. 1732 FUL., no. 89. .
See DUR., II, no. 322. Cf. B142: Who is born fair is born mar-
ried.
F5 A fair FACE must have good conditions
01572 T. RICHARDSON Proper New Song in C. Robinson et al. Handf.
Pleas. Delights, p. 11: For good conditions do not lie, where is a
pleasant face. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 8: It sildome falleth
out, that a good mind is lodged in a mishapen body. 1596 DEL.,
s. O6v: When the face is faire, the heart must be gentle. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 169: A good face a good grace. 1616 DR., no. 156.
[01620] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER False One V i, p. 358: Ugly
treason Durst never dwell in such a glorious building. [01622]
1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Double IMarr. III, p. 367: For
noble things dwell in the noblest buildings.
SHAKESPEARE.—I593—4 Luc. l. 1530: So fair a form lodg’d not a
mind so ill. 1597 I Hen. IV II iv 469: I see Virtue in his looks.
1604 M.M. IV ii 162: There is written in your brow, provost, hon-
esty and constancy.
Cf. D410: He is handsome that handsome does; F1: The face is
the index of the heart (mind); F12: An ingenuous face is a good
letter of recommendation.
F6 A good FACE needs no band and a bad one deserves
110116
1639 CL., s.v. Fucus, p. 131: A good face needs no band. 1670 RAY,
p. 59: [As in 1639 CL]. 1678 RAY, p. 97. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Face:
[As in 1639 Cl.]. a1700 B.E., s.v. Face: (needs no Band, or no
advantage to set it off). 1709 DYKEs, p. 175: In Opposition to the
fantastical Humour Of emulating Butter-flies in the Glory of exter-
nal Dress, we commonly say, A Good Face Needs No Band. 1721
KEL., p. 47: (and an ill one deserves none). *What is of it self
handsome needs no adorning, and Ornament is thrown away upon
what is naturally ugly. 1732 FUL., no. 147. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
I, p. 399: A good face needs no band. -—No; and a bad one de-
serves none.
Cf. F7: A good face needs no paint.
F7 A good FACE needs no paint
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit Ep. Ded., p. 181: Where the counte-
naunce is faire, ther neede no colours. 1608 J. DAY Law Tricks IV
i, p. 51: Good wine needs no bush, nor a good face painting. 1612
J. HEYWOOD Apology for Actors in Somers Tracts, III 575: A good
1633 W.
ROWLEY Match at Midn. V, p. 90: A good face needs no mask.
I732 FUL., no. 148.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. II i 13: My beauty . . Needs not
the painted flourish of your praise.
Cf. F6: A good face needs no band and a bad one deserves none;
M639: The fine marble needs no painting.
F8 He has a brazen FACE (a face of brass)
I573 GASCOIGNE Supposes IV v, p. 224: What a brasen face he set-
teth on it. 1578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. III i, s. I2V:

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
198
FACE
FAILED
I99


Well, I wyll set a face of brasse on it. 1587 RANKINS Mirr. Mon-
sters, f. 23: He that can sette vpon eche vice a face of brasse . . can
doo all. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 695: *Of misnortered [ill-bred] per—
sons. 1613 T. HEYWOOD Brazen Age To Rdr., p. 167: Having a
brazen face it cannot blush. 1647 J. B1RKENHEAD Assemblyman in
Somers Tracts, V 490: Had he not had more brass in his face than
in his kitchen. I672 WALK. 75, p. 18: He is a bold fellow; hath a
face of brass.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. V ii 395: Can any face of brass
hold longer out? 1605-6 K.L. II ii 30: What a brazen-fac’d var-
let art thou.
See ST., no. 317. (6)
F9 He has broken his FACE on the ambry1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 559: He hes gotten ane fall at the amrie foot.
1721 KEL., p. 174: *Spoken of bluff, fat cheek’d Boys.
[1cupboard]
F10 He has one FACE to God and another to the devil
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 765. I668 R.B., p. 58: (Ye have a face).
I721 KEL., p. 152. I732 FUL., no. 1878.
Cf. F20: He carries (bears) two faces under one hood.
F1 I I think his FACE is made of a fiddle, everyone that
looks on him loves him
1678 RAY, p. 243.
F12 An ingenuous FACE is a good letter of recommen-
‘ dation
I620 SHELTON Don Quin. Pt. II, lxiii, IV 202: His beauty giving
him in that instant, as it were, a Letter of recommendation. 1659
How. New Sayings, p. 5.
Cf. F5: A fair face must have good conditions.
F13 They love the FACE, not the grace
1639 CL., p. 119.
F14 ThyFACE is Shorn against the wool
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4: What, shuld your face thus agayn the woll
be shorne For one fall? 1562 HEY. Epig. 152, p. 151. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 6.
Cf. S287: It is ill shaving against the wool.
F15 Till he grows black in the FACE
1629 Wine, Beer, Ale, p. 178: Hot? I, till he looke blacke ith’ face
agen. 1697 D’URFEY Cinthia III ii, p. 22: Man . . swears and lies
till he grows black in th’ Face.
F16 To laugh (smile) in one’s FACE and cut one’s
throat
1587 RANKINS Mirr. Monsters, f. 11v: Beware of such pernitious
Gnatonists who taking vs friendlie by the one hand, haue in the
other a naked blade to shed our bloud, and smiling in our faces,
seeke to betraie our soules. 1616 WITHALS, p. 563: Hee laughes
you in the face, but he could wish you at the devill. 1639 CL., p.
140: He fieeres you in the face but would cut your throate. 1663
WAKER Refined Courtier V, p. 125: The treachery of love . . a smil-
ing in his face and cutting his throat. 1670 RAY, p. 184: (cut his
throat). 1672 WALK. 16, p. 8: He laughs you in the face, and cuts
your throat. 1732 FUL., no. 5194. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p.
435: I have some excellent Cider. . —How is it treacherous?
—Because it smiles in my face, and cuts my throat.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI III ii 182: Why, I can smile,
and murther whiles I smile. I599 FCC. II i 224: Good gentlemen,
look fresh and merrily. Let not our looks put on our purposes [to
murder Caesar], But bear it as our Roman actors do, With untir’d
spirits and formal constancy. Ibid. IV i 50: And some that smile
have in their hearts, I fear, Millions of mischiefs. 1600-1 H. I v
107: Meet it is I set it down That one may smile, and smile, and
be a Villain.
Cf. F3: Fair face foul heart; H547: He has honey in his mouth
and the razor at his girdle.
F17 To set a good FACE on the matter (on a bad matter)
1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 1978, p. 100: Though it be a foul bye, set
upon it a good face. 1562 HEY. Epig. 108, p. 143: (I did set).
1580 H. GIFFORD Ep. Ded.: Gilloflowers, p. 75: But (as the fashione
of the worlde is now a dayes) set a good face on a bad matter.
01600 Birth Hercules I i, p. 13: I will set a good face out. 1600
[LYLY] Maid’s Metam. II ii 66: We must set a face on’t now, theres
no flying. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 132: Some on the matter sett a
good face. 1614 J. COOKE Greene’s Tu Quoque, s. F4: Nay, and
that be all, I care not, for I’le set a good face on’t, that’s Hat. 1621
BRATHWAITE Sat. II 6: Nat. Embassy, p. 107: Making a good face
of an euill matter. 1634 R. BROME AND T. HEYWOOD Lanc. Witches
I i, p. 173: That’s my griefe; a most notorious lyar, out upon him.
-—Lets set the best face on’t. 1639 CL., s.v. Aequanimitas, p. 15:
Set a good face on it. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. Ibid., p. 6:
To put a good face on an ill game. 1670 RAY, p. 174: (on a thing).
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 100: They set a fair face on a foul matter.
1672 WALK. 17, p. 27: I set a good face on’t; made the best on’t.
I697 Triumphs Virtue IV i, p. 40: Hang it, let’s put on a good Face,
for Confidence is the best Masque of Innocence.
F18 To set one’s FACE like a flint
[Is. i 7: Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I
Shall not be ashamed] I688 BUNYAN Work Yesus Christ: Wks., I
180: He . . sets his face like a flint to plead for me with God.
F19 To wash one’s FACE in an ale clout
[To get drunk] I562 HEY. Dial. I x, p. 22: As sober as she seemth,
fewe daies come about, But she will onece wasshe hir face in an ale
clout.
F20 He carries (bears) two FACES under one hood
01460 Wisdom l. 721, p. 59: Jorowur, in on hoode berith to facis.
01510 SKELTON Bowge Court 1. 428: Wks., I 46: Than in his hode I
sawe there faces tweyne. a1536 HILL 4, p. 130: (He hath). I546
HEY. I x, s. C3: A false fiattryng fylth; and, if that be good, None
better to beare two faces in a hood. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Sentio: To
beare two faces in one hoode. 1562 HEY. Epig. 74, p. 138: Thou
berest two faces in one whood. 1566 HOL., p. 261: He beareth two
faces in one hoode. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31: (He hath).
1580 BARET, B—31: We say, beare two faces vnder one hoode. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 408: Some men Still beare two faces in a whood.
1616 WITHALS, p. 552. 1639 CL., p. 140. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 17. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 57: Two breeches in one pair of
hose, and two faces in a hood. *Note 162, p. 61: Spoken of Hypo-
crites, who Janus like carry two faces, looking different waieS.
1670 RAY, p. 197: (To carry). a1700 B.E., s.v. Hood: Two Faces
under one Hood, a Double Dealer. 1732 FUL., no. 5327: Two
Faces under one Hood.
See ST., no. 788. Cf. F10: He has one face to God and another
to the devil; F267: He bears (carries) fire in one hand and water in
the other; J37: Like Janus, two-faced. (Q1)
F21 They wash their FACES with fair water and wipe
them with a dishclout
1575 FENTON Golden Epp., f. 50v: As the saying is, wash their face
with faire water, and drie it ouer with a dishclout. 1598 BARCKLEY
Fel. Man IV, p. 3 59: They that aspire to honourable places without
vertue, seeme to mee to bee like them that wash their face with
faire water, and wipe it with a dishclout.
F22 He that would (must) eat a buttered FAGoT, let
him go to Northampton
1662 FULLER Worthies Northampton, II 160: (must). *Because it
is the dearest Town in England for fuel, where no Coles can come
by Water, and little Wood doth grow on Land. 1678 RAY, p. 328.
1732 FUL., no. 5525: What would you have? a butter’d Faggot?
F23 He is good that FAILED never
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 538: He is ane good man that falled never.
1641 FERG., no. 367. 1668 R.B., p. 25. 1721 KEL., p. 163: *A
Persuasion to bear the Neglects of a Friend, who has, on other Oc-
casions, been beneficial to you.

Cf. H670: It is a good horse that never stumbles.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FAIR
FAITH
100
F24 FAIR: subst. (= beauty)
F24 FAIR is not fair but that which pleases
[1635] 1655 MASSINGER Bash/u! Lover I i, p. 392:1 guess the reason;
A giving hand is still fair to the receiver. 1640 HERB., no. 488.
I658 Il‘iI)M()NI)SON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 234. 1659 N.R., p. 32.
1664 COD., p. 193. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 20, p. 204: That is not hand-
some, which is handsome, but that is handsome, which pleaseth.
1670 RAY, p. 9: *This is an Italian Prov.
SHAKESI’EARE.—ISQ4—5 L.L.L. IV i 23: A giving hand, though
foul, shall have fair praise. 1605—8 T. Alth. I ii 13: Faults that are
rich are fair.
See DiiR., II, no. 323.
F25-F26 FAIR: subst. (=market)
F25 Buy at a FAIR but sell at home
1616 DR., no. 230: (A man must buie at the faire, and). 1639 CL.,
p. 191: He buyes at the faire and sells at home. 1640 HERB., no.
160. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 22. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 18: Sell at home, and buy in a fair, if thou wilt be
rich. 1659 N.R., p. 24. 1664 COD., p. 187. 1670 RAY, p. 4: (Buy
at a market, but). *Hispan. 1732 FUL., no. 1034: (Buy at a Mar-
ket, and).
F26 The FAIR lasts (lasts not) all the year
1546 HEY. II ii, s. G1. 01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 348,
p. 118: He need go no farther, the fair is heer; Bye when ye list, it
lasteth ouer yeer. 1562 HEY. Epig. 63, p. 136. 1593 Pass. Mor-
rice in Tell- Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 87: The faire lastes not
alwaies. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 1. 1616 DR., s.v. Of carnall Lone,
no. 1314. 1618 HARINGTON Epig. I 72, p. 80: Her Fayre lasts all
the yeere. 1623 CAM., p. 279. 1639 CL., s.v. Occasio, p. 233: (lasts
not). 1659 N.R., p. 103: (the whole year).
F27—F29 FAIR: adj.
F27 FAIR and far off
1595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 375, s. C1v: Faire inough, and farre
inough from thy fingering sonne. 1597 LYLY Woman in Moon II i
192: I, so, fayre and far off, for feare of hurt. 8.1700 B.E., s.v. Fair
Speech: Fair and far off; wide of the Mark.
Cf. F413: Far folk fare best; F625: Far fowls have fair feathers;
G72: He shoots like a gentleman, fair and far oiI; M450: He esteems
each man’s birds and jewels better than his own; M539: Men are
best loved farthest off; N1 15: Our neighbor’s ground yields better
corn than our own.
F28 FAIR and foolish, black and proud, long and lazy,
little and loud
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1424-. Fair and foolish, litil and loud Long and
lusty, black and proud. Fat and merry, lean and sad Pale and pet-
tish, Red and bad. 1600 W. VAUGHAN Directions Health V iv, p.
144: And the outward phisiognomy of the body, in the most part
is verified by our ancient rimes: Faire and foolish, little and loud,
Long and lazie, blacke and proud: Fat and merry, leane and sad,
Pale and peeuish, red and bad. [1658] 1687 CLEVELAND Wi e-hater
7: Wks., p. 268: Foolish (the proverb says) if fair. 1678 RAY, p. 61:
(Fair and sluttish). 1721 KEL., p. 1 1 1: *A groundless Proverb upon
Womens different Statures, and Complexions. 1732 FUL., no.
1488: Fair and foolish. Ibid., no. 6409.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 0. II i 130fi'.: [An extended development
of this motif].
Cf. L421: Long and lazy, little and loud, fat and fulsome, pretty
and proud.
F29 FAIR without but foul within
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 345, p. 118: Fair without
and foule within. 1616 DR., no. 101. 1621 BRATHWAITE Omphale:
Nat. Embassy, p. 277: As spotted as the Ermine, whose smooth skin,
Though it be faire without, is foule within. 1621 ]. TAYLOR Super.
Flag: Wks. F.,p. 46: For ’tis a maxime, Those have euer bin, That
are most faire without, most foule within. 1639 CL., s.v. Hypo-
crisis, p. 139: Faire without, foule within. 1659 How. It. Prov., p.

15: She is like a chesnut, fair without, and rotten Within. 1659
N.R., p. 34: [As in 1639 CL].
SHAKESPEARE.—1598—9 M.A. IV i 101: What a Hero hadst thou
been Ifhalf thy outward graces had been plac’d About thy thoughts
and counsels of thy heart! But fare thee well, most foul, most fair!
1605—6 M. I i 10: Fair is foul, and foul is fair. Ibid. I iii 38: So foul
and fair a day I have not seen.
See DiiR., I, no. 107; SK., no. 284. Cf. A300: Sodom apples out-
wardly fair, ashes at the core; B163: Beauty and chastity (honesty)
seldom meet; F3: Fair face foul heart; S225: Whited sepulchers
(Women are whited sepulchers).
F30 FAITH sees by the ears
[01633] 1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 133: And of which
it is said, That Faith comes by hearing. 1732 FUL., no. 1493.
F31 Grecian FAITH
[ERAS. Adagia 3081*: Graeca fide.] 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p.
232: Is it not commonly saide of Grecians that crafte commeth to
them by kinde, that they learne to deceiue in their cradell? 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 64: It is proverbially saide, The Greekish
fayth. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 221: Graeca fide.
1639 CL., s.v. Perfidia, p. 248: Graeca fide.
See OTTO, no. 770. Cf. C822: Cretans are liars (Use craft
against Cretans); G440: When Greekjoins Greek, then is the tug
ofwar; M635: You are a man of Dursley.
F32 He pins his FAITH on another man’s sleeve
1548 E. HALL Hen. VII]: Chron., f. 69: He would none of his ser-
uauntes should hang on other mannes sleue. I578 LYLY Euph.
zinat. Wit, p. 249: Alas fonde foole arte thou so pinned to theire
sleeues that thou regardest more their babble then thine owne blisse.
1599 Life Sir T. More in Eccl. Biog., II 149: I never intended to
pinne my soule to another man’s sleeve. 1607 DEKKER AND WEB-
STER West. Ho I i, s. C4: Who would pin their hearts to any Sleeue.
01634 R. SANDERSON dd Populum vii: Serm., I 552: We may not . .
build our faith upon them as upon a sure foundation, nor pin our
belief upon their sleeves. 1642 FULLER Holy State III xx, p. 206: He
never pinn’d his religion on any mans sleeve. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch
Prof. III 8, p. 274: That was a good saying of Sir Thomas More: I
will not pin my faith upon any man’s sleeve, because I know not
whither he will carry it. 1678 RAY, p. 243. I680 FLAVEL Method
Grace XXIX, p. 443: We may not pin our Faith on any Man’s
Sleeve, for we know not where he will carry it. 3.1700 B.E., s.v.
Pin: To Pin one’s Faith on another’s Sleeve, or take all upon Trust,
for Gospel that he saies. 1732 FUL., no. 2003.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 321: This gallant pins the
wenches on his sleeve.
See ST., no. 847; T. 487, p. 247. Cf. S533: To hang on one’s
sleeve. (31)
F33 No FAITH with heretics
[01589] 1633 MARLOWE Yew Malta II iii 310: It’s no sin to deceive
a Christian; For they themselves hold it a principle, Faith is not to
be held with heretics. I619 TAYLOR Kick. Win. 7: Wks. F., p.
199: They being Romists, I a Protestant: Their Apostatical in-
junction saith, To keepe their faith with me, is breach of faith.
1664 ]. WILSON And. Comnenius III i, p. 158:No faith with tyrants!
says one. With robbers! another cries. And then, how easy
’Twill be to make you one or both.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 K7. III i 174: And blessed Shall he be that
doth revolt From his allegiance to an heretic.
Cf. O7: An unlawful oath is better broken than kept.
F34 There is no FAITH in man
1586 WITHALS, s. 08: There is no truste in anye man. 1604 MAR-
STON Malcontent IV ii 14: All is damnation; wickedness extreme:
There is no faith in man. 1611 L. BARRY Ram-filley II, s. D2: Is
there no trust, N0 honnesty in men? 1623 MASSINGER Duke Milan
II i, p. 41: There is no faith in man: Sforza is false, False to Mar-
celia. 1623 WOD., p. 496: There is no Trust in the World. 1636
T. HEYWOOD Chall. for Beauty IV, p. 54: I. . therewithall dare
sweare That there’s no faith in woman. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
p. 341: No trust in mortal man.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FALCON
FAMILY
QOI


SHAKESPEARE.——CI595 R7. III ii 85: There’s no trust, No faith,
no honesty in men; all perjur’d. 1597 I Hen. IVII iv 132: Is there
no Virtue extant . . There is nothing but roguery to be found in Vil-
lanous man.
Cf. M503: All men be not true.
F35 AS gentle as a FALCON
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurell. 1006: Wks.,I 402: Ientill as fawcoun.
I562 HEY. Epig. 91, p. 215: (Thy wyfe is as). 01579 [MERBURY]
Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 14: You shall find him as gentell as a
faulcon.
F36 Long ere you cut FALKLAND WOOD with a penknife
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 958. 1662 FULLER Worthies Northumber-
land, II 189: *It is spoken of such who embrace unproportionable
and improbable means to effect the ends propounded to themselves.
I668 R.B., p. 35. 1721 KEL., p. 241: *Spoken when People set
about a Work without proper Tools. 1732 FUL., no. 5823: Would
you cut down Falkland-VVood with a Penknife?
Cf. 5183: To lave (empty) the sea with a nutshell (cockleshell,
spoon).
F37 One may sooner FALL than rise
1616 DR., no. 602: (A man may). Ibid., no. 1497: One may more
easily fall then rise. 1639 CL., p. 163: (A man may). Ibid., p.
260: ’Tis easier to fall than rise. 1664 COD., p. 207. I670 RAY,
p. 9. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To fall.
Cf. D204: It is easier to descend than ascend; M913: As mickle
up with as mickle down with.
F38 He that FALLS today may be up again tomorrow
I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxv, IV 215: He that falls to day,
may rise to morrow, except it be that he meane to lye a-bed. I732
FUL., no. 2097.
F39 He that is FALLEN cannot help him that is down
1640 HERB., no. 749.
F40 The FALLING-OUT of lovers is a renewing of love
[ERAS. Adagia, 740B: Amantium irae, amoris redintegratio est.]
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 39: The Variaunce oflouers (sayth
Terence) is the renuynge of loue. I577 GRANGE Garden, s. RI: A
Prouerbe olde I beare in mynde, The whiche I hope will be full true:
The fallyng out of louers kynde, Is fayned wrath loue to renewe.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 143: Let the falling out of frinds
be a renewing of affection. 1581—90 Timon V V, p. 89: What, yf
Shee cast thee of? the falling out Of louers doth renewe and strengh-
then loue. 1616 DR., s.v. Loue, no. 1308. 1621 R. BURTON dnat.
M. III 11 ii 4, p. 705: She would . . pick quarrels upon no occasion,
because she would be reconciled to him again. As the old saying
is, the falling out of lovers is the renewing of love. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 23, p. 54: The anger of Lovers is the sawce of love.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. III i 112: Falling in after falling out,
may make them three. 1609 Son. 119, l. 9: Now I find true That
. . ruin’d love, when it is built anew, Grows fairer than at first, more
strong, far greater.
Cf. B515: A broken bone (leg) is the stronger when it is well set;
R62: The relapse is more dangerous than the disease. (15)
F41 There is FALSEHOOD (flattery) in fellowship
[CI5I7] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. C1v: Falshode in felowshyp is my
sworne brother. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H2v: If he plaie falsehed in
felowshyp, plaie ye Se me, and se me not. 1562 HEY. Epig. 208,
p. 160. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 101: Alas! my Germanicus, are
you to know . . the falsehood in friends? 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit, p. 197: Haue I not also learned that . . there is falshood in fel-
lowship? 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. R1 V: So yow by your reckles
merit losing my loue, accuse an other of falshood in fellowship.
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Alb. x, s. I3v: I see all is not golde that
glisters; ther’s falshood in fellowship. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1639
CL., s.v. Hypocrisis, p. 140. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1664
COD., p. 212. I670 RAY, p. 88. 1732 FUL., no. 4894.

SHAKESPEARE—I599 Hen. V III Vii I24: I will cap that proverb
with ‘There is flattery in friendship.’
Cf. F349: Flattery gets friends; T549: In trust is treason. (5)
F42 There is FALSEHOOD in packing
I574 SCOT Hoppegarden, p. 56: There is, according to the Prouerbe,
much falshoode in packing, I am unskilfull in that Art, if I were
otherwise, I woulde be 10th to teache such doctrine.
F43 Common FAME1 is seldom to blame
1597 LOK Son. Conscience 83: Ecclesiastes, p. 299: Though prouerbe
truely say, by fame’s affect, God’s judgement lightly doth a truth
detect. 1639 CL., s.v. Notus, p. 227. I670 RAY, p. 88. I694
D’URFEY 2 Don Quix. I i, p. 1 I3. 1721 KEL., p. 80: Common Fame
sindle [seldom] to blame. *A Man will seldom be under an uni-
versal ill Report, unless he has given some occasion for it.
See DiiR., II, no. 266. Cf. F44: Fame (Report) is a liar.
[1report]
F44 FAME (Report) is a liar
I594 LYLY Mother B. III iii 30: You see reports are no truths. 1606
B. RICH Faults, f. 46v: And all the ill that I haue to speake is but
by report, but Report is a lier. 1614 W. BROWNE Shep. Pipe VII,
236: Fame is a lyer, and was neuer other. 1616 DR., no. 1837:
(Report). 1639 CL., p. 112: Common fame is not alway true.
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 49, p. 79: There’s nothing so common, as
to say, they say such a thing, they say this, they say that, report
is usually a lyar. 1710 E. WARD Nuptial Dial. 17, I 214: Since
common Fame is but a common Lyar. I732 FUL., no. 6120: Com-
mon Fame Is mostly to blame.
Cf. F43: Common fame is seldom to blame; R84: Report has a
blister on her tongue; T99: They say so is half a lie.
F45 FAME is a magnifying glass
1642 FULLER Holy State III xxiii, p. 218: Fame generally overdoes.
1732 FUL., no. 1495.
F46 FAME is but the breath of the people and that often
unwholesome
I611 CORYATE Crudities, I 60: Fame is but winde. 1650 TAYLOR
Holy Living I ii, p. 20: That which would purchase heaven for him
he parts with for the breath of the people; which at best is but air,
and that not often wholesome. I711 POPE Temp. Fame: Wks., I
229: Fame . . that second life in others breath, Th’ estate which
wits inherit after death! 1732 FUL., no. 1497.
F47 Too much FAMILIARITY breeds contempt
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 92: Too much familiarity had bred so
much contempt in her. 1593 G. HARVEY Let. Not. Cont., p. 293:
Truth begetteth hatred; Vertue Enuy, Familiaritie contempt.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1101: Over grit homlynes engenders despyt.
1616 DR., no. 671. [01631] 1654 FULLER Ruth: Serm., I 86: With
base and sordid natures familiaritie breeds contempt. 1639 CL.,
p. 68. I641 FERG., no. 667: Over great familiaritie genders despite.
1659 N.R., p. 95. I668 R.B., p. 41 : [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY,
p. 88. 1721 KEL., p. 270: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I732 FUL., no. 5263.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-I I i 257: I hope upon familiarity
will grow more content. 1609 Son. 102, l. 12: Sweets grown com-
mon lose their dear delight.
See OTTO, no. 641 . Cf. T145: That thing which is rare is dear.
(I4)
F48 He that has had one of his FAMILY hanged may
not say to his neighbor hang up his fish
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 408.
F49 It is a poor FAMILY (kin) which has neither a
whore nor a thief in it
1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., s. DI: It is a stock (they say) right
honorable and good, That hath neither thefe nor whore in their
blood. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 878: It is a sillie kin ther is nather
hoor nor theefin. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 1: There’s no family
but there’s a Whore or a Knave ofit. I678 RAY, p. 9. 1721 KEL.,
p. 186: It is a poor Kin, that has neither Whore nor Thief in it.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FAMINE
FART
202

*Spoken when some of our Relations, who have done an ill Thing,
is cast in our Teeth.
Cf. F557: Who has neither fools nor beggars nor whores among
his kindred was born ofa stroke of thunder; H782: There is no house
but has something not to be spoken of; K36: It is a good kin that
none do amiss in; P178: In great pedigrees there are governors and
Chandlers; $273: Shame in a kindred cannot be avoided.
F50 After a FAMINE in the stall comes a famine in the
hall
1678 RAY, p. 353: *Somerset.
Cf. F51: A famine in England begins at the horse manger.
F51 A FAMINE in England begins at the horse manger
1662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 82: (begins first). 1670 RAY,
p. 44: *In opposition to the rack: for in dry years when hay is dear,
commonly corn is cheap: but when oats (or indeed any one grain)
is dear, the rest are seldom cheap.
Cf. D131: No dearth but breeds in the horse manger; F50: After
a famine in the stall comes a famine in the hall.
F52 As fit as a FAN for a forehorse
1619 Two Wise Men IV iii, s. HIV: I could devise them a crest as fit
as a fan for a forehorse.
F53 FANCYl is a fool
1616 DR., s.v. Affection, no. 56.
[llove]
F54 FANCY may bolt1 bran and think it flour
I546 HEY. II iv, 5. G3v: Fancy may boult bran and make ye take
it flowre. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 358: Fancy may boult bran till it
be flower: But that will fat but fooles I am sure. 1616 DR., s.v.
Affection, no. 672: Fancie may so long boult branne, that at length
it may turne to floure. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1670 RAY,
p. 88. 1732 FUL., no. 1499.
Cf. W923: The worth of a thing is as it is esteemed (valued).
[’sift]
1639 CL., p. 28.
F55 FANCY1 surpasses (passes) beauty
1678 RAY, p. 136: (passes). 1732 FUL., no. 1501.
[llove]
F56 Hard FARE makes hungry bellies (stomachs)
1639 CL., p. I 1 2: (stomacks). Ibid.,
1732 FUL., no. 1796.
I616 BRET., p. 6: (stomackes).
s.v. Parsimonia, p. 241. I670 RAY, p. 100.
F57 You see your FARE (dinner)
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3: You se your fare . . set your hert at rest.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 433: Lady Answerall, pray eat, you
see your dinner.
F58 Afraid of FAR ENOUGH
I670 RAY, p. 161: *Of that which is never likely to happen. 1721
KEL., p. 385: You are fear’d of the Day you never saw. Spoken
to them who vex themselves with unnecessary Fears and dismal
Apprehensions. Eng. You are afraid of far enough.
F59 FAREWELL unkissed
a1538 WYATT that Should] Say 1. 26: Poems, I 309: Or that I wiste
Farewell, unkiste. 1546 HEY. I x, s. DIV; She and I haue shaken
handes. farewell vnkyst! 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 314.
F60 The longer we live the more FARLIES1 we see
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1269. I668 R.B., p. 51. 1721 KEL.,p. 313.
Cf. L393: The longer that one lives the more he knows.
[lwonders]
F61 They that hold the greatest FARMS pay the least
rent
I651 HERB., p. 369: *Applyed to rich men that are unthankful to
God. 1659 N.R., p. 115. -

F62 To feed like a FARMER
1618 J. TAYLOR Penniless Pilg.: Wks. F., p. 133: We drew like Fid-
lers, and like Farmers fed. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. VI ii, II
193: On which the abbot fed as the farmer of his grange. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zappatore, p. 239: To eat and drink stoutly;
the English say the like, To eat like a Farmer, and drink like a
Fish. 01670 T.H. Hist. Whittington, p. 7: Meat was set before him
in plenty, and being bred in the country, as the proverb goeth, He
fed like a farmer. 1670 RAY, p. 202. 1678 RAY, p. 280: (farmer;
or freeholder). 01680 Citizens Vind. l. 27 in Roxb. Bal., VII 278:
And if he to a pudding gets, he Farmer-like doth feed. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Farmer: To eat like a Farmer . . i.e. to eat with a good stomack.
I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 451: I have fed like a farmer . . myjaws
are weary of chewing.
Cf. F325: To drink like a fish.
F63 As soon may you get a FART of a dead man (horse)
I546 HEY. I xi, S. D4v: I shall get a fart of a dead man as soone, As
a farthyng of him. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON East-
ward Ho IV ii 142: We shall assoone get a fart from a dead man, as
a farthing ofcourt’sie here. 1611 COT., s.v. Pet: (I would as soone
vndertake to get). [1616] I631 JONSON Devil Is Ass V ii I: O, Call
me home againe, deare Chiefe, and put me To . . drawing farts Out
of dead bodies. I631 JONSON Staple News III ii 97: They write
from Libtzig (reuerence to your eares) The Art of drawing farts
out of dead bodies, Is by the Brotherhood of the Rosie Crosse, Pro-
duc’d vnto perfection. 1639 CL., s.v. Diflicultatis, p. 88. 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14: One may gett a fart from a dead horse, as
soon as a farthing from him. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: ’Tis
easier to draw a fart from a dead ass. 1670 RAY, p. 205: As free
as a dead horse is of farts. 1672 WALK. 63, p. 1 1: He may as soon
get a fart of a dead man, as a word out of him. 1681 ROB., p. 471:
(You may as soon, and with as little difliculty get). 1721 KEL., p.
208: I draw it from you, like a Fart from a dead Mare. *Spoken
of them who will not do, or say, a Thing but with Force, and Con-
straint.
Cf. M1097: To get money from him is like pulling teeth.
F64 Cloak a FART with a cough
[ERAS. Adagia, 248B: Tussis pro crepitu.] 1532 WHITTINGTON Lit-
tle Bk. Good Manners, s. B1: After the olde prouerbe, Let him close
the fert under colour of a coughe. I552 TAV., f. 59v: [As in Eras.].
*A cloke for the rayne. 1580 BARET, T—447: [As in Eras.]. A
Prouerbe applied vnto such as can . . cunninglie cloke a fart with a
cough.
Cf. M1325: When a musician has forgot his note he makes as
though a crumb stuck in his throat.
F65 Everyone thinks his own FART smells sweet
[ERAS. Adagia, 806B: Suus cuique crepitus bene Olet.] 1583 STUBBES
Anat. Abuses I, p. 71: As the prouerb saith: euery one thinketh his
own (foist the sweetest) wayes best. 1605 MARSTON Dutch Cour-
tesan III iii 50: Every man’s turd smells well in’s owne nose. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 53: Ones own fart stinketh not. 1721 KEL.,
p. 211: It is not every Man that feels the Stink of his own Fart.
*Every Man is not sensible of his own Defects.
Cf. F69: He thinks his fart as sweet as musk; F666: He farts
frankincense.
F66 He makes a very FART a thunderbolt
1678 RAY, p. 243.
Cf. F68: He that is feared of a fart should never hear thunder.
F67 He that is afraid of every FART must go far to piss
1546 HEY. II V, s. H2V: Nay, I warrant ye They that will be afrayde
of euery farte Must go farre to pisse. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2.
F68 He that is feared of a FART Should never hear
thunder
1668 R.B., p. 23: (is fraid of farts). I721 KEL., p. 134.
Cf. F 66: He makes a very fart a thunderbolt.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), 01' by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FART 203 FATHER

F69 He thinks his FART as sweet as musk in the fire. 1639 CL., s.v. Desperatio, p. 86: (All the fat). 1659
1639 CL., s.v. Philautia, p. 254. I670 RAY, p. 174.
Cf. F65: Everyone thinks his own fart smells sweet.
F70 There came never a large FART out of a wren’s ass
1641 FERG., no. 780: (forth of a).
1721 KEL., p. 258: Never came a
*Spoken when niggardly
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1251.
I668 R.B., p. 51: (forth of a).
hearty Fart out of the Wren’s Arse.
People give some insignificant Gift.
F71 Not worth a FARTHING
1605 S. ROWLEY When You See Me, s. D2: As for the Popes faith
(good faith’s) not worth a farthing. 1633 Dux Grammaticus, p.
165: All the gaine that thou shalt get by this bargain is not worth
a farthing. 1647 N. WARD Simple Cobbler, p. 40: It matters not a
farthing whether he be Presbyterian or Independent. 1659 How.,
It. Prov., p. 16: I care not a farthing for thee. 1672 WALK. 40, p.
9: He is not worth a brass farthing.
Cf. H178: Not worth a Harrington. (11)
F72 Four FARTHINGS and a thimble make a tailor’s
pocket jingle
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: (Will make). 1670 RAY, p. 82. 1732
FUL., no. 6328.
F73 Send FARTHINGALES (Verdingales) to Broadgates in
Oxford
1562 HEY. Epig. 55, p. 188: Alas poore verdingales must lie in the
streete: To house them, no doore in the citee made meete. Syns
at our narow doores they in can not win, Send them to Oxforde, at
Brodegates to get in. 1662 FULLER Worthies Oxfordshire, II 221:
(Send Verdingales). *With these Verdingales the Gowns of Wom-
en beneath their wastes were pent-housed out far beyond their
bodies . . the first inventress thereof. . a light House-wife . . sought
to cover her shame, and the fruits of her wantonness . . Their wear-
ers could not enter (except going sidelong) at any ordinary door;
which gave the occasion to this Proverb. 1670 RAY, p. 250: (Send
Verdingales to).
F74 It is the FASHION in Rome to go barefoot that
wants shoes
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 876: (shoone).
F75 The plain FASHION is best
1562 HEY. Epig. 201, p. 159. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7.
F76 For FASHION’S sake, as dogs go to the market
(to church)
1721 KEL., p. 109: (goes). *Spoken when we see People declare for
a Party, or make a Profession, which we suppose they would not
do, if it were not in Vogue. 1732 FUL., no. 1590: (to Church).
F77 Over FAST (sicker) over loose
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1099. 1668 R.B., p. 41. 1721 KEL., p. 271:
O’er sicker, o’er lose. *The Method taken to secure a Thing often
makes it miscarry.
Cf. B352: Fast (Sure) bind fast (sure) find.
F78 FAST AND LOOSE is no possession
1639 CL., s.v. Inconstantiae, p. 159.
Cf. P401: To play fast and loose.
F79 The FAT (All the fat) is in the fire
1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4: Than farewell ryches, the fat is in the fyre,
And neuer shall I to lyke riches aspire. 1559 BECON Displ. Popish
Mass: Prayers, p. 277: Or else your cake is dough, and all your fat
lie in the fire. 1562 HEY. Epig. 243, p. 165. I585 [MUNDAY]
Fidele and Fort. II v, s. D3. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not
Me, p. 328: I must stop their mouths, fleet them from hence, or all
the fat’s in the fire. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 306. 1616 WITHALS, p.
553: All is mard. All the fatt is in the fier. 1631 MABBE Celestina
I, p. 24: And so his death may be my death, and then all the fat is

How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: All the fatt is fallen into the fire, spoken
when a business miscarries. 1670 RAY, p. 174: (All the fat). 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Fat: IfI don’t do it, all the fat will be in the fire.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. III v 39: We may go whistle; all
the fat’s i’ th’ fire.
Cf. C12: His cake is dough. (11)
F80 To lick the FAT from one’s beard (lips)
I546 HEY. I iii, S. A4: And therby the fat cleane flyt fro my berde.
1548 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 87v: Other. . marchantes . . sore
abhorryng the Italian nacion, for lickyng the fat from their beardes,
and takyng from them their accustomed lyuing. 1571 R. EDWARDS
Damon and Pithias, s. B3: He wyll licke all the fatte from my lippes.
1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Sept., 1. 123, p. 41: But they that shooten
neerest the pricke Sayne, other the fat from their beards doen lick.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 107: It is he Philautus that will
fieete all the fat from thy bread [for beard]. 1583 MELBANCKE Phi-
lot., 5. Q3: Philotimus had wiped all the fat from his bearde. 1591
LODGE Catharos, p. 23: Let not therefore curiousnes licke the fat
from your fingers. 1607 DEKKER AND WILKINS 7ests: Dekker Non—
Dram. Wks., II 353: O leave the company of such as lick the fat
from your beards (if you haue any) and come hether.
F81 As sure (firm) as FATE
[ERAS. Adagia, 929B: Fatum immutabile.] 1606 MARSTON Sophon.
Argument, p. 235: A woman’s constant love, as firm as fate. Ibid.
III i 3 5’: And here before your steady power a vow As firm as fate I
make. 1612 DEKKER If It Be Not Good, p. 308: Once thought I
that his love had bin (as fate) Vnmoueable; and ist now turn’d to
hate? 1701 FARQUHAR Sir H. Wildair V v, p. 207: As sure as Fate,
it walks in my House.
See NORTHALL Folk Phr., p. II.
avoid (undo) fate (destiny).
F82 FATE leads the willing but drives the stubborn
1615 T. ADAMS Two Sons: Wks., p. 425: What thou must doe, doe
willingly. Fata volentem ducunt, nolentem trahunt. God gently
leads thee comming, but drags thee on, withdrawing. 1732 F UL.,
no.15o8.
Cf. F83: It is impossible to
F83 It is impossible to avoid (undo) FATE (destiny)
1573 GASCOIGNE Yocasta III i, p. I 17: What heauen hath done, that
cannot I vndo. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 128: No policy may pre-
vent the power of the heavens, no doings of men can undo the des-
tinies. 1606 Wily Beguiled xvi, p. 70: What Fates decree, can
neuer be recall’d. [1607-25] 1632 W. ROWLEY New Wonder I, p.
116: Nothing can hinder fate. 1608 G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN
Dumb Knt. III, p. 154: My vow is past, And is like fate Still unre-
vocable. I612 DABORNE Chr. Turned Turk 'l. 226, p. 197: True,
the fate of man is fixt, Vnmoueable as the pole: how idle then were
he should striue to cross vnuoided desteny? 1616 Dr., no. 491:
(destinie). Ibid., no. 1099: To eschew destinie is impossible. 1632
SHIRLEY Love in Maze III iii, p. 324: There is no wrestling with our
fate. I633 SHIRLEY Bird in Cage V i, p. 447: I see it is in vain To
interrupt our fate; what is decreed Above, becomes not mortals to
dispute. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: That which heaven sends we
cannot avoid. 1659 N.R., p. 69: [As in 1616 Dr., no. 491]. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 85: It avails not to contest against fate. 1732
FUL., no. 3568: No flying from Fate.
SHAKESPEARE.——1597 Rich. III IV iv 218: All unavoided is the
doom of destiny. I599 7.C. II ii 26: What can be avoided Whose
end is purpos’d by the mighty gods?
See DUR., II, no. 309; PF., no. 52; T. 148, p. 121. Cf. F81: As
sure (firm) as fate. ('7)
F84 The FATHER to the bough, the son to the plow
1576 LAMBARDE Peramb. Kent, p. 551. 1639 CL., p. 279: (and the
son). 1659 W. COLE Rod Lawyers in Harl. Misc., IV 306: (And
therefore it is the Saying in Kent, The father). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. I 2: *A Kentish Proverb meant of Gavelkind. I662 FULLER
Worthies Kent, I 487: *That is, though the Father be executed for
his Offence, the Son shall neverthelesse succeed to his Inheritance.
I670 RAY, p. 64: (and the son). 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Gavel-kind: In

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FATHER
FATHERS
204

Gavelkind, tho’ the father be hang’d, the son shall inherit; for their
custom is, the Father to the Bough, the Son to the Plough. 1732
FUL., no. 6254.
F85 Give (Box) it about, it will come to my FATHER at
last
1693 LU'r'rRELI. Brie/ Rel. State flflairs Oct. 19, III 207: One health
was, Box it about, it will come to my father, meaning king James.
1721 KEL., p. 121: *A young Fellow was sitting in Company with
his Father, who, upon some Provocation, gave him a Blow; who
immediately gave his left Hand Man as much, and bad him give
it about. Spoken when we would have some ill Turn done to some
Body, but not immediately by our self. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III,
p. 466: Methinks you are very witty upon one another: come, box
it about; ’twill come to my father at last.
F86 He takes not after the FATHER
1616 WITHALS, p. 559.
8
1639 CL., s.v. Degenerantium in pejus, p.
4.
Cf. F92: Such a (Like) father such a (like) son.
F87 He whose FATHER is judge goes safe to his trial
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xliii, IV 43: For according to the
Proverb, He that hath the Iudge to his Father, etc. and I am Gov-
ernour, which is more then Iudge. 01703 MOTTEUX Don Quix. II
xliii, II 273: (As the saying is, he). 1732 FUL., no. 2400.
Cf. P239: He has put off the person of a judge that puts on the
person of a friend (accuser).
F88 I would cheat my own FATHER at cards
1678 RAY, p. 68.
F89 One FATHER is enough to govern (maintain) one
hundred sons but not a hundred sons one
father
1640 HERB., no. 400. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
235: (maintain an hundred).
F90 One FATHER is more than a hundred school-
masters
1640 HERB., no. 682.
School-masters).
1664 COD., p. 208: (than one hundred
F91 A sparing FATHER and a spending (prodigal) son
1586 WITHALS, s. O2v: That sonne doth proue a thriftles spender,
whose father was a pinching sparer. I598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man II,
p. 111: For it falleth out by daily experience, that what the wicked
father getteth with care and sorrow, the unthrifty sonne wasteth
with pleasure and negligence. 1611 COT., s.v. Espargner: That
which a niggard saues his heire consumes; or that which one spares
another spends. I612 PARKES Curtain Drawer World, p. 30: Con-
firme the proverbe, that it currant runne, A miser father finds a
thriftlesse sonne. 1616 DR., no. 1721. 1623 WOD., p. 508: A gath—
ering Father, hath a Wasting Sone. 1639 CL., s.v. Profusio, p.
261. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 180: A wary father
has a prodigal son. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 8: A rich gull gathers,
and the son scatters. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9: A pinching
Father, a prodigal Son. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 219: After a
sparing man, and a miser, comes a prodigal.
Cf. R25: What the rake gathers the fork scatters.
F92 Such a (Like) FATHER such a (like) son
[ERAS. fldagia, 235D: Nunquam ex malo patre bonus filius.] 1509
A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 236: An olde prouerbe hath longe agone
be sayde That oft the some in maner lyke wyll be Vnto the Father.
1560 BECON Cat. VI, p. 357: For the common proverb is . . The
child followeth the father. 1578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit, p. 207:
The sonne [is known] by the sire. 1594 Sec. Report Dr. Faustus II,
p. 43: A man may easily know the childe by the Father. 1600
CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 537. 1611 GRUT., no. 238. 1614 CAM.,
p. 312. 1616 DR., no. 1571: Like father like sonne. 1623 WOD.,
p. 516: Such Father such Sone. 1639 CL., p. 285. 1641 FERG.,
no. 756: Bike father, sike son. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1668

R.B., p. 48: [As in 1641 Ferg.].
p. 56: Like Sire, like Son.
no. 4275.
See DUR., II, no. 645. Cf. C352: A chip of the old block; C491:
The young cock crows as he the old hears; F86: He takes not after
the father; F97: You are your father’s own son; H424: Like hen
like chicken; L337: The litter is like to the sire and the dam; M1 199:
Like mother like daughter; W292: We may not expect a good whelp
from an ill dog. ( 5)
1672 WALK. 18,
1732 FUL.,
1670 RAY, p. 9.
Mali corvi malum ovum.
F93 Whatsoever was the FATHER of a disease an ill
diet was the mother
1651 HERB., p. 367. 1659 N.R., p. 123.
Cf. M802: Feed by measure (sparingly) and defy the physician.
F94 You teach your FATHER to get children
1641 F ERG., no. 900: Ye learn your father to get bairns. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 17: (how to get children). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.
into Fr. It. Span., p. 7[b]: (Go teach your). [a166o] 1693 URQUHART
Gargantua III xxii, II 118: Will you . . shew your Father the way
how to beget Children? 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Figliuoli, p. 62:
To go about to teach a Father to get children, viz. to go about to
teach those who know most, or best; The English say, to teach ones
Granam to . I668 R.B., p. 57: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY,
p. 9: (Teach your). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Father: (To teach his Father).
Cf. F323: Teach fish to swim; G406: Go teach your grandame to
get children.

F95 Your FATHER was no glazier
1560-77 Misogonus IV i 127: Gods blwe hood lets see to I pray yow
what were your father a glacier letes haue some rome to or else I
may chaunch giue the an arsebutt. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 384:
Pr’ythee, Tom, sit a little farther; I believe your father was no
glazier.
Cf. B606: Fly, brass, thy father is a tinker; C806: You can well
skill of crane’s dirt, your father was a poulter; P41: Mock no pan-
nierman, your father was a fisher. '
F96 He is gone to seek his FATHER’S sword
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 572. 1721 KEL., p. 168: *Spoken ofidle Va-
grants who go a travelling without any good or worthy Design.
F97 You are your FATHER’S own son
[ERAS. ddagia, 1013F: Patris est filius.] 1567 GOLDING Metam. X1
362, p. 226: He was his fathers owne sonne right. 1594 LODGE
Wounds Civil War V v, s. I3: Why then I see he was his fathers
sonne. I596 SPENSER V vi 33: He had three sonnes, all three
like fathers sonnes. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn.
Pestle I i, p. 175: Thou art thy Fathers own Son. I616 DR., no.
1577: He is his fathers sonne. I670 G.H. Hist. Card. II ii, p. 144:
From him it was Ginetti learn’d his Covetousness, and proved his
Fathers own Son. 1672 WALK. 46, p. 30. 1681 ROB., p. 587.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. I iii 62: O’ my word, the father’s son
[in liking swords and drums of war]!
Cf. C298: The child has a red tongue like its father; C352: A chip
of the old block; F92: Such a (Like) father such a (like) son; M665:
She has a mark after her mother; P460: It is kindly that the poke
savor of the herring.
F98 The FATHERS have eaten sour grapes and the
children’s teeth are set on edge
[7er. xxxi 29: The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the chil-
dren’s teeth are set on edge.] 1616 DR., no. 1568. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 22, p. 5: The Father eateth such grapes, as setteth his Sons
teeth on edge.
F99 Our FATHERS which were wondrous wise did wash
their throats before they washed their eyes
1613 WITHER flhuses II 1, I 240: Prethee let me intreat thee now
to drinke Before thou wash; Our fathers that were wise, Were wont
to say, ’Twas wholesome for the eyes. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Ban-
quet I: Wks., p. 175: It is one of his [devil’s] lawes, and a Physicke-
bill of hell, that they must not wash, till they haue drunke. 1618

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FATHERS
205
FAULT

BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, s. CIV: What riming so earely, and thine
eyes not Washed yet. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1670 RAY, p.
212. I732 FUL., no. 6423: (Our Fathers who and before their Eyes).
Cf. M1170: Drink in the morning staring, then all the day be
sparing.
F100 Our FATHERS won Boulogne, who never came
within the report of the cannon
1622 T. ADAMS City of Peace: W ks., p. 997: So we make a conquest
of peace, as the by-word sayes, our Fathers wonne Boloigne; wh
neuer came within the report of the Canon. -
F101 Everyone puts his FAULT on the times
1640 HERB., no. 349. 1659 N.R., p. 29. 1664 COD., p. 192. I670
RAY, p. 26. 1732 FUL., no. 1448: Every one lays his Faults upon
the Times.
F102 The FAULT is as great as he that is faulty
I640 HERB., no. 365. I659 N.R., p. 99. 1664 COD., p. 219. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 80: So great is the error, as is the person that
commits It.
Cf. M153: The greater the man the greater the crime; M524:
Great men have great faults.
F103 A FAULT is sooner found than mended
I528 PAYNELL Reg. San., s. A3v: It is farre more easie to carpe at,
then to cure a fault. CI538 T. STARKEY Dialogue I iii, l. 29: Eng.
in Reign Hen. VIII II, p. 69: Much easyar hyt ys to spy ii faultys
then amend one. 1576 FULWELL zirs fldulandi Short Dial., s. H4v.
I588 BYRD Psalms To Rdr.: Remembring alwaies, that it is more
easie to finde a fault then to amend it.
Cf. F110: He may find faIIlt that cannot amend; M874: Either
mend or end.
F104 A FAULT once excused (denied) is twice com-
mitted
01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 100. I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s
Commonw., f. 139V. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 38: A
fault uniustly excused is euer twice committed. 1659 HOW. Fr.
Prov., p. 22: In extenuating his fault, he hath doubled it. 1732
FUL., no. 93: (denied). Ibid., no. 1267: Denying a Fault, doubles
it
Cf. E215: To excuse is to accuse.
F105 A FAULT willfully committed deserves no pardon
1596 DEL., s. M8V: A fault purposely committed, ought not to be
excused. I732 FUL., no. 94. Ibid., no. 464: A wilful Fault has no
Excuse, and deserves no Pardon.
F106 For FAULT (want) of a better
1560-77 Misogonus III i 138: Loe here she is now Sir simple thoughe
she be for the faut of a better. c1579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and
Wisdom iii, p. 34: Forsoth, for fault of a better, [my name] Is Due
Disporte. I602 JONSON Poetaster II ii 9: Is this your husband?
—For fault of a better, if it please your highnesse. I605 ARMIN
Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 32: For fault ofa worse,sayes he,I am his
vncle. I605 CHAPMAN All Fools III i 165: I am here, for default
of better, of counsel with the fair Gazetta. I606 Wily Beguiled
xiii, p. 48: Am not I your Landlord? —Yes, for fault of a better.
[1624] 164.7 FLETCHER Wife for Month II, p. 21: You two are pretty
women, are you their husbands? —Yes, for want of better. I738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 380: Pray, are you the porter? —Yes, for
want of a better.
SHAKESPEARE.——CI595 R._‘7. II iv 128: I am the youngest of that
name, for fault of a worse. 1598 2 Hen. IV II ii 44: AS to one it
pleases me, for fault of a better, to call my friend. 1600—1 Liv 15: Peter Simple you say your name is? —Ay, for fault of a
etter.
F107 He finds FAULT with others and does worse him-
self (He that will blame another must be
blameless himself)
[ERAS. ddagia, 926C: Quod aliis vitio vertas, ipse ne feceris.]
[01530] C1545 H. RHODES Bk. Nurture (1577 ed.) in Babies Bk. etc.,

p. 93: Correct not faults in other, and thy selfe do vse the same.
1573 SANF., f. 109V; Such a one blameth an other, that condemneth
himselfe. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 90: Some in blamyng of
Others, condemne them selues. I585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort.
III i, s. EIv: Busie they are with pen to write our vices in our face,
But negligent to knowe the blemish of their owne disgrace. I596
DEL., s. O8V; He that will reproue must be blamelesse himselfe.
I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 157V: He that will blame
another, must first bee blamelesse himselfe, especially in that mat-
ter which he blameth another for. 1639 CL., p. 196.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593—4 Luc. l. 61 2: With foul offenders thou per-
force must bear When they in thee the like offences prove. 1594—5
L.L.L. IV iii 131: Come, sir, you blush! As his your case is such.
You chide at him, Offending twice as much. 1598—9 M./I. I i 290:
Ere you flout Old ends any further, examine your conscience. 1599
11.1,. II Vii 63: What, for a counter, would I do but good? —Most
mischievous foul sin, in chiding sin . . And all th’ embossed sores and
headed evils That thou with license of free foot hast caught, Wouldst
thou disgorge into the general world. 1605—8 T. 1th. V i 40: Wilt
thou whip thine own faults in other men? 1609 Son. 152, l. 5: But
why of two oaths’ breach do I accuse thee When I break twenty?
See DI'iR., II, no. 417. Cf. C827: He that mocks a cripple ought
to be whole; H789: Whose house (head) is of glass must not throw
stones at another; I27: He that speaks ill of another let him first
think of himself; M1191: You can see a mote in another man’s eye
but cannot see a beam in your own; N1 12: Who more ready to call
her neighbor scold than the arrantest scold in the parish? P532:
He should have a hale pow that calls his neighbor nitty know; W20:
We see not what is in the wallet behind; W160: He tells me my way
and does not know it himself.
F108 He has but one FAULT, he is nought
I546 HEY. I xi, s. D3v: (He hath . . but one). 1553 T. WILSON
Rhet., p. 153: Such a man hath no fault but one, and if that were
amended, all were well: What is that? (quoth an other). In good
faith he is naught. 1616 DR., s.v. Desperate, or without hope or
grace, no. 485: He hath one fault, he is starke naught. I732 FUL.,
no. 6054: Your main Fault is, you are good for nothing.
F109 He is neither absent without FAULT nor present
without excuse
1616 DR., no. 488. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6: Nor the absent
is without fault, nor the present without excuse. I736 FRANKLIN,
p. 11: The‘ absent are never without fault, nor the present without
excuse.
F110 He may find FAULT that cannot amend
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng. Ep. Ded., p. 6: If he will not com-
mend it, let him amend it. Ibid., p. 205: More wil . . not com-
mende it though they cannot amende it. 1721 KEL., p. 171. 1732
FUL., no. 1985: He may find Fault, but let him mend it if he can.
Cf. F103: A fault is sooner found than mended; M874: Either
mend or end; W160: He tells me my way and does not know it him-
self.
F1 1 1 He that commits a FAULT thinks everyone speaks
of it
1615 WELDE Yanua Ling. 328, p. 22: A man knowing himselfe to
be guiltie, thinketh all things to be spoken of him. I640 HERB.,
no. 550. 1659 N.R., p. 57.
Cf. F117: Who is in fault (guilty) suspects everybody.
F112 He that is foolish in the FAULT let him be wise in
the punishment
I640 HERB., no. 551. I659 N.R., p. 58: (foolish in the thought
let him).
F113 In every FAULT there is folly
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 435: Faultis in affection ar but slight follies.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 34.
F114 Like FAULT like punishment
1542 BECON Policy War: Early Wks., p. 243: What shall we then
say but as the common proverb is, like fault, like punishment?

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. Xi H.
FAULT
FEAR
206

1603 SYLVESTER Weeks I 11 924: Like punishment, like sin. 1611
COT., s.v. Petit: Small pardon will suffice for a small fault. Ibid.,
s.v. Supplice: Tel vice, tel supplice: Like paine Shall Chastice thine
excesse to that wherein thou didst transgresse. 1623 WOD., p. 516:
Such vice such Punishment.
F115 A little FAULT may be pardoned
1616 DR., s.v. Excuse, no. 624.
F116 Where no FAULT is there needs no pardon
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 324: There is no priuiledge that
needeth a pardon. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess
III ii 55: There needs no pardon where there’s no offence. 1616
DR., no. 315. 1631 MABBE Celestina IV, p. 83: There is no neede
of pardon, where there is no fault committed. 1639 CL., p. 208.
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 3: Pardon is superfluous where no fault
is committed. 1659 N.R., p. 118. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 202:
There needs no pardon Where there’s no fault. 1670 RAY, p. 89.
1732 FUL., no. 5651: (needs no Punishment).
SHAKESPEARE—"1597 I Hen. IV III iii 192: Hostess, I forgive
thee [the Hostess has committed no offence]. Go make ready
breakfast.
F117 Who is in FAULT (guilty) suspects everybody
1607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amb. III i 6: Before I was secure against
death and hell; But now am subject to the heartless fear Of every
shadow, and of every breath . . So confident a spotless conscience
is, So weak a guilty. 1607 JONSON Volp. III viii 20: Guilty men
Suspect, what they deserue still. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 48.
SHAKESPEARE—15913 Hen. VI V vi 1 I: Suspicion always haunts
the guilty mind. 1593—4 Luc. l. 1342: But they whose guilt within
their bosoms lie Imagine every eye beholds their blame.
Cf. C611: Whose conscience is cumbered and stands not clean,
of another man’s deeds the worse will he deem; D432: Ill doers
are ill deemers; F111: He that commits a fault thinks everyone
speaks ofit; F125: The faulty stands on his guard; T1 12: The thief
does fear each bush an ofiicer; W353: The good wife would not (No
woman would) seek her daughter in the oven if she had not been
there before.
F118 You find FAULT with a fat gooSe
1678 RAY, p. 248. I732 FUL., no. 5902.
F119 You would find FAULT if you knew how
1639 CL., s.v. Culpandi, p. 80.
F120 Everyone’s FAULTS are not written in their fore-
heads
1678 RAY, p. 9. 1721 KEL., p. 214: It is well, that all our Faults
are not written in our Face. *Spoken to them who upbraid us with
some Faults that we have been guilty of; alledging if theirs were as
well known, they would look as black. 1732 FUL., no. 1449.
Cf. F1: The face is the index of the heart (mind).
The first FAULTS are theirs that commit them, the
second theirs that permit them
1659 N.R., p. 54: He that deceives me once, it is his fault, if twice,
it is mine. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 83: (are of those that commit
them, the second of those that do not punish them). 1732 FUL.,
no. 2982: It is my own Fault, ifI am deceived by the same Man
twice. Ibid., no. 4528. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 407: Well,
miss, if you deceive me a second time, ’tis my fault.
Cf. M424: The wise man is deceived but once, the fool twice;
S267: He that deceives me once shame fall him, if he deceives me
twice shame fall me.
F121
F122 He that corrects not small FAULTS cannot control
great ones
1611 COT., s.v. Culot: Hee that corrects not small faults, will not
control! great ones; or, he that corrects not a knaue while hee is
young, will not bee able to controll him when hee is old. 1659
N.R., p. 41.
Cf. F123: \IVink at small faults.

F123 Wink at small FAULTS
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 282: Some light faults let them dis-
semble as though they knewe them not, and seeing them let them
not seeme to see them. 01592 Fair Em, s. F1: Yet loue that couers
multitude of sins, Makes loue in parents winke at childrens faults.
1603 P. HOLLAND Morals Bridle Anger, p. 127: Therefore at these
and such like faults, we should winke for the time. 1621 R. BUR-
TON Anat. M. III I i 2, p. 617: Suspend thy judgement, wink at
small faults, or to be silent at least. 1639 CL., s.v. Excusandi, p.
108. 1670 RAY, p. 156. I721 KEL., p. 341: Wink at small Faults,
for you have great ones your self. I738 FRANKLIN, p. 15: Wink at
small faults—remember thou hast great ones.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 RY. V iii 294: I, for winking at your dis-
cords . . Have lost a brace of kinsmen. 1599 Hen. V II ii 54: Iflit-
tle faults . . Shall not be wink’d at, how shall we stretch our eye
When capital crimes . . Appear before us?
Cf. F122: He that corrects not small faults cannot control great
ones; F243: To look through one’s fingers.
F124 You would spy FAULTS if your eyes were out
1678 RAY, p. 271.
F125 The FAULTY stands on his guard
1640 HERB., no. 788. 1659 N.R., p. 114: (faulty man).
COD., p. 221. 1670 RAY, p. 9.'
Cf. B738: He thinks every bush a bugbear (bear); F117: Who is
in fault (guilty) suspects everybody.
1664
F126 FAVOR1 will as surely perish as life
1651 HERB., p. 367. I659 N.R., p. 32.
[1beauty] -
F127 Without FAVOR none will know you and with it
you will not know yourself
1640 HERB., no. 159. 1664 COD., p. 227. I753 FRANKLIN, p. 29:
When out of Favour, none know thee; when in, thou dost not know
thyself.
F128 You Shall have as much FAVOR as at Billingsgate
for a box on the ear
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 215: (favour at Bil-
lings-gate).
F129 T0 FAZARTS1 hard hazards are death ere they
come there
I597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 377: Poems, p. 16: To faz-
arts, hard hazarts Is deid or they cum thair. 1721 KEL., p. 332:
*Cowardly People are almost kill’d at the sight of Danger.
Cf. C774: A coward dies many deaths, a brave man but one.
[Icowards]
F130 All FEAR is bondage
1573 SANF., f. 52. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32V: Al fearfulnesse
is folly. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 35, p. 27.
F131 Climb not too high for FEAR of falling
a15oo Prov. Wisdom l. 34: (lest thou fall). 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv.
IV, II 164: The higher we seeke to climb for ambition, we are sub-
ject to a greater fall. 1597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 3 59:
Poems, p. 15: I was affrayd to mount sa hich, For feir to get ane
fall. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 602: Hald your feet for falling. 1623
MASSINGER Duke Milan I ii, p. 1 1: Yet, be wise; Soar not too high,
to fall; but stoop to rise. 1639 CL., s.v. Modestia, p. 212.
Cf. C414: The highest climbers have the greatest falls (The high-
er he climbs the greater his fall); S823: The higher standing (up)
the lower (greater) fall.
F132 FEAR and shame much sin does tame
01550 Robin Consc. in Early Pop. Poetry, marginal note, III 246.
See APP., p. 206.
F133 FEAR gives wings
1590 SPENSER III vii 26: Thereto fear gave her wings. 1598
SIDNEY Arcadia II Bk. II, p. 172: They all cryed; O see how feare

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FEAR
FEATHER
207


giues him wings. 1617 MORYSON Itinerary I 11 iv, I 385: But feare
giving him wings so as he went as fast as my horse could trot. 1631
DRUE Duch. Suflolk II, s. D1v: Oh feare what art thou! lend me
wings to fiie. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 146, p. 60: For fear hath
wings, as the Latin hath it, Timor addidit alas.
F134 FEAR has a quick ear
1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quite. III i, p. 65.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. IV iii 335: A lover’s ear will hear
the lowest sound When the suspicious head of theft is stopp’d.
Cf. L507: Love is full of fear (trouble); 81017: Suspicion has
double eyes.
F135 FEAR (Suspicion) is one part of prudence
1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 75: Wisely to feare, is to be free
from feare. I605 CHAPMAN All Fools II i 273: Suspicion is (they
say) the first degree Of deepest wisdom. I611 COT., s.v. Asseur:
He that feares, is assured; hee that feares false ground, treads sure-
ly. 1616 DR., no. 698: Feare casteth perils. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
18, p. 264: Who hath suspition, is seldome in fault. 1732 FUL., no.
1300: Distrust is the Mother of Safety, but must keep out of Sight.
Ibid., no. 1512. Ibid., no. 2099: He that fears Danger in time, sel-
dom feels it. 1733 FRANKLIN, p. 6: Distrust and caution are the
parents of security.
SHAKESPEARE.-—IOO4 O. I iii 394: I know not if’t be true; Yet I,
for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. 1605—6
K.L. I iv 35 I : Well, you may fear too far. —Safer than trust too far.
Let me still take away the harms I fear, Not fear still to be taken.
Cf. F138: Foolish fear doubles danger; N314: Nothing secure un-
less suspected; R72: Remember to distrust; SIOI8: Suspicion is a
virtue where a man holds his enemy in his bosom; W912: It is good
to fear the worst.
F136 FEAR keeps and looks to the vineyard, and not
the owner
I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: Feare keepeth and looketh to
the vineyard and not the owner. i. F eare makes one looke about.
1640 HERB., no. 264: Feare keeps the garden better then the gar-
diner. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 44: Desperate at-
tempts are no characters of fortitude, for feare keepeth and looketh
to the vineyards, and not the owner, and feare makes a man look
about him. 1651 HERB., p. 368. 1664 COD., p. 193: [As in 1640
Herb.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 196: Fear looks to the Vineyard.
F137 FEAR, the beadle of the law
1651 HERB., p. 367.
F138 Foolish FEAR doubles danger
1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears III ii 60: Misgiving minds ever pro-
voke mischances. [1615] 1631 P. FLETCHER Sicelides I i, p. 14:
You feare without a cause, oft cause-lesse fright, Is th’ onely cause
that makes that on VS light Which most we feare. 1622 G. MARK-
HAM AND SAMPSON Herod and Antipater V, s. K2: He that feares
Enuy shall be sure to finde it. 1732 FUL., no. 1563.
SHAKESPEARE.~—I597 Rich. III II ii 130: The fear of harm as
harm apparent, In my opinion, ought to be prevented. '
Cf. F135: Fear (Suspicion) is one part of prudence; F140: It
comes with a fear; M230: A man dies of the ill he fears.
F139 He that lives ill, FEAR follows him
I640 HERB., no. 110. 1659 N.R., p. 48. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22,
p. 286: Who lives ill, fear attends him.
Cf. T112: The thief does fear each bush an officer; W333: The
wicked flee when no man pursues.
F140 It comes with a FEAR
1598 GUILPIN Skialetheia, s. B5v: Thou fear’st I am in loue (my
deare), I prethy feare not, It comes with a feare. I
See APP., p. 328. Cf. F138: Foolish fear doubles danger.
Not too fast for FEAR of falling (breaking your
shins)
I580 BARET, C—59: A Prouerbe applyed vnto those, that take no
deliberation in bringing any thing to passe: and as we say, not to
F141

fast for breaking your shinnes. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab.
ii, s. E1: Not too fast for falling, there’s no hast to hang true men.
1616 WITHALS, p. 557: Soft and faire for feare of falling: soft fire
makes sweet mault: slow pace goes far. 1639 CL., p. 304: Soft and
fare for feare of falling.
Cf. F280: Soft fire makes sweet malt; H201: No haste to hang
true men.
F142 FEARS are divided in the midst
1640 HERB., no. 635. I659 N.R., p. 33.
F143 After a FEAST one scratches his head
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12. 1733 FRANKLIN, p. 5: After feasts
made, the maker scratches his head.
F144
1640 HERB., no. 560.
He that is angry at a FEAST is rude
I659 N.R., p. 46.
F145 No FEAST to1 a miser’s
I611 COT., s.v. Chiche: Wee say, there is no feast to the misers; and
by a misers feast we meane, a plentifull, though a rare, one. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 349: It is confest That there is no cheare to a misers
feast. 1623 WOD., p. 496: There is no better Feast then of a Nig-
gard: because hee spares out of Measure, and so he spendes. 1639
CL., p. 39. Ibid., p. 192: (to a churles). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p.
2: There’s no feast to the miser’s feast. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Scagno, p. I 81 : To spend extraordinarily, as covetous men use to do
sometimes; the English to that purpose say, To make an Usurers
Feast. 1670 RAY, p. 90. I673 DRYDEN Assig. II iii, p. 401: He
makes us now a miser’s feast. 1732 FUL., no. 3563: No Feast like
a Miser’s Feast.
Cf. C388: A churl’s feast is better than none at all; D602: Loath
to the drink and loath from it; H144: The hard gives more (no more)
than he that has nothing; M1151: More spends the niggard than
the liberal.
[llike]
F146 A Yule FEAST may be quit at Pasch1
1589 MELVILLE Autobiog., p. 274: That Yuill comoun they thought
to repey weill now at Pasch. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 122. I662
FULLER Worthies Northumberland, II 189: *That is, Christmas-
cheer may be digested, and the party hungry again, at Easter.
1668 R.B., p. 9. 1721 KEL., p. 27: *A good Office, done at one
time, may be requit at another.
[lEaster]
F147 He that borrows and bigs,1 makes FEASTS and
thigs,2 drinks and is not dry, these three are
not thrifty
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 492. 1668 R.B., p. 23. 1721 KEL., p. 146:
(drinks and is no dry; none of these three are thrifty).
[lbuilds 2begs]
F148 FEASTING is the physician’s harvest
1639 CL., s.v. Intemperantia, p. 174: Feastings are the Physitians
harvest Christmass. 1664 COD., p. 192.
Cf. M802: Feed by measure (sparingly) and defy the physician.
F149 Merry is the FEAST-MAKING (company) till we
come to the reckoning
1678 RAY, p. 175. 1732 FUL., no. 3409: Merry is the Company,
till the Reckoning comes. -
F150 As light as a FEATHER
[01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 3527, p. 509: Except God
make me lichter nor ane fedder. 1560—77 Misogonus I i 92: He
settes me as light as a fether in the wynde. I600 JONSON Ev. Man
out Hum. II i 95: His brain’s lighter than his feather already. 1607
T. HEYWOOD Fair Maid Exch., p. 71: Me thinkes of late you are
very light. -—As a feather, sweet Rogue, as a feather. I672 WALK.
57, P- 17-
See OTTO, no. 1438. (I3)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
FEATHER
FEBRUARY
208

F151 FEATHER by feather the goose is plucked
1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 174: Quill by quill, is a goose pluck’d.
1732 FUL., no. 1514.
Cf. D614: Drop by drop the sea is drained (the tub is filled); H21:
Pull hair and hair and you’ll make the earl (the horse’s tail) bare.
F152 A FEATHER in hand is better than a bird in the air
1640 HERB., no. 574.
Cf. B360: Better a bird in hand than a vulture flying; B363: A
bird in the hand is better than (is worth) two in the bush (ten in the
wood).
F153 The FEATHER makes not the bird
1572 G. F ENTON Monophylo, s. T4: Seing (with the olde prouerbe)
as the feather makes not the byrde.
Cf. F163: Fair (Fine) feathers make fair fowls (fine birds).
F154 A FEATHER of the same wing
1639 CL., s.v. Aequalitas, p. 14. 1640 BRATHWAITE Alrt Asleep
Husb., p. 48: And sure that Widdow was a feather of the same wing.
F155 He is like a FEATHER on a hill
01640 SMYTH I, p. 26: *Applied to an inconstant man.
Cf. F162: As wavering as feathers in the wind.
F156 He is the best FEATHER of our Wing
1682 D’URFEY Injured Princess II ii, p. 1 8: (Your Lord [is] The best).
SHAKESPEARE—1610 Cym. I vi 186: (Your lord The best).
See HENDERSON Scottish Proverbs, p. 127.
F157 He put a fine FEATHER in his cap
1678 RAY, p. 342: (in my cap). *Honour without profit.
FUL., no. 2008.
See ST., no. 1843.
F158 It is the last FEATHER that breaks the horse’s
back
1655 BRAMHALL Def. True Liberty 11: Wks., IV 59: The last feather
may be said to break the horse’s back. 1732 FUL., no. 5120.
See SM., p. 447. Cf. J77: In a long journey straw weighs.
1732
F159 She cannot bear a FEATHER but She must pant
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4: She maie not beare a fether, but she must
brethe. She maketh so muche of her paynted shethe. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Nicenesse, no. 1498. 1639 CL., s.v. Ignavia, p. 144: He cannot
beare a feather but he must pant.
Cf. M592: Two men bear a feather.
F160 To cut a FEATHER
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. iv, s. E3: What though that
honest Hodge haue cut his finger heere? or as some say, cut a feath-
er? 1635 AUSTIN St. Thomas Day: Medit., p. 169: Nor seeke . .
with nice distinctions to cut a Feather [with the Schoolemen].
1684 T. GODDARD Plato’s Demon III, p. 317: Men who . . have not
the Skill to cut a feather.
Cf. H32: To split hairs.
F161 To set this FEATHER to my arrow
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 213: If therfore Philautus, thou canst
set but this fether to mine arrow. I732 FUL., no. 4107: Set but this
Feather well to my Arrow, and he’ll certainly shoot the Mark.
F162 As wavering as FEATHERS in the wind
[01517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. F1v: Thy wordes hange togyder as
fethers in the wynde. 01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s.
A4: But my woords as fethers in the winde you haue waid. 1594
R. HOOKER Eccles. Pal. I 9, p. 84: As if the Wind should driue a
Feather in the Air. 1616 DR., s.v. Vnconstancie, no. 2266: He
wauereth like a feather in the aire. 1621 J. TAYLOR Trav. Twelve-
pence: les. F., p. 73: The fruits of all their labours they should
finde, Would be like throwing feathers ’gainst the winde.
Cf. 15155: He is like a feather on a hill.

F163 Fair (Fine) FEATHERS make fair fowls (fine birds)
I596 DEL., s. OIv: The faire feathers makes a faire fowle. 1611
DAv. Prov., no. 219: The faire feathers still make the faire fowles.
But some haue faire feathers that looke but like Owles. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Apparell, no. 96. Ibid., no. 840: A man may know a beautifull
bird by the feathers. 1639 CL., p. 87: Faire fowles have faire
feathers. Ibid., s.v. Forma, et deformitas, p. 119: (a fowl faire).
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 178: Fine feathers make
fine birds. 1659 N.R., p. 32. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Piume, p.
I 50: Gay feathers make gay Birds. 1670 RAY, p. 87: *Fair clothes,
ornaments and dresses set off persons, and make them appear hand-
some, which if stript of them would seem but plain and homely.
1684 BUNYAN Pilg. Prog. II, p. 80: They be fine Feathers that make
a fine bird. 1689 PEPYS Bal. 264, V 41: Fine Feathers that makes
fine Birds.
See ST., no. 1 169. Cf. B375: If every bird had (should take) his
own feathers he should be as rich as a new-Shorn sheep (you would
be naked); F153: The feather makes not the bird.
F164 He would fain fly (flee) but he wants FEATHERS
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 29: (flee). 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 344: Some
would faine fiie but feathers they want. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
3. Ibid., p. 14: (flee). I670 RAY, p. 91: *Nothing of moment can
be done without necessary helps, or convenient means. 1672
WALK. 28, p. 9: (He would fly). 1681 ROB., p. 614: (He would
flie). I732 FUL., no. 2415: (but wants Feathers).-
SHAKESPEARE.——I592-4 1 Hen. VII i 75: Another would fly swift,
but wanteth wings.
See OTTO, no. 1424. Cf. F407: It is no flying without wings.
F165 Let not him that fears FEATHERS come among
wild fowl
1611 COT., s.v. Fueille: Qui a peur des fueilles ne doit aller au bois:
Let him that feares the wagging of feathers keepe from among wild-
fowle. 1640 HERB., no. 48. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq.,
p. 177: Let him that fears the wagging of feather fear to go among
wilde fowl. 1659 N.R., p. 75. 1664 COD., p. 204. 1670 RAY, p.
55: He that’s afraid of the wagging of feathers, must keep from
among wild fowl.
Cf. L143: He that is afraid of the leaves must not go to the wood.
F166 To be Shot with one’s own FEATHERS
1552 TAV., f. 58v: Nostris ipsorum alis capimur. We be taken with
our owne fethers. This prouerbe ryseth of the fable that sheweth
howe the Egle which was Stryken through with an arowe, whan she
saye the arowe made of byrdes fethers wherewith she was wounded,
sayd. We be now caught not of others, but euen of our owne feth-
ers. It is applyed vpon them whiche mynystre thoccasyon of theyr
owne myschiefe and trouble. 1569 UNDERDOWNE dethiop. Hist. II,
p. 74: That which greeveth me most, is that (as the Proverbe saith)
Shee useth mine owne Fethers against me. 1710 PALMER, p. 332:
We are often Shot with Our Own Feathers.
Cf. F626: The fowler is caught (taken) in his own net (snare).
F167 FEBRUARY fill-dike be it black or be it white, but
if it be white it’s the better to like
1557 TUSSER 100 Points Hush. Son. Twelve Months, p. 233: And
feuerell fill dyke, doth good with his snowe. 1573 TUSSER 500
Points Hush. 37, p. 87: Feb, fill the dike With what thou dost like.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 418: Februar fill dyk with a blak or a whyt I
Shall fill it or I go and it war with bare strae. 1611 COT., s.v. Fev-
rier: Because it [February] is commonly the foulest; and thereupon
wee call it, Filldike. 1630 TAYLOR To Branthwayte: Wks. F., p.
395: If foulefac’d February keepe true touch, He makes the toyling
Plowmans prouerbe right; By night, by day, by little and by much,
It fills the ditch, with either blacke or white. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 12: February fill dike, Either with black or white; He will fill it
ere he go, If it be but with a fould of straw. 1670 RAY, p. 40.
I721 KEL., p. 107: February fill Dike either with black or white.
*February brings commonly rough Weather, either Snow or Rain.
1732 FUL., no. 6150.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FEBRUARY
FELLOW RULER
209

F168 FEBRUARY (Soulgrove) is seldom warm
1686-7 AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and j‘udaism, p. 9: The Shepheards,
and vulgar people in South Wilts call Februarie Sowlegrove: and
have this proverbe of it: viz. Sowlegrove sil [seldom] lew [warm].
February is seldome warme.
F169 FEBRUARY makes a bridge and March breaks it
1640 HERB., no. 735. 1664 COD., p. 193. I732 FUL., no. 1516.
F170 Reckon right and FEBRUARY has one and thirty
days
1640 HERB., no. 225.
thirty one days).
1664 COD., p. 210. 1670 RAY, p. 9: (hath
F171 FEBRUEER doth cut and shear
1640 JONSON Tale Tub I i 1: Old Bishop Valentine, You ha’ brought
us nipping weather: Februere Doth cut and sheare. 1678 RAY, p.
44-
F172 A lean FEE is a fit reward for a lazy clerk
I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. E3V: Indeede aleane fee befits a lazye
clarke. I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 153. 1639 CL., p.
9.21.
F173 FEED: subst.
F173 What recksl of the FEED2 when the friendship
dow3 not?
1641 FERG., no. 892: (Whatrax ofand dow nought). 1668 R.B., p.
56: Whatrax of the feed, where the frendship dow not. 1721 KEL.,
p. 349: (What rake the Fead where). *Signifying our Contempt
of mean Persons, whose Hatred we defy, and whose Friendship we
despise.
[lwhat matters it
2feud 3prospers, thrives]
F174 FEED: verb
F174 Better FED than taught
1530 PALS., p. 557b: He is better fostred than taught. I546 HEY.
I x, s. C3v: (Ye be better). 1548 E. HALL Hen. IV: Chron., f. 11:
These monasticall persones. . better fed then taught. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 42, p. 134: (Thou art better). 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 179: I haue beene better taught then fedde. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 696: He is better fed nor he is nurtered. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Tat-
tamellino, p. 554: A cockred darling, one that is better fed than
taught, a pratling fellow. 1611 GRUT., no. 56. 1614 CAM., p. 304.
1616 DR., s.v. Education, no. 563: (He is better). 1627 ]. TAYLOR
flrmado: W ks. F., p. 87: F ourthly, Fond-Ling, this Fish was Cock-
neys, and other pretty youths, over whom their Parents were so
tender, that a man might perceive by their manners, they had beene
better fed then taught. I631 [BRATHWAITE] Whimzies 24, p. 119:
His duck will not swimme over with him: which makes him per-
emptorily conclude she is better fed than taught. I636 TAYLOR
Trav. through Signs: Wks. Q” III B2: Much better fed than taught.
1639 CL., p. 167. I641 FERG., no. 464: He is better fed nor nor-
tured. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. I670 RAY, p. 174. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Fed: (He is better). 1721 KEL., p. 67: Better fed than
nurtur’d. *Spoken to Children of wealthy Parents, who are com-
monly saucy, insolent, and ill-natured. 1732 FUL., no. 894: Better
fed than taught, said the Churl to the Parson.
SHAKESPEARE.——1602 A.W. II ii 3: I will Show myself highly fed
and lowly taught.
Cf. B647: Not where one is bred but where he is fed; N47:
Nature passes nurture; U9: Better unfed than untaught.
F175 FEELING has no fellow
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: A fatt commodity hath no fellow.
I678 RAY, p. 138. 1721 KEL., p. 102: *I suppose in point of Cer-
tainty, though I have heard it otherways apply’d. I732 FUL., no.
1518.
SHAKESPEARE—I595 M.N.D. IV i 35: Good hay, sweet hay, hath
no fellow.
Cf. S898: Stone-dead has no fellow.

F176 The greatest FELICITY is never to be born
[ERAS. fldagia, 503A: Optimum non nasci.] I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal.,
I 164: The philosophers were of this opinion, that the greatest fe-
licity is never to be born, and the second soon to die. I578 LYLY
Euph. flnat. Wit, p. 310: The Philosophers accompted it the chief-
est felycitie neuer to be borne, the second soone to die.
F177 Ask my FELLOW (companion) if I be a thief
I546 HEY. II V, s. H4: That wer (quoth she) as ofmy truth to make
preefe, To axe my fellow, whether I be a theefe. I549 LATIMER
Serm. 9, p. 139: Thieves and thieves’ fellows be all of one sort.
They were wont to say Ask my fellow ifI be a thief. I552 TAV.,
f. 65: (We haue an other propre English prouerbe . . Aske my).
[c1588] I604 MARLOWE Faustus I ii 21. 1590 R. WILSON Three
Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s. C1: Neither of your companions,
for that’s aske my fellow if I be a theefe. 1591 1 Troublesome Reign
yohn, S. B2: This is right, aske my felow there ifI be a thiefe. 1593
G. GIFFORD Dial. cone. Witches, s. E3: What is the Cat, a deuill:
then remember the prouerbe, aske his fellow if he be a theefe.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1188: Speir [ask] at Jock theeff my marrow
[companion] ifI be ane leall [true] man. 1611 GRUT., no. 46: (com-
panion wether I). 1614 CAM., p. 303: (companion whether I).
1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sickness I: Wks., p. 316: This is somewhat
to the Prouerbe, Aske the sons, if the Father be a theefe. 1616 DR.,
no. 1162. 1639 CL., s.v. Fraus, p. 127. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p.
39: Ask the father, if he thinketh his sonne a thief. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 5: (whether I am). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tes-
timonii, p. 215: To produce domestick Witnesses, viz. such as are
partial; the English say, Ask my Fellow whether I be a 'Thief.
1668 R.B., p. 47: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 169: (compan-
ion). 1721 KEL., p. 285: Speer at Jack Thief ifI be a leal Man.
*Spoken when Men appeal for a Character to them who are their
Associates, or as bad as themselves. I732 FUL., no. 817: Ask my
Companion, if I’m a Thief.
Cf. H725: Ask mine host whether he have good wine; K135: One
knave seeks out (will favor) another; T12Ia: Thieves are never
rogues among themselves. (7)
F178 A merry FELLOW for all companies
1616 WITHALS, p. 572. 1639 CL., p. 11 I: (fit for all companies).
Cf. M233: A man for all companies.
F179 A pretty FELLOW to make an axletree for an oven
1670 RAY, p. 162: *Chesh. 1732 FUL., no. 362.
F180 A white-livered FELLOW
I546 HEY. II V, s. H2v: Why thynke ye me so white lyuerd (quoth
she?) That I will be tong tied? 1678 RAY, p. 84.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III IV iv 462: Richmond is on the
seas. —White-liver’d runagate! what doth he there? 1605-6 K.L.
II ii 18: A lily-liver’d . . finical rogue. 1605—6 M. V iii 14: Go prick
thy face and over~red thy fear, Thou lily-liver’d boy.
F181 You are a pretty FELLOW to ride a goose a gallop
1678 RAY, p. 248: You’re a pretty fellow to ride a goose a gallop
through a dirty lane. I732 FUL., no. 5843.
F182 All FELLOWS at football
1600 Sir Oldcastle, s. F3V: All friends at footeball, fellows all in
field, 'Harry and Dick and George. 1639 CL., s.v. Aequalitas, p.
14: To be all fellowes at football, Never stand upon place. 1641
Vox Borealis in Harl. Misc., III 228: If we had stayed but a little
While longer, we should have been all Fellows at Football. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tarabara, p. 211: All alike, no difference, all
Fellows at Foot-ball, without any distinction. 1670 RAY, p. 174.
1732 FUL., no. 498: All are Fellows at Football.
F183 All FELLOWS, Jock and the laird
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 52. I668 R.B., p. 4. I721 KEL., p. 23:
*Spoken when unworthy Persons intrude themselves into the Com-
pany of their Betters.
F184 He that has a FELLOW RULER has an overruler
I611 COT., s.v. Avoir. 1664 COD., p. 197. 31670 RAY, p. 9.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original.
For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
FENCE
FIDDLER’S
'2.IO

F185 N0 FENCE against a flail
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Botte, p. 19: There is no fence against
such a flayl. 1670 RAY, p. 89: *Some evils and calamities assault so
violently, that there is no resisting of them. 1685 WESLEY Maggots
King Turn’d Thresher, p. 96: The best of my Flails is no fence for
his Dart. 1687 MIEGE, Additions, s.v. Fence: (There is no).
1732 FUL., no. 3564.
F186 There’s no FENCE against ill fortune
1623 CAM., p. 279: (for ill fortune). 1639 CL., p. 164: [As in 1623
Cam.]. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 3: (against the stroaks of for-
tune). 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3: (against fortune). 1659 N.R.,
p. 79: [As in 1623 Cam.]. I670 RAY, p. 89: (No fence against).
*Some evils and calamities assault so violently, that there is no
resisting of them. 1732 FUL., no. 3566: (No Fence against).
F187 A FENCER has one trick in his budget more than
ever he taught his scholar (A fencer reserves
his masterpiece)
1616 DR., no. 1958: He hath trickes in his bugget. I616 WITHALS,
p. 566. 1630 T. ADAMS End Thorns: Wks., p. 1065: The auarous
Citizens . . that haue tricks . . to ouer-reach the Deuill himselfe; but
that (like a cunning Fencer) hee that taught them all their trickes
kept one to himselfe, to cheate them of their Soules. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Fraus, p. 127. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 13: Reserve thy Master-
piece. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 48: He is a fool who reserves not
a Master-blow. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mastro, p. 101: To re-
serve a masterblow, viz. not to teach all ones skill, and this usually
is spoken of Master-Fencers, who do not teach their Ushers, or
Scholars, all their tricks, but reserve a secret hit for any occasion
that may happen of difference between them.
F188 To sell one (feed on) FENNEL
1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao II iv 61: Fancy is a worme, that feedeth
first vpon fenell. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Dare finocchio, p. 137: To flatter
or giue fennell. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Finocchio, p. 63: *To
make one believe what one lists, to make one to swallow down
gudgeons.
Cf. G473: To swallow (gape for) a gudgeon.
F189 When FERN grows red then milk is good with
bread
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 194, p. 152: According to that old
saying; When fearne waxeth red, then is milke good with bread.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I 1. 1670 RAY, p. 35: When Fern begins
to look red Then milk is good with brown bread. *It is observed
by good housewives, that milk is thicker in the Autumn then in the
Summer . . because the cattel drink water abundantly [in summer]
. . which doth much dilute their milk.
F190 When the FERN is as high as a ladle you may
Sleep as long as you are able
1670 RAY, p. 35.
Cf. F191: When the fern is as high as a spoon you may sleep an
hour at noon.
F191 When the FERN is as high as a spoon you may
sleep an hour at noon
1670 RAY, p. 34. 1732 FUL., no. 6186.
Cf. F190: When the fern is as high as a ladle you may sleep as
long as you are able.
F192—3 N0 FESTIVAL unless there be some fighting
1660 T. HALL Funebria Florae, p. 10: ’Tis a common saying, That
’tis no festival unless there bee some fightings.
F194 He has it for FETCHING
1639 CL., s.v. Calumnia, p. 54.
F195 It is better to feed a FEVER than weakness
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 135: (It is a common saying, It is).
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: ’Tis better feed a fever then feebleness.

F196 The worst FEVER is that of the tongue
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 213.
F197 To be sick of the FEVER-LURDEN1
01500 Blowbols Test. 1. 24 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 93: I trow he was
infecte certeyn With the faitour, or the fever lordeyn. 1606 B.
RICH Faults, f. 2v: I remember a merrie iest of two prating com-
panions, especially noted for their many wordes: the one of them
growing a little sicke of a feuer lordan, the other came to see him.
1618 DYKE Philemon, p. 134: Yet sometimes, the Feuer-Lurden
hauing caught her, shee begins to be lazie, and to haue no list to
worke. 1678 RAY, p. 172: He that’s sick of a feaver lurden must
be cured by the hasel gelding.
Cf. I4: Sick of the idles; L413: He is sick of the Lombard fever.
[llaziness] '
F198-F200 FEW = not many
F198 FEW are they whom fair-minded Jove loves
I601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels V i 37: Did it not line vnblemisht in
some few, Whom equall Iove hath lou’d. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man
in Hum. III i 21: Oh, Mr. Matthew, that’s a grace peculiar but to a
few; quos aequus amauit vaiter.
See OTTO, no. 25.
F199 FEW take wives for God’s sake or for fair looks
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 6: There are few that take wives
for Gods sake, or as the saying is, For their fayre lookes. 1732
FUL., no. 1528.
Cf. B142: Who is born fair is born married.
F200 I saw FEW die of hunger, of eating much a hun-
dred thousand
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 11. 1732 FUL., no. 2571: Hunger scarce
kills any; but Gluttony and Drunkenness, Multitudes. 1736
FRANKLIN, p. I 1: I saw few die of hunger, of eating—100,000.
Cf. F441: More die by food than famine; G148: Gluttony (Sur-
feit) kills more than the sword.
F201 FEW = parcel
Put that in the next FEW
1668 R.B., p. 43.
F201
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1142.
F202 As fit (fine) as a FIDDLE
[1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng.for My Money, 5. GIV: This is excellent
ynfayth, as fit as a Fiddle. Ibid., s. K3v: (fine). [1622] 1647
FLETCHER Women Pleased IV iii, p. 289: Fit as a fiddle. 1670 RAY,
p. 202.
F203 He has got the FIDDLE but not the stick
1653 WALTON Complete Angler IV, p. 106: I lent you indeed my
Fiddle, but not my Fiddlestick. 1678 RAY, p. 87: *The books but
not the learning, to make use of them, or the like. 1732 FUL., no.
1871.
F204 FIDDLER’S fare, meat, drink, and money
01605 Ratsey’s Ghost, s. B1: And somewhat into purses besides you
haue Fidlers fare, meat, drink and mony. 1608 G. MARKHAM AND
MACHIN Dumb Knt. III, p. 169: You have had more than fidler’s
fare, for you have meat, money, and cloth. 1639 CL., p. 161:
Meate, drinke, and money, a fidlers life. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 17. 1660 J. HOWELL Parley Beasts IX, p. 128: He was dismissed
Fidler-like, with meat, drink, and mony. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Pifaro, p. 148: To eat and drink stoutly, to lay about one like a
Farmer; the English say, Fidlers fare, Meat Drink and Money.
1670 RAY, p. 9. 1721 KEL., p. 111: *Spoken often when we have
din’d with our Friend, and after won some Money from him at
Play. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 461: Did your ladyship play?
—Yes, and won; so I came off with fiddler’s fare, meat, drink, and
money.
Cf. F205: To give one a fiddler’s fee.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FIDDLER’S
FIND
211


F205 To give one a FIDDLER’S fee
[To give one a scanty wage.] 01592 Soliman, s. B4: Giue him a
Fidler’s fee, and send him packing. 01600 I Ret.from Parn. I, p.
: He . . gave me fidler’s wages, and dismiste me. 1609 MELTON
Six-Fold P0l., p.33: Fidlers, who are regarded but for a baudy song,
at a merry meeting, and when they haue done, are commonly sent
away with Butler’s grace. a1700 B.E.: Fidlers-pay, Thanks and
Wine.
Cf. F204: Fiddler’s fare, meat, drink, and money.
F206 FIDDLERS, dogs, and flies (fiatterers) come to
feasts uncalled
I585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. L2: Three guests which are first at
a banquet. Flies. Dogs. Flatterers. 1594 LYLY Mother B. V iii
382: You need no more send for a fidler to a feast, than a beggar to a
fayre. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. I 1: Let thy faith keepe
out seditious persons from altring thy religion, for they are like
fiyes, dogs, and fiatterers, which are three sawcy companions at a
feast alwayes. 1641 FERG., no. 283: (comes). I668 R.B., p. 19:
(to the feast uncalled). 1697 MER., p. 164. I721 KEL., p. 111:
(Fidlers, Dogs, and Flesh-flies). *Fidlers for Money, the Flies for
a Sip, and the Dogs for a Scrap.
F207 A hard-fought FIELD where no man escapes un-
killed
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E4: A hard foughten feeld, where no man scapeth
vnkyld. 1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., S. 13: The battaile is
very cruell where none escapes. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1361 : That is
a sore feeld quhair all goes to [sic]. 1611 GRUT., no. 13: [As in 1546
Hey.]. 1614 CAM., p. 302: (scapeth vnkild). 1616 DR., no. 549:
It is a sore fought field, where none escape vnkilled. Ibid., no.
675: (where none escapeth killing). 1639 CL., p. 103: ’Tis an hard
battell where none scape. I641 FERG., no. 549: It’s a sair field
where all are dung [beaten] down. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7.
1659 N.R., p. 7: (scapeth unkil’d). 1664 COD., p. 183: (where all
are killed). Ibid., p. 201: [AS in 1616 Dr., no. 549]. I668 R.B., p.
33: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 59: [As in 1639 CL]. 1721
KEL., p. 186: It is a sore Field, where all is slain. *Spoken when we
have something remaining, after a great Loss. I732 FUL., no. 2861:
It is a hard~fought Field, where none escapes.
F208 He is going into the pea FIELD
1678 RAY, p. 264: (pease-field).
F209 FIELDS have eyes and woods have ears
a15oo Harl. MS 3362, p. 309: Feld hath eye, wode hath ere. 1546
HEY. II v, s. H3. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 13: The fielde
haue eyes and the woodde eares also. Therefore we must comen
closelie, and beware of blabbes. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 64,
p. 150: The fields haue eyes, the bushes eares. 1600 Look about
You, 3. G2v: Madam, they say bushes haue cares and eyes. 1611
COT., s.v. Bois: Some heare, and see him, whom he heareth, nor
seeth not; but fields haue eyes, and woods haue eares. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Secrets, no. 1918. 1639 CL., s.v. Taciturnitas, p. 302. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1664 COD., p. 195. 1670 RAY, p. 95.
I732 FUL., no. 1532: (and Hedges Ears).
See DUR., I, no. 453. Cf. D62: The day has eyes, the night has
ears; M756: Do not speak of secret matters in a field that is full of
little hills; W19: Walls (Hedges) have ears (eyes).
F210 A FIG for him (it)
1576 WAPULL Tide Tarries No Man, s. A4. 1609 Every Woman in
Her Hum., s. B3: Canarie is a Iewell, and a Figge for Browne-bas-
tard. 1616 DR., s.v. Contempt, no. 335. 1616 WITHALS, p. 557:
I will not give a figs-end for it. 1623 CAM., p. 265: A fig for my
God-sonne. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72: [As in 1623 Cam.].
Ibid., s.v. Vilitas, p. 319: [As in 1616 Withals].
SHAKESPEARE.—-—1590-I 2 Hen. VI II iii 67: A fig for Peter! 1604
O. I iii 322: Virtue? a fig! ’Tis in ourselves that we are thus
or thus. 1599 Hen. VIII vi 60: Die and be damn’d! and figo for
thy friendship! 1600-1 I iii 32: ‘Convey’ the wise it call.
‘Steal’? foh! a fico for the phrase!
Cf. F211: Not worth a fig; F213: To give one a fig; T273: To bite
his thumbs.
*Falling asleep.

F211 Not worth a FIG
1529 T. MORE Dial. Diverse Mat. III: Wks. 1557, p. 299. 1596
HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 59: It had not been worth a figge.
1600 ROWLANDS Letting Humor’s Blood Epig. I, p. 7: All Beere in
Europe is not worth a figge. 1622 MABBE Rogue II 1 ii, III 45:
They are not worth a figge, nor the least haire of thy head.
Cf. F210: A fig for him (it).
F212 Provide a FIG for thy friend and a peach for thy
enemy
1573 SANF., f. 101v. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 53, p. 28. 1678 RAY,
p. 53: Pill a fig for your friend, and a peach for your enemy.
F213 To give one a FIG
1600 Sheepheards Slumber in Bodenham Eng. Helicon, p. 210: With
scowling browes their follies check and so give them the Fig. 01645
Satire on Yames I 13 in Cav. and Pur., p. 152: When George had re-
warded King Iames with a Figge. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Te-
riaca, p. 214: To give Poyson: but spoken Ironically: the English say,
To give one a Fig.
SHAKESPEARE.—16o6-7 A. C. V ii 235: He brings you figs. —Let
him come in. What poor an instrument May do a noble deed! He
brings me liberty.
Cf. F210: A fig for him (it).
F214 FIGS after peace (Paschl)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 41 1: Fegges after Pash.
See DUR., II, no. 123.
[lEaSter]
1641 FERG., no. 278.
F215 FILL: subst.
F215 To have one’s FILL
1520-4o Songs in Rawl. MS C813 VI, p. 318: Of glottonye I hade
my fyll. 1551 CROWLEY Pleasure and Pain 1. 615: Wks., p. 126:
Of blysse or of payne they shall haue theyr fyll. 1558 PHAER Ae-
neid V 671, s. OIV: O cursyd nation, whan of thee Shall fortune haue
her fyll? 1653 HOLCROFT Procop. Hist. Wars Yustinian I i, I 6:
Having had their fill of mourning. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Pieno, p. 147: To have ones fill, viz. to have all what is due to one,
compleat satisfaction.
F216 FILL: verb
F216 FILL what you will and drink what you fill
I678 RAY, p. 88: *Proverbiall Phrases . . belonging to drink and
drinking. 1732 FUL., no. 6180.
FILL FULL and had full makes a stark1 man
1668 R.B., p. 19. 1721 KEL., p. 105: (makes
*Spoken when People eat between Meals.
F217
1641 FERG., no. 284.
a stiff Weime).
[1stalwart]
F218 The FILTH under the white snow the sun dis-
covers
1640 HERB., no. 491.
F219 To the FILTHY all things taste filthy
1618 N. FIELD Amendsfor Ladies III iii, p. 132: There’s nothing
uttered but carries a double sense, one good, one bad; but if the
heater apply it to the worst, the fault lies in his or her corrupt un-
derstanding . . for, to answer your Latin, pravis omnia prava.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6o5—6 K.L. IV ii 38: Wisdom and goodness to
the vile seem vile; Filths savour but themselves.
Cf. L65: There were no ill language ifit were not ill taken; $982:
The sun is never the worse for shining on a dunghill.
F220 He will neither FIND nor grind
1639 CL., s.v. Invidia, p. 177.
F221 If you will FIND I will grind
1639 CL., p. 246.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FINDS 212 FmGER

F222 He FINDS that seeks Misdeed. 1694 T. SOUTHERNE Fatal Marriage iii, p. 199: By your
[Luke x; 9, Seek, and ye shall 5nd] 1546 HEY. I x, 8. C3“ 1576 good Wlll you would have a finger In every bodies pie. 1721 KEL.,
PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 62: As he sought he found. 1601 JONSON Ev.
Man in l/um. ll ii 19: Euen so in man who searcheth soone Shal
find. 1616 DR., no. 1924: He that seeketh, findeth.
See DUR., II, no. 411. Cf. T135: I seek for a thing, wife, that I.
would not find.
F223 Who FINDS himself well let him not stir
1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xix, p. 232: It is said by man-
ner of a prouerbiall speach that he who findes himselfe well should
not wagge. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 12.
Cf. E156: You are a right Englishman, you cannot tell when a
thing is well (when you are well); H512: He is wise that when he is
well can hold him so; W260: Let well alone.
F224 Here I FOUND you and here (As I found you) I
leave you
[01550] 1560 Nice Wanton, s. B1v: A knaue I found the, a knaue I
leaue the here. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I iii 80: Here I
founde you and here I leave you both twaine. 1571 R. EDWARDS
Damon and Pithias, s. G3: A false knaue I found thee, a false knaue
I leaue thee. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 194. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. Dd4: Toxilus and his company . . left him as they
found him. [a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. G1: (and here ile leaue you).
[8.1600] 1611 Tarlton’s Yests in Shale. Yest-Bks., II 195: As I found
you so I leave you. [01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 146:
As I found you I leaue you. 1606 BRETON Packet Letters: W hs.,
II 51: In heartye good will, I leaue you as I found you. 1607
MARSTON What You Will V i 66: A fool I found thee and a fool I
leave thee. 1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker I ii, p. 15: Fooles I
found you, and so I must leave you in spite of my hart.
SHAKESPEARE.—1602 A.W. V ii 45: O my good lord, you were
the first that found me. —Was I, in sooth? And I was the first
that lost thee.
Cf. N93: Here I left a needle and here I will find it.
F225 Better FINGER off than always aching
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 244: Better finger afl” nor ay warking [aching].
1668 R.B., p. 13: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1681 ROB., p. 252. 1721
KEL., p. 56: Better Finger off as ay wagging. *Better put an end
to a troublesome Business, than to be always vex’d with it.
Cf. E226: Better eye out than always ache; T432: Who has ach-
ing teeth has ill tenants.
F226 FINGER in dish finger in pouch
1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quite. III iii, p. 83: But mine Host
on the other side had his Proverbs too, Touch Pot, touch penny,
Finger in Dish, finger in Pouch.
Cf. E73: He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.
F227 I love his little FINGER more than thy whole body
1546 HEY. II v, 3. H3: He loueth bit better at the sole of the foote,
Than euer he loued me at the herte roote. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p.15.
F228 To have a FINGER (hand) in the pie (matter)
1553 Respublica I iii, p. 9: Bring me in credyte that my hande be
in the pye. 1593 G. GIFFORD Dial. conc. Witches, s. F1: They can
tell where things be that are hid, hauing had a finger in the matter.
l01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 171: Old fellow, was thy
hand in too? —My hand was in the Pye, my Lord, I confesse it.
1615 SYLvESTER Hymn Alms: Wks., II 212a: While Great-ones . .
Had oft their Fingers in the Golden Py; For private Profit. 1622
G. MARKHAM AND SAMPSON Herod and Antipater IV, s. 13v: And
Sirrah, you had a finger in this worke too. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art
Asleep Husb., p. 90: And such an One very likely as had a finger in
the pye. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zampetta, p. 239: To have
contributed to the Getting of such or such a Child; which the Eng-
lish commonly express by, Having had a Finger in the Pye. I670
RAY, p. 175. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Contrive, p. 64: (He
had a). 1678 RAY, p. 244: He had a finger i’th’ pie when he burnt
his nail off. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Finger: *To be concerned in any

p. 162: (He had a). *That is, he had some concern in the Matter
as well as others. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 392: (You had a).
SHAKESPEARE.——1613 Hen. VII] I i 52: N0 man’s pie is freed
From his ambitious finger. (6)
F229 To put FINGER in the eye
1534 HEYWOOD Play Love, s. C1: She set the fynger in the eye.
01569 PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 429, 5. C3: The finger shalbe
in there eye. 1576 PETTIE Pet.‘ Pal., I 130: For fashion sake she
put finger in the eye and attired herself in mourning apparel.
[a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. E1: Comes he to me with finger in the eye,
To tell a tale against my sister here? 1640 BRATHWAITE Art
Asleep H usb., p. 20: If shee have cause to put finger ith’ eye, she will
chuse rather to dye than discover it to any other. Ibid., p. 211:
It was not the property of a brave spirit, to . . put finger i’th’ eye
for any disaster.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592—3 C.E. II ii 205: No longer will I be a fool,
To put the finger in the eye and weep. 1594—8 T.S. I i 78: It is
best Put finger in the eye.
F230 To put one’s FINGER in the fire
1546 HEY. II ii, s. G1v: But it were a foly for me . . to put my fyn-
ger to far in the fyre. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. viii, s. H1v:
I will not thrust my hand into the flame and neede not. 01600
Club Law V iii, p. 92: I have byn burnt already, Ile not putt my
finger into the fier againe. 1602 [COOKE] How Man May Choose,
s. K2: Constables forward, forward Oflicers, I will not thrust my
finger in the fire. 1616 DR., s.v. Contempt, no. 329: Let him put
his finger in the fire that needeth. Ibid., s.v. Meddling, no. 1369:
He putteth his finger in the fire. 1616 WITHALS, p. 575: Hee puts
his fingers into the fire willfully. 1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 250:
[AS in 1616 Dr., no. 329]. Ibid., p. 251: [As in 1616 Withals].
1670 RAY, p. 17 5: Put not your finger needlesly in the fire. *Med-
dle not with a quarrel voluntarily, wherein you need not be con-
cern’d. 1672 WALK. 23, p. 51: Put not your finger needlessly in
the fire; what should a man put his finger in the fire for, when he
may keep it out?
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-1 I iv 90: I’ll ne’er put my finger
in the fire, and need not.
Cf. F240: To burn one’s fingers; F487: He should be called a fool
to his face that being well does quit his place (put himselfinto dan—
ger).
F231 To thrust away with the little FINGER what one
pulls back with the whole hand
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 94: A man may call vnto hym with
the bekke of a fynger that he can not put away with bothe handes.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng, p. 75: Putting him from me with
my little finger, I drewe him to me with my whole hand. I582
GOSSON Plays Confuted V, p. 214: AS though shee woulde thruste
him away with the litle finger, and pull him againe with both her
hands. [01589] 1601 LYLY Love’s Metam. I ii 40: Though I throwe
one ofi” with my whole hand, I can pull him againe with my little
finger. 1590 GREENE Mourn. Garm., p. 195: What shee thrusts
away with one finger, Shee will pull againe with both her hands.
1590 Tarlton’s News out Purgatory, p. 92: Thrusting him away with
her little finger and pulling him to her with the whole hand.
F232 To wind one about one’s FINGER
1680 R. L’ESTRANGE Citt and Bump/tin, p. 25: You cann’t imagine
Citt, how he windes him about’s Finger. 1698 COLLIER Short View
VI, p. 279: Why Should it be in the power of a few mercenary Hands
to play People out of their Senses . . and wind their Passions about
their Fingers as they list?
See ST., no. 2409.
F233 When he should work, each FINGER is a thumb
[1534] 1557 T. MORE Passion Christ I: Wks. 1557, p. 1299: We shall
haue so many thynges to doe at once, and euery thynge so unready,
that euery fynger shalbe a thombe, and we shall fumble it up in hast.
1546 HEY. II v, 5. H1: Whan he should get ought, eche fynger is a
thumbe. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I iii 70: Eche finger is a
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FmGER
FIRE
213


thombe to day me thinke. 01594 BACON, no. 660: Ech finger is
thumb. 1602 Narcissus l. 596, p. 21: My ioyntes are numme, And
every finger truly is a thumbe. 1616 DR., s.v. Vnthriftie, no. 2314:
[As in 1546 Hey.]. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 5: *Spoken of a lazy
fellow. 1664 COD., p. 225. 1670 RAY, p. 200: (every finger).
I732 FUL., no. 5556: (every Finger).
F234 With a wet FINGER
I519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 280: I wyll helpe all this besines with a
wete fynger. 1542 UDALL Apoph. To Rdr.: Readie waye and re-
course maye with a weat fynger easily bee found out. 1546 HEY.
II ix, s. LIV: With a wet fynger ye can fet As much as maie easily
all this matter ease. 1583 STUEBES Anat. Abuses II, p. 39: The
broker will giue mony for them, with a wet finger. 1593 G. HAR-
VEY Pierce’s Super., p. 32: I hate brawles with my hart: and can
turne-ouer A volume of wronges with a wett finger. 1604 DEKKER
1 Hon. Whore, p. 72: She’ll pump water from her eyes With a wet
finger. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho II ii, s. C3: Ile
becken, you shal see ile fetch her with a wet finger. 1616 DR., s.v.
Speedinesse, no. 2051. 1639 CL., p. 179: He can do’t with a wet
finger. 1670 RAY, p. 199. I672 WALK. 70, p. 53: *Without any
trouble; with the greatest ease that can be.
See ST., no. 2406.
(13)
F235 FINGERS were made before forks and hands be-
fore knives
1567 Prizes Drawn in Lottery in Loseley MSS 284,721, p. 212: As
God made hands before knives, So God send a good lot to the cut-
ler’s wives. c1640 Grobiana’s Nuptials Vi, p. 180: Fall too, handes
were made before knives, spred your butter, knifes are dangerous,
are they not? 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 437: Here, miss; they
say fingers were made before forks, and hands before knives.
F236 His FINGERS are lime twigs
c1510 Hickscorner, s. B4v: All my fyngers were arayed with lyme,
So I conuayed a cuppe manerly. I546 HEY. I x, S. C4: A cleane
fyngerd huswyfe, and an ydel, folke saie, And will be lyme fyngerd,
I feare. c1579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 24: My
fingers are as good as a liue [for lime] twig. I596 HARINGTON
Metam. Ajax, p. 57: A certain gentleman that had his fingers
made of lime twigges, stole a peece of plate. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 691: His fingers is lyk lyme wands. [CI605] 1630 DEKKER 2
Hon. Whore, p. I 34: Will you goe set your limetwigs, and get me
some birds, some money? 1616 DR., s.v. Theeues, no. 2115: His
fingers are made of lime-twigs. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mani,
p. 96: In receiving of honey for others, to twitch up some for ones
self; the English say, to have pitch, or glue at ones fingers ends.
1670 RAY, p. 175: *Spoken of a thievish person. I672 WALK. 20,
p. 14: *All he layes his hand on is his own. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Finger.
SHAKESPEARE—I611 Temp. IV i 246: Monster, come put some
lime upon your fingers, and away with the rest!
Cf. L278: To be light-fingered.
F237 His FINGERS itch to be at it
1622 DEKKER AND MASSINGER Virgin Martyr IV, p. 67: For now
my fingers itch to be at her.
See ST., no. 786.
F238 I will not foul my FINGERS with him
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 71. 1670 RAY, p. 175: To foul ones
fingers with.
Cf. H117: I will not foul my hands with him.
F239 Lay thy FINGERS on thy lips
[1614] I631 JONSON Barth. Fair V vi 20: If this graue Matron be
your mother, Sir, stand by her, Et digito compesce labellum. I641
JONSON Timber, p. 15: Digito compesce labellum.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-I H. I V 188: Still your fingers on your lips,
I pray. 1602 T.C. I iii 240: Peace, Troyan! Lay thy finger on thy
lips! 1604 0. II i 223: Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be in-
structed. 1605—6 M. I iii 43: You seem to understand me, By each
at once her choppy finger laying Upon her skinny lips.
See ST., no. 2398.
F240 To burn one’s FINGERS
I595 HARTWELL War betw. Turks and Persians Ep. Ded., s. A2:
Wherewithall I list not to meddle for feare of burning my fingers.
1615 G. CAREW Let. to Roe II, p. 14: [They] will no more burne
there fingers with parliament busines. I656 Trepan, p.31: She has
. . burnt both fingers and her thumbe.
See ST., no. 2400. Cf. F230: To put one’s finger in the fire.
F241 To have one’s FINGERS (hands) in mortar
01640 SMYTH 18, p. 28: Dip not thy finger in the morter. *A pru-
dent dehortation from buildings. 1662 B. GERBIER Dis. Bldg., p.
3: Those who say, That a wise-man never ought to put his finger
into Morter. I673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 62: We have here
at home an English Proverb, That he who often doth dip his fingers
in Mortar wil lose his nails. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 429: You
are come to a sad dirty house; I am sorry for it, but we have had
our hands in mortar.
F242 To let it slip (drop) through one’s FINGERS
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Dito, p. 54: To let it drop through ones
fingers, Viz. to waste and throw away ones means. 1668 E. HOP-
KINS Vanity World: Wks., I 29: All our treasures are like quick-
silver, which strangely slips between our fingers, when we think we
hold it fastest.
F243 To look through one’s FINGERS
[To overlook, to condone] CI530 TYNDALE Expos. Matt.,_p. 127:
They either look through the fingers, or else give thee a flap with a
fox-tail, for a little money. 1535 COVERDALE Bible Levit. XX, I
51: The people of the londe loke thorow the fyngers vpon that man,
which hath geuen of his sede vnto Moloch. I549 LATIMER Serm.
10, p. 152: If the king . . should look through his fingers, and wink
at it. 1565 CALFHILL Ans. to Treat. Cross VI, p. 292: They either
look through their fingers, or else give a flap with a fox-tail, for a
little money. 1583 STUEBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 100: The magis-
trates wincke at it, or els, as looking thorowe their fingers, they see
it, and will not see it. 8.1626 GYFFON Song Constable in Old Eng.
Ballads 75, p. 382: Not an officer vnder the sunne but does looke
through his fingers. 1691 ]. WILSON Belphegor III i, p. 27: Enough
to make a modest woman look through her fingers.
Cf. F123: Wink at small faults.
F244 I sucked not this out of my FINGERS’ ends
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3: I suck not this out of myne owne fyngers ends.
1616 DR., s.v. Lyars, no. 1328: He hath sucked it out of his owne
fingars. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: (I suck not this). 1670 RAY,
p. 25. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Believe, p. 35: Lest you should
think I make it of my fingers ends. 1732 FUL., no. 2625.
See ST., no. 510.
F245 To have it at his FINGERS’ ends
[ERAS. Adagia, 216E: Ad unguem.] I546 HEY. I vi, 3. B2v: I per-
fitly feele euen at my fyngers eende. I559 COOPER, s.v. Digitus:
I can saye it on my fyngers endes. I596 Knack to Know Hon. Man,
S. D1: A begger hath fiue of the seuen liberall sciences At his fingers
ends. 1604 Wit Woman, s. F2: She hath your father at her fingers
endes. I611 FLOR., s.v. A menadito, p. 24: At fingers end, by rote.
I616 WITHALS, p. 560: I haue it at my fingers ends. 1629 RM.
Micrologia 14, S. D3v: Where men . . haue the Law at their fingers
ends. 1670 RAY, p. 175: To have a thing at ones fingers end. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Remember, p. 280.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. V i 81: Thou hast it ad dunghill,
at the fingers’ ends, as they say. 1601 T.N. I iii 83: I have them
at my fingers’ ends.
See OTTO, no. 1827; ST., no. 509. Cf. T413: To have it at one’s
tongue’s end. (12)
F246 As contrary as FIRE and water
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 136: As fier and water cannot agree
. even so spirituall delights and corporal pleasures admit no
Sympathye. 1616 DR., s.v. anike, no. 2288.
Cf. W110: To mix water with fire.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
FIRE
FIRE
214
F247 As hot as FIRE
[01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 372, p. 389: Is hait as fyre.
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 40, p. 107: With one bare
word, or litle more, They flush and flame as hote as fire. 1579
SPENSER Shep. Cal. March, 1. 41, p. 16: A stepdame eke, as whott
as fyre. 1582 R. ROBINSON Assertion K. Arthur XV, p. 67: Hee
burned as hote as fire. 1605 T. HEYWOOD 1 If You Know Not Me,
p. 199: Souldiers are as hot as fire, are ready to enter euery hole
about the house.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOI3 T.N. K. V iv 65: The hot horse, hot as fire.
F248 AS red (bright) as FIRE
01480—1500 Mary Mag. 1. 153, p. 60: Ryche rubyys, red as ony
fyr. Ibid. 1. 967, p. 91 : The kyng of by . . as bryth as fyr’ys blase!
01489 CAXTON Sons Aymon I, p. 27: He wexed for grete wrathe as 7
redde as ony fyre in his face. [01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates
l. 280, p. 386: My visage flammand as the fyre. 1565 GOLDING
Metam. I 954, p. 39: At this reproch did Phaéton wax as red as any
fire. 1580 BARET, B—851: He blushed as redde as fier. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Rosso, p. 173: To become as red as fire, Viz. so as to
light matches at his face. 1681 ROB., p. 267: [As in 1580 Baret].
SHAKESPEARE—I591 3 Hen. VI III ii 51: [She is] as red as fire?
Nay then, her wax must melt. 1592—3 V.A. 1.35: She red and hot
as coals of glowing fire. 1596 KY. IV ii 163: With eyes as red as
neW-enkindled fire. 1596 Rich. II II iii 58: Bloody with spurring,
fiery red with haste. 1597 1 Hen. IV III iii 35: I never see thy
face but I think upon hellfire. 1599 Y.C. III ii 121: Poor soul! his
eyes are red as fire with weeping.
F249 Better a wee (little) FIRE to warm us than a
mickle (great) fire to burn us
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. I, p. 9: Then better is small fire one easy-
ly to warme, Then is a great fire to do one hurt or harme. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 263: Better a littil fyr that warmes nor ane meikl
that burnes. 1668 R.B., p. 14: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p.
61: *An ordinary Fortune is safest, and exposes us to less Danger,
which has occasioned many Proverbs. I732 FUL., no. 865: Better
a little Fire to warm us, than a great one to burn us.
F250 Cut not the FIRE with a sword
01535 ELYOT Educ. 12, s. F2: Cutte not the fyre with weapon, do
not irritate a man in his furye, but rather when he rageth, gyue
place to his anger. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 90: But why
goe I about to quench fire with a sword, or with affection to mor-
tifie my loue? I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 93: When a man . . for-
saketh reason, and suffereth himselfe to bee overcome with anger,
it is our parts wisely to beare with his imperfection, according to
the Proverbe, Cut not the fire with the yron. 1584 LYLY Sapho
and Phao II iv 110: Fire [is] to be quenched with dust, not with
swordes. 1589 GREENE Tully’s Love, p. 164: We endeuoured to
quench the fire with swords. 1592 LYLY Midas V iii 18: Thou
wouldst quench fire with a sword. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Spada, p. 197: To stir up fire with a Sword, Viz. to do any thing
impertinently, also to set people together by the Ears, to occasion
War.
Cf. E23: To set (fall) together by the ears.
F251 Do not blow the FIRE (coal) thou wouldst quench
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I I 50: I would somewhat say, but . . I should
rather kindle new coals in you, than quench old flames. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 34: Seeing thou didst put me in the
minde to think of it, whet-by thou seemest to blow the 0010 which
thou woldest quench. Ibid., p. 55: Thus began to kindle the flame
which I shoulde rather haue quenched. [1619] 1632 N. FIELD AND
MASSINGER Fatal Dowry II ii, p. 1 17: Thou dost but blow the fire,
That flames too much already.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. III i 197: This is the way to kindle, not
to quench. 1608 P. I iv 4: That were to blow at fire in hope to
quench it.
Cf. F785: Add fuel to the fire.
F252 A fair FIRE makes a roomy flet1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 80: (a rumie flette). 1641 FERG., no. 83: (a
roome flet). 1668 R.B., p. 6: (a room flet). 1721 KEL., p. 24: (a

room Slett [fireside]). *Because it makes People sit at a Dis-
tance.
[’fireside]
F253 FIRE and water are good servants but bad (ill)
masters
1562 BULLEIN Bulwark Def. Simples, f. 12v: Water is a very good
seruaunt, but it is a cruell maister. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet
I: Wks., p. 178: We say of water, it is a good Seruant, though an ill
Master. 1630 T. ADAMS Fire Content.: Wks., p. 784: Fire is pro-
uerbially said to bee an ill master, but a good seruant. 1639 CL.,
p. 206: (be good servants, but). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (but
they are bad masters). 1662 N. ROGERS Rich Fool, p. 70: And as
we say of Fire and Water, so may we say of all worldly Wealth,
They are good Servants, but ill Masters. 1670 RAY, p. 90. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Water: (are two good Servants, and as bad Masters).
1721 KEL., p. 110: (ill). 1732 FUL., no. 1539. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. II, p. 456: Why, fire and water are good servants, but they
are very bad masters.
Cf. F258: Fire is as hurtful as healthful; M1055: Money does
either serve as a slave (servant) or command as a master. (5)
F254 FIRE and water have no mercy
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. V i, S. le: You know loue is a
fire, and they say, fire and water hath no mercy. 1616 DR., no.
721. 1639 CL., p. 203.
F255 FIRE cannot be hidden in flax (straw)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 184: Fire can-not be hydden in
the flaxe with-out smoake. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 15: Fire can-
not bee hid in the straw, nor the nature ofman so concealed, but at
last it will haue his course. 1616 DR., no. 1470: (straw). I732
FUL., no. 1541: Fire in the Flax will smoke.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. V iii 97: It could No more be hid
in him than fire in flax.
Cf. F268: He is fire and tow (flax); F270: He that makes a fire
ofstraw has store of smoke and nothing else; F278: Put not fire to
tow (flax).
F256 FIRE descends not
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 27: The earth draweth downward because
it is heavy, the fire flieth upward because it is light. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 191: Doe you not knowe that which all men
doe affirme and knowe . . That fire cannot be forced downewarde?
That Nature will haue course after kinde? 1579 GOSSON Sch.
Abuse, p. 43: Fire and Ayre mount prards, Earth and Water
sinke downe. I583 GREENE Mamillia I, p. 122: He stops the
stream and beateS the fire downward. 1589 GREENE Tully’s Love,
p. 175: It is . . impossible to driue fire downeward, or to make heauy
things to mount. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 50v: A
flame can neither be held down, neither can it reste. 1614 TAILOR
Hog Hath Lost Pearl V, p. 485: A flash of fire, and Lightfoot ascends
like a spirit. 1620 or 1630 T.D. Bloody Bang. I iv, s. CI: Sparkes
flye not downeward, No more this receiv’d fancy of Tymethes.
I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 105, p. 321.
F257 FIRE divided burns with less force
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 2 5 5: A fire deuided in twayne burn-
eth slower. 1592 Arden F., S. E4: (with lesser force).
Cf. R139: A river running into many brooks becomes shallow.
F258 FIRE is as hurtful as healthful
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 154. 1639 CL., p. 211.
Cf. F2 5 3: Fire and water are good servants but bad (ill) masters.
F259 FIRE is good for the farcy1
I641 FERG., no. 282. I668 R.B., p. 20. I721 KEL., p. 353: When
all Freets [charms] fail, Fire’s good for the Fiercy. *Spoken when
after ordinary Attempts, we betake our selves to extraordinary.
[1glanders]
F260 FIRE is love, and water sorrow
1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 51: If th’ old saw did not borrow,
Fier is loue, and water sorrow.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite Verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FIRE
FIRE
215


F261 The FIRE is never without heat
I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. C2v: It is no fyre that giues no heate.
I596 DEL., s. 01v. 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 220.
F262 FIRE of flax, love of a quean, wind from the tail,
all is one
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84. 1611 COT., s.v. Amour: Amour
de putain feu d’estoupe: Pro. (Th’ exposition followes) qui luit fort,
et dure peu. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 15: Fire of flax;
loue of a queane, wind from the tayle, and such hopes, all are one.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 14: The love of a quean like fire of flax.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8: The love of a Punk, the fire of flax,
and the wind of the tail is one and the same thing.
F263 FIRE, quoth the fox when he pissed on the ice
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 5. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1: (Here
will be a good fire anone, said the Fox when). 1670 RAY, p. 93:
*He saw it smoak’t, and thought there would be fire e’re long.
This is spoken in derision to those which have great expectation
from some fond design or undertaking, which is not likely to suc-
ceed. 1721 KEL., p. 184: It will be a good Fire when it burns,
quoth the Tod when he pish’d on the Ice. *Nothing but a Ridi-
cule upon a bad Fire. 1732 FUL., no. 1542.
F264 FIRE raked up in ashes keeps its heat a long time
1546 HEY. II ii, s. GIV: We parted, and this within a daie or twayne,
Was raakt vp in thashes, and couerd agayne. I576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., I 148: As coals of fire covered close with ashes keep their heat
long time . . so the fiery flames of love raked upon silence, burn fu-
riously within a man. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 207: Albeit
I can no way quench the coales of desire with forgetfulnesse, yet
will I rake them vp in the ashes of modestie.
F265 FIRE that’s closest kept burns most of all
1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorboduc III i, s. EIV: The fire not
quenched, but kept in close restraint, Fedde still within, breakes
forth with double flame. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. G4v:
Nothing she sayde of a long time: but yet the smothering fire at
length breakes forth in flame. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 18: And
as hidden flames by force kept downe are most ardent. I583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. H1: Where the fyre is moste the flame is leaste.
1608 J. DAY Law Tricks IV ii, p. 66: His humour’s grounded, and,
like subtle fier, The more supprest it mounts so much the hier.
I611 COT., s.v. Feu: The more that fire’s kept downe the more it
burns; suppressed heat workes vehemently. 1615 RA. Val. Welsh.
V iv, s. I3: Threats unto a Romane brest, Swell us with greater
force, like fire supprest. I624 MASSINGER Bondman III ii, p. 85:
My fires increasing By being closed, and stopp’d up, frantic affec-
tion Prompted me to do something in his absence. 1632 G. SANDYS
Metam. IV, p. 1 15: Signes only vtter their vnwitnest loues: But hid-
den fire the violenter proues. I673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p.
94: Fire pent in burns the more furiously, and Bottles too close
cork’t up, often fly all in pieces. '
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. II iv 36: Sorrow concealed, like an
oven stopp’d, Doth burn the heart to Cinders where it is. 1592-3
V.A. l. 331: An oven that is Stopp’d, or river stay’d, Burneth more
hotly, swelleth with more rage, So of concealed sorrow may be said.
1594 T.G.V. I ii 30: Fire that’s closest kept burns most of all.
1598—9 M.A. III i 77: Therefore let Benedick, like cover’d fire,
Consume away in sighs, waste inwardly.
See T. 233, p. 151. Cf. $929: The stream (current, tide) stopped
swells the higher; V47: Vice the more it is hid the more it in-
creases. (14)
F266 A good FIRE is the best household stuff
1639 CL., s.v. Focus, p. 1 19.
F267 He bears (carries) FIRE in one hand and water
in the other
[ERAS. Adagia, IO4IE: Altera manu fert aquam, altera ignem.]
[01517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. C1v: Two faces in a hode couertly.
I bere water in the one hande and fyre in the other. 1546 HEY. I
x, s. C3: Fyre in the tone hande, and water in the tother. 1564


BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 92: He beareth fire in one hande, and water
in an other; a Papiste and a Protestante, God and Mammon. I566
HOL., p. 261: (in the one hand, and). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f.
31. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 247: Whatsoeuer I speake to
men, the same also I speke to women, I meane not . . to carrye fire
in the one hande and water in the other. 1580 BARET, A—327: [As
in Eras.]. *A Prouerbe to be applyed to those, which before a mans
face can vse glosing termes, and behinde his backe, rayse contume-
lies against him. I591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 171 : [AS in 1546 Hey.].
1605 S. ROWLEY When You See Me, s.' D3: Ther’s no dealing, if they
carry fire in one hand, and water ith tother. 1614 T. ADAMS Fata
Banquet I: Wks., p. 176: Fire in the one hand, and Water in the
other. 1616 DR., s.v. Dissimulation, no. 514: [As in 1566 Hol.].
1623 WOD., p. 509: He beares water in one Hand, and Fire in the
other. 1639 CL., p. 289: [AS in 1546 Hey.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 15: Fire in one hand, and water in tother. 1670 RAY, p. 167:
(carries). 1676 BUNYAN Strait Gate: Wks., I 389: (He carries fire in
the one hand, and). 1681 ROB., p. 114: (carries). I732 FUL., no.
5886: (You carry).
Cf. F20: He carries (bears) two faces under one hood; P378: To
sing placebo. ( 5)
F268 He is FIRE and tow (flax)
[1614-33] 1637 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Elder Brother I ii, p. 1 I:
For he is fire and flax; and so have at him. 1616 DR., s.v. Occa-
sion, no. 1519: A damosell amongst young men, is as towe and hurdes
amongst hoate fire-brands. 1639 CL., s.v. Ira, p. 178. 1670 RAY,
p. 175: All fire and tough.
See CHAMBERS Scots Dialect Dictionary, p. 174. Cf. F255: Fire
cannot be hidden in flax (straw); F278: Put not fire to tow (flax)
F269 He that can make a FIRE well can end a quarrel
I640 HERB., no. 553. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
187: *Both hard to be done, so as to please all.
F270 He that makes a FIRE of straw has store of smoke
and nothing else
1573 SANF., f. 102v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28v: Who makes
a fire of straw, hath much smoke, and nought els. I629 Bk. Mer.
Rid. 71, p. 28: A fire of straw yeelds naught but smoake. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 97: [As in 1578 Flor.]. 1732 FUL., no. 2236:
(hath much Smoke, and but little Warmth).
Cf. F255: Fire cannot be hidden in flax (straw).
I had rather ask of my FIRE brown bread than
borrow of my neighbor white
1640 HERB., no. 265.
232: (of my Syre).
F271
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
F272 It is a dangerous FIRE begins in the bedstraw
1651 HERB., p. 368.
F273 Kindle not a FIRE that cannot be extinguished
1664 COD., p. 203.
F274 A little FIRE burns up a great deal of com
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 413.
F275 Make no FIRE, raise no smoke
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2v.
F276 No FIRE Without fuel
01573 I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, s. D3v: For fyre no lenger burnes,
then faggots feede the flame. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 26.
F277 One FIRE (heat) drives out another
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 124: The fire that burneth, tak-
eth away the heate of the burn. I606 CHAPMAN M. D’Olive V i 8:
For one heat, all know, doth drive out another, One passion doth
expel another still. 1629 F. QUARLES Argulus and Part. II: Wks.,
III 267: Whose desire Was all this while, by fire, to draw out fire;
And by a well-advised course to smother The fury of one passion
with another. 1630 T. ADAMS Fire Content: Wks., p. 783: One

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FIRE
FIRE
216

F281
extreame may driue out another; as we hold our burnt finger to the
fire, by a new heat to extract the former. 1732 FUL., no. 4523:
The Fire that burneth, taketh out the Heat of a Burn.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1594 T.G.V. II iv 192: Even as one heat another
heat expels. 01595 16.7. I ii 46: Tut, man, one fire burns out anoth-
er’s burning; One pain is less’ned by another’s anguish. 1596 KY.
III i 277: And falsehood falsehood cures, as fire cools fire Within the
scorched veins of one new burn’d. 1599 7.C. III i 171: As fire
drives out fire, so pity pity. 1608 C. IV vii 54: One fire drives out
one fire; one nail, one nail.
Cf. D174: One deceit (falsehood) drives out another; L538: One
love drives out another; N17: One nail drives out another; P457:
One poison expels another; W234: One wedge drives out another.
F278 Put not FIRE to tow (flax)
1530 PALS., p. 417b: Adde fyre to towe and you shal some have a
flame. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H4v: To be so lyther, In my howse, to
ley fyre and tow togyther. 1552 TAV., f. 51v: Ignem igni ne addas.
Put not fier to fier. Adde not calamitie to calamitie leste beynge
alreadye chauffed thou be yet more chauffed . . This prouerbe is
touched in Englyshe where it is sayde, that we ought not put fyre
to towe. 1566 HOL., p. 261: He hath put the fier to the toe. I578
FLOR. First I". XIX, f. 30v: Fire and flaxe agree not. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 209: The fire quickly burneth the flaxe. 1580
BARET, V—196: Vnguis in vlcere. A Prouerbe applied vnto such,
as when a matter is euill enough, will make it worse, and (as we saie
commonlie in English) They put fire to flaxe. I580 LYLY Euph.
and His Eng., p. 55: Wine to a young blood, is in the spring time,
Flaxe to fire. 1591 STER, p. 156: It is dangerous to set fire and
flaxe together. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 262: What tempta-
tions She had then, when fire and flax were put together conceit
with your selues but hold my master excusable. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 422: Fyr and hards [tow] is not good together. 1611 DAv.
Prov., no. 63: Fire and flax differ: not to make fire, Like men and
women that burne in desire. 1616 DR., s.v. Fire, no. 722: He put-
teth tow and flaxe together. 1616 WITHALS, p. 561: (flax). [1634]
1655 MASSINGER Very Woman II iii, p. 374: Be assured, I will Keep
fire and tow asunder. 1639 CL., p. 197: Put not fire to flax—ponder
to pitch. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 97: Fire and flax agree not well
together.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VI V ii 54: And beauty, that the
tyrant oft reclaims, Shall to my flaming wrath be oil and flax.
Cf. F255: Fire cannot be hidden in flax (straw); F268: He is fire
and tow (flax); F351: Keep flax from fire and youth from gaming;
F785: Add fuel to the fire. (13)
F279 The same FIRE which purifies gold burns straw
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 190: Fire maketh the gold to Shine
and the straw to smother. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 97.
F280 Soft FIRE makes sweet malt
a1536 HILL 22, p. 128: (A softe fire). 1552 TAV., f. 29v: Make
slowe hast, or haste the slowly . . To this agreethe oure Englyshe
prouerbe . . soft fyer maketh swete malte. 1562 HEY. Epig. 16, p.
131. 01569 PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 1014, s. E2v: Soft fyre the
common Prouerbe saith, sweete Malt doth make. 1586 WITHALS,
s. C8v: (A soft fire). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1180. 1611 DAv. Prov.,
no. 122: Soft fire sweete mault doth make. 1611 GRUT., no. 229.
1614 CAM., p. 311. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A5v). 1616 DR.,
s.v. Leisure, no. 1214. 1639 CL., p. 304. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 9. 1668 R.B., p. 48. 1670 RAY, p. 144. 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don
Quint. IV, p. 72: (Slow fire). I732 FUL., no. 4202.
Cf. F141: Not too fast for fear of falling (breaking your shins);
H201: N0 haste to hang true men. (16)
That FIRE which lights us at a distance will burn
us when near
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 120: Fire giueth lyght to things
farre off, and burneth that which is next to it. The Court shineth
to me that come not there, but singeth those that dwell there.
1584 LYLY Camp. IV iv 21: The loue of Kinges is like . . fire which
warmeth a farre off, and burneth neere hand. 1594 DRAYTON Leg-
end Matilda (1619 ed.) 1. 287: les., II 419: Warm’d with the Fire,
that unawares might burne Mee. 1606 DANIEL Arcadia II iii, p.
F283

243: O loue and beauty . . Like vnto fire, whose flames farre off de-
light, But if you be imbrac’d consume vs quite? I732 FUL., no.
4341-
F282 There is no FIRE without some smoke
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2v. [01565] 1595 Peddler’s Prop/1., s. A4:
Where fire is, a man may perceiue by the smoake. 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 100: No fire made of wood but hath smoake.
1611 GRUT., no. 283. 1614 CAM., p.313. 1616 BRET., p. 6: (with-
out smoake). 1616 DR., s.v. Suspicion, no. 2090: No fire without
some smoke. 1639 CL., p. 180: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 15: No fire without smoak. 1659 N.R., p. 95. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 16, p. 1 22: No flame without smoke. I670 RAY, p. 90.
See DI'J'R., I, no. 888. Cf. F292: Whose fire smokes not? S568:
Much smoke little fire; S569: No smoke without some fire. (14)
To come to fetch FIRE
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 218: Comming to Naples but to
fetch fire, as the by word is, not to make my place of abode. 1587
GREENE Euph. to Philautus, p. 162: We Ladies came but to fetch
fier. 1670 RAY, p. 175. 1721 KEL., p. 374: You are come to fetch
Fire. *Spoken to them who make short Visits. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 382: Colonel, where are you going so soon? I hope you
did not come to fetch fire.
F284 To force FIRE from snow
1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker III iv, p. 48: ’Tis impossible as to
force Fire from snow, Water from flint, say the Sun shall not shine.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. II vii 19: Thou wouldst as soon go
kindle fire with snow As seek to quench the fire oflove with words.
F285 To go through FIRE and water
1530 PALS., p. 653b: He shall passe thorowe fyre and water or he
get it. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 253: To heale the body we
. . venture through fire and water. 01660 Fair Maid’s Choice 1. 57
in Bagford Bal., I 291: Through fire and Water I would go I swear.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Acqua, p. I: (To have pass’d thorough).
I670 RAY, p. 176: *Probably from the two kinds of Ordeal, by fire
and water. 1732 FUL., no. 5177: (and Water, to serve a Friend).
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 III iv 106: A woman would
run through fire and water for such a kind heart. Ibid. III v 129:
I will be thrown into fEtna, as I have been into Thames, ere I will
leave her thus.
See ST. , no. 2494.
F286 To play with FIRE
1650 H. VAUGHAN Garland: Silex Scintillans, p. 198: I play’d with
fire, did counsel spurn . . But never thought that fire would burn,
Or that a soul could ache.
See ST., no. 2495.
F287 To quench FIRE with oil
[ERAS. Adagia, 711‘: Oleo incendium restinguere.] 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., II 124: But if they think this lover. . have oil to cool
their furious flames . . he shall be received into their good grace.
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 249: But alas it is no lesse common
then lamentable to beholde the tottering estate of louers, who
thinke . . with oyle to quench fire. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II
149: You thinke . . to quench fire with oyle. 1590 LODGE Rosa-
lynde, p. 1 16: To quench fire with oyle, and to thrust out one thorn
by putting in another. 1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 625: As
Oyle kindleth the fire, which it seemes to quench. 1612 CHAPMAN
Widow’s Tears III i 156: Shame doth extinguish lust as oil doth fire.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Foco, p. 64: To go about to extinguish
fire with oil, viz. to go about to add mischief to mischief.
Cf. 030: To add oil to (pour oil on) the fire; 032: To pour (cast)
oil into the fire is not the way to quench it; Q7: There is no quench-
ing of fire with tow.
F288 To weigh the FIRE and measure the wind
[1611 Apocrypha 2 Esd. iv 5: Then said he unto me, Go to, weigh
me a weight of fire, or measure me a measure of wind, or call me
again the day that is past.] 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 245:
To giue reason for fancie were to weighe the fire, and measure the

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FIRE
FISH
217
winde. 1592 LYLY Gall. III iii 20: Nay, if you must weigh your
fire by ounces, and take measure of a mans blast, you may then
make of a dramme of winde a wedge of gold. I631 JONSON New
Inn IV iv 269: I will . . Weigh smoak, and measure shadowes.
1732 FUL., no. 5169: (To give a Reason for Fancy, were to).
F289 Well may he smell FIRE whose gown burns
I640 HERB., no. 138. I659 N.R., p. 120. 1664 COD., p. 227.
I670 RAY, p. 9: (smell of fire).
F290 Well to work and make a FIRE, it does care and
skill require
1664 COD., p. 227. 1670 RAY, p. 28. 1732 FUL., no. 6246: (a Fire,
It doth Skill and Care require).
What he gets he gets out of the FIRE
1732 FUL., no. 5318: ’Twas got out of the Fire-
F291
1678 RAY, p. 246.
F292 Whose FIRE smokes not?
1639 CL., s.v. Voluptas, p. 326.
Cf. F282: There is no fire without some smoke.
F293 You cannot make the FIRE so low but it will get
out
1640 HERB., no. 958. 1659 N.R., p. 128: (a fire and go out).
F294 As good do it at FIRST as at last
1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 247. 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady
V x 135: Well, you must have it, As good at first as last.
F295 I am not the FIRST and Shall not be the last
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 77: And yet why should I take it so griev-
ously; am I the first that have been so served? I605 MARSTON
Dutch Courtesan V iii 76: Well, I am not the first honest man that
hath been cast away; and I hope shall not be the last. 1606 DAN-
IEL Arcadia III iv, p. 262: And thinke your selfe Are not the first
that thus haue bin deceiv’d. 1616 DR., s.v. Slandering, no. 1992:
Hee is not the first that hath beene ill spoken of. 1672 WALK. 22,
p. 8: I am not alone by my self; not the first that did it, nor shall
be the last. 1678 RAY, p. 74.
SHAKESPEARE.—-I592-4 I Hen. VI V iii 107: Tush, women have
been captivate ere now. 1593—4 Luc. l. 1581: It easeth some,
though none it ever cured, To think their dolour others have endur’d.
1594—5 L.L.L. IV iii 51: Am I the first that have been perjur’d so?
1596 Rich. II V v 23: Thoughts tending to content flatter them-
selves That they are not the first of fortune’s slaves. 1605—6 K.L.
V iii 3: We are not the first Who with best meaning have incurr’d
the worst. I
See T. 237, p. 152.
trouble (misery).
F296 On the FIRST of November, if the weather holds
clear, an end of wheat-sowing do make for
this year
1557 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 90, p. 181, s.v. Seede cake: Wife,
some time this weeke, if the wether hold cleere, an end of wheat
sowing we make for this yeere.
See SM., p. 338.
Cf. C571: It is good to have company in
F297 Win at FIRST and lose at last
1678 RAY, p. 349.
Cf. H809: What some win (lose) in the hundred they lose (win)
in the shire.
F298 All FISH are not caught with flies
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 119. 1598 MERES Pall. Tamia,
f. 43. 1732 FUL., no. 514.
F299 As drunk as a FISH
I631 JONSON New Inn III i 210: Hee’s as drunke as a fish now, al-
most as dead. 1700 CONGREVE Way World IV, p. 58: Thou art
both as drunk and as mute as a fish.
Cf. F325: T0 drink like a fish.

F300 As mute as a FISH
[ERAS. Adagia, 192D: Magis mutus quam pisces.] 1580 BARET,
M~16: *A Prouerbe . . taken from fishes which Vtter no sound at
all. 1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. DIV: Lest the company ,
should haue ben fyred with too hasty a desyre of marriage he cooled
their affections with such caueats, as they . . were of the suddayne,
as mute as a fishe. 1602 JONSON Poetaster IV iii 133: What, mute?
—-I, as fishes i’faith. 1615 T. ADAMS Wolf Worrying Lambs: Wks.,
p. 382: On a suddaine, these sonnes of thunder are as mute as fishes.
1619 BASSE Help Discourse, p. 338: As dumb as a Fish: Because no
creature but can make some kind of noyse or sound, but onely the
Fish, that is solely mute. 1623 WOD., p. 504: Dumme like a Fish.
I631 JONSON Staple News III ii 200: And I should be as dumbe as a
fish. 1634 R. BROME AND T. HEYWOOD Lanc. Witches II i, p. 192:
A Fish cannot be more silent than I. 1639 CL., s.v. Taciturnitas,
p. 302. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pesce, p. 142: To be more mute
than a fish. 1672 WALK. 93, p. 19: They are as mute as a fish;
dumb; they give never a word. 1686 WARR Declamations XIX, p.
468: You are all hush’t, and as mute as a Fish. I700 CONGREVE
Way World IV, p. 58.
F301 As whole as a FISH
[611563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife 1. 672, p. 19: This chafing hath
made me as whole as a fish. 1616 DR., s.v. Healthfull, no. 953.
1639 CL., s.v. Salubritas, p. 275: Fish-whole. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 15: As sound as a fish, or a bell.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G. V. II v 20: They are both as whole as
a fish. .
Cf. T536: As sound (whole) as a trout. (9)
F302 The best FISH swim near the bottom
1616 BRET., p. 8: The greatest sort of fish keep the bottome. 1639
CL., p. 212. I670 RAY, p. 90. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Fish. I732 FUL.,
no. 4412: (swim deep).
F303 Better are small FISH than an empty dish
1678 RAY, p. 204. 1732 FUL., no. 6369.
F304 A FISH begins first to smell at the head
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 102: For ifthe prouerbe be true, That
like man like maister, and that a fishe beginneth first to smell at the
head. I611 COT., s.v. Teste: Fish euer begins to taint at the head;
the first thing that’s deprau’d in man’s his wit. 1659 N.R., p. I 12:
The head of a fish is first tamed.
F305 FISH bred up in dirty pools will stink of mud
I563 GOOGE Eclog. Epit. and Sonn., p. 40: (wyll ever stynke of
mudde). I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 100: (will taste of mud).
F306 The FISH follow the hook (bait)
1631 JONSON Staple News III ii 121: Baites, Sir, for the people!
And they will bite like fishes. 1640 HERB., no. 603: The fish adores
the bait. 1659 N.R., p. 102: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1664 COD., p.
220. I670 RAY, p. 9. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Fish: (follows). I732
FUL., no. 1548: Fishes follow the Bait.
SHAKESPEARE.—I598-9 M.A. IIiii 113: Bait the hook well! This
fish will bite. Ibid. III i 26: To see the fish Cut with her golden oars
the silver stream And greedily devour the treacherous bait.
F307 FISH is cast away that is cast into dry pools
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 28: Men Should not prese much, to spend
much vpon fooles. Fishe is caste awaie that is cast in drie pooles.
I605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho V ii 70: (in
drye Pooles). I611 DAV. Prov., no. 335: Men should not presse
much to spend much on fooles, Away is fish cast that is cast in dry
pooles. 1611 GRUT., no. 98. 1614 CAM., p. 306. 1616 DR., s.v.
Vnthankefulnesse, no. 2304: He casteth fish into drie pooles. 1639
CL., p. 170: Fish are cast away, that are cast into dry ponds. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 192: Fish are thrown away
that are cast into dry Ponds. I670 RAY, p. 90: Fishes are cast
away, that are cast into dry ponds.
F308 FISH mars the water and flesh amends it
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 82: The fish mar-
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 104, p.
1573 SANF., f. 104v.
reth the water and flesh doth dresse it.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
FISH
FISH
218

29: (mendeth it). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 14: Fish spoils water,
flesh mends it. 1678 RAY, p. 41: Fish spoils water, but flesh mends
it. 1732 FUL., no. 1546: Fish makes no Broth.
F309 FISH must swim thrice (twice)
[8.1550] 1630 Mer. Tales Madmen Gotham 20 in Shak. Yest-Bks., III
25: The Priest said: in Lent, thou Shouldest Most refraine from
drunkennesse, and abstaine from drinke. Not so, said the fellow:
for it is an old Prouerbe, that fish must swim. 1611 COT., s.V.
Poisson: We say, fish must euer swimme twice. I620 Westw. for
Smelts, p. 6: Fish . . never doth digest well. . except it swimme
twice after it comes forth the water: that is, first in butter, so to be
eaten: then in wine or beere after it is eaten. 1638 BRATHWAITE
Barnabee’s Your. III, II G5: With carouses I did trimme me, That
my fish might swim within me. 1659 N.R., p. 34: Fish must ever
swimme twice. 1670 RAY, p. 38: *Once in the water, a second time
in the sawce, and a third time in wine in the stomach. 1721 KEL.,
p. 111: *Once in Water, once in Sauce, and once in Drink. 1732
FUL., no. 1547: Fish ought to swim thrice. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
II, p. 432: Tom, they say fish should swim thrice . . first it Should
swim in the sea, (do you mind me?) then it should swim in butter;
and at last, Sirrah, it should swim in good Claret.
See ST., no. 2416.
F310 Fresh FISH and newcome guests smell by that
time they be three days old
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 81: As we say in Athens, fishe
and gests in three dayes are stale. 1586 WITHALS, s. B2V; After
three dayes fish is vnsauoury, and so is an ill guest. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Hoste: A guest and fish after three dayes are fustie. 1616
WITHALS, p. 577. [1623] 1653 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Span.
Gypsy III i 50: We should be sorry we or our cloaths should be like
fish, new, stale, and stinking in three days. 1639 CL., p. 210: (smell
by they be three dayes old). 1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p.
146: Two dayes y’ave larded here; a third, yee know, Makes guests
and fish smell strong; pray go. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 1: Guests
and Fish stink in three dayes. 1659 N.R., p. 6: A Guest and a fish
at three daies end, grow musty. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 203:
Fish, and an Host, in three daies stink. 1672 WALK. II, p. 20:
Fresh fish and strangers stinck in three days. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Fish: (smell when they are three Daies old). 1721 KEL., p. 106:
Fresh Fish, and poor Friends become soon ill sar’d [savored, smell-
ing]. *Spoken when we see poor Relations slighted. 1732 FUL.,
no. 1544: Fish and Guests smell at three Days old. 1736 FRANK-
LIN, p. 10: Fish and Visitors smell in three days.
See DiiR., I, no. 543; OTTO, no. 1429. Cf. D114: After three days
men grow weary of a wench, a guest, and weather rainy (rain).
F311 The great FISH eat the small
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 101: The wolfe etis the shepe, the
great fysshe the small. I573 SANF., f. 104v: (eateth the little).
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29v: (eateth the little). 1586 WITHALS,
s. E5v: The lesser fishes are baits or meat for the greater, the greate
ones eate the small ones. 1611 COT., s.V. Poisson: Les gros poissons
mangent les petis: Justly applyed to the vniust world, wherein the
rich deuoure the poore, the strong the weake, the mightie the meane.
1616 DR., no. 1511: (eateth vp the small). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31,
p. 203: (eat up the lesser).
SHAKESPEARE—I598 2 Hen. IV III ii 356: If the young dace be
a bait for the old pike, I see no reason in the law of nature but I
may snap at him. 1608 P. II i 29: Master, I marvel how the fishes
live in the sea.
the little ones.
See DiiR., I, no. 640. Cf. L354: The little cannot be great un-
less he devours many; O63: There would be no great ones if there
were no little ones; R102: The rich devour the poor, the strong the
weak; $228: A serpent must eat another serpent before he can be-
come a dragon; T507: Great trees keep under the little ones. (7)
F312 He angles for the FISH already caught
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 239: Anglinge for the fishe that is
alreadye caught. 1616 DR., s.v. Ill successe, no. 2071.
—Why, as men do aland—the great ones eat up -

F313 I have other FISH to fry
1670 RAY, p. 176. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Fish. 1732 FUL., no. 2606.
F314 I will not make FISH of one and flesh of another
1639 CL., p. 240. 1664 COD., p. 196: (He will not make). 1670
RAY, p. 9. 1721 KEL., p. 220. I732 FUL., no. 3321: (Make not).
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 448: (I hope you won’t make).
F315 If you swear you’ll catch no FISH
1607 T. HEYWOOD Fair Maid Exch., p. 69: What are you cursing
too? then we catch no fish. [1615] 1631 P. FLETCHER Sicelides
III iv, p. 69: Nay if you sweare, we shall catch no fish. [01616]
1639 FLETCHER M. Thomas I iii, p. 107: No swearing, He’l catch
no fish else. 1620 J. TAYLOR Yack A Lent: Wks. F., p. 117: The
Prouerbe sayes, If you sweare you shall catch no fish. 1639 CL.,
s.V. Improbi, p. 150: (wee’ll catch no fish). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 13. a1674 CLARENDON Hist. Rebel. IX, V 226: For if they did
swear, you know (said he) they could catch no fish. 1678 RAY,
p. 207.
F316 It is a Silly FISH that is caught twice with the
same bait (The fish once caught bewares the
hook)
[01560] 1581 WOODES Confl. Cons. II ii, s. B4V: The Fish once taken,
and scaped from baight, Will euer heareafter, beware of the hooke.
1590 SPENSER II i 4: The fish that once was caught, new bayt
wil hardly byte. 1593 Pass. Morrice in Tell-Trothes New Year’s
Gift, etc., p. 74: The fishe that has beene Stricken with the hook,
feares the baite. I732 FUL., no. 2879.
Cf. F332: The fisher stricken will be wise; S882: He that stum-
bles twice at the Same stone deserves to have his Shins broke.
F317 It is good FISH, if it were but caught
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12: Good fish, but all the craft is in the
catching. 1678 RAY, p. 71: *It’s spoken of any considerable good
that one hath not, but talks much of, sues for, or endeavours after.
A future good, which is to be catched, if a man can, is but little
worth. a1700 B.E., s.v. Fishing Bill: Good fish when it is Caught.
1721 KEL., p. 211: It is good Fish, when it is gripped [caught].
1732 FUL., no. 2936.
F318 ' Like a FISH out of water
1613 PURCHAS Pilgrimage VI xii, p. 798: The Arabians out of the
Desarts are as Fishes out of the water. 1655—62 GURNALL Chr. in
Armor, p. 153: A tradesman out ofhis shop . . is as a fish out of the
water, never in his element till he be in his calling again. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 32, p. 233: A Monk out of his Cell, is fish out of the water.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Acqua, p. 2: To be like the fish, out of the
water, viz. out ofits element. 1679 T. SHADWELL True Widow III,
p.327.
F319 Neither FISH nor flesh nor good red herring
1528 ROY Read Me and Be Not Wroth, p. 1 17: Wone that is nether
flesshe nor fisshe. 1546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: (She is nother fishe nor).
[1552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle II i, s. B2V: ’Tys neyther
flesh nor fysh. 1583 GOLDING Calvin on Deut. LVII, p. 344: Neither
fish nor flesh (as men say,) but half of one sute and half of anoth-
er, as is saide in the prouerb. 1605 BRETON Pray Be Not Angry
(1624 ed.) To Rdr.: Wks., II [3]: They that are neither of both, but
betwixt both, neither Fish nor Flesh but plaine Red-Herring. 1608
Seven Days IV in Christm. Prince, p. 146: You are a neutrall, ney-
ther syde affectinge, Nor fish nor flesh, nor very good redherringe.
[01613] I657 MIDDLETON No Wit Like Woman’s III i 110: Neither
fish nor flesh. —No, nor good red herring. 1616 WITHALS, p. 572.
1621 TAYLOR Super. Flag: Wks. F., p. 34: (Neither flesh nor fish
nor). 1639 CL., s.V. Hypocrisis, p. 140. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. I 5: (He is neither fish, nor). I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Carne,
p. 31: (nor yet good Red-herring). *TO be wavering and incon-
stant in Religion. 1670 RAY, p. 176. 1683 DRYDEN AND LEE
Duke Guise Epil., p. [404]: Damn’d Neuters, in their middle way of
steering, Are neither Fish, nor Flesh, nor good Red-Herring. 1721
KEL., p. 263: *That is, Stark naught. 1732 FUL., no. 3523.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FISH
FISHING
219


SHAKESPEARE—I597 I Hen. IV III iii 144: Why, she’s neither
fish nor flesh; a man knows not where to have her.
See ST., no. 2415. (7)
F320 Of all the FISH in the sea, herring is the king
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. K2: Those blooming daies, when in
youth red herring was a king. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl' Ep. Ded.:
Wks., III 149: A King thou art by name, and a King of good fellow-
shippe by nature, whereby I ominate this Encomion of the king of
fishes was predestinate to thee from thy swadling clothes. 1601
JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. I iii 10: Mine ancetrie came from a kings
loynes, no worse man; and yet no man neither, but Herring the king
of fish, one of the monarches of the world. 1620 J. TAYLOR 7ack a
Lent: Wks. F., p. 126: The maiesticall king of Fishes, the heroicall
most magnificent Herring. 1639 Con., Clinches, Flashes, and Whim-
sies in Shak. 7est-Bks., III 40: In the Common-wealth of Fishes
are many officers; Herring the King, Swordfish his guard; Lobsters
are Aldermen, Crabs are Constables, and poor Johns the Common
sort of people. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 21. I721 KEL., p. 275.
F321 Old FISH, old oil, and an old friend are the best
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: Old fish, old oyl, and an old friend.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 204: Fish, oyl, and a friend, old. 1678
RAY, p. 41.
Cf. F369: Young flesh and old fish are best; F755: Old friends
and old wine are best.
F322 Some FISH some frogs
01510 T. MORE Fortune in Hill Commonplace-Book, p. 79: L0, in
this pond be fishe and froggis bothe. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 322: It is in the courte as in all riuers some Fish some Frogs.
1732 FUL., no. 4212.
F323 Teach FISH to swim
[ERAS. Adagia, 853E: Piscem natare doces.] I611 COT., s.v. Nager:
We must not teach a fish to swimme; a scholler to read, a maister
to worke. I623 WOD., p. 488: Wee should never . . teach Fish to
swimme. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rampicarre, p. 164: To go
about to teach such as are best vers’d, to teach fish to swim.
See DUR, II, no. 25. Cf. F94: You teach your father to get chil-
dren; G407: Teach your grandame (grannam) to grope her ducks;
G408: Teach your grandame to spin; T86: Tell me it snows.
F324 That FISH will soon be caught that nibbles at
every hook (bait)
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 104: Philautus, who euer as yet
but played with the bait, was now Stroke with the hooke. [01612]
1633 P. FLETCHER Pisc. Eclog. V: Poems, II 287: The fish long play-
ing with the baited hook, At last is caught: thus many a nymph is
took. 1616 DR., no. 1854: The fish playeth so long with the hooke,
vntill she be caught. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 14: The fish who
seeks the hook seeks his ruine. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof. II 4,
p. 241: If you . . be found nibbling at the bait, you may justly ex-
pect the hook to enter into your bowels! I732 FUL., no. 4342:
(Bait).
F325 To drink like a FISH
[01614] 1640 FLETCHER Nightwalker IV, p. 363: I can drink like a
Fish now. 1646 SHIRLEY Triumph Beauty, p. 321: I can drink like
a fish. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zappatore, p. 239: The English
say . . to eat like a Farmer, and drink like a Fish. 1701 FARQUHAR
Sir H. Wildair II i, p. 263: Where I may . . drink like a fish, and
swear like a devil.
Cf. F62: To feed like a farmer; F299: As drunk as a fish.
F326 To find FISH on one’s fingers
[To have plenty of occupation] I584 GREENE Card Fancy, p. 140:
[She] thought she should both heate the parle and view the person
of this young Embassadour, and therefore found fish on her fingers.
I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 122: Ganimede rose as one that would
suffer no fish to hang on his fingers. I593 GREENE Mamillia II, p.
244: Pharicles . . founde no fish on his fingers, nor made no delaies
from his death, but went with them willingly.

F327 To love it no more than (as well as) a FISH loves
water
1576 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 19: And love solitarinesse so wel, as
fishes doe the water.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. III vi 91: I love not many words.
—No more than a fish loves water.
F328 T0 swim like a FISH (duck)
[01622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Sea Voyage I, p. 6: I can
swim like a fish.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. II ii 132: I can swim like a duck.
F329 Venture a small FISH to catch a great one (a
salmon)
1596 DEL., s. N4v: We must aduenture a small fish, to take a great
one. 1597 BRETON Wit’s Trenchmour: Wks., II 7: We catch such
small frie, as serue to baite our hookes for greater fishes. I611
COT., s.v. Perdre: Il faut perdre vn veron pour pescher vn saulmon.
*One must spend a little to gaine much. Ibid., s.v. Saulmon: Il
faut perdre vn veron pour pescher vn Saulmon. *We must loose
a little that we may get much. I623 WOD., p. 494: We must loose
a small Worme for to fish a Salmond. *Employing either of Paines
or Charges in litle, that the greater may come. 1639 CL., s.v.
Audacia, p. 41. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: You may well lose a
Menow to take a Salmon. 1670 RAY, p. 152. I732 FUL., no.
5347. 1757 FRANKLIN, p. 33: He that would catch Fish, must ven-
ture his Bait. _
Cf. F399: You must lose a fly to catch a trout; H590: A hook
well lost to catch a salmon.
F330 When the FISH is caught the net is laid aside
1615 T. ADAMS Wolf Worrying Lambs: Wks., p. 382: You may per-
ceiue, the fish is caught by their hanging aside their nets. [1641-8]
1699 HOLLES Mem., p. 99: And now they think they have all in
there own hands, the Fish is catcht, they may throw away the net.
1656 Trepan, p. 7: Thus would they draw this poor enconsiderate
old man into their snare under pretence of Love and care of his
Person: but the Fish once caught, off goes the bait.
F331 Who sleeps catches no FISH
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 95: In
the morning be first vp, and in the euening last to go to bed, for
they that sleepe catch no fish.
Cf. N128: The net of the sleeper catches fish; N273: He that
sleeps much gets nothing; S321: Whoso keeps well sheep and bees,
sleep or wake their thrift comes in.
F332 The FISHER stricken will be wise
[ERAS. Adagia, 38B: Piscator ictus sapiet.] 1539 TAV., f. 2v: [AS
in Eras.]. The fysher stryken woll be wise. 1540 PALSGRAVE
Acolastus IV iii, p. 135: I beinge a stryken fysher, waxe wyse. 1573
TUSSER500 Points Husb. 2, p. 9: Though countrie health long staid
me, yet lesse expiring fraid me, and (ictus sapit) praid me to seeke
more steadie staie. I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 1 1 1: Saladyne, pis-
cator ictus sapit, he that hath been once poisoned and afterwards
fears not to bowse of every potion, is worthy to suffer double pen-
ance.
Cf. F316: It is a silly fish that is caught twice with the same bait
(The fish once caught bewares the hook).
F333 He is a fond FISHER that angles for a frog
I6I6 BRET., p. 8.
Cf. F767: You fish fair and catch a frog.
F334 It is good FISHING in troubled waters
1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XLI, Notes, p. 349: Thinking it (as the
prouerb saith) best fishing in troubled waters. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 827: (in drumly waters). 1607 ALEXANDER Alex. Trag. II ii
705: For, all would fish within a troubled streame. 1611 GRUT.,
no. 153: (in trobled water). 1612-26 HALL Contempl. I xviii,
II 220: Jeroboam had secretly troubled these Waters, that he might
fish more gainfully. 1614 CAM., p. 308: (in troubled water). 1616
DR., s.v. Sedition, no. 1922: (Hee fisheth in). 1631 MABBE Celes-
tina II, p. 67: Besides, it is an ancient, and true received Rule; That

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FISHING
FLATTERERS
2'20

it is best fishing in troubled waters. 1639 CL., s.v. Lucrum ex
scelere, p. 190. 1647 N. WARD Simple Cobbler, p. 2: He loves to
fish in royled waters. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 3: (’Tis best fishing
in). Ibid., p. 8: (in troubled water). 1665 GLANVILL Scepsis
Scient. XIX, p. 122: ’Tis no good fishing for Verity in troubled
waters. I668 R.B., p. 31: (in drumbling waters). I670 RAY, p.
90: *That is, in a time of publick calamity, when all things are in
confusion. 1682 DRYDEN Absalom and Achit. II 314, p. 341: Who
rich and great by past rebellions grew, And long to fish the troubled
streams anew. 1721 KEL., p. 117: Good to fish in muddy Waters.
*A cursed Saying, of them who expect to find their private Interests,
in the publick Disturbance.
See ST., no. 2529. (7)
F335 It is ill FISHING (Fish not) before the net
[a1511] 1570 HENRYSON Preaching Swallow: Fab., p. 130: The Lark,
launchand, the Swallow this couth scorne, And said sho fischit lang
befoir the Net . . Thus scornit thay the Swallow ane and all. 1535
W. STEWART Chron. Scot. 1. 33847, II 451: Tha socht the fische
rycht far befoir the net, Quhilk causit [thame] the les gardone to get.
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E1: It is (quoth he) yll fyshyng before the net.
1559 COOPER, s.v. Lens: To use to much hast, to fish before the
nette. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 25: The contentments
that we fish for, in this Ocean of miseries, which either we misse,
(fishing before the net, as the prouerb is) or if we catch them, they
proue but like Eeles. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 419: (Fish not). 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 21 : It is ill fishing still before the net. 1611 GRUT., no.
162. 1614 CAM., p.308. 1616 DR., no. 1361: (before the net come).
1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 249. 1640 HERB., no. 659: (It’s not good
fishing). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1666 TOR. It. Prev. 21, p.
234: It is not good fishing close by ones net. 1670 RAY, p. 90.
1732 FUL., no. 2959: It is ill Angling after the Net.
Cf. N127: He that fishes afore the net, long ere he fish get. (21)
F336 There is no FISHING to1 the sea nor service to1
the king
1570 G. HARVEY A/Iarginalia, p. 142: (No fisshing). 1575 CHURCH-
YARD Chips, p. 41: Some say there is no fishing to the seas. 1598
GREENE 7ames IVI ii, p. 101: Now may I say, as many often sing,
No fishing, to the sea, nor seruice to king? 1601 Poet. Rhap. [I78],
I 242. 1602 BRETON Wonders: Wks., II 9: Oh, sir, nothing venter
Nothing haue, there is no fishing to the Sea, the gaine ofone voyage
wil beare the losse of many. 1611 COT., s.v. Eau: There is no
fishing to the sea, say we. 1616 DR., no. 723: There is no fishing
to the sea. I618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.: Wks., II 9: There
is no seruice to the King, nor no fishing to the Sea. 1623 CAM.,
p. 279. 1625 PURCHAS Pilgrims II ix 220, XIX 251: I am none of
Neptunes Secretaries; yet know this, that there is no fishing to the
Sea, and no Country so strong by Sea as that which findeth most
employment in this kinde. 1639 CL., s.v. Excellentia, p. 105:
(sea—No service to the kings). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14.
I670 RAY, p. 90: No fishing to fishing in the sea.
Cf. R138: In a great river great fish are found but take heed lest
thou be drowned; $180: The sea has fish for every man; S251: No
service to the king’s; W96: In the deepest water is the best fishing.
[llike]
F337 Go early to the FISH MARKET and late to the
butchery
1573 SANF., f. 101v: Betyme in the Fishe shambles, and late in the
Butcherie. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 49, p. 27: Betimes in the fish-
market, and late in the butchery. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: Go
betimes to the Fishmarket, and late to the Shambles. 1659 HOW.
Span. Prov., p. 22: Go to the Fish-market in the morning, to the
Shambles in the evening. 1678 RAY, p. 53.
Cf. F369: Young flesh and old fish are best.
F338 To offer his FIST and Show a fair pair of heels
1616 WITHALS, p. 559. 1639 CL., s.v. Timiditas, p. 310.
Cf. P31: He shows a fair pair of heels.
F339-40 By FITS and girds, as an ague takes a goose
1678 RAY, p. 245: By fits and starts, as the hog pisseth. Ibid.,
p. 348: (take). 1732 FUL., no. 1039.
F341

As fine as FIVEPENCE
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 62: Out of the countree . . as fine as
fippence. 1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. B1: As fine as phippence,
as proude as a Pecocke. [3.1600] 1662 I.T. Grim Collier Croydon
[II i], s. G12v: As a man would say, finer than Five pence, or ..
more proud than a Peacock. 1639 CL., p. 141: AS fine as five pence
over deare of three pence. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: As fine as
fippence, as neat as nine pence. 1670 RAY, p. 202. 1672 WYCH-
ERLEY Love in Wood V, p. 137: His mistress is as fine as fippence, In
her embroidered Satens. 1721 KEL., p. 18: As fine as Fippence,
you’ll give a Groat raking. *A Jest upon a Girl who is finely drest,
whereas she us’d to be dirty. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 460:
Pray how was she drest? —Why, she was as fine as fi’pence.
Cf. N187: As neat as ninepence.
F342 Like FLANDERS LANDSCAPES (Flanders pieces),
that look fair at a distance but coarser near
at hand
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 17: As Flanders Landskips, fair a far off,
and course hard by. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fiandra, p. 611
To be like Flanders pieces, and Lanships, viz. handsome afar OH,
and ugly neer hand. a17oo B.E.: (Flanders-pieces, Pictures that
look). 1732 FUL., no 3229: Like Flanders-Mares, fairest afar ofl'.
Cf. F625: Far fowls have fair feathers; N115: Our neighbor’s
ground yields better corn than our own.
F343 A FLANDERS RECKONING
1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 271: God send me
but once to finger it, and ifI doe not make a Flanders reckoning
on’t—and that is, as I haue heard mad'wagges say, recieue it here,
and reuell it away in another place.
See APP., p. 218.
F344 He gave him a FLAP with a foxtail
1530 PALS., p. 563a: I gyve one a slappe with a foxe tayle. 1553
T. WILSON Rhet., p. 37: So that he gaineth alwaies . . whereas the
other get .. a flappe with a Foxe taile. 1565 CALFHILL Ans. to
Treat. Cross VI, p. 292: They either look through their fingers, or
else give a flap with a fox-tail, for a little money. 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. C2v: She will assay an other way to flap the in the mouth
with flimflam floutes. 01600 Club Law III ix, p. 63: You Shall be
quickned with a whipp. —With a fl’oxe taile, will you not? 1601
JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. I i 156: S’blood, inuent some famous
memorable lye, or other, to flap thy father in the mouth withall.
1603 CROSSE Virtue’s Commonw., p. 63: And what get they in the
end after their long suites, saue a flap with a Foxe-taile, as the say-
ing is. 1616 DR.,S.V. Partiality, no. 1584: (He giueth them a). 1633
W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. III, p. 58: While I go in and flap the
old man i’th’ mouth with a fox-tail. 1639 CL., p. 157. 1640
JONSON Tale Tub II iv 33: But a man may breake His heart out i’
these dayes, and get a flap With a fox-taile, when he has done.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 1 1: You shall have a flap with a fOX—tail.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Muccie, p. I 12: To give flaps with a fox
tale, viz. to flatter, also to give wipes and bobs. I670 RAY, p. 176:
To give one a flap with a foxes tail. *That is, to cozen or defraud.
(11)
F345 That is FLAT
1716 ADDISON Drummer I [p. 7]: I’ll give Madam warning, that’s
flat.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. III i 102: The boy hath sold him
a bargain—a goose, that’s flat. 1597 I Hen. IVI iii 218: Nay, I
‘ will! That’s flat! Ibid. IV ii 41: I’ll not march through Coventry
with them, that’s flat.
See SM., p. 144.
F346 A FLATTERER’S throat is an open sepulcher
I640 HERB., no. 584. 1659 N.R., p. 16.
F347 FLATTERERS look like friends, as wolves like dogs
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 83: It was well sayde of a wise man,
That as the Woolfe is like to the Dogge, so is the flatterer to the
friend. 1608 CHAPMAN Consp. Byron III ii 246. 1613 CHAPMAN

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FLATTERERS
FLESH
221


Rev. Bussy D’Amb. IV ii 14: Look how a wolfdoth like a dog appear,
So like a friend is an adulterer.
Cf. F707: He who cannot counterfeit a friend can never be a
very bad enemy.
F348 When FLATTERERS meet the devil goes to dinner
I678 RAY, p. 139. 1732 FUL., no. 5551.
F349 FLATTERY gets friends
1567 Trial Treasure, s. D2: He that can flatter Shalbe well beloued.
I611 COT., s.v. Flater: He that flatters, thriues. 1616 DR., no. 735.
I672 WALK. 2, p. 28: Now a dayes Courtship carries it; flattery
gets friends. I732 FUL., no. 1551: Flattery gets Favour.
Cf. F41: There is falsehood (flattery) in fellowship; T562: As
truth gets hatred so flattery wins love (friends).
F350 As flat as a FLAWN
I678 RAY, p. 355: *A custard. I697 MER., p. 163.
F351 Keep FLAX from fire and youth from gaming
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: (Keep flax far from the fire and). 1664
COD., p. 231: Youth must be kept from bad Company, as Flax from
the Fire. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 271 : (the fire). I736 FRANKLIN,
p. 10: (fire, youth from gaming).
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-I III i 37: Keep a gamester from
the dice and a good studient from his book, and it is wonderful.
Cf. F278: Put not fire to tow (flax).
F352 He is so FLAYED he will never lie where he is
slain
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 677.
F353 Not worth a FLEA
01675 M.P. King and Northern Man 1. 194 in Roxb. Bal., I 527: All
your warrants are not worth a flee.
See APP., p. 456.
F354 To send one (To go) away with a FLEA in his ear
1546 HEY. I xi, 3. D3v: He standth now as he had a flea in his care-
01565 Bugbears I i 69: He is gon his waie Withe a flea in his care.
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 31: This honest woman being gone away
with a flea in her ear. 1593 G. GIFFORD Dial. conc. Witches, s. G3:
There be many which come home again with a flea in their eare.
I606 Wily Beguiled vii, p. 27: I think I haue sent the scholler away
with a flea in his care. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 341: Phryne doth
stand as sh’ had a flea in her care. 1616 DR., s.v. Ill successe, no.
2069: (He goeth away with). [1625] 1647 MASSINGER ET AL.
Love’s Cure III iii, p. 199: He went away with a flea in’s ear, Like a
poor cur, clapping his trundle tail Betwixt his legs. 1639 CL., p. 196:
(He went away with). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14: (He hath a).
1670 RAY, p. 176: *Ital. 1732 FUL., no. 2652: (I will send him
away with). (19)
F355 It is but a FLEABITING
1546 HEY. II ii, s. G1: This was . . but a fleabytyng to that dyd
ensew. I553 Respublica I i, p. 4: Which shoulde be but a flea
bytinge for hir to lese. I562 HEY. Epig. 195, p. 158. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1672 WALK. 80, p. 12: These are but flea bitings;
things not worth speaking of.
F356 It is better to give the FLEECE than the sheep
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 76. 1623
CAM., p. 273. 1636 CAM., p. 300: (than the wooll). 1639 CL., s.v.
Damni, p. 82. I659 N.R., p. 68: (then the wool). 1670 RAY, p.
30: You were better give the wooll then the sheep. I732 FUL., no.
896: Better give the Wool than the whole Sheep.
F357 Will you have both FLEECE and fell?
1642 D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 318:
Thou must
1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 39.
Thy servant is for thee to use, not tire or teare out.
not take both fleece and flesh too.

F358 When the black FLEET of Norway is come and
gone England build houses of lime and stone,
for after wars you shall have none
1625 BACON Essays, p. 205: There was also another prophecy,
before the year of eighty-eight, which I do not well understand.
There shall be seen upon a day, Between the Baugh and the May,
The black fleet of Norway. When that that is come and gone,
England build houses of lime and stone, For after wars shall you
have none. I662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 80.
F359 All FLESH is grass
[1 Pet. i 24: All flesh is as grass.] [01570] 1599 Clyomon and Cla~
mydes xi, s. E1: Mine is the heart which vades away, as doth the . .
grasse. 1578 T. PROCTOR ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 93: Ay mee alas,
that beauty needes must yeeld, And Princes passe, as Grasse doth
fade away. 1598 T. ROGERS Celest. Eleg. in Lamport Garl., s. C8:
Least we should fade vntimely like the grasse. 1600 DEKKER
Shoe. Hol.,p. 39. 1605 Trial Chivalry,s. Clv: Al flesh is grasse, and
some of us must needes be scorcht in this hote Countrey. 1614
T. ADAMS Sinner’s Passing-Bell: Wks., p. 255: It [conscience] cannot
heare the Prophets cry, All flesh is grasse. I646 LAWRENCE Comm.
Angels, p. 3: For all flesh is grasse.
Cf. B169: Beauty is but a blossom; F363: Flesh is frail; G413:
Grass and hay, we are all mortal.
F360 All FLESH is not venison
I596 DEL., s. P6V. I611 COT., s.v. Chair: All flesh is not Venison;
euery man is not to be affected, esteemed, trusted, or vsed; euery
saying is not sooth, euery worke not of worth. I623 WOD., p. 519.
1639 CL., s.v. Differentiae, p. 89. I651 HERB., p. 369. 1658 [ED-
MONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 190. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 23.
1670 RAY, p. 91: *This is a French Proverb. I732 FUL., no. 515.
F361 As small as FLESH to pot
I530 PALS., p 484b: They chopped hym as small as flesshe to potte.
01563 7ack 7uggler, s. B3: Twentye suche could I hewe as small as
fleshe to pote. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y2: Pursue the fu-
gitiues . . chop them as small as flesh to pot. 1605 Trial Chivalry,
s. C3: E’re he do my Lord any wrong, zounds, ile be cut smaller then
pot-herbs. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. F3: Ile geld the lecherous
Goat, and mince his Trull, as small as herbs to the pot. 1610—25
Stonyhurst Pag. XIV 820, p. 177: As smale as flesh to pott I would
hys carcase teare and rende.
F362 FLESH but1 bread makes maids ill hued
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 428.
[lwithout]
F363 FLESH is frail
[Matt. xxvi 41: The flesh is weak.] 1575 R.B. Apius and Virg., s.
D3v: Fleash to death is fraile. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 112.
I593 PEELE Edw. I viii, s. F2v: O mistres mistres flesh is fraile.
[1598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. I2v: The flesh is
frayle, Man hath infirmitie. I600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 34: If
flesh be fraile, how weak and frail’s your vow? I631 DRUE Duch.
Sufi'olk II, S. C4: But yet this flesh is frayle and full of feares. 1680
DRYDEN Limberham III ii, p. 70.
SHAKESPEARE.——-I597 I Hen. IV III iii 188: I have more flesh
than another man, and therefore more frailty. 1600-1 III V 51: Bid her think what a man is. Let her consider his frailty.
I604 M.M. II iv 121: We are all frail. I613 Hen. VIII V iii 10:
We all are men, In our own natures frail and capable Of our flesh.
Cf. F359: All flesh is grass; F367: To be flesh and blood as others
are; M593: We are but men, not gods; S760: The spirit is willing
but the flesh is weak.
F364 FLESH never stands so high but a dog will ven-
ture his legs
I678 RAY, p. 139: (Flesh stands never so high but).
no. 1553.
1732 FUL.,


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
For full explanation see pp. Xi H.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original.
FLESH
FLINTS
222

F365 It will not out of the FLESH that is bred in the
bone
[01470] I485 MALORY Morte d’Arthur IX xxxix, I 404: Syr launcelot
smyled and Said hard hit is to take oute of the flesshe that is bred in
the bone. 1481 CAX'I‘ON Reynard 12, p. 29: That whiche cleuid by
the bone, myght not out of the flesshe, though he shold be hanged.
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 44: That sore is harde to hele that
bredes in the bone. I546 HEY. II viii, s. K2. 01565 W. WAGER
Enough Good as Feast, s. D3v: But it is an olde saying and a true
certainly: It wil not out of the flesh that is bred in the bone verily.
1575 TURBERVILLE Bk. Falconry, p. 142: A thing bredde So in the
bone as it coulde neuer bee rooted oute of the fleshe. 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., II 76: That which is bred in the bone will not out of the
flesh. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 99: Such a mallady in
the Marrowe will neuer out of the bones. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. I, p.
9: Now I see what is bred in the bone, will neuer out of the flesh.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 786: (It is ill to bring out of the flesh quhilk
is). 1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 350: They are effects
of custome and use; and what is bred in the bone, will never out of
the flesh. 1611 GRUT., no. 169. 1614 CAM., p. 309. 1616 BRET.,
p. 59: What is bred in the bone will neuer out of the flesh. 1616
DR., no. 1469: That will hardly out of the flesh, that is bred in the
bones. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. II i 71: (It will neuer out).
1616 WITHALS, p. 562: (It will neuer out). Ibid., p. 578: That
which is bred in the bone will neuer out of the flesh. 1623 CAM.,
p. 279: That’s bred in the bone, will not out of the flesh. [1632]
1659 MASSINGER City Madam II iii, p. 438: What’s bred in the bone,
Admits no hope of cure. 1636 T. HEYWOOD Chall. for Beauty II,
p. 16: What is bred in the bone, will hardly out of the flesh. 1639
CL., s.v. Natura, p. 224: [As in 1616 Withals, p. 578]. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 5: [As in 1616 Bret.]. Ibid., p. 19. 1659 N.R., p. 69.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gioco, p. 74: The English say, that which
is bred in the bones, will never out in the flesh. 1668 R.B., p. 28:
It is ill to bring out of the flesh that is bred in the bene. 1670 RAY,
p. 65: That that’s bred in the bone will never out of the flesh. 1721
KEL., p. 179: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. *It is hard to leave those ill
Customs to which we have been long inured.
See DUR., II, no. 158. Cf. B105: The bath of the blackamoor
has sworn not to whiten. (12)
F366 My own FLESH and blood
1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorboduc IV ii, s. F3: To her owne
childe, to her owne fleshe and bloud. [01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is
Altered V ix 7: Think’st thou I loue my sonne? is he my flesh? Is
he my bloud, my life? 1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 66: A shoo-
maker sell his flesh and blood. [01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore,
p. 119: She’s thine owne flesh, blood, and bone. 1616 JONSON Ev.
Man in Hum. III iv 52: Your maides .. would haue me turne
Hannibal, and eate my owne fish, and blood. I640 JONSON Magn.
Lady V x 98: I Should be unnatural! To my owne flesh, and blood,
would I not thanke him. I640 JONSON Tale Tub II i 12: Then
was this mariage . . Especially ’gain’ mine owne flesh, and blood.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. II ii 97: If thou be Launcelot, thou
art mine own flesh and blood. Ibid. III i 40: I say my daughter is
my flesh and my blood. 1611 W. T. IV iv 709: She being none of
your flesh and blood, your flesh and blood has not offended the
King, and so your flesh and blood is not to be punish’d by him.
Cf. C517: It is a dear collop that is taken (cut) out of the
flesh.
F367 To be FLESH and blood as others are
1615 WEBSTER Chan, p. 27: Flesh and bloud he is, like other men.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. Mano, p. 98: To be made no better than
other folks, to be flesh and bloud as others are.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Y.C. III i 67: Men are flesh and blood.
1601 T.N. V i 35: Put your grace in your pocket, sir, for this once,
and let your flesh and blood Obey it.
Cf. F363: Flesh is frail.
F368 The worst FLESH in the world is the flesh of man
1573 SANF., f. 106v: Mans fleshe is the worst that is. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 31v.
F371

F369 Young FLESH and old fish are best
1546 HEY. II iv, 3. G3: Olde fishe and yong flesh (quoth he) doth
men best fede. I566 HOL., p. 254: (be the best). 1584 T. COGAN
Haven Health 133, p. 118: (doth best feed men). 1611 COT., s.v.
Chair: (are daintiest). 1657 LEIGH, p. 274: He that loves young
flesh and old fish, loves contrary to reason. 1664 COD., p. 208: Old
fish, and young flesh. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 39: Young flesh,
and old fish. 1670 RAY, p. 39. 1709 POPE Yan. and May: Wks.,
I 128: There goes a saying, and ’twas shrewdly said, Old fish at
table, but young flesh in bed.
SHAKESPEARE.———1602 A.W. I iii 53: Ifmen could be contented to
be what they are, there were no fear in marriage; for young Charbon
[chair bonne] the Puritan and old Poysam [poisson] the Papist,
howsome’er their hearts are sever’d in religion, their heads are both
one.
Cf. F321: Old fish, old oil, and an old friend are the best; F337:
Go early to the fish market and late to the butchery.
F370 He mends as the FLETCHER1 does his bolt
1530 PALS., p. 634b. 1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4: Than wold ye mende,
as the fletcher mends his bolt. 1616 DR., no. 2506.
Cf. A106: He mends as sour ale mends in summer; J14: No more
like than Jack Fletcher and his bolt.
[larrow maker]
In the coldest FLINT there is hot fire
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 224. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. T1: In the hardest flint may be found some liuelie sparke of fire.
1598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 321. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p.
164: As steele brings fire from the hardest flint. 1600 [LYLY] Maid ’s
Metam. II ii 34: The very steele of my wit, shall strike fier from the
Hint of your vnderstandings. 1616 DR., s.v. Slienesse, no. 2004.
1631 JONSON New Inn I vi 165: This Chambermaid may hap to
proue the steele, To strike a sparke out o’ the flint, your mistresse.
1639 CL., s.v. Fucus, p. 131. I670 RAY, p. 72. 1732 FUL., no. 2822.
SHAKESPEARE.—I593-4 Luc. l. 181: ‘As from this cold flint I
enforc’d this fire, So Lucrece must I force to my desire.’ 1594-5
L.L.L. IV ii 90: Fire enough for a flint. I599 Y.C. IV iii 110: O
Cassius, you are yoked with a lamb That carries anger as the flint
bears fire; Who, much enforced, shows a hasty spark, And straight
is cold again. 1602 T.C. III iii 257: It [wit] lies as coldly in him
as fire in a flint, which will not Show without knocking. 1605-8
T. Ath. I i 22: The fire i’ th’ flint Shows not till it be struck.
Cf. F374: Out of two flints smitten together there comes out fire.
F372 To break a FLINT (blade) on a feather bed
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 193: IS it not common . . That the
softe fetherbed breketh the hard blade? I607 DEKKER AND WEB-
STER North. Ho II, S. D2v: I have known as tough blades as any
are in England broke upon a feather bed. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 3 5, p. 32: As they say, a mud-wall deads a Canon-bullet, and
no way to break a flint-stone so well, as on a feather-bed, Humility
overcomes Pride. Ibid., note 202, p. 165: The English say, The
way to break a flint-Stone, is on a feather-bed; this Proverb is us’d
oft by workmen, when they complain they cann’t work without
dfink.
Cf. A259: To a hard anvil a hammer of feathers.
F373 To flay (skin) a FLINT
1659 T. BURTON Diary, IV 398: Some of them were so strict that
they would flea a flint. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11: To skin a
stone for a peny, and break a knife of twelvepence. Ibid., p. 12:
He will shave a Whetstone. I678 RAY, p. 245: He would flay a
flint, or flay a groat. *Spoken of a covetous person. a1700 B.E.,
s.v. Flay: He’ll flay a Flint, of a meer Scrat or Miser.
Cf. H32: To split hairs; L473: To flay a louse for the skin; P52:
He will not part with the parings of his nails; S895: You cannot flay
a stone.
F374 Out of two FLINTS smitten together there comes
out fire
I598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 298v. 1630 T. ADAMS Saints’ Meet.:
Wks., p. 743: Two flints beaten together, sparkles out fire.
Cf. F371: In the coldest flint there is hot fire.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
F LITCH
FLOWER
223


F375 T 0 fetch a FLITCH of bacon from Dunmow1
[a1563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife l. 760, p. 21 : But you may now
go for bacon to Dunmo. I608 Poet. Rhap. I79, I 250: Go wife to
Dunmow, and demand your flitch. 1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker
I i, p. I I : You shall fetch no Bacon at Dunmowe. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 21: Who fetcheth a wife from Dunmow, Carrieth home
two Sides of a Sow. 1662 FULLER Worthies Essex, I 340: He may
fetch a flitch of Bacon from Dunmow. *This Proverb dependeth
on a custome practised in the Priory of Dunmow . . Any person . .
might demand . . a Gammon or Flitch of Bacon, upon the solemn
taking of the ensuing oath [that husband and wife had not quar-
relled Since marriage]. 1732 FUL., no. 1822: He can’t demand a
Flitch of Bacon at Dunmow.
[lsee Sugden, p. 159.]
F376 The FLOCK follows the bellwether
1655 FULLER Church Hist. IV ii, I 488: I am little moved with what
T. Walsingham writes, (whom all later authors follow, as a flock the
bellwether). 1709 STEELE Tat/er No. 66: Daniel will tell you, It is
not the Shepherd, but the Sheep with the Bell, which the Flock
follows.
F377 It is a silly (sorry) FLOCK where the ewe bears
the bell
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 788. 1668 R.B., p. 28. I721 KEL., p. 181:
(It is a sary Flock). *It is a bad House where the Wife commands.
Though there are some such Houses in the World. 1732 F UL., no.
2885: (sorry).
Cf. M647: The gray mare is the better horse.
F378 After a FLOOD (ebb) there comes an ebb (flood)
1552 TAV., f. 24: After a lowe ebbe commeth a floude. I576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., II 91: The sea being at full tide, ebbeth. I583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. U2: Euerie tide [hath] his eb. I6I6 WITHALS,
p. 559. 1639 CL., s.v. Fortunae commutatio, p. 123: A flow will
have an ebbe. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 35: If poore
thou art, yet patient bide, For after ebbe may come a tide. I670
RAY, p. 91: A flow will have an ebb. 1721 KEL., p. 97: Every Flow
hath its Ebb. *There is a time when Families, and single Persons
thrive, and there is a time when they go backward.
Cf. E56: He that is at a low ebb at Newgate may soon be afloat
at Tyburn; F380: There is not so great a flood but there is as low
an ebb; F381: High floods (Low ebbs) have low ebbs (high floods);
T284: The tide will fetch away What the ebb brings.
F379 An April FLOOD carries away the frog and her
brood
1639 CL., p. 307. 1670 RAY, p. 41. 1732 FUL., no. 6199.
F380 There is not SO great a FLOOD but there is as low
an ebb
[a1550] 1626 Yests Scogin in Shak. 7est-Bks., II 158: There was
never so great a flood, but there may bee as low an ebbe. 01555
Songs and Bal. Philip and Mary 19, p. 59: Thoughe that the flude
be great, the ebe as lowe doth rone. 1557 Description Ungodly
World 1. 36 in Tottel’s Misc., I 197: [As in 01555 Songs and Bal.
Philip and Mary]. 1580 BARET, A—253: A prouerbe to be applyed
vnto those which are mery without aduisement, and afterward re-
pent it, and as our usuall terme is: there is not so great a floude, but
there is as lowe an ebbe. 1616 DR., no. 48. 1659 N.R., p. 95.
1664 Con., p. 214.
See ST., no. 1318. Cf. E56: He that is at a low ebb at Newgate
may soon be afloat at Tyburn; F378: After a flood (ebb) there
comes an ebb (flood); F381: High floods (Low ebbs) have low ebbs
(high floods); S823: The higher standing (up) the lower (greater)
fall.
F381 High FLOODS (Low ebbs) have low ebbs (high
floods)
1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [96], l. 30: Ded’st ebbe hath
highest flowe. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Bb4v: The water flow-
eth, when it is at lowest eb. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1433: The grittest

spring tyd hath the grittest eb. 1598 DICKENSON Greene in Con-
ceit: Prose and Verse, p. 132: The highest flood has the lowest ebbe.
I602 [W.S.] Ld. Cromwell, 5. C1: A mighty ebbe followes a mighty
floud. 1618 N. FIELD Amendsfor Ladies I i, p. 103: There is no
ebb so low, but hath his tide again. 1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair Maid
West IV, p. 388: At the lowest ebbe The tides still flow. 1658
FRANCK North Mem., p. 39: High tides have their low ebbs.
Cf. E56: He that is at a low ebb at Newgate may soon be afloat
at Tyburn; F378: After a flood (ebb) there comes an ebb (flood);
F380: There is not so great a flood but there is as low an ebb.
F382 As flat as a FLOUNDER
[I622] I647 FLETCHER Women Pleased II iv, p. 254. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 5. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Capocchio, p. 29: To
come off bluely, and be worsted in any argument, or dispute, to be
laid as flat on ones back as a Flounder. I670 RAY, p. 202. 1671
E. HOWARD Six Days’ Adven. I, p. 12: Who lay as flat as flounders.
F383 All FLOUR has its bran
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 184: The fairest flowre [hath] his
bran. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 85.
See DUR., I, no. 843.
F384 A FLOWER among thorns sends forth a very
sweet smell
1616 DR., s.v. Innocencie, no. 1124.
Cf. M1344: A myrtle among thorns (nettles) is a myrtle still.
F385 The FLOWER of the frying pan
[01497] a1520 MEDWALL Fulgens, s. D2v: Com forthe ye flowre of
the frying pane Helpe ye to aray vs as well as ye can. 1557 GRI-
MALD Vincent to Blackwood l. 6 in Tottel’s Misc., I 96: Either your
fere shall be defourmd: (and can You blisful be, with flower of
frying pan?). 01576 Common Cond. l. 1700, s. GIV: Whom haue
we hear margery milke ducke, or flower of the frying pan Or Jone
of the Jakes house, or misteris Marian? 01579 [MERBURY] Marr.
Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 13. I609 ARMIN Two Maids More., 5. C4:
Yes flowre it’h frying pan, he stops holes well.
F386 It fades (withers) like a FLOWER
[01500] a1520 Everyman S, s. A2: Wyll vade from the as floure in
maye. 1508 FISHER Sayings David in Psalms, p. 146: The vanyte
of this lyfe . . shall perysshe and weder awaye as a floure in the hey
season. 1563 RAINOLDE Found. Rhet., f. 11: Soche as do folowe
the life of the Greshopper, are worthie of their miserie, who haue no
witte to foresee seasons and tymes, but doe suffer tyme vndescretly
to passe, whiche fadeth as a floure. [01570] 1599 Clyomon and
Clamydes xi, s. E1: Mine is the heart which vades away, as doth the
flower or grasse. 01576 Common Cond. l. 740, s. C4: I fade as doth
the flower in sommers day. 1614 COPE in Coll. Curiosa, I 121:
True honour will ever root, where false glories fade like flowers.
1634 MILTON Comus (1645 ed.) 1. 742: Wks., Pt. I, I 112: Like a
neglected rose It withers on the stalk with languish’t head.
F387 It is the fairest (finest) FLOWER in his garland
(garden)
I546 HEY. II viii, S. K2v: Not onely the. fayrest floure of your
garlande, But also she is all the fayre floures therof. 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., I 35: Honour . . was ever wont to be the fairest flower in
my garland. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. X4: Am I that Philot-
imus, whom all my frendes haue the best floure in their garland?
01592 KYD Span. Trag. I iv, s. B3v: Don Andreas . . Who liuing
was my garlands sweetest flower. 1616 DR., s.v. Priuilege, no.
1716: The chiefe flowre in your garland. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 15: (in your garden). 1670 RAY, p. 176: (in his crown or garden).
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Flower: This is the finest Flower of his Garden.
1732 FUL., no. 3023: (finest and Garden).
F388 One FLOWER makes no garland
I640 HERB., no. 517. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 178.
I659 N.R., p. 82. 1664 COD., p. 208. 1670 RAY, p. 10.
Cf. S1025: One swallow makes not summer.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
FLOWERS
FLY (F LIES)
224
F389 As fresh as FLGWERS in May
[1500] 1522 World and Child, 3. A3v: I am as fresshe as flourys in
Maye. 1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., s. Bl : Freshe and flourishyng
as the floures in May. 01570 Marr. Wit and Science II ii, S. B3v:
A lyuelye younge gentilman, as freshe as any flower. 1584 PEELE
Arr. Paris I ii, 3. B2: My loue is faire, my loue is gaie, as fresh as
bine the flowers in May. 1586 W. WARNER Albion’s Eng. VI xxxi:
Poems, p. 579: (flower). 1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair Maid West I,
p. 342. 1639 CL., p. 286.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo—1 H. IV v 157: O rose of May!
maid, kind sister, sweet Ophelia!
Cf. F390: As welcome as flowers in May; R176: AS fresh as a rose.
Dear
F390 As welcome as FLOWERS in May
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 55: Welcome Maie with his flowres. 1645
J. HOWELL Let. I vi 60, I 371: ’Twas as welcome to me as flowers in
May. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1670 RAY, p. 28. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Welcome.
Cf. F389: As fresh as flowers in May.
F391 The fairest FLOWERS (freshest colors) soonest
fade
[ERAS. Simi/ia, 606A: Ita in hominum vita quae florentissima sunt,
citissime vertuntur in diversum.] 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 2:
As the freshest colours soonest fade the hue . . so . . the finer wit
he was endued withal, the sooner was he made thrall and subject to
love. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 184: (freshest colours).
01590 Mother Watkins Ale in Coll. 79 Bl. Letter Bal., p. 254: The
finest flower will soonest fade. 1598 T. ROGERS Celest. Eleg. in
Lamport Garl., s. D2: Wee see the fayrest flowers soone fade away.
01630 Discont. Marr. Man 1. 33 in Roxb. Bal., I 296: The fairest
flower will wither. 1637 MILTON Death Fair Inf. I 1: Wks., Pt. I,
I 15: O Fairest flower, no sooner blown but blasted.
SHA KES PEARE.—01595 RY. IV v 28: Death lies on her like an un-
timely frost Upon the sweetest flower of all the field.
Cf. W576: The finest wits are soonest subject to love.
F392—F405 FLY: subst.
F392 As light as a FLY
I602 Liberality and Prod. I v, s. B3.
RAY, p. 206.
F393 The FLY has her spleen and the ant her gall
[ERAS. Adagia, 562E: Formicae inest sua bilis. Ibid., 829F: Habet
et musca splenem.] I580 BARET, H—3: [As in Eras. Adagia, 8291"].
*A Prouerbe applied vnto those, which being weake, and of no
force: yet ought not to be contemned, bicause by occasion he may
and will reuenge wrong done vnto them by their superiours, or of
those which be stronger than they. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 90: Low trees haue their tops, smal sparkes their heat, the
Flye his splene, the Ant hir gall. 1584 LYLY Camp. V iv 13o:
Sparkes haue their heate, Antes their gall, Flyes their splene. 1590
R. WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s. B3v: Yea, haue ye
not heard that the fly hath her spleene And the Ant her gall? 1606
2 Ret.from Parn. I iv, s. B4: Flyes haue their spleene, each silly ant
his teenes. 1623 CAM., p. 265: A Fly hath a spleene. 01625 Eflects
Love in Dr. Farmer Chetham MS, I 89: The lowest trees haue topps:
the Ante her gall, the fly his spleene, the little sparke his heate.
1638 T. RANDOLPH Muses’ Look. Glass III iii, p. 229: There is in
ants a cholor, every fly Carries a spleene; poor worms, being
trampled on, turn tail. 1639 CL., p. 324: A flie hath her spleene.
1659 N.R., p. 11: A fly hath a spleen.
160: A flye kicks as well as she can. I732 FUL., no. 1388: Even a
Fly hath its Spleen.
Cf. E142: There is no little enemy; M389: There is no man though
never so little but sometimes he can hurt; V67: N0 viper so little
but has its venom; W909: Tread on a worm and it will turn. (9)
F394 The FLY (moth) that plays too long in the candle
singes its wings at last
[ERAS. Similia, 616E: Uti pyralis ultro advolans lucernis, adustis
alis collabitur, ac perit.] 1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes I iii, p. 197:
1616 WITHALS, p. 580. 1670
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. <

F395
F401
The flie playeth with the flame til! at last she is cause of hit owne
decay. 1577 GRANGE Garden, s. O3v: A foolish flie, who seing the
bright flame of the candle, neuer linneth buzzing about the same till
his wings are scortched with heate. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 212: The Fly which plaieth with the fire is singed in the flame.
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 171: All of us . . are before women ..
like fly neare to the candle. 1618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.:
Wks., II 11: For mine owne part I loue not to play the flye with a
Candle, for feare of burning my wings. [1621] 1658 DEKKER,
FORD, AND W. ROWLEY Witch Edmon. I ii, p. 359: The Flye may
buz about the Candle, he shall but singe his Wings when all’s done.
1623 WOD., p. 498: He came to burne himselfe at the Candle. So
allego[ry] of the Butterflye in Rashnes. 1632 HAUSTED Rival
Friends IV xiii, s. K2v: Whilst the poore flye does sport her selfe too
long About the amorous flame, she burnes her wings. 1663 CLARK
Marciano V v, p. 66: For men, like butter-flyes, rush on the candle
of war at all occasions. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Farfalla, p. 58:
To prove a fire fly about the candle, viz. to hover about it so long,
that at length it perisheth therein. 1732 FUL., no. 4522: (singeth
her Wings at last).
SHAKESPEARE.—-1596 M. V. II ix 79: Thus hath the candle sing’d
the moth.
Cf. J89: Yourjoy is that of the Pyrausta (Pyralis). (7)
He capers like a FLY in a tarbox
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19. 1670 RAY, p. 216.
F396 Not worth a FLY
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. B2v: Counterfet reason is not
worth a flye. [01535] I602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 212, p. 383:
I wald nocht gif ane sillie flie For your treasure. 01563 jack Yug-
gler, s. B2v: But I wol not giue for that boye a flye. 1578 T.
LUPTON Allfor Money, s. EIV: To matche my sonne with such I
past not of a flye. 1605 MONTGOMERIE Sonnets 19: Poems, p. 98:
Their feckles flyting is not worth a flie. (11)
F397 One cannot catch a FLY when he will
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
F398 To make of a FLY an elephant
[ERAS. Adagia, 359A: Elephantum ex musca facis.] 1560 BECON
Cat. V1, p. 338: Yea, be the fault never so little, they make of a fly
an elephant, and of a mole-hill a mountain. I580 BARET, E—144:
[AS in Eras]. *A Prouerbe aptly vsed, when as any man doth
either through eloquence of his tongue in speaking, or pen in writ-
ing, make a great protestation of a thing of little weight. 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 133: According to the Proverbe, Make of
the flie, an Elephant, and of a matter of nothing, a long tale. 1631
JONSON New Inn II vi 67: He meanes to erect a castle i’ the ayre,
And make his flie an Elephant to carry it. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Elephant.
See DI'IR., I, no. 134.
mountain.
Cf. M1035: Of a molehill he makes a
F399 You must lose a FLY to catch a trout
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 20.
1664 Con., p. 231:
1640 HERB., no. 822.
1659 N.R., p. 127. Ibid.: (to catch a gnat).
(You may).
Cf. F329: Venture a small fish to catch a great one (a salmon);
G100: A small gift brings often a great reward; H590: A hook well
lost to catch a salmon.
F400 Dead FLIES corrupt the most precious ointments
[Eccl. x 1: Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send
forth a stinking savour.] 1599 RAINOLDS Overthrow Stage Plays,
p. 120: A dead flye doeth cause the sweet ointment of the Apothe-
carie to stinke, as the wise man saith. 1615 T. ADAMS Bad Leaven:
Wks., p. 711: Dead flies cause the oyntment of the Apothecary to
send foorth a stinging sauour. 1658 SLINGSBY Diary, p. 221: Be
tender of those you Rank with; either to better them, or to be
bettered by them. Dead flies corrupt the preciousest Ointments.
The FLIES go to lean horses
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 17v; Vnto the
I596 DEL., s. 04v. 1611
1573 SANF., f. 101v.
leane horses, alwayes resort the Flyes.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FLY (FLIES)
FOLKS
225


COT., s.v. Cheval: Flies are euer most busie about leane horses; so
are Plurueyors, and Promooters with the poorest, or least powerfull,
ranke of people. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 45: The flyes haunt leane
horses. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 51, p. 28: Flyes go to leane horses.
1631 MABBE Celestina XII, p. 214: Flyes bite none but leane and
feeble Oxen. 1640 HERB., no. 73: Flies are busiest about leane
horses. I659 N.R., p. 33: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
I, p. 161: Flyes go ever to lean jades.
See DUR., II, no. 74.
F402 Hungry FLIES bite (A hungry louse bites) sore
I546 HEY. II ix, s. K4. I562 HEY. Epig. 84, p. 139. a1598 FERG-
MS, no. 41: Ane hungrie louse bytis sore. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 89-
1616 DR., s.v. Hunger, no. 1034. 1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 37-
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. I668 R.B., p. 4: [As in a1598 Ferg.]-
1670 RAY, p. 107. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hungry. I721 KEL., p. 9:
[As in a1598 F erg.]. *Spoken when needy People are importunate
in their craving or exacting.
See DUR., I, no. 787.
F403 More FLIES are taken with a drop of honey than
a tun of vinegar
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 149: Honey gets more flyes to it, than doth
viniger. 1732 FUL., no. 3454. I744 FRANKLIN, p. 22: Tart Words
make no Friends: spoonful of honey will catch more flies than
Gallon of Vinegar.
See DI'IR., I, no. 746.
F404 To kill two FLIES with one flap
I678 RAY, p. 275.
See DDR., II, no. 755. Cf. B400: To kill two birds with one
stone; P319: To take (catch) two pigeons (doves) with one bean.
F405 You hunt after FLIES
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 18: *You trifle away time.
F406 FLY: verb
F406 If you must FLY, fly well
1640 HERB., no. 1014.
F407 It is no FLYING without wings
1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho II ii 132: Wee
must haue Trades to liue withall; For wee cannot stand without
legges, nor flye without wings. 1616 DR., no. 1363. I623 WOD.,
p. 490: It is impossible to Fly with out Wings. 1639 CL., s.v.
Paupertas, p. 244. I670 RAY, p. 91: No flying without wings.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Wing: One cannot fly without Wings. I721 KEL.,
p. 267: [As in 1670 Ray]. *A Man cannot thrive and prosper in the
World, that has no Stock, or Support. 1732 FUL., no. 3569: [As in
1670 Ray].
See OTTO, no. 1424.
wants feathers.
Cf. F164: He would fain fly (flee) but he
F408 How can the FOAL amble when the horse and
mare trot?
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 119: Trot sire, and trot damme, how
should the Fole amble? I562 HEY. Dial. I ix, p. 27: Commenly
all thyng shewth fro whens it camme. The litter is lyke to the syre
and the damme. How can the fole amble, if the hors and mare
trot? 1596 SPENSER VI iii 1: For seldome scene, a trotting
Stalion get An ambling Colt, that is his proper owne. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 1278: Trot father Trot mother how can the foll hamble.
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 334: (when the horse doth trott). 1611 GRUT.,
no. 133: (if the horse and mare trotte). 1614 CAM., p. 307. 1614
B. RICH Honesty This Age, p. 32: The olde prouerbe is: If the mother
trot how should the daughter amble? 1616 DR., no. 1573: (when
the Mare trotteth). 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III III iv 2, p. 862:
If the dam trot, the foal will not amble. 1639 CL., p. 167: (when
the mare trots). Ibid., p. 217: (when both horse and mare trots).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 198. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 9, p. 135: The daughter follows the track of the mother.
*Note 2, p. 162: The English say, If the Mother trot, the Daighter

can’t amble. I668 R.B., p. 50: Trot Mo[t]her, trot Father, how
should the foal amble. I670 RAY, p. 91. 1721 KEL., p. 302: Trot
Father, trot Mother, how can the Foal amble? *It is hard for
those who have had a bad Parentage, and consequently an ill
Education, to be good. 1732 FUL., no. 2554.
Cf. M650: The mare lame, the colt the like.
F409 AS good a FOE (an ill) that hurts not as a friend
(a good) that helps not
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32: So much is the yl as hurteth me not,
as the good dooth not helpe me. 1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty,
f. 10. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 193: As good is my foe that hurts me
not, As my friend at my neede that helpes me not. 1616 DR., no.
808: As good my foe that hurteth me not, as my friend that helpeth
me not. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. I, p. 26: So great is the ill that doth
not hurt me as is the good that doth not helpe me.
F410 It is better to have an open FOE than a dissem-
bling friend
1548 BRYAN Disp. Life Court. IV, s. D3: Alexander sayd, assure me
my frende Parmeno of those that be dissemblyng frendes, for I wil
be ware of them that be my open enemies. I550 CROWLEY Epig. l.
825: Wks., p. 30: Of an open enemie, a man may be ware; When the
flatteryng frend wyl worcke men much care. I587 RANKINS Mirr.
Monsters, f. IIv: F arre woorsse I iudge them [friends] then open
enimies, for of these we may beware, the other we feare not. 1596
DEL., s. N5V. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 28. I600
BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 176: A foe is better than a dissembling
friend. 1608 J. DAY Hum. out Breath II i, p. 23: A secret friend
worse then an open foe. I740 FRANKLIN, p. 17: An open foe may
prove a curse; But a pretended friend is worse.
F411 N0 FOE to1 a flatterer
1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [67], ballad title. 1614 T.
ADAMS Fatal Banquet II: Wks., p. 194: There is no Foe to the Flat-
terer.
[llike]
F412 Thou Shouldst not tell thy FOE when thy foot
Sleeps
I641 FERG., no. 858: (when thy fit slides). I668 R.B., p. 54. 1721
KEL., p. 317: Tell not thy Foe when thy Foot’s sleeping, nor thy
Step-Minny when thou’rt sore hungry.
F413 Far FOLK fare best
1616 DR., s.v. Discontentment, no. 501. 1639 CL., s.v. Invidia,
p. 177. 1678 RAY, p. 136: Far folks fare well, and fair children die.
Cf. F27: Fair and far off; F625: Far fowls have fair feathers;
N115: Our neighbor’s ground yields better corn than our own;
P507: Your pot broken seems better than my whole one.
F414 FOLK call on the horse that will carry always
I546 HEY. I xi, s. E2v: (alwey). 1611 COT., s.v. Cheval: We say,
folke alway call on the horse that will carrie; the willingest are
sorest laied vnto. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 175: Men call on the horse
that will carry all.
Cf. A158: All lay load on a willing horse; B577: The least boy
always carries the greatest fiddle.
F415 Misterful1 FOLK must not be menseful2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1004: (folks). 1668 R.B., p. 37.
p. 304: The Misterfull must not be mensefull.
Need must and will importune.
[lneedy 2modest]
F416 Poor FOLK fare the best
1639 CL., s.v. Mediocria tuta, p. 205.
F417 Do, jeer poor FOLKS, and see how ’twill thrive
1678 RAY, p. 347.
F418 Dumb FOLKS get no lands
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 61: Ane dumb man wan never land.
CL., p. 40. I668 R.B., p. 2: A dum man wan never land.
1721 KEL.,
*They who are in
1639
I670

In partial quotations wordng (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ll.
FOLKS
FOLLIES
226
RAY, p. 83. I672 WALK. 94, p. 44: (no land; a man may hold his
tongue in an ill time).
Cf. M260: A man may hold his peace (tongue) in an ill time;
S709: Spare to speak spare to speed.
F419 Fat FOLKS are faithful (good-natured)
I607 MARSTON What You Will V i 216: I am fat, and therefore
faithful. [1614] 1631 JONSON Bart/z. Fair II iii 22: Come, there’s
no malice in these fat folkes, I neuer feare thee, and I can scape thy
leane Moonecalfe heere. I618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, 5. G3: I
heare you Sericant, I can beare your mocks: You neuer knew fat
men but honest yet; A good companion, full of mirth and wit.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pancia, p. 128: To go with the paunch
forward; viz. to deal plainly in conversation . . spoken of fat folks,
whose bellyjets forwards, and as usually being kind-natur’d and of
a good disposition.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Y.C. I ii 192: Let me have men about me
that are fat, Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights. Yond
Cassius has a lean and hungry look.
Cf. D175: There is no deceit in a bag pudding; L91: Laugh and
be fat.
F420 Idle FOLKS have the most labor (Idle people take
the most pains)
I678 RAY, p. 161. I732 FUL., no. 3056: Idle People take the most
Pains.
F421 Idle FOLKS lack no excuses
I616 WITHALS, p. 559: Idlenesse is never to seeke for an excuse.
1639 CL., p. 234. 1670 RAY, p. 109. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Idle.
Cf. B179: Because is woman’s reason; M1317: Nought (Ill, Sad)
is that muse that finds no excuse; W654: A woman is never without
an excuse; W659: A woman needs but to look on her apron string
to find an excuse.
F422 Little FOLKS are fond of talking about What
great folks do
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. I ii 32: As you know What great ones
do, the less will prattle of.
See K. F. W. WANDER Deutsclzes Spric/zworter-Lexikon (I867
[1863]—I880), s.v. Der Kleine, II 1388.
F423 Poor FOLKS are glad of pottage (porridge)
1576 FULWELL Ar: fldulandi VI, s. GI: Poore men are pleasde with
Potage aye, till better vittailes fall. 1616 WITHALS, p. 541. 1639
CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 243: (porridge). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
4: (must be glad). 1670 RAY, p. 132. 1732 FUL., no. 3892:
(Porridge).
F424 Snotty FOLKS are sweet (wise) but slavering
folks are weet1 (kiss sweet)
I678 RAY, p. 204: *Others have it, Slavering folks kiss sweet, but
snotty folks are wise.
[lwet]
F425 Threatened FOLKS (men) live long
01560 CHURCHYARD Surrejoinder unto Came! in Ba]. and Broadside:
23, p. 69: It is a true prouerbe: the threatned man lyues long. I591
STEP., p. 154: Many a threatened man liueth long. 1599 H.
PORTER Two lVomen 2%. x, s. I4: I, brags a good dog, threatned
folkes liue long. 1607 T. HEYWOOD Fair Maid Ext/1., p. 68: Good
words deere brother, threatned men live long. I611 COT., s.v.
Batu. 1612 T. ADAMS Gallant’s Burden: Wks., p. 14: Threatned
men draw long breathes. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 DR., no. 2124:
A threatned man liueth long. I630 TAYLOR Fennor’s Def:
W ks. F., p. 314: For threatned folke (the Prouerb sayes) liue long.
1639 CL., p. 209. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1664 COD., p. 211.
I670 RAY, p. 148. I732 FUL., no. 5036.
Cf. M586: There are more men threatened than struck; M589:
Threatened men eat bread; T492: A shored tree stands long. (6)
F426-7 To fine FOLKS a little ill finely wrapped
1640 HERB., no. 117.

F428 To tell nobody but FOLKS
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Palio, p. 127: To divulge, or publish
any thing; The English say, To tell no body but folks, or get it
cry’d by an Oyes at the Market Cross. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
p. 331: I’le tell no body, but folks; in their car, that no body may
hear.
Cf. C841: To be cried at the cross.
F429 Warned FOLKS may live
1639 CL., s.v. Consilium, p. 67. 1672 WALK. 76, p. 43: Fore-
warned forearmed; warned folks may live.
Cf. H54: Half-warned (Forewarned) is half-armed (forearmed).
F430 When FOLKS grow old they are not set by
1639 CL., p. 280.
F431 FOLLY grows (Fools grow) without watering
1640 HERB., no. 577. I659 N.R., p. 35. 1664 COD., p. 193.
FUL., no. 1574: Fools grow without watering.
1732
F432 FOLLY is a bonny dog
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 402. 1668 R.B., p. 18.
F433 FOLLY it is to spum (kick) against a prick
[Acts ix 5: It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.] 1480-
1520 Conv. St. Paul II i, p. 34: Yt ys hard to pryke a-gayns the
spore. I520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 44: It is foly to spron
agaynst the prycke. 1539 TAV., f. 14: Durum est contra stimulum
calcitrare. It is harde kyckynge against the gode. I546 HEY.
II v, s. H2. 1565 K. Darius, s. H4V: Spurne not agaynst the
priycke. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. R2: Therefore desiste Philot-
imus, and spurne no more againste the pricke. 01594 BAcON, no.
962: (the pricke). I599 RAINOLDS Overtlzrow Stage Play: [p. 82]:
To the fulfilling of that proverbe, which I wish you had marked in
the Comedic rather, if not in the Scripture, It is hard to kicke
against prickes. I611 COT., s.v. Poindre: He doubly hurts himselfe
that kickes against a pricke. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 291: Its fond to
spurne against the pricke. I611 GRUT., no. 99. 1614 CAM., p. 306.
1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 25: He kicketh against the prickes.
1639 CL., p. 155: ’Tis folly to kicke against a pricke. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. I 5: ’Tis folly to spurn against pricks. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 9, p. 267: That is a sad horse that kicks against the spur.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pontura, p. 153: TO kick against the
prick, viz. to make the wound or sore harsher, or the worse by pro-
voking.
See ST., no. 2379. Cf. B680: It is hard to fling at the brod or kick
at the prick; S896: To throw stones against the wind; $927: It is
hard (folly, in vain) to strive against the stream. (1 5)
F434 If FOLLY were grief every house would weep
I640 HERB., no. 366. 1664 COD., p. 202. _ '
F435 It is FOLLY to lose the flesh for the bones
I611 COT., s.v. Os: To loose the flesh for the bones. 1616 DR., no.
1284. I623 WOD., p. 485: (to loose the Bones for the Flesh).
F436 It is FOLLY to strew roses amongst swine (hogs)
1616 DR., s.v. Vnthankefulnesse, no. 2306. I623 WOD., p. 477-.
Good Reasons said, and euill vnderstood, are Rozes strawen to
Hogges. Ibid., p. 486: (before Hogges).
Cf. P165: Cast not pearls before swine.
F437 N0 FOLLY to1 being in love
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 27: No Folly, to Love.
. I 3 .
Cf. L558: It is impossible to love and be wise.
[llike]
I710 PALMER,
F438 Happy is he who knows his FOLLIES in his youth
I606 MARSTON Parasitaster I i 50: But we must once be wild, ’tis
ancient truth,—O fortunate, whose madness falls in youth! 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. I. 1670 RAY, p. 12. 1732 FUL., no. 1792:
Happy is the Man, who sees his Faults in his Youth.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FOLLIES 227 FOOL

F439 Short FOLLIES are the best him.] 01569 WAGER Longer Thou Livest, s. D2v: Beate a foole
61594 BACON no. I48: The shortest folly is the best. 1611 C01 111 a morter saith the Wise man, And thou shalt not make him leaue
s.v. Folie. 1616 DR., no. 748: (The shorter follies). 1657 LEIGH, h’S fony‘ c1640 W'S' countrym' commonw" p' 45‘ I687 MIEGE,
p. 266: (The shortest follies). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9.
F440 He is doubly fond1 that justifies his FONDNESS
161 1 COT., s.v. Folie. I659 N.R., p.43: (that satisfies his fondnesse).
[1foolish]
F441 More die by FOOD than famine
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 21 8, p. 219: The Greeke Poet Theognis
most truely hath written, That surfet hath destroied mo than
famin. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 107: Gluttony kills more than
famine. I732 FUL., no. 3453.
Cf. F200: I saw few die of hunger, of eating much a hundred
thousand; G148: Gluttony (Surfeit) kills more than the sword.
F442 Answer a FOOL according to his folly
[Prov. xxvi 5: Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in
his own conceit.] 1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia I, p. 54. I589
Martin’s Month’s Mind, p. 165: It is therefore thought the best
way . . to answere the fooles, according to their foolishness. 1621
R. BURTON Anat. M. II 111 vii, p. 547: (Do not answer a). [01633]
1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 61: Hath not Solomon ad-
vised us, Answer not a fool in his folly, lest thou be like him? Yet
. . we observe also the other Precept of Solomon . . Answer a fool in
his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE
Fables 10, I 10: It does not yet become a Man of Honour . . to An-
swer Every Fool in his Folly.
Cf. D199: When the demand is ajest the fittest answer is a scoff;
F510: We must answer a fool with silence; L66: To answer one in
his own language; Q9: Every question requires not an answer; Q10:
Like question like answer; W759: Every word requires not an answer.
F443 As fat as a FOOL
1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. B1. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 256: It is play, wine, and wantonnesse, that feedeth a loner as fat
as a foole. 1593 P. FOULFACE Bacchus Bounty in Harl. Misc., II
288: Ready to feed him as fat as a foole. I593 GREENE Mamillia II,
p. 198: A deep dissembler in feeding many fools fat with flattery.
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho I, s. B2v: Yours [your
humor] wud make Gentlemen as fatt as fooles. 1616 DR., s.v.
Gluttony, no. 872. I630 Tinker Turvey, p. 59: The wench ..
thought to feed him with her faire speeches, till she made him as fat
as a foole. 1678 RAY, p. 283.
F444 AS glad as a FOOL of a fair day
1670 RAY, p. 205. 1721 KEL., p. 30: (As fain as Fool of). *Spoken
to our Children when they ask leave to go to a Fair, as if Fools only
were fond of going thither.
Cf. F624: As glad as a fowl of a fair day.
F445 As the FOOL thinks the bell clinks
1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua III vii, s. G3v: As the foole thinketh, so the
bell clinketh 1639 CL., p. 1 80: (so the bell chinkes). Ibid.: As the
foole sings, so he thinkes the bell rings. 1641 FERG., no. 140: (ay
the bell clinks). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I 5: As the bell tinketh,
the fool thinketh. 1659 N.R., p. 9: [As in 1659 How.]. ' 1668 R.B.,
p. 10. I670 RAY, p. 91: (so the bell tinks, or clinks). 1673 MAR-
VELL Rehear. Transpr. II, p. 387: As the fool thinks, so the con-
science tinks. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 388: Why, you know, as
the fool thinks—.
Cf. A13: Of the abundance ofthe heart the mouth speaks; H334:
What the heart thinks the tongue speaks.
F446 Better be a FOOL than a knave
1640 HERB., no. 954. I658 [Edmondson] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 308.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: (Better a fool).
Cf. F461: A fool is better than an obstinate man.
F447 Bray a FOOL in a mortar, you cannot make him
leave his folly
[Prov. xxvii 22: Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar
among Wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from
s.v. Bray: To bray a Fool in a Mortar. 1694 D’URFEYI Don Quix.
V ii, p. 90: Bray a Fool in a Mortar, and you’ll find all of him but
his Brains.
Cf. S265: You can never make a good shaft (arrow) of a pig’s
(sow’s) tail.
F448 An enterprising FOOL needs little wit
1611 COT., s.v. F01. 1659 N.R., p. 6.
F449 Even a FOOL sometimes speaks a wise word (to
the purpose)
1549 T. CHALONER Pr. Folly, s. T3v: Remember the Greeke
prouerbe, that oftentimes a foole maie speake to purpose. 1552
TAV., f. 57: Oftentymes euen the fole hytteth the nayle on the head
and speaketh thynges in place. This prouerbe therfore admonysh-
eth vs not to reiecte ne despyse an holsome and ryght sentence
spoken otherwhiles out of a rude felowes mouth. 1581 [W. STAF-
FORD] Compend. Exam. BriefConceipt Commonw., f. 1v: Yet Fooles
(as the Prouerbe is) sometimes speake to the purpose. 1610-25
Stonyhurst Pag. XVIII 101, p. 266: For that shallow witted ys, may
some tyme counsell gene that wholesome ys, and a seely mouse a
Liones may releeue. 1613 WITHER Abuses I 5, title page: A fool to
purpose speakes sometime, you know. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 4: Sometimes a fool gives good counsel. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32,
p. 190. 1668 J. WILSON Pr. Folly, p. 187: Sometimes a foOl may
speak a word in season. 1732 FUL., no. 1396: Even Fools some-
times speak shrewdly.
See DUR., II, no. 151. Cf. C690: If the counsel be good no mat-
ter who gave it; F469: A fool may sometimes give a wise man
counsel; F516: A fool’s bolt may sometimes hit the mark (white);
L315: A lion may come to be beholden to a mouse.
F450 Every FOOL is a fiddle to the company
1607 SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. IV, p. 58: (For they say, euerie foole
is). .
F451 Everyone has a FOOL in his sleeve
I640 HERB., no. 875. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
308. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18.
1659 N.R., p. 30. 1664 COD., p. 192. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p.
147. 1670 RAY, p. 91 : (Every man hath). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Fool:
(Every Man has). 1710 PALMER, p. 55: (Every man has). 1732
FUL., no. 1424: (Every Man hath).
See ST., no. 30.
F452 A FOOL and his money are soon parted
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 10, p. 19: A foole and his monie be
soone at debate, which after with sorrow repents him too late.
1611 COT., s.v. Fol: A foole and wealth cannot possesse each other.
1616 DR., no. 1722. 1623 CAM., p. 265: (is soone parted). 1630
J. HOWELL Let. I v 37, I 287: Ifhe doth, I fear it will be verify’d in
him, that A Fool and his money is soon parted. 1639 CL., s.v.
Frugalitas, p. 1 28: (is soone parted). 01640 SMYTH 16, p. 27. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1659 N.R., p. 2: [As in 1611 Cot.]. Ibid.,
p. 3: (is soon parted). 1664 COD., p. 186: (is soon parted). 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 64, p. 243: The English say, A fool and his
money is soon parted. 1670 RAY, p. 91. 1677 E. RICHARDSON
Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 36.
F453 A FOOL asks much but he is a greater fool that
gives it
1616 DR., no. 231: A foole demandeth much but the more foole is he
that giueth it. 1640 HERB., no. 278: (but hee is more foole that
grants it). 1659 N.R., p. 98: The foole askes much but more he
that grants it. 1664 COD., p. 184: (demandeth much, but). Ibid.,
p. 218: [As in 1640 Herb.]. I670 RAY, p. 10: (demands much, but).
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Fool: (demands much, but). 1705 Pleas. Art, p.
156: [As in 1640 Herb.]. I732 FUL., no. 100: A Fool demands
much; but he’s a greater that gives it.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8'.
FOOL 228
F00L
F464 A F00L is he that has his choice and chooses the
F454 A FOOL at forty is a fool indeed
1725 E. YOUNG Love Fame II: Poet. Wks., II 77: Be Wise with speed;
a fool at forty is a fool indeed.
See APP., p. 223. Cf. M125: Every man is either a fool or a
physician to himself.
F455 The F00L begins but never ends a business
1611 COT., s.v. Fol. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: The fool ends al-
wayes at the beginning.
Cf. F512: What the fool does in the end the wise man does in the
beginning.
F456 A FOOL believes everything
[Prov. xiv 15: The simple believeth every word.] 1599 RAINOLDS
Overthrow Stage Plays, p. 54: But you should haue marked that the
scripture saith also, A foole beleeueth euery thing. 1610 A. COOKE
Pope Yuan in Harl. Misc., IV 130: Florimundus justified the Prov-
erb, A Fool believeth every Thiing.
F457 A F00L brooks any disgrace
1611 COT., s.v. Fol: *A foole’s not sensible of any wrong. 1659
N.R., p. 11.
F458 A F00L by nature and wise in writing
I573 SANF., f. 107v. Ibid., f. 109v: Wise in learning and a foole in
speaking. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32: (and a wise man by
writyng).
Cf. P437: To spoil a plowman to make a scholar of him; SI35: A
mere scholar is a mere ass.
F459 A FOOL cannot speak unlike himself
[ERAS. Adagia, 67B: Stultus stulta loquitur.] 1539 TAV., f. 3v: [AS
in Eras.]. A foole speaketh foolysh thynges. 1616 WITHALS, p.
582.
Cf. M75: As the man is so is his talk.
F460 A F00L comes home as wise as he went
[01521] 01545 HEYWOOD Four PP, S. A2: The Pardoner believes
that, as is often said of fools, travel is not likely to have improved
the Palmer’s Wit: Yet welcome home as wyse as ye wente. 1554
HILARIE Resur. Mass, s. A6: And home maye ye go as wyse as ye
came. 1586 G. WHITNEY Choice Emblems II, p. 178: The foole,
that farre is sente some wisedome to attaine: Returnes an Ideot as
he wente, and bringes the foole againe. I595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale
1. 762, S. D4: But goe thy waies home as wise as thou camst. 1602
Liberality and Prod. I iv, s. B2: A foole returnd, like as a foole I
1604 Pasq. 7ests in Shak. yest-Bks., III 38: You may all de-
part like fooles, as you come. 1606 2 Ret.from Parn. Prol., s. A2v:
You may return home as wise as you came. I611 COT., s.v. Fol:
Let no foole hope to become wise by trauelling (at least, we vse to
say ofsome ofour giddie Trauellers) he is come home as verie a foole
as he went. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 407: You may go back
again, like a fool, as you came.
Cf. F503: Send a fool to the market and a fool he will return again.
F461 A F00L is better than an obstinate man
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 2: Better be a fool then obstinate. I732
FUL., no. 101.
Cf. F446: Better be a fool than a knave.
F462 A F00L is ever laughing
1560-77 Misogonus I ii 18: A foole in laughture puttethe all his
pleasure. 1582 GOSSON Plays Confuted IV, p. 206: Therefore Plato
came.
afiirmeth that great laughter breedeth a great change, and the old :
prouerbe peraduenture rose of this, much laughter is the cognisance
ofa foole. 1616 BRET., p. 6. 1639 CL., s.v. Risus, p. 274: Too much
laughing argues lightnesse. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2: The fool
will laugh, when he is a drowning. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 237:
By much laughter, thou knowst a fool.
F463 A F00L is fulsome
1594 LYLY Mother B. II iii 75: Nothing so fulsome as a shee foole.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1670 RAY, p. 10. 01686 London
Cuckold in Roxb. Bal., VIII 603: Prating like a F001 is fulsome.
F467

worst
1611 COT., s.v. F 01: The greedie foole that all would purse, by hastie
choise lights on the worse. 1616 DR., s.v. Follie, no. 760: (A foole
he is that). 1623 WOD., p. 485: Hee is a foole that desires much,
and chooseth and takes the Worst. 1659 N.R., p. 43: He that sees
what’s good, and takes what is bad, is wilfull fool.
Cf. B325: I see the best but follow the worst.
F465 A F00L is known by much babbling
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 57]: A man may knowe a fole by his moche
clatering. 01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 73: A foole is
knowen by speche negligent. 1611 COT., s.v. Sonnette: A foole
needs neither bell nor bable; his words, and actions quickly will
discouer him. 1616 DR., no. 109. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 10: Fooles are known by their bablings. I641 JONSON
Timber, p. 14: For too much talking is ever the index of a fool.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 147: Who speaketh too much, is held a fool,
and who speaketh not, becomes a fool indeed. 1676 WYCHERLEY
Plain Dealer V, p. 18 5: Always talking; especially too if it be loud
and fast, is the Sign of a Fool.
Cf. H312: The heart of a fool is in his tongue (mouth).
F466 The F00L is most fusty (absurd) when he is
least foolish
1611 COT., s.v. Fol: A foole that would seeme wise is most vnseason-
able; or, the foole is most fustie when he is least foolish. Ibid., s.v.
Folier: A foole is most absurd when he playes not the foole. I659
N.R., p. 1 10. 1732 FUL., no. 3399: Men never play the Fool more,
than by endeavouring to be overwise. I734 FRANKLIN, p. 8: A
learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one.
A F00L knows more in his own house than a
wise man in another’s
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xliii, IV 44: (The foole and the wise
man cloth in anothers). 1640 HERB., no. 253: (in his house). 1658
[EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 308. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 1:
The fool knowes more of his own house, then a wiseman of anothers.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 147. 1694 D’URFEY 2 Don Quix. V i,
p. 181: (A Fool sees more). 1732 FUL., no. 103.
F468 A F00L may ask more questions in an hour than
a wise man can answer in seven years
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 249: One fool may ask more than seven
wise men can answer. 1670 RAY, p. 91. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Ques-
tion. I721 KEL., p. 5: An Ass may speer mo Questions than a Doc-
tor can answer. *Apply’d to them that ask impertinent Questions.
1732 FUL., no. 1578: Fools may ask more in an Hour, than wise Men
can answer in seven. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 445: They say,
a fool will ask more questions than the wisest body can answer.
See DiiR., II, no. 144; ST., no. 625. Cf. F543: Fools set stools for
wise men (folks) to Stumble at (to break their shins).
F469 A F00L may sometimes give a wise man counsel
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 58: Oft a folys counsayle Tourneth
a wyse man to confort and auayle. [01560] 1581 WOODES Confl.
Cons. IV i, S. F3: A wise man sometime, of a fool may take counsell.
I596 DEL., s. P7v: The foole some time, doth teach the wise. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 84: A fool may give a wyse man a counsell. I604
[DALLINGTON] View France, s. G3: A foole may teach a wise man
wit. 1611 COT., s.v. Sage: (giue the wise aduise). 1623 WOD.,
p. 522: A Foole doth teach sometymes a Wise-Man. I659 N.R.,
p. 2. [a166o] 1693 URQUHART Gargantua III xxxvii, II 192: I have
often heard it said in a vulgar Prouerb, The Wise may be instructed
by a F001. 1668 R.B., p. 6: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1678 RAY, p. 140:
A fool may put somewhat in a wise bodies head. I721 KEL., p. 25:
A Fool may give a wise Man counsel by a time. *An Apology of
those who ofier their Advice to them, who may be supposed to
excel them in Parts and Sense. 1732 FUL., no. 1580: Fools may
sometimes give wise Men Counsel.
Cf. C697: Take no counsel of a fool (of green heads); F449: Even
a fool sometimes speaks a wise word (to the purpose); W182: The
weak may stand the strong in stead.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FOOL
FOOL
229


F470 A FOOL may throw a stone into a well which a
hundred wise men cannot get out
1640 HERB., no. 523: (pull out). 1659 N.R., p. 3. 1664 COD., p.
186: (can never pull out). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 197: One mad
man hurls a stone into a well, and a hundred wise men can’t fetch it
out. *Note 137, p. 225: Spoken when a fool in company shall start
a question, that a hundred Doctors cannot resolve, or state.
F471 A FOOL oft finds himself Short of his reckonings
1611 COT., s.v. F01. 1659 N.R., p. 10: (reckoning).
F472 A FOOL oft puts his finger in a hole
I546 HEY. II v, s. H4v: But me thynkth your councell weyth in the
whole, To make me put my fynger in a hole. 1611 DAY. Prov., no.
199. 1616 DR., s.v. Cowardise, no. 395: A foole putteth his finger
in an hole.
F473 A FOOL on a bridge sounds like a drum
I611 COT., s.v. Tambour: A foole on a bridge is a Drumme in the
river; viz. makes it resound by his madde thumping, leaping, or
dauncing ouer it. 1623 WOD., p. 485: *True, for hee bath a foolish
Echo, which is compared to a Drumme, to wit his foolish and im-
perfect Worke.
F474 A FOOL when he has spoken has done all
211568 Mony Man Makis Ryme l. 4 in Bannatyne MS, III 8: A fule
quhen he hes spokkin he is all done. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 77: (hes
all done). I668 R.B., p. 5: (hes all done). 1721 KEL., p. 40:
*That is, has made a full Discovery of his Weakness, which his
Silence would have conceal’d. I732 FUL., no. 111.
F475 A FOOL will not be foiled
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 22. 1710 PALMER, p. 127.
F476 A FOOL will not give (leave, part with) his bauble
for the Tower of London
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 256: For it is oft sayd of men both
yonge and Olde A foole wyll nat gyue his Babyll for any golde.
a1536 HILL 9, p. 130. [a155o] 1626 Yests Scogin in Shak. fest-Bk.,
II 65: A fool will not leave his bable for a thing of better worth.
I577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. A4v: But yet (being somwhat
wedded as most fooles are to mine owne opinion, who would hardly
forgoe their bable for the Tower of London) I thought it good . . to
sette a more cleanly name vpon it. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 114:
(for the toure of Lune). I611 DAV. Epig. Passages bef. Bk., p. 6:
Yet (Foole) will not my Bable so forgoe For Londons Towre. 1616
DR., s.v. Follie, no. 741. I616 WITHALS, p. 583: (The Fool will not
leave his). 1639 CL., p. 253: (part from). 1668 R.B., p. 8. I670
RAY, p. 92: (The fool will not part with).
Cf. F509: To dote more on it than a fool on his bauble. (7)
F477 Forbid a FOOL a thing and that he will do
1668 R.B., p. 19. I721 KEL., p. 107: *Apply’d for the most part to
Children, when they do what they have been forbid once, and again.
Cf. F585: What is forbidden (baneful) is desired; W650: A woman
does that which is forbidden her.
F478 He had been wiser if he had not been a FOOL
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 245: Good is not evil, and bread is not
salt. *Note 23, p. 274: Such an other gingling Proverb, the Eng-
lish say; He had been wiser, if he had not been a fool.
F479 He is a FOOL that cuts himself with his own
knife
1583 GOLDING Calvin on Deut. LXXX, p. 490: They cut their owne
throte with their own knife. 1616 DR., no. 1888: (A foolish body
cutteth). I623 WOD., p. 485: *So said of those that lets their In-
foriors, or Children ouer run them. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 48.
Cf. K157: The same knife cuts both bread and the finger.

F480 He is a FOOL that forgets himself
8.1598 FERG. IVIS, no. 515. I611 COT., s.v. Fol: (right foole).
I623 WOD., p. 483. 1659 N.R., p. 9: A right fool forgets himself.
1697 MER., p. 165. I721 KEL., p. 169.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 K]. III iv 48: I am not mad. I would to
heaven I were! For then ’tis like I should forget myself.
Cf. W532: He is not wise that is not wise for himself.
F481 He is a FOOL that is not melancholy once a day
1642 I. HOWELL For. Trav. VIII, p. 55: He is accounted little lesse
a foole, who is not melancholy once a day. 1678 RAY, p. 346.
I697 MER., p. 166. 1732 FUL., no. 2434.
F482 He is a FOOL that makes a wedge (mallet) of
his fist
I611 COT., s.v. Coing: *This prouerb calls any manfoole, that pre-
sumes too much on his owne strength, or knowes not the right vse of
his owne things. I623 WOD., p. 485: [It is Folie] to make a Mell of
his Fist. 1640 HERB., no. 581. I653 URQUHART Gargantua I ix.
I 55: Of his fist would make a Mallet. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I I,
(who makes a hammer of his fist). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 221:
F483 He is a FOOL that makes his physician his heir
I584 LYLY Camp. V iv 47: If one be sick, what wouldest thou haue
him do? —Be sure that he make not his Phisition his heire. 1607
JONSON Volp. I iv 22: I Often haue Heard him protest, that your
physitian Should neuer be his heire. 1607 MIDDLETON Mich.
Term II iii 459: Others [think it unfit] to make him a physician; but
then, being my heir, I’m afraid he would make me away. 1616 DR.,
no. 2451: A man must not make a wolfe his Executor. 1623 WOD.,
p. 486: ([It is Folie] to make). 1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks.,
p. 125: He knowes he must of Cure despaire, Who makes the slie
Physitian his Heire. I657 LEIGH, p. 265: To make his Phisician his
heir. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. I 1. 1659 How. It. Prov., p 12: Never
make any Physitian thy heir. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 113: Make
not thy Physician thine Heir. I732 FUL., no. 4368: That Patient
is not like to recover, who makes the Doctor his Heir. I733
FRANKLIN, p. 5: (makes his doctor his heir).
F484 He is a FOOL that thinks not that another thinks
1640 HERB., no. 283. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 3:
Imagining .. that a Country man (as we doe say,) Hath not a
mother wit as well as they. I659 N.R., p. 57: (thinks not that
ather [sic] thinks). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 200: (thinks that
others do not think).
Cf. P77: It is the part of a fool (It is a shame for a wise man) to
say, I had not thought.
F485 He is more FOOL that demands sense of a fool
01594 BACON, no. 1574: Il est plus fol, qui a fol sens demande.
1611 COT., s.v. Sens: He that expects a wise part from a foole, is the
more foole of the two. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 10.
F486 He is not the FOOL that the fool is but he that
with the fool deals
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 502: (but the fool that with). 1668 R.B.,
p. 23. 1697 MER., p. 164. I721 KEL., p. 146: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
*Spoken against wanton Boys, when they are playing upon an
Ideon
F487 He should be called a FOOL to his face that being
well does quit his place (put himself into
danger)
1484 CAXTON Fab. Avian 19, p. 239: He whiche is in a place wel sure
is wel a fole to go fro hit and to putte hym selfin grete daunger and
perylle. 1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 104: He is a foole that can nat
holde hym selfe content whan he is well at ease. 1521 A. BARCLAY
Eclog. V, p. 45: He is but a foole which runneth to tempest, And
might line on lande in suertie and in rest. I611 COT., s.v. F01.
1659 N.R., p. 45: He shall be call’d a Fool to his face, That doing
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi'.
FOOL
FOOL
230

well will quit his place. 1732 FUL., no. 2199: He that is well
sheltered, is a Fool if he stir out into the Rain.
Cf. F230: To put one’s finger in the fire; H512: He is wise that
when he is well can hold him so.
F488 He that sends a FOOL expects one
61594 BACON, no. 1547: Qui fOl envoye fol attend. 1611 COT., s.v.
Attendre: He that imployes a foole, expects a foole. 1640 HERB.,
no. 845. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 14: Who sends a fool, must ex-
pect a fool. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 147: Who sends a fool, expects
the same back again.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQ4-8 T.S. IVi 130: Where is the foolish knave
I sent before? —Here, sir, as foolish as I was before.
Cf. F489: He that sends a fool means to follow him; F503: Send
a fool to the market and a fool he will return again.
F489 He that sends a FOOL means to follow him
1594 LYLY Mother B. II ii 14: I sent him on my arrande, but I must
goe for an answere my selfe. 1611 COT., s.v. Fol: He that imployes
a foole may follow him for companie; for wise men vse to imploy
wise men. 1623 WOD., p. 485: Hee who hath to do with a Foole, let
him make himselfe ready to follow him nigh. 1640 HERB., no. 51.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: Who sendeth a fool upon an errand,
must goe himself after. 1659 N.R., p. 48.
Cf. F488: He that sends a fool expects one; F503: Send a fool to
the market and a fool he will return again.
F490 He that teaches himself has a FOOL to his
master
1641 JONSON Timber, p. 4: For he that was only taught by himself
had a fool to his master. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 580:
He that is his own teacher, saith Bernard, is sure to have a fool for
his master. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: Who goeth to School to
himself, may find a fool to his master. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p.
I 2: Who teacheth himself, encreaseth his ills. 1692 R. L’ESTRANOE
Fab/es 313, I 283. 1710 PALMER, p. 32. 1732 FUL., no. 2187: He
that is only his own Pupil, shall have a Fool to his Tutor. 1741
FRANKLIN Poor Ric/1., p. 102.
Cf. C703: He that is his own counselor knows nothing sure but
what he has laid out; J96: He has a good judgment that relies not
wholly on his own.
F491 I am a FOOL, I love anything that is good
1678 RAY, p. 247. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 391: I’m like all
fools; I love everything that’s good.
Cf. W210: Never weary of that which is good.
F492 If I am a FOOL put you your finger in my mouth
[1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. F3: I thanke you
heartily, my finger in your mouth. 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quix.
IV, p. 72: If you meddle with my Mouth, I shall snap at your Fin-
gers. 1732 FUL., no. 2682.
F493 If you play the FOOL stay for a fellow
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 7.
F494 It is better to marry a quiet FOOL than a witty
scold
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 190.
Cf. H841: Husbands are in heaven whose wives chide not; S412:
It is better to be a shrew than a sheep.
F495 Leave a FOOL alone and he will bethink himself
what he has to do
1611 COT., s.v. Fol. I659 N.R., p. 74: (will bethink what).
F496 Let him be begged for a FOOL
1591 FLOR. See. F. XII, p. 187: Euen the vulgar would begge him
for a foole that thinks a bungling-stainers dawbing better than the
polisht Helen Of Zeuxes. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 55:
Take heed howe you beg him for a foole, for I haue heard Of one that
was begged in the court of wardes for a foole, and when it came to
triall, hee prooued a wiser man by much, then hee that begged him.

1604 DEKKER I Hon. Whore, p. 12: Gods my life, then I were a
starke Asse, if I fret not his guts, beg me for a foole. 1638 CHIL-
LINGWOR'I‘H Charity Maintained III, I 375: If now I should not be
more secure upon my own knowledge than frighted by this fallacy,
would you not beg me for a fool? 1672 WALK. 39, p. 57. 1691
NORRIS Practical Disc., p. 25 5: This would be thought a sufficient
Reason why a Man should be begg’d for a F 001, or sent to Bedlam.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1592-3 C.E. II i 40: But if thou live to see like
right bereft, This fool-begg’d patience in thee will be left. ( 5)
F497 Let not one FOOL mock another
1616 WITHALS, p. 563. 1639 CL., s.v. Culpandi, p. 79.
F498 More FOOL than fiddler
1678 RAY, p. 245.
F499 None is a FOOL always, everyone sometimes
1640 HERB., no. 163. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
308. 1659 N.R., p. 80. 1664 COD., p. 207. 1670 RAY, p. 10.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Fool. I694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quix. I i, p. 12: None
are Fools always, tho every one sometimes. I721 KEL., p. 99:
Every Man is a Fool sometimes, and none at all times. *An
Apology for an imprudent Action, in our selves, or others.
Cf. F500: None is so wise but the fool overtakes him.
F500 None is so wise but the FOOL overtakes him
1640 HERB., no. 730. 1664 COD., p. 207. 1670 RAY, p. 29. 1732
FUL., no. 3654: (sometimes overtakes him).
Cf. F499: None is a fool always, everyone sometimes.
F501
1640 HERB., no. 521.
1659 N.R., p. 82.
One FOOL makes a hundred (many)
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9: (many fools).
1664 COD., p. 208. 1666 TOR. 1:. Prev. 29, p.
147: One fool makes ten. *Note 82, p. 163: The English say, One
fool makes a hundred. 1670 RAY, p. 10. I687 MIEGE, s.v. F001.
1721 KEL., p. 270: (many). *By diverting them from their proper
Business. 1732 FUL., no. 6232: Hey! ninny nonny! One Fool
makes many. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 396: Well, I see one fool
makes many.
See DI'JR., II, no. 364.
F502 Play with a FOOL at home and he will play with
you in the market
1640 HERB., no. 146. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
193. 1659 N.R., p. 86: (with you abroad). 1664 COD., p. 227:
(When you play with a fool at home, expect that he). 1670 RAY,
p. 10: (If you play with a fool at home he'll). I687 MIEGE, s.v.
Fool: (and he will play the fool with you in the Market). 1732
FUL., no. 2763: If you let the Fool play with you at Home, he’ll do
so with you in the Market.
F503 Send a FOOL to the market and a fool he will
return again
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1233: (to the mercat and a fool coms home
againe). 1678 RAY, p. 140. 1732 FUL., no. 4096: (to Market, and
a Fool he’ll return).
See DI'JR., II, no. 149. Cf. F460: A fool comes home as wise as he
went; F488: He that sends a fool expects one; F489: He that sends a
fool means to follow him.
F504 Set a FOOL to roast eggs and a wise man to eat
' them
1678 RAY, p. 241.
Cf. F540: Fools make feasts and wise men eat them.
F505 Set a FOOL upon the bench and he will play with
his feet or Sing
1573 SANF., f. 107v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32: Set a foole on
a stoole, either he wyl sing, or play with his foot. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 10, p. 21: Set a fool on a bench, either he wags his feet, or
Sings.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), 01' by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
F00L 231 F00L (F00L’s)

F506 There is no FOOL tel the 01d fool in hand? 1616 WITHALS, p. 584: (in the hand). .1639 CL., s.v.
1546 HEy_ H ii, S. F4“ 1562 HEY. Epig. 176, p. 155. 61565 Prudentla, p. 266. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Barblere, p. 11: To
Bugoears III i 3: I feare myne old master shall syng thys new note
N0 foole to the old foole when he gynes to dote. 1594 LYLY
Mot/zer B. IV ii 96: In faith I perceiue an Olde sawe and a rustie, no
foole to the old foole. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1287: (to ane auld
fool). 1611 GRUT., no. 282. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 BRET., p. 6.
1616 WITHALS, p. 553: No foole to the old foole. 1639 CL., p. 279:
[As in 1616 Withals]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: [As in 1616
Withals]. 1659 N.R., p. 98. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 76, p. 19:
N0 fools to Old fools, and Old drunkards. 1668 R.B., p. 51: [As in
a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 91: [As in 1616 Withals]. I721 KEL.,
p. 256: N0 F 001 to an old Fool. *Spoken when Men of advanc’d
Age behave themselves, or talk youthfully, or wantonly. 1732
FUL., no. 3570: No Fool like the old Fool.
Cf. K131: No knave to the learned (old) knave; 038: The older
the worse.
[llike]
F507 To bring a F00L to bed
1557 Old Lover l. 38 in Tottel’s Misc., I 255: But he that bluntly
runnes on hed . . Is like to bring a foole to bed. 1601 BRETON No
Whip. nor Trip, s. B2: To write of knaues doth bring a foole to bed.
F508 To cough one a FOOL (daw, momel)
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. C4v: Thou wylte coughe me a dawe
for forty pens. Ibid., s. E4v: Ye shall coughe me a fole. [01553]
1566-7 UDALL Roister D. III ii 86: He shall cough me a mome.
1583 STUBBEs Anat. douses II, p. 48: It were good so indeede, else
he may chaunce to cough himself a dawe for his labour. 1594
LYLY Mother B. I iii 84: I know hee will cough for anger that I
yeeld not, but he shall cough mee a foole for his labour.
[lbuffoon]
F509 To dote more on it than a F00L on his bauble
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 14: He is more besotted then a fool with his
bable. I659 N.R., p. 42: (He dotes more then). 1670 RAY, p. 172.
Cf. F476: A fool will not give (leave, part with) his bauble for the
Tower of London; F511: What is a fool without a bauble?
F510 We must answer a FOOL with silence
1577 HOLINSHED C/zron. Hen. III 1240, II 389: A man ought not to
chide with a f001e,nor gape ouer an ouen. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit To Gentlemen Rdrs., p. 183: [Fools] are to be aunswered with
silence. 1596 DEL., s. M3v. 1599 GREENE Orpharion, p. 13: To
thy question, as it sauours of folly, so I thinke best to aunswer it
with silence.
Cf. F442: Answer a fool according to his folly; Q9: Every ques-
tion requires not an answer.
F511 What is a FOOL without a bauble?
1611 COT., s.v. Fol: We say also, Giue the foole his bable; or, whats
a foole without a bable? 1659 N.R., p. 120.
Cf. F509: To dote more on it than a fool on his bauble.
F512 What the FOOL does in the end the wise man
does in the beginning
1535 Dial. Creatures 207, s. IIQ: A foole beholdith but onely the
begynnynge of his workys but a wiseman takyth hede to the ende.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 197: That which a fool doth at last, a wise
man doth at first. 1732 FUL., no. 471: A wise Man begins in the
End; a Fool ends in the Beginning.
Cf. F45 5: The fool begins but never ends a business.
F513 Who is born a F00L is never cured
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7. 1732 FUL., no. 2391: (He who).
F514 You have not a F00L in hand
[01592] 1615 T. HEYWOOD Four Prent. Lond., p. 226: You thinke
you haue a foole in hand. I606 MARSTON Parasitaster III i 336:
What! did he think he had weak fools in hand? 1607 DEKKER AND
WEBSTER West. Ho IV ii, s. F2v: What do you think you haue Fops

have to do with a Barber that knows how to shave, viz. to have no
fool in hand. Ibid., s.v. Zuppa, p. 242: To think, or imagine that
one is to deal with Fools, or to have Fools in hand. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., s.v. Discern, p. 95.
SHAKESPEARE.—1601 T.N. I iii 68: Fair lady, do you' think you
have fools in hand? —Sir, I have not you by th’ hand.
F515 A F00L’s bolt is soon shot
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 113. 1546 HEY. II ii, s. G1v. I552 TAV.,
f. 4: S[t]ultus stulta loquitur. A foole speaketh foolyshe thynges,
And as oure Englyshe prouerbe sayth: A foles bolt is soone shotte,
where as the wyse manne speaketh seldom and wittely. 1560-77
Misogonus III i 219.: Ile tell one Mr. ifye can make him kepe in his
fooles boulte. 1577 GRANGE Garden, 5. Q3v: Whose tongue dothe
runne before your witte, and shewes, fooles boltes sone shotte.
1580 BARET, S—1027: Stultus stulta loquitur . . A Prouerbe vsed,
when an ignorant fellowe speaketh a matter he hath no skill in, and
as our phrase of speach is, A fooles bolt soone shot. 1589 LYLY
Pappe wit/z Hatchet: Wks., III 394: If you shoot bookes like fooles
bolts. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 11. 1611 COT., s.v. Iuge. 1611
GRUT., no. 6. 1612 [BRETON] Cornucopia l. 315, p. 15: The grosser
foole, the sooner shootes his bolt. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1616 DR.,
no. 739. 1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133. 1667 BRISTOL Elvira V,
p. 91: How soon a fool’s bolt’s shot without distinction. 1670
RAY, p. 91. 1721 KEL., p. 303: (The Fool’s Bolt). *Men ofshallow
Wit will soon give their Opinion, which commonly discovers their
Weakness.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 AY. V iv 67: According to the fool’s bolt,
sir, and such dulcet diseases. 1599 Hen. V III vii 131: You are
better at proverbs, by how much ‘a fool’s bolt is soon shot.’
Cf. B512: To have shot one’s bolt; F516: A fool’s bolt may some-
times hit the mark (white); ]94: From a foolish judge a quick
sentence. (3 1)
F516 A F00L’s bolt may sometimes hit the mark
(white)
1576 FULWELL Hrs Adulandi VII, s. G4: Fooles boltes [men say]
are soonest shot yet ofte they hit the marke. I732 FUL., no. 107:
(White). laid, no. 1572: (Fool’s Bolts).
Cf. F449: Even a fool sometimes speaks a wise word (to the pur-
pose); F515: A fool’s bolt is soon shot; M668: He shoots wide of the
mark; M669: To miss his mark (aim); P571: To shoot nigh the
prick.
F517 A F00L’s handsel is lucky
[1614] 1631 JONSON Bart/z. Fair II ii 138: Bring him a sixe penny
bottle of Ale; they say, a fooles handsell is lucky. 1668 DRYDEN
Martin Mar-AllV iii, p. 90: A fool’s plot may be as lucky as a fool’s
handsel.
F518 FOOL’s haste is no speed
1481 CAXTON Reynard 40, p. 110: Men fynde many fooles that in
hete hasten hem so moche that after they repent hem and thenne
it is to late. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 399: Fool haist is no speed.
1668 R.B., p. 19: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 102: *Spoken
when People make a great Bustle, and yet put no Work by their
Hand, but often by their too much Haste spoil what they are about.
1732 FUL., no. 1575.
Cf. H192: Make haste slowly.
F519 A FOOL’s head of your own
1582 BRETON Flourish upon Fancy and Toys Idle Head: Wks., I 25:
Shee makes him see, a Fooles head of his owne. 1606 I. DAY Isle
Gulls, s. G3: Be not offended sweet mistris that I presume to touch,
—a fooles head of your owne. I611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON
Roaring Girl, s. F2v: No, Pru? Why, I hope I haue handled.
—Handle a fooles head of your own. 1613 T. HEYWOOD Silver Age
II, p. 1 17: You are a fooles head of your owne, are you not? 1633
I. FORD ’Tis Pity II, p. 109: I, I, carry a fooles head 0’ thy owne;
why, thou Dunce, wouldst thou write a letter, and carry it thy

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
F00L (F OOL’s)
FO0L (FOOLS)
232

selfe? 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Finocchio, p. 63: To jeer at one
by replying, as one would say; yes, a fools head of your oun it is.
SHAKESPEARE.'-—1600-I I iv 133: You shall have An
fool’s-head of your own!
Cf. A388: An asshead of your own.
F520 The FOOL’S tears are not to be trusted
1611 COT., s.v. Larme: (A fooles teares are). 1659 N.R., p. 112.
Cf. W638: Trust not a woman when She weeps.
F521 A FOOL’S tongue is long enough to cut his own
throat
1673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 51: Many a man cloth with his
Tongue cut his own throat. 1732 FUL., no. 108.
F522 I will not dance to every FOOL’S pipe
I732 FUL., no. 2644.
Cf. C212: He that leaves certainty (surety) and sticks to chance,
when fools pipe he may dance; M488: Ready to dance to (run at)
every man’s pipe (whistle).
F523 To bring one into a FOOL’S paradise
[1477] 1652 T. NORTON Ord. Alchemy II, p. 28: Lewde hope is fooles
Paradice. 1528 ROY Read Me and Be Not Wroth, p. 86: Thus my
lady not very wyse, Is brought in to foles paradyse. I530 PALS.,
p. 467b: (She can bringe a man in to). 1553 Respublica I
iii, p. 9: I hope well to bring hit in such a paradise that hirselfe
Shall sue me to haue my service. 1580 BARET, P—92: *To
make glad in vaine. 1584 R. SCOT Disc. Witchcr. XIV v, p. 364:
Frutelesse hope bringeth [dicers] into a fooles paradise. 1604
MARSTON Malcontent V iii 141: Promise of matrimony by a young
gallant, to bring a virgin lady into a fool’s paradise. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Simplicity, no. 1986: (Hee bringeth him into). 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Giardino, p. 73: To enter into a fools garden, viz. to pre—
sume much, and promise ones selfstrange things. The English say,
to come into a fools Paradise.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R._7. II iv 175: If ye should lead her into
a fool’s paradise, as they say, it were a very gross kind of be-
haviour. (32)
F524 To deal FOOL’s dole
I670 RAY, p. 171: *To deal all to others and leave nothing to him-
self.
F525 All FOOLS are sots but all sots are not fools
1611 COT., s.v. Fol: (be sots and be not fooles). 1659 N.R., p. 10.
F526 Among twenty-four FOOLS not one wise man
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 112: Among four and tuentie fooles ther is not
a wyse man. 1641 FERG., no. 116. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 29:
Among a hundred fools scarce one good fellow. 1668 R.B., p. 8.
F527 FOOLS and conceited men (quarrelers) make
lawyers rich
1616 DR., no. 1207. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6: Fools and quar-
rellers enrich the Lawyers. 1685 CODRINGTON Coll. Proverbs 332,
p. 102: [As in 1659 How.]. 1732 FUL., no. 1565: Fools and obsti-
nate Men make the Lawyers rich.
F528 FOOLS and little dogs (Fools’ baubles) are ladies’
playfellows
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. T3v. [1621-39] 1653 J. FORD Queen
II, p. 9: Belike you are his fool, or hisjester. —Jester ifyou please,
but not fool, Madam; for bables belong to fools, and they are then
onely fit for ladies secresies, not for Lords. 1633 J. FORD ’Tis
Pity I, p. 93: They say a fooles bable is a Ladies playfellow.
F529 FOOLS are fain of flitting
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 395. 1668 R.B., p. 18. 1721 KEL., p. 105:
(flitting, and wise Men ofsitting). *Spoken to them who are fond
of altering their Place, Station, or Condition, without good Reason.

F530 FOOLS are fain of nothing (right nought)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 408: (right noght). I668 R.B., p. 19: (right
nought). 1721 KEL., p. 111: *Spoken when we see People much
taken up with fair Promises, or improbable Expectations.
Cf. T189: Little things catch light minds (please fools); W794:
Fair words (promises) make fools fain.
F531 FOOLS are wise as long as silent
[Prov. xvii 28: Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted
Wise.] 1611 COT., s.v. Sage: Fooles are held Wise as long as they
are silent. 1657 LEIGH, p. 266: Fools are wise men when they hold
their peace. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: Fools are wise when they
hold their peace. 1659 N.R., p. 33. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p.
249: Every fool seems a wise man, when he is whish.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. I i 95: I do know of these That there-
fore only are reputed wise For saying nothing.
Cf. E164: He knows enough that knows nothing ifso be he know
how to hold his peace.
F532 FOOLS bite one another but wise men agree
together
1640 HERB., no. 448.
wise Men do agree).
1659 N.R., p. 32. 1664 COD., p. 193: (but
F533 FOOLS build houses and wise men buy them
1670 RAY, p. 91. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. F001. 1721 KEL., p. 110:
(Fools Big [build] Houses and). 1732 FUL., no. 1573: (and wise
Men enjoy them).
Cf. F538: Fools lade the water and wise men catch the fish; F540:
Fools make feasts and Wise men eat them.
F534 FOOLS give to please all but their own
1640 HERB., no. 731. I659 N.R., p. 35.
F535 FOOLS had never less wit in a year
1594 LYLY Mother B. II iii 76: Gentlemen had neuer lesse wit in a
yeere. 16g6 DR., s.v. Blockishnesse, no. 178. Ibid., s.v. Follie,
no. 764. 1639 CL , s.v. In Stupidos, p. 296: (Foole had).
SHAKESPEARE.—I605-6 K.L. I iv 181: Fools had ne’er less grace
IQ. wit] in a year, For wise men are grown foppish.
F536 FOOLS have fortune (are fortunate)
01569 W. WAGER Longer Thou Livest, s. E2: They say that fooles
are fortunable. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U4: Bycause as they
be fooles, so commonly they bee fortunate. 1594 LYLY Mother B.
V iii 110: Besides, fooles are fortunate, fooles are faire. 1616 DR.,
no. 761: Fooles are often fortunate. 1631 SHIRLEY Love Tricks II
ii, p. 32: Ere he die, he has fool’s fortune. 1639 CL., p. 125: Fooles
are fortunate. 1640 GLAPTHORNE Wit in Constable, p. 203: The
old proverbe, Of fooles have fortune. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 2: Fooles may many times fall into the lap of fortune.
1642 T. BROWNE Relig. Med. I xviii, p. 25: I cannot justifie that
contemptible Proverb, That fools only are Fortunate. 1659 N.R.,
p. 33. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. F001. 1732 FUL., no. 1576.
See ST., no. 630. Cf. F600: Fortune favors fools; G220: God
sends fortune to fools; K130: The more knave the better luck;
W199: Wealth is like rheum, it falls on the weakest parts.
F537 FOOLS have wit enough to come in out of the
rain
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 70: In deede so much wit is
sufficient for a woman, as when she is in the raine can warne hir to
come out of it. 1599 BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, s. B4: Fooles . .
haue the Wit to keepe themselues out of the raine. [01614] 1639
FLETCHER Wit without Money I, p. 150: They report you have a
wit; keep your self out 0’ th’ Rain, and take your Cloak with you.
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 293: To have no more wit
than to goe out 0’ th’ raine.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6OI T.N. I iii 77: It’s dry, sir. -—Why, I
think so. I am not such an ass but I can keep my hand dry.
Cf. H585: A hood for this fool; K10: He is Wise enough that can
keep himself warm.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FOOL (FOOLS)
FOOL (FOOLS)
233


F538 FOOLS lade the water and wise men catch the fish
01440 Stanzas and Couplets Counsel 1. 12 in Babies Bk., etc., p. 332:
Folus lade polys [pools]; wisemenn etc the fysshe. [01517] 1533
SKELTON Magn., s. A4v: Wel wyse men may etc the fysshe when ye
[Fancy] shal draw the pole. 1636 CAM., p. 296. 1659 N.R., p. 33.
1664 COD., p. 192. 1670 RAY, p. 92: (Fools lade water, and).
1732 FUL., no. 1581: Fools lade out all the Water, and wise Men
take the Fish.
Cf. F533: Fools build houses and wise men buy them.
F539 FOOLS live poor to die rich
1659 N.R., p. ’32.
F540 FOOLS make feasts and wise men eat them
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f.
a1598
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 65:
I573 SANF., f. 106: (enioye them).
30v: Fooles make the banquets, and wise men enioy them.
FERG. MS, no. 407: (maks and eats).
[As in 1578 Flor]. 1616 DR., no. 713. 1639 CL., p. 186. 1659
HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 12. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 20. 1664 COD.,
p. 192. Ibid., p. 225: Wise Men are bid to Feasts that Fools make.
1668 R.B., p. 19. 1670 RAY, p. 92. 1697 MER., p. 164. I721
KEL., p. 110. 1732 FUL., no. 1577. I733 FRANKLIN, p. 5.
See DUR., II, no. 150. Cf. F504: Set a fool to roast eggs and a
wise man to eat them; F533: Fools build houses and wise men buy
them.
F541 FOOLS refuse favors
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 22.
F542 FOOLS set far (long) trysts
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 400. 1668 R.B., p. 19: (far tryfles [for far
trysts]). I72I KEL., p. 102: Fools sets long Trysts. *Spoken
when People promise to do a Thing a good while hence.
F543 FOOLS set stools for wise men (folks) to stumble
at (to break their shins)
1605 S. ROWLEY When You See Me, s. F3v: Yee know what the old
prouerbe saies .. When fooles set stooles, and wise men breake
their shinnes. 1623 CAM., p. 269: (folke). 1639 CL., p. 297: (to
break their shins). I659 N.R., p. 34: (folks). 1664 COD., p. 192.
1670 RAY, p. 91: (folks). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. F001. 1732 FUL., no.
1582.
Cf. F468: A fool may ask more questions in an hour than a wise
man can answer in seven years.
F544 FOOLS should have no chapping sticks1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 412. 1668 R.B., p. 19. 1681 COLVILLE
Mock Poem I, p. 69: To suffer fools have Chooping Sticks. I721
KEL., p. 104: Fools should not have chapping Sticks. *Spoken
when we take a Stick from a Child, or when others are doing Harm
with what they have taken up.
[ldangerous tools or weapons]
F545 FOOLS tie knots and wise men loose them
1639 CL., p. 88. 1664 COD., p. 192: (loosen them). 1670 RAY, p.
10. 1721 KEL., p. 107: *Spoken when People, for want of Skill,
and Management, have spoil’d and entangled a Business, which
will require Wisdom to set right again. 1732 FUL., no. 1583.
F546 FOOLS will be meddling
[Prov. xx 3: Every fool will be meddling] 1616 DR., no. 214: [As
in Prov.]. 1659 N.R., p. 30: [As in Prov.]. I670 RAY, p. 91.
I687 MIEGE, s.v. F00]. 1732 FUL., no. 1584. Ibid., no. 4537: The
Fool is busy in every one’s Business but his own. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 402.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 A.Y. III ii 121: Peace, you dull fool! ..
I’ll grafl' it with you, and then I shall graff it with a medlar.
Cf. T94: He is more busy than he has thanks for his labor.
F547 FOOLS will still be fools
[01552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle I iv, s. A4: Fooles will
be fooles styll. I650 HEATH Clarastella, p. 9.
Cf. C337: Children will do like children (Boys will have toys).

F548 If all FOOLS had (were to wear) baubles we
should want fuel (fuel would be dear)
1611 COT., s.v. Marotte: If all that fooles are bables wore, of wood
we should haue but small store. 1640 HERB., no. 63. 1658 [ED-
MONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 308: (had Bables, what should we
do for fewell). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6: If every fool should
wear a bable, fewel would be clear. 1664 COD., p. 189: (Could all
Fools be with Bables, we). I670 RAY, p. 92: [As in 1659 How.].
1732 FUL., no. 2676: If every Fool were to wear a Bauble, they
would grow dear.
Cf. F549: If all fools wore white caps we should seem a flock of
geese.
F549 If all FOOLS wore white caps we should seem a
flock of geese
1640 HERB., no. 509. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
308: (wore Feathers). 1664 COD., p. 202: (did wear white Caps,
the whole World would seem).
Cf. F548: If all fools had (were to wear) baubles we should want
fuel (fuel would be dear).
F550 If FOOLS should not fool it they shall lose their
season
1640 HERB., no. 699.
F551 If FOOLS went not to market bad ware would not
be sold
I611 COT., s.v. Marche: (to Markets bad wares). 1640 HERB., no.
66: Were there no fooles, badd ware would not passe. 1658 [ED-
MONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 19: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 19: If fools did not go to the market, ill wares would
never be sold. I659 N.R., p. 69: (to market all wares would be
kept). Ibid., p. I 18: Were there not fools bad ware would not
passe. 1664 COD., p. 202: (to the Market, bad Ware would never be
sold). 1670 RAY, p. 10: *Hispan. 1696 D’ URFEY3 Don Quix. I, p.
219: (If Coxcombs went not).
See DiiR., II, no. 77.
I732 FUL., no. 2677: (bad Wares).
F552 Lend and lose, so play FOOLS
I678 RAY, p. 347.
F553 No small FOOLS have committed this fault
1616 WITHALS, p. 558: No small fooleshaue been infected with this
fault. 1639 CL., p. I.
F554 There two FOOLS met
I672 WALK. 10, p. 14: Two fools well met. I721 KEL., p. 338:
*Spoken to them that say they refused such a considerable Price for
such a Penyworth. That is, he was a Fool that Offered it, and you
a Fool that refus’d it. 1732 FUL., no. 5679: Where two Fools
meet, the Bargain goes off.
F555 Two FOOLS in a house are too many
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 62: Me thinketh it were no good
match, for two fooles in one bed are too many. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1281: Tua fools in ane house is overmanie. I668 R.B., p. 50:
[As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 324. 1732 FUL., no. 5328: (too
many by a Couple).
See DI'iR., II, no. 756. Cf. S717: Two sparrows on one ear of
corn cannot agree; W32 5: Two whores in a house will never agree.
F556 We are FOOLS one to another
1640 HERB., no. 377.
308: We are Fools to one another.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
1664 COD., p. 228.
F557 Who has neither FOOLS nor beggars nor whores
among his kindred was born of a stroke of
thunder
1659 How. It. Prov., p. I I: (or whores). 1664 COD., p. 228. I732
FUL., no. 2144: He that has no Fools, Knaves, nor Beggars in his
Family, was begot by a Flash of Lightning.
Cf. F49: It is a poor family (kin) which has neither a whore nor
a thief in it; S273: Shame in a kindred cannot be avoided.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8'.
FOOLERY 234
FOOT

F558 No FOOLERY to1 falling-out
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 27.
['like]
F559 The least FOOLISH is wise
I640 HERB., no. 904. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
308: (is counted wise). 1659 N.R., p. 104. 1664 COD., p. 222: They
who are least foolish are Wis.
F560-F580 FOOT =the human foot
F560 As softly as FOOT can fall
1530 PALS., p. 570b: I go as softe as foote maye fall. 1587 TURBER-
VILLE Trag. Tales 1, p. 30: There stalkte he on, as softe as foote
could tread. 1616 WITHALS, p. 576. 1670 RAY, p. 207. 1672
WALK. 99, p. 33: (To go as softly as). 1681 ROB., p. 1 I45: (Softly
as).
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 A.Y. III ii 345: [Time gallops] With a thief
to the gallows; for though he go as softly as foot can fall, he thinks
himself too soon there.
F561 Better a bare FOOT than no foot at all (none)
1611 COT., s.v. Nud: A bare foot is better then none. I640 HERB.,
no. 78: (none). 1659 N.R., p. 21: (none). 1664 COD., p. 187.
1670 RAY, p. 10. 1694 D’UREEY 1 Don Quix. I i, p. 12: (Better on
bare Foot than).
See DUR., I, no. 190.
F562 Do not make the FOOT the head
1546 HEY. II v, s. HIv: Folke show muche foly, whan thyngs
shuld be sped, To ten to the foote, that may go to the bed. 1576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 93: Shall I make more account of the meaner
parts than of the head. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 43:
Then how vaine is it Euphues . . that the foote should neglect his
office to correct the face. I594 GREENE AND LODGE Looking Glass,
s. F2: For if the feete the head shall hold in scorne, The Cities state
will fall and be forlorne. [a16oo] 1639 DELONEY Gentle Craft II, p.
86: Should I . . forsake all these to make my foot my head and my
servant my superiour. 1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears II iv 168:
Or am I now so scant of worthy suitors . . that I must stoop to
make my foot my head. 1613 E. CARY Mariam I iii, s. B2v: Come
Mariam, let vs goe: it is no boote To let the head contend against
the foote. 1616 DR., no. 781: It is folly to runne to the foote, when
one may runne to the head. 1634 R. BROME AND T. HEYWOOD
Lane. Witches I, p. 179: I would become my childes childe, and
make my foot my head. 1639 CL., p. 91: Better goe to th’ head
than to the feet.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOOs—8 T. Ath. I i 93: Mean eyes have seen The
foot above the head. 1611 Temp. I ii 468: What, I say, My foot
my tutor?
Cf. H317: I will not set at my heart what I should set at my
heel (what you set at your heel).
F563 The FOOT on the cradle and the hand on the
distaff is the Sign of a good housewife
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 2: (on the Distaf‘f; a sign of). 1664 COD.,
p. 217. 1670 RAY, p. 14: (and hand). *Hispan. 1705 Pleas. Art,
p. 152: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1721 KEL., p. 307: (The Foot at the
Cradle, and the Hand at the Roke [distaff]). *Only spoken jocose-
1y when we see a Woman spinning, and rocking the Cradle with her
Foot, a Sight very common in my Country. 1732 FUL., no. 4541:
The Foot on the Cradle, the Hands on the Distafl'.
F564 A foul FOOT makes a full wame1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 115: (a full womb). 1668 R.B., p. 8: (a fon
wemb). 1721 KEL., p. 27: (a full Weime). *Industry will be sure
of a Maintenance. A Man that carefully goes about his Business
will have foul Feet.
[lbelly]
F565 A going (walking) FOOT is aye getting, if it were
but a thorn
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 93: Ane gangand fute is ay getting albeit it
wer bot ane broken toe. 1641 FERG., no. 97: A gangand fit is ay

F568
F571
getting. 1668 R.B., p. 7: (A gangan foot is ay getting, and it were).
1670 RAY, p. 262: A walking foot is ay getting. 1721 KEL., p. 1 1:
*A Man of Industry will certainly get a Living: Though this Prov-
erb is Often apply’d to those who went abroad, and got a Mischief,
when they might have staid safely at home.
F566 He that has one FOOT in the straw (a bawdy-
house) has another in the spittle (hospital)
1640 HERB., no. 434. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13: Who hath one
foot in a baudy house, hath the other in the Hospital. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2402: He who sets one Foot in a Bawdy-house, claps t'other in
an Hospital.
F567 Measure yourself (not another) by your own
FOOT
[ERAS. Adagia, 255E: Tuo te pede metire.] 1552 TAV., f. 60: *By
this prouerbe we be therefore warned that we dylate not our selues
beyond our condition and state, neyther yet esteme our selues by
the prayses of fiatterours, or opinion of the people, or by fauoure O f
false fortune, but only by our propre and true qualities. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 219: [They] can be likened to nothing
els so well, then as if a man should be constrayned to pull on a shooe
by an others last, not by the length of his owne foote. 1598 BAROK-
LEY Fel. Man Pref. to Rdr., s. A7v: Having measured my selfe (as
the Proverbe is) with mine owne foot, by which I know my insuf-
ficiency. 1598 R. BERNARD Andria IV i, p. 62: Hee measures
another mans foote by his owne last. 1732 FUL., no. 3319: Make
not another’s Shoes, by your own Foot.
Cf. C663: You measure everyone’s corn by your own bushel; Y1:
You measure everyone by your own yard.
One FOOT is better than two crutches (stilts)
1611 COT., s.v. Pied: (stilts). 1640 HERB., no. 765. 1658 [ED-
MONDsON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 237: And better is one Foot then
two Crutches. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: (stilts). 1659 N.R., p.
82.
F569 To have one FOOT in Charon’s boat
[ERAS. Adagia, 427B: Alterum pedem in cymba Charontis habere.]
1616 R.C. Times’ Whistle l. 2266, p. 72: But perhaps being olde,
One foote already within Charons bote, Thou thinkst it time enough
to change thy cote To a more Christian habit. I666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Fossa, p.66: To be old, and bedrid . . To have one foot in
Caron’s ferry-boat. '
Cf. E57: He is upon the edge of his grave; M346: An old man has
one foot in the grave.
F570 To set the best (better) FOOT (leg) forward
(before)
[a1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. C3: Com behynd and
folow me. Set out the better leg I warne the. 1577 GOLDING
Ahraham’s Saar. I. 482, p. 23: Now hye thee Cowle, set forth the
better foote. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho IV, s. F2:
Set the best of your little diminitiue legges before, and ride post I
pray. 1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, s. G2v: Come Serieant, put
the better legge before. 1622 MABBE Rogue II 11 i, III 191: And
that we might sooner get into Florence, we did set the best foot
before, and made a little more haste, then other wise we would have
done. 1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair Maid West II, p. 355: I can scarce
set the best leg forward. 1700 CONGREVE Way World IV, p. 59:
At a time when you shou’d commence an Amour and put your best
foot foremost.
SHAKEsPEARE.—1592 T. And. II iii 192: Come on, my lords; the
better foot before. 1596 K3. IV ii 170: Nay, but make haste!
the better foot before.
See ST., no. 176. Cf. S431: To set the fair (best) side forward
(outward). (6)
To take one FOOT out of the mire and put in the
other
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13. 1732 FUL., no. 5479: What avails
it me, to draw one Foot out of the Mire, and stick the other in?

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FOOT
FORCE
235

F572 To thrust one’s FOOT under another man’s table
1678 RAY, p. 272: (To thrust his feet). 1732 FUL., no. 5247.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQ4-8 T.S. II i 402: Your father were a fool To
give thee all, and in his waning age Set foot under thy table.
Cf. D375: To hold one’s dish under another person’s ladle.
F573 When one treads upon thee draw thy F00T to
thee
1492 Salomon and Mareolp/zus, s. B1v: Whan a man tredyth drawe
to you youre fete. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 30.
F574 All FEET tread not in one shoe
1640 HERB., no. 493. 1664 COD., p. 186. 1670 RAY, p. 20.
F575 Better the FEET slip than the tongue
I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 122: Remembring alwayes that it is
better to slip with the foote, then with the, tongue. 1591 FLOR.
See. F. VI, p. 97: Better it is with foote to slip, Then with the tongue
to trip. 1607 ROWLANDS Diog. Lanthorn, p. 44: T’is better stumble
with thy feet Then stumble with thy tongue. 1611 COT., s.v.
Glisser: Better the foot slip then the tongue trip. 1623 WOD., p.
503: Better is it to slide with the Foot then with the Tongue. 1640
HERB., no. 53. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 179:
Better may a mans foot slip then his tongue trip. *Commonly the
tripping of the tongue and the slipping of the foot happen both
together. Now if a man be late abroad, ’tis better that his tongue
should trip then his foot slip, for he may chance to fall in the street,
and have a coach go over him. 1659 N.R., p. 22. 1664 COD., p.
187: (Better that the). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 129: Its better to
slip with ones feet, than with the tongue. 1670 RAY, p. 26: (Better
that the). 1732 FUL., no. 932: (Foot). I734 FRANKLIN, p. 7:
Better slip with foot than tongue. 1747 FRANKLIN, p. 24: A Slip
of the Foot you may soon recover, But a Slip of the Tongue you
may never get over.
F576 Dry FEET, warm head bring safe to bed
1640 HERB., no. 398.
Cf. F579: Keep thy feet dry, thy mouth moist; H253: The head
and feet keep warm, the rest will take no harm; M1248: A cool
mouth and warm feet live long.
F577 He thinks his FEET be where his head shall
never come
I562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 29. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. H2V:
Thy cherefull countenaunce . . deserueth to matche with one whose
feete standeth higher than euer my head will reache. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 342: (Some thinke their feete be Where their head).
F578 His FEET that are accustomed to wander cannot
stand still
1616 DR., no. 2326.
F579 Keep thy FEET dry, thy mouth moist
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 22. 1664 COD., p. 203.
LIN, p. 6: Keep your mouth wet, feet dry.
Cf. F576: Dry feet, warm head bring safe to bed; H253: The
head and feet keep warm, the rest will take no harm; M1248: A
cool mouth and warm feet live long.
1733 FRANK-
F579a To be cold on one’s FEET
1607 JONSON Volp. II ii 40: I am not (as your Lombard prouerb
saith) cold on my feet.
F580 You have o’er foul FEET to come so far ben1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1608. 1721 KEL., p. 372: *That is, you are
too mean to pretend to such a Courtship.
[linto the house]
F581-F582 FooT =unit of measure
F581 He will not come within forty F00T of him
1616 WITHALS, p. 572. 1639 CL., s.v. Discordia, p. 94.
Cf. P32: I would not touch him with a pair of tongs.


F582 Six FEET of earth make all men equal
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 210. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
6, p. 285: Six foot of earth shuts up every one.
Cf. D143: Death is the grand leveler; G428: We Shall lie all alike
in our graves.
F583 The nimblest FOOTMAN is a false tale
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3.
Cf. P489: The lame post brings the truest news.
F584 FORBEARANCE (Omittance, Sufi'erance) is no
quittance (acquittance)
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4v: But suffrance is no quittance in this day-
ment. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33: Forbearance is no pay-
ment. 1591 FLOR. See. F. VII, p. 123: [As in 1578 Flor.]. 1592
drden F., s. D2: But forberance is no acquittance, another time
wele do it I warrant thee. 1592 GREENE Black B/r. Mess., p. 34:
I learne, that reuenge deferd is not quittanst: that though God
suffer the wicked for a time yet hee paies home at length. 1596
SPENSER IV iii 11: But to forbeare doth not forgiue the det.
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iii, s. E1: You haue most learnedly
proverbde it, commending the vertue of patience or forbearance,
but yet you knowe forbearance is no quittance. 1602 Liberality
and Prod. III v, s. E2v: But will you haue me say my fantasie,
Quod differtur, non aufertur. For assuredly the Gentleman will
neuer hold himselfe quiet, Till once more he come to taste of this
dyet. 1605 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 332: (acquit-
tance). 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 332. 1616 DR., no. 1598: (acquit-
tance). 1616 WITHALS, p. 578. 1635 HENRY OXINDEN (to Sir
Basil Dixwell, Mar. 28) in Oxinden Let. 81, p. 98: Ther is a saying
Quod diHertur non aufertur. 1639 CL., p. 305. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 7. 1667 MILTON Par. Lost X 52, p. 306: [Man] soon shall
find Forbearance no acquittance ere day end. 1670 RAY, p. 92:
(acquittance). 1732 FUL., no. 1587: (Acquittance).
SHAKESPEARE—159911.17. III v 133: But that’s all one: omittance
is no quittance.
See ST., no. 2312. Cf. T150: The thing that is fristed is not
forgiven. (6)
F585 What is FORBIDDEN (baneful) is desired
1573 SANF., f. 21: Mans desire is kindled through things forbidden.
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 77: For our nature is to run upon that
which is forbidden us; vices the more prohibited, the more provoked.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 24: Besides that, we naturallye are
desirous of thinges whiche are forbidden us. 1596 DEL., s. O5v:
We desire most the thing forbidden vs. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 409:
Forbid a thing and that we wil do. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial.,
p. 52: Forbidding is cause of desire. 1606 MARSTON Parasitaster
Vi 15: Let it be lawful to make use, ye powers, Of human weakness,
that pursueth still What is inhibited. 1608 Yorkshire Trag., s.
C1 v: Would vertue had been forbidden, we should then haue prooued
all vertuous, for tis our bloude to loue what wee are forbidden.
1611 COT., s.v. Veé: We couet most what we are most forbidden.
1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet II: Wks., p. 183: So (gens humana
ruit in vetitum nefas) Mans nature praecipitates it selfe into for-
bidden wickednesse. [1624] 16 54 GLAPTHORNE [AND CHAPMAN]
Rev.for Hon. II i 1 10: AS pride or lust does minds unstaid and wan-
ton: ’T makes men like poison’d rats, which when they ’ve swallow’d
The pleasing bane, rest not until they drink, And can rest then
much less, until they burst with’t. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 66.
1671 CL. P/zras. Puer., p. 84: Men are most mad of, what is forbid-
den.
SHAKESPEARE.—16o4 M.M. I ii 132: Our natures do pursue, Like
rats that ravin down their proper bane, A thirsty evil, and when
we drink we die.
See OTTO, no. 948. Cf. F477: Forbid a fool a thing and that he
will do; F779: Stolen fruit is (Stolen apples are) sweet; W650:
A woman does that which is forbidden her.
F586 There is a great FORCE hidden in a sweet com-
mand
I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 108: Threatning words, wherewith
they make all the house to Shake; not knowing that (as the Poet

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FORD
FORTUNE
236

saith) Great force lies hid in gentle Soveraigntie. 1640 HERB.,
no. 585. 1659 N.R., p. 102. 1664 COD., p. 220: (There is great
force hidden under).
Cf. L487: It is better to obtain by love than force.
F587 Ruse1 the FORD as you find it
1574 GASCOIGNE Ep. Ded. Div.: Posies, p. 6: Yet is it true that I
must take the Foord as I finde it. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1155.
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 22: Praise the Foord, as cause thou find.
1668 R.B., p. 46. 1721 KEL., p. 283: *Commend Men as you have
found them averse, or favourable to your Interest.
Cf. P83: Praise at parting; P549: It is not good praising a ford
till a man be over.
[lpraise]
F588 FORECAST is better than work-hard (as good as
work)
1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears II iv 98: (than labour). 1636 CAM.,
p. 295: Forecast is as good as work. i.e. forethought better
than work hard. 1639 CL., s.v. Perspicuitas, p. 252: A good fore-
caster is better than a bad worker. 1664 COD., p. 185: [As in 1639
Cl.]. Ibid., p. 192: Forcasting is as good as working. 1670 RAY,
p. 92. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Forecast: (Forecast sometimes is). 1721
KEL., p. 118: Good Forecast makes Work easy. I732 FUL., no.
1588.
F589 He has a fair FOREHEAD to graft on
1678 RAY, p. 245. 1732 FUL., no. 1855.
F590 In the FOREHEAD and in the eye the lecture 0f
the heart (mind) doth lie
[ERAS. Adagia, 5248: Ex fronte perspicere.] 1611 JONSON Cat. IV
434, p. 511: In short, let it be writ in each mans fore-head What
thoughts he beares the publike. 1616 DR., no. 654: (of the heart is
read). 1639 CL., s.v. Pudor, p. 269: (and the eye, the lecture of
the mind doth lie). 1640 HERB., no. 216: The heart’s letter is read
in the eyes. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 5: His fault may be read in
his forehead. Ibid., p. 24: Every ones fault is writ in his forehead.
1659 N.R., p. 96: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 217: [As in
1640 Herb.]. 1670 RAY, p. 92: [As in 1639 CL]. 1672 WALK. 75,
p. 43: [As in 1639 Cl.]. 1732 FUL., no. 6110: (of the Mind doth lie).
Cf. E231: The eye is the window of the heart (mind); F1: The
face is the index of the heart (mind).
F591 That which one most FOREHETS1 soonest comes
to pass
1678 RAY, p. 71.
[lanticipates]
F592 The longer FORENOON the Shorter afternoon
1546 HEY. I xiii, s. F2.
Cf. E45: The longer east the shorter west.
F593 Beware of the FORE PART of a woman, the hind
part of a mule, and all sides of a priest (monk)
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 99: To womens forepartes doo not aspire,
From a mules hinder parte retire, And shun all partes of monke or
frire. 1623 WOD., p. 276: Get thee far from the fore partes of
Women, and from the hinder parts of Asses, and from all sides of
Monkes. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: Withdraw thy self from before
a woman, from behind a mule, and from all sides of a monk. 1732
FUL., no. 978.
Cf. H376: Take heed of an ox before, a horse (an ass) behind, of
a monk (parson) on all Sides; M1000: There is no mischief but a
priest at one end.
F594 She lies backward and lets out her FOREROOMS
1611 TOURNEUR Ath. Trag. V ii, p. 248: She’s forc’d To let her
fore-roomes out to others, and Her selfe contented to lie backwards.
1639 Con., Clinches, Flashes and Whimsies in Shak. 7est~Bks., III
72: She lay backwards, and did let out her fore-roomes. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Valentino, p. 224: In drollery spoken of such

Women as love to be doing; which the English express by Lying
Backwards, and Letting out their Fore-Rooms. 1678 RAY, p. 90:
*A Whore. 1694 MO'I‘TEUX Gargantua IV lxiv, III 224: Will they
lye backwards, and let out their fore-rooms?
F595 One good FOREWIT is worth two afterwits
[ERAS. Adagia, 38F: Malo accepto stultus sapit.] 1546 HEY. I
viii, 5. C1: Yet is one good forewyt worth two after wits. 1552
TAV., f. 3: [As in Eras.]. *The englyshe man sayeth. Better is one
fore thought than two after. [1588] 1617 GREENE Alcida, p. 65:
One fore-wit is worth 2 after: it is not good to beware when the act
is done. 1616 DR., no. 1753. 1664 COD., p. 207.
Cf. T247: Second thoughts are best.
F596 Long absent soon FORGOTTEN
[1547-53] CI565 WEVER Lusty Yuventus, s. C3v: By longe absense
brought out of memory. 1591 STER, p. 152: Absence doth pur-
chase forgetfulnesse of friends. 1611 COT., s.v. Ami: Long ab-
sence. . breeds forgetfulnesse. 1616 DR., no. 9. 1659 N.R., p.
74. 1664 COD., p. 203: (and soon). 1670 RAY, p. 55.
SHAKESPEARE.——1604 0. III iii 17: I being absent, and my place
supplied, My general will forget my love and service.
See ST., no. 1691. Cf. S208: Seldom seen soon forgotten; S438:
Out of Sight out of mind.
F597 FORGIVE and forget
1526 BONDE Pilgr. Perf., f. 12: God (not onely) forgyueth all his
synnes but also forgeteth them. 1546 HEY. II iii, s. G2: So it is,
that all our great fraie the last nyght, Is forgeuen and forgotten
betwene vs quight. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 233: Seeing I
meane altogether to forgette hit, I meane also to forgiue hir. 1590
GREENE Never Too Late, p. 137. 01592 KYD Span. Trag. III xiv,
s. I4v: We haue forgotten and forgiuen that. 1600 Weakest to
Wall, s. A4: Let slip the memorie of that mishap, And now forget
it, and forgiue it too. 1621 ELSING Debates House Lords, p. 74:
I am sorry for it; I praye forgive and forgett. 1631 R. OXINDEN
(to Valentine Pettie the Younger) in Oxinden Let. 68, p. 80: I
desire that my frendes will forget and forgive all the thingis that
ar past. 1696 T. SOUTHERNE Oroonoko V ii, p. 343: Endeavour to
forget, sir, and forgive. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 398: You must
forget and forgive.
SHAKESPEARE.—159I 3 Hen. VI III iii 200: I forgive and quite
forget old faults. 1596 Rich. II I i 156: Forget, forgive; conclude
and be agreed. 1602 A.W. V iii 9: I have forgiven and forgotten
all. 1605—6 K.L. IV vii 8 5: Pray you now, forget and forgive.
F508 Better to have good FORTUNE than be a rich
man’s child
1639 CL., p. 49. 1664 WILSON And. Comnenius I iii, p. 127:
Luck’s all: ’Tis better to be fortunate Than be a rich man’s son.
Cf. H140: It is better to be happy (fortunate) than wise; W560:
Little wit serves unto whom fortune pipes.
F599 FORTUNE can take from us nothing but what she
gave us (our goods but not our Virtue)
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 221: Fortune can but take
from us what is hers. 1596 DEL., s. M8v: Fortune can take away
our goods, but neuer our vertue. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 96:
Fortune gives and takes away all wealth; only over virtue she hath
no power. 1732 FUL., no. 1598.
See OTTO, no. 698.
F600 FORTUNE favors fools
1563 GOOGE Eclog. Epit. and S0nn., p. 74: But Fortune fa[v]ours
Fooles as old men saye. 1576 FULWELL Ars Adulandi I, s. B3:
I deeme you are guided by this Prouerbial reason, Fortune fauour-
eth fooles. 1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. I ii 178: One of those
that fortune fauours. —The Periphrasis of a foole. 1607 DEKKER
AND WEBSTER West. Ho IV ii, s. G1: Fortune fauors fooles, your
Lords a wise Lord. 1612 JONSON Alch. Prol., l. 1: Fortune, that
fauours fooles, these two short houres We wish away. 1616 BRET.,
p. 5. 1639 CL., p. 125: (Fortune sometimes). 1670 RAY, p. 92.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FORTUNE 237
FORTUNE


1687 SEDLEY Bellamira II, p. 13: Does my patron lose? fortune
favours fools. 1732 FUL., no. 1599.
Cf. F536: Fools have fortune (are fortunate); G220: God sends
fortune to fools. (7)
F601 FORTUNE favors the bold (hardy, valiant)
[ERAS. Adagia, 88C: Fortes fortuna adjuvat.] 1481 CAXTON
Reynard 27, p. 66: Who that is hardy th[e] auenture helpeth hym.
1539 TAV., f. 9V: Fortune helpeth men of good courage. I559
COOPER, s.v. Fortis: Fortune fortherethe bolde aduenturers. I576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 79: This saying is no less tried than true, that
fortune ever favoureth the valiant. I580 BARET, F—970: Fortune
doth fauour alwaies those, which doe enterprise any act. 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ff2: Oft hast thou heard it, and nowe shalt
thou trie it, that fortune most vsually fauoures the venterous.
1586 WITHALS, s. N6v: Fortune helpes the bolde and hardy. 1596
DEL., s. M8v: Fortune doth helpe the hardie men, and despiseth
the cowards. 1596 SPENSER F22. IV ii 7: So fortune friends the
bold. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8: Fortune reacheth her hand to a
bold man-
Cf. H302: Faint heart ne’er won fair lady. (9)
F602 FORTUNE hates the slothful
I616 WITHALS, p. 547. 1664 COD., p. 192.
Cf. F603: Fortune helps him that’s willing to help himself.
F603 FORTUNE helps him that’s willing to help himself
I611 COT., s.v. Aider. 1664 COD., p. 192: Fortune is willing to help
those who are willing to help themselves.
Cf. F602: Fortune hates the slothful; G236: Help thyself and
God will help thee; H412: He helps little that helps not himself.
F604 FORTUNE (Justice) is blind
I588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 245: Fortune although blind . . sent
them .. a good gale of winde. 01592 KYD Span. Trag. I iii, s.
B2v: Fortune is blinde, and sees not my desertes. I600 JONSON
Ev. Man out Hum. I ii 157: Who can endure to see blinde Fortune
dote thus? I601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels Induct., l. 29, p. 36:
Fortune was not altogether blind in this. 1602 [W.S.] Ld. Crom-
well, s. B2v: Fickle is fortune and her face is blinde. I607 MARS-
TON What You WillI i 52. 1631 DRUE Duch. Suflolk IV, s. H3:
Iustice is blind, gaze not vpon our persons . . But fixe the eye of
iudgement on our case. 1631 JONSON New Inn II v 132: Fortune’s
a Bawd, And a blind Begger. I640 JONSON Tale Tub II v 34:
Justice is blind, and having a blind Guide, She may be apt to slip
aside. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 93: Blind fortune blindeth her
creatures. I669 DRYDEN Wild Gallant V iii, p. I 17: Justice is blind,
he knows nobody.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M.V. II i 36: So may I, blind Fortune
leading me, Miss that which one unworthier may attain. I599
Hen. VIII vi 3o: [Fortune] That goddess blind. Ibid. III vi 33:
Fortune is painted plind, with a muffler afore her eyes, to signify
to you that Fortune is plind.
See OTTO, no. 694. (11)
F605 FORTUNE (Woman) is constant only in incon-
stancy
1562 BROOKE Romeus and Yul. l. 1668, p. 188: In nothing Fortune
constant is, save in inconstancie. 1562 HEY. Epig. 70, p. 114:
A constant man I affirme him constantly, For he is constant in
inconstancy. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. E2: It [wealth] is con-
stant in nothing but inconstancie. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and
Fort. II iv, S. D2: [Women] Constant in naught, but in inconstancie.
I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 54: Constant in nothing but incon-
Stancie, [she] thought to make them myrrours of her mutabilitie.
1590 MARLOWE 2 Tamburlane III i 28: But that proud Fortune . .
Will now retain her old inconstancy. I594 PEELE Battle Alcazar
II iii, s. CIv: O fortune constant in vnconstancie! I600 THYNNE
Embl. and Epig., p. 9: Soe the vncertaine light and Wilde fowle
fortune variable, whoe onlie in vnconstancie doth shewe herself
most stable. I604 MARSTON Malcontent I ii 95: Mistresses in dis-
sembling, only constant in unconstancy. 1605 Fair Maid Bristow,

F611
8. E3: Constant in nought, but in vnconstancie. 1636 SAMPSON
Vow Breaker I iii, p. 19: By my Hollidam, juglers, constant in
nothing but Inconstancy, thats the French Merchandize. I664].
WILSON And. Comnenius V viii, p. 208: The uncertain people,
Constant to nothing but inconstancy. '
See OTTO, no. 698; T. 114, p. 107.
Cf. W449: You may as well
turn the wind as a woman.
(12)
F606 FORTUNE is fickle
01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. BI : As for the treasure that
you possesse heer, Through ficklenes of Fortune soon fadeth away.
01569 PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 1679, s. G3v: Fortune is fickle,
although shee do smyle, Her chaunges vnstable, full of mutabyli tie.
[01570] 1599 Clyomon and Clamydes xiii, s. E4: Ah fortune fickle
dame, That canst make glad and so soone sad, a Knight of worthie
fame. 01570 T. PRESTON Cambyses, s. C2v: O false and fickle
frowning dame, that turneth as the winde. 1602 Liberality and
Prod. I iii, s. B1v: Whilome hath bin taught that fortunes hold is
tickle, She beares a double face, disguised, false, and fickle.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V III vi 29: And giddy Fortune’s
furious fickle wheel—That goddess blind, That stands upon the
rolling restless stone.
See OTTO, no. 695. Cf. C233: There is change of all things.
F607 FORTUNE is made of glass
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus V ii, p. I 59. Men saye trewely herein,
Fortune is made of glasse, whiche whyle it shineth moste gloriouse,
is broken a sonder. ‘
See OTTO, no. 696.
F608 FORTUNE knocks once at least at every man’s
door
1567 G. FENTON Trag. Dis. 10, II 148: Fortune once in the course
of our life dothe put into our handes the offer of a good torne.
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, V, III 47: It is not fit that whilst
good lucke is knocking at our doore, we shut it: let us therefore
saile with this prosperous winde.
See SM., p. 112. Cf. F615: When fortune smiles upon thee take
the advantage of it; S23: Hoist your sail when the wind is fair.
F609 FORTUNE to one is mother, to another is step-
mother
1596 DEL., s. M8v: (and to another stepmother).
P- 370-
1651 HERB.,
1659 N.R., p. 32: (is a mother, another a stepmother).
F610 Great FORTUNE brings with it great misfortune
1651 HERB., p. 371. 1659 N.R., p. 37. 1732 FUL., no. 194:
A great Fortune, in the Hands of a Fool, is a great Misfortune.
He dances well to whom FORTUNE pipes
1573 SANF., f. 102: (well inough). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f.
27v: (vnto whom). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 226. 1616 DR., no. 777.
I629 Bk. Mer Rid. 59, p. 28: (well enough). 1636 CAM., p. 297.
1639 CL., p. 198. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: He danceth well who
hath Fortune to pipe unto him. I659 N.R., p. 45. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 17, p. 20: He danceth well enough, to whom Fortune plays.
I670 RAY, p. 77.
Cf. B535: A fortunate boor needs but be born; M146: Give a
man luck (fortune) and throw him into the sea; W560: Little wit
serves unto whom fortune pipes.
F612 He that has no ill FORTUNE is troubled with good
1640 HERB., no. 354. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 182.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (He who and is cloy’d with good).
1659 N.R., p. 55. I670 RAY, p. 10: [As in 1659 How.]. 1754
FRANKLIN, p. 31: (will be troubled with good).
F613 If FORTUNE favor I may have her, for I go about
her; if fortune fail you may kiss her tail and
go without her
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. I670 RAY, p. 212.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FORTUNE
FOWLER
238

F614 If FORTUNE me torments yet hope does me con-
tent
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw.,p. 16: When thy fortuneis weakest,
let thy hopes be strongest. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2 lien. [V II iv 195: ‘Si fortune me tor-
mente, sperato me contento.’ Ibid. V v 102: ‘Si fortuna me tor-
menta, spero contenta.’
Cf. D212: Desire torments us and hope comforts us.
F615 When FORTUNE smiles upon thee take the advan-
tage of it
1611 COT., s.v. Heur: Good fortune quickly slips from such as heed
it not. 1616 WITHALS, p. 539. 1669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help
Discourse, p. 192: When fortune smiles on thee take advantage.
1670 RAY, p. 10: When Fortune smiles on thee take the advantage.
1732 FUL., no. 5553: When Fortune smiles, embrace her.
Cf. F608: Fortune knocks once at least at every man's door;
P308: When the pig is proffered (offered) hold up (open) the poke;
T283: The tide must be taken when it comes; T311: Take time
(occasion) by the forelock, for she is bald behind.
F616 When ill FORTUNE lies asleep let none awake
her
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 1.
Cf. W7: It is evil (ill, not good) waking of a sleeping dog.
F617 FORTUNE’S wheel is ever turning
[c1517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. F3v: Remembre the tourne of
fortunes whele That wantonly can wynke and wynche with her
hele. 1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes III ii, p. 212: Thus have I beene
tossed nowe over, nowe under, even as fortune list to whirle the
wheele. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30v: Despayre not, though
fortune be contrary, for her wheele doth alwayes turne about.
1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV xx, 11 238: The wheele of For-
tune turnes about more swiftly, then that of a mil. I651 HERB.,
p. 368: Not only ought fortune to be pictured on a wheel, but
everything else in this world. 1692 R. L’ESTRANOE Fables 14, I 15:
The Wheel of Time, and of Fortune is still Rolling.
SHAKEsPEARE.—1599 Hen. V III vi 29: And giddy Fortune’s
furious fickle wheel—That goddess blind, That stands upon the
rolling restless stone.
Cf. C233: There is change of all things; S768: The highest spoke
in fortune’s wheel may soon turn lowest. ( 5)
F618 Farewell (Gramercy) FORTY PENcE, Jack Noble
is dead
[A contemptuous dismissal.] [1486-1500] 1530MEDWALLNatureII,
s. F2: She opened a wyndow and put forth her hed Hens . . xl.d.
[forty pence] quod she. Jak noble ysa bed. [01570] I599 Clyomon
and Clamydcs xvi, s. F2v: Nay varewell vorty pence, yeare a knaue.
I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. T4: Farewell fortie pence, too deare of
three shillings. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng.f0r My Money, s. F4:
Farewell fortipence, goe seeke your Signor, I hope youle finde your
selues two Dolts anone. [1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. V, s. K2:
Why, farewell 40 pence, I ha fisht fair and caught a frog. 1631
LENTON Char. 17, p. 72: Her purse . . seldom exonerates itself till the
masster appears, and then farwell forty-pence. 1639 CL., s.v.
Contemptus et vilitatis, p. 68. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13:
(Gramercy). 1670 RAY, p. 215: (Gramercy).
F619 Be sure to build on a good FOUNDATION
1591 STEP., p. 154: Set thy house vpon a sure foundation. I612
BRINSLEY [the Elder] Grammar Sch. III, p. 14: The foundation well
layd, the building must needs goe forward much more happily.
1616 DR., s.v. Counsell, no. 385: (A man must build on). Ibid.,
s.v. Warinesse, no. 2349. 1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xx, III
150: Upon a good foundation, a good building may be raised, and
money is the best bottome and foundation that is in the world.
1639 CL., s.v. Consilium, p. 67. 1732 FUL., no. 3578: No good
building without a good Foundation.
Cf. B708: A high building a low foundation.

F620 Count not FOUR except you have them in a
wallet (bag)
1640 HERB., no. 955. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 229: Count not
four, till they be in the bag.
Cf. C292: You count (reckon) your chickens before they be
hatched.
F621 FOUR make up a mess
I549 LATIMER Serm. 1 1, p. 179: There lacks a fourth thing to make
up the mess. I576 WAPULL Tide Tarries N0 Man, s. D3v: And
you are the fourth to make vp the messe. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde,
p. I I 3: I would Rosader were here to make vp a messe. 1594 LYLY
Mother B. II i 122: Foure makes a messe. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man
in Hum. I iii 70: Ile furnish our feast with one gull more to’ard the
messe.
SHAKESPEARE.——I594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 207: You three fools lack’d
me fool to make up the mess.
F622 He that has but FOUR and spends five has no
need of a purse '
1623 WOD., p. 278: Who hath but Foure, and spendeth Seauen,
Needeth no Purse to put his Money in. 1732 FUL., no. 2134.
Cf. H808: Who has a hundred and owes a hundred and one
needs not fear; who has a hundred and one and owes one hundred
and two, I recommend him to God.
F623 AS like as F OURPENCE to a groat1
01563 Yack juggler, s. E1v: And in eueri thing as iust as iiii pens to
a grot. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Soldi, p. 194: (As the English
say, As neer as). 1670 RAY, p. 205.
[1fourpence]
F624 As glad as a FOWL of a fair day
1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. E4v: Who restes no lesse glad of
his place, then the Foule of a fayre day. 1639 CL., p. 185: (as
fowle). 1678 RAY, p. 285.
Cf. F444: As glad as a fool of a fair day.
F625 Far FOWLS have fair feathers
01520 DUNBAR Sir Yet Remember 1. 21: Poems, II 105: Ay farest
faderis hes farrest fowlis; Suppois thay haif no sang but youlis.
1552 CAIUS Bk. agst. Sweat, f. 28: Farre foules haue faire fethers,
althoughe thei be never so evel favoured and foule. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 393. a1615 MONTGOMERIE Poet Reasons 1. 38: Poems,
p. 177: Far foullis hes ay fair fethers, sum will say. 1616 DR., no.
502: In farre Countries are golden crowes. 1668 R.B., p. 18.
1721 KEL., p. 102: *Spoken when People extol what they have
heard or seen elsewhere, as giving little Credit to them.
Cf. F27: Fair and far ofl'; F342: Like Flanders landscapes
(Flanders pieces), that look fair at a distance but coarser near at
hand; F413: Far folk fare best; M450: He esteems each man’s
birds and jewels better than his own; N1 15: Our neighbor’s ground
yields better corn than our own.
F626 The FOWLER is caught (taken) in his own net
(snare)
[ERAS. Adagia, 4913: Sue ipsius laqueo captus est.] 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., I 125: She may be taken in the net which she layeth to
entangle other. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 39: You shall bee then
taken in your owne net. 1601 WILBRAHAM Your” p. 42: But ther
curses shall retorne upon themselves and they shalbe intrapped in
ther owne snares. 1630 D’AVENANT Cruel Brother V, p. 195: I’m
surpriz’d in my own snare. 1641 Fowler Caught 916 in Rollins
Analyt. Index, p. 83: The fl'owler caught in his owne snare. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 296: (sometimes is catch’d). 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., p. 305: He is catcht in his own snare.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 H. III iv 206: For ’tis sport to have the
enginer Hoist with his own petar. Ibid. V ii 316: How is’t, Laertes?
—Why, as a woodcock to mine own springe, Osric. I am justly
kill’d with mine own treachery.
See DiiR., I, no. 643; OTTO, no. 917; T. 463, p. 236. Cf. F166:
To be shot with one’s own feathers; P356: He falls into the pit he
digs for another.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Fox
Fox
239


F627 As long runs the Fox as he feet has
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 8: (foote hes). I641 FERG., no. 8. I668
R.B., p. 3: (as he hath feet). 1721 KEL., p. 21: (as he Foot has).
*5 oken when a Man has done his utmost and can do no more.
P 1
F628 As rank as a Fox
1693 D’URFEY Rich. Heiress I, p. 14: Red and rank as a fox.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. II v 136: Though it be as rank as a
fox.
F629 As wily (crafty) as a Fox
[01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 1559, p. 434: Ay lurkeand
lyke ane wylie Fox. 1570 ASCHAM Schoolmaster, p. 76: Yet shall
he be as sutle as a Foxe,'in breedyng of mischief. 1616 DR., no.
787: (craftie). 1639 CL., p. 285. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20:
As craftie as a Kendale Fox. 1670 RAY, p. 208. Ihid., p. 254:
[As in 1659 How.].
F630 Either a Fox (hare) or a fern bush (fembrake)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 92: It is a blynde Goose that
knoweth not a Foxe from a Fearne-bush. 1587 BRIDGES Def.
Church Govt. I, p. 99: It seemed (as the saying is) either a foxe or a
fearne brake. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 893: It is ayther a tod [fox]
or a fairne busse [bush]. [01615-22] I647 FLETCHER ET AL. Beg.
Bush V i, p. 269: The Wolf’s a Fern-brake. 1616 WITHALS, p. 574:
He spake of a Foxe, but when all came to all, it was but a ferne-
brake. 1639 CL., p. 143: [As in 1616 Withals]. 01640 SMYTH 100,
p. 33: Beware the fox in a fearne bush. *Old fearne of like colour
keepes often the fox vnperceived. Hypocrisy often clokes a knave.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 22. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: [As in
1616 Withals]. 1659 PECKE Parnassi Puerperium 24, p. 143: He
can’t discern a Hare, from a Brake-Bush. I670 RAY, p. 179: It’s
either a hare or a brake-bush. *Something if you knew what.
1721 KEL., p. 97: Either the Tod or the braken Bush. *Spoken
to silly People when they speak with Uncertainty. I732 FUL.,
no. 2848: [As in 1580 Lyly].
Cf. G359: It is a blind goose that knows not a fox from a fern
bush.
F631 Every Fox must pay his own skin to the flayer
1639 CL., s.v. Mori, p. 214. 1670 RAY, p. 93: *The crafty are at
length surprised. Thieves most commonly come to the gallows
at last. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Fox. 1710 PALMER, p. 123.
Cf. L200: At length the fox is brought to the furrier.
F632 The Fox fares best (well) when he is cursed
(banned)
01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. E4v: The Fox fareth
the better and not the worse: When that the good wife doth him
ban and cursse. 1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies
Lond., s. D1: A fox . . better for banning. I591 HARINGTON Orl.
Fur. XXIII xxvii, p. 179: Winners bost, when leesers speake their
fill . . Still the foxe fares best when he is curst. 1591 1 Trouhlesome
Reign Yohn, 5. E1 v: So sir, the more the Fox is curst the better a
fares. I593 CHETTLE Kind Heart’s Dream, p. 46: But I perceiue
you fare as the fox, the more band, the better hap. 01595 W. SPEL-
MAN Dial., p. 109: (when he is most Careste [cursed]). 1611 GRUT.,
no. 257: (wel). 1614 CAM., p. 312: (well). 1616 DR., no. 786:
(most cursed). 1639 CL., p. 107: Like the fox, the more hee’s
ban’d the better he fares. Ihid., p. 270: (banned). 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 9: (well). 1659 N.R., p. 105. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
18, p. 316: The more the fox is curs’d, the better prey makes she.
1670 RAY, p. 93: The fox never fares better, then when he’s ban’d
[or curst]. 1721 KEL., p. 331: The Tod [fox] never fares better
than when he’s ban’d. *Spoken when we are told that such People
curse us, which we think the effect of Envy, the Companion Of
Felicity. The Fox is curs’d when he takes our Poultry. (11)
F633 The Fox is known by his bush (tail)
61548 BRINKELOW Compl. Rod. XXIV, p. 72: As thou maist know
a foxe by his furred tayle. 1607 WALKINGTON Optic Glass III,
p. 38: As a fox is known by his bush . . so easily may a man be
discerned.

F634 The Fox is taken when he comes to take
1613 S. ROWLANDS Knave Spades and Diamonds, p. 10: And the old
ancient prouerbe true did make, Some Fox is taken, when he comes
to take.
F634a The Fox is the finder
1738 SWIFTPOl. Conv. I, p. 407: Here’s a very bad smell.
colonel, the fox is the finder.
See APP., p. 233. Cf. N217: He has a good nose to make a poor
man’s sow; 5108: He that smells the first savor is the fault’s first
father.
F635 The Fox kills the lambs and the hounds the 01d
sheep
1619 Two Wise Men III i, 3. E3: (Wherevpon is growne that prov-
erbe, The Foxe).
F636 The Fox knows many tricks but the hedgehog
one great one
[ERAS. fldagia, 187E: Multa novit vulpes, verum echinus unum
magnum.] cr594 BACON, no. 795: [As in Eras.]. 1630 J. HALL
Occasional Medit., p. 371: I marvelled at the first reading of the
Greek proverb: The fox knows many pretty wiles, but the hedgehog
knows one great one.
F637 The Fox knows much but more he that catches
him
1631 MABBE Celestina XIX, p. 264: If the Foxe be crafty, more crafty
is hee that catches him. 1640 HERB., no. 276. 1659 N.R., p. 98.
1664 COD., p. 218: (but he that catcheth him knows more). 1670
RAY, p. 93. 1732 FUL., no. 4544.
F638 The Fox may grow gray but never good
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tristo, p. 222: The English say of a
Badgher, Sooner Grey than Good. 1671 E. HOWARD Six Days’
ddven. III, p. 41: The Fox is gray before he’s good. 1721 KEL.,
p. 361: You breed of the Tod [fox], you grow gray before you grow
good. *Spoken to the old gray headed Sinners who will not reform
their Lives. 1732 FUL., no. 4545.
See ST., no. 2476. Cf. G431: He is gray before he is good;
W616: A Wolf (fox) may change his hair but not his heart (nature,
malice); W620: Wolves lose their teeth but not their memory.
F639 The Fox (wolf) preys farthest from his hole (den)
1585 E. SANDYS Serm. 3, p. 64: The fox will not worry near his
bele [shelter, refuge]. 1596 DEL., s. M4v: A good wolfe will neuer
hunt too neare his denne. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f.
156: A good Wolfe will neuer hunt too neere his owne denne.
1624 T. ADAMS Temple: Wks., p. 986: The Foxe seldome preyes
neere home, nor doth Sathan meddle with his owne. 1636 MAS-
SINGER Duke Florence II i, p. 226: If he has a haunt, He preys, far
off, like a subtle fox. 1639 CL., s.v. Rapacitas, p. 270: A wily
foxe will .not hunt neare his den. 1642 FULLER Holy State I xii,
p. 36: This they do . . to divert suspicion, that they may prey
the farthest from their holes. 1659 How. Eng. Prov. , p. 2: (furthest
from home). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 132: Where the woolf re-
sides, he makes not his prey. *Note 81, p. 134: The English say
the same of the Fox. 1670 RAY, p. 92: *To avoid suspicion.
Crafty thieves steal far from home. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Fox. 1732
FUL., no. 1610: Foxes prey furthest from their Earths.
See DiiR., I, no. 524.
F640 The Fox turns monk at length
1611 COT., s.v. Moine: At length the Fox turnes Monke; (viz.
when hee can play the knaue no longer). 1640 HERB., no. 72: At
length the Fox turnes Monk. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: The fox
is turn’d hermit. 1659 N.R., p. 2: At length the Fox turns Monk.
F641
—Perhaps,
The Fox was sick and he knew not where, he
clapped his hand on his tail and swore it was
there
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12: The Fox had a wound he knew not
where, He look’d in his arse and found it there. 1678 RAY, p. 71.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
Fox
Fox
240

1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 436: Ay; the fox had a wound, and he
could not tell where, etc.
F642 The Fox when he cannot reach the grapes says
that they are not ripe (are sour)
1484 CAXTON Fab. Aesop IV 1, p. 100: A foxe . . beheld the raysyns
that grewe vpon an hyghe vyne . . And Whanne he sawe that none
he myght gete . . sayd these raysyns ben sowre. 1576 FULWELL
Ars Adulandi IV, s. E3V: I see full wel the Fox will eate no Grapes
because hee cannot reache them. 1596 DEL., s. N8v: When the
Foxe cannot reach the blackeberyes, he saith that he will none,
because they be not ripe. 1613 T. ADAMS Heaven Earth Recon-
ciled: Wks., p. 69: The Foxe dispraiseth the Grapes he cannot
reach. 1616 DR., no. 784: The Foxe when hee cannot reach the
blacke berries, sayth that hee will haue none of them, because they
are not ripe. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 49: The Fox
would eat Grapes if hee could catch them. 1659 N.R., p. 113.
1664 COD., p. 193: (Foxes when they cannot reach the Grapes,
say they). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 316: The fox also will have no
cheries. *Note 190, p. 323: Saying they are sour, when she cannot
come at them. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Volpe, p. 236: To do as
the fox, viz. to refuse and find fault with grapes, because she could
not come at them. 1670 RAY, p. 10: [As in 1664 Cod.]. 1721
KEL., p. 287: Soure Plumbs quoth the Tod [fox], when he could not
climb the Tree. *Spoken when People vilify what they would
gladly have, but cannot come by. 1732 FUL., no. 5585: When the
Fox could not reach the Grapes, he cry’d, they are sour.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. II i 73: O, will you eat no grapes, my
royal fox? Yes, but you will my noble grapes, an ifMy royal fox
could reach them.
See DUR., II, no. 473; ST., no. 501. Cf. H435: Fie upon heps,
quoth the fox because he could not reach them; M600: Wise men
care not for What they cannot have.
F643 He sets the Fox to keep the geese
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 9: (To set the). 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
p. 341: Will you trust the fox to keep your geese? 1672 WALK.
32, p. 31: You have set the fox to tent the geese. 1709 DYKES,
p. 45: (his Geese). 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Fox: (his Geese).
Cf. W602: Give not the wolf (fox) the wether (sheep) to keep
(Make not the wolf your shepherd).
F644 He that has a Fox for his mate had need have
a net at his girdle
1640 HERB., no. 424: (hath neede of).
F645 He that will deceive the Fox must rise betimes
1616 DR., no. 792: He must arise early, that will deceiue the Foxe.
1640 HERB., no. 347. 1646 J. HOWELL Let. II 2, II 514: They must
rise betimes that can put Tricks upon you. 1664 COD., p. 199.
1670 RAY, p. 10. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Fox. 1721 KEL., p. 130: He
must rise early, that deceives the Tod [fox]. *Spoken to those that
think to out-wit a cunning Fellow. 1732 FUL., no. 2357: (outwit
the Fox).
See Dt'iR., I, Suppl., no. 159.
that will cozen the devil.
F646 Like the Fox who having lost his own tail
would needs persuade all others out of theirs
1658 FLECKNOE Enig. Char., p. 288.
See APP., p. 234.
F647 An old Fox cannot be taken by a snare
[ERAS. Adagia, 372E: Annosa vulpes haud capitur laqueo.] I539
TAV., f. 27v: [AS in Eras.]. An olde foxe is not taken in a snare.
*Longe experience and practise ofwylye and subtyle felowes maketh
that . . they can not easely be taken in a trap. I540 PALSGRAVE
Acolastus III iv, p. 118. 1580 BARET, A—402: [As in Eras.]. *A
Prouerbe applyed to those which through age and much experience,
are so subtill and craftie, that they can not be deceyued. 1621 R.
BURTON Anat. M. II 111 vi, p. 541 : An Old fox is not so easily taken
In a snare.
See DUR., I, no. 57.
chafl'.
1659 N.R., p. 40.
Cf. D279: He must rise betimes
Cf. B396: Old birds are not caught with

F648 An old Fox need learn n0 craft
1639 CL., p. 267. 1670 RAY, p. 127. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Old: (needs
learn no Craft). 1732 FUL., no. 644: (needs not be taught Tricks).
See DUR., II, no. 24.
F649 The sleepy Fox has seldom feathered breakfasts
1611 COT., s.v. Emplumé. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: The Fox
who sleeps in the morning hath not his tongue feathered. 1743
FRANKLIN, p. 21: The sleeping Fox catches no poultry, Up! up!
Cf. F657: When the fox sleeps nothing falls (no grapes fall) into
his mouth.
F650 Though the Fox run the chicken has wings
1640 HERB., no. 545. 1659 N.R., p. 114: (yet the Chickens have
wings). 1664 COD., p. 221. 1670 RAY, p. 4. 1732 FUL., no. 5008:
(runs, the Chickens have Wings).
F651 To catch the Fox
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 18: Some of vs may sufler himselfe
to be turned into a foxe. Ibid., p. 19: Whosoeuer loues good wine,
hunts the foxe once a yeere. *Whips the cat, or is drunke once a
yeere. 01630 Pepys Bal. 74, II 170: For when to the Ale house he
bringeth a Fox home. 1630 TAYLOR Brood Cormorants: W ks. F .,
p. 487: Though he be as drunke as any Rat, He hath but catcht a
Foxe, or whipt the Cat. [a1635] 1651 T. RANDOLPH Heyfor Hon-
esty II vii, p. 428: I will be foxed nowhere but at round-headed inns,
that I may be honestly drunk. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 4: To be
fox’d or drunk. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pagliucca, p. 127: To
have got soundly drunk, a cup too much, a cut in the leg, a fox.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Drink. Drunk, p. 104: They were
fox’t already. a1700 B.E., s.v. Fox: He has caught a Fox, he is
very Drunk.
See ST., no. 1059. Cf. C173: To whip the cat; L184: He has cut
his leg.
F652 To flay the Fox
1623 WOD., p. 512: *TO Vomit. 1653 URQUHART Gargantua II xvi,
I 267: [It] made all these good people . . vomit . . as if they had
flayed the fox. 1657 LEIGH, p. 264: *To spue, cast, vomit, (es-
pecially upon excessive drinking).
F653 We must fall down before a Fox (lion, fortune)
in season
01526 Dicta Sap., s. C4: It is no dishonestie for a man to bowe for
the tyme, And to obeye Fortune for the season. 01547 BALE
Three Laws V, s. F4: Whan the stronger come, the weaker must
nedes bowe. 1596 DEL., s. M7v: Endure of him which is stronger
then thou. 1605 JONSON Sejanus III 660, p. 414: Who nourisheth
a lyon, must obey him. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II III vii, p. 544: '
A Lion serues not always his Keeper, but oftentimes the Keeper
the Lion. 1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 405.
Cf. B566: Better bow than break; H82: If your hand be in a lion’s
mouth get it out as fast as you can; M286: A man must yield to the
tempest.
F654 We never find that a Fox dies in the dirt of his
own ditch
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 403.
F655 When the Fox has got in his head (nose) he will
soon make the body follow
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER Sir Th. Wyatt, s. DIv: The Fox is
suttle, and his head once in, The slender body easily will follow.
1629 FORD Lover’s Mel. IV, p. 59: SO Polititians . . do wriggle in
Their heads first, like a Foxe, to roomes of State.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI IV vii 25: But when the fox hath
once got in his nose, He’ll soon find means to make the body follow.
Cf. M208: Let an ill man lie in thy straw and he looks to be thy
heir; M1230: I gave the mouse a hole and she is become my heir.
F656 When the Fox preaches beware the geese
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I4v: (than beware our geese). 1562 HEY.
Epig. 166, p. 153: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FOX
FRIAR
24I


agst. Dicing, p. 8: If a man talke godly and wisely, the worldlings
deride it, and say the yong fox preacheth, beware your geese. 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. YIv: Woe to the Geese that haue the Fox
for their priest. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1445: When the tod [fox]
preiches bewar of the hens. 1609 ROWLANDS Whole Crew Kind
Gossips, p. 14: Take in your Geese, the Fox begins to preach. 1611
COT., s.v. Hermite: The Fox doth preach (beware your Geese).
Ibid., s.v. Poule: Le regnard presche aux poules. *Sayed when a
notable Imposter talks vnto, or treats with, sillie and ignorant
people. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 210: When the fox doth preach, of
your geese beware. I611 GRUT., no. 299: (then beware your geese).
1612 BRETON Wits Private Wealth: Wks., II 10: (When a fox).
1614 CAM., p. 304: Beware the geesse when the Fox preaches. 1616
DR., no. 791: (beware or take heede to your geese). 1623 WOD.,
p. 512: The Foxe doth preach to the Hennes. *SO said of False
Men, that conceale their Falsehoode. 1639 CL., p. 95. I640
HERB., no. 333: (beware geese). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4.
1664 COD., p. 227. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 316: (beware
the hens). I668 R.B., p. 45: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I721 KEL., p.
344: When the Tod preaches, look to the Geese. *When wicked
Men put on a Cloak of Religion, suspect some wicked Design.
1732 FUL., no. 5531: (When a Fox).
(10)
See ST., no. 2477.
F657 When the Fox sleeps nothing falls (no grapes
fall) into his mouth
1616 DR., no. 1052. I623 WOD., p. 512: No thing fals in a sleepie
Foxes Mouth. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 28: A sleeping Fox hath
nothing falls into his mouth. 1664 COD., p. 193: Foxes if sleeping
have nothing fall into their Mouthes. Ibid., p. 225: (sleepeth, no
Grapes fall in his mouth). 1670 RAY, p. 10: Foxes when sleeping
have nothing fall into their mouths.
Cf. F649: The sleepy fox has seldom feathered breakfasts.
F658 When the Fox stays long he looks for a prey
1611 COT., s.v. Regnard: When Foxes tarrie long they hope for
purchase. 1616 DR., no. 785.
F659 The Fox’s wiles will never enter into the lion’s
head
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 108: The Foxes wiles shal neuer
enter into the Lyons head, nor Medeas charmes into Philautus
heart. 1732 FUL., no. 4547.
F660 To be in a Fox’s sleep
I672 WALK. 73, p. 25: *Somnum mentiri.
Cf. D524: To sleep dog’s sleep.
F661 To yoke FOXES
[ERAS. Adagia, 132A: Jungere vulpes.] [1616] 1631 JONSON Devil
Is Ass V ii 1: O, call me home againe, deare Chiefe, and put me To
yoaking foxes.
See OTTO, no. 812.
1681 ROB., p. 639.
F662 FRANCE is a meadow that cuts thrice a year
1640 HERB., no. 886. 1659 N.R., p. 34.
F663 He that will FRANCE (Scotland) win must with
Scotland (France) first begin
1548 E. HALL Hen. V: Chron., f. vii: The Old auncient prouerbe . .
whiche saieth, he that will Fraunce wynne, muste with Scotland
first beginne. [a1588] 1598 Fam. Vic. Hen. V l. 1065, p. 679: I
agree to my Lord Archbishop, sauing in this: . . He that wil Scot-
land win must first with France begin, according to the old saying.
1656 W. SANDERSON Hist. Mary Qu. Scot. I, p. 12: The Union of
King James the sixth with England . . begat that saying, He that
will Either win, with Other must begin.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Hen. VI ii 166: But there’s a saying very
Old and true——‘If that you will France win, Then with Scotland
first begin.’
Cf. D43: He that would the daughter win must with the mother
first begin; E150: He that will England win must with Ireland first
begin.

F664 To go upon the FRANCISCANS’ hackney
I651 HERB., p. 366: *On foot.
F665 FRANKINCENSE is burned before it smells
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 234: The pure Franckencense which
smelleth most sweete when it is in the fire. I580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 143: (smell). 1598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 122:
(smell). 1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 6: As Frankencense when
it is put into the fire, giveth the greater perfume.
Cf. S746: If you beat (pound) spice it will smell the sweeter.
F666 He farts FRANKINCENSE
I616 WITHALS, p. 574: Part frankincence, whatsoeuer he doth he
thinks it is excellent. 1639 CL., s.v. Philautia, p. 255. 1659 [BUR-
NELL] Plutus III, p. 19: I must tell you though it were in the Church,
I could not fart frankinsence. I670 RAY, p. 174: *This is an ancient
Greek Proverb . . Self-love makes even a mans vices, infirmities
and imperfections to please him. I672 WALK. 21, p. 51. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Fart: To fart Frankincense. *Stercus cuique suum
bene olet. Ce Proverbe se dit des Personnes, qui sont tellement
entétées de leur Merite, qu’elles prennent leurs Vices pour des
Vertus.
Cf. F65: Everyone thinks his own fart smells sweet.
F667 Too FREE to be fat
1639 CL., p. 260.
I670 RAY, p. 176.
I657 LEIGH, p. 259: *To go a foot.
Ibid., s.v. Profusio, p. 262: (He’s too free).
1681 ROB., p. 641.
F668 FREEDOM is a fair thing
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 397. 1668 R.B., p. 19. I721 KEL., p. 107:
Freedom is a fair thing: But often foully abused.
F669 To feed like a FREEHOLDER OF MACCLESFIELD,
who has neither corn nor hay at Michaelmas
1670 RAY, p. 208: *Chesh.
F670 _ The FRENCH neither pronounce as they write
nor sing as they prick nor think as they speak
1601 R. JOHNSON King. and Commonw. II, p. 1 16: (The Italian hath
a Proverbe: The French). 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 20: The French
neither speaks as he thinks, nor acts as he speaks, nor sings as he
pricks. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 19: The Frenchman neither saith
what he thinks, nor reads as he writes, nor sings as he pricks.
F67oa He is F RENCHIFIED
I678 RAY, s.v. One that hath the Fr. Pox, p. 88.
F671 Have the FRENCHMAN for thy friend not for thy
neighbor
I643 HOWELL Let. II 43, II 436: I believe it cannot much benefit
Hans [Holland] to have the French so contiguous to him: the old
saying was .. Have the Frenchman for thy Friend, not for thy
Neighbour.
F672 FRENZY, heresy, and jealousy seldom cured
01527 SKELTON Replycacion l. 406: Wks., I 223: For be ye wele
assured That frensy nor ielousy Nor heresy wyll neuer dye. 1546
HEY. II vii, s. I2v: Fransy, heresy, and ielousy are three, That men
saie hardly or neuer cured be. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XXXI,
Notes, p. 256: Our old English proverb: From heresie, Phrenesie,
and Iealousie, good Lord deliver me. 1651 HERB., p. 367. 1658
[EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 188: Folly, Heresie, and Jeal-
ousie, are seldome cured. 1659 N.R., p. 35. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17,
p. 95: Frensie, Jealousie and Heresie, are never to be cur’d any way.
Cf. H441: Heresy and frenzy go together; H443: Heresy may be
easier kept out than shaken off.
F673 Do as the FRIAR says, not as he does
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 14: Do what the Fryer tells thee, not
what he doth. 1664 COD., p. 190: (Friar speaks). I670 RAY, p.
7: *Hispan.
Cf. D394: Do as I say, not as I do; E213: Examples teach more
than precepts.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FRIAR
FRIEND
242
F674 A FRIAR a liar
1662 TRAPP Com. Old, New Test. 1 Tim. 4, V 642: It was grown to
a common proverb, A friar, a liar.
F675 The FRIAR preached against stealing and had a
goose (when he had a pudding) in his sleeve
01525 Hundred Mer. Tales 68 in Shale. 7est-Bks., I 97: In his sermon
there he [the friar] rebuked . . them that met to breke theyr faste
. and said it was called the deuyls blacke brekefast. And with
that worde spekynge . . there fell a podyng out of his sleue which
he hym selfe had stolen. 1640 HERB., no. 733. 1658 [EDMONDSON]
Comes Fac. in Via, p. 194. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (when he
had a pudding). 1664 COD., p. 221. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p.
241: A certain Fryer would preach, that one ought not to steal, who
had a goose lap’d in’s hood. 1670 RAY, p. 95: (when he had a
pudding). I732 FUL., no. 4548: (against Theft, when he had).
See DUR., II, no. 99.
F676 What was good the FRIAR never loved
61605 DAVIES Wit’s Pilg., p. 18: There was a time (to'speak whereof
I faint Sith That that was, nere lou’d the ducking Frir’e). 1639
CL., p. 97: That which was good, never loved the frier. I640
JONSON Tale Tub III vii 13: What should have beene, that never
lov’d the Friar. 1670 RAY, p. 94.
F677 When the FRIAR is beaten then comes James
1639 CL., s.v. Serum remedium, p. 282. I670 RAY, p. 94. I672
WALK. 44, p. 10.
Cf. M809: After meat comes mustard.
F678 Observant FRIARS spare their own and eat that
which is other men’s
1573 SANF., f. 105: Fryers Obseruantes spare their owne, and eate
other mens. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid.
112, p. 29: [As in 1573 Sanf.].
Cf. M847: The wholesomest meat is at another man’s cost.
F679 FRIDAY is an unlucky day
[1621] 1662 MIDDLETON Anything Quiet Life IV ii 128: What a
cursed wretch was I to pare my nails to-day! a Friday too; I looked
for some mischief. 1656 R. FLEcKNOE Diarium VIII, p. 38: Now
Friday came, your Old wives say, Of all the week’s the unluckiest
day.
Cf. F681: A Friday’s feast (face, reason).
F680 He that sings on FRIDAY will weep on Sunday
1640 HERB., no. 407. 1642 FULLER Fast Serm.: Serm., I 241: Let
not old men .. be transported with their follies .. The French
Proverb saith, They that laugh on Friday, shall cry on Sunday.
1664 COD., p. 199. 1670 RAY, p. 24: (shall weep on Sunday).
F681 A FRIDAY’S feast (face, reason)
1592 GREENE Groatsworth, p. 120: The foxe made a Friday face,
counterfeiting sorrow. [1625] 1639 R. DAVENPORT New Trick to
Cheat Devil III i, p. 233: I’de make you both make but a Fridayes
feast. 01640 M. PARKER Good News North 5 in Cav. and Pur., p.
103: But now, at last the greedy Scot, Hath a friday’s breakefast
got, few of such feasts wil pull their courage down. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 6, p. 231: What a Friday reason is this? *Note 5, p. 241:
A meagre pityfull excuse. 1667 R. L’ESTRANOE Visions 3, p. 167:
Look what a Friday-face that fellow makes!
Cf. F679: Friday is an unlucky day.
F682 FRIDAY’S hair and Sunday’s horn goes to the
dule1 on Monday morn
1678 RAY, p. 294.
[ldevil]
F682a Abide, FRIEND, your mother bided till you were
born
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L3v: But abyde, frend, your mother byd tyll ye
wer borne.

F683 Admom'sh your FRIEND in secret, commend him
in public
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II III vii, p. 555: (Admonish thy friend).
See SM., p. 33.
F684 Be a FRIEND to thyself and others will be so too
1611 COT., s.v. Valoir: As thou of thine owne selfe doest deeme, so
other men will thee esteeme. 1732 FUL., no. 847.
F685 Before you make a FRIEND eat a bushel of salt
with him
[ERAS. Adagia, 411E: Nemini fidas, nisi cum quo prius modium
salis absumpseris. Vulgo apud nostrates circumfertur adagium.]
1531 ELYOT Governor II xii, II 163: In as longe tyme as by them
bothe beinge to gether conuersaunt a hole busshell of salte mought
be eten. 1552 TAV., f. 30: (Trust no man onles thou hast fyrst
eaten). 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 61: The Philosophers will us to
eat a bushel of salt with a man before we enter into strict familiarity
with him. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 197: Haue I not also
learned that one shoulde eate a bushell of salt with him, whom he
meaneth to make his friend? 1596 DEL., s. N5vz We must eate a
bushell Of salte with a man, before we can know him well. 1621
R. BURTON Anat. M. III 111 iv 2, p. 861: As Plutarch adviseth, one
must eat a bushel of salt with him before he choose his friend. 1633
SHIRLEY Witty Fair One I iii, p. 285: You and I have not eaten a
bushel of salt yet. 1640 HERB., no. 620. I659 N.R., p. 31: Eat a
peek of salt with a man before you trust him. 1664 COD., p. 187.
1721 KEL., p. 74: *That you may be the better apprised of his
Humours.
Cf. F744: He that has many friends eats too much salt with
his meat.
F686 Better a new FRIEND than an old foe
1590 SPENSER I ii 27: Better new friend then an Old foe is
said. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 94: (than an auncient foe).
F687 Better is a FRIEND in court than (A friend in
court is worth) a penny in purse
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 70: (Consyder this prouerbe of
antyquyte . . Better is). 01510 Hickscorner, s. B4V: (But a frende
in courte is worthe). a1536 HILL 29, p. 131: ([in] my purse). I552
TAV., f. 14v: Where frendes be, there be goodes. Where vnto our
English prouerbe alludeth: A frend in court is worth a peny in
purse. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 227: A friende in the
court is better then a penney in the purse. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
232: Better a freind in court nor penny in purse. [1600] 1659
I. DAY Blind Beg. II, s. E2v: It is better to have a friend at Court
than a peny in the purse. 1611 COT., s.v. Argent: A friend on the
way is better than a penie in the purse. Ibid., s.v. Courroye: We
say . . better is a friend in Court then a pennie in the purse. 1616
DR., no. 695: A friend in the Court, is worth a penie in the purse.
Ibid., no. 804: A friend in the Court is better then two pence in a
mans purse. I616 WITHALS, p. 584: (the Court and the purse).
1639 CL., p. 24: (A frind in court is worth). 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 20: A friend in the Court, is a penny in a mans purse.
1641 FERG., no. 143: A friend in court, is better nor a pennie in the
purse. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 16: Better a friend in court, then
pennyin purse. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (A friend in Courtis
worth). Ibid.,p. 18: (A Friendin Court,is better then). 1664 COD.,
p. 184: A Friend in the way is better than a penny in the Purse.
1668 R.B., p. 10: (A friend in Court is worth). 1670 RAY, p. 73: A
friend in Court, is worth a penny in a mans purse. 1721 KEL.,
' p. 12: A Friend in Court is worth a Penny in the Purse. 1732
FUL., no. 1 17: A Friend in Court is as good as a Penny in Pocket.
SHAKEsPEARE.—-1598 2 Hen. IVV i 33: I will use him well. A
friend i’ th’ court is better than a penny in purse.
See DUR., I, no. 504.
F688 A faithful FRIEND is like a phoenix
1591 LYLY Endim. III iv 145: But friends to be founde, are like
the Phoenix in Arabia, but one. 1602 BRETON Wonders: Wks., II
5: A friend is like a Phoenix. 1639 CL., p. 26.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FRIEND
FRIEND
143

_____——
F689 Fall not out with a FRIEND for a trifle
1639 CL., p. 25: (with thy friend for a trifle). 01640 W.S. Coun-
trym. Commonw., p. 46: When friends fall out for trifies they are
foolish as little children. 1664 COD., p. 192. 1670 RAY, p. 9.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. To Fall.
F690 A FRIEND as far as the altar (as conscience per-
mits)
[ERAS. Adagia, 748C: Usque ad aram sum amicus.] 1547 W.
BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. III xxi, 5. P4: It is lawful to be a frende,
but no farther than to the aulter: that is, we ought not for our
frendes sake to transgresse our religion. 1548 COOPER, s.v. Ara:
Vsque ad aras esse amicum, to doo all the pleasure that a man
can for his frende, sauyng his conscience. 1550 TAv. Flowers
Sent., s. B2v: A man maye be a frende, but he must go no further
with hys frende then till he come to the aulter, that is, he may [not]
ofl'ende god for his frendes cause. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and
Pithias, s. G2: I folow the prouerbe: Amicus Vsque ad auras. 1612
SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV vi, II 67: For true friends ought to
prove and use their friends, as the Poet said, Usque ad Aras. 1730
BAILEY, s.v. Conscience: A friend, as far as conscience permits.
Cf. H409: There is nobody will go to hell for company; W155:
Yours to command in the way of honesty.
F691 A FRIEND from the teeth outward
1616 DR., s.v. Flatterie, no. 726.
amicus.
Cf. T423: From the teeth outwards.
1616 WITHALS, p. 562: *Lingua
F692 A FRIEND in a comer
01579 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 80: Particular contentement ofmynde
that I have sutch an odd frende in a corner. 1607 DEKKER AND
WEBSTER West. Ho II ii, s. C2v: Had it not bin for a friend in a
corner . . I had kickt vp my heeles. 1633 W. ROWLEY All’s Lost
by Lust II vi 157: The proverbe, a man may love one well, and yet
Retaine a friend in acorner. 1639 CL.,s.v. Refugium, p. 271. 1656
Trepan, p. 38: No pleasure to a bounteous friend, in a corner.
[1663] 1673 D’AVENANT Playhouse V, p. 99: And Caesar, you shall.
find—a friend in corner. 1678 RAY, p. 236. 1681 ROB., p. 1056:
A friend in a corner for a refuge.
F693 A FRIEND in need is a friend in deed (indeed)
1581 T. HOWELL Devises: Poems, p. 218: A friend thou-art in deede,
That helps thy friend in time of nipping neede. I618 HARINGTON
Epig. II 101, p. 135: Behold, how much it stands a man in steede,
To have a friend answere in time of neede. I678 RAY, p. 142:
(indeed). 1721 KEL., p. 46: (indeed). 1732 FUL., no. 6103.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Pass. Pilgr. 20, l. 51: He that is thy friend
indeed, He will help thee in thy need.
See ST., no. 1645. Cf. F694: A friend is never known till a man
have need; F713: No friend to a friend in mister.
F694 A FRIEND is never known till a man have need
[ERAS. Adagia, 1055A: Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur.l
01489 CAXTON Sons Aymon XIX, p. 433: It is sayd, that at the
nede the frende is knowen. [01530] c15 55 BERNERS Arthur Little
Br., p. 322: Whan nede is, than a frende is proued. 1550 COVER-
DALE Spiritual Pearl VII, p. 118: In need cloth a man try which be
his friends. 1562 HEY. Epig. 247, p. 165. [01589] 1633 MAR-
LOWE Yew Malta V ii 72: A friend not known but in distress. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 323: A friend’s nere knoune till neede. 1611 GRUT.,
no. 7. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A7): A
friend is best found in adversity. 1616 DR., no. 50: (haue need of
him). 1623 CAM., p. 265: A friend, will helpe at a time of neede.
1639 CL., p. 272: (till one have need). 1641 FERG., no. 142: A
friend is not known but in need. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7.
1664 COD., p. 183: (untill the time of need). 1668 R.B., p. 10:
[As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1697 MER., p. 164: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1732
FUL., no. 118: (till needed).
Cf. F693: A friend in need is a friend in deed (indeed); L548:
True love kithes in time of need. (24)


F695 A FRIEND is not so soon gotten as lost
I567 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. II 4, II 177: As the common prouerbe
and wise sayinge reporteth, that the vertue is no lesse to conserue
Frendship gotten, than the wisedome was great to get and Win the
same. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 97: A friend is long a
getting, and soone lost. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. viii, s.
H1v: By lady, a friend is not so soone gotten as lost. 1614 CAM.,
p. 302. 1639 CL., p. 26: (not so soone found as lost). 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659 N.R., p. 3. 1664 COD., p. 186. 1670 RAY,
p. 1 I. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Friend. 1732 FUL., no. 1612: Friends are
not so soon got or recover’d, as lost.
F696 A FRIEND is one’s second self
[ERAS. Adagia, 14F: Amicus alter ipse.] 1539 TAV., f. 53: [As in
Eras.]. My frende is as who shuld say an other I. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 197: A friend is .. at all times an other I.
CI592 KYD Span. Trag. II iv, s. D1v: He is as trusty as my second
selfe. 1594 MARLOWE Edw. H I i 142: Knowest thou not who I
am? Thy friend, thyself, another Gaveston. 1594 Tam. Shrew,
s. A4v: Thankes noble Polidor my second selfe. 1606 Wily
Beguiled xii, p. 42: I haue no friend, But only Fortunatus, hees my
second selfe. 1612 BACON Essays, p. 173: It was a sparing speech
of the ancients, to say, that a friend is another himself. 1631
LENTON Char., p. 92: [A true friend] .. is a man’s second self.
I633 FISHER True Trojans V v, p. 530: And here resign all my birth-
right to thee, my second self.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. H] II ii 151: My other self, my
counsel’s consistory. 1600-1 H. I ii 161: Horatio!——or I do forget
myself. 1609 Son. 39, l. 1: O, how thy worth with manners may I
sing When thou art all the better part of me? What can mine own
praise to mine own self bring? And what is’t but mine own when I
praise thee? Ihid. 42, l. 13: But here’s the joy—my friend and I
are one.
Cf. F701: A good friend is my nearest relation; H49: My better
half. ' (23)
F697 The FRIEND that faints is a foe
1611 DAv. Prov., no. 221.
F698 A FRIEND to all is a friend to none
1623 WOD., p. 475: All Mens Friend, ne Mans Friend: or who hath
many Friends hath none at all. 1645 FULLER Bad Times: Good
Thoughts, p. 62: I cannot conceive how he can be a friend to any,
who is a friend to all. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: Who hath many
friends, hath none at all. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8: A friend
to all, and to no body, is all one. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 8:
Every bodies friend, is nobodies friend. 1732 FUL., no. 120.
Cf. M453: He that fills every man’s mouth needs much meal.
F699 A FRIEND will help at a dead lift
1616 DR., no. 799: He is a friend at a dead lift.
1639 CL., p. 26. 1659 N.R., p. 2.
’ Cf. L271: To help at a dead lift; W669: A woman’s advice (wit)
helps at a pinch (is best at a dead lift).
1636 CAM., p. 290.
F700 A good FRIEND is as the sun in winter
1616 DR., no. 800.
F701 A good FRIEND is my nearest relation
1611 COT., s.v. Parenté: A sound friend is a second kinsman.
1732 FUL., no. 151.
Cf. F696: A friend is one’s second self.
F702 A good FRIEND never offends
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 23.
F703 He is a FRIEND at a sneeze, the most you can
get of him is a God-bless-you (God-help-you)
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 101: And then in time of neede, Lip
friendes they are not to be trusted to, Sneese, and they’l say Christ
help that’s all they’l doe. I653 TAYLOR Twenty-five Serm. XIII:
Wks., IV 162: A friend at a sneeze and an alms-basket full of pray-
ers, a love that is lazy . . and a pity without support, are the images

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FRIEND
FRIEND
244

and colours of that grace, Whose very constitution and design is
beneficence and well-doing. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in
Via, p. 176: A friend at a sneeze; the most thou canst get of him is,
'God help thee. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 10: A friend to pray for
sneezers. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 7: Friends at a sneeze, the most
thou canst get from them, is, a God help thee. *Note 34, p. 18:
A custom in most parts of the World, to pull off ones hat, if one
sneezes, and to say, God help you, a piece of service, or friendship,
which costs a body nothing; this is applyd to complemental Friends,
or meer Out-sides. 1732 FUL., no. 2436.
Cf. G178: Call God near when you do sneeze.
F704 He is a good FRIEND that speaks well on’s behind
our backs
1602 JONSON Poetaster III i 239: Thou should’st find a good sure
assistant of mee: one, that would speake all good of thee in thy ab-
sence. 1678 RAY, p. 143. 1732 FUL., no. 2465: He’s my Friend,
that speaks well of me behind my Back.
See DUR., I, no. 498. Cf. M591: To dead men and absent there
are no friends left.
F705 He is my FRIEND that grinds at my mill
1616 DR., no. 801. 1639 CL., p. 26. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 3. I670 RAY, p.93: *That shews me real kindness. I732 FUL.,
no. 2464.
Cf. F706: He is my friend that succors me; N105: He is my neigh-
bor who grinds at my mill.
F706 He is my FRIEND that succors me
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 57]: He is a good frende that doth the[e]
good. 01634 M.P. Trial Brings Truth 1. 68 in Roxb. Bal., III
288: But he is my friend, That helps me i’ th’ end. 1732 FUL.,
no. 1926: He is my Friend that succoureth me, not he that pitieth
me.
Cf. F705: He is my friend that grinds at my mill; U3: He is my
true uncle who fills my belly.
He who cannot counterfeit a FRIEND can never
be a very bad enemy
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 1: (is no dangerous enemy).
no. 2380.
Cf. F 347: Flatterers look like friends, as wolves like dogs.
F707
1732 FUL.,
F708 He would rather lose his FRIEND than his jest
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 72: Yea they are so indiscreet and
insolent, that they had rather forgoe a faythfull friende, then a
scofling speeche. 1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. Prol., l. 359,
p. 441: Hee will sooner lose his soule then a iest. I602 JONSON
Poetaster IV iii 110: He wil sooner lose his best friend, then his
least iest. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Fisicoso, p. 189: (One that will rather).
1619 DRUMMOND Conversations 70ns0n, p. 56: He is . . given rather
to losse a friend than a jest. 1630 BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlem.
Acquaintance, p. 248: These . . will not sticke to lose their friend
rather than their jest. 1639 CL., s.v. Scurrilitas, p. 277: (He’l
rather). 1642 FULLER Holy State III ii, p. 156: He that will lose
his friend for a Iest, deserves to die a begger by the bargain. 1651
HERB., p. 373: Some had rather lose their friend then their jest.
1659 N.R., p. 92: [As in 1651 Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 231: You may
not lose your Friend to keep your Jest. 1732 FUL., no. 4220:
Some will lose rather their best Friend, than their worst Joke.
Cf. J40: Better lose a jest than a friend; J41: He will not lose
his jest for his guest, if he be a Jew.
F709 I cannot be your FRIEND and your flatterer
[ERAS. Adagia, 476E: Non potes me simul et adulatore uti, et
amico.] I669 PENN No Cross N0 Crown XIX, p. 377: Phocson . .
was honest and poor . . Antipater, pressing him to submit to his
Sense, he answered, Thou canst not have me for a Friend and
Flatterer too. 1732 FUL., no. 2592.
F710 Love a FRIEND together with his fault
1539 TAV., f. 40: Mores amici noueris, non oderis. Know the
fascions of thy frende, but hate them not. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv.

I, I 104: According to the saying. We must love a friend with his
imperfections. 1650 TAYLOR Holy Living II iv, p. 73: Cyrus . .
amongst his equals in age . . would never play at any sport . . in
which he knew himself more excellent than they. Ama l’amico tuo
con il difetto suo. I666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 8: (Love thy
friend, together). I732 FUL., no. 5456: We shall never have
Friends, if we expect to find them without Fault.
F711 Make not thy FRIEND too cheap to thee nor thy-
self too dear to him
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
thy friend).
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. III ii 57: This is a dear manikin to
you, Sir Toby. —I have been dear to him, lad—some two thou-
sand strong, or so.
Cf. F717: One may visit a friend sometimes but if he intends
to be welcome he must not stay long:
1670 RAY, p. 10: (nor thy self to
F712 Never trust much to a new FRIEND or an old
enemy
1568 GRAFTON Chron. Edw. I, II 84: None of us I beleue is so
vnwise . . to trust a newe friend made of an olde foe. 1721 KEL.,
p. 262: *You know not how far the one may extend his Love, or
the other has suppress’d his Enmity.
Cf. H373: Take heed (Beware) of a reconciled enemy (friend);
H509: There is no more hold of a new friend than of a new fashion.
F713 N o FRIEND to1 a friend in mister2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1286: (Thair is no freend to).
p. 49: (There is no friend to). 1721 KEL., p. 261.
Cf. F693: A friend in need is a friend in deed (indeed).
[llike 2need]
1668 R.B.,
F714 N 0 longer foster,1 no longer FRIEND (leman’)
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2: (lemman). 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p.
244. 1670 RAY, p. 94. 1672 WALK. 90, p. 25. I681 ROB., p.
638. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Foster. 1732 FUL., no. 3589.
[lfostering (i.e., as a foster parent) 2darling, beloved one]
F715 An old FRIEND is a new house
1640 HERB., no. 396.
F716 One good FRIEND watches for another
1611 COT., s.v. Ami: One friend euer watches, or cares, for another.
1623 WOD., p. 522. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 8.
F717 One may visit a FRIEND sometimes but if he
intends to be welcome he must not stay long
1611 COT., s.v. Manger: Such as desire to continue a friend, must
not feed on him; or, tis better to visit a friend sometimes then to
dwell with him euer. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 35: Frequent re-
sorting ill resented. 1659 N.R., p. 84. 1721 KEL., p. 293: Stay
no longer in your Friend’s House than you are sure that you are
welcome. 1732 FUL., no. 48: A constant Guest is never welcome.
1751 FRANKLIN, p. 27: Friendship increases by visiting Friends, but
by visiting seldom.
See DUR., I, Suppl., no. 508. Cf. A10: Absence sharpens love;
D77: He that comes every day shall have a cockney, he that comes
now and then Shall have a fat hen; F71 1: Make not thy friend too
cheap to thee nor thyself too clear to him; F734: Friends agree best
at a distance.
F718 Prove your FRIEND ere you have need
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 30: Ore thow haue nede, assay thy frend.
01526 Dicta Sap., s. A4. a1536 HILL 34, p. 132: (Assay thy
frend or). 1546 HEY. I xi, s. E4. 1552 TAV., f. 68v: Yf thou wil
do wel, do as the english prouerbe byddeth the. Proue thy frende,
ere thou haue nede. 1562 HEY. Epig. 27, p. 132: (er thou
neede). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 305: (Chairg your freind). 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 115: (ere thou neede). 1611 GRUT., no. 217.
1614 CAM., p. 311. 1616 DR., no. 803: Trie thy friend before that
thou hast need of him. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664 COD.,
p. 209: (before thou needest him). I668 R.B., p. 15: Charge your

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FRIEND
FRIENDS
245


friend ere you need. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Friend. 1721 KEL., p. 83:
Charge your Friend, er’e you need him. *That you may know
what to expect from him, if you do.
Cf. T595: Try (Try your friend) before you trust. (9)
F719 A true FRIEND a great treasure
1539 TAV., f. 13v: Vbi amici, ibi opes. Where frendes be, there
be goodes. By thys is meant that frendes be better than money.
1560-77 Misogonus I i 120: All treasures trwe frendshipp I perceve
fare sermounted. 1596 DEL., s. M7v: Of frends more then of
gold, we must be desirous. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 3: A true
friend better then a rich Farm. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 2.
1665 PATRICK Parable Pilgrim XXXII, p. 393: A faithful friend is a
strong defence; and he that hath found such an one, hath found a
Treasure.
See DUR., I, no. 505.
F720 A true FRIEND should be like a privy, open in
necessity
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: (open in time of necessity).
RAY, p. 10.
F721
1670
Trust no FRIEND with that you need fear him if
he were your enemy
01526 Dicta Sap., s. C4v: Truste and so vse thy frende, that if he
chaunce to be thyne enemy, it lye nat in his myght greatly for to
hurte the. 1651 HERB., p. 373. 1659 N.R., p. 96. ,
Cf. T309: Love as in time to come you should hate and hate as
you should in time to come love.
F722 When a FRIEND asks there is no tomorrow
1640 HERB., no. 32. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17. I659 N.R.,
p. 121. 1664 COD., p. 226. 1670 RAY, p. 10: *Hisp. 1705 Pleas.
Art, p. 151: (asketh thee, there). 1710 PALMER, p. 367.
Cf. B627: There is no bread locked from true friends; F736:
Friends do tie the purse with a cobweb thread.
F723 When I lend I am his FRIEND, when I ask I am
unkind
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 163: When I lent, I had a frend; But, when
I askyd, he was vnkynd. 16th 0. Old Eng. Prov. in Relig. Antiq.,
I 208: When I lent I was a frend, When I asked I was unkinde.
1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 169.
F724 Wherever you see your FRIEND trust yourself
I616 BRET., p. 9: (Whensoeuer and trust to your selfe). 1639
CL., s.v. Amicitia, p. 26: [As in 1616 Bret.]. 1670 RAY, p. 94.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Friend.
F725 Who lends to a FRIEND loses double
01594 BACON, no. 1569: Qui prest a l’ami perd au double. I611
COT., s.v. Ami: [As in c1594 Bacon]. *Both friend and money;
To which purpose wee haue a certaine (triuiall, but true-meaning)
Ryme, which begins with, I lent my money to my friend, and ends
with, I lost both money, and my friend. 1639 CL., p. 45: He that
doth lend will lose his freind. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I: Who
lends a friend, is like to lose double, viz. both money and friend.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 63. Ibid. 15, p. 78: Who lendeth
moneys, loseth two things. *His Moneys, and his Friend. 1670
RAY, p. 113: He that doth lend will loose his friend. 1721 KEL.,
p. 240: Lend your Money, and lose your Friend. 1732 FUL., no.
378: A ready Way to lose your Friend, is to lend him Money.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I H. I iii 75: Neither a borrower nor a
lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing
dulls the edge of husbandry.
See Dt'IR., II, no. 27. Cf. L199: He that lends gives.
F726 A FRIEND’S dinner is soon dight1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 43. 1611 COT., s.v. Ami: A friends meat
is soone readie; (for gluing it willingly, he prouides it quickly).
I668 R.B., p. I. 1721 KEL., p. 12: *Because a Friend will be con-
tent with any thing.
Cf. B627: There is no bread locked from true friends.
[lmade ready]

F727 A FRIEND’S frown is better than a fool’s smiles
(foe’s kiss)
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 21: For much better it
is, To bide a frendes anger then a foes kisse. 1659 How. Br.
Prov., p. 3.
F728 Afraid of your FRIENDS when none is near
1699 Honor Govt. Philander Misaurus in Harl. Misc., II 38: No
girding Satyrist can take up the old Proverb against you, and say,
That you are afraid of your Friends, when there is none near you.
1740 RICHARDSON Pamela, I 216: You are afraid of your friends,
when none are near you.
F729 Among FRIENDS all things are common
[ERAS. Adagia, 13F: Amicorum communia sunt omnia.] 1534
WHITTINGTON Tully’s Ofifces I, s. C8: As it is in a prouerbe of the
grekes, All thynges amonge louers and frendes shulde be commune.
1539 TAV., f. 52v: Amonges frendes al thynges be commune. 1546
HUGHE Troub. Man’s Med. I, s. AI: As all thinges among the which
be trustye and faythfull frends are commune. [01560] I581
WOODES Confl. Cons. II iii, s. C4: Inter amicos omnia sunt com-
munia they say, Among friendes there is reconed no propertie.
1568 FULWOOD Enemy Idleness, f. 52: The benefits of fortune are
common amongst frends. 01573 I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, s.
B8: A1 things with frends in common are. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit, p. 199: All things went in common betweene them. 1607 DAY, W. ROWLEY, AND WILKINS Trav. Three Eng. Bros., p. 58:
We are fellowes, and amongst friends and fellowes, you knOwe, all
things are common. 1639 CL., p. 26: All things common among
friends. 1662 T. STANLEY Hist. Phil. XIII xxx, p. 934. I672
WALK. 79, p. 32. 1694 ECHARD Brothers V, p. 194: (The old prov-
erb says, Among friends).
Cf. M980: What is mine is yours and what is yours is mine
(your own).
F730 Be not ungrateful to your old FRIENDS
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 413.
F731 Choose your FRIENDS like your books, few but
choice
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19.
F732 Drink and be FRIENDS
[a1563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife 1. 275, p. 8: Good drinkers
think none ill. 1639 CL., s.v. Amicitia, p. 24.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 :7.C. IV iii 158: Give me a bowl of wine.
In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius. 1600—1 I i 203:
I hope we shall drink down all unkindness.
Cf. F753: Kiss and be friends.
F733 Farewell and be hanged, FRIENDS must part
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 95: Farewell and be hanged, goodman
cowe. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. E3: Mary farewell
and be hangd. I603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient
Grissill, s. H2v: Farewell and be hang’d. I608 MIDDLETON Trick
to Catch Old One IV iv 298: Farewell, and be hang’d, you . . rascals!
1616 WITHALS, p. 537: Away and be hanged. 1634 [S. ROWLEY]
Noble Soldier IV, s. F3V: Why, farewell and be hang’d. 1638 E.
FORD Merry Discourse l. 95 in Roxb. Bal., I 253: For friends, you
know, must part. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: Farewell and
be hang’d that is twise God be with you. 1670 RAY, p. 174. 1732
FUL., no. 1504.
F734 FRIENDS agree best at a distance
1596 DEL., s. PIV: He that will keepe his frend, let him haue
nothing to doe with him. 1611 COT., s.v. Entretenir: He that
loues to continue a friend must haue but little to doe with him.
1621 TAYLOR Trav. Twelvepence: Wks. F., p. 71: But there’s no
great loue lost ’twixt them and mee, We keepe asunder, and so
best agree. 1721 KEL., p. 103: *By Friends here is meant Rela-
tions, and they agree best when their Interests does not interfere.
Cf. F717: One may visit a friend sometimes but ifhe intends to
be welcome he must not stay long.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. Xi H.
FRIENDS
FRIENDS
246

F735 FRIENDS are thieves of time
1605 BAcON Adv. Learning II, p. 349: We use to advise young
students from company keeping, by saying, Amici fures temporis.
See SM., p. 113.
F736 FRIENDS do tie the purse with a cobweb thread
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2.
Cf. B627: There is no bread locked from true friends; F722:
When a friend asks there is no tomorrow; H304: A gentle heart is
tied with an easy thread; L520: Love locks no cupboards; L567: A
lover’s purse must be tied with a cobweb or a leek’s leaf; M466:
The liberal man’s bags are always ready.
F737 FRIENDS fail fiyers
1577 HOLINSHED Chron. Edw. V 1483, III 381: We might . . make
them true by our going, if we were caught and brought backe, as
freends faile fliers. 1623 CAM., p. 269. 1639 CL., p. 25.
F738 FRIENDS (Men) may meet but mountains never
(never greet)
[ERAS. Adagia, 792D: Mons cum monte non miscetur.] 1530
PALS., p. 635a: Hylles do never mete, but acquayntaunce dothe
often. 1548 R. BARNES Meeting Dr. Barnes and Dr. Powell, s. A1:
It is sene Often that men mete now and than, but so do hylles
neuer. I568 FULWELL Like Willto Like, s. B2: It is an olde saying,
that mountains and hills neuer meet, But I see that men shall
meet, though they doo not seek. 1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and
Three Ladies Lond., s. C4v: Men may meete though mountaines
cannot. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1040: Men may meit bot montaines
may not. 1611 COT., s.v. Deux: Two men may often meet, but
mountaines neuer. 1616 DR., no. 796: Two mountaines can neuer
meete, but two friends may 0ft meete. I616 WITHALS, p. 565:
(but hils and mountaines never). 1618 J. TAYLOR Penniless Pilg.:
Wks. F., p. 142: I found the Prouerbe true, that men haue more
priuiledge then mountaines in meeting. 1639 CL., p. 25. 1670
RAY, p. 94: (never greet). *Two haughty persons will seldom
agree together. 1672 WALK. 78, p. 43. 1681 ROB., p. 760: (Men).
SHAKESPEARE.—I599 A.Y. III ii 194: It is a hard matter for
friends to meet; but mountains may be remov’d with earthquakes,
and so encounter.
See DUR., I, no. 173.
F739 From my FRIENDS God defend me, from my
enemies I can keep myself
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 127]: Ther was one that praied god to kepe
him from the daunger of his frendis. 1573 SANF. [f. 20V]: Agesilaus
sayde . . God keepe me from my freendes, For from my foes I wil
beware. 1595 COPLEY Wits, Fits I, p. 45: The Italians vse to say
. . A fained friend God shield me from his danger, For well I’l saue
my selfe from foe and stranger. 1647 HOWELL Let. II 75, II 503:
There is a saying that carrieth with it a great deal of caution; From
him whom I trust, God defend me; for from him whom I trust not,
I will defend myself. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11: God gard me
from whom I trust, for I Shall guard my self from whom I trust not.
1659 N.R., p. 35. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 7: (I can defend my
self). *Note 35, p. 19: Meant of covert enemies, and false-hearted
Friends.
See DUR., I, no. 501. Cf. G184: God defend me from the still
water and I’ll keep myself from the rough.
F740 Happy is he whose FRIENDS were (whose father
was) born before him
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ricchi, p. 167: The English . . say, of a
rich man that neuer purchas’d his Estate, His Father was born
before him. 1670 RAY, p. 99: *Who has rem non labore parandam
sed relictam. 1721 KEL., p. 379: You may thank God that your
Friends were born before you. *Spoken to unactive thriftless
People, who, if their Parents had left them nothing must have
begg’d. 1732 FUL., no. 1790. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 459:
Why, madam, ’tis happy for him that his father was born before
him.
Cf. B573: A box on the ear.

Have but few FRIENDS though much acquaint-
ance
c1565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. D2v: Be not rash in
taking a freend Aristotle dooth say. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5.
I670 RAY, p. 11. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 151. 1732 F UL., no. 1807:
(Have but a few). 1756 FRANKLIN, p. 32: Be civil to all; sociable
to many; familiar with few; Friend to one; enemy to none.
SHAKESPEARE.——I600-1 H. I iii 61: Be thou familiar, but by no
means vulgar: Those friends thou hast . . Grapple them unto thy
soul with hoops of Steel. 1602 A.W. I i 73: Love all, trust a few.
Cf. F754: Many friends in general, one in special.
F741
F742 He may bear all his FRIENDS on his back
1639 CL., p. 177. 1664 COD., p. 198.
F743 He may even go write to his FRIENDS
1562 HEY. Epig. 205, p. 160: Ye may write to your freendes that
ye are in helth: Who may write to his freendes that he is in welth.
a1598 FERO. MS, no. 753: He may wryt to his freinds. 1670 RAY,
p. 176: *We say it of a man when all his hopes are gone.
F744 He that has many FRIENDS eats too much salt
with his meat
1616 DR., no. 798: Amongst friends much salt is eaten. 1640
JONSON Tale Tub II i 14: Indeed my Wife would ha’ had All the
young Batchelers and Maids, forsooth, O’ the zixe Parishes here-
about: But I Cry’d none, sweet Sybil: none of that geare, I: It
would lick zalt, I told her. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19. 1659
How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. S pan., p. 8: Who hath too many friends
eats too much salt.
Cf. C564: Company makes a man spend; F68 5: Before you make
a friend eat a bushel of salt with him.
F745 He that would have FRIENDS must Show himself
friendly
[Prov. xviii 24: A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly. ]
1616 DR., no. 812.
Cf. L514: Love is the loadstone of love.
F746 Here’s to our FRIENDS and hang up the rest of
our kindred
I678 RAY, p. 347.
Cf. K53: Wheresoever you see your kindred make much of your
friends.
F747 If you deal so ill by your FRIENDS what will you
do with your enemies?
CI599 MARLOWE Eleg. I vi 31, p. 154: In midst of peace why an of
arms afraid? Exclud’st a lover, how would’st use a foe? 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 468.
F748 It is good to have FRIENDS
1616 DR., no. 794. 1669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 9:
It was good to have Friends, but bad to need their help.
F749. It is good to have some FRIENDS both in heaven
and hell
1596 DEL., s. N4V.
both in).
1639 CL., p. 232: (It’s good having a friend
1651 HERB., p. 370. 1659 N.R., p. 64. 1670 RAY, p.
93-
Cf. P48: I would not be alone in paradise.
F750 It is merry when FRIENDS meet
1616 DR., no. 797. 1639 CL., p. 26.
Cf. G382: It is merry when gossips (gentlefolks) meet; K143: It
is merry when knaves meet; M60: It is merry when maltmen meet.
F751 It is not tint1 that is done to FRIENDS
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 824: (to a freind).
1668 R.B., p. 31.
[110st]
1641 FERG., no. 518.
I721 KEL., p. 198: It is no tint, a Friend gets.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FRIENDS 247 FROG


F752 Keep well thy FRIENDS when thou hast gotten F758 When FRIENDS meet hearts warm
them [CI535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 643, p. 398. 1641 FERG.,
I550 TAv. Flowers Sent., s. A5v: Receyue no man rashly into thy no- 728~ I668 R'B's P- 44- I721 KEL') P: 340-
frendeshyp and when thou hast receyued him cast him nat 0f. _
1596 DEL., S. M7v. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 62v: Be F759 A bIOken FRIENDSHIP may be SOIdel'ed b11t W111
slow to fall in friendship, but when thou art in, continue firme and never be sound
COnStant' I639 CI": P' 25‘ Forsalfc “013 thy-01d frenfd' 1666 TOR' 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 8: Reconcil’d friendship, is a wound not
It. Prov. 21, p. 7: Be not to hasty In purchasmg of friends; but once wen salv’d up 1732 pm“, n0_ 2%
puf¢ha$ed, let them net 80-
. Cf. B515: A broken bone (leg) is the Stronger when it is well set;
SHAKESPEARE.——16oo-I H. I 111 62: Those friends thou hast, and H373, Take heed (Beware) of a reconciled enemy (friend).
their adoption tried, Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of
steel. 1602 A.W. I i 75: Keep thy friend Under thy own life’s key. F760 FRIENDSHIP Stands not on one Side
F753 Kiss and be FRIENDS a1598 FERG. MS, no. 413: (not upon on side). 1641 FERG., no. 280:
(not in one side). 1668 R.B., p. 20: (not in One Side). 1721 KEL.,
61608 MIDDLETON Your Five Gallants III v 43: Come, a klss, and p. 103: Friendship cannot stand ay on one Side.
friends! 1611 Sec. Maiden’s Trag. IV i, p. 50: A kisse and be
frendes. 1635 F. QUARLES Emblems (1643 ed.) II 8: Wks., III 62:
Come busse [kiss] and friends . . what ails my babe to cry? 1648 F 761 P erfeCt FRIENDSHIP (love) caHnOt be WIthOUt
HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. W ks., p. 78: Kisse, we will be friends. equality
[31654] I689 SELDEN Table Talk) P. 76'- The People and the Prince 1539 TAV., f. 53: Amicitia aequalitas. Frendship (sayth pytha-
kist and Wer e F 1' Iendss and so things Wel' e (Inlet for a While- I664 gors) is equalitie, and alone mynde or wyll. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal. ,
T. KILLIGREW Parson’s Wed. V iv, p. 151: Come, a kiss, and all’s I 25: In all degrees of friendship equality is chiefly considered.
Ffiends- I672 LACY Dumé Lady IV>P- 89'- Weep netaNurSei Iam Ihid., I 166: For perfect love can never be without equality. 1580
SatiSfied~ Come, kiss and be friends- 1738 SWIFT POL Conv- III, LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 150: In friendeship there must be an
P- 4661 Let’s kiss and be friends- equalitie of estates. 1591 LYLY Endim. I iii 31: Amicitia (as in old
Cf. F732: Drink and be friends. Annals we find) is inter pares. 1616 WITHALS, p. 548: Use the
_ _ _ friendship of thy equals. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 305: Amongst
F754 Many FRIENDS In general: one In SPeCIa-l equals, consisteth friendship. Ibid. 2, p. 305: Where there is not
1640 HERB., no. 277. equality, never will there be perfect amity.
Cf. F741: Have but few friends though much acquaintance. Cf. EI78: Marry your equal.
F FRIENDS and Old wine are best Trencher FRIENDSHIP
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 132: For you must consider, true friends [ERAS, fldagia, 190C; Ollae amicitia_] 1639 C1“, s,v_ Parasiti, p_
are not like new garments, which will be the worse for wearing: 239, 1732 FUL., no. 3573: N0 Friendship lives long that owes its
they are rather . . like many Wines, which the older they are the Rise to the Pot,
better they are. 1578 LYLY Euph- 14mm Wit, P 2321 Ah W611 I SHAKESPEARE.—I605-8 T. Ath. II ii 178: Ah, when the means
WOtte that - - a new garment maketh thee leaue Off the Oldfi are gone that buy this praise, The breath is gone whereof this praise
thoughe it be fitter, and newe wine causeth thee to forsake the is made, Feasnwon, fasnlost,
olde though it be better. . 1585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. M3v: Cf. C912: Cupboard love.
Three thinges the elder they be, the more delight we take in them.
Old wine to drinke. Old bookes to readin. Old friends to be conuer- F763 The FROG cannot out of her bog
sant withall. 1591 LYLY Endim. V ii 40: Knowest thou not that _ 6 RA F 6
olde wine is best? 1596 DEL., s. P5v: Old wine and old friends, are 1659 N.R., p. 13' (A fmg) I 70 Y’ P' 95' I732 UL" no. I I3.
praised euery where. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho IIii,s. F764 To fret like a FROG under a barrow
C4v: Is not old Wine wholesommest, olde Pippines toothsommest,
old wood burne brightest, old Linnen wash whitest, old souldiars
Sweet-hart are surest, and olde lovers are soundest. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Vieux: The praise of old wine, friends, and gold, is in all places , , , .
often told. 1616 DR., no. 809. 1623 WOD., p. 522: Old Wine, and F 765 To 51" hke a F ROG on a ehOPng (waShmg)b1°ek
old Friends are loved over all. 1639 CL., s.v. Amicitia, p. 24: Old 1678 RAY, p. 289. 1732 FUL., no. 6113: As pert as a frog upon a
wine and old friends be praised every where. 1640 HERB., no. 136: washing-block.
Old wine and an old friend are good provisions. 1640 WHATELY
Prototypes 34, p. 160: Friendship is like wine, the elder the better, F766 When the FROG has hair thou Wilt be good
the longer it lasteth, the more it is to be praised. 1659 HOW. Fr. 1659 HOW_ $254,, P700” p_ 17.
Prov., p. 10: Gold, a friend, and wine, the older the better. 1659 SHAKESPEARE._1592_3 CE. HI ; 79, Ay, when {owls have no
How. Span. Prov., p. 23: Old wine, and an old friend. 1664 COD., feathers and fish have no fin_
p. 207. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 8: Wine, a friend, and cheese,
mUSt be Old. *Note 48, p. 19: TO be gOOd. I670 RAY, I). I9: *Gall. a
and old gold. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Old. . _
Tth. F321: Old fish, old oil, and an old friend are the best; H509: HIZ€31F§;;'Zivé’gujbgzzlvmliexiiatéllfiiliQfis?§nir;dssiuaih:h:
ere is no more hold of a.new friend than of a new fashlon. common saying is, Well, I have fished an d caught a frog; brought
- little to pass with much ado. I575 CHURCHYARD Chips, p. 3 3: And
F756 To all FRIENDS round the wrekln , _ in the ende but fishe and catch a frogg. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
I700 CONFREVE Way World _HI> P- 48'- You (:0an "1th to be Eng., p. 173: Madame quoth Surius you haue caught a Frog. 1607
remember d Fth to YoutFrlcndS round the Rakm' I716 FAR‘ DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. H0 V, s. H3v: Sbloud doe you come
QUHAR Refru’tmg Ofic” Tlfle ped' I787 ,GROSE Prov' Glow“ 8'“ so farre t0 fishe and catch Frogs? 1616 DR., s.v. Ill successe, no.
Shropshlre: *A mode of drinking to all frlends wheresoever they 2062, He,e hath fished well, and caught a frogge. I629 T_F_ poof,
may be, taklng the Wrekln as a centre. The WrekIn Is a mountain Bolt 55 in Pepysian Gar!“ p_ 318: The man that wedds for greedy
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 21: As the Frog frets under the harrow.
See APP., p. 636.
in the neighborhwd Of ShreWSbury' wealth, he goes a fishing faire, But often times he gets a Frog, or
. . very little share. 1639 CL., s.v. Frustrata spes, p. 130. 1659 How.
F757 To make two FRIENDS WIth one glfi Eng. Prov., p. 14: You have fisht fair and catcht a frogg. 1666 TOR.
1681 ROB., p. 797: (with one favour). 1732 FUL., no. 5205. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rana, p. 164: To have fish’d a long while, and have



In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
FROST 248
FRYING PAN

caught but a frog, viz. to have taken abundance of pains to no
purpose. 1670 RAY, p. 176. 1732 FUL., no. 5903.
Cf. C928: To miss the cushion; D106: To angle all day and catch
a gudgeon at night; F333: He is a fond fisher that angles for a frog;
H450: To fish for a herring and catch a sprat. (16)
F768 Bearded FROST forerunner of snow
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 21.
F769 Farewell FROST
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 72. 1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War:
Posies, p. 146: When your own gilt is spent, then farewell frost.
1576 WAPULL Tide Tarries No Man, s. EIv. 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. F3v: But though I come like ill weather, vnsent for, yet
farewell frost is not so soone saide. 01592 Fair Em, s. F2v: Then
fare well frost: Well fare a wench that will. 1594 LYLY Mother B.
II iii 97: Farewell frost, my fortune naught me cost. 1618 HAR-
INGTON Epig. I 21, p. 61: Tush for a womans cause, he must refuse
me. Then farewell frost. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 20, p. 223: As the English say drolling, Farewel
frost. 1670 RAY, p. 174: Farewel frost, nothing got nor nothing
lost. 1721 KEL., p. 104: Farewel Frost, fair Weather nest [next].
*Spoken when they go off, whom we are glad to part with. 1732
FUL., no. 6156: [As in 1670 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.——1596 M.V. II vii 74: Cold indeed, and labour
lost. Then farewell heat, and welcome frost!
Cf. W217: Fair weather after you. (6)
F770 FROST and fraud have always foul ends
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 396: Frost and falshood maid never ane fair
hinderend. 1614 CAM., p. 306. 1639 CL., s.v. Fraus, p. 127:
(have foule fare-wells). 1641 FERG., no. 263: Falshood made never
a fair hinder end. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 281: So
true is that proverb, that frost and fraud have dirty ends. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1659 N.R., p. 34. 1662 FULLER Worthies
Cheshire, I 186: It was an ordinary speech in his mouth to say,
Frost and Fraud both end in Foul. 1664 COD., p. 192. 1668 R.B.,
p. 18: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 95: Frost and fraud both
end in foul. *A saying ordinary in the mouth of Sr. Thomas Eger-
ton Lord Ceancellour. 1721 KEL., p. 103: Frost and Falshood has
ay a foul hinder end. *When Frost thaws, the Ways are dirty;
and when Falshood is discovered it causes Shame and Disgrace.
1732 FUL., no. 1630: (have foul Ends).
He that is surprised with the first FROST feels it
all the winter after
1659 N.R., p. 60.
F771
1640 HERB., no. 985.
F772 They must hunger in FROST that will not work in
heat
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 28. 1611 GRUT., no. 284. 1614 CAM., p.
313. 1616 DR., s.v. Idlenesse, no. 1059: They must suffer hunger
in frost, that will not labour in heate. Ibid., no. 1177: Hee that
will not labour in haruest, must begge in winter. 1639 CL., p. 144:
(They must not [for must] hunger). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
1664 COD., p. 212: (that will not labour in Heat). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 26, p. 125: He shall suffer hunger in cold weather, who will
not work in hot weather. 1670 RAY, p. 107. 1705 Pleas. Art, p.

F773 The first and last FROSTS are the worst
1640 HERB., no. 947. 1659 N.R., p. 96: The first and the last .
frost is the worst.
F774 Sharp FROSTS bite forward springs
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 206: (But Sharpe frostes). 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. F2v: The greene blade that shooteth too
earely is soone bitt with a black frost. 1732 FUL., no. 910: Better
late ripe and bear, than early blossom and blast.
SHAKESPEARE.——1597 Rich. III III i 94: Short summers lightly
have a forward spring.
Cf. L384: Too soon wise to live long.

F775 So many FROSTS in March so many in May
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: If frost in March, there will be some
in May. 1678 RAY, p. 344.
F776 FRUGALITY and good husbandry is an income
(estate)
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 40v: Accordyng to the prouerbe: good
housbandrye and sparyng in an hous, is a great penie rent of yerely
reuenues. 1681 ROB., p. 650: Frugality and good husbandry makes
things go far; is great incomes. 1732 FUL., no. 1631: Frugality is
an Estate alone.
Cf. 5107: Of saving comes having; S712: Sparing is the first
gaining (getting).
F777 Good FRUIT of a good tree
01534 BERNERS Huon 6, p. 12: Alwayes I haue harde say that a
good Impe [tree] bryngethe forth good freute. 1581 PETTIE Civ.
Conv. III, II 15: It is sieldome scene that a good tree bringeth foorth
ill fruites. 1596 DEL., s. M5v. 1659 N.R., p. 6: A sweet tree
yeeldeth savoury fruit.
Cf. T494: Such as the tree is such is the fruit.
F778 If you would FRUIT have you must bring the leaf
to the grave
1678 RAY, p. 53: *That is you must transplant your trees just
about the fall of the leaf.
Cf. H360: If you would a good hedge have carry the leaves to the
grave.
F779 Stolen FRUIT is (Stolen apples are) sweet
1580 BARET, D—I 3 5 5: Dulce Pomum. Quum abeat custos . . This
Prouerbe may be taken diuers waies: for it is either vsed, when
wicked men beeing not punished, goe from one wickednesse vnto
another: or els, when any thing is gotten from an other man, either by
deceipt, or other craftie meanes. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet III:
W ks., p. 204: But as the Prouerbe hath it . . Apples are sweet, when
they are plucked in the Gardeners absence. Eve liked no Apple in
the Garden so well as the forbidden. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep
Husb., p. 274: If they so highly valued stolne fruits, they would
much more prize such as were lawfully enjoy’d.
See APP., p. 603; DI'IR., II, no. 526; ST., no. 2488; T. 258, p.159.
Cf. B626: Stolen bread is ever sweetest; F585: What is forbidden
(baneful) is desired; P423: Stolen pleasures are sweetest; W131:
Stolen waters are sweet; W650: A woman does that which is for-
bidden her.
F780 Sweet is the FRUIT of labor
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A7v). 1639 CL., s.v. Industriae, p. 163.
F781 He has shot his FRY
1611 COT., s.v. Pouvoir: He hath shot his frie . . done the worst or
most he can. 1639 CL., p. 223.
F782 The FRYING PAN said to the kettle, Avaunt,
black brows
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxvii, IV 227: Mee thinkes, Sir . . you
are like what is said, that the Frying-pan said to the Kettle, Avant,
blacke-browes; you reprehend me for speaking of Proverbs, and
you thred up yours by two and two. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3:
The F rying-pan told the Kettle, get thee hence thou black ars. 1732
FUL., no. 4551.
Cf. K21: The kettle calls the pot black ass.
F783 He that holds a FRYING PAN by the tail may turn
it which way he lists
1611 COT., s.v. Paelle. Ibid., s.v. Queue: Qui tient la paesle par la
queué, il la tourne 151 on il veut. *Those that commaund, or manage,
lawes, expound them how they list. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love
and Eloq., p. 180: *See more of this in Alexius his secrets, or in
Aristotles book of the dyet of the Phisolophers [sic], cap. 6. of the
manner of making pancakes.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
FRYING PAN 249 FURZE

SHAKESPEARE.—1590-I 2 Hen. VI III i 302: Nay then, this
F784 Out of (To leap like the flounder out of) the
FRYING PAN (pan) into the fire
1529 T. MORE Dial. Diverse Mat. II: Wks. 1557, p. 179: Lepe they
lyke a flounder out of a frying panne into the fyre. 1546 HEY.
II v, s. H4: As the flounder dothe, Leape out of the frying pan into
the fyre. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I45: You shal finde your selfe
to be fallen (as the common proverbe is) out of the pan into the fire.
1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XIII xxviii, p. 98: ButI was sav’d, as is
the flounder, when He leapeth from the dish into the fire. [1596]
1633 SPENSER View Ireland, p. 659: This then were but to leape out
of the pann into the fire. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 41: I am
afraid to meete with a woorse, and I would not leape out of the
frying pan, and fall into the fire. 1616 DR., no. 603: Like the
Flounder hee leapeth out of the panne into the fire. 1621 R.
BURTON Anat. M. I IV i, p. 368: Though many times, as Aesop’s
fishes, they leap from the frying-pan into the fire itself. 1623 CAM.,
p. 273: (Like the Flounder, out of). 1625 PURCHAS Pilgrims I i I,
I 14: Out of the frying panne of Paynim Rites, into the fire of
Mahumetrie. 1639 CL., p. 95: (As flounders doe. Out of).
Ibid., p. 202. 1645 F. QUARLES Solomon’s Recant.: Wks., II 175:
No no, those Bellowes mount the blaze, the higher, Thou leap’st but
from the Pan into the fire. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12: *From
bad to worse. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 5: To fall from the pan to
the fire. 1659 N.R., p. 72: [As in 1623 Cam.]. 1664 COD., p. 203:
[As in 1623 Cam]. I670 RAY, p. 176. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Frying:
(To fall out of).
See ST., nos. 1920, 2512. Cf. S570: Shunning the smoke he fell
into the fire; T276: I escaped the thunder and fell into the light-
ning. (11)
F785 Add FUEL to the fire
[ERAS. Adagia, 71D: Ignem igni ne addas.] 1586 W. WARNER
Albion’s Eng. X 59: Poems, p. 628: All adding fewel to the fier.
01592 KYD Span. Trag. III x, s. G2vz That were to adde more
fewell to the fire. 1624 MASSINGER Bondman V i, p. 94: That will
bring fuel To the jealous fires which burn too hot already in lord
Loesthenes. I632 MASSINGER Maid Hon. II i, p. 321: ’Tis far
From me, sir, to add fuel to your anger, That, in your ill opinion
of him, burns Too hot already. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fucina,
p. 67: To aggravate any mischief, to add fewel to the fire. 1670
RAY, p. 176: (To add). *Oleum camino addere. 1672 WALK. 25,
p. 51: Do not make things worse than they are; add not fewell
to the fire.

spark will prove a raging fire If wind and fuel be brought to
feed it with. 1591 3 Hen. VI V iv 70: I need not add more fuel
to your fire, For well I wot ye blaze to burn them out. 1602 T.C.
II iii 205: That were to enlard his fat-already pride And add more
coals to Cancer when he burns With entertaining great Hyperion.
See ST., no. 1660. Cf. C465: To blow the coals; F251: Do not
blow the fire (coal) thou wouldst quench; F 278: Put not fire to
tow (flax); F786: Take away fuel take away fire (flame); O32: To
pour (cast) oil into the fire is not the way to quench it.
F786 Take away FUEL take away fire (flame)
I576 FLEMING Panoply Epp., s. A2: When the fier hath no fewell,
it cannot indure to burne. 1630 T. ADAMS Fire Content: Wks.,
p. 788: We know it to be the fewell that maintaines this fire. 1639
CL., s.v. Luxus, p. 192: Take away fuell, take away flame. 1670
RAY, p. 95: [As in 1639 Cl.]. *Remove the tale-bearer, and con-
tention ceaseth. 1672 WALK. 28, p. 30: Where no fewel is, the fire
goes out; lust must be maintained with cost. 1732 FUL., no. 4305:
Take away Fuel, and you take away Fire.
Cf. F785: Add fuel to the fire; 08: He that takes away the oc-
casion takes away the offense.
F787 In FULLNESS there is forgetfulness
1616 DR., s.v. Gluttony, no. 870. 1664 COD., p. 201: In fullness is
forgetfulness.
Cf. S676: Little knows the fat sow (man) what the lean does mean.
F788 He is free of FUMBLER’S HALL .
1678 RAY, p. 245: *Spoken of a man that cannot get his wife with
child.
F789 She simpers like a FURMITY-KETTLE
01569 J. PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 429, s. C3: Symper lyke a fyr-
mentie pot. 1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions 4, p. 21 1: This sets the
widow a-pinking, and simpering like a furmety-kettle. 1678 RAY,
p. 289. 1732 FUL., no. 4136. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 399:
Her tongue runs like the clapper of a mill. —And yet she simpers
like a firmity kettle.
Cf. D373: She simpers like a riven dish.
F790 Under the FURZE is hunger and cold, under the
broom is silver and gold
1678 RAY, p. 348.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
G
GABRIEL
G1 When GABRIEL blows his horn then this question
will be decided
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2.
G2-G7 GAIN: subst.
G2
1640 HERB., no. 492.
27, p. 109.
G3 GAIN savors sweetly from anything
[ERAS. Adagia, 886E: Lucri bonus est Odor ex re qualibet.] 1542
BECON Nosegay: Early Wks., p. 222: Savour oflucre is good, howso-
ever a man come by it. 1602 JONSON Poetaster II i 55. 1621
BRATHWAITE Odes 7: Nat. Embassy, p. 303: Smell of gaine makes
labour sweet. [1626] I647 MASSINGER ET AL. Fair Maid Inn III,
p. 172: These are your In-comes, remember your own proverb, the
savour of every gaine smelt sweet. 1628 EARLE Micro. 4, p. 25:
Of al odors he likes best the smel of Vrine, and holds Vespatians
rule, that no gaine is unsauory.
Cf. C350: So we get the chink we will bear with the stink.
Everyone fastens where there is GAIN
1659 N.R., p. 29. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
G4 It is clear GAIN that remains by honest gettings
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
G5 Sometimes the best GAIN is to lose
1640 HERB., no. 220. 1664 COD., p. 211.
Cf. H590: A book well lost to catch a salmon.
G6 The GAINS will quit the pains
1595 LODGE Fig for Momus, p. 59: Buy cheape, sell deare, thy profit
quites thy paine. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 452: Gaines slokens paines.
1600 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy XXXI, p. 800: Seeing the
gaines would hardly quit their paines, they departed from thence.
1616 DR., no. 817: Hope of gaine carieth a man thorow thicke and
thinne. 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 7: Hope of gain lessens pain.
Cf. P19: Pain is forgotten where gain follows.
G7 Light GAINS make heavy purses
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: For come lyght wynnyngs with blessyngs or
curses, Euermore light gaynes make heuy purses. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 150, p. 151. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON East-
ward Ha I i 50: (makes). 1611 COT., s.V. Bourse. I611 DAV.
Prov., no. 145: Sith light gaines purses make: I fret That mines so
light and yet so little get. 1611 GRUT., no. 173. 1612 BRETON
Wits Private Wealth: Wks., II 10. 1614 CAM., p. 309: Light gaines
makes a heauy purse. 1616 DR., no. 826: Light gaine maketh
heauy purses. 1639 CL., p. 10: (a heavy purse). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 2: Light gain maketh a heavy purse. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 166, p. 165: Little gaines make a heavy purse. I670 RAY, p.
II 3: (a heavy purse). *They that sell for small profit, vend more
commodities.
Cf. W504: Light (Small) winning makes a heavy purse. (10)
G8 GAIN: verb
G8 To GAIN teaches how to spend
I640 HERB., no. 451.
1659 N.R., p. 101.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 24.
1664 COD., p. 219.
G9 Fair GAINING makes fair spending
1573 SANF., f. 104. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 99, p. 29: Fayre gainings
doe make faire spendings.

GALLOWS
G10 GALEN gives goods, Justinian honors
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 2 51 : The olde verse standeth as yetin
his olde vertue: That Galen gyueth goods, Iustinian honors. 1614
T. ADAMS Sinner’s Passing-Bell: W ks., p. 247: So the old verse
testifies. Dat Galenus opes, dat Iustinianus honores. Physicke
giues wealth, and Law Honour.
See T. 280, p. 167. Cf. P266: The physician gleans and the lawyer
reaps.
G1 I GALL = bile
G11 As bitter as GALL
[c1525-9] I 561 Godly Qu. Hester]. I 174, p. 46: More bytter than gall.
1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes I iii, p. 197: The least soppe of sorow
seemeth more soure than gal in my mouth. 1581 B. RICH Fare.
Mil. Prof., p. 38: Whose taste I finde more bitter now then gall.
1600 BRETON Pasquil’s Foolscap: Wks., I [18]: Well, Sugar sweete,
or bitter as the gall, Tis Pasquils humour. 1623 WEBSTER Devil’s
Law-Case I ii 146: My Lord, Kisse that teare from her lip—youle
find the Rose The sweeter for the dewe. -—-Bitter as gall. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1670 RAY, p. 203.
G12 GALL =a sore
G12 To rub one on the GALL
[c1517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. D2v: Ikyndell in her suche a lyther
sparke That rubbed she must be on the gall. 1523 SKELTON Garl.
Laurel l. 96: Wks., I 365: Yet wrote he none ill, Sauynge he rubbid
sum vpon the gall. 1546 HEY. II V, s. H3v: Where your words now
do but rub hym on the gall. That dede without words shall dryue
him to the wal. c1547 BALE Three Laws II, s. A8: And on the
gall ye rubbe. 1552 LATIMER Serm. and Rem. 44, p. 211: When a
thief or a briber heareth this, it rubbeth him on the gall. 1585 E.
SANDYs Serm. 14, p. 274: Herod heard John gladly while he carped
others; but he could not abide to be rubbed on the gall himself.
1656 R. SANDERSON Ad Aulam xii: Serm., II 279: We shall scarce
read a chapter . . but we shall meet with something or other that
seemeth to rub upon that gaul.
Cf. H700: Touch (Rub) a galled horse on the back and he will
wince (kick); S649: To rip up (rub) old sores. (8)
G13 The GALLANTS 0F FOWEY
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall II, p. 315: The merit of which ex-
ploit afterwards entitled them Gallants of Foy.
See SM., p. 439.
G14 Up with it, if it be but a GALLON ’twill ease your
stomach
1678 RAY, p. 83.
G15 The GALLows groans for you
1560-77 Misogonus I iv, p. 192: The gallowes grones for this wage as
iust rope ripe. 1585 HIGGINS Nomenclator II, p. 525: A rake hell,
a rascal that will be hangd: one for whom the gallowes grones.
1611 COT., s.V. Pendard: A rakehell, crackrope, gallowclapper; one
for whom the gallowes longeth. 1672 WALK. 73, p. 12. 1678
RAY, p. 246. 1732 FUL., no. 4554. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I
p. 420: I’m sure the gallows groans for you.
G16 The GALLows is the cutpurse’s pulpit
1616 DR., no. 21 I2. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 37, p. 215: At the gallows,
every felon turns preacher.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), 01 by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
250
GALLows
GARDEN
251
F
G17 He repents too late that repents at the GALLows
1611 COT. _.s.v. Gibbet: Too late he repents that repents at the
gallowes. 1623 WOD., p. 512: Repentence comes too late vpon the
Gibet. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 178.
Cf. A211: When all is consumed repentance comes too late.
G18 If I be hanged I’ll choose my GALLows
1631 SHIRLEY Love Tricks V ii, p. 87: I hope I shall choose my own
gallows then. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh IV vi 97: Unlesse, as with the
Proverbe, You meane to make the choice of your own gallowes.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16. I670 RAY, p. 216. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. II, p. 429: Well, miss, if I must be hanged, I won’t go far
to choose my gallows; it shall be about your fair neck.
G19 To be hanged on a fair GALLows (with a silken
halter)
[ERAS. Adagia, 4501‘: De pulcro ligno vel strangulare.] 1560-77
Misogonus I iv 16: I care not for hanginge soe my mynde like the
rope; hangings but a pastyme so be it vnder your arme. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 100: Like that kinde Iudge . . who con-
dempning his friend, caused him for the more ease to be hanged with
a silken twist. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 10: In comparison
betweene the fayre and the foule, I say for my part that it is lesse
greefe to be hanged on a fayre payre of gallowes. 1593 PEELE
Edw. I xiv, s. I2: In that chaine, Vppon a siluer Gibbet . . Thou
maist hang. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man I, p. 18: [Heliogabalus]
prepared halters made of silke to hang himselfe, when occasion
served . . He prepared also swords and daggers of gold and silver
wherewith to be slaine. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi IV
ii 225: What would it pleasure me, to have my throate cut With
diamonds? or to be smothered With cassia? or to be shot to death,
with pearles?
SHAKESPEARE—01595 RY. III iii 22: Thou cut’st my head off
with a golden axe And smilest upon the stroke that murders me.
Cf. M338: No man loves his fetters though made of gold.
G20 When everyone gets his own you’ll get the GAL-
LOWS
1660 Eng. ’s Ohject 75 in Cav. and Pur., p. 490: Then Gallows claim
thy due. 1732 FUL., no. 5550.
G21 He (The devil) will play at small GAME rather
than sit out (before he will stand out)
1578 WHETSTONE 1 Promos and Cass. III vi, S. D4v: (game, or he
sitte out). 1606 P. HOLLAND Twelve Caesars Nero Claudius Annot.
47, II 269: (By which, it appeareth, he would play at). 1615 T.
ADAMS Bad Leaven: Wks., p. 712: Satan . . will play at small game
before hee sit out. 1616 WITHALS, p. 560: (FOr all your great
words, you would play at a small game, rather). 1623 CAM., p. 270:
He will play small game, before he sit out. 1631 [BRATHWAITE]
Whimzies Clitus, p. 148: Now for the divel . . hee’l play at small
game, e’re hee sit out. 1636 JAS. OXINDEN (to Hen. Oxinden,
April 3) in Oxinden Let. 95, p. 113: I would (as the Proverb sayth)
play at small game wrather then give out. 1639 CL , s.v. Inj usti-
tiae, p. 172: (games). 1659 N.R., p. 42: (before he will stand out).
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pagliucca, p. 127: To play at any game,
and for never so small stakes, as the English say, Like a good Game-
ster, who will play at a small game, rather than give out, or stand
out, as if a right Thief should offer to steal rushes, to keep his hand
in ure to the Pilfring Trade. 1670 RAY, p. 189: (rather then stand
out). 1672 WALK. 9, p. 56: 'Tis better to play at small games, than
sit out. [a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., I 252: The Devil
himself will rather chuse to play At paltry small Game, than sit
out, they say. 1721 KEL., p. 391: You will play small Game before
you Stand out. 1732 FUL., no. 3882: Play at small Games rather
than stand out. (14)
G22 To fly at all GAME
1670 RAY, p. 176.
G23 At the GAME’S end we shall see who gains
1640 HERB., no. 534. 1659 N.R., p. 16. 1732 FUL., no. 826: At
the end of the Game, you’ll see who’s the Winner.
G24 The better GAMESTER the worser man
1639 CL., p. 96.
Cf. B333: The better the worse.
G25 GAMESTERS and race horses never last long
1640 HERB., no. 747.
(Gamesters and Racers).
Coll. Proverhs 381, p. 104.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 24:
1659 N.R., p. 37. 1685 CODRINGTON
G26 Hasty GAMESTERS oversee1 themselves
1678 RAY, p. 151: Hasty gamesters oversee. 1732 FUL., no. 1803.
[lblunder, act imprudently]
G27 GAMING (Play), women, and wine, while they
laugh they make men pine
01576 Common Cond. l. 238, s. B1: Weeman, disc and drinke, lets
him nothing keepe. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 256: It is
play, wine, and wantonnesse, that feedeth a loner as fat as a foole.
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. V, p. 73: Women, Wine, and Dice, will bring a
man to Lice. 1639 CL., p. 46: Drinking, drabbing, dicing, and the
Devil, bring men to destruction. 1640 HERB., no. 600. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: Women, wealth and wine have their good and
their venom. I659 N.R., p. 36: (whilest they laugh make men
pine). I705 Pleas. Art, p. 157.
Cf. L493: Love and envy make a man pine; P397: Play, women,
and wine undo men laughing.
G28 Every GAP has its bush -
1605 E. SANDYS Survey Rel, p. 123: Thus hath every gap his bush,
each suspition his prevention. 1678 RAY, p. 3 54.
Cf. G29: To stop gaps with rushes.
G29 To stop GAPS with rushes
1562 HEY. Dial. II ix, p. 78: Ye will (quoth she) as soone stop gaps
with rushes.
Cf. G28: Every gap has its bush.
G30 To stop two GAPS with one bush
1562 HEY. Dial. II ix, p. 78. CI594 BAcoN, no. 678. 1600 P.
HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy XXIII, p. 474: Therefore with one
bush (as they say) ye are to stop two gaps, and to do both at once.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 276: (Men faine would stop). 1615 T.
ADAMS Black Saint: Wks., p. 349: It may serue for both: so two
gappes be stopp’d with one bush: two sores covered with one
plaister. 1616 DR., no. 1964: (He stoppeth). 1636 CAM., p. 305:
(Stop two). 1639 CL., p. 45. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: *To
give two hitts with one stone. 1670 RAY, p. 197. 1672 WALK.
63, p. 53. 1681 ROB., p. 1174. 1732 FUL., no. 5234.
Cf. B400: To kill two birds with one stone; S639: He makes two
sons-in-law of one daughter.
G31 He that GAPEs until he be fed, well may he gape
until he be dead
1562 HEY. Dial. I ix, p. 17: He that gapeth till he be fed, Maie for-
tune to fast and famishe for honger. I611 DAv. Prov., no. 399:
(Hee that doth gape until). 1616 DR., s.v. Idlenesse, no. 1058.
1639 CL., p. 162. 1670 RAY, p. 96. 1732 FUL., no. 6459: (He
that still gapeth till).
G32 Will you buy any GAPESEED?
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Piazza, p. 145: To have nothing to do, but
to go idling about, gaping to see the Town serv’d; the English
Shop-keepers usually jeer such Persons, by asking them whether
they’ll buy any Gape-seed.
G33 N o GAPING against an oven
1577 HOLINSHED Chron. Hen. III 1239, II 389: A man ought not
to chide with a foole, nor gape ouer an ouen. 1623 WOD., p. 48
To gape against an Ouen. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12: ’Tis lll
gaping before an Oven. 1670 RAY, p. 96. 1732 FUL., no. 3575.
See ST., no. 1739.
G34 As is the GARDEN such is the gardener
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 399.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff .
GARDEN
GEAR
252

G35 A GARDEN must be looked unto and dressed as
the body
1640 HERB., no. 129. 1659 N.R., p. 19: A Garden Should be drest
and look’t to as the body.
G36 He that hires one GARDEN which he is able to
look after eats birds, he that hires more than
one will be eaten by the birds
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 399.
G37 N 0 GARDEN (wheat) without weeds (damel)
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 322: No doubte it is in the courte . .
as in all gardeins, some flowers some weeds. 1616 DR., s.v. Faults,
no. 682: No Wheat without darnell. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M.
III IV i 3, p.917: The divel . . will never suffer the church to be quiet
or at rest: no garden so well tilled but some noxious weedes grow
up in it. 1732 FUL., no. 152: A good Garden may have some Weeds.
Ibid., no. 3576: (its Weeds).
Cf. W242: The weeds overgrow the corn; W282: No wheat (corn)
without its chaff.
G38 As the GARDENER’S dog, who would not eat cab-
bage himself nor suffer others to do it
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 16. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cane, p. 26:
To do as the Gardeners dog, viz. which looks to the Herbage, but
neither eats herbs, nor suIIers any body else to eat of them. Ibid.,
s.v. Tempo, p. 213: To have a better time on’t than the Gardners
Dog, viz. which commands as itlists, and looks to the Garden.
1732 FUL., no. 3235: Like the Gardener’s Dog; that neither eats
Cabbage himself, nor lets any Body else.
Cf. D513: To play the dog in the manger, not eat yourself nor let
anybody else.
G39 Gay is the GARLAND where many flowers meet
1639 CL., s.v. Varietas, p. 315.
G40 GARLIC makes a man wink, drink, and stink
1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 249: Garlic hath three properties, to
make a man winke, drinke, and stinke. 1607 HARINGTON Eng.
Doctor, p. 86: And scorne not Garlicke like to some that thinke It
onely makes men winke, and drinke, and stinke.
G41
1640 HERB., no. 653.
None says his GARNER is full
1659 N.R., p. 81.
G42 He may go hang himself in his own GARTERS
1607 JONSON Volp. V iii 20: Ten sutes of hangings— —I, i’their
garters. 1611 TOURNEUR Ath. Trag. II v, p. 209: And as I ranne
(indeede) I bid him hang himselfe in his owne garters. [1621] 1652
FLETCHER Wild Goose Chase IV iii, p. 371: Off with your Garters:
and seek out a Bough, A handsom Bough; (for I would have ye hang
like a Gentleman). I633 SHIRLEY Bird in Cage III ii, p. 414: I
leave your wise signiorships to the mercy of your garters, which is a
speedy way, after a little time, to make yourselves invisible indeed.
1639 SHIRLEY Ball III iv, p. 52: Live to be Your own vexations,
then, till you be mad, And then remove yourself with your own
garters. 1670 RAY, p. 246. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 420: Well,
go hang yourself in your own garters, for I’m sure the gallows
groans for you.
SHAKESPEARE.~—1595 M.N.D. V i 365: Marry, if he that writ it
had played Pyramus and hang’d himself in Thisby’s garter, it would
have been a fine tragedy. 1597 1 Hen. IV II ii 46: Go hang thyself
in thine own heir-apparent garters! I601 T.N. I iii I I: These
clothes are good enough to drink in, and so be these boots too. An
they be not, let them hang themselves in their own straps.
G43 GATE = barrier
G43 N o GATES no city
1662 FULLER lVort/zies Worcestershire, II 485: The great and
antient Gates of London Town (No Gates, no City) now are voted
down, And down were cast.

G44—G45 GATE = road
G44 It that lies not in your GATE breaks not your shins
(toes)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 810: (gait breaks not your toes).
FERG., no. 505. I668 R.B., p. 30.
1641
G45 Thither as I would go I can go late, thither as I
would not go I know not the GATE, '
1670 RAY, p. 296.
G46 As grave as an old GATEPOST
1678 RAY, p. 280. 1732 FUL., no. 692.
G47 It is ill GATHERING of stones where the sea is bot-
tomless
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
G48 GAUNTING1 bodes wanting
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 455: Gaunting is wil wanting. I721 KEL.,
p. 119: Gaunting bodes wanting, one ofThree, Meat, Sleep, or good
Company. *When People yawn they are either hungry, sleepy, 0r
solitary. I have heard it more rogueishly express’d. I bid., p. 293:
Stretching and gaunting bodes sleep to be wanting.
Cf. M797: One may know your meaning by your gaping (mump-
ing); S932: Stretching and yawning lead to bed.
[1yawning, gaping]
G49 Make not a GAUNTLET of a hedging glove
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 5. 1670 RAY, p.96. 1732 FUL., no. 3318.
G50 She that GAZES much spins not much
1611 COT., s.v. Fenestrier: Seldome proues gazer, or gadder a good
houswife. 1732 FUL., no. 4138.
G51 Better be well loved than have ill-won GEAR
3.1568 Mony Man Makis Ryme l. 14 in Bannatyne MS, III 8:
Bettir is gud name Nor evill win geir. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 242:
(nor hav evill wone geir). I641 FERG., no. 175: (nor ill won geir).
I668 R.B., p. 13: (nor ill won geir).
G52 Boden1 GEAR stinks
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 222. 1668 R.B., p. 12.
(stinck ay).
Cf. S252: Proffered service (ware) stinks.
[lprofl'ered]
G53 Haldin1 GEAR helps well
1721 KEL., p. 62:
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 534: Had in geir helps weil. 1641 FERG.,
no. 363. 1668 R.B., p. 25.
[lheld]
G54 Have you GEAR, have you none, tine1 heart and
all is gone
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 552: Hav I gear hav I non tyn heart all is gone.
1721 KEL., p. 142: *Spoken to dissuade People from desponding in
any Case.
[llose]
G55 He that has no GEAR to tine1 has shins to pine
1668 R.B., p. 27. 1721 KEL., p. 149: (may
have shines to pine). *He that has done a Misdemeanour, if he be
not able to pay a Fine, may be put to corporal Punishment. I have
heard it apply’d by covetous Creditors, to their insolvent Debtors.
[llose]
1641 FERG., no. 381.
G56 He that rides ere he be ready wants some of his
GEAR
1641 FERG., no. 421. 1721 KEL., p. 154: (of his grath [gear]).
*Apply’d to him who goes about a Business without proper Tools to
accomplish it.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
GEAR
GENTLEMAN
253


G57 He that spends his GEAR on a whore has both
shame and scathe1
211568 Mony Man Makis Ryme l. 9 in Bannatyne MS, III 8:
Quha spendis his gud on a hure He hes bayth skayth and schame.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 487: (upon ane hoore). 1641 FERG., no. 314.
1668 R.B., p. 21. 1721 KEL., p. 163: (upon a Whore, Both Shame,
and Skathe, he must endure).
Cf. A368: Who drives an ass and leads a whore has pain and sor-
row evermore.
[lloss]
G58 It is good GEAR that lasts aye
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 896.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. II ii 60: Things may serve long, but
not serve ever.
G59 In GENOA there are mountains without wood, sea
without fish, women without shame, and men
without conscience
1642 J. HOWELL For. Trav. VIII, p. 54: It is Proverbially said, there
are in Genoa, Mountaines without wood, Sea without fish, Women
without shame, and men without conscience, which makes them to
be termed the white Moores. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 17: (with-
out Consciences). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 102: Genoua Sea
without fish, Air without fouls, Mountains without wood, and
Women without shame.
G60 GENTILITY is nothing but ancient riches
1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case I i 40: What tell you me of
Gentrie?—’tis nought else . . But ancient riches. I651 HERB.,
p. 366.
Cf. G61: Gentility sprang from the pen or pike.
G61 GENTILITY sprang from the pen or pike
1639 CL., s.v. Nobilitas, p. 226.
Cf. G60: Gentility is nothing but ancient riches; G73: He that
would be a gentleman let him Storm a town (go to an assault).
G62 GENTILITY without ability is worse than plain beg-
gaI'Y
1623 CAM., p. 279: Vertulesse gentillity, is worse then beggery.
1670 RAY, p. 96.
Cf. G68: A gentleman without money (living) is like a pudding
without suet.
G63 Where there are GENTLES there are aye off—fall-
ings1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1438: Whair their is gentils ther is offallings.
I721 KEL., p. 348: (there is ay ofl'allings). *Spoken jocosely to
our Children, when they have forgot something where they were
last; as their Gloves, Knives, etc.
[Isomething to be gOtten]
G64 Everyone cannot be a GENTLEMAN
1616 WITHALS, p. 567. 1639 CL., p. 146.
Cf. J4: Jack would be a gentleman if he could speak French.
G65 A GENTLEMAN may make a king and a clerk may
prove a pope
1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. V, Annot., p. 39: (According to the old
proverb, A gentleman).
G66 A GENTLEMAN of the first head
I552 HULOET Abced., s. N5: Gentlemen of the first head. *To be
applyed to such as would be esteemed a gentleman, hauing no
poynt or qualitie of a gentleman, nor gentleman borne. 1583
STUEBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 122: Notwithstanding he be a dunghill
Gentleman, or a Gentleman of the first head, as they vse to term
them. 1606 BRETON Choice, p. 65: A gull, that for a little wealth
was made a gentleman of the first head. I681 ROB., p. 710.

G67 A GENTLEMAN will do like a gentleman
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: What is this gentleman.i. Who
is to be a gentleman? Euen he that doth the workes ofa gentleman.
1630 BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlem. Acquaintance, p. 266: It is a com-
mon saying amongst us, That a Gentleman will doe like a Gentle-
man.
Cf. D410: He is handsome that handsome does; G71: He is a
gentleman that has gentle conditions.
G68 A GENTLEMAN without money (living) is like a
puddingl without suet
I602 MANNINGHAM Diary Feb. 5, p. 117: (like a leane pudding
without fatt). I606 Wily Beguiled iv, p. 16: Why what are schollers
without money? —Faith, eene like puddings without suet. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1670 RAY, p. 96: (living). I732 FUL.,
no. 129: A Gentleman without an Estate, is a Pudding without Suet.
Cf. B460: Good blood makes poor pudding without suet; B461:
He has good blood ifhe had but groats to him; G62: Gentility with-
out ability is worse than plain beggary; M305: A man without
money is a body without the soul; S503: The skillfulest wanting
money is scorned.
[1blood pudding, sausage]
G69 A goose-quill GENTLEMAN
1639 CL., s.v. Nobilitas, p. 226.
G70 He cannot be a GENTLEMAN that loves not a dog
1555 Instit. Gentlem., s. G3: The like sayinge is that hee cannot bee
a gentleman whych loueth not a dogge. 01577 NORTHBROOKE
Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 108: I haue hearde old woodmen saye, hee
cannot be a gentleman which loueth not a dogge.
G71 He is a GENTLEMAN that has gentle conditions
1616 DR., no. 841. 1639 CL., p. 226.
Cf. D410: He is handsome that handsome does; G67: A gentleman
will do like a gentleman.
G72 He shoots like a GENTLEMAN, fair and far off
1545 ASCHAM Tox., p. I 50: Tel me somwhat, how I should shoote
nere leste that prouerbe myght be sayd iustlye of me some-tyme,
He shootes lyke a gentle man fayre and far of. 1555 Instit. Gentlem.,
s. F4: Of ignoraunce there is risen a prouerbe in our tong much to
the reproche of gentlemen, as thus. He shoteth like a gentleman
faire and fur of.
Cf. F27: Fair and far off.
G73 He that would be a GENTLEMAN let him storm a'
town (go to an assault)
1640 HERB., no. 872: (goe to an assault). 1664 COD., p. 230: Who
would be a Gentleman, let him storm a Town. 1670 RAY, p. 11:
[As in 1664 Cod.].
Cf. G61: Gentility sprang from the pen or pike.
G74 To come off a clear GENTLEMAN
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Nettitia, p. 116: To have gamed and
lavish’d away all one had, and pist it against the wall, to become
naked and a clear Gentleman, the English usually say. Ibid.,
s.v. Quattrino, p. 161: Spoken by Gamesters when they have lost
all at play, to come off a clear Gentleman.
G75 What is a GENTLEMAN but his pleasure?
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 15. 1582 BATMAN Bartholome XII
xx, f. 185: (According to the Olde Prouerbe, What is). 1595
Maroccus, p. 10: You shall find in an old tracte printed by Winkin
de Woorde, this olde sayde sawe: Whats a gentleman but his
pleasure. I670 RAY, p. 96. 1732 FUL., no. 5506.
Cf. G76: What is a gentleman but his word?
G76 What is a GENTLEMAN but his word?
[01553] I566~7 UDALL Roister D. III v I: What is a gentleman but
his worde and his promise? 1611 L. BARRY Ram-Alley I, 5. A4:
(And what is).
Cf. G75: What is a gentleman but his pleasure?

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
GENTLEMAN’S 2 54
GET (GOTTEN)

G77 A GENTLEMAN’S greyhound and a salt box, seek
them at the fire
1640 HERB., no. 201. 1659 N.R., p. 16.
G78 All Cornish GENTLEMEN are cousins
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall I, p. 179: (The proverb All Cornish).
Cf. P176: As long as a Welsh pedigree.
G79 GENTLEMAN JACK HERRING that puts his breeches
on his head for want of wearing
1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. E1 v: A gentleman nay, a iack hearing
As honest as he that caries his hose on his neck for feare of wearing.
1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 222: Some . . raised this
Prouerbe of him [Jack Straw], Gentleman Iacke Herring that puttes
his breeches on his head for want of wearing.
G80 GENTRY Sent to market will not buy one bushel of
corn
8.1558 BURLEIGH in Desiderata Cur. I, I 47: For a man can buy noth-
ing in the market with gentility. 1662 FULLER Worthies York, II
524: Seeing gentry alone .. (as the plain Proverb saith) sent to
Market will not buy a Bushell of Wheat. 1670 RAY, p. 96. I721
KEL., p. I 19: (buy a Peck of Meal). *Spoken when a bare Gentle-
woman is proffered in Marriage to the Son of a wealthy Yeoman.
G81 Farewell, gentle GEOFFREY
61475 Mankind l. 155, p. 6. I546 HEY. I xi, s. D4: Nowe here is the
doore, and there is the wey. And so (quoth he) farewell, gentill
Geffrey. 61565 Bugbears I i 70: Now farewell gentell gefferye.
1594 LYLY Mother B. II iii 31: My father boordes mee alreadie,
therefore I care not if your name were Geoffrey. 1600 Look about
You, s. F3v: A plague vpon your Ieffring, is your name Iefifrey? —I
and’t please you sir. —Why gentle Ieffrey then stay you awhile.
G82 It hangs by GEOMETRY
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. X4: With more griefe, then can be
borne with Geometry. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi I i
60: For a Souldier, that hazards his Limbes in a battaile, nothing but
a kind of Geometry, is his last Supportation . . to hang in a faire
paire of slings . . upon an honorable pare of Crowtches. 1633 W.
ROWLEY Match at Midn. III, p. 54: Look you, here’s Jarvis, hangs
by geometry. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Contraponto, p. 44: To
tread by geometry, as one would say. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,
p. 416: Lord, my petticoat! how it hangs byjommetry!
G83 As good as GEORGE OF GREEN
1590 Tarlton’s News out Purgatory, p. 56: Were you as good as
George a Greene I would not take the foile at your hands. 1599
[GREENE] George a Greene, 5. E1: Many in manner ofa prouerbe say,
Were he as good as G. a Green, I would strike him sure. 1648
HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. les., p. 259: Yet he’le be thought or seen, So
good as George-a-Green. 1670 RAY, p. 205: *This George of Green,
was that famous Pinder OfWakefield, who fought with Robin Hood
and little John both together, and got the better of them; as the old
ballade tells us.
G84 That would I fain see, said blind GEORGE OF HOL-
LOWAY (blind Hugh)
[61521] I533 HEYWOOD Pard. and Friar, s. B3: Mary that wolde
G86 The GERMAN drinks away sorrow, the French-
man sings it away, the Spaniard weeps it away,
and the Italian sleeps it away
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 194: (The German d[r]inks
and the Italian he). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 73: (All nations put
off their sorrow, the German drinks it away, the French man sings
it, the Spaniard weeps it, and).
G87 As just (jump) as GERMAN’S lips
1546 HEY. II ii, s. F4v: The hen (quoth she), the cocke (quoth he)
iust (quoth she) as Iermans lips. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 27:
Shall see them agree like Dogges and cattes, and meete as iump as
Germans lippes. I581 BELL Agst. Osorius III, p. 450. 61600 Club
Law IV ii, p. 69: You come asjust a[s] Jerm’yns lippe. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 3: *Spoken in derision.
G88 The GERMAN’S Wit is in his fingers
1605 SYLVESTER Weeks II 11 iii 616: The Northern-man, Whose wit
in’s Fingers settles. I611 CORYATE Crudities, II 81: They say, the
Germanes have their wit at their fingers ends. 1611 COT., s.v. Es-
prit: The Germans wit rests in their fingers; viz. they are better
Artisans then Artists, better at handy-crafts then at head-Craft.
1640 HERB., no. 36. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 193.
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 20: The Germane hath his spirit at his fin-
gers ends, because he is a good Artificer. 1659 How. It. Prov., p.
17: The Germanes have their wits at their fingers ends, viz. good
Artificers. 1659 N.R., p. 96.
Cf. D657: Dutchmen (Hollanders) be wise (have their wits) in
their hands.
G89 So GOT so gone
1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 31: So
gotten, so spent. 1678 RAY, p. 349.
See Dt'IR., II, no. 651; ST., no. 688. Cf. G90: Evil (Ill) gotten
evil (ill) spent; G91: Soon gotten soon spent.
G90 Evil (Ill) GOTTEN evil (ill) spent
[ERAS. Adagia, 294F: Male parta, male dilabuntur.] I481 CAX'I‘ON
Reynard 4, p. 8: Hit is ryght that it be euil loste that is euil wonne.
16th 6. Old English Proverbs in Relig. Antiq., I 208: (wors spent).
1539 TAV., f. 24v: Euyll gotten good go euyll away. It is com-
monly sene by the hygh prouidence of God that goodes vnlaufully
gotten vanysh awaye, no man knoweth how. I541 COVERDALE
Chr. State Matr. XIX, f. 12V: Euyll goten, worse kept. I562 HEY.
Epig. 126, p. 146: Ill gotten ill spent. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever,
p. 133: Euill gotten goodes are worse spente. 1576 FULWELL Ars
Adulandi IV, s. E2: Experience taught mee that easely wonne was
lightly loste, and euill gotten was yll spent. 61579 [MERBURY]
Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 28: (worse spent). a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 787: Ill woon ill waired. 1605 Life and Death Ratsey, s. EIV:
Goods euil got, are for moste part euill spent. 1611 COT., s.v.
Fleute: Goods ill gotten are commonly ill spent. 1611 GRUT., no.
138: Ill gotten, ill spent. 1614 CAM., p. 305. 1616 DR., no. 1110:
Ill gotten, ill spent. 1616 WITHALS, p. 565: Ill gotten, worse spent.
1639 CL., p. 190: 11 got, ill spent. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac.
in Via, p. 19: Ill-gotten ill gone. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8.
1664 COD., p. 191. 1670 RAY, p. 8. 1732 FUL., no. 3071: Ill got, ill
spent.
Cf. G89: SO got so gone; G91: Soon gotten soon spent; G301:
Evil-gotten (Ill-gotten) goods never prove well (prosper, endure);
I se quod blynde hew. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II ii 25: That would 5334; He went out with Shift and came home with Shame, (9)
I faine zee, quoth the blind George of Holloway. 61640 SMYTH
46, 30! I W’lld I C’lld SEC’t, ka’ TOR. P700. Phr., G91 Soon GOTTEN soon spent
s.v. Lucca, p. 92: To say as Lucca the blind man said, Viz. I would
fain see that. 1678 RAY, p. 268. 1732 FUL., no. 17: A blind Man
will be glad to see it. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 397: Would I
could see it, quoth blind Hugh.
G85 Here is GERARD’S bailiff, work or you must die
with cold
1678 RAY, p. 355: *Somers.

I546 HEY. II vi, s. IIV. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 133: As it is
saied, easie gotten Gooddes are sone spente. 1575 GASCOIGNE
Glass Govt. Epil., p. 88: But thinges sone got, are lost againe as fast.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U2v: Quickly spent, thats easely got-
ten. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1189. 1611 GRUT., no. 231. 1614
CAM., p. 31 I. 1639 CL., p. I 15: (Soone got). 1641 FERG., no. 760.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1659 N.R., p. 90. 1664 COD., p. 203:
Lightly got, and quickly spent. 1668 R.B., p. 47.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
GETTER
GIFTS
255

SHAKESPEARE.—1597 I Hen. IVI ii 38: A purse of gold most res-
olutely snatch’d on Monday night and most dissolutely spent on.
Tuesday morning.
Cf. G89: So got so gone; G90: Evil (Ill) gotten evil (ill) spent.
692 After a great GETTER comes a great spender
1629 GAULE Distractions The Covetous, p. 437: After a great Get-
ter, there commonly comes a Spender. 1639 CL., p. 191.
Cf. R25: What the rake gathers the fork scatters.
693 Goose GIBLETs are good meat, old sack better
than new
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. iii, s. D4v: (Tis an olde prouerbe
and a true, Goose).
G94 GIFF GAFF (Give gave) was a good fellow
1549 LATIMER S erm. 9, p. 140: Somewhat was given to them before,
and they must needs give somewhat again: for Gifi'e-gaffe was a
good fellow. 1591 STEP., p. 154: Giffe gaffe is a good fellow, and
one good turne asketh another. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 437: Giff
gaff maks good freinds. I616 BRET., p. 8: (Giue, gaue, is). 1623
CAM., p. 269: Giue, gaue, was a good man. 1639 CL., s.v. Adu-
latio, p. 13. Ihid., s.v. Liberalitas, p. 187: [As in 1623 Cam.].
1668 R.B., p. 20: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 114: Giffgaff
makes good Fellowship. *Mutual Obligations improve and con-
tinue Friendship.
Cf. G95: Giff gaff was a good man but he is soon weary; N121:
Neighbor quart is good quart; T616: One good turn asks (requires,
deserves) another.
GIFF GAFF was a good man but he is soon weary
1721
*Men are soon weary of
Whereas Giff Gaff is good
695
I670 RAY, p. 96: *Giffe gaffe is one good turn for another.
KEL., p. 122: (Give is a good Man, but).
always giving, and receiving no Return.
Fellowship.
Cf. G94: Giff gaff (Give gave) was a good fellow.
G96 As free of his GIFT as a blind man (poor man,
Jew) of his eye
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: As fre of gyft, as a poore man of his eye.
1580 BARET, D—994: (As we say) He is as true of his promise, as a
poore man of his eie. I586 WITHALS, s. D4v: (his giftes). 1616
DR., s.v. Hospitality, no. 1012: (as a Iewe of his eye). Ihid., no.
1501. 1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 37: (his gifts). Ihid., s.v. Par-
simonia, p. 242: (as a Jew ofhis eye). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14:
(as a poor man is of his eye). 1670 RAY, p. 205: As free as a blind-
man is of his eye.
Cf. J53: To be worth a Jew’s eye.
G97 A GIFT is valued by the mind of the giver
[ERAS. Adagia, 614C: Munerum animus optimus . . quo Significatur,
in amicorum muneribus non esse spectandum rei missae precium,
sed mittentis potius animum.] 1539 TAV., f. 26: The mynde of
gyftes is best, that is to saye, In the gyftes or presentes of freendes
the price or value of the thyng that is sent is not to be considered,
but the mynde rather of the sender. 1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor.
Phil. III xxii, s. P4v: The wyll of the geuer, and not the value of the
gyfte, is to be regarded. 01573 I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, s. A7:
It is the geuer not the guift, thou oughtest to respect. 1577
GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. H2: The good will of the giuer and not
the gifte is to be accepted. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 220: S0
excellent alwayes are the giftes which are made acceptable by the
vertue of the giuer. 1588 GREENE Pandosto Ep. Ded., p. 231:
Gifts are not to be measured by the worth, but by the Will. 1591
H. SMITH Lawgiver’s Ans.: Wks., II 119: The Lord, to whom we
lend, measures the gift by the mind of the giver. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1093: Not the gift but the giver. 61640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 7: God, who respects the minde of the giuer, not the gift.
1658 HOOLE Sent. Puer., p. 20. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 11: No
gift well, without good Will. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 76: The
fool looks at the gift, the wise man to the intention of the giver.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6OO H. III i 99: Their [remembrances’] perfume
lost, Take these again; for to the noble mind Rich gifts wax poor
when givers prove unkind.
Cf. G109: Gifts from enemies are dangerous.
G98 A GIFT much expected is paid, not given
1640 HERB., no. 570. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1 1: A gift long looked
for is sold, not given. 1659 N.R., p. 17. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24,
p. 76: [As in 1659 How.]. 1678 RAY, p. 11: A Gift long waited for
is sold and not given. 1732 FUL., no. 130: [AS in 1678 Ray]. 1753
FRANKLIN, p. 28: Gifts much expected, are paid, not given.
Cf. C734: A slow courtesy is a discourtesy; T72: Long tarrying
takes all the thanks away; T95: He loses his thanks that promises
and delays.
G99 GIFT of the gob1
I681 COLVILLE Mock Poem To Rdr., s. A7: There was a Man called
Job . . He had a good gift of the Gob. a1700 B.E., s.v. Gob.
[lmouth, gab]
G100 A small GIFT brings often a great reward
[ERAS. Similia, 5721": Pauperiores aliquando donant munuscula
ditioribus, quo plus recipiant.] 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 73: If a poor man presents thee, he expects a
return. Ihid. 35, p. 216: Unto a great Lord a small present. 1732
FUL., no. 2663: If a poor Man give thee ought, it is, that thou
should’st give him something better.
Cf. F399: You must lose a fly to catch a trout; H590: A hook well
lost to catch a salmon; L355: A little given seasonably excuses a
great gift.
G101 Throw no GIFT again at the giver’s head
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v. 1562 HEY. Epig. 58, p. 135. 1611 DAv.
Prov., no. 104: Throw no guift at the giuer againe. 1616 DR., no.
868: A man must not throw a gift at the giuers head.
G102 To get is the GIFT of fortune, to keep is the gift
of wisdom
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 101: For to get is the gift of fortune, but to
keep is the power of prudence and wisdom. 1578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. Wit, p. 318: To gette goodes is the benefite of Fortune, to
keepe them the gifte of Wisedome. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
F1: As to haue is good happ, so to h0uld fast is a great vertue.
SHAKESPEARE.~1598-9 M.A. III iii 14: To be a well-favoured
man is the gift of fortune, but to write and read comes by nature.
Cf. K12: A wary keeper is better than a careful getter; M171: He
that can catch and hold, he is the man of gold; M548: Men get
wealth and women keep it; N84: To give and keep there is need of
wit; R108: Riches are gotten with pain, kept with care, and lost
with grief.
G103 What is freer than GIFT?
[a1511] 1570 HENRYSON Fox Beguiles Wolf: Fah.,p. 168: And is thair
oucht, sayis thow, frear than gift? 1583 FULKE Def. XV, p. 470:
A gift that is freely given . . whereof the proverb is, what is so free
as gift? 1616 DR., no. 865. 1639 CL., p. 222. 1670 RAY, p. 93.
1721 KEL., p. 267: Nothing freer than a Gift.
G104 Who receives a GIFT sells his liberty
[15th 0.] 1597 How Good Wife 1. 70 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 185:
Bounden he is that gifte takithe. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: It is
a bitter gift that taketh away ones liberty. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
19, p. 76. Ihid. 29, p. 216: Who receives from another, selleth his
liberty.
Cf. C735: Who takes (begs) a courtesy of another sells him his
liberty; M24: The maid which takes, sells herself; the maid which
gives, forsakes herself; M174: He that is beholden to another man
is not himself.
G105 GIFTS blind the eyes
[Deut. xvi 19: A gift doth blind the eyes ofthe wise.] 1583 STUBBES
Anat. Ahuses II, p. 16: Remembring what the wise man saith: Gifts
blinde the eies of the wise, and peruert iudgement. 1616 DR., no.
861. 1630 T. ADAMS Spiritual Eye-Salve: Wks., p. 662. 1664

COD., p. 193.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part ornitth matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
GIFTS
GIVE
256


G106 GIFTS break through rocks
I620 SHELTON Don Quint. Pt. II, xxxv, III 268: Gifts doe enter
stone-wals. 1640 MABBE Spanish Lady: Exemp. Nov., II 169:
Gifts will break through stone walls. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p.
6. 1732 FUL., no. 1649: Gifts break a Rock. 1736 FRANKLIN, p.
11: Gifts burst rocks.
Cf. A356: An ass laden with gold climbs to the top of the castle.
G107 GIFTS enter everywhere without a wimble1
1640 HERB., no. 948. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 18. 1659 N.R.,
p. 36. 1742 FRANKLIN, p. 20: You may drive a gift Without a gim-
t
Cf. G108: Gifts enter without knocking.
[lgimlet]
G108 GIFTS enter without knocking
1616 DR., s.v. Bribery, no. 210. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 217: A
present enters every where without knocking. 1732 FUL., no. 171:
A good Present need not knock long for Admittance. Ibid., no.
2052: He that bringeth a Present, findeth the Door open.
Cf. B658: A bribe enters everywhere without knocking; G107:
Gifts enter everywhere without a wimble.
G109 GIFTS from enemies are dangerous
[ERAS. Adagio, I25A: Hostium munera, non munera.] 1552
TAV., f. 53: [As in Eras.]. The gyftes of enemyes be no gyftes.
The opinion of them in olde tyme was, that amonges all other
thynges men ought to obshue and marke 0f whome they receyue
gyftes or presentes, for asmuch as those gyftes which come from
them that wolde vs no good, do oftentymes turne to our destruccion
and vtter vndoinge. 1732 FUL., no. 1650.
Cf. G97: A gift is valued by the mind of the giver; M498: A
wicked man’s gift has a touch of his master; P566: Presents oflove
fear not to be ill taken of strangers.
G110 GIFTS make beggars bold
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 72v.
G111
1639 CL., s.v. Liberalitas, p. 187.
1732 FUL., no. 1651-
Great GIFTS are from great men
1670 RAY, p. 98.
G112 He bestows his GIFTS as brooml does honey
I586 WITHALS, s. D4v: (as broome yeeldeth honey). 1639 CL., s.v.
Avaritia, p. 38. 1670 RAY, p. 177.
[’the shrub]
G113 He that gives me small GIFTS would have me
live
1640 HERB., no. 993.
Proverbs 539, p. 110.
Cf. B519: He that gives thee a bone would not have thee die.
To find guilty GILBERT1 where he had hid the
brush
1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 30: By her cheeks you might
find guilty Gilberto, where he had hid the brush.
See SM., p. 512.
[1a north-country name for a dog]
1659 N.R., p. 60. 1685 CODRINGTON Coll.
G114
G115 Lame GILES has played the man
1639 CL., s.v. Alibi diminutum, p. 17.
G116 GIMMINGHAM, Trimmingham, Knapton and
Trunch, North Repps and South Repps are all
of a bunch
1670 RAY, p. 245.
G117 To give up his GIRDLE
1655 J. HOWELL Let. IV 19,11 595: The other Proverb is. . he hath
given up his girdle; which intimated as much as if he had become
bankrupt, or had all his Estate forfeited. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 23: *To be bankrupt.

G118 GIRN1 when ye knit (bind) and laugh when ye
loose
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 445: (and laugh quhen ye louse again). 1668
R.B., p. 20. 1721 KEL., p. 118: (bind). *When People shew
Force and Activity they Grin: Bind your Sacks with Care and Cun_
ning, and, at the Journey’s end, you will laugh to see them all safe.
[lgrin, grimace]
G119 Better to GIVE than take (receive)
[Acts xx 3 5: It is more blessed to give than to receive] 1493 [H,
PARKER] Dives and Pauper, f. 2v: It is . . more blysseful to giue
than to take. 1546 HEY. I v, s. B2. 1581-90 Timon V v, p. 93;
Plato in his Acrostikes saith it is better to giue than to receaue.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 228: Better giv nor tak. 1611 DAV. Prov., no.
44: It’s better giue then take: Not so; For better giue then take a
blow. 1616 DR., no. 863: It is a more blessed thing to giue, then
to receiue. 1631 MABBE Celestina II, p. 60: Much more noble is
the giver, then the receiver. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw.,
p. 5: It is better to giue than to receiue, for the former makes the
others beholden vnto thee, but the latter makes thee beholden vnto
others. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: (Better give). 1668 R.B., p.
I 1: Better give not take.
G120 GIvE and be blessed, take away and be accursed
1548 E. HALL Hen. IV: Chron., f. 11v: (Whereof the prouerbe be-
gan, geue and be).
G121 GIVE and take
I519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 98: A man must sometyme gyue and
sometyme take. I662 FULLER Worthies Surrey, II 379: The king,
who in this kind would give and not take, being no Good Fellow in
tart Repartees, was . . highly offended.
See ST., no. 681.
G122 I shall GIVE you (You shall have) as good as you
bring
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 124: Plato paied Diogenes home again wel
enough, and gaue as good as he brought. 1560—77 Misogonus II v
10: And he were my father ten tymes heist haue as good as a bringe.
1565 K. Darius, s. C1: Let him haue as good as he doth bring.
1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 18: Martin shall haue as good
as he brings. 1616 DR., no. I 847: You shall haue such as you bring.
1616 WITHALS, p. 555: I had as good as I brought. 1639 CL., p.
200: He shall have as good as he brings. Ibid., p. 209. 01640
SMYTH 96, p. 3 3: Lill for loll, Id est, one for another: As good as hee
brought. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Agresta, p. 3: To give as good
as one brings, to be even with one. 1670 RAY, p. 177: To give one
as good as he brings, or his own. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 274:
(Leave your railing, 0r I’le give you as). 1672 WALK. 26, p. 29:
Give him tint for tant; as good as he brings; a Rowland for an Oli-
ver. Ibid. 29, p. 51 : (You shall have). 1676 ETHEREGE Man Made
I i 84: To him! give him as good as he brings. 1721 KEL., p. 293:
Sik as you give me, sik you shall get. *As you use me so will I you.
Cf. C507: To pay one in his own coin; R195: To give one a Row-
land for an Oliver; T352: Tint for taunt; T356: Tit for tat; W204:
To beat one at his own weapon.
G123 To GIVE (tell) one his own
1602 [W.S.] Ld. Cromwell, s. EIV: But I faith ile gibber a ioynte,
but ile tell him his owne. I616 JONSON Epic. III iii 58: We told
him his owne, I thinke. 1618 N. FIELD Amendsfor Ladies V ii, p.
164: That I might tell him his own. 1634 R. BROME AND T. HEY-
WOOD Lane. Witches I, p. 183: The peevish old man vex’t me, for
which I did my duty, in telling him his owne. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Pane, p. 129: To call every thing by its right name, as it
ought to be call’d, without mincing, to tell one ones own, if need be.
1670 RAY, p. 177. 1679 WALLER Traj. Hist. Yetzer, p. 17: He gave
them a round rattle, and spared none of his course Eloquence to tell
them their own. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 399: I gave her her
own.
Cf. M209: Let every man have his own.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
GIVES
257
GLASS (GLASSES)


6124 He that GIVES discreetly gains directly
1611 COT., s.v. Donné. 1664 COD., p. 197.
G125 He that GIVES quickly (in a trice) gives twice
[ERAS. Adagia, 3300: Bis dat, qui cito dat.] I539 TAV., f. 26v: He
gyueth twyse, that gyueth quyckely. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p.
119: He giueth twise, that giueth some and cherefully. I591 FLOR.
Sec. F. V, p. 73: And twice he giueth that soone doth give. I599
MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83. I600 THYNNE Embl. and Epig., p.
15: Hee gives twice, that quicklie and with speed bestowes his guift
to serve our present need. 1611 COT., s.v. Tost: He that giueth
quickly giueth twice; or, he giues as good as twice, that giues things
in a trice. 1612 N. FIELD Woman Is Weathercock II i, p. 31: Good
deeds Show double that are timely done. I612 SHELTON Don Quix.
Pt. I, IV vii, II 89: It is an old proverbe, That hee that gives quick-
ly, gives twice. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi V i 38: And
he shall know how doubly I am engag’d Both in your guift,
and speedinesse of giving, Which makes your graunt, the greater.
I636 MASSINGER Duke Florence III i, p. 256: But speed in the per-
formance of the grant Doubles the favour, sir. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 17: He giveth twice that giveth in a trice. 1664 COD., p.
197. 1670 RAY, p. 11: [As in 1659 How.]. 1732 FUL., no. 6234:
[As in 1659 How.]. 1752 FRANKLIN, p. 28: He gives twice that gives
soon, i.e. he will soon be called upon to give again.
Cf. L355: A little given seasonably excuses a great gift.
G126 That which is GIVEN shines, that which is eaten
stinks
I611 COT., s.v. Luire: What we giue shines, what we eat smells.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8. I735 FRANKLIN, p. 9: What’s given
shines, what’s receiv’d is rusty.
G127 GIVING is dead nowadays and restoring very sick
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30: Geuying is dead, and restoring is yl
at ease. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 62: Giuing is dead, and restoring is
dying. 1616 DR., no. 406: [As in 1611 Dav.]. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid.
3, p. 26: Given is dead, and restored is nought. 1640 HERB., no.
569: Giving is dead, restoring very sicke. I659 N.R., p. 39: [As in
1640 Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 194: (is very sick). I666 TOR. It. Prov.
39, p. 73: Donatus is dead, and Ristorus is sick. *Note 72, p. 79:
Meant by way of Drollery, that few give any thing, and such as
lend seldom have any restitution made them. 1670 RAY, p. 11.
I687 MIEGE, s.v. Giving. 1732 FUL., no. 1661: Giving is dead, and
restoring is deadly sick.
G128 GIVING much to the poor does increase a man’s
store
1613 CHAPMAN Rev. Bussy D’Amb. I ii 91: What ye give, ye have.
1640 HERB., no. I 87: (doth inrich a mans store). 1659 N.R., p. 39.
1678 RAY, p. 146. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Giving. 1732 FUL., no. 21 14:
He that gives to a worthy Person, bestows a Benefit upon himself.
Ibid., no. 6114: (Increaseth).
Cf. A223: Alms never make poor; C248: The charitable gives out
at door and God puts in at the window; H72: The hand that gives
gathers.
G129 He that’s long a GIVING knows not how to give
1640 HERB., no. 490. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 8: To give slowly
is as much as to deny. 1659 N.R., p. 57.
G130 What you spare from GIVING for God’s sake the
devil will carry another way
1541 COVERDALE Chr. State Matr. XX, f. 65v: Remembre the com-
on prouerbe. That thou sparest from giuinge for goddessake shall
the deuell carye another waye.
G131 To stick in one’s GIZZARD
I668 PEPYS Diary June 17, VIII 51: I find my wife hath something
in her gizzard that only waits an opportunity of being provoked to
bring up; but I will not, for my content-sake, give it. 1679 [H.B.]
Vindic. Player [p. 1]: ’Tis the Matter, not the Manner that sticks


G137
in our Unworthy Respondents Gizzard. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,
p. 420: Don’t let that stick in your gizzard.
See ST., no. 1289.
G132 GLASS =hourglass
G132 His GLASS is run
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 587. I602 Alarm for London, s. C1: There-
fore begin before one glasse be runne And we shall win ere setting of
the Sunne. 1681 ROB., p. 1231: The glass is run. 1699 Elegy on
.Matthew in Cent. Broadside Eleg., p. 189: He did upon them Call
Unto Repentance, e’re his Glass was Run.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-4IH€7I. VI IV ii 35: Ere the glass that now
begins to run Finish the process of his sandy hour, These eyes . .
Shall see thee withered. 1611 W. T. I ii 305: She would not live
The running of one glass.
G133 GLASS = mirror
G133 What your GLASS tells you will not be told by
counsel
1596 DEL., s. P1 v: He that beholds himselfe in a glas, may seehim-
selfe well. 1640 HERB., no. 251. 1659 N.R., p. 116. 1664ECOD.
p. 227. I670 RAY, p. I I.
G134-G136 GLAss=the substance
G134 As brittle as GLASS
01553 BECON jewel Yoy: Cat., p. 437: It is more brittle than glass.
1589 Triumphs Love and Fort. I i, s. A4: As brittle as the glasse.
1590 GREENE Mourn. Garm., p. 217: She is fickle as the brittle
glasse. 1632 T. RANDOLPH Yeal. Lovers II ii, p. 89: I know the rest
of women may be frail, Brittle as glasses. I639 FULLER Holy War
II xii, p. 60: Her fortune being as brittle as her glasses. 1663 N.
WAKER Refined Courtier III, p. 73: To associate with Critical
peevish people, whose friendship is .. as brittle as glass. 1672
WALK. 33, p. 9: As brittle as a Venice glass.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Pass. Pilgr. 7,1. 3: And yet as glass is brittle.
Cf. C814: Credit lost is like a Venice glass broke; W646: A
woman and a glass are ever in danger.
G135 As clear (bright) as GLASS
1526 Great Herbal 247, s. O5v: [It] is harde and clere as glasse.
1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes III i, p. 211. I579 SPENSER Shep. Cal.
August, 1. 80, p. 37: As cleare as the christall glasse. 1585 [MUN-
DAY] Fidele and Fort. I ii, s. B4: Brighter then the Glasse. 1586
WITHALS, s. F1: Galatea the paramour of Polyphemus had eies as
bright as glasse. I602 BASSE Eleg. II: Poetical Wks., p. 57: It is as
cleere as is the finest glasse. I608 DAY Law Tricks I i, p. 7: She
was Pure as the diamond, cleere as christall glasse.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Pass. Pilgr. 7, l. 3: Brighter than glass.
G136 As smooth as GLASS
I563 FULKE Meteors III, p. 92: For they are likewise Images of the
Moon . . smooth and polished, even like a glass. 1576 GASCOIGNE
Grief Yoy I 14: Wks., II 519: Her surest grounde, is slipperie as
glasse. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 93: There is nothing
more smooth then glasse. 1590 SPENSER I i 35: Could file his
tongue as smooth as glas. 1594 R. WILSON Cobbler’s Proph., s.
D2: The hills too steepe and slipperie all as glasse. 01650-80
Rob. Hood’s Birth 1. 114 in Roxb. Bal., II 445: Her skin was as
smooth as glass. 1662 G. MARKHAM AND SAMPSON Herod and
Antipater I, s. B3: Thy way Was smooth, as glasse, and thou
mightst haue surpriz’d.
G137 GLAss=table glass, etc.
To carry GLASSES to Venice
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 15: To bring leaves to the wood, or glasses
to Venice. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Legnaia, p. 87: To offer to
carry glasses to Venice, or Moran, coals to New—Castle.
Cf. C466: To carry coals to Newcastle; 097: You bring owls
to Athens.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
GLASS
Go
258
G138 GLASS =the word
G138 He that loves GLASS without G, take away L and
that is he
1669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 189: He that loves
Glass without a G, Leave out L and that is he. 1678 RAY, p. 55.
I732 FUL., no. 6260. 1746 FRANKLIN, p. 22: He that whines for
Glass without G Take away L and that is he.
G139 As old as GLASTONBURY TOR
1678 RAY, p. 344: *Somerset.
G140 He goes a GLEANING before the cart has carried
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 28: Thou goest a glenyng er the cart haue
caried. 1616 DR., s.v. Rare, or scarce, no. 1814: (before that the
Cart haue caried).
G141 There’s a GLIMMER in the touchbox1
I678 RAY, p. 247.
[1a musketeer’s box for priming powder]
G142 You are as supple as a GLOvE
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1600.
Cf. C608: He has a conscience like a cheverel’s skin.
G143 You will make me believe that GLOWWORMS are
lanterns
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 76: They make them beleeve, according
to the Proverbe, that gloe Wormes are lanternes. 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. I.
G144 None sighs so sore as the GLUTTON that may no
more
a1536 HILL 46, p. 129.
G145 Who hastens a GLUTTON chokes him
1640 HERB., no. 852. I659 N.R., p. 125.
G146 Better fill a GLUTTON’S belly than his eye
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 99: Thou art like the Epicure,
whose bellye is sooner filled then his eye. 1590 GREENE Mourn.
Garm., p. 167: Now Gentlewomen, do I finde the olde Prouerbe true:
Better fill a Mans belly then his eye. [61620] 1654 WEBSTER [AND
T. HEYWOOD] Appius and Virg. III ii 52: If a man come a-wooing
to a widow, and invite her to a banquet, contrary to the old rule
she will sooner fill her eye then her belly. 1636 CAM., p. 293. 1639
CL., s.v. Avaritia et Rapacitas, p. 37: (Better fill his). 61640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 33: (It is better to feed). 1659 N.R., p.
21. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 301: Sooner is the belly satisfied,
than the eye. 1670 RAY, p. 96. 1732 FUL., no. 2928: (It is easier
to fill).
Cf. E261 : His eyes are bigger than his belly.
G147 GLUTTONY is the sin of England
a1547 Apol. Eng. Gluttony in Reliq. Antiq., I 326: He sayd that
Englysshemen ar callyd the grettyste fedours in the worlde. 1640
FULLER Yoseph’s Coat: Serm., I 203: It [gluttony] is the sin of Eng-
land; for though . . we may entitle our selves to the pride ofthe Span-
ish, Jealousie of the Italian, Wantonnesse of the French, Drunk-
ennes of the Dutch, and Lazinesse of the Irish . . yet our ancientesr
Carte is for the sinne of Gluttony. 1662 FULLER Worthies Berk-
shire, I 83: The English Glutton.
G148 GLUTTONY (Surfeit) kills more than the sword
1535 Dial. Creatures 103, s. MM2: Many moo people be glotonye is
slayne. Then in batell or in fight, or with othir peyne. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 55: More perish by a surfet then the
sword. 1584 LYLY Camp. I ii 77: Plures occidit crapula quam
gladius. 1586 WITHALS, s. M3: Surfeting hath dispatche manye
more, then the sword. 1588 GREENE Perimedes, p. 16: Mo perish
by gluttonie than by the sworde. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1 192: (Sur-
fet Slayes mo). 1611 COT., s.v. Gourmandise: More are killed by
surfeting then by the sword. 1616 DR., s.v. Gluttony, no. 882:
(Surfet). [I622] I647 FLETCHER Women PleasedI ii, p. 244: (Sur-

feits destroy more). 1640 HERB., no. 499. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 194: (Gluttony and Tipling kills more)._ 1668
R.B., p. 48: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 299: Surfeits slay
more than Swords.
See DUR., II, no. 87. Cf. F200: I saw few die Of hunger, Ofeating
much a hundred thousand; F441: More die by food than famine;
M802: Feed by measure (sparingly) and defy the physician; N292:
Nothing hurts the stomach more than surfeiting; $1003: Light sup-
per makes long life; 51004: By suppers more have been killed than
Galen (Avicen) ever cured; W477: Wine has drowned more men
than the sea. (5)
G149 Not worth a GNAT
[61517] I 533 SKELTON Magn., s. E4: I wolde not set a gnat. [61552]
1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle V ii, s. D1: Al is not worth a
gnat. 1578 T. LUPTON Allfor Money, s. A3v: So they haue money
they care not for vs a gnate.
G150 To strain at a GNAT and swallow a camel
[Matt. xxiii 24: Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow
a camel.] 1548 COOPER, s.v. Culex: They streigne a gnatte through
their teethe, and swalowe downe a camelle, an apte prouerbe ap-
plyed by our sauiour Christ vnto the phariseis, whiche did aggra-
uate small offences, and maynteyn great enormitees. It may be
nowe vsed agaynst suche persones as seeke out and punysche small
offendours, and leat the great trespassours agaynste the lawe go
quite vnpunished. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Cc2v: The streyu-
ing of a gnat is not swallowing of a cammell. 1639 CL., s.v. Ab-
surda, p. 9. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 194.
1732 FUL., no. 5235. (I6)
G151 The farther we Go the farther behind
[8.1521] c1545 J. HEYWOOD Four PP, s. E3v: The farther they leue
hym the farther behynde hym. 1529 T. MORE Dial. conc. Heresy
I xxxi, p. 177: Than haue we well walked after the balade. The fur-
ther I goo the more behynde. 1530 PALS., p. 852a: The farder I go,
the more I am behynde. 1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2v: (ye go). 1562
HEY. Epig. 90, p. 140. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. E1: In all
his dealings the more he ranne, the more behynd. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 289: The farther he goeth, the farther he is from
the end. 1583 GREENE Mamillia I, p. 80: The farther he went the
more was behinde. 1590 SPENSER I ix 43: The further he doth
goe, the further he doth stray. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1670
RAY, p. 1 I. 1732 FUL., no. 4552: The further you run, the further
you are behind.
G152 Go forward and fall, go backward and mar all
1616 WITHALS, p. 552. 1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 250. 1670 RAY,
p. 177: *Equally dangerous to proceed or go back. 1672 WALK. 28,
p. 51.
SHAKESPEARE.—16o5-6 M. III iv 136: I am in blood Stepp’d
in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as
go o’er.
G153 Go where you will, die where you ought
1611 COT., s.v. Mourir: Goe whether thou canst, but dye where thou
Shouldest; goe any whether so thou dye at home. 1623 WOD., p.
522: GO Where thou canst, but dye where thou owest. Travel, and
bring good to thy Country. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I I.
G154 He can Go invisible
1616 WITHALS, p. 558. 1639 CL., s.v. Elabendi, p. 103.
I G155 If thou be hungry I am angry, let us Go fight
[1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. D2v: I would not
haue you fall out in my house: Come, come, all this was in iest, now
lets too’t in earnest; I meane, with our teeth, and try who’s the
best Trencher-man. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Battaglia, p. 12:
To give the Sign of the Battel, Viz. to lay the cloth for to go to din-
ner, or to any collation. 1678 RAY, p. 65. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
II, p. 430: To say the truth, I’m hungry. —And I’m angry; so
let us both go fight.
Cf. M187: A hungry man an angry man; T2: Spread the table and
contention will cease.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Go 25 9 GOD


G156 They that cannot G0 before must come behind P- I95- 1672 WALK- 43, P. 58- 1681 ROB» p- 67% (softly, goes
, . . surely).
sa e y.
Gent. Usher III ii 520.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2Hen. VII ii 59: Come, Nell—thou wilt G166 AS good as ever WENT endways
ride with us? —Yes, my good lord, I’ll follow presently. Follow 16 8 RAY 28
I must; I cannot go before. 7 a P- 5-
G167 As lecherous as a GOAT
1670 RAY, p. 206: (a he-goat).
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV IV i 103: Wanton as youthful
goats, wild as young bulls. 1604 0. 111 iii 403: Were they as prime
as goats, as hot as monkeys, AS salt as wolves in pride.
See Fr., no. 211.
6157 To Go (stand) a high-101181
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 35: All beasts so soone as they are de-
livered from their damme get upon their feet, and are able to stand
a high alon. 1602 MARSTON Antonio’s Rev. IV ii 9: And when it
[infant] once goes high-lone, takes it back. 1602 MIDDLETON
Blurt 11 ii 275: I could not Stand a’ high lone without I held a thing.
1672 WALK. 46, p. 37: To go a high lone; by himself- G168 The GOAT must browse where she is tied
PHAKESPEARB—CISQS R'y' I m 36: For then She COUId Stand 1611 COT., s.v. Chevre: The goat must brouze where she is bound;
high-lone: < where a man is setled he is to seeke meanes to line. 1640 HERB., no.
llalone] 56. 1659 N.R., p. 110. 1721 KEL., p. 343: Where the Buck is
1 bound there he must bleat. *Men must bear these Hardships to
G158 To GO Clean cam which they are bound, either by Force or Compact.
1579T0MSON 2ndEp. Paul to Tim. iii: Serm. Calvin, p. 909:Let us see Cf. A357: An ass must be tied where his master will have him.
that . . we keep them companie our selues, to say, walk on, behaue . .
your selues manfully: and go cleane kam our selues like breuises. G169 An Old GOAT 15 never the 11101' e reverend for 1118
1611 COT., s.v. Anguille: To doe a thing cleane kamme, out of or- beard
der, the wrong way. Ihid., s.v. Contre-fil: Contrariwise, cleane
kamme, or against the haire. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 24: You goe
clean cam, the clean contrary way. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8:
The world goes clean cam. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua V xxvii, III
332: Here they go quite Kam, and act clean contrary to others.
SHAKESPEARE.—I608 C. III i 304: This is clean kam. —Merely
1662 FULLER Worthies Wales, II 552: [Goats] are, when young,
most nimble . . but afterwards put on . . great gravity . . If that or-
namentall excrement which groweth beneath the chin be the stand-
ard of Wisdome, they carry it from Aristotle himself. 1690
D’URFEY Collin’s Walk iii, p. 120: IfProvidence did Beards devise,
To prove the wearers of them wise, A fulsome Goat would then by
aWI'Y- _ . Nature Excel each other human Creature. 1732 FUL., no. 646.
Eh H118: It goes agamSt the ham Cf. W524: Wisdom consists not in a beard.
awry
G170 You go to a GOAT to buy wool
G159 You GO 1101: handsomely to work 1607 TOPSELL Hist. Four-footed Beasts, p. 235: But among the
1623 WOD., p. 493: He doth but confuse He goth not handsome Grammarians and Poets, Lana Caprina Goates wooll grew to a
to Worke. 1639 CL., s.v. Indiligentia, p. 162- prouerbe, to Signifie a thing of no weight or moment. 1614 T.
ADAMS Sinner’s Passing-Bell: W ks., p. 247: He shall hardly get from
GI60 You may GO farther and fare Worse his Patron the Milke of the Vicaredge: but if he lookes for the
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3v: [You] might haue gon further, and haue fleeces of the Parsonage, he shall haue (after the Prouerbe) Lanam
faren wurs. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U1: They would not seeke caprinam, Contempt and scorne. 1721 KEL., p. 364: You come to
further and fare worse. c1600 Cluh LawI v, p. 9: To speake truely the Goat’s House to thig [beg] Wool. *You ask a thing of them
thou maist goe further and speed Worse. 1608 HALL Epp.: Re- who are scarce of that Commodity. I732 FUL., no. 5907.
coll. Treat., p. 412: Beware, least their diligence Shall out~strip you, See OTTO, no. 340.
and vpbraid you with that ancient check of going far and faring _ -
worse. 1616 DR., s.v. Prosperity, no. 1751: He may goe further G171 T0 glve one the GO-BY
and fare worse. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Lond. II, p. 156: Will 1666 TOR, Prov, Pin—u S_v_ Gambata, p, 7oi For a Lass to marry
you goe farther sonne and see better. —And perhaps speed WOTSe- another, and not her true Lover, or Sweet-heart, to give him the go-
1632 SHIRLEY L006 in M4" H 1i, P1991 You Speak for them; I maY by. Ihid., s.v. Scortatora, p. 186: To withdraw from ones Credi-
go farther and fare worse. 1639 CL., p. 265: Go further and fare tors, and get out of sight by the nearest cut possible, to give one
worse. 1721 KEL., p. 368: *Spoken to them that refuse a present the go-by. I678 RAY, P. 347-
good Offer. 1732 FUL., no. 1663: [As in 1639 Cl.]. 1738 SWIFT _
P01. Conv. II, p. 434. G172 Above GOD there Is no lord, above black there
is no color, and above salt there is no savor
6161—2 AS faSt as one GOES aHOther comes 1573 SANF., f. 109v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33: (Ouer God
1562 HEY. Epig. 110, p. 143. and ouer blacke and ouer salt). I591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 53: Salt
no sauour, God no greater, Black no colour, can haue better. I629
G163 He that GOES far gains much Bk. Mer. Rid. 119-20, p. 29. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7= (no Lord,
1611 COT“ S_V_ Allen 1658 E. PHILLIPS My“ Lam. and Eloq” p. above salt there’s no savour, above black there is no colour). 1659
I75_ I659 N.R., p_ 50_ How. Span. Prov., p. 7: Above God there’s no Lord, nor above
black any colour. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 40, p. 70: Above salt there’s
G164 He that GOES far to marry will either deceive no savour, above black, no colour .. and above God, no Lord.
or be deceived SHAKESPEARE—I592 T. And. IV ii 99: Coal-black iS better than
another hue In that it scorns to bear another hue.
Cf. B436: Black will take no other hue; S555: The best smell is
bread, the best savor salt, the best love that of children; S557: Of
all smells bread, of all tastes salt.
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 17: Who goes far to marry, either he goes
to deceive, or to be deceived. 1735 FRANKLIN, p. 9.
Cf. M917: Better woo (marry) over the midden than over the
moor (moss).
G173 As false as GOD is true
G165 He that GOES softly goes safely 1546 HEY. II vii, s. I2v. 1616 DR., no. 663: (He is as).
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A4v). 1639 CL.,s.v. Tarditatis, p. 304. SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. H IV i 64: AS false, by heaven, as
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7: Who goeth soft, goeth safe. 1664 COD., heaven itself is true!

In Partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
GOD
GOD
260
G174 As sure as GOD is in Gloucestershire
1655 FULLER Church Hist. VI ii, II 187: Of all counties . . Glouces-
tershire was most pestered with monks . . Hence the . . proverb . .
As sure as God is in Gloucestershire. 1670 RAY, p. 228: *Glouces-
tershire.
G175 As true (sure) as GOD is in heaven
01475 Mankind l. 654, p. 24: As sekyr [sure] as Gode ys in hewyn.
1670 RAY, p. 208.
G176 Better GOD than gold
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 16.
G177 Beware of him whom GOD has marked
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1047: Mel! not with them quhom God hes
marked. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 56, p. 62: From those who are mark’d
by Nature . . God preserve us. 1673 DARE Counsellor Manners,
p. 114: Another proverb bids us Beware of those whom God hath
marked. 1678 RAY, p. 347. I710 PALMER, p. 113: (Take heed of
him that). 1721 KEL., p. 31 1: Take a Care of that Man whom God
has set a Mark on. *The Scots generally have an Aversion to any
that have any natural Defect or Redundancy, as thinking them
mark’d out for a Mischief.
See ST., no. 671. Cf. H372: Take heed of a person marked and
a widow thrice married; M155: Greet a red man and a bearded
woman three miles off.
G178 Call GOD near when you do sneeze
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 9.
Cf. F703: He is a friend at a sneeze, the most you get of him is
a God-bless-you (God-help-you).
G179 First serve GOD and then serve me
1639 CL., s.v. Servitus, p. 284.
G180 GOD comes at last (is at the end) when we think
he is farthest off
1640 HERB., no. 594: God is at the end when we thinke He is fur-
thest Off it. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7. 1659 N.R., p. 38: (God is
at the end when). 1664 COD., p. 193. 1670 RAY, p. 11: *It.
G181 GOD comes to see without a bell
1640 HERB., no. 380. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 28: (to see us).
*That is, without any noise, or when we are well: To come to see
one with a Bell, is when the most holy Sacrament goes to visit a
sick body. 1659 N.R., p. 39.
G182 GOD comes with leaden (woolen) feet but strikes
with iron hands
[ERAS. Adagia, 3910: Dii laneos habent pedes.] 1578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. Wit, p. 302: Though God haue leaden handes which when
they strike paye home, yet hath he leaden feet which are as slow to
ouertake a sinner. 1596 DEL., s. M6v: God hath his feete ofwollen,
his armes be iron. 1615 RA. Val. Welsh. I ii, 8. B1v: Thrise noble
king, be patient, this I reade, The Gods haue feet of wooll, but
hands of lead, And therefore in reuenge as sure, as slow. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Reuenge, no. 1849: (woollen). 1630 T. ADAMS Fool and Sport.-
Wks., p. 777: He will strike with yron hands, that came to strike
with leaden feet. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Land. II, p. 155: Th’
art mine; thankes vengeance; thou at last art come (Tho with wolly
feet) be quick now and strike home. 1664 COD., p. 194: (Woollen).
1670 RAY, p. 11. I721 KEL., p. 121: *Eng. God is slow a coming,
but strikes sure.
Cf. G224: God stays long but Strikes at last; G270: God’s mill
grinds slow but sure; P639: Punishment is lame but it comes; V25:
Vengeance (Divine vengeance) comes slowly but surely.
G183 GOD complains not but does what is fitting
1640 HERB., no. 178. 1659 N.R., p. 39.

G184 GOD defend me from the still water and I’ll keep
myself from the rough
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 28: From the stilwater, God keep
me, from the raging, I will keepe my selfe. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 16: From smooth water God deliver me, for I shall preserve my
selffrom the rough. Ibid., p. 28: From still waters the Lord deliver
me, for from rough watersI will defend my self, viz. God deliver
me from a glozing friend, for from an enemy I shall defend my self.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 2: From Still waters, God keep me; from
running ones I can keep my self. 1732 FUL., no. 1668.
Cf. F739: From my friends God defend me, from my enemies I
can keep myself; M78: Beware of a silent man (dog) and still water;
P465: Standing pools gather filth; W103: Running water is better
than standing.
G185 GOD deprives him of bread who likes not his
drink
1640 HERB., no. 390: Who likes not the drinke, God deprives him of
bread. 1664 COD., p. 194: (who likes not of the Drink). 1670
RAY, p. 11.
G186 GOD gives his wrath by weight and without
weight his mercy
1596 DEL., s. M6v. 1651 HERB., p. 370. 1659 N.R.,p.37.
FUL., no. 1672: (but his Mercy Without Measure).
G187 GOD grant your early rising do you no harm
01594 BACON, no. 1220: I pray God your early rising does you no
hurt. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: *Spoken jeeringly. 1721
KEL., p. 19 5: I hope your early rising will do you no harm. *Spoken
to those who lye too long a Bed.
G188 GOD has done his part
1556 J. HEYWOOD Spider and Fly Pref., p. 4. 1567 HARMAN Caveat
IX, p. 48: But as the prouerbe is God hath done his part. 1605
CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho IV ii 265: God
hath done his part in thee.
I732
G189 GOD has provided a remedy for every disease
1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [29], l. 28: The auncient prou-
erbe sayes, that none so festred greefe, Dooth grow, for which the
gods them selues, haue not ordeynd releefe. 1578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. Wit, p. 208: 0 ye gods haue ye ordayned for euerye maladye a
medicine, for euery sore a salue, for euery payne a plaister, leuing
only loue remedilesse? 1616 DR., no. 1621.
Cf. P107: Patience is a plaster for all sores; R69: There is a
remedy for all things but death; R70: There is a remedy for every~
thing could men find it; S84: There is a salve for every sore.
G190 GOD heals and the physician has the thanks
(takes the fee)
1640 HERB., no. 169. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 20: God is he who
heals, but the Physician gets the silver. 1659 N.R., p. 38. 1660
J. HOWELL Parley Beasts V, p. 77: Though God heals, yet the Physi-
tian carries away the Fees. 1664 COD., p. 194. 1736 FRANKLIN,
p. 11: God heals and the doctor takes the fee.
See DiiR., I, no. 626.
G191 GOD help the fool, quoth Pedley
1678 RAY, p. 72: *This Pedley was a naturall fool himself, and yet
had usually this expression in his mouth. I732 FUL., no. 1674.
G192 GOD help the poor, for the rich can help them-
selves
01653 Ford Abbey MS, II 24a.
of Famine or Scarcity of Bread.
1721 KEL., p. 124: *Spoken in case
G193 GOD help the rich, the poor can beg
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 22. I721 KEL., p. 124:
(for the Poor can beg). *Spoken . . in case of publick Disturbances.
1732 FUL., no. 1675.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
GOD
GOD
261


G194 GOD in the tongue (hand) and the devil in the
heart
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84: God in his mouth and the diuell
in his hart. 1616 DR., s.v. Dissimulation, no. 513: (hand). 1639
CL., p. 289: God i’th hand, Devill i’th heart. I659 N.R., p. 39.
Cf. B113: The beads in the hand and the devil in capuche; F3:
Fair face foul heart.
G195 GOD is a good man
[An old phrase for “God is good.”] a1519 Lit. Gest Robin Hood
IV, s. C5V: God is holde a ryghtwys man. 01525 One Hundred Mer.
Tales 83 in Shak. j‘est-Bks., I 110: There cam one which sayd that
God was a good man. [1547—53] c1565 WEVER Lusty Yuventus,
5. C4: He wyll say that God is a good man. 1605 ARMIN Fool upon
Fool: Wks., p. 22: In the country, quoth he, where God is a good
man. 1646 F. QUARLES Yudg. and Mercy: Wks., I 79: It is good
enough for mee to know, that God is a good man.
SHAKESPEARE.——I598-9 M.A. III v 39: Well, God’s a good man.
G196 GOD is a potter and we are the clay
[Is. xlv 9: Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest
thou?] 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. B3v: Shall the pot aske the
potter why he fashioneth it so . . or thou search a reason of Gods
seuere punishmente? 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 40: Who arte
thou, that reasonest with thy Creator? Shall the clay say vnto the
potter, why hast thou made me thus? 1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER,
AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, S. G4: The earth may euen as well
Challenge the potter to be partiall, For forming it to sundry Oflices.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 70. Ibid. 3, p. 296: What the use of the
vessel is, the Potter knows best.
G197 GOD is a sure paymaster
1639 CL., p. 325.
Cf. G270: God’s mill grinds slow but sure.
G198 GOD is better pleased with adverbs than with
nouns
1607 J. HALL Holy Obs. 14: Wks., III 167: God loveth adverbs; and
cares not how good, but how well. 1620 J. FORD Line Life, p. 64:
This man not only liues, but liues well, remembring alwayes the
old adage, that God is there warder of aduerbes, not of nownes.
1675 Hist. Eliz. III, p. 306: And Chreicton . . avouched . . That
evill was not to be done that Good might come of it: That God was
better pleased with Adverbs then with Nowns.
G199 GOD (Nature) is no botcher
1546 HEY. II i, 5. F3. 1562 HEY. Epig. 62, p. 136. 1616 BRET.
(Hunt. frag., s. A7): (Nature). 1618 BRETON Court. and Coun-
trym.: Wks., II 14: I say this, that Nature is no botcher, and there
is no washing of a blacke Moore. 1639 CL., p. 224: (Nature).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5.
Cf. N43: Nature does nothing in vain.
G200 GOD is no Changeling
1550 BECON Fortr. Faithful: Cat., p. 610: God is no Changeling;
whom he loveth he loveth to the end. 1579 TOMSON 2nd Ep. Paul
to Tim. i: Serm. Calvin, p. 734: For God is no Changeling.
Cf. C234: To be no Changeling.
G201 GOD is still in heaven
1616 DR., no. 898. 1639 CL., p. 87.
Cf. G202: God is where he was; H348: Heaven (God) is above all.
G202 GOD is where he was
1530 PALS., p. 519a: Never dispayre, man, God is there as he was.
1562 HEY. Epig. 245, p. 165. I602 BRETON Wonders: Wks., II 12:
God is where he was, he hath called me home, follow me to him.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: Cheer up man, God is still where he was.
llCf. G201: God is still in heaven; H348: Heaven (God) is above
a .
G203 GOD keep me from four houses: a usurer’s, a
tavern, a spittle, and a prison
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
1664 COD., p. 194.
1640 HERB., no. 811.
231. 1659 N.R., p. 39.
G204 GOD knows well which are the best pilgrims
I611 COT., s.v. Pelerin: God knowes who’s a good Pilgrim. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: God knows who is the good pilgrim. I678
RAY, p. 147. 1,732 FUL., no. 1678: (God knows who are).
G205 GOD make you an honester man than your father
1678 RAY, p. 347.
G206 GOD makes and apparel shapes but money
makes the man
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 ii 3, p. 687: The greatest provoca~
tions of lust are from our apparel; God makes, they say, man shapes,
and there is no motive like unto it. 1670 RAY, p. 122. I732 FUL.,
no. 1680: (but its Money that finishes the Man).
Cf. A283: Apparel makes (Clothes make) the man; M827: Meat
makes and cloth shapes but manners make a man.
G207 GOD never sends mouth but he sends meat
I546 HEY. I iv, 5. B1. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Vino: He is nothing solici-
tous or careful for his liuing: he thinketh God neuer sent the mouthe
but he sent the meate for it. 1573 TUSSER500 Points Husb. 10, p.
18: God sendeth and giueth both mouth and the meat. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 444: God sent never the mouth but the meat with it.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 301: (mouthes). I611 GRUT., no. 102. 1614
CAM., p. 306. 1616 DR., no. 888: God that sendeth mouthes will
send meat. 1639 CL., s.v. Religionis, p. 272. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 8. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 35, p. 133: As the English
say, God never sends a mouth, but he sends meat for it. 1668
R.B., p. 20: God sends never the mouth, but the meat with it.
1670 RAY, p. 123: (mouths). *This Proverb is much in the mouth
of poor people: who get children, but take no care to maintain them.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Mouth: He that sends Mouths sends Meat. 1697
MER., p. 164: (mouths). I721 KEL., p. 117: God never sends the
Mouth, but the Meat with it. *Spoken to those that grudge their
having many Children. 1732 FUL., no. 1681: (Mouths).
Cf. G218: God sends cold after (according to) clothes; G247:
Spend and God will send. ( 5)
G208 GOD often has a great share in a little house
1611 COT., s.v. Maison: God hath a great share in a small house.
1640 HERB., no. 60. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 1: (God hath a).
1659 N.R., p. 39. 1664 COD., p. 194: (God hath often great share
in). 1670 RAY, p. 1 1: (God hath often a). *Gall.
G209 GOD only knows (Men know not) who shall en-
joy men’s (their) gettings
1611 COT., s.v. Amasser: Men know not who shall spend their
gettings; or, God onely knowes who shall enioy those heapes.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 22: Men know not who shall spend their
gettings.
See APP., p. 252. Cf. K179: We know not who lives or dies.
G210 GOD, our parents, and our master can never be
requited
I611 COT., s.v. Dieu: No man can sufficiently requite his Father,
Maister, Maker. 1640 HERB., no. 800: (God and parents and).
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 237: (God, Parents and).
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 7: To Father, and School-master, and God
Almighty we cannot be too thankful. 1659 N.R., p. 38: (Masters).
1664 COD., p. 195. 1670 RAY, p. 12: *Gall. I753 FRANKLIN,
p. 30: (God, Parents, and Instructors, can).
G211
1640 HERB., no. 724.
trusteth in him).
GOD provides for him that trusts
I659 N.R., p. 39. 1664 COD., p. 194: (that


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
GOD 262
GOD

G212 GOD send me a friend that may tell me my
faults; if not, an enemy, and to be sure he will
1678 RAY, p.346. 1732 FUL., no. 1686: God send me a Friend, that
will tell me of my Faults.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. V i 13: Truly, sir, the better for my
foes, and the worse for my friends . . Marry, sir, they [my friends]
praise me and make an ass of me. Now my foes tell me plainly I
am an ass; so that by my foes, sir, I profit in the knowledge of my-
self, and by my friends I am abused. ‘
Cf. E137: An enemy (Adversity) makes a man to know himself
whereas a friend (prosperity) fiatters a man and deceives him.
G213 GOD send us of our own when rich men go to
dinner
1639 CL.,s.v. Avaritia, p.37. Ibid.,s.v. Mutuum, p. 224: (God send
us meat of our own when). 1670 RAY, p. 129. 1721 KEL., p. 120:
God send us something of our own when other Folk goes to their
Meat. *Spoken when we are disappointed Of some thing, that we
would have borrowed.
G214 GOD send water in that well that people think
will never go dry
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 463: God let never the well go dry that ilk
body trowes [believes] water be in. 1721 KEL., p. 114: (thinks).
*Spoken when our poor Kin, and Followers, are always asking of us;
as if we should never be exhausted.
G215 GOD send you joy, for sorrow will come fast
enough
1605 Land. Prod, s. D4: God giue you ioy, as the old zaid Prouerbe
1s, and some zorrow among. 1616 DR., s.v. Loue, no. 1306. 1639
CL., p. 185.
Cf. S659: Sorrow is soon enough when it comes.
G216 GOD send you more wit and me more money
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. xii, s. L4v: Well said wisdome, God
send thee wise children. —And you more mony. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 555. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 199. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Chide, p. 50: I wish you more wit, my self
more money. 1721 KEL., p. 120: (and me more Silver, for we have
both need of it). *Spoken when People propose, or say, what we
think foolish and improper. 1732 FUL., no. 1689. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. III, p. 461: (God send him more wit, and).
G217 GOD sends a curst (shrewd) cow short horns
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 182: To a wylde cowe god doth
short hornys sende. 1546 HEY. I x, s. C4v: God sendth the shrewd
cow short hornes. [£11563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife 1. 575, p.
16: As the old sayings bee, God sendeth now, short homes to a
curst Cow. 1611 GRUT., no. 105: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1614 CAM.,
p. 306: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1616 DR., no. 2207. 1659 How. Br.
Prov., p. 10: ’Tis well God sends curst kine short horns. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 1.
SHAKESPEARE.—I598-9 .M.A. II i 24: It is said, ‘God sends a
curst cow short horns,’ but to a cow too curst he sends none.
Cf. C751: A curst cow has short horns. (8)
G218 GOD sends cold after (according to) clothes
1546 HEY. I iv, s. BI. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 440: God sends men
cold as thay hav cloths to. 1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III,
III 131: God sends my cold answerable to my cloths. 1611 COT.,
s..v..D1eu: God sends men cold according to their cloath; viz. af-
flictions according to their faith. 1611 GRUT., no. 103; 1614
CAM.,p.306. 1639 CL.,s.v. Religionis,p. 273. 1640HERB.,no.33:
(according to). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3: God will distribute the
cold, as he distributeth the cloaths. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8:
(cloth). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 37, p. 69: God sendeth the cold ac-
cording to ones cloaths. 1668 R.B., p. 20: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
1721 KEL., p. 113: God sends Men Cloth, according to their
cold. *God supports and supplies Men, according to their Cir-

G221
cumstances, Stations, Wants, and Conditions. 1732 FUL., no.
1687.
Cf. G207: God never sends mouth but he sends meat.
G219 GOD sends corn and the devil mars the sack
1616 DR., s.v. Abuse, no. 34: (God asketh come, and). 1639 CL.,
s.v. Beneficium, p. 45: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1659 N.R., p. 37: God
sends corn the Devil makes the sack. 1664 COD., p. 193: (God
giveth Corn, and). 1670 RAY, p. 97.
G220 GOD sends fortune to fools
I546 HEY. II vi, 3. 11v. 1562 HEY. Epig. 124, p. 145. 61592 Soli-
man, s. D4v. 1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 54: God sends fooles for-
tune. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 127: [As in 1600 Dekker]. I611
GRUT., no. 104. 1614 CAM., p. 306. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8:
[As in 1600 Dekker]. 1659 N.R., p. 37. 1721 KEL., p. 123: [As in
1600 Dekker].
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. II vii 18: ‘Good morrow, fool,’
quoth I. ‘NO, sir,’ quoth he, ‘Call me not fool till heaven hath
sent me fortune.’
See DI'IR., I, no. 606. Cf. F536: Fools have fortune (are fortunate);
F600: Fortune favors fools.
GOD sends good luck and God sends bad
1639 CL., p. 165.
G222 GOD sends meat and the devil sends cooks
61542 BOORDE Diet. Health XI: Intro. and Dietary, p. 260: It is a
common prouerbe, God may sende a man good meate, but the
deuyll may sende an euyll coke to dystrue it. 1573 HOLLYBAND
Cit. at Home, p. 40: They say commonly in England that God send-
eth vs meate, and the Devill cookes. [a1600] 1612 DELONEY T.
Reading 2, p. 221. 1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua V Vii, s. K4v: I must
finde you meate, and the Diuell finde you cookes. 1616 DR., s.v.
Abuse, no. 35. 1636 CAM., p. 296: God sends meat, the divell
sends Cooks. 1639 CL., p. 45. 1641 FERG., no. 297. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 6: God sends meat, the devil sends us Cooks. 1668
R.B., p. 21. I670 RAY, p. 73. I721 KEL., p. 123: (and the Dee’l
Cooks). *A passionate Expression, when our Meat is ill dress’d.
1732 FUL., no. 1688. 1735 FRANKLIN, p. 9: Bad commentators
spoil the best of books, So God sends meat, (they say,) the devil
cooks. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 445: This Goose is quite raw:
well, God sends meat, but the devil sends cooks.
Cf. M843: To mar good meat by ill cooking. (6)
G223 GOD speed the plow
61500 God Speed Plough l. 8, p. 69: I pray to God, spede wele the
plough. [61560] 1581 WOODES Confl.'Cons. II iii, s. C4: But ifyou
wil needs be Chiefe, God speed wel the plough. 61591 HORSEY
Travels, p. 310: God speed their plowe! 1604 BODLEY Letters to T.
Yames, p. 105: Sir, God speede your plough. I am glad your presse
is afoote, and yow so foreward before. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon.
Whore, p. 80: God speed the Plough, thou shalt not speed me.
1661 M. NEDHAM Hist. Eng. Reb. in Harl. Misc., II 503: God speed
the Plough; plague Rooks and Crows, And send us Years more cheap.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vanga, p. 22 5: For any business to pro-
ceed as it should do, and prosper . . as one should say, God speed
the Plough in English. 1669 DRYDEN Wild Gallant III i, p. 67:
Speed the plough! If I can make no sport, I’ll hinder none.
G224 GOD stays long but strikes at last
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 19. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 299: The
revenge of God doth not come down in haste.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. III iii 72: For which foul deed The
powers, delaying (not forgetting), have Incens’d the seas and
shores, yea, all the creatures, Against your peace. 1613 T.N.K.
I iv 4: Th’ impartial gods . . behold who err, And in their time
chastise.
Cf. G182: God comes with leaden (woolen) feet but Strikes with
iron hands; G270: God’s mill grinds slow but sure.
G225 GOD stint all strife
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2V.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
G01)
G01)
263


G226 G01) strikes not with both hands, for to the sea
he made havens and to rivers fords
1640 HERB., no. 311. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7: God strikes
not with two hands, for he hath made ports to the Sea, and fords
to the Rivers.
Cf. G227: God strikes with his finger and not with all his arm.
G01) strikes with his finger and not with all his
arm
1596 DEL., s. M6v. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 1: God with his
finger strikes, and not his arm. I651 HERB., p. 370.
Cf. G226: God strikes not with both hands, for to the sea he made
havens and to rivers fords.
G227
G228 G01) will send time to provide for time
1546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v.
G229 Have G01) and have all
1641 FERG., no. 377. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 1: Who hath God
hath all, who hath him not hath less then nothing. I668 R.B.,
p. 27.
Cf. G233: He that is without God has nothing.
G230 He is either a G01) or a painter, for he makes
faces
I609 DEKKER Gull’s Horn Bk. Proem: Non-Dram. Wks., II 202:
You Courtiers . . will screw forth worse faces then those which God
and the Painter has bestowed vpon you. 1732 FUL., no. 1914.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 648: He’s a god or a painter;
for he makes faces.
G231 He is poor that G01) hates
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 495. I611 COT., s.v. Hai: Poore is the man
whom God abhorres. 1616 DR., no. 1688: They are poore, whom
God hateth. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: Ther’s none poor,
but such as God hates. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: He is truly
poor whom God forsakes. I668 R.B., p. 23. 1670 RAY, p. 21:
There are none poor but such as God hates. 1721 KEL., p. 138:
*A surlish Return to them who, tauntingly, call us Poor. 1732
FUL., no. 2470: He’s poor indeed, whom God hates.
G232 He that errs and mends to G01) himself com-
mends
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 67: (and amends). 1616 DR., s.v.
Repentance, no. 1835: Hee that faulteth and amendeth, recom-
mendeth himselfe to God. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxviii,
III 216: (Who erres). 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15: Who erres
and mends he recommends himself to God. 1664 COD., p. 197: He
that falleth, and amendeth, recommendeth himself to God. 1732
FUL., no. 2037: He, that after sinning mends, recommends himself
to God.
G233 He that is without G01) has nothing
1616 DR., no. 899. I742 FRANKLIN, p. 20: Without God without
ought, God and enough.
Cf. G229: Have God and have all.
G234 He that serves G01) for money will serve the
devil for better wages
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 105, I 100: It is a kind of a Condi-
tional Devotion for Men to be Religious no longer then they can
Save, or Get by’t . . The Moral is . . Compriz’d in the Old Saying:
He that serves God for Money, will serve the Devil for Better Wages.
G235 He that serves G01) serves a good master
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 575. 1611 COT., s.v. Dieu. 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 1: Who serves God hath a good Master. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 31, p. 69: Who serveth God, hath a good Master.
G236 Help thyself and G01) will help thee
[ERAS. fldagia, 9290: Industriam adjuvat Deus.] 1552 TAV., f. 57:
The goddes do helpe the doers. 1580 BARET, I—136: [As in Eras.].

*A Prouerbe shewing that God doth helpe those in their affaires,
which are industrious. 1580 H. GIFFORD Claudius Ptholomoeus:
Gilloflowers, p. 37: Putting me in mynde of that auncient sentence
of the Spartans, that in calling for ayde of God, it is necessary that
we set to our owne helping hands, as the instruments of God.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 486. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 42: God
will him helpe, that seekes for it himselfe. 1611 COT., s.v. Fil: The
worke thats well begunne God helpes to end; or, beginne thy worke,
and God will helpe to end it. Ihid., s.v. Ourdi: (Begin to helpe
thy selfe, and). 1639 CL., p. 92. 1640 HERB., no. 533. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 8: God helps him, who helps himself. 1659
N.R., p. 57. 1664 Con., p. 199. 1666 Toa. It. Prov. 11, p. 5: Who
helpeth himself, Heaven helps him. Ihid. 21, p. 69: Help thy self,
and i’l help thee, saith God Almighty. I668 R.B., p. 21. 1705
Pleas. Art, p. 157. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 1 1: God helps them that help
themselves.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II III ii 29: The means that heaven
yields must be embrac’d, And not neglected.
See Dth., I, no. 703. Cf. D388: Lie not in the ditch and say
God help me; F603: Fortune helps him that’s willing to help him-
self; G243: Pray to God to help you and put your hand to work;
G275: Who hopes in God’s help his help cannot start; H412: He
helps little that helps not himself; M796: Use the means and God
will give the blessing; S753: Get thy spindle and distaff ready and
God will send thee flax.
G237 I owe G01) a death
01581 Dial. hetw. Cath. and Cons. l. 59 in Bal. from MSS, _Vol. II,
Pt. ii, p. 176: Fiat voluntas Dei, then say I, We owe a death, and
once we needes must dye. 1591 H. SMITH Comf. Speech Godly
Preacher: Wks., II 468: I owe to God a death, as his Son died for
me. 1592 GREENE Repentance, p. 163: All owe God a death. 1593
Life and Death Straw I, s. BI: Yee heare them say they owe God
a death, and they can but die. 01596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More
III i 115: I cloo owe God a death, and I must pay him. 1602
DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 1609, p. 48: I owe God a death,
and if he will make mee pay’t against my will, Ile say ’tis hard deal-
ing. [1609] 1655 T. HEYWOOD AND W. ROWLEY Fortune Land and
Sea I i, p. 371: He owed a death. I612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I,
IV xvii, II 213: This pannell is as certainly mine, as the death
which I owe unto God. 1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair Maia’ West I,
p. 355: Yet come, I’le try, I owe my fate a death. I633 Costly
Whore IV ii, p. 277: To die is naturall, tis a death I owe, And I will
pay it. 1672 WALK. 12, p. 35. 1681 ROB., p. 969.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IVV i 127: Why, thou owest God a
death. —’Tis not due yet. I would be loath to pay him before his
day. 1598 2 Hen. IVIII ii 250: By my troth, I care not. A man
can die but once; we owe God a death.
Cf. D168: To pay one’s debt to nature; M502: All men are mor-
tal; M505: All men must die.
G238 If G01) be with us who will be against us?
[Rom viii 31: If God be for us, who can be against us ?] a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 807. 1668 R.B., p. 30.
G239 It that G01) will give the devil cannot reave1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 847. I668 R.B., p. 33. 1721 KEL., p. 320:
(That which God). *Spoken when we have attain’d our End in
spite of Opposition. -
[lrob us of]
G240 Like me, G01) bless the example
1670 RAY, p. 184.
G241 Not G01) above gets all men’s love
1616 WITHALS, p. 568. 1639 CL., s.v. Impossibilia, p. 147.
RAY, p. 97. 1721 KEL., p. 267. 1732 FUL., no. 6105.
Cf. 1103: Jupiter himself cannot please all.
1670
G242 One G01), no more, but friends good store
[ERAS. Adagio, 8230: Unus Deus, et plures amici.] 1616 WITHALS.
p. 583. 1639 CL., p. 26. 1670 RAY, p. 94. 1672 WALK. 79, p. 43,
1732 FUL., no. 6104.
See DI'JR., I, no. 357.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
G01)
G01)
264
G243 Pray to G01) to help you and put your hand to
work
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxxv, III 268: Serve God, and work
hard. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 16: Praying to God, and driving
the plow, viz. prayer and labour will do well. 1721 KEL., p. 278.
Cf. G236: Help thyself and God will help thee.
G244 Put G01) before you, you need not care who
comes behind you
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 6.
thee, and thou needest not).
G245 Serve G01) in your calling, ’tis better than pray-
ing
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: *This is meant 0f foolish impertinent
Zelotts.
G246 Soon toddl soon with G01)
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: *A Northern Proverb when a child
hath teeth too soon. 1670 RAY, p. 26. Ibid., p. 52: Quickly too’d,
[i.e. toothed] and quickly g0, Quickly will thy mother have moe.
*Some have it quickly to’cl, quickly with God, as if early breeding
of teeth, were a sign of short life, whereas we read of some born
with teeth in their heads, who yet have lived long enough to be-
come famous men.
['toothed]
G247 Spend and G01) will send
I546 HEY. II v, s. HI: (shall sende). 1573 GASCOIGNE Memories:
Posies, p. 64: The common speech is, spend and God will send, But
what sends he? a bottell and a bagge. I576 WAPULL Tide Tarries
No Man, s. E4: Spend, and God will send, else the prouerbe lyes.
1611 COT., s.v. Manger. I611 DAv. Prov., no. 289: Spend and God
will send: but wot ye what followes? A staer and wallet, the gaile
or the gallowes. I611 GRUT., no. 236: (shall send). 1614 CAM.,
p. 312. 1616 DR., s.v. Prodigalitie, no. 1720. 1639 CL., s.v. Pro-
fusio, p. 262. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: *A bagg, and a wallet.
1659 N.R., p. 91. 1670 RAY, p. 145. 1721 KEL., p. 290: Spend
and God will send, spare and ever bare. *Solomon says, There is
that scattereth, and yet aboundeth: And there is some that withhold-
eth more than is meet, and it tendeth to Poverty. I732 FUL., no.
6092.
Cf. G207: God never sends mouth but he sends meat; S706: Ever
spare and ever bare; $743: To a good spender God is the treasurer.
G248 That G01) will have see shall not wink
[01550] 1560 Nice Wanton, s. Clv: It is an olde prouerbe, you haue
herd it I think That god wyl haue se, shall not wynke.
1664 Con., p. 209: (Put God before
G249 There is G01) in the ambry1
I546 HEY. 11 iv, s. G4: Here is god in thambry (quoth I) Quoth he,
naie. 1562 HEY. Epig. 135, p. 149: There is god in thalmery, a
well playde part. Shut god in thine almery, out of thy hart. 1616
DR., s.v. Plentie, no. 1655: God in the ambry. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 6.
[lcupboard]
G250 There is G01) when all is done
I546 HEY. I vii, s. B4: Ye there was god (quoth he) whan all is
doone.
Those that G01) loves do not live long (The good
die young)
1546 H11an Troua. Man’s Med. II, s. B8v: But among all other,
saith the greke poete Menander: Most happy be they and best be-
louid of god, that dye whan they be yong. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet.,
p. 73: Whom God loueth best, those he taketh sonest. I573
Tossstoo Points Husb. 36, p. 85: Good quickest bie, old gatherd
will die. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 62: The gods have had her up
into heaven, as one too good to remain on earth. 1592 DEL., p. 51:
All those that God loues, do not liue long. [01597] I609 Jonson
Case Is Altered II ii 45: Your worship is too good to liue long. I605
G251

R.F. Sch. Slov. III 3722, p. 137: Nothing which is good can ever
last. 1607 MIDDLETON Phoenix I vi 83: Well, he was too honest to
live, and that made him die so soon. 1610—25 Stonyhurst Pag. VII
152, p. 11: And your will vnto gods resigne Who takes them first,
whom he loues best. [1624] 1654 GLAPTHORNE AND [CHAPMAN]
Reafor Hon. V ii 67: ’Twas his own destiny, not our bad intentions
Took him away from earth; he was too heavenly, Fit only for th’
society of angels. I630 SHIRLEY Grateful Serv. II i, p. 36: I know
he cannot live long, he is so well given; they never thrive. 1639
CL., p. 322: (doe not alwaies live long). I651 HERB., p. 369.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 8: Good and loved, not long lived. I659
N.R., p. 93. _ .
SHAKESPEARE.—01595 R7. I 111 19: Well, Susan 18 With God; She
was too good for me. 1597 Rich. III I ii 104: 0, he was gentle,
mild, and virtuous! —The better for the King of Heaven, that
hath him. 1604 O. V ii 21 : This sorrow’s heavenly; It strikes where
it does love. 1608 P. IV i 8: I will do’t. But yet she is a goodly
creature. —The fitter then the gods should have her.
Cf. L384: Too soon wise to live long.
G252 Though 601) takes the sun out of heaven yet we
must have patience
I640 HERB., no. 973.
G253 We cannot serve G01) and Mammon
[Matt. vi 24: Ye cannot serve God and mammon.] 1583 STUBBEs
Anat. Aauses I, p. 182: Can we serue God and Mammon? I623
W01)., p. 490-. It is impossible To loue God and the World. [01633]
1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 64: (Is it not said of
Riches; that we cannot). I732 FUL., no. 5034: Thou canst not
serve God, unless thy Mammon serve thee.
See ST., no. 1462.
G254 What G01) will no frost can kill
1639 CL., p. 225. 1670 RAY, p. 97. 1732 FUL., no. 6106.
Cf. G2 56: When God will all winds bring rain (no wind but brings
rain); G263: Whom God will help no man can hinder (hurt).
G255 When Gon is made master of a family he orders
(disorders) the disorderly
I640 HERB., no. 976. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
238: When God is Master of the house, he disorders the disorderly.
I659 N.R., p. 126: (the Master of a Family he disorders the dis-
orderly).
G256 When G01) will all winds bring rain (no wind but
brings rain)
1616 DR., s.v. God Almighty, no. 900: When God will, at all windes
it will raine. 1639 CL., s.v. Deus, p. 87. I640 HERB., no. 328:
(no winde but brings raine). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: It rains
there where God pleaseth. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,p. 16: When
God will, it raines with all winds. I659 N.R., p. 124: [As in 1640
Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 227: When God pleaseth, no wind but brings
rain with it. 1670 RAY, p. 97: (When God wills). I672 WALK.
84, p. 43: (When God wills). I681 ROB., p. 674. I732 FUL., no.
5554: (When God wills).
See DI'JR., I, no. 636. Cf. G254: What God will no frost can kill.
6257 When G01) will punish he will first take away
the understanding
I611 Jonson Cat. III 392, p. 481: It is a madnesse, Wherewith
heauen blinds ’hem, when it would confound ’hem. 1616-I7 CHAMBERLAIN (to D. Carleton) in Court and Times 7ames I, I 468:
The Lord Cake is left in the suds, but sure it is God’s doing, accord-
ing to the old saying perdere quos vult Jupiter prius dementat.
1640 HERB., no. 684. 1664 C01)., p. 229: When God doth punish,
he first takes away the Understanding. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 2,
p. 256: Whom God wisheth not well to, he takes their Knowledge
from them. 1687 DRYDEN Hind and Panther III 1093, p. 258: For
those whom God to ruin has designed, He fits for fate, and first
destroys their mind.
SHAKESPEARE.—1606-7 J.C. III xiii 111: But when we in our
viciousness grow hard (0 misery on’t!) the wise gods seel our eyes,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
GOD
GOD’S
265

In our own filth drop our clearjudgments, make us Adore our er-
rors, laugh at’s while we strut TO our confusion.
See DI'IR., I, no. 632.
G258 When it pleases not GOD the saint can do little
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. I.
*Hisp.
See DUR., I, no. 633.
G259 Where GOD has (builds) his church the devil has
(builds) his chapel
I560 BECON Cat. VI, p. 36I: For commonly, Wheresoever God
buildeth a Church, the devil will build a chapeljust by. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. EI: Wher God buildes a church, the deuill
builds a chaypell. 1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: Wks., II 40: Hath
not the diuell hys Chappell close adioyning to Gods Church?
1609 DEKKER Raven’s Alman.: Non-Dram. Wks., IV 220: Where
God hath a Church, the Deuill hath a Chappell. 1615 T. ADAMS
Bad Leaven: Wks., p. 694: Where God hath his Church, Satan
hath his Chappell. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III IV i 1, p. 875: A
lamentable thing it is to consider, how many myriads of men this
Idolatry and Superstition . . hath infatuated . . For where God hath
a Temple, the Devil will have a chapel. 1640 HERB., no. 670: No
sooner is a temple built to God but the devill builds a Chappell hard
by. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: No sooner is a Church built for God,
but the Devil erects a Chappel for himself hard by. 1664 COD.,
p. 207: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 35, p. 281:No sooner
is aTemple erected to God, but there’s a Chapel built for the Devil.
*Note 30, p. 292: The English word is so, Where God builds his
Church, the Devil builds his Chapell. 1670 RAY, p. 70: (the Devil
will have his Chappel). 1688 R. HOLME Acad. Armory II i, I 11:
(The devil will have his Synagogue). I732 FUL., no. 5646.
1664 COD., p. 223. I670 RAY, p. 23:
G260 While they think they have GOD by the toe they
have the devil by the fist
1548 E. HALL Hen. VII: Chron., f. 30: The duches thinkyng to haue
gotten God by the foote, when she had the deuell by the tayle. 1548
E. HALL Hen. VIII: Chron., f. 186: The Bishop thinking that he
had God by the too, when in dede he had (as after he thought) the
Deuell by the fiste. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XLIV, notes, p.
382: For if they may match their daughters, so as they may say,
my Lord my sonne, they thinke they haue God almightie by the toe
(as the prouerbe saith). 1639 CL., p. I 25: He hath got God Almighty
by the toe. Ibid., p. 130: He thought he had got God Almighty
by the hand, but ’twas the Devil by the pawe.
6261 Whom GOD loves, his bitch brings forth pigs
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 28: *Whom God loves, all things cooper-
ate for his good, and beyond his expectation and hopes.
G262 Whom GOD loves, his house is savory to him
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xliii, IV 43. 1732 FUL., no. 5724.
G263 Whom GOD will help no man can hinder (hurt)
1489 CAXTON Blanchardyn XLI, p. I 5 5: Men sayen comynly, that
he whome god wyll haue kept, may not be peryshed. 01534 BER-
NERS Huon 130, p. 480: It is a commune prouerbe sayde, whome
that god wyll ayde, no man can hurt. 01555 Songs and Bal. Philip
and Mary 46, p. 161: Whom Gode wolde have holpen he shall never
wannte. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1461. 1668 R.B., p. 44. I721
KEL., p. 357: (none can hinder).
Cf. G254: What God will no frost can kill.
G264 You are one of them to whom GOD bade ho1
1532 T. MORE Conf. Tyndale IV: Wks. 1557, p. 533: God bade ho,
and gaue vs leaue to belieue hym no farther. I546 HEY. I xi, 3.
E1 v: She is one of theim, to whom god bad who. I562 HEY. Epig.
154, p. 152. 01594 BACON, no. 646: He is one of them to whom
God bidd how. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 30: Lombard was one of them
that God bad ho. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7.
Cf. H477: He has (There is) no ho with him (Beyond all ho).
[lstop]


G265 Go in GOD’S name, so ride no witches
I678 RAY, p. 247. I721 KEL., p. 345: Work a God’s Name, and so
does no Witches.
G266 GOD’S blessing on your heart for it
1560—77 Misogonus III i 188: Gods blessinge of thy swete harte
Alison now Ile say thart a good [wench]. 1573 GASCOIGNE Sup-
poses I i, p. 189: Marie Gods blessing on their heart that sette suche
a brouche on my cappe. I596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 65:
Marie Gods blessing on hys heart for his labour, and I loue him the
better for it. 1639 CL., s.v. Gratitudo, p. 135.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVII iv 329: God’s blessing of your
good heart! 1600-1 II ii 112: Blessing on your heart
for’t!
Cf. B450: Blessing of your heart, you brew good ale.
G267 GOD’S grace and Pilling Moss are boundless
1662 FULLER Worthies Lancashire, I 558: Pillyn-Mos is the Foun-
tain of Fewell . . in this County, and is conceived inexhaustible by
the Vicinage. May it prove so! But, ifit should chance to fail, may
God’s Grace (which the Vulgar in their profane Proverb unequally
yoak therewith) I say may God’s Grace never be drained to those
that stand in need thereof!
See APP., p. 496.
G268 GOD’S help is better than early rising
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxxiv, III 260.
I685.
I732 FUL., no.
G269 GOD’S help is nearer than the fair even
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 441. I668 R.B., p. 20. I721 KEL., p. 117:
*God’s immediate Providence may sooner Assist us, than any
second Causes, that we can propose.
G270 GOD’S mill grinds slow but sure
1640 HERB., no. 743. 1659 N.R, p. 38. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p.
70: God’s mill grinds slowly, but bitter is his bran.
See DUR., I, no. 624. Cf. G182: God comes with leaden (woolen)
feet but strikes with iron hands; G197: God is a sure paymaster;
G224: God stays long but strikes at last; P639: Punishment is
lame but it comes; S544: Slow but sure; V25: Vengeance (Divine
vengeance) comes slowly but surely.
G271 He would spend GOD’S cope1 if he had it
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 58. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus
III i, p. 98: [He] wyll spende goddis coope, and he had it, vppon
hoores, and at the dyce. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 131: (He will
spende). 1611 COT., s.v. Val: To promise Gods Cope, mountaines
of gold, impossibilities. 1639 CL., s.v. Profusio, p. 262.
Cf. M1217: To promise mountains (golden mountains).
[1i.e., a great amount, a very large sum]
G272 Out of GOD’S blessing into the warm sun
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV vii, p. 153: From the halle in to the
kitchin, or out of cristes blessing in to a warme sonne. I546 HEY.
II v, s. HIv: In your rennyng from hym to me, ye roon Out of gods
blissyng in to the warme soon. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 146: You
would not go about to bring me, as they say, out of God’s blessing
into a warm sun. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 322: Therefore if
thou wilt follow my aduise . . thou shalt come out of a warme Sunne
into Gods blessing. 1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 207: What
reason hath Zeale to fly from Gods blessing into a warme Sunne.
I598 FLOR., s.v. Da baiante a ferrante, p. 95: From bad to worse,
out of gods blessing into the warme sun, out of the parlor into the
kitchin. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 151. 1615 T. ADAMS England’s
Sickness II: Wks., p. 327: They who haue forsaken vs to seeke health
there, haue gone out ofGods blessing into the warme Sunne. 1616
DR., s.v. Aduersitie, no. 52. 1639 CL., p. 123. 1655 FULLER
Church Hist. III iv, I 341: But small reason had king John to re-
joice, being come out of God’s blessing . . into the warm sun, or
rather scorching heat, of the pope’s protection. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 5: He goes out of Gods blessing to the warm Sun, viz. from

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
GOD’S
GOLD
266


good to worse. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tuono, p. 223: To miss
the Thunder, and meet the Bolt, viz. to go from bad to worse; the
English as strangely say, To go out of Gods Blessing into the warm
Sun. 1670 RAY, p. 177. 1721 KEL., p. 268: *I do not understand
it. 1732 FUL., no. 3833. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 413: Well,
she’s got out of God’s blessing into the warm sun [said Of a woman
who marries].
SHAKESPEARE."1605-6 K.L. II ii 167: Good King, that must ap-
prove the common saw, Thou out of heaven’s benediction com’st
To the warm sun!
Cf. B27: To go from bad to worse; H56: Out of the ball into the
kitchen; H713: From the horses to the asses; S991: Where the sun
shines there resort. (20)
G273 That never ends ill which begins in GOD’S name
1639 CL., s.v. Exitium honestum, p. 109.
G274 There are GOD’S poor and the devil’s poor
1613 T. ADAMS White Devil: W ks., p. 42: There are Gods poore, and
the Deuils poore: those the hand of God hath crossed; these haue
forced necessitie on themselues by a dissolute life. 1732 FUL., no.
4895: There is God’s Poor and the Devil’s Poor; the first from
Providence, the other from Vice.
G275 Who hopes in GOD’S help his help cannot start
1546 HEY. I iv, 5. BIv.
Cf. G236: Help thyself and God will help thee.
G276 GOD-A-MERCY (Gramercy), horse
[An ironic expression of thanks] 1546 HEY. II vii, s. I2v. 61579
[MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 27. [211600] 1611 Tarl-
ton’s Yests in Shak. 7est-Bks., II 21 8: But ever after it was a by word
thorow London, God a mercy horse and is to this day. [61602]
1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King IV, p. 59: God—a-mercy horse, you
shall not stand to my livery. 1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p.
226: But if for my kindness in giving him Pease and Oats he should
kick me, I Should scarce say God a mercy horse. 61630 F. GROVE
Ragged and Torn l. 85 in Roxb. Bal., II 412: The hostler, to main-
taine Himselfe with money in’s purse, Approves the proverbe true,
and sayes Gramercy Horse. 1631 [BRATHWAITE] Whimzies 14, p.
71: If he [an ostler] rise to any preferment, he may say, Gramercy
horse. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. V, p. 84: Why, Master
Busy, asleep as thou stand’st, man? Some horse taught him that;
’tis worth god-aamercy. 1640 MENNIS AND SMITH Wit’s Recrea~
tions.: Facetiae, II 232: A Taylor is a theef, a Sergeant is worse, Who
here lyes dead, god-a-mercy Horse. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14:
Gramercy horse. 1677 Smithfield jockey, p. I: And if ever after
you find him worth any thing, for that he may say, Gramercy
Horse. 1681 Dial. betw. Sam and Tom in Harl. Misc., II 100: God-
a-mercy Horse, this Rogue Will was tugging Stream.
G277 GODFATHERS (Mothers) oft give their blessings1
in a clout2
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2: Ye can geue me your blessyng in a clout.
That were for my childe (quoth she) had I ony. 61579 [MERBURY]
Marr. Wit and Wisdom i, p. 11: Hold heare My blessing in a cloute.
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 268: (in a clout: But it is so curst that little
comes out).
Cf. C299: A child may have too much of his mother’s blessing;
M1069: Money is welcome though it come in a dirty clout.
[1i.e., money 2cloth]
G278 GOD-HAVE-MERCY fills not the physician’s purse
1616 DR., no. 1628.
G279 Both bade me GODSPEED but neither bade me
welcome
1546 HEY. I x, s. C2v: (but none bad me welcome).
no. 632.
61594 BACON,
G280 As yellow (Shining) as GOLD
[61486-1500] CI 5 30 MEDWALL Nature I, s. C2v: And then yt [hair]
cryspeth and shyneth as bryght as any pyrled gold. 61527 J.

RASTELL Calisto and Mel, s. A3v: Her herr . . Farr shynyng beyond
fyne gold of araby. 61550 Robin Consc. l. 283 in Early Pop. Poetry,
III 244: I can make it [hair] shine like golde. 1552 HULOET Abced.,
8. NM: Yelow to be lyke gold. 1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., s.
C3v: Your haire is as yelow as any gold. 1594 R. WILSON Cobbler’s
Proph., s. D3: Hir owne haire . . yellow is as gold. I606 RIDER
Dict., s. Bb2v: Yellow as gold, faire bright yellow. I631 MABBE
Celestina IV, p. 98: Shall make thy haire as yellow as gold.
Cf. N193: As yellow as the golden noble.
G281 GOLD expounds the law and the gloss
61573 I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, 3. C4: A little gould in law wyll
make, thy matter better speede. 1616 DR., no. 912. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 12, p. 179: Gold expounds law, and illustrates the glosses.
G282 GOLD goes in at any gate except heaven’s
1639 CL., p. 220: (unless’t be heavens). 1660 SECKER Nonsuch
Prof. II 9, p. 134: The gates of heaven . . are not unlocked with a
golden key. 1670 RAY, p. 97. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Gold.
See Dt'IR., I, no. 612. Cf. L406: NO lock will hold against the
power of gold; M1050: If money go before all ways lie open; P47:
He that will enter into paradise must have a good key.
G283 GOLD is the fruit that is always ripe
1616 DR., no. 909.
G284 GOLD is tried in the fire
1504 ATKYNSON Imit. Christ I xvii in Imit. Christi, p. 165: For as
golde is proued in the fournes, so man by tribulacion. 1591 FLOR.
Sec. F. XII, p. 195: Golde after fire bearing, touch and poyze, is of
more price than golde ure yet untried. 1596 DEL., s. N7v: Gold is
approued in the fornace, and a friend in troubles. I611 COT., s.v.
Bras: The worth of gold is tried by fire, the strength of an arme by
wrestling. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 179: The furnace trys gold, and
gold a woman. Ibid. 10, p. 289: Gold refines in the fire and man in
troubles. 1733 FRANKLIN, p. 5: The proof of gold is fire; the proof
of woman, gold; the proof of man, a woman.
Cf. T448: As the touchstone tries gold, so gold tries man.
G285 GOLD must be beaten and-a child scourged
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 411.
G285a GOLD speaks
1594 BARNFIELD Aflect. Shep., p. 48: Gold is a deepe-perswading
orator. I666 TOR. It. Prov. I 1, p. 179: Man prates, but gold speaks.
See APP., p. 423. Cf. G295: You may speak with your gold and
make other tongues dumb (Where gold speaks every tongue is si-
lent); M1052: Money answers all things; M1061: Money is heard
everywhere; M1065: Money is the best lawyer; M1085: Money will
do more than my lord’s letter.
G286 He that has GOLD may buy land
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 526. 1668 R.B., p. 26. 1697 MER., p. 165.
I721 KEL., p. 166.
G287 He that labors and thrives spins GOLD
1640 HERB., no. 337. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
24. 1659 N.R., p. 58. 1664 COD., p'. 199. 1670 RAY, p. 15.
1705 Pleas. Art, p. 152. I732 FUL., no. 2211.
G288 If GOLD knew what gold is, gold would get gold
iwis
1640 HERB., no. 1005.
G289 No GOLD without dross
61579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom v, p. 46: Gold, with other
metels mixt, Must neades be full of drose. 1611 COT., s.v. Or:
(some drosse). 1623 WOD., p. 505: No Gold without Scume or
Drosse. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 10: (drosse, nor woman without
some fault).
See ST., no. 718.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
GOLn
Goon (Goons)
267


(3290 Pour GoLn on him and he’ll never thrive
1639 CL., p. 220.
6291 The purest Gun is most ductile
1628 FELTHAM Resolves II 2, p. 146: Even in Gold the stiffest is the
basest; but the pure by being ductible, keeps whole. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4726.
G292 That is GOLn which is worth gold
I611 COT., s.v. Or: Tis Gold thats worth Gold. 1640 HERB., no.
835. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 381: We say that is gold
which is worth gold, which we may anywhere exchange for gold.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 20. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 10: (’Tis gold which). 1659 N.R., p. 114. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
18)
When we have G0Ln we are in fear, when we
have none we are in danger (trouble)
1616 DR., no. 500: (and when wee haue it not, wee are troubled).
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: To have gold brings fear, to have none
brings grief. 1664 COD., p. 226: (and when we have none, we are
in trouble). 1670 RAY, p. 12. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 151.
G293
G294 Win Gun and wear gold
[a1582] 1635 Long Meg Westminster in Old Bk. Coll. Misc., II 2:
Here at London may we win gold and wear gold. I583 MELBANCKE
Philot., 3. C4: Thou hast woon goulde, now weare gould. 1614
CAM., p. 315. 1639 CL., s.v. Honos indigno habitus, p. 137. 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1659 N.R., p. 117. 1660 TATHAM Rump
III, p. 38: He that wins gold, let him wear gold, I cry.
Cf. P640: Win purple and wear purple; W408: Win it and wear
it; W731: WOO, wed, and bed (wear) her. >
G295 You may speak with your Gun and make other
tongues dumb (Where gold speaks every
tongue is silent)
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 187: It is said, that . . the tongue hath
no force when gold speaketh. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9: Where
gold speaks, every toung is dumb. 1659 N.R., p. 126: Where gold
speaks every tongue is silent. 1664 Con., p. 231. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 22, p. 179: When gold speaks, the tongue hath no force.
1670 RAY, p. 12: *Ital. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 151. 1732 FUL., no.
5555: When Gold speaks, you may e’en hold your Tongue.
Cf. G285a: Gold speaks.
G296 You may trust him with untold GOLn (money)
1616 DR., no. 21 85: (A man may trust). 1639 CL., p. 1 16: (money).
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Occhi, p. 120: The English say, He may
be trusted with untold gold. 1670 RAY, p. 197. 1672 WALK. 52,
p. 24: You may trust him in the dark; with untold gold.
Cf. H792: He may be trusted with a houseful 0f unbored mill-
stones.
G297 In GOLGOTHA there are skulls of all sizes
[a1591] 1675 H. SMITH Godly Man’s Request: Wks., I 281: As many
little skulls are in Golgotha as great skulls. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch
Prof. III I I, p. 294: As there are none -too old for eternity, so there
are none too young for mortality. In Golgotha there are skulls of
all sizes.
G298-G308 Goon: subst. (=be10ngings, property)
G298 As rises my Goon so rises my blood
1550 BECON Fortr. Faithful: Cat., p. 599: And they are such as this
common proverb noteth: As riseth my good So riseth my blood.
1659 CRAnocK Know. and Prac. I xvii, p. 488: Of most men, the
Proverb is true, Their good and their blood rises together. Pros-
perity is to many a kind of intoxication, it makes their heads giddy.
Cf. H577~8z The more rich the more honor; H58 3: Honors change
manners.


G299 Little G001) soon spent
1562 HEY. Epig. 169, p. 154. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 931: Little
good is soone spended. 1623 CAM., p. 273. 1639 CL., s.v. Profusio,
p. 262: Little good is soon spent. 1659 N.R., p. 73. 1670 RAY,
p. 116: A little good is soon spent. 1721 KEL., p. 231: Little Geer
soon spended. 1732 F UL., no. 3255: Little Goods are soon spent.
G300 Conceited1 Goons are quickly spent
1678 RAY, p. 116.
[limagined]
Evil-gotten (Ill-gotten) Goons never prove well
(prosper, endure)
[ERAS. Adagia, 2941‘: Male parta, male dilabuntur.] 1519 HOR-
MAN V ulgaria, p. 118: Euyll goten ryches wyll neuer proue longe.
01526 Dicta Sap., s. A3: Welthe yuell gotten dureth nat longe.
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2v: And where olde folke tell That euill gotten
good neuer proueth well. 1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War: Posies, p.
146: Since goods ill got, so little time endure. 1580 BARET, M—68:
*An apt and true Prouerbe to be vsed against those, which gette
their goodes, either by vniust interest, extortion, or by other vn-
lawfull meanes what soeuer, which will soone vanish and decrease
as waxe against the fire. I591 SPENSER Prosop. l. 1149: Wks.,
p. 104: Ill might it prosper, that ill gotten was. [01597] 1609
JONSON Case Is Altered V xii 90: Ill gotten goods ne’er thriue. I611
GRUT., no. 93: (good, neuer prooueth well). 1614 CAM., p. 305:
(proueth). 1615 WELDE Yanua Ling. 314, p. 20: Goods euill
gotten are not durable. 1616 DR., no. 1 III: Ill gotten goods neuer
doe prosper. 1639 CL., p. 97: (Ill gotten). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 8: (prOves). 1659 N.R., p. 64: Ill gotten goods soon waste.
1670 RAY, p. 98: Ill gotten goods, seldom prosper. 1672 WALK.
59, p. 42: Ill gotten goods seldome prosper.
SHAKEsPEARE.—1591 3 Hen. V] II ii 45: Didst thou never hear
That things ill got had ever bad success?
See ST., no. 708. Cf. G90: Evil (Ill) gotten evil (ill) spent;
G305: Ill-gotten goods thrive not to the third heir; G307: Stolen
goods thrive accordingly; W409: Ill won ill ward.
G301
G302 Goons are theirs that enjoy them
1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. May, 1. 71, p. 24: Good is no good, but if
it be spend. I640 HERB., no. 844. 1659 N.R., p. 38. 1664 Con.,
p. 195. 1670 RAY, p. 12: (who enjoy them). 1732 FUL., no. 1739:
(theirs only, who).
Cf. G319: That’s my good that does me good; G387: The gown is
his that wears it and the world his that enjoys it; M236: The man
has no more goods than he gets good of (has need of); W200: Wealth
is not his who has it but his who enjoys it. ‘
G303 The Goons of fortune pass away with the moon
1611 COT., s.v. Bien: Fortunes goods are flitting like the Moone.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 5: (passe with the Moon). 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. 4: (pass away like the Moon).
G304 He that loses his Goons loses his sense
1596 DEL., s. P2v: (good, loseth his senses). 1616 DR., no. 1290.
G305 Ill-gotten Goons thrive not to the third heir
1520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 82: And sodenly in an houre they
[riches] be lost or scauntly remayn to the thyrd heare but to his
trouble or vndoynge. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 72: Thei had
no power in lawe tO bee-will vnto their children that which was
gotten in seruyng the Deuill, which woulde not prosper to the
thirde heire. 1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: Wks., II 97: Ill gotten
goods neuer trouble the third heyre. I619 BASSE Help Discourse,
p. 67: Of piles of wealth rais’d by unjust extortion, The third Heir
seldom doth injoy his portion. 1623 WOD., p. 508: The third
Heire never enjoyes ill wonne Goods. 1639 CL., p. 190. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 3: That which is ill purchased in any Profession,
never comes to the third Heir. 1672 WALK. 86, p. 45: Ill gotten
estates seldom hold out till the third heir. 1721 KEL., p. 190: Ill
gotten Goods will not enrich the third Heir. '
See Dt'IR., I, no. 648. Cf. G301: Evil-gotten (Ill-gotten) goods
never prove well (prosper, endure); G307: Stolen goods thrive ac-
cordingly.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
G001) (Goons)
Goon
268

G306 The more Goons the more evils (greed)
1616 DR., s.v. Riches, no. 1879. I623 WOD., p. 509: (Greed).
G307 Stolen Goons thrive accordingly
1608 J. DAY Law Tricks I i, p. 8: Now stolne goods thriue not.
1616 WITHALS, p. 572. 1639 CL., p. 191.
Cf. G301: Evil-gotten (Ill-gotten) goods never prove well (pros-
per, endure); G3o5: Ill-gotten goods thrive not to the third heir.
G308 Who gives away his Goons before he is dead
take a beetle1 and knock him on the head
1641 FERG., no. 383: He that takes all his geir fra himself, and gives
to his bairns, it were weill ward to take a mell and knock out his
harnes [brains]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 272: Who dispossesseth
himself of his own, let him be knock’d in the head with a mallet.
1668 R.B., p. 27: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 78. I697
MER., p. 165: He that gives all his geir to his bairns may tack a mell
and knock out his harnes. 1721 KEL., p. 156: He that gives his
Goods before he be dead, Take up a Mallet and knock him on the
Head.
Cf. A187: He that gives all before he dies provides to suffer (is a
fool); D570: He will not put off his doublet (clothes) before he goes
to bed.
[llarge wooden hammer]
G309-G323 Goon: subst. (=benefit, virtue,
praiseworthy acts, etc.)
G309 Better Goon afar off than evil at hand
1623 WOD., p. 503: Better is a Far off Good, then a Neare hand
Evill. 1640 HERB., no. 263. I659 N.R., p. 24: (then ill near at
hand). 1732 FUL., no. 1700: Good at a Distance, is better than
Evil at Hand.
G310 Do Goon and regard not to whom, do evil and
take heed of thyself
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84. 61640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 20: (to whom thou dost it, but doe euill, and).
Goon and quickly seldom meet
1659 N.R., p. 38.
G311
1640 HERB., no. 576.
1670 RAY, p. 12.
Cf. S640: Soon enough if well enough.
G312 Goon finds good
1640 HERB., no. 452.
1664 Con., p. 194.
G313 Goon is good but better carries it
1639 CL., p. 105: Though good be good, yet better’s better. 1640
HERB., no. 450. I655 FULLER Chure/z Hist. XI iii, III 402: Good is
not good, where better is expected. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes
Fae. in Via, p. 183. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1664 Con., p.
194. 1670 RAY, p. 97: Though good be good, yet better is better,
or better carries it.
G314 Goon is to be sought out and evil attended
I640 HERB., no. 112. 1659 N.R., p. 38.
G315 Goon though long stayed for is good
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3.
G316 He that any Goon would win, at his mouth must i
first begin
1639 CL., s.v. Gula, p. 136.
G317 He that hopes not for Goon fears not evil
I640 HERB., no. 559. 1664 COD., p. 199. 1674 M.K. Florentine
Hist., II 28: For he who hopes no good, fears no ill. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2166: He that hopes no Good, fears n0 Ill.
Cf. M715: He is master of another man’s life who contemns his
own.

G318 Set Goon against evil (Do good for evil)
[1 Thess. v 15: See that none render evil for evil unto any man.]
1640 HERB., no. 818. 01649 Weeping Widow 30 in Cav. and Pur.,
p. 240: Doe good for evill I doe intreat you. 1658 [EnMonnson]
Comes Fae. in Via, p. 182. 1706 A. BEDFORD Evil and Danger
Stage Plays III, p. 72: We must not render evil for evil, or railing
for railing, but contrariwise blessing . . and thus must we overcome
evil with good.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 Rich. 1111 ii 68: Lady, you know no rules
of charity, Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses. Ibid.
I iii 335: Tell them that God bids us do good for evil. 1602 A.W.
II v 53: But we must do good against evil.
Cf. E204: To render evil for good; G322: To requite good for
evil is charity, evil for good is cruelty; I23: Better suffer ill (wrong)
than do ill (wrong); I24: For ill do well, then fear not hell.
G319 That’s my Goon that does me good
1639 CL., p. 109: That’s good that doth us good. 1678 RAY, p. 148.
Cf. G302: Goods are theirs that enjoy them; M236: The man has
no more goods than he gets good of (has need of).
G320 To come from little Goon (ought) to stark
nought
1639 CL., p. 83. 1670 RAY, p. 178. 1672 WALK. 31, p. 51: Worse
and worse; from little good to stark nought. 1725 N. BAILEY
Virgin Averse to Matrimony: Familiar Colloq., p. 124: That is (as it
too often proves) to fly from ought to stark nought.
Cf. B27: To go from bad to worse.
G321 To know one’s (one’s own) Goon
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 23: As one that knew his owne
good. [01589] 1601 LYLY Love’s Metam. III ii 70: You shall see
that Marchaunts know their good as well as Gentlemen. 1590
SPENSER I x 7: A gentle Squire [who] . . knew his good to all
of each degree. 1592 LYLY Midas III iii 41: As one that knew her
good. 1601 Jonson Cynthia’s Revels IV v 82: You were a fortunate
yong man, if you knew your owne good. 1607 Jonson Volp.
I iii 26: You are a happy man, sir, know your good.
G322 To requite Goon for evil is charity, evil for good
is cruelty
1623 WOD., p. 512: Render Good for III is called Charitie. And
Good for Good is truest Righteousnesse, And 111 for III to Vettue is
Enemie. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13: To render good for evil is
Charity, evil for good cruelty, ill for ill revenge, good for good
justice. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 137.
Cf. G318: Set good against evil (Do good for evil); 124: For ill do
well, then fear not hell.
G323 Who fasts and does no other Goon spares his
bread and goes to hell
1650 TAYLOR Holy Living IV v, p. 169: The devil . . will be as
tempting with the windiness of a violent fast, as with the flesh of
an ordinary meal . . Fasting alone will not cure this devil. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 10: (no good else spares).
G324 Goon: adj.
G324 Goon to be merry and wise
1546 HEY. II ii, 5. A3. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I i 5:
Therefore an other sayd sawe doth men advise That they be to-
gether both mery and wise. I562 HEY. Epig. 33, p. 133: (Tis good
to be). 1567 Trial Treasure, s. B3: Therefore it is good to be
wittie and wyse. 01576 Common Cond. l. 1580, 5. F4: Tis good to
be mery and Wise the truth to say. 01594 BACON, no. 471. 1597
R. HOOKER Eeeles. Pol. V 74, p. 336: Argueth, that great Divines
are sometimes more merry than wise. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 112:
To be merry and wise its good. 1611 GRUT., no. 155: (It is good
to be). 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle II i,
p. 181: Come, come George, let’s be merry and wise, the child’s a
fatherless child. 1614 CAM., p. 308: (It is good to be). 1616 DR.,
no. 1399: (It is good to be). 1639 CL., p. 306: Be merry and wise.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
GOOD AND ALL
GOOSE
269


1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1670 RAY, p. 120: Be merry and wise.
1721 KEL., p. 123: *Spoken when Peoples Mirth border too much
upon Folly. (12)
G325 For GOOD AND ALL
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 299: We begen a newe counte for good
and all. 1663 PEPYS Diary June 23, III 176: I do resolve even to
let him go away for good and all. 1710 SWIFT your. to Stella 3,
Sept. 13, II 15: She is broke for good and all, and is gone to the
country.
See APP., p. 255.
G326 GOOD ENOUGH is never aught
I678 RAY, p. 148.
G327 A GOOD FELLOW1 is a costly name
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 601: He is a good fellow hes ay fyve shillings
in his purs. I721 KEL., p. 16: *Because it requires a great deal to
procure it, and more to uphold it; spoken when People urge us to
spend, that we may be reckoned good Fellows.
[1boon companion]
G328 A GOOD FELLOW1 lights his candle at both ends
1678 RAY, p. 72.
Cf. C48: To burn (light) one’s candle at both ends.
[1boon companion]
G329 A GOOD FELLOW1 never lost but at an ill fellow’s
hand
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 45: Ane good follow tint [lost] never but all
[at] ane ill fellouis hand. 1641 FERG., no. 46: (tint never, but).
1668 R.B., p. 2: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I721 KEL., p. ’16: *Because
none but an ill Fellow would let him lose.
[lboon companion]
G330 Longer lives a GOOD FELLOW1 than a dear year
1678 RAY, p. 170.
[lboon companion]
G331 AS the GOODMAN says so say we, but as the good-
wife says so it must be
01640 SMYTH 87, p. 33: (As the good man saies, so it should bee,
but). 1670 RAY, p. 51: (we, But as the good woman). I732 FUL.,
no.6408.
Cf. H838: When the husband drinks to the wife all would be
well, when the wife drinks to the husband all is well.
G332 The GOODMAN is the last that knows what’s
amiss at home
1659 N.R., p. 95. I670 RAY, p. 52: (the last knows). I732 FUL.,
no. 4558: The good Man of the House is the last that knows what’s
done at Home.
Cf. C877: The cuckold is the last that knows of it.
G333 When the GOODMAN is from home the good-
wife’s table is soon spread (the board cloth is
tint’)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1463: (the boordcloth is tint). I668 R.B.,
p. 45: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I678 RAY, p. 61. 1721 KEL., p. 352:
When the good Man’s away the Board Cloth is tint. *Because the
Commons will then be short. I732 FUL., no. 5587: (is abroad, the
good Woman’s Table).
Cf. H836: If the husband be not at home there is nobody;
M485: A poor man’s table is soon spread.
[llost]
G334 To brag of many GOOD MORROWS
1616 WITHALS, p. 5 57: *Fumos vendere.
I670 RAY, p. 178.
Cf. S576: To sell (buy) smoke.
G335 Well GOOD MOTHER DAUGHTER
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1488: Wow good mother doghter.
FERG., no. 886. I668 R.B., p. 56.
Cf. M1199: Like mother like daughter.
1641

G336 GOODNESS is not tied to greatness
1639 CL., p. 226: Greatnesse and goodnesse goe not alway together.
I655 MOFFETT Health’s Improvem. xviii, p. 161: As the Greek
Proverb saith, Goodness is not tied to greatness, but greatness to
goodness.
G337 It is more your GOODNESS than my desert
I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. B3v: If any man haue tasted some ex-
traordinary mercies, it was his free will, not their deserte. 1602
JONSON Poetaster V iii 250: ’Tis more of thy gent’nesse, then of my
deseruing, Iwusse. 1732 FUL., no. 5092. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
I, p. 410: That was more their goodness than my desert.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IV IV iii 47: It was more of his
courtesy than your deserving. 1608 P. II iii 12: ’Tis more by for-
tune, lady, than my merit. Ibid. II V 28: It is your Grace’s plea-
sure to commend; Not my desert.
G338 GOOD WILL and welcome is your best cheer
01477-8 Bk. Courtesy l. 258, p. 27: The poete saith how that a poure
borde Men may enriche with cheerful wil and worde. a1536 HILL
31, p. 131: In a thyn table, good chere is best sawse. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Hostel: Good cheere makes good amends for a bad house. 1616
WITHALS, p. 564. 1639 CL., p. 222. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 128.
SHAKESPEARE.——1592-3 C.E. III i 26: Small cheer and great wel-
come makes a merry feast.
Cf. L424: A cheerful look makes a dish a feast; W258: Welcome
is the best cheer.
G339 The GOOD WILL is all
1639 CL., p. 62. Ibid., p. 325: Good will is all in all.
. 215.
Cf. M761: It is not the matter (words) but the mind; S730: That
is well spoken (There is nothing ill said) that is well taken; T31:
Everything is as it is taken; W393: To take the will for the deed.
1664 COD.,
G340 GOOD WILL should be taken in part of payment
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 443. I668 R.B., p. 20. 1721 KEL., p. 117:
(for part Payment). *When People do their utmost to satisfy their
Debts, or repay Kindnesses, it were a Pity to urge them farther.
G341 I killed her for GOOD WILL, said Scot when he
killed his neighbor’s mare
1678 RAY, p. 85. '
Cf. R171: I thought I had given her rope enough, said Pedley
when he hanged his mare.
G342 I will do my GOOD WILL (endeavor), as he said
that threshed in his cloak
1602 J. MANNINGHAM Diary Feb. 12, p. 131: I will doe myne en-
deavor, quoth he that thrasht in his cloke. 1639 CL., s.v. Inanis
opera, p. 155: I doe what I can quoth the fellow when he thresht in’s
cloake. 1670 RAY, p. 178. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Work, p.
382: He does his good will, as the man that thresht in’s cloke. *He
goes awk-wardly to work. 1732 FUL., no. 2634: (as he that thresh’d
in his Cloke).
G343 Like GOODYER’S pig, never well but when he is
doing mischief
I670 RAY, p. 209: *Chesh. 1709 British Apollo 56, Sept. 7, Vol. II:
A Cheshire Proverb’s th’ next ensuing, Like Goodyear’s Pig, Ne’er
well but when he’s Mischief doing.
G344 They’ll come again as GOODYER’S pigs did
1678 RAY, p. 235: *Never.
Cf. G441: At the Greek calends.
G345 As deep drinks the GOOSE as the gander
1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 68. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p.
5 5. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 247. 1611 GRUT., no. 44. 1614 CAM.,
p. 303. 1639 CL., p. 239. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. Ibid., p.
10: The Goose drinketh as deep as the Gander. 1659 N.R., p. 8.
1670 RAY, p. 98. 1732 FUL., no. 671.
See DI‘IR., II, no. 539.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
GOOSE
GOOSE
270
G346 As dizzy as a GOOSE
1639 CL., p. 286. I670 RAY, p. 205. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus
Ridens Mar. 1: I’ll whirl her, till shees as giddy as a Goose.
Cf. G348: As wise as a goose (gander).
G347 As fierce as a GOOSE
1670 RAY, p. 204.
G348 As wise as a GOOSE (gander)
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 179: That gose that styll about wyll
wander . . Shall home come agayne as wyse as a gander. a1529
SKELTON Agst. Garnesche: Wks., I 1 18: As wytles as a wylde goos.
a1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II 434: Doctoure Po-
maunder, As wise as a gander, Wotes not wher to wander. 1529
T. MORE Dial. conc. Heresy II i, p. 179: And all as wise as Wilde
geese. 1560 I mpat. Poverty, s. D2: As wyse as a drake. [a1563]
1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife l. 840, p. 23: He is as wise as a Gander.
1605 BRETON Pray Be Not Angry (1624 ed.): Wks., II 4: As wise as
a Goose on Beadlame Greene. 1616 R.C. Times’ Whistle l. 1816,
p. 60: Till they have made themselves as wise as geese.
Cf. G346: As dizzy as a goose.
G349 Good GOOSE, bite not
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, 3. K1. 1678 RAY, p. 72: Good
goose do not bite. 1732 FUL., no. 1712: Good Goose, don’t bite.
SHAKESPEARE.——~61595 [3.7. II iv 82: Nay, good goose, bite not!
G350 A good GOOSE indeed but she has an ill gansel1
[8.1511] 1570 HENRYSON Two Mice: Fab., p. 26: Thy guse is gude,
thy gansell sour as gall. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 771: He can giv ane
good goose and ane ill gansell with it. 1641 FERG., no. 145. 1668
R.B., p. 10. 1721 KEL., p. 30: (A good Goose, but she). *Spoken
when one has done a good Turn, and by their after Behaviour spoil
the Grace of it.
[lgarlic sauce]
GOOSE and gander and gosling are three sounds
but one thing
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 20: Goose, Gander, and Gosling have
three sounds, yet are but one thing. 1670 RAY, p. 98.
G351
G352 A GOOSE cannot graze after him
1611 CHAPMAN May Day III i 192: The pasture is so bare with him
that a goose cannot graze upon’t. 1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 36.
1670 RAY, p. 178.
G353 He hopes to eat of the GOOSE that shall graze on
your grave
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 170: Suche as they moste gladly
dede wolde haue Etyth of that gose that graseth on theyr graue.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ee2: I hope thou shalt eat of the goose
that shall tread on her graue. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. ii,
s. C3v: The goose that graseth on the greene, quoth he, MayI eate
on, when you shall buryed be. 1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends II iii,
s. E2: But yesterday he was in’s sacke, Told me he hop’d to line
to eate a Goose Which graz’d upon my graue. 1632 PORY (to
Puckering) in Court and Times Chas. I, II 177: His grace, perhaps,
according to that old and homely proverb, [may] eat of the goose
which shall graze upon his grave. 1639 CL., s.v. Longaevitas, p.
190: He hopes to see a goose graze on your head. Ibid., p. 236:
(goose that grazeth). 1670 RAY, p. 178: (goose shall graze).
G354 He may shoe the GOOSE
[That is, spend his time in trifling or unnecessary labor.] [a1525]
c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 197: Wks., I318: What hath lay men
to do The gray gose for to sho? 1560-77 Misogonus III i 69: One
might showe the gouse an all were gone. 1577 GRANGE Garden,
5. R3: To wine I wente, as bootelesse bente, a goslyng for to shoe.
1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 117: He may go shooe the goose for
any good successe he is like to haue of his matter. Ibid. II, p. 31:
Then may he go sue the goose, for house gets he none. 1585 [MUN-
DAY] Fidele and Fort. V iv, s. G4: I may goe shoe the Gosling now if

I will. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 85: Euery man hath something to
do, quoth he that shod his geese. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p.
230: Galen might go shooe the Gander for any good he could doo.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 447: Go sho the geiss. 1622 MABBE Rogue
II III iv, IV 202: And he that will not doe so, may goe shooe Goslins,
for any great good hee shall. get thereby. 1623 WOD., p. 517: To
shoe Geese and Grasse hoppers. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 68:
Goe Shoo your goose. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 18: To shooe gose-
lings, or do impertinencies. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Oca, p. I 19;
To shooe a Goose, viz. to live idly, or not to do anything to purpose.
1668 R.B., p. 20: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
Cf. T21 8: Who meddles in all things may shoe the goslings. (9)
G355 He that turns the GOOSE should have the neck
a1536 HILL 21, p. I 31 : He that torneth the gose, by right shuld haue
the nekke.
Cf. C67: He that gives thee a capon give him the leg and the wing.
G356-7 If I may not keep1 GOOSE I Shall keep gos-
ling
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 797: (IfI can not kaip). 1641 FERG., no. 493.
1668 R.B., p. 29: (geese). 1721 KEL., p. 177: (IfI cannot kep).
*If I cannot work my Revenge upon the principal Author of my
Injury, I will upon his Children, Relations, or Friends.
[1catch]
G358 It is a blind GOOSE that comes to a fox’s sermon
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 99: It is . . a blinde Goose that
commeth to the Foxes sermon. 1584 GREENE Arbasto, p. 208: It is
. . a blind goose that runneth to the foxe’s sermon. 1732 F UL., no.
2881: (It is a silly Goose).
Cf. S303: It is a foolish sheep that makes the wolf her confessor.
G359 It is a blind GOOSE that knows not a fox from a
fern bush
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 92. 1732 FUL., no. 2848.
Cf. F630: Either a fox (hare) or a fern bush (fernbrake).
G360 It is a good GOOSE that drops aye
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 830. I668 R.B., p. 31. I721 KEL., p. 190:
(that’s ay dropping). *It is a good Friend that is always giving;
spoken to dissuade us from too much importuning a Friend.
G361 It is a sorry GoosEthat will not baste herself
1670 RAY, p. 218. 1732 FUL., no. 2886: (baste it self).
G362 There’s no GOOSE so gray in the lake that can-
not find a gander for her make1
1594 LYLY Mother B. III iv 13.
See SM., p. 478.
[lmate]
G363 To kill the GOOSE that lays the golden eggs
1484 CAXTON Fab. Avian 24, p. 245: This fable sayeth of a man
whiche had a goos that leyd euery day an egge of gold. 1589 LYLY
Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 404: A man . . had a goose, which
euerie daie laid him a golden egge; hee . . kild his goose, thinking to
haue a mine of golde in her bellie, and finding nothing but dung . .
wisht his goose aliue.
G364 To steal a GOOSE and give the giblets in alms
1670 RAY, p. 25: (Steal the goose).
1730 BAILEY, s.v. To steal: (He Steals
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1.
I687 MIEGE, s.v. To steal.
a Goose).
Cf. C67: He that gives thee a capon give him the leg and the wing;
G365: To steal a goose and stick down a feather; H498: To steal the
hog and give the feet for alms; H652: He has taken my horse and
left me the tether; S319: To steal a sheep and give away the trotters
for God’s sake.
G365 To steal a GOOSE and stick down a feather
1546 HEY. I ix, s. E2v: Recompensyng former loytryng lyfe loose,
As did the pure penitent that stale a goose, And stak downe a fether.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
GOOSE
GOSSIPS
271

1562 HEY. Epig. 164, p. 153: (Steale a goose, and). 1586 W. WAR-
NER Alhion’s Eng. IX 46: Poems, p. 610: These who, could they
steale the goose, would stick the fether. 1608 HARINGTON Brief
View St. Church, p. 174: (and stick a feather). 1611 DAY. Prov., no.
156: (and sticke a feather downe). 1616 DR., s.v. Change, no. 251:
He stealeth a goose, and sticketh down a feather. 1616 WITHALS,
p, 572: He stole a goose, and stucke downe a feather. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Malum vertens bene, p. 198: [As in 1616 Withals]. 1658 SPENCER Things New and Old, p. 588: Like those that steal a goose,
and stick down a feather, or those that have undone many, then
build an hospital for some few. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: [As in
1608 Harington]. 1664 COD., p. 212: To lose a Goose, and get a
Feather. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Oca, p. 1 19: To steal the
Goose, and leave the feathers, viz. to do it clever, and so as one may
not be found out. 1670 RAY, p. 178: Steal my goose, and stick me
up a feather. 1672 WALK. 77, p. 54. 1678 RAY, p. 248: Steal my
goose and stick me down a feather.
Cf. G364: To steal a goose and give the giblets in alms; H652:
He has taken my horse and left me the tether; H693: Steal the horse
and carry home the bridle; K77: He that eats the King’s goose shall
be choked with the feathers.
G366 A Winchester 'GOOSEI
[A venereal disorder; a prostitute] 1559 BEOON Displ. Popish
Mass: Prayers, p. 28 3: Ye apply your masses . . to making whole of
a Winchester Goose. 1604 DEKKER News from Gravesend: Plague
Pamph., p. 76: Oh beware! Your Winchester-Goose is tenne times
more dangerous to surfet vpon, than your S. Nicholas Shambles-
Capon. I611 COT., s.v. Poulain: A botch in the groine, a Winches-
ter Goose. 1621 ]. TAYLOR Taylor’s Goose: Wks. F., p. 115: Then
ther’s a Goose that breeds at Winchester, And of all Geese, my
mind is least to her. -
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-I I Hen. V] I iii 52: Gloucester, thou wilt
answer this before the Pope. —Winchester goose! I cry a rope! a
rope! I602 T.C. V x 54: My fear is this, Some galled goose of Win-
chester would hiss.
[15ee Sugden, p. 567.]
G367 You will be good when the GOOSE pisses
1678 RAY,'p. 248. I732 FUL., no. 6019: (your Goose).
G368 Young (Old) is the GOOSE that will eat no oats
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 133: (I haue heard, that young
is). 1591 LYLY Endim. V ii 28: It is an olde goose, Epi, that will
eate no oates. I732 FUL., no. 6037: (that will not eat Oats).
G369 All his GEESE are swans
[01517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. A4v: In faythe els had I gone to
longe to scole But yf I coulde knowe a gose from a swanne. 1616
DR., s.v. Conceitedness, no. 293. 1639 CL., s.v. Philautia, p. 254.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: Your Geese are all Swans. Ihid., p.
14: (All your Geese). I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mosca, p. 110:
To magnifie ones own things; to take ones own Geese to be Swans,
the English would say to that purpose. 1670 RAY, p. 177: (All
your geese). 1672 WALK. 50, p. 42: Every man likes his own things
best; your geese are all swans.
See ST., no. 2304.
G370 G0 flay the GEESE
I697 MER., p. 164.
G371 As open as a GOOSE EYE
[a1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature II, s. E4v: Nay all ys open
that they do there As open as a gose eye.
G372 The Goosn PAN is above the roast
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1316. 1668 R.B., p. 55.
G373 As good as GOOSE SKINS that never man had
enough of
1670 RAY, p. 208: *Chesh.
h
G374 I care no more for it than a GOOSE TURD for the
Thames
1616 WITHALS, p. 565: (I care as much for it, as). 1639 CL., s.v.
Contemptus, p. 69: (I care so much for it as). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 16: (I care as little for it, as). 1670 RAY, p. 215.
Cf. R202: He bears no more rule than a goose turd in Thames.
G375 To cut the GORnrAN KNOT
1561 T. NORTON Inst. Chr. Rel. IV xix, f. 610: It is like the Gordian;
which it is better to breake in sunder, than to labor so much in
vndoinge it. 1579 FULKE Heskins . . Overthr., p. 396: Hee had
found out a sworde to cutt in sunder this Gordian knot. I581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 89: It may wel be sayd that the sword
which undid Gordians knot, shal not be able to undoo it. 1607
CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amh. IV i 227: To cut a Gordian when he could
not loose it. 1627 MILTON At Vac. Exercise 1. 90: Wks., Pt. I, I
22: Your learned hands, can loose this Gordian knot? I643
PRYNNE Power Parl. II, p. 36: These Gordians cut in sunder with
the sword of warre.
SHAKESPEARE.———1599 Hen. V I i 45: Turn him to any cause of
policy, The Gordian knot of it he will unloose. 1610 Cym. II ii 3 3:
As slippery as the Gordian knot was hard!
See ST., no. 1203. (5)
G376 A GOSHAWK beats1 not at a bunting
1616 WITHALS, p. 556. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 69.
How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: A Goshawk scorns to beat a Bunting.
RAY, p. 98. 1672 WALK. 87, p. 44: (not a Bunting).
no.185.
Cf. E1: The eagle does not catch flies.
[lflies]
G377 The GOSLINGS lead the geese to water
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 16. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 174: Ob-
serve this miracle, the goslings have the geese to water. 1732
FUL., no. 1740: (Goslins lead). Ihid., no. 4115: Shall the Goslins
teach the Goose to swim?
Cf. G406: Go teach your grandame to get children.
G378 As true as the GOSPEL .
[01497] a152o MEDWALL Fulgens, s. C 5v: As true as the gospell Now
say ye. 01525 ]. RASTELL Nat. Four Elem., s. E2: That is as trewe
as the gospell. 01547 BALE Three Laws IV, s. E4: More true than
the Gospel. 1560-77 Misogonus III i 181: This a[s] trwe as the
Gospell, thers moe can tell as well as I. 01569 W. WAGER Longer
Thou Livest, s. E3v: His wordes are trewer then the Gospell. 01596
MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More II iv 109: Before God, thats as trewe
as the Gospell. 1616 DR., no. 2197. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Verbum Caro, p. 228: The English usually say, As True as Gospel:
an expression which ought not to be us’d vainly. 1672 WALK.
74, p. 54: As true as Gospel.
See ST., no. 5 57.
1659
1670
1732 FUL.,
G379 The GOSPEL is in your mouth
1540 PALSORAVE Acolastus III iii, p. 114: What so euer oration
passeth throughe thy lyppes, it is able to perswade the audience . .
the gospell is in thy mouthe. 1546 HEY. II ii, s. G1: Gospell in thy
mouth (quoth he) this strife to breake. How be it, all is not gospell
that thou dooest speake.
Cf. A147: All is not gospel that comes out of his mouth.
G380 The GOSPEL makes heretics
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 6. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 81: With the
Gospel sometimes a body becomes an Heretick.
G381 GOSSIPS and frogs, they drink and talk
1640 HERB., no. 271: (Gossips are frogs, they). 1658 [EDMONDSON]
Comes Fae. in Via, p. 233: Gossips like frogs d0 drink and talk.
1664 Con., p. 194. 1670 RAY, p. 12.
G382 It is merry when GOSSIPS (gentlefolks) meet
1602 ROWLANDS ’Tis Merry When Gossips Meet: [Title]. 1616
BRET., p. 6. I631 JONSON Staple News Ind., l. 12, p. 279. 1639 CL.,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
Gossn>s 272 GRAm


p. 184. 1677 LEANERD Country Innocence IV, p. 38: So as the Education, no. 564: Grace and good maners maketh aman. I639
Proverbe is, ’Tis merry when Gentlefolks meet. CL., p. 168: Grace and good manners makes a man. 1664 Con.,
Cf. F750: It is merry when friends meet; K143: It is merry when
knaves meet; M60: It is merry when maltmen meet.
G383 My Gossms wish me ill because I tell them truth
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 37: My gossips cannot abide me, be-
cause I speake truth vnto them truely. 1631 MABBE Celestina II,
p. 66: My Gossips (I see as it is in the proverbe) are angry with mee
for speaking the truth. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 5.
G384 You breed of1 the GOUIK,2 you have aye but one
rhyme (song)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1552: (sho hes not a raim [rhyme] but ane).
1641 FERG., no. 905: We [for Ye] breid of the gouk, ye have not a
ryme but ane. 1668 R.B., p. 58: Ye breed of the gouk, ye have
not a rime but ane. 1721 KEL., p. 362: (Song). *Eng. Your
Morning Song, and your Evening Song are still alike.
Cf. C894: You are like the cuckoo, you have but one song;
M1324: He is a bad musician that can sing but one song; S633: His
evening song and morning song are not (are) both alike; 5638: To
sing the same (one) song.
[lyou take after 2cuckoo]
G385 He is pleased with GoURns and his wife with
cucumbers
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 398: *A Proverb by which is expressed
that both the man and his wife are vitious much alike.
G386 To the GOUT all physicians are blind
1611 COT., s.v. Goutte: A la goutte le medecin ne voit goutte: As
they find (by the little helpe they find) they haue it, and take
Physick for it. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 14. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26,
p. 107: In the gout the Physician sees no cure.
G387 The Gown is his that wears it and the world his
that enjoys it
1573 SANF., f. 107: The gowne is not his that maketh it, but his that
enioyeth it. 1640 HERB., no. 472. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac.
in Via, p. 21. 1659 N.R., p. 100. 1664 Con., p. 219: (hers that
wears it and the world his who enjoys it). 1670 RAY, p. 28: [As in
1664 Cod.]. 1687 MIEOE, s.v. To wear: (hers that wears it, and the
World’s his who injoys it). 1730 BAILEY, s.v. World: The World
is his who enjoys it.
Cf. G302: Goods are theirs that enjoy them; W200: Wealth is not
his who has it but his who enjoys it.
G388 He that puts on a public Gown must put off a
private person
1642 FULLER Holy State IV vii, p. 270: The Good Judge . . gives
sentence with uprightnesse. For when he put on his robes, he put
off his relations to any; and like Melchisedech becomes without
pedigree. I732 FUL., no. 2257.
Cf. P600: The profit of the commonwealth should be preferred to
a private pleasure.
G389 That’s the best Gown that goes up and down the
house
1640 HERB., no. 738. I658 [EDMonnson] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 232:
(which goes). 1664 COD., p. 221.
G390 Divine GRACE was never slow
I640 HERB., no. 706. 1659 N.R., p. 28. 1664 Con., p. 191. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 37, p. 108: Divine favours were never too late.
G391 GRACE (Nurture) and manners make a man
01460 Urbanitatis l. 34 in Babies Bk. etc., p. 14: Nurtur and good
manners maketh man. 1509 A. BARCLAY Slzip Fools, I 1282: An
olde prouerbe . . Sayth that good lyfe and maners makyth man.
1520—40 Songs in Rawl. MS C813 IX, p. 323: Grace and mannerz
make a man; woo is to hym that n00 good can. 1616 DR., s.v.

p. 194: Grace and Goodness maketh a Man.
Cf. M629: Manners make a man, quoth William of Wickham.
GRACE is best for the man
1668 R.B., p. 20.
G392
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 436.
G393 The GRACE of God is gear enough
[2 Cor. xii 9: My grace is suflicient for thee.] 1641 FERG., no. 859,
1668 R.B., p. 54. I670 RAY, p. 295.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. II ii 158: The old proverb is very well
parted between my master Shylock and you, sir. You have the
grace of God, sir, and he hath enough.
Cf. G394: The grace Of God is worth a fair.
G394 The GRACE of God is worth a fair
1546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v. CI594 BACON, no. 37.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1.
Cf. G393: The grace of God is gear enough.
G395 GRACE will last, favor (beauty) will blast
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 38: Beauty and comeliness continue not,
whereas courtesy and clemency remain for ever. 1639 CL., p. 1 19.
I670 RAY, p. 98. I732 FUL., no. 6292: (Beauty).
See DUR., II, no. 327. Cf. B165: Beauty does fade like a flower;
B167: Beauty is a blaze (blast).
1616 DR., no. 901.
G396 You seek GRACE at a graceless face
16th c. Yohnie drmstrong 22 in Eng. and Scot. Pop. Bal., p. 417:
I haif asked grace at a graceless face But there is nane for my men
and me. a1598 FERC. MS, no. 1540. 1668 R.B., p. 57. 1721
KEL., p. 364: (of a graceless Face). *You court for Friendship from
them that will not befriend you.
G397 It is good GRAETINC on a good stock
1678 RAY, p. 354. 1732 FUL., no. 5082.
G398—G403 GRA1n=bit, small particle, single seed
G398 GRAIN by grain and the hen (ant) fills her belly
(his barn)
[1623] 1653 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Span. Gypsy II i 50: Grain
pecked up after grain makes pullen fat. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov.,
p. 4: By one grain after another the Ant fills his barn. I732 FUL.,
no. 1744. _
Cf. L362: Many a little (Every little) makes a mickle (a great);
L372: Little and often fills the purse.
G399 One GRAIN fills not a sack but helps his fellows
1640 HERB., no. 222.
(fils not the sack).
fellows).
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 178:
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17: (yet it helps his
G400 One GRAIN of sharp pepper is better than a bas-
ketful of gourds
61500 Melusine XXI, p. 128: One grayne 0f peper alone smertith
more on mans tonge than doth a sacke full of whette. I678 RAY
Adagia Hebr., p. 410: *That is, One wise man, how mean soever is
more valuable then many that are unwise. I732 FUL., no. 375 5:
One Grain of Pepper, is worth a Cart-load of Hail.
G401 Sift him GRAIN by grain you’ll find him chaff
1616 DR., s.v. Dissimulation, no. 525: When hee is sifted graine
after graine, he prooueth but chaffe. 1639 CL., p. 289. 1664
Con., p. 211: (and you will).
G402 To take with a GRAIN of salt
I599 RAINOLDS Overthrow Stage Plays, p. 79: Thinke you that you
had spoken with any graine of salt? 1662 TRAPP Com. Old, New
Test. Rev. 6, V 751: (This is to be taken with).

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word_
GRAINS
GRASS
273


@403 He must have his GRAINS of allowance
1678 RAY, p. 248.
Cf. B322: The best must crave their aces of allowance; L270: He
is lifeless that is faultless.
G404 GRAIN=fiber of wood, etc.
G404 It goes against the GRAIN
1670 RAY, p. 178. 1673 DRYDEN Amboyna I i, p. 15: But for this
whoreson cutting of throats, it goes a little against the grain. I694
DRYDEN Love Triumph. V i, p. 462: It goes against the grain to give
' them.
It SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. II iii 239: Your minds, Preoccupied with
what you rather must do Than what you should, made you against
the grain To voice him consul.
See ST., no. 478.
G405 GRAIN=wheat, oats, etc.
G405 Of evil GRAIN no good seed can come
1616 DR., s.v. Beginning, no. 130: Of euill graine, no good seede.
1664 COD., p. 208. 1670 RAY, p. 8.
Cf. S209: He that sows good seed shall reap good corn.
G406 Go teach your GRANDAME to get children
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 448: G0 learne your gooddame to get Bairnes.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: (to sard [to get children]). *A Notting-
ham Proverb. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Paperi, p. 132: *Spoken
when young folks will be teaching of old. 1670 RAY, p. 216:
(to sard).
Cf. F94: You teach your father to get children; G377: The goslings
lead the geese to water; G407: Teach your grandame (grannam) to
grope her ducks; G408: Teach your grandame to spin; G409: Teach
your grandame to sup sour milk; J26: Jack Sprat would teach his
grandame; $138: The scholar teaches his master.
G407 Teach your GRANDAME (grannam) to grope her
ducks
1611 COT., s.v. Apprendre: Apprendre aux poissons a nager . . (an
idle, vaine, or needlesse labeur) we say, to teach his grandame to
grope ducks. 1616 WITHALS, p. 575: Pisces natare doces. You
teach your good Maister; teach your grandam to grope her duck.
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 6: Teach your grandame to grope her
ducke. Sus minervam. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: Teach your
Grany to groap her Goose. 1670 RAY, p. 178: *Teach me to do that
I know how to do much better then your self. 1672 WALK. 51,
p. 10: (duck). *You tell him, that knows better than yourself.
Tell me that I know not. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To teach: To teach his
Grandam to grope Ducks.
Cf. F323: Teach fish to swim; G406: Go teach your grandame to
get children; S680: A sow (swine) to teach Minerva.
G408 Teach your GRANDAME to spin
I542 UDALL Apoph., f. 342v: A swyne to teache Minerva, was a
prouerbe . . for which we saie in Englyshe to teache our dame to
spynne. 1665 R. HOWARD Committee IV, p. 96: Pish, teach your
Grannam to spin. I732 FUL., no. 4321.
Cf. F323: Teach fish to swim; G406: Go teach your grandame to
get children; 5680: A sow (swine) to teach Minerva.
G409 Teach your GRANDAME to sup sour milk
I670 RAY, p. 178.
sowr milk).
Cf. G406: Go teach your grandame to get children.
1672 WALK. 32, p. 51 : (to grope her duck; to sup
G410 Let your GRANDCHILD buy wax and do not you
trouble yourself
1678 RAY Adagio Hebr., p. 410.
G411 One cannot gather GRAPES of thorns or figs of
thistles
[Matt. vii 16: Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?]
1537 W. TURNER Old Learn. and New, s. B3v: How can a thorne tre

brynge forth a grape. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II I 13: May one gather
grapes of thorns, sugar of thistles? 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. IV it,
p. 191: Is it possible to gather grapes of thornes, or figges of
thistelles? 1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. P4: On Thornes,
no Grapes, but sowre Glowes do growe: So from base loue, a base
delight dooth flowe. 1590 Visit. Diocese Chester, p. 15: Of such
thornes can not bee gathered good grapes. I591 FLOR. Sec. F. XX,
p. 169: Grow grapes vpon thistles? 01594 BACON, no. 1450: (No
man gathereth grapes of thorns nor). 1613 A. WHITAKER Good
News from V a., s. C2: Who can expect any better figs from thistles,
or any sweeter grapes from such pricking thornes. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 14, p. 268: Thorns produce no figs. 1673 DARE Counsellor
Manners, p. 88: A man cannot expect to gather Grapes from Thorns,
or Figs from Thistles.
See DI'iR., I, no. 298.
G412 AS green as GRASS
1593 G. HARVEY Let. Not. Cont., p. 271: As greene, as the greenest
grasse. 01650-80 New Bal. Rob. Hood 1. 107 in Roxb. Bal., II 444:
Her gown was of Velvet as green as the grass. I678 RAY, p. 285.
G413 GRASS and hay, we are all mortal
I631 [BRATHWAITE] W himzies 14, p. 73: Which makes him conclude
in his owne element; Grasse and hay, we are all mortall. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 214, p. 277: Good
fellows, or rather Hectors and Ranters who say, Grass and Hay, we
are mortal, let’s live till we dye.
Cf. F359: All flesh is grass.
G414 GRASS grows not in hot ovens
I611 COT., s.v. Herbe. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq.,
p. 178.
Cf. G415: Grass grows not upon the highway (in the market).
G415 GRASS grows not upon the highway (in the
market)
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 24: In market growes no grass nor grain.
I678 RAY, p. 149. I721 KEL., p. 309: There grows no Grass at the
Market Cross. *An Invective against the Barrenness of Whores.
Cf. G414: Grass grows not in hot ovens.
G416 He that fears every GRASS must not piss (walk)
in a meadow
[a1547] CI 568 COPLAND Seven Sorrows VI, s. C2: He that is afrayde to
treade on the grasse Through medowes I counsell hym not to passe.
01565 Bugbears I iii 14: He shall never pise in medow that fearethe
every grasse. 1582 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 92: He that is
afrayd of euery starting grasse, may not walke jn a meddow. 1611
GRUT., no. 121. 1614 CAM., p. 307. 1639 CL., s.v. Audacia, p. 41:
(He that’s afrayd of). 01640 SMYTH 6, p. 27: (must never). 1659
How. Eng. Pro v., p. 8: (in the meddow). 1659 How. It. Prov.,p. 6:
Who fears every nettle, let him not piss upon the grass. I659
N.R., p. 47: (He that is afraid of). 1664 COD., p. 196: (He that is
afraid of and fair Meadow). 1670 RAY, p. 55: (He that’s afraid
of). 1710 PALMER, p. 195: He that’s afraid of every grass must not
sleep in a meadow. I732 FUL., no. 2274: He that’s afraid of every
Nettle, must not piss in the Grass.
Cf. L143: He that is afraid of the leaves must not go to the wood;
W452: He that is redd for windlestraws should not sleep in leas.
G417 If GRASS grows in Janiveer it grows the worse all
the year
1670 RAY, p. 40: If the grass grow in Janiveer it grows the worse
for’t all the year. 1732 FUL., no. 6147: If Grass look green in Jani-
veer, ’Twill look the worser all the Year.
Cf. M1 110: All the months in the year curse a fair February.
G418 March GRASS never did good
1678 RAY, p. 44. I732 FUL., no. 3369.
G419 To cut the GRASS from under your feet
1567 FENTON Trag. Dis. 7, II 10: I find a greater falt in my self in
suffring an other to cut the earthe frome under my feete. 1576

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
GRASS
GREASE
274
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 121: The other wooer . . thought the grass had
been cut from under his feet. 1587 GREENE Euph. to Philautus, p.
189: Least delay might breede daunger, and the grasse bee cutt
from vnder theyr feete. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: To cut the grass
under ones feet. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gambata, p. 70: (The
French say . . to cut). I672 MARVELI. Rehear. Transprosed I, p.
195: You are all this while cutting the grass under his feet.
See ST., no. 728.
G420 To cut the GRASS whereof another meant to
make hay
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 174: Surius not Willing to haue
the grasse mowne, where-of hee meant to make his haye. 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ee2v: Thou cuttest the grasse, whereofI
meant to make my hay. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Golardo, p. 76:
He would spend his estate before he came at it, he would neither
permit his grass to come to hay, nor his corn to come to a granary.
1732 FUL., no. 5900: You eat up that Grass, which I meant to make
Hay of.
G421 To let no GRASS (moss) grow on one’s heel
1553 Respublica III vi, p. 31: She standeth with winged feete . . to
take flyght, or anie grasse maie growe on hir hele. [61553] 1566—7
UDALL Roister D. IV v 70: Maistresse since I went no grasse hath
growne on my hele. 61579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii,
p. 13: I am so lasy, the mosse groweth an Inch thick on the top of my
finger! 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 17: Liue in the Countrey,
not in the Court: where neither Grasse will growe, nor Mosse cleaue
to thy heeles. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap I iv 196: You shall
sit till the moss grow about your heels, ere I come at you again.
See ST., no. 727. Cf. L136: To have lead on one’s heels; 5885:
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
G422 To pluck the GRASS to know where the wind sits
[a1657] I693 HACKET Mem. Williams II, p. 16: No Man could
pluck the Grass better, to know where the Wind sat: no Man could
spie sooner from whence a Mischief did rise.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. I i 17: I should be still Plucking the
grass to know where sits the wind.
Cf. $924: Straws show which way the wind blows; W144: To
know which way the wind blows.
G423 While the GRASS grows the horse (steed) starves
a1536 HILL 2, p. 128. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4. 1553 Respublica IV
iv, p. 37: While the grasse shall growe, the horse shall Sterve. 1576
WHETSTONE Rock Regard, p. 136: The proverbe saith, whilst grasse
doth growe, For want Of foode the steede doth sterve. 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. D4v: In this he is but aiourneyman, where he
may . . serue till he sterue, while grasse is a growing. 1600 BODEN-
HAM Belvedere, p. 152: While grasse doth grow, the labouring Steed
may starue. 1611 GRUT., no. 318. 1614 CAM., p. 314. 1616
DR., s.v. Delay, no. 472: Whiles that the grasse groweth, the steed
sterueth. 1619 J. TAYLOR Kick. Win. 4: Wks. F., p. 198: Yet the
old prouerbe I would haue them know, The horse may Starue the
whilst the grasse doth grow. 1639 CL., s.v. Tarditatis, p. 304.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 39: The horse may die while the grass grows.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Herba, p. 81 : (The English say, whilst the
grass). I670 RAY, p. 98: (steed). I721 KEL., p. 301: The old
Horse may die waiting for the new Grass. *Eng. Live Horse, and
thou’ll get Grass. I732 FUL., no. 5688: (Steed). 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 424: Live, horse, and thou shalt have grass.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600—I H. III ii 358: Ay, sir, but ‘while the
grass grows’—the proverb is something musty.
See DiiR., 11, no. 392. (15).
G424 You mu st 100k for GRASS on the top of the oak
tree
1670 RAY, p. 44: *Because the grass seldom springs well before the
oak begins to put forth.
G425 To hold a GRASSHOPPER by the wing
[ERAS. Adagio, 345D: Cicadam ala corripuisti.] 1602 JONSON
Poetaster To Rdr., l. 113: And like so many screaming grasse-
G43 1

i
hoppers, Held by the wings, fill euery care with noyse. I607
JONSON Volp. III iv 55: Ay me, I haue tame a grasse-hopper by the
wing. 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady II V 45: You doe hold A Cricket
by the wing.
G426 To be married rather to one’s GRAVE
1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. I v, I 33: Shee . . assured her mother,
she would first be bedded in her grave, then wedded to Demagoras,
[1598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng.for My Money, s. K2: Would you wed
your Daughter to a Graue? 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. viii,
s. G2v: Ile rather haue her married to her graue. 1600 B. YOUNG
Diana’s Song in Bodenham Eng. Helicon, p. 119: With the earth
would I were wed. [61614] I640 FLETCHER Nightwalker I, p. 320;
Ye had better marry her to her grave a great deal: There will be
peace and rest.
SHAKESPEARE—61595 R]. III v 141: I would the fool were mar-
ried to her grave!
G427 To the GRAVE with the dead and let them that
live to the bread
1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, III v, I 168: (And as it is said, To
the grave). 1710 PALMER, p. 247. 1732 FUL., no. 6347.
G428 We Shall lie all alike in our GRAVES
61570 T. PRESTON Cambyses, s. A3: Your grace therein may hap
receiue with others for your part, The dent of death in those
affaires, all persons are alike. 1591 H. SMITH Magistr. Script: W ks.,
I 367: This is some comfort to the poor, that once he shall be like the
rich; one day he shall be as wealthy, as mighty, and as glorious as a
king; One hour of death will make all alike. 1605 ARMIN Fool upon
Fool: Wks., p. 42: Wise men and fooles all one end makes. 1606
2 Ret.fr0m Parn. I iv, s. B4: We all are equall in our latest graue.
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxxiii, III 252: When wee once
leave this world, and are put into the earth, the Prince goes in as
narrow a path as the Iourney-man. 1634 LATHUM Meditations, p.43:
The noble Lord, or, Counsailer Of State, The botchy-Lazer, begging
at the gate, Like Shrubs, and Cedars mingled ashes, lye Without
distinction, when they once do dye. 1639 CL., p. 13: (lie alike all).
1664 COD., p. 226. I670 RAY, p. 56. 1672 WALK. 22, p. 36. 1732
FUL., no. 5455.
See DUR., II, no. 453. Cf. A119: All are of the same dust;
D142: Death is common to all; D143: Death is the grand leveler;
E117: The end makes all equal; F582: Six feet of earth make all
men equal; I46: We in diversely but end alike; P290: A piece of a
Ehurchyard fits everybody; Y22: It will be all one a hundred years
ence.
G429 He would live in a GRAVEL PIT
I678 RAY, p. 72: *Spoken of a wary sparing, niggardly person.
1732 FUL., no. 2417: (even in).
G430 GRAY and green make the worst medley
1678 RAY, p. 149.
Cf. L177: Like a leek, he has a white head and a green tail.
He is GRAY before he is good
1678 RAY, p. 249.
Cf. F638: The fox may grow gray but never good.
G432 GRAY’S INN for walks, Lincoln’s Inn for a wall,
the Inner Temple for a garden, and the Mid-
dle for a hall
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. I670 RAY, p. 258.
G433 He fries (stews) in his own GREASE
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV iv, p. 138: He lyeth and fryeth in his
owne greace for anger. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3v: She fryeth in her
owne grease . . If she be angry, beshrew her angry harte. 1575
GASCOIGNE Ferd. and Leonora: Posies, p. 442: The sisters being thus
on all sides rejected . . began to melt in their owne grease. 1598
GUILPIN Skialetheia, s. D2v: See how he basts himselfe in his owne
greace. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 181: Marina fryes in her own grease.
1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady III, p. 269: The

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
GREAT
GRIEF
275


Gentleman has stew’d him in his own Sawce. 1616 DR., s.v.
Malice, no. 1349. 1633 MOUNTFORT Launching Mary 1. 88, p. 8:
Why goodman Tallow, doe not frett so in your owne grease. 1639
CL., s.v. Ira, p. 178. 1663 S. TUKE Adven. Five Hours I, p. 27:
There they stew, In their own Grease till Morning. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Prugnuoli, p. I 58: To melt, or fry in ones own grease.
1670 RAY, p. 176: (To fry in). 1681 Lihert. Amat. l. 14 in Roxh.
Bal., VI 2: And lie like Abbey-Lubbers stew’d in their own Greases.
SHAKESPEARE—I600-I H. III iv 84: To flaming youth let virtue
be as wax And melt in her own fire. 1600-I II i 68: En-
tertain him with hope till the wicked fire of lust have melted him in
his own grease. Ihid. III v 115: Stinking clothes that fretted in
their own grease.
See ST., no. 2107.
G434—G435 GREAT=the mighty, the powerful
G434 The GREAT put the little on the hook
I640 HERB., no. 939. 1659 N.R., p. 34: (on the tenders). 1664
Con., p. 222.
G435 The GREAT would have none great and the little
all little
I640 HERB., no. 939.
G436 GREAT=the piece
G436 To work by the GREAT
I585 HIGGINS Nomenclator II, p. 502: He that vndertaketh to doe
a peece of worke vpon a prise, and (as they say) by great. 1626
BRETON Fantastics: Wks., II 13: The Labourer by great, will be
walking toward his worke. 1662 B. GERBIER Dis. Bldg., p. 26: Let
Builders put their design to Master-Workmen by the Great.
G437 The GREATER embraces (includes, hides) the
less
01594 BAcON, no. 132: Omne majus continet in se minus. I605
JONSON Sejanus III i 104: The greater doth embrace the lesse.
I612 DABORNE Chr. Turned Turk l. 32, p. 189: No man can faine
any ill of a Parricide, the greater alway including the lesse. I641
SYLVESTER Weeks I III 484: And sith (in reason) that which is in-
cluded, Must be less than that which doth include it.
SHAKESPEARE.——-1593-4 Luc. l. 663: The lesser thing should not
the greater hide. I594 T.G.V. III i 367: ‘Item. She hath more
hair than wit’— —. . for the greater hides the less.
Cf. G446: The greater grief (sorrow) drives out the less.
G438 At GREAT GLEN there are more great dogs than
honest men
1678 RAY, p. 317.
G439 It is GREEK to me
1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes I i, p. 190: This geare is Greeke to me.
1598 GREENE 7ames IV IV ii, p. 131: Tis Greeke to mee, my Lord.
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xix, III 143: All this to the Hus-
bandmen was Heathen Greek. 1688 T. SHADWELL Sq. Alsatia IV,
p. 263: All this fine Language had been Heathen Greek to me.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 7’. C. I ii 282: Ay, he spoke Greek . . but for
mine own part, it was Greek to me.
Cf. T37: An excellent tale and it were told in Greek. (5)
G440 When GREEK joins Greek then is the tug of war
1677 LEE Rival Qu. IV, p. 240: When Greeks joyn’d Greeks, then
was the tug of War.
See SM., p. 573. Cf. C822: Cretans are liars (Use craft against
Cretans); F31: Grecian faith.
G441 At the GREEK CALENDS
[ERAS. Adagia, 2141;: Ad Graecas calendas] 1540 PALSGRAYE
Acolastus IV v, p. 142: At the Grekish calendes . . or a daye after
domes day. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Ad: Ad calendas Graecas. *Sig-
nifieth neuer for in olde tyme the Grekes had no calendes. 1582
GosSON Plays Confuted in Eng. Drama and Stage, p. 164: Bookes


many times are speedily reprehended, but amended by leisure at
the Calendes of the Greekes. I595 LODGE Figfor Momus, p. 69:
Yea, when the Grecian Calends come (quoth I). 1607 [TOMKIS]
Lingua II ii, s. D2: Ad graecas calendas. 1616 DR., s.v. Impossi-
bility, no. 1094. 1653 URQUHART Gargantua I xx, I 77: The judg-
ment or decree shall be given out and pronounced at the next
Greek Calends, that is, never.
Cf. G344: They’ll come again as Goodyer’s pigs did; L90: At latter
Lammas; N136: At Nevermass; $995: When two Sundays come
together.
G442 I have seen as light a GREEN
I641 FERG., no. 547: (as light green). I668 R.B., p. 33.
G443 The more you GREETl you’ll piss the less
1678 RAY, p. 237: Let her cry, she’ll piss the less. 1721 KEL., p. 309:
*An ill natur’d Saying to them who cry, because we will not do
what they would have us do, or give what they crave.
[lcry]
G444 As gaunt as a GREYHOUND
1678 RAY, p. 285.
G445 G0 not for every GRIEF to the physician nor for
every quarrel to the lawyer nor for every thirst
t0 the pot
1640 HERB., no. 286. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 7: Go neither to
the Physician upon every distemper, nor to the Lawyer upOn every
brabble, nor to the pot upon every thirst. 1664 Con., p. 194:
(nor for every thirst to the Pint-Pot). 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 156:
(to the Physitian, for every Quarrel, t0 the Lawyer). 1737
FRANKLIN, p. 13: Don’t go to the doctor with every distemper, nor
to the lawyer with every quarrel, nor to the pot for every thirst.
Cf. P369: It is pity to part three things: the lawyer and his
client, the physician and his patient, and a pot of good ale and a
toast.
G446 The greater GRIEF (sorrow) drives out the less
[ERAS. Similia, 5720: Major dolor Obscurat minorem.] 1598
MERES Pall. Tamia, f. Rrv: The greater sorrow obscureth the
lesser. *Plut. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 203: Greatest griefes
doe make the least not seene. 1606 CHAPMAN M. D’Olive I i 177:
And make my greater woes their less expel. 1621 R. BURTON
Anat. M. II III vii, p. 551: One sorrow drives out another, one
passion another, one cloud another. 1631 MABBE Celestina XXI,
p. 280: One griefe drives out another; and sorrow expelleth sorrow.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. 1821: Why, Collatine, is woe the
cure for woe? Do wounds help wounds, or grief help grievous deeds?
01595 R7. I ii 47: One pain is less’ned by another’s anguish. 1604
O. I iii 55: For my particular grief Is of so floodgate and o’erbearing
nature That it engluts and swallows other sorrows, And it is still
itself. 1605-6 K.L. III iv 8: But where the greater malady is
fix’d, The lesser is scarce felt. 1606-7 A.C. II i 42: I know not,
Menas, How lesser enmities may give way to greater. 1610 Cym.
IV ii 243: Great griefs, I see, med’cine the less.
Cf. D174: One deceit (falsehood) drives out another; G437: The
greater embraces (includes, hides) the less; L538: One love drives
out (expels) another; N17: One nail drives out another; P457: One
poison expels another.
G447 GRIEE is lessened when imparted to others
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 152: It somewhat easeth the afflicted to
utter their annoy. I579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Sept., 1. 15, p. 40:
Nay, but sorrow close shrouded in hart, I know, to kepe is a bur-
denous smart. Eche thing imparted is more oath to beare. 1590
SPENSER I ii 34: He oft finds med’cine, who his griefe imparts;
But double griefs afflict concealing harts. 1596 SPENSER IV
xii 6: Yet hoping griefe may lessen being told, I will them tell though
vnto no man neare. 1608 Poet. Rhap. 181, I 260: Some case it is,
hid sorrowes to declare. 1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag. XVIII, l. 103,
p. 266: And many tymes th’ impartinge of ones griefe vnto an other
eyther quite taketh yt away or makes yt seeme farre lesser.
[1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi V ii 252: Are you so farre in

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
GRIEF
GROUNI)
276
love with sorrow, You cannot part with part of it? 1630 D’AVE-
NAN'r just 1!. I, p. 210: For troubled winds In their dispersion, lose
their strength; so griefs, Whilst th’ are reveal’d, diminish from them-
selves. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 78: Griefhaving vent, is less bitter.
Ibid. 4, p. 78: Grief, by declaring it, in some part is abated.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A. Y. I iii 104: And do not seek to take your
charge upon you, To bear your griefs yourself and leave me out.
1599 Pass. Pilgr. 20, l. 55: Thus of every griefin heart He with thee
doth bear a part.
Cf. G449: Grief pent up will break the heart; G450: That grief is
light which is capable of counsel; J88: When shared, joy is doubled
and sorrow halved.
G448 The GRIEF of the head is the grief of griefs
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
G449 GRIEF pent up will break the heart
1589 Triumphs Love and Fort. IV ii, s. F1: 0 Gods that deepest
greefes are felt in closest smart. I612 WEBSTER White Devil II i
278: Unkindnesse do thy oflice, poore heart breake, Those are the
killing greifes which dare not speake. 1616 DR., s.v. Confession,
no. 303: There is no curing of a griefe concealed. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 29, p. 72: Who cannot grieve, hath double grief. *Note 67,
p. 79: Blows in Wars, and sorrow having no vent, are the more
dangerous. I732 FUL., no. 1775: (will burst the Heart).
SHAKESPEARE.~——1592 T. And. II iv 36: Sorrow concealed, like an
oven stopp’d, Doth burn the heart to Cinders where it is. 1592-3
V./l. l. 329: For lovers say the heart hath treble wrong When it is
barr’d the aidance of the tongue. 1601 T.N. II iv 113: She never
told her love, But let concealment, like a worm i’ th’ bud, Feed on her
damask cheek. 1605-6 M. IV iii 209: Give sorrow words. The
grief that does not speak Whispers the o’erfraught heart and bids
it break.
Cf. G447: Grief is lessened when imparted to others; J88: When
shared, joy is doubled and sorrow halved; M742: A mastiff grows
the fiercer for being tied up; 8929: The stream (current, tide)
stopped swells the higher.
G450 That GRIEF is light which is capable of counsel
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 40: The case is light where counsel can
take place. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 210: The case is lyght
where reason taketh place. 1587 HUGHES ET AL. Misfort. zirthur
I ii, s. A3: Great harms cannot be hid, the grief is small, That can
receive advice, or rule itself. 1594 LYLY Mother B. III i 13: It is
good counsel, faire sister, if the necessitie of loue could be releeued
by counsell. 1732 FUL., no. 4344.
Cf. G447: Grief is lessened when imparted to others.
Whither goest, GRIEF? Where I am wont
1664 COD., p. 227: Whither goest thou grief?
G451
1640 HERB., no. 96.
whither I am wont.
G452 All GRIEFS with bread are less
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, 1v, IV 136: Sancho said to him . .
Sorrowes great are lessened with meate. 1622 MABBE Rogue I 1 iii,
I 94: All troubles passe the better with bread. 1640 HERB., no.
373. I655 MOFFETT Health's Improvem. xxv, p. 236: The Italians
have a Proverb, That all troubles are easie with bread.
G453 Never GRIEVE for that you cannot help
1628 GOMERSALL Lodov. Sforza II ii, p. 18: What is past our helpe,
Let it be past our griefe. 1639 CL., p. 292.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 O. I iii 202: When remedies are past, the
griefs are ended By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended.
1611 IV. T. III ii 223: What’s gone and what’s past help Should be
past grief.
Cf. C921: Past cure past care; D125: To lament the dead avails
not and revenge vents hatred. -
G454 A merry GRIG
1566 DRANT Horace’s Sat. I iii, 5. B5v: A merry grigge, a iocande
frende. 1589 MARPRELATE Hay Any Work: Marpr. Tracts, p. 226:
A company of merry grigs, you must think them to be, as merry as

a Vice on a stage. 1606 BRETON Packet Letters II: Wks., II 33;
Merry grigge, I am sure I am not in the wrong. 1675 C. COTTON
Scofler Scoft, p. 60: A merry Grig, and a true Toper. a1700 B.E.,
s.v. Grig: *A merry Fellow.
Cf. M901: A merry Greek.
G455 I will either GRIND or find
1670 RAY, p. 178.
G456 As patient as Grissel
1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens Mar. 29: Pray let me edge in my
Quere Whether I am not as patient as Grissel, to hear all this serious
and sober debate?
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. II i 297: For patience she will
prove a second Grissel.
G457—G458 GROAT= coin (fourpence)
The GROAT is ill saved that shames the master
1623 CAM., p. 278. 1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 241: (That groat).
1659 N.R., p. 104: (That groat). 1664 Con., p. 212. I670 RAY,
p. 23. 1732 FUL., no. 4345': (That Groat). _
G458 Not worth a GROAT (gray groat)
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 159: Their wit skant worth a grote.
1530 PALS., p. 657b: He pyncheth as though he were nat worthe a
grote. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: And I knew hym, not worth a good
grey grote. 1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 27: And beyng not woorth a
grote They went (witlesse) to wedding. 1568 FULWELL Like Will
to Like, s. E4v: Rafe roister and Tom tospot are now not worth a
grote. [01589] 1633 MARLOWE Yew Malta IV iv 122: I’ll not leave
him worth a gray groat. 1672 WALK. 30, p. 9: [To] leave him not
worth a groat. I694 ECHARD Brothers IV, p. 1 89: The woman’s not
worth a Groat.
G457
G459 GROAT = grain
G459 He knows his GROATs among other folks’ kale
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 648. I721 KEL., p. 153: He kens his Groats
in other Folks Kail. *Spoken of those who are sharp and sagacious
in knowing their own.
G460 Then I’ll thatch GROBY P001. with pancakes
I678 RAY, p. 317: *Leicestershire. 1732 FUL., no. 4989.
G461 The best GROUND is the dirtiest
1616 DR., s.v. Faults, no. 380: (ground the). 1618 HOLYDAY
Technogamia I vi, s. C1: Oh your fattest soiles are most full of dirt.
1639 CL., p. 18. 1664 COD., p. 214.
Cf. L50: Good land evil way; R1 18: III for the rider good for the
abider; W241: Weeds come forth on the fattest soil if it is un-
tilled.
G462 He is not worth the GROUND he goes on
1616 WITHALS, p. 582: Not worth the ground he goes on.
s.v. Improbi, p. 150.
G463 He is on the GROUND
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 730: *Of Waisters and Debters.
1639 CL.,
G464 He that lies upon the GROUND can fall no lower
a1523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 46: A man on grounde
resting can not much lower fall. 1581-90 Timon IV ii, p. 61: Who
on the earthe lies, hee Can fall noe lower than the same, I see.
1614 RALEIGH Hist. World Pref., I lxiv: I am on the ground already;
and therefore have not far to fall. 1630 T. ADAMS Faith’s En-
couragem.: Wks., p. 722: Wee say, Qui iacet in terris, non habet
vnde cadat: he that lies on the ground, hath no lower discent to fall
to. 1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair Maid West IV, p. 388: Being on the
ground, Lower we cannot fall. 1638 T. RANDOLPH Muses’ Look.
Glass III ii, p. 223: Lay me on earth, and I shall fall no lower. I648
WITHER Single Si .Quis: Misc. Wks., I 1: He that is prostrate on the
floor, Lies there, whence he can fall no lower. 1663 S. BUTLER


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
GROUND
GUN
177


Had. I iii 877, p. 126: I am not now in Fortune’s Power, He that is
down can fall no lower. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 171: One who is
stark naked, can’t be strip’d. *Note 50, p. 173: The Latin other-
wise says, Qui jacet in terram, non habet unde cadat. 1732
FUL., no. 2217.
SHAKESPEARE.——I608 P. I iv 78: The ground’s the lowest, and
we are half-way there.
G465 He that runs fastest gets most GROUND
I616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A4). 1639 CL., p. 319. 1670 RAY,
p. I 38.
G466 He thinks that the GROUND carries him not
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: These louers in dotage Think the ground
beares them not. 1616 DR., s.v. Conceitednesse, no. 295. I631
SHIRLEY Love Tricks III i, p. 35: O, now I am so proud of my joy,
my feet do not know what ground they stand on.
G467 Stand to thy GROUND, old Harry
16th 0. Pepys Bal. 42, I 252, title oflost ballad: Stand thy ground,
old Harry. 1616 DR., s.v. Perseverance, no. 1615: (old Henry).
1622 ROWLANDS Good News and Bad, p. 32: I like old Harry,
meane to stand my ground. 1677 W. HUGHES Man Sin II x, p. 159:
Well done Collier. Stand thy ground, Old Harry!
Cf. M813: Eat thy meat and drink thy drink and stand thy
ground, old Harry; T7: T0 stand to one’s tackling.
G468 To love (hate) the GROUND another treads on
1596 Knack to Know Hon. Man, s. G2v: Or I will hate the ground
where on you tread. 1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful
Lady V, p. 286: ’Tis a shame you should use a poor Gentlewoman so
untowardly; she loves the ground you tread on.
G469 Today above GROUND tomorrow under
1611 COT., s.v. Terre: To day on the earth, to morrow in it.
1623 WOD., p. 476: Today aboue, tomorrow below. 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 5. 1664 COD., p. 221.
Cf. A109: Alive today and dead tomorrow; M402: Today a man
tomorrow a cuckold; M404: Today a man tomorrow none; T368:
Here today and gone tomorrow.
G470 Who builds upon another’s GROUND loses both
mortar and stones
I611 CHAPMAN May Day III iii 142: Yes, no doubt, for Aedificium
cedit solo, says the lawyer. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 82.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo—I II ii 224: Like a fair house
built on another man’s ground; so that I have lost my edifice by
mistaking the place where I erected it.
G471 The GROUNDSEL1 speaks not save what it heard
of the hinges
I640 HERB., no. 291: (at the hinges).
RAY, p. 12.
what).
Cf. C300: The child says nothing but what it heard by the fire.
[1threshold] ’
1664 COD., p. 218. 1670
1732 FUL., no. 4583: (The Groundsel speaketh but
G472 Grantham GRUEL, nine grits and a gallon of
water
01624 Marvelous Medicine in Roxb. Bal., VIII 427: Some gruel of
Grantham, boyl’d for the nonce. 1662 FULLER Worthies Lincoln-
shire, II 7: *The Proverb is applicable to those who in their speeches
or actions multiply what is superfluous. 1670 RAY, p. 238. I732
FUL., no. 1746: (Grantham-Gruel, nine Grats in a).
Cf. C511: Coleworts (Cabbage) twice sodden.
G473 To swallow (gape for) a GUDGEON
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 239: You haue made both mee and
Philautus to swallow a Gudgen. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 97:
They do us wrong to force us to beleeve that which is false, which is
nothing els but to give us a gudgin and floute us like credulous
fooles. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II v, s. D3: I began to
loue her in iest, And may chaunce to swallow a Gudgion in earnest.


1598 FLOR., s.v. Bersela, p. 42: *To pocket vp any wrong, to be-
leeve any tale. 1605 CHAPMAN All Fools III i 94: And do you
think He’ll swallow down the gudgeon? 1605 DEKKER 1 Hon.
Whore, p. 84: Why, what are they? Come, tell me, What are they?
e—They’re Fish-wives, will you buy any Gudgeons? 1631 WEEVER
Anc. Funeral Mon., p. 478: Our credulous king . . had so deeply
swallowed the gudgeon. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: You gape
for Gudgeons. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 19: He is cousened, or he
hath swallowed a gudgeon. 1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II iii 923, p. 21 8:
To swallow gudgeons ere they’re catch’d, And count their chickens
ere they’re hatch’d. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Colori, p. 42: To
make one believe any thing that is told one, to make one swallow
gudgeons. 1678 RAY, p. 72: He hath swallowed a Gudgeon. 1732
FUL., no. 1902: [As in 1678 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.——I600-1 H. II ii 173: Do you know me, my lord?
—Excellent well. You are a fishmonger [i.e., You have gudgeons
to sell].
Cf. F188: To sell one (feed on) fennel. (I7)
G474 It is an ill GUEST that never drinks to his host
1678 RAY, p. 86. 1732 FUL., no. 2901: (to his Hostess).
G475 An unbidden GUEST is welcome when gone
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I3v: Welcom when thou goest.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-4 1 Hen. VI II ii 55: And I have heard it
said, unbidden guests Are often welcomest when they are gone.
Cf. G476: An unbidden guest knows not where to sit (must bring
his stool with him).
G476 An unbidden GUEST knows not where to sit
(must bring his stool with him)
1546 HEY. I ix, s. CIV. 1563 THIRLEBY (to Parker, 146, Sept. 16)
in M. Parker Corr., p. 193: Your grace knoweth the proverb, an un-
bidden guest wotteth not where to sit. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk.,
p. 42: To make the best of it, like an unbidden geste that knowes
not where to sitt him downe. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 200:
I will either bring a stoole on mine arme for an vnbidden guest, or a
visard on my face. 1608 J. DAY Law Tricks II i, p. 26: An unbid-
den guest Should bring a stoole along. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 411:
anidden guests no where to sit can tell. 1611 GRUT., no. 43.
1612 WEBSTER White Devil III ii 6: An unbidden guest Should
travaile as dutch-women go to Church: Beare their stooles with
them. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., no. 923: (must bring his
stoole with him). 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. II, p. 30: He
came unbidden, and brought his stool with him. 1639 CL., s.v.
Parasiti, p. 239: Unbidden guests must bring their stooles. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. Ibid., p. 15: (must bring his stool with him).
1664 COD., p. 183. 1721 KEL., p. 193: IfI come, I must bring a
Stool with me. *An Answer to them who desires you to come where
you are not invited. I732 FUL., no. 5395: Unbidden Guests know
not where to sit down.
See DI'iR., II, no. 503; ST., no. 597. Cf. C537: He that comes un-
called sits unserved; G475: An unbidden guest is welcome when
gone.
G477 Bad GUIDES may soon mislead
1639 CL., p. I.
G478 The GULL comes against a tempest (the rain)
1616 DR., s.v. Signes, forerunners, no. 1969: The Gull commeth
not, but against a tempest. 1639 CL., s.v. Ominandi, p. 236.
1664 COD., p. 214: The Gull is alwayes seen against a tempest.
I670 RAY, p. 98: (the rain).
Cf. P483: The porpoise (dolphin) plays before a storm; R33:
The croaking raven bodes misfortune (death).
G479 As hollow as a GUN
I678 RAY, p. 284.
G480 As sure (right, true) as a GUN
[I622] I647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Prophetess I iii, p. 325: Ye
are right, Master, Right as a Gun. 01640 Grobiana’s Nuptials
III, p. 170: Then tis as right as a gunne, it hitts all our pallates.
1640 JONSON Tale Tub II i 27: Tis right: he has spoke as true as a

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
GUN 278
GUTS
Gun. 1655 MENNIS AND SMITH Musarum Deliciae: Facetiae, I 94:
But when he thought her as sure as a gun, She set up her taile and
away she run. 1670 RAY, p. 207. 1681 DRYDEN Span. Friar III
ii, p. 456. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Gun. a1700 B.E., s.v. Gundigutts.
Cf. S840: As true (trusty, sure) as steel.
G481 Bounce, quoth the GUN
1595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 801, s. E1: Dub dub a dub, bounce
quoth the guns, with a sulpherous huffe snuHe. I613 BEAUMONT
[AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle V, p. 224: Sa, sa, sa, bounce
quoth the Guns. 1616 BRET., p. 6.
G482 Out of GUNSHOT
1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia, p. 26: Beynge them selues in the
meane season sauffe, and as sayeth the proverbe, oute of all daun-
ger of gonneshotte. 1571 GOLDING Psalms xxxv 8, I 133: They . .
feare nothing, as though they were quite out of all gonneshot.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D3v: And better would they deeme
it, to sleepe quietly in homelye cabin without gunshot of daunger.
1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: Wks., II 145: They might haue . . lyu’d
out of gunshot of misery. 1616 DR., s.v. Safety, no. 1909: Out of
the gun shot. 1622 MABBE Rogue, II 188: They are out of the
Gun-shot of their Competitors. 1639 CL., p. 278: [As in 1616 Dr.].
1672 WALK. 35, p. 52: Out of harms way; out of gun shot. 1678
RAY, p. 249. 1687 DRYDEN Hind and Panther Pref., p. 110: For
those who are come over to the royal party are consequently sup-
posed to be out of gunshot. a1700 B.E., s.v. Gundigutts: Out of
Gunshot; aloof from Danger, or out of Harm’s way.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-1 H. I iii 34: Keep you in the rear of your
affection, Out of the shot and danger of desire.
Cf. H171: To be (keep) out of harm’s way. (13)

G483
G485
A greedy GUT would all get
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E1 v: They be bothe gredy gutts all gyuen to get
They care not how. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 7.
G484 He has GUTS (no guts) in his brains
1663 S. BUTLER Had. I iii 1089, p. 132: Truly that is no Hard
Matter for a Man to do, That has but any Guts in’s Brains. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. Cuj um pecus, p. 49: A meer brute, an Animal,
to have no guts in ones brains. Ibid., s.v. Intendonio, p. 83: To
have some Logick in his pate, to have some guts in his brains, to
be no fool, as may be some body might take him to be. 1672
WALK. 20, p. 20: *Acetum habet in pectore. 1678 RAY, p. 249;
(no guts). *The anfractus of the brain, look’d upon when the
Dura mater is taken off, do much resemble guts. 1694 MOTTEUX
Gargantua V Prol., III 239: One without Guts in his Brains, whose
Cockloft is unfurnish’d. I697 DILKE City Lady III, p. 30: They
have no Guts in their Brains. 1720 SWIFT Right Precedence, p.
313: Our vulgar saying, that men have guts in their brains, is a
vulgar error. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 413: The fellow’s well
enough, if he had any guts in his brains.
He has more GUTS than brains
1678 RAY, p. 249. I732 FUL., no. 1873.
G486 Not worthy to carry GUTS to a bear
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17: (He is not worthy to). 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.V. Rane, p. 164: (Good for little or nothing; the Eng-
lish say, Not worthy to). 1670 RAY, p. 200: (guts after a Bear).
1732 FUL., no. 3688: [As in 1670 Ray].

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
H
HABIT
HI A holy HABIT1 cleanses not a foul soul
I640 HERB., no. 665. 1659 N.R., I6: (cleareth not).
Cf. H586: The hood (habit, cowl) makes not the monk.
[1dress]
H2 A halfpenny HACKNEY
1639 CL., s.v. Meretrix, p. 207.
H3 AS witty as a HADDOCK
01510 Hickscorner, s. C3. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1629: Ye ar als
dowed [good] as ane haddok.
Cf. H4: Not worth a haddock.
H4 Not worth a HADDOCK
I546 HEY. II x, s. L3v: And thus had he brought haddock to pad-
dock, Tyll they bothe were not now worth a haddock.
Cf. H3: As witty as a haddock; H5: To bring haddock to pad-
dock.
H5 To bring HADDOCK to paddock
[To come to destitution.] I546 HEY. II x, s. L3v: And thus had he
brought haddock to paddock, Tyll they bothe were not now worth
a haddock. 1577 STANYHURST Descr. Ireland III in Holinshed
Chron., VI 23: As that I had bene like to haue brought haddocke
to paddocke.
Cf. H4: Not worth a haddock.
H6 To have been at HADDUM
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pelaloco, p. 138: To have shed his hair
upon the account of the French disease; the English say, To have
been at Haddum. I678 RAY, p. 88: He has been at Haddam.
*One that hath the Fr. Pox.
H7 Hm I FISH is good without mustard (was never
good with garlic)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 473: Had I fish was never good with garlik.
1623 CAM., p. 271: (without butter). I624 JONSON Neptune’s
Triumph: Masques at Court, p. 689: Therein, they are fishes. But
ha’ their garlick, as the Prouerb sayes. 1639 CL., s.v. Fames, p.
114. 1668 R.B., p. 21: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 99.
1721 KEL., p. 145: Had I Fish was never good to eat with Mustard.
*An Answer to them that say, had I such a Thing, I would do so,
or so.
H8 Beware of Hm I WIST
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 90: Euer be ware of Had I wyst. [01517]
I533 SKELTON Magn., s. A3v: Yet beware of had I wyste. I520
WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 94: Therfore is wysdome to be ware of
had I wyste. 1546 HEY. I ii, s. A3: And that deliberacion dothe
men assyst Before they wed, to beware of had I wyst. 01550
BANSLEY Pride and Abuse Wom. l. 203 in Early Pop. Poetry, IV 243.
I560 Impat. Poverty, s. C4v: Yet I saye beware Of had I wyst. I591
FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 165. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 267. 1599 H.
PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. I4: Goe to, you seeke to quarrell, but
beware of had I wist. I611 GRUT., no. 68. 1614 CAM., p. 304.
1616 WITHALS, p. 580. 1639 CL., s.v. Sera poenitentia, p. 281.
1651 TAYLOR Epig.: Wks. Q., II 9: Beware of, had I wist, before
thou Wed. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659 N.R., p. 22. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Nebbia, p. 115: To reap a mist, viz. to have
spent, and yet to spend ones time unprofitably; to labour about
had-I-wists. 1668 R.B., p. 14. I670 RAY, p. 61. I697 MER.,
p. 166. I721 KEL., p. 131: Had I wist, quoth the Fool, or, Beware
of had I wist. *Spoken when People say, Had I wist what would
HAIL FELLOW WELL MET
have been the Consequence of such an Action, I had not done it
1732 FUL., no. 976.
Cf. H9: Had I wist comes too late; H10: Had I wist was a fool.
(40
H9 HAD I WIST comes too late
1565 Warning for Wooers in C. Robinson et al. Handf. Pleas.
Delights, p. 44: In time shut gate, For had I wist, doth come too
late. 1576 WHETSTONE Rock Regard, p. 16: To salve whose harme
too late coms had I wist. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34v. 01584
G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 99: Had i wist, cummith too late: it is
good, to be wise before the Mischii-I. 1588 BABINGTON Expos.
Lord’s Pray., p. 440: Beleeue the Lorde and we shall not be con-
founded. Had I wist, sayth the olde Prouerbe, commeth euer too
late. 1611 COT., s.v. Aviser: When death approaches, had~I-wist
comes too late. 1639 CL., p. 281.
Cf. H8: Beware of had I wist; H10: Had I wist was a fool; R32:
Too late does the rat repent in the cat's paws.
H10 HAD I WIST was a fool
I552 TAV., f. 3: Certaynelye, had I wyst, is a foles worde. I557
Totus Mundus l. 39 in Tottel’s Misc., I 232: A wise man saith not,
had I wist. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 77, p. 169: For feare of
foole had I wist cause thee to waile, let fisgig be taught to shut
doore after taile. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. C2v: Not once
slippe aside, for feare of Had I wist proue a foole. I597 BRETON
Dial. Anger and Pat. in Will Wit (1599 ed.): Wks., II 60. I616
BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A4v). 1639 CL., p. 179. I721 KEL., p. 131:
Had I wist, quoth the Fool, or, Beware of had I wist. *Spoken
when People say, Had I wist what would have been the Conse-
quence of such an Action, I had not done it.
Cf. H8: Beware of had I wist; H9: Had I wist comes too late;
P77: It is the part of a fool (It is a shame for a wise man) to say
I had not thought.
H11 As thick as HAIL
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 193: Wete chekes by teres thycke
as hayle. [01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, s. A3v: Let them throwe
mylstones at the as thick as haile. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I,
p. 126: If the poore manne haue not wherewith to pay . . out goe
butter-flies and writs, as thick as haile. I594 PEELE Battle Alcazar
V i, s. Fm. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 341:
As thick as April’s hail. 1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag. VII 456, p. 20:
Salt teares from myne eyes lyke hayle stones . . tricle. I659 RICH.
JOHNSON Agincourt: Crown Garl. II, p. 69: They discharg’d their
shafts So thick as hail from sky. 1681 ROB., p. 980: They came
pattering down as thick as hail.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 M. I iii 97: As thick as tale [for hail ?]
Come post with post. (5)
H12 HAIL brings frost in the tail
1639 CL., p. 197. 1670 RAY, p. 42.
H13 He uses HAIL when he has no thunder
1638 J. WILKINS Disc. World XII, p. 170: Thinking (as the Prov-
erb is) that hee may use haile, when hee hath no thunder. 1639
CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209.
H14 Be not HAIL FELLOW WELL MET with everyone
I616 WITHALS, p. 567. 1639 CL., s.v. Societas, p. 290.
Cf. H15: Hail fellow well met; H68: Give not your right hand
to every man.

279
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 3.
HAIL FELLOW WELL MET
HAIR
28o

H15 HAIL FELLOW WELL MET
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 216: He made so moche of his seruaunt:
that he waxed hayle felowe with hym. 01550 BECON Castle Comf.:
Cat., p. 561: [The papists] . . not contented to be his [God’s]
ministers . . would be hail fellow well-met with him. 1581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. III, II 105: The maister . . being as you say haile fellow
well met with his servaunt . . should shewe himselfe to low minded,
and not fitte to commaunde. 01626 Dick Dev. IV ii, p. 72: Had
you not run from the Castle the hangman and you had bene hayle
fellow! well met. 1639 CL., s.v. Societas, p. 290. 1642 D. ROGERS
Naaman, p. 463: Gentlemen will be haile fellow well met with base
Jesters. a1655 N. L’ESTRANOE in Anec. and Trad. I, p. 59: I like
an holy-rowly-Powlinesse; for there sure, if any where, we ought
to be haile fellows well met. 1670 RAY, p. 179: To be hail fellow
well met with one. 1721 KEL., p. 24: *Eng.
Cf. H14: Be not hail fellow well met with everyone. (7)
H16 For one HAIR Martin lost his ass
1611 COT., s.v. Asne: Pour vn poil Martin perdit son asne. *The
punishment, or taxation of those that vpon a small occasion enter
into a great contention; as this poore man did, who laying a wager
that his asse was all white, was shewed a blacke haire on him, and
so, like an asse, lost his asse, which was the wager. 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 25.
H17 His HAIR grows through his hood
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. I, p. 2: Yet nought had he kept to finde
him cloth nor fode, At diuers holes his heare grewe through his
hode. 1546 HEY. II v, s. Hlv: He hath a nest of chekyns . . That
wil sure make his heare grow thorow his hood. [01550] 1560 Nice
Wanton, s. A4: If ye use it [dice playing] long, your hear wil grow
through your hood. 1557 TUSSER 100 Points Hush. 41, p. 225:
Kepe neuer such seruantes, as doth thee no good, for making thy
heare, growing thorrough thy hood. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 731.
1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 284: Here’s excellent
fellows, are able to make their masters haire grow through his hood
in a month! They can not only carelessly deliuer away his ware,
but also they will not take money for it when it comes. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 125: Marcus his haire growes through his whood they
say. 1616 DR., no. 233: Care groweth through his hood. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. I678 RAY, p. 73: *He is very poor, his hood
is full of holes. 1694 MOTTEUx Gargantua IV lii, III 190: In so
much that Snip was condemn’d to make good the Stuffs to all his
Customers; and to this day poor Cabbidge’s Hair grows through
his Hood.
Cf. P294: He is all to pieces. (12)
H18 It goes against the HAIR
[It goes against the natural bent or inclination.] 1579 T. NORTH
Lives, III 272: All went utterly against the heare with him. 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 45: In conversation a man cannot do so
good workes, but that they shalbe taken against the heare, and
wrongly interpreted. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Land. IV, p.
202: Beasts licking ’gainst the hayre Fore-shew some storme, and
I fore-see some snare. 1639 CL., p. 73: Clean against the haire.
Invita Minerva. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Strapelo, p. 205: To
go against the hair, viz. contrary to what should be. 1670 RAY,
p. 179. I672 WALK. 54, p. 58: Against the hair. Invita Minerva.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. II iv 99: Thou desirest me to stop
in my tale against the hair. 1600-I II iii 41: If you
should fight, you go against the hair of your professions. 1602
T.C. I ii 27: He is melancholy without cause and merry against the
hair.
See ST., no. 478; T. 309, p. 179. Cf. G158: To go clean cam;
N41: He that follows nature is never out of his way; N51: To go
against nature (Invita Minerva); S287: It is ill shaving against
the wool. (31)
H19 Not worth a HAIR
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 177: Skantly worth a here. 1535
W. STEWART Chron. Scot. 1. 26269, II 205: Nocht worth ane hair,
bot at his purpois baid. 1565 K. Darius, s. A4: But the loue that
in thee doeth appeare, Is not worth the valure of a heire. 1622

WITHER Cert. Epig. 10: Misc. Wks., II 359: To call you best, or
the most faire . . Is now not commendations worth a haire. 1639
Con., Clinches, Flashes and Whimsies in Shak. Yest-Bks., III 10:
Give me a man’s face; a boyes face is not worth a haire.
H20 One HAIR of a woman (Nature) draws more than
a hundred yoke of oxen (ten oxen)
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 183: Ten teemes of oxen draw much
lesse, Than doth one haire of Helens tresse. 01637 HOWELL
Let. II 4, II 379: (can draw more than a hundred pair of Oxen).
1640 HERB., no. 773: Nature drawes more then ten teemes. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 13: (A hair). 1659 N.R., p. 81: [As in 1640
Herb.]. Ibid., p. 85: (One hair of benevolence). 1664 COD., p.
207: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pelo, p. 139:
To be like the hair of a woman, viz. which draws more than an
hundred yoke of Oxen. I678 RAY, p. 18: Nature draws more then
ten oxen. 1732 FUL., no. 3757: (a Team of Oxen).
Cf. B166: Beauty draws more than oxen.
H21 Pull HAIR and hair and you’ll make the earl (the
horse’s tail) bare
[ERAS. Adagia, 3311-": Caudae pilos equinae paulatim vellere.]
1548 COOPER, s.v. Cauda: To pluck the heares of an horse tayle,
A prouerbe spoken of hym, that by littell and lytell atcheueth that
he coulde not do immediatly all togither. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
498: Hair and hair maks the carle beld. 1639 CL., p. 10. I641
FERG., no. 326: Hair and hair, makes the cairles head baire. 1659
How. Br. Prov., p. 30: By hair and hair, head bald and bare. I668
R.B., p. 23: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 134: (the carle bald).
I672 WALK. 47, p. 47: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1680 R. L’ESTRANCE
Twenty Select Colloq. 9, p. 142: An Invincible Custom . . must be
remov’d by Degrees, as a Horse-tail is pluck’d off by single Hairs.
1721 KEL., p. 136: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. *An Estate may be ruined
by small Diminutions.
Cf. D614: Drop by drop the sea is drained (the tub is filled);
F151: Feather by feather the goose is plucked; L340: By little and
little. ‘
H22 Take a HAIR from his beard
I562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 64: (from his bearde, and marke this con-
ceite). 1596 HARINGTON Anat. Metam. Ajax, p. 105: Trust me,
they do wrong me that count me satyricall. Alas I do but (as the
phrase is) pull a hayre from their beardes whose heads by the olde
lawes and canons should be shorn.
H23 Take a HAIR of the dog that bit you
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3v: I praie the Ieat me and my felowe haue A
heare of the dog that bote vs last nyght. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
1358: (quhilk bait yow yisternight). 1611 COT., s.v. Beste: Our
Ale-knights often . . say, Giue vs a haire of the dog that last bit vs.
[1614] I631 Jonson Barth. Fair I iii 14: ’Twas a hot night with
some of vs, last night, Iohn: shal we pluck a hayre o’ the same
Wolfe, to day, Proctor Iohn? 1616 RC. Times’ Whistle l. 1859,
p. 61: Such heartsick woe By an immoderate drunkenesse procurde,
Must by a hair of the same dog be curde. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 14: To take a hair of the same dogg. *To be drunk With the
same drink again. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 199: Never did any
dog bite me, but I had some of his hair. *Note 164, p. 226:
Spoken as to revenge, The tradition goes, that the hair of the same
dog cures the wound. I670 RAY, p. 179: To take a hair of the
same dog. *To be drunk again the next day. 1721 KEL., p. 318:
*It is suppos’d that the Hair of a Dog will cure the Bite he gives.
Spoken to them who are sick after Drink, as if another drink would
cure their Indisposition. 1732 FUL., no. 4304: (of the same Dog
that bit you). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 449: [Your ale] is apt
to fox one; but our way is, to take a hair of the same dog next
morning.
Cf. S83: Seek your salve where you got your sore. (7)
H24 There is but a HAIR between
1577 H.I. Decades II viii, VII 359: Neither is there one hair’s
difference to choose, Whether a man be killed with a sword or with
a word. 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. BI: Your head is

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HAIR
HALF
281


not a hayre better then it should be. 1639 CL., s.v. Difl'erentiae,
p. 89. .
Cf. H26: To hit (fit) it to a hair; P36: There went but a pair of
shears between them.
H25 There is no HAIR so small but has its shadow
[ERAS. Adagia, 836A: Etiam capillus unus habet umbram suam.]
01526 Dicta Sap., 5. C1: [As in Eras.]. *Nothynge is so lytell, but
that it maye somwhat do. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao Court Prol.,
p, 372: There is no . . haire so slender, which hath not his shadowe.
1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 130: Aflirming, that as . . the smallest
haires [have] their shadowes: so the meanest swaines had their
fancies. 1596 DEL., s. N3v: There is no haire neuer so small, but
it hath his shadow. 1596 LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 24: If you say
that (as Publius Mimus saith) the smallest haire hath his shadow
(and with Rabin Ben-Azai) that no man lining is to bee condemned.
I602 Poet. Rhap. 128, I 186: The slender haires cast shadowes,
though but small. 1611 COT., s.v. Poil: The little haire a shadow
casts; the least things haue their vse one way, or other. 1616
DR., no. 1256: Euery haire hath it shadow. I651 HERB., p. 370:
No hair so small but hath his shadow. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 4: The least hair makes a shadow. 1664 COD., p. 222: [As in
1659 How.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 199: There’s no hair, but
hath its shadow, nor firebrand, but hath its smoke. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4931: (There is not an Hair).
Cf. M1229: Every mouse has its shadow.
H26 To hit (fit) it to 21 HAIR
1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 1870, p. 55: My delicate
Poeticall Furie, th’ast hit it to a haire. [1605] 1630 DEKKER 2
Hon. Whore, p. 109: The blocke . . fits me to a haire. 1608 HALL
Char. II: Wks., II 458: What they gain’d he knows to a Hair.
[1611] 1630 MIDDLETON Chaste Maid in Cheaps. I i 191: That [a
finger ring] fits her to a hair, sir. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v.
Skillful, p. 313: He hath hit it to an hair.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. III i 155: You’ll remember your
brother’s excuse? —To a hair.
See ST., no. 754. Cf. H24: There is but a hair between.
H27 T 0 look like a strained HAIR in a can
1670 RAY, p. 206.
H28 Not to stir a HAIR’S breadth
1533 J. HEYWOOD Play Weather, s. CIV: The tre remouyth no here
bred from hys place. 1562 HEY. Epig. 101, p. 142: And trow you
the Iade .. Woulde stur one ioynte: nay not the breade of one
heare. 1672 WALK. 48, p. 10: Not to stir a nails breadth; a foot;
a hairs breadth from a place.
Cf. C769: To a cow’s thumb; H29: Within a hair’s breadth;
N7: Not to stir a nail’s breadth.
H29 _ Within a HAIR’s breadth
1592 LYLY Gall. II 3 38: A little more then a man, and a hayres
bredth lesse then a God. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels IV 3 225:
I’le cut her throat, within a haires breadth, so it may be heal’d
againe. 1602 JONSON Poetaster II i 175: Obserue, Crispinvs. —At
a haires breadth, ladie, I warrant you. 01633 [CLAVELL AND
MARMION] Soddered Citizen IV v, p. 87: They [doggs] haue vil-
lanous houlders but I knowe by the waight of a Sergeant thus, to
a haires breadth.
SHAKESPEARE.-——16oo-I IV ii 3: And I profess requital
to a hair’s breadth.
Cf. C769: To a cow’s thumb; H28: Not to stir a hair’s breadth.
H30 As many as there are HAIRS on the head
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tanti, p. 210: As many as there are hairs
on the Head or Beard, laying ones hand on either, by way of demon-
stration.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 O. V ii 74: Had all his hairs been lives, my
great revenge Had stomach for them all. 1605-6 M. V viii 48:
Had I as many sons as I have hairs, I would not wish them to a
fairer death. 1608 C. IV vi 133: And not a hair upon a soldier’s
head Which will not prove a whip.

H31 Gray HAIRS are death’s blossoms
1588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 271: Thou seest my white hayres are
blossomes for the grave. 1678 RAY, p. 149.
SHAKESPEARE.——I592—4 I Hen. VI II v 5: These gray locks, the
pursuivants of death . . Argue the end of Edmund Mortimer.
Cf. M480: The old man’s staff is the rapper at death’s door;
S733: Spectacles are death’s arquebus.
H32 To split HAIRS
[ERAS. Adagia, 408B: Cumini sector.] 01594 BACON, no. 891:
Cumjnj sector. Splitter of hairs. A skinflint or niggard. I652
SANCROFT Modern Policies, p. 431: Machiavel cut the hair when
he advised, not absolutely to disavow conscience, but to manage
it with such a prudent neglect, as is scarcely discernible from a
tenderness. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. III vi, I 383: King Edward
may seem, like an expert artist, to cleave a hair betwixt the spir-
itual and temporal jurisdiction. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Em-
brici, p. 56: To be mighty neer in ones expences, to cut a hair in
two. 1672 WALK. 25, p. 22: He was able to have divided an hair.
1678 RAY, p. 249: To cut the hair. 1732 FUL., no. 1122: Come,
slit me this Hair. Ibid., no. 6457: It’s hard to split the Hair, That
nothing is wanted, and nothing to spare.
SHAKESPEARE.-I594—5 L.L.L. V ii 256: The tongues of mocking
wenches are as keen As is the razor’s edge invisible, Cutting a
smaller hair than may be seen, Above the sense of sense. 1597
1 Hen. IV III i 140: I’ll cavil on the ninth part of a hair.
See ST., no. 762. Cf. F160: To cut a feather; F373: To flay
(skin) a flint.
H33 What we lost in HAKE (salt fish) we shall have in
herring
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall I, p. 105: The hakes . . haunted the
coast in great abundance; but now, being deprived of their wonted
bait, are much diminished; verifying the proverb, What we lose
in hake, we shall have in herring. 1639 CL., p. 17: What I lost
i’th salt fish I gained i’th red herrings.
H34 Believe HALF of what you hear of money and
health (wisdom) and good faith
1605 BACON Adv. Learning II, p. 368: The Italian proverb being . .
for the most part true . . There is commonly less money, less wis-
dom, and less good faith, than men do account upon. I623 WOD.,
p. 491 : Wee should not belieue lightly, but of Mony, and of Bountie,
and to rebate the Halfe, to wit in Beliefe. I666 TOR. It. Prov. II,
p. 247: Of money, and of health, believe half of the half. *Note
43, p. 274: Usually people vapour of their wealth, and their health,
when they fall short of the reckoning.
Cf. H35: Believe half of what you see and nothing of what you
see not.
H35 Believe HALF of what you see and nothing of
What you see not
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 298: Of what I see, I believe half, of What
I see not, I believe nothing at all.
See SM., p. 61. Cf. H34: Believe half of what you hear of money
and health (wisdom) and good faith.
H36 Better HALF a loaf than no bread
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: (Better is halfe). [01570] I599 Clyomon
and Clamydes xxii, s. G3v: Well better halfe then nought at all.
1575 R.B. Apius and V irg., s. E2: And well this prouerb commeth
in my head, Birla y, halfe a loafe is better then nere a Whit of
bread. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34v: It is better to haue halfe
a loafe, then no bread at al. 1611 COT., s.v. Nul. 1611 GRUT.,
no. 57. 1614 CAM., p. 304. 1616 DR., no. 1269: (Better is halfe).
1636 CAM., p. 294: Half a loafe is better than no bread at all.
1639 CL., p. 222. 1642 D. ROGERS Naaman To Rdr.: He is a foole
who counts not halfe a loafe better than no bread, or despiseth the
Moonshine because the Sun is 'down. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
13. Ibid., p. 14: (then none at all). 1664 COD., p. 186. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Torta, p. 219. 1670 RAY, p. 116: (Half a
loaf is better). 1681 BEHN 2 Rover II ii, p. 151: You know the

Proverb of the half Loaf, Ariadne. 1691 D. NORTH Dis. on

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HALF
HALF-WARNED
282

Trade, p. 19: I do not believe, but the Usurer, according to the
saying, will take half a Loaf, rather than no bread.
See ST., no. 534. Cf. C869: A crust is better than no bread;
H37: Better half an egg than an empty shell.
H37 Better HALF an egg than an empty shell
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 219: Better half egg nor toome doop [empty
shell]. 1639 CL., s.v. Desperatio, p. 86. I668 R.B., p. 11: (nor
teem doup). 1670 RAY, p. 84. 1721 KEL., p. 56: Better half Egg,
as toom doup. I732 FUL., no. 901.
See D'UR., I, no. 184; ST., no. 534.
than no bread.
Cf. H36: Better half a loaf
H38 HALF a pea a day will serve a lady
1602 LYLY Entertainment at Harefield: W ks., I 492: We in the coun-
try have an old saying, that halfe a pease a day will serve a Lady.
H39 HALF a word (tale) to a wise man (a good under-
stander) is enough
1573 SANF., f. 101v: To a good vnderstander halfe a woorde is
inough. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27v: Vnto a. good vnder-
stander, half a woord is sufficient. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 489:
Half a tail is aneugh to a wyse man. 1611 COT., s.v. Mot: A good
wit’s well inform’d by halfe a Word. 1623 WOD., p. 474: It
behoueth but to speake halfe a Word to a wise and well vnder-
standing Man. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 50, p. 27: To a good under-
standing halfe a word is enough. 1657 LEIGH, p. 260: Half a word
is enough to an understanding Hearer. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 1:
Many words to a fool, half a word to the wise. 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 8: Half a word to a good understander. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 10: To a good understander a short speaker. I659
N.R., p. 47: Half a word is enough to an understanding Reader.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 190: [As in 1573 Sanf.]. 1668 R.B., p.
22: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 169: Halfa Word to a wise
Man. 1743 FRANKLIN, p. 21: The wise understand half a word.
Cf. M371: Send a wise man on an errand and say nothing unto
him; W781: A word to a wise man is enough (Few words to the
wise suffice); W799: Few words Show men wise.
H40 HALF an acre is good land
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1664 COD., p. 198.
1732 FUL., no. 1782.
H41
1670 RAY, p. 99.
HALF an hour past three quarters and ready to
strike again
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72.
H42 HALF an hour’s hanging hinders five miles’ riding
1678 RAY, p. I 50.
H43 The HALF is more than the whole
[ERAS. Adagia, 364C: Dimidium plus toto.] 1550 LATIMER Serm.
14, p. 277: There is a proverb . . The half sometimes more than the
whole. 1648 BURROUGHES Rare Yewel Christ. Cont. V, p. 61:
(That half is). 1694 Court. Oracle 94, p. 90: The wise man of
Mitilene had reason to say, that the half was more than the whole.
Cf. B421 : You may see by a bit what the bread is; H44: The half
Shows what the whole means; L342: By the little is known the much.
H44 The HALF shows what the whole means
61527 J. RASTELL Calisto and Mel., s. CIV: Now know ye by the
half tale what the hole doth meane. 1539 TAV., f. 11V: Ex vno
omnia specta . . that is to say, of the proufe of one thyng,coniec-
ture the reste. 1546 HEY. II vii, s. K1: (This half). 1581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. III, II 85: He understood by the halfe word, what the
whole ment, and that he was content, to forbeare his house. 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. OI: By this litle yow can iudge the whole.
1588 GREENE Perimedes, p. 36: Espye of the halfe what the whole
ment. 1616 DR., no. 853. 1657 LEIGH, p. 272: By a pattern on
knoweth the whole piece.
Cf. B421: You may see by a bit what the bread is; H43: The
half is more than the whole; L313: A lion is known by his paw
(claw); L342: By the little is known the much.

H45 HALF the way to know the way
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 11.
Cf. L252: Life is half spent before we know what it is.
H46 HALF (One half of) the world knows not how the
other half lives
1607 J. HALL Holy Obs. I7: Wks., II 168: One half of the World
knows not how the other lives. 1640 HERB., no. 901: (the other
halfe lies). 1653 URQUHART Gargantua II xxxii, I 332. 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 2: (doth not know how the other lives). 1659 N.R.,
p. 60: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 200: [As in 1640 Herb.].
I721 KEL., p. 274: One half of the World kens not how the other
lives. *Men bred to Ease and Luxury are not sensible of the
mean Condition of a great many. 1732 FUL., no. 3758: One half
of the World wonders how the other lives.
H47 He that has but HALF an eye may see it
1531 S. VAUGHAN (to Cromwell) in St. Papers Hen. VIII Dec. 9,
574, V 266: As with half an eye ye may perceive. 1584 B. RICH
Hist. Herodotus II, p. 172: Whych any man with halfe an eye may
easily discerne. 1616 DR., no. 854. 1623 MASSINGER Duke Milan
V i, p. 334: Till all with halfe an eye may see ’tis done. 1660
TAYLOR Ductor Dubit. II ii, IX 386: But half an eye may see the
different accounts.
H48 It is best to take HALF in hand and the rest by
and by
1678 RAY, p. 3 54: *The trades-man that is for ready money. 1732
FUL., no. 2921: It is better to take half in Hand, and the rest
presently.
Cf. D173: Of ill debtors men take oats (hay, straw).
H49 My better HALF
1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. III xii, I 426: Argalus came out of his
sowne, and . . forcing up (the best he could) his feeble voice, My
deare . . my better halfe, (said he) I finde I must now leave thee.
1667 MILTON Par. Lost V 95, p. 147: Best image of myself, and
dearer half. 1707 STEVENS Night Adventurer III: Com. Wks., p.
38: Can you be so false, thou dear better half of my Soul, as to
bring me hither to murder me?
SHAKESPEARE.——~1599 Y.C. II i 271: I charm you, by my once
commended beauty, By all your vows of love . . That you unfold
to me, yourself, your half.
Cf. F696: A friend is one’s second self.
H50 He drank till he gave up his HALFPENNY
1670 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk.
H51 They will know by a HALFPENNY if a priest will
take offering
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1263. 1668 R.B., p. 52. I721 KEL., p. 321:
(if the Priest will take an Offering). *A small Experiment will
discover a covetous Inclination.
H52 As nice as a HALFPENNYWORTH of silver spoons
I546 HEY. II ix, s. L3: Yet was she nowe, sodeynly waxen as nyse
As it had been a halporth of syluer spoones. 61563 Yack 7uggler,
s. B1: As denty and nice as an halpeny worth of siluer Spoons.
H53 To be HALF-SEAS over
a1700 B.E.: Half Seas over. *Almost Drunk. I714 STEELE
Spect. 616, VIII 230: Our friend the alderman was half seas over
before the bone fire was out.
See ST., no. 907.
H54 HALF-WARNED (Forewamed) is half-armed (fore-
armed)
1530 PALS., p. 417b: He that is admonisshed is halfe armed. a1536
HILL 52, p. 132: He that is warned ys half armed. 1546 HEY. II
vi, s. I2: Half warnd, half armd. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 169:
Forewarned, halfe armed. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 3 5: A man that
is warned is halfe armed. 1611 GRUT., no. 109: [As in 1546 Hey.].
1614 CAM., p. 306: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1616 BRET., p. 5: He that


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HALL 28 3 HAND


is warn’d is halfe arm’d. 1616 DR., no. 2358: A man warned is
halfe armed. 1623 CAM., p. 271: He that is well warned, is halfe
armed. 1639 CL., p.36: [Asin 1616 Bret]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 8: [As in 1546 Hey.]. Ihid., p. 12: Forewarnd, halfarmd. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 32, p.’17: Fore-warn’d, fore-arm’d. 1668 R.B., p. 5:
[As in a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 92: Forewarn’d forearmed.
Praemonitus praemunitus. I736 FRANKLIN, p. 11: Forewarn’d,
forearm’d.
SHAKESPEARE—I591 3 Hen. VI IVi 113: I will arm me, being
thus forewarn’d.
Cf. D29: A danger foreseen is half avoided; F429: Warned folks
may live; M218: A man assaulted (surprised) is half taken. (26)
H55 It is merry in HALL when beards wag all
1546 HEY. II vii, s. 13v. 1550 BECON Fortr. Faithful: Cat., p. 583:
(They remember this old saying, It is). 1562 HEY. Epig. 2, p. 129:
*This is ment by men, in their mery eatyng. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 793: Its fair in hall quhair beardis wags all. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 240. 1611 GRUT., no. 164. 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1639 CL.,
p. 138: (i’the hall). 01640 SMYTH 94, p. 33: (in the hall). *When
men are eatinge and women dancinge. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 8. I668 R.B., p. 29: (It is fair in the hall). 1670 RAY, p. 120:
(in the hall). I721 KEL., p. 187: (It is fair in Hall, where). 1732
FUL., no. 6376: (in the Hall). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 451:
(They say, ’tis merry in the hall when).
261: (It is euill halting). 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 81: It had been
in vain for them to have halted before a cripple. 1580 LYLY Euph.
and His Eng., p. 92: Thou must halt cunningly if thou beguile a
Cripple. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. L1: Notwithstanding, not
to halte before a cripple, nor dissemble with my fayned frende,
these thy Argumentes resemble Ladies. 1592 LYLY Gall. IV i 46:
Hee must halt cunninglie, that will deceiue a Cripple. 1599 T.
HEYWOOD 2 Edw. IV, p. 119: Will you be halting, too before a
creeple. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. I4: (ill). 1611
GRUT., no. 158. [01612] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Capt. I ii, p. 234:
Come, come, this is not wise, nor provident To halt before a
Cripple. 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616 DR., no. 789: (It is no halting).
1616 WITHALS, p. 538: (It is ill halting). I631 JONSON New Inn
III i 110: It is ill halting afore criples. 1639 CL., s.v. Fraus, p.
126: ’Tis ill halting before the creeple. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
13: (’Tis ill halting). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 324: Who con-
verseth with a Criple, suddenly learns to halt. *Note 13, p. 325:
The English say, There’s no halting before a Criple. 1670 RAY,
p. 99: (NO halting). *For fear of being detected. I72I KEL.,
p. 178: It is ill halting before Cripples. *It is hard to put Tricks
upon them, who are as well vers’d in these Things, as your self.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Pass. Pilgr. 18, l. 10: A cripple soon can
find a halt.
Cf. C827: He that mocks a cripple ought to be whole; C828:
If one dwell by (next door to) a cripple he will learn to halt; S837:
SHAKESPEARE—I598 2 Hen. IVV iii 37: ’Tis merry in hall when It is ill (hard) stealing from a thief. (16)
beards wag all. (10)
H56 Out of the HALL into the kitchen H61 A trout HAMLET Wlth four legs
I540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV vii, p. 153: From the horses to the I639 CL" S'V‘ contemptus’ 13' 71'
asses. i. from the halle in to the kitchin. 1552 TAV., f. 62v: H62 Between the HAMMER and the anvil
(Promoted or descended out of). *This is, where a man is brought
from a better state, study, Office, or kynd Of lyuyng to a worse.
I559 COOPER, s.v. Toga: De toga ad pallium, he is promoted oute
of the haule into the kitchin, from a furd gowne to a Ierkyn. 1580
BARET, A—161: Those which come from great wealth and posses-
sions to a meaner estate: and as we say, remoued out of the hall
into the kitchen. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. L1: For me to
relinquish such apparant evidence and leane to thy bastardly
reasons, were to leaue the hal and come to the kitchin. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Aduersitie, or misery, no. 51. 1639 CL., s.v. Fortunae com-
mutatio, p. 123.
Cf. G272: Out of God’s blessing into the warm sun; H713: From
the horses to the asses.
[ERAS. Adagia, 33B: Inter malleum et incudem.] 1535 BERNERS
Gold. Bk., p. 133: Bycause my spirite is betwene the harde anuelde
and the importunate hammer. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Cc2:
My spirite was betwixt the Anuile and hammer. 1590 R. HARVEY
Plain Percevall, p. 8: Thou must come to Knokham faire, and what
betweene the block and the beetle, be thumpd like a stockfish.
01594 BACON, no. 741. I615 WELDE Yanua Ling. 432, p. 28: (He
is between). 1616 DR., no. 417: Betweene the anuill and the ham-
mer. 1639 CL., p. 250. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 17: Put twixt the
anvill and the hammer, Viz. twixt two dangers. I659 N.R., p.
90: Sad is he that stands between the Anvill and the hammer.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Uscio, p. 238: (Twixt the).
Cf. D222: Between the devil and the deep sea (Dead Sea).
H57 You HALT before you are lame
1670 RAY, p. 179. I684 BUNYAN Pilg. Prog. II, p. 223: I am not H63
inclined to halt before I am lame. I687 MIEGE, s.v. To halt.
Cf. C873: You cry before you are hurt.
H58 He has made a HALTER to hang himself
I616 WITHALS, p. 582. 1639 CL., p. 200. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
p. 305: You have made a halter to hang your self.
H59 Mention not a HALTER (rope) in the house of
him that was hanged (that hanged himself)
I599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 2: A man ought not to make mention
of a halter in the house of a man that was hanged. 1612 SHELTON
Don Quite. Pt. I, III xi, I 244: Why do I name an Asse with my
mouth, seeing one should not make mention of a Rope in ones
house that was hanged? 1640 HERB., no. 667. I658 [EDMOND-
SON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 194. I659 N.R., p. 77. 1664 COD.,
p. 220: (Talk not of). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 96: Mention not
a rope in a Hangmans house, or in any one’s who hath been hang'd.
*Note 107, p. 100: One must take heed 0f affronts, and be circum-
spect, and mind peoples Relations, and the Trades they are of,
for unadvisedly a word knock’d out of joynt, may cause mischief.
1670 RAY, p. 138: Name not a rope in his house that hang’d him-
self. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Rope: Name not a Rope where one has
hanged himself.
See ST., no. 984.
H60 It is hard (ill) HALTING before a cripple
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus III iv, p. 118: In our adage it is hard
haltyng afore a cryple. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H3v. I566 HOL., p.
HAMPSHIRE GROUND requires every day of the
week a shower of rain and on Sunday twain
I678 RAY, p. 353.
Cf. D67: Every day in the week one shower of rain and on
Sunday twain.
H64 As easy as to kiss one’s HAND
1665 C. COTTON Scarron. IV, p. 72: But you may make em, at
Command, As eas’ly stay as kiss your Hand. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Terra, p. 214: To be like spitting on the ground, viz.
an easy matter; the English say, As easie as to kiss ones hand.
H65 At HAND, quoth pickpurse
1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. CIV: At hand (quoth picke purse),
here redy am I. 1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 209. [1600] 1659
1. DAY Blind Beg. II, s. E2v: Where’s my son? —At hand quoth
Pickpurse,—what’s the matter with you trow? 1631 DRUE Duch.
Suflolk II, 3. C4: Now where’s this Tiler. ———At hand quoth picke-
urse.
p SHAKESPEARE.—I597 I Hen. IV II i 52: What, ho! chamber-
lain! —At hand, quoth pickpurse.
H66 Better HAND loose than bound to an ill baikie1
(teddering)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 226. I668 R.B., p. II. 1721 KEL., p. 59:
(than on an ill Teddering). *Better at Liberty, than an ill Service.
Better a Batchelor, than married to an ill Wife.
[1stake]



In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. Xi H.
HAND
HAND
284

H67 For one’s HAND to be in
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Detta, p. 52: To have a vein of good
fortune at play, for ones hand to be in. Ibid., s.v. Mano, p. 98:
For the hand to be in, viz. for a business to be in a great forward-
ness.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1594-5 L.L.L. IV i 135: Wide 0’ the bow-hand!
1' faith, your hand is out. Ihid. IV i 137: An if my hand be out,
then belike your hand is in. 1613 T..-'V.K. IV i 139: He’ll tickle’t
up In two hours, if his hand be in.
H68 Give not your right HAND to every man
[ERAS. Adagia, 17E: Ne cuivis porrigas dextram.] 01535 ELYOT
Educ. 12, s. F2: Gyue not to euery man thy ryght hande. 1539
TAV., f. 54: Holde not forth thy hande to euery man. *He mean-
eth we shuld not vnaduysedly admyt euery bodye into our frend-
shyp and familiaritie. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 281:
[Pythagoras said] that wee should not shake euery man by the
hande: That is, wee should not contract friendshippe wyth all.
1598 BARCKLEY Fel. ill/fan IV, p. 342: Pythagoras dissuadeth men
from joyning hands with every one.
SHAKESPEARE.~—~I6oo-1 H. I iii 64: But do not dull thy palm
with entertainment Of each new-hatch’d, unfledg’d comrade.
Cf. H14: Be not hail fellow well met with everyone.
H69 Good HAND (servant) good hire (wages)
1611 COT., s.v. Servir: Good seruice, of it selfe, demaunds reward.
1639 CL., p. 45. 1732 FUL., no. 176: A good Servant must have
good Wages.
Cf. LI2: The laborer is worthy of his hire.
H70 HAND over head
1530 PALS., p. 836a: Hande over heed, confusedly. I549 LATIMER
Serm. 13, p. 218: These doctors, we . . thank God for . . but yet I
would not have men to be sworn to them, and so addict, as to take
hand over head whatsoever they say. 1579 T. NORTH Lives, III
176: They . . carried away all that they found, hande over head.
1619 Two Wise Men II i, s. C2v: We ha put downe the Fasting-dayes
pell mell, hand ouer head. 1627 DRAYTON Agincourtl. 1625: Wks.,
III 49: Hand over head pell mell upon them roune. 1655-62
GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 208: The Bereans . . did not believe
hand over head, but their faith was the result of ajudgment . . con-
vinced by scripture evidence. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cata-
fascio, p. 33: To do any thing inconsiderately, hand over head.
I681 ROB., p. 75: Give not your almes hand over head; Do good
with discretion.
Cf. H71: Hand over head as men took the covenant. (7)
H71 HAND over head as men took the covenant
1678 RAY, p. 250.
Cf. H70: Hand over head.
H72 The HAND that gives gathers
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 34.
Cf. A223: Alms never made poor; G128: Giving much to the poor
does increase a man’s Store.
H73 He is his right HAND
1608 J. DAY Hum. out Breath II [i], p. 22: I am his right hand.
[1614] 1631 JONSON Barth. Fair I iv 39: He is his Masters both-
hands, I assure you. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh I vi 45: O that same
surly knave, Is his right hand: and leads my sonne amisse.
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Occhio, p. 121: To be any ones right eye, viz. a
favorite or darling. -
SHAKESPEARE-1594 T.G.V. V iv 67: Who should be trusted
[now] when one’s own right hand Is perj ured to the bosom? 1598-9
M.A. I iii 51 : Marry, it is your brother’s right hand.
H74 He knows not (knows) his right HAND from his
left
01535 BYOOD Treat. cone. Improp. Ben., s. DI: As well as I knowe
my right hande from my lyfte. I672 WALK. 62, p. 59.
1666 '

H75 He puts his HAND between two millstones
1616 DR., s.v. Meddling, no. 1370: (handes). 1664 Con., p. 198:
(betwixt two Grindstones).
H76 He that is fed at another’s HAND may stay long
ere he be full
1640 HERB., no. 435.
H77 A hearty HAND to give a hungry melteth1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 117. 1668 R.B., p. 9. I721 KEL., p. 27: *An
ironical Ridicule upon a niggardly Dispenser.
[11116211]
H78 His HAND is in the creel
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 548.
H79 His one HAND wots not what the other is doing
[Matt. vi 3: Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth]
a1598 FERC. MS, no. 722.
See ST., no. 1414.
H80 I will lay my HAND on my halfpenny ere I part
with it
1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. II i 79: I’le lay my hand 0’ my halfe-
peny, e’re I part with’t, to fetch him out. 1678 RAY, p. 250. 1732
FUL., no. 3155: Lay thy Hand upon thy Half-penny twice, before
thou partest with it.
Cf. H315: His heart (mind, hand) is on his halfpenny.
H81 If you be not pleased (content) put your HAND
in your pocket and please yourself
I678 RAY, p. 79: *Ajeering expression to such as will not be pleased
with the reasonable offers of others. 1732 FUL., no. 2739: (Con-
tent).
H82 If your HAND be in a lion’s mouth get it out as
fast as you can
I696 Cornish Com. I v, p. 46: My hand is in the Lion’s mouth; I
must agree with him. I721 KEL., p. 171: He that hath his Hand in
the Lyon’s Mouth, must take it out as well as he can. *He that is
under the Distress of a severe Person, must extricate himself as well
as he is able. I732 FUL., no. 2724.
Cf. F653: We must fall down before a fox (lion, fortune) in
season.
H83 Lay thy HAND on thy heart and speak the truth
1546 HEY. II xi, s. L4v: And nowe this herde, in these cases on eche
parte, I saie no more, but laie your hande on your harte. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 21.
H84 The left HAND is the hand of the heart
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 141.
H85 Many kiss the HAND they wish cut off
I 599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 50: The prouerbe saith, A man kisseth
those hands that he would see cut off. 1634 J. HOWELL Let. II 12, II
403: An Italian . . will tell you that he kisseth your hand a thousand
times over, when he wisheth them both cut-ofl'. 1640 HERB., no.
279. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: A hand is sometimes wash’d, that
one would see rotted. I659 N.R., p. 78. 1664 COD., p. 205: Many
do kiss Hands which they would wish to see cut off. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 6, p. 142: There’s many a hand kiss’d, that they who kiss it,
could Wish it were cut off. 1670 RAY, p. 15: Many do kiss the
hands they wish to see cut off. *His. I687 MIEGE, s.v. To kiss:
[As in 1670 Ray]. 1732 FUL., no. 3352: Many kiss the Hands they
wish to see cut 01?.
H86 A moist HAND argues an amorous nature (fruit-
fulness)
1608 G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN Dumb K nt. IV, p. 177: Now doth her
moistening palm glow in his hand, And courts him unto dalliance.
1673 D’AVENANT News IV, p. 174: A moist palm, which assures me
that she will not Be satisfied with a kickshaw.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HAND
HAND
285

f
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-3 C.E. III ii 122: Where Scotland? —I
found it by the barrenness, hard in the palm of the hand. 1604 0.
II i 259: Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand?
Didst not mark that? —Yes, that I did; but that was but cour-
tesy. ———Lechery, by this hand! Ibid. III iv 36: Give me your
hand. This hand is moist, my lady. —~It yet hath felt no age nor
known no sorrow. ~—This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart.
1606-7 A.C. I ii 52: If an oily palm be not a fruitful prognostication,
I cannot scratch mine ear.
H87 One HAND washes another and both (both wash)
the face
[ERAS. Adagia, 40D: Manum manus lavat.] I567 JEWEL Def. Apol.
1V, IV 692: The proverb is common: One hand claweth another.
The pope was advanced by Pipine; and Pipine was likewise ad-
vanced by the pope. 1573 SANF., f. 110v: (both wash). 1578
FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34: (both wash). I580 BARET, M—IOO:
Manus manum lauat. *A Prouerbe commonly applied, when a
man doth one good turne for another. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 9: (but they both). 1593 G. HARVEY Let. Not. Cont., p.
269: One hand washeth an other: and it apperteineth vnto him, that
taketh something, to giue something. I596 SPENSER FAQ. IV i 40:
Your selfe for this, my selfe will for you fight. AS ye haue done for
me: the left hand rubs the right. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 67:
(and both of them the face). 1607 MIDDLETON Phoenix I i 123:
’Tis through the world, this hand will rub the other. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Main: One hand washes the other; applyable to such as giue
vpon assurance, or hope, to be giuen vnto; or vnto such as any way
serue one anothers turne. 1616 DR., s.v. Friendship, no. 810: One
hand washeth another. 1623 WOD., p. 502: One Hand doth wash,
or rub the other. *Two Helpes are better then one. 1629 Bk.
Mer. Rid. 132, p. 29: (both wash). 1640 HERB., no. 235. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 5. 1664 COD., p. 207: (both wash). I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 9, p. 142: (the other, and both wash the face). I732
FUL., no. 3759: One Hand may wash the other, but both the Face.
See DUR., I, no. 375; OTTO, no. 1036. Cf. H109: Both hands are
cleansed when the one is washed with the other; M1306: One mule
(ass, horse) does scrub (scratch, claw) another. ( 5)
H88 Put not your HAND between the bark and the tree
1546 HEY. II ii, s. G1v: (It were a foly for me, To put my hande).
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 10, p. 22: Be pinched by lending . .
Nor put to thy hand betwixt bark and the tree, least through thy
owne follie so pinched thou bee. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 46: I neuer mean to put my hand betweene the barke and the
tree, or in matters which are not for me to be ouer curious. 01594
BACON, no. 655: (To put one’s hand). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1 I39:
(betuix the rynd and the trie). 1600 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist.
Livy XXXVI, p. 921: The embassage of the Epirotes plaid with
both hands, meaning to deale roundly and simply with no side, but
to go between the bark and the tree. 1606 Wily Beguiled iv, p. 20:
I doe not doubt but with your helpe to creep between the bark and
the tree, and get Lelia my selfe. 1616 DR., no. 1371: (Hee putteth
his hand). [01616] 1630 Pathomachia IV iii, p. 41: Away with her,
she goes betweene Barke and Tree; set’s debate betweene Man and
Wife. 1642 D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 303: Being so audacious as to
go between barke and tree, breeding suspitions . . betweene man
and wife. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: Who puts variance twixt
man and wife, goeth twixt bark and tree. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.
into Fr. It. Span., p. 7b: Who intermeddleth twixt Man and Wife
goeth twixt the bark and the Tree. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 58,
p. 59: As the English say, Twixt the bark and the tree. I666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Muro, p. I 13: To set ones self . . twixt the bark and
the tree, to put variance ’twixt friends. 1668 R.B., p. 42: [As in
a1598 Ferg.].
Cf. B83: AS near as bark to tree; B689: Between brothers put not
thou thy hand, for who severs them has ever the worst; S505: As
near to one as one’s skin.
H89 Put your HAND into the creel and you will get
either an adder or an eel
a1615 MONTGOMERIE Poet Reasons 1. 70: Poems, p. 178: Bot put
your hand by hazard in the creill; Yit men hes mater vharvpon to

muse, For they must drau ane adder or ane eill. 1668 R.B., p. 43.
1721 KEL., p. 278: (in the Creel, and take out). *Spoken of taking
a Wife, where no Cunning, Art, or Sense can secure a good Choice,
but must be taken For better and worse.
H90 The same HAND that gave must heal the wound
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 178: As the same hand which did hurt me,
did help me. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 215: Such a wound
must be healed wher it was first hurt. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 73: There is none that can better heale your wound than he
that made it, so that you should haue sent for Cupid, not Aescula-
pius. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., S. OI: Venus, that hath hurte me,
and must helpe me. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 181: That the
eies wound and heale againe. 1590 SPENSER II xii 73: With
her false eyes fast fixed in his sight, As seeking medicine, whence she
was stong. I640 JONSON Tale Tub II iv 90: There is a pointed
lustre in her eye Hath shot quite through me, and hath hit my
heart: And thence it is, I first receiv’d the wound, That ranckles
now, which only shee can cure. 1641 HENRY OXINDEN (to Eliza-
beth Dallison) in Oxinden Let. 228, p. 293: I doe find that noe hand
is soe like to cure the wound but that which made it.
See OTTO, no. 101. Cf. S83: Seek your salve where you got your
sore; S731: The spear of Achilles could both wound and heal.
H91 Sow with the HAND and not with the whole sack
1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. Pref. [f. 8v]: For as men use to sow with
the hand and not with the whole sacke, so I would have the care fed,
but not cloyed with these pleasing and sweet falling meeters. 1603
FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 135: Not whole sackes, but by the
hand, A man should sow his seed i’ the land. 1630 T. ADAMS
Contempl. Herbs: Wks., p. 1043: That stock lasts, that is neither
hoorded miserably, nor dealt out indiscreetly. We sow the furrow
not by the sacke, but by the handfulls.
H92 They are HAND and glove
01633 [CLAVELL AND MARMION] Soddered Citizen V i, p. 94: Like the
hand vnto the glove. I678 RAY, p. 347: (They two are). *Somer-
set. 1697 VANBRUGH Provoked Wife II i, p. 130: Zoons, Sir, my
Lord Rake and I are Hand and Glove. 1732 FUL., no. 4953. I738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 455: I thought you and he were hand in
glove.
See ST., no. 1212.
H93 To be on the mending HAND
1581 MULCASTER Positions 10, p. 57: All those which be on the
mending hand, after Sicknesse. 1608 DOD AND CLEAVER Expos.
Prov., p. 96: On the other side, iust men are all on the mending
hand; they are well planted, they grow in a fruitfull ground by the
riuers of water. 1617 E. MONTAGU (to J. Montagu, Apr. 23) in
Montagu Papers, I 252: I am of the mending hand. I666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Strada, p. 205: To be on the good way, viz. to be on
the mending hand dayly, and hourly. 1670 C. COTTON Life
Espernon III xii, p. 600: He was yet but upon the mending hand.
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 429, I 401: At his Return a while
after, he found his Friend upon the Mending Hand.
See ST., no. 797. (19)
H94 To bear one in HAND
[01486-1500] 01530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. A4: But yf Reason
tykyll hym in the ere Or bere hym on hand the kow ys wood.
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. B1v: They bare me in hande
that I was a spye. 1553 Respublica III iii, p. 23: And beareth vs
faire in hande. 1589 Rare Triumphs Love and Fortune I 39, s. A2v:
Thy daughter Venus . . beareth all the world in hand. 1593 G.
GIFFORD Dial. conc. Witches, s. A3: He beareth the witches in hand
he doth them.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1598-9 M.A. IV i 305: What? bear her in hand
until they come to take hands. 1610 Cym. V v 43: Your daughter,
whom she bore in hand to love.
H95 To get (have) the upper HAND
[3.1470] 1481 [TIPTOFT] Tulle Old Age, p. 79: [He] had the vppir-
hande and Victorye of the men of Cartage. 1530 PALS., p. 582a:

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HAND
HANDS
286

We have the upper hande of our enemyes. [1547-53] 61565
WEVER Lusty Yuventus, s. E2: But abhominable vices hath gotten
the vpper hand. 1576 GASCOIGNE Steel Glass, p. 157: But downe
goeth a], where they [soldiers] get vpper hand. 1604 DEKKER
1 lion. Whore, p. 63: Ile shoulder with him for the upper hand.
1623 WOD., p. 495: Hee hath gotte[n] the vpper-Hand of his Af-
faires. 1681 ROB., p. 1269: Where men agree well together, they
are more like to have the upper hand.
SHAKESI'EARE.-—1597 Rich. 1]] IV iv 37: Let my griefs frown on
the upper hand.
See ST., no. 336. (56)
H96 To have had one’s HAND in the salt box
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mano, p. 97: To charge the hand, viz.
to strike lustily, to have a heavy hand, also to put too much salt,
or peper, or any thing else; the English say, to have had ones hand
in the salt-box.
H97 To lend a helping HAND
61450 Imit. Christ III le in Imit. Christi, p. I 15: It is some amend-
id, whan it pleasith the to put to an helping honde. 1542 RE-
CORDE Ground Arts, p. 364: When time shall fall fit . . you shall
not want my helping hande. [I598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng. for
My Money, s. C3: Ile set a helping hand vnto the same. 61605
DAVIES Wit’s Pilg., p. 15: Thou dost hurt It with thy helping
Hand.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II IV i 160: Little are we beholding
to your love, And little look’d for at your helping hands.
H98 To live (have) from HAND to mouth
[ERAS. Adagia, 322E: Atque ex tempore vivis.] 1559 COOPER,
s.v. Tempus: Ex tempore viuunt, they liue but from hand to mouth;
or they bee not carefull for the morrowe. I573 TUSSER 500 Points
Husb. 100, p. 190: If fooles may haue from hand to mouth, they
passe vpon no more. 1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 49:
(I live from). 1611 FLOR., s.v. Di per di, p. 148: Day by day.
Also as we say from hand to mouth. [1619] I647 FLETCHER Mad
Lover I, p. 9: They good people Have but from hand to mouth.
1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 245: (He hath but from). Ibid., p. 293:
Hee lives from hand to mouth. In diem vivere. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Giornata, p. 74: To live . . without much thought,
or care, from hand to mouth. 1670 RAY, p. 179. 1670 WALKER
Idiom. Ang.-Lat., p. 306: (He hath but from). 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. Poor, p. 259: (To have but from). 1672 WALK. 33, p. 51.
See ST., no. 791.
H99 To make a HAND (fair hand) of a thing
[Used ironically: to make a mess of a thing.] 1592 LYLY Midas V
ii 148: You haue made a faire hand; for now you haue made your
lips cizars to cut off your eares. 1619 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER
King No King V, p. 218: Then have I made a fair hand, I call’d her
Whore. [1621-39] 1653 J. FORD Queen IV, p. 29: O that ever you
were born, you have made a sweet hand on’t, have you not. 1670
RAY, p. 179. a1700 B.E., s.v. Handycrafts: He will make a Hand
ofit, he will make a Penny ofit, or make it turn to Account. 1705
C. JOHNSON Fortune I, p. 6: Ifyou don’t make a good hand of these
Fools you are a very worthless Fellow.
SHAKESPEARE—I608 C. IV vi 117: You have made fair hands,
You and your crafts! 1613 Hen. VIII V iv 74: Y’ have made a
fine hand, fellows!
H100 To refuse with the right HAND and take with the-
left
1639 CL., s.v. Imposturae, p. 149. 1732 FUL., no. 2009: He re-
fuseth the Bribe, but putteth forth his Hand.
Cf. S427: I will not take from my left side (hand) to give to
my right.
H101 A wet HAND will hold a dead herring
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 174: A wette hande quoth Flauia
will holde a dead Hearing. 1732 FUL., no. 453.

i
H102 Whatever is made by the HAND of man, by the
hand of man may be overturned
I651 HERB., p. 374.
H103 Where every HAND fleeces, the sheep go naked
1639 CL., s.v. Liberalitas, p. 187: (the Sheepe goes naked). I670
RAY, p. 91: [As in 1639 CL]. 1721 KEL., p. 243. I732 FUL., no,
5645: (Where every one fieeceth).
H104 Who can hold that they have not in their HAND?
1678 RAY, p. 155.
H105 The wise HAND does not all the foolish mouth
speaks
I640 HERB., no. 242: (not all that the foolish mouth speakes).
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 193. 1659 N.R., p. 97.
1664 COD., p. 218. 1670 RAY, p. 12: (the foolish tongue speaketh).
1732 FUL., no. 4488: The discreet Hand doth not do all that the
Tongue says.
H106 Wish in one HAND and shit in the other and see
which will be full first
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: Put thy wish in one fist, and shite in
the tother, and try which will be fill’d soonest. 1670 RAY, p. I 57.
I697 MER., p. 166: (Wish in yea hand and). 1721 KEL., p. 349:
(and drite in another, and see which will be first full). 1730 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 400: Wish in one hand—~ -—Out upon you: Lord,
what can the man mean?
H107 Withhold not thine HAND from showing mercy
to the poor
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 412.
H108 Your HAND is never worse for doing your own
work
1573 SANF., f. [3 5]: Hee fouleth not his handes that doth his own
businesse. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3 5: Thy hand never worse for
doing thy own work.
H109 Both HANDS are cleansed when the one is
washed with the other
1586 WITHALS, s. F4. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 142: If one hand
washeth the other, they’l both be clean.
Cf. H87: One hand washes another and both (both wash) the
face.
H110 Empty HANDS deserve no prayer
1611 COT., s.v. Vuide: They that giue nought get nought; th’emp-
tie~handed pray in vaine. 1616 DR., s.v. Niggardlinesse, no. 1499.
Cf. P198: No penny no pardon; P199: NO penny no pater-
noster.
H111 Empty HANDS no hawks allure
[61530] c1545 H. RHODES Bk. Nurture (1577 ed.) 1. 739, in Babies
Bk. etc., p. 102: For empty fystes, men vse to say, cannot the Hawke
retayne. I562 HEY. Dial. II v, p. 54: But make ye sure, With
emptie handes men maie no haukes allure. 1576 R. EDWARDS
Par. Dainty Dev., p. [I 5], l. 17: Freendes like Haukes, doo soare
from emptie fist. 1586 WITHALS, s. A5: An empty hand doth not
catch a hawke. 1597 DUNSANY (to Cecil, Nov. 9) in R. Cecil
Cal. MSS, VII 476: With empty hands a man may lure no hawks.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1478: With emptie hand no man should haulks
alluir. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil IV i 139: With empty fist no
man doth falcons lure. 1616 DR., s.v. Of carnall Loue, no. 1318.
1639 CL., s.v. Munerum corruptela, p. 219. 1668 R.B., p. 56: [As
in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 85. 1721 KEL., p. 21: An empty
Hand no Lure for a Hawk. *If you would have any thing done for
you, you must give something, for People will not serve you for
nothing. 1732 FUL., no. 1365: Empty Hands allure no Hawks.
H112 HANDS off is fair play
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 565.
I639 CL., s.V. Repellentis, p. 273:
Hands off and faire play.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HANDS
HANG
287


H113 Happier are the HANDS compassed with iron
than a heart with thoughts
1640 HERB., no. 578. I659 N.R., p. 58: (then the heart with
thoughts).
H114 He has both his HANDS full
[(3470] I48 5 MALORY .Morte d’Arthur XX xxii, p. 837: Sythen that
ye so unknyghtelye calle me of treson Ye shalle haue bothe your
handes ful of me. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H4V: And the best of them
shall haue both their hands full. 1616 DR., s.v. Busie or medling,
no. 221. 1633 MASSINGER New Way to Pay V i, p. 192: For fight-
ing—fear not, you shall have your hands full. 1639 CL., p. 234:
They have their hands full. Ihid., s.v. Perplexus, p. 248. 1670
RAY, p. 179: To have his hands full.
H115 He plays on both HANDS
1530 PALS., p. 433a: If he ones apperceyve you howe you play on
bothe the handes, he wyll never truste you after. 1546 HEY. I x, s.
C3: She can plaie on both hands; Dissimulacion well she vnder-
stands. 01570 T. PRESTON Camhyses, s. B4: Can you not play with
both hands and turn with. the winde? 1616 DR., s.v. Dissimula—
tion, no. 526. 1633 J. FORD ’Tz's Pity III, p. 122: If this Phisitian
Play not on both hands, then Soranzo falls.
H116 Help, HANDS, for I have no lands
I565 GOLDING Metam. III 745, p. 77: His handes did serve in
steade Oflandes. 1591 I Trouhlesome Reign Yohn, s. B3: And with
this Prouerb gin the world anew, Help hands, I haue no lands,
honour is my desire. 01600 [CLIMSELL] Serv.-Man and Hushand-
man 1. 119 in Roxh. Bal., I 305: He passeth some with house and
lands; when that decayes, he cryes, Helpe, hands. 1605 ARMIN
Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 36: Foole, says the Jester, Vse thy hand;
help hands, I haue no lands. 1639 CL., s.v. Assiduitas, p. 36.
1670 RAY, p. 99. I732 FUL., no. 6099. 1745 FRANKLIN, p. 22.
H117 I will not foul my HANDS with him
1616 DR., s.v. Contention, no. 345: (staine).
Discordia, p. 94.
Cf. F238: I will not foul my fingers with him.
1639 CL., s.v.
H118 I will wash my HANDS and wait upon you
[1600] I659 ]. DAY Blind Beg. II, s. D2v: I’ll wash mine hands and
wait on you [said in scorn]. 1678 RAY, p. 353. I738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 406: (wait on you).
H119 Many HANDS make light work
a1536 HILL 24, p. 128. I539 TAV., f. 36: Many handes make a
lyghte burthen. 1546 HEY. II V, s. H1. 1579 GOSSON Ephemer-
ides To Rdr. [p. 1]. 1586 WITHALS, s. FIV. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 998: Mony hands maks light work and namly at the meat.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 14: They say that many hands light worke
do make. 1611 GRUT., no. 184. 1614 CAM., p. 309. I616 BRET.,
p. 6: Many hands make quicke worke. 1616 DR., s.v. Aduentur-
ing, no. 45. Ihid., s.v. Helpe, or ayd, no. 969: Many hands make
quicke dispatch. 1620 G. MARKHAM Farew. Hush. xvii, p. 88:
(According to the old saying, That many). 1639 CL., p. 218.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1670 RAY, p. 118: Many hands make
light (or quick) work. 1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III ii 261, p. 324:
Most Hands dispatch apace And make light Work, (the Proverb
says). 1697 MER., p. 165: (macks). I721 KEL., p. 244: *Because
it is but little to every one. 1732 FUL., no. 3347.
See ST., no. 789. (17)
HIzo-I Spit in your HANDS and take better hold
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4v: (Nay, I will spit in my hands, and).
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. HIV: Spitte on your handes and
take good holde. I590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 85: What
Francesco? spit on thy hand, and lay holde on thy hart. 1591
I Troublesome Reign Yohn, s. BIv: Spit in your hand and to your
other proofes. 1659 N.R., p. 90. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Mani, p. 97: To spit in ones hands, viz. to set upon any thing
vigorously, and smartly. 1670 RAY, p. 194: (Spit in your hand).
1721 KEL., p. 291: Spit in your Hand and hold fast. *Spoken to

Wives, when they speak of their Husband’s second Marriage.
1732 FUL., no. 4251: Spit in your Hand, and take faster hold. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 391: Nought’s never in danger. I warrant
miss will spit in her hand, and hold fast.
See L., II 24. Cf. M269: A man may spit in his hand and do
full ill.
H122 To wash one’s HANDS of a thing
[Matt. xxvii 24: Pilate . . took water, and washed his hands .
saying, I am innocent of the blood of thisjust person] 1554 LADY
jANE Words on Scaflold: Harl. Misc., III 115: I wil wash my hands
giltles thereof. 1570 G. BUCHANAN Chameleon: Vernacular Writ-
ings, p. 53: Pilat wesching his handis of the dead of Chryst. 1602
[COOKE] How Man May Choose, s. H2: Nay if you wil be foolish and
past reason, Ile wash my hands like Pilate, from thy follie. [01613]
1632 T. HEYWOOD 1 Iron Age I, p. 284: On you Paris light the
blame: Ile wash my hands of all. 1632 HOWELL Let. II 19, II
41 I: I intend to spend my breath no longer upon them, but to wash
my hands quite of the business. a1674 CLARENDON Hist. Rehel.
IV, II 276: He said, he should wash his hands before all the world
from the least imputation of slackness. 1693 CONGREVE Old Bache-
lor II, p. 179: Mony is but Dirt, Sir Joseph—Mere Dirt. -——But
I profess, ’tis a Dirt I have washed my Hands of at present.
See ST., no. 800.
H123 Two HANDS in a dish and one in a purse
1623 CAM., p. 279. 1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 241. 1659 How-
Eng. Prov., p. 4: (but one). 1659 N.R., p. 111: (a dish one in a
Purse). 1664 COD., p. 212: (but one). 1670 RAY, p. 198. 1721
KEL., p. 336: *I am pleas’d when People eat with me, but not when
they invade my Property. 1732 F UL., no. 5330. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. II, p. 432: Then pray, Torn, carve for yourself; they say,
two hands in a dish, and one in a purse.
H124 Wash your HANDS often, your feet seldom, and
your head never
I670 RAY, p. 38.
H125 With unwashed HANDS
[ERAS. Adagia, 354C: Illotis manibus.] 1640 PALSGRAVE Aco-
lastus II i, p. 63: Why be these holy thynges, to be medled with,
with vnwashed handes? 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 8: To wash’d
hands God sends encrease.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 I Hen. IV III iii 205: Rob me the excheq-
uer the first thing thou doest, and do it with unwash’d hands too.
H126 A HANDFUL of good life is better than a bushel
of learning
1623 WOD., p. 503: A Handfull of good Godly Living, Is better
then a Tunne of Learning. 1640 HERB., no. 3. 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 11. I659 N.R., p. 11. 1664 Con., p. 186. 1670 RAY,
p. 12. I721 KEL., p. 7.
Cf. H127: A handful of nature is better than an armful of
science.
H127 A HANDFUL of nature is better than an armful
of science1
1616 DR., no. 1468: One handfull of nature is better then two of
knowledge. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. I. Ihid., p. 5: A handful
of naturall wit is better then an armful of learning.
Cf. H126: A handful of good life is better than a bushel of
learning; O87: An ounce of mother wit (discretion, wit) is worth
a pound of clergy (learning, wit, folly).
[llearning]
H128 As idle as one may HANG together
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-I III ii 13: As idle as she may
hang together, for want of company.
See NORTHALL Folk Phr., p. 9.
H129 Better to HANG than to hold
1639 CL., s.v. Desperatio, p. 86. 1685 MERITON Praise Yorksh.
Ale, p. 48: Sike Fowks are fitter to hang than to hawd.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HANGED
HARE
288
H130 Better be half HANGED than ill wed
1659 N.R., p. 23. 1670 RAY, p. 48.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOOI T.N. I v 20: Many a good hanging pre-
vents a bad marriage.
H131 HANGING is stretching, mocking is catching
1678 RAY, p. 200.
Cf. 5152: Scorning (Mocking) is catching.
H132 HANGING is the worst use you can put a man to
[£11639] 1651 H. WOTTon Dispar. hetw. Buck. and Essex: Relig.,
p. 69: And he believed doubtlesse, that Hanging was the worst
use man could be put to.
See SM., p. 471.
H133 A HANGMAN is a good trade, he does his work
by daylight
1678 RAY, p. 91: *Relating to several trades.
H134 The HANGMAN leads the dance
1615 J. STEPHENS Essays II 28 in Bks. Char., p. 254: He [the hang-
man] hath many dependant followers: for (as the proverb saith)
hangman leades the dance.
H135-HI36 HAP: subst.
H13 5 HAP and a halfpenny is world’s gear enough
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 545. 1639 CL., s.v. Fortunata stultitia,
p. 126: Hap and half-penny goods enough. I668 R.B., p. 26.
I670 RAY, p. 100: [As in 1639 Cl.]. *Good luck is enough, though a
man hath not a penny left him. I721 KEL., p. 133.
Cf. H610: With hope, a halfpenny, and a lambskin; M146:
Give a man luck (fortune) and throw him into the sea.
H136 Some have the HAP, some stick in the gap
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16:
I721 KEL., p.
1732 FUL., no.
1639 CL., s.v. Fortunatus, p. 125.
(and others sticke in the gapp). 1670 RAY, p. 100.
296: Some has hap, and some sticks in the Gap.
6274: (Some have Hap; And some).
H137 HAP: verb
H137 HAP good hap ill (evil)
[a1563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife 1. 804, p. 22: Hap good hap,
will, hap good, hap evil; Even hap as hap may. 1597 BRETON Wit
and Will in Will Wit (1599 ed.): Wks., II 7: Therefore hap good,
or hap ill, I will walke on still.
Cf. C529: Come (Hap) what come (hap) may.
H138 HAPPINESS cannot be attained in this world
1639 CL., p. 322: No happinesse here below. 1659 N.R., p. 61.
H139 He that talks much of his HAPPINEss summons
grief
I640 HERB., no. 850.
grief).
H140 It is better to be HAPPY (fortunate) than wise
1546 HEY. II vi, s. 11v: (They wold saie, better to be). 1562
HEY. Epig. 123, p. 145: (Better be). 1576 R. EDWARDS Par.
Dainty Dev., p. [33], l. 7: I rather be borne Fortunate, then to be
very wise. 1581 B. RICH Fare. Mil. Prof., p. 7: (There is an old
proverbe . . It). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 250: Better be happie nor
wyse. I611 GRUT., no. 63: (Better to be). 1612 WEBSTER White
Devil V vi 183: ’Tis better to be fortunate then wise. 1614 CAM.,
1659 N .R., p. 59: (of happinesse summons
p. 304: (Better to be). 1616 DR., s.v. Fortune, no. 774. 1639
CL., p. 48. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (Better to be). 1659
N.R., p. 23: (Better to be). 1666 T0R. It. Prov. 19, p. 87. 1668
R.B., p. 13: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 99.
Cf. F598: Better to have good fortune than be a rich man’s
child; 085: An ounce of fortune (good fortune) is worth a pound of
forecast (wit).
H147 As fearful as a HARE

fl
H141 HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
1633 T. JAMES Strange Voyage, p. 506: We must goe forward, happy
be luckie. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 219: Whom it concerns, good
may it do him. *Note 288, p. 228: As much as to say, in English,
Happy be lucky. I672 WYCHERLEY Love in Wood I, p. 79: You
have a hundred more, if into the Widdows, fifty, happy goe lucky.
1699 T. MORGAN Prog. France in Eng. Garn., IV 641: Shall we fall
on in order, or happy-go-lucky. 1721 KEL., p. 155: *That is, let
the Fortunate get the fortunate Share. Spoken when People
venture upon an uncertain Project.
See ST., no. 1447. Cf. M158: Happy man happy dole (be his
dole).
H142 He that is ill of his HARBERIE1 is good of his
way-kenning
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 512: (good of his away going). I641 FERG.,
no. 341. 1668 R.B., p. 24. 1721 KEL., p. 143: He that’s ill of his
Lodging, is well of his waykenning. *Spoken when I ask my
Neighbour a Loan, and he tells me that he cannot, but such an one
can.
[llodging]
H143 I will throw you into HAREOROUGH FIELD
1678 RAY, p. 317: *A threat for children, Harborough having no
field.
H144 The HARD gives more (no more) than he that
has nothing
1599 MINSHEU Span, Gram., p. 80: More giueth the hard then the
naked, i. More giueth the miser or curmudgeon, then he that hath
it not to giue. I640 HERB., no. 255. I659 N.R., p. 98. 1664 COD.,
p. 218: (no more). 1670 RAY, p. 12: (no more).
Cf. F145: No feast to a miser’s.
H145 HARD with hard never made good wall
1573 SANF., f. 104. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29. 1611 DAY.
Prov., no. 239: Hard with the hard, ne’re made good wall: Yet
know I one (hardy) hardly will fall. 1622 T. ADAMS City Peace:
Wks., p. 1000: The Italians haue a Prouerbe, Hard without soft,
the wall is nought. Stones . . without mortar . . make but a
tottering wall . . The societie that consists of nothing but stones,
intractable and refractory spirits . . soone dissolues. I629 Bk.
Mer. Rid. 96, p. 28: (any good wall). 1639 CL., p. 274: (makes
not the stone wall). 1655 FULLER Church Hist. II ii, I 121: Hard
with hard, saith the prouerb, makes no wall; and no wonder, if the
spiritual building went on no better, wherein the austerity and
harshness of the pastor met with the ignorance and sturdiness of
the people. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: Hard and hard makes no
good wall. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 78: Hard with hard, makes
no wall. *Note 98, p. 80: If the stones be hard, the morter must
be soft to ciment them. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Raspa, p.
165: Hard with hard makes not a wall, and therefore Men of War
shun one another, that they might not meet and fight, Where there’s
nothing to be got but dry blows. I670 RAY, p. 100: Hard with hard
makes not the stone wall.
See ST., no. 836.
H146 He that eats the HARD shall eat the ripe
I640 HERB., no. 206. 1659 N.R., p. 54.
1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap I i 70. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Poltrone, p. 152: To be a greater Coward than a hare, viz. which
immediately at the least noise, makes away, and betakes her self
to her heels.
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. III iv 420: A very dishonest paltry
boy, and more a coward than a hare.
H148 As mad as a March HARE
[01497] c1520 MEDWALL Fulgens, s. G2: Ye by my trowth as made
as an hare. [01517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. C3: As mery as a

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HARE
HARE
289
’—
Marche hare. 1529 T. MORE Suppliea. Souls 1: Wks. 1557, p.
299: As mad not as a march hare, but as a madde dogge. I546
HEY. II v, s. H4: Ye frete and ye fume, as mad as a marche hare.
1562 HEY. Epig. 95, p. 141. I577 STANYHURST Deser. Ireland
III in Holinshed Chron., VI 32: His heart being scared with gelousie
_ . he became as mad as a March hare. 1616 DR., no. 1338. I627
DRAYTON Nimphidia l. 180: Wks., III 130: Grewe as mad as any
Hare, when he had sought each place with care, and found his
Queene was missing. 1639 CL., p. 77. 1659 How. Eng._ Prov.,
p. 5. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gatta, p. 71: To be unconstant,
and phanatical, or phantastical; the English say, hare-braind.
1670 RAY, p. 202. I697 VANBRUGH Relapse IV, p. 40: I’m
much mistaken, if she don’t prove a March Hare all the year
round.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. III v 72: There’s a dainty mad
woman, master . . as mad as a March hare.
(19)
See ST., no. 753.
H149 A HARE and a mare go one year
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: *Nine the one, and three the
other.
H150 A HARE has crossed your way
[ERAS. Adagia, 6931": Lepus apparens, infortunatum facit iter.]
1608 G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN Dumh Knt. IV, p. 182: Sure I said
my prayers, ris’d on my right side . . No hare did cross me, nor no
bearded witch, Nor other ominous sign. 1613 WITHER Ahuses II i,
I 233: [If] a Hare, but crosse the way . . Their mirth is spoyld,
because they hold it true That some mischance must thereupon
ensue. 1616 5.5. Hon. Lawyer V, s. I2v: Happinesse grant, that no
Hare crosse him ith’ way. 1619 Two Wise Men VII ii, 5. N4v:
What if a Hare crosse your way? is that nothing neither? I631
DEKKER Match Me in Land. III, p. 181: How, now, did a Hare
crosse your way? 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh IV ii 18: The unlucky
Hare hath crost us all this day.
Cf. R33: The croaking raven bodes misfortune (death). (11)
H151 HARE is melancholy meat
I558 BULLEIN Govt. Health, f. 64v: The flesh of Hares bee hote and
drie, ingenderers of Melancholie. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I II ii
1, p. 190: Hare, a black meat, melancholy, and hard of digestion.
I659 HEYLIN in Fuller Appeal II, p. 496: But it is dry meat, said
the countryfellow, when he lost the hare; and so let Calais pass
for a beggarly town. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 24: If thou wilt eat
what is ill, eat a roasted Hare. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 127:
Who eateth hares, laughs for seven daies together. *Note 34, p.
133: I suppose is meant ironically, a hare being a melancholy meat.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 440: Will yourladyship have any of this
hare? —No, madam, they say ’tis melancholy meat.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 1 Hen. IVI ii 87: What sayest thou to a
hare, or the melancholy of Moor Ditch? 1598—9 M.A. II i 221:
As melancholy as a lodge in a warren.
f Cf. H159: Who eats a hare laughs seven days after (will look
air).
H152 The HARE runs well but the dog that catches her
better
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 6. 1664 COD., p. 213.
H153 A HARE sleeps with his eyes open
[ERAS. Adagia, 383E: Lepus dormiens.] I567 MAPLET Green
Forest III, p. 155: He sleepeth (as the Hare doth) with eielids
vnshut. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 219: Like a Hare, he must
sleepe with his eyes open. [c1597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered V xi
I 5: Looking to my gold with such hares eyes, That euer open, I euen
when thlelye sleepe. 1629 1. FORD Lover’s Mel. II, p. 30: He sleepes
like a Hare with his eyes open. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 127:
(her eyes Open). a1700 B.E., s.v. Hare: Hare-sleep, with Eies
a’most open. 1732 FUL., no. 1947: He is so wary, that he sleeps
like a Hare, with his Eyes open.
Cf. D524: To sleep dog’s sleep; E250: To sleep with an eye
open.

H154 He that will have a HARE to breakfast must
hunt overnight
1636 CAM., p. 297. I659 N.R., p. 45. 1664 COD., p. 196. I670
RAY, p. 13: (He that would have). 1732 FUL., no. 2365: (He that
would have a Hare for his Breakfast).
H155 If you could run as you drink you might catch
a HARE
1640 HERB., no. 369.
193. 1659 N.R., p. 70.
H156 Take a HARE without a meuse and a woman
without a ’scuse
I585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. M3: Three thinges very hard or not
at all to be found. A hare without a muse. A fenne without a
sluse. A whore without a skuse. I592 GREENE Disp. hetw. He
and She, p. 217: Come but to the olde Prouerbe . . Tis as hard to
find a Hare without a Muse, as a woman without a sense. 1627
W. HAWKINS Apollo Shroving V iv, p. 168: The Nine Muses
play at Nine-holes; euery Muse hath her hole. Yes, and euery
Hare hath her Muse. 1639 CL., p. 117. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 12: (a muse, and a Knave without an excuse, and hang them up).
1670 RAY, p. 174-. Find you without an excuse, and find a hare
without a muse. 1672 WALK. 19, p. 51: Find you without an ex-
cuse, And find a hare Without a muse: he hath as many tricks as a
Lawyer.
Cf. T523: He has as many tricks as a lawyer; W654: Alwoman
is never without an excuse; W659: A woman needs but to look on
her apron string to find an excuse.
H157 There goes the HARE away
[1486-1500] a152o MEDWALL Nature II, s. G2: By my faith a lytell
season I folowed counsell and dyet of reason. ——There went the
hare away. [c1522] c1545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court 1. 115:
Wks., II 30: This byll well ouerloked, Clerely perceuye we may There
went the hare away. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H4: And here goth the hare
awaie, for ye iudge all, and iudge the worst in all, or profe in ought
fall. 1553 Respuhliea III iii, p. 23: Nai, now youe zai zouth [sooth]
een thieke same waie goeth the hare. 1562 HEY. Epig. 121, p.
145. 1573 New Custom II iii, s. D1: Then can wee not doo amisse
I coniecture lightly, For where as al these come, Peruersdoctrine,
Auarice, Ignorance, and Cruelty: There goeth the hare, except all
good lucke goe awrie. 1579 GOSSON Apol. Sch. Ahuse, p. '70.
01592 KYD Span. Trag. III xii, s. HI: Heere’s the King, nay stay,
And heere, I heere: there goes the hare away. 1600 P. HOLLAND
Roman Hist. Livy XXXV, p. 914: And here went the hare away.
1611 DAv. Prov., no. 12o. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxx,
III 227: But where we least thinke, there goes the Hare away.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1659 Lady Alimony II vi, 5. F1.
1670 RAY, p. 100: Where we least think, there goeth the hare away.
1732 FUL., no. 5683: [As in 1670 Ray].
See DiiR., II, no. 522.
H158 To hold (run) with the HARE and run (hold,
hunt) with the hound
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3. 1562 HEY. Epig. 72, p. 138: (Holde with).
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 123. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p.
247: I meane not to runne with the Hare and holde with the
Hounde. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 764: He runs with the hound and
holds with the hair. 1598 GREENE 7ames IV IV v, p. 140: What
should I do, but as the proverb saith, Run with the hare and hunt
with the hound. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 95: (Some hold). 1623
CAM., p. 271: (He houldes and runnes). 1639 CL., p. 182: (Neither
hold and nor run). CI640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 22: (In all
diHerences be vpright and equal], for it is a grand folly to hold
with). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,p. 4: (He will hold). Ibid., p. 11: ’Tis
wisedom sometimes to run with the Hare, and hold with Hound.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Volpe, p. 237: To temporize and dis-
semble; the English say, To run with the Hare, and hold with the
Hound. I670 RAY, p. 181: *TO be on both sides. 01600 Turn-
Coat Times in Roxh. Bal., IV 515: (I can hold). a1700 B.E., s.v.
Hare: *To keep fair with both Parties at once. 1721 KEL., p. 56:
Better hold with the Hound, as run with the Hare. *Better be
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
1664 COD., p. 202.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HARE
HARES
290

able to grapple with a Difficulty, than to have a Probability to
escape it. 1732 FUL., no. 5188: (with the Hounds).
Cf. J21 : To be Jack-on-both-sides. (I5)
H159 Who eats a HARE laughs seven days after (will
look fair)
[ERAS. Adagia, 412E: Leporem non edit.] 1599 BUTTES Diet’s
Dry Dinner, s. K2: It is a receiued opinion, that vse ofHares fieshe
procureth beautie, fresh colour, and cheerfull countenance for a
seuen-night space: in so much as the Italians haue a by-word, which
speaketh thus of a faire man, He hath eaten an Hare. 1600 W.
VAUGHAN Directions Health II iii, p. 35: Hare . . maketh a man to
looke amiably, according to the prouerbe: He hath swallowed up a
Hare: But it is vnwholesome for lazy and melancholike men. I 1601
P. HOLLAND Hist. World XXVIII xix, p. 34Ie: And the common
sort of people are persuaded, that the meat of this kind of venison,
hare’s flesh, causeth them that feed upon it, to looke faire, lovely,
and gracious, for a weeke togither afterwards. 1625 BACON
Apothegms: Wks., XIII 374: For the Moors eat no hare’s flesh.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 127: Who
eateth hares, laughs for seven daies together.
Cf. H151: Hare is melancholy meat; S584: He has eaten a snake.
H160 You shall as soon catch a HARE with a tabor
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 89: I haue as greate appetyte
to my booke to daye as an hare to a tabre. 1546 HEY. I ix, 8.
CIV: And yet shall we catche a hare with a taber, As soone as
catche ought of them. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Ventus: Reti ventos
venatur, he endeuoureth to catche an hare with a taber. I578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 193: You shal assone catch a Hare with a
Taber, as you shal perswade youth . . to such seueritie of lyfe.
1592 GREENE Quipfor Upstart Courtier, p. 252: The poore man that
gives but his bare fee, or perhaps pleads in forma pauperis, he
hunteth for hares with a taber. 1611 COT., s.v. Lievre: Hares are
not to be caught by drumming. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 12:
Hee seeketh to catch an Hare with a taber. 1616 WITHALS, p. 576.
1623 WOD., p. 500: Men catch not a Hare with the Sound of the
Drumme. *So said to an impatient Person who may haue Suc-
cesse with faire Words, but doth scorne to giue them. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Impossibilia, p. 147: You may catch a bare with a taber as-
soone. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 10: To take a bare with a tabor.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 127: Hares are not taken with a drum.
1670 RAY, p. 179: To catch a hare with a taber. I732 FUL., no.
2864: It is a mad Hare, that will be caught with a Tabor.
See DUR., I, no. 688. Cf. W416: He catches the wind in a
net. (12)
H161 Set the HARE’S head (foot) against the goose
giblets
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: Sens tyt for tat (quoth I) on euen hand is set,
Set the hares head agaynst the goose ieblet. 1552 TAV., f. 36v:
(gose gyblet). I579 GOSSON Ephem. Phialo, p. 7: [I] am presently
ready . . to sette the hares heade to the goose gybblettes, and al
that I haue at a mumme chaunce. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. X1:
She set the hares head to the goose giblings, and Spanyerdlike was
as careles as he. 1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 18: Ide set mine olde
debts against my new driblets, and the hares foot against the goose
giblets. 1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 24: Well, putting the
Hare to the Goose-gibblets, seeing there was no remedie, makes him~
selfe pastime. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho V i, s. I2:
You were caught, therefore . . set the Hares-head against the Goose-
giblets. 1608 MIDDLETON Trick to Catch Old One IV iv 200: (to
the goose-giblet). 1616 DR., s.v. Recompense, no. 1821. 1616
WITHALS, p. 559. 1618 N. FIELD Amendsfor Ladies I, p. 104: I
set the hare’s head unto the goose giblets, and what I want one
way, I hope I shall be enabled to supply the other. 1633 W. Row-
LEY ll/[atch at Midn. V, p. 88: As I have been bawd to the flesh,
you have been bawd to your money, so set the hare-pie against
the goose-giblets. 1639 CL., p. 246. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2:
To cast up all old scores and driblets, Set the Hares foot to the
Goose giblets. 1732 FUL., no. 4109: (the Goose’s Giblets).
SHAKESPEARE—1604 O. II i 155: She that in wisdom never was
so frail To change the cod’s head for the salmon’s tail. (10)

H162 To kiss the HARE’S foot
1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. CIV: Vpon payne to dyne with
Duke Humfrie, or kisse the Hares foote. 1611 F LOR., s.v. Rima-
nere a dentis ecchi, p. 438: To take paines and yet to get nothing to
feede on, or as we say when one comes late that all haue dined or
supped, to kisse the Hares foote, or else to kisse the post. 1616
W. BROWNE Br. Past. (1625 ed.) 11 2: Wks., II 25: We had need
Make haste away, vnlesse we meane to speed With those that
kisse the Hares foot. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Diavolo, p. 53:
To come late, when all is eat up; The English say, to kiss the hares
foot. 1678 RAY, p. 250: You must kiss the hares foot, or the cook.
1681 ROB., p. 475: You must kiss the post, or hares-foot. 1721
KEL., p. 229: Kiss the Hare’s Foot. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p.
432: I doubt you must kiss the hare’s foot.
Cf. D112: You come a day after the fair; D637: To dine with
Duke Humphrey; P494: You must kiss the post.
H163 He that hunts two HARES loses both
[ERAS. Adagia, 790A: Duos insequens lepores, neutrum capit.]
1573 SANF., f. 102v: (looseth one, and leaueth the other). 1578
FLOR. First F. XIX, f. [28v]: Who hunteth two hares, loseth the
one, and leaueth the other. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 157:
Yet one thing maketh [me] to feare, that in running after two Hares,
I catch neither. I586 WITHALS, s. C2v: (two Hares at once, shall
sometime lose one, and sometime both: shall goe without both).
1606 DANIEL Arcadia IV ii, p. 268: Who hunts two Hares at one
time, catches none. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet IV: Wks., p. 232:
The Hound that followes two Hares, will catch neither. I629
Bk. Mer. Rid. 72, p. 28: (oft loseth both). 1632 SHIRLEY Love in
Maze I i, p. 275: He would engage his service to my niece: I shall
not think him worthy, if he have Twohares afoot. 1640 SHIRLEY
Opportunity III iii, p. 419: I shall be loth to hunt two hares, and
after lose them both. 1659 T. BURTON Diary, IV 109: Keep to
your debate. You have two hares a-foot. You will lose both.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: Who traceth two hares at once, taketh
not the one, and letteth the other go. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. I 1: He who hunts two Hares, he sometimes takes one, and some-
times none. 1659 N.R., p. 124: Who hunts two Hares loseth the
one and deserts the other. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 39, p. 126: Who
hunts two hares, the one he doth not take, the other he letteth go.
1732 FUL., no. 2782: If you run after two Hares, you will catch
neither. 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: He that pursues two hares at
once, does not catch one and let[s] t’other go.
See DI'IR., II, no. 754.
H164 He will make you believe that HARES lay eggs
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s. I3v: Hee is gone to seeke a
Hayre in a Hennes nest. 1611 COT., s.v. Lievre: (He would make
vs beleeue that). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 16.
H165 So HARES may pull dead lions by the beard
[ERAS. Adagia, 1118A: Mortuo leoni et lepores insultant.] I580
BARET, M—487: [As in Eras.]. *A prouerbe vsed when any take
libertie in the absence of their gouernour. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv.
III, I 73: This saying rose, That the Lion being dead, the verie
Hares triumph over him. [1589—99] 1610 [MARSTON] Histrio-M.
VI, s. G2v: Poore fiyes will tickle Lyons being dead. 61592 KYD
Span. Trag. I ii, s. BIV. 61600 I Ret. from Parn. V, p. 71. 1606
DEKKER Seven Deadly Sins: Non-Dram. Wks., I 6: Leonem mor-
tuum mordent etiam Catuli: Cats dare scratch Lions by the face
when they lie dead. [61613] 1639 CHAPMAN ChabotIII i 109: Strike
out a lion’s teeth and pare his claws, And then a dwarf may pluck
him by the beard. 1616 WITHALS, p. 567. 1632 T. RANDOLPH
Yeal. Lovers IV iii, p. 139: Do not, live hare, pull the dead lion’s
beard. 1639 CL., p. 216. 1656 R. FLETCHER Ex Otio Negotium,
p. 84: Be afear’d To pull a deceas’d Lyon by the beard. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 33, p. 126: The lion once dead, the very hares will insult
upon him. 1732 FUL., no. 2846: It is a base Thing to tear a dead
Lion’s Beard off.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 K._‘7. II i 137: You are the hare of whom
the proverb goes, Whose valour plucks dead lions by the beard.
See DUR., II, Suppl., no. 58. Cf. D515: A waking dog afar off
barks at a sleeping lion; M752: It is an easy matter to kiss a man’s
tail when the breeches be down.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HARM
HARPOCRATES
291


H166 Better the HARM I know than that I know not
1552 TAV., f. 47v: Notares mala, Optima. An euell thynge knowen
is best. 1586 D. ROWLAND Lazarillo, p. 73: Remembring the olde
proverbe: Better is the evil! knowne, than the good which is yet to
knowe. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 17. 1721 KEL., p. 59: Better the
ill ken’d, than the ill unken’d.
SHAKES PEARE.—16oo-I H. III i 78: The dread ofsomething after
death . . makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to Others
that we know not of.
See DI'iR., I, no. 665.
knave I know not.
Cf. K119: As good a knave I know as a
H167 HARM watch harm catch
I481 CAXTON Reynard 20, p. 50: Yf he wil seche harm he shal fynde
harme. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 153. 1612 SHELTON
Don Quix. Pt. I, III Vi, I 173: It was that it was, the good that' shall
befall be for us all, and the harme for him that searches it. [1614]
1631 JONSON Barth. Fair V iv 180. I616 WITHALS, p. 581. 1639
CL., p. 196. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1664 Con., p. 197.
1664 ]. WILSON Cheats II V, p. 29: And to our seeming, it said
again—Harm watch, harm catch. 1670 RAY, p. 100. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., s.v. Law, p. 189. 1732 FUL., no. 6100.
H168 Hate not at the first HARM
1639 CL., p. 235.
H169 He that drinks well sleeps well and he that
sleeps well thinks no HARM
I530 PALS., p. 721a. 1551 T. WILSON Rule Reason, f. 33: He that
drinkes well, slepes well. He that slepes well, synnes not. 1567
Mer. Tales and Quick Answ. 36 in Shak. Vest-Bks., I 50: It is an old
sayenge: He that slepeth, byteth no body. 01577 NORTHEROOKE
Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 460: Why, sir, by my sleepe I hurt no man,
for therein I thought no euill; and therefore I haue not offended
that I nede to repent me for it. 1591 LYLY Endim. III i 6: As good
sleepe and doe no harme, as wake and doe no good. 1614 LITHGow
Rare Adven. II, p. 69: He that eateth well, drinketh well, he that
drinketh well, sleepeth well, he that sleepeth well, Sinneth not, and
he that Sinneth not, goeth straight through Purgatory to Paradize.
1615 J. STEPHENS Essays I 21 in Bks. Char., p. 186. 1630 T.
ADAMS Meditat. Creed: W ks., p. 1154: The drunkard’s argument:
He that drinks well, sleeps well, he that sleeps well thinkes no
harme: he that thinkes no harme, is a good man: therefore he that
drinkes much, is a good man.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. I i 44: I was wont to think no
harm all night And make a dark night too of half the day.
H170 To be able to do HARM and not to do it is noble
I593 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. II, xv, I 246: But the more power he '
hath to hurt, the more admirable is his praise, that he will no hurt.
I600 BRETON Pasguil’s Madcap: Wks., I 13: True valour lines in
sparing, not in spilling. 1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring
Girl, s. Klv: Your Gold I pay backe with this interest, when I had
most power to do’t, I wrong’d you least. [1627] 1680 FALKLAND
Hist. Edw. II, p. 79: To save where you may spill proclaims your
Goodness. 1630 T. ADAMS Politic Hunting: W ks., p. I 18: Posse et
nolle, nobile. That thou mayest harme and wilt not, is laus tua,
thy prayse: that thou wouldest and canst not, gratia Dei, is Gods
prouidence. 1632 MASSINGER Maid Hon. III i, p. 341: You know
in great minds, Posse et nolle, nobile. [1635] 1655 MASSINGER
Bashful Lover III i, p. 40 5: ’Tis truly noble, having power to punish,
Nay, king like, to forbear it. Ihid. IV iii, p. 409: The old heroic
valour, That spared when it had power to kill. 1639 CL., p. 324:
*Posse, nolle, nobile.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. II i 56: The young Dumain, a
well-accomplish’d youth, Of all that Virtue love for Virtue lov’d;
Most power to do most harm, least knowing ill. 1599 A.Y. IV iii
129: But kindness, nobler ever than revenge .. Made him give
battle to the lioness. 1604 M.M. II ii 107: It is excellent To have
a giant’s strength; but it is tyrannous To use it like a giant. 1608
C. Vi 18: I minded him how royal ’twas to pardon When it was less
expected. 1609 Son. 94, l. 1: They that have pow’r to hurt and
will do none . . They rightly do inherit heaven’s graces. 1610 Cym.

V v 417: Kneel not to me. The pow’r that I have on you is to spare
you; The malice towards you to forgive you. 1611 Temp. V i 27:
The rarer action is In virtue than in vengeance.
Cf. R92: To pardon is a divine revenge; W946: To forget a wrong
is best revenge.
H171 To be (keep) out of HARM’S way
1616 WITHALS, p. 556: Out of harmes wayes. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Pie, p. 146: (keep). 1670 RAY, p. 180. 1672 WALK. 35,
p. 52: Out of harms way; out of gun shot. 1721 KEL., p. 212:
(It is good to be).
Cf. G482: Out of gunshot.
H172 He grows warm in his HARNESS
I623 WOD., p. 487: *So said of an angry Man.
H173 They agree like HARP and harrow
[That is, they do not agree at all.] 1559 BECON Displ. Popish Mass:
Prayers, p. 28 3: The Lord’s supper and your peevish, popish private
mass do agree together . . as the common proverb is, like harp and
harrow, or like the hare and the hound. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. K4v: Thy wordes and good proofs agree together like harpe and
harrowe, thou meanest to kill me, and settest a dagger to thyne owne
throate. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1421. 1616 DR., s.v. Contention,
no. 341. 1624 GATAKER Transuhstantiation, p. 203: These things
hang togeather like harp and harrow, as they say. 1639 CL., p. 94.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1670 RAY, p. 161: *Why harp and
harrow I know not, unless because they begin with the same letter.
1700 T. BROWN Amusements III, p. 32: Wheather the Name and
thing be not as disagreeable as Harp and Harrow?
See DI'iR., I, no. 765. (5)
H174 To hang one’s HARP on the willow
[Ps. cxxxvii I: We wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged
our harps upon the willows] [I610] I620 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER
Philaster II, p. 93: If there be two such more in this Kingdom, and
near the Court, we may even hang up our Harps. [01612] 1633 P.
FLETCHER Pisc. Eclog. IV: Poems, II 271: No marvel ifI hate my
jocond rimes, And hang my pipe upon a willow bough. I666 Mite
Three Mourners in Cent. Broadside Eleg., p. 104: I Captive sit by
Babel’s Riuers brink, My heart ev’n broke, my Harps on Willows
hang. [1682] 1684 DRYDEN Epil. to Banks Unhappy Fav.: Misc.
Poems, p. 293: Faith, they may hang their harps upon the Willows.
See ST., no. 1397.
H175 As blind as a HARPER
1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao IV iii 34: Harping alwaies vpon loue,
till you be as blind as a Harpar.
H176 Have among you, blind HARPERS
[A drinking pledge] 1546 HEY. II vii, s. I3: Haue among you
blynde harpers (sayd I). 1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 123:
But nowe there is no remedie, haue amongest you, blind Harpers
of the Printing house. 1608 J. DAY Hum. out Breath IV iii, p. 60:
Are you blind, my lord? —AS a purblind Poet: haue amongst
you, blind harpers. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p.
214. I721 KEL., p. 111: Fall on the Fayest, the Beetle among the
Bairns. Spoken when we do a Thing at a venture, that may be
good for some, and bad for another; and let the Event fall upon the
most unfortunate; answers to the English, Among you blind
Harpers.
H177 To be a HARPOCRATES
[Harpocrates was the god of silence and was regularly represented
with his finger on his lips.] [ERAS. Adagia, 981E: Reddidit Har-
pocratem.] I605 JONSON Sejanus V 413, p. 452: But, as you are
an honourable man, Let me coniure you, not to vtter it: For it is
trusted to me, with that bond. —I am Harpocrates. [1614] 1631
JONSON Barth. Fair V vi 48: Is she your wife? Redde te Har-
pocratem! 1616 JONSON Epic. II ii 3: Has Harpocrates beene here,
with his Club, among you?
See OTTO, no. 791.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
HARRINGTON
HASTE
292
H178 Not worth a HARRINGTON
[Not worth a farthing. A patent to coin farthings was granted in
1613 to Lord Harrington of Exton; hence the name] 1628 H.
Worron Reliq. Wott. (3d ed.), p. 558: I have lost four or five friends,
and yet I thank God, not gotten the value ofone Harrington. 1640
Jonson Magn. Lady IV viii 74: I will not ’bate you a single Harring-
ton.
Cf. F71: Not worth a farthing.
H179 He is drinking at the HARRow1 when he should
be following the plow
1639 CL., s.v. Bibacitas, p. 47: (when he should follow the plough).
1670 RAY, p. 180. 1732 FUL., no. 2456: (be driving his Plough).
[lpun on name of an inn (see Sugden, p. 243)]
H180 They draw a light HARROW
1639 CL., s.v. Ignavia, p. 144.
H181 HARRY’S children of Leigh, never a one like
another
1670 RAY, p. 217: *Chesh.
H182 HARVEST follows seedtime
1639 CL., s.v. Labor, p. 183.
H183 He that has a good HARVEST may be content
with some thistles
1639 CL., p. 198. 1664 COD., p. 196: (He who and content to have
some Thistles). 1670 RAY, p. 13. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 151. I721
KEL., p. 150: (a good Crop, may be doing with [bear with] some
Thistles). *If a Man hath had a great deal of good Conveniencies,
he may bear with some Misfortunes. I732 FUL., no. 2159: (He
that hath good Corn, may).
H184 A long HARVEST of a little com
1562 HEY. Dial. I xii, p. 38: Surely (quoth I) ye haue in this time
thus worne, Made a long haruest for a little corne. I578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 239: Euphues (quoth shee) you make a longe
haruest for a little corne. I587 GREENE Penelope’s Weh, p. 208:
I will not make a long haruest for a small crop. I590 LODGE
Rosalynde, p. 97: So foolish that she forgets, that like a fop she
must haue a large harvest for a little corne? 01594 BACON, no. 650:
To make a long harvest for a lytell corn. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
1583: Ye mak long harvest oflittl corne. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 183:
Some make a great haruest of a little corne. To make much of a
little’s no matter of scorne. I611 GRUT., no. 17. 1614 CAM., p.
302. 1616 DR., no. 186: (He maketh a). 1616 WITHALS, p. 578:
(You make a). 1639 CL., s.v. Taedium ex iteratione, p. 303: (Make
not a). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659 N.R., p. 50: (He
maketh a). 1670 RAY, p. 180: (To make a). 1681 ROB., p. 1207:
Not to make a long harvest of so little corn; not to be tedious in a
trifle.
Cf. S366: A great (Hercules’) shoe will not fit a little (a child’s)
foot. (7)
H185 Good HARVESTS make men prodigal, bad ones
provident
1611 COT., s.v. Année: Good haruests makes men prodigall, bad
prouident. 1664 COD., p. 194. 1670 RAY, p. 13. I705 Pleas. Art,
p. 151.
H186 You have on your HARVEST EARS
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K3v: You had on your haruest eares, thycke of '
heryng. 01594 BACON, no. 674: Harvest ears (of a busy man).
1600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will: Wks., III 261: They say, when a
man cannot heare well, you heare with your haruest eares. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 159. 1681 ROB., p. 715: (You hearken not at
all; you have on).
__ Cf. H502: To hear as hogs do in harvest, or with your harvest ears.
H187 In HARVEST TIME ladies are chambermaids
I611 COT., s.v. Chambriere: Ladies are but drudges, or wait on
themselues, as long as Haruest lasts. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 21.

fl
H188 HASTE comes not alone
1611 COT., s.v. Haste: Hast neuer comes alone; viz: hath euer
some troubleorother t’accompanieit. 1640 HERB., no. 821. I659
N.R., p. 58.
Cf. H189: Haste makes waste.
H189 HASTE makes waste
1534 J. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. DIv: Hast, wast, lust without
lykyng or lyberte. 1546 HEY. I ii, s. A3. 01570 Marr. Wit and
Science II ii, s. B3v: Such haste myght hapelye turne to wast to
sum. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 61: But the old saying is, haste
maketh waste. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. I, p. 11: Haste makes Waste,
and the more haste the worse speede. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 529.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 123. 1611 GRUT., no. 111. 1614 CAM.,
p. 306. 1616 DR., no. 928. 1616 Jonson Ev. Man in Hum. I V 69;
If they proue rough, vn-polish’t, harsh, and rude, Hast made the
wast. I616 WITHALs, p. 554. 1639 CL., p. I 15. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 8. 1663 S. BUTLER Had. I iii 1253, p. 138: Festina lente,
not too fast; For Haste (the proverb says) makes Waste. 1668
R.B., p. 25. I670 RAY, p. 101. I697 MER., p. 165. I721 KEL.,
P- 147'
Cf. H1 88: Haste comes not alone; H190: Haste makes waste and
waste makes want and want makes strife between the goodman and
his wife; H192: Make haste slowly. (33)
H190 HASTE makes waste and waste makes want and
want makes strife between the goodman and
his wife
1678 RAY, p. 151.
Cf. H189: Haste makes waste.
H191 He that resolves in HASTE repents at leisure
I477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 62]: Hastynesse engendreth repentaunce.
I540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus I i, p. 33: Whan men doo thynges in a
haste . . shortly after they do repent them. 1591 STEP., p. 150:
He that needes will do a thing in hast, may afterward repent him-
selfe at leysure. 01594 BACON, no. 603. 01595 W. SPELMAN
Dial., p. 2: Thinges dunne in haste Bringeth spedye Repentance.
1629 F. QUARLES Argalus and Part. I: Wks., III 250: Acts done in
hast, by leisure are repented. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 12: Who
resolves rashly, repents leisurely.
Cf. H196: Marry in haste and repent at leisure.
H192 Make HASTE slowly
[ERAS. Adagia, 397C: Festina lente.] I539 TAV., f. 29: Make slowe
hast, or hast the slowly. Thys is as muche to saye as temper thy
hast wyth slouth. I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 123: Festina Lente
especially in Loue: for momentarie fancies are ofttimes the fruites
of follies. I744 FRANKLIN, p. 22.
Cf. F518: Fool’s haste is no speed; H189: Haste makes waste;
S601: Soft and fair goes far; W523: Wisdom and haste may vary.
H193 Make HASTE to an ill way that you may get out
of it
1640 HERB., no. 124.
to get out of it.
1659 N.R., p. 76: Make hast in an ill way
H194 Make HASTE when you are purchasing a field
but when you are to marry a wife be slow
I678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 403.
Cf. H196: Marry in haste and repent at leisure.
H195 Make no more HASTE when you come down
than when you went up
1567 Mer. Tales and Quick Answ. 30 in Shak. Yest-Bks., I 44:
Take hede, that thou go neuer downe faster than thou wentest vp,
but discende as softly as thou clymmest vp; and so: thou shalt
neuer fall. 1604 Pasq. jests in Shak. Yest-Bks., III 42: Take heed
that you neuer goe faster downe then you go up, but descend as
softly, and you shall neuer fall. 1678 RAY, p. 151: (As the man
said to him on the tree top. Make no more).

Proverbs are alphabetize d by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HASTE
HASTINGS
293


H196 Marry in HASTE and repent at leisure
1566 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. I 29, I I I5: Declaringe thereby, that being
ones well matched, great heede ought to be taken, how to chose the
nexte, leaste in making hastie choise, leasure for repentaunce should
folow. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 61: Bargains made in speed are
commonly repented at leisure. I584 GREENE Arhasto, p. 196:
She that loueth in hast oftimes, nay alwaies repenteth at leisure.
1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 68: Intangle not thy selfe with present
fancies: least louing in hast thou repent thee at leasure; I611:
COT., s.v. Consentir: Some yeelding (in hast) repent (at leisure;)
or, some agreements prooue agreeuances. 1616 DR., no. 2381:
He that marieth in haste, shall repent at leasure. 1632 T. RAN-
DOLPH 7eal. Lovers V ii, p. I 5 5: Marry too soon, and you’ll repent
too late. 1639 CL., p. 65: He that’s marryed in hast, shall repent
at leasure. I670 RAY, p. 47: *Ital. 1693 CONGREVE Old Bachelor
V, p. 218: hlarry'd in haste, we may repent at leisure. I732 FUL.,
no.6185.
SHAKESPEARE—I591 3 Hen. VI IV i 18: Hasty marriage seldom
proveth well. I594-8 T.S. III ii 10: A mad-brain rudesby, full Of
spleen, Who woo’d in haste and means to wed at leisure. 1598—9
M.A. II i 76: Wooing, wedding, and repenting is as a Scotch jig,
a measure, and a cinque-pace: the first suit is hot and hasty . . the
wedding, mannerly modest, as a measure . . and then comes Repent-
ance and with his bad legs falls into the cinque-pace faster and
faster, till he sink into his grave.
Cf. H191: He that resolves in haste repents at leisure; H194:
Make haste when you are purchasing a field but when you are to
marry a wife be slow; M23: A maid that loves too soon will repent
too late; M68 5: Marriage rides upon the saddle and repentance on
the crupper; M694: Marry today repent tomorrow. (8)
H197 More HASTE than good speed
1546 HEY. I viii, s. CIV: I am taught to know, in more haste than
good speede, How iudicare came into the Creede. 1551 RALPH
ROBINSON Utopia To Rdr., p. 19: In short tyme with more hast
then good spede I broughte it to an ende. [01552] I575 [STEVEN—
SON] Gam. Gurt. Needle V ii, 3. C2v: He tolde me Hodge wold come,
and in he came indeede; But as the matter chaunsed, with greater
hast then speede. 01570 Marr. Wit and Science IV i, S. C3v: More
hast then good speede, makes many fare the worse. 1579 G.
HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 59: Alasse they were hudlid, and as you know
bunglid upp in more haste then good speede. 1603 J. MANNING-
HAM Diary Mar. 30, p. 155: [He] made more haste then speede.
1635 RUTTER Shep. Hol. IV ii, p. 416: What luck is this? This is
more haste than speed. 1642 T. BARROW (to H. Oxinden, July 3)
in Oxinden Let. 238, p. 310: Iii my brother James hath nott made
more hast then good speed I am hartily glad to heare of his mar-
riadge. I649 GILLESPIE Misc. Questions XII, p. 146: He that hath
good afiections, Without a sound judgement, will make more haste
than good speed. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Salti, p. 177: (To
make . . More haste). 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. I 55. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Hast: (To make more Hast). 1694 ECHARD Eunuch II, p. 66:
Have a care you don’t make more Haste than good Speed.
Cf. B425: The hasty bitch brings forth blind whelps; H198:
The more haste the less (worse) speed.
H198 The more HASTE the less (worse) speed
[a1521] c1545 J. HEYWOOD Four PP, s. B1v: The lette is suche That
spede is small whan haste is muche. I542 UDALL Apoph., f. 38:
Suche persones as dooe make moste hast in the begynnyng haue
communely (accordyng to our englishe prouerbe) wurst speede
toward the endyng. 1546 HEY. I ii, s. A3v: (Most tymes he seeth,
the more). 1559 COOPER, s.v. Canis: The hasty bitch bryngeth
foorthe blynde whealpes, the more hast the worse spede. *A
prouerbe applyed t0 theim whiche beyng hastie in settyng foorth
theyr woorkes, doo make theim inperfecte. CI563 yack j‘uggler,
s. B3: When a man hath most hast he spedith worst. I578
WHETSTONE 1 Promos and Cass. IV iv, s. E3: That hast, weare
more then speede. I587 GROVE Pelops and Hipp.,-p. 19: This
case, or as I think thereof The more haste the worste speede. 1595
[W.S.] Locrine I iii, S. B4V: I thinke the more haste the worst
speed. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1250: (war speed). 1605 RF. Sch.
Slov. III 3478, p. 129: Besides more haste less speede, as he depart-
1ng was away The tablefull of pots and glasses forcid him for to

stay. 1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 178: What hast with
good Lucretius? —Hast but small speed. 1611 COT., s.v. Haster:
(worse). I611 DAV. Prov., no. 48: (worse). I611 GRUT., no. 268.
1613 T. HEYWOOD Brazen Age, p. 193: The greatest hast, breeds the
most stay. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 BRET., p. 8: More hast the
worse speed. 1616 DR., no. 929. I616 WITHALS, p. 579: (worse).
1623 CAM., p. 274: More haste, worst speede. 1639 CL., p. 115:
More hast worse speed. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: (worse).
I659 N.R., p. 52: Hasty counsell seldom profitable. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 21, p. 95: Who acts in haste, hath ill speed. 1668 R.B.,
p. 49: The mair haste the war speed. 1670 RAY, p. 100: Most haste
worst speed. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hast: (worse). 1721 KEL., p. 313:
The more haste the worse speed, Quoth the Taylor to his long
Thread. 1732 FUL., n0.'6412: [As in 1721 Kel.].
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 V.A. l. 909: Her more than haste is
mated with delays. 1594—5 L.L.L. II i 238: His tongue, all impa-
tient to speak and not see, Did stumble with haste in his eyesight
to be. c1595 R7. II iii 93: 0, let us hence! I stand on sudden
haste. —Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast.
See ST., no. 2134. Cf. H197: More haste than good speed. (21)
H199 N0 HASTE but good
01534 BERNERS Huon 99, p. 320: It is a saynge that an yll haste
is not good. 1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2V. [01553] 1566-7 UDALL
Roister D. I iii 11. I576 FULWELL Ars Adulandi VII, s. G3:
No haste but good, better is a little tariance then a raw dinner.
01576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [47], l. 1 I: No haste but good,
why no, the meane is best. 1576 WAPULL Tide Tarries No Man,
s. F2: No haste but good, stay yet a while. [01588] I604 MARLOWE
Faustus IV iia 85: 0, not so fast, sir, there’s no haste but good.
1616 DR., s.v. Leisure, no. 1215. 01640 Merry New 7ig l. 42 in
Roxh. Bal., II 104: No haste but good I hope there be.
Cf. H200: No haste but good speed.
H200 N0 HASTE but good speed
1639 CL., p. 115. I683 JANE LEAD Pref. in Pordage Theol. Myst.,
p. 82: No more haste than good speed is sure good Advise. 1721
KEL., p. 261: No more haste than good speed. *Spoken when we
are unreasonably urged to make haste.
Cf. H199: No haste but good.
H201 N0 HASTE to hang true men
01563 Yack fuggler, s. B2v: I feare hanging, wherevnto no man is
hastie. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. iii, s. E1: (There’s no
hast to). 1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends V iV, s. L2v. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Festinatio praepropera, p. 116. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
I662 FULLER Worthies London, II 54: As ifLondoners . . aim more
at dispatch than justice; and, to make quick riddance (though no
hast to hang true men), acquit half, and condemn half. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov., note 105, p. 225: The English say, Fair and softly, also,
ther’s no haste to hang true folks. 1670 RAY, p. 101.
Cf. F141: Not too fast for fear of falling (breaking your shins);
F280: Soft fire makes sweet malt; P3: Soft pace goes far; S601:
Soft and fair goes far.
H202 Who has no HASTE in his business, mountains to
him seem valleys
1640 HERB., no. 990.
H203 He is none of the HASTINGS
I546 HEY. I xi, s. E2v: Toward your work (quoth he) ye make
such tastings As approue you to be none of the hastyngs. 1560-77
Misogonus I iv 9: I knowe yow of Olde yow are none of the hast-
linges. 01565 Bugbears I iii 37: These women are all of the hast-
inges. 1616 DR., s.v. Slownesse, no. 2010. 1639 CL., s.v. Festi-
nationis, p. 114: Of kin to the Hastings. 1658 FLEOKNOE Enig.
Char, p. 136: A low spirited man . . he is none of the I-Iastings’es.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: (You are none). I662 FULLER
Worthies Sussex, II 38 5: Now men commonly say they are none
of the Hastings, who, being slow and slack, go about business with
no agility. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mattei, p. 102: I am none
of the Hastings, relating to forward pease. Ihid., s.v. Palio, p.
127: To be none of those that run races, viz. to be none of the
Hastings, or over credulous of any thing that is told one. 1670


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HAT
HAVE (HAS)
294
RAY, p. 180: *Spoken of a slow person. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
p. 307: (You are none). 1681 ROB., p. 1114: You are none of the
Hastings, you’l not break your shins for hast. a1700 B.E., s.v.
Hasty: *Of him that loses an Opportunity or a Business for want
of Dispatch. I732 FUL., no. 5855: You are none of the Hastings,
nor Hotspurs.
H204 A HAT is not made for one shower
1640 HERB., no. 669. I659 N.R., p. 17.
H205 My old HAT must have a new band
I546 HEY. II i, 3. F3: (And nowe myne olde hat must).
Cf. B607: His old brass (cloak) will buy you a new pan (kirtle).
H206 Pull down your HAT on the wind’s side
1640 HERB., no. 330. 1664 COD., p. 209. I670 RAY, p. 29:
(on the wind side). 1721 KEL., p. 19: As the Wind blows seek
your Beel [shelter] . . Advising us to make our Interest as the
Times change . . Eng. Pull down your Hat on the Wind Side.
1732 FUL., no. 3978: (on the Windy Side).
H207 It is good to have a HATCH1 before the door
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D2v. 1563 FOXE Acts and Monum. XI, VII
358: Seeing God hath given a tongue, and put it under power,
The surest way is for to set a hatch before the door. 1579 GOSSON
Sch. Abuse, p. 53: I wish that euery rebuker shoulde place a hatch
before the door. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. E2v:
It is an olde prouerbe, tis good hauing a hach before the dore, but
ile haue a doore before the hatch. 1594 Knack to Know Knave,
3. C4. 1602 DELONEY Strange Hist., p. 70: A wise man, then sets
hatch before the dore, And, whilst he may, doth square his speech
with heed. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 188. I611 GRUT., no. 157.
1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616 DR., s.v. Tongue, no. 2158: (to keepe
an hatch before the doore). 1639 CL., s.v. Prudentia, p. 265.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 201: (to keep a Hatch).
1670 RAY, p. 101. 1732 FUL., no. 2941: (before one’s Door).
Cf. T392: Keep your tongue within your teeth.
[1a half door, small gate, or wicket]
H208 Afraid of the HATCHET lest the helve stick in
his ass
1678 RAY, p. 224: (stick in’s a

). *Chesh.
H209 I have hung up my HATCHET
a1536 HILL 46, p. 132: When thow hast well doo hange vp thy
hachet. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D3: I haue hangd vp my hatchet, god
spede hym well. 1562 HEY. Epig. 147, p. 151: I haue hangd vp
my hatchet. and scapte thy [for my] selfe? -Thou shuldest
rather be hangde, then thy hatchet, elfe. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 6: I have hang’d up my hatchet and scap’d my self.
H210 The greatest HATE proceeds from the greatest
love
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 197: As the best wine doth make
the sharpest vinaiger, so the deepest loue tourneth to the dead-
liest hate. 1578 WHETSTONE 1 Promos and Cass. III iv, s. D2:
But who so loues, if he reiected be, His passing loue, to peeuish
hate will turne. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 85: Knowe you
not that where is great love, from thence proceedeth great hate?
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. X3v: This I tell thee, that my scalding
loue is turned to cooling hate.
Friends turn’d foes have lightly least remorse. 1640 BRATHWAITE
Art Asleep Husb., p. 86: There bee other extreames of love which
fall by degrees into mortall hate. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 14:
Love too hot, turns to hate. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 176: No
hatred is greater than that which proceeds from love.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II III ii 135: Sweet love, I see, chang-
ing his property, Turns to the sourest and most deadly hate.
Cf. H211: No hate like to brothers’ if they fall at debate; K38:
The nearer in kin the less in kindness; L477: Faithful love will
never turn to hate.
1608 SYLVESTER Weeks I III 748:

H211 N0 HATE like to brothers’ if they fall at debate
[ERAS. Adagia, 903: Fratrum inter se irae sunt acerbissimae.]
1539 TAV., f. 9v: [As in Eras.]. *The discorde of brethren betwene
themselues is moost bytter. Thys to be true we haue many
exemples out of hystories. 1580 BARET, F—1081: [As in Eras],
*A Prouerbe declaring the hatred and malice that is betweene
brethren: for it is more cruell amongst them, than any hatred can
be amongst the common and vulgar people. 1581 PETTIE Civ,
Conv. III, II 85: Trulye it is a desperate cure, to go about to
quenche the fire of discord, when it is once kindled in the hartes of
two Brothers. 1589 Triumphs Love and Fort. IV i, s. E3v: N0
hate Like to a brother or Sisters if they fall at debate. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Frere: Brothers anger diuellish anger. 1615 T. ADAMS Eng.
land’s Sickness I: Wks., p. 305: A brother offended is harder to be
wonne, then a strong City: and their contentions are like the
barres of a Castle. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 122: The wrath of
Brothers, the wrath of Devils. I682 Hue and Cry in Cent. Broad.
side Eleg., p. 151: In the last end 0’ th’ Iron Age we live, A Brother
won’t a Brother now forgive. 1732 FUL., no. 4853: The Wrath of
Brothers, is fierce and devilish.
Cf. H210: The greatest hate proceeds from the greatest love;
K38: The nearer in kin the less in kindness; L477: Faithful love
will never turn to hate.
H212 HATRED with friends is succor to foes
1573 SANF., f. 108: Hatred among friendes, is the succoure of
straungers. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33: Hatred among
friendes, is succour vnto strangers. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 81.
1616 DR., no. 343. I659 N.R., p. 55. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15,
p. 176: Hatred among friends, is a relief to the enemies.
H213 Better HAVE it than hear of it
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 215.
p. 213: *English.
1721 KEL.,
H214 Better to HAVE than wish
61527 J. RASTELL Calisto and Mel., s. B2v: Better is possession
than the desyryng. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3. 1562 HEY. Epig.
272, p. 168. 1611 COT., s.v. Avoir: Better is one thing in posses-
sion then two in expectancie. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. I670
RAY, p. 29.
H214a HAVE is half full (enough)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 539: Hav is aneugh. 1721 KEL., p. 152:
Hae [have] is half full. *Having Abundance makes Peoples
stomachs less sharp, and craving.
Cf. E110a: Half empty is half full.
H215 HAVE is have
SHAKESPEARE—1596 K._‘?'. I i 173: Have is have, however men
do catch. 1599 A.Y. V i 44: Learn this of me: to have is to have.
See ST., no. 864.
H216 He that would HAVE what he has not Should do
what he does not
1546 HEY. II ix, s. LIV: Ye (quoth she) who had that he hath not,
wolde D00 that he dooth not. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 275: Who
had that he hath not, would do that he doth not. 1640 HERB.,
no. 555: (Hee that should). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in
Via, p. 185.
H217 He that HAS of his own needs not to borrow
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 597.
Cf. H451: They are lightly herrit that have their own; M508:
Better spare to have of thine own than ask of other men; N89:
He may well be contented who needs neither borrow nor flatter.
H218 Not what is She but what HAS She
1621 BRATHWAITE Shep. Tales 11 1: Nat. Embassy, p. 233: Alas,
poore Swaine, ’tis true what th’ Proverbe saith, We aske not what
he is, but what he hath. 1630 T. ADAMS Cosmopolite: Wks.,
p. 686: They regard not Qualis sis, but Quantus: not how good
thou art, but how great. 1640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 21:
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HAVEN
HAY
295


When thou seekest a wife, aske not, what wealth’s with her? but,
what vertue hath she? 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 16: Let me have
a rich Husband though he be an Ass. 1678 RAY, p. 64. 1721
KEL., p. 224: (It is not what). *Spoken ofthe Choice of Wives, where
the Portion is often more look’d after than either the Person or
the Virtues. 1732 FUL., no. 3687. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,
p, 415: It is not What is she? but, What has she? now-a-days.
Cf. M361: Rather a man Without money than money without
a man.
H219 To shipwreck in the HAVEN (harbor)
[ERAS. Adagia, 21 1D: In portu impingere.] 01579 [MERBURY]
Marr. Wit and Wisdom Prol., p. 6: The Fancy frames effects, to . .
shelue his ship in hauens mouth. 1596 DEL., s. N7v: The sayler
comes oft to make shipwracke in the port. 1607 CHAPMAN Bussy
D’Amh. I i 32: We must to Virtue for her guide resort, Or we shall
shipwrack in our safest port. 1615 DANIEL Hymen’s Triumph
I i, p. 336: To perish in the hauen, after all Those Ocean suffrings.
1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair .Maid West II, p. 357: Past you the Ocean,
to perish in the harbour? 1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. II i, p. 27:
Th’ other Heere Shipwrackes in the Harbour. 1637 SHIRLEY
Gamester III iii, p. 234: I have known as stout a ship been cast away
In sight 0’ the harbour. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 213: Sometimes
as it enters the Port, the ship wracks.
See OTTO, no. 1454. Cf. N68: To break one’s neck going up—
stairs; RI21: It is safe riding in a good haven (harbor). (14)
H220 To make HAvoc and set cock on the hoop
I546 HEY. II v, s. HI: He maketh hauok and setteth cocke on
the hoope. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15.
Cf. C493: He sets cock on the hoop.
H221 Not worth a HAW1
[01497] a152o MEDWALL Fulgens, s. C5v: They had in store Scarce
halfe a bed and no more That was worth a hawe. 1509 A. BARC-
LAY Ship Fools, I 222: Byenges and sellynges scant worth a hawe.
[01517] c1545 SKELTON Speak Parrot l. 471: Wks., II 23: So myche
prisonment {for matyrs not worthe an hawe. 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. GIV: A whelpe that firste doth misse of his gaine, doth
neuer after proue woorth an haw. 1593 Life and Death Straw
II, s. C3: And wele not leaue a man of lawe, Nor a paper worth a
hawe. (5)
[lhawthorn berry]
H222 As hungry as a HAWK (horse)
01555 Songs and Bal. Philip and Mary 5, p. 17: When Lent cummys
to the towene as hongre as a glede [kite]. I6I6 WITHALS, p. 558:
You haue no more stomacke than a horse. 1652 TAYLOR
Christmas In and Out: W ks. Q” I 9: I and my men were as hungry
as Hawks. I670 RAY, p. 202: (hawk, or horse). 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., p. 169: You’l be as hungry as a horse. 1672 WALK. 18, p. 14:
To have a stomach like a horse; to be as hungry as a hawk. 1681
ROB., p. 749: (Hungry as).
H223 Between HAWK and buzzard
1638 BRATHWAITE Barnahee’s four. II, II E6: Betwixt Hawke and
Buzzard, 0 man, After th’ Phrase of speech so common Having
seene this Journall at Print I found these Erata’s in it. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Contemptus, p. 70. 1670 RAY, p. 164. I687 MIEGE, s.v.
Hawk: To be betwixt Hawk and Buzzard. N’etre ni Chair, ni
Poisson. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 352, I 318: A Fantastical
Levity that holds us OH and on, betwixt Hawk and Buzzard, as we
say, to keep us from bringing the Matter in question to a Final
Issue. 1732 FUL., no. 973.
H224 By HAWK and hound small profit is found
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 56, p. 127.
(and by Hound).
H225 The gentle HAWK half mans herself
1611 COT., s.v. Oiseau: The gentle Hawke (halfe) makes, or mannes,
her selfe; a well-bred person is of a vertuous disposition, needes not
much tutoring, will of himselfe be good. 1640 HERB., no. 30.
I659 N.R., p. 111. 1664 Con., p. 217. I670 RAY, p. 13.
I732 FUL., no. 6339:

H226 He knows not a HAWK from a handsaw
I600 BRETON Pasquil’s Foolscap: les., I 20: And thinkes shee hath
the very Quintescence, Of quicke conceite, wherein her wits do
walke Yet doth not knowe a Buzzard from a Hawlke. 1672 WALK.
49, p. 38. I678 RAY, p. 251. I732 FUL., no. 1959.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-I H. II ii 396: I am but mad north-north-
west. When the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.
H227 Ware the HAWK
[A phrase applied to an oflicer of the law, who pounced upon
criminals] [211529] 1542—8 SKELTON Beware the Hawk: kas., I:
[Title]. 1631 JONSON Staple News V V 56: See! the whole Couy is
scatter’d, ’Ware, ’ware the Hawke. I loue to see him flye. 1673
S’too Him Bayes, p. 31: But now Ware-hawk!
H228 Whiles the HAWK has and whiles he hunger has
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1450. I668 R.B., p. 44.
H229 High-flying HAWKS are fit for princes
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A7v): (are fittest for Princes).
CL., s.v. Audacia, p. 41. 1670 RAY, p. 101.
Cf. H825: Hunting is for kings.
1639
I732 FUL., no. 2500.
H230 Unmanned HAWKS forsake the lure
I577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. G2v: (I finde the prouerbe true,
Vnmanned Haukes).
H231 He has been out a HAWKING for butterflies
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., S. B4: He hawketh me thynke for a
butterflye. 1732 FUL., no. 1863.
H232 Be sure of HAY till the end of May
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 50, p. 109. 1732 FUL., no. 6197.
H233 He has HAY on his horn
[ERAS. Adagia, 59B: Foenum habet in cornu.] 01594 BACON, no.
863: [As in Eras.]. *Applied to foul-mouthed and dangerous men.
1602 JONSON Poetaster IV iii 109: A Sharpe thornie-tooth’d satyr-
icall rascall, flie him; hee carries hey in his home. 1648 HERRICK
Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 165: He’s Sharpe as thorn, And fretfull,
carries Hay in’s home. 1663 N. WAKER Refined Courtier VII,
p. 173: (According to the old Proverb) Every one takes care to
avoid a mad Bull that has hay twisted about his horn.
See OTTO, no. 438. Cf. M565: Never speak ill of men behind
their backs.
H234 It goes down like chopped HAY
I678 RAY, p. 235.
H235 Make HAY while the sun shines
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 46: Who that in July whyle Phebus
is shynynge About his hay is nat besy labourynge . . Shall in the
wynter his negligence bewayle. 1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4: Whan the
sonne shynth make hey: whiche is to saie, Take tyme whan tyme
commth, lest tyme stele awaie. I559 COOPER, s.v. Recrastino:
When the sunne shyneth, make hay. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. C4v: Yt is well therefore to make hay while the sunne shines.
1611 GRUT., no. 308: [As in 1559 Cooper]. 1614 CAM., p. 314:
[As in 1559 Cooper]. 1616 DR., s.v. Opportunitie, no. 1559: [AS in
1559 Cooper]. 1625 DEKKER Rodfor Runaways: Non-Dram. Wks.,
IV 308: He, drawing out one handfull of gold, and another of
siluer, cryed . . I haue made Hay whilst my Sunne shined. 1636
CAM., p. 302. 1639 CL., s.v. Occasio, p. 233. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 2: *Let not slipp your opportunity. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8,
p. 209: One must grinde Whilst it rains. *Note 237, p. 227: The
English say, Make hay whilst the Sun shines we using most water-
mills. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Raccolta, p. 163: To make use of
an opportunity, to make Hay whilst the Sun shines. 1670 RAY,
. 101.
p SHAKESPEARE.—159I 3 Hen. VI IV viii 60: The sun shines hot,
and if we use delay, Cold biting winter mars our hop’d-for hay.
Cf. S23: Hoist your sail when the wind is fair; T313: Take time
when time comes lest time steal away. (10)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
HEA
HEAD
296
H236 HEAl will gar2 a deaf man hear
1641 FERG., no. 387. 1668 R.B., p. 27. 1721 KEL., p. 133:
Hae will a deaf Man hear.
['here, take 2make]
H237 A bald HEAD is soon shaven
15th 0. Songs in Reliq. Antiq., I 75: A bare berd wyl sone be shave.
I678 RAY, p. 96. 1732 FUL., no. 836: Bald Heads are soon shaven.
H238 Better be the HEAD of a lizard (mouse) than
the tail of a lion
I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: (Mouse). *Better be chiefe
in a meane place, then vnderling in a greater. I640 HERB., no.
575: (It’s better to be head of). 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw.,
p. 29: It is better to be the head of a mouse, than the tayle of Lyon.
*Better be chiefe in a meane estate, than bondslaue to the greatest.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: (Better to be the head ofa mouse then).
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Lucerta, p. 92: To be willing to be rather
the head of a lyzard, than the tail of a dragon, viz. innocent rather
than nocent. I670 RAY, p. 101: (head of a dog, then).
Cf. H239: Better be the head of an ass than the tail of a horse;
H259: It is better to be the head ofa pike than the tail ofa sturgeon;
T11: Better be the tail of a horse (of lions) than the head of an ass
(of foxes).
H239 Better be the HEAD of an ass than the tail of a
horse
1639 CL., s.v. Excellentia, p. 105: Better be head of an asse than
tayl of a horse. I670 RAY, p. 101. I732 FUL., no. 928: (Better’s
the Head of).
Cf. H238: Better be the head of a lizard (mouse) than the tail
of a lion; H240: Better be the head of the yeomanry than the tail
of the gentry; T11: Better be the tail of a horse (of lions) than the
head of an ass (of foxes).
H240 Better be the HEAD of the yeomanry than the
tail of the gentry
1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 9: It is a true saying, Better to
liue in low degree, then high disdaine. 1639 CL., p. 138. I670
RAY, p. 101: *Men had rather lead then be led, though in an in-
feriour rank and quality. I721 KEL., p. 57: Better the Head of the
Yeomanry, as the Arse of the Gentry. *Better be the highest in a
low Degree, than the lowest in a higher. 1732 FUL., no. 933:
(Better the Head of the Yeomen, than).
Cf. H239: Better be the head of an ass than the tail of a horse;
H259: It is better to be the head ofa pike than the tail ofa sturgeon;
T1 I: Better be the tail of a horse (of lions) than the head of an ass
(of foxes); V55: Better to be first in a village than second at Rome.
H241 Break my HEAD and draw on my hoo1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 273: (and syn put on my how).
770: He breaks my head and syn puts on my how.
p. 61.
Cf. H269: To break one’s head and give him a plaster.
[’nightcap]
Ibid., no.
1721 KEL.,
H242 Cover your HEAD by day as much as you will,
by night as much as you can
I678 RAY, p. 41.
Cf. H253: The head and feet keep warm, the rest will take no
harm.
H243 Cut off the HEAD and tail and throw the rest
away
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 346. 1732 FUL., no. 1227.
H244 A great HEAD and thin neck is a sign of a fool
1611 COT., s.v. Teste: Call him a foole, and feare no checke, whose
great head stands on slender necke. I623 WOD., p. 518: Great
Head and small Necke, is the Beginning of aGecke. *Or sot. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 17.

H245 Great (Mickle) HEAD little wit
1562 HEY. Epig. 56, p. 209: Thy head is great . . and Without wit
within. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1024: (Meikle). 1616 DR., s.v.
Blockishnesse, no. 177: Hee hath a great head, and a little wit.
1639 CL., p. 296. 1668 R.B., p. 39: (Meikle). 1670 RAY, p. 101:
A great head and a little wit. I721 KEL., p. 253: (Mickle). 1732
FUL., no. I96: [As in 1670 Ray].
Cf. H261: Little head great wit.
H246 He dares not show his HEAD (himself) for debt
1616 DR., s.v. Debt, no. 451. 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 243,
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mittonaro, p. 102: Not to be able to
walk the streets, viz. t0 lye in, to pay least in sight, for fear of
Serjeants, or bum-bayliffs, or otherwise to walk in Middleton’s
pipes. I678 RAY, p. 89: He dare not shew his head. *A bankrupt.
SHAKESPEARE.—I605-8 T. Ath. III iii 42: Who cannot keep his
wealth must keep his house. 1610 Cym. I ii 13: His steel was in
debt. It went 0’ th’ backside the town.
H247 He has a leaden HEAD and wooden wit
1616 DR., s.v. Blockishnesse, no. 180. 1639 CL., p. 296: A leaden
head and wooden wit. 1659 N.R., p. 48: (and a wooden Wit).
H248 He has thy HEAD under his girdle
I546 HEY. II v, s. H3V2 Then haue ye his head fast vnder your
gyrdell. 1562 HEY. Epig. 183, p. 156. I585 HIGGINS Nomencla-
tor, p. 532: A mecocke or pezzant that hath his head vnder his
wiues girdel, or that lets his wife be his maister. I605 CHAPMAN,
JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho IV ii 151: I list not ha’ my
head fastned vnder my Childs girdle. 1614 T. ADAMS Sinner’s
Passing-Bell: Wks., p. 247: If he may not haue his head vnder his
girdle, and his attendance as seruile as his Liuerie-groomes’, he
thinkes himselfe indignified. 1616 DR., no. 197: (his head). 1639
CL., p. 177: You’d have his head under your girdle. Ihid., s.v.
Obsecundantis, p. 232: My head is not under every mans girdle.
1642 D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 463: I will not doe so meane a fellow
such honour, as to subdue my spirit, or put my neck under his
girdle. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1670 RAY, p. 180: (To have
ones head). a1700 B.E., s.v. Girds: Under his Girdle, within his
Power, or at his Beck.
Cf. T271: Thy thumb is under my belt.
H249 He that has a HEAD of wax must not walk in
the sun
1640 HERB., no. 421. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
192. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7: Who hath a head of wax let him
not go to the sun. 1664 COD., p. 199. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p.
44: Who hath his head of wax, let him not go to the Sun. 1670
RAY, p. 28. I732 FUL., no. 2155. I749 FRANKLIN, p. 25: If your
head is wax, don’t walk in the Sun.
See DIJR., I, no. 288. Cf. S514: Who has skirts of straw needs
fear the fire.
H250 He that has no HEAD needs no hat (cap, hood)
1616 DR., no. 1486: (cap).
I640 HERB., no. 989: (Who
1732 FUL., no. 2145: (no
1611 COT., s.v. Chaperon: (hood).
1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 242.
hath no head). I670 RAY, p. 101.
Head, deserves not a laced Hat).
H251 He that will be a HEAD let him be a bridge
1662 FULLER Worthies Cardiganshire, II 578: *[This] is founded on a
fictitious tradition . . [that] Benigridran, a Britain . . came to a
river over which neither was bridge nor ferrey; hereupon he was
fain to carry all his men over . . on his own back. To lesson men
not to affect the empty title of a General, except they can supply
their souldiers with all necessaries.
H252 He will not give his HEAD for the washing
[01486-1500] 01530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. C2: A well drawen man
ys he and a Well taught, That wyll not gywe hys bed for nought.
I596 NASHE Safiron-Walden: Wks., III 73: But the time was, when
he would not haue giuen his head for the washing. [I602] I631
CHETTLE Hoflman III, s. F1v: A gentleman wou’d not haue giuen

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HEAD
HEAD
297


his head for the washing. 1615 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Cupid’s
Rev. IV, p. 273: And so am I, and forty more good fellows, That
will not give their heads for the washing, I take it. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1663 S. BUTLER Hud. I iii 256, p. 106: For my
Part it shall ne'er be sed, I for the washing give my Head. 1721
KEL., p. 154: (the Head). *Spoken of sturdy People, who will not
readily part with their Interest, or be bullied out of it. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 393: I find, Mr. Neverout, you won’t give
your head for the washing, as they say.
H253 The HEAD and feet keep warm, the rest will
take no harm
1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne II, II 167: This common saying is
alwais in the peoples mouth: Tenez chauds les pieds et la teste,
Au demeurant vivez en beste. 1611 COT., s.v. Demeurant: The
foot and head kept warme, no matter for the rest. Ihid., s.v.
Teste: Keepe head and feet warme; for the rest, thou must resolue
to liue a beast. *To eat, and drinke no more then will doe thee
good. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 12: Keep warm your head and feet,
for the rest live like a beast. 1664 COD., p. 216: The Feet, and
Head kept warm, no matter for the rest. I670 RAY, p. 39. 1732
FUL., no. 6255.
Cf. F576: Dry feet, warm head bring safe to bed; F579: Keep
thy feet dry, thy mouth moist; H242: Cover your head by day as
much as you will, by night as much as you can; M1248: A cool
mouth and warm feet live long.
H254 A HEAD that’s white to maids brings n0 delight
01640 SMYTH 41, p. 30: An head that’s white to mayds brings noe
delight: or An head that’s gray serves not for maydens play.
Cf. L177: Like a leek, he has a white head and a green tail.
H255 His HEAD is full of bees
[1513] 1553 DOUGLAS Aeneid VIII Prol., III 146: Quhat bern be
thou in bed, with heid full of beis? 1553 Respuhlica I i, p. 3:
I have a hive of humble bees swarmynge in my braine. [01553]
1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I iv 93: Who so hath suche bees as your
maister in hys head. 1562 HEY. Dial. I xii, p. 39: Their hartes full
heavy, their heades be full of bees. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and
Pithias, s. B3v: But Wyll, my maister hath Bees in his head.
I575 CHURCHYARD Chips, p. 5 5: About he flees, As though his hed
wear full of bees. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 717. [1614] 1631 JONSON
Barth. Fair I iv 80: Hee will whistle him, and all his tunes ouer,
at night in his sleepe! he has a head full Of Bees! 1616 DR., s.v.
Poore, no. 1678: (A poore mans head is). 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 11: To have humble bees in his head. 1681 COLVILLE Mock
Poem II, p. 49: A Scripturest thou proves, as he was, In Whose fool
Bonnet-case a Bee was.
See ST., no. 1576. Cf. P452: Poor poets’ heads are ever full of
bees.
H256 His HEAD is full of proclamations
1567 G. FENTON Trag. Dis. 10, II 146: At last, beinge past the mis-
terye of his traunce, he repaired to his house with his head full of
proclamacions. 1611 COT., s.v. Moucheron: To be humorous,
moodie, giddie-headed; or to haue many proclamations or crotchets
in the head. 1616 DR., s.v. Way, no. 2333. I631 [BRATHWAITE]
Whimzies 20, p. 97: His head is many times full of proclamations.
I678 RAY, p. 265: To have his head full of proclamations. a1700
B.E., s.v. Proclamations: His Head is full of Proclamations, much
taken up to little Purpose.
H257 An idle HEAD is a box for the wind
I640 HERB., no. 647.
194. 1659 N.R., p. 5.
H258 It has neither HEAD nor tail
1616 WITHALS, p. 578. 1639 CL., s.v. Obscuritas, p. 231. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fico, p. 62: To have neither head nor tail in it.
1677 W. HUGHES Man Sin III iii, p. 93: Such Lyes that (as we say)
have neither Head nor Tail, do these Folks thrust upon the credu-
lous World!
See ST., no. 1242.
head nor tail.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
Cf. B155: It is a strange beast that has neither


H259 It is better to be the HEAD of a pike than the tail
of a sturgeon
1659 N.R., p. 69: (the head of Pike). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 272:
(It’s better to be the head of a pickerel, than). 1670 RAY, p. 101:
(Better be the head of).
See DUR., I, no. 186. Cf. H238: Better be the head of a lizard
(mouse) than the tail of a lion; H240: Better be the head of the
yeomanry than the tail of the gentry.
H260 It is good to keep one HEAD for the reckoning
1573 New Custom III i, s. D2: But as the prouerbe saith it is good
to keepe still One head for the reckning bothe sober and wise.
H261 Little HEAD great wit
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 963: (muckl wit).
Within a little head, great Wit.
Cf. H245: Great (Mickle) head little wit.
H262
1611 COT., s.v. Teste:
No sooner up but HEAD in the ambry1 and nose
in the cup
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 75, p. 167: Some slouens from sleep-
ing no sooner get vp, but hand is in aumbrie, and nose in the cup.
1616 WITHALS, p. 552: His mind is in the Ambrey. 1639 CL., s.v.
Gula, p. 136. 1670 RAY, p. 198: (but the head). 1721 KEL.,
p. 263: No sooner up, but her Head in the Ambry. *Spoken of, or
to Maidens, who have too early a Stomach.
[1cupboard]
H263 Old HEAD and young hands
I678 RAY, p. 347: *Somerset.
H264 The scabby HEAD loves not the comb
1623 WOD., p. 516: A scabbed Head doth never loue the Combe.
*Feare to do any Thing: to discover their Faultes. 1659 HOW.
It. Prov., p. 12. 1664 COD., p. 222. 1721 KEL., p. 335: *That is,
wicked Men love neither Correction, nor Reproof. I732 FUL., no.
4072: Scabby Heads love not the Comb.
H265 A scald1 HEAD (A scald man’s head) is soon
broken
211500 Harl. MS 3362, p. 309: A scallyd mannys hed ys good to be
broke. a1536 HILL 10, p. 130: (A Skalde man-is hede). I546
HEY. II iii, s. G2V. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 24: (Ane swalled manes
head). 1611 GRUT., no. 27. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., no.
1350. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 V 2, p. 772. 1639 CL.,
p. 168: (A scall’d mans head). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 18: A
scabby head soon let bloud. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7. I659
N.R., p. 8. 1668 R.B., p. 5: (A skade mans head). I670 RAY,
p. 140. 1697 MER., p. 163. 1721 KEL., p. 11: A scal’d Head is
eith [easy] to bleed. A thing that was but tender before, will
easily be put out of Order: The English is much the same. A
scal’d Head is soon broken.
[lscaled]
H266 Sup with your HEAD, the horner1 is dead
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1208. 1721 KEL., p. 295: Sup with your
Head, the Homer is dead, he’s dead that made the Munns [spoons
without handles]. *Spoken to a Child when he calls for a Spoon
for any liquid Thing, advising him rather to take it out of the
Pipkin with his Mouth, as Ladies do Tea or Coffee.
[lmaker 0f horn spoons]
H267 That which is good for the HEAD is ill for the
neck and shoulders (That which is good for
the back is bad for the head)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1334: (for the craig [throat] and Shoulders).
1604 JAMES I Counterhlast to Tohacco, p. 106: There is almost no
sort either of nourishment or medicine, that hath not some thing
in it disagreeable to mans bodie . . according to the olde prouerbe,
That which is good for the head, is euill for the necke and the
shoulders. I670 RAY, p. 58: That which is good for the back is
bad for the head. 1721 KEL., p. 330: What’s good for the Back is
bad for the Head. *Eng.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi'.
HEAD 298
HEADS
H268 To be over HEAD and ears (up to the ears) in a
thing
1534 J. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. B4V: Quyte ouer the cares in loue
and felt no ground. [61552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle
I iii, s. A3v: And gyb our cat in the milke pan, she spied ouer head
and cares. [61553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I i 40: Up is he to the
harde eares in love. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. E2: Layde
to stiepe ouer head and eares in the snowe of Tygetus. 1583
STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, note, p. 148: Diued ouer head and eares
in water. 1594 BARNFIELD Aflect. Shep., p. 8: But leave we him
in love up to the cares. I600 DEKKER Old Fort. III ii 164: I must
turn villain as many do, and leave you when you are up to the ears
in adversity. 1621 WILLIAMSON Wise Vieillard, p. 114: Wee are
fallen . . vp to the eares in the water of extreame anguish. a1624
M. SMITH Serm., p. 5: Is it for any of vs to talke of his sufficiency
being ouer head and eares in debt, or to please himselfe in his
beauty, being blacker then a Blacke-more? 1636 T. HEYWOOD
Love’s Mistress I, p. 97: That’s strange, for all are up to’th eares in
love. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. Capegli, p. 27: To have too much
of any thing, to be cloyd, to be up to the ears in any thing. Ibid.,
s.v. Pie, p. 146: To plunge ones selfover head and ears in any busi-
1679 CROWNE Ambitious Statesman IV, p. 204: Must plunge
ness.
his soul O’er head and ears betimes in wickedness. 1681 ROB.,
p. 434: He is in debt over head and ears.
See ST., no. 781. (11)
H269 To break one’s HEAD and give him a plaster
1546 HEY. II ix, s. LIV: To breake my head, and than gyue me a
plaster. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 52: To break a mans hed . .
and at his laisure, give him a plaster. 61576 Common Cond. l. 291,
8. B2: Ifyou breake ones hed with a pan, You will giue him a plaister
to hele it againe ifyou can. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 97:
A plaister is a small amends for a broken head, and a bad excuse,
will not purge an ill accuser. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VIII, p. 137:
You breake my head, and then giue me a plaster. [61597] 1609
JONSON Case Is Altered II vii 130: S’wounds do you first breake my
head, and then giue me a plaister in scorne? 1605 ARMIN Fool
upon Fool: Wks., p. 37: Wil Sommers was fayne to (after he had
broke his [the jester’s] head, to giue him a playster) get him out
agayne. 1616 DR., no. 666: (He breaketh his head, and giueth).
1631 MABBE Celestina XXI, p. 283: Thou breakest our head, and
givest us a plaister. 1639 CL., p. 156: (Breake a mans head, then).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Teriaca, p. 214: After the head is broke, to
give a Plaister, to come too late with a remedy. 1670 RAY, p. 165:
Break my head and bring me a plaister.
Cf. D133: After death the doctor (physic); H241: Break my head
and draw on my hoo.
H270 To comb one’s HEAD with a three-legged stool
1566-7 Mer. Tales Skelton 5 in Shak. fest-Bk., II 9: Hys wife
woulde diuers tymes in the weeke kimbe his head with a iii. footed
stoole. 1671 Westminster Droll. I, p. 38: She flew in my face, and
call’d me fool, And comb’d my head with a three-legg’d stool.
P SHAKESPEARE.—1594—8 T.S. I i 64: To comb your noddle with
a:three-legg’d stool.
H271 To come to a HEAD
1663 N. WAKER Refined Courtier V, p. 122: They . . are longer in
stating and bringing it to a head, than others in determining it.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Capo, p. 28: *To finish, and bring any
thing to a period.
See ST., no. 284.
H272 To hold up his HEAD like a steed of ten pounds
1678 RAY, p. 283.
H273 To run one’s HEAD against a stone wall
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 189: It is euill running against a stone
wall. 1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 410: But if like a
restie Iade thou wilt take the bitt in thy mouth . . thou shalt . .
haue thy head runne against a stone wall. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Roverscione, p. 173: To give one a fowl box on the ear, viz.

a
that the wall reflect with another; To make ones head and the wall
meet.
See ST., no. 949.
H274 To thrust out (in) by the HEAD and shoulders
1595 SIDNEY Def. Poetry, p. 39: All their Playes . . thrust in the
Clowne by head and Shoulders. [61602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal
King II, p. 32: In troth sir, if you will not be gone, I shall be forc’t
to turne you out by the head and shoulders. 1647 N. WARD
Simple Cobbler, p. 23: I am farre from discouraging any, Whom
necessity . . thrusts out by head and shoulders. 1672 WALK. 40,
p. 16: (To be haled by). 1679 WALLER Trag. Hist. 7etzer, p. 20:
The Lecturer brought in this whole affair by the head and shoulders
into his Sermon. a1700 B.E., s.v. Fetch: A meer Fetch, that is
far fetched, or brought in by Head and Shoulders.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-1 V v 155: We would have thrust
virtue out of our hearts by the head and shoulders.
See ST., no. 759.
H275 When the HEAD aches all the body is the worse
1546 HEY. II vii, s. KIv. 1586 WITHALS, s. M6: While the head
aketh, Payne all the lims taketh. 1611 GRUT., no. 303. 1614 CAM.,
p. 314. 1616 DR., no. 948. I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, II ii,
III 27: According to the saying, Quando caput dolet . . I mean . .
that when the head akes, all the body is out of tune . . I, being thy
lord and master, am thy head. 1639 CL., s.v. In stupidos, p. 296.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1664 COD., p. 225. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 3, p. 78: (akes, every member feels pain with it). 1670 RAY,
p. 13. 1732 FUL., no. 5588: (all the Body feels it).
See DUR., I, no. 69. Cf. T83: Tears in the eyes, ruth in the
heart.
H276 A wise HEAD makes a close mouth
1678 RAY, p. 219. 1732 FUL., no. 469: A wise Head hath a close
Mouth to it.
H277 You have a handsome HEAD of hair, pray give
me a tester1
1678 RAY, p. 73: *When Spendthrifts come to borrow money they
commonly usher in their errand with some frivolous discourse in
commendation of the person they would borrow of, or some of his
parts or qualities: The same be said of beggers.
[lsixpence]
H278 As many HEADS as Hydra
[ERAS. Adagia, 370D: Hydram secas.] 1602 JONSON Poetaster III
i 285: Rescue me from this Hydra of discourse, here. 1612 JONSON
Alch. IV vii 33: Hydra of villanie! [61622] 1647 MASSINGER ET AL.
Laws Candy I ii, p. 247: Supposing that their adversaries grew Like
Hydra’s head. 1689 DRYDEN Don Sebast. I i, p. 340: O that I had
the fruitful heads of Hydra.
SHAKESPEARE.——1597 I Hen. IV V iv 25: Another king? They
grow like Hydra’s heads. 1598 2 Hen. IV IV ii 35: I sent your
Grace The parcels and particulars of our grief . . Whereon this
Hydra son of war is born. 1599 Hen. V I i 35: Never hydra-
headed wilfulness So soon did lose his seat. 1604 O. II iii 307: Had
I as many mouths as Hydra. 1608 C. III i 91: Why . . have you
thus Given Hydra [the people] here to choose an officer.
See OTTO, no. 837.
H279 So many HEADS so many wits
1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4v. 1548 E. HALL Hen. IV: Chron., f. 12v:
(Verifiynge the olde Prouerbe, so many). 1573 New Custom Prol.,
s. A2v: Formany heades, many wittes wee doe plainely see. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 63: Als mony headis als mony wittes. I611 DAV.
Prov., no. 137. 1611 GRUT., no. 228: So many heade, so many
witte. 1614 CAM., p. 311. 1623 WOD., p. 518: (Opinions). 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 286: (brains).
I668 R.B., p. 2: As many heads as many wits.
Cf. M583: So many men so many minds. (I4)
H280 They laid their HEADS together
[61517] I 5 3 3 SKELTON Magn., s. B3v: Nay let vs our heddes togyder
cast. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus III iv, p. 118: By castyng of our
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HEADS
HEAR
299


hedes togyther. 1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia I, p. 50: They will
laye theyr heddes together, and conspire againste the weale pub-
quue. 1594 MARLOWE Edw. II III iii 89: These barons lay their
heads on blocks together. 01605 Life and Death Ratsey, s. B3v:
They all layde their heades togither.
SHAKESPEARE."1590-I 2 Hen. VI III i 165: Ay, all of you have
laid your heads together. Ihid. IV viii 60: I see them lay their
heads together to surprise me.
H281 Two HEADS (wits) are better than one
1530 PALS., p. 594a: Two wyttes be farre better than one. 1546
HEY. I ix, s. C2V. 1573 New Custom II iii, s. C4v: For moe wittes
as you knowe, may do better then one. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal.,
I 147: Two wits are better than one, and that which you, blinded
perchance by love, cannot see, I, stirred up by desire to do you good,
may perceive. I591 SPENSER Prosop. l. 82: Wks., p. 91: Two is
better than one head. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1294: (wits). 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 405: (euer better then one). 1611 GRUT., no. 295.
1614 CAM., p. 314. 1616 DR., no. 384. 1639 CL., p. 67. I641
FERG., no. 825: Twa wits is better nor ane. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 18. I668 R.B., p. 53: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I670 RAY,
p. 151. 1721 KEL., p. 335: (Two Wits). 1732 FUL., no. 5331:
(than one; quoth the Woman, when she had her Dog with her to
the Market).
Cf. E268: Two (Four) eyes can see more (are better) than one
(two); R46: Reason ought to be in counsel. (10)
H282 To have a good HEADPIECE
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Testa, p. 215: A Man of Courage and
spirit, and that can carry on a business bravely . . A good Head-
piece, saith the English.
H283 It is ill HEALING an old sore
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 51: An olde sore to hele is oft halfe
incurable. 1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2: (healyng of an olde sore).
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 175: Salves seldom help an over-long suf-
fered sore. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 249: Searche the wounde
while it is greene, to late commeth the salue when the sore festereth.
1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 205: Salves seldome helpe ouer-long
festred sores. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 261. 1611 GRUT., no. 163:
[As in 1546 Hey.]. 1614 CAM., p. 308: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1616
DR., s.v. Olde age, no. 1549: An old sore is not soone cured. 1639
CL., p. 283. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1664
Con., p. 212. 1670 RAY, p. 19. I732 FUL., no. 3727: Old Sores
are hardly cured.
Cf. W927: A green wound is soon healed.
H284 AS welcome as HEALTH to sick men
1607 DEKKER Whore Bah, p. 253: Your presence Comes as the
light to day, Showers to the spring, Or health to sicke men. 1620
J.C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids III ii, s. I2v: O you speake musicke to
the melancholly, Health to the sicke. 1636 T. HEYWOOD Chall.
for Beauty III, p. 40: Welcome as health to the house of sicknes.
Cf. M76: Ask not a sick man if he would be sound.
H285 Better in HEALTH than in good conditions
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 382: (He’s better in).
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 Rich. II II i 91: O, no! thou diest, though
I the sicker be. —I am in health, I breathe, and see thee ill.
—Now, he that made me knows I see thee ill. 1598 2 Hen. IV II
ii 110: How doth . . your master? '—In bodily health, sir.
—Marry, the immortal part needs a physician. 1611 W.T. I ii
304: Were my wive’s liver Infected as her life, she would not live
The running of one glass.
H286 HEALTH and money go far
1640 HERB., no. 443. 1664 C011, P- I99-
H287 HEALTH and sickness surely are men’s double
enemies
I640 HERB., no. 1004.

H288 HEALTH is a jewel (great riches)
1530 PALS., p. 358: He that hath his helth is ryche ynough.
VICARY Anat. Man Ep. Ded., p. 7: Health, the cheefest Iuel and
greatest treasure of mans lyfe. 1639 CL., p. 314.
Fr. Prov., p. 13: He who hath health is rich, and knowes it not.
1659 N.R., p. 48. 1672 WALK. 13, p. 45.
Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 39: He who is healthfull is rich
and not aware ofit.
Cf. H289: Health is better than wealth.
H289 HEALTH is better than wealth
is aboue gold (as saith Iesus Syrach). 1678 RAY, p. 153.
BAILEY, s.v. Health: Health surpasses riches.
Good Health Is infinitely above Wealth.
Cf. H288: Health is a jewel (great riches).
H290 HEALTH is not valued till sickness comes
health that haue bene sick.
ness health is known. 1732 FUL., no. 2478.
HEALTH without money is half an ague (half
a Sickness)
I640 HERB., no. 505.
H291
a sicknesse). 1664 Con., p. 199. 1732 FUL., no. 2479: Health
without Wealth, is half a Sickness. '
Cf. W197: Little avails wealth where there is no health.
H292 To drink HEALTH is to drink sickness
drinke the drinke wasteth thee.
head and bodies surfeting, Then cease I healthes.
DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 162.
their owne safeties.
thee and thy state look ill.
will rather hurt his body than displease his palate.
H293 You must not pledge your own HEALTH
old rule, No pledging your owne health. 1678 RAY, p. I 52.
H294 Some HEAR and see him whom he hears and
sees not
1670 RAY, p. 95.
H295 Who so deaf as he that will not HEAR?
wilfully will nother here nor see.
(Who is so).
cooke . . That none is so deafe, as who wyll not heare.
FERG. MS, no. 1274: (Thair is no man so).
(No man’s worse deafe then). 1611 GRUT., no. 324.
p. 314. 1616 DR., no. 2416: (Who is so).
1640 HERB., no. 79: (Who is so).
(Who is more deaf then).
no deaf man like him that).
1664 COD., p. 226: (Who is so).
p. 196: (To seem not to hear, and that purposely: Who is so).
R.B., p. 50: (There is na man so).
1672 WALK. 93, p. 55: (None so deaf as they that).
no. 3657: (None so).
—You must speak louder, my master is deaf.
to the hearing of anything good.
as he that will not see?


1548
1659 How.
1677 E. RICHARDSON
1732 FUL., no. 2477: Health is great Riches.
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health Ep. Ded., p. iii: Health and strength
1730
1732 FUL., no. 6285:
1600 [LYLY] Maid’s Metam. IV 1 127: They know the want of
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 1 19: In sick-
1658 EDMONDSON Comes Fac. in Via, p. 20.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 14: (halfa sickness). 1659 N.R., p. 49: (half
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 62: While thou wasteth
1602 Ld. Cromwell, s. D2v:
I loue health well, but when [as] healthes doe bring Paine to the
[01605] 1630
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw.,
p. 34: For many drinking healths to their friends, ofttimes drownd
SHAKESPEARE.—16o5-8 T. Ath. I ii 57: Those healths will make
Cf. D359: Diseases are the interests of pleasures; M304: A man
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. Prol. l. 350, p. 440: But there’s an
1546 HEY. II ix, S. K4: Who is so deafe, or so blynde, as is hee,That
1562 HEY. Epig. 103, p. 143:
01570 INGELEND Disoh. Child, s. C2v: The Mayde
a1598
I611 COT., s.v. Sourd:
1614 CAM.,
1639 CL., p. 301.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5:
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 7: (There’s
1659 N.R., p. 105: (There’s none so).
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sordina,
1668
1670 RAY, p. 155: (as they that).
1732 FUL.,
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2 Hen. IVI ii 77: Boy, tell him I am deaf.
—I am sure he is,
Cf. E11: He cannot hear on that ear (side); S206: Who so blind
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 3.
HEARD
HEART
3OO

H296 He may be HEARD where he is not seen
1639 CL., s.v. Clamor, p. 58: (when he is not scene). 1670 RAY, p.
180. 1721 KEL., p. 380: You may be heard where you are not seen.
*Spoken to those who are unseasonably noisy.
H297 Were there no HEARERs there would be no
backbiters (none to rail)
1640 HERB., no. 69. 1659 N.R., p. 123. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To
rail: There would be none to rail, if none would hear.
H298 HEARING much increases knowledge
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 610.
Cf. M606: Wise men silent, fools talk.
H299 Ill (Wrong) HEARING makes wrong rehearsing
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1477: (Wrong). 1668 R.B., p. 56: (Wrang).
1721 KEL., p. 187: *Spoken when we hear one give a wrong
Account of a matter of Fact.
Cf. W948: Wrong hears, wrong answer gives.
H300 It is worth the HEARING
1616 WITHALS, p. 538.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. [VII iv 235: It is worth the list’ning
t0.
Cf. N34: Not worth the naming.
H301 A blithe HEART makes a blooming visage
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 29. 1668 R.B., p. 1. 1721 KEL., p. 22: (a
bloomy Visage). *A Man’s inward Chearfulness is often shewed
by his Countenance. And on the contrary, Tristitia corrugat
vultum. .
Cf. F1: The face is the index of the heart (mind); J84: Thejoy of
the heart makes the face fair (a fair color).
H302 Faint HEART ne’er won fair lady
I552 TAV., f. 10: A cowarde verely neuer obteyned the loue of a
fayre lady. [01570] 1599 Clyomon and Clamydes ix, s. D2v: The old
prouerbe . . Which alwayes sayth, that cowardly hearts, faire
Ladies neuer win. 01576 Common Cond. l. 1499, s. F2v: Experience
showes faint harted knights wins neuer fayre ladie’s loue. I585
[MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II i, s. C2v: Faint hart neuer wun faire
Lady they say. 1591 FLOR. See. F. XII, p. 165: And yet a heart
that fainteth, fair lady never tainteth. I596 SPENSER IV x
53: Shaking off all doubt and shamefast feare, Which ladies love I
heard had never wonne. 1597 BRETON Wit and Will in Will Wit
(1599 ed.): Wks., II 12, a1598 FERG. MS, no. 210: A faint heart wil
neuer win a fair lady. 1611 COT., s.v. Arnie. 1611 GRUT., no. 94.
1614 CAM., p. 306. [8.1616] 1628 P. FLETCHER Brittain’s Ida V:
Poems, I 74: Faint heart faire lady ne’re could win. 1616 DR., no.
2228. 1616 WITHALS, p. 582: (a faire lady). 1639 CL., p. 40.
61640 SMYTH 6, p. 27: A faint hart never won a faire lady. I659
N.R., p. 33. 1664 Con., p. 192. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 81, p.
321: Faint heart never kist fair Lady. 1670 RAY, p. 87. 1721
KEL., p. 109. 1732 FUL., no. 1486.
SHAKESPEARE—~1592—3 V.A. l. 569: Affection faints not like a
pale-fac’d coward, But then wooes best when most his choice is
froward.
Cf. F601: Fortune favors the bold (hardy, valiant). (17)
H303 A full HEART lied never
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 54. 1668 R.B., p. 5.
fow [full, drunk] Heart lied never. *A Man in his Cups will tell his
Mind.
Cf. C328: Children (Drunkards) and fools cannot lie (Children
and fools speak truth); H316: An honest heart cannot dissemble.
H304 A gentle HEART is tied with an easy thread
1640 HERB., no. 722. 1659 N.R., p. 4. 1666 T0R. It. Prov. I, p.
58: (with a twine threed).
Cf. F736: Friends do tie the purse with a cobweb thread.
1721 KEL., p. 40: A,

i
H305 A good HEART conquers ill fortune (overcomes
all)
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. DIv: Multum iuua[t]
in re mala animus bonus. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84: A
good hart breaketh ill hap, i. A good hart ouercommeth all.
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxxv, III 269: A good heart con~
quers ill fortune, as well thou knowest. 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 14: A good heart with good hope euer breaketh ill
hap, for a noble heart ouercometh all. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5;
A stout heart breaks through ill luck. 1732 FUL., no. 423: A stout
Heart crushes ill Luck.
SHAKEsPEARE.——1598 2 Hen. IV II iv 34: A good heart’s worth
gold. 1604 O. I iii 206: What cannot be preserv’d when fortune
takes, Patience her injury a mock’ry makes.
See OTTO, no. 843. Cf. C715: Great courage is in greatest dan-
gers tried; H307: A good heart overcomes many sorrows; H320a: A
merry heart lives long; H326: Set hard (stout) heart against hard
hap (stay brea); M71: As long lives a merry man as a sad.
H306 A good HEART may do well anywhere
1639 CL., p. 121. 1664 Con., p. 185.
Cf. M468: A man’s country is where he does well.
H307 A good HEART overcomes many sorrows
1591 STEP., p. 152.
Cf. H305: A good heart conquers ill fortune (overcomes all);
H326: Set hard (stout) heart against hard hap (stay brea).
H308 He is a velvet true HEART
I678 RAY, p. 83: *Chesh.
H309 He is HEART of oak
1605 Trial Chivalry, s. CIV: But my heart is as sound as a bell, heart
of Cake. I609 MEG G00DW1N Old Meg Herjfordshire in Misc.
Antiq. Angl, p. 10: Here is a doozen of yonkers, that have hearts of
Cake at fourscore yeares. I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxx,
IV 247: A soule made of a Skuttle, and a heart of Oake. 1664
]. EVELYN Sylva, p. 26: And men had indeed hearts of Oak; I mean,
not so hard, but health, and strength. 1672 WALK. 62, p. 24:
He was heart of oak; he wore like iron. I678 RAY, p. 252. I694
ECHARD Self-Tormenter III, p. 125: Marry, I think, you’re heart of
Oak.
SHAKESPEARE.——I600—I II iii 29: Ha, bully! What says
my iEsculapius? my Galien? my heart of elder?
Cf. 5842: He is steel (metal) to the back. (6)
H310 He may weep till his HEART ache that has no-
body to comfort him
I611 COT., s.v. Assez: (that hath no bodie to appease him). 1658
E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 175: A man may well cal] till
his heart ake, if no body will hear him. I659 N.R., p. 43.
H311 A HEART as hard as a stone (flint, marble)
61489 CAXTON Sons Aymon XIV, p. 347: A 10rd that hath no pite
in him, hath a hert as harde as a stone. [01570] 1599 Clyomon and
Clamydes xv, s. E4v: Heart more hard then flint. I583 GOLDING
Calvin 0n Deut. XIV, p. 84: Praying him to chaunge our wicked
hartes in such Wise, that whereas now they be plunged in al
naughtines, and stonehard: hee will vouchsafe to bring them to his
obedience. [c1589] 1601 LYLY Love’s Metam. V iv 100: Seeing that
Niobe hath a heart harder then stone. I594 Selimus x, s. D3:
Their heart is all of hardest marble wrought. 1629 RM. Micro-
logia 10, s. C7: His heart is as hard as his hammer.
SHAKESPEARE—Isgo—I 2 Hen. VIIII ii 97: The splitting rocks . .
would not dash me . . Because thy flinty heart, more hard than
they, Might in thy palace perish Margaret. 1593-4 Lac. 1. 978:
Stone him with hard’ned hearts harder than stones. 1596 M. V.
IV i 31: Rough hearts of flint. 1596 Rich. IIV i 3: To whose flint
bosom my condemned lord Is doom’d a prisoner. I601 T.N. I v
305: Love make his heart of flint that you shall love. Ibid. V i
127: Live you the marble-breasted tyrant. 1605-6 K.L. I iv 281:
Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend.
Cf. S878: As hard as a stone (flint, rock).
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HEART 301 HEART


H312 The HEART of a fool istin his tongue (mouth) Shall I set at my harte that thou setst at thy heele? [9.1563] 1661
1566 DRANT Horace’s Sat. II vii, s. I2v: That sillye foole . . His Tom Tyler and H” Wife 1' 807’ p' 23: Neva. set at thy heart’ thy
harte is euer in his tongue. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw.,
f, 31v: (in his mouth). 1640 F. QUARLES Enchyridion III: Wks.,
I 35: (A Foole’s heart is).
SHAKESPEARE—I608 C. III i 257: His heart’s his mouth; What
his breast forges, that his tongue must vent.
Cf. F465: A fool is known by much babbling; H331: To have one’s
heart at (in) one’s mouth; M602: Wise men have their mouth
(tongue) in their heart, fools their heart in their mouth (tongue).
H313 The HEART of an Englishman towards a Welsh-
man
1662 FULLER Worthies Cardiganshire, II 578: The heart of an
Englishman_(whom they call Saxons) towards a Welsh-man. *It is
either applied to such who are possessed with prejudice, or only
carry an outward compliance Without cordial afTection.
H314 His HEART is in his hose (heels)
[01522] c1545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court 1. 286: Wks., II 35=
Their hertes be in thyr hose. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4: Your hert is in
your hose, all in dispayre. 01563 :7de Yuggler, s. B3: And who
lustith to feale Shall find his hart creping out at his heele. I580
BARET, A—401: Animus in pedes decidit . . A Prouerbe applied to
those which are very fearefull, and as we say of such, that all their
courage is in their legges. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. III ii,
5. E3v: My stomack so swelles that I am driuen to lay out my heart
in my hose. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 673. 1606 Nobody and Some-
body, s. H3v: My harts in my hose. 1616 DR., s.v. Cowardise, no.
396: (heeles). 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. II, p. 33: N0,
noble Welchman, hur heart was in hur hose. 1639 CL., s.v. Timi-
ditas, p. 311: (heeles). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: His heart fell
down to his hose. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cuore, p. 50: To have
ones heart in ones knees, Viz. to be a very coward. 1670 RAY, p. 180:
His heart fell down to his hose or heels. 1682 N .O. Lutrin II, p.
19: Chear up, and pluck thy Heart out of thy Hose! 1721 KEL., p.
171: *Lat. Cor in genua cecidit.
See ST., no. 845. Cf. H331: To have one’s heart at (in) one’s
mouth; H336: Who has not a heart let him have legs (heels).
(I7)
H315 His HEART (mind, hand) is on his halfpenny
[That is, he has a selfish object in view.] 1546 HEY. I Vi, s. B3: SO
hard is your hand set on your halpeny: That my reasonyng your
reason setteth nought by. 1550 LATIMER Serm. 14, p. 270: But his
mind was on his halfpenny. 1553 Respuhlica I iv, p. 12: Your
myndes were all on your haulfe penie. 1562 HEY. Epig. 44, p. 134:
Thy hand is on thy halfepeny. I575 GASCOIGNE Ferd. and Leo.: Po-
sies, p. 393: Is your hand on your halfpeny? . . —No fayre Lady,
my hand is on my herte. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Cc4v: Thy
heart muste be on thy halfpenye. 1589 GREENE Menaphon, p. 78:
Twere necessarie he told vs how his heart came thus on his halfe-
penie. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 18: What, is your heart on your
halfepenie, or are you saying a Dirge for your fathers soule? 01594
BACON, no. 630: (hand). I594 LYLY Mother B. II i 56: Dromio,
looke heere, now is my hand on my halfepenie. 1604 E. HOBY (to
Cranborne) in R. Cecil Cal. MS S, XVI 441 : There is an old proverb,
a man’s heart is upon his halfpenny. 1639 CL., s.v. Attentio, et
contra, p. 36. 1642 HERLE Pair Compasses, p. 36: A niggardly
hide-bound, purse-bound lover, that hath, as we say, his heart on
his halfe-penny. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 5: (His hand is still).
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 220: (mind). 1681 ROB., p. 885: (mind).
Cf. H80: I will lay my hand on my halfpenny ere I part with it.
H316 An honest HEART cannot dissemble
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 162: A leall hairt lyed never.
Coeur. I640 HERB., no. 795: A good heart cannot lye.
N.R., p. 14.
Cf. H303: A full heart lied never.
H317 I will not set at my HEART what I should set
at my heel (what you set at your heel)
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D3v: Nor wyll [I] . . suche foly feele, To set at my
herte, that thou settest at thy heele. 1562 HEY. Epig. 49, p. 134:
1611 COT., s.v.
I659
wives churlish part, That she sets at her heel. 1587 GREENE Euph.
to Philautus, p. 191: Finding it folly to sett that at his heart which
Others set at their heele. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap I iv 1 I2:
I will not set that at my heels that my frend sets at his heart. 1639
CL., s.v. Ira, p. 178: Take not that to your heart, which they set
at their heeles. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605—6 K.L. III ii 31: The man that makes his
toe What he his heart should make Shall of a corn cry woe.
Cf. F562: DO not make the foot the head; H318: It goes as much
in his heart as his heel.
H318 It goes as much in his HEART as his heel
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 837. 1641 FERG., no. 531: (as in his heel).
I668 R.B., p. 32: [AS in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 198: (into my
Heart as my Heel). *Spoken with Disdain, signifying that what
is said or done does not affect us in the least.
Cf. H317: I will not set at my heart what I should set at my heel
(what you set at your heel).
H319 A kind HEART loses nought at last
1639 CL., p. 45. Ibid., p. 135: (never loseth ought).
H320 A loyal HEART may be landed under Traitors’
Bridge
1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 59: *The Proverb importeth,
that passive Innocence, overpowered with Adversaries, may be
accused without cause, and disposed at the pleasure of others.
1670 RAY, p. 242. 1732 FUL., no. 260.
H320a A merry HEART lives long
I553 Respuhlica III Vi, p. 30: It prolongethe life of Manne to bee
merye. 1560-77 Misogonus II ii 89: The merye man with cupp
and cann liues longer then doth twentye. I600 Weakest to Wall, 5.
B2: Well up with my ware, and downe to my worke, and on to my
song, for a merrie heart liues long. 1609 Every Wom. in Her Hum.,
s. G3v: Merrie hearts liue long mine Host. 1616 DR., s.v. Mirth,
no. 1393: A merry heart maketh a long life.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 17: She might ’a’ been a
grandam ere She died. And so may you; for a light heart lives long.
1598 2 Hen. IV V iii 50: A merry heart lives long-a.
Cf. H305: A good heart conquers ill fortune (overcomes all);
M71: As long lives a merry man as a sad.
H321 Nearest the HEART nearest the mouth
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 170: Euery one talketh of that
most he liketh best. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1080. 1668 R.B., p.
40. 1721 KEL., p. 265: *Spoken to them who, designing to name
one Person, by Mistake names another, perhaps a Mistress or Sweet-
heart.
Cf. A13: Of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks; H334:
What the heart thinks the tongue speaks; S538: A slip of the
tongue is wont to tell the truth.
H322 Piss and fart, a sound HEART
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 23: He who pisseth and doth not fart,
he doth not do what he should. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 209:
It is not good pissing without farting. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Fart.
I721 KEL., p. 280: Pish and fart, sound at the Heart. *Taken from
Schola Salernitana. Mingere cum bombis res est salvissima lumbis.
H323 Pluck up your HEART
[01486—1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. A2: Pluck vp thyn harte
and hold thyn hed vpryght. 1530 PALS., p. 661b: Pluck up thy
herte, man, thou shalte be set at large to morowe. I546 HEY. I
xi, s. D4: What, man, plucke vp your herte, be of good cheere!
[01552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle III iii, s. C4: Plucke vp
your hart, and leaue of al this gloming. I558 PHAER Aeneid I 180,
s. A3v: Pluck vp your harts and driue from thens both thought and
feare away. [01560] I581 WOODES Confl. Cons. II ii, s. B3v:
Pluck vp thy hart thou faint harted mome. 1594 MARLOWE AND
NASHE Dido I i 149: Pluck up your hearts, Since fate still rests our


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi'.
HEART
HEART
302
friend. 1604 DEKKER 1 lion. Whore, p. 65: Pray plucke up a good
heart, be not so fearefull. 1616 DR., s.v. Heart, no. 958: He
pulleth vp a good heart. Ibid., s.v. Patience, no. 1602: Pluck vp a
good heart. I681 ROB., p. 529: Pluck up thy heart, man; Fear no
colours.
SHAKESPEARE.--1594-8 T.S. IV iii 37: Mistress, what cheer?
“Faith, as cold as can be. —Pluck up thy spirits; look cheerfully
upon me. 1598—9 M.A. V i 207: Pluck up, my heart, and be sad!
Cf. H332: To take heart of grace. (30)
H324 A proud (A lord’s) HEART (mind) and a beggar’s
purse agree not
61521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. V, p. 39: A lordes stomake and a beggers
pouche Full ill accordeth. 61536 COPLAND Highway Spittle House
I. 977, p. 66: L0 Here one may se that there is none wors Than is a
proude herte and a beggers purs. I546 HEY. I x, s. C4v: There
is nothyng in this worlde that agreeth wurs, Than dothe a ladies
hert, and a beggers purs. 1560 E. MORE Dcy'. Wom. l. 548, p. 136:
Euyl doth a lordes hart and a beggers purse accord. I585 ROBSON
Choice Change, s. L3: Three things by no means tollerable. A long
tongue in a fooles head. A loose life in a godly professor. A
proud heart and a beggers purse. I598 FLOR., s.v. Salacone, p. 340:
A booster who being in pouertie will seeme to be rich, as we say a
proud hart and a beggers purse. 1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed
with Kind, p. 114: Ha, Ha, a proud minde and a Beggers purse.
1616 DR., no. 74: (A Lords). 1623 CAM., p. 265: A proud minde
and a beggers purse, goeth together. 1639 CL., p. 32: (doe not well
agree). 61640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 5: (were neuer louing
companions). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: A Lords heart, and a
beggars purse. 1659 N.R., p. 15: [As in 1623 Cam.]. 1670 RAY,
p. 133: A proud mind and a beggers purse agree not well together.
1678 RAY, p. 192: There’s nothing agrees worse then a proud mind
and a beggers purse.
H325 A proud HEART in a poor breast has mickle
dolor1 to dree2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 23: (Ane proud heart and a poore breast).
I641 FERG., no. 23. 1668 R.B., p. 3. I721 KEL., p. 22: *Be-
cause their Pride will not give them leave to condescend to mean
and low Shifts to supply their Wants.
Cf. P474: Poor and proud, fie, fie.
[lsorrow 2suffer]
H326 Set hard (stout) HEART against hard hap (stay1
brea’)
1597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe I. 503: Poems, p. 20: So gets
ay, that sets ay Stout stomackis to the brae. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1205: Set ane stout hart to ane stay brae. 1639 CL., s.v. Ae-
quanimitas, p. 15. Ibid., s.v. Fortitudinis, p. 120: Set hard edge
to hard luck. 1670 RAY, p. 100. 1672 WALK. 89, p. 44. I721
KEL., p. 287: Set a stout Heart to a stay Brea. *Set about a diffi-
cult Business with Courage and Constancy. 1732 FUL., no. 4108.
Cf. H305: A good heart conquers ill fortune (overcomes all);
H307: A good heart overcomes many sorrows.
[lsteep 2hill]
H327 Set your HEART at rest
1616 WITHALS, p. 559. 1670 RAY, p. 190.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. II i 121: Set your heart at rest.
H328 A small (humble) HEART has small (humble)
desires
I611 COT., s.v. Coeur: Little things content low thoughts; or, an
humble heart is humble in desires. I623 WOD., p. 508: To a litle
Heart a litle wish. *Said of humilitie. 1640 HERB., no. 6: Humble
hearts have humble desires. Ibid., no. 802. 1659 N.R., p. 18.
Ibid., p. 53: [As in 1640 Herb., no. 6].
Cf. L347a: He that desires but little has no need of much.
H329 That which comes from the HEART returns to
the heart
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 37, p. 57.
H331

fl
H330 To eat one’s HEART out
[ERAS. Adagia, 17E: Cor ne edito.] 61535 ELYOT Educ. 12, s. F2:
Eate no harte, what doth it els signifie, but accombre not thy
mynde with thoughtes, me do not fatigate the with cares? I539
TAV., f. 54v: [As in Eras.]. Eate not thy harte. *(That is to saye)
consume not thy selfe wyth cares. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Cor: Cor
ne edito, dooe not tourment thy mynde with care and heauinesse.
it was one of Pythagoras counsayles. 1569 UNDERDOWNE Aethiop.
Hist. I, p. 23: And there lived eating (as the Proverbe saith) his
owne harte out. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 281: Not to cats
our heartes: That is, that wee shoulde not vexe our selues wyth
thoughtes. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 107: Whiche were to eate
up your heart, as they say. 1590 SPENSER HQ. I ii 6: He could not
rest, but did his stout heart eat. 1612 BACON Essays, p. 169: The
parable of Pythagoras is dark, but true; Cor ne edito: Eat not the
heart. 1616 DR., s.v. Malice, no. 1348: He eateth his owne heart.
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 ii 6, p. 211: Achilles eating of his
own heart in his idleness, because he might not fight.
See ST., no. 844.
To have one’s HEART at (in) one’s mouth
[211600] 1662 I.T. Grim Collier Croydon II i, s. HI: My heart is in
my month. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Catino, p. 33: Ones heart
to be at ones mouth, upon any sudden apprehension of danger.
1680 DRYDEN Limberham III i, p. 65: My heart was at my mouth,
for fear. 1694 DRYDEN Love Triumph. I i, p. 398: He’s come on
again; my heart was almost at my mouth.
See ST., no. 847. Cf. H312: The heart of a fool is in his tongue
(mouth); H314: His heart is in his hose (heels).
H332 To take HEART of grace
1530 PALS., p. 748a: They lyved a great whyle lyke cowardes, but at
the laste they toke herte a gresse to them. 1546 HEY. II viii, s.
K2: She taketh such hert of gras that though I maym hir, Or kill
hir, yet shall I neuer reclaym hir. I560 BECON Cat. VI, p. 345: It is
now high time to take hart of grease unto them. 1577 GRANGE
Gold. A phroditis, s. G4v: And beying aboute somewhat to haue written
vnto him, whereby he mighte haue taken hartie grace. I581 PET-
TIE Civ. Conv. I, I I7: Goe to Gentleman, take heart at grasse, for
your evill is easie to bee cured. I593 Tell-Trothes Gift in Tell-
Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 23: She . . tooke harte at grasse, and
woulde needes trie a newe conclusion. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Raffran~
care, p. 418: To take heart of grace or courage againe. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Heart, or courage, no. 956: He taketh heart at grasse. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: Take heart of grace. 1670 RAY, p. 214.
1687 BEHN Emp. Moon II ii, p. 420: Come, come take Heart of
Grace. 1732 F UL., no. 4308: Take Heart of Grace.
Cf. H323: Pluck up your heart. (16)
H333 What is in the HEART of the sober man is in the
tongue (mouth) of the drunkard
[ERAS. Adagia, 267E: Quod in corde sobrii, id in lingua ebrii. Ibid.,
428D: Quod in animo sobrii, id est in lingua ebrii.] 1539 TAV., f. 30:
Quod in animo sobrii est, id est in lingua ebrii. The thynge that
lyeth in a sobre mans hart, is in the tongue of the dronkarde. 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 279: It is an olde Prouerbe: Whatsoeuer
is in the heart of the sober man, is in the mouth of the drunckarde.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 13: That which the sober man keeps in his
thoughts, the drunkard hath in his mouth.
Cf. M602: Wise men have their mouth (tongue) in their heart,
fools their heart in their mouth (tongue); S600: What soberness
conceals drunkenness reveals.
H334 What the HEART thinks the tongue speaks
I477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 26]: The mouth sheweth ofte What the hert
thinketh. 1583 GREENE Mamillia I, p. 116: What the heart did
think, the tongue would clinck. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1533: (the
tounge claiketh). I611 GRUT., no. 301. 1614 CAM., p. 314. 1616
DR., no. 959: That which the heart thinketh, the mouth speaketh.
1639 CL., p. 316. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1664 COD., p.
225. 1670 RAY, p. 13. I721 KEL., p. 356: When the Heart is full,
the Tongue will speak. 1732 FUL., no. 5521.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HEART
HEAVEN
303


SHAKESPEARE.—I598—9 M.A. III ii 12: He hath a heart as sound
as a bell; and his tongue is the clapper, for what his heart thinks,
his tongue speaks. 1599 A.Y. III ii 263: Do you not know I am
awoman? When I think, I must speak. 1608 C. IlIi 258: What
his breast forges, that his tongue must vent.
See ST., no. 848; T. 335, p. 188. Cf. A13: Of the abundance of
the heart the mouth speaks; F445: As the fool thinks the bell clinks;
H321: Nearest the heart nearest the mouth. (8)
H335 Where the HEART is past hope the face is past
shame
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 111: (Where the minde is).
1732 FUL., no. 5665.
H336 Who has not a HEART let him have legs (heels)
1573 SANF., f. 103: He that hath no heart, hath legges. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XVIII,’f. 26V. 1611 COT., s.v. Iambe: Let him that hath
not a heart haue heeles; or let him that dares not vse his hands
bestirre his heeles. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 78, p. 28: [As in 1573 Sanf.].
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: Who wants a heart, let him have good
legs. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 8: (Who hath no heart). 1732 FUL.,
no. 2146: He that has no Heart, ought to have Heels.
Cf. H314: His heart is in his hose (heels); H394: To take to one’s
heels.
H337 A willing HEART performs his part
1616 WITHALS, p. 559. 1639 CL., p. 186.
Cf. D407: What we do willingly is easy.
H338 With all my HEART and a piece of my liver
1598 Mucedorus, s. F4: Weele waite on you with all our hearts-
—And with a peece of my liver to. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p.
414.
H339 With HEART and hand
1616 WITHALS, p. 563. 1639 CL., s.v. Diligentia, p. 92.
H340 Your kind HEART will be your death
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1561.
Cf. H342: Kind hearts are soonest wronged; M915: Mickle must
a good heart thole.
H341 HEARTS may agree though heads differ
1732 FUL., no. 2480.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. I iii 56: Howsome’er their hearts are
sever’d in religion, their heads are both one.
H342 Kind HEARTS are soonest wronged
I616 BRET., p. 8. 1639 CL., p. 27.
Cf. H340: Your kind heart will be your death; M915: Mickle
must a good heart thole; T221 : They that think none ill are soonest
beguiled (They that do no harm suspect none).
H343 Neither HEAT nor cold abides always in the Sky
1678 RAY, p. 47.
H344 There is no HEAT of affection but is joined with
some idleness of brain
1651 HERB., p. 367: *Says the Spaniard.
H345 To HEAVE and theave
I678 RAY, p. 354: *The labouring husbandman.
Somers.
H346 To pay one home with HEAVE AND H0
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 225: I may say without arrogancie,
that the Academic . . hath payed mee home with interrest. 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. Bb4: Hector at length with his heaued cod-
gill, paide him home with heaue and how. 1592 Arden F., s. B4:
They shall be soundly fed, to pay him home. 1598 GRIMESTONE
Hist. France I, p. 410: Gods iustice is slow, but in the end it paies
home. 1601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. I ii 23: Horson Scanderbag
rogue, oh that I had a horse; by Gods lidde i’de fetch him backe

againe, with heaue and ho. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pegola, p.
138: Fowly to abuse one, to pay one home, and soundly.
See ST., no. 217. Cf. K151: Their own knavery will pay them
home at length.
H347 He is well since he is in HEAVEN
[1602] I631 CHETTLE Hoflman IV, s. H3: I trust my son h’as no
commerce with death. —Your son noe doubt is well, in blessed
state. 1608 J. DAY Hum. out Breath III iv, p. 47: Well? ——Very
well. —Where is he? —Where none of your proude sex will euer
come, I thinke: in heauen. 1725 N. BAILEY Canonization Reuclin:
Familiar Colloq., p. 109: Our Reuclin is well. . he is so well recovered
that he will never be sick again.
SHAKESPEARE.—-—01595 Ry. IV V 75: O, in this love, you love your
child so ill That you run mad, seeing that she is well . . Dry up your
tears and stick your rosemary On this fair corse. Ihid. V i 15:
How fares my Juliet? That I ask again, For nothing can be ill if
she be well. —Then she is well . . Her body sleeps in Capel’s mon-
ument. 1598 2 Hen. IV V ii 3: How doth the King? —Exceed-
ing well; his cares are now all ended. —I hope, not dead. —He’s
walk’d the way of nature, And, to our purposes, he lives no
more. 1601 T.N. I V 76: The more fool, madonna, to mourn for
your brother’s soul, being in heaven. 1602 A.W. II iv 2: She is not
well, but yet she has her health. She’s Very merry, but yet she is
not well. But thanks be given, she’s very well and wants nothing
i’ th’ world. But yet she is not well . . she’s very well indeed, but
for two things . . One, that She’s not in heaven, whither God send
her quickly! the other, that she’s in earth, from whence God send
her quickly! I604 M.M. III i 54: Now, sister, what ’s the cOmfort?
—-Why, as all comforts are; most good, most good indeed. Lord
Angelo, having afl'airs to heaven Intends you for his swift ambassa-
dor, Where you shall be an everlasting leiger [resident ambassador].
Therefore your best appointment make with speed; To-morrow
you set on. 1605—6 M. IV iii 176: How does my wife? —Why,
well. —And all my Children? —Well too. .yourwife and babes sav-
agely slaughter’d. 1606—7 A.C. II V 31: First, madam, he is well.
—-Why, there’s more gold. But, sirrah, mark, we use To say the
dead are well. 1611 W. T. V i 29: What were more holy Than to
rejoice the former queen [the “dead” Hermione] is well.
H348 HEAVEN (God) is above all
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II III iii 17: The heavens are over
our heads. —I know it, uncle, and oppose not myself Against
their will. 1602 T.C. I ii 83: Well, the gods are above; time must
friend or end. 1604 0. II iii 105: Well, God’s above all; and there
be souls must be saved, and there be souls must not be saved. 1613
Hen. VIII III i 100: Heaven is above all yet. There sits a judge
That no king can corrupt.
Cf. G201: God is still in heaven; G202: God is where he was.
H349 HEAVEN is not so soon gotten as Wished for
1596 DEL., s. N6v: Heauen is not gotten so soone as wished for.
1616 DR., no. 963. I659 N.R., p. 61: Heaven is not to be got with
Wishing.
H350 To be in HEAVEN
[ERAS. Adagia, 2200: In coelo esse.] 1548 COOPER, s.v. Caelum: In
caelo esse, A prouerbe signifyng to be in felicitee, or to bee moste
happy. 1672 WALK. 5, p. 21: He thought himself in heaven;
haPPY-
See OTTO, no. 288.
heaven.
H351 To be in the ninth (second, third) HEAVEN
[To be in a state ofbliss.] 01592 Fair Em, s. A3v: These thy pleasant
words Transferre my soule into a second heauen. I600 JONSON
Ev. Man out Hum. IV viii 19: Hee will thinke himselfe i’ the ninth
heauen. 1608 Mer. Devil Edmon., s. D4v: I was last night in the
third heauens.
See ST., no. 898.
Cf. H351: To be in the ninth (second, third)
Cf. H350: To be in heaven.
H352 To go to HEAVEN in a feather bed
9.1575 N. HARPSFIELD Life T. More II, p. 75: If his wife or any of
his children had beene diseased or troubled, he would say vnto them:
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
HEAVEN
HEDGEHOG
1304
We may not looke at our pleasures to goe to heauen in Fetherbeddes.
1630 BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlem. Acquaintance, p. 274: We cannot
goe to heaven on beds of downe. 1678 RAY, p. 243. 1681 ROB.,
p. 718: None go to heaven on a featherbed.
See DUR., I, no. 734. Cf. W170: The way to bliss lies not on
beds of down.
H353 To go to HEAVEN in a string
1550—1700 Yesuits’ Char. l. 67 in Roxb. Bal., IV I41: But some are
gone to Heaven in a String. 1591 GREENE See. Part Conny-Catch-
ing, p. 82: The quest went vpon him, and condemned him: and so
the Priggar went to heauen in a string. 1619 H. HUTTON Folly’s
Anat., p. 16: Tibornes triangle trees will be the thing, Must send
this knave to Heavens in a string. [a1635] 1647 R. CORBET Great
Tom: Poems, p. 582: Thou shortly shalt to Heaven in a string . .
We’ll all be glad, Great Tom, to see thee hang’d. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Sbatir, p. 180: To be hang’d, to look thorough a
Hempen windoor, or go to Heaven in a string, with for withe], or
sling. 1710 T. WARD Eng. Reform. II, I 218: Then may he boldly
take his Swing, And go to Heaven in a String.
Cf. W457: To look through a hempen window.
H354 To go to HEAVEN in a wheelbarrow
[To go to hell.] 1630 T. ADAMS God’s Bounty I: Wks., p. 864: This
oppressor must needs goe to heauen . . But it will bee, as the by
word is, in a Wheelebarrow: the fiends, and not the Angels, will
take hold on him. 1677 W. HUGHES Man Sin II x, p. 159: The
Believing Collier whirles right to Heaven in a Wheel-barrow!
H355 To spit against HEAVEN (in heaven’s face)
1583 S'I‘UBBES dnat. Houses I, p. 139: E15 we spit against heauen,
we striue against the stream, and we contemn him in‘his ordinances.
1612 LENNARD Wisdom II iv, p. 256: For to go against his own na-
ture, is to tempt God, to spit against the heavens, to leave the
business undone because he cannot do it. c1623 Welsh dmhass.
II, p. 19: Angells er’d once and fell, but you sir spitt in heavens
face, euery minute and laugh at it. 1634 (S. ROWLEY] Noble Sol-
dier II, s. C3v: Angels err’d but once and fell, but you, Sir, spit in
heavens face euery minute.
Cf. H356: Who spits against heaven, it falls in his face; S896: TO
throw stones against the wind; W427: Piss not against the wind.
H356 Who spits against HEAVEN, it falls in his face
1557 T. NORTH Dial Princes II xvi, p. 224: As he which spitteth into
the element, and the spittle falleth againe into his eyes. 01594
BACON, no. 615: He who spits at heaven, it returns in his own face.
1612 WEBSTER White Devil III ii 152: For your names, Of Whoore
and Murdresse they proceed from you, As if a man should spit
against the wind, The filth returnes in’s face. 1616 DR., no. 961:
Hee that speaketh against Heauen, it will returne into his face.
1630 T. ADAMS Physiefrom Heav.: Wks., p. 300: God shall . . at
last despise you, that haue despised him in vs . . That which a man
spittes against heauen, shall fall backe on his owne face. 1640
HERB., no. 342. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 1: Who spits at Heaven,
his spettle falls on his face. *Understood of blasphemers. 1664
COD., p. 228. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 268: Who spitteth up in
the skie, or against the wind, the spittle will return upon him again.
1670 RAY, p. 13: *Hispan. 1732 FUL., no. 4252: Spit not against
Heaven; ’twill fall back into thy own Face. '
Cf. C924: Curses return upon the heads of those that curse;
H355: To spit against heaven (in heaven’s face); 131: The ill (evil)
that comes out Of our mouth falls into our bosom; $889: The stone
you throw will fall on your own head; W427: Piss not against the
wind.
_H357 To take HECTOR’S cloak
1662 FULLER Worthies Northumberland, II 188: *When Thomas
Percy, earl of Northumberland, anno 1569, was routed in the
Rebellion . . against Queen Elizabeth, he hid himself in the house
of one Hector Armestrong, of Harlaw . . who . . for money betrayed
him to the Regent of Scotland . . To take Hector’s cloak, is contin-
ued to this day . . when they would express a man that betrayeth
his friend who trusted him. I670 RAY, p. 247. I787 GROSE Prov.
Gloss., s.v. Northumberland.

H358 Better shelter under an old HEDGE than a young
furze bush
1639 CL., s.v. Amicitia, p. 25: Better to keep under an old hedge,
than creepe under a new furr-bush. 1670 RAY, p. 127: Better keep
under an Old hedge, then creep under a new furze-bush. 1732
FUL., no. 922.
Cf. S327: It is good sheltering under an Old hedge.
H359 He has made many a white HEDGE black
1639 CL., s.v. Lucrum ex scelere, p. 191: *With stolen linen.
H360 If you would a good HEDGE have carry the
leaves to the grave
1678 RAY, p. 350. 1732 FUL., no. 6141.
Cf. F 778: If you would fruit have you must bring the leaf to the
grave.
H361 A low HEDGE is easily leaped over
1611 GRUT., no. 18. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 7. 1659 N.R., p. 4. 1670 RAY, p. 16. 1732 FUL., no. 259.
Cf. H364: Where the hedge is lowest men may soonest over;
M549: Men go over the dike at the lowest; M559: Men use him ill
that has ill luck.
H362 To hang on the HEDGE
c1510 Hiekseorner, 5. B2: Ye whan my soule hangeth on the hedge
cast stones. CI530 Youth, s. C2: When my soule hangeth on the
hedge once Then take thou and caste stones. 1560—77 Misogonus
II iv 204: Then he may go hange 0th hedge. 1666 PEPYS Diary
Oct. 27, VI 40: The business of money hangs in the hedge.
H363 T0 leap over the HEDGE before you come at the
stile
1553 Respuhliea I iii, p. 9: (You will over the hedge ere ye). I573
GASCOIGNE Supposes II i, p. 202: You would fayne leape over the
stile before you come at the hedge. 1576 GASCOIGNE Steel Glass,
p. 168: That Logike leape, not over every stile, Before he come, a
furlong neare the hedge. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 10: (ere he
come at the style). 1664 COD., p. 214. I670 RAY, p. 184.
Cf. S856: You would be (leap) over the stile before you come at it.
H364 Where the HEDGE is lowest men may soonest
over
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2v. I564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 65: (is lowest
that commonlie is sonest cast to grounde). I591 HARINGTON
Apol. Poet.: Orl. Fur., f. 2v: (is lowest, there doth every man go
over). 1605 R.F. Sch. Slov. I 950, p. 46: The hedge is most gone
over, where it lieth low. 1611 GRUT., no. 316. 1614 CAM., p. 314.
1639 CL., p. 166: (is lowest, commonly men leape over). 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: (is lowest, all men do go over). *The poor
is oppressed. 1664 COD., p. 22 5: (is low, Men soonest leap over).
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 259: Where the hedge is low, every one
will be passing. I670 RAY, p. 102: [As in 1639 CL]. 1697 York-
shire Dial. in Yorkshire {int/1., p. 8 5: Where th’ hedg is law it’s eath
gitting O’re there. 1732 FUL., no. 5666: (is lowest, Men leap over).
See DiiR., II, no. 725. Cf. H361: A low hedge is easily leaped
over; M 549: Men go over the dike at the lowest; P469: The poor
suffer all the wrong; $926: It is easy to wade the stream where the
ford is at lowest.
H365 He is ready to leap over nine HEDGEs
1678 RAY, p. 353.
' H366 I would it were in again with the HEDGEHOG
after it
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12: *A fart.
H367 Trim up a HEDGEHOG and he will look like a
10rd
1623 WOD., p. 487: Decke a Hedge-Hog, and he will seeme a Baron.
*So said of a base Boure that will ranke himselfe out of his Ranke.
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 9.
Cf. 5849: Dress up a stick and it does not seem to be a stick.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HEDGEHOGs
HEED
305


H368 HEDGEHOGS lodge among thorns because them-
selves are prickly
[ERAS. Similia, 6130: Echinus semper in spinis ingreditur, quod
spinas secum circumferat.] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 139:
The Hedgehogge, who euermore lodgeth in the thornes, bicause he
himselfe is full of prickells. 1732 FUL., no. 2485.
H369 Hertfordshire HEDGEHOGS
I662 FULLER Worthies Hartfordshire, I 426. I670 RAY, p. 230.
H370 Good HEED has good hap
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 9: Good heed chaceth away misfortune.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 160. I681 ROB., p. 719.
H371 Much HEED does no harm
1639 CL., p. 66.
H372 Take HEED of a person marked and a widow
thrice married
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com~
monw., p. 27: (and widdow). 1651 HERB., p. 372.
Cf. G177: Beware Of him whom God has marked.
H373 Take HEED (Beware) of a reconciled enemy
(friend) ‘ ' ‘
01526 Dicta Sap., s. D1: The selfe same thynge admonyssheth the
wyse Hebrewe: to be well ware of a reconciled ennemye. 1582
WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. G2: There is no trustinge of a rec-
oncyled enemye. [01590] 1654 CHAPMAN AND PEELE Alphonsus
I i 117: Trust not a reconciled friend, for good turns cannot blot
out old grudges. 01590 100 Godly Lessons 1. 109 in Roxh. Bal., I
432: Trust not a reconciled Friend more than an open Foe. 1604
[DALLINGTON] View France, s. F3V: A man must neuer trust a rec-
onciled enemy. 1616 DR., no. 1824: (Beware). I618 HARINGTON
Epig. I 87, p. 86: Dicke said, Beware a reconciled foe. 1621 R.
BURTON Anat. M. II III vii, p. 555. 1656 F. OSBORNE Advice to
Son IV xiii, p. 89: A Reconciled Enemy is not safely to be trusted.
1664 COD., p. 186: (Beware).
See DUR., I, no. 512. Cf. F712: Never trust much to a new friend
or an old enemy; F759: A broken friendship may be soldered but
will never be sound; H378: Take heed of enemies (friends) recon-
ciled and of meat twice boiled; H384: Take heed of wind that comes
in at a hole and a reconciled enemy.
H374 Take HEED of a stepmother, the very name of
her suffices
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84.
monw., p. 27. 1651 HERB., p. 372.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
H375 Take HEED of a young wench, a prophetess,
and a Latin woman
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 27. 1651 HERB., p. 372: (and a Latine-bred woman).
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 20: God deliver me from a winching Mule,
from the bleak North-wind, and from a Latine woman. *From a
woman that pretendeth to be too Wise. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov.,
p. 15: From a prognosticating Maid, and a Latine Wife, the Lord
preserve me.
Cf. S977: A morning sun and a wine-bred child and a Latin-bred
woman seldom end well; W643: A Wise woman is twice a fool.
H376 Take HEED of an 011 before, a horse (an ass)
behind, of a monk (parson) on all sides
1640 HERB., no. 894: (of an horse behind). 1659 HOW. Span. Prov.,
p. 18: (and a Monk). 1659 N.R., p. 104: (Parson). 1664 COD.,
p. 222: (of an Ass behind, of a Monky). 1670 RAY, p. 20: (of an
Asse behind, and a Monk). *Hispan. I730 BAILEY, s.v. Ox: [AS
in 1670 Ray, Without note].
Cf. F593: Beware of the fore part of a woman, the hind part of
a mule, and all sides of a priest (monk); H71 1: Trust not a horse’s
heel nor a dog’s tooth.


H377 Take HEED of credit decayed and people which
have nothing
I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 27. 1651 HERB., p. 372: (that have nothing).
H378 Take HEED of enemies (friends) reconciled and
of meat twice boiled
1585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. K1: Three things which our aunces-
tors haue abhorred. Meate twice sodden. A reconciled friend.
A woman with a beard. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6: (friends).
1664 COD., p. 211. 1670 RAY, p. 22: *Hispan. 1733 FRANKLIN,
p. 6: Beware of meat twice boil’d and an old foe reconcil’d.
Cf. H373: Take heed (Beware) of a reconciled enemy (friend);
H384: Take heed of wind that comes in at a hole and a reconciled
enemy.
H379 Take HEED of foul dirty ways and long sickness
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84. c1640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 27. 1651 HERB., p. 372.
H380 Take HEED of lightning at both ends
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
H381 Take HEED of mad fools (folks) in a narrow
place
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com_
monw., p. 27. 1651 HERB., p. 372: (folks). .
H382 Take HEED of the Vinegar of sweet wine
1573 SANF., f. 105V: Take you heede of Vineger, and sweet wyne,
that is, of the anger of a quiet man. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f.
30v: Beware Of veneger and sweete wine, and of the anger of a
peaceable man. 01594 BACON, no. 571: (Beware of). 1640 HERB.,
no. 447. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vino, p. 233: To prove to be
Vinegar of sweet Wine. *Mighty Strong and sharp; spoken of the
anger of a mild and meek Person. I754 FRANKLIN, p. 30: (wine
and the Anger of Good-nature). .
Cf. W470: The sweetest wine makes the sharpest Vinegar.
H383 Take HEED of the wrath of a mighty man and
the tumult 0f the people
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 27. 1651 HERB., p. 372.
Cf. W934: Where wrath is joined with power there are thunder-
bolts.
H384 Take HEED of wind that comes in at a hole and
a reconciled enemy
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 27. 1651 HERB., p. 372. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15:
God guard me from the wind through a hole, and from a reconciled
friend.
Cf. H373: Take heed (Beware) of a reconciled enemy (friend);
H378: Take heed of enemies (friends) reconciled and of meat twice
boiled.
H385 Take HEED you find not that you do not seek
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 98: If a man had no light to
looue, yet hee would feele, to seeke that he would not finde, for
feare least they shoulde find that they did not seek. 1659 HOW.
. It. Prov., p. 10: (that which you). 1664 COD., p. 211. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 2, p. 291: Hunt not after that which thou woulldst be 10th
to find. 1670 RAY, p. 9: *Ital. 1732 FUL., no. 4309: (what you).
Cf. D39: He that gropes in the dark finds that he would not;
T135: I seek for a thing, wife, that I would not find.
H386 When you go to dance take HEED whom you
take by the hand
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1315: The nixt tyme ye dance wit quham ye
tak be the hand. 1639 CL., s.v. Amicitia, p. 24. 1668 R.B., p. 55:
[As in a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 77. 1721 KEL., p. 320: (The

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6'.
HEEL
HELL
306

next time you dance, know whom). *Spoken to them who have
imprudently engag’d with some who have been too cunning, or too
hard for them. 1732 FUL., no. 5614: (When thou dancest, take).
H387 Touch me not on the sore HEEL
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1320: (vpon the sore heall). 1641 FERG., no.
851. 1668 R.B., p. 54. 1721 KEL., p. 320: *DO notjest too near
with my Honour and Interest.
H388 Let him hang by the HEELS
1678 RAY, p. 353: *Of a man that dies in debt: His wife leaving all
at his death, crying his goods in three markets and three Parish
Churches is so free of all his debts. Som.
Cf. D148: Death pays all debts.
H389 Out at HEELS
1588 FRAUNCE Lawyer’s Log. I iv, f. 27: To affectate such woordes
as were quite worne out at heeles and elbowes long before the na-
tivitie of Geffrey Chawcer. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not
Me, p. 328: Though I am now out at heeles, or so as you thinke, I
am in the way of preferment. 1676 WYCHERLEY Plain Dealer III,
p. 153: Go look out the Fellow . . that walks with his Stockings and
his Sword out at heels.
SHAKESPEARE.-—16oo-1 I iii 34: Well, sirs, I am almost
out at heels. 1605-6 K.L. II ii 164: A good man’s fortune may
grow out at heels.
Cf. E102: To be out at elbows.
H390 To beat his HEELS against the ground
1616 WITHALS, p. 559. 1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 154: You’d
as good beat your heeles against the ground.
Cf. P644: To no more purpose than to beat your heels against the
ground.
H391 To 6001 one’s HEELS
[61602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King III, p. 46: Or else he may
coole his heeles without if his appetite be hot. I611 CHAPMAN
Iliad III 339, I 69: The soldiers all sat down enrank’d, each by his
arms and horse That then lay down and cool’d their hoofs. 1633
W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. III, p. 52: Let him cool his heels there
till morning. 1642 FULLER Holy State IV i, p. 242: O, whilest their
heels cool how do their hearts burn? I665 BRATHWAITE Com. on
Chaucer, p. 28: Cooling his Toes at the Blacksmith’s door. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sereno, p. 190: Spoken of any Gamester, that
. walks abroad to lament his bad Fortune; which the English ex-
presse, by cooling of his heels.
H392 To kick up one’s HEELS
I604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 8: Gods so, I would not for a duckat
She had kickt up her heeles. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Fare il pane, p. 180:
To die or kicke vp ones heels. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gheppio,
p. 73 : To have gone into the other World, to have kickt up ones heels.
H393 To run down his HEELS
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sacco, p. 175: To rain in his sack, viz.
to be fortunate; the English say, It runs down his heels.
H394 To take to one’s HEELS
[61592] 1615 T. HEYWOOD Four Prent. Lond., p. 226: But for shame,
and that I am a man at armes, I would runne away, and take me to
my legs. 1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua I viii, s. C1v: He tooke his heeles,
and threw his garment from him all in hast. 1610 P. HOLLAND
Brit. York,I 690: They tooke them to their heeles, and fled. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Spadone, p. 198: To betake ones self to ones
Heels, and run for’t, when one Should stand and Fight. 1721 KEL.,
p. 145: He has taken his Heels.
See ST., no. 1810. Cf. H336: Who has not a heart let him have
legs (heels).
H395 To plow with another’s HEIFER
1535 COVERDALE Bible Judg. XIV, II 20: Yf ye had not plowed
with my calfe, ye shulde not haue founde out my ryddle. [1632]
I659 MASSINGER City IVIadam II iii, p. 437: I will undertake To find


the north passage to the Indies sooner Than plough with your proud
heifer. 1655 NICHOLAS Corr. Jan. 22, II 172: Wee will plough with
his heifer as well as with others. 1677 R. GILPIN Daemon. Sacra I
x, p. 63: Satan takes advantage of our own lusts, and so ploughs with
our heifer, turning our own weapons against ourselves.
See ST., no. 1062. Cf. L57: To water (dig, ear) another’s land.
H396 It is HEIGHT makes Grantham1 steeple stand
awry
1596 LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 14: His beard is cut like the spier of
Grantham steeple. 1604 MIDDLETON Black Bk., p. 21: Wresting
them quite awry, like Grantham steeple. 61629 Pepys Bal. 66, II
I 19: Momus doth looke awry, like Grantham Steeple. I638 BRATH-
WAITE Barnabee’s Your. III, II G4: Thence to Grantham I retiring,
Famous for a Spire aspiring. 1642 FULLER Holy State II xxiii, p.
148: They who complain that Grantham steeple stands awry will
not set a straiter by it. [a1658] 1677 CLEVELAND Elegy upon Arch-
bishop l. 50: Poems, p. 153: No churchman can be innocent and
high; ’Tis height makes Grantham steeple Stand awry. 1662 FUL-
LER W orthies Lincolnshire, II 6: *Eminency exposeth the upright-
est persons to exception; and such who cannot find faults in them,
will find faults at them, envying their advancement. 1732 FUL.,
no. 5086.
[See Sugden, p. 230.]
H397 AS black (dark) as HELL
1511 GUILDFORD Pilgrimage, p. 53: Nyghe unto the sayd see it is
comenly derke as hell. 1563 Induction in Mirror forMagistrates III,
Pt. I, II 328: That boyles and bubs vp swelth as blacke as hell.
1590 SPENSER FAQ. I viii 39: But all a deepe descent, as darke as
hell. [1626] 1639 SHIRLEY Maid’s Rev. II iii, p. 125: Hell is not
blacker than his soul.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. IV iii 254: Black is the badge of
hell. 1600-1 H. III iii 94: And that his soul may be as damn’d and
black As hell, whereto it goes. 1601 T.N. IV ii 50: As dark as hell.
1609 Son. 147, 1. 14: Who art as black as hell. (7)
H398 As false as HELL
1619 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER King No King III, p. 180: Sir, it is
she. —’Tis false. —-Is it? -~As hell, by Heaven, as false as hell.
1678 Earl of Arran to Lauderdale 65, Mar. 28 in Lauderdale Papers,
III 100: He found all to be false as hell. 1680 D’URFEY Virtuous
Wife IV, p. 45: Ye are false as Hell.
SHAKESPEARE.—~I604 O. IV ii 39: Heaven truly knows that thou
art false as hell.
H399 From HELL, Hull, and Halifax, good Lord de-
liver us
1595 COPLEY Wits, Fits V, p. 107: It is prouerbiall in our country;
From Hull, Hell, and Halifax, Good Lord deliuer vs. 1599 NASHE
Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 210: Let them seek him, and neither in Hull,
Hell nor Halifax. 1612 J. TAYLOR Merry Voyage: Wks. F., p. 172:
There is a Prouerb, and a prayer withal, That we may not to three
strange places fall: From Hull, from Hallifax, from Hell, ’tis thus
From all these three, good Lord, deliver us! 1662 FULLER W orthies
Yorkshire, II 494: *This is part of the Beggar’s and Vagrant’s
Letany . . Hull is terrible unto them, as a Town of good goverment
. . Halifax is formidable unto them for . . Theeves . . stealing ..
Cloath, are instantly beheaded with an Engine. 1670 RAY, p.
255: (and Halifax —— deliver us).
Cf. J39: To Jericho with him.
H400 Harrow (Rake) HELL and scum the devil
1670 RAY, p. 180: (Harrow or rake hell, and). 1732 FUL., no. 1798:
Harrow Hell, and rake up the Devil.
He that gains HELL has made an ill market
1639 CL., p. 81: He that
H401
1616 DR., s.v. anortunate, no. 2280.
gaines hell comes to an ill bargaine.
H402 He will go to HELL for the house profit
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 661: (houses). 1721 KEL., p. 156: *Spoken
of them that will do any Thing for Gain.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HELL
HEN
307


H403 HELL is broke loose
1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War: Posies, p. 160: As oft as euer Hell
brake loose. 1592 GREENE Quipfor Upstart Courtier, p. 255: What
a Ging was heere gathered together, no doubt Hel, is broke loose.
1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 58: Another beates the dore, T’other
Shee-devill, looke. Why then hell’s broke loose. 1616 DR., s.v.
Libertie, no. 1227. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. IV i 12: They
should say, and sweare, hell were broken loose, e’re they went
hence. [1621] 1652 FLETCHER Wild Goose Chase IV ii, p. 368: Is
Hell broke loose, and all the Furies flutter’d? 1622 DEKKER AND
MASSINGER Virgin Martyr III, p. 59: You’d think all hell broke
loose, we should so quarrel. 1624 MASSINGER Bondman III i, p.
84: You have mis’d the best sport. Hell I thinke is broke loose.
1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends V x, s. N2v: Fye, fye, Hell is broke
loose upon me. 1639 CL., s.v. Improbi, p. 151. 1667 MILTON
Par. Lost IV 918, p. 139: Wherefore with thee Came not all Hell
broke loose? 1670 RAY, p. 180: Hell is broken loose with him.
1694 D’URFEY 2 Don Quix. II ii, p. 129: All hell is broke loose yon-
der! 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 408: Hey, what a clattering is
here! one would think hell was broke loose.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. I ii 214: ‘Hell is empty, And all the
devils are here!’ (10)
H404 HELL is full of good meanings and wishings (in-
tentions)
I574 HELLOWES Guevara’s Fam. Epp., p. 132: Hell is full of good
desires. 1630 T. ADAMS End Thorns: Wks., p. 106 5: One sayd, that
hell is like to bee full of good purposes, but heauen of good workes.
1640 HERB., no. 170. I654 WHITLOCK Zootomia, p. 203: It is a
saying among Divines, that Hell is full of good Intentions, and
Meanings. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 295: The proverb
saith, Hell is full of good wishes,—of such, who now, when it
is too late, wish they had acted their part otherwise . . than
they did. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 29: Hell is full of good
intentions. *This proverb signifies, that there’s no sinner how bad
soever, but hath an intention to better his life, although death doth
surprise him. I659 N.R., p. 48. 1664 Con., p. 198. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 2, p. 316: Hell is full ofgood will. *Note 189, p. 323: Some
construe it, that they have a good will to get out on’t; others, that
in this World they shew’d nothing but good will, no performance.
1670 RAY, p. 13. I732 FUL., no. 2487: Hell is full of good Mean-
ings and Wishes; but Heaven is full Of good Works.
Cf. H405: Hell is paved with priests’ shaven crowns and great
men’s headpieces.
H405 HELL is paved with priests’ shaven crowns and
great men’s headpieces
1662 TRAPP Com. Old, New Test. 1 Cor. I, V 520: (Hence it grew to
a proverb in times of Popery, that hell was paved with).
Cf. H404: Hell is full ofgood meanings and wishings (intentions).
H406 HELL is wherever heaven is not
1596 DEL., s. N6v: Hell is in euery place, wherein the Lord is not.
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 257v :Hell is euery where,
where heauen is not. [01588] 1604 MARLOWE Faustus II i 128: All
places shall be hell that is not Heaven. 1732 FUL., no. 2489.
Cf. M417: A wicked man is his own hell.
H407 If HELL were not full the lawyer could not be
saved
1616 DR., no. 1206.
Cf. L128: Fair and softly, as lawyers go to heaven.
H408 No HELL like a bad conscience
1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 60: There is no sting to the worme of con-
science, no hell to a minde toucht with guilt. 1679 CROWNE Am-
hitious Statesman III, p. 236. 1754 Connoisseur 28, I 163: His con-
science at the approach of death had conjured up before him ten
thousand devils with their red-hot spits.
See APP., p. 448. Cf. C603: Conscience is witness enough; C606:
A guilty conscience is a self-accuser (feels continual fear).
H409 There is nobody will go to HELL for company
1613 WITHER Ahuses I I6, I 178: For I have heard them tell, With
mates they care not if they goe to hell. 1651 HERB., p. 373. 1659
N.R., p. 97. . _ '
Cf. F690: A friend as far as the altar (as consolence permits).
H410 They that be in HELL ween there is no other
heaven
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E1 v. 1548 BOORDE Intro. Knowledge XXVIII, s.
K3v: He that is in hel thynketh no other heuen. 1597 BACON Col.
Good and Evil: Wks., XIII 279: The forms to make it conceived,
that that was evil which is changed for the better, are, He that is in
hell thinks there is no other heaven. 1611 GRUT., no. 286. 1614
CAM., p. 313. 1621 WITHER Motto, p. 681: For, those the Prouerb
saith, That liue in Hell, Can ne’er conceiue what ’tis in Heauen to
dwell. 1639 CL., s.v. Malum assuetum, p. 199. Ihid., s.v. Philau-
tia, p. 255: (thinke there is no better heaven). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 10. 1670 RAY, p. 102: [As in 1639 Cl., p.255].
H411 HELP: subsi.
H411 HELP never comes too late
1590 SPENSER II i 44: Speake, O deare Lady, speake: help neuer
comes too late. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12.
Cf. C685: Good counsel lightly never comes too late; L85: Better
late than never.
H412 HELP: verb
H412 He HELPS little that helps not himself
1576 WAPULL Tide Tarries N0 Man, s. BI: For who helpes nOt him-
selfe, before any other, I coumpt him a foole, if he were my brother.
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 16, p. 27. 1639 CL., p. 21: He had need helpe
himself first.
Cf. F603: Fortune helps him that’s willing to help himself; G236:
Help thyself and God will help thee.
H413 To throw the HELVE after the hatchet
1577 HOLINSHED Chron. Eliz. 1576, IV 338: Rather throw the helue
after the hatchet, and leaue your ruines to be repared by your
prince. 01594 BACON, no. 680: To throw the hatchet after the
helve. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 80: (To cast). 1607 [R.
CAREW] World Wonders XV, p. 102: Casting the helve after the
hatchet, as it is in the French Prouerbe. I611 COT., s.v. Manche:
Iecter le manche apres la coignée. *To increase a misfortune by
desperate carelesnesse. 1642 HOWELL For. Trav. IX, p. 65:
She should reduce the Spaniard to that desperate passe . . as to
make him throw the helve after the hatchet. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 2: *To be in despair. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 27: *Hereby
we are admonished, that when some small losse is befallen us, we
should suppresse our choler, and not make the losse bigger. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Manico, p. 97: (To hurl). *To venture all,
over shooes, over boots. 1670 RAY, p. 180. 1672 WALK. 37, p. 52.
1685 COTTON Essays III 9, III 266: I abandon my self through de-
spair . . and as the Saying is, Throw the Helve after the Hatchet.
I732 FUL., no. 1069: (Cast not the Helve).
See DUR., I, no. 898; ST., no. 1227. Cf. A411: He sends the ax
after the helve; R173: Throw the rope in after the bucket; S379:
Over shoes over boots.
H414 When HEMPE is spun England is done
1625 BACON Essays, p. 204: The trivial prophecy, which I heard
when I was a Child . . was, When Hempe is sponne England’s done:
whereby it was generally conceived, that after the princes had
reigned which had the principial letters, of that word hempe (which
were Henry, Edward, Mary, Philip, Elizabeth), England should
come to utter confusion. 1662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 80.
H415 As busy as a HEN with one (two, ten) chicken
(chickens)
I591 STEP., p. 156: She is as busie as a henne, with two chickins.
I596 DEL., s. N4v: He is as busie as a henne that hath but one
chicken. I633 SHIRLEY Witty Fair One II ii, p. 305: (It has been a


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
HEN
HENGSTEN DOWN
308

proverb, as busy). 1639 CL., s.v. Assiduitas, p. 35: (that hath but
one chicken). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (ten Chickins). 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 222: One hen is as busie with one chicken, as
another with eight. 1670 RAY, p. 203. 1732 FUL., no. 669:
(with one Chick).
H416 As fat as a HEN in the forehead
1594 LYLY Mother B. IV ii 9: Ile warrant tis to as much purpose
as a hem [for hen P] in the forehead. —There was an auncient prou-
‘ erbe knockt in the head. I611 COT., s.v. Pie: Maigre comme vne
pie. We say (to the same purpose) as fat as a Henne’s on the for-
head. [01614] 1647 FLETCHER Bonduea I ii, p. 89: He’ll find you
out a food That needs no teeth nor stomach; a strange furmity Will
feed ye up as fat as hens i’ th’ foreheads. 1639 CL., s.v. Dissimili-
tudinis, p. 96. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Chiodo, p. 37: To be as
fat as a nail, viz. as lean as a hen on the forehead. Ibid., s.v. Oca,
p. 119: (The English though to a different purpose ironically say,
As fat). 1670 RAY, p. 204. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 463:
They say, she begins to grow fat. —Fat! ay, fat as a hen in the
forehead.
H417 Better a laying HEN than a lying crownl
1641 FERG., no. 208. 1668 R.B., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 267: (nor a
lyin crown). 1721 KEL., p. 67: *Better a small Thing, by which
you get daily Advantage, than a more considerable Thing lying use-
less.
]‘gold coin]
H418 A black HEN lays a white egg
1611 COT., s.v. Noir: *Many a foule woman brings forth a faire
child. 1616 DR., s.v. Education, no. 566: A blacke hen may bring
foorth white egges. 1639 CL., s.v. Proficientium in melius, p. 261.
1670 RAY, p. 6 3: *This is a French Proverb . .I conceive the meaning
ofit is, that a black woman may bear a fair child. 1721 KEL., p. 46:
*And so may a black Woman have a fair Child. 1732 FUL., no. I 5:
(will lay). I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 401: O! the wonderful works
Ofnature, that a black hen should lay a white egg!
See DUR., II, Suppl., no. 342.
H419 He looks like a HEN drinking water
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 740. cr678 T. SHADWELL Delights Bottle 1.
27 in Roxb. Bal., IV 45: Though he drinks like a chick, with his
eye-balls lift up.
H420 He that comes of a HEN must scrape
1591 FLOR. See. F. XII, p. 179: What is hatcht by a hen, will scrape
like a hen. 1611 COT., s.v. Grater: He thats borne of a Henne loues
to be scraping. 1640 HERB., no. 411. 1657 LEIGH, p. 273: (from
a Hen loves to be scratching). I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in
Via, p. 194. 1664 COD., p. 228: Who comes of a Hen, must needs
scrape. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 100: (Who comes of).
Cf. H424: Like hen like chicken.
H421 The HEN lays as well upon one egg as many
1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, vii, III 58. 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don
.Quix. IV i, p. 69.
H422 If one knew how good it were to eat a HEN in
January, had he twenty in the flock he’d leave
but one to go with the cock
1630 CROSFIELD Diary Jan. 29, p. 40: He that will live another
yeare must eate a hen in Januvere. If that thou hast twentie ith
flake There need but one to goe with Cake. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 21: (he would not leave one in the flock, for to be trodden by the
Cock). 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 24: If the Countrey-man knew
the goodness of a Hen in January, he would leave none in the roost.
I670 RAY, p. 213. I732 FUL., no. 6389: (Ifone but knew how good
it were, To eat a Pullet in Janivere, If he had twenty in a Flock).
H423 Let a HEN live though she has a pip
1620 SHELTON Don .Quix. Pt. II, v, III 45: Let the hen live, though
it bee with her pip. I631 MABBE Celestina IV, p. 84: For, (as it is

in the Proverbe) Faine would the Henne live, for all her pip; she
would not be put out of her life, to be put out of her paine. I659
N.R., p. 73. 1732 FUL., no. 3195: Let the Hen live, tho’ it be with
Pip.
H424 Like HEN like chicken
[1632] 1659 MASSINGER City Madam I i, p. 405: He’s grown Rebel-
lious, madam. —Nay, like hen, like chicken. 1659 HOW. It. Prov.,
p. 9: Who comes of a hen, must do like a hen.
Cf. F92: Such a (Like) father such a (like) son; H420: He that
comes of a hen must scrape; MI 199: Like mother like daughter.
H425
Nor HEN without bacon, nor sermon without
Saint Austin
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 7.
See SM., p. 27.
H426 Not worth a HEN
1508 DUNBAR Tua Mariit Wemen l. 269: Poems, II 39: That hurtis
yow nought worth a hen. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 198:
Oft at the profe is scantly worth a hen For greattest crakers ar nat
ay boldest men.
H427 You will not sell your HEN in a rainy day
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1575: (upon ane rainy day). 1639 CL., s.v.
Obscuritas, p. 232: I will not sell my hen i’th raine. 1721 KEL.,
p. 373: *You will part with nothing to your Disadvantage, for a
Hen looks ill on a rainy Day.
H428 You are like the HENs, you go aye to the heap
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 662: He is lyk the hen sho runs to the heap.
1721 KEL., p. 385: *Spoken when People take of the main Bulk
what they might gather of what is strewed about.
H429 From HENCE to (Between this and) ————— [some
distant place]
[1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. C2: I am spoken of more
than they all Hens t0 parys gatys. [01517] I533 SKELTON Magn.,
s. DIv: There is not a better dogge for hogges, Not from Anwyke
vnto aungey. 1533 J. HEYWOOD Yohn, s. A3: The most bawde hens
to Couentre. Ibid., s. B2v: She is the erranst baud betwene this
and Rome. [c1535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 3396, p. 505:
Thair is na Monks, from Carrick to Carraill, That fairs better.
61547 BALE Three Laws II, s. C2: And so manye great estates, From
hens to Hierusalem. [CI552] I 575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle
III iv, s. C4v: Thars not within this land A muryner Cat then Gyb
is, betwixt the tems and Tyne. [c1560] I 581 WOODES Confl. Cons.
III iv, s. EIv: Farewell, three false knaues, as betweene this and
London. CI563 7aek Yuggler, s. E3: For a more vngracious knaue
is not euen now Bytwene this place and Calycow. 1565 K. Darius,
s. B 3: You are two as dronken knaues As are betweene this and your
owne skins. 1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. CIV: As proper a
praunce As any I know between this and Fraunce. CI57O T. PRES-
TON Camhyses, s. D4v: There is no vatter between this and Yorke.
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. GI: Here is the trimmest
Hogges flesh from London to Yorke.
SHAKESPEARE—16oo—I I iv 26: But he is as tall a man
of his hands as any is between this and his head. (14)
H430 HENGSTEN DOWN well wrought is worth London
Town dear bought
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall II, p. 272: The country people have
a bye-word, that Hengston Down, well yrought, Is worth London
Town, dear ybought, Which grew from the store of tin, in former
times, there digged up. 1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Cornwall, I 196:
Hengston downe, well ywrought, is worth London town deere
ybought. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12: Hinckeson Down welly
wrought, Is worth London Town dearly bought. *A Cornish
Proverb, because of rich tinne Mines there. I662 FULLER W orthies
Cornwall, I 210: *[Refers to] the treasure . . of Tinne [which] . . is
now fallen to a scant-saving scarcity. 1670 RAY, p. 223.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HENRY
HERRING
309


In HENRY1 was the union of the roses,2 in James”:
of the kingdoms
1622 T. ADAMS City of Peace: Wks., p. 1009: We are not shufiled in-
to a popular gouernment, nor cut into Cantons, by a headlesse,
headstrong Aristocracie: But Henricus Rosas, Regna Iacobus: in
Henry was the vnion of the Roses in Iames of the Kingdomes.
See SM., p. 220.
[lHenry VII 2houses of Lancaster and York
H431
3James I]
H432 HENRY CHICK never slew a man till he came to
him
I641 FERG., no. 402: Henrie Cheike never slew a man while [till] he
came to him. I721 KEL., p. 141: (till he come at him). *Refers
to him who threatens an absent Person.
H433 A HENRY SOPHISTER
1662 FULLER Worthies Cambridgeshire, I 156: *So are they called,
who, after four years' standing in the University, stay themselves
from commencing Bachelors of Art, to render them (in some Col-
ledges) more capable of preferment . . In the Reign of King Henry
the Eighth, after the destruction of Monasteries, Learning was at a
loss . . Hereupon many Students staid themselves, two, three,
some four years, as who would see, how their Degrees (before they
took them) Should be rewarded and maintained. 1670 RAY, p.
221. I720 STUKELEY Memoirs, p. 40: I .. threw ofi' my ragged
Sophs Gown . . and commencd Harry Soph as its there [at Cam-
bridge] styled, and took the habit accordingly.
H434 HENRY THE EIGHTH pulled down monks and their
cells, Henry the Ninth should pull down bish-
ops and their bells
1608 HARINGTON Bricy’ View St. Church, title page: Written for the
private use of Prince Henry, upon occasion of that Proverb, Henry
the Eighth pull’d down Monks and their Cells. Henry the Ninth
should pull down Bishops, and their Bells.
Fie upon HEPs, quoth the fox because he could
not reach them
1678 RAY, p. 142.
Cf. F642: The fox when he cannot reach the grapes says that
they are not ripe (are sour).
H435
H436 HERCULES himself cannot deal with two
[ERAS. Adagia, 1970: Ne Hercules quidem adversus duos.] I539
TAV., f. 17: Ne Hercules quidem contra duos. Not Hercules
agaynst two, that is to saye: Thoughe a man neuer so much excel-
leth other in strength, yet it woll be harde for hym to matche two or
mo at ones. And one man maye lawfully gyue place to a multy-
tude. 1567 J. PICKERING Horestes, s. A3: Two is to meyney, the
prouerbe douth tell. I576 GASCOIGNE Grief 70y III: Wks., II 540:
But two to one, can be no equal lott For why? the Latten proverbe
saith, you wott . . Ne Hercules enim contra duos. 01584 G. HAR—
VEY Marginalia, p. 94: Ne Hercules quidem contra duos. I596
NASHE Saflron-Walden: W ks., III 122: Thou canst neuer hold out,
if thou wert Hercules, if two to one encounter thee. 1599 [GREENE]
George a Greene, s. C3v: Not Hercules against two, the prouerbe is,
Nor I against so great a multitude. 1606 Nobody and Somebody, s.
F2v: Hold captains, not Hercules himselfe would fight with two, I
yeeld. I613 CHAPMAN Rev. Bussy D’Amb. III iii 24: Two are
enough to encounter Hercules. 1615 RA. Val. Welsh. IV vii, s.
H2v: But to conclude, Not Hercules against a multitude. And
thus at ods was forst to flee the place. 1616 WITHALS, p. 569: Two to
one, is over-matchd. Ne Hercules quidem adversus duos. 1621
FLETCHER ET AL. Thierry and Theo. II i, p. 22: Six? Why Hercules
Avoyded two men. 1623 WOD., p. 493: One Man can not beare
out the Strenth of two. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. I, p. 15:
Cod pless us! and hur cozen Hercules was not Stand against two.
Which shall hur take? 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 6: (Orlando him-
self). [a1660] I693 URQUHART Gargantua III xii, II 68: And two in
fight against Hercules are too strong. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p.
77: (Orlandus cannot). Ibid. 21, p. 178: Against two, Orlando can

not prevail.
duos
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI II i 53: But Hercules himself
must yield to odds.
Cf. E141: One enemy is too much; 012: Odds will beat anybody;
T258: Three to one may put a straw in one’s ass; T639: That which
two will takes effect; T644: Two to one is odds (is odds at football).
(6)
*Note 39, p. 1 81: The Latin says, Ne Hercules contra
H437 Ill HERDs make fat wolves
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 821: (maks). 1668 R.B., p. 31: (makes).
I721 KEL., p. 220: *It signifies that careless Keepers give Thieves
occasion to steal.
H438 It is neither HERE nor there
1645 D. FEATLEY Dippers, p. 9: Sir, that is neither here nor there.
I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 63, p. 99: As the English say, Its neither
here, nor there, insignificant, a chip in pottage. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 402: Well, that’s neither here nor there.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600—I M.W.lV. I iv 11 1: But notwithstanding
that, I know Anne’s mind. That’s neither here nor there. 1604
0. IV iii 58: Doth that bode weeping? ——’Tis neither here nor there.
H439 HEREAFTER comes not yet
1546 HEY. II Vii, S. 14v: And y wis an auditour of a meane wyt,
Maie soone accompt, though hereafter come not yet. 1577 GRANGE
Gold. Aphroditis, s. D4v: Then hold you content, for hereafter
commeth not yet. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 84. 1660 TATHAM
Rump III, p. 30: We’ll think on that hereafter. ———Hereafter comes
not yet, then, it seems? 1721 KEL., p. 144: *Spoken when we sus-
pect that such a Project, or Action, will have an ill Consequence.
H440 HERESY and beer (turkey, carp) came into Eng-
land in one year
1599 BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, s. G4: I know not how it happened
(as he merrily saith) that heresie and beere came hopping into
England both in a yeere. 1643 BAKER AND PHILLIPS Chron. Kings
Eng. Hen. VIII, p. 298: About his fifteenth year it happened that
divers things were newly brought into England, whereupon this
Rhyme was made, Turkeys, Carps, Hops, Piccarell, and Beer, Came
into England all in one year. 1656-91 AUBREY Nat. Hist. Wilts.
I xi, p. 62: Greeke, carps, turkey-cocks, and beere, Came into Eng-
land all in a yeare.
H441 HERESY and frenzy go together
1616 DR., no. 971. 1664 COD., p. 197.
Cf. F672: Frenzy, heresy, and jealousy seldom cured.
H442 HERESY is the school of pride
1651 HERB., p. 367.
H443 HERESY may be easier kept out than shaken off
1651 HERB., p. 367: (then shooke off).
Cf. F672: Frenzy, heresy, and jealousy seldom cured.
H444 The HERMIT thinks the sun shines nowhere but
in his cell
1665 GLANVILL Scepsis Scient. XVI, p. 95: And thus like the Her-
mite, we think the Sun shines no where, but in our Cell. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4590.
H445 As close as red HERRING in a barrel
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Saracche, p. 179: To be like Pilchers,
viz. as close as may be, as it were wedg’d in, as in Crowds of People,
whither standing or sitting, as close as red herrings in a Barrel.
H446 As dead as a HERRING
1638 NABBES Totcn. CourtI v, p. 108: Is shee quite dead? —Dead
as a herring, sir. 1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II iii I 148, p. 226: Hudibras
to all appearing, Believ’d him to be dead as Herring. I670 RAY, p.
204: *A herring is said to die immediately after it is taken out ofits
element, the water. 1680 OTWAY Caius Marius V, p. 57: As dead

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HERRING
HILL
310
as a Herring, Stock-fish or Door-nail. 1694 ECHARD Rudens IV iii,
p. 198: I’ll take ye by the heels, and dash ye as dead as a herring.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 II iii 12: By gar, de herring is
no dead so as I vill kill him.
See ST., no. 449. Cf. D567: As dead (deaf, dumb) as a doornail.
H447 As lean (lank) as a shotten HERRING
1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 187: Thou hadst alate . . a lonely
fat paire of cheekes, and now thou lookest like a shotten herring.
1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 130: (lank). 1635 GLAPTHORNE
Lady Mother II i, p. 134: I look like a shotten herring . . I have no
more Roe than a goose in me. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 18: As lean
as a rake, or a shotten herring. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Carne-
fecchi, p. 31: To be slender, slank, and spiney of body; by drollery,
to be as lean as a lath, or a shodden herring. Ibid., s.v. Lucerta,
p. 92: To seem to have eaten a lyzard, viz. to be lean, thin, and
shank, as a shodden herring. 1728 GAY Beg. Opera III, p. 116:
Thou lookest as if thou wert halfstarv’d; like a shotten herring.
SHAKESPEARE.-——1597 1 Hen. IV II iv 141: Go thy ways, old Jack,
die when thou wilt; if manhood, good manhood, be not forgot upon
the face of the earth, then am I a shotten herring.
Cf. L86: As lean as a lath; R22: As lean as a rake.
H448 Every HERRING must hang by its own gill
1639 CL., p. 20: (by th’ owne gill). I670 RAY, p. 102. I672 WALK.
32, p. 23: (by its Own neck; gill). 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quix. III
ii, p. 49: (gills). 1721 KEL., p. 240: Let every Herring hing by its
own Head. *Every Man must stand by his own Endeavour, In-
dustry, and Interest. 1732 FUL., no. 1419: (by his own Gills).
H449 Red HERRING ne’er spake word but een,1 Broil
my back but not my weamb2
I678 RAY, p. 52.
['one 2belly]
H450 To fish for a HERRING and catch a sprat
1639 CL., s.v. Aberrandi, p. 2: I fish’t for a herring and catcht a
sprat. 1670 RAY, p. 180. 1672 WALK. 38, p. 52. I732 FUL., no.
5165: (To fish with a Herring, and).
Cf. F767: You fish fair and catch a frog.
H451 They are lightly HERRIT1 that have their own
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1255: Thay ar lightlie herried hes ther awin.
1641 FERG., no. 785. 1668 R.B., p. 51: (that hes all their awn).
Cf. A395: He is well eased that has aught of his own when others
go to meat; H217: He that has of his own needs not to borrow.
[’harried]
H452 HICKLEDY-PICKLEDY, one among another
1678 RAY, p. 349: *We have in our language many the like conceited,
rhyming words or reduplications to signifie any confusion or mix-
ture, as hurly burly, hodge podge, mingle mangle [etc.].
H453 They that HIDE can find
1639 CL., p. 111. 1671 Westminster Droll. I, p. 21: But now I’m
lost, and here am crost, ’Tis they that hide must find. 1678 RAY, p.
137: They that feal [hide] can find. 1732 FUL., no. 4981.
H454 To be HIDEBOUND
1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady III, p. 269: There’s
nothing in that hide-bound Usurer. 1646 SUCKLING Session of
Poets: Poems, p. 12: His Muse was hydebound.
Cf. H810: He is hidebound, he is an Hungarian.
H455 HIGH and heavenly
1598 S. BRANDON Vir. Octavia I, s. A6V: D00 you thinke in faith,
That highest honor, ioyes most sweet content? —It doth no
doubt, for high, and heauenly saith The prouerbe olde, to which I
give consent.
H456 Over HIGH over low
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1114. I668 R.B., p. 41.
Cf. S823: The higher standing (up) the lower (greater) fall.
1678 RAY, p. 73.

_
H457 As common as the HIGHWAY
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Use, usual, p. 351.
*A whore.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. [V II ii 182: This Doll Tearsheet
should be some road. —I warrant you, as common as the way be-
tween Saint Alban’s and London.
Cf. C109: As common as the cartway.
H458 He that sows in the HIGHWAY wearies his oxen
and loses his labor
1616 DR., s.v. Vnthankefulnesse, no. 2312.
(tires his Oxen, and loseth his Corn).
Cf. S87: He sows the sand.
I678 RAY, p. 90:
1732 FUL., no. 2305:
H459 The HIGHWAY is never about
1639 CL., p. 202. 1664 COD., p. 213. I670 RAY, p. 13. I732
FUL., no. 4596.
H460 You are in the HIGHWAY to Needham
1557 TUSSER 100 Points Husb. 97, p. 188: Soone sets thine host at
needams shore to craue the beggers bone. 1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s
Sickness: Wks., p. 466: Idlenesse is the coach to bring a man to
Needome, Prodigality the post-horse. 1639 CL., p. 243: In the
Dunstable highway to Needham and beggary. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Suffolk, II 326: *They are said to be in the high way to
Needham who do hasten to poverty. 1670 RAY, p. 253.
H461 To keep HILARY TERM
[To be cheerful or merry.] 1630 T. ADAMS Heaven Made Sure:
Wks., p. 905: This ioy . . ouercomes the world, non-sutes the deuil;
and makes a man keepe Hillary Terme all his life. [61633] 1662
R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 77: But if the Scriptures
condemn them not in precise terms, in what terms then? Indeed
onely in Hilary Term. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.V. Merrie, p. 219:
Hilarie term lasts all the year with him.
H462 Do on the HILL as you would do in the hall
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 266: It is an olde saynge that man
ought of dutye, Behaue hym on hyll, lyke as he wolde in hall.
Vsynge and accostomynge hym to honestye. a1598 F ERG. MS,
no. 335: Do in hill as ye wold do in hall. 1668 R.B., p. 16: [As in
a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 85: *Accustom your self to act with
Discretion and good Manners at all times; and it will become habit-
ual and easy to you. .1732 FUL., no. 1307: (DO in the Hole, as thou
would’st do).
H463 He that comes first to the HILL may sit where he
will
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 518. I668 R.B., p. 24. I721 KEL., p. 142:
(He that is first on the Midding [dunghill], may). *He that comes
first has commonly the best Choice.
Cf. C530: First come first served.
H464 The higher the HILL the lower the grass
1613 E. HOBY Countersnarl, p. 24: Where the hill is highest, com-
monly the grasse is lowest. 1721 KEL., p. 330: *People of the most
greatest Fortunes are not the most liberal. 1732 FUL., no. 4593.
Cf. P473: Poor and liberal, rich and covetous.
H465 It is easy to bowl down the HILL
1614 J. HALL Contempl. II: Recoll. Treat., p. 1063: An easie Rhet-
orick drawes vs to the worse part; yea it is hard not to run downe
the hill. 1639 CL., p. 151. 1664 COD., p. 201. 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., p. 390: To bowl down the hill. 1678 RAY, p. 3: (down hill).
I684 BUNYAN Pilg. Prog. II, p. 194: Then said Mercy, But the prov-
erb is, To go down the hill is easy. 1732 FUL., no. 1352: Easy it is
to bowl down Hill.
Cf. D204: It is easier to descend than ascend; D205: The descent
to hell is easy.
H466 Praise a HILL but keep below (on the plain)
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 99: Wonder at hills, keepe on the plaine.
1605 DANIEL Philotas Nuncius, p. 178: To admire high hill’s, but
line within the plaine. 1623 WOD., p. 277: Praise the mountaines,


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HILL
HOB
311


but loue the plaines. I640 HERB., no. 484. 01659 Howl-3L1,
Let. Suppl. 16, II 666: Commend the hills, but keep thyself on the
plains. 1659 N.R., p. 86: (but keep low). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23,
p, 157: Commend a hill, but keep thou to the valley.
Cf- 5177: Praise (Commend) the sea but keep on land (ashore).
H467 There is no HILL without its valley
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U2: Euerie hill hath his dale. [1613-
14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi III v 169: There’s no deepe Valley,
but neere some great Hill. 1616 DR., s.v. Aduersitie, no. 49: (with-
out his Valley). 1659 N.R., p. 96. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 295:
Every mountain hath its valley, and every ascent its descent.
Cf. M1212: The higher mountain the greater descent; P413:
Never pleasure without repentance; P420: There is no pleasure with-
out pain; V7: The vale best discovers the hill.
H468 This was a HILL in King Harry’s days
1678 RAY, p. 73.
H469 To hop against the HILL
1575 GASCOIGNE Fruit Reconciliation: Posies, p. 335: S0 Strive I
now to shewe, my feeble forward will, Although I know my labour
lost, to hop against the Hill. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 27: To hop
against the hill, and strike against the stream, hath ever been counted
extreme folly. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ff2v: And can it pre_
uaile with haulting heele to striue to hoppe against the hill? 1584
GREENE Mirror Mod., p. 19: He that striueth to withstand loue,
hoppeth against the hil. 1589 PUTTENHAM Art. Eng. Poesy III
xix, p. 212: Why striue I with the streame, or hoppe against the hill,
Or search that neuer can be found, and loose my labour still? I597
BACON Col. Goodand Evil: Wks.,XIII 290: Running against the hill,
rowing against the stream.
Cf. S927: It is hard (folly, in vain) to strive against the stream.
H470 Up the HILL favor me, down the hill beware thee
1639 CL., p. 22. 1670 RAY, p. 103. I721 KEL., p. 359: Up Hill
spare me, down Hill take tent [heed] to thee. *F or if you ride fast
down a Hill the Horse will be fair to stumble.
H471 When the HILL wears a cap it means mischief
1626 BACON Sylva IX 819, p. 174: They say in Wales, when certain
Hills have their Night-Caps on, they mean Mischief.
Cf. B336: If Bever has a cap you churls of the vale look to that;
N111: Neighbor, we are sure of fair weather, each has beheld this
morn Abergainy Hill; R142: If Riving Pike do wear a hood be sure
that day will never be good; R1 87: When Roseberry Topping (Wot-
ton Hill) wears a cap let Cleveland (Horton town) then beware a
clap; S497: If Skiddaw has a cap ScruiIel wots full well of that.
H472 She is loose in the HILTS (haft)
01555 Songs and Bal. Philip and Mary 21, p. 68: For, alas! she was
nat sur in the hafte. 1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 199: It made
me loose in the haft like a dudgin dagger. 1600 T. WILSON State
Eng., p. 3: He finding all these false in the haft as he thinks, seeketh
it yett further from Elizabeth. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch.
Malfi II V 5: Read there—~a sister dampn’d—she’s loose i’ th’ hilts:
Growne a notorious Strumpet. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: *A
wagg-tail or light woman. [1667] 1682 BUCKINGHAM Chances II
iii, p. 17: It’s no matter, She’s loose i’th’ Hilts, by Heaven. 1670
RAY, p. 216. 1678 RAY, p. 73: (To be). *A whore.
H473 To be OH (on) the HINGES
1607 JONSON Volp. V xii 54: Al’s O’ the hinge againe. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Hallebrené: Off the hindges, cleane out of heart. 1612 LEN-
NARD Wisdom I xiv, p. 58: The wildest and best Poets do love some-
times to play the fool, and to leap out of the hinges. 1616 JONSON
Epic. III ii 38: ’Twas neuer better 0’ the hinges. [1625] I661
WEBSTER Curefor Cuckold Vi 276: Bear with him, sir, he’s strangely
off o’th hinges. 1645 J. HOWELL Let. I iii 31, I 194: All businesses
here are off the hinges. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 16: You are off
the hinges. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bandelle, p. 10: To be off
of the hinges, Viz. off of the hooks. 1679 CROWNE Amhitious
Statesman II, p. 179: SO now my interest which was off the hinges
Is nailed on fast again.
See ST., no. 1405. Cf. H592: To be 0H" the hooks.


H474 To have one on the HIP
1546 HEY. II v, s. H3v: And if ye chance in aduoutry to catche
hym, Then haue ye hym on the hyp, or on the hyrdell. I553
Respuhlica III iii, p. 25: I will haue youe on the hyppe. I591 HAR-
ING'I‘ON Orl. Fur. XLVI cxvii, p. 403: In fine he doth applie one
special! drift, Which was to get the pagan on the hippe. 01596
MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More II iv 29: You would haue vs vppon
thipp, woold you? 1629 R.M. Micrologia 16, s. D5v: They get you
on the hip, and haue the Law on their owne sides. 1639 FULLER
Holy War II viii, p. 55: Arnulphus . . fearing to wrestle with the
King, who had him on the hip, and could out him at pleasure.
1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 83: Sometimes the Christian
hath his enemy on the hip, yea, on the ground. 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. Law, p. 190: He has him on the hip. *At an advantage.
1681 ROB., p. 805: He has him on the hip. *At an advantage in law.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. I iii 47: HI can catch him once upon
the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him. Ihid. IV i
334: Now, infidel, I have you on the hip. 1604 O. II i 314: I’ll have
our Michael Cassio on the hip.
H475 HIT or miss
[1547-53] c1565 WEVER Lusty yuventus, s. A2v: I will go seeke them,
whether I hyt or mysse. 1549 CROWLEY Voice Last Trumpet l.
1367: Wks., p. 96: Consyder . . how fortune doth hit and misse.
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 87: Which shot in the open and plaine
fieldes at all aduentures hittie missie. 01570 Marr. Wit and Science
IV i, s. C4: You are the marke at whome, I Shot to hit or misse.
1678 RAY, p. 73: Hit or misse for a cow-heel. .
SHAKESPEARE.—1602 T.C. I iii 384: But, hit or miss, Our proj-
ect’s life this shape of sense assumes.
Cf. H479: Hob nob (Hab nab, Hab or nab); U17: Unsight un-
seen. (5)
H476 He that once HITS is ever bending (shooting)
I640 HERB., no. 780.
I'147 7
1710 PALMER, p. 378: (will be ever shooting).
He has (There is) no Ho with him (Beyond all
ho)
[There is no stopping him, he is out of all bounds] 1560-77 Miso-
gonus II iii 55: Thoughe you thinke him past whoo, He may yet re-
duce him. 01596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More IV i 295: Would
not my lord make a rare player? oh, he would vpholde a com-
panie beyond all hoe. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 180:
And eate poore Iohn out of swuttie platters . . there is no ho with
him. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 79: A plague on ’em, ther’s
no ho with ’em, they’re madder then March hares. 1607 [TOMKIS]
Lingua III iii, s. F1: Because forsooth Some odde Poet, or some
such Phantastique fellowes, make much on him, there’s no ho with
him. 1609 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Ammian XXV i, p. 262:
There was now no hoe nor stay at all of their hands, that all the
fields were covered over with bloud and slaine bodies lying along.
1631 MABBE Celestina VI, p. 108: You will hold your peace, will
you not? . . What? Is there no ho with you? 1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia,
p. 38. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 217.
Cf. G264: You are one of them to whom God bade ho.
H478 He that has two HOARDS is able to get the third
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 505. 1668 R.B., p. 23. I721 KEL., p. 158:
(will get a third). *A Man that has once got a Stock, will find it an
easy matter to encrease it.
H479 HOB nob (Hab nab, Hab or nab)
1530 PALS., p. 833a: By habbe or by nabbe, par vne voye ou aultre.
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 186: Putte to the plounge of . . habbe or
nhabbe to wynne all, or to lese al. 1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4v: Hab or
nab. 1560—77 Misogonus II iv 195: Their all hab or nabes. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 123: Philautus determined, hab, nab,
to sende his letters. 1582 BRETON Flourish upon Fancy and Toys
Idle Head: Wks., I 98: But Hab or Nab, speede well who may.
1598 R. BERNARD Andria I iii, p. 17: Hee will finde some one cause
or other by hab or nab, hooke or crooke. I611 FLOR., s.v. Zara a
Chi tocca, p. 614: Hab or nab, haue amongst you, light on whom it
list. 1633 HART Diet Diseased Intro., p. 8: They have many times
attained to the Knowledge . . casually, or hab nab as we say. 1639

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HOBBLEDEHOY
HOG
312


CL., s.v. Temeritas, p. 305: Habanab. 1655 CULPEPER, COLE, AND
ROWLAND Physic Printer to Rdr., 5. A2: For an Emperick being one
that gives Ph ysick (Hab Nab, as wee use to say) relying only on Ex-
perience. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10: Hab or nab, Ile have her.
1664 S. BUTLER llud. II iii 990, p. 220: Cyphers, Astral Characters
. . set down Hab-nab at random. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vil-
lano, p. 232: To divide the mischief in two, inconsiderably, upon
the hab nab, at a guess, not understanding the Cause. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., p. 345: Venturously done. By hab nab. a1700
B.E.: Hab-nab. *At Aventure, Unsight, Unseen, Hit or Miss.
SHAKESPEARE.-—160I T.N. III iv 263: ‘Hob, nob’ is his word;
‘give’t or take’t.’
Cf. H475: Hit or miss; U17: Unsight unseen. (22)
H480 HOEBLEDEHOY, half a man and half a boy
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus I i, p. 3 5: Theyr hobledehoye tyme .i.
the yeres that one is neyther a man nor a boye. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 18: (Haberdehoy, half a). 1670 RAY, p. 216: (A Hober-
dehoy, half a). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 413: Why, he is a mere
hobbledehoy, neither a man nor a boy.
H481 HOBSON’S choice
[Hobson was a Cambridge stableman who, it is said, never allowed
his customers to select their own horses] 1604 MIDDLETON Fa-
ther Hubbard’s Tales, p. 101: Not on horseback, but in Hobson’s
waggon. [1611] I630 MIDDLETON Chaste Maid in Cheaps. I i 58:
O, one of Hobson’s porters: thou art welcome. 1617 R. COCKS
Diary Oct. I, II 294: Once we are put to Hodgsons choise to take such
previlegese as they will geve us, or else goe without. 1649 P.
HERBERT Gradus Simeonis in Somers Tracts, VII 87: I had Hob-
son’s choice, either be a Hobson or nothing. 1660 S. FISHER Rus-
tic's rilarm, p. 74: Ifin this case there be no other (as the Proverb
is) then Hobsons choice to be made, which is chuse whether you will
have this or none. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Questo, p. 162: To
take this, or nothing, viz. Hobson’s choice. 1670 RAY, p. 181: *A
man is said to have Hobsons choice given him, when he must either
take what is left him, or choose whether he will have any part or no.
H482 As straight as HOCKLEY BROOK
1658 ATWELL Faithful Surv. I, p. 7: For a mile together the side was
as streight as Hockley-brook, as the Proverb is.
H483 As fat as a HOG
[01470] I485 MALORY Morte d’Arthur VII i, p. 214: He shall be as
fatte . . as a porke hog. I602 Liherality and Prod. V i, s. E3. 1611
COT., s.v. Cochon: (We say the same) as fat as a Pigge. 1653 WAL-
TON Complete Angler IX, p. 174: He will grow not only to be very
large, but as fat as a Hog. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 14: (a hog in a
sty).
H484 As high as a HOG all but the bristles
1670 RAY, p. 202: *Spoken of a dwarf in derision.
H485 Better my HOG dirty home than no hog at all
1664 COD., p. 187. 1670 RAY, p. 13. c1703 MOTTEUX Don Quix.
II lxv, II 428: (at home). 1705 Pleas. flrt, p. T51: Better have my
Hog dirty home, than have no Hog at all. 1732 FUL., no. 927:
(Better’s a dirty Hog than).
H486 Every HOG has his Saint Martin
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxii, IV 197: I thought . . it had
beene burnt . . for an idle Pamphlet: but it will not, like Hogs, want
it’s Saint Martin. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 21. '
H487 Everyone bastes the fat HOG, while the lean one
burns
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 100: The fat pygge is basst, the lene
cony is brent. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. E4: Euery man basteth the fat hog
we see, But the leane shall burne er he basted be. 1562 HEY. Epig.
286, p. 170: Euery man basteth the fat hog. 1611 GRUT., no. 88:
[As in 1562 Hey.]. 1614 CAM., p. 305: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1616 DR.,
no. 1874: All baste the rich hogge. 1639 CL., p. 10: Every one
basteth the fat hog. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: *He that hath

shall have more. 1659 N.R., p. 30: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1664 COD.,
p. 191: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1670 RAY, p. 9. I721 KEL., p. 93.
Cf. S682: To grease a fat sow in the tail.
H488 A Hampshire HOG
[A native of Hampshire] 1622 DRAYTON Poly-01h. XXIII 240
[p. 473]: As Hamshire long for her, hath had the tearme of Hogs,
See SM., p. 129.
H489 He looks like a HOG in armor
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19. 1732 FUL., no. 213: A Hog in Ar-
mour is still but a Hog.
H490 He that has one HOG makes him fat and he that
has one son makes him a fool
1640 HERB., no. 429. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p,
235. I659 N.R., p. 56: (but one Son). 1664 COD., p. 199: (but
one Son). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 147: Who hath an only son,
maketh him a fool. I670 RAY, p. 20: (He who hath but one hog
makes him fat, and he who hath but one son). 1705 Pleas. Art, p.
154: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1732 FUL., no. 2138: (but one Hog and but
one Son).
H491 The HOG (dog) is got into the honeypot (por-
ridge pot)
1560-77 Misogonus II iv 180: Is the preist hande ith honye pott
yet? 01579 [MEREURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 23: The cook
is not so sone gone As the doges hed is in the porigpot. [01588]
1604 MARLOWE Faustus III iiia 52: And I must be a dog. —I’
faith, thy head will never be out of the pottage-pot. I667 MORAY
(to Lauderdale 56, Dec. 14) in Lauderdale Papers, II 89: We will
find a dog in the pot. I678 RAY, p. 354: The hogs to the honey-
pots. I732 FUL., no. 4598.
Cf. B130: Like a bear to a honeypot.
H492 The HOG never looks up to him that threshes
down the acorns
I654 FULLER Com. Ruth: Serm., II 9: In prosperity, we are com-
monly like Hogs feeding on the mast, not minding his hand that
shaketh it down. 1732 FUL., no. 4599.
H493 A HOG of a month, a goose of three, are food for
a king
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 233: A hog of
a month old, and a goose of three, is meat for a King.
H494 It is hard to break a HOG of an ill custom
I678 RAY, p. 154. 1732 FUL., no. 2949: (an old Hog of a Custom).
H495 Lose not a HOG1 (sheep) for a halfpennyworth
of tar2
[1600] 1659 DAY Blind Beg. V, s. K1: To him Father, never lose
a hog for a halfp’worth of tar. 1623 CAM., p. 265: A man will not
lose a hog, for a halfeperth of tarre. 1631 J. SMITH ddvert. Planters
XIII, p. 52: Rather . . to lose ten sheepe, than be at the charge ofa
halfe penny worth of Tarre. 1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 241.
1643 WITHER Se Defendendo: Misc. W ks., I 5: Much like the saving
of a halfpeny worth of Tarre by the losse of a Hogge, jeered in an
English Proverb. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I: To loose a sheep for
sparing a halperth of tarr. 1659 N.R., p. 13: [As in 1623 Cam.].
1664 COD., p. 231: (You may not lose a Hog for). I666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Porto, p. I 5 5: (The English say, Not to lose a Sheep for).
1670 RAY, p. 103: (Ne’re lose a hog for). *A man may spare in an
ill time: as some who will rather die, then spend ten groats in
physick. I678 RAY, p. 154: (Ne’re lose a hog for). *Some have it,
lose not a sheep, etc. Indeed tarr is more used about sheep then
swine. 1732 FUL., no. 3279. '
Cf. M671: Forsake not (He loses) the market for the toll; P6:
It is a silly pack that may not pay the custom; P210: That penny
(halfpenny) is well spent that saves a groat (penny); W302: Many
tine the half-mark whinger for the halfpenny thong (whang).
[lsheep 2used to protect sore places or wounds on sheep from
flies (New English Dictionary, s.v. Halfpennyworth)]
4g
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl. ), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
H00
HOLD
313


H496 To make a H00 or a dog of it
1670 RAY, p. 217: (ofa thing). 01703 MOTTEUX Don Quix. II xxii,
II 142: He will go through stitch with it; he will make a hog or dog
of it, I will warrant you. 1721 KEL., no. 252: Make a Hog or a
Dog of it . . means, bring it either to one use, or another.
Cf. B754: To go through-stitch with a business.
H497 T o routl like a H00
1546 HEY. I x, S. D1v: A sleepe by (quoth she) routyng like a hog.
01550 REDI-‘ORD Wit and Science, p. 19: Hark, my pygg, how the
knave dooth rowte.
Cf. H501: To drive one’s hogs to market.
[lsnore]
H498 To steal the-H00 and give the feet for abs
1640 HERB., no. 233. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 18:
(And it is now proverbiall, TO Steal the). 1659 HOW. New Sayings,
p. 5: To give the pettitoes [feet of a pig] in almes, will not satisfie for
Stealing the pigg. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 14: To steal a Pig and
give the Pettitoes in almes. 1664 COD., p. 218: (They steal the
Hog, and give away). 1670 RAY, p. 25: They steal the hog and
give away the feet in alms. *Hispan. I683 JANE LEAD Pref. in
Pordage Theol. Myst., p. 56: [As in 1659 How. New Sayings]. I732
FUL., no. 2028: He steals a Hog, and gives away the Feet in Alms.
Cf. G364: To Steal a goose and give the giblets in alms.
H499 All asiden1 as Hoes fighten
1678 RAY, p. 65.
[Ion the side, oblique, aslant]
H500 It is ill to drive black Hoes in the dark
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Aa3v: To see a blacke Swine before the
Sun rise, iS a signe of euill lucke that present day and this hath his
originall from a prouerb of Empodocles. 1678 RAY, p. 103. I732
FUL., no. 2963.
H501 To drive one’s Hoes to market
01640 Grobiana’s Nuptials viii, p. 186: If she be soe, then let me
heare her snore, shee was wont to call my swine togeather with that
noise. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 455: He . . snored so hard, that
we thought he was driving his hogs to market.
Cf. H497: To rout like a hog.
H502 To hear as Hoes do in harvest, or with your
harvest ears
1670 RAY, p. 180.
Cf. H186: You have on your harvest ears.
H503 You have brought your Hoos (eggs) to a fair
(fine, wrong) market
[1600] I659 DAY Blind Beg. V, S. KIV: I have brought my hogs to
a fair Market. 1600 Look about You, s. D2v: My fa fa father has
brought his ho ho hogs to a fa fa fair m m market. 1611 T. HEY-
WOOD Gold. Age IV, p. 70: If a pedler Should shew himself a pidler,
he hath brought his hogs to a faire market. [01614] 1647 FLETCHER
Bonduca V ii, p. 151: (fine). 01620 ROWLANDS Pair Spy Knaves, p.
9: As wise as Iohn of Gotchams Calfe: Or This fellow brought his
Hogges to a faire Market. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, indecora, p. 7:
You bring your hogs to a wrong market. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub III
ix 47: SO, wee have brought our egges to a faire Market. 1657
BRAMHALL Castigations Ans. t0 3: Wks., IV 277: Hath not he brought
his hogs to a fair market? 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 5: *Spoken in
derision when a business hath sped ill. [a1660] I693 URQUHART
Gargantua III xlv, II 228: I have fish’d fair now (quoth Panurge)
and brought my Pigs to a fine Market. 1670 RAY, p. 181: (To
bring ones hogs). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Hog: I brought my Hogs to a
fine Market. I
Cf. T252: You have spun a fine (fair) thread. (15)
H504 To couch a HOGSHEAD
[To go to sleep.] 01510 Cock Lorell’s Boat, p. 12: Some couched a
hogges heed vnder a hatche. I546 HEY. II ii, s. G1 V: And in meane

tyme my akyng hed to ease, I wyll couch a hogs hed. 1567 HAR-
MAN Caveat Append, p. 84: To couch a hogshead, to lye downe and
sleepe. 01570 Marr. Wit and Science IV i, s. DIV: Ihaue more
neede to take a nappe in my bedde. —DO soe, and, here you couch
a coddes head! [1641] 1652 R. BROME 7ovial Crew II, p. 392: And
couch a Hogs-head, till the darkman’s past. 1673 HEAD Cant.
Acad., p. 19: Couch a hogshead with me than.
H505 You were born at Hoos NORTON, Where pigs
play on organs
01530 Youth, s. C2: Weres thou borne in trumpyngton And brought
vp at Hogges norton? 1592 NASHE Strange News: ths., I 323: I'
was brought vp at Hoggenorton, where pigges play on the Organs.
1615 RA. Val. Welsh. II iii, s. DIV: This fellow was porne at hogs
Norton, where pigges play on the Organ. 1618 BELCHIER Hans
Beer-Pot, s. G4: What that Arch-Clowne: His wit is like his mothers
milking payle: Brought vp at home, or at Hogsnorton Schoole.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13: He was bredd at Hoggs-Norton. Ibid.,
p. 16: I think thou wast born at Hoggs-Norton, where piggs play
upon the Organs. 1662 FULLER W orthies Oxfordshire, II 220: You
were born at Hogs-Norton. *This is a Village, properly called
Hoch-Norton, whose inhabitants (it seems formerly) were so rusti-
cal in their behaviour, that boarish and clownish people are said born
at Hogs-Norton. 1665 C. COTTON Scarron. IV, p. 76: And Pillows
all securely snort on, Like Organists of fam’d Hog’s-norton. 1670
RAY, p. 249: [As in 1662 Fuller]. 1732 FUL., no. 3875: Pigs play on
the Organ, at Hogs-Norton.
Cf. A366: To see an ass play on a harp; P306: A pig plays _on the
organs.
H506 You are all for the HOISTINGS or Hustings
I662 FULLER W orthies London, II 60: *It is spoken of those who by
pride or passion are mounted or elated to a pitch above the due
proportion of their birth, quality, or estate . . It cometh from the
Hustings, the principal and highest Court in London. 1670 RAY,
p. 244.
H507 To go up HOLEORN1 backwards
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ponte, p. 153: To go to the Gallows to be
hang’d . . the English would say in this case, To take Tyborn in
ones way, to go up Holborn backwards.
[lsee Sugden, p. 252.]
H508-H509 HOLD: subst.
H508 As much HOLD of his word as of a wet eel by
the tail
I546 HEY. I x, 3. C3: Hir promise of frendshyp, for any auayle, Is as
sure to holde, as an eele by the tayle. 1552 T. BARNABE (to W.
Cecil) in Original Let. H 145, II 197: There is no more assurance of
his worde then to holde an ele by the tayle. 1567 Trial Treasure, 3.
D3: As trusty as is a quicke ele by the tayle. 1639 CL., s.v. Per-
fidiae, p. 247. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 3: There is no more hold to
be taken of his word then of an Eel by the tail. I670 RAY, p. 173:
(There is as much). 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 1 17: (of their words).
1672 WALK. 13, p. 8: There is no more hold to be ta’ne of his word
than of a wet Eel by the tail; you can have him at no certainty.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Eel: (There is as much). I732 FUL., no. 4888:
There is as much hold of his Words, as of a wet Eel’s Tail.
See ST., no. 7. Cf. E60: As slippery as an eel; E61: He holds a
wet eel by the tail; W640: Who has a woman has an eel by the tail.
H509 There is no more HOLD of a new friend than of
a new fashion
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 132: So likewise, you ought to like those
friends best which last longest, and have lived longest with you.
For you must consider, true friends are not like new garments,
which will be the worse for wearing. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 232: Canst thou be . . so vnconstant as to preferre a new lover be-
fore thine olde friends? . . Ah welle I wot that . . a new garment
maketh thee leaue off the olde. 1732 FUL., no. 4913.
See T., p. 165, nos. 273—274. Cf. F712: Never trust much to a
new friend or an old enemy; F755: Old friends and old wine are best.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HOLD 3 14
HOLINESS

H510-H515 HOLD: verb
H510 As good HOLD as draw
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 34. 1641 FERG., no. 35: As good bad as
draw. I668 R.B., p. 1: As good haud, as draw. I721 KEL., p. 23:
*Better keep what I have, than give it out Of my Hand, and have
Difficulty to get it again.
Cf. K9: Better keep now than seek anon (than ask).
Better HOLD out than put out
1668 R.B., p. 13.
H511
‘ a1598 FERG. MS, no. 258. I721 KEL., p. 61.
H512 He is wise that when he is well can HOLD him so
1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xix, p. 232: It is said by man-
ner of a prouerbiall speach that he who findes himselfe well shuld
not wagge. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 494. 1611 COT., s.v. Bien: He
thats well had best hold him so; or, let not things fitly placed be
remoued. 1616 DR., no. 353: A man must keepe himselfe well when
he is well. 1639 CL., p. 251: Keepe your selfe well while you are
well. 1668 R.B., p. 23: He is wise, when he is well can had him sa.
1721 KEL., p. 169: (He’s a wise Man who When).
Cf. EI56: You are a right Englishman, you cannot tell when a
thing is well (when you are well); F223: Who finds himself well let
him not stir; F487: He should be called a fool to his face that being
well does quit his place (put himself into danger); W260: Let well
alone.
H513 HOLD fast when you have it
1546 HEY. I x, s. D1. 1562 HEY. Epig. 294, p. 171: Holde fast when
ye haue it, ifit be not thyne. 1611 COT., s.v. Tenir: He that holds
let him hold still; or, let him that hath a hold keepe it. 1611 GRUT.,
no. 129. 1614 CAM., p. 307. 1639 CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129:
Hold fast, while you have it. Ibid., s.v. Tenacitas, p. 309: Hee can
hold fast while hee hath it. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1659
N.R., p. 49.
Cf. P487: Possession is eleven (nine) points of the law.
H514 Too hot to HOLD
1639 CL., s.v. Ira, p. 178. 1648 [NEDHAM] Pleafor King, S. A2:
They have as good as told you in plain termes, that they will make
your House too hot to hold you. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Force,
p. 134. 1678 RAY, p. 346.
See OTTO, no. 670. Cf. N322: Nothing was too hot or too heavy
for him.
H515 Who can HOLD that will away?
1546 HEY. II vi, s. IIv: Who maie holde that will awaie. 1564
BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 121: Lament no more, good wife, for who
can kepe that must needes awaie. 1592 RF. Eng. Faust Bk., p. 2:
For the olde Prouerb sayth, Who can hold that wil away? a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1456: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 206.
[1614] 1631 JONSON Barth. Fair I v 109: Who can hold that will
away? I had rather loose him than the Fayre, I wusse. 1616 DR.,
no. 1726. 1640 MABBE 7ealous Husband: Exemp. Nov.,I 196: Keep
me not under lock and key, For who can hold what will away?
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 284: Who can hold what will be going?
1668 R.B., p. 44: [As in 1546 Hey.]. a1713 ELLWOOD Life, p. 398:
There was no holding what would away (as the Proverb is). 1721
KEL., p. 352: *Spoken when our Friends will not be prevail’d
upon to tarry with us.
H516 HOLDING an eel too fast is the way to let her es-
cape
1611 COT., s.v. Anguille: Par trop presser l’anguille on la perd: Wee
often loose things by too much looking to them; or, the faster you
meane to hold a slipperie thing, the sooner it ouerslips you. 1732
FUL., no. 2522.
H517 He has a HOLE under his nose that all his money
runs into
1611 COT., s.v. Soulier: The hole too open vnder the nose, breeds
tattered shooes and ragged hose. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 10: The

H521
H525

hole too ope under the nose, breeds ragged shoes and tattered hose.
1721 KEL., p. 145: (that will never let him be rough [well to do]),
1732 FUL., no. 1858.
Cf. B288: The belly robs the back.
H518 He will find some HOLE to creep out at
1672 WALK. 35, p. 15: To find some creeping hole; starting hole;
hole to creep out at. 1678 RAY, p. 253. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hole:
(To have a Hole to).
H519 The HOLE calls the thief
I640 HERB., no. 200. 1659 N.R., p. 111.
Cf. O71: Opportunity makes the thief.
H520 Not to have a HOLE to put one’s head in
[Matt. viii 20: But the son of man hath not where to lay his head.]
1545 ASCHAM Tox., p. 81: I am sure the Turke shulde . . scarce haue
an hole to runne in to, in his own countrye. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv.
II, I I 89: Every one of them hath scarce a little hole to shrowd him-
selfe in. 1616 DR., s.v. Poore, no. 1684: Hee hath not an house to
put his head in. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Casa, p. 32: Not to have
a hole to put ones head in, to be utterly undone. Ibid., s.v. Loco,
p. 91: Not to have any place to put his head in, not to have either
house or home.
Cf. U8: To be utterly undone.
There is a HOLE in the house
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1321. 1721 KEL., p. 315: *Spoken when some
are present, before whom it is not proper to speak our Mind.
H522 To pick a HOLE in a man’s coat
1588 [MARPRELATE] Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. 119: Here is a de-
vice to find a hole in the coat of some of you Puritans. 1592
GREENE Quipfor Upstart Courtier, p. 255: If he findes a hole in any
mans coate that is of wealth, then he hath his peremptory scitation
ready. 1597 T. MORLEY Intr. Music III, p. 119: For perchance
there might likewise be a hole (as they saie) found in your owne
cote. [a16oo] 1662 LT. Grim Collier Croydon V i, s. III: Nay, now
Ione, I spy a hole in your coat. 1620 T. MAY Heir IV, p. 564: Look
your own heads stand fast; for if the law Do find a hole in your
coats, beg no mercy. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Land. I, p. 149:
New married, thats all the hole you can find in her coate. 1639
CL., s.v. Culpandi, p. 80: It’s easie to pick a hole in another mans
coat, if he be disposed. 1655—62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 57:
Nor is it hard for Satan to pick some hole in the saint’s coat, when
he walks most circumspectly. 1659-60 PEPYs Diary Jan. 27, I 3 5:
My wife . . told me she was afraid that Mr. Downing may have a
mind to pick some hole in my coat. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Ferro, p. 60: To find in any one, any thing whereby to fasten an
affront on him, to pick a hole in ones coat. 1670 RAY, p. 189.
I672 WALK. 62, p. 42. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hole: He will pick a Hole
in your Coat (i.e. he will find fault with ye). 1732 FUL., no. 5538:
When a Man’s Coat is Thread-bare, its an easie Thing to pick a
Hole in it.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Hen. VIII vi 88: If I find a hole in his coat
I will tell him my mind. 1600-I III v 144: There’s a hole
made in your best coat, Master Ford. (8)
H523 He is blind enough who sees not through the
HOLES of a sieve
I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, i, III 21: How blind is he that sees
not light through the bottome of a Meale-sive? 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 2. 1664 COD., p. 195. 1670 RAY, p. 3: *Hispan. I694
D’URFEY 2 Don Quix. I i, p. 12: (He’s so blind he can’t see through).
H524 You tell how many HOLES be in a scummer
1616 WITHALS, p. 553. 1639 CL., s.v. Impossibilia, p. 146.
Pretended HOLINESS is double iniquity
1616 DR., no. 521. I659 N.R., p. 87.
Cf. S466: Dissembled sin is double wickedness.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HOLLEN
HONESTY
315


H526-7 He never lies but when the HOLLEN1 is green
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 685: (He lyes never but quhen). 1721 KEL.,
p. 174: *Meaning that he Lies at all Times.
[lholly]
H528 I Will be HOLY, ay, marry will I
1616 WITHALS, p. 560. 1639 CL., s.v. Hypocrisis, p. 139.
H529 The HOLY GHOST comes many times from Rome
to Trent in a mail1
1560 DAUS Chron. 22, f. 368: It is commonly spoken by a fond
prouerbe, that the holy ghost commeth many times from Rome to
Trent inclosed in a male.
[llarge pack, bag, or wallet for traveling]
H530 On HOLYRoon DAY the devil goes a nutting
1693 Poor Rohin’s Almanac Sept. 14, quoted in Lean, II 242: The
devil, as some people say, A-nutting goes Holy Rood Day.
See SM., p. 337.
H531 The HOLY SCRIPTURE is made a nose of wax
[An expression applied to the practice of wresting the Scriptures
from their context] a1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II
425: The text to turne and glose, like a welshe manes hose, or lyk a
waxen nose. 01530 TYNDALE Expos. Matt., p. 103: If the scripture
be contrary, then make it a nose of wax, and wrest it this way and
that way, till it agree. 1598 T. COOPER Admon. People Eng., p. 58:
Afl-irming . . that the Scriptures are darke . . because they may bee
wrested euery way, like a nose of waxe, or like a leaden Rule. 1620
T. GRANGER Syntagma Log. V 2, p. 335: The Scripture is a Nose of
Wax. 1659 T. BURTON Diary, IV 442: NO reasoning by scripture
will convince them; for they make that but a nose of wax. 1661
R. BOYLE Style Holy Scrip.: Wks., II III: The dissenting sects of
Mahametans quarrel . . and make the one as much a nose of wax
as . . the other. 1680 H. MORE Apocal. Apocal. Epil., p. 301: This
mystical way of interpreting makes the Scripture a nose of wax,
which a man may turn which way he Will. 1686 HORNECK Cruc.
Yesus IX, p. 107: Oral Tradition, that Nose ofWax, which you may
turn and set which way you list.
Cf. L104: The law is made a nose of wax; N226: A nose of wax.
H532 Court HOLY WATER
I519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 333: I haue many feyre promessis and
halywater of court. 1593 Life and Death Straw III, s. D4v: The
King and his Nobles thinke they may sleepe in quiet, Now they
haue giuen vs a little holy water at the Court. 1611 COT., s.v. Eau:
Court holie water; complements, faire words. 1611 FLOR., s.v.
Darel’allodola, p. 138: To giue Court-holy water, to cog and foist and
flatter. 1614 B. RICH Honesty This Age, p. 52: Shee may bee re-
warded with some Court holy water wordes. 1639 CL., s.v.
Magnifica promissa, p. 193. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Acqua, p.
1: To give one holy water, viz. to flatter, or give one some Court
holy water. 1670 RAY, p. 170. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 13, I
14: A Little Court Holy Water Washes OH all Stains. a1700 B.E.:
Court-holy-water. *Court Promises.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 K.L. III ii 10: Court holy water in a dry
house is better than this rain water out 0’ door.
H533 He is gone to his long (last) HoME
[Eccl. xii 5: Man goeth to his long home] 1580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 27: Shal . . a trauailer that hath sustained harm . .
disswade al Gentlemen to rest at their own home till they come to
their long home? 1587 GREENE Penelope’s Weh, p. 226: Age telling
me . . that many yeeres as Harbingers prouides me my long home.
[a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. D2v: Whom sorrow had brought to her
longest home. 1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. E1 v: Yet would I,
at my owne Charges, haue seene him honestly brought foorth to his
long home (as the saying is). 1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed
with Kind., p. 100: Thou shalt to thy long home, Or I will want my
will. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Andar doue vanno, p. 27: To die, to goe to
ones last home. 1662 FULLER Worthies Warwickshire, II 406:
Some think she went her own pace to the grave, while others suspect


H537
a grain was given her, to quicken her in herjourny to her long home.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Heaven, p. 159.
SHAKESPEARE—I592 T. And. I i 81: Behold . . These that I bring
unto their latest home, With burial amongst their ancestors. (6)
H534 HOME is home be it never so homely
1546 HEY. I iv, s. B1: And home is homely, though it be poore in
syght. 1562 HEY. Epig. 10, p. 130: Home is homely, yea and to
homely sometyme. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XXXIX lxi, p. 330:
For home though homely twere, yet is it sweet. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 543: Home is Homly. 1600 BRETON Strange Fortunes: Wks.,
II 6. 1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s.
G4: Heere let’s rest, This is olde homely home, and that’s still best.
1611 COT., s.v. Pouvoir: When all is done home’s homelie. 1611
GRUT., no. 130: Home is homely. 1614 CAM., p. 307: Home is
homely. 1616 DR., no. 982: Home is homely. 1616 WITHALS, p.
552. 1639 CL., p. 101. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: Home is
home, though ne’re so homely. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 30, p.
223: Home is home, though it be ne’r so homely. 1668 R.B., p. 26:
Hame is hamely, though never so seemly. I670 RAY, p. 103: [As in
1666 Tor]. [a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., II 285: Though
home be homely, it is more delightful than finer Things abroad.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Home: [As in 1666 Tor]. 1697 MER., p. 165:
Hame is hamely an’t be neer seay poor. I732 FUL., no. 2523.
See ST., no. 1713. (8)
H535 I come from HOME, I have neither gained nor
lost
1573 SANF., f. 1 10v: I come from home, that is, I neither winne nor
loose. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 41: *Note 77, p. 59: An usua
censure given to such as ask, how is it with you?
Cf. L437: He looks as if he had neither won nor lost.
H536 HOMER nods sometimes
I530 PALS., p. 897: And ther where they shall se the good Homer
have ben aslepe to be wyllyng by good maner to wake him, in cor-
rectyng the fautes in the whiche by cause of the same he is fallin.
I598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man To Rdr.: Bonus aliquando dormitat
Homerus. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. Democr. to Rdr., p. 104:
The very best may sometimes err; if Homer, usually so good, takes
a nap, it is impossible not in so much to overshoot. I648 HERRICK
Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 32: Homer himself, in a long work, may sleep.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: Good old Homer dote’s sometimes.
1677 DRYDEN Apol., p. 112: Horace acknowledges, that honest
Homer nods sometimes: he is not equally awake in every line.
Cf. M335: No man is wise at all times; M432: The wisest man
may be overseen.
Let HOMER yield to such as presents bring
I598 GREENE 7ames IVV iv, p. 147: Come Homer without quoine,
He is not heard. 01599 MARLOWE Eleg. I viii 61, p. 161. 1600
THYNNE Emhl. and Epig., p. 57: Without large giftes, which makes
the readie waye; for though that Homer come with learned hande,
yf naught he give, without dores maie he stande. 1606 Wily
Beguiled iv, p. 19: And still relies vpon the olde sayd Saw; Si nihil
attuleris. 1615 T. ADAMS Wolf Worrying Lambs: Wks., p. 384: We
haue still fleecers enough; too many; that loue to see Learning
follow Homer with a staife and a wallet.
Cf. C532: If thou wilt come with me bring with thee; C536a: He
is welcome who comes well laden; M816: He brings (carries) meat
in his mouth.
H538 All the HONESTY is in the parting
1678 RAY, p. 187.
Cf. P83: Praise at parting.
H539 He that loses his HONESTY has nothing else to
lose
1:578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 210: Knowest thou not that he that
looseth his honestie hath nothing els to loose?
See PUBLILIUS SYRUS Sentences (1886), p. 54. Cf. M1033: She
that loses her modesty and honesty has nothing else worth losing
(never finds them again).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HONESTY
HONEY
316
H540 HONESTY is best at long run
1678 RAY, p. 164.
Cf. H543: Honesty is the best policy.
H541 HONEsTY is ill for thriving
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A6v). 1639 CL., p. 30: Honestie is ill
to thrive by.
Cf. T592: Who follows truth too close at the heels, she may
chance dash out his teeth.
H542 HONEsTY is no pride
I641 FERG., no. 378. I668 R.B., p. 27. I721 KEL., p. 148:
*Spoken to them that go too careless in their Dress; intimating, that
it is no sign Of Pride to go decently.
H543 HONESTY is the best policy
[1599] 1605 SANDYS Survey, p. 102: Our grosse conceipts, who think
honestie the best policie. 1629 TUVILL Vade Mecum Of Policy,
p. 27: He would ever say that Honesty is the best policy. 1662
FULLER Worthies Warwickshire, II 407: This his plain-dealing so
wrought on his Adversaries (Honesty at long running is the best
Policy), that he was . . continued . . in his Bishoprick. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Honesty. I732 FUL., no. 2534.
See ST., no. 530. Cf. H540: Honesty is best at long run; K150:
Knavery may serve a turn but honesty never fails; P383: Plain
dealing is best.
H544 As sweet as HONEY
[Ps. cxix 103: How sweet are thy words . . sweeter than honey to
my mouth] CI475 Mankind l. 218, p. 9: O! yowur louely workis,
to my soull are swetere then hony. 1506 Cal. Shep. I], p. 75:
Swete as hony in oure mouth. 01547 BALE Three Laws V, s. F8:
More swete than honye, are your thre exhortacyons. [01553]
1566—7 UDALL Roister D. Song 4, l. 13, p. 186: Custance is as sweete
as honey. 1556 WITHALS, s. X4v: Sweete as hony. 01570 INCE-
LEND Disob. Child, s. D4v: My Husbande, as pleasaunte as Honnye.
1578 T. LUP'I‘ON Allfor Money, s. A4: Hoyghe, hoyghe for money,
more sweeter then honye. 1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV V, II
55: All those things are as sweete as honey to mee. 1639 CL., p.
285. I670 RAY, p. 208: As sweet as honey; or as a nut.
SHAKESPEARE.—1597 I Hen. IVI ii 45: Is not my hostess of the
tavern a most sweet wench? —As the honey of Hybla. 1599 C.
V i 34: Your words . . rob the Hybla bees, And leave them honeyless.
H545 Cover yourself with HONEY and the flies will
have you
1620 SHELTON Don .Quix. Pt. II, xlix, IV 86: I, I, cover your selves
with hony, and you shall see the flies will eat you. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 7, p. 149: Make thy self of honey, and the flyes will devour
thee. 1732 FUL., no. 1167.
H546 He has bought HONEY too dear who hurts his
hands in the getting of it
1616 DR., s.v. Gaine, no. 820.
Cf. H554: It is dear-bought honey that is licked off a thorn.
H547 He has HONEY in his mouth and the razor at his
girdle
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1425: They hav honey at ther mouth and a
razer at ther girdles. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 36, p. 27: Many a one hath honey in his mouth, who hath a
rasor at his girdle. .
Cf. F16: To laugh (smile) in one’s face and cut one’s throat.
H548 He is all HONEY or all turd
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. I670 RAY, p. 181.
H549 He that handles HONEY shall feel it cling to his
fingers
I481 CAXTON Reynard 27, p. 63: How shold ony man handle hony
but yf he lycked his fyngres. I631 MABBE Celestina IX, p. 158:
For he that handles hony, shall feele it still clinging to his fingers.
Cf. O26: He that measures oil shall anoint his fingers; P358: He
that touches pitch shall be defiled.

H550 He that has no HONEY in his pot let him have it
in his mouth
1616 DR., no. 1677: He that hath no honie in his pot, hath none in
his mouth. 1640 HERB., no. 356. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 3: (Who
hath). 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 19: (Who hath no honey in his
cruce). I730 BAILEY, s.v. Honey: (Who hath). I753 FRANKLIN,
p. 30: Ifyou have no Honey in your Pot, Have some in your Mouth.
Cf. S455: He that has no silver (money) in his purse should have
silver (silk, honey) on his tongue.
H551 He who shares HONEY with a bear has the least
part of it
1601 FULBECKE Parallel Civ. Law I v, f. 28v: According to the com-
mon prouerbe, a man should deuide honie with a Beare. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 10: Who divides honey with the Bear hath the
least part. 1732 FUL., no. 2403.
H552 HONEY is not for the ass’s mouth
1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV xxv, II 280: Honey is not made
for the Asses mouth. I732 FUL., no. 2537.
H553 HONEY is sweet but the bee stings .
I576 WAPULL Tide Tarries No Man, s. A3: For as in the Bee, For
certayne we see, Sweete honey and sting. 1640 HERB., no. 208:
(The honey). 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 21: Honey staind with a
sting. I659 N.R., p. 40. 1664 COD., p. 217: (The Honey). I670
RAY, p. 13. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hony. I732 FUL., no. 2538. 1758
FRANKLIN, p. 35: The Honey is sweet, but the Bee has a Sting.
See DI'IR., I, no. 748. Cf. B211: Bees that have honey in their
mouths have stings in their tails.
H554 It is dear-bought HONEY that is licked off a
thorn
I596 DEL., s. P 5v: Honey licked on the thornes, is to dearly bOught.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 806. I611 COT., s.v. Miel: He buyes honie
too deere that lickes it off thornes. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. I 1: He
comes too dear by honey, who licks it oiI thorns. 1664 COD., p.
197: He that licks Honey from Thorns, pays too clear for it. 1668
R.B., p. 30. 1670 RAY, p. 13: [As in 1664 Cod.]. 1678 RAY, p.
379. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hony: He that licks Hony from Thorns
pays dear for it. 1721 KEL., p. 197: *Spoken of the ill Effect of
unlawful Pleasures. I732 FUL., no. 2215: He that licks Honey
from a Nettle, pays too dear for it.
See DUR., I, no. 747. Cf. H546: He has bought honey too dear
who hurts his hands in the getting of it.
H555 Lick HONEY with your little finger
I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 245: That olde saying, that wee must
taste honie but with our fingers end. 1639 CL., s.v. Temperantia,
p. 306: *Mel summis digitis delibandum. 1664 COD., p. 204. I670
RAY, p. 13. 1672 WALK. 46, p. 58: [As in 1639 Cl.]. -
See OTTO, no. 1082.
H556 No HONEY without gall
I611 COT., s.v. Nul: Nul miel sans fiel: . . No honie without gall.
1612 I. CASAUBON Ans. Epist. Card. Perron, p. I: And . . it is an
vsuall speech that honey breedeth gall. I623 WOD., p. 505. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 313: No vice without punishment, nor honey
without gall. 1755 FRANKLIN, p. 32: When you taste Honey, re-
member Gall.
SHAKESPEARE.—I602 T.C. II ii 144: You have the honey still,
but these the gall. ‘
Cf. D582: Every dram of delight has a pound of pain; H561:
Under honey ofttime lies bitter gall (poison); P420: There is no
pleasure without pain; $103 5: He deserves not the sweet that will
not taste of the sour; $1036: No sweet without some sweat.
H557 Of HONEY and gall in love there is store
1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 30: Loue doth with gall and hony
both abound. 1616 DR., no. 1307: Of honie and gall, in loue there
is store: The honie is much, but the gall is more. 1659 N.R., p. 72:
Love is not without bitternesse. 1664 COD., p. 207.
Cf. L486: In love there is both dotage and discretion.

Proverbs are alphabeuzed by first Substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HONEY
HONOR
317


H558 Seeking HONEY I caught the bee by the tail
1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. I 10: Haue you sought for honny, and
caught the Bee by the tayle? 1615 SWETNAM Arraign. Women, p.
x: Some may say vnto me that I haue sought for honey, caught the
Bee by the taile.
Cf. B211: Bees that have honey in their mouths have stings in
their tails.
H559 T0 lick HONEY through a cleft stick
1670 RAY, p. 184. I732 FUL., no. 5197.
H560 Too much HONEY cloys the stomach
[Prov. xxv 27: It is not good to eat much honey.] I576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., II 164: Honey itself, if one have too much of it, seemeth
nothing sweet unto him. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 191:
For that honnie taken excessiuelye cloyeth the stomacke though it
be honnie. 1584 LYLY Camp. II ii 73: There is no surfeit SO dan-
gerous as that of honney, nor anye poyson so deadly as that of loue.
1598 MERES Pall. T amia, f. 199v: As the satiety of hony procureth
vomit: so good things being not wel vsed, become hurtful.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. II ii 137: A surfeit of the sweetest
things The deepest loathing to the stomach brings. 01595 RY. II
vi 11: The sweetest honey Is loathsome in his own deliciousness
And in the taste confounds the appetite.
Cf. M1265: What is sweet in the mouth is Oft sour (bitter) in the
maw (stomach); T158: Too much of one thing is good for nothing.
H561 Under HONEY ofttime lies bitter gall (poison)
01510 SKELTON Bowge Court 1. I31: Wks., I 35. 01569 PHILLIP
Patient Grissell l. 898, s. E1: For vnder Honnie the prouerbe saith
poyson may lurke. 1580 BARET, H—430: Naughtie poison is hid
with sueete honie, or Sugar.
See OTTO, no. 1082. Cf. H556: No honey without gall; T391:
A honey tongue a heart of gall (poison).
H562
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
s.v. Hony: (You can’t).
You will (cannot) make HONEY of a dog’s turd
1670 RAY, p. 215. I687 MIEGE,
H563 It is but HONEYMOON with them
1546 HEY. I vii, 5. B4: It was yet but hony moone. I580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 49: It being now but Honnie Moone, I en-
deauoured to courte it with a grace. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND
MARSTON Eastward Ho IV ii 154: It’s but Honey-moone yet with
her Ladiship. 1616 DR., s.v. Loue, no. 1301. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 4: ’Tis yet but honey moon with them, Viz. The first
moneth of the marriage. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Guazzetto, p.
80: To melt into joy; the English say, for to be honey-moon still.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Wife, p. 373: ’Tis hony-moon yet.
See ST., no. 2598. Cf. H564: It will not always be honeymoon.
H564 It will not always be HONEYMOON
1639 CL., s.v. Fortunae commutatio, p. 123.
Cf. H563: It is but honeymoon with them.
H565 Either live or die with HONOR
[01592] 1615 T. HEYWOOD Four Prent. Lond., p. 222: Come life,
come death; a banisht man will try, T0 line with honour, or with
honour die. 1639 CL., p. 323. 1664 COD., p. 191. 1721 KEL., p.
94: *DO stoutly and bravely, and if you prevail, you live, and if you
die, you die with Honour.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. V iii 27: Life every man holds dear,
but the clear man Holds honour far more precious-dear than life.
Cf. H576: It is better to die with honor than to live with shame.
H566 He is least worthy of HONOR that seeks it
1659 N.R., p. 41. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof. II I, p. 55: The old
maxim is worthy to be revived; he that desires honor, is not worthy
of honor.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V IV iii 28: But ifit be a sin to covet
honour, I am the most Ofifending soul alive.
H567 He that gives HONOR to his enemyis like to an ass
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 413.

H568 HONOR and ease are seldom bedfellows
1639 CL., p. 137. 1664 COD., p. 197. I670 RAY, p. 13.
Pleas. Art, p. 152. I732 FUL., no. 2540.
Cf. H582: Great honors are great burdens.
I705
H569 HONOR and profit lie not in one sack
I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84: Honour and profit are not
contained togither in one sacke, i. If you be honorable, you must
be liberall and not respect your money. 1640 HERB., no. 228.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 2: He that will bee honourable,
must bee charitable and liberall, for honour and profit are neuer
contained together in one sack. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 14:
(cannot hold in one bag). Ibid., p. 17: (in one bag).
Cf. H573: Honor will buy no beef; P598: More profit and less
honor; P599: No profit to honor, no honor to religion.
H570 HONOR bought is temporal simony
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19.
H571 HONOR is the reward of virtue
[ERAS. Similia, 5940: Gloria virtutem sequitur, etiam fugientem.]
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 36: For honour ever is the reward of
virtue, and cloth accompany it as duly as the shadow doth the body.
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 70v: Honour is the fruite of
vertue and truth. 1616 BRET., p. 9. 1631 MABBE Celestina II,
p. 59: For honor is the reward and recompence of vertue.
See OTTO, no. 764. Cf. P541: Praise is the reflection (shadow)
of Virtue. ‘
H572 HONOR is unseemly for a fool
1598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 211. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no.
19. 1659 N.R., p. 49.
H573 HONOR will buy no beef
1668 T. SHADWELL Sullen Lovers V, p. 86: I am not ambitious of
that: As the excellent Proverb sayes: Honour will buy no Beefe.
Cf. B287: The belly is not filled (fed) with fair words; H569:
Honor and profit lie not in one sack; T97: Thanks will buy nothing
in the market.
H574 HONOR without maintenance is like a blue coat1
without a badge
1660 TATHAM Rump III, p. 34: (I have heard some say, that Honour)
Cf. C471: A blue coat without a badge; H575: Honor without
profit is a ring on the finger.
[1blue was the color of servants’ livery]
H575 HONOR without profit is a ring on the finger
1611 COT., s.v. Seigneurie: (is like a six-pennie rent to one that hath
nothing else to line on). 1616 DR., no. 988: (is as a ring on a mans
finger). 1623 WOD., p. 514: (is litle worth). 1631 MABBE Celestina
VII, p. 140: (is no other but as a Ring upon the finger). I640
HERB., no. 226. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 19: Honour without
profit, like a ring on ones finger. 1659 N.R., p. 55.
Cf. H574: Honor without maintenance is like a blue coat without
a badge.
H576 It is better to die with HONOR than to live with
shame
1557 T. NORTH Dial Princes II xxi, p. 256: The common prouerbe
in Rome, It is better to die in honour, then to liue in infamie. I575
R.B. Apius and Virg., s. D3v: And better it is to dye with good
fame, Then longer to liue to reape vs but shame. I576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., I 164: An honourable death is always to be preferred be-
fore an infamous life. 1578 FLOR. First F. XLI, f. 93v: (It is farre
better to). *A Romane prouerbe. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 184: For better it were to dye with griefe, than lyue with shame.
[01588] 1604 MARLOWE Faustus IV iv 26: We’ll rather die with
grief than live with shame. 1592 LYLY Midas IV i 168: Had it not
bin better for thee to haue perished by a golden death, than now
to lead a beastly life? 1594 KYD Cornelia IV ii 135: Nor labour I
my vaine life to assure; But so to die, as dying I may liue. I594
MARLOWE Edw. [I III iii 58: And better die to line, Then liue in
infamie vnder such a king. 1595 [W.S.] Locrine IV ii, s. G4v:

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HONOR
HOOK
318

Better to die renowned for chastitie Then line with shame and
cndlesse infamie. I601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. If i 51: I should
rather die with silence, then liue with shame. I607 TOURNEUR Rev.
Trag. I iv, p. 95: Melius virtute mori, Quam per Dedecus viuere.
1609 R. GRAY Good Speed to Va., 3. B4V: If an honourable death
were set before a vertuous minde, it would chuse rather to die
heroically, then live opprobriously. [1622] 1653 MIDDLETON AND
W. ROWLEY Changeling V iii 182: ’Tis time to die when ’tls a shame
to live. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 16: Better deaths shade then live
in shame. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 158: (with shame and infamy).
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V IV V 23: Let life be Short; else
shame will be too long. .
Cf. H565: Either live or die with honor; L386: He lives long that
lives Well. (6)
H577-8 The more rich the more HONOR
[61602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King III, p. 40: They are noble
that have nobles [i.e., money]. 1611 COT., s.v. Chapeau: He that
is rich is reuerenced. 1659 N.R., p. 108.
Cf. G298: As rises my good so rises my blood.
H579 We cannot come to HONOR under coverlet
1640 HERB., no. 529. 1664 COD., p. 229: We shall never come to
Honour under a Coverlet.
Cf. D35: The more danger the more honor.
H580 Where HONOR ceases there knowledge decreases
1616 WITHALS, p. 558. 1639 CL., p. 137. I670 RAY, p. 104.
1672 WALK. 96, p. 44. I681 ROB., p. 737. .
Cf. H584: Honors nourish arts; K189: Knowledge Is folly except
grace guide it.
H581 Where there is no HONOR there is no grief (sor-
row)
1616 DR., no. 989: He that hath no honour, hath no sorrow.
HERB., no. 182. 1659 N.R., p. 124. 1664 COD., p. 227.
Cf. H582: Great honors are great burdens.
H582 Great HONORS are great burdens
1611 JONSON Cat. III i, p. 468: Great honors are great burdens: but,
on whom They’are cast with enuie, he doth beare two loades.
1615 W. GODDARD Nest Wasps 8, s. B2v: Great men greate loads
must beare. 1639 CL., p. 311: Men that will bee great must some-
times beare.
See DiiR., I, no. 322; OTTO, no. 828. Cf. C863: Crowns have
cares; H568: Honor and ease are seldom bedfellows; H581: Where
there is no honor there is no grief (sorrow).
H583 HONORS change manners
1548 E. HALL Rich. III: Chron., f. 10: But when he was once
crouned king . . be cast a way his olde condicions . . verefienge the
olde prouerbe, honoures chaunge maners. 1553 Respublica V Vi,
p. 49: I now see, honores mutant mores, but as semeth here, raro
in meliores. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 70: Honours do chaunge
maners, yet pride will haue a fall. 1573 SANF., f. 17: Three things
. cause the Nature and condytion of a man to chaunge, that is:
Lordship, a woman, and wyne. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30:
Who changeth state, changeth conditions. 1596 DEL., S. O3V:
The chaunging of honors, doth change also the maners. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 943: Lordships changes maners. [1598] 1616
HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. G2: (It is an old said saw,
Honors). 1616 DR., no. 987. 1623 CAM., p. 271: Honors should
change manners. 1623 WOD., p. 488. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 20, p.
27. 1639 CL., p. 122. 1664 COD., p. 198. 1668 R.B., p. 35: [As
in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 104. 1732 FUL., no. 6323: New
Honours Change Manners.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 K5". I i 187: New-made honour doth for-
get men’s names.
Cf. A402: Authority (Honor, Ofl-ice) shows what a man is; G298:
As rises my good so rises my blood; M1032: Modesty sets off one
newly come to honor; N312: Nothing more proud than basest blood
when it does rise aloft; V57: A villein made a gentleman knows
neither father nor mother; W472: Wine and wealth change wise
men’s manners. (22)
I640

H584 HONORS nourish arts
[ERAS. Adagia, 330E: Honos alit artes.] I539 TAV., f. 25v: [AS in
Eras.]. Hououre mayteineth kunnynge. I570 THYNNE Debate
Pride and Lowliness, p. 22: Sayeth not the proverbe, honors norishe
artes?
Cf. H580: Where honor ceases there knowledge decreases.
H585 A HOOD for this fool
61566 CHURCHYARD Farewell in Bal. and Broadsides 30, p. 93: A
hood, a hood, for such a foole. 1570 XXV Orders of Fools in Anc.
Bal., p. 128: And, as the prouerbe doth Show very playne, A hood
for this foole, to kepe him from the rayne.
Cf. F537: Fools have wit enough to come in out of the rain.
H586 The HOOD (habit, cowl) makes not the monk
1561 T. HOBY Courtier II, p. 136: And this proverb arriseth not
without cause: The habit maketh not the Monke. 1578 WHET-
STONE 1 Promos and Cass. III Vi, s. D4v: A holie Hoode, makes not
a Frier deuoute. 1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: Wks., II 142. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 831: It is not the habit maks the monk. 1605
ERONDELLE Fr. Garden, p. 74: It is not the weed that maketh the
monke. 1611 COT., s.v. Moine: The Cowle makes not the Monke;
euerie one is not a souldier that weares armor; nor euerie one a
scholler thats clad in blacke. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: (The
froc). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vaio, p. 224: The Habit signifies
not, but the Learning: according to the Latin, Cuculus non facit
Monacum, nec barba Philosophum. 1668 R.B., p. 31: It is not the
habit that makes the Monck. 1672 WYCHERLEY Gent. Dancing-
Master IV, p. 202: The Hood does not make the Monk. I721 KEL.,
p. 187: It is not the Cow] that makes the Frier. I732 FUL., no.
5104: [As in 1668 R.B.].
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. I v 62: Lady, cucullus non facit
monachum. That’s as much to say as, I wear not motley in my
brain. 1604 M.M. V i 263: ‘Cucullus non facit monachum.’
Honest in nothing but in his clothes. 1613 Hen. VIII III i 23:
All hoods make not monks.
See DUR, I, no. 912. Cf. H1: A holy habit cleanses not a foul
soul; W524: Wisdom consists not in a beard. (13)
H587 To beat it on the HOOF
1620 HOWELL Let. II i 17, I 45: A Mischance befell the Horse .
insomuch that the Secretary was put to beat the Hoof himself, and
foot it home. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Taccone, p. 209: To beat
it upon the Hoof or Ten-toes saith the English. 1687 T. BROWN
Saints in Uproar: W ks., I 88: We beat the Hoofs as Pilgrims.
a1700 B.E., s.v. Hoof: Hoof it, or Beat it on the Hoof, to walk on
Foot.
Cf. L191: How came you hither? On my legs.
H588 By HOOK or crook
[a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute 1. I239: Wks., I 359: Nor wyll
[they] suffre this boke By hoke ne by croke Prynted for to be.
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 36: By hooke or crooke nought could I wyn
there. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 75: Yet will they haue it
. . eyther by hooke or crooke, by right or wrong, as they say. 1611
COT. , s.v. Bond: By hooke or crook; by right or wrong; any way;
by any meanes; no matter how so we haue it. 1616 DR., s.V.
Iniustice, no. 1115. 1639 CL., s.v. Conatus, p. 62: By hooke and
crooke. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: *By right or wrong. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ruffola, p. 174: To get it, and scrape it to-
gether dishonestly, by Hook or by Crook, no matter how. 1670
RAY, p. 181: By hook or by crook. 1732 FUL., no. 1040: By Hook,
or by Crook. (38)
H589 Hold HOOK and line
[61597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered I v 42: Ile giue you a health
I faith; for the heauens you mad Capriccio, hold hooke and line.
1607 SHARPHAM Fleir, s. E2: Caught I hope, hold hooke and line,
he’s fast by heaven.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IV II iv 171: Hold hook and line,
say I.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HOOK
HOPE
319


H590 A HOOK well lost to catch a salmon
1616 DR., s.v. Venturing, no. 2225: An hooke well lost to get a Sal-
1639 CL., s.v. Audacia, p. 41. 1659 N.R., p. 11: (to get a
mon.
Salmon). 1664 Con., p. 183: (to get a Salmon). 1670 RAY, p.
104: *Gall. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hook: That Hook is well lost that
has caught a Salmon. 1732 FUL., no. 216: (A Hook’s well lost).
Cf. F329: Venture a small fish to catch a great one (a salmon);
F399: You must lose a fly to catch a trout; G5: Sometimes the best
gain is to lose; G100: A small gift brings often a great reward.
H591 T 0 fish with a golden (silver) HOOK
[ERAS. Adagia, 468A: Aureo piscari hamo] 1560 Impat. Poverty,
5. EIV: He made is purgacyon vpon a boke Or els redemed wyth
the syluer hoke. I580 CHURCHYARD Charge, p. 28: You fishe with
golden hooks. 1592 LYLY Midas IV ii 37: Nay, he meanes to angle
for it with an hook of gold. 1597 BRETON Wit’s Trenchmour: Wks.,
ll 8: The substantiall was fishing with the golden hooke. 1607
DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. H0 II ii, s. C4: And henceforth cease
to throw out golden hookes. 1616 DR., s.v. Bribery, no. 209: A
man must fish with the siluer hook. Ihid., no. 913: Golde an hooke.
1639 CL., s.v. Munerum corruptela, p. 220: You’ll Catch fish with
a silver hooke. 1659 N.R., p. 12: A man must fish with a silver
hook. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Hamo, p. 81: To fish with the
Silver hook, viz. to buy with ready money. 1670 RAY, p. 162: To
angle with a silver hook. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Hook: To fish with a
golden Hook, to venture more than the Return can possibly come
to. (19)
H592 T o be off the HOOKS
[1621] 1647 FLETCHER Pilgr. III Vi, p. 195: What fit’s this? The
Pilgrim’s off the hooks too. [1625] 1639 R. DAVENPORT New Trick
to Cheat DevilI ii, p. 200: What, Roger, al amort, me thinkes th’
art off 0’ th’ hookes? [1658] 1687 CLEVELAND Sad Suit: Wks., p.
326: My Doublet looks Like him that wears it,quite Off 0’ the Hooks.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Calende, p. 24: To have ones brains out
of tune, off of the hooks. 1670 WALKER Idiom. Ang.-Lat., p. 245:
My wife is quite off the hooks. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Anger,
p. 17: He threw him quite off the hooks. 1681 ROB., p. 739: To
be off the hooks, or out of humour. a1700 B.E., s.v. Hookt: Off
the Hooks. *In an ill Mood, or out of Humor. 1732 FUL., no.
3998: Quite out of the Hooks.
See ST., no. 1405. Cf. H473: To be off (on) the hinges. (I6)
H593 As round as a HOOP
01555 Songs and Bal. Philip and Mary 29, p. 98: Untyll she ryll as
rownd as a hoope. 1631 JONSON New Inn I vi 21: As round as
Giges ring: which, say the Ancients, Was a hoop ring; and that is,
round as a hoop! 01660 Wit and Mirth, III 25: He draws them up
as round as a hoop. 1676 T. SHADWELL Virtuoso I, p. 112: I will
bring this bus’ness about as round as a Hoop.
Cf. B61: As round as a ball.
H594 When the HOP grows high it must have a pole
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 183. 1732 FUL., no. 5590.
H595 As fast (thick) as HOPs
I590 NASHE Pasq. Apol. Pt. I: Wks., I 120: They must be throwne
ouer the Pulpit as thicke as hoppes. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women
Ah. xi, 5. I3V: Looke the water drops from you as fast as hops. I616
WITHALS, p. 583. 1631 MABBE Celestina IX, p. 171: Your presents
from all parts . . came upon me as thicke as hops. 1639 CL., s.v.
Proclivitas, p. 259. I670 RAY, p. 204. I672 WALK. 9, p. 20:
They fell down to the ground as thick as hops. 1690 D’URFEY
Collin’s Walk i, p. 7: To make him sprout as fast as hops.
H596—H610 HOPE: subst.
H596 A good HOPE is better than a bad possession
I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxv, IV 214. 1732 FUL., no. 154.
. Cf. C674: I will not change a cottage in possession for a kingdom
1n reversion (hope).


H597 He that lives in HOPE dances without music
1616 DR., no. 997: Hee that liueth only in hope, danceth without a
minstrell. 1640 HERB., no. 999. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18:
(Who lives in hopes). 1659 N.R., p. 51. 1664 Con., p. 196:
(without a Minstrell). I670 RAY, p. 13: (without a minstrel).
*Hispan. 1732 FUL., no. 2224: (without a Fiddle).
H598 He that lives on HOPE has a slender diet
I623 WOD., p. 302: Hee who lives of Hope makes a thinne Belly.
1689 T. SHADWELL Bury Fair III, p. 339: Hope is a very thin Diet,
fit for Love in a Feaver. 1721 KEL., p. 129: *Lat. Qui spe aluntur
pendent, non vivunt. 1732 FUL., no. 2222: (has but a slender
Diet).
Cf. M619: Who waits for dead men’s shoes shall go long barefoot.
H599 He who lives in HOPE does dance in a hoop
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IX, p. 149: He that dooth liue in hope, dooth
dance in narrowe scope. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: *In a narrow
scope. 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 7: (Who lives).
H600 HOPE delayed afliicts the heart
[Prov. xiii 12: Hope deferred maketh the heart sick] 01527 RASTELL Calisto and Mel., S. A5V: For long hope to the hart mych
troble wyll do. 1616 DR., no. 474: Long hope is the fainting of the
soule. 1631 MABBE Celestina I, p. 38: For (as it is in the Proverbe)
Delayed hope afliicteth the heart. 1732 FUL., no. 2547: Hopes
delayed, hang the Heart upon Tenterhooks.
H601 HOPE is a good breakfast but a bad supper
1625 BACON Apothegms II: Wks., XIII 391: We had hope then to
make a better gain of it . . Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad
supper. 1732 FUL., no. 2541.
H602 HOPE is the last thing that man has to flee unto
I573 SANF., f. 107. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31v: Hope is the
last thynge of a man. 1580 BARET, S—7I6: Spes seruat afflictos.
*A Prouerbe teaching vs that although Fortune doth frowne for a
while, yet a man ought not straight to fall into the pit ofdesperation.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 M.M. III i 2: The miserable have no other
medicine But only hope.
H603 HOPE is the poor man’s bread
I640 HERB., no. 473. 1650 TAYLOR Holy Living II vi, p. 90:
Please thyself with hopes of the future. La speranza e il pan de
miseri. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 9. I659 N.R., p. 57.
H604 HOPE keeps him alive
1672 WALK. 97, p. 44: *Spes alit. 1732 FUL., no. 2544: Hope
keeps a Man from hanging, and drowning himself.
Cf. H605: Ifit were not for hope (Without hope) the heart would
break (burst); H606: It is hope holds up his chin.
H605 If it were not for HOPE (Without hope) the heart
would break (burst)
a1536 HILL 40, p. 129: Ner hope harte wold breste. 01584 G.
HARVEY Marginalia, p. 95: But for hope, the Hart woold brust.
[01607] 1655 A. BREWER Lovesick King II, p. 13: Hope keeps the
heart whole. 1611 GRUT., no. 319: (Without hope). 1614 CAM.,
p. 314: (Without hope). 1616 DR., no. 991: Were it not for hope,
the heart would burst. 1616 WITHALS, p. 582. 1629 Bk. Mer.
Rid. 121, p. 29: (for hope, heart would breake). 1639 CL., p. 294:
But for hope the heart would burst. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18:
(Without hope). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 7a.
1664 COD., p. 225: (Without hope). I670 RAY, p. 104. I721 KEL.,
p. 340: Were it not for Hope, Heart would break. 1732 FUL., no.
2689: (Hopes).
Cf. H604: Hope keeps him alive; H606: It is hope holds up his
chin. (8)
H606 It is HOPE holds up his chin
1639 CL., p. 295. 1721 KEL., p. 135: Hope holds up the Head.
Cf. H604: Hope keeps him alive; H605: If it were not for hope
(Without hope) the heart would break (burst).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HOPE
HORNs
3’20
H607 There is more HOPE of a fool than of him that is
wise in his own eyes
[Prov. xxvi 12: Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is
more hope of a fool than of him.] 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 23, p. 27.
Cf. C239: The first chapter of fools is to hold themselves wise;
C582: He that is wise in his own conceit is a fool.
H608 Too much HOPE deceives
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33V: Too much
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 126, p. 29.
1573 SANF., f. 110.
hoping deceiveth.
H609 Who lives by HOPE dies breaking of wind back-
wards
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13: (dies farting). 1664 COD., p. 227:
(hopes, dyes breaking of wind behind). 1670 RAY, p. 13: *Ital.
H610 With Hm, I halfpenny, and a lambskin
[01607] 1655A. BREWER Lovesick King II, p. 15: Here did Thornton
enter in With hope, a halfpenny, and a lambs-skin. 1664 T. KILLI-
GREW Parson’s Wed. II vii, p. 107: I have heard of Whittington and
his Cat, and Others, that have made Fortunes by strange means,
But I scarce believe my Son would rise from Hope, a half penny
and a Lambs-skin.
Cf. H135: Hap and a halfpenny is world’s gear enough.
H611 HOPE: verb
H611 HOPE well and have well
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus III iii, p. 114. 01565 Bugbears IV v
28. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [65], l. 9. 1600 A.
FRAUNCE in Allot Eng. Parn. 763, p. 107: Hope and haue,in time a
man may gaine any woman. 1611 GRUT., no. 131. 1614 CAM.,
p. 307. 1616 DR., no. 990: Hope well, haue well. 1639 CL., p. 294.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1670 RAY, p. 104. 1721 KEL., p. 290:
*That is, hope and expect good Things, and it will fall out accord-
ingly. Eng. 1732 FUL., no. 2545: Hope well, and have well,
quoth Hickwell.
Cf. B265: Believe well and have well. (7)
H612 As welcome as HOPKIN that came to jail over-
night and was hanged the next morning
1678 RAY, p. 290. I732 FUL., no. 695: (As hasty as Hopkins,
that).
H613 HOP—O’-MY-THUMB
1530 PALs., p. 232a: Hoppe upon my thombe. I546 HEY. I xi,
s. D2: It is a small hop on my thomb. 1629 Wine, Beer, Ale, p.
183: Away, hop of my thumbe: Beere, I am asham’d of thee.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: A dandiprat, a hopp on my thumb,
a demilance, viz. A little man.
H614 HOPTON, Horner, Smyth, and Thynne, when
abbots went out, they came in
1669-96 AUBREY Brief Lives, I 279.
See APP., p. 311; SM., p. 192.
H615-H619 HORN =instrument used in music,
hunting, etc.
H615 As loud as a HORN
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19. 1670 RAY, p. 206.
H616 He that blows best bears away the HORN
1641 FERG., no. 385. I668 R.B., p.27. 1721 KEL., p. I49:-(bear).
*He that does best, shall have the Reward, and Commendation.
Cf. D209: He that deserves best is commonly worst rewarded.
H617 A HORN heard soon though hardly seen
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 9.


_
H618 Wear a HORN and blow it not
15th c. Bodleian 344 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 234: I hold hym
_ wyse and wel itaught Can bar an horn and blow it navght. 1571
R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. F3v: I can weare a home and
blow it not. 1639 CL., p. 142. I670 RAY, p. 198. 1671 CL,
Phras. Puer., s.v. Silent, p. 313: You must wear a horn, but not
blow it. 1672 WALK. 19, p. 29: One that can hold nothing; that
tells everything he hears; he cannot hold a horn in his mouth but
blow it.
H619 You cannot make a HORN (pipe, whistle) of a
pig’s (ape’s, tod’sl) tail
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 845: It is hard to mak a blowing home of a
tods taill. 1616 WITHALS, p. 568: It is hard making a home of an
apes tayle. 1636 CAM., p. 302: Make a pipe of a pigges taile.
1639 CL., p. 168: ’Tis hard making a home of an apes tale. 1641
FERG., no. 542: It is ill to make a blowen home of a tods tail. 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16: You will make a horn as soon of an Apes
tail. Ibid., p. 17: You will never make a good whistle on a piggs
tail. I659 N.R., p. 78: [As in 1636 Cam.]. I668 R.B., p. 32: It is
ill to make a b[l]owing horn of a tods tail. 1670 RAY, p. 104.
1672 WALK. 99, p. 44: (of a pigs tail; a silk purse of a sows ear; a
scholar of a blockhead). I721 KEL., p. 202: It is ill to make a
blawer Horn of a Tod’s Tail. I732 FUL., no. 1053: Can you make
a Pipe of a Pig’s Tail?
Cf. P666: You cannot make a silk purse of a sow’s ear; S265: You
can never make a good shaft (arrow) of a pig’s (sow’s) tail.
[1 fox’s]
H620 HORN=hom on head of animal
H620 Pluck (Pull) in your HORNs
[01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, s. C1: Why? wylte not thou thy
homes in holde. 1553 Respublica V'Vi, p. 49: I, Policie, have made
hym to plucke in his hornes. 1560-77 Misogonus III ii 24: It will
make yow plucke in your homes. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 150:
This digression . . made my Gentleman pull in his homes. 1589
LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: W ks., III 404: Now the old cuckold hath
puld in his homes. 1617 CHAMBERLAIN in Court and Times
7ames I, II 24: There came new letters out of Scotland . . which
made the most forward on the other side to pull in their horns.
1639 CL., s.v. Ira, p. 178. 1648 On Death Warner in Cent. Broad-
side Eleg., p. 53: Take in your Homes, and make no more adoe.
1662 FULLER Worthies Kent, I 52 5: The Kentish gentry, acquitted
themselves so valiant . . that Perkin shrunk his horns back again
into the shell of his ships. 1672 WALK. 36, p. 15: To pull in his
horns; make a retreat. ( 5)
H621 HORN=material composing animals’ horns,
hooves, etc.
H621 As hard as HORN
1545 ASCHAM Tox., p. I 13: This wood is as harde as home and very
fit for shaftes. 1631 BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlew. Behavior, p. 47:
[She] was found to haue her elbowes as hard as home. 1639 CL.,
p. 287. 1670 RAY, p. 202.
H622-H626 HORN=symbol of cuckoldry
H622 To wear a HORN (To be a cuckold) and not know
it will do one no more harm than to eat a fly
and not see it
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 63: (will do me). 1593 Tell-
Trothes Gift in Tell-Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 20: To be a
cuckold, and know it not, is no more . . then to drincke with a flye
in his cuppe, and see it not. 1732 FUL., no. 5250.
Cf. B451: The blind eat many a fly; L461: He that is not sensible
of his loss has lost nothing.
H623 He had better put his HORNs in his pocket than
wind them
1678 RAY, p. 74. I732 FUL., no. 18 52: (than blow them).

Proverbs are alphabetized by 61’“ SUbStantive (sg- and PL), 01' by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HORNS 32 I HORSE

H633 The best-shod HORSE does slip sometimes
1611 COT., s.v. Glisser. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: Let a horse be
never so well shod, he may slide.
Cf. H663: A horse may stumble (snapper) on four feet.
H634 The blind HORSE is hardiest1
,a1598 FERG. MS, no. 99. I668 R.B., p. 53.
Nothing so bold as a blind Mare.
Cf. BI 12: Who so bold (AS bold) as blind Bayard?
[lrashest]
H624 He that has HORNs in his bosom let him not put
them on his head
1640 HERB., no. 563. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: HI have the horns
in my breast, I will not put them on my head. 1659 N.R., p. 47.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 53: Who hath his horns in his bosome, let
him not clap them on his forehead. I670 RAY, p. 104: (Who
hath horns). *Let a man hide his shame, not publish it. 1732
FUL., no. 5704: Who hath Horns in his Bosom, let him not put
them on his Forehead.
1721 KEL., p. 266:
H625 He wears the HORNS
[ERAS. Adagia, 324B: Tollere cornua.] 01510 Hickscorner, S. C1: H635 Choose a HORSE made, a Servant to be made
1611 COT., s.v. Cheval: A made horse, and a man vnmard, are
My mother was a lady of the stewes blode borne, And . . my father
ware an home. 1533 J. HEYWOOD Play Weather, s. B1: But who
maketh al these homes your self or your wife? 01569 PHILLIP
Patient Grissell l. 208, s. B3v: I beseech God send you with her, as
manye homes as a Bucke. 1594 GREENE AND LODGE Looking
Glass, s. H2: Nay Sir, he was a cuckoldly diuell, for hee had homes
on his head. I631 JONSON Staple News First Intermeane, l. 39,
p. 302: Because hee has hornes, wife, and may be a cuckold, as well
as a Diuell.
SHAKESPEARE.“1595 M.N.D. V i 245: He should have worn the
horns on his head. I599 A.Y. IV ii 14: Take thou no scorn to wear
the horn; It was a crest ere thou wast born.
fittest for vse. Ibid., s.v. Valet. 1640 HERB., no. 22: A horse
made, and a man to make.
Cf. H636: Choose a horse made and a wife to make.
H636 Choose a HORSE made and a wife to make
1611 COT., s.v. Cheval: Cheval faict, et femme a faire. I640 HERB.,
no. 865. 1659 N.R., p. 22: Buy a horse ready man’d but a Wife
unmand. 1664 COD., p. 189. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 75: A man
made to thy hand, but a woman to be made. 1721 KEL., p. 51:
A Horse broken and a Wife to break. 1733 FRANKLIN, p. 6: A
taught horse, and a woman to teach, and teachers practising what
See ST., no. 963. Cf. C882: Let every cuckold wear his own
they reach.
horns. (9) p
Cf. H635: Choose a horse made, a servant to be made; H771: A
house ready made and a wife to make.
H637 The common HORSE is worst shod
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2v. 1616 DR., s.v. Vnthankefulnesse, no. 2309:
(the worst shod). 1639 CL., p. 170. 1670 RAY, p. 105. 1732
FUL., no. 4456: The common Hackney-Horse is the worst shod.
Cf. S387: Who is worse shod than the Shoemaker’s wife (the shoe-
maker’s wife and the smith’s mare)?
H626 HORNs and gray hairs do not come by years
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 3: As they say in my countrie, Hoare
haires, and homes come not by age. 1678 RAY, p. 156.
Cf. C82: Care brings gray hair.
H627 He is as mild as a HORNET
01640 SMYTH 36, p. 30: *Meaning a very waspe in tongue or trade.
H638 Do not spur a free HORSE
[ERAS. Adagia, 8913: Calcar addere currenti.] 1477 J. PASTON (to
H628 He is HORN-MAD
[1525-40] 1557 Merry Dial., p. 73: He loked soureli vpon his.
doughter, as though he had bene horne woode [mad] with her.
1546 HEY. II x, s. L3v: She was (as they sai) horne wood. 01565
Bugbears I iii 8: To waxe horne wood On a girle at these yeres.
1616 DR., s.v. Furious, no. 2512. 1616 WITHALS, p. 574. 1639
CL., s.v. Ira, p. 178.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-3 C.E. II i 57: Why, mistress, sure my
master is hornsmad .. I mean not cuckold-mad; But sure he is
Stark mad. 1598-9 M.A. I i 271: If this Should ever happen, thou
wouldst be horn-mad. 1600-1 I iv 50: If he had found
the young man, he would have been horn-mad. Ibid. III V 154:
If I have horns to make one mad, let the proverb go with me—I’ll
be horn-mad.
H629 As holy as a HORSE
I530 PALS., p. 620a: He maketh as thoughe he were as holy as a
horse.
H630 As shortly as a HORSE will lick his ear
I546 HEY. II ix, s. L1: (Ye will get it agayn . . AS Shortely as).
[a1558] I568 Yacob and Esau IV iV, s. E2v: And here again I trow,
ere an horse licke his care. 01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as
Feast, s. F1: We wil be heer again or a Horse can lick his care.
Cf. C133: Before the cat can lick her ear.
H631 Behind before, before behind, a HORSE is in
danger to be pricked
1670 RAY, p. 44.
H632 The best HORSE needs breaking and the aptest
child needs teaching
1639 CL., p. 100: (breaking. The aptest).
(breathing. The aptest Youth).
s.v. Horse. 1732 FUL., no. 6441.
1664 COD., p. 215:
1670 RAY, p. 105. I687 MIEGE,

Margaret Paston, Aug. 7) in Paston Let. 916, V 293: It shall never
neede to prykk nor threte a free horse. I shall do whatt I can.
1548 ELYOT, s.v. Calcar: [As in Eras.]. *A prouerbe signifiynge to
pricke one forewarde, which is of hym selfe well disposed to a thyng.
1577 JOHN COOKE Narr. in Drake World Encompassed, p. 207: There
nedyd no spure to a willing horsse. [01587] I 599 GREENE Alphon-
sus IV iii, p. 121: Horses that be free Do need no spurs. [a1594]
1605 K. Leir, S. Ilv: My Liege, tis needlesse to spur a willing horse,
Thats apt enough to run himselfe to death. 1608 MIDDLETON
Mad World II v 31: Spur a free horse, my name’s Sir Bounteous.
1616 DR., no. 2410: He putteth spurres to a free horse. I633
MOUNTFORT Launching Mary 1. 627, p. 31: You neede not bid him
runne that ys Compelld nor needes that horse a spurre thats fierce
and free. 1637 CAM., p. 299: It is ill to set spurs to a flying horse.
1639 CL., p. 158: Spurre not a free horse too much. I640 JONSON
Tale Tub III vii 24: Spurre a free horse, hee’ll run himselfe to death.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: (’Tis ill spurring). I659 N.R., p. 63:
[AS in 1637 Cam.]. 1664 COD., p. 201: It is ill setting Spurs to a
flying Horse. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cavallo, p. 34: To do that
which one needs not to do, to spur a free horse. I670 RAY, p. 145.
1672 WALK. 64, p. 48: (Do not spur [take too much of]). 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Free: To ride a free Horse to death. *To abuse ones
good Nature. 1732 FUL., no. 2964: [As in 1637 Cam.].
Cf. H642: A free horse will soon tire; H643: A gentle horse should
not be oversore (should be seldom) spurred; H688: A running
horse needs no spur.
H639 Either win the HORSE or lose the saddle
I562 HEY. Dial. II ix, p. 78: Recouer the horse, or leese the saddle
too. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 102: Wee will either winne the
saddle or loose the horse. 1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War: Posies, p.
169: It was my full entent To loose the sadle or the horse to winne.
1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 187: Either to win the horse or
lose the saddle, as it runs in the Prouerb. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 277:
Ile recouer the horse or lose the saddle too. 01631 M. PARKER

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
HORSE
HORSE
322

Good 'l'lzrow for Maidenhead: 67 in Pepysian Garl., p. 383: That
either now ile win the horse Or else the saddle lose. 1639 CL., s.v.
Audacia, p. 40. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (Ile get the horse or).
1670 RAY, p. 199. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Horse: (I’le win the Horse,
or). 01700 Ii. WARD London Spy XVII, p. 398: In order to [ride
over others] . . he resolves to Win the Horse, or Lose the Saddle.
1721 KEL., p. 96: (or tine [lose] the Saddle). *Spoken as an En-
couragement to a noble Attempt. 1732 FUL., no. 2635: (I will
either win the Horse, or).
Cf. P1207: Of two evils (ills) choose the least; S15: Better to lose
the saddle than the horse.
H640 A flea-bitten HORSE never tires
1577 GOOGE Four Bier. Hora. II, f. 116v: The fieabitten horse
prooueth alwaies good and notable in trauell. 1599 H. PORTER
Two Women Ab. ii, s. CI: The best gray Nag that euer I laid my
leg ouer. ——You meane the flea bitten. [1614] I631 JONSON
Bart/z. Fair IV iv 16: Why, well said, old Flea-bitten, thou’lt neuer
tyre, I see. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9: A dappled gray sooner
dead then tired. 1696 D’URFEY3 Don Quix. I i, p. 223: Take this
Proverb with you by way ofAdvice. Ifyou an old Flea-bitten ride,
you need not fear the Dirt, But when you back a young Colt, see
your saddle be well girt.
Cf. H661: A hired horse tired never.
H641 A four White-foot HORSE is a horse for a fool, a
three white-foot horse is a horse for a king,
and if he has but one I’ll give him to none
I623 WOD., p. 509: Hee is a Horse with foure white Feet. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 5: He is a horse with four white feet, viz. he is
unlucky. Ibid., p. 14: He is the horse of four white feet, viz. he
promiseth fair, but performs nothing. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 13.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 43: A horse white Of four, either sell him,
or swop him, white of three, a horse for a King, white of one, part
not with him to any one. *Note 87, p. 59: A horse with one white
foot is suppos’d to be best. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cervello,
p. 36: Balzano properly is a horse with white feet, specially of all
four, which is taken for an ill sign.
H642 A free HORSE will soon tire
1593 Pass. Morrice in Tell-Trot/zes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 93:
How easie is a free horse tired. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women .46.
iii, s. E1 : A swift horse will tier, but he that trottes easilie will indure.
I606 ]. HALL Heaven upon Earl/z VIII: Wks., III 182: Give a free
Horse the full Reins, and he will soon tire. 1611 COT., s.v.
Homme: A factious asse, free horse, good cup of wine, are quickly
spent.
Cf. H638: Do not spur a free horse.
H643 A gentle HORSE should not be oversore (should
be seldom) spurred
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 42. 1641 FERG. no. 43: (would not be).
1668 R.B., p. I: (would not be). 1721 KEL., p. 7: (should be
sindle [seldom] spur’d). *A Man of a free Spirit should not be too
much importun’d. I732 FUL., no. 156: A good Horse should be
seldom spurr’d.
Cf. H638: Do not spur a free horse; H648: A good horse oft needs
a good spur.
H644 Give your HORSE a Welsh bait
1603 POWELL .4 Welsh Bayte t0 Spare Prouender: [Title]. 1658
HARRINGTON Prerog. Pop. Govt. I vi, p. 256: In this place he takes
a Welsh Bait, and looking back, makes a muster of his Victory.
1662 FULLER lVort/zier Wales, II 556: *It seems it is the custome of
the Welsh Travailers, when they have climed up a hill (whereof
plenty in these parts), to rein their Horses backward, and stand
still a while, taking a prospect (or respect rather) of the Country
they have passed. This they call a Bait.
H645 A good HORSE becomes never a jade
I611 COT., s.v. Cheval: Seldome hath a good horse turned iade; a
worthie fellow will neuer prooue coward, nor knaue. I623 WOD.,
13-515-

H646 A good HORSE cannot be of a bad color
1653 WALTON Complete Angler E. V, p. 95: It is observed by some,
that there is no good horse Of a bad colour! I678 RAY, p. 156.
1710 PALMER, p. 297: (is never of an Ill Colour). 1721 KEL., p.
126-. (never had an ill Colour). 1732 FUL.,no. 1713: (Good Horses).
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V III vii 20: [Orleans disparages
the color of the Dauphin’s horse].
H647 A good HORSE draws himself and his master out
of the mire
1596 DEL., s. ON: A good horse can draw out of danger, both his
maister and himselfe. 1616 DR., no. 1003. 1664 COD., p. 185:
(draweth his Master and himself out of the Mire).
H648 A good HORSE oft needs a good spur
1596 DEL., s. N7v: (oft hath neede of a good spurre). I611 COT.,
s.v. Esperon: Tout cheval a besoing d’esperonz-All men haue need
of some correction. 1639 CL., s.v. Disciplina, p. 93. I670 RAY, p.
105: (often wants). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Horse: (often wants).
Cf. H643: A gentle horse Should not be oversore (should be sel-
dom) spurred.
H649 A grunting HORSE and a groaning wife never
fail their master
1546 HEY. II iv, 3. G2v: (A gronyng hors). a1598 FERG. MS, no.
203: A granting [grunting] horse and graining [complaining] wyf
bydis long in a manis aught [possession]. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 367:
A groning horse and grunting wife neuer failes their master. I611
GRUT., no. I I: (A groning horse). 1611 T. HEYWOOD Gold. Age I,
p. 10: (neuer deceiue their Maister). 1614 CAM., p. 302: (A groning
horse). 1616 DR., no. 2475: A groning horse and a grunting wife
neuer faile the master. 1639 CL., p. 236: A groaning horse and
grunting wife seldome faile the owner. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p.
7: (their Riders). I659 N.R., p. 5: (their Masters). 1664 COD.,
p. 186: (never fails). I670 RAY, p. 51: (seldom fail). I687 MIEGE,
s.v. Wife: (seldom deceive). 1721 KEL., p. 49: A groaning Wife
and a grunting Horse never feal’d their Master. *It is observ’d
that tender and sickly Wives commonly live long, and a Horse that
grunts under a Man proves often very durable. I732 FUL., no.
207: A grunting Horse, and a groaning Wife, seldom fail.
H650 Have a HORSE of your own, you may borrow
another
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 34.
Cf. B544: Who will borrow when he has not, let him borrow when
he has.
H651 He has eaten a HORSE and the tail hangs out at
his mouth
1678 RAY, p. 74.
Cf. K77: He that eats the King’s goose shall be choked with the
feathers; 01 10: To swallow an ox and be choked with the tail.
H652 He has taken my HORSE and left me the tether
1672 WALK. 61, p. 17.
Cf. G364: To steal a goose and give the giblets in alms; G365:
To steal a goose and stick down a feather; H693: Steal the horse
and carry home the bridle.
H653 He is a weak HORSE that may not bear the sad-
dle
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 491. I668 R.B., p. 22. 1721 KEL., p. 159:
(that dow not [is not able to]). *Spoken to them who complain
that they cannot wear such a weighty Suit as is offered them.
H654 He is so hungry he could eat a HORSE behind the
saddle
1678 RAY, p. 253.
H655 He is undone, HORSE and man (foot)
1607 DEKKER AND WILKINS jests: Dekker Non-Dram. Wks., II 295:
[He] came iocundly vp to the Tearme, and yet after much heauing

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HORSE 32 3 HORSE


and shouing, was ouerthrowne, Horse and foote. 1608 DAY H663 A HORSE may Stumble (snapperl) on four feet
Law Tricks IV i, p. 59: I am vndone horse and foote. 1631 MABBE
Celestina I, p. 47: He is undone, he is overthrowne horse and foote,
hee is fallen into a trap, whence he will never get out. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Desperatio, p. 86. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Acquarello, p. 2:
All’s undone, horse and man. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Danger,
p, 74: I am quite broken. Overthrown horse and man.
Cf. U8: To be utterly undone.
H656 He that cannot beat the HORSE (ass) beats the
saddle (packsaddle)
1573 SANF., f. 103. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: Who can not
beat horse, let hym beat the saddle. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng. To Gentlemen Rdrs., p. 1 I: The . . Horserider . . not daring
to kill the Horse went into the stable to cutte the saddle. 1599
MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 66: This seemes to me, to put the fault of
the asse on the packesaddle. I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II,
lxvi, IV 219: According to the opinion of wise men, the fault of the
Asse must not bee layd upon the pack-saddle. 1629 Bk. hier. Rid.
82, p. 28: (beat his horse). 1640 HERB., no. 236: The fault of the
horse is put on the saddle. 1659 N.R., p. 112: [As in 1640 Herb.].
1664 Con., p. 218: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p.
43: Who cannot beat the horse, let him beat the sadle. 1691 WILSON BelphegorV iii, p. 62: ’Tis natural to ’em, when they cannot
cudgel the Ass, to vent their rage against the Pack-Saddle. I732
FUL., no. 4174: Since he cannot be reveng’d on theAss, he falls upon
the Pack-Saddle.
See DUR., II, no. 270. Cf. D542: Silly dogs are more angry with
the stone than with the hand that flung it.
H657 He that has a white HORSE and a fair wife never
wants trouble
I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 10: It is yet an ordinary saying, That
he that hath a white Horse, and a fayre woman, is never without
trouble. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 191: He that a white horse
and a fayre wife keepeth, For feare, for care, for ielousie scarce
sleepeth. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 43: Who hath a white horse,
and handsome wife, is never without sorrows. I732 FUL., no. 2156.
Cf. W377: Who has a fair wife needs more than two eyes.
H658 He that has neither HORSE nor cart cannot al-
ways load
1611 COT., s.v. Chariot: Qui n’a Cheval ne Chariot, il ne Charge pas
quand il veut. *Hee often wants of his will, that wants wherewith-
all. 1623 WOD., p. 480.
H659 He that hires the HORSE must ride before
1639 CL., p. 99. Ihid., p. I 82: (ride i’th saddle). I670 RAY, p. 106.
Cf. T638: If two ride upon a horse one must Sit behind.
H660 He will lie as fast as a HORSE (dog) will trot
I530 PALS., p. 610b: Truste hym nat, he wyll lye as fast as a dogge
wyll trotte. 1566-7 Mer. Tales Skelton 5 in Shak. jest-Bks., II 10:
Hee was a littell olde fellowe, and woulde lye as fast as a horse
woulde trotte. 1589 [MARPRELATE] Hay Any Work: Marpr.
Tracts, p. 272: Thou canst cog, face, and lie, as fast as a dog can
trot. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho IV i, s. E3v: He will
lie faster then a Dog trots. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: (as a nagg
will trott). 1678 RAY, p. 89: He lies as fast as a dog can trot.
1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua V xxx, III 342: He lyes as fast as a Dog
can trot.
Cf. D478: He will lie as fast as a dog will lick a dish.
H661 A hired HORSE tired never
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 98. 1668 R.B., p. 7. 1697 MER., p. 163.
1721 KEL., p. 41: *Because the Rider will so ply the Spurs that he
must go on.
Cf. H640: A flea-bitten horse never tires.
H662 The HORSE looks not on the hedge but the corn
(has)
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 1. Ihid., p. 21: A horse sees the hay, sees
not the hedge.

a1598 FERG. MS, no. 101: (snapper).
horse stumbles that hath foure legs.
1678 RAY, p. 360. 1697 MER., p. 163.
with four Feet may snapper, by a time.
inadvertently misplace their Words.
See DUR., II, no. 220. Cf. H633: The best-shod horse does slip
sometimes; H670: It is a good horse that never stumbles; 5820: He
stands not surely that never slips.
[1stumble]
H664 The HORSE next the mill carries all the grist
1623 CAM., p. 279. 1639 CL., s.v. Proximis utendum, p. 265. 1659
N.R., p. 97: (The horse that is next). 1664 Con., p. 212. I670
RAY, p. 121. I732 FUL., no. 4601.
H665 A HORSE of another (that) color
[a1563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife]. 414, p. 12: But I bridled a
Colt of a contrarie hare.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. III ii 434: Boys and women are for
the most part cattle of this colour. I601 T.N. II iii 181: My pur-
pose is indeed a horse of that colour.
See APP., p. 311.
H666 The HORSE that draws after him his halter is
not altogether escaped
1639 CL., p. 250: (drawes his halter after him is not quite escaped).
1651 HERB., p. 370. 1670 RAY, p. 106: (draws his halter, is not
quite escaped). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Horse: The Horse is not quite
escaped that draws his Halter after him. 1732 FUL., no. 4602: [As
in 1670 Ray].
Cf. C213: He is not free that draws his chain.
H667 The HORSE (ass) thinks one thing and he that
saddles him another
1631 MABBE Celestina XIX, p. 264: The Bay horse thinkes one
thing, and hee that saddles him, another. 1640 HERB., no. 383.
1659 N.R., p. 99. 1664 Con., p. 219. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p.
200: The ass, and the guider, have not one and the same thought.
1670 RAY, p. 14: (and he that rides him another). 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Horse: (and the Horseman another). 1696 D’URFF.Y3> Don
Quix. III ii, p. 257: D’ye hear, Friend of mine, the Ass thinks one
thing, and he that rides him another. 1732 FUL., no. 3799: One
Thing thinketh the Horse, and another he that saddles him.
1640 HERB., no. 736: A
1668 R.B., p. 8: (snapper).
I721 KEL., p. 26: A Horse
*An Excuse for those who
I754
FRANKLIN, p. 30.
H668 A hungry HORSE makes a clean manger
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2: *He eateth all his Oats. 1670 RAY, p.
107. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Hungry.
Horses make).
H669 I will make him water his HORSE at Highgate
I678 RAY, p. 86: *I’ll sue him, and make him take a journey up to
London.
H670 It is a good HORSE that never stumbles
I530 PALS., p. 742a: He is a good horse that stumbleth nat some-
tyme. 1546 HEY. I viii, s. CI : Though it be a good hors That neuer
stumbleth, what praise can that auouche To iades. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 104, p. 143. 1580 G. HARVEY Two Commendahle Let., p. 23:
A good horse that trippeth not once in a iourney. I596 DEL., s.
N2V: (that doth neuer stumble). 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah.
iv, s. E3: ’Tis a good horse never stumbles. 1611 GRUT., no. 148.
1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616 BRET., p. 6: A good horse that neuer
stumbled. 1616 DR., no. 1002. 1616 WITHALS, p. 570. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Imprudentiae, p. 151. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 25, p. 43: A good horse stumbles, and even a Priest may
err at the Altar. 1670 RAY, p. 105: (that never stumbles: and a
good wife that never grumbles). 1721 KEL., p. 126: He’s a good
Horse that never stumbled, And a better Wife that never grumbled.
*Both so rare, that I never met with either. 1732 FUL., no. 6440:
[As in 1670 Ray].
See ST., no. 1752. Cf. F23: He is good that failed never; H663:
A horse may stumble (snapper) on four feet. (11)
1732 FUL., no. 2574: (Hungry
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
HORSE 324 HORSE
i
H671 It is an ill HORSE that can neither whinny nor H677 Let the quick HORSE draw the dead horse out of
wag his tail the mire
1594 LYLY Mother B. IV ii 193: And I restored him so gently, that 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 123: Mingle the good with the bad,
hee neither would cry wyhie, nor wag the taile. 1595 Maroccus, as 'men saie, lette the quicke Horse drawe the deade Horse out of
p. 6: Tis ajade can neither whinie nor wag his taile. 1602 MARSTON the myre.
Antonio and Me/l. III ii 170: Tis an Olde say, Tis an old horse can Cf. D642: Draw Dun out of the mire.
neither wighy, nor wagge his taile. [1623] 1636 DAY AND DEKKER
Wonder King. I, p. 223: What think you then of me? . . -——Troth H678 Look 1101: a given HORSE in the mouth
my lord as Of a horsc> Vilellh if he can Neither w’hy’ nor wagge' [ERAS. Adagia, 1059D: Equi dentes inspicere donati.] I508 STAN-
Taile. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 70: (It’sa bad horse that). BRIDGE Vulgaria, p_ 27: A gyuen hors may not [be] loked in the
1670 RAY, p. 105: (It’s an hill [forill] horse can neither). I732 FUL., tethe_ 1539 TA“, f_ 49v; A gyuen horse (we saye) maye not be
no' 2882: (It is a Silly Horse> that" _ _ loked in the mouth. I546 HEY. I v, s. B2v: (No man ought to
Cf- L357= thtle may an Old horse d° If he may 11‘" ne‘gh- loke). 1566 HOL., p. 160. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, 1. 27. I586
WITHALS, 5. A2. 01594 BACON, no 840: (To looke). a1598 FERG.
H672 It is g00d to ride on the sure HORSE MS, no. 12: Ane give[n horse sould] not be looked in the teethe.
I611 GRUT., no. 197: (No man ought to looke). 1614 CAM., p. 309.
1616 DR., no. 867: (A man must not looke). 1620 SHELTON Don
H673 It would make a HORSE break his bridle or a dog Quix. Pt. II, iv, III 42: I am not so very an Asse as to refuse it,
. according to the Proverbe, Looke not a given horse in the mouth.
hls halter (It would make a horse [dog] laugh) 1639 CL., p. 222. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1668 R.B., p. 4;
1546 HEY. II i, s. F3v: It wolde haue made a hors breake his halter [As in 211593 Ferg_]_ I670 RAY, p. 96; (gift homey I697 MER.J
1639 CL., s.v. Securitatis, p. 278.
sure. 01565 Bughears I iii 89: A mare wold break her halter to se p_ 163, A geen horse sud not be leauk’d in the mouth
how rosymunde his Old vaine can allter. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Sec ST” no_ 1753, Cf. M287: A man need not look in your
Aphroditis, s. M2v: It woulde haue made a sicke horse to haue mouth to know how old you are (your age)_ (11)
broken his halter to haue hearde their iarring. 01600 Cluh Law
I viii, p. 24: It would make a horse laugh to heare him talke. [1600] H679 My HORSE pisses whey, my man pisses amber,
1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. II, s. D2v: It would make a Horse break his - -
Bridle to see the humours of these fellows. 1606 DAY Isle Gulls, my horse Is for my way’ my man Is for my
s. D4: T wold make a horse breake his bridle to heare how the youth of Chamber
the village will commend me. 1631 JONSON Staple News First 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 89, p. 163:
Intermeane, l. 71, p. 303: But there was one Smug, a Smith, would A horse that Pisses whay, and a man that pisseth amber, the one
haue made a horse laugh, and broke his halter, as they say. 01638 is for your way Madam, and the other is for your chamber. 1670
E. FORD Mer. Discourse Nory'olk Thos. l. 124 in Roxb. Bal., II 174: RAY, p. 210.
’Twod make a dog to laugh. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 69: . .
’Twould make a horse breake’s halter. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., H680 The old HORSE must die In some man’s hand
P' 10: [AS m I639 Cl'l' 1664 PEPYS D’ary Jan' 8’ IV 7: To In?“ a1598 FERG. MS, no. 783: In some manes aught [possession] must
how W. Symons do commend and look sadly and then talk bawdily the auld horse die. 1668 RE” I). 28: [As in a1598 Fergl 1721
and merrily would makea dogg laugh. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Km“, p. 312. I732 FUL., no. 4689: The old Horse must die in
Porco, p. 154: The English say, Such‘ stories as would make a dog somebodyis keeping
laugh. 1670 RAY, p. 165. I732 FUL., no. 5339: ’Twould make a
Dog break his Halter. H681 An old HORSE to a young soldier
. 1611 COT., s.v. Soldat: A young souldier would be fitted with an
H674 Lend nOt HORSE nor w1f6_r’or sword _ old horse; (both to temper his heat, and to helpe his ignorance).
I566 HOL., p. 265: One lendeth not Willingly these three thinges. 1659 How [,3 Prov” p_ IQ 1666 TOR_ [to Prov, 25) p_ 261: To a
1. His wife. 2. His horse. 3. His armes. 1577 T. KENDALL young souldier, give an old horse,
Flowers Epig., p. 284: Three thinges a man not lendeth rife: his
Illorsekhis fighting swogd, hishwifs- , 11585d 3013801; 0101'“ Ighflngt, ds- H682 One may lead a HORSE to the water but four and
3v: man must not etoo astie in en ing 3. t ings. 1s swor . 1 - -
His wife. His horse. 1591 STEP., p. 172: A man cannot lend well twenty canno” gar hlm dnnk
these foure things. A good horse. A wise woman that loueth her
husband. A faithfull seruant that loueth his master. A good
sword, and weapons for the warre. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 27: Thy sword, thy horse, and eke thy wife, Lend not at
all, lest it breed strife. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 217: Three things
ought never to be lent, wife, horse, nor arms. _ _ _
Cf. H675: Lend your horse for a longjourney, you may have him make hlm drmk unless he “"1"
return with his skin; W345: Commend not your wife, wine, nor [lmakel
horse (house); W381: The wife and the sword may be showed but H683
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 87. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 157, p. 164:
One man may have a horse to the water, but an hundred cannot
make him drink. I668 R.B., p. 7. 1721 KEL., p. 268: One Man
may lead a Horse to the Water, but four and twenty will not make
him drink.
Cf. M262: A man may lead a horse to the water but he cannot
A proud HORSE that will not carry (bear) his own
not lent.
provender
H675 Lend your HORSE for a long journey, you may 1546 HEY. II ix, s. L3: It is . . A proude hors that wil not beare his
have him return with his Skin own prouander. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 190: (According to
- the proverbe it is an yl horse that). 1599 H. PORTER Two Women
L651952HOW' Eng‘ prov" 1" 1' I670 RAY’ p' 14' I705 Plea" Art’ Ah. x, s. I4v: (Hee’s a proud horse will not). 1611 GRUT., no. 26:
‘ ' o . (beare). 1614 CAM., p. 303: (beare). 1616 DR., no. 1732. 1639
Cf' H674' Lend not horse nor W’fe nor sword' CL., p. 32: (It’s a proud horse will not). 1640 HERB., no. 708: (It’s
. . . a proud). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (bear). 1664 COD., p. 209:
H676 Let a HORSE drmk When he “"11, not What he “’111 (Proud is the Horse that). 1666 TOR. n. Prov., note 147, p. 225:
I678 RAY, p. 157. I721 KEL., p. 238: Let your Horse drink what An ill horse that cannot carry its own provender. I670 RAY, p.
he will, but not where he will. *Often drinking in aJourney, makes 105: (It’s an ill horse will not). 1721 KEL., p. 131: He’s a proud
a Horse faint. Horse that will not bear his own Prowan [provender]. *An Excuse
Cf. W359: He that lets his wife go to every feast and his horse for doing our own Business our selves; and it hits patter, ifit belong
drink at every water shall neither have good wife nor good horse. to our own Trade, Profession, or way of Living.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HORSE
HORSE
325

H684 A resty (boisterous) HORSE must have a sharp
spur (a rough bridle)
1539 TAV., f. 4V: A boysteous horse, a boysteous snafi'ell. 1596
DEL., s. M4v: To a restif horse we must giue a Sharpe spurre. 1600
P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy XXXIX, p. 1038: An headstrong
and frampold horse . . will not be ruled with a gentle snafiie. 1616
DR., no. 1785: A boysterous horse, must haue a rough bridle. 1616
WITHALS, p. 566: A boysterous horse, must haue a boisterous snaflle.
1639 CL., p. 167. Ibid., p. 200: A boystrous horse must have a
boystrous bridle. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 47: He that
hath a shrewd wife, must with force and great spirit tame her: for
wilde Colts must be roughly handled. I670 RAY, p. 105. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Horse. 1732 FUL., no. 4027: Resty Horses must be
roughly dealt with.
H685 Ride a HORSE and mare on the shoulders, an
ass and mule on the buttocks
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: Ride a horse or a mare towards the
shoulders, an asse or a mule towards the tail. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
13, p. 43: Horse or mare, ride them neer the shoulder, asse or mule,
neer the crupper. 1678 RAY, p. 53: *Ital.
H686 A Royston HORSE and a Cambridge master of
arts will give way to nobody
1662' FULLER Worthies Cambridgeshire, I I 56: A Boisten [for Roy-
ston] horse and a Cambridge Master of Art, are a couple of creatures
that will give way to no body. This Proverb we find in the Letter
of William Zoon written to George Bruin, in his Theatre of Cities.
1732 FUL., no. 29: (A Burston-Horse and the way).
H687 A running HORSE is an open grave
1573 SANF., f. 102: A running horsse, an open burying. I578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 28. ICII'COT., s.v. Cheval: Cheval courant est
vn sepulchre ouvert: So much danger is his necke in that rides him.
1623 WOD., p. 480. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 68, p. 28: A running horse,
an open grave. 1642 HOWELL For. Trav. XV, p. 105: For the
Italians have a Proverb, that a gallopping horse is an open Sepul-
cher. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov. , p. 12: A running horse, an open grave.
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 2: A galloping horse, a living grave. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 43: (is an open sepulchre).
H688 A running HORSE needs no spur
1616 DR., s.v. Willingnesse, no. 2409. 1639 CL., p. 158. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 9: (A forward Horse).
Cf. H638: Do not Spur a free horse.
H689 A scabbed (galled) HORSE cannot abide the
comb
1596 DEL., S. M5V. 1611 COT., s.v. Cheval: A] scabd horse loueth
not the curricombe; (nor an infected heart, correction). I611 DAV.
Prov., no. 413: A scab’d horse no combe abides: But a scab’d asse
each scab still rides. 1616 DR., s.v. Conscience, no. 311: A galled
horse no combe abideth. 1639 CL., p. I 80. Ibid., p. 208: (A gall’d
horse will not). 1651 HERB., p. 370. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5:
A gall’d horse loves not to be curried. 1670 RAY, p. 105: A gall’d
horse will not endure the comb. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Horse: [As in
1670 Ray]. 1732 FUL., no. 1639: Gall’d Horses can’t endure the
Comb.
Cf. H700: Touch (Rub) a galled horse on the back and he will
wince (kick).
H690 A scald (scabbed) HORSE is good enough for a
scabbed (scald) squire
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 88: For suche a scalde squier
as he is, a scabbed horse. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. EIV. 1562 HEY. Epig.
161, p. 153: (scabde and scalde). 1573 New Custom I ii, s. B3v:
Like Lettuse like lippes, a scabd horse for a scald squire. 1576
FULWELL Ars Adulandi VI, s. F4v: A ragged Colte may serue a
scabbed squire. 1581 BELL Agst. Osorius III, p. 406: Accordyng
to the old Prouerbe a Scabbed Jade good enough for a scalde Squier.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 66: (scabbed and scalled). 1599 MINSHEU
Span. Dial., p. 28: A scabbed horse fit for a scalde squier. 1611
H691

DAV. Prov., no. 169. 1611 GRUT., no. 28: (scald squyre). 1614
CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., no. I 145. I616 WITHALS, p. 581: (scabde
and scald). 1639 CL., p. 288: (A scab’d horse). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 3: (gauld and scabby). 1664 COD., p. 183: (scabby and
scabby). 1668 R.B., p. 4: (skabbed and skald). 1670 RAY, p. 140.
I721 KEL., p. 36: (scabbed and scal’d). *Mean things become
mean People. 1732 FUL., no. 385: (A scabbed Horse and a scabbed
Knight).
Cf. L284: Like to like, a scabbed horse to an old dike; L326: Like
(Such) lips like (such) lettuce.
A short HORSE is soon curried
a1536 HILL 8, p. 128. I546 HEY. I x, s. C2v. 1571 R. EDWARDS
Damon and Pithias, s. C2: A shorte horse soon curried. [01602]
1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King II, p. 24: Here’s a short horse soone
curryed. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 108. 1611 GRUT., no. 29. 1614
CAM., p. 303. [1614] 1647 FLETCHER Trag. Valent. II '1, p. 18:
(Your short horse). 1616 BRET., p. 6. 1616 DR., no. 1466. 1639
CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 69. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (A little
horse). 1659 N.R., p. 9. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 45, p. 162:
(As the English say, A little horse). 1670 RAY, p. 142. 1678 RAY,
p. 157: (is soon wisp’t, And a bare a[ss] soon kist). 1721 KEL., p. 1:
(is soon whisked [curried]). *A little Task is soon ended; and
answers to the English, A thin Meadow is soon mow’d. I732 FUL.,
no. 395.
Cf. B662: A fair bride is soon busked and a short horse soon
whisked; M781: A thin meadow is soon mowed. (6)
H692 Some may better steal a HORSE than others look
on (look over the hedge)
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4: Some man maie steale a hors better, Than
some other maie stande and loke vpone. I591 LYLY Endim. III
iii 65: Some man may better steale a horse, then another looke ouer
the hedge. 1616 DR., no. 1585. 1616 WITHALS, p. 555: (looke
over the hedge). *The great theeues scape scot-free, and the little
ones pay for all. 1639 CL., p. 172: [As in 1616 Withals]. 1658 E.
PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 179. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 13: AS good steal the horse as look over the hedge. 1664 COD.,
p. 210: (than another look over the hedge). 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 141, p. 225: (than another look on). 1670 RAY, p. 128: One
man may better steal a horse, then another look over the hedge.
01685 MARTINDALE Life V, note, p. 120: (steale our horse then
Others looke ore the hedge).
Cf. T119: The great thieves hang the little ones.
H693 Steal the HORSE and carry home the bridle
1618 T. ADAMS Happiness Church: Wks., p. 596: To steale the
bridle, as to steale the horse, is Tam, though not Tantum: such a
sinne, though not so great a sinne. I678 RAY, p. 342. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4173: Sim steals the Horse, and carries home the Bridle honestly.
Cf. G365: To steal a goose and stick down a feather; H652: He
has taken my horse and left me the tether; S269: It is a shame to
Steal (to steal a horse) but a worse to carry (bring him) home.
H694 That HORSE is troubled with corns
1663 S. BUTLER Hud. I i 433, p. 35: That Caesar’s horse . . who
as fame goes, had corns upon his feet and Toes. 1678 RAY, p. 74:
*Foundred.
H695 They are good willy1 of their HORSE that have
none
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1297: (quho hes none). 1668 R.B., p. 53.
[lgenerous]
H696 To a greedy eating HORSE a Short halter
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: To a greedie eating horse, a
short halter. i. To a prodigall man meane fortune: a curst cowe
short hornes. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 36: To a greedy
eating horse a short halter, to a prodigall man meane fortune, and
from him that would do iniustice euer keepe authority, for a curst
cow should haue but short homes. 1651 HERB., p. 369.
Cf. C751: A curst cow has short horns.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
HORSE
HORSES
326

H697 To go round like a blind HORSE in a mill
I607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho I, s. B3v: I that like a horse
Ran blind-fold in a Mill (all in one circle). 1611 DEKKER AND
MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, 3. B2: My thoughts must run, As a horse
runs, that’s blind, round in a mill. 1654 WHI'I‘LOCK Zootomia,
p. 432: Carefull men, like Horses in a Mill, run round in a com-
petency. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Assai, p. 8: *Ne'r to get for-
ward, alwaies at the same pass. 1679 T. SHADWELL True Widow
To Rdr., p. 288: I had rather suffer, by venturing to bring new
things upon the stage, than go on like a mill-horse in the same
round. 1693 T. SOUTHERNE Maid’r Last Prayer III, p. 131: The
blind horse is fittest for the mill. I732 FUL., no. 3225: Like a Mill-
Horse; that goes much, but performs no Journey.
H698 To stay as one HORSE stays for another
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Abbate, p. 1: (To fall too, and not to
stay at all, the English say, to stay, as). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
II, p. 433: We staid for you as one horse does for another.
H699 To work for a dead HORSE
1640 R. BROME Antipoder I i, p. 234: His land . . ’twas sold to pay
his debts: All went that way, for a dead horse, as one would say.
1659 H. NEVILLE Shuflling, Cutting in Harl. Misc., V 299: I shall
be content to play at any Game, but shall be unwilling to play for
a dead Horse. 1670 RAY, p. 171: *To work out an old debt, or
without hope of future reward. 1678 RAY, p. 238: (a dead horse or
goose). I721 KEL., p. 278: It is common to see Tradesmen, and
Labourers, to go about a piece Of Work with great Uneasiness,
which is to pay ajust Debt, and say, grudgingly, I work for a dead
Horse.
Cf. MI 103: When the money is paid the arms are broken; W845:
He that pays beforehand has his work ill done.
H700 Touch (Rub) a galled HORSE on the back and he
will wince (kick)
1493 MIRK Quatuor Serm., 3. B3: A gallyd horse, that is touchyd 0n
the sore wynseth and wryeth. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus Prol.,
p. 20: Haue men rubbed the on the galde backe . . (that .s. thou
begynnest to wynche or to startle). I546 HEY. II vii, s. KI: I rub
the gald hors back till he winche. 01550 GosYNHYLL Schoolhouse
Warn. 1. 1013, p. 145: Rub a scald horse vpon the gall, And he wil
bite, wins and went, So wil all people that are maleuolent. 1566
L. WAGER Mary Magd., s. A2v: A horse will kick if you touche
where he is galled. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditir, s. A3v: Rubbe
a gauld Horse on the backe and it is a chaunce if hee kicketh not.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. LIv: For a galled Horse neuer wincheth
till hee be touched. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1288: (in the back and
he wil fling). 1611 GRUT., no. 290: (kicke). 1614 CAM., p. 313:
(kicke). I616 WITHALS, p. 583: You rub a gald horse on the back.
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. Democ. to Rdr., p. 102: It is not my
freeness of speech, but a guilty conscience, a galled back of his own
that makes him winch. 1639 CL., s.v. Lacessentis, p. 184: You rub
a gall’d horse 0’ th back. Ihid., p. 201: (kick). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 6: (Rubb). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p.43: If thou Offer to
touch a gall'd horse, thou wilt make him to kick. I668 R.B., p. 51:
[As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 95: (and he’ll kick, or wince).
1697 VANBRUGH Provoked Wife V v, p. 179: How the Gall’d Horse
Kicks. I721 KEL., p. 326: (fling). *Spoken when you have said
something to a Man that intrenches upon his Reputation, and so
have put him in a Passion.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I H. III ii 253: Let the gall’djade winch;
our withers are unwrung.
Cf. G12: To rub one on the gall; H689: A scabbed (galled) horse I
cannot abide the comb.
(10)
A weand1 HORSE and a rotten harrow are soon
parted
1685 MERITON Praise Yorksh. Ale, p. 66: A weand Horse I’ve heard
it oft Reported: And a rotten Harrow are seaun parted.
[lmad]
H701
H702 Well, HORSE, winter will come
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13.

H703 Where stands your great HORSE?
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1464. I668 R.B., p. 44.
H704 Where the HORSE lies down, there some hair
will be found
a1536 HILL 33, p. 129: Whan the hors waloweth, som heris be loste.
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall I, p. 9: Where the horse walloweth,
some hairs will still remain. 1639 CL., s.v. Morum contagio, p,
216: Where the horse rubb's some haire is left behind. 1659 How,
Br. Prov. , p. 20: Where the horse tumbles to sport himself, he leaves
part ofhimself. I662 FULLER Worthies Cornwall, I 205: Forraigners
. . sometimes are driven hither against their will, but never without
the profit of the Inhabitants, according to the common Proverbe,
Where the horse lieth down, there some hairs will be found. Ihid.
York, II 540: Those outlandish Mules, though lying down in English
Pasture, left no Hairs behind them. 1670 RAY, p. 105. 1732 FUL.,
no. 633I.
H705 You bridle the HORSE by the tail
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 14: *You go the wrong way to work. 1659
N.R., p. 125: Wish not for a Horse that is bridled at the tayl.
Cf. W168: To go the wrong way to work.
H706 You may beat a HORSE till he be sad and a cow
till she be mad
1678 RAY, p. 98.
H707 You may (may not) know the HORSE by his
harness
1639 CL., s.v. Conjecturae, p. 64. 1670 RAY, p. 105. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Horse. 1732 FUL., no. 5883: You can’tjudge of the Horse by
the Harness.
H708 You will ride on a HORSE that was foaled of an
acorn (You will ride on a wooden horse)
01547 Pore Helpe l. 255 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 261: Your happe
may be to wagge upon a wooden nagge. 1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes
Don Quix. III viii, p. I 19: Others . . vaile and couch it, under riding
the wooden Horse. 1678 RAY, p. 253: *That is the gallows. I694
MOTTEUX Gargantua V xxviii, III 128: (May I ride). I732 FUL.,
no. 6034: (You’ll ride a Horse, that).
H709 Your HORSE cast a shoe
I678 RAY, p. 349.
H710 His HORSE’S head is swollen so big that he can-
not come out of the stable
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. I, p. 10: His horse is so fat, that playne he
is not able To get his body nor head out of the stable. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 6: *He owes the hostler so much.
H711 Trust not a HORSE’S heel nor a dog’s tooth
[ERAS. Adagia, I48D: Procul a pedibus equinis.] 1585 ROBSON
Choice Change, s. K2: Trust not 3 things. Dogs teeth. Horses
feete. Womens protestations. 1678 RAY, p. 158.
SHAKESPEARE-16054 K.L. III vi 19: He’s mad that trusts in
the tameness Of a wolf, a horse’s health [heels P], a boy’s love, or a
whore’s oath.
Cf. H376: Take heed Of an ex before, a horse (an ass) behind,
of a monk (parson) on all sides; T551: No trust is to be given to a
woman’s word (a woman).
H712 You may break a HORSE’S back be he never so
strong
1639 CL., s.v. Tolerantia, p. 311.
H713 From the HORSES t0 the aSSes
[ERAS. Adagia, 273B: Ab equis ad asinos.] 1540 PALSGRAVE Aeo-
lastus IV vii, p. I 53. 1552 TAV., f. 62v: [As in Eras.]. *Promoted
or descended out of the hal into the kytehen. This is, where a man
is brought from a better state, study, Office, or kynd of lyuyng to
a worse. 1580 BARET, A—2 5: [As in Eras.]. *A Prouerbe applyed
to those which are fallen from dignitie into a meaner estate: as from


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HORSES
HOST
327


a scholler to a Cartar. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cavallo, p. 34:
To go from a horse to an asse, viz. to grow worse and worse, down
the wind.
Cf. B27: To go from bad to worse; G272: Out Of God’s blessing
into the warm sun; H56: Out Of the hall into the kitchen; W432: To
gO down the wind.
H714 Good HORSES make short miles
1640 HERB., no. 929.
Cf. C559: A merry companion is a wagon in the way (is as good
as a nag); C566: Good company makes short miles.
H715 HORSES, dogs, and servants devour many
1616 DR., s.v. Prodigalitie, no. 1726. 1623 WOD., p. 514: Horses,
Dogs, Haulkes, Servants, Superbe Pallaces, long Tables, doe vndoe
the greatest Lords, and make them shortly miserable. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Voluptas, p. 32 5: Hounds and horses devoure their masters.
H716 They are scarce Of HORSES where two ride on a
dog
I678 RAY, p. I 57: (of horse-flesh Where two and two ride on a dog).
1732 FUL., no. 4958.
H717 They cannot set (To set) their HORSES together
1608 1. DAY Law Tricks I ii, p. 17: Souldiers and Schollers could
neuer set their horses together, especially in this kicking age. 1639
CL., s.v. Discordia, p. 94: (their horses i’th same stable). I666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Fuochi, p. 68: Not to be cater-cosins, not to set their
horses together. Ibid., s.v. Groppo, p. 79: To agree, to be good
neighbours, to set ones. horses together. I670 RAY, p. 181. 1672
WALK. 14, p. 29: (together in the same stable). I732 FUL., no.
496I.
H718 When one is on HORSEBACK he knows all things
I640 HERB., no. 975. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 192.
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 14: He speaks on horseback, viz. he hath
the advantage of me. 1659 N.R., p. 125.
Cf. K137: Set a knave on horseback and you shall see him
shoulder a knight.
H719 TO give HORSE KISSES
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cavallo, p. 34: *Rude and uncivil kisses.
1678 RAY, p. 74: An horse-kiss. *A rude kiss, able to beat ones
teeth out. 1732 FUL., no. 611: An Horse-Kiss, like to beat one’s
Teeth out.
H720 To fall away from a HORSELOAD to a cartload
[c1605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 165: Any woman that has
fallen from a Horse-load to a Cart-load . . can direct you to her.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Istia, p. 84: To be grown main fat, viz.
from a horse-load to a cart-load. 1678 RAY, p. 243. a1700 B.E.,
s.v. Horse-play: Fallen away from a Horse-load to a Cart-load,
spoken Ironically of one considerably improved in Flesh on a sud-
den. 1732 FUL., no. 5161. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 410: Don’t
you think the colonel’s mightily fall’n away of late? —Ay, fall’n
from a horseload to a cartload.
H721 As high as three (two) HORSE LOAVES1
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3: As high as two horseloues hir persone is. 1576
FULWELL Ars ddu/andi VII, s. GIv: Hast thou such feare Of For-
tunes frownes or of her whirling wheele? Who since thou were
three horseloues high hast tumbled at her heele? 1639 CL., s.v.
Contemptus, p. 73. 1670 RAY, p. 202: *Spoken of a dwarf in
derision.
[lloaves made of beans and wheat]
H722 He wears short HOSE
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 752.
H723 In my (your) t’other HOSE
[A mocking or evasive answer, sometimes equivalent to “Not if I
know it.”] 1594 LYLY Mother B. II iii 49: I have loued thee long,
Silena. ——In your tother hose. I602 MIDDLETON Blurt II ii 270:
I’ll play, sir. [aside] But in my t’Other hose. 1606 DAY Isle

Gulls,s. E1 v: For tho the castI loose, I ha wonne your loue. “Much:
in my tother hoose. 1608 MIDDLETON Family Love III ii 70: What
should I say? [aside] ’Tis in my t’other hose. I611 FLOR., s.v.
Zoccoli Zoccoli, p. 461. [1623] I653 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY
Span. Gypsy III ii 68: But being asked, as I suppose, your answer
will be, in your tother hose. I640 JONSON Tale Tub II iii 40: Wee
rob’d in Saint Iohn’s wood? I’ my tother hose!
Cf. P652: He has left his purse in his Other hose (breeches).
H724 He has sneezed thrice, turn him out Of the
HOSPITAL
I519 HORMAN V ulgaria, p. 50: Two or iii nesys be holsom: one is a
shrowed token. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1664 COD., p. 198.
H72 5—H728 HOST = innkeeper
H725 Ask mine HOST whether he have good wine
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 192: (Ask mine Host, if).
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 73. I732 FUL., no. 819: Ask the Seller,
if his Ware be bad.
Cf. F177: Ask my fellow (companion) if I be a thief.
H726 He that reckons without his (Reckoners without
their) HOST must reckon twice
1489 CAXTON Blane/zardyn LII, p. 202: It ys sayd in comyn that
who soeuer rekeneth wythoute his hoste, he rekeneth twys for ones.
1546 HEY. I viii, 5. C1: (Reckners without their). 1562 HEY.
Epig. 36, p. 133: Reckynyng without thine hoste thou must recken
twyse. I578 LYLY Euph. final. Wit, p. 228: Certeinely hee is lyke
for mee to make hys reckoninge twise, bicause hee reconeth without
hys hostesse. 1596 DEL., s. P1v: (shall recken twise). a1598
FERG. MS, no. 527: He that compts befor the host counts twyse.
1611 COT., s.v. Compter: *He that concludes, or determines of,
businesse, without the priuitie, or presence Of him whom it most
concerns, is like ynough to heare ofit, or be troubled with it, at least
once more. 1611 GRUT., no. 218: (Reckners whitout their). 1614
CAM., p. 311: (Reckoners without their). 1616 DR., no. 1815:
(shall reckon twice). 1639 CL., p. 109. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 8. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 114: Who reckons without his
Hoste, reckons twice. 1668 R.B., p. 26: He that counts but [with-
out] his Host, counts [t]wise. I670 RAY, p. 136: (must reckon
again). 1721 KEL., p. 170: He that counts but his Hostess, counts
twice. *For Men reckon their Debts neither so many, not so great,
as really they are.
Cf. H728: To reckon without one’s host (hostess); V50: Do not
triumph before the victory. (13)
H727 Like HOST like guest
1586 WITHALS, s. H2v. c1620 ROWLANDS Pair Spy Knaves, p. 21:
Such Oast, such ghest, the Prouerbe sayes. I654 GAYTON Pleas.
Notes Don Quix. I iii, p. 9: Like guest, like Landlord. I734 FRANK-
LIN, p. 9: If you would have guests merry with cheer, be so yourself,
or so at least appear.
H728 To reckon without one’s HOST (hostess)
1533 T. MORE Devell. Salem xv: Wks. 1557, p. 991: He fareth to
lyke a geste, that maketh hys rekening himselfe without hys hoste.
01565 Bugbears II iii 93: He recons without his host. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., S. S4: Yet those that laugh at me, for . . reckoning
my shot before mine hostesse . . maye deeme thee a light huswife
for thy cracked fidelitie. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 61: That
is to reckon Without the Hostesse. 1616 DR., s.v. Haste, no. 934:
NO reckoning without the hoste. 1620 J. CHAMBERLAIN in Court
and Times 7mm: I, II 210: Yet it was thought it would not hold
out, and that it would prove a reckoning without our host. [01633]
1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 21: I doubt he would be
found to reckon Without his Host. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Oste,
p. 125: *TO reckon twice, to reckon over again. 1670 RAY, p. 190.
a1700 B.E., s.v. Host: TO reckon without your Host: or count your
Chickens before they are Hatcht.
See ST., no. 2504. Cf. C292: You count (reckon) your chickens
before they be hatched; H726: He that reckons without his (Reck-
oners without their) host must reckon twice. (6)
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
HOST
HOURS
328
H729 HOST = multitude
H729 A HOST of harts is more to be feared that is
ruled by a lion than a host of lions by a hart
I573 SANF., f. 28v.
H730 The fairer the HOSTESS the fouler the reckoning
1611 COT., s.v. Bourse: A faire hostesse brings in a foule reckoning.
1635-47 R. CORBET [ter Boreale: Poems, p. 579: A handsome host-
esse makes the reckoning deare. I658 [EDMONDSON]_Comes Fae.
in Via, p. 192: A fair Hostesse makes a fowl Reckoning. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1664 COD., p. 212. 1670 RAY, p. 106.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hostess. 1696 D’URFEY3 Don Quix. IV i, p. 263.
1732 FUL., no. 4512.
Over HOT over cold
1668 R.B., p.41.
H731
aI598 FERG. MS, no. 1113.
H732 Soon HOT soon cold
[01470] I485 MALORY Morte d’Arthur XVIII xxv, p. 771. 1530
PALS., p. 885a. 1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2v. c1570 Marr. Wit and
Science V i, 3. E1 v: An old sayd sawe it is, and to true I finde, Soone
hot, sone cold. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 62. I584 GREENE Card
li'ancy, p. 145. I611 GRUT., no. 232. 1614 CAM., p. 311. 1639
CL., p. 116. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1670 RAY, p. 144. 1732
FUL., no. 4228.
Cf. L483: Hot love is soon cold. (7)
H733 He is a HOT SHOT in a mustard pot when both
his heels stand right up
1678 RAY, p. 86. 1732 FUL., no. 2440: (with his Heels upright).
Cf. H734: You are a hot shot.
H734 You are a HOT SHOT
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: You are a hot-shot indeed.
spoken in a slighting derision. 1670 RAY, p. 214.
Cf. H733: He is a hot shot in a mustard pot when both his heels
stand right up.
H735 A foisting HOUND
1616 WITHALS, p. 565. 1639 CL., s.v. Inaequalis pensatio, p. 156.
H736 An ill (evil) HOUND (dog) comes halting home
1591 1 Trouhlesome Reign 701m, 3. CIV; But hastie curres that lie
so long to catch, Come halting home, and meete their ouermatch.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 126: (evil). Mid, p. 163: A tuiltheing
[quarreling] tyk comes ay tyrd home. 1641 FERG., no. 129. 1668
R.B., p. 9. 1721 KEL., p. 309: Tulying Dogs come halting home.
*Spoken when Quarrelers come off with the worse. 1732 FUL.,
no. 441: (A toiling Dog). Ibid., no. 3988: Quarrelling Dogs come
halting Home.
H737 We HOUNDs slew the hare, quoth the messan1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1480. 1668 R.B., p. 56. I678 RAY, p. 239:
We dogs worried the hare. 1721 KEL., p. 349: *Spoken to insig-
nificant Persons, when they attribute to themselves any part of a
great Atchievement. I732 FUL., no. 5443: We Hounds kill’d the
Hare, quoth the Lap-Dog.
Cf. D652: What a dust do I raise, said the fly upon the chariot
wheel.
[llap dog]
H738 He is born in a good HOUR who gets a good name
I540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 80: Maye not men . . thinke,
that I was borne in a good howre. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram.,
p. 83: (that gets himselfe a good name). *A good name is better
then riches. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 20: Hee is borne
in a prudent and good houre which gets himselfe a good name, for
reputation is better than riches. 1732 FUL., no. 2455.
Cf. H740: He was born in an ill hour who gets an ill name; S632:
A son of the white hen.
H739 He never broke his HOUR that kept his day
1678 RAY, p. 122.
*A speech

a
H740 He was born in an ill HOUR who gets an ill name
1616 DR., no. 1460: Hee that hath an ill name was borne in an ill
howre. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 14.
Cf. H738: He is born in a good hour who gets a good name; N25;
He that has an ill (evil) name is half hanged.
It happens in one HOUR that happens not in sev-
en years
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E1: (in seven yere). [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister
D. IV iii 26: For such chaunce may chaunce in an houre, do ye
heare? —As perchance shall not chaunce againe in seven yeare.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 223: In one lucky houre more
rare things come to passe, then somtimes in seuen yeare. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 794: It wil com in on hour wil not com in a year.
1611 GRUT., no. 144: (in seuen yeare). 1614 CAM., p. 308: It
chanceth in an houre that happens not in seauen yeare. 1616 DR.,
no. 1000: That happeneth in an houre that happeneth not in seuen.
1616 WITHALS, p. 563: It may happen in one houre, that chaunced
not in seaven yeares. 1639 CL., p.121: (It chanceth in an houre
which). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: (It hapneth in an hower,
that). 1668 R.B., p. 29: It will come in an hour, that will not
come in a year. 1670 RAY, p. 68: It chanceth in an hour, that
comes not in seven years. *Every man is thought to have some
lucky hour, Wherein he hath an opportunity offered him of being
happy all his life; could he but discern it, and embrace the occasion.
I681 ROB., p. 322: (It chances in an hour, that).
Cf. D83: It falls in a day that falls not all the year after; D97:
One day will pay fOr all; H742: There is an hour wherein a man
might be happy all his life could he find it; M265: A man may lose
more in an hour than he can get in seven; T192: Many things
happen unlooked for; W903: The world may be topsy-turvy in an
hour; Y25: This seven years. (I 5)
H742 There is an HOUR wherein a man might be hap-
py all his life could he find it
1651 HERB., p. 371. 1659 N.R., p. 94.
Cf. H741: It happens in one hour that happens not in seven years.
H741
H743 There is but an HOUR in a day between a good
housewife and a bad '
1678 RAY, p. 74: *With a little more pains, she that slatters might
do things neatly.
H744 One HOUR’s sleep before midnight is worth
three (two) after
1640 HERB., no. 876. 1659 N.R., p. 85. I678 RAY, p. 38: (worth
two hours after). 1732 FUL., no. 3760: (two).
H745 Better be two HOURs before time than three be-
hind it
01510 Hickscorner, s. C5v: Hyt is better be tyme than to late.
[01550] 1560 Nice Wanton, s. A3v: Better in time, then too late.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 279.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I II ii 327: Better three hours
too soon than a minute too late.
Cf. S641: The sooner the better.
H746 Five HOURS sleeps a traveler, seven a scholar,
eight a merchant, and eleven every knave
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. XI, p. 16 3: Six houres the Student sleepe applies,
seven past the traveler wil rise, eight layne the laborer vp hies, and
ev’ry knave ful nine howrs lies. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. I: The
Scholar sleeps six hours, seven the traveller, eight the labourer, nine
the sluggard. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 114.
H747 HOURS of pleasure are short
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 214: It is a true sayinge, That the
houres consecrated to pleasure, are but short. 01623 Welsh Am-
hass. V, p. 61: All present ioyes are short. I732 FUL., no. 2552.
Cf. J90: Thejoys of the world dure but little; P414: Pleasure and
joy soon come and soon go.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HOUSE
HOUSE
329


H748 After the HOUSE is finished leave it
1640 HERB., no. 172.
H749 Before thou marry be sure of a HOUSE wherein
to tarry "
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: Have a mansion before thou marry.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15: (have a house wherein to tarry).
1659 N.R., p. 23: (have thy dwelling house). 1664 COD., p. 187.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 144: (get thy habitation ready). I670
RAY, p. 17: *Hispan. Ital. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Marry. 1705 Pleas.
Art, p. 153. 1721 KEL., p. 264: Never look for a Wife, ’till you have
a House, and a Fire to put her in. *The Jest is in a Fire to put her
in, a House to put her in, and a Fire to set her by. 1732 FUL., no.
6396: Before thou marry, Make sure of an House wherein to tarry.
I733 FRANKLIN, p. 5: Ne’er take a wife till thou hast a house (and
a fire) to put her in. ,
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 K.L. III ii 27: The codpiece that will
house Before the head has any, The head and he shall louse: So
beggars marry many. ‘
Cf. H771: A house ready made and a wife to make; N347: Where
nought is to wed with, Wise men flee the clog; T264: First thrive
and then wive; Y12: It is hard to wive and thrive both in a year.
H750 Better one HOUSE filled than two spilled
1587 GREENE Penelope’s Web, p. 162: Where the old prouerb is
fulfild, better one house troubled than two. 1594 LYLY Mother B.
V iii 106: Better one house be cumbred with two fooles than two.
1642 D. ROGERS Matr. Honor ii, p. 32: Surely such matches are
made in hell .. better one house troubled with such, then two.
1670 RAY, p. 51 : *This we use when we hear of a bad Jack who hath
married as bad a Jyll. 1721 KEL., p. 219: It had been a pity to have
spoil’d two Houses with them. *Spoken when two ill natur’d
People are married. 1732 FUL., no. 3047: It would have been pity
to have spoil’d two Houses with them. Ibid., no. 6346: Better one
House well fill’d, Than two Houses spill’d.
H751 Better one’s HOUSE too little one day than too
big all the year after
1670 RAY, p. 106. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. House. 1732 FUL., no. 919:
(Better one’s House be too little one Day, than).
H752 Burn not your HOUSE to fright away the mice
1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sickness II: Wks., p. 337: The Empiricke
to cure the feuer, destroyes the patient; so the wise man to burne
the mise, set on fire his barne. 01615 London Cries, B: Hee that
will haue neither Ratte nor Mowsse Lett him plucke of the tilles
And sett fire of his hows. I732 FUL., no. 1024.
Cf. H757: He set my house on fire only to roast his eggs; H763:
He will burn his house to warm his hands;
H753 Choose not a HOUSE near an inn, for noise, or in
a comer, for filth
1640 HERB., no. 282.
231.
1 Cf. H766: A house built by the wayside is either too high or too
ow.
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
H754 He keeps open HOUSE
1530 PALS., p. 597a: I kepe open house, as a prince dothe at a great
solemnytie. I542 UDALL Apoph., f. 316: He would often tymes
kepe open householde. 1602 MARSTON Antonio and Mell. III ii
204: He’s a good fellow, and keeps open house. 1614 T.'ADAMS
Fatal Banquet III: Wks., p. 206: The Deuill indeed keepes open
house; noctes atque dies. 1616 DR., no. 1015. I666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Corte, p. 47: To keep a publick Court, viz. to keep open
house of hospitality to all that wil come.
See ST., no. 914. (6)
H755 He must take a HOUSE in Tumagain Lane
1531 TYNDALE Expos. 70hn, p. 140: It is become a turn-again-lane
with them. 1562 HEY. Epig. 69, p. 190: Find means to take a
house in turne againe lane. 1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 59:

(He must take him a house). *The Proverb is applied to those,
who . . must seasonably alter their manners. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Capo, p. 28: To go in a way that hath no head, or exit, viz. to
offer to pass thorough Turn-again-lane. 1670 RAY, p. 243.
H756 He pulls an old HOUSE on his head
[He acts rashly.] 01565 Bugbears I ii 123: Lett formosus be advised
For doubt lest he pull an old howse vpon his head. 1576 GAS-
COIGNE Grief j‘oy IV: Wks., II 548: My boye (quoth he) who badd
the be so bolde, As for to plucke an olde howse on thy hedd? 1607
DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho V i, s. H4: Well do so . . and bring
an old house ouer your heads if you do. 1616 DR., s.v. Danger,
no. 420. 1639 CL., p. 201: You bring an old house on your head.
1659 N.R., p. 55. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 28, p. 133: Pull not a
rotten house over thine head. I670 RAY, p. 182: To bring an old
house on ones head. 1672 WALK. 1, p. 13: You will . . bring an old
house over your head. 1687 SEDLEY Bellamira II, p. 15: She may
be a person of quality, and you may bring an old house upon your
head. 1732 FUL., no. 5141 : To bring an old House over one’s Head.
Cf. L317: Wake not a Sleeping lion; W7: It is evil (ill, not good)
waking of a sleeping dog; W79: To stir a wasp’s nest.
H757 He set my HOUSE on fire only to roast his eggs
I612 BACON Essays, p. 159: And certainly it is the nature of extreme
self-louers, as they will set an house on fire, and it were but to roast
their eggs. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 168, I 149: Those that . .
set their Country A fire for the Roasting of their own Eggs. 1732
FUL., no. 2018: (afire). 1751 FRANKLIN, p. 27: Pray don’t burn my
House to roast your Eggs.
Cf. H752: Burn not your house to fright away the mice; H763:
He will burn his house to warm his hands.
H758 He that burns his HOUSE warms himself for
once
1640 HERB., no. 299. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 24.
1659 N.R., p. 57: (himself once). 1664 COD., p. 199: (doth warm).
Cf. H763: He will burn his house to warm his hands.
H759 He that buys a HOUSE ready wrought has many
a pin and nail for nought
1623 CAM., p. 271: (many a tile-pin for nought). 1639 CL., p. 300:
(many a tile and pin, for nought). I659 N.R., p. 52: (ready built
hath). I670 RAY, p. 106. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. House. 1732 FUL.,
no. 6442.
H760 He that has no HOUSE must lie in the yard
1591 LYLY Endim. IV ii 44: Caelo tegitur qui non habet vrnam, he
that hath no house, must lie in the yard. 1659 How. Br. Prov.,
p. 33: He that selleth his house, may ly on the hills. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 30, p. 301: Who hath no lodging, let him lye on the green
grass.
H761 He that thatches his HOUSE with turds shall
have more teachers than reachers
I678 RAY, p. 209. 1721 KEL., p. 147: (He that Theiks [thatches]
his House with Turds, will find more). *He that is engag’d in a
difficult, and troublesome Business, will have more to give him their
Advice, than their Assistance.
H762 He that would be well needs not go from his
own HOUSE
1640 HERB., no. 438.
H763 He will burn his HOUSE to warm his hands
1481 CAXTON Reynard 30, p. 78: They retche not whos[e] hows
brenneth so that they may warme them by the coles. I640 HERB.,
no. 300.
Cf. H752: Burn not your house to fright away the mice; H757:
He set my house on fire only to roast his eggs; H758: He that burns
his house warms himself for once.
H764 His HOUSE stands on my lady’s ground
1678 RAY, p. 75.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
HOUSE
HOUSE
33o
H765 A HOUSE and a woman suit excellently
1640 HERB., no. 464. 1659 N.R., p. 3.
Cf. W383: The wife (woman) is the key of the house.
H766 A HOUSE built by the wayside is either too high
or too low
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 181: (He who builds a
house in the street, it is). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 40: (Who
buildeth a house in the street, either it is). 1670 RAY, p. 106: (He
that builds a house by the high-way side, it’s). 1732 FUL., no. 220.
Cf. H753: Choose not a house near an inn, for noise, or in a corner,
for filth; W169: The way is an ill neighbor.
H767 A HOUSE dry overhead is happy
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 4.
Cf. S574: Smoke, rain, and a very curst wife make a man weary
of house and life.
H768 A HOUSE easier burnt (broken down) than built
1599 EARL or NOTTINGHAM (to Cecil, Aug.) in R. Cecil Cal. MSS,
IX 338: A house is sooner broken down than builded. 1659 HOW.
Br. Prov., p. 18.
Cf. P635: It is easier to pull down than build up.
H769 The HOUSE is a fine house when good folks are
within
1640 HERB., no. 945. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 21.
Ibid., p. 231: The house is a fine house, where good folks are within,
(otherwise Mock mouse-hall, or Mock Beggars-hall).
Cf. H772: The house shows the owner.
H770 A HOUSE pulled down is half built up
1611 COT., s.v. Abbatu: (is halfe built vp againe) . 1659 N.R., p. 12.
H771 A HOUSE ready made and a wife to make
61594 BACON, no. 1476: Achete maison faite, femme a faire. I611
COT., s.v. Maison: Purchase a house readie made, but let thy wife
be of thine owne making. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 2: (made, a wife
to be made). 1670 RAY, p. 53: *That is, one that is a virgin and
young. I721 KEL., p. 51: (A House made and). *That is even as
she proves, for some Women are so perverse and foolish, that you
may build Versailes before you can make them good. 1732 FUL.,
no. 222: (but a Wife to make).
Cf. H636: Choose a horse made and a wife to make; H749: Before
thou marry be sure of a house wherein to tarry.
H772 The HOUSE shows the owner
I611 COT., s.v. Case: La Case monstre le Messer: as, La Maison
fait cognoistre le Maistre. I623 WOD., p. 502: The House makes the
Maister to be knowne: the Charge that a Man doth exercise makes
him shiew what Man hee is. 1640 HERB., no. 8. I659 N.R., p. I 10.
Cf. H769: The house is a fine house when good folks are within;
W860: The workman is known by his work.
H773 A HOUSE well-fumished makes a good house-
wife
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 232: (makes a woman
wise). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 34: An adorn’d chamber makes a
woman discreet. *Note 10, p. 58: That is a Housewife, for when
she hath good things about her, she’l mind home: The like may be
said of a Scholar, or Student, when he hath his conveniences to
his mind. I732 FUL., no. 223.
Cf. C220: Empty chambers make foolish maids; W18: Bare walls
make giddy housewives.
H774 I will mend this HOUSE and pair1 another
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2v: (I will nowe mende). I562 HEY. Epig.
81, p. 139.
[limpair, neglect]
H775 If he were as long as he is lither1 he might
thatch a HOUSE without a ladder
I678 RAY, p. 257: *Chesh.
l‘lflzyl

i
H776 In a good (plentiful) HOUSE all (supper) is
quickly ready
1595 COPLEY Wits, Fits III, p. 81: For in a kitchen well burnish’d
supper is soone furnish’d. I611 COT., s.v. Bon: In an orderly, or
plentifull house all things are soone made readie; or, we seldome
tarie for our victuals. Ibid., s.v. Maison: (all things are quickly
readie). I631 MABBE Celestina VIII, p. 152: In a plentifull house
a supper is soone provided. I640 HERB., no. 58. I658 [EDMOND-
SON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 232. I659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 2: In a full
house supper is quickly made ready. 1659 N.R., p. 62. 1664 COD.,
p. 18 3: All things are soon prepared in a well ordered house. 1670
RAY, p. 14: [As in 1664 Cod.]. I732 FUL., no. 525: All is soon ready
in an orderly House.
H777 In the HOUSE of a fiddler all fiddle (are dancers)
I640 HERB., no. 219. I732 FUL., no. 2809: In a Fidler’s House, all
are Dancers.
H778 It is a sad HOUSE where the hen crows louder
than the cock
I573 SANF., f. 1 10: Naught are those houses, where the henne crow
and the cocke hold his peace. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33v:
They are sory houses, where the Hennes crowe, and the cock holds
his peace. 1596 DEL., s. N8v: Vnhappy and cursed is the house,
wherein the henne Singeth higher then the cocke. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1356: The hen crowes befor the cok. I621 F. QUARLES Hadassa
3: W ks., II 50: Ill thriues the haplesse Family, that showes a Cocke
that’s silent, and a Hen that crowes. 1625 J. HOWELL Let. I iv 9,
I 221: I remember a French proverb . . That House doth every day
more wretched grow Where the Hen louder than the Cock doth crow.
I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 124, p. 29: [As in 1573 Sanf.]. I633 FORD
’Tis Pity IV, p. 139: Then I remembered the proverb, that where
hens crow, and cocks hold their peace, there are sorry houses. 1657
LEIGH, p. 268: (The house is unhappy and wicked where). 1658
[EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 234: Unlucky is the house where
the hen crows. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 9: This is a sad house
where the Hen crows, and the Cock is silent. I659 N.R., p. 17:
(A sad house where). I678 RAY, p. 64. I732 FUL., no. 2842: (It
is a bad House, where).
Cf. W376: When the wife commands, thunderbolts fly about the
house.
H779 A little HOUSE well filled, a little land (ground)
well tilled, and a little wife well willed
I552 TAV., f. 66v: (grounde and wife wel willed is best). 1582
G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 200: A lyttle howse well filled: a lyttle
land well tilled. I585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. NW: A man need
not go a borrowing to his neighboures that hath these 3. A litle
land well tild. A litle house well fild. A litle wife well Wild.
1616 DR., no. 1534: (ground well tilled, A little wife well willed).
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11: A little house well fill’d, and a little
wife well will’d, and a little field well till’d, are great Riches. Ibid.,
p. 16: (And a little Wife well will’d, make one happy). I670 RAY,
p. 53. I721 KEL., p. 31: A wie House well fill’d, a wie bit Land
well till’d, and a wie Wife well will’d will make a happy Man. 1732
FUL., no. 6327. I735 FRANKLIN, p. 9: (field and wife well will’d,
are great riches).
H780 My HOUSE, my house, though thou art small
thou art to me the Escorial
I640 HERB., no. 409. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 232.
1659 N.R., p. 76: (to me Escuriall).
Cf. M473: A man’s house is his castle.
H781 A smoking HOUSE and a chiding wife make a
man run out of doors (Smoke, rain, and a
cursed wife drive a man out of his house)
[Prov. xxvii 15: A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a
contentious woman are alike. ERAS. Adagia, 464A: Ignis, mare,
mulier, tria mala.] CI530 Evil Marr. l. 96 in Early Pop. Poetry,
IV 78: And Salamon sayth there be thynges thre, Shrewde wyues,
rayne, and smokes blake Make husbandes Ofte theyr houses to for-
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HOUSE
HOUSEKEEPER
331


sake. 1539 TAV., f. 31v: [As in Eras.]. Fyre, See, Woman, thre
euyls. *What thynge is more daungerous then fyer? What more
perilous then the see? and what more comberous then a shrewed
wyfe? [611547] 01568 COPLAND Seven Sorrows VI, s. C2: A hundred
tymes and mo . . wyues and smoke cause men there hous to for go.
1576 GASCOIGNE Drum Doomsday I, p. 227: There are three thinges
that squer not a man to abyde in his owne house. Smooke, Rayne,
and an evil wyfe. 1586 WITHALS, s. G8v: Three euils haunt a
house, rayne, a wicked woman, or a shrew, and smoke. 1590
GREENE Royal Exch, p. 249: Foure things driues a man from hys
house. 1. Too much smoke. 2. A dropping roofe. 3. A fylthie
ayre. 4. And a brawling woman. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax,
p. 77: There are three things that make a man weary of his house,
a smoking chimney, a dropping cues, and a brauling woman.
1639 CL., p. 54. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15: Smoak, a dropping
gutter, and a scold, cast the good man out of his hold. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 29, p. 96: Smoke, rain, and awoman without reason, drives
a man out of his mansion. I721 KEL., p. 44: A House with a Reek,
and a Wife with a Reerd [a scolding noise], will soon make a Man
run to the Door.
Cf. S574: Smoke, rain, and a very curst wife make a man weary
of house and life.
H782 There is no HOUSE but has something not to be
spoken of
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 2.
not to be spoken of).
Cf. F49: It is a poor family (kin) which has neither a whore nor a
thief in it.
1664 COD., p. 221: (something in it
H783 T0 burn the HOUSE and run away by the light of
it
1530 PALS., p. 710b: I can set a house a fyre and ronne awaye by the
lyght. c1720 1. SMEDLEY Hue and Cry after Dr. Swift in Somers
Tracts, XIII 824: (The following English proverbs . . Burn the
house, and).
H784 To eat one out of HOUSE and home
1483 Terentius V ulgaria, s. 07: They shall soon etc the out of house.
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 93: And ete theyr mayster out of
hous Deuourynge his good tyll he be pore and bare. I573 TUSSER
500 Points Husb. 62, p. 139: Ill husbandrie eateth himself out of
doore: Good husbandrie meateth his friend and the poore. [a1588]
1598 Pam. Vic. Hen. V1. 587, p. 674: Why, thou wilt eate me out of
doores. [1600] 1659 1. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. G3: Till we have eat
him out of house and home in diet. 1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND
HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. 14v: Then you should disdaine to eate
vs out of house and home. 1668 T. SHADWELL Sullen Lovers V,
p. 87: They wou’d eat me out of House and Home, as the saying is.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2Hen. IV II i 79: It [lawsuit] is for all—all
I have. He hath eaten me out of house and home.
H785 To throw the HOUSE out at the windows
1562 BULLEIN Bulwark Def. Simples, f. 28: Caste the house out at
the window. I596 LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 15: He flings house out
of the window with his boastings. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. leore,
p. 76: So that to throw the house out at window will be better, and no
man will suspect that we lurke heere to steale mutton. I611 FLOR.,
s.v. Fare cantare, p. 182a: To be liuely, to make merrie, to throw
the house out of the windowes. 1612 N. FIELD Woman Is Weather-
eoele IV ii, p. 69: Fifteen hundred a year, wench, will make us merry
. we shall throw the house out at window. 1613 BEAUMONT
[AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle III, p. 206: Be merry Micke, we
are at home now: where I warrant you, yo[u] shall find the house
flung out of the windows. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet II: Wks.,
p. 199: He throwes his house so long out at windowes, till at last
his house throwes him out at dores. 1621 WILLIAMSON Wise
Vieillard, p. 72: Sometimes shee is all for belly cheare and banquet-
tings, and as wee say, throwes the house out at the windowes. 1636
T. HEYWOOD Love’s Mistress III, p. 134: Then hee wakes and chafes,
And flings house out at Windowes. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Fenestre, p. 60: To waste and throw away all one hath, to fling the
house out at windows. 1670 RAY, p. 181. 1671 CL. Plzras.

H791

Puer., s.v. Hurly-burly, p. 169: (He'l throw and window). I672
WALK. 17, p. 56: *TO make old adoe, to keep a racket. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. House: *To be transported with Joy. 1732 FUL., no.
5245: (out of the Window). (7)
H786 What better is the HOUSE that the daw1 rises in
the morning?
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1447. 1668 R.B., p. 43. 1721 KEL., p. 345:
(rises early in the Morning). *Spoken often by Mistresses to their
Maids when they have been early up, and done little Work.
Cf. E27: Early up and never the nearer.
[lslut]
H787 When I have thatched his HOUSE he would
throw me down
1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 170. 1664 COD., p. 224: (When I had
thatched). 1670 RAY, p. 148. I732 FUL., no. 5559: When I had
thatch’d his House, he would have hurl’d me from the Roof.
H788 When you enter into a HOUSE leave the anger at
the door
I640 HERB., no. 890: (the anger ever at the doore).
p. 125: (at door). 1664 COD., p. 230.
1659 N.R.,
H789 Whose HOUSE (head) is of glass must not throw
stones at another
1616 DR., no. 2233: Hee that hath an head of glasse, must not
fasten it to the top Of an hill. I640 HERB., no. 192. a1642 MON-
SON Naval Tracts II, p. 287: Our Houses are not made of Glass, that
we need fear their throwing Stones. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 7:
Who hath glasse-windowes of his own, lett him take heed how he
throwes stones at those of his neighbour. 1659 How. S pan. Prov.,
p. 1 I: Who hath a glass roof of his own, let him not throw stones at
his neighbours. 1659 N.R., p. 119. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof.
II 17, p. 183: What do you get by throwing stones at your enemy’s
windows, while your own children look out at the easements?
1664 COD., p. 226: Who hath Glass-windows of his own, let him take
heed how he throws stones at his house. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6,
p. 45: Who hath his brains of glass, let him not go into a battel of
stones. I670 RAY, p. I I: Who hath glass-windows of his own must
take heed how he throws stones at his house. 1678 RAY, p. 11:
(He that hath a body made of glass). 1732 FUL., no. 2804: If your
Head be Glass, engage not at throwing Stones. 1736 FRANKLIN,
p. 1 1: Don’t throw stones at your neighbors’, if your own windows
are glass.
See Di'IR., I, no. 600; SK., no. 166. Cf. F107: He finds fault with
others and does worse himself (He that will blame another must be
blameless himself); T235: He that goes barefoot (sows thorns)
must not plant thorns (go barefoot).
H790 You will be sent to a stronger HOUSE than ever
your father built for you
1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209.
There are more HOUSES than parish churches
I579 GosSON Se/z. douse, p. 37.
See APP., p. 427.
H792 He may be trusted with a HOUSEFUL of unbored
millstones
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 682: He wil gait credit of ane housful of
wnbored milstons. *Of fals persones. I721 KEL., p. 151: *That
is, only with what he cannot carry away. 1732 FUL., no. 1984:
(an House full of Mill-Stones). 1747 FRANKLIN, p. 23: Honest
Tom! you may trust him with a house full of untold Milstones.
Cf. G296: You may trust him with untold gold (money); T556: I
will trust him no farther than I can Sling (throw, fling) him; T557:
I will trust you no farther than I can see you.
H793 A fat HOUSEKEEPER makes lean executors
I611 COT., s.v. Avoisiner: A great housekeeper is next dore to a
beggar. Ibid., s.v. Cuisine: Great house-keepers leaue poore ex-

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
HOUSEKEEPER
332
HUNDRED

ecutors. 1640 HERB., no. 28. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in
Via, p. 24. I659 N.R., p. 15: (a lean Executor). 1664 COD.,
p. 186. 1670 RAY, p. 9. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 151. I721 KEL.,
p. 111: (Fat House-keepers make). *Because they spend all in
their Life-time. 1732 FUL., no. 1505: (Fat Housekeepers make).
Cf. K110: A fat kitchen a lean will (testament); K111: A little
kitchen makes a large house.
H794 A great HOUSEKEEPER is sure of nothing for his
good cheer save a great turd at his gate
01640 SMYTH 11, p. 27: *I wish this durty proverbe had never pre-
vailed in this hundred, havinge from thence banished the greater
halfe of our ancient hospitallity.
H795 Noble HOUSEKEEPERS need no doors
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 232.
I670 RAY, p. 7: A noble house-keeper needs no
1640 HERB., no. 91.
1664 COD., p. 207.
doors.
H796 HOUSEKEEPING is a privy thief
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 40v: And (as our englishe prouerbe saieth)
hous keepyng is a priue theef.
Cf. M684: Marriage is honorable but housekeeping is a shrew.
H797 To be up on the HOUSETOP in anger
[a155o] 1626 jests Scogin in Shak. 7est-Bks., II 91: I defie thee, said
Scogin’s wife (and was up in the house top). 1599 H. PORTER
Two Women Ah. vi, s. F2: In troth I shall growe angrie, if you doe
not, —Growe to the house top with your anger sir. I611 DAV.
Prov., no. 290: On the house top in anger, soone is a foole.
Cf. W783: At three words he is at the top of the house.
H798 A clean-fingered HOUSEWIFE and an idle
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4: (and an ydel, folke saie). 1659 How. New
Sayings, p. 3: A clean-fingerd wife is not alwayes the best huswife.
H799 A gentle HOUSEWIFE mars the household
1611 COT., s.v. Femme: The ouer gentle huswife marres her
household.- I640 HERB., no. 44. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac.
in Via, p. 138. I659 N.R., p. 12.
Cf. M1201: A pitiful mother makes a scabby daughter (a scald
head).
H800 A good HOUSEWIFE is a jewel (worth a diadem)
1611 COT., s.v. Femme: A vertuous dame is worth a Diademe.
1616 BRET., p. 5. 1639 CL., p. 118. I659 N.R., p. 12: A Virtuous
Wife is worth a Diadem.
Cf. W628: An honest woman is worth much (a crown of gold);
W642: A wise (virtuous) woman is the ornament of her house.
H801 A liquorish HOUSEWIFE seldom makes thick pot-
tage
1611 COT., s.v. Lecheresse: (The lickerous).
tl/Iyst. Love and Eloq., p. 179.
Cf. S553: Sluts are good enough to make slovens’ pottage
(porridge); W684: From women light and liquorish good fortune
still deliver us.
H802
1658 E. PHILLIPS
She is not a good HOUSEWIFE that will not Wind
up her bottom
1678 RAY, p. 88: *Take off her drink.
Cf. B553: Wind up your bottom.
H803 To be in HUCKSTERS’ handling (hands)
1581 B. RICH Fare. Mil. Pref., p. 31: We will . . returne to his Wife,
who was lefte in hucsters handelyng (as you have heard). [01587]
I599 GREENE Alphonsus I i, p. 83: The crown is lost, and now in
hucksters’ hands. 1605 Land. Prod., s. E1v: I but hee is now in
hucksters handling for running away. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If
You Know Not Me, p. 279: He is in hucksters handling, sir; and
here he commends him vnto you. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 63,
p. 243: The English say but jeeringly, It is in Hucksters han‘ds.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Stinche, p. 204: To be one . . who ne’r
returns the rest of ones money, to be in Hucksters hands. a1700

B.E., s.v. Huckster: In Huckster’s Hands, at a desperate Pass, or
Condition, or in a fair way to be Lost. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,
p. 408: Madam, he shall never have it [a handkerchief] again; ’tis in
hucksters’ hands.
H804 To give one a Cornish HUG
I617 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Fair Quarrel II ii 108: I’ll
show her the Cornish hug. 1638 NABBES Toten. Court III iii,
p. 139: You are so taken with your Cornish prentice . . hearing him
talke the other day of the hugge. I657 STARKEY Nat. Explication
III, p. 250: I shall therefore boldly set foot to foot, and fairly come
to Cornish-hug with the Goosquil champions. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Cornwall, I 210: *The Cornish are Masters Of the Art of
Wrestling . . It is figuratively appliable to the deceitfull dealing of
such, who secretly design their overthrow whom they openly
embrace. I670 RAY, p. 223.
H805 In HUGGERMUGGER
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. BIv: As men dare speke it hugger
mugger. 1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet l. 35: Wks., III 401: Hee
woulde not smoother vp sinne, and deale in hugger mugger against
his Conscience. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mantello, p. 98: To
carry his business secretly, in hugger-mugger, and not fairly above
board. 1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III iii 123, p. 375: Where I, in hugger-
mugger, hid, Have noted all they said or did.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I H. IV v 83: We have done but greenly
In hugger-mugger to inter him.
Cf. M1002: To practice mischief in huggermugger.
H806 An HUMBLEBEE in a cow turd thinks himself a
king
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1. 1670 RAY, p. 14. I678 RAY, p. 14:
*It were more proper to say a Beetle in a cowturd.
Cf. B221: The beetle flies over many a sweet flower and lights in
a cowshard.
H807 The stillest HUMORS are always the worst
1670 RAY, p. 25: (The stillest . . humours). I732 FUL., no. 4768.
Cf. M78: Beware of a silent man (dog) and still water.
H808 HUNDRED = number
H808 Who has a HUNDRED and owes a hundred and
one needs not fear; who has ahundred and
one and owes one hundred and two, I recom-
mend him to God
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17: (need). 1732 FUL., no. 2132: He
that has an hundred and one, and owes an hundred and two, the
Lord have Mercy upon him. Ibid., no. 2397: He who owes an
Hundred, and has an Hundred andOne, fears no Body.
Cf. F622: He that has but four and spends five has no need Of a
purse; M1165: Who more than he is worth does spend, he makes a
rope his life to end.
H809 HUNDRED = political division
H809 What some win (lose) in the HUNDRED they lose
(win) in the shire
I520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 93: For what so euer thou wynnes
in the shyre thou shall lese it in the hondreth. 1546 HEY. II ix,
s. K4v: What ye wan in thundred, ye lost in the shere. 01594
BACON, no. 676: That he wynnes in the hundreth he louseth in the
shyre. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 36. I612 BACON Essays, p. 145: Taxes
and imposts upon them do seldom good to the king’s revenue; for
that he wins in the hundred, he leeseth in the shire. 1616 DR.,
no. 369: That he getteth in the hundred, he looseth in the shire.
1623 CAM., p. 280: What some men winne in the steere [for shire]
they lose in the hundred. 1629 TAYLOR Wit and Mirth 58:
Wks. F., p. 349: VVhat’s won in t’hundred, in the shire is lost. 1639
CL., p. 17: What you win i’th shire you lose i’th hundred. 1659 N.R.,
p. 121. 1664 COD., p. 225: (Hundreds). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Scarpe, p. 183: To recover ones self from any damage one way
or another; the English say, What one loses in the Shire, to get in

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HUNGARIAN 33 3 HUNT (HUNT’S)


the Hundred. I670 RAY, p. 169: What is got in the county, is lost H815 HUNGER is good kitchen meat1
in the hundred. *What is got in the whole sum is lost in particular
reckonings; or in general, What is got one way, is lost another.
1677 HUGHES Man Sin I vii, p. 31: What he taketh from the poor
old Man of Rome in the Hundred, he very honestly pays him back
in the Shire.
Cf. F297: Win at first and lose at last.
H810 He is hidebound, he is an HUNGARIAN
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 215: To be hide-bound,
an Hungarian, a Curmudgeon.
Cf. H454: To be hidebound.
H811 HUNGER breaks down (pierces) stone walls
1546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v: Some saie, and I feele hungre perseth stone
wall. 01595 W. SPELMAN Dial., p. 121: As the ould saynge is,
honger Breketh stone walles. I598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, S. I4:
Hunger breakes stone walles, necessitie hath no Law. 1600
DEKKER Old Fort. 11 ii 1 I 1: Hunger is made of gunpowder, or gun-
powder of hunger, for they both eat through Stone walls. 1602
MARSTON Antonio’s Rev. Vi 1: A murrain on all proverbs. They say
hunger breaks through stone walls. 1611 COT., s.v. Bois. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 184: Hunger pierceth walls of stone. 1611 GRUT.,
no. 135: (pierceth). 1614 CAM., p. 307: (pierceth). 1616 DR.,
no. 1023: Hunger breaketh stone walles. Ibid., no. 1475: Neede
breaketh the stone wall. I633 SHIRLEY Bird in Cage III i, p. 405:
He must have an excellent stomach, that can break these stone
walls, to come to her. [01634] 1651 W. CARTWRIGHT Ordinary II
i, p. 19: Hunger may break Stone walls, it ne’er hurts men. 1639
CL., p. 113: Hunger breaks stone Walls. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 8: (pierceth). 1664 COD., p. 197: (breaks through). 1666 TOR.
It. Prov., note 9, p. 98: As the English say, Hunger will break through
stout walls; as well in assaulting, as in yielding, for a Fortress is
either storm’d out, or starv’d out. 1670 RAY, p. 107: Hunger will
break through stone walls. 1721 KEL., p. 127: Hunger will break
through hard Stone-Walls. 1732 FUL., no. 2572: [As in 1670 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.———I592-4 I Hen. VI I ii 38: And hunger will en-
force them to be more eager. Of old I know them. Rather with
their teeth The walls they’ll tear down than forsake the siege.
1608 C. I i 209: They said they were anhungry; sigh'd forth
proverbs—That hunger broke stone walls. 5
Cf. H812: Hunger drives the wolf out of the wood; L532: Love
will go through stone walls. (8)
H812 HUNGER drives the wolf out of the wood
1483 BURCH Cato, s. B6v: For thus as hunger chaceth the wolfe
out of the wode thus sobrete chaseth the deuyl fro the man. 1567
PAINTER Pal. Pleas. II 28, III 216: Now I well perceiue that Hunger
forceth the Woulf oute of his Denne. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p.
125: It is hunger driues the wolfe out of the wood, ifI had not
' great neede of monie, you should neuer haue them so dog cheape.
1611 COT., s.v. Faim. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 19. I659 N.R.,
p. 57: Hunger drawes a Wolf out of the Forrest. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 35, p. 83: (out of the forest). 1732 FUL., no. 2565: Hunger
fetches the Wolf out of the Woods.
See DUR., I, no. 773.
stone walls.
H813 HUNGER drops out of his nose
[01517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. G2v: I gyue hym Crystys curse
with neuer a peny in his purse . . Ye, for requiem aeternam groweth
forth of his nose. 1546 HEY. I xi, 3. E1 V: Hunger droppeth euen
out of bothe theyr noses. I562 HEY. Epig. 192, p. 158. I605
CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho IV ii 145: Come
away, I say, Hunger drops out at his nose. I611 COT. , s.v. Chiche-
face: A . . wretched fellow; one out of whose nose hunger drops.
1611 DAY. Prov., no. 22: Hunger still drops out of some noble nose.
1659 How. Eng. Prov. , p. 3: Hunger drops down at his nose. 1659
J. HOWELL Let. Suppl. 16, II 666: She will in a short time make
hunger to dropp out at your nose.
H814 HUNGER has always a good cook
1659 N.R., p. 50. 1732 FUL., no. 2566: Hunger finds no Fault with
the Cookery.
Cf. B628: To him who is hungry any bread is pleasant.

Cf. H811: Hunger breaks down (pierces) -
a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 471: Hunger is good kitching.
no. 298. I668 R.B., p. 21. 1721 KEL., p. 127.
Cf. H819: Hunger is the best sauce.
[1relish]
1641 FERG.,
H816 HUNGER is hard in a hale1 maw
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 541. 1668 R.B., p. 25: (in a heal man).
KEL., p. 127: (for a heal Maw).
[lsound]
H817 HUNGER is not dainty (ambitious)
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. Grex, l. 169, p. 434: As Horace
sings . . Meane cates are welcome still to hungry guests. 1631
JONSON Staple News III iv 56: (ambitious). 1641 JONSON Timber,
p. 45: What need hath Nature of silver dishes . .? She requires
meat only, and hunger is not ambitious. 1732 FUL., no. 2567.
Cf. H820: Hunger makes a man leap at a crust.
1721
H818 HUNGER is sharper than thorn
1550 BECON Fortr. Faithful: Cat., p. 601: (Ye know the common
proverbs . . Hunger is).
H819 HUNGER is the best sauce
[ERAS. Adagia, 630D: Optimum condimentum fames.] I542
UDALL Apoph., f. 3: Socrates said, the best sauce in the world for
meates, is to bee houngrye. 1555 EDEN Decades New World, p. I 15.
1566 HOL., p. 260. I573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 10, p. 20: Make
hunger thy sauce, as a medcine for helth. I578 FLOR. First F.
XIX, f. 30. 1579 GOSSON Apol. Sch. Abuse, p. 73: Hunger sauceth
euery meate. 1611 COT., s.v. Chien: The best sauce for course
meat is hunger (or) the fittest intertainment for a knaue, a cudgell.
1614 CAM., p. 307. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A6v). 1616 DR.,
no. 1029. 1616W1THALS, p. 573. [01619] 1639 MASSINGER Unnat.
Combat III i, p. 35: Nor do you Find fault with the sauce, keen
hunger being the best. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, v, III 46:
Hunger is the best sawce in the world. 1639 CL., p. II 3. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1670 RAY, p. 107. 1721 KEL., p. 127:
Hunger is good Sauce. 1750 FRANKLIN, p. 26: (best Pickle).
SHAKESPEARE—I613 T.N. K. III iii 24: How tastes your Victuals?
Your hunger needs no sauce, I see. -
See ST., no. '937. Cf. H815: Hunger is good kitchen meat; S870:
A good stomach (appetite) is the best sauce (needs no sauce). (13)
H820 HUNGER makes a man leap at a crust
1616 WITHALS, p. 566. 1639 CL., p. 113: (will make).
Cf. C870: To leap at a crust; H817: Hunger is not dainty
(ambitious); M92: A drowning man will catch at a twig (rush,
straw).
H821 HUNGER makes dinners, pastime suppers
I640 HERB., no. 814. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 12: Hunger makes
us dine, and pleasure makes us to sup.
H822 HUNGER makes hard beans sweet (hard bones
sweet beans)
a1536 HILL 55, p. 133: Hungre maketh harde bones softe. 1562
HEY. Dial. I x, p. 24. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 311: anger makes
hard beanes soft to appeare: But an horse thinks allwayes they are
good cheere. I611 GRUT., no. 134. 1614 CAM., p. 307. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Fames, p. 1 13: Hunger maketh hard bones sweet beanes. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1670 RAY, p. 107: [As in 1639 CL]. 1672
WALK. 2, p. 44: [As in 1639 Cl.]. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hunger: [As in
1639 Cl.]. 1732 FUL., no. 2570: Hunger makes raw Beans relish
well.
H823 Like HUNT’S (Wood’s) dog, that will neither go
to church nor stay at home
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tenere, p. 213: To refuse of two things
to do either: taken from Butchers; the English say, Neither go
to Church, nor yet stay at home. 1678 RAY, p. 291. 1708-11
Brit. Apollo, p. 170: (Like Hunt’s dog, neither). I732 FUL.,
no. 3241: (Like Wood’s Dog; he'll neither).


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8'.
HUNTING
HUSBAND
334
H824 HUNTING, hawking, and paramours, for one joy
a hundred displeasures
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 533: (Hunting, hawking, paramours). I641
FERG., no. 362. 1668 R.B., p. 25. 1721 KEL., p. 162: Hunting,
and Hawking, and Paramours, For one Joy, hath a hundred Dis-
pleasures. *This is in the Old Scottish Collection, I have not heard
it used. It signifies the Mischief of unseasonable Recreations, and
unlawful Pleasures.
Cf. P41 1 : For one pleasure a thousand woes (sorrows); W46: War,
hunting, and law (love) are as full of trouble as pleasure.
H825 HUNTING is for kings
I592 LYLY Midas IV iii 4: (kings, not peasants). I600 [LYLY]
Maid’s Metam. I i 320: Why, hunting is a pleasure for a King, And
Gods themselues sometime frequent the thing. I603 CHI-:TTLE,
DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. A2: For hunting is a
sport for Emperors.
Cf. H229: High-flying hawks are fit for princes.
H826 The HUNTSMAN’S breakfast, the lawyer’s dinner
I573 HOLLYBAND Cit. at Home, p. 48: Did you never heare speak of
hunters breakfast, lawiers dinner, marchants supper and drinkyng
of Moonkes? 1577 T. KENDALL Trifles: Flowers Epig., p. 283: An
hunter’s breakfast chiefest is, A lawyer’s dinner best, Monks'
drinkings, Marchants’ suppers fine surmount and pass the rest.
1611 COT., s.v. Marchand: Souper de marchand, A large, or great
supper. I657 LEIGH, p. 263: The Huntsmans breakfast, the
Lawyers dinner, The Merchants supper, and the Monkes drinking.
1659 N.R., p. 111.
H827 Better is March HURDs1 than April flax
1523 A. FITZHERBERT Husb., p. 96: I haue harde olde houswyues
saye, that better is Marche hurdes [or hards] than Aprle flaxe.
[ltow]
H828 Of HURDS1 is never made a good shirt
I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: Neither of hurdes is made a good
shirt, nor of a queane a good louer. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. I: There is no Charity in shewing liberality to vnworthy
persons, for of hurds is neuer made a good shirt, a strong web of a
bottell of hay, nor of a queane a good or a constant louer.
[ltow]
H829 HURT: subst.
H829 He that has done so much HURT he can do no
more may sit down and rest him
1616 DR., s.v. Desperate, no. 481: (that he can doe no more, must
sit downe and rest him). 1639 CL., s.v. Improbi, p. 150.
H830 HURT: verb
H830 He that HURTS another hurts himself
[ERAS. Adagia, 11350: Sibi parat malum, qui alteri parat] 1573
SANF., f. 103v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: Who hurteth others,
hurteth hym selfe. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 84, p. 28. I732 FUL.,
no. 4965: They hurt themselves, that wrong Others.
Cf. M51: Malice hurts itself most.
H831
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 193.
BURTON Anat. M. III III iv 1, p. 851.
p. 14: The good wife is made by the man.
16, p. 144.
tions are made by good husbands.
Cf. J1: A good Jack makes a good Jill; W351: A good wife makes
a good husband; W373: Show me thy wife and I will tell thee what
a husband thou art; Y30: A good yeoman makes a good woman.
A good HUSBAND makes a good wife
1616 DR., no. 2398. 1621 R.
I659 How. Span. Prov.,
1666 TOR. It. Prov.
H832 He is an ill HUSBAND that is not missed
1616 DR., no. 8. 1639 CL., p. 27. 1659 N.R., p. 47. 1664 COD.,
p. 196. I721 KEL., p. 129: He's a sory [poor] good Man, that’s no
mist.
Cf. N104: He is an ill neighbor that is not missed.
I736 FRANKLIN, p. 11: Good wives and good planta- '

fl
H833 Heigh-ho for a HUSBAND
1607 MARSTON What You Will IV i 10: Troth well, for a servant,
but for a husband [sighs] I. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 v3,
p. 789: Heigh-ho for a husband, cries she, a bad husband, nay the
worst that ever was, is better than none. [I636] I655 STRODE
Float. Island III vi, p. 193: Hey ho for a husband; Two, three, or
more. 01657 GROVE Hey Ho for a Husband 1114 in Rollins
Ana/yt. Index, p. 98: [Title].
SHAKESPEARE.-—1598-9 M.A. III iv 54: Hey—ho! —For a hawk,
a horse, or a husband?
H834 A HUSBAND must be deaf and the wife blind to
have quietness
1637 T. HEYWOOD Pleas. Dial., p. 334: Then marriage may be said to
be past in all quietnesse, when the wife is blind, and the husband
deafe. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 144. I710 PALMER, p. 338: The
Husband must not See, and the Wife must be Blind.
Cf. M737: Masters should be sometimes blind and sometimes
deafi
H835 HUSBAND, you are a cuckold. Wife, who told
you so?
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13: You are a Cuckold husband: who
told you so wife? I732 FUL., no. 2578.
Cf. M1313: Mock not, quoth Mumford when his wife called him
cuckold.
H836 If the HUSBAND be not at home there is nobody
I640 HERB., no. 1009.
Cf. G333: When the goodman is from home the goodwife’s
table is soon spread (the board cloth is tint).
H837 In the HUSBAND wisdom, in the wife gentleness
I640 HERB., no. 654. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 234.
1659 N.R., p. 65.
H838 When the HUSBAND drinks to the wife all would
be well, when the wife drinks to the husband
all is well
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 7b: When the good Wife
drinketh to the Husband all is well in the House. 1670 RAY, p. 5 3.
1721 KEL., p. 359: When the good Man drinks to the good Wife ay
wou’d be well. When the good Wife drinks to the good Man ay is
well. 1732 FUL., no. 5593.
Cf. A156: All is well when the mistress smiles; G331: As the good-
man says so say we, but as the goodwife says so it must be.
H839 When the HUSBAND is sad (merry) the wife will
be merry (sad)
[01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. III iv 93: For one madde propretie
these women have in fey, When ye will, they will not: Will not ye,
then will they. 1557 T. NORTH Dial Princes II xv, p. 225: Nat-
urally women haue in all things the spirite of contradiction, for so
much as if the Husbands will speake, they will holde their peace.
If he go forth, they will tarrie at home. If he will laugh, they will
weepe. If hee will take pleasure they will vexe him. I576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 196: Gentlewomen . . you should die to your-
selves and live to your husbands . . if -they smile, that you laugh.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 225: For if when thou laughest
she weepe, when thou mournest she gigle, the one is a manifest
signe she delighteth in others, the other a token she dispiseth thee.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 37: That woman is a foole who seing
her husbande merry, pouteth or loureth, or seing him pensive
sheweth her selfe pleasaunte. I616 DR., no. 2400: Women will bee
vntoward, let their husbands doe what they can.
SHAREsPEARE.—I599 A.Y. IV i 154: I will weep for nothing, like
Diana in the fountain, and I will do that when you are dispos’d to
be merry; I will laugh like a hyen, and that when thou art inclin’d
to sleep. 1606—7 A. C. I iii 3: Ifyou find him sad, Say I am dancing;
if in mirth, report That I am sudden sick.
Cf. P398: It is no play where one greets and another laughs.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
HUSBANDS
HYENA
335
H840 The calmest HUSBANDS make the stormiest
wives
1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. leore, p. 73: If wives will have it rain, doun
then it drives, The calmest husbands make the stormiest wives.
See APP., p. 320.
H841 HUSBANDS are in heaven whose wives chide not
1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 70: Husbandes are in heauen (quoth he)
whose wiues scold not. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 255: Hvsbands be in
heau’n whose wiues runne not ryott. 1616 DR., no. 2388. 1639
CL., p. 329. 1664 COD., p. 197. 1670 RAY, p. 14. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Husband. I732 FUL., no. 2579.
Cf. F494: It is better to marry a quiet fool than a witty scold.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
H842 The HUSBANDMAN ought first to taste of the new-
grown fruit
1568 GRAFTON Chron. Edw. IV, II 5: (The olde auncient adage
which sayeth, that the husbandman).
H843 A reckless (careless) HUSSY makes many thieves
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 16. 1668 R.B., p. 4. 1697 MER., p. 163:
(careless).
H844 To laugh like a HYENA
1594 R. WILSON Cobbler’s Prop/2., s. E2: You laugh Hiena like.
SHAKESPEAREr-1599 A.Y. IV i 156: I will laugh like a hyen, and
that when thou art inclin’d to sleep.

An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. Xi H.
ICE
As chaste as ICE (snow)
[1610] I620 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Philaster III, p. 110: She
is (for ought I know) by all the gods, As chaste as Ice. 1630
D’AVENANT just It. III, p. 242: My veins are cold and chaste as
northern snow.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-I H. III i 140: Be thou as chaste as ice, as
pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny. 1608 C. V iii 64:
The noble sister of Publicola . . chaste as the icicle. 1610 Cym. II
v 12: I thought her As chaste as unsunn’d snow.
I2 As cold as ICE (snow)
1552 HULOET Ahced., 5. F1: Colde as yse. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
1635: Ye ar als cold as yce. 01600 Charlemagne l. 1804, p. 64: Thys
goulde has made my Chollor as colde as snowe watter. 1635 J.
JONES Adrasta II, s. E1v: Had my thoughts beene cold as Snow, His
zeale pour’d ont in such inflaming vowes Would melt them. 1672
WALK. 41, p. 23.
To break the ICE
[ERAS. Adagia, 8490: Scindere glaciem.] 01535 Life Fisher, p. 40:
Whom yt chaunced . . to be one of the first that brake the yse.
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus I i, p. 31: Philautus . . cutteth asonder
that yce .i. the vndewe loue he hath to hym selfe, breaketh the
way before hym. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y2: Goe burning
sighes vnto their frozen hartes, goe breake the yse with pitties
painefull dartes. I601 BRETON No Whip. nor Trip., s. D5v: And
for myselfe, I meane the Ice to breake, Vnto the passage of that
Paradice. I616 JONSON Epic. V iii 64: Will you breake the ice?
[1626] I639 SHIRLEY Maid’s Rev. III ii, p. 144: You are acquainted
with him, break the ice; he is alone. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Ghiaccio, p. 73: *TO be the first at any thing, to lead the way.
I670 RAY, p. 182: *To begin any hazardous or difficult thing.
1683 D.A. Whole Art Converse I iv, p. 15: The Ice being thus broken,
another will utter her mind on the same matter.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. I ii 267: If you break the ice and do
this feat, Achieve the elder, set the younger free For our access.
See ST., no. 992. (34)
13
I4 IDLE: subst. (=distemper)
I4 Sick of the IDLEs
1616 WITHALS, p. 558: Hodie nullam lineam duxi. I haue beene
sicke of the idles to day. 1639 CL., s.v. Ignavia, p. 144. I670
RAY, p. 182. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Idle, p. 172. I681
ROB., p. 753.
Cf. F197: To be sick of the fever-lurden; L413: He is sick of the
Lombard fever.
I5 IDLE: subst. (proper name)
I5 You’ll soon learn to Shape IDLE a coat
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall I, p. 153: To reprove one oflaziness,
they will say; Dost thou make Idle a coate? that is, a coate for
idleness. 1678 RAY, p. 254. A
I6-I8 IDLE: adj.
I6 Be not IDLE and you shall not be longing
I640 HERB., no. 304. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 156.
Cf. 19: Idleness begets lust.
I7 Better to be IDLE than not well occupied
[ERAS. Adagio, 8610: Satius est ociosum esse, quam nihil agere.]
1560 E. MORE Def. I'Vom. Ded., p. 98: Better had it bene for hym

III
IDLENESS
(as Erasmus sayth) to haue bene ydle then euyll occupyed. 1573
New Custom I ii, s. B2v: They say better to be idle then to do harme.
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 81: In my fancy it is better to be idle,
than ill-employed. [01589] I601 LYLY Love’s Metam. I ii 45:
Indeed better to tell stars then be idle, yet better idle then ill
employed. 1604 Wit Woman, s. B1: What then, shall we be idle?
—No, twere better be well occupied. I630 D’AVENANT Cruel Broth-
er IV, p. 171: And ’tis better To be ill employ’d than to be idle.
1659 N.R., p. 64: It is better to stand idle then to perform a thing
idly. *Ital. 1670 RAY, p. 108. 1672 WALK. 5, p. 45: Better be
idle than not well occupied. 1681 ROB., p. 252: Better be idle then
not well employed.
Cf. C570: It is better to be alone than in bad (ill) company;
D547: By doing nothing we learn to do ill; I8: Neither idle nor well
occupied; N281: It is better to be idle than to work for nothing;
N340: As good play for nought (nothing) as work for nought
(nothing).
I8 Neither IDLE nor well occupied
a1550 REDFORD Witand Science, p. 20: Ye shall see her tryde, Nother
idle nor well ocupyde. 1567 HARMAN Caveat II, p. 33: In the night
they be not idle,—nether, as the common saying is, well occupyed.
01570 Marr. Wit and Science, s. E1: There laye and there bee, the
prouerbe is verified, I am neither idle, nor yet wel occupied. I578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 215: Where they found Mistres Lucilla
and Liuia accompanied with other gentlewomen neither beeing idle,
nor well employed. 01615 W. GODDARD Sat. Dial. title page, s. A1:
Imprinted . . for all such gentlewomen as are not altogeather Idle
nor yet well ocupyed. 1616 DR., no. 223. 1639 CL., p. 79. 1662
FULLER Worthies Northamptonshire, II 168: He had an excellent
wit, which, the back-friends to Stage-plays will say, was neither idle,
nor well imploy’d. I732 FUL., no. 5134: To be employ’d in useless
Things, is half to be idle.
Cf. I7: Better to be idle than not well occupied.
19 IDLENESS begets lust
1567 Trial Treasure, s. A4v: Where idelnes is Lust parteth the stake.
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 250: Idlenes is . . the sole main-
tenance of youthfull affection. 1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece,
p. 214: Shun idlenesse, which wise men say, Begets ranke lust, and
vertue beates away. 1732 FUL., no. 3059: Idleness and Lust are
sworn Friends.
See OTTO, no. 41. Cf. B756: Without business debauchery; 16:
Be not idle and you shall not be longing.
IIO IDLENESS is the devil’s cushion
01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 58: Idlenesse is
Sathan’s fetherbed and pillowe. 1597 [BODENHAM] W it’s Com-
monw., f. 246v: Sloth is the deuils cushion or pillow. 1614 T.
ADAMS Fatal Banquet II: Wks., p. 197: The Idle man is the Deuils
Cushion, whereupon he sits, arid takes his ease. 1659 HOW. New
Sayings, p. 2: Idleness the Devils couch, and lust his cushion.
1660 J. HOWELL Parley Beasts XI, p. 134: To avoid idlenes, which
is the Devills couch. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 180: An idle man is
the Devils boulster. 1677 RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-
Belgica, II 31: An idle person is the divils pellow.
Cf. B594: An idle brain is the devil’s shop.
IDLENESS is the greatest prodigality in the world
1650 TAYLOR Holy LivingI i, p. 10. 1732 FUL., no. 3060. I758
FRANKLIN, p. 34: Prodigality of Time produces Poverty of Mind as
well as of Estate.
Cf. N302: Nothing is more precious (clearer) than time.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
336
IDLENESS
ILL
337

112 IDLENESS is the key of beggary
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 246v: Sloth is the Mother of
pouerty. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 201. I670
RAY, p. 14. 1675 Pepys Bal. 92, III 13: The Sloathful he shall come
to want, the Proverb saith, and ’tis no wonder. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Idleness. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 152.
Cf. I13: Idleness is the mother (nurse, root) of all evil (vice, sin).
113 IDLENESS is the mother (nurse, root) of all evil
(Vice, Sin)
1483 MIRK Quatuor Serm., s. B6v: Ydelnesse for it is . . the key of
all vyces. [1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature II, s. I2: Yt [idle-
ness] ys the very moder and maysters of syn. 1520 WHI'I‘TINGTON
V ulgaria, p. 41: Idelnes whiche is the nourysshe of all vyces is to be
auoyded specyally in youthe. 01525 [J. RASTELL] Gentleness and
Nobility, s. C2: Idylnes whych is the moder of vyce and wretchyd-
nes. 01550 REDFORD Wit and Science, p. 16: That common Strum-
pet, Idellnes, The verye roote of all vyciousnes? 01569 PHILLIP
Patient Grissell l. 1782, s. HI: These handes Shunne idlenes the
Nurse of wickednes. 01569 W. WAGER Longer Thou Livest, s. C2:
The parent of all vice thou diddest me call. 01577 NORTHBROOKE
Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 58: Ydlenesse, the mother of all other vices.
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 250: Idlenes is the onely nourse and
nourisher of sensual appetite. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and
Wisdom viii, p. 58: Idlenis, the[y] say, is the mother of Wise [for
vice]. I587 RANKINS Mirr. Monsters, f. 9b: Idlenesse be the root of
euill. 1591 STEP., p. 148: Idlenesse is a nurse vnto all Vice. 1599
JAMES I Basil. Doron III, p. 143: For banishing of Idlenesse (the
mother of all vices). 1630 BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlem. Vocation,
p. 107: Idlenesse .. being the mother of all vices. [a1660] I693
URQUHART Gargantua III xxxi, II 164: The Philosophers say, That
Idleness is the Mother of Luxury. 1664 COD., p. 201. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 13, p. 180: (of Vices, and the step-mother of virtues).
SHAKESPEARE.—16o6-7 A.C. I ii 133: Ten thousand harms more
than the ills I know My idleness doth hatch.
See DUR., II, no. 112. Cf. C746: Covetousness is (Riches are)
the root of all evil; D547: By doing nothing we learn to do ill;
112: Idleness is the key of beggary; P578: Pride is the root of all sin;
S541: Sloth (Idleness) breeds a scab. (5)
114 IDLENESS turns the edge of wit (makes the wit rust)
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. T2v: Your wittes will rust for wante of
good vsage. 1650 TAYLOR Holy Living I i, p. 13: Idleness is the
rust of time. 1664 COD., p. 200. 1670 RAY, p. 14. 1705 Pleas.
Art, p. 152. 1732 FUL., no. 3061: Idleness makes the Wit rust.
Cf. S541: Sloth (Idleness) breeds a scab; S542: Sloth turns the
edge of wit.
115 Of IDLENESS comes no goodness
I611 COT., s.v. Gueule: Sluggish, or idle people neuer get any thing
to purpose; we say, of idlenesse comes no goodnesse. 1616 DR.,
no. 1047: It is no good life to liue in continuall idlenesse. 1658
E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eleg., p. 178. 1677 E. RICHARDSON
Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 31. 1678 RAY, p. 161. I732
FUL., no. 3698: Of Idleness never comes any good.
116 IF’S and and’s
1543 T. MORE Hist. Rich. III: Wks., I 54: Thou seruest me I wene
with iffes and with andes. 1576 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 174: I
trust there shal neade no ifs or ands betwene us. 1578 Harold in
Illirror for Magistrates II, I 476: He sent me woord, my yfs and
ands were vaine. 1589 NASHE Pref. Greene’s Menaphon: Wks.,
III 316: Sufiiceth them to bodge vp a blanke verse with ifs and ands.
01592 KYD Span. Trag. II i, s. C3: What, Villaine, ifs and ands?
[211600] 1662 LT. Grim Collier Croydon I iV, s. H2v: Well, Ione,
without all If’s or Ands . . I do love thee. 1638 CHILLINGWORTH
Charity Maintained VII, II 450: From whence without all ifs and
ands that appear sufficiently which I said in the beginning. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Nisi, p. 1 17: To speak plain; the English says
without IlT’s or And’s. 1676 WYCHERLEY Plain Dealer III, p. 144:
I’ll warrant you . . your Judgment shall not be Arrested upon if’s
and and’s. 1681 ROB., p. 90: Without Ifs or ands; Plane, absolute.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 Rich. III III iv 73: If? . . Talk’st thou to
me of if’s? (9)

117 IGNORANCE is the mother of devotion
1559 JEWEL Let. 9, p. 1202: Ignorantia enim, inquit, mater est
verae pietatis, quam ille appellavit devotionem. 1573 New
Custom I i, s. A3v: That I, Ignorance, am the mother of true de-
votion. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 29: Therefore
was it called the mother (not ofdeuotion, as the papistes tearme it)
but of all mischiefe and vice. 1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I I iv, I 26:
It comes of a very evil ground, that ignorance should be the mother
of faithfulness. 1732 FUL., no. 3068: Ignorance is the Mother of
Romish Devotion.
Cf. 118: Ignorance is the mother of impudence; W727: Wonder
(Marvel, Admiration) is the daughter of ignorance.
118 IGNORANCE is the mother of impudence
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. I I6: Ignorance the Mother ofpresumption,
and of errors. [a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., II 213: Im-
pudence is the Bastard of Ignorance. 1732 FUL., no. 3067.
Cf. 117: Ignorance is the mother of devotion.
119 IGNORANCE of the law excuses no man
1530 SAINT GERMAN Dial. betw. Dr. Div. and Stud. Laws Eng. II
xlvi, f. 154: Ignorance of the law though it be inuincible doth not
excuse. 1596 DEL., s. M3v: Ignorance doth not excuse the faultie.
1616 DR., no. 1085. 1630 T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: Wks., p. 1099:
But if the King make speciall lawes . . euery subiect is bound to
know that. Ignorantia Iuris will excuse no man.
120 The IGNORANT have an eagle’s wings and an' owl’s
eyes
1616 DR., no. 1076: The ignorant hath the wings of an Eagle, and
the eyes of an Owle. 1640 HERB., no. 896. 1659 N.R., p. 105:
(wing and an owl’s eye).
121 All ILCHESTER is jail
I678 RAY, p. 342: All Ilchester is Gaol, say prisoners there.
people hard-hearted. Somers.
*The
122 ILIADS of woe
1548 COOPER, s.v. Ilias malorum: *A prouerbe vsed whan many and
great mischiefes and misfortunes happen to a manne. 1644 K.
DIGBY Nature Man’s Soul: Two Treatises, p. 131: As a good life
breedeth encrease ofhappiness, so doth an evil one, heape up Iliades
of woe.
123-138 ILL: subst.
123 Better sufier ILL (wrong) than do ill (wrong)
1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sickness I: Wks., p.322: It is farre better
to suffer, then to of’fer wrong. 1639 CL., p. 15: Better to suffer
wrong than doe wrong. 1640 HERB., no. 766. 1648 BURROUGHES
Rare 7ewel Christ. Cont. X, p. 115: For it is better to bear wrong,
than to do wrong a great deal. 1659 N.R., p. 22. 1732 FUL., no.
5068: ’Tis better to suffer Wrong, than do it.
Cf. G318: Set good against evil (Do good for evil).
124 For ILL do well, then fear not hell
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 17.
Cf. E204: To render evil for good; G318: Set good against evil
(Do good for evil); G322: To requite good for evil is charity, evil
for good is cruelty.
125 He may do much ILL ere he can do worse
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 32: We maie doo much ill, er we doo much
wars. 01594 BACON, no. 956: (ere he do much woorse). 1611
DAY. Prov., no. 163: (ere he can do much worse). 1616 DR., s.v.
Desperate, no. 484. 1639 CL., s.v. Improbi, p. 150.
126 He that does ILL (evil) hates the light
[Yohn iii 20: For every one that doeth evil hateth the light.] 1509
A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 297: For often all yll doers hatyth the day
lyght. I573 SANF., f. 103. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28v: Who
doth euyl, hateth light. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 483: (evil). 1611

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original.
For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
ILL
ILL WILL
338
DAV. Prov., no. 235: (Who doth euill). 1616 DR., no. 308: (euill).
1629 lik. Mer. kid. 77, p. 28. 1668 R.B., p.22. 1721 KEL., p. 171:
(evil).
127 He that speaks ILL of another let him first think of
himself
1573 SANF., f. 104. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: Who wil say
yl of others, first let hym thinke on hym selfe. 1611 COT., s.v.
Regarder: When on another thou wouldst gladly rayle, looke well
into thy selfe, thy tongue will quaile. 1623 WOD., p. 511: Who
speakes of an other, let him looke to him selfe, and hee will hold his
Peace. 1624 T. ADAMS Temple: Wks., p. 990: In vaine shall we
blame those faults abroad, which we tolerate at home. 1629 Bk.
Mer. Rid. 92, p. 28: Speake no ill of another, untill thou thinkest of
thy selfe. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 137: Who means to speak evil
ofothers, let him first look to himself. 1732 FUL., no. 1591: Forget
other’s Faults by remembring your own. Ihid., no. 3890: Point
not at other's Spots with a foul Finger. 1741 FRANKLIN, p. 19:
E’er you remark another’s sin, Bid your own conscience look
within. 1756 FRANKLIN, p. 33: Tell me my Faults, and mend
your own.
SHAKESPEARE.——16OO-1 II ii 190: I must very much
lay open mine own imperfection; but, good Sir John, as you have
one eye upon my follies, as you hear them unfolded, turn another
into the register of your own. 1604 M.M. II ii 136: Go to your
bosom, Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know That’s
like my brother's fault.
See ST., no. 854. Cf. F107: He finds fault with others and does
worse himself (He that will blame another must be blameless him-
self); WI60: He tells me my way and does not know it himself.
128 He that will none ILL (evil) d0 must do nothing
that belongs thereto
1530 WHITFORDE Wk. Householders, s. E3: The olde prouerbe
sayth. Who so wyll none euyll do, shulde do nothynge that long-
eth therto. 1546 HEY. II V, s. H3. 1552 TAV., f. 56: He that wyll
no hurte do, must do nothyng that longe thereto. 01577 NORTH~
BROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 173: As the olde saying is, He that
will none euill do, Must do nothing belonging thereto. 1593 Tell-
Trothes Gift in Tell-Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 10: The Old
saying is, that he which will no pennance doe, must shonne the
cause that belongs thereto. 1616 DR., no. 1118: He that will do
no ill, must doe nothing that thereunto belongeth. I616 WITHALS,
p. 557: (Hee that will no harme doe). 1639 CL., p. 202: He that
would no evills doe, Must shun all things that longs thereto. I721
KEL., p. 177: He that would no Evil do, Must do nought that’s like
thereto. 1732 FUL., no. 6305: [As in 1721 Kel.].
Cf. I29: If you do no ill do no ill like.
129 If you do no ILL do no ill like
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 795. I668 R.B., p. 29. 1721 KEL., p. 177:
If you be not ill, be not ill like; If you steal not my Kail, break not
my Dike.
Cf. I28: He that will none ill (evil) do must do nothing that
belongs thereto; K4: If thou steal not my kale break not my
dike.
I30 ILL comes in by ells and goes out by inches
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 11: Mischief
1640 HERB., no. 190.
1659 N.R., p. 66.
comes by ells, and goes away by inches.
Cf. M252: A man is not so soon healed as hurt; M998: Mischief
comes by pounds and goes away by ounces.
The ILL (evil) that comes out of our mouth falls
into our bosom
1616 DR., no. 1994: The euill that commeth out of the mouth, re-
turneth (or falleth) into the bosome. I640 HERB., no. 217. 1659
. N.R., p. 114. 1664 COD., p. 214: The evil that cometh out of thy
bowels falleth into thy bosome. Ibid., p. 217. I670 RAY, p. 8:
Evil that cometh out of thy mouth fiieth into thy bosom. I732
FUL., no. 4505: [As in 1670 Ray].
Cf. H356: Who spits against heaven, it falls in his face.
I31

I32 It is a good ILL that comes alone
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lv, IV 137.
8, p. 137: Happy is that evil which cometh alone.
059.
5 Cf. E205: Welcome, evil (mischief), ifthou comest alone; M1004;
Mischiefs, like waves, never come alone; M1012: Misfortune (Evil)
never (seldom) comes alone; M1013: One misfortune comes on the
neck of another.
1666 TOR. It. Prov,
1732 FUL., n0_
I33 Say no ILL of the year till it be past
1640 HERB., no. 293. 1659 N.R., p. 89. 1664 COD., p. 21 1.
TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 1 1: (Speak not ill of). 1670 RAY, p. 21.
FUL., no. 4071: (Say not ill of).
Cf. D100: Praise a fair day at night; P83: Praise at parting.
1666
1732
I34 There came never ILL of good advisement
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1273: Thair cam never evel of ane good
advisment. 1668 R.B., p. 49. I721 KEL., p. 334: *A Persuasion
to consider well of a thing before you go about it.
I35 There is no ILL but may turn to one’s good
1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, s. H3v: No poyson
sir but serues vs for some vse, which is confirm’d in her. 1612 I.
CASAUBON Ans. Epist. Card. Perron, p. 1: There is no euill so great,
out of which, or by occasion whereof some good may not arise.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13. 1659 N.R., p. 107: (which doth not
turn to our good).
Cf. L576: Ill luck is good for something; N327: There is nothing
but is good for something; N328: There is nothing so bad in which
there is not something of good.
I36 To speak ILL of others is the fifth element
1573 SANF., f. 104: (of an other). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29v.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 59. 1616 DR., s.v. Backebiting, no. III:
(euill). 1654 WHITLOOK Zootomia, p. 445: (of another).
I37 Who would do ILL never wants occasion
1640 HERB., no. 116. 1659 N.R., p. 118: (Who will do ill). I732
FUL., no. 2174: He that is dispos’d for Mischief, will never want
Occasion.
I38 Three ILLS (evils) come from the North, a cold
wind, a shrinking cloth, and a dissembling
man
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I. 1670 RAY, p. 19. I678 RAY, p. 341:
Three great evils come out of the North, A cold wind, a cunning
knave, and a shrinking cloth. 1697 MER., p. 166: Three great ills
come out of the North, A cawd wind, a cunning knave, and a
shrinking cloth.
Cf. C432: Like Northern cloth, shrunk in the wetting; N213:
Out of the North all ill comes forth; W214: Cold weather and crafty
knaves come out of the North; W278: He shrinks in the wetting.
I39—I40 ILL: adj.
I39 He that is ILL to himself will be good to nobody
1623 WOD., p. 495: He is neither good for him selfe, nor for others.
1721 KEL., p. 125. 1732 FUL., no. 2284.
I40 ILL today and worse tomorrow
01573 I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, s. C2v: He thats vnfit to mend
to day, Wyll worser be to morow. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 6: Qui
non est hodie, eras minus aptus erit. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 249: He that to day is not willyng will to morrowe bee more
wilful]. I721 KEL., p. 220.
I41 ILL WILL (Evil will) never speaks (said) well
a1558 Wealth and Health 1. 840, s. D3: Ylwyl cannot say wel. 1566
L. WAGER Mary Magd., s. A2: For euill will neuer said well, they
do say. 1616 DR., no. 244: (spake). Ibid., no. 1342: (said).
1623 CAM., p. 268: Euill will, neuer sayes well. 1639 CL., p. 195:
Evill will, never spake well. 1659 N.R., p. 31: Evil will never said

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
IMAGE
INCH
339


well. Ibid., p. 69: Ill never spake well. 1664 COD., p. 200. 1670
RAY, p. 109: (said). 1721 KEL., p. 176: (spoke). *When People
are known to have an Aversion to any Person, or Party, what they
say Of them, must be received with some Abatement. Or as we
say, Cum grano salis. Eng. Where Love fails we spy all Faults.
1732 FUL., no. 3081: (speaks well, nor doth well).
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Hen. V III vii 123: Ill will never said well.
Cf. L550: Where love fails we espy all faults; M53: Malice never
speaks well.
142 She looks like an IMAGE of rye dough
1686—7 AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and 7adaism, p. 107: We have a
sayeing, She lookes (He stands) like an image of rye-dough . . In
the Old time the little Images that did adorn the Altars were made
of Rye-dough.
143 All IMMODERATIONS are enemies to health
1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sickness II: Wks., p. 330: It was one of
Hippocrates Aphorismes; All immoderations are enemies to health.
1615 [WEBBE] Prac. Quietness, p. 42: It is a rule in Physick, that
All immoderations are enemies vnto health.
Cf. I85: Intemperance is a cutthroat; M802: Feed by measure
(sparingly) and defy the physician.
I44 No one (N 0 man) is tied to IMPOSSIBILITIES
I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxx, IV 244: No creature is tyde
unto impossibilities. I655 FULLER Hist. Camoridge 9, p. 236:
Though divines, they were presumed to have so much of civil law,
yea, of the law of nature, as to know, Nemo tenetur ad impossibilia,
NO man is tied to impossibilities. CI703 MOTTEUX Don Quix. II
lxx, II 453: For impossibilities are not to be expected from any
creature on earth.
145 The first IMPRESSION is hard to cancel
1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 118. 1685 CODRINGTON Coll. Proverbs
995, p. 126: The ill impression, either by Nature, or by Custome, is
seldome worn out.
See SM., p. 107.
146 We IN diversely but end alike
1639 CL., s.v. Aequalitas, p. 13: (inne).
Cf. A119: All are of the same dust; D142: Death is common to
all; E117: The end makes all equal; G428: We shall lie all alike in
our graves.
Cf. L478: The first love is the fastest.
147 As good is an INCH as an ell
1546 HEY. II ix, s. LIV. I611 DAv. Prov., no. 269: As good an
ynch as an ell: not so neither: Though some for an ynch take ells
altogether.
Cf. I56: An inch in a miss is as good as an ell.
I48 Drive out the INCH as you have done the span
a1598 FERC. MS, no. 342: (as ye hav the spane). 1641 FERG.:
no. 235. 1668 R.B., p. 17. 1721 KEL., p. 84: (Dree out [bear,
suffer] the Inch). *Spoken to encourage People to continue in ill
Service, or bear ill Circumstances, Whose end is near at hand.
I49 Give an INCH and he will take an ell
1546 HEY. II ix, s. LIV: Whan I gaue you an ynche, ye tooke an ell.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. L4: If thy vaineglorye bee ioynd to
my surquidrie, of an inch it will quicklye extend to an elne. 1599
H. PORTER Two Women .45. x, s. I4: Giue an inche and youle take
an elle. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER Sir Th. Wyatt, s. E2v: If
you deale with him looke for hard measure: if you giue an inch
hee’le take an ell. I607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho II i, s.
B3v: Now her Husband has giuen her an inch, sheele take an ell,
or a yard at least. 1614 CAM., p. 306: (and you). 1616 DR., s.v.
Libertie, no. 1226: (Giue him an inch, and). 1618 BELCHIER
Hans Beer-Pot, s. B4v: Giue but an inch, hee takes an elne. [1621]
1662 MIDDLETON dnytlzing Quiet Life II ii 41: Give her not an inch,
master, she’ll take two ells if you do. 1624 TAYLOR Pr. Clean
Linen: Wks. F., p. 330: Giue a Knaue an inch, hee’l take an ell.
1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 38: (and take an ell). 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 8: (and you). 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 44, p. 162:


(The English say, Give him an inch, and). 1670 RAY, p. 182: (Give
him an inch, and). 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 256: They are never
pleas’d; content. Give them an inch, they’l take an elne. I721
KEL., p. 113: Give you an Inch, and you’ll take a Span. *Spoken
to shameless Intruders upon your good Humour.
See ST., no. 2403. Cf. C449: Give a clown (carl) your finger and
he will take your hand. (17)
I50 He prefers an INCH of his pleasure (will) before
an ell of his profit
1520 WHITTINCTON Vulgaria, p. 91: Many a man setteth more by
an ynche of his wyl than an ell of his thryfte and thou art one of
them. 1546 HEY. II ix, 5. LIv: Ye lyked than better an ynche of
your wyll, Than an ell of your thrifte. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 667:
He wil not giv ane Inch of his wil for a span of his thrift. 1616
DR., s.v. Plainnesse, no. 1653. Ibid., s.v. Vnthriftie, no. 2313:
(Hee liketh better an inch of his will, then). 1639 CL., s.v. Volup-
tas, p. 326: (of pleasure before an clue of profit). I721 KEL., p.
150: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. *Spoken Of wilful and obstinate People,
who will not comply with your most advantagious Proposals, if
contrary to their perverse Humours.
I51 He sees an INCH before his nose
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 615. 1697 MER., p. 165.
*That is, he is a wary and cautious Man.
Cf. N220: He sees no farther than his nose.
1721 KEL., p. 170:
I52 He will not yield (budge) an INCH
I588 [MARPRELATE] Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. 151: You would
have our Parliament . . not to yield an inch . . of their privileges.
I6I6 WITHALS, p. 538: Hee yeeldeth not an inch. 1639 CL., p. 120.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 23: I will not stirre an inch in the business.
1700 S.L. Relation Two Voy., p. 76: Tho’ thousands of their Men
dropt, they would not give ground an Inch.
SHAKESPEARE.——I594-8 T. S. Ind. i 14: I’ll not budge an inch, boy.
Let him come, and kindly.
I53 An INCH an hour, a foot a day
1678 RAY, p. 74. I732 FUL., no. 633: An Inch in an Hour, is a
Foot in a Day's Work.
I54 An INCH breaks no square
1562 HEY. Epig. 40, p. 129. 1576 WAPULL Tide Tarries No Man,
S. B1: A little while breaketh no square. I611 COT., s.v. Avant:
A little breakes no square; no matter for a little. 1611 DAv.
Prov., no. 307. 1611 GRUT., no. 40. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1639
CL., s.v. Aberrandi, p. 2. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. I659 N.R.,
p. 9: (Squares). I670 RAY, p. 109: (squares). 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Inch: (Squares). I721 KEL., p. 53: (squares). *A little Difierence
ought not to occasion any Contests among good Neighbours. (23)
I55 An INCH in a man’s nose is much
1732 FUL., no. 634.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6o6-7 A.C. I ii 61: If you were but an inch of
fortune better than I, where would you choose it? —Not in my
husband’s nose.
I56 An INCH in a miss is as good as an ell
1614 CAM., p. 303. 1639 CL., p. I. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7:
(is as bad). 1659 N.R., p. 10. 1670 RAY, p. 109. I721 KEL.,
p. 35: An Inch of a miss is as good as a spaw [span]. 1732 FUL.,
no. 635: (An Inch in missing, is as bad).
Cf. I47: As good is an inch as an ell.
I57 An INCH of a nag is worth a span of an aver1
I641 FERG., no. 150: (the span). 1668 R.B., p. 11. 1721 KEL.,
p. 28: *A little Man, if smart and stout, is much preferable to an
unweildy Lubber, though much bigger. I732 FUL., no. 636: An
Inch of a Horse is worth a Span of a Colt.
[Ian old horse]
I58 Ready (Waiting) at an INCH
1581 B. RICH Fare. Mil. Prof., p. 201: Attendaunt upon her, and
readie at an ynche to provide her of anythyng. 1594 GREENE

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
INCH
INK
340

Friar Bacon, 9. C2v: If it please your honour we are all ready at an
inch. [1618] 1647 FLETCHER Loyal Suhj. IV ii, p. 139: (I’le wait ye).
SHAKESI’EARE.—ISQO—I 2 Hen. V! I iv 45: Beldam, I think we
watch’d you at an inch.
159 She does not (cannot) leap an INCH from a shrew
(slut)
I678 RAY, p. 256. 1732 FUL., no. 4121: (cannot and Slut).
160 You shall ride an INCH behind the tail
1678 RAY, p. 266.
161 He will swear (look) through an INCH BOARD
01623 Welsh Amhass. I, p. 13: Theres my Cozen a scrivener (that
can looke through an inch bourd his eyes are so Sharpe). I658
FRANCK North. Mem., p. 191: It’s thought they would have sworn
through a double deal-board, they seem’d so enraged. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Sole, p. 195: AS the English say of a Pillory, To
make one to look thorough an inch Board. 1678 RAY, p. 271.
[£11680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., II 363: He will swear his Ears
through an Inch_Board.
162 Better an INCONVENIENCE than a mischief
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 127: I thought it good to commit
an inconuenience, that I might preuent a mischiefe. I583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. ZIV: Yet must I commit an inconuenience, to
preuent a mischiefe. 1593 G. HARVEY Let. Not. Cont., p. 284: So
in many priuate causes, better an inconuenience, then a mischief.
1611 COT., s.v. Nez. I640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 20:
Better an inconvenience than a mischiefe: better one perish, than
a multitude.
Cf. M995: Better once a mischief than always an inconvenience.
163 He makes INDENTURES with his legs
[He follows a zigzag course, as if drunk] 1605 R.F. Sch. Slov.
I 1149, p. 53: Before he with his feete do seeme indentures for to
make. 1611 COT., s.v. Bricoller: To reele, stagger, or make inden-
tures, in going. I615 STEPHENS Essays II II in Bks. on Courtesy,
p. 215: If he bee drunken you must say hee staggers, to avoide
aequivocation: for when he is sober hee makes Indentures. 1678
RAY, p. 87: *Proverbiall Periphrases of one drunk. I681 Lihert.
Amat. l. 44 in Roxh. Bal., VI 3: Being so drunk that he cutteth In-
dentures.
I64 INDUSTRY is fortune’s right hand and frugality her
left
I651 HOBBES Phil. Rud. Govt. and Society XII, p. 159: Riches are
gotten with industry, and kept by frugality. 1664 COD., p. 201.
1670 RAY, p. 14. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 152. I732 FUL., no. 3092.
1744 FRANKLIN, p. 22: Industry, Perseverance, and Frugality,
make Fortune yield.
I65 INFANTS’ manners are molded more by the ex-
ample of parents than by stars at their nativity
I651 HERB., p. 367. 1659 N.R., p. 70: (by the Parents example
then by the Stars of their nativity).
166 INGRATITUDE comprehends (is the worst of) all
faults (vices)
01526 Dicta Sap., s. B3v: Ingratytude complecteth in it all vyces.
1585 T. WASHINGTON Navig. into Turkey IV i, f. 114: For that they
knewe ingratitude to be the spring of al vices. 01613 J. TAYLOR
lVaterm. Suit: Wks. F., p. 335: Of all vices, ingratitude is most hate-
full. 1632 MASSINGER Maid Hon. IV iv, p. 373: Then my ingrati-
tude! a sin in which All sins are comprehended! 1664 COD., p.
184: An ingratefull Man is the worst of Men. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
16, p. 120.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOOI T.N. III iv 388: I hate ingratitude more
. . Than . . any taint of Vice.
Cf. J105: Justice comprises all other (is the most commendable
Ofall) virtues; M435: You can call a man no worse than unthankful.
I67 INGRATITUDE is the daughter of pride
I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, li, IV 109. 1732 FUL., no. 3094.

168 He invites a new INJURY who bears the old
patiently
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 612: (bear). 1617 MORYSON Itinerary III
1 xxv, III 400: Some disswade men from being patient in their
conversation, saying, that he invites, a new injury, who beares the
old patiently. I629 TUVIL Vade Mecum Of Injuries, p. 184: To
Pocket up one wrong, is to Allure another. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
4, p. 120: Who putteth up an old injury, invites one to do him a new
one. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 285, I 257: The putting up of
One Afl'ront draws on Another. 1732 FUL., no. 1905: He invites
future Injuries, who rewards past ones.
Cf. A172: Bear (Take, Suffer) this, bear (take, suffer) all; P50:
Pardon makes offenders.
169 An INJURY which thou dost intend to revenge
never divulge
01526 Dicta Sap., s. B3v: If thou purpose to greue thyn enemy, be-
ware speke no hurt for than shall he take hede. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 7, p. 120.
Cf. S357: If my shirt knew my secrets I would burn it.
170 To pocket up an INJURY (wrong)
I589 GREENE Span. Masgu.,~ p. 273: Thus the great Generall of
Spaine was content to pockette vppe this Dishonour to saue his
life. 1594 MUNDAY Yohn a Kent II, p. 28: I will not pocket this
injurious wrong. 1598 FLOR., s.v. Patir vna disgratia, p. 262:
To suffer or pocket vp an iniurie. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women
Ah. viii, 3. HI: I doe not meane to pocket vp this wrong . . —Be-
cause you haue nere a pocket. 1629 TUVIL Vade Mecum Of In-
juries, p. I 84: To Pocket up one wrong, is to Allure another. 1678
RAY, p. 79: *TO pass it by without revenge, or taking notice.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 K}. III i 200: Well, ruflian, I must pocket
up these wrongs. 1597 1 Hen. IV III iii 18 3: And yet you will stand
to it; you will not pocket up wrong. 1599 Hen. V III ii 50: They
would have me as familiar with men’s pockets as their gloves or
their handkerchers . . for it is plain pocketing up of wrongs. 1611
Temp. 11 i 65: If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not
say he lies? —Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report.
See ST., no. 2618. (9)
I71 INJURIES are written in brass
I604 MARSTON Malcontent II ii 82: Favours are writ in dust; but
stripes we feel Depraved nature stamps in lasting steel. 1623
MASSINGER Duke Milan V i, p. 89: For injuries are writ in brass,
kind Graccho, And not to be forgotten. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
3, p. 120: Who receives an injury, writes it in brass, and who
doth it, in ashes. Ibid. 4, p. 234: Who oHends another, writes in
sand, who is offended, in marble. 1747 FRANKLIN, p. 24: Write
Injuries in Dust, Benefits in Marble.
SHAKESPEARE—I592 T. And. IV i 102: I will go get a leaf of
brass, And with a gad of steel will write these words, And lay it by.
1613 Hen. VIII IV ii 45: Men’s evil manners live in brass; their
virtues We write in water.
Cf. W946: To forget a wrong is best revenge.
I72 INJURIES slighted become none at all
1605 JONSON Sejanus V 557, p. 458: Common rumors . . and in-
famous libels . . will, neglected, finde their owne graue quickly.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 299: Who can dissemble an affront, hath
half reveng’d it. 1732 FUL., no. 3097.
SHAKESPEARE.——I596 Rich. II I iii 280: Woe doth the heavier
sit Where it perceives it is but faintly borne. Ihid. I iii 292: For
gnarling sorrow hath less power to bite The man that mocks at it
and sets it light.
Cf. E136: He that endures (Who suffers) is not overcome (over-
comes); R92: To pardon is a divine revenge; W946: To forget a
wrong is best revenge.
173 As black as INK
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. IV, p. 30: At euery tempest they be as
blacke as inke. 1590 SPENSER FAQ. I i 22: Deformed monsters,
fowle, and blacke as inke. 1595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 877, s.
E2v: Make your Mastership shooes as blacke as incke. 1656-91

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
INK
341 IPSE


AUBREY Nat. Hist. Wilts. I ii, p. 21: Which . . became immediately 182 INNOCENCE is bold
as black as inke. I678 RAY p. 281. CI . . . .
’ . _ 592 Solzman, S. DI : Tush, I W1ll to her, innocence 1s bould. 01594
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T'G’V' HI 1 287' Why’ man? how b’aCk’ BACON, no. 1562: Innocence parle avec joie sa deffence. [01602]
-—Why, as black as ink. 1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 41: Beauteous as ink——~
a good conclusion. I610 Cym. III ii 19: O damn’d paper, Black
as the ink that’s on thee!
174 Black INK is ill meat
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3v: Inke is all blacke And hath an yll smacke
No man will it drynke nor eate. Ibid.: Black ynke is as yl meate,
as black pepper is good.
175 He has no INK in his pen
I540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II i, p. 61: Is there no more of thynge
.i. is there noo more ynke lefte in thy penne, or nothynge yet
lefte the? [1547—53] c1565 WEVER Lusty 7uventus, s. E2: And
when there is no more inke in the pen, I wyll make a Shift as well
as other men. 1678 RAY, p. 254: *No money in his purse, or no
wit in his head.
176 You wash out INK with ink
1616 WITHALS, p. 563: (To wash out). 1639 CL., p. 197.
177 To smell of the INKHORN
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 216v: And these woerds . . smellen all of the
ynkehorne . . vnto a poete. 1575 GASCOIGNE Cert. Notes Instr..-
Posies, p. 468: The more monasyllables that you use . . the lesse
you shall smell of the Inkehorne. I587 SIDNEY AND GOLDING
Trueness Chr. Rel. XXVI, p. 423: Proclamations set foorth in such
a Stile . . smelling too much of the Inkehorne.
Cf. C43: It smells of the candle (lamp, oil).
178 As great as INKLE-WEAVERS1 (beggars)
1682 BUNYAN Holy War XIII, III 335: When Cerberus and Mr.
Profane did meet, they were presently as great as beggars. a1700
B.E., s.v. Cannikin: As great as two Inkle-makers. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 425: Why she and you were as great as two inkle-
weavers.
[1weavers of linen tape]
179 T 0 get an INKLING of a thing
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K3: He by gesse had got an ynklyng Of hir
hoord. 1580 BARET, I—165: To haue some Inkeling of a matter:
to perceiue Somewhat. I672 WALK. 23, p. 8.
180 As white as INNOCENCE
I607 DEKKER Whore Bab., p. 195: In robes White as is innocence.
1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 236: Though my thoughts be
white as innocence, Yet is my body soild with lust-burn’d sinne.
1613 T. HEYWOOD Silver Age I, p. 88: As white as is thy natiue
innocence. 1619 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER King No King III,
p. 178: Then you shall be AS white as innocence her self. [1621]
1658 DEKKER, FORD, AND W. ROWLEY Witch Edmon. V i, p. 424:
Now this Repentance makes thee As white as innocence. 1621
J. TAYLOR Trav. Twelvepence: Wks. F., p. 82: Yet doe I looke as
white as Innocence, And neuer blush, at the most Vile offence.
181 INNOCENCE bears its defense with it
1573 SANF., f. 106v: Innocencie bringeth with hir, hir owne de-
fence. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31v: Innocencie beareth her oe-
fence with her. 1611 COT., s.v. Innocence: Innocence beares it
owne defence. I615 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Cupid’s Rev. IV,
p. 272: My innocency is my Armor. 1616 DR., no. 317: (Innocency
bringeth a). 1621 FLETCHER ET AL. Thierry and Theo. II, p. 15:
Innocence IS to it self an hundred thousand gards. 1623 WOD.,
p. 490: Innocence beareth her Defence with her. 1659 HOW. It.
Prov., p. 12: Innocence carrieth her protection with her. 1664
COD., p. 201: (Innocency bringeth a). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p.
68: There wants no defence to the innocent. Ibid. 25, p. 120: In-
nocency carries with it its protection. 1732 FUL., no. 3102: Inno-
cent Actions carry their Warrant with them.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-I 2 Hen. VI III ii 232: What stronger
breastplate than a heart untainted? Thrice is he arm’d that hath
his quarrel just.
Cf. I82: Innocence is bold.


1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King II, p. 26: No matter I am arm’d with
innocence, And that dares front all danger. 1611 COT., s.v. Parler:
The speech of the innocent is confident. [01622] 1647 FLETCHER
AND MASSINGER Custom Country II, p. 326: Innocence is bold: Nor
can I fear. 1629 MASSINGER Roman ActorI i, p. 7: Nay, droop not,
fellows; innocence should be bold. 1631 DRUE Duch. S uflolk
' IV, s. H2v: Oh, innocence is bold, free, liberall, Fearelesse of any
danger, that may fall. 1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair Maid West IV,
p. 403: Innocence Is bold and cannot fear. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
25, p. 137: Who speaks no evil, cares not for being heard. I732
FUL., no. 2179: He that is Innocent, may well be Confident.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590-I 2 Hen. VI IV iv 59: The trust I have is
in mine innocence, And therefore am I bold and resolute. I593-4
Luc. l. 87: Unstain’d thoughts do seldom dream on evil; Birds
never lim’d no secret bushes fear. I604 M.M. III i 215: Virtue is
bold, and goodness never fearful.
Cf. B738: He thinks every bush a bugbear (bear); C597: A clear
conscience laughs at (fears not) false accusations; I81: Innocence
bears its defense with it. (9)
183 Wear the INSIDE of thy stockings outward to
scare the witches
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1695 CONGREVE Lovefor Love II,
p. 1 13: Pray Heav’n Send your Worship good Luck . . for you put
on one Stocking with the wrong side outward. '
184 To be high in the INSTEP
[To be haughty, proud.] 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: He is so hye in
thynstep, and so streight laste, That pryde and couetise withdrawth
al repaste. 1548 BOORDE Intro. Knowledge XXVI, s. I4V: They be
hyghe in the instep and stondeth in theyr oune consayte. 1562
HEY. Epig. 233, p. 164: He is hie in thynstep, his steps may be hie,
But to stepe in good Steps he stepth nothyng nie. I578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. Wit, p. 202: Ifthey be adorned with beautie, they be so straight
laced, and made so high in the insteppe, that they disdaine them
most that most desyre them. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ff4:
And therefore herafter thou must not be so streight in the instep, to
disdaine that thou art casually afflicted. 1592 LYLY Midas III iii
33: Hie she was in the instep, but short in the heele; strait laced,
but loose bodied. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 160: Hee’s high in the
instep and very straite lac’d. I612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears III i
152: But who commonly more short—heeled than they that are high
i’th’ instep. 1617 MORYSON Itinerary II 1 i, II 220: Now the
Gentleman was growne higher in the instep, as appeared by the
insolent conditions he required. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 3: He
is high in the instepp, viz. proud. I670 RAY, p. 180.
Cf. S397: She is short-heeled; S912: To be strait-laced.
185 INTEMPERANCE is a cutthroat
1639 CL., s.v. Sobrietas, p. 290. 1664 COD., p. 201.
Cf. I43: All immoderations are enemies to health.
186 INTEREST will not lie
1677 YARRANTON Eng. Improvem., I 110: Interest will not lie,
every Man will be for his own Interest. 1688 BUNYAN Work 7esus
Christ: Wks., I 164: Our English proverb is, Interest will not lie;
interest will make a man do that which otherwise he would not do.
1709 KINGSTON Apoph. Cur. 386, p. 80: ’Tis a common Proverb,
that Interest will not Lye.
187 Little INTERMEDDLING makes good friends (fair
parting)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 929., 1668 R.B., p. 34: (Little intermitted).
I721 KEL., p. 233: (fair parting). *When we do not busy our selves
about other Men’s Interest, and Concerns, we can have little Occa-
sion to fall out with them.
Cf. M858: Of little meddling comes great rest (ease).
188 You are IPSE (he, the man)
[9.1563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife 1. 244, p. 7: This drink is ipse,
to make us all tipse. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 247: Though

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
IRISHMAN
IRON
341
Curio bee olde huddle and twange, ipse, hee. 01579 [MERBURY]
Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 16: In faith I am Ipse, he euen the
very same! A man of greate estimation in mine owne cuntry.
1591 [BRETON] Brittons Bower Delights, p. 24: This is Ipsa quae the
which, There is none but onely shee. 01596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir
'1'. More III ii 256: I am he in faith, my lord; I am ipse. 1599
CHAPMAN llum. Day’s Mirth iv 217, p. 57: Kiss him, embrace him,
and say, no, no, husband, thou art the man; and he takes her for
the woman. 1607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amb. III ii 209: Iswear he
is the man. —The devil he is, and thy lady his dam! [01609]
1647 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Coxcomb II, p. 327: This is he,
that ipse, he that passes all Christendome for goodness. [1612]
I647 FLETCHER ET AL. Capt. III vi, p. 281 : This must be mine, Host.
—This shall be ipse. 1639 CL., s.v. Approbandi, p. 30: That’s hee!
I660 TATHAM Rump II, p. 22: Well, I know what I know, few words
are best, I am, and must be the Man when all is done, as I am here.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 I v 83: You will set cock-a-hoop!
you’ll be the man! 1598 2 Hen. IV V iii 122: Harry the Fifth’s the
man. 1599 A.Y. III iii 2: Audrey, am I the man yet? Ibid. V i 47:
All your writers do consent that ipse is he. Now, you are not ipse,
for I am he. 1601 T.N. II ii 26:1 am the man. Ibid. V i 334: A
sister! you are she. 1602 T.C. IV v 143: On whose bright crest
Fame with her loud’st Oyes Cries ‘This is he!’
189 The IRISHMAN for his hand, Welshman for a leg,
the Englishman for a face, and the Dutchman
for beard
[01605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 97: There’s a saying when
they commend Nations: It goes, the Irishman for his hand, Welsh-
man for a leg, the Englishman for a face, the Dutchman for beard.
190 The IRON entered into his soul
1539 Bible in Eng. Psalms 105B, III 20v.
See SM., p. 444.
191 IRON not used soon rusts
[ERAS. Similia, 563C: Ut ferrum si non utaris, obducitur rubigine:
Sic animi Vigor, nisi negociis tractandis exerceas.] I578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 251: Doth not the rust fret the hardest yron if
it bee not vsed? [1732-57] 1758 FRANKLIN Way to Wealth, p.
28: Sloth, like rust, consumes faster than labor wears.
SHAKESPEARE.—I608 C. IV v 234: This peace is nothing but to
rust Iron.
See DUR., II, no. 385. Cf. 192: Iron (Gold) with Often handling
is worn to nothing; I93: Iron (Brass) with use grows bright; K26:
The used key is always bright; W209: It is better to wear out than
rust out.
191a IRON whets iron
[Prov. xxvii 17: Iron sharpeneth iron.] 1552 TAV., f. 65v: Ferrum
ferro acuitur. Yron whetteth yron. 01594 BACON, no. 549: Iron
sharpeth against iron.
192 Iron (Gold) with often handling is worn to nothing
[ERAS. Similia, 573A: Ut ferrum contractatione atteritur: Ita assi-
duitas etiam durissima vincit.] 1571 R. EDWARDs Damon and
Pithias, s. H2: For Kinges golden time doo wear away, And other
precious thinges doo fade. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 195:
Siluer with much wearing doth wast to nothing. I579 GossON
Apol. Sch. Abuse, p. 72: Iron with muche occupiying, is worne too
naught, with little handeling gathereth rust. 1602 Poet. Rhap.
I49, I 211: Gold the more tis purifi’d, By waxing lesse, doth shew
some part is spent. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 34: Gold
by continuall wearing wasteth.
SHAKESPEARE.——1592-3 C.E. II i 110: Though gold bides still
That others touch, yet often touching will Wear gold.
Cf. 191: Iron not used soon rusts; 193: Iron (Brass) with use
grows bright; S886: A rugged stone grows smooth from hand to
and.
193 Iron (Brass) with use grows bright
[ERAS. Similia, 563E: Ut ferrum, aut aes usu splendescit: Sic exer-
cendls negociis enitescit animi vigor.] 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,

p. 195: Yron the more it is vsed the brighter it is. 1598 MARLOWE
Hero and LeanderI 231, p. 40: Vessels of brass oft handled, brightly
shine. 01599 MARLOWE Eleg. I viii 51, p. 161: Brass shines with
use. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho IV, s. F3v: Beautie
(like gold) being vs’d becomes more bright. 1732 FUL., no. 4416:
The best Metals lose their Lustre, unless brightned by Use.
Cf. I91: Iron not used soon rusts; I92: Iron (Gold) with often
handling is worn to nothing; K26: The used key is always bright.
194 It is good to strike while the IRON is hot
01500 Melusine XXVII, p. 211: When the yron is hoot it moste be
wrought and forged. 1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4: When thyron is hote
stryke. 1562 HEY. Dial. I iii, p. 6: And one good lesson to this
purpose I pike From the smithis forge, whan thyron is hot strike.
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 97: Therefore I think it wisdom to strike
while the iron is hot. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1459: When the Iron
is hot it is tym to stryk. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap III ii 95:
But while the steel Of her affection is made soft and hot, I’ll strike.
1611 DAv. Prov., no. 6: Strike when the iron is hott. I611
GRUT., no. 304: When the Iron is hot, stryke. 1614 CAM., p.
309. Ibid., p. 314: [As in 1611 Grut.]. 1616 DR., no. 1560-. (It is
good striking, while). I616 JONSON Epic. IV v 240: For I must
strike while ’tis hot. 1639 CL., p. 233: Strike man while the iron’s
hot. Ibid., p. 237: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15:
Strike while the iron is hot. I668 R.B., p. 45: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
1670 RAY, p. 109: [As in 1659 How.]. 1721 KEL., p. 299: Strike
the Iron when it is hot.
SHAKESPEARE—15913 Hen. VI Vi49: Nay, when? Strike now,
or else the iron cools. 1613 Hen. VIII V i 175: Now, While it is
hot, I’ll put it to the issue.
See DUR., I, no. 405; ST., no. 999. (52)
195 Laden with IRON laden with fear
I631 MABBE Celestina XII, p. 204: It is not said in vaine; Laden
with Iron, laden with feare. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 88: Loaded
with iron, loaded with fear.
196 The more you beat IRON (the stone of Sicilia) the
harder it grows
1567 G. FENTON Trag. Dis. 7, II 19: The stone of Scylicia, uppon
whom the more you beate . . the greater hardnes is dryven into it.
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 133: Friends . . are rather like the stone
of Scilicia, which the more it is beaten the harder it is. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 204: Touching the yelding to loue, albeit
theyr [women’s] hartes seeme tender, yet they harden them lyke
the stone Of Sicilia, the which the more it is beaten, the harder it is.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. T2: The more you strike iron vpon the
stidhy, the harder and tougher the iron is. 1584 GREENE Card
Fancy, p. 46: Lyke the Stone Of Silicia, which the more it is beaten,
the harder it is. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao II iv 13: Our Sycilyan
stone, which groweth hardest by hammeringe. I595 SPENSER
Amoretti 32: W ks., p. 724: And [she] harder growes, the harder she
is smit. 1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 257: As the Smyth’s
Stithie, the more it is beaten, the harder it is made. Ibid., p. 816:
As the stone of Sycila, the which the more it is beaten, the harder
it waxeth. 1603 SYLVESTER Weeks I 11 897: And as the sledge
hardens which stroaks the steel; So, the more beaten, still the lesse
ye feel. [01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 133: Iron growes
by strokes more hard. 1606 MARSTON Sophon. V iv 49: Thou
whom, like sparkling steel, the strokes of chance Made hard and
firm.
197 To digest IRON (To have a stomach), like an
ostrich
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 260: The Estrich digesteth harde
yron to preserue his healthe. 1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 9, p. 3 3:
Rusticks, who haue stomackes like Ostriges, that can digest hard
iron. 1594 Con. York and Lan., s. G4: Ile make thee eate yron
like an Astridge, and swallow my sword like a great pinne. I616
JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. III i 181: I could eate the very hilts for
anger! —A signe of good digestion! you haue an ostrich stomack,
cousin. I629 D’AVENANT Albovine IV, p. 72: He must needs be
hungry, that like th’ ostridge Can digest metal. 1638 T. RAN-

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
IRON
IVY LEAF
343


DOLPH Muses’ Look. Class III iii, p. 225: I’ll try his ostrich stomack
[to see if it can digest my sword]. 1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid.
III xxii, II 267: The common opinion of the Ostrich . . conceives
that it digesteth Iron. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ferro, p. 60: To
disgest iron, viz. to be Eastridge like, to have a good appetite, or
stomach.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590—1 2 Hen. VI IV x 30: I’ll make thee eat
iron like an ostridge . . ere thou and I part.
198 To hammer on cold IRON
1653 URQUHART Gargantua I xi, I 54: He would strike out of the
cold iron, be often in the dumps. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 5.
199 He has many (other) IRONS in the fire
[ERAS. Adagia, 10481: Ferrum suum in igni esse.] I576 LAMBARDE
Peramb. Kent, p. 374: To the ende that the King should haue at
once many yrons (as the saying is) in the fire to attend vpon. 1594
LYLY Mother B. V i 16: Then lettes about it speedely, for so many
yrons in the fire together require a diligent Plummer. 1607 DEK-
KER AND WEBSTER West. Ho II i, s. C1: Breake not vp the wild
foule, till anon, and then feed vpon him in priuate: theres other
irons i’ th fire. 1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears II i 16: But you know,
brother, I have other irons on th’ anvil. [1614] 1631 JONSON
Barth. Fair I iv 15: I, quickly, good Mistresse, I pray you: for I
haue both egges o’ the Spit, and yron i’ the fire. 1616 DR., s.v.
Busie, or medling, no. 220. 1616 WITHALS, p. 569: Now your
matters are a brewing, now your Irons are in the fire. 1648
HAMILTON in Hamilton Papers 95, p. 152: All our irons are in the
fire. 1659 N.R., p. 45. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bucata, p. 22:
To have many irons in the fire, to meddle too far. 1671 DRYDEN
Evening’s Love IV i, p. 318: Make haste, then; for I have more
irons in the fire.
Cf. E86: I have eggs on the spit; E87: I have other eggs to fry;
1100: He that has many irons in the fire, some will cool (burn);
N20: To have more nails to drive than one.
1100 He that has many IRONS in the fire, some will
cool (burn)
CI584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 94: On[e] Iron in the fyer atonce.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 993: Mony Irons in the fyre pairt must coole.
1624 ]. SMITH Gen. Hist. IV, I 310: They that have many irons in
the fire some must burn. 1639 CL., s.v. Curiositas, p. 78. 1668
R.B., p. 37: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1668 E. HOPKINS Vanity World:
W ks., I 29: Those, who, as we use to say, have many irons in the
fire, get nothing thereby, but only the burning of their own fingers.
I670 RAY, p. 110: (some of them will cool). 1721 KEL., p. 255:
Many Irons in the Fire, some must cool. *When Men have too
many Works in hand, too many Offices, or Imployments, some
must be neglected. 1732 FUL., no. 2758: If you have many Irons
in the Fire, some will burn.
Cf. I99: He has many (other) irons in the fire; N20: To have more
nails to drive than one; T217: Who begins many things finishes but
few.
1101 As poor as IRUS
[ERAS. Adagia, 252A: Iro, Codro pauperior.] 1559 COOPER, s.v.
Irus: Iro pauperior, as very a beggar as lyueth, as poore‘as Job, in
extreme necessitee. 1594 MARLOWE AND NASHE Dido II i 84:
Aeneas is Aeneas, were he clad In weedes as bad as euer Irus ware.
I600 Weakest to Wall, 3. E1 v: Exceeding poore, poorer then Irus.
1629 MASSINGER Roman dctor II i, p. 35: The Lydian Croesus had
appeared to him Poor as the beggar Irus.
See OTTO, no. 875. Cf. J60: As poor (bare) as Job.
1102 The ISLE OF WIGHT has no monks, lawyers, or
foxes
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho III i, s. EIV: Though the
Isle of Wight could not of long time neither in dure Foxes nor Law-
yers. yet it could brook the more dreadful Cockatrice. 1610
P. HOLLAND Brit. Wight, I 274: The inhabitants of this Isle were
Wont merrily to make their boast, that their case was happier than
all Others, because they had neither hooded monks, nor cavilling
Lawyers, nor yet crafty foxes. 1662 FULLER Worthies Hampshire,

I 402: (nor Foxes). *This Speech hath more Mirth than Truth
in it. That they had Monks, I know . . That they have Lawyers
they know, when they pay them their Fees; and that they have
Foxes their Lambs know. I670 RAY, p. 230: (nor Foxes). 1732
FUL., no. 4609.
See D. BOND, “Laws and Lawyers in English Proverbs," 11m.
Bar dssoc. 70ur., XXI (Nov., 1935), 725.
1103 The ITALIANS are wise before the deed (fact),
the Germans in the deed (fact), the French
after the deed (fact)
1604 [DALLINGTON] View France, S. R4vz The Italian is wise before-
hand; the Almayne, in the doing; and the French, after the thing is
done, saith one of their owne Writers. 1640 HERB., no. 941. 1659
HOW. It. Prov., p. 17: The Italians are wise before the fact, the Ger-
mans in the fact, the French after the fact. 1659 N.R., p. 94. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 86: (The Italian is wise before the deed, the
German in). 1669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 49: The
Italian is wise before hand; The German wise in the Action, And
the French both before and after it.
Cf. M368: A Scottish man is wise behind the hand.
1104 When ITALY shall be without poison, France
without treason, England without war, the
world shall be without earth
1657 LEIOH, p. 272. 1659 N.R., p. 121.
He that will not bear the ITCH must endure the
smart
I562 HEY. Dial. I x, p. 23: And he Whom in itching no scratchyng
will forbere, He must beare the smartyng that Shall folow there.
1678 RAY, p. 162: (not endure to itch must endure to smart). 1732
FUL., no. 2349.
Cf. 1107: An itch is worse than asmart.
1105
1106 ITCH and ease can no man please
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3v: *An olde saied sawe. 01594 BACON,
no. 486. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 14. 1732
FUL., no. 6237.
1107 An ITCH is worse than a smart
1530 PALS., p. 594a: It is better to ytche than to smarte. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1670 RAY, p. 14. 1732 FUL., no. 3114:
Itch is more intolerable than Smart.
Cf. I105: He that will not bear the itch must endure the smart.
1108 The ITCH of disputing is the scab of the church
[8.1639] 1651 Panegyric to K. Chas. (tr. from H. Wotton’s Latin)
in H. Wotton Reliq., p. 145: In my opinion (ifI may have pardon
for the phrase) The Itch of disputing will prove the Scab of Churches.
I651 HERB., p. 371.
1109 As white as IVORY
[01565] c1620 T. ROBINSON Mary Magd. l. 199, p. 16: Her louely
tresses of embellish’d haire, Kist her soft necke, and shoulders iu’ry
white. 1586 W. WARNER Alhion’s Eng. VII xxxvi: Poems, p.
588: Her bodie white as iuorie. 1595 SPENSER Epithal. l. 172:
Wks., p. 737: Her forehead yvory white. 1602 Narcissus l. 346,
p. I 3: Whiter then ivory, brighter yea withall.
SHAKESPEARE.~—I592-3 V..d. l. 363: Ivory in an alablaster band
—So white a friend engirts so white a foe. 1593-4 Luc. l. 407:
Her breasts like ivory globes circled with blue. 1596 M. V. III i
41 : There is more difference between thy flesh and hers than between
jet and ivory. 1605—8 T. .dth. I i 70: Fortune with her ivory hand.
1110 He may go pipe in an IVY LEAF
[He may console himself (for failure or the like) with some frivolous
employment.] [a1550] 1626 7ests Scogin in Shak. jest-Bks., II 109:
Unlesse that hee have some man to speake for him, hee may goe
pipe in an ivy leafe. 1568-70 TURBERVILLE Spare to Speak: Epit.,
Son., p. 308: Giue him an iuie leafe in stead of pipe to play, That
dreads to bourd a gallant dame for feare she say him nay.
See SM., p. 533.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi l1.
JACK
JI
1636 CAM., p. 291.
WAITE Art Asleep Hush, p. 110: (will make).
Prov., p. 5. 1659 N.R., p. 4. 1670 RAY, p. 108.
P- 44-
See ST., no. 2469. Cf. H831: A good husband makes a good
wife; J6: There is not so bad a Jack (Jill) but there is as bad a Jill
(Jack); W351: A good wife makes a good husband.
J2 JACK (Jackanapes) will never make a gentleman
1639 CL., s.v. Nobilitas, p. 226: Jack an apes is no gentleman.
1681 ROB., p. 659. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Gentleman.
Cf. J3: Jack would be a gentleman; J4: Jack would be a gentle-
man if he could speak French.
A good JACK makes a good Jill
1639 CL., s.v. Uxor, p. 328. 1640 BRATH-
1659 How. Eng.
1672 WALK. 3,
J3 JACK would be a gentleman
01500 SKELTON Agst. Come/y Coystrowne l. 43: Wks., I 16: For Jak
wold be a jentylman, that late was a grome. 01538 T. STARKEY
Dialogue I iv 429: Eng. in Reign Hen. VIII II, p. 112: Wyth the
intaylyng of landys, euery Jake wold be a gentylman, and euery
gentylman a knyght or a lord. I559 COOPER, s.v. Corchorus:
Jacke will be a gentleman. A prouerbe, notynge one that is Of no
estimacion, and yet will be compted amongest the wysest. 1580
BARET, A—530: A remo ad tribunal . . A Prouerbe aptly to be ap-
plyed to those which are aduanced from a base state vnto an high
dignitie: and as our vulgare phrase is, Jacke is become a Gentle-
man. 1597 BRETON Miseries Mavillia in Will Wit (1599 ed.):
Wks., II 42: And nowe, Jacke will bee gentleman, no longer a
Sheepheard. 1601 DENT Pathway to Heaven, p. 50: The old Prov-
erb is verified, Every Jock will be a Gentleman, and Jean is as
good as my Lady. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Ambitious, p. 16.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. [111 iii 72: Since every Jack became
a gentleman, There’s many a gentle person made a Jack.
Cf. J2: Jack (Jackanapes) will never make a gentleman; J4:
Jack would be a gentleman if he could speak French.
J4
JACK would be a gentleman if he could speak
French
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 29. 1576-7 HANMER Anc. Eccles. Hist.
Euagrius Pref. to Rdr., p. 407. 01594 BACON, no. 640. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 340. 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616 DR., s.v. Ambition,
no. 75. 1639 CL., s.v. Ambitionis, p. 23: (could he speak french).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (could he speake French). 1662
FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 82: We ape the French . . in their
language (which if Jack could speak, he would be a Gentleman).
I670 RAY, p. 108: (if he could but speak French). *This was a
Proverb, when the gentry brought up their children to speak French.
After the conquest, the first kings endeavoured to abolish the
English Language, and introduce the French. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Jack: (if he could but speak French). 1732 FUL., no. 3052: [As in
1687 Miege].
Cf. G64: Everyone cannot be a gentleman; J2: Jack (Jackanapes)
will never make a gentleman; J3: Jack would be a gentleman; J5:
Jack would be a gentleman if he had money.
J5 JACK would be a gentleman if he had money
1639 CL., s.v. Divitum praerogativa, p. 98.
Cf. J4: Jack would be a gentleman if he could speak French.
J6 There is not so bad a JACK (Jill) but there is as bad
a Jill (Jack)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1376: Ther was never such a sillie Jockie but
he gat als sillie a Jennie. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 201: There’s

17
J11
JACK DRUM’s
no pot so ugly, but hath a cover for’t. *Note 173, p. 226: The
English say, There’s ne’r a Jack, but there’s a Gill. 1671 KIRKMAN
Eng. Rogue II iv, p. 297: (jill andjack). I678 RAY, p. 146: (Gill
and Will). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Jack. a1700 B.E., s.v. Gill: There’s
not so Ord’nary a Gill, but there’s as Sorry a Jack. 1721 KEL.,
p. 316: There was never a Jack but there was a Gill. *NO body so
despicable, but may get a Match meet for them. 1732 FUL., no. 1:
A bad Jack may have as bad a Jill. Ibid., no. 61 12: (Jill and Will).
Cf. J1: A good Jack makes a good Jill; P502: There is no pot so
ugly that a cover cannot be found for it.
To be common JACK to all
[Said in disparagement: to be at everyone’s beck and call.] 1546
HEY. I xi, s. E2v: I haue been common Jacke to all that hole flocke.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 174: Some Iackes are common to all that will
play.
J8 To play the JACK with one
1567 GOLDING Metam. XIII 287, p. 257: Yit durst Thersites bee
So bold as rayle uppon the kings, and he was payd by mee For play-
ing so the sawcye Jacke. I613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt.
Burn. Pestle Prol., p. 161: Ifyou were not resolv’d to play the Jacks,
What need you study for new subjects, Purposely to abuse your
betters? 01649 There I Mumpt. 41 in Cav. and Pur., p. 299: Think
not to play the lack with me, your tricks too well I know. 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16: He hath plaid the Jack with me. *He hath
not dealt well. 1668 PEPYS Diary Feb. 23, VII 337: Sir R. Brookes
overtook us coming to town; who hath played the jacke with us all,
and is a fellow that I must trust no more. 1670 RAY, p. 182.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. IVi 196: Monster, your fairy . . has
done little better than play’d the Jack with us.
J9 A JACK-A-LENT
[A puppet at which things were thrown, in sport, during Lent in
England] 01555 Songs and Bal. Philip and Mary 60, p. 191:Then
Jacke-a-lent comes justlynge in, With the hedpeece of a herynge.
I575 CHURCHYARD Chips, p. 50: He was dressed up like Jack a Lent.
1626 BRETON Fantastics Easter Day: Wks., II 12: It is now Easter,
and Jacke of Lent is turned out of doores. 1646 QUARLES Shep.
Oracles VIII: Wks., III 223: How like a Jack-a-Lent He stands,
for boyes to spend their shrovetide throws.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-I M.W'.W. III iii 27: You little Jack-a-
Lent, have you been true to us? Ibid. V V 134: See now how wit
may be made a Jack-a-Lent, when ’tis upon ill employment!
J10 Can JACKANAPES (an ape) be merry when his clog
is at his heel?
I603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. C4v:
Your wife is your ape, and that heauie burthen wedlocke, your
lacke an Apes clog. 1636 CAM., p. 294. 1639 CL., p. 188: An ape
is never merry, when his clog is at his heeles. 1659 N.R., p. 24:
(heels). 1664 COD., p. 189: (Can a Jackanapes be merry when the
Clog). I670 RAY, p. 71: (at’s heels). I732 FUL., no. 1052: (when
a Clog is at his Heels).
JACK-AT-A-PINCH
1622 MABBE Rogue I II v, II 24: When there was need of my serv-
ice . . I was seldome or neuer wanting; I was Jacke at a pinch.
a1700 B.E.: Jack at a Pinch. *A poor Hackney Parson. 1732
FUL., no. 3049.
J12 JACK DRUM’s entertainment
[A rough reception] 1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 21 : Plato when he
sawe the doctrine of these Teachers . . gaue them all Drummes en-


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
344
JACKET
JACK SPRAT
345


tertainment, not suEering them once to shew their faces in a re-
formed common wealth. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. DIv: Hee
had scarce Jacke drummers enterteynement, for Jacke was shut
out. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. D2v: Packe hence
away, Jacke Drums intertainement, she will none of thee. I592
GREENE Groatsworth, p. I 29: And so giuing him Jacke Drums enter-
tainment, Shut him out of doores. 01605 Ratsey’s Ghost, s. C1V:So
I wish that if anye yet line that vse the same practise, they maye
haue lacke Drummes entertainment, and fair and orderly be turned
out of doores. 1609 C. BUTLER Fem. Monarchy, p. 64: They gently
giv’ em Tom Drums enterteinment. I649 TAYLOR Wand. to
West: W ks. I, s. C4v: The Hostes being very willing to give me
the courteous entertainement of lack Drum, commanded me very
kindely to get me out ofdores. 01685 Y. Man’s Careless Wooing in
Roxb. Bal., VIII 869: Thy Entertainment shall be like Jack Drum.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. III vi 40: If you give him not John
Drum’s entertainment, your inclining cannot be removed.
J13 T o baste (curry, dust, pay, thrash) one’s JACKET
1639 CL., p. 76: Hee’l curry your coat. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Stame, p. 203: To beat one soundly, and pay his Jacket. Ibid., s.v.
Tigna, p. 215: To bast ones Jacket soundly. 1667 PEPYS Diary
July 22, VII 33: I wish he had paid this fellow’s coat well. 1670
WALKER Idiom. Ang.-Lat., p. 154.: I’ll dust your coat for you. 1672
WALK. 24, p. 29: I must pay for this; my cote must pay for that.
1687 T. BROWN Saints in Uproar: Wks., I 84: I’ll substantially
thrash your Jacket for you.
See ST., no. 1475. Cf. L38: To give one some lamb pie.
J14 No more like than JACK FLETCHER and his bolt
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. B2: We are as like in
condicions, as Jacke Fletcher and his Bowlt. [1576] 1594 L.
TWYNE Pat. Painful Adven._XXIV, p. 75: There is no more like-
nesse betweene them sauing that the childe hath the generall
shape and proportion of a man, than is betweene Jacke fletcher and
his bolt.
Cf. F370: He mends as the fletcher does his bolt.
J15 JACK-HOLD-MY-STAEF (John-hold-my-staff)
[A servile attendant.] I542 UDALL Apoph., f. 4: Thou Shouldest
not in this maner haue been a Ihon hold mystaf. 1553 Respublica
I iii, p. 6: Iohn-Holde-my-Stafe. 1625 MOUNTAGU Yust Appeal II
16, p. 217: As if. . the man [were not] to bee made any more account
of than Iack hold my staffe, by these Rabbies. 1678 BEHN Sir
Patient V, p. I I5: Madam, in plain English I am made . . a Jack-
hold-my—Staff . . to give Leander time to marry your Daughter.
J16 JACK-IN-A-Box
I593 CHETTLE Kind Heart’s Dream, p. 45: AS cunningly . . as euer
poore Cuckoe coulde command his Jacke in a boxe. [I625] I647
MASSINGER ET AL. Love’s Cure III i, p. 192: My Lord Vitellies
love, and maintenance Deserves no other Jack i’ th’ box, but he.
a1700 B.E.: Jack in a Box. *A Sharper, or Cheat.
J17 To be JACK-IN-AN-OFFICE
I670 RAY, p. 214. a1700 B.E., s.v. Jack: Jack in an Oflice. 1732
FUL., no. 3050: Jack in an Office, is a great Man.
Cf. J23: He is Jack-out-of-Oflice.
J18 JACK-IN-THE-CELLAR
[A rendering of the Dutch Hans-in-K elder, an unborn child.] 1640
R. BROME Asparagus III iv, p. 159: Come here’s a health to the
Hans in Kelder, and the mother of the boy, if it prove so. 1751
SMOLLETT Pereg. 10, I 70: When his companions drank to the
Hans en kelder, or Jack in the low cellar, he could not help dis-
playing an extraordinary complacence of countenance.
See ST., no. 835.
119 JACK-OF—ALL-TRADES (John-of-all-trades)
1637-8 Acad. Drama Camb., p. 193: To Jo. of All-trades for mend-
ing the candlesticks. 1639 MAYNE City-Match II V, p. 240: You
mongrel, You John-of-all-trades. 1640 CLEVELAND Smectym. l. I 5:
Poems, p. 1 23: Thus Jack-of-all trades hath distinctly shown. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tramute, p. 220: Of those who change Profes-


J21
sions and Trades very often, a Jack of all Trades. 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. Busie, p. 42: Jack of all trades. He loves to be med-
ling, tampring with every thing. 1672 WALK. 27, p. 57: *A man
for all purposes; good at anything; at every thing. I690 DRYDEN
Amphit. I i, p. 22: Yet I am still in my vocation; for you know I
am a jack of all trades. 1732 FUL., no. 3051: Jack of all Trades
is of no Trade.
Cf. M293: A man of many trades begs his bread on Sunday
(thrives by none).
J20 JACK OF DOVER
1604 7ack of Dover: [Title]. 1670 RAY, p. 234: And many ajack of
Dover he had sold, Which had been two times hot, and two times
cold. *Appliable to such as grate the eares of their Auditours with
ungrateful tautologies, of what is worthless in it self, tolerable as
once uttered in the notion of novelty, but abominable if repeated.
Cf. C511: Coleworts (Cabbage) twice sodden.
To be JACK-ON-BOTH-SIDES
1562 De Neutralibus et Mediis Grossly Inglyshed, 7acke of Both
Sydes: [Title]. 1609 DEKKER Workfor Arman: Non-Dram. l/Vks.,
IV 158: Who plaid the iackes on both sides, and were indeed
Neuters. 1655 EARL OF MONMOUTH Advt. from Parn. II 66, p.
218: That he hath won this universal good will by the vice of play-
ing Jack of both Sides. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Doppio, p. 55:
To work double, viz. to be a jack on both sides, to deceive both
parties, to use double dealing. Ibid., s.v. Teco-meco, p. 212: To
be an Ambodexter, viz. one that can chew on both sides of his
Mouth, a Jack a both Sides. 1670 RAY, p. 182: *A turncoat, a
weather-cock. 1672 WALK. 40, p. 52: To hold with the hare and
run with the hounds; Jack on both sides.
Cf. H158: To hold (run) with the hare and run (hold, hunt)
with the hound; J37: Like Janus, two-faced.
J22 Not JACK-OUT-OF—DOORS nor yet gentleman
1616 WITHALS, p. 569: Not altogether Jack out of doores, and yet
no gentleman; 1639 CL., s.v. Mediocria tuta, p. 206. 1664 COD.,
p. 206: No altogether Jack out of doors, although Gentleman.
J23 He is JACK-OUT-OF-OEFICE
[Said of one dismissed or out of employment.] 1546 HEY. II iii, s.
G2: And Jak out Of Oflice she maie byd me walke. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 221, p. 162. 1581 B. RICH Fare. Mil. Prof., p. 10: For
liberalitie . . is tourned Jacke out of office, and others appointed
to have the custodie of hym. 1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men,
s. I4v: In good credite with his Maister at noone, and Jacke out of
office before night. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 41: Hee’s Jacke out of
office, that John was in it. a1640 DAY Peregr. II, p. 45: And of a
legitimate gentleman in place should become a contemptible jacke
out of office. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1667 R. L’ESTRANGE
Visions 5, p. 240: We should be but so many Jacks out of office.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-4 l Hen. VI Ii 174:1 am left out: for me
nothing remains. But long I will not be Jack out of office!
Cf. J17: To be Jack-in-an-oflice.
J24 To fly up with JACKSON’S hens
[To become bankrupt.] 1560-77 Misogonus IV ii 31: Ye may fly
vp toth roust with Jacksons hens. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Fallilella, p. 57: To be broke, and to fly up with Jackson’s hens.
1678 RAY, p. 86: I’ll make him fly up with Jacksons hens. *Undo
him.
J25 JACK SPRAT he loved no fat and his wife she loved
no lean, and yet betwixt them both they
licked the platters clean
01570 Marr. Wit and Science V V, S. F1: Ye are but Jack Sprot to
mee. —Haue houlde heare is a morsell for thee to eate. 1639
CL., s.v. Cibus, p. 57: Jack will eat no fat, and Jill doth love no
leane. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 20: Archdeacon Pratt would eat
no fatt, His wife would eat no lean; Twixt Archdeacon Pratt and
Joan his wife, The meat was eat up clean. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
4, p. 319: One hath a mind to the fat, and another to the lean. 1670
RAY, p. 21 1.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
JACK SPRAT
JESTING
346
126 JACK SPRAT would teach his grandame
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, indecora, p. 4: Jack Sprat teacheth his
grandame. I670 RAY, p. 108: *Ante barbam doces senes. 1672
WALK. 4, p. 45. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Jack.
See ST., no. 535. Cf. G406: GO teach your grandame to get
children.
127 As full as a 1ADE, quoth the bride
1678 RAY, p. 285. 1732 FUL., no. 2584: (I am as).
128 Better a lean 1ADE than an empty halter
1678 RAY, p. 166. 1732 FUL., no. 863.
129 A 1ADE eats as much as a good horse
1640 HERB., no. 515. 1659 N.R., p. 18.
130 To have a JAG (load)
1678 RAY, p. 87: He has a jagg or load.
of one drunk.
*Proverbiall Periphrases
0‘
131 Look to him, 1AILER, there is a frog in the stocks
1678 RAY, p. 72. 1732 FUL., no. 3274.
132 A 1AILER’s conscience and his fetters made both
of one metal
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
133 In JANUARY though sun appear March and Febru-
ary pay home full dear
1616 DR., s.v. Dissimulation, no. 528: Faire dayes in Ianuary,
deceiue many in February. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 18.
134 JANUARY freezes the pot by the fire
1573 TusSER 500 Points Husb. 35, p. 76: A kindly good Janiveere,
Freeseth pot by the feere. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12: (Janivir
freez). 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 21: January makes the pot
freeze by the fire, and the old woman in her bed. I670 RAY, p. 40:
(Janiveer freez). I732 FUL., no. 6144: [As in 1573 Tusser].
135 Who in JANUARY sows oats gets gold and groats,
who sows in May gets little that way
I573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 33, p. 75: (Who now [in January]
sowes otes, gets). I732 FUL., no. 6149: (Who in Janiveer).
136 If JANUARY’S calends be summerly gay it will be
winterly weather till the calends of May
1686-7 AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and 7udaism, p. 7: There is a
proverb in Welsh of great antiquity, sc. Haf hyd gatan Gaiaf
hyd Fay. That is, if it be somerly weather till the Kalends of
January, it will be winterly weather to the Kalends of May. 1732
FUL., no. 6483: (IfJaniveer’s).
Cf. M1110: All the months in the year curse a fair February.
J37 Like JANUS, two-faced
[ERAS. Adagia, 1007A: Jano bifronte.] I587 GREENE Penelope’s
Web, p. 206: Dissimulation is sister to Ianus, and wanton appetite
0ft ietteth vnder the Maske of Chastitie. 1591 LYLY Endim. II i
45: I must turne my other face to her like Ianus, least she be as
suspicious as Juno. 1602 JONSON Poetaster I ii 140: Send Ianvs
home his back-face againe, and looke only forward to the law.
[£11635] 1651 T. RANDOLPH Heyfor Honesty V i, p. 480: I have a
Janus’ heart, though not two faces.
Cembalo, p. 35: To be a Jack a both sides, a Janus with two faces.
1667 MILTON Par. Lost XI 128, p. 350: Four faces each Had, like a
double Janus. 1672 DRYDEN Def. Epil., p. 236: He [Shakespeare]
is the very Janus of poets; he wears almost everywhere two faces.
[8.1682] 1716 T. BROWNE Chr. Mor. III iii, p. 135: In Bivious The-
orems and Janus-faced Doctrines let Virtuous considerations state
the determination.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. I i 50: By two-headed Janus.
See OTTO, no. 841. Cf. F20: He carries (bears) two faces under
one hood; J21: To be Jack-on-both-sides.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.-

‘
138 The JAY is unmeet for a fiddle
[ERAS. Adagia, I65c: Nihil graculo cum fidibus.] I538 ELYOT,
s.v. Nihil: The dawe hathe nothynge to doo with the lute: nor the
sowe with maioram: A prouerbe applyed to them, whiche presumynge
to moche of their owne wyttes, do meddel malapertly with thinges
wher of they can no skylle. 1540 PALsGRAVE Acolastus III i,
p. 100: He can no more skille of the stroke of the harpe or lute, than
a iay can. 1552 TAV., f. 55v: The Iaye is vnmete for a fyddel,
as who shulde saye, what make foles and vnlerned persones with
good letters.
Cf. A366: To see an ass play on a harp; P306: A pig plays on the
organs; S679: A sow to a fiddle.
J39 To JERICHO with him
1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. DI: Haue with ye t0 Jerico. 1635
T. HEYWOOD Hierarchy IV, p. 208: Bid such yong boyes to stay in
Iericho Vntill their Beards were growne, their wits more staid.
1639 CL., s.V. Diuturnum, p. 100. 1640 JONsON Tale Tub II iv 30:
An’ you say the word, send me to Iericho. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.V. Imprecate, p. 176: Have them to Jericho, where the Jack-an-
apes father lives. 1694 ECHARD Self-Tormenter V, p. 146: Ay,
let him be jogging to Jericho for me.
Cf. H399: From hell, Hull, and Halifax, good Lord deliver us.
140 Better lose a JEST than a friend
1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 125: It is better to loose a
new iest, then an Old frend. 1670 RAY, p. 109. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Jest. I721 KEL., p. 283: Rather spill your Jest, than spite your
Friend. Eng. Better lose a Jest than a Friend. ‘1732 FUL., no.
915-
Cf. F708: He would rather lose his friend than his jest; J41: He
will not lose his jest for his guest, if he be a Jew.
141 He will not lose his JEST for his guest, if he be a
Jew
[01616] 1630 Pathomachia II ii, p. 20: HI shall not loose my Guest
for my Iest, which is to play the Iew in earnest. 1639 CL., s.V.
Philautia, p. 255.
Cf. F708: He would rather lose his friend than his jest; J40:
Better lose a jest than a friend.
142 Who is nettled at a JEST seems to be touched in
earnest
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 251.
SHAKEsPEARE.—I599 A.Y. II vii 50: And they that are most
galled with my folly, They most must laugh . . He that a fool doth
very Wisely hit Doth very foolishly, although he smart, Not to
seem senseless of the bob.
Cf. J44: The truest jests sound worst in guilty ears.
143 True JESTS are the worst
I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84: True iestes are ill, i. It is ill
to iest at that which was done in deed. 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 37: It is . . worse mirth that aymes at imputation,
for true iests are hurtfull; Sooth boward is no boward, and play
with me but hurt me not, iest with me, but shame me not. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 10. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7: The worstjest
is the true jest. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 251: Jeast not so as to
oficend, nor speak not of the truth.
Cf. B559: Sooth bourd is no bourd; J44: The truest jests sound
worst in guilty ears; P537: A pox on these true jests; W772: There
is many a true word spoken in jest.
144 The truest JESTS sound worst in guilty ears
1611 COT., s.v. Bourdes. 1664 COD., p. 215. 1670 RAY, p. 14.
Cf. B559: Sooth bourd is no bourd; J42: Who is nettled at a
jest seems to be touched in earnest; J43: True jests are the worst;
W772: There is many a true word spoken in jest.
145 It is ill (no, not good) JESTING (meddling) with
edged tools
1508 STANBRIDGE Vulgaria, p. 20: It is shrewed to Iape with naked
swerdes. 01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. C2: They say
it is perelouse with edge tooles to iest. I579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
JESTING
JOAN
347


57: Some say that it is not good iesting with edge toles. 1586 W.
WARNER Allbion’s Eng. IV 22: Poems, p. 557: lest not with edge
tooles. 1588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 293: (tooles, and bad sporting
with Kinges). 01590 Mother kVatkins Ale in Coll. 79 Bl. Letter Bal.,
p. 254: This prouerbe hath bin taught in schools, It is no iesting
with edge tooles. 1594 True Trag. Rich. III iv, s. CIV: Time
slippth, it is ill iesting with edge tooles, or dallying with Princes
matters. 01600 Charlemagne l. 1425, p. 50: Tys daungerous
Iestinge with edge toole muche more with prynces. 1607 DEKKER
AND WEBSTER North. Ho II, S. C2: Its ill medling with edge tooles.
[1613] I647 FLETCHER ET AL. Hon. Man’s Fort. II, p. 227: I doe
not love to see a sword drawn in the hand of a man that lookes so
furious, there’s no jesting with edge tooles. 1616 DR., no. 1071:
It is no iesting with edge tooles. 1616 WITHALS, p. 570: Meddle
not with edge tools Children, Women and Fooles. 1623 CAM.,
p. 272: (Its not good). 1639 CL., s.v. Lacessentis, p. 184. I642
MILTON Apol. Animad. Smect.: Wks., Pt. II, III 299: That he may
know what it is to be a childe, and yet to meddle with edg’d tooles,
I turne his Antistrophon upon his owne head. I652 TATHAM
Scotch Figgaries III, p. 151: I say again, ’tis dangerous meddling
with edge-tools. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: (’Tis ill playing).
1659 N.R., p. 64: (not good). 1664 W. KILLIGREW Pandora II, p.
31: Your beauty is too dangerous to be dallied with; these be edge-
tools, too sharp for us to play with. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Ferri, p. 60: To meddle where there is no need, to meddle with edge-
tools. 1670 RAY, p. 109: No jesting with edge tools. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., p. 39: (’Tis ill medling). 1721 KEL., p. 267: (No
jesting). *It is no safe jesting with powerful Men, or sacred
Things. 1732 FUL., no. 3585: (No jesting). 1752 FRANKLIN, p.
29: (with the Joiner’s Tools, worse with the Doctor’s).
Cf. J48: No jesting with bell ropes; P669: Ill putting (Put not)
a naked sword in a madman’s hand. (8)
J46 Leave JESTINo while it pleases lest it turn to
earnest
1622 MABBE Rogue I 1 ii, I 66: AS we see many times, jeasting
turned into earnest; and things full often to end in sober sadnesse,
which at the first, were but begun in jeast. 1640 HERB., no. 104:
(whiles). 1659 N.R., p. 73: (come to earnest). I666 TOR. It. Prov.
28, p. 251: A jeast oftimes turns to earnest. I721 KEL., p. 254:
Mows [jesting] may come to earnest. *What you speak in Jest,
may come to be done in Reality.
SHAKESPEARE—1592-3 C.E. II ii 24: Hold, sir, for God’s sake!
Now your jest is earnest.
Cf. D532: Dogs begin in jest and end in earnest; P399: When
play (game, jest) is best it is time to leave.
J47 Long JESTINo was never good
1640 HERB., no. 690. I642 FULLER Holy State 111 ii, p. 156: Make
not Jests so long till thou becomest one. 1659 N.R., p. 72: Long
Jestings are never good.
J48 N0 JESTING with bell ropes
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. IV v 54: Causes haue their quid-
dits, and ’tis ill iesting with bell-ropes. 1632 GUY Bad Yesting with
Halter 1263 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 109: [Title]. 1678 RAY, p.
161: No jesting with edge tools, or with bell-ropes.
Cf. J45: It is ill (no, not good) jesting (meddling) with edged tools.
J49 As black as JET
1510 HAWES Example Virtue in Dunbar int/2., p. 262: Marble black
as the jet. 1555 EDEN Decades New World, p. 229: Vntyll it bee as
blacke as giette. 1590 MARLOWE 2 Tamburlaine I iv 25: Their hair
as white as milk and soft as down, Which should be like the quills of
porcupines, As black as jet. 1599 DALLAM Diary, p. 80: Neagers
that weare as blacke as geate. I611 DAV. Epig., no. 44: So must I
doe by thee and draw a line As blacke as iet to hide thy glories’
shine. CI615 London Cries, A: Come buy good Ink as black as Jet.
1657 LIGON Hist. Barbadoes, p. 72: They are black as jet, or Ebony
polish’d. 1678 RAY, p. 281: As black . . as jet.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I590-I 2 Hen. VI II i 111: What colour is my
gown of? —Black, forsooth; coal-black, as jet. 1592 T. And. V ii
50: Provide thee two proper palfreys, black as jet.
Cf. E56a: As black as ebony. (1 I)

J50 Invite not a Law either to pig or pork
1732 FUL., no. 3106.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 lid. V. I iii 33: If it please you to dine with
us. —Yes, to smell pork . . I will buy with you, sell with you . . and
so following; but I will not eat with you.
Cf. P310: Some cannot abide to see a pig’s head gaping.
J51 To look like a JEw
1611 CORYATE Crudities, I 372: Our English proverbe: To looke
like a Jewe (whereby is meant sometimes a weather beaten warp-
faced fellow, sometimes a phreneticke and lunaticke person, some-
times one discontented).
J52 To use one like a JEw
1618 HORNBY Scourge Drunkenness, p. 8: Ile vse thee like a dogge,
a Iew, a slaue. 1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 58: I will use
you as bad as a Jew. *That poor Nation (especially on Shrove-
Tuesday) being intollerably abused by the English. 1670 RAY, p.
209. 1700 PATRICK Deut. XXVIII 37: Com., 1 1857: Better we
cannot express the most cut-throat Dealing, than thus, You use me
like a Jew.
Cf. D514: To use one like a dog.
J53 To be worth a JEw’s eye
1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 146: AS deare as a Iewes eye.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. II v 42: There will come a Christian
by Will be worth a Jewess’ eye.
See APP., p. 333. Cf. G96: As free of his gift as a blind man
(poor man, Jew) of his eye.
J54 The JEws spend at Easter, the Moors at mar-
riages, and the Christians in suits of law
1617 T. ADAMS Soldier’s Honor: Wks., p. 1082: They say, the Iew
will spend all on his Pasches, the Barbarian on his Nuptialls, and
the Christian on his quarrels or law-suits. 1640 HERB., no. 238:
(and the Christians in sutes). 1653 TAYLOR Twenty-Seven Serm.
XXI: Wks., IV 585: Is it not a sad thing that . . it should become a
proverb that the Jew spends all in his passover, the Moor in his
marriage, and the Christian in his lawsuits? 1658 [EDMONDSON]
Comes Fac. in Via, p. 24: (and Christians in Sutes). 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 29: The Jews in their Passeovers, the Moors in their
Weddings, the Christians in their Law-suits, spend their estates.
1659 N.R., p. 97: (at marriage, the Christians in sutes). 1664 COD.,
p. 218. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 105: The Jews in their Easters,
the Moors in Weddings, and Christians spend what they have in
Law. 1670 RAY, p. 24: *Ital. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To Spend: (and
the Christians in Law-suits).
J55 None can guess the JEWEL by the casket (cabinet)
1639 FULLER Holy War III iv, p. 114: (So true it is, none can).
I732 FUL., no. 4606: The Jewel is not to be valued for the Cabinet.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 M. V. III ii: [Bassanio, to win Portia,
chooses among the caskets of gold, silver, and lead].
J56 To dance the Tyburn JIG
[To be hanged] 1697 VANBRUOH Relapse Epil., p. 73: Did ever
one yet dance the Tyburn Jigg, With a free Air, or a well pawder’d
Wigg?
See SM., p. 508.
J57 JOAN is as good as my lady in the dark
01525 [J. RASTELL] Gentleness and Nobility, s. CIV: Tote man for
all Sych venereall werk As good is the foule as the fayre in the
clerk. I601 CHETTLE AND MUNDAY Downfall Robt. Earl Hunt., s.
F2v: He is our Ladies Chaplaine, but serues Ione. —Then, from
the Friers fault perchance, it may be The prouerbe grew, Ione’s
taken for my Ladie. 1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. G2: Bring forth my
husband, ile teach him to put a difference betwixt loan and my
ladie I hold him ten pound ont. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know
Not Me, p. 314: Is not this a lady? —No, by my troth, master;
such as be in the garden~alleys. Joan’s as good as this French lady.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 386: loan in the darke is as good as my lady:
Nay, perhapps better, such ladies there may bee. I616 BEAUMONT

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation sec pp. xi f1.
JOAN’S
JOHN HERB
348

AND FLETCHER Scorn/u! Lady IV, p. 272: When they are drunk,
e’ne then, when Jone and my Lady are all one, not one will do me
reason. 1639 CL., s.v. Forma, et deformitas, p. 120. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 13: In the dark, Joan is as good as my Lady. 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 44, p. 173: The English say, that in the night,
all cats are gray, And Jone is as good as my Lady, in the dark.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Panni, p. 131: To be handsome under
her clothes, viz. deform’d, but wholsome and sound, spoken of
some woman that is not handsome. . the English [say] Jone is as
good as my Lady in the dark. 1670 RAY, p. 109: *Erasmus draws
this to another sense, viz. There is no woman chast where there is
no witness: but I think he mistakes the intent of it, which is the
same with ours. When candles are out all cats are gray. 1672
WALK. 44, p. 41.
Cf. C50: When candles be out (At night) all cats be gray. (10)
J58 JOAN’S ale is new
1594 Yoan’s Ale Is New 1288 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 111:
[Title]. 1629 Wine, Beer, Ale, p. 186: Tis growne to a prouerbe:
Jones Ale is new.
J59 As patient as JOB
I586 WITHALS, s. G3: Let the guide of an Inne, or hee that har-
boureth guests, be as mery as Hector, as patient as Job, and as wise
and discreete as Sibylla. 1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. I iii, II 28:
It had overcome the patience ofJob. I648 Mem. Col. Rainshorough
in Cent. Broadside Eleg., p. 47: This Would wrong, the patience
of a Job.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVI ii 144: I am as poor as Job, my
lord, but not so patient.
See ST., no. 1026.
J60 As poor (bare) as JOB
1530 PALS., p. 620a: I shall make hym as bare as ever was Job-
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 210v: Hauyng been afore in suche wyse
pilled, and leaft as bare as Job. 01547 BALE Three Laws III,
s. DIv: (bare). 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 207: Tushe, thou art
as poore as Iob. I559 COOPER, s.v. Irus: Iro pauperior, as very a
beggar as lyueth, as poore as Job, in extreme necessitee. 1566
HOL., p. 260: (He is as). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31: (He is as).
1609 ARMIN Two Maids ll/Iore., s. A1: I will not say as poore as Iob,
but as bare as Ianuary. 1616 DR., no. 1482: (bare). 1623 WOD.,
p. 491: He is poorer then Iob: he hath Nothing. 1639 CL., p. 244.
1641 FERG., no. 438: (He is as). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vin-
cenzo, p. 232: Pityfull poor and shabby: As poor as Job. 1670
RAY, p. 206.
SHAKESPEARE.~—I598 2 Hen. IVI ii 144: I am as poor as Job,
my lord, but not so patient. 1600-I V V 162: One that is
as slanderous as Satan? —And as poor as Job?
See ST., no. 111. Cf. 1101: As poor as Irus. (8)
J61 Out of JOB
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vespro, p. 230: To reprove one shrewdly,
and give him a smart lesson, Out Of Job, saith the English.
J62 A JOB’s comforter
[A comforter who aggravates distress] [70h xvi I: Then Job
answered . . miserable comforters are ye all.] 1630 BRATHWAITE
Eng. Gentlem. Acquaintance, p. 238: lob called his friends Miserable
comforters. 1654 FULLER Comf. in Calam.: Serm., II 259: This If
. is likely to prove with Jobs friend, but a miserable Comforter.
J63 JOHN (Jack, Nick) would wipe his nose if he had
one (it)
1639 CL., s.v. Ignoratio, p. 145: (He would). 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 6: (it). Ihid., p. 20: (Nick). I670 RAY, p. 108: (Jack
and it).
J64 JOHN—A—DREAMS (John-a-nods)
1608 ARMIN Nest Ninnies: Wks., p. 57: His name is Iohn . .
neither Iohn a nods, nor Iohn a dreames.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo—I H. II ii 593: I . . peak Like John-a-dreams,
unpregnant of my cause, And can say nothing!
See SM., pp. 246, 247.
but

J65 JOHN-A-DROYNES
01525 Hundred Mer. Tales 3 in Shak. Yest-Bks., I 14: [Story of
John Adroyns]. 1562 HEY. Epig. 88, p. 214: Yet hogis head in
hogstowne is no Iohn a droyne, Pigs dare not quich there, if hogis
head hang the groyne. 1596 NASHE Saflron-Walden: Wks., III 95:
That poore Iohn a Droynes his man . . a great big-boand thresher.
1621 J. TAYLOR Super. Flag.: Wks. F., p. 41: lacke and Iill, and
Iohn a Drones.
J66 JOHN-A-NOKES and John-a-Stiles
[“John-a-Nokes” is a fictitious name for one of the parties in a legal
action; it is usually coupled with “John-a-Stiles,” the name of the
other party] 1530 SAINT GERMAN Dial. hetw. Dr. Div. and Stud.
Laws Eng. II ix, f. 80: If a man haue lande for terme of life of John
at Noke and maketh a lease. 1595 SIDNEY Def. Poetry, p. 29:
Dooth the Lawier lye, then when under the names of John of the
Stile and John of the Nokes, hee putteth his Case? 1598 MARSTON
Scourge V illainy Proem II, p. 333: What though some John-a-Stile
will basely toil, Only incited with the hope of gain. 1613 PURCHAS
Pilgrimage II vii, p. 136: Wherby euery Iohn-a-Stile shal intercept
the Churches due. 1645 MILTON Colasterion: Wks., IV 255: Then
asks my opinion of John a Nokes, and John a Stiles; and I answer
him, that I for my part think John Dory, was a better man than
both of them. 1651 CLEVELAND Mixed Assembly 1. 43: Poems,
p. 143: Like him that wore the dialogue of cloaks, This shoulder
John-a-stiles, that John-a-nokes. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 42, p.
181: Ifhe talk of John a Nokes, do thou talk of John a Stiles. 1678
BEHN Sir Patient V, p. 115: Madam, in plain English, I am made
a John-a-Nokes of. 1693 RYMER Short View Trag. [VII], p. 144:
History may tell us that John an Oaks, John a stiles, or Jago were
ungrateful.
J67 JOHN BARLEYCORN
[The personification of malt liquor] 1624' Sir Yohn Barlycorn
2455 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 213: [Title]. 1639 CL., s.v.
Temperantia, p. 306: Sir John Barly-corne is nobody with him.
I670 RAY, p. 59: Sr John Barley-corn’s the strongest Knight.
J68 JOHN DRAWLATCH
[A thief, loafer, ne’er-d0-well.] I546 HEY. II viii, s. K2v: Why will
ye (quoth he) I shall folowe hir will? To make me Iohn drawlache,
or such a snekebill. [1602] 1631 CHETTLE Hoflman III, s. GI: If
I pepper him not, say I am not worthy to be cald a Duke, but a
drawlatch.
J69 Like JOHN GRAY’s bird
1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War: Posies, p. 167: The Greene knight was
amongst the rest, Like John Greyes birde that ventred with the
best. 1579 A. HALL Quarrel hetw. Hall and Mallorie in Misc.
Antiq. Angl., p. 6: Maister Robert Audeley . . perceiving them to
cluster togither like John Grayes birde, ut dictur, who always loved
company.
J70 He is JOHN HERB in the pottage, that will do
neither good nor harm
1599 Warning Fair Women, s. B3: Such vnexpected kindnesse is
like herb Iohn in broth. —I praie ye how’s that? ——’T may euen
as wel be laid aside as vsde. 1616 DR., s.v. Contempt, no. 332.
1629 TAYLOR Wit and Mirth 22: Wks. F., p. 344: An honest
Mayor of a Towne . . vnwilling to commit any ofience or Offender;
one said of him that hee was like the herbe Iohn in a pottage pot,
for that herbe did not giue any taste at all either good or bad.
1630 T. ADAMS Physicfrom Heav.: Wks., p. 287: Balme, with the
destitution of Gods blessing, doth as much good, as a branch of
hearbe-John in our pottage. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p.
209: Like herb John in the pot, that does neither much good nor
hurt. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: Without herb-John, no good
pottage. 1664 T. KILLIGREW 2 Thomaso IV i, p. 431: Again that
Herb John in the Porrage?
Cf. C353: Like a chip in a pottage (porridge) pot, does neither
good nor harm.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
JOHN LONG
JOY
349


To send (To come) by JOHN LONG (Tom Long)
the carrier
I562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 29: But for my rewarde, let him be no longer
tarier. I will send it him, by Iohn Longe the carier. 1591 FLOR.
Sec. F. VI, p. 89: Take heede you send them not by Tomlong the
cariour. 1611 COT., s.v. Attendre: To stay for Iohn Long the
Carrier; to tarrie long for that which comes but slowly. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 347: That which is sent by Iohn Long the carrier: Makes
him that lookes for’t a passing longe tarrier. 1639 CL., s.v. Tar-
ditatis, p. 305: A day after the faire like Tom Long the carrier.
I640 JONSON Tale Tub IVi 95: HI prove not Asjust a Carrier as my
friend Torn Long was, Then call me his curtall. 01654 J. HOWELL
Let. IV 28, II 605: That yours Should be a whole month in making
scarce 100 English miles . . is strange to me, unless you purposely
sent it by John Long the Carrier. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13:
(It comes by). *Never. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 18: (I will send
it by). 1661 A. BROME Poems, p. 226: That thou mayst like Tom
Long for ever go, And ne’r come where thou art assign’d unto.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Porto Longone, p. 92: To send the far-
thest way, and the most tedioust for to have returns; the English
say, to send by Tom Long the Carrier. Ibid., s.v. Morte, p. 109:
To be a lazy messenger, long a comming with an answer; the Bug
lish call such a one, Torn Long the Carrier. 1670 RAY, p. 184:
(Tom Long). 1681 ROB., p. 839: Whether all things are carried by
Tom Long the Carrier. a1700 B.E., s.v. Tom-thumb: Come by
Tom Long the Carrier, of What is very late, or long a coming.
See ST., no. 1022. Cf. D112: You come a day after the fair;
D275: He is good to fetch the devil a priest; M151: Good to fetch
a sick man sorrow or a dead man woe; M491: To go on a dead man’s
errand; O57: One of the four and twenty qualities of a knave is to
stay long at his errand.
171
J72 I will venture it as JOHNSON did his Wife and she
did well
1678 RAY, p. 83.
did on his Wife.
1732 FUL., no. 1367: E’en venture on, as Johnson
J73 He is JOHN THOMSON’S man
01520 DUNBAR Yohn Thomson’s Man 1. 4: Poems, II 218: God gif
ye war Johne Thomsounis man! a1598 FERG. MS, no. 7 50. 1637
R. MONRO Exped. with Mac-Keyes, II 30: Some will alleage he was
Iohn Thomsons man. I answer, it was all one, if shee was good.
1641 FERG., no. 459: He is John Thomsones man, coutching carle.
1681 COLVILLE Mock Poem I, p. 18: So the imperious Roxalan,
Made the great Turk John Thomsons man. 1721 KEL., p. 72:
Better be John Tomson’s Man, than Ring and Dinn’s, or John
Knox’s. *John Thomson’s Man is he that is complaisant to his
Wife’s Humours, Ring and Dinn’s is he whom his Wife scolds,
John Knox’s is he whom his Wife beats.
J74 I will jeopard (venture) a JOINT (limb)
[01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, 5. CI: I wyll ioparde with it a
ioynte. 1553 Respublica V vii, p. 52: Then, an youe zaie the
woorde, ichill ieoperde a iointe. 01563 Yuck Yuggler, s. B2V. 1573
TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 83, p. 173: To trust without heede, is to
venter a ioint. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. B1: Whilest
I liue poynt, I will ieoberd a joynt. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. I ii
235: My ten ducats are like my ten fingers, they will notjeopard a
joint for you. [1622] 1647 FLETCHER Women Pleased III ii, p. 269:
Are not you three going to be sinful? To iropard a joynt, or so?
1632 MARMION Holland’s Leag. III iv, p. 63: I mean to hazard
a limb for it. 1639 CL., s.v. Conatus, p. 62: I’le venture a limbe.
(7)
I75 To be out of JOINT
01591 HORSEY Travels, p. 262: [The times are] all owt ofjointe.
1594 MARLOWE AND NASHE Dido III iii 24: For otherwhile he will
be out ofjoint. 1611 DONNE First Anniv. l. 191: Poems, p. 213:
So is the worlds whole frame Quite out of joynt, almost created
lame. 1622 MABBE Rogue I 11 ix, II 108: And this makes all out
ofjoynt, and causes much confusion in the world.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I H. I V 189: The time is out ofjoint.


J76 There is no JOLLITY but has a smack of folly
1616 DR., no. 758: Neuer was there great spirit without some mix-
ture of folly. 1640 HERB., no. 489.
J77 In a long JOURNEY straw weighs
1640 HERB., no. 815. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15: A Straw
is heavy in a long journey. 1659 N.R., p. 70: (straw wares).
Cf. F158: It is the last feather that breaks the horse’s back.
J78 It is a great JOURNEY t0 the world’s (to life’s) end
1639 CL., s.v. Ab initio, ad finem, p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 158. 1732
FUL., no. 2859: (to Life’s).
J79 One JOURNEY and two errands
I659 N.R., p. 83. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Groppo, p. 79: To
make two errants of one journey, to kill two birds with one stone.
Cf. B400: To kill two birds with one stone.
J80 Little JOURNEYS and good cost bring safe home
1640 HERB., no. 498.
J81 Far from JOVE (Jupiter) far from thunder (light-
ning)
[ERAS. Adagia, I48D: Porro a Jove atque fulmine.] 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 120: I loue to stande aloofe from Ioue and
lyghtning. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 198: According to the
Proverb you love to stand farre of from Jupiter, and lightning.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. B3: Beware of Ioue and lightning, and
fly far from them. 1584 LYLY Camp. IV iv 32: It is requisite to
stande aloofe from kinges loue, loue, and lightening. 1605 DANIEL
Philotas IV i, p. 148: Well, then I see, who are so high aboue, Are
neere to lightning, that are neere to Ioue. 1612 T. ADAMS Gallant’s
Burden: W ks., p. 10: Though we acknowledge no place (Procul a
Ioue, procul a fulmine) farre from God, or from his thunder. 1622
DEKKER AND MASSINGER Virgin Martyr I, p. 18: The nearer love,
the nearer lightening. I632 MASSINGER Maid Hon. III i, p. 348:
Since I, In being born near to Jove, am near his thunder. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 105: Far from Jupiter, far from his bolt. 1692
R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 1 I, I I 1: Far from Jupiter (says the Adage)
far from the Thunder. What signifies the Splendor . . of courts,
considering the . . Frowns of Princes. I732 FUL., no. 2617: I love
to stand aloof from Jove and his Thunder-bolts.
Cf. C722: Far from court far from care; K71: Nearest the king
(Highest in court) nearest the widdy; W934: Where wrath is
joined with power there are thunderbolts.
J82 JOVE laughs at lovers’ perjuries
[ERAS. Adagia, 5490: Venereum jusjurandum.] 01565 Bugbears
III iv 31: I have hard that god on hye doth lawgh when lovers
breake there vowes. 1591 LYLY Endim. I ii 9: The Gods sitte
vnequall beholders of iniuries, or laughers at Louers deceipts.
[01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered III i 17: Alas, who doo’s not
know, That louers periuries are ridiculous? 1608 J. DAY Hum.
out Breath IV i, p. 55: Ioue himselfe sits and smiles At louers periu-
ries. 1635 RUTTER Shep. Hol. IV V, p. 424: The gods do laugh at
such slight perjuries AS come from lovers. 1636 MASSINGER Duke
Florence II iii, p. 243: For the queen oflove, As they hold constantly,
does never punish, But smile at, lovers’ perjuries. 1700 DRYDEN
Pal. and Arcite II 149, p. 280: And Jove but laughs at lovers’ per-
jury!
SHAKESPEARE.—0I595 R7. II ii 92: At lovers’ perjuries, They
say Jove laughs.
See OTTO, no. 77. Cf. L570: Lovers’ vows are not to be trusted;
M407: When a man is full of lust his womb is full of leasing.
J83 All JOY has sad effects in a troubled heart
1611 COT., s.v. Coeur: (in troubled hearts). 1659 N.R., p. 13.
J84 The JOY of the heart makes the face fair (a fair
color)
1573 SANF., f. 101v: The merynesse of the heart, causeth a fayre
colour in the face. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27: The gladnes of

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
JOY
JUGGLEMEAR
350
the hart, causeth a faire colour in the face. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv.
IV, II 162: Wee women commonlie saie, that a merrie heart makes a
faire face, and a good complexion. 1602 MIDDLETON Blurt II ii
201: A good heart is a good facemaker. 1611 COT., s.v. Teint:
Hearts-ioy giues to the face a beauteous tincture; a cheerefull
conscience cleeres the countenance. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 224:
The ioy of the heart, fairly coulors the face: Nay some can do that
when they are in worst case. 1616 DR., no. 1395: (doeth make the
face merry). 1623 WOD., p. 490: on at the Heart makes the
Hue faire. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 54, p. 28: The heart’s mirth doth
make the face fayre. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: A merry heart
makes a good countenance.
Cf. H301: A blithe heart makes a blooming Visage.
185 No JOY without annoy
[a1586] I598 SIDNEY Sonnets, p. 312: From joy I part, still living
in annoy. 1596 DEL., s. M3V: After a littlejoy, we feele the greater
annoy. 1616 WITHALS, p. 575: Your inconstant ioy, preports
annoy. 1639 CL., p. 134. 01656 Flat. Damsel 69 in Cav. and Pur.,
p. 446: But in the midest ofjoy soone prooved my annoy. I670
RAY, p. 109. 1672 WALK. 6, p. 21. 1732 FUL., no. 6322.
See DIJR., I, no. 886. Cf. P420: There is no pleasure without
pain; S996: N0 sunshine but has some shadow.
186 Sudden JOY kills sooner than excessive grief
1620 SHELTON Don E’Zuix. Pt. II, lii, IV 118: ’Tis usually said,
That sodaine joy as soon kils as excessive griefe. I732 FUL., no.
4283.
187 To weep for JOY is a kind of manna
1640 HERB., no. 458. 1659 N.R., p. 101.
SHAKESPEARE—16054 M. I iv 33: My plenteous joys, Wanton
in fulness, seek to hide themselves In drops of sorrow.
188 When shared, JOY is doubled and sorrow halved
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. G2v: Ifwe haue ioy, it shall be double,
if griefe, thou shalt beare but a part. [1589-99] 1610 [MARSTON]
Histrio-M. V, 5. G4: Let speaking slacke the paine, For words of
griefe divide the griefe in twaine. [1626] 1639 SHIRLEY Maid’s
Rev. II iv, p. 127: All his ills are made Less by your bearing part;
his good is doubled By your communicating. 1725 N. BAILEY
Lover and Maiden: Fam. Coll., p. 117: Whatsoever shall happen,
you shall bear but half of it, I will take the greatest half upon
myself; and if anything happen of felicity, the pleasure will be
double; if any infelicity, society will take away one-half of the un-
easiness ofit. 1732 FUL., no. 1622: Friendships multiply Joys, and
divide Griefs.
Cf. G447: Grief is lessened when imparted to Others; G449:
Grief pent up will break the heart.
189 Your JOY is that of the Pyrausta (Pyralis)
[Said of fleeting joys; the Pyrausta are moths] [ERAS. Adagia,
784C: Pyraustae gaudes gaudium.] 1567 MAPLET Green Forest,
p. 182: The fier worme . . whose follie hath also raysed vp a Prouerb
Pyraustae gaudere gaudium. The fire worme hath ioyed his
ioy: foolish mens pleasure is little and short. 1580 LYLY Euph.
and His Eng., p. I I I: I haue melted like wax against the fire, and
yet lined in the flame with the flye Pyrausta. 1588 GREENE
Perimedes, p. 72: As the flye Pirulus cannot line out of the flame.
1592 LYLY Gall. III i 4: Beginnest thou with Piralis to die in the
ayre and hue in the fire? 1601 P. HOLLAND Hist. World XI xxxvi,
p. 330K: [The firefly is called] Of some Pyralis, of others Pyrausta.
The nature ofit is this: So long as it remaineth in the fire, it liveth:
but ifit chaunce to leape foorth of the furnace and to flie any thing
far into the aire, it dieth. a1610 MONTGOMERIE Ex.for Lady 1. 17:
Poems, p. I53: His pain wes lyk the pyralide . . And in the fyry
flammis dois feid, and fosters of the fyre. 1684 J. TAYLOR Contemp.
State Man II viii, p. 213: Place us in the light and bright One of thy
Love, where like Pyralides and sacred Salamanders, we shall liue
happy without pain or Torment.
Cf. F394: The fly (moth) that plays too long in the candle
singes its wings at last.

190 The JOYs of the world dure but little
1573 SANF., f. 50v: The mirth of this world dureth but a while.
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32: (of this worlde). 1613 HEY-
WOOD Silver Age II, p. 96: Alacke! earthsjoyes are but short-liv’d,
and last But like a puffe of breath, which (thus) is past. 1629
Bk. Mer. Rid. II, p. 27: The mirth of the world dureth but a while.
Cf. H747: Hours of pleasure are short; P414: Pleasure and joy
soon come and soon go.
JUDAS might have repented before he could have
found a tree to have hanged himself upon had
he betrayed Christ in Scotland
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 21.
191
192 To give one a JUDAS KISS
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 75: Of a flattering foo to
haue a Iudas kisse. 1538 BALE K. 7ohan l. 2096, p. 106: A false
Iudas kysse, he hath gyuen yow and is gone. 01550 Robin Consc.
l. 134 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 235: Yov haue giuen him many a
Jvdas kisse. I582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. LIV: A Iudas
kisse. [1618] 1647 FLETCHER Loyal Subj. IV V, p. 150: The Judas
way, to kiss me, bid me welcome, And cut my throat. 01684 Poor
Tom I. 76 in Roxb. Bal., VII 473: They’l give to you a Judas kiss.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. III iv 10: Marry, his kisses are
Judas’s own children.
J 93 AS sober (grave) as a JUDGE
1685 WESLEY Maggots Maggot, p. 2: As grave as Judge that’s giving
charge. 1694 ECHARD Eunuch IV, p. 82: I thought myself as sober
as a Judge. 1712 ARBUTHNOT Law Bot. Pit III Vi: Hist. Yohn
Bull, p. 187: Lewis . . kept himself sober as a Judge.
194 From a foolish JUDGE a quick sentence
I596 DEL., s. M7v: Of a foolish Iudge, rash sentence. 1623 WOD.,
p. 482: Of a foolish Iudge shorte Sentence. *So said of one saying
any Thing without Reason. 1657 LEIGH, p. 263: *We say, A fooles
bolt is soon shot. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11: A foolish Judge a
short sentence. 1659 N.R., p. 33.
Cf. F515: A fool’s bolt is soon shot; J95: A good judge conceives
quickly, judges slowly; J97 He that passes a judgment as he runs
overtakes repentance.
195 A good JUDGE conceives quickly, judges slowly
1640 HERB., no. 595.
Cf. J94: From a foolishjudge a quick sentence; J97: He that passes
a judgment as he runs overtakes repentance.
J96 He has a good JUDGMENT that relies not wholly
on his own
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1: He ventures too much, who relies soly
upon his own judgement. Ibid., p. 12: (who trusts not to his own).
1710 PALMER, p. 330: (that don’t Rely on His Own). 1732 FUL.,
no. 1882.
Cf. F490: He that teaches himself has a fool to his master.
He that passes a JUDGMENT as he runs overtakes
repentance
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 105: Who suddenly will judge, hastens
himself to repentance. I732 FUL., no. 2244.
Cf. J94: From a foolishjudge a quick sentence; J95: A goodjudge
conceives quickly, judges slowly.
197
198 To know how JUDICARE came into the creed
1546 HEY. I viii, s. CIV: (I am taught to know .. How). 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 409: So know they by proofe . . How Iudicare came
to their creede.
Cf. P96: He may be in my paternoster but he shall never come in
my creed.
J99 As plum as a JUGGLEMEAR
I670 RAY, p. 218: *Devonsh. i.e. As soft as a quagmire.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
JUGGLER’S
35I
JUSTICE


JIOO As sure as a JUGGLER’S box
1650 HEATH Clarastella II, p. 53: Whom Death hath made sure as
his Juglers box. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 207.
JIOI To drink the JUICE of mandrake (mandragora)
[ERAS. fldagia, 1068E: Bibere mandragoram.] 1569 E. FENTON
Certain Secret Won. Nat., f. 73V: If firste they taste of the iuice of
this Mandrake. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 89: Swallowe
the iuyce of Mandrak, which maye cast thee into a dead sleepe.
1584 GREENE drbasto, p. 224: Either swallow the iuyce of Man-
drake, whyche may caste thee into a deade sleepe. [61589] 1633
MARLOWE Yew Malta V i 80: I drank of poppy and cold mandrake
juice; and being asleep, belike they thought me dead, and threw me
o’er the walls. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward
H0 V iv 15: I haue stopt mine eares, with Shoomakers waxe, and
drunke Lethe, and Mandragora to forget you. 1605 JONSON Se-
janus III 596, p. 412: And may they lay that hold vpon thy senses,
AS thou had’st snuft vp hemlocke, or tane downe The iuice of
poppie, and of mandrakes.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 0. III iii 330: Not poppy nor mandragora,
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world, Shall ever medicine thee to
that sweet sleep Which thou ow’dst yesterday.
J102 JUNE, July, and August, wife, I know thee not
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 105: In Iune, Iuly and August, Touch
neither women nor sweete must. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 21: In June, July, and August, Lady excuse
me you must. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 155: June, July, and Au-
gust, my good wife, keep at a distance.
Cf. S422: Who marries between the sickle and the scythe will
never thrive.
J103 JUPITER himself cannot please all
[ERAS. Aldagia, 6261‘: Ne Jupiter quidem omnibus placet.] I581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 106: But call to minde the old proverbe, that
Jupiter himselfe pleaseth not all. 01600 Birth Hercules Prol., p. 3:
loue himself: who . . pleases not all: tis enough if he please somme.

1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 105: Even Jupiter himself cannot give
content to all people. Ibid. 34, p. 208: Whether rain, or fair weath-
er, it is never to every bodyes liking. 1721 KEL., p. 220: *Jupiter,
neque pluens, neque abstinens, omnibus placet.
Cf. A193: He that would please all and himself too undertakes
what he cannot do; G241: Not God above gets all men’s love; M319:
No man can have every man’s good word; M526: He that all men will
please shall never find ease; P88: It is hard to please all parties (men).
J104 A London (Kentish, Middlesex) JURY, hang half
and save half
1608 MIDDLETON Trick to Catch Old One IV v 178: Thou that goest
upon Middlesex juries, and wilt make haste to give up thy verdict
because thou wilt not lose thy dinner! I662 FULLER Worthies
London, II 54: *As if Londoners, frequently impannelled on Juries
. . to make quick riddance . . acquit half, and condemn half. 1670
RAY, p. 239. I732 FUL., no. 231: (Kentish).
J105 JUSTICE comprises all other (is the most com-
mendable of all) virtues
1539 TAV., f. 36v: Iustitia in se uirtutem complectitur omnem.
Justice compriseth in it al vertue. He that is a perfecte righteous
or iuste man, wythout question lacketh no vertue. I555 Instit.
Gentlem., s. D5: Iustice is the heade of all other vertues. 1616
WITHALS, p. 541: Excellentissima Virtus justitia. Justice is a ver-
tue most commendable. 1623 WOD., p. 491: Iustice hath Praise
aboue all Vertues. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 106: Justice is the
Mother of all Vertues.
Cf. I66: Ingratitude comprehends (is the worst of) all faults
(vices).
J106 JUSTICE is the best keeper of kings
1616 DR., no. 1137. 1664 COD., p. 200.
Cf. M555: Men (Men’s love), not walls, make the city (prince)
safe.
J107 JUSTICE pleases few in their own house
1640 HERB., no. 392. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 183.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation See pp. xi Ff.
K
KA
K1 K».1 me ka thee
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 34: Ka me, ka the, one good tourne askth
an other. Nought woon by the tone, nought won by the tother.
1566-7 Mer. Tales Ske/ton in S/zak. 7e5t-B/r5., II 19: Yea, sayde the
hostler, ka me, ka thee: yf she dooe hurte me, I wyll displease her.
1595 LODGE Figfor Mamas, p. 12: To colour hate with kindnes, to
defraud In priuate, those in publique we applaud: To keepe this
rule, kaw me and I kaw thee. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND
MARSTON Eastward He II ii 14: Thou feed’st my Lecherie, and I thy
Couetousnes: Thou art Pandar to me for my wench, and I to thee
for thy coosenages: K. me, K. thee, runnes through Court and
Countrey. 1611 L. BARRY [tam-fllley IV, s. F1v: Ka me, ka thee,
one thing must rub another, English loue Scots, Welshmen loue
each other. 1611 GRUT., no. 170. 1614 CAM., p. 309. 1616 DR.,
no. 1775: Ka me and I will ka thee. 1616 WITHALS, p. 565: Ka me,
ka thee, one good turn requireth another. 1639 CL., p. 324:
Ka me, and ka thee. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: *One good turn
asketh another. 1670 RAY, p. 110: Ka me and I’ll ka thee. I721
KEL., p. 227: Kae me, and I’ll kae thee. *Spoken when great
People invite and feast one another, and neglect the Poor.
Cf. B643: Scratch my breech and I will claw your elbow; C405:
Claw me and I will claw thee; T616: One good turn asks (requires,
deserves) another. (16)
[lclaw, i.e., serve, oblige]
K2 Good KALE1 is half a meal (half meat)
I670 RAY, p. 36. I678 RAY, p. 36: *Keal, i.e. Portage of any kind,
though properly Keal be pottage made of Colewort, which the Scots
call Keal, and of which usually they make their broth. I721 KEL.,
p. 118: (half Meat). *Good Broth will, in some measure, supply
the want of Bread. 1732 FUL., no. 6252.
Cf. K5: Kale spares bread.
[lbroth]
K3 He plaints1 early that plaints on his KALE2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 537. I668 R.B., p. 25. I721 KEL., p. 135:
He tarrows early that tarrows on his Kail. *The Scots, for their
first Dish have Broth (which they call Kail) and their Flesh-meat,
boil'd or roasted, after. Spoken when Men complain before they
see the utmost that they will get.
[1complains 2broth]
K4 If thou steal not my KALEl break not my dike
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 796. I668 R.B., p. 29: (If he steal not my
kail). I721 KEL., p. 177: Ifyou be not ill, be not ill like; If you
steal not my Kail, break not my Dike. *Eng. He that would no
Evil do, Must do nought that’s like thereto.
Cf. I29: If you do no ill do no ill like.
[lbroth]
K5 KALEI spares bread
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 914.
Kail hains [saves] Bread.
ply the want of Bread.
Cf. K2: Good kale is half a meal (half meat).
[lbroth]
1668 R.B., p. 34. I721 KEL., p. 227:
K6 Keek1 in the KALE-POT2 and glower3 in the ambry4
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 919. I721 KEL., p. 228: Keek in my Kail Pot,
glower in my Ambry. *Spoken to them who ofi-iciously pry into
our Actions. Commonly used among Children.
[‘peep 2soup kettle 3stare 4food cupboard]
*Good Broth will, in some measure, sup;

KEEPERs
K7 KAMESTERSI are aye creeshie2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 918: Kemsters ar creishie. I641 FERG., no.
558. I668 R.B., p. 34. I721 KEL., p. 81: *It is ordinary to see
Men look like their Trade.
[lwool combers 2greasy]
K8 Well guessed, KATE, here is neither to lack nor
to leave
1639 CL., s.v. Fames, p. 113.
Cf. L172: Better leave than lack.
K9 Better KEEP now than seek anon (than ask)
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 16. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 6: Better
keep than ask.
Cf. H510: As good hold as draw.
K10 He is wise enough that can KEEP himself warm
[01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, s. C4: Sonne ye be wise kepe ye
warme. I546 HEY. II ii, s. F4v: Ye are wise enough (quoth he) yf
ye kepe ye warme. 61579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wirdom ii, p.
16: Thou art a mery fellowe and wise, And if thou kepe thy selfe
warme. I601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels II ii 4.7: Madame, your
whole selfe cannot but be perfectly wise: for your hands haue wit
enough to keepe themselues warme. [01604] 1638 T. HEYWOOD
Wise Woman H. II i, p. 295: You . . have wit to keepe your selfe
warme enough, I warrant you. 1607 Puritan III, s. F1v: Which
confirmes the old Beldams saying, hee’s wisest, that keepes him-
selfe warmest. [1614] 1631 JONSON Bart/z. Fair V iv 362: In a
Scriueners furr’d gowne, which shewes he is no foole. For therein
he hath wit enough to keepe himselfe warme. 1616 DR., s.v. Com-
moditie or profite, no. 280: (Hee is wise, that). 1636 T. HEYWOOD
Cba//.f0r Beauty II, p. 16: They cannot be wise they have so much
adoo to keep themselves warme. 1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 250:
(He’s wise that). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: Thou art wise
enough, if thou canst keep thee warm. 1664 COD., p. 198: (He is
wise that). 1670 RAY, p. 28. I705 Pleas. zirt, p. 155.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. H i 267: Am I not wise? —Yes;
keep you warm. 1598-9 M.A. I i 68: Ifhe have wit enough to keep
himself warm.
Cf. F537: Fools have Wit enough to come in out of the rain.
K11 KEEP some till furthermore come
1639 CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129. 1670 RAY, p. I 10. I730 BAILEY,
s.v. Keep.
Cf. W90: Cast not out your foul water till you have clean.
K12 A wary KEEPER is better than a careful getter
01526 Dicta Sap., 3. CI: Greatter vertue it is to kepe and defende
thynges gotten, than to gete them. 1559 BERCHER Noaility W0-
men 1. 32, p. 97: It is no lesse prayse to kep than to guett. 1596
DEL., s. 08v: He that doth get, doth much: he that doth keepe doth
more. 1611 COT., s.v. Amasseur. I623 WOD., p. 496: It is better
to keepe then fetch. Ibid., p. 503: Better at good Keeper then a
good Winner. 1626 R. PIKE Three to One, p. 10: It is harder to
keepe a Victory, then to obteyne. 1639 CL., p. 124: Fortunam ci-
tius reperias quam retineas. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 51: One
hath more ado to preserve than to get.
Cf. G102: To get is the gift of fortune, to keep is the gift of wis-
dom.
K13 Who shall keep the KEEPERs?
1567 Lady Lueres Scene in Hist. Plasidas, etc., p. I 32: In vayne dothe
the husbande set kepers ouer her, for who shal kepe those kepers.
4;
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
352
KENNEL 353
KEY


1693 DRYDEN juvena! vi 464, p. 169: Keep close your women under
lock and key: But, who shall keep those Keepers? 1732 FUL., no.
5718.
K14 A KENNEL is lodging good enough for a dog
1639 CL., s.v. Hospitalitatis, p. 138.
K15 In KENT is found health and no wealth, wealth
and no health, and health and wealth
1576 LAMBARDE Peramo. Kent, p. 200: Very reasonable is their
conceite, which doe imagine that Kent hath three steps, or degrees,
of which the first (say they) onereth Wealth without health: the
second, giveth both Wealth and health: and the thirde aHoordeth
Health onely, and little or no Wealth. I610 P. HOLLAND Brit.
Kent, I 324: The Inhabitants distinguish it . . into three . . portions
. . the upper whereof, lying upon Tamis, they say is healthfull, but
not so wealthy: the middle . . both healthfull, and plentifull: the
lower . . wealthy, but not healthy: as which for a great part thereof
is verie moist. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20: Some places of Kent
have health and no wealth, some wealth and no health, some health
and wealth, some neither health nor wealth. I670 RAY, p. 234:
Some part of Kent hath health and no wealth, viz. East Kent.
Some wealth and no health, viz. The weald of Kent. Some both
health and wealth, viz. the middle of the Countrey and parts near
London. I735 PEooE Prov. Kent 64, p. 76: Health and no Wealth;
Wealth and no Health; Health and Wealth.
K16 Neither in KENT nor Christendom
01569 J. PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 433, s. C3: They be the craftiest
cattell in Cristendome or kent. I579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Sept.,
1. 151, p. 4.1: Sith the Saxon king, Never was woolfe seene, many
nor some, Nor in all Kent, nor in Christendome. *Glosse, p. 43:
This saying . . was wont to be an olde proverbe and comen phrase.
The original whereofwas, for that most part of England in the reigne
of King Ethelbert was christened, Kent onely except, which re-
mayned long after in mysbeliefe and unchristened: so that Kent was
counted no part of Christendome. 1594 LYLY Mot/ter B. III iv 5:
I care not . . I can line in Christendome as well as in Kent. 1599
NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 168: How William the Conquerour,
hauing heard the prouerbe of Kent and Christendome, thought he
had woonne a countrey as good as all Christendome when he was
enfeofed of Kent. I619 Two Wise Men V iv, 3. I3: Is there any
man in Christendome or in Kent, that you will trust for 40 shillings
without good securitie? 1622 TAYLOR T/ziey’: Wks. F., p. 286:
Some Bookes are arrogant and impudent, So are most Thieues in
Christendome and Kent. [a1635] 1651 T. RANDOLPH Hey for
Honesty I i, p. 387: All the cudgels in Christendom, Kent, or New
England, shall never make me quiet. 1639 CL., s.v. Dignitas et
excellentia, p. 91: As good as any in Kent or Christendome. I640
JONSON Tale Tub II i 37: I love no traines 0’ Kent, Or Christen-
dome, as they say. 1662 FULLER Worthies Kent, I 485: *This
Home-Proverb . . ought to be restrained to English-Christendome,
whereof Kent was first converted to the Faith. So then Kent and
Christendome (parallel to Rome and Italy) is as much as the First
Cut, and all the Loafe besides. I670 RAY, p. 183. I732 FUL., no.
3525-
Cf. C941: The first cut and all the loaf besides.
K17 KENTISH LONGTAILS
1602 DELONEY Strange Hist. I, p. 5, canto title: The Valiannt
Courage and Policie of the Kentishmen with long Tayles. 1617
MORYSON Itinerary III 1 iii, III 463: The Kentish men of old were
said to have tayles, because trafiicking in the Low-Countries, they
neuer paid full payments of what they did owe, but still left some
part unpaid. 1622 DRAYTON Poly-Ola. XXIII 237, p. 473: Kent,
first in our account, doth to it selfe apply, (Quoth he) this Blazon
first, Long Tayles and Libertie. [1639-61] 1662 xirsy Versy in
Rump Songs, II 47: I shall not dispute whether Long-tails of Kent.
Or Papist this name of disgrace did invent. I662 FULLER Worthies
Kent, I 486: *To come closer to . . this Proverb, I conceive it first
of outlandish extraction, and cast by Forraigners as a note of dis~
grace on all the English, though it chanceth to stick only on the
Kentish at this Day. 1670 RAY, p. 233.

K18 He has lost the KERNEL and leaps at the shell
I639 CL., s.v. Damni, p. 81.
K19 He that will eat the KERNEL let him crack the nut
01500 Prov. at Wressi/ in dntig. Rep, IV 416: And yf ye wolde the
swetnes have of the kyrnell, Be content to byte upon the harde
shell. 1539 TAV., f. 47v: He that woll eate the carnell out of the
nutte, breaketh the nutte. 1577 GRANGE Gold. flplzroditis, s. I3v:
I see the prouerbe is true: who wil the curnell of the nut must breake
the shell. 1586 WITHALS, s. D5: Break the nutte shale, if thou de~
sire to eat the kernell. 1610—25 Stonyhurst Pag. XVIII 473, p.
279: One must first the nutts shell cracke before he eate the kernell.
I635 SWAN Spec. Mandi IX i, p. 465: For be it so that we desire the
sweetnesse of the well relisht kernell, then must we likewise crack the
hard shell. I659 N.R., p. 47. 1670 RAY, p. 84: (must crack the
nut). I72I KEL., p. 141: He that would eat the Kirnel must crack
the Nut. 1732 FUL., no. 2348: He that will have the Kernel, must
crack the Shell.
See DUI‘., I, no. 890; T. 362, p. 198. Cf. M3: Madam Parnell,
crack the nut and eat the kernel; N360: Sweet is the nut but bitter
(hard) is the shell; N361: To have a nut to crack. (6)
K20 KETTLE = proper name
K20 But when, quoth KETTLE to his mare
I678 RAY, p. 276: *Chesh.
K2 I KETTLE = utensil
K21 The KETTLE calls the pot black ass
1639 CL., p. 8: The pot cals the pan burnt-arse. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
16, p. 125: The pot laughs at the kettle. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Padella, p. 126: To say as the fryingpan said to the pot, viz. every
one about his business, also stand OPE black arse, thou dost smuch
me; the Devil corrects Sin. 1670 RAY, p. 110: (black-a ).
I672 WALK. 8, p. 45: The Kettle calls the pot black arse; the pot
calls the pan burnt arse. I679 BEHN Feigned Court. V iv, p. 409:
As another old Proverb says, do not let Kettle call the pot black-
arse. 1721 KEL., p. 69: Black Arse quoth the Pot to the Caldron.
*Spoken when others upbraid us with those Faults that they are
guilty of themselves.
See ST., no. 1870. Cf. D262: The devil rebukes sin; F782: The
frying pan said to the kettle, Avaunt, black brows; K33: Ill may the
kiln call the oven burnt-house (burnt-tail); N1 12: Who more ready
to call her neighbor scold than the arrantest scold in the parish?
R34: The raven chides blackness; V43: Vice corrects sin. (7)

K22 As dry (hollow) as a KE):1
1553 Respuoliea V x, p. 62: An ye bydde mee, chill squease hym as
drie as a kyxe. 1562 HEY. Epig. 47, p. 107: Ye make my hert lyght
as a kyx. 1598 BERNARD Heauton. III ii, p. 207: But he hath a
certaine covetous fellow to his father, miserly, and dry as a kix.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Secco, p. I 88: To have no substance, pith,
or metal in one, to be as dry as a keck. 1672JOSSELYN New Eng.
Rarities 74, p. 128: (hollow). I672 WALK. 89, p. 19. I678 RAY,
p. 284: (hollow). *A Kex is a dried stalk of Hemlock or of wild
Cicely. 1684 R. L’ESTRANGE Ooservator 118, Vol. II: The Cove-
nant . . Squeez’d as dry as a Kex.
[1a dry stalk or reed]
K23 As cold as a KEY
[1501] 1553 DOUGLAS Pal. Hon. II, p. 26: With quaikand voce and
hart cald as a key. 1546 HEY. II i, s. F3v: Hotte as a toste, it grew
cold as a kaie. I587 TURBERVILLE Trag. Tales X, p. 276: As colde
as any kaye. 1594 LYLY Mother B. IV i 42: I perceiue the loue of
our children waxeth key colde. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1635: Ye ar
als cold as a key. 1605 MONTGOMERIE Sonnets 41, l. 3: Poems, p.
109: My lyfe . . from my body fled, And left my corps als cold as
ony kie. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Amozzata, p. 23: Also a standing starke
stilfe as one keycold. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Luv. 1. 1774: And then in key-cold Lu-
crece’ bleeding stream He falls. 1597 Rich. [H I ii 5: Poor key-
cold figure of a holy king.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
KEY
Km
354
K24 A silver KEY can open an iron lock
I679 WALLER 'l'rag. l/ist. Yetzer, p. 2: Whence he might have learnt,
that the Silver Key will open the strongest Gates of the strictest
Monastery. 1732 FUL., no. 400.
Cf. A356: An ass laden with gold climbs to the top of the castle;
L406: No lock will hold against the power of gold.
K25 To lay the KEY under the door and be gone
1602 J. CHAMBERLAIN Letters 54, p. 156: The mercer of Temple
Barre . . hath laide the key under the doore and is become banck-
rupt. 1639 CL., s.v. Festinationis, p. 115. . 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Cantone, p. 27: To desert one, to fly for’t, to leave one in the
lurch, or lay the key under the door, a way some use to pay their
Landlords withall. Ibid., s.v. Dio, p. 53: To give ones Landlord, or
Master of the house, the Slip, or go by, to lay the key under the
door, and this is spoken ironically, to be gone a God’s name. 1670
RAY, p. 182: To lay the key under the threshold. I677 YARRAN-
TON Eng. Improvem., I 126: Ifit [corn] hold cheap for Three or Four
years, the Tenant lays the Key under the Door. 1721 KEL., p.
145: He has left the Key under the Door. *To signify that a Man
has run away for fear of his Creditors. 1724 SWIFT Drapier’s Let.
1, p. 35 I: The shopkeeper . . must break, and leave the key under
the door.
Cf. L588: To leave one (To lie) in the lurch.
K26 The used KEY is always bright
1561-2 Kitt [lath Lost Key in Extr. Stationers’ Co., I 55: My key is
bright, not rusty, It is soe oft applied. I602 Poet. Rhap. II, I 52: For
vse .. euer shineth brighter. [1732-57] 1758 FRANKLIN Way to
Wealth, p. 28: Sloth, like rust, consumes faster than labor wears,
while the used key is always bright.
Cf. I91: Iron not used soon rusts; 193: Iron (Brass) with use
grows bright; W209: It is better to wear out than rust out.
K27 Your KEY fits not that (fits every) lock
a1529 SKELTON Womanhood Wanton l. 22: Wks., I 20: Youre key is
mete for euery lok. 1732 FUL., no. 6052.
K28 He tries all the KEYS in the bunch
1616 DR., s.v. Shifting, no. 1961. 1639 CL., s.v. Conatus, p. 60,
K29 The KEYS hang not all at one man’s girdle
a1536 HILL 50, p. 129: (All the keis hange not bi). I546 HEY. I xi,
s. D4: (not all by). 1562 HEY. Epig. 234, p. 164: (not all by).
1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 45: (All the Keyes hang not at). 01594
BACON, no. 643: (not all by). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 60: All the
keyes of the countrie hingis not at one belte. I611 GRUT., no. 263.
1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 DR., s.v. Tyranny, no. 2208. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Securitatis, p. 278: (not at one). 1640 HERB., no. 715: All
keyes hang not on one girdle. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. I659
N.R., p. 114: (at one Girdle). 1664 COD., p. I84:[Asin1640Herb.].
Ibid., p. 212: (The Keyes do not all hang at). 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
7, p. 47: All keys do not hang at one girdle. 1668 R.B.,
p. I: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. I 10'. (All the keys hang not
at). 1721 KEL., p. 1 1: All the Keys of the World hings not at your
Belt. *Spoken to those who refuse us their Help, Support, or
Assistance; intimating, that others may afford what they deny us.
K30 The KICK of the dam (mare) hurts not the colt
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: (mare). *A friends reproofe
neuer doth ill. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 20: When thy
friend reproues thee, attend and loue him; for the kick of the mare
neuer hurts the colt, and a friends reproofe w[i]ll neuer do thee in-
iury. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 236: (A kick).
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 34: (never hurts the Stallion). 1732 FUL.,
no. 461 1.
K31 He is of the same (a strange) KIDNEY
01531 LATIMER Let. 4: Serm. and Rem., p. 312: To pronounce all to
be thieves to a man, except myself, of course, and those men . . that
are of my own kidney. I658 FRANCK North. Mem., p. 39: Such
Furiosos, I must confess, are of an odd kidney. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Tomaia, p. 217: To be . . one of the same mould, gang, of

the same kidney. I678 RAY, p. 255: A man of a strange kidney.
1694 ECHARD FairAndrian I, p. 6: If any such has got a Tutor of his
own Kidney, he shall be sure to be ply’d o’the weak side.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I III v 116: Think of that—a
man of my kidney . . that am as subject to heat as butter.
K32 It is ill KILLING a crow with an empty sling
1678 RAY, p. 120. 1732 FUL., no. 2960.
K33 111 may the KILN call the oven burnt-house
(burnt-tail)
1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 128: Which some say
prouerbially, Ill may the Kill call the Ouen burnt taile. 1611
FLOR., s.v. Cencio, p. 92: A prouerbe, as we say the pan calles the
ouen burnt-taile. 1639 CL., s.v. Culpandi, p. 79. Ibid., s.v. Male-
dicentia, p. 196: The kilne calls the oven burnt-hearth. I670 RAY,
p. 110: (The kiln calls).
Cf. K21: The kettle calls the pot black ass.
K34 My KILN of malt is on fire
1636 CAM., p. 302. 1659 N.R., p. 76.
K35 KIM—KAM
1616 DR., no. 23: Kim Kam, arsie versie.
arsie versie——Lines not worth your reading.
Cf. A328: Arsie versie.
1639 CL., p. 7: Kim kam
1670 RAY, p. 183.
K36 It is a good KIN that none do amiss in
1639 CL., s.v. Inculpatus, p. 160.
Cf. F49: It is a poor family (kin) which has neither a whore nor a
thief in it.
K37 It is good to be near of KIN to an estate
1662 FULLER Worthies Leicestershire, I 563: Our English Proverb,
It is good to be near a-kin to Land, holdeth in private Patrimonies,
not Titles to Crowns. I670 RAY, p. I 10. I721 KEL., p. 197: It is
something to be Sub [akin] to a good Estate. Because at the long
run it may fall to us. 1732 FUL., no. 2943: (to be akin). I748
RICHARDSON Clarissa, I 73: My sister says, in the words of an Old
saw, It is good to be related to an estate.
Cf. M580a: Rich men want no kindred.
K38 The nearer in KIN the less in kindness
1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorboduc I i, s. A3v: In kinde a father,
not in kindlinesse. I594 LYLY Mother B. III i 20: The neerer we
are in bloud, the further wee must be from loue; and the greater
the kindred is, the lesse the kindnes must be. 1598 BASTARD Epig.
III, p. 39: Neuer so many cosins: so fewe kynde. 1600 THYNNE
Embl. and Epig., p. 50: Straungers to our kinde and to our bloode,
then our owne kinde and kinn, do vs more good. 1609 W. ROWLEY
Searchfor Money, p. 5: I would he were not so neere to us in kin-
dred, then sure he would be neerer in kindnesse. [1613-14] 1623
WEBSTER Duch. Malfi IV ii 288: You have bloodely approv’d the
auncient truth, That kindred commonly doe worse ag[r]ee Then
remote strangers. 1618 HOLYDAY Technogamia I ii, s. A4v: The
neerer kinne, the farther Off in friendship.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. [H II i 91: God grant that some, less
noble and less loyal, Nearer in bloody thoughts, and not in blood,
Deserve not worse than wretched Clarence did. 1600-1 H. I ii
65: A little more than kin, and less than kind! 1605-6 M. II iii
146: The near in blood, The nearer bloody.
Cf. H210: The greatest hate proceeds from the greatest love;
H211: No hate like to brothers’ if they fall at debate; K97: Many
kinsfolk few friends.
K39 The nearer the KIN the further in
1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XVI Moral, p. 126: The nearer of kin,
the sooner in. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1423: The nigher kinne the
farrer inne. *A proverb Of thejelous Italianis quho ar even jealous
of ther neirest friendis with ther wifes. I615 TOFTE Blazon :7eal., p.
28:(Thenigherkinne). I639CL.,s.v.Amicitia,p.26. I651HOBBEs
Leviathan II 19, p. 101: The neerer of kin, is the neerer in affec-
tion.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
KIN
KING
355


K40 Of KIN to the owl, who thinks herself fairest
1639 CL., s.v. Philautia, p. 255.
Cf. A270: Every ape thinks his puppy the fairest; C851: The
crow thinks her own bird fairest (whitest); C892: A cuckoo thinks
herself a fine bird.
K41-K42 KIND : subst.
K41 He is come of the right KIND
1639 CL., s.v. Fortitudinis, p. 121.
K42 It comes by KIND,1 it cost him nothing
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 585: He hes it of kynd he coft [bought] it not.
1616 DR., no. 1471: It commeth to him by kind, it cost him nought.
1623 CAM., p. 272. 1639 CL., p. 168: (him nought). 1659 N.R.,
p. 65: (them nothing). 1670 RAY, p. 182. 1721 KEL., p. 152: He
has’t a kind, he cost [bought] it not. *Spoken when People take
after their Parents in ill Things. 1732 FU L., no. 5484: What cometh
by Kind, costeth nothing.
[1nature]
K43 KIND: adj.
K43 KIND today cross tomorrow
1639 CL., p. 159.
K44 Hertfordshire KINDNESS
1662 FULLER Worthies Hertfordshire, I 427: *The people in this
County at entertainments drink back to them who drank to them.
1670 RAY, p. 231. 1732 FUL., no. 2498. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
II, p. 436: Why, then, that’s Hertfordshire kindness.
Cf. K48: Kindness lies not aye in one Side of the house.
K45 KINDNESS cannot be bought for gear1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 913: (Kyndnes may not).
556. 1668 R.B., p. 34.
good Oflices.
Cf. T616: One good turn asks (requires, deserves) another.
[lmoney, property]
1641 FERG., no.
1721 KEL., p. 227: *But rather by mutual
K46 KINDNESS comes of will
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 911. 1668 R.B., p. 34. 1721 KEL., p. 226:
Kindness comes awill. *That is, Love cannot be forc’d.
Cf. L499: Love cannot be compelled (forced).
K47
KINDNESS is lost that is done to an old man and
young child
[ERAS. Adagia, 382E: In senem ne quod collocaris beneficium.]
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 182: All is lost that thou dost gyue
to fynde Four sortis of people . . The seconde a childe, for his for-
getfull mynde Expellyth kyndnes, the thirde a man in age. I581
Compl. upon Fort. in Coll. 79 Bl. Letter Bal., p. 53: Bot as the prou-
erbe speikis, it plaine appeiris, Auld men will die and barnes will
sone forget. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 236: Pleasures and fa-
vours are not to bee done either to a childe or to an olde man. 1585
ROBSON Choice Change, s. K1v: Three sortes of benefites perish.
Such as are bestowed vpon old men. They die before they haue
tyme to requite them. Such as are giuen to children. They for-
get them before they be able to requite them. Such as are cast
away vppon other mens dogs. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 781: It is all
tint [lost] quhilk is done to child and auld man. 1616 T. ADAMS
Sacrif. Thankfuln.: Wks., p. 102: Our beneficence Should not be
fixed vpon a Child; or an Old man: for the Child, before he comes to
age, will forget it, and the Old man will die before he can requite it.
1639 CL., p. 45: (that’s bestowed on children and old folkes).
Ibid., p. 170: (Its lost). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 31: What to old
men thou give, thou wilt never regain. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p.
25: Good turns are not to be done to children, or old men. *Note
31, p. 32: The one minds them not, the other forgets them. 1668
R.B., p. 28: It’s tint that is done to old men and bairns. 1721
KEL., p. 180: [As in 1668 RB].
Cf. B309: Benefits are soon forgotten; M569: Old men are for-
getful.
K48 KINDNESS lies not aye in one side of the house
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 926: Kindnes stands not wpon ane Syd or Sil-
ver sporis. 1641 FERG., no. 564. 1668 R.B., p. 33. I721 KEL.,
p. 227: Kindness cannot stand ay on one side. *Spoken when you
offer an Instance of Kindness to them who have been formerly
kind to you.
Cf. K44: Hertfordshire kindness; K50: One kindness is the price
of another; T616: One good turn asks (requires, deserves) another.
K49 KINDNESS (Love, Kind) will creep where it cannot
go '
1481 CAXTON Reynard 28, p. 70: Blood must krepe where it can not
goo. [01500] a1520 Everyman, s. A6V: Kynde wyll crepe where it
may not go. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D3: (Men sey, kynde wyll).
a1598 FERG. MS. no. 912: (quhair it may not gang). 1608 T.
HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 1 80: Now what in love will you Show, A
thing that creeps and cannot goe. 1611 GRUT., no. 171. 1614
CAM., p. 309. 1616 DR., no. 1294: (Lone). 1639 CL., p. 135.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1664 COD., p. 203. 1668 R.B., p.
34: (where it may not gang). 1670 RAY, p. 46: (Love). 1721
KEL., p. 226: *They who dare not shew their Love openly, will find
a Way to convey the Knowledge of it privately.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.C. V. IV ii 19: You know that love Will
creep in service where it cannot go.
See ST., no. 257. Cf. C332: Children learn to creep before they
go (A man must creep before he goes); C820: First creep, then go
(Learn to creep before you go). (13)
K50 One KINDNESS is the price of another
1732 FUL., no. 3764.
Cf. K48: Kindness lies not aye in one side of the house; T616:
One good turn asks (requires, deserves) another.
K51 To kill with KINDNESS
c1558 Wealth and Health 1. 735, s. D1v: With kindnes my her [t] ye do
kyll. 1602 Poet. Rhap. 166, I 227: I die for want of Loue, yet kild
with kindnes. 1607 T. HEYWOOD A Woman Kilde with Kindnesse:
[Title]. 1639 CL., s.v. Munus aptum autineptum, p. 221: You kill
him with kindnes. 1670 RAY, p. 1 82: *So the ape is said to Strangle
her young ones by embracing and hugging them. 1699 FARQUHAR
Love and Bottle III i, p. 35: I bear her an amorous grudge still . . I
cou’d kill her with kindness.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. IV i 21 1: Thisis a way to kill a wife
with kindness.
Cf. A264: The ape kills her young with kindness (by clipping).
K52 He has KINDRED enough that has a good wife
1616 DR., no. 2385.
K53 Wheresoever you see your KINDRED make much
of your friends
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1 1. Ibid., p. 16: (For all your Kindred,
make). 1670 RAY, p. 15. 1705 Pleas. drt, p. 152. 1732 FUL.,
no. 5660.
Cf. F746: Here’s to our friends and hang up the rest of our kin-
dred.
K54 As merry (happy) as a KING
c1510 Hickscorner, s. C3v: They maye lyue as mery as ony kynge.
01530 Youth, 5. A4v: I wyll make as mery as a kinge. 1595 PEELE
Old Wives’ Tale 1. 88, s. A4v: This Smith leades a life as merrie as a
King. 1618 HOLYDAY Technogamia III v, s. H4: Be as merry as a
king. 1697 D’URFEY Cinthia IV i, p. 27: The toyling Swain, more
happy than a King, In wishes bounded, chearfully does Sing.
K55 Better to be KING of a molehill than a kaiser’s
slave
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., S. D3v: It is better to be king of a mould
hil, then to be subiecte to a mountaine. I594 PEELE Battle Al-
cazar II ii, s. CIV: King of a mole-hill had I rather be, Than the
richest subiect of a monarchie. 1606 2 Ret.from Parn. V i, S. G4v:


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation sec pp. xi [1.
KING
KING
356


Fayre fell good Orpheus, that would rather be King of a mole hill,
then a Keysars slaue. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
Cf. 1336!: Better to be a bird of the wood than of the cage; M107:
Every man cannot be a master (lord); S75: Better eat salt with
philosophers of Greece than sugar with courtesans (courtiers) of
Italy.
K56 He fears nor KING nor kaiser
1546 HEY. I xii, 5. F1: Kyng or keyser must haue set them quyght.
[01597] I609 JONSON Case Is Altered V vi 5;: Thers a Keisars royall.
By Gods bid, nor King nor Keisar shall? . 1639 CL., s.v. Contemp-
tus, p. 68: He cares neither for King nor Caesar. 1640 JONSON
Tale Tub II ii 30: I charge you in the Queenes name, keepe the
peace. —Tell me 0’ no Queene, or Keysar. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. :4.
K57 He that is drunk is as great as a KING
1672 Westminster Droll. II, p. 77: (A man that). 1696 D’URFEY
3 Don Quix. III ii, p. 256: (The Man that’s drunk).
K58 It belongs to a KING to do well and hear ill
1550 TAv. Flowers Sent., s. A7v: It is gyuen to a kynge, though he
do neuer so well yet to be euyll spoken of. 1557 T. NORTH Dial
Princes Gen’l. Prol., p. [12]: For the good and vertuous Prince
ought to graer in their memory the wise sayings which they reade,
and forget the cankred iniuries and wrongs which are done them.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 75: The same Alexander understanding
that some misreported him, went not about any way to revenge it,
but answered sagely, and with a Princely modestie, that it belonged
to a King to doe well, and heare yll.
K59 It shall be done when the KING comes to Wogan
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 21: *A little Village; viz. An impossibility.
K60 The KING and the pope, the lion and the wolf
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I 2: *A Proverb used in King Johns time, in
regard of the great exactions.
K61 The KING can do no wrong
01538 T. STARKEY Dialogue I iv 35: Eng. in Reign Hen. VIII II,
p. 101: Hyt ys comyngly sayd . . a kyng ys aboue hys lawys. 1651
HOBBES Leviathan II 18, p. 90: They that have Soveraign power,
may commit Iniquity. [a1654] I689 SELDEN Tahle Talk, p. 61:
The King can do no wrong, that is no Process can be granted against
him. 1670 MILTON Hist. Eng: les., X 305: That he was harmless
and simple, is conjectured by his words in anger to a Peasant who
had cross'd his Game . . by God and God’s Mother, said hee, I shall
do you as shrew’d a turn ifI can; observing that Law-Maxime . .
that the King of England can do no wrong.
Cf. K65: The king must be subject to (must do nothing against)
the law; K72: What the king wills, that the law wills.
K62-3 The KING knew not his friends from his foes
1649 E. AUDELEY Strange Proph. in Fugitive Tracts H, p. 4: (It
was grown to a common Proverbe that the King).
K64 A KING (prince) loves the treason but hates the
traitor
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D3v: I commende that sentence, though
I hate the traytour that spoke it. 1594 DANIEL Cleopatra IV, p.
62: Yet Princes in this case Doe hate the Traitor, though they loue
the treason. 1594 Selimus xxiii, s. H4v: O sir, I loue the fruite that
treason brings, But those that are the traitors, them I hate.
[DALLINGTON] View France, s. GI: It is, I confesse, good policie to
condemne the Traytor, and yet loue the Treason. I604 DEKKER
1 Hon. W'hore, p. 69: This principle is old . . Kings may loue trea-
son, but the traitor hate. [1612] I657 MIDDLETON W'omen Beware
lVomen II ii 446: I’m like that great one, Who, making politic use of
a base villain, He likes the treason well, but hates the traitor. 1612
SHELTON Don .Q‘uix. Pt. I, IV xii, II I49: The Generall . . did ac-
complish in them the Spanish proverbe; That although the treason
pleaseth, yet is the Traitor hated: and so . . he commanded those to
bee hanged that had brought him the present [the Spaniard’s head].
1604'

1614 C. BROOKE Ghost Rich. [11: Poems, p. 109: They loue no
traytors, that doe traytors vse. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2 5, p. 267: The
story pleaseth, but not the spy. *Note 186, p. 277: As the saying
is, To love the Treason, and hate the Traytor. 1683 DRYDEN AND
LEE Duke Guise III i, p. 352: Hate then the Traytor, but yet love
the Treason.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. H V vi 39: Though I did wish him
dead, I hate the murtherer, love him murthered. 1597 Rich. [H I
iv 260: O sirs, consider, they that set you on To do this deed will
hate you for the deed. 1599 71C. II i 175: And let our hearts, as
subtle masters do, Stir up their servants to an act of rage And after
seem to chide ’em. This shall make Our purpose necessary, and
not envious.
Cf. P238: Hate not the person but the vice.
K65 The KING must be subject to (must do nothing
against) the law
1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. H2v: It is a shame for the Law-
giuer t0 breake and violate his owne institutions. 1616 DR., no.
1147: (doe nothing against Law). Ihid., no. 1148.
Cf. K61: The king can do no wrong; K72: What the king wills,
that the law wills; LI 1 8: They that make laws must not break them.
K66 The KING of good fellows is appointed for the
queen of beggars
1636 CAM., p. 307. 1659 N.R., p. 109.
FUL., no. 4616.
K67 A KING or a beggar
[ERAS. Aldagia, 838B: Rex aut asinus.] 1616 WITHALS, p. 580: A
king or a beggar: A man or a mouse. 1672 WALK. 20, p. 56: *Some_
thing or nothing.
Cf. M297: A man or a mouse.
K68 The KING wills, the bishop preaches
a1650 D’EWEs Autobiog. and Corr., II 165: The Saxons had a
proverbe, The King wills, the Bishopp preacheth; which showes
that in those very daies of Popery, before the one thousand years
were expired, after which the Devill was to be loosed, bishopps did
as ordinarily preach as the King did ride, which shall condemne
those Bishopps of our daies that pretend themselves to be protes-
tants.
K69 A KING without learning is but a crowned ass
01534 BERNERS Huon 180, p. 730: For comonly it is said that a kyng
without letter or conynge is compared to an asse crowned. 1535
Dial. Creatures 25, s. H3v: A kynge vnlernyd is lyke to an Asse
crownyd.
K70 Like KING (prince) like people
[c1525-9] 1561 Godly Qu. Hester l. 93, p. 6: Quoque, si princeps
malus populus coruet. 1547 BALE God’s Promises VI, s. D4: Whan
the prynce is good, the people are the better. And as he is nought,
their vyces are the greatter. I548 LATIMER Serm. 6, p. 69: For
truly, such as the noblemen be, such will the people be. 1580
BARET, B—923: Bonus dux bonum reddit comitem . . The meaning
of this Prouerbe is that a good ruler maketh good subiectes. 1616
DR., no. 1234: (Prince). 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. Democr. to
Rdr., p. 68: For as the Princes are, so are the people. 1623 WOD.,
p. 516: Such Prince such People. 1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. W hs.,
p. 2 5 5: Examples lead us, and wee likely see, Such as the Prince is,
will his People be. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 10, p. 233: As the King is, so is his People.
SHAKESPEARE.——1593-4 Luc. l. 615: For princes are the glass, the
school, the book, Where subjects’ eyes do learn, do read, do look.
1600-1 H. III i 158: 0, what a noble mind is here o’erthrown . . The
glass of fashion and the mould of form.
Cf. C70: Such as the captain is such is the soldier; P583: Like
priest like people; S328: As the shepherd is such is the flock (sheep).
K71 Nearest the KING (Highest in court) nearest the
widdy1
[01536] I568 LINDSAY Compl. Bagsche l. 151'. Minor Poems, p. 571:
Hiest in Court, nixt the weddie. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1078. 1668
1664 COD., p. 212. I732
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
KING
KING (KINGS)
357


R.B., p. 39. 1721 KEL., p. 126: (Highest in Court). *Witness the
fatal Fall of many Courtiers.
Cf. 181: Far from Jove (Jupiter) far from thunder (lightning).
[lgallows]
K72 What the KING wills, that the law wills
I611 COT., s.v. Loy: What the King likes the Law allowes of; or,
lawes are expounded as the King thinks good. 1616 DR., no. I 153.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 17: That which the King wills the Law wills.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 37, p. 125: Kings are the Authors oflaws. Ioid.
7, p. 126: The laws are altered where Kings will have them.
Cf. K61: The king can do no wrong; K65: The king must be
subject to (must do nothing against) the law; L447: Lords’ hests are
held for laws.
K73 Whosoever is KING you will be his man
I670 RAY, p. 183. 1732 FUL., no. 5734: (thou shalt be).
K74 You should be a KING of your word
1641 FERG., no. 906. I668 R.B., p. 57.
Cf. M184: An honest man is as good as his word.
K75 He clips the KING’S English
[He is drunk.] 1600 Look about You, s. C2: Marry heares a stam-
merer taken clipping the Kings English. 1603 DEKKER Wonderful
Year: Non-Dram. Wks., I 136: Ifhe had clipt but a quarter so much
of the Kings siluer as he did the Kings english, his carkas had long
ere this bene carrion for Crows. [a1633] 1642 T. TAYLOR Theater
God’s 7udg. vii, II 99: He [the drunkard] shall lispe and clip his
English. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Lingua, p. 90: The English . .
say, to clip the Kings English, as upon the account of drinking.
1684 LACY Sir Hercules Buf. V i, p. 306: That is not shorthand; ’tis
called clipping the King’s English. a1700 B.E., s.v. Clip: To clip
the King's English, not to Speak Plain, when one’s Drunk. I745
FRANKLIN Drinker’s Diet.: Wks., II 136: Clips the King’s English.
Cf. K80: The king’s English.
K76 He shall have the KING’S horse
1678 RAY, p. 89: *Proverbiall Phrase for a lier.
K77 He that eats the KING’S goose Shall be choked
with the feathers
a1598 FERG. MS, no. I406: Thay that eats the kings geass wil wirrie
on the feathers. I611 COT., s.v. Oye: He that eats the Kings Goose
doth void the feathers an hundred yeares after. *He that pur-
loynes the Princes treasure payes in th’arrerages (by himselfe, or
his heires) one time or another. I618 T. ADAMS Happiness Clzurelz:
Wks., p. 541: What familie, that hath had but a finger in these
sacrileges, hath not beene ruinated by them? .. Remember the
Prouerbe: He that eates the Kinges goose, shall haue the feathers
sticke in his throate seuen yeares after. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p.
13. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8: He who eats the Kings Goose may
shite out the feathers a hundred years after. 1670 RAY, p. 15.
1732 FUL., no. 2093: (King’s Geese).
Cf. G365: To steal a goose and stick down a feather; H651: He
has eaten a horse and the tail hangs out at his mouth.
K78 KING’S chafi is worth other men’s corn
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1301: (The kings chaff). 1612 SHELTON Don
Quix. Pt. I, IV xii, II 142: Men say, that A Kings crumme is more
worth then a Lords loafe. I641 FERG., no. 563. I668 R.B., p. 33.
I721 KEL., p. 226: *The Perquisites that attend Kings Service is
better than the Wages of other Persons.
Cf. K82: The king’s word is more than another man’s oath.
K79 The KING’S cheese goes half away in parings
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1: *Among so many Officers. 1660
HOWELL Parley Beasts II, p. 19: But three parts of four [taxes] are
drunk up among hungry Ofi-icers whence grew the proverb, that the
King’s cheese goes away three parts in parings. I670 RAY, p. 1 10.
I709 DYKES, p. 299: (goes away Half). I721 KEL., p. 226: *A
great deal of it goes to the Officers of the Revenue. 1732 FUL., no.
4617. 1735 FRANKLIN, p. 9: The king’s cheese is half wasted in
parings; but no matter, ’t is made of the peoples milk.


K80 The KING’S English
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 162: These fine English clerkes will say,
they speake in their mother tongue, if a man should charge them for
counterfeiting the Kings English. 1592 NASHE Strange News To
Rdr.: Wks., I 261: Still he must be . . abusing the Queenes English
without pittie or mercie.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I I iv 6: Abusing of God’s pa-
tience and the king’s English.
Cf. K75: He clips the king’s English.
K81 A KING’S favor is no inheritance
1586 WITHALS, s. I7v: The fauour of Princes, Peeres and greate men,
hath no certaine state but flits now and then. 1623 WOD., p. 487:
Princes Service, and Lords Favour is no Heritage. *So said truly
of those that are ill rewarded for their Service. 1678 RAY, p. 163.
I732 FUL., no. 4618. I733 FRANKLIN, p. 5: The favour of the great
is no inheritance.
Cf. S253: Service is no inheritance (heritage).
K82 The KING’S word is more than another man’s oath
I554 PRINCESS ELIZ. (to Qu. Mary) in Original Let. II 155, II 255:
(This olde saynge, that a Kinge’s worde was more).
Cf. K78: King’s chaff is worth other men's corn; K83: A king’s
word must stand.
K83 A KING’S word must stand
I508 FISHER Sayings David in Psalms, p. 230: It is a Comyn
prouerbe . . A kynges worde must stande. '
Cf. K82: The king’s word is more than another man’s oath.
K84 Ill KINGS make many good laws
I689 dgreement eaw. Pres. and Former Govt. VIII, p. 57: The
worst Kings made the best Laws. 1732 FUL., no. 3072.
Cf. M625: Ill manners (lives) produce good laws.
K85 KINGS and bears often worry their keepers
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 916: Kings and boares Ofttyms wirries ther
keipers. I641 FERG., no. 561: (worries). I668 R.B., p. 34. I721
KEL., p. 226: *Witness the tragical End of many Courtiers. I733
FRANKLIN, p. 5.
K86 KINGS are out of play
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. C2v: But Kynges matters
passyng our reache, pertayne not to vs. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
915. I603 BRETON Dial. Full Pit/1e: Wks., II 6: Make cleane your
dishes and your platters, But talke of no Princes matters. I668
R.B., p. 34. 1721 KEL., p. 225: *It is not right, in Subjects, tojest
upon Kings, or to pry narrowly into their Determinations, and
Actions.
Cf. T206: The things that are above us are nothing to us.
K87 KINGS have long arms (ears, hands)
[ERAS. ddagia, 69E: Multae regum aures atque oculi. Ibid., 70A:
Longae regum manus Quod ab Ovidio scriptum est: An nescis
longas regibus esse manus? etiam vulgo in ore est.] 1539 TAV.,
f. 4v: (handes). I578 LYLY Euph. flnat. Wit, p. 221: Kinges haue
long armes and rulers large reches. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I
199: Princes hands, will reach a great way of. 1596 DEL., s. O2v:
The'armes of kings do reach very far. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 917:
Kings hes long ears. 1608 CHAPMAN Byron’s Trag. III i 182: His
[the king’s] arm is long, and strong. 1611 DAv. Epig., no. 96:
Kings haue long armes, wide cares, and piercing eyes. 1639 CL.,
p. 249. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 29: Princes have reaching arms.
I668 R.B., p. 33: (ears). I72I KEL., p. 225: (Hands). *Their
Power, and Authority, reaches over all their Dominions. I752
FRANKLIN, p. 28: Kings have long Arms, but misfortune longer:
Let none think themselves out of her Reach.
SHAKESPEARE.——1590-I 2 Hen. VI IV vii 86: Great men have
reaching hands. 1596 Rich. II IV i I I: I heard you [Aumerle] say,
‘Is not my arm of length, That reacheth from the restful English
court As far as Calais to mine uncle’s head?’ 1608 P. I ii 7: And
danger, which I feared, is at Antioch, Whose arm seems far too
short to hit me here. 1613 Hen. VIII I i 109: And I know his

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
KING ARTHUR
KISS
358
sword Hath a sharp edge; it’s long, and ’t may be said It reaches
far, and where ’twill not extend, Thither he darts it.
See ST., no. 114. (8)
K88 KING ARTHUR did never violate the refuge of a
woman
1662 FULLER Worthies Cardiganshire, II 578: *Arthur is . . the
Mirrour of Manhood. By the Woman’s Refuge, many understand
herTongue, and no valiant man will revenge her words with his blows.
K89 Every KINGDOM divided soon falls
[Matt. xii 25: Every kingdom divided against itself is brought
to desolation.] 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. L4v: A Kingdome
diuided is not long established. 1602 Poet. Rhap. 66, I 120: Self-
deuided kingdomes cannot stand. 1630 T. ADAMS Fire Content..-
Wks., p. 780: Christ saith, that a kingdome diuided cannot stand.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 233.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 K.L. I i382 Know we have divided In
three our kingdom.
Cf. U11: In union (concord) is strength; U12: Unity (Union) is
the strongest building (bulwark) of cities.
K90 For a KINGDOM any law may be broken
1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorboduc II i, 3. D1: Know ye, that
lust of kingdomes hath no law. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 101:
Euripides makes it in a manner lawful for a kingdom’s sake to
transgress the limits of law, nature, and honesty. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 235: Tush Philautus, I am in this poynt of
Euripides his minde, who thinkes it lawfull for the desire of a
kingdome to transgresse the bounds of honestie. 1581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. II, I 203: [Unjust princes] for a kingdomes sake woulde
have it lawfull to breake all lawes. I606 MARSTON Parasitaster IV
i 715: Alas! he and all know, this an old saw hath bin, Faith’s
breach for love and kingdoms is no sin.
SHAKESPEARE.—I§QI 3 Hen. VII ii 16: (Forakingdom any oath).
K91 In the KINGDOM of a cheater the wallet is carried
before
1640 HERB., no. 461.
K92 KING HARRY loved a man
01600 1 Ret. from Porn. II, p. 51: Then flcus pro diabolo—King
Harrie loved a man! 1605 S. ROWLEY When You See Me, s. D3v:
King Harry loves a man, I can tell yee. [01630] I641 NAUNTON
Frag. Regalia, p. 28: The people hath it to this day in proverb,
King Harry loved a man. 1637 CAM., p. 301. 1659 How. New
Sayings, p. 8: King Harry loved a Man, and so did his daughter
Besse. I659 N.R., p. 71: King Henry Loud a man. 1664 COD.,
p. 203. 1670 RAY, p. 100: *Valiant men love such as are so, hate
cowards.
K93 KING HARRY1 robbed the church and died a
beggar
1678 RAY, p. 354.
[‘Henry VIII]
K94 A KING HARRY’S face
1678 RAY, p. 73.
K95 The KING OF ENGLAND is the king of devils
01645 J. TAYLOR Gen. Compl.: Wks. Q, IV A2v. 1660 HOWELL
Parley Beasts X, p. 131: Gheriona [England] is a good Country but
the Peeple are bad, insomuch that her King hath bin call’d the King
of Devills. I662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 82: *Why the King
of England King of Devils, I either cannot, or do not, or will not un-
derstand. Sure I am, St. Gregory gave us better language when he
said Angli velut Angeli, for our fair complexions; and it is sad we
should be Devils by our black conditions.
K96 Like KING PETAUD’S court, where everyone is
master
1611 COT., s.v. Petaud: C’est la Court du Roy Petaud, ou chascun
est maistre. *Applyable to an Anarchie, or a disordered familie,

1623 WOD., p. 514-. It
1659 How,
wherein euerie one may doe what he listeth.
is King Petauds Court, every Man is Maister in it.
Fr. Prov., p. 10.
K97 Many KINSFOLK few friends
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E4: (and fewe frends).
1020: (bot few freindis). 1611 COT., s.v. Tourment. I611 GRUT.,
no. 186: (kinsfolkes). 1614 CAM., p. 310: (kinsfolkes). 1616
DR., no. 806: (and few friends). 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III I ii
2, p. 629: The love of kinsmen is grown cold, many kinsmen, (as the
saying is) few friends. 1639 CL., p. 26. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p,
3: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1664 COD., p. 205. I670 RAY, p. 94.
Cf. K38: The nearer in kin the less in kindness.
a1598 FERG. MS, no,
K98 KINSMAN with kinsman, woe be to him that has
nothing
I573 SANF., f. 51. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v: (Kinsfolkes
with kinsfolke, WO to). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 19, p. 27: (Kinsman
helps kinsman, but woe to).
K99 The KINSMAN’S ear will hear it
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 4.
K100 KIRBIE’S castle and Megse’s glory, Spinola’s
pleasure and Fisher’s folly
I598 STOW Surv. Lond., I 165: This house being so large and sump-
tuously builded by a man of no greater calling, possessions, or
wealth . . was mockingly called Fishers folly, and a Rithme was
made of it, and other the like, in this manner. Kirkebyes Castell,
and Fishers Follie, Spinilas Pleasure, and Megses glorie. 1662
FULLER Worthies London, II 56: *These were four houses about
the City, built by Citizens, large and sumptuous above their
estates. 1670 RAY, p. 241.
K101 He rives1 the KIRK to theek2 the quire3
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 30: Uncover not the
church therwith to mend the quer: Spoye not a multitude of people
miserable, To one or two persons for to be profitable. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 700: (He turres [strips] the kirk). 1641 FERG. no. 419.
[01671] 01700 FRASER Polichron., p. 496: Tirr the Kirk to thack the
quire. I721 KEL., p. 276: Peel the Kirk, and Thick the Quire.
*Eng. Rob Peter and pay Paul. ,
Cf. P244: He robs Peter to pay Paul.
[Istrips 2thatch 3choir]
K102 The KIRK is aye greedy
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1366: (is greedie). 1721 KEL., p. 314:
*Clergymen have Perquisites and Tythes due from every Man in
the Parish, and because they demand these small sums they are
call’d covetous.
I’ll make one, quoth KIRKHAM when he danced
in his clogs
I670 RAY, p. 182: *Chesh.
K103
K104 Kiss: subst.
K104 Wanton KISSES are keys of sin
1616 BRET., p. 8. 1639 CL., s.v. Amor, p. 28.
keyes.
Cf. K107: After kissing comes more kindness.
K105—K106 Kiss: verb
K105 She had rather KISS than spin
1678 RAY, p. 255.
K106 You must not KISS and tell
1616 JONSON Forest 5, p. 266: ’Tis no sin love’s fruit to steal,
But the sweet theft to reveal. 1675 C. COTTON Scofler Scoft,
p. 67: And if he needs must kiss and tell, I’ll kick him headlong into
Hell. 1695 CONGREVE Lovefor Love II, p. 122: Oh fie, Miss, YOU
must not kiss and tell.
Ibid.: Kisses are
1732 FUL., no. 4123.
4
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
KISSING
KNAVE
359


K107 After KISSING comes more kindness
I484 CAXTON Bk. La Tour-Landry 33, p. 185: The kyssynge is
nyghe parente and cosyn vnto the fowle faytte or dede. [1624]
1661 R. DAVENPORT City Nightcap I, p. 114: She that will kiss,
they say, will do worse. 1639 CL., s.v. Amor, p. 28.
Cf. K104: Wanton kisses are keys of sin.
K108 KISSING goes by favor
1616 DR., s.v. Fauour, no. 693: (Kissing commeth). 1636 CAM.,
p. 301. 1639 CL., s.v. Amor, p. 28. 1649 F. QUARLES Virgin
Widow I, p. 272: Come, Kissing goes by favour Let her go With her
fair Game. 01656 Kissing Goes by Favour 70 in Cav. and Pur.,
p. 453: [Title]. 1659 HEYLIN in Fuller zippeal III, p. 618: But
kissing goes by favour, as the saying is; and therefore let him favour
whom he pleases, and kiss where he favoureth. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 16. I670 RAY, p. 110. 1721 KEL., p. 225: *Men shew
Regard, or do Service, to People as they affect. 1732 FUL., no.
3128.
K109 KITl has lost her key
1533 T. MORE Apology xxiv, p. 101: Certayne letters whyche
some of the bretherne lette fall of late, and lost them of lykelyhed
as some good kytte leseth her kayes. 1548 PATTEN Exped. Scot.
Pref. in Eng. Garn., III 71: Oblations and offerings . . for deliver~
ance of bad husbands . . to keep down the belly, and when Kit had
lost her key. 1561-2 Kitt Hath Lost Her Key in Ertr. Stationers’
Co., I 55: [Title].
[lKatherine or Kate]
K110 A fat KITCHEN a lean will (testament)
I611 COT., s.v. Povreté: Pouertie gets her a house neere prodi-
galitie; a fat kitchin, and a leane purse grow quickly neighbours.
Ibid., s.v. Testament: *Great house-keepers often die beggars.
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Elog., p. 176: A fat Kitchin
makes a lean Testament. *Very likely, for a man cannot eat his
Cake, and have his Cake. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: (Testament).
*This is meant of Prodigals. 1733 FRANKLIN, p. 5.
Cf. H793: A fat housekeeper makes lean executors; K1 1 1: A little
kitchen makes a large house; M1 150: The more one spends the less
one puts in one’s will.
K111 A little KITCHEN makes a large house
1614 OVERBURY Fr. Cook: Char., p. 144: He is the prime cause why
noblemen build their houses so great: for the smalnesse of their
kitchin, makes the house the bigger. 1640 HERB., no. 466. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 57.
Cf. H793: A fat housekeeper makes lean executors; K1 10: A fat
kitchen a lean will (testament); M1099: To make money with
one’s teeth.
K112 Who frequents the KITCHEN will smell of smoke
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 95: And in the kitchin who frequents,
of nought doth smell but smoake. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3:
(smels of smoak). 1666 Tor. It. Prov. 6, p. 57: (Who hants).
K113 As kind as a KITE
1639 CL., s.v. Similitudinis, p. 287. 1670 RAY, p. 202: As kind
as a kite, all you cannot eat you’ll hide.
K114 A carrion KITE (bittem) will never be a good
hawk
1566 HOL., p. 260: (bee good hawke). 1567 PAINTER Pal. Pleas.
II 24, III 67: It is impossible of a Kyte or Cormerant to make a
good Sparhauk. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30: A Bytter wyl
neuer be good hauke. 1596 DEL., s. 06v: It is impossible to make
a good hauke of a kite. I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw.,
f. I53v: (be good Hawke). 1611 COT., s.v. Bruthier: A bald, and
beastly kite will neuer proue good hawke. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 64:
A bittur makes no good hawke. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1616 WITH-
ALS, p. 568: (be good hauke). 1639 CL., p. 224. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659 N.R., p. 2. I670 RAY, p. 111: (will never
make good hawk). 1732 FUL., no. 1063: Carrion Kites will never
make good Hawks.

K115 AS yellow as a KITE’S foot (claw)
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 287: Thoughe he be yelowe as kyte
IS of hir fete. 1630 D’AVENANT just It. I, p. 218: Yellow as foot
of kite. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Astorre, p. 8: To be as yellow
as a Goss-hawks foot; the English say, as the Kites claw.
See APP., p. 717.
K116 KITES of Cressid’s kind
1573 GASCOIGNE Dan Barth. Bath: Wks., I 98: At last (alas) She
was untrue, Which flinging fault, bicause it is not new, Nor seldome
seene in kits of Cressides kind, I marvaile not. 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., II 113: What constancy is to be hoped for in kites of
Cressid’s kind? 1584 GREENE Card Fancy, p. 132: Kites of Croesus
kinde.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 Hen. VII i 80: Fetch forth the lazar kite
of Cressid’s kind, Doll Tearsheet.
K117 Neither KITH (kiff) nor kin
1560 E. MORE Def. Women 1. 433, p. 129: Leuyng countree, father,
mother, brother, kyf and kyn? 1570 LEVINS zllanip. Vocab.,
p. 150: A Kith or kin, cognatio. 1573 TUSSER500 Points Husb. 10,
p. 22: Be pinched by lending, for kiife nor for kin. 1584 R. WILSON
Three Ladies Lond., s. A2v: They forsake Mother, Prince, Coun-
trey, Religion, Kiffe and Kinne. [1611] I630 MIDDLETON Chaste
Maid in Cheaps. IV i 85: A maid that’s neither kiff nor kin to me.
See ST., no. 1 140.
K118 He has many KNACKS in his budget
1546 HEY. II Vi, S. I1: She hath founde such knakx In hir bouget,
and suche toies in hir hed, That to daunce after her pipe I am my led.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14.
K119 As good a KNAVE I know as a knave I know not
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 132: And your own saying is, that of your
servants you had rather keep those whom you know, though with
some faults, than take those whom you know not, perchance with
more faults. 1678 RAY, p. 74.
Cf. H166: Better the harm I know than that I know not.
K120 As very a KNAVE as ever pissed
1670 RAY, p. 183.
pist.
K121 Better kiss a KNAVE than be troubled with him
1611 GRUT., no. 149: (It is better kisse a knaue, then to be). 1614
CAM., p. 308: [As in 1611 Grut.]. 1616 DR., no. 1167: (It is better
to kisse a Knaue, then to be). 1639 CL., p. 199. Ibid., p. 266:
(As good kisse a knave as be). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: [As in
1611 Grut.]. 1659 N.R., p. 65: (It’s better to kisse). 1664 COD.,
p. 201: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1670 RAY, p. 110. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To
kiss. 1721 KEL., p. 75: *Spoken upon any occasion, when we do a
Thing to be freed from teazing and importunity. 1732 FUL., no.
908. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 393: Well, I’d rather give a Knave
a kiss for once, than be troubled with him.
1678 RAY, p. 90: As- errant a wh——— as ever
K122 A crafty KNAVE needs no broker
1591 GREENE Disc. Coz., p. 185. 1594 Knack to Know Knave,
s. C2v: Some wil say, A crafty knave needs no broker, But here is a
craftie knave and a broker to: Then imagin there wants not a knave.
1601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. III ii 32. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 107:
A false knaue needs no brokers; but a broker Needs a false knaue
(a hangman or a hooker). 1616 DR., no. 1 161: (A false merchant).
1622 MALYNES Anc. Law Merchant I xxxix, p. 143: The common
saying is, That a craftie Merchant needeth no Broker. 1623 CAM.,
p. 266: (A false Knaue). 1631 JONSON Staple News II V 83: Me
thinks my vncle should not need thee, Who is a crafty Knaue,
enough. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: (A cunning knave). 1659
N.R., p. 9: (A false knave). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Nacchere,
p. 1 14: To be a sly crafty rogue, to need no broker.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VI I ii 99: They say, ‘A crafty
knave does need no broker’; Yet am I Suffolk and the Cardinal’s
broker.
Cf. K147: Two false knaves need no broker.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
KNAVE
KNAVE
36o
K123 Gall a KNAvE and he will grease you
1596 DEL., s. 07v: Annoint a knaue and he will gall you. Gall a
knaue, and he will annointe you. 1639 CL., s.v. Malum accersitum
aut retortum, p. 201.
Cf. C386: Claw a churl by (Grease a fat sow in) the tail and he
(she) will beray your hand.
K124 He that sends a KNAVE to sea is sure to lose his
venture
1611 COT., s.v. Poisson. 1659 N.R., p. 43: (He that sends a [knave
to] Sea).
K125 If you would know a KNAVE give him a staff
1640 HERB., no. 19. 1659 N.R., p. 67.
Cf. A402: Authority (Honor, Office) shows what a man is.
K126 It is as hard to please a KNAVE as a knight
1639 CL., s.v. Rixosus, p. 275. 1670 RAY, p. III. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2907: (It is as hard a Thing to please).
K127 A KNAVE and a fool never take thought
1639 CL., s.v. Solicitudo, p. 292.
K128 A KNAVE in grain
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV ii, p. 129: Whan knaues in graine
mete, for then eche of them wyll prayse other. 1560-77 Misogonus
I iv 18: Now by me trwlye thou art a knave an grane. 1571 R.
EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. B2: A Villaine for his life, a Varlet
died in Graine. 1593 Tell-Trothes Gift in Tell-Trothes New Year’s
Gift, etc., p. 18: But these of the sixt kinde are knaues in graine.
1639 CL., p. 151. 1640 ].D. Knave in Grain: [Title]. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Copella, p. 44: To be a double refin’d knave, a knave
in grain. 1678 RAY, p. 248: A knave or a rogue in grain. *That is of
a scarlet dye. a1700 B.E.: Knave in Grain, one of the First Rate.
See ST., no. 2599.
K129 More KNAVE than fool
01630 PARKER Exc. New Med. 1. 100 in Roxh. Bal., I 55: This man’s
more knaue than foole. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Val di Strulla,
p. 224: To be a Fool or a Ninny, but yet so as to ones own advantage;
the English say, To be more Knave than F001. 1732 FUL., no.
3456. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 455: I take him to be more
knave than fool.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 K.L. I iv 337: You, sir, more knave than
fool, after your master!
Cf. M1162: To have more of the serpent than the dove.
K130 The more KNAVE the better luck
1550 LATIMER Serm. 14, p. 280: It is an old proverb, the more
wicked, the more fortunate. [01570] 1599 Clyomon and Clamydes
iii, s. B4: But as the prouerbe saith, good fortune euer hapneth to
the veryest knaue. Ibid. x, s. D4v: A sirra, the craftier knaue, the
better lucke, thats plaine. 1609 DEKKER Raven’s Alman.: Non-
Dram. Wks., IV 245: They began to say that the more knaue had
euer the better lucke. 1611 COT., s.v. Escheoir: An honest person
rarely comes to preferment; the verier knaue the better lucke, say
we. 1616 DR., no. 762: (The worser man). 1636 CAM., p. 307.
1659 N.R., p. 108. 1660 TATHAM Rump IV, p. 44: (The Worser
knave). 1670 RAY, p. I I I. 1721 KEL., p. 358: What said Pluck?
The greater Knave the better Luck. 1732 FUL., no. 4662: (the
better Fortune). Ibid., no. 6332: He’s like Marten; The more
Knave, the better Fortune.
Cf. D245: The devil is ever kind to his own; D312: The devil’s
child the devil’s luck; F536: Fools have fortune (are fortunate);
M360: The properer (honester) man the worse luck; M1253: Into
the mouth of a bad dog often falls a good bone.
K131 No KNAVE to1 the learned (old) knave
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. F3v: I see now there is no
knave, to the olde knave. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1097. 1617
MORYSON Itinerary III I i, III 358: (Thus the English Proverb
saith. N0 knave).
Cf. F506: There is no fool to the old fool.
[llike]

K132 An old KNAVE is no babe (child)
1529 T. MORE Dial. conc. Heresy III xvi, p. 242: They shal for al
that well fynde in some of us that an olde knaue is no chylde. 1546
HEY. II ii, s. G1v: (chylde). 1562 HEY. Epig. 148, p. 151. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 81: (bairne). 1616 DR., no. 1164: An old knaue,
no babe. Ibid., no. 1544: An old man, no babe. 1639 CL., p. 71;
An old babe is no child. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1668 R.B.,
p. 6: (is na bairn). 1670 RAY, p. 20. 1721 KEL., p. 35: An old
Knave is no Bairn. *A Reflection upon cunning old Companions,
who are throughly versed in Cheating and Deceit.
K133 Once a KNAVE and ever a knave
1620 or 1630 T.D. Bloody Bang. IV ii, s. E4v: My Lord, my first
beginning was a Broker. —A knave from the beginning; there’s
no hope of him. 1622 MABBE Rogue I I i, I 48. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 13. 1659 N.R., p. 82. I672 WALK. 88, p. 49: (and never
an honest man). 1732 FUL., no. 2219: He that lives a Knave,
will hardly die an honest Man.
See ST., no. 416. Cf. W321: Once a whore and ever a whore.
K134 One false KNAVE accuses (disdains) another
[01521] 1533 ]. HEYWOOD Pard. and Friar, s. B4: One knave dys-
daynes another. 1611 COT., s.v. Doublure: Two craftie knaues being
matcht, will neuer agree together. 1639 CL., s.v. Culpandi, p. 79.
K135 One KNAVE seeks out (will favor) another
1559 COOPER, s.v. Graculus: One knaue will kepe an other com-
panie. [a1600] 1611 Tarlton’s Yests in Shah. Fest-Blah, II 249: For
ever one knaue . . seekes out another. 1616 DR., no. 1168: One
Knaue will take part with another. 1657 Description of a Merry
Dreame, or, One Knave Will Favour Another 546 in Rollins flnalyt.
Index, p. 53: [Title].
Cf. F177: Ask my fellow (companion) ifI be a thief.
K136 Peep, I see a KNAVE
1639 CL., p. 181.
K137 Set a KNAVE on horseback and you shall see
him shoulder a knight
1577 GOOGE Four Bks. Hush. I, f. 47: (As the Prouerbe in Englande
is, Set a).
Cf. B238: Set a beggar on horseback and he will ride a gallop
(run his horse out of breath); B239: Set a beggar on horseback and
he will ride to the devil; H718: When one is on horseback he knows
all things; M302: A man well mounted is ever choleric.
K138 There I caught a KNAVE in a purse net
1616 WITHALS, p. 555. 1631 JONsON Staple News V ii 85: I ha’ you
in a purse-net, Good Master Picklocke, wi’ your worming braine.
1639 CL., s.v. Fraus, p. 127. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670
RAY, p. 216. I732 FUL., no. 4870.
K139 There is no KNAVE like an abbot that was a monk
1611 COT., s.v. Moine: There is no knaue to the Abbot that hath
beene a Monke; or no man knowes how to play the knaue better
then he. 1659 N.R., p. 113.
K140 Walk, KNAVE, walk
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4. 1592 LYLY Midas I ii 44: Euerie houre she
wil crie walk, knaue, walke. ——Then will I mutter, a rope for
Parrat, a rope. 01630 PARKER Exc. New Med. 1. 83 in Roxh. Bal.,
I 55: The Parrat pratles, walke, knaues, walke. 01655 Repul.
Maid l. 69 in Roxh. Bal., VI 211: Walk, knave! is a Parrot’s note.
1663 S. BUTLER Hud. I i 552, p. 40.
When a KNAVE is in a plum tree he has neither
friend nor kin
1640 HERB., no. 503. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
192. 1664 COD., p. 229: (nor kindred).
K141
K142 You fray1 an old KNAVE with a bugbear
1616 VVITHALS, p. 563. 1639 CL., s.v. Lacessentis, p. 184.
Cf. B703: Bugbears (Bugs) to scare babes.
[lfrighten]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
KNAVES
KNIGHT’S
361


K143 It is merry when KNAVES meet
cI5I0 Cock Lorell’s Boat, p. 14: But mery it is whan knaues done
mete. 1540 PALSGRAVE deolastus IV ii, p. 129: It is merye whan
suche as be kind or starke knaues mete. I562 HEY. Dial. I xi,
p. 29. 1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s.
C4v: I see many of these old prouerbes prooue true, Tis merrie when
knaues meet. I602 ROWLANDS ’Tis Merry When Gossips Meet, p.
6: Ther’s a Booke cal’d, T’is merry when knaues meete. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 343: Some say it's merry, when knaues do meete.
1611 GRUT., no. 165. 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616 DR., no. 1165.
1639 CL., s.v. Societas, p. 290. I659 N.R., p. 68.
Cf. F750: It is merry when friends meet; G382: It is merry when
gossips (gentlefolks) meet; M60: It is merry when maltmen meet.
K144 KNAVES and fools divide the world
1659 N.R., p. 71: Knaves and fools are the composition of the
whole world. 1670 RAY, p. I I I. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Knave. a1700
B.E., s.v. Knave in Grain: [As in 1659 N.R.]. I732 FUL., no. 2715:
If there were no Knaves and Fools, all the World would be alike.
Ihid., no. 3133.
K145 KNAVES (Thieves) and whores go by the clock
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19. I678 RAY, p. 68: (Whores and
thieves go).
K146 The more KNAVES the worse company
01525 I. RASTELL Nat. Four Elem, s. C5v. 1562 HEY. Dial. I xi,
p. 29: (company to greete).
K147 Two false KNAVES need no broker
I546 HEY. I xi, s. D3v. I562 HEY. Epig. 52, p. 135. 1579 BICK-
NOLL Sword agst. Swearing, s. B3: As two false knaues neede no
Broker, for they can easily enough agree in wickednesse sine
mediante. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1413: Tua knaves needs not a
broker. 1611 GRUT.,HO. 294. 1614 CAM., p.314. 1616W1TIIALS,
p. 571: Betweene to crafty knaues there needs no broker. 1639
CL., p. 126: [As in 1616 Withals]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
1664 COD., p. 212. 1670 RAY, p. 111: Two cunning knaves need
no broker: or a cunning knave, etc. 1732 FUL., no. 5322: (Two
cunning Knaves).
Cf. K122: A crafty knave needs no broker.
K148 Two KNAVES well met
1611 COT., s.v. Chat: Two knaues well met, or matched.
CL., p. 286. 1672 WALK. 84, p. 54.
1639
K149 AS full of KNAVERY (As full) as an egg is full of
meat
[c1552] 1575 [STEVENSONl Gam. Gurt. Needle V ii, s. D4v: An egge
is not so ful of meate, as she is ful of lyes. 1560-77 Misogonus I iii
26. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 69: (as an egge of meat). 1650
COWLEY Guardian I i, p. 207: (The Colonel’s as full of roggery as).
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sacco, p. 175: (To be as full of Roguery,
and unhappy tricks, as). 1670 RAY, p. 205: As full as an egg is of
meat, or as a toad of poison. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Egg: As full of
Roguery as an Egg is full of Meat.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. III i 23: Thy head is as full of
quarrels as an egg is full of meat.
Cf. M622: As full of good manners as an egg is of oatmeal.
K150 KNAVERY may serve a turn but honesty never
fails
1678 RAY, p. 164: Knavery may serve for a turn, But honesty is
best at long run. 1732 FUL., no. 2532: Honesty and Plain Dealing
puts Knavery out of the Biass. Ibid., no. 3131.
Cf. H543: Honesty is the best policy.
K151 Their own KNAVERY will pay them home at
length
1616 WITHALS, p. 560: (at the length).
p. 150.
Cf. H346: To pay one home with heave and ho.
1639 CL., s.v. Improbi,

K152 There is KNAVERY in all trades
I658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 175: (Here's). 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 91, p. 19: As the English in Drollery will say,
There’s cheating in all Trades, but ours. I671 KIRKMAN Eng.
Rogue II ii, p. 332. 1692 R. L’EsrRANGE Fables I83, I 161: Jupiter
appointed Mercury to make him a Composition of Fraud and Hy-
pocrisie, and to give every Artificer his Dose on’t . . Mercury . .
gave the Taylors the Whole Quantity that was Left; and from
hence comes the Old Saying; There’s Knavery in all Trades, But
Most in Taylors. I732 FUL., no. 4814: The usual Trade and Com-
merce, is cheating all round by_Consent.
Cf. T22: A hundred tailors, a hundred millers, and a hundred
weavers make three hundred thieves.
K153 There is more KNAVERY by sea and land than all
the world beside
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 164: All the knaverie in the world is be sea
and land and fresh water riveris. I721 KEL., p. 311: *A facetious
Bull upon mentioning of some knavish Action.
Cf. A333: By art and deceit men live half the year and by deceit
and art the other half.
K154 He may whet his KNIFE on the threshold of the
Fleet
1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 59: *The Fleet is . . a Prison . .
The Proverb is appliable to those who never owed ought; or else,
having run into debt, have crept out of it, so . . may defie danger
and arrests. I670 RAY, p. 243.
K155 It is a good KNIFE, it will cut butter when it is
melted (it was made at Dull-edge, it was
made five miles beyond Cutwell)
1678 RAY, p. 255. Ibid.: A good knife, it was made five miles be-
yond Cutwell. 1732 FUL., no. 2857: (’twas made at DulLedge).
K156 One KNIFE whets another
1616 DR., s.v. Friendship, friends, no. 811.
30, p. 48.
Cf. W299: A Whetstone cannot itself cut but yet it makes tools
cut.
1666 TOR. It. Prov.
K157 The same KNIFE cuts both bread and the finger
1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 46: The goodnesse of a knife cuts the
owners finger. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 28: That were
as fond as not to cut ones meate with that knife that an other hath
cut his finger. 1611 COT., s.v. Cousteau: One knife both cuts me
bread, and my finger. *Said of any thing that one while helpes,
and another while hurts. 1616 DR., s.v. Vse or practise, no. 2319:
(cutteth bread, and a mans finger). 1639 CL., p. 201. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 19: (cuts my bread and my finger).
Cf. F479: He is a fool that cuts himself with his own knife.
K158 You say true, will you swallow my KNIFE?
1678 RAY, p. 255.
K159 Oxford KNIVES and London wives
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I4. 1670 RAY, p. 257.
K160 A KNIGHT or a knitter of caps
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 63: Determining either to be a
Knight as we saye, or a knitter of cappes. 1599 T. HEYWOOD
I Edw. IV, p. 26: March fair, ye rogues, all kings or capknitters.
1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. H4:
More shame for him, hee’s not a Knight, but a knitter of caps for
it. 1631 R.H. Whole Creat. XIV i, p. 237: Small difference in few
dayes . . betwixt a Knight, and a knitter of Caps. a1640 DAY
Peregr. I, p. 45: He should (where he hopt to be a knight) become
a knitter of capps.
K161 It does me KNIGHT’S service
1678 RAY, p. 255.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
KNIGHTS
KNOW
362
K162 As KNIGHTS grow poor, ladies grow proud
1606 B. RICH Faults, f. 28: (The Prouerbe is olde . . that as knights).
K163 A KNIGHT OF CALES,1 a gentleman of Wales, and
a laird of the North Country, a yeoman of Kent
with his yearly rent will buy them out all three
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: A Knight of Cales, and a Gentleman
of Wales, And a Squire of the North Countrey; A Yeoman of Kent
with his yearly rent, Will buy them together three. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Kent, I 484: (A Knight of Cales, and a Gentleman).
1670 RAY, p. 233: *Cales Knights were made in that voyage by
Robert Earl of Essex, to the number of Sixty . . and therefore Queen
Elizabeth was half offended with the Earl, for making Knighthood
so common. I732 FUL., no. 6494: (ofthe North-Country; There’s a
Yeoman of Ken t,That with one Year’s Rent Will buy them all three).
[’Cadiz]
K164 A KNIGHT OF THE POST
1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 164: A knight of the Post, quoth he,
for so I am tearmed; a fellowe that will sweare you any thing for
twelue pence. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. I ii 1: Why how now: two
knights of the post. —Ay, master, and we are both forsworn.
1607 DEKKER Knight’s Conjuring VII, p. 66: Know you are a
notable pick-pocket, as the knight of the post here can take his
oath. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Baronaccio, p. 55: A cheater a cozening
companion, a knight of the poste. 1627 R. SANDERSON Ad Magis-
tratum iii: Serm., I 321: Thou comest . . to be used as a Witness . .
like a downright knight of the post. 1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Break-
erI i, p. 11: Theirs asmuch truth in us, as in Knightes 0’ th post.
1639 CL., s.v. Perfidiae, p. 248. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Piero, p.
147: A false Witness, a Knight of the Post. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. To Lye, p. 207. [8.1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., II 363: A
Knight of the Post Is a Retailer of Oaths. a1700 B.E.: Knight
ofthe Post. *A Mercenary common Swearer . . an Irish Evidence.
K165 It is better to KNIT1 (knotl) than to blossom
1670 RAY, p. 111: (then blossome). 1732 FUL., no. 2917: (to knot).
[‘to form fruit, to set]
K166 He got a KNOCK in the cradle
1611 DONNE First Anniv. l. 195: Poems, p. 213: Then first of all
The world did in her cradle take a fall, And turn’d her braines.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Matto, p. 102: To be born a fool, to have
had a knock in the cradle, else to have a soft place in ones head,
to be born with the simples. 1668 DRYDEN Martin Mar-All IV i,
p. 53: You are one that had a knock in your cradle, a conceited
lackwit, a designing ass. I678 RAY, p. 255.
Cf. P376—7: To have a soft place in one’s head; S463: To be cut
for (of) the simples.
K167 He has tied a KNOT with his tongue that he
can’t untie with all his teeth
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 220: That before this good com-
pany, we might knit that knot with our tongues, that we shall neuer
vndoe with our teeth. 1583 GREENE Mamillia I, p. 64: A woman
may knit a knot with her tongue, she cannot vntie with all her
teeth. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ee2v: When her teeth doth loose
the knot that her tongue tyed, thou art enlarged and at libertie.
I594 LYLY Mother B. III iii 22: Accius tongue shall tie all Memphios
land tO Silenas dowrie, let his fathers teeth vndoo them if hee can.
1607 G. WILKINS Miseries Enf. Marr., s. B3v: Death onely cuts
that knot tide with the tongue. I625 HOWELL Let. I iv 9, I 220:
Marriage . . may make you or mar you . . The Tongue useth to tie
so hard a knot, that the Teeth can never untie. 1639 CL., p. 201.
1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 3: In marriage the Toung tieth a knott,
that all the teeth in the head cannot untie afterwards. I670 RAY,
p. 183: (He ties). I721 KEL., p. 369: You have ty’d a Knot with
your Tongue, that you cannot lose with your Teeth. *Spoken to
young Women when they are married. 1732 FUL., no. 1903. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 425: (that he can never untie with his teeth).
K168 To seek a KNOT in a rush (bulrush)
[ERAS. Adagia, 5461‘: Nodum in scyrpo quaeris.] 1533 T. MORE
Confut. Barnes in Confut. Tyndale VIII: Wks. 1557, p. 778: Thys
K171

wer but finding of a knot in a rushe. 1547 BALDWIN Treat. Mor.
Phil. II i, 3. II : (Accordyng to the prouerbe, to seke). I567 JEWEL
Def. Apol. IV, IV 733: It is a childish labour to seek a knot in a rush,
and to imagine doubts where the case is clear. 1579 GOSSON Sch.
Abuse, p. 46: They, thinke themselues no Scholers, if they bee not
able to finde out a knotte in every rushe. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv.
I, I 80: We naturally hate cavillers and Sophists, who at every
woorde will overthwart us, and as they say, seeke knottes in EU].
rushes. 1592 GREENE Quipfor Upstart Courtier, p. 219: I saw a
great many of women vsing high wordes to their husbandes . . some
fretting they could not find a knot in a rush. 1600 THYNNE Embl.
and Epig., p. 94: To seeke a knott in rushe thow maist contend, and
teare with spite what thow canst not amende. 1611 FLOR., s.v.
Cercare, p. 93: To seeke a haire in an egge, as we say to seeke a knot
in a rush. [1624] 1661 R. DAVENPORT City Nightcap III, p. 148;
The trick’s come out. And here’s the knot i’ th’ rush. 1630 T.
ADAMS Faith’s Encouragem.: Wks., p. 718: There be certaine dogges
that Will barke at the Moone: Critickes, that spend the larger part
of their time seeking knots in a bulrush. I637 [GILLESPIE] Dis-
pute III iii, p. 45: He seeks a knot in the Bulrush. I651 Gen. Asm.
Com. Records, III 320: They seek a knot in a rush that quarrel! at
the expression. 1672 WALK. 100, p. 13: You seek a knot in a bull-
rush; raise a doubt where none is; would correct the Magnificat.
I694 ECHARD Fair Andrian V, p. 44: This is hunting for a Knot in
a Bulrush. 1732 FUL., no. 6017: You’d find Knots in a Bulrush.
Cf. M11: You correct Magnificat. (9)
K169 Where the KNOT is loose the string slips
1639 CL., s.v. Perfidiae, p. 248. 1670 RAY, p. 1 1 I. 1732 FUL., no.
5667.
K170 He that would KNOW what shall be must con-
sider what has been
1641 HENRY OXINDEN (to Margaret Lady Oxinden, Nov.) in Ox-
inden Let. I99, p. 230: Hee who will see what shall bee let him con-
sider what hath bene. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 81: If thou wilt
know what must be, look at what is past. 1732 FUL., no. 2367.
Cf. N92: By the needle you shall draw the thread and by that
which is past see how that which is to come will be drawn on.
I KNow him well (as well as if I had gone through
him with a lighted link)
1616 DR., no. I 174: I kenne him well enough. I623 WOD., p. 494: I
know him within and without. 1721 KEL., p. 202: I ken him as
well as I had gone up through him, and down through him, with
a light Candle. I732 FUL., no. 261 1: I know him as well as ifI had
gone thro’ him with a lighted Link.
Cf. B234: I know him as well as the beggar knows his dish; T246:
I know your thoughts (know you) as well as if I were within you
(in your belly).
K172 I KNOW what I do when I drink
1616 WITHALS, p. 577. 1639 CL., s.v. Deliberandi, p. 85. 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 216.
K173 I KNOW (wot) what I know (wot)
I546 HEY. II Vii, s. KI: But I wot what I wot, though I few words
make. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. C4v: I thought so,
but you are [d]eceived: for I wot what I wot. [01589] 1633 MAR-
LOWE Yew Malta IV vi I4: I know what I know; he’s a murderer.
[8.1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. C3v: Well, for her sake, I know what I know.
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 250: I wott What I wott: Or els thou wottst
not. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. II, p. 28: ’Sfoot, I say no
more . . I know what I know. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. I 8: I know
what I know, but I will keep it to my self. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Zuppa, p. 242.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-3 C.E. III i I 1: Say what you will, sir, but
I know what I know’. 1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 490: I can assure you, sir;
we know what we know. 1604 M.M. III ii 161: Come, sir, I know
what I know. —I can hardly believe that, since you know not what
you speak. 1604 O. V ii 303: Demand me nothing. What you
know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word.
1605-6 K.L. I v 15: Yet I can tell what I can tell. (8)

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
KNOW
KNOW (KNOWN)
363

K174 If you KNOW not me you know nobody
1598 Mucedorus, s. BIV: Why then you know no bodie, and you
knowe not mee. 1599 T. HEYWOOD 1 Edw. IV, p. 42: Dost thou
not know me? ——No. —Then thou knowest nobody. 1605—6
T. HEYWOOD If You Know Not Me You Know No Bodie: [Title].
1620 J.C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids V i, s. O2: (And you know not me).
K175 KNOW thyself
[ERAS. Adagia, 258D: Nosce teipsum.] 1481 CAXTON Reynard 29,
p. 73: Late euery man knowe hym self that is my counseyl. 1533
FRITH Mirr. to Know Thyself: Writings, p. 18: The philosophers . .
acknowledged that the chief point of wisdom and direction of a
man’s life, was to know himself. 1539 TAV., f. 20: Knowe thy
selfe. Plato ascribeth thys diuine sentence vnto Apollo. 1545
ASCHAM Tox., p. 155: That wise prouerbe of Apollo, Knowe thy
selfe: that is to saye, learne to knowe what thou arte able, fitte, and
apt vnto, and folowe that. 1596 DEL., s. P3v: To know himselfe
well, is the greatest knowledge that one can haue, or wish for. 1616
RC. Times’ Whistle l. 1120, p. 38: Learn Solons saying, Mortal],
know thy selfe. 1618 [MARSTON 0R CAMPION] Mountebank’s
Masque, p. 432: For a man to know himself is the most worthy
knowledge. I633 Costly Whore IV i, p. 275: So shall he know him-
self and be lesse proud. 1659 How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span.,
p. 9: With all thy knowledge know thy self. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
27, p. 50: The hardest thing.that is, is to know ones self. 1682
NORRIS Gold. Verses Pythag, p. 42: To which these two Precepts
are a most divine motive, Know thy self, and Reverence thy self.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592—3 V.A. l. 525: Before I know myself, seek
not to know me. 1596 M. V. I i 6: And such a want-wit sadness
makes of me That I have much ado to know myself. I599 A.Y.
III V 57: But, mistress, know yourself. Down on your knees, And
thank heaven, fasting, for a good man’s love. 1600-1 H. V ii 145:
I dare not confess that, lest I Should compare with him in excellence;
but to know a man well were to know himself. 1602 A.W. V iii
105: Then if you know That you are well acquainted with yourself,
Confess ’twas hers. 1605-6 K.L. I i 296: Yet he hath ever but
slenderly known himself. Ibid. I iv 271: And the remainder [of
Lear’s men] that shall still depend To be such men as may besort
your age, Which know themselves, and you. 1606—7 A. C. II ii 89:
The which [helps] you both denied. —Neglected rather; And then
when poisoned hours had bound me up From mine own knowledge.
1608 C. II i 75: You know neither me, yourselves, nor anything.
1613 Hen. VIII II ii 22: The Kingwill know him one day. —Pray
God he do! He’ll never know himself else.
See OTTO, no. 1236. Cf. K184: He that knows himself well
despises himself; M1 24: Every man is best known to himself.
K176 KNOW when to spend and when to spare and
you need not be busy, you’ll ne’er be bare
1633 T. STAFFORD Ire. Appeased III xiii, III 610: And knoweth
when to spend, and when to spare. 1664 COD., p. 203: Know
when to spend and when to spare is great Wisdome. I721 KEL., p.
225: (busy, and you’ll). 1732 FUL., no. 6437.
Cf. S739: Spend not where you may save, spare not where you
must spend; T3 15: There is a time to spare and a time to spend.
K177 They that KNOW one another salute afar off
1640 HERB., no. 181. 1659 N.R., p. 109. 1664 COD., p. 217.
1670 RAY, p. 1 II.
K178 To KNOW what is what
[01522]c1545SKELT0N Why Come Notto Court 1. 1105: Wks., II 60:
Yet, whan he toke first his hat, He said he knew what was what.
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 213: To VS that knowe what is what, those
thynges onely are honest which bee honeste of theimselfes. [01553]
1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I ii 109: Enamoured, quod you? haue ye
spied out that? —Ah, Sir, mary nowe I see you know what is
what. 1563 GOOGE Eclog. Epit. and Sonn., p. 60: Our wyts be not
so base, But that we know as well as you, Whats What in euery case.
1567 MAPLET Green Forest III, p. 1 18: There is in some [animals] a
certaine kinde of perceiueraunce and adiudging or esteeming what
18 what. 01570 Marr. Wit and Science IV i, S. C3v: One masse for a
penye, you know what is what. 1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super.,
p. 116: Let him be thorowly perused by anyindifferent reader whom-

soeuer, that can iudiciously discerne, what is what. 1616 JONSON
Epic. V i 90: But sir Amorovs knowes what’s what, as well. 1639
J. FORD Lady’s Trial II, p. 357: I know whats what, I know on
which side My bread is buttered. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pit-
tori, p. 150: To know what is what, to know ones interest. ( )
11
Cf. S425: He knows on which side his bread is buttered.
K179 We KNOW not who lives or dies
1640 HERB., no. 959. 1659 N.R., p. 123. _
Cf. G209: God only knows (Men know not) who shall enjoy men’s
(their) gettings.
K180 You KNOW not what may happen to you
1623 WOD., p. 522: You know not yet what may happen you.
CL., p. 123: You know not what may become of your self.
Cf. M320: No man can make his own hap; T192: Many things
happen unlooked for.
K181 He cannot be good that KNOWS not why he is
good
1602 CAREW Surv. Cornwall I, p. 219: (It hath been well said, He
cannot long be good, that). 1732 FUL., no. 1819.
K182 He is not happy that KNOWS not himself happy
[ERAS. Adagia, 1054E: Non est beatus, esse qui se nesciat.] I539
TAV., f. 51: [AS in Eras.]. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 127: (which
doeth not knowe him selfe to be happie). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20,
p. 87: Felice non e, chi d’esserlo nollo sa. He is not happy who
thinks himself so.
K183 He KNOWS (knows not) when he is well
1553 Respublica IV iv, p. 38: Thow canst not see, thow wretch
canst thow whan thow art well? 1576 WAPULL Tide Tarries No
Man Prol., s. A2: Neyther of them know when they are well. 1616
DR., no. 1750: (He knoweth not). 1639 CL., p. 78: He knows not
when a thing is well. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II iv 2: You doe not
know when yo’ are well, I thinke. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 4:
He knows not when he has enough. 1692 T. SOUTHERNE W ives'
Excuse III, p. 50: You'are very happy in the discretion of a good
lady, if you know when you’re well. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p.
386: I won’t quarrel with my bread and butter for all that; I know
when I’m well.
Cf. B622: He would eat finer bread than is made of wheat; E156:
You are a right Englishman, you cannot tell when a thing is well
(when you are well); E163: He is wise (no fool) that knows when he
has enough (is well enough); M130: Every man knows What is
best for himself.
K184 He that KNOWS himself well despises himself
I596 DEL., s. PW. 1611 COT., s.v. Cognoistre: Who knowes him-
selfe himselfe despises, the selfe-despiser God aduises. I623 WOD.,
p. 510: Who knowes him selfe well doth praise him selfe litle.
Cf. K175: Know thyself.
K185 He that KNOWS thee will never buy thee
1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions 5, p. 220: But they have the old proverb
at their fingers’ end: He that knows thee will never buy thee; and
therefore everything must be made a mystery, to hold their patients
in ignorance, and keep up the price of the market.
1639
K186 One KNOWS not where to have you
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Unconstant, p. 347. 1672 WALK. 17, p.
14: *You are as unconstant as the wind, as wavering as the weather-
cock.
SHAKESPEARE.——I597 1 Hen. IV III iii 144: Why, She’s neither
fish nor flesh; a man knows not where to have her. ———. . Thou or any
man knows where to have me.
Cf. M228: A man cannot tell Where to have him; W223: AS wa-
vering (variable) as the weathercock.
K187 Better KNOWN than trusted
01560 Agst. Unthr. in Anc. Bal., p. 228: They are not so wel trust
as knowne. I593 CHETTLE Kind Heart’s Dream, p. 10: Better

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi'.
KNOWING
KNOWLEDGE
364

knowne than lou’d. 1639 CL., s.v. Notus, p. 227. 1648 HERRIcK
Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 272: Tap (better known then trusted) as we
heare. 1670 RAY, p. 183. 1732 FUL., no. 909.
K188 In KN0WING nothing is the sweetest life
[ERAS. Adagia, 7021‘: In nihil sapiendo jucundissima vita.] 1549
T. CHALONER Pr. Folly, s. G1v: Wherefore lyke as among mortall
men they art fardest remoued from blisfulnesse, that geue theim-
selues to the studie of wysedome. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p.
212: Man the more wittie he is the lesse happy he is. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 10, p. 248: To know nothing, is a sweet life.
Cf. C329: Children and fools have merry lives.

i
K189 KNoWLEDGE is folly except grace guide it
1640 HERB., no. 244. 1664 COD., p. 203.
Cf. H580: Where honor ceases there knowledge decreases.
K190 KNOWLEDGE makes one laugh but wealth makes
one dance
1640 HERB., no. 950. 1659 N.R., p. 71. a1700 B.E., s.v. Knowl-
edge.
K191 KNOWLEDGE without practice is nothing
1616 DR., no. 2493. 1732 FUL., no. 3141: Knowledge, Without
Practice, makes but half an Artist.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LABOR
LI-L9 LABOR: subst.
L1 He has his LABOR for his pains
1589 NASHE Pref. Greene’s Menaphon: Wks., III 314: They haue
nought but their toyle for their heate, their paines for their sweate,
and (to bring it to our English Prouerbe) their labour for their
trauell. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1427: They haue ther labor for
ther travel. 1616 DR., s.v. Ill successe, no. 2060. I616 WITHALS,
p. 563: Your labour for your trauaile. 1639 CL., p. 155: You shall
have your labour for your paines. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in
Armor, p. I 59: They are but few that carry away the prize in the
world’s lottery; the greater number have only their labour for their
pains. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 22: I had my pains for my labour.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rotto, p. 173: To have ones labour for
ones pains. I670 RAY, p. 183: To have nothing but ones labour for
ones pains. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 407: Take your labour for
your pains.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. I i 70: I have had my labour for my
travail. 1610 Cym. III v 167: This fool’s speed Be cross’d with
slowness! Labour be his meed!
L2 He that will not endure LABOR in this world let
him not be born
1578 FLOR. First F. XVIII, f. 26: Who wil not
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid.
I573 SANF., f. 50.
suffer labor in this world, let not him be borne.
7, P- 27-
L3 LABOR in vain is loss of time
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A5).
Cf. V5: To labor in vain.
1639 CL., p. 61.
L4 The LABOR of a husbandman returns into a ring
1615 T. ADAMS Two Sons: Wks., p. 419: The labour of a Christian
is like, the labour of an husband-man; whereof I haue read this
prouerbe, that it returnes into a ring: the meaning is, it is endlesse;
they haue perpetually somewhat to doe, either plowing, or sowing,
or reaping.
L5 LABOR overcomes all things
1585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. N2: Labour [is very strong] because
it ouercommeth all things. 1616 DR., no. 1175. 1672 WALK. 65,
p. 31.
Cf. L527: Love overcomes all.
L6 A little LABOR much health
1640 HERB., no. 685.
labour is much health.
L7 Past LABOR is pleasant
I539 TAV., f. 34v: Labours ones done, be swete . . after paynful
labours and peryls the remembraunce of them is to him ryght
pleasaunt. I732 FUL., no. 3845.
Cf. M1010: Once to have been happy is misery enough (Re-
membrance of past pleasures augments present pains); R73: The
remembrance of past sorrow (dangers) is joyful.
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 23: Moderate
1659 N.R., p. 16.
L8 Seek till you find and you’ll not lose your LABOR
I678 RAY, p. 200. 1732 FUL., no. 4089. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
I, p. 419: Why, seek till you find it [needle], and then you won’t
lose your labour.
L9 You lose your LABOR
[CI597] I619 DELONEY 7m Newberry I, p. 14: Although wee haue
lost our labours, we haue not altogether lost our manners. 1616

L11
LAB YRINTH
WITHALS, p. 562. 1631 JONSON Staple News III iv 85: Still you
lose your labor. I am a broken vessell, all runnes out. 1672
WALK. 70, p. 12: We lose our labour; labour in vain; take pains to
no purpose.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594—5 Love’s Labour’s Lost: [Title]. 1602 .4. W.
III v 7: We have lost our labour. I604 M.M. V i 433: You do but
lose your labour. I611 W.T. IV iv 787: Age, thou hast lost thy
labour.
Cf. V5: To labor in vain. (8)
LIo-LII LABOR: verb
L10 He that will not LABOR must not eat
[2 Thess. iii 10: If any would not work, neither should he eat.]
[61535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 2602, p. 475: Quha labouris
nocht he sall not eit. 1550 CROWLEY Epig. l. 309: Wks., p. 14: If
they refuse to worcke for theyr meate, then ought they to faste.
01570 INGELEND Disob. Child, s. B2: The Scriptures declare, That
he shoulde not eate, which wyll not laboure. 1609 R. GRAY Good
Speed to Va., s. U3v: There is a law giuen to the sonnes of Adam
to labour . . and therefore it is an Euangelicall precept that they
which will not labour must not eate. 1615 T. ADAMS Wolf Worrying
Lambs: Wks., p. 382: Let him that labours not not eate. 1616 DR.,
no. 1176. 1643 R. HODGES Orthog, p. I: An idle person ought not
eate. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18: Adam’s son cannot eat
bread without labour. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3 5, p. 139: Who Labours
not, eateth not. 1732 FUL., no. 6329: In Truth they must not eat,
That will not work in Heat.
Cf. D658: He that eats well and drinks well should do his duty
well.
LABOR as long-lived, pray as even dying
I640 HERB., no. 476. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 125: Work, as if
thou wert to live alwaies, worship God, as if thou wert to dye
instantly. 1757 FRANKLIN, p. 33: Work as ifyou were to live 100
years, Pray as if you were to die To-morrow.
L12 The LABORER is worthy of his hire
[Luke x 7.] I508 FISHER Sayings David in Psalms, p. 167: The
werke man that hath done his labour Without murmure or grudge is
worthy to haue his hyre, his rewarde. I535 COVERDALE Bible
Matt. X, II 6: The workman is worthy of his meate. I580 BARET,
D—697: Digna canis pabulo . . A Prouerbe declaring that the laborer
is worthie of his hire, it is taken as well of the labour of the mind, as
of the bodie. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 275.
1630 T. ADAMS Physicfrom Heaven: Wks., p. 296: (The spirituall
Labourer). I659 MILTON Means to Remove Hirelings: Wks., VI
48: As when our Saviour saith, the laborer is worthy of his hire.
I672 WALK. 61, p. 42.
See DI'iR., I, no. I I 1; ST., no. 109. Cf. H69: Good hand (servant)
good hire (wages); OI I3: Muzzle not the oxen’s mouth.
L13 In the LABORER’S hOuse hunger looks in but dares
not enter
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 14. 1664 COD., p. 201.
L14 If you go into a LABYRINTH take a clew with you
[ERAS. Similia, 599D: Utlabyrinthos non oportet ingredi sine filo,
quo securus possis redire.] I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 156:
Theseus woulde not goe into the Laborinth without a threede that
might shew him the way out. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 90: With-
out the conduct of the threed, there’s no getting out of a labyrinth.
I732 FUL., no. 2752.

365
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. 'For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
LACHRYMAE
LAMB
366

L15 To sing LACHRYMAE
[To lament.] 1632 MASSINGER Maid llon. I i, p. 307: Such music
as will make your worships dance to the doleful tune of Lachrymae.
01634 ()nce Musing Alone 1. 131 in Roxb. Bal., III 68: In the prison
to stay Where I sung Lachrima. 1641 OVERBURY Prison: Char.,
p. 155: Every man here sings Lachrymae at first sight.
L16-L19 LACK: subst.
L16 LACK is a hell
1616 DR., no. 1180: (an hell). 1664 COD., p. 203.
L17 LACK of looking to makes cobwebs grow in boys’
tails
1616 WITHALS, p. 568. 1639 CL., s.v. Disciplina, p. 93: (make).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: Lack of looking maketh Cobwebbs
in a boyes tail. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 96.
L18 No LACK to1 a wife
1546 HEY. II xi, s. M1: N0 lacke to lacke a wyfe.
2384. 1639 CL., p. 329.
['like]
1616 DR., no.
L19 There is no LACK to1 the lack of money
1573 HOLLYBAND Cit. at Home, p. 47: Lackyng of money is a payne
which there is not the like. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A7).
1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 244: (No lack to).
[llike]
L20 LACK: verb
L20 What do you LACK?
[The usual cry of the London huckster.]
Pragmaticus, s. A3v: What lacke ye sir, what seke you, what wyll
you bye? 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward H0
I i 121: Wilt thou crie, what ist yee lack? 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal
Banquet I: Wks., p. 171: Shee [Pride] sits vpon the Stall, and counts
the Passengers with a What lacke ye? [1614] 1631 JONSON Barth.
Fair II ii 29: What doe you lacke? what is’t you buy? I671 DRYDEN
Evening’s Love V i, p. 363: To draw us in, with a what-do-you-lack,
as we passed by.
L21 When a LACKEY comes to hell’s door the devil
locks the gate
I640 HERB., no. 977: (the devils locke the gates). I659 N.R., p. I 22.
L22 Hae1 LAD and run lad
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 613: Have lade and go lad maks ane speidy
ladde. 1721 KEL., p. 131: *Give ready Money for your Service,
and you will be sure to be well served.
[lhere, take]
L23 LAD’s love is a busk1 of broom, hot awhile and
soon done
1670 RAY, p. 46.
Cf. L526: Love of lads and fire of chats is soon in and soon out;
T551: No trust is to be given to a woman’s word (a woman).
[lbush]
L24 LADS (Boys) will be men I
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 952. 1611 COT., s.v. Grand: (Wee say) boyes
will be men one day. 1668 R.B., p. 36. 1721 KEL., p. 232: *An
Apology for giving suflicient Meat to Boys. 1732 FUL., no. 1014:
(Boys).
Go down the LADDER when you marry a wife, go
up when you choose a friend
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 400: *The meaning is, that we should
not marry a wife above our rank, though we choose such a friend.
Cf. L535: Natural love descends but it does not ascend.
L25
1563 T. NEWBERY Dives I

L26 To turn one’s back on the LADDER (cut down the
stairs) by which one rose
I655 FULLER Church Hist. V iii, II 55: [Polydore Virgil] is said to
have burned all those rare authors, which he could compass into
his possession. Thus . . he cut down those stairs whereby he
ascended the throne of his own knowledge.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Y.C. II i 22: Lowliness is young ambition’s
ladder, Whereto the climber-upward turns his face; But when he
once attains the upmost round, He then unto the ladder turns his
back.
See SM., p. 524.
L27 You will go up the LADDER to bed
1678 RAY, p. 256: *Be hang’d.
L28 The LADY kisses her man for his master’s sake
1611 COT., s.V. Dame. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq.,
p. 176. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 253: For the Knights sake, oft
times a Lady kisseth the Squire.
Cf. C312: Many kiss (love) the child for the nurse’s sake.
L29 When Our LADY shall have a new son
[01565] I595 Peddler’s Proph., 5. D2: When our Ladie hath a new
sonne. 1616 DR., s.v. Impossibility, no. 1096. 1639 CL., s.v.
Nunquam, p. 229. .
Cf. S995: When two Sundays come together.
L30 As fair as LADY DONE
I670 RAY, p. 208. I678 RAY, p. 283: *The Dones were a great
family in Cheshire, living at Utkinton by the forest side: Nurses
use there to call their children so if girls, if boyes Earls of Derby.
L31 LAG puts all in his bag
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 133, p. 322: (The English say, Lagg puts).
L32 He looks like the LAIRD of pity
1641 FERG., no. 406: *Of fleyit [frightened] persons.
L33 As chaste as a LAMB
1526 Great Herbal 6, s. A4: For it kepeth a man chast as a lambe.
I590 SPENSER I i 5: So pure an innocent, as that same lambe,
She was in life and euery vertuous lore.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VI III i 69: As innocent . . As is
the sucking lamb or harmless dove.
Cf. L34: As gentle (quiet, meek, mild) as a lamb. (7)
L34 As gentle (quiet, meek, mild) as a LAMB
I520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 99: I shall make hym as styll as a
lambe, or euer I haue done with hym. I530 PALS., p. 626D: I can
make hym as mylde as a lambe. 1530—60 Resurrection Our Lord
I. 904, p. 30: And as still as the lambe, which lyeth before the sheerer.
I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D3v: As meeke as a lambe, and as
necessary as a mare. I596 DEL., s. P5v: Some faine themselues to
be as simple as a lambe, which are as craftie as a foxe. I600
DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 17: My Rowland is as gentle as a lambe, No
doue was even halfe as milde as he. 1606 DRAYTON Pastorals IV
170: Wks., II 537: But meeke as any Lambe mought bee, And in-
nocent of ill as he. 1611 L. BARRY Ram-Alley V, s. H3v: And
then as quiet as a sucking lambe, Close by the widdow will I rest all
night. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle Prol.,
p. 164: As quiet as Lambs. 1616 DR., no. 842. I6I6W1THALS, p.
566. 1639 CL.,s.v. Mansuetudo, p. 204: (meeke). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 15: (quiet). 1670 RAY, p. 206. 1694 ECHARD Brothers
IV, p. 180: (quiet).
SHAKESPEARE.—1595 M.N.D. I ii 83: [See Bottom’s malapropism
cited at D573]. 01595 R]. II v 44: I’ll warrant him, as gentle as a
lamb. 1596 K]. IV i 79: Drive these men away, And I will sit as
quiet as a lamb. 1596 Rich. II II i 174: In peace was never gentle
lamb more mild.
Cf. L33: As chaste as a lamb.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LAMB
LAND
367


L3 5 The humble (meek) LAMB sucks its own dam and
others also
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 158: The meeke Lambe sucketh the
teates of his owne damme and of others also. 01594 BACON, no.
611: The tame lamb sucks its mother and a Stranger. 1605
DANIEL Philotas I, p. 109: The meeke and humble Lambe with
small adoo Suckes his own damme, we see, and others too. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 4: A Lamb doth not only suck his own Damb
but others also.
Cf. C18a: A quiet calf sucks its dam and another cow also;
S681: The still sow eats up all the draff.
L36 The LAMB is more in dread of the wolf than of the
lion
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 39: The Lambe feareth not the
Lion, but the Wolfe . . a true and faythfull heart standeth more in
awe of his superior whom he loueth for feare, then of his Prince
whom he feareth for loue. I589 WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 19.
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. III i 139: If one should be a prey,
how much the better To fall before the lion than the wolf!
The LAMB Shall not rot as long as it sucks, except
the dam wants meat
1523 A. FITZHERBERT Husb., p. 44: (It is a common sayinge, that
the lambe).
L37
L38 To give one some LAMB PIE
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Lana, p. 85: To swaddle, or rib-baste one
soundly, to order one, to give one some lamb-pye. Ibid., s.v.
Pulci, p. 159: To bang one soundly, to pay his coat, to give his belly
full of Lamb-pye.
Cf. J13: To baste (curry, dust, pay, thrash) one’s jacket.
L39 As soon goes the young LAMBSKIN (lamb) to the
market as the old ewe’s (Sheep)
01527 RASTELL Calisto and Mel., 3. B3: As some goth to market
the lambys fell As the Shyppys. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G2v. 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., S. U2: As ofte comes the lambe to the market
as the elder sheepe. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 62: AlS soone cumes the
lambis skine to the mercat as the old sheipis. 1611 GRUT., no. 48.
1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., s.v. Death, no. 438: As soone
commeth a lambe to the market, as a sheepe. Ibid., no. 1426: As
soone commeth a lambes skin to the market as a sheepes Skin. I620
SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, vii, III 58: As soone goes the yong lambe
to the roste, as the olde sheepe. 1639 CL., p. 215: (As soone goes
the lambeskin). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: [As in 1639 Cl.].
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 15, p. 18: As the English Proverb hath it,
As soon goes the Lamb, as the Sheep to the slaughter. 1668 R.B.,
p. 2: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 160. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Young. 1721 KEL., p. 7: As soon goes the Lambskin to the Mar-
ket as the old Sheeps. *The English say, Of Young die many, Of
old Men ’scape not any.
Cf. D139: Death devours lambs as well as sheep; M566: Of young
men die many, of old men scape not any. (9)
L40 To lap in a LAMBSKIN
1546 HEY. II vi, S. I2: She must obeie those lambs, or els a lambs
Skyn, Ye will prouide for hir, to lap her in.
L41
1640 HERB., no. 513.
staggerer).
The LAME goes as far as your staggerer
1659 N.R., p. 114. 1664 COD., p. 219: (the
1670 RAY, p. 15: (the staggerer).
L42 The LAME returns sooner than his servant
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 40.
L43 After LAMMAS1 corn ripens as much by night as
by day
1678 RAY, p. 352.
[1Aug. I]


L44 It smells more of the LAMP than of wine
1638 W. CARTWRIGHT To Ben Yonson l. 97: Life and Poems, p. 109:
Where are they now that cry, thy Lampe did drinke More oyle
than th’ Author wine, while he did thinke? I648 HERRICK Hesp.:
Poet. Wks., p. 46: What’s done by me Hereafter, Shall smell of the
Lamp, not thee [sack]. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Oglio, p. 122:
To have spent more in Oyl than in Wine, Viz. to have minded more
ones Book, than Drinking, to smell more of the Lamp, than of the
Quart pot.
Cf. C43: It smells of the candle (lamp, oil); 031: To burn the
midnight oil.
L45 LANCASHIRE for fair women
1622 DRAYTON Poly-Olb. XXVII 65, p. 537: Yee lustie Lasses then,
in Lancashire that dwell, For Beautie that are sayd to beare away
the Bell. 1662 FULLER Worthies Lancashire, I 538: Lancashire fair
Women . . The God of Nature having given fair complections to
the Women in this County, Art may save her pains . . in endeavour-
ing to better them. 1669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help Discourse,
p. 85: Stafford-shire for Beer and Bread, Darby-shire for W001 and
Lead, Cheshire, the Chief of Men, And Lancashire for fair Women.
1670 RAY, p. 235: Lancashire fair women.
L46 As good LAND (As much ground) as the crow flies
over (flies over in a day)
1672 WALK. 76, p. 25: He hath as much ground as a Crow can fly
over in a day. 1684 BUNYAN Pilg. Prog. II, p. 206: As fruitful a
place, as any the crow flies over. a1700 B.E., s.v. Crow-over: (as
any the Crow Flies over).
L47 Chalked LAND makes a rich father but a poor son
1577 GOOGE Four Bks. Husb. I, f. 20v: The common people haue a
speach, that ground enriched with Chalke, makes a rich father, and
a beggerly sonne. 1677 PLOT Nat. Hist. Oxf. IX, p. 243: (’Tis
Proverbial That chalkt Land makes).
L48 Every LAND has its own lauch1 and every corn its
own chaff
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 375: Everie land hes the laugh and every corne
hes the chaff. 1668 R.B., p. 18: Every land hes his lauch, and
every corne hes the caff. I721 KEL., p. 93: *Every Country
hath its own Laws, Customs, and Usages.
Cf. L100: Law and country.
'[llaw]
L49 For a little LAND take a fool by the hand
1639 CL., p. 99. 1670 RAY, p. 116: *Gratifie a fool, observe him,
humour him if you are in hope to get by him. 1678 RAY, p. 56:
(Many an one for land takes). *Marries her or him. I732 FUL.,
no. 6263: [As in 1678 Ray].
L50 Good LAND evil way
1633 DONNE Anagram l. 36: Poems, p. 73: Ther is best land where
there is foulest way. 1640 HERB., no. 797. 1657 LEIGH, p. 262:
Good Country and bad Way. 1676 C. COTTON Complete Angler i,
II 306: The foul way serves to justify the fertility of the soil, ac-
cording to the proverb, There is good land where there is foul way.
Cf. G461: The best ground is the dirtiest.
Good LAND must not be left because of a bad
landlord
1611 COT., s.v. Terre. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3: Fly from bad
land, not from a bad landlord. I659 N.R., p. 88: Rich Land must
not be left for a greedy Landlord.
L51
L52 He that buys LAND buys many stones, he that
buys flesh buys many bones, he that buys
. eggs buys many shells, but he that buys good
ale buys nothing else
[01565] 1595 Peddler’s Proph., s. B4v: You shall be sure to haue
good Ale for that haue no bones. 1670 RAY, p. 211. 1721 KEL.,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
LAND 368
LAPWING
p. 172: He that buys Land, buys Stones; He that buys Beef, buys
Bones: He that buys Nuts, buys shells: He that buys good Ale,
buys nought else. 1732 FUL., no. 6422: (But he that buys Ale).
L53 He that has some LAND must have some labor
1639 CL., p. 246. I670 RAY, p. 112. 1732 FUL., no. 2161.
L54 LAND was never lost for want of an heir
1678 RAY, p. 165.
L55 To Devonshire (Denshire) LAND
1607 NORDEN Surv. Dial. V, p. 228: They . . call it . . in the South-
East parts, Deuonshiring. 1662 FULLER Worthies Devonshire,
I 273: To Devon-shire ground. *To Devon-shire land is to pare
off the surface or top-turffe thereof, then lay it together in heaps
and burn it, which ashes are a marvailous improvement to battle
barren ground. Thus they may be said to stew the land in its own
liquor, to make the same ground to find compost to fatten its self;
an Husbandry, which, where-ever used, retains the name of the
place where it was first invented, it being usual to Devon-shire land
in Dorset-shire. 1669 WORLIDGE Diet. Rust.: Systema Agric., p.
324: To Denshire, is to cut off the Turf of Land; and when it is
dry, to lay it on heaps and burn it. 1670 RAY, p. 225: To Devon-
shire or Denshire land. *Devonshire.
L56 To see LAND
[ERAS. fldagia, I 126E: Terram video.]
descry (discover, see, be in view of) land.
1672 WALK. 16, p. 20: To
L57 To water (dig, earl) another’s LAND
I548 COOPER, s.v. Ager: Agros alienos irrigas, tuis sitientibus. A
prouerbe spoken of them that be diligente in other mens mattiers,
and let theyr owne slepe: it is applied also to aduouterers. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Orto, p. 124: To dig anothers garden . . to
Cuckold one, to do his work and drudgery, as they say for him.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOOZ A.W. I iii 46: The knaves come to do that
for me which I am aweary of. He that ears my land spares my
team and gives me leave to inn the crop. IfI be his cuckold, he’s
my drudge.
Cf. H395: To plow with another’s heifer.
[lplow]
L58 You may be on LAND yet not in a garden
1640 HERB., no. 957.
L59 He that has LANDs has quarrels (war)
1596 DEL., s. P1v: He that hath some land, must haue also war and
debate. 1611 COT., s.v. Guerre: N0 land without warre; he that
hath land is seldome out oflaw. 1623 WOD., p. 505: No Land with
out Warre. 1640 HERB., no. 995. 1657 LEIGH, p. 273: (land
hath also strife). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 20.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 284: Who buies land, buies war.
L60 Who has any LANDs in Appleby?
a1700 B.E., s.v. Land-lord: *A Question askt the Man at whose
Door the Glass stands Long.
L61 A quick LANDLORD makes a careful tenant
1678 RAY, p. 165. 1732 FUL., no. 3994: Quick Landlords make
careful Tenants.
L62 To meet one at LAND’s END
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 147: Some newe fellowes when they thinke
one a Papist, they will call him streight a Catholique, and be euen
with him at the lands end. 1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 68: Thou
gossepst at home, to meete me at landis ende.
L63 A long LANE and a fair wind and always your heels
here away
1678 RAY, p. 75.

L64 That is not good LANGUAGE which all understand
not
1640 HERB., no. 298. 1659 N.R., p. 98: (understands). 1664 COD.,
p. 218. 1670 RAY, p. 27.
Cf. W530: Think (Write) with the wise (learned) but talk with
the vulgar.
L65 There were no ill LANGUAGE if it were not ill taken
1640 HERB., no. 290. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
182. 1664 COD., p. 218. 1670 RAY, p. I4. 1699 FARQUHAR Love
and Bottle IV ii, p. 52: For as nothing’s ill said, but what’s ill taken;
so nothing’s well said, but what’s well taken. 1721 KEL., p. 189:
It was never ill said, that was not ill ta’n. 1732 FUL., no. 4945,
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M..4. III iv 32: An bad thinking do
not wrest true speaking, I’ll ofTend nobody.
Cf. F219: To the filthy all things taste filthy.
L66 To answer one in his own LANGUAGE
1670 RAY, p. I62.
Cf. F442: Answer a fool according to his folly.
L67 After a LANK1 comes a bank2
1678 RAY, p. 343: *Said of breeding women.
[lleanness 2swelling]
L68 The LAPWING cries most when farthest from her
nest
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng. Ep. Ded., p. 4: In this I resemble the
Lappwing, who . . fiyeth with a false cry farre from their nestes.
1584 LYLY Camp. II ii 8: Wherein you resemble the Lapwing,
who crieth most where her neast is not. 1587 GREENE Penelope’s
W eh, p. 192: And you (quoth Eubola) play like the Lapwing, that
cryeth euer farthest from her nest. [1588] I617 GREENE Alcida,
p. 102: You fiy still (quoth Marpesia) from my demand, playing
like the Lapwing, that cryeth farthest from her nest. [1599] 16 56
MIDDLETON, W. ROWLEY, AND MASSINGER Old Law IV ii, p. 433:
He has the lapwing’s cunning, I am afraid, That cries most when
she’s furthest from the nest. 1613 CHAPMAN Rev. Bussy D’Amh.
V v 40: Trust not his oath. He will lie like a lapwing; when
she flies Far from her sought nest, still Here tis, she cries. [01620]
I654 WEBSTER [AND T. HEYWOOD] Appius and Virg. I i 127: Ex-
cellent, excellent Lapwing! There’s other stuffe closedin that subtle
brest. He sings and beats his wings far from his nest. [1624]
1661 R. DAVENPORT City Nightcap II, p. 131: Women’s sweet
words As far are from their hearts, though from their breasts They
fly, as lapwings’ cries are from their nests. 1677 R. GILPIN Daemon.
Sacra I xii, p. 73: Satan knowing this, like the lapwing, makes the
greatest noise when he is furthest from his nest. 1678 RAY, p. 2 56:
(most furthest from her nest). 1732 FUL., no. 4621.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. IV ii 27: Far from her nest the lap-
wing cries away; My heart prays for him, though my tongue do
curse. 1604 M.M. I iv 31 : -’Tis my familiar sin With maids to seem
the lapwing, and to jest, Tongue far from heart.
See DUR., I, no. 524. (9)
L69 Like a LAPWING that runs away with the shell on
its head
1598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 44: As the Lapwing runneth away with
the shell on her head, as soone as she is hatched. 1600 BRETON
Strange Fortunes: Wks., II 8: A lapwing would runne as soone as
it was out of the shell. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil II i 128: For-
ward Lap-wing, He flies with the shell on’s head. [1624] I654
GLAPTHORNE [AND CHAPMAN] Rev. for Hon. II i 30: Boldness en-
forces youth to hard achievements Before their time, makes them
run forth like lapwings From their warm nest, part of the shell yet
sticking Unto their downy heads. 1631 JONSON Staple News III
ii 195: And Coachmen, To . . driue, Like Lapwings, with a shell
vpo’ their heads, Thorow the streets. 1636 W. SAMPSON Vow
BreakerI i, p. I 1: We young wenches in our loves are like Lapwinges,
if once we creepe out o’th shells, we run from our ould loves Scop-
perells. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Testa, p. 215: To have yet the
shell upon ones head, viz. to be a raw green lad, a puny novice,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LARK
LATH
369

newly peep’d out of the Egg-shell, without any manner of Ex-
perience. _
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I H. V ii 193: This lapwmg runs away
with the shell on his head.
Cf. M1204: His mother’s milk is not out of his nose.
L70 To sing like a LARK
1590 SPENSER II vi 3: Sometimes she sung, as loud as larke in
aire. I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xix, III 144: He . . sings
like a Larke, playes upon a Gitterne as if he made it speake.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 M.V. V i 102: The crow doth sing as
sweetly as the lark When neither is attended.
L71 He thought that roasted LARKS would have fallen
into his mouth
I540 PALSGRAVE dcolastus II iii, p. 77: Do thou but gape, and I
shall make larkes fall in to thy mouthe. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p.
11: *Spoken of the sluggard.
See ST., no. 523. Cf. B390: You may gape long enough ere a
bird fall in your mouth; P315: Here is a pigeon (goose, pig) so
finely roasted it cries, Come eat me.
L72 To leave one in the LASH
[To leave one in the lurch.] I573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 63,
p. 144: The fermer they leaue in the lash, with losses on euerie side.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., S. D4v: Luxurie hath stolne her finest
stulfe, and left her in the lash. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies
Lond., S. A3: Ile deceiue thousandes, what care I who lye in the
lashe. [3.1600] 1611 Tarlton’s Yests in Shak. Yest-Bks., II 242: Tarl-
ton would by wit leave him in the lash.
Cf. L588: To leave one (To lie) in the lurch; 5953: To leave one
(To lie, To be) in the suds (sands).
L73 AS lithe as LASS of Kent
1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Feb., I. 74, p. 12: (His dewelap as lythe as).
1593 DRAYTON Idea 8, l. 147: Wks., I 88: Her feature all as fresh
above, AS is the grass that growes by Dove, as lyth as lasse of Kent.
1735 PEGGE Prov. Kent 8, p. 61 : Lythe as Lass of Kent. I.e., gentle,
lithsom, etc.
L74 He that is old and marries with a LASS lies but at
home and proves himself an ass
1599 [GREENE] George a Greene, S. D2: (Yet I haue heard it in a
prouerbe said, He that).
Cf. M348: An old man in love hugs death; M697: He that
marries late marries ill.
L75 The LASS in the red petticoat Shall pay for all
1664 WILSON Cheats I ii, p. 7: That Estate Which you believe so
fair . . is at present At that low Ebb, That ifI don’t look to’t, In
time, ’twill be quite past Recovery: Come—The Red Petticoat
must piece up all. 1678 RAY, p. 80: *Young men answer so
when they are chid for being so prodigal and expensive, meaning,
they will get a Wife with a good portion, that Shall pay for it.
L76 A lisping LASS is good to kiss
I639 FORD Lady’s Trial IV, p. 386: Your lips are destind to a
better use, Or else the proverbe failes of lisping maids. —Kithing
you mean. 1678 RAY, p. 349.
L77 LASSES are lads’ leavings
I670 RAY, p. 217: *Chesh. I721 KEL., p. 39: A Lass is a Lad’s
leavings. *A sensless return of a Girl to them that call her Lass,
and not by her Name.
L78-L81 LAST: subst.
L78 He overtakes at LAST Who tires not
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. To Over-Take.
L79 He stays not long that comes at LAST
1611 COT., s.v. Venir: He that comes at the length stayed not too
long. 1616 DR., no. 1185. 1639 CL., s.v. Spes, p. 295: (It’s never
long that). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: (who comes).
Cf. L80: It is not lost that comes at last.
L80 It is not lost that comes at LAST
1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 228: Though long it be, yeeres
may repay the debt; None loseth that which he in time may get.
1670 RAY, p. 1 I7. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Lost: (That is not lost which).
I732 FUL., no. 2999: (It is not lost, if it).
Cf. A148: All is not lost that is in danger (peril, hazard); L79:
He stays not long that comes at last.
L81 They that live longest must die at LAST
1616 DR., no. 1423: He that liveth longest, must die at length.
1639 CL., p. 323: (longest, die at last). 1670 RAY, p. 116. I732
FUL., no. 4982.
Cf. M505: All men must die.
L82 LAST: adj.
L82 LAST but not least
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 113: Of these three but one can
stand me in steede, the last, but not the least. 1589 NASHE Pref.
Greene’s Menaphon: Wks., III 323: For the last, though not the
least of them all. 1595 SPENSER Colin Clout l. 444: Wks., p. 692:
And there, though last not least, is Action. [1600] I659 DAY
Blind Beg. V, s. K2v: Mongst whom Lord Momford you are not the
least (Pray Heaven you be the last) whom this wilde beast . .
sought to ruinate. I605 SYLVESTER Weeks I v 966: Though last,
not least. [01620] I661 MIDDLETON Mayor Queenb. III iii 148:
Though I speak last, my lord, I am not least. a1640 DAY Peregr.
XII, p. 62: The last, tho not least dangerous of the seven, was Pi-
gritra, or Slothe. 1647 N. WARD Simple Cobbler, p. 38: My. last, but
not least feare, is, That God will hardly replant his Gospel. 1676 T.
SHADWELL Virtuoso IV, p. 163: These are the last, but not the least.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQQ 7. C. 111i 189: Though last, not least in love.
1605—6 K.L. I i 85: Although the last, not least. (18)
L83 LATA1 is long and dreich2
1641 FERG., no. 588. I668 R.B., p. 36. I721 KEL., p. 230:
(dwigh). *As if honest, and fair Dealing were too tedious to pro-
cure worldly Prosperity.
[lloyalty 2tedious]
L84 Not worthy to loose the LATCHET of his shoes
[Mark i 7: There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet
of whose shoesI am not worthy to Stoop down and unloose.] 1568-9
ELDERTON Praise Lady Marques in .dnc. Bal., p. 19: For I . .
Vnworthie most maie seeme to bee, To undoo the latchet of her
shooe. 1611 CORYATE Crudities, I 15: Travellers of that learn-
ing, that I am not worthy to loose their Shoe-lachet.
Cf. B533: Not worthy to carry his books after him; D95: Not
worthy to be named the same day; S378: Not worthy to wipe his
shoes.
L85 Better LATE than never
1529 T. MORE Supplica. Souls II: Wks. 1557, p. 336: And sith that
late is better then neuer. a1536 HILL 43, p. 129: Better it is, late
than newer. I546 HEY. I x, s. C4. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 41:
Ihave sinned, and am sorry for my fault: hee runnes farre that
neuer turnes, better late than neuer. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.T3.
1590 GREENE Mourn. Garm., p. 212: Better late than neuer: Nun-
quam sero est ad bonos mores via. I599 THYNNE dnimadversions, p.
78: Yet because the proverb ys Better late than never, I hold yt better
to speake ofyt here then not at all. 1611 GRUT., no. 58. 1614 CAM.,
p. 304. 1616 DR., no. 1184: It is better late, then neuer. 1616—30
Partial Law V iii, p. 102. 1639 CL., p. 129. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 186. 1670 RAY, p. 112. I732 FUL., no. 911.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. V i 156: Better once than never, for
never too late.
See DI'JR., I, no. 204. Cf. H411: Help never comes too late;
T263: Better late thrive than never. (25)
L86 As lean as a LATH
1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed with Kind., p. 154: And now shee
is as leane as a Lath. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Prezzemolo, p.
157: The English say, As lean as a rake, or a lath.
Cf. H447: As lean (lank) as a shotten herring.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
LATHER
LAW
370
L87 To be all of a LATHER
1660 BROOKE World Surveyed I 32, p. 143: I could not possibly
bring forth a word . . being all in a lavour with agony and distresse.
1679 F. SMITH Clad-Fate’s Ghost, p. I: Beshrew your Heart, you
put me in a cold, clammy, muck Sweat: I’me all of a Lather.
L88 To speak false LATIN
1607 Puritan I, s. A4v: I lou’d my father well too; but to say, Nay
now, I would not marry for her death? Sure I should speake false
Lattin; should I not? 1665 HAVERS Trav. P. della Valle VII, II
369: He bid us several times put on our Hats, but our Captain . .
answer’d that he would not, that they should not cause him to
commit that false Latine.
Cf. P595: To break Priscian’s head.
L89 With LATIN, a good nag (horse), and money you
may travel the world
1611 COT., s.v. Florin: Qui a Florin, latin, roussin, par tout il
trouve chemin: (Wherin, by florin, store of coyne is vnderstood).
1623 WOD., p. 480: Who hath Florin, Latin and Haquenay, Through
al Contries findeth out the straight Way. 1658 [EDMONDSON]
Comes Fae. in Via, p. 20: With a Floren, the Latine tongue, and a
good Horse, a man may travel any where. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 6: With money, Latine, and a good nag, one may find a way in
every countrey. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov.,p. 10: (thou mayst). I666
TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 229: With money, and the Latin tongue, one
may find the way any where.
L90 AT LATTER LAMMAS
1553 Respublica III v, p. 27: Faith youer Marsship will thrive att
the latter Lammas. 01566 Churchyard ’s Farewell in Bal. and Broad-
sides 30, p. 12: Who late, or neuer woodcocke like at later Lammas
thriues. 1616 DR., s.v. Impossibility, no. 1095. 1639 CL., p. 100:
*Never. 1642 FULLER Holy State IV xv, p. 316: This your will At
latter lammas wee’l fulfill. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17: At latter
Lammas when men shear their Calfs. I670 RAY, p. 184: *Ad
Graecas calendas, i.e. never. 1672 WALK. 43, p. 52: At latter
Lammass; at Nevermass; when two sundays come together.
Cf. G441: At the Greek calends; N136: At Nevermass; 5995:
When two Sundays come together. '
L91 LAUGH and be fat
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 59: Many of the worshipfull
of the Citie, that make sweet gains of stinking wares . . will laugh
and be fat. 1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. III i 10: When shall
we sup together, and laugh, and be fat with those good wenches?
01615 Yack Dove l. 23 in Roxb. Bal., I 476: Ile laugh and be fatte,
for Care kils a Catte. 1616 DR., no. 1394: Laughter will make one
fat. 1618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.: Wks., II 6: Drink and
gull, laugh and be fat, and for a little pleasure on earth goe to the
Diuell for ever. 1639 CL., p. 274. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 51,
p. 242: The English say, Laugh and grow fat. I682 N.O. Lutrin
IV, p. 40: There will we . . Laugh, grow fat.
Cf. F419: Fat folks are faithful (good-natured).
L92 LAUGH and lie down
[01522] 01545 SKELTON thy Come Not to Court 1. 927: Wks., II 55:
Now nothynge but pay, pay, With, laughe and lay downe, Borowgh,
cyte, and towne. 1596 COPLEY Figfor Fortune, p. 24: T’is faire lie
doune and laugh. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 953: Laugh and lay doun
again. 1604 DEKKER Newsfrom Gravesend: Plague Pamph., p. 76:
As for the women, they may laugh and lye downe, its a merry
world with them, but somebody payes for it. 1605 [TOURNEUR].
Laugh and Lie Downe: [Title]. 1618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.:
W ks., II I I: If all your loue bee to laugh and lye downe . . that is none
of our loue. 1634 [S. ROWLEY] Noble Soldier I, s. B2v: Sorrow be-
comes me best. ~A suit of laugh and lye downe would wear better.
[1641] 1652 R. BROME 70vial Crew III, p. 396. I668 R.B., p. 36:
[As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 236: [AS in a1598 Ferg.].
*Spoken when one hath pick’d up any Thing, as if you would say,
give it back again, and pretend that you did it in Jest.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. 11 ii 150: I am wondrous merry-
hearted; I could laugh now. —I could lie down, I am sure.

a
nga To LAUGH and cry at once (like rain in sunshine)
[1599] 1656 MIDDLETON, W. ROWLEY, AND MASSINGER Old Law II
i, p. 421: I have known a widow laugh closely, my lord, Under her
handkerchief, when t’other part Of her old face has wept like rain in
sunshine. 1607 TOURNEUR Rev. Trag. V i, p. 148: Alas I shine in
teares like the Sunne in Aprile. 1639 CL., p. 123: He laugheth
with teares in’s eyes.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594 T.G. V. I iii 84: 0, how this spring of love
resembleth The uncertain glory of an April day, Which now shows
all the beauty of the sun, And by-and-by a cloud takes all away.
1596 Rich. II III ii 8: As a long-parted mother with her child Plays
fondly with her tears and smiles in meeting, So weeping, smiling,
greet I thee, my earth. 1605-6 K.L. IV iii 19: You have seen Sun_
shine and rain at once: her smiles and tears Were like, a better way.
Cf. B640: He can laugh and cry both with a breath; E248: To
cry (look up) with one eye and laugh (down) with the other; SI 3;
To mourn in sack and claret; S481: Many a one sings that is full
sorry.
L93 He LAUGHS that wins
1546 HEY. I v, s. B2. 01569 J. PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 957, s. E2:
Let them laffe in the end that the victorye doth winne. 1578
WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. II i, s. H3v: But let them laugh,
that wynneth in the ende. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1293: Thay laugh
quho wins. 1606 Wily Beguiled xiv, p. 57: Wel: let them laugh that
winne. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 299: Hee laughs still that winnes.
1611 GRUT., no. 113. 1614 CAM., p. 307. 1616 DR., s.v. Victory,
no. 2241: They that winne laugh. 1622 T. MAY Heir III, p. 545:
Let them laugh, That Win the prize. 1639 CL., p. 109: They may
laugh that winne. I641 FERG., no. 824: They laugh ay that winnes.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1659 N.R., p. 72: Let him laugh
that wins. 1668 R.B., p. 53: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 112:
Let them laugh that win. 1721 KEL., p. 154: He may laugh that
wins. *Spoken when People laugh at your Loss, or Trouble. 1732
FUL., no. 3198: [As in 1670 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.——1604 O. IVi I25: Ha, ha, ha! —So, so, so, so!
Laugh that wins! 1611 Temp. II i32: Done! The wager? -——A
laughter [for him that wins].
Cf. L458: Give losers leave to speak (talk); S560: Better is the
last smile than the first laughter; V50: Do not triumph before the
victory. (8)
L94 To be ready to burst with LAUGHING
I606 Wily Beguiled xiii, p. 50: Wee wil haue good merry rogues there
that wil make you laugh till you burst. I616 WITHALS, p. 5 56.
L95 The LAUREL is ever green
[ERAS. Similia, 6180: Ut laurus tota viret perpetuo.] I576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., I 156: The laurel or bay-tree ceaseth not to be green,
notwithstanding the parching summer. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit, p. 226: The greene Laurell will neuer chaunge his coulour.
1652 ASHMOLE Theatr. Chem. Brit., p. 214: Cedre amonge Trees
highest ys of sight, And the Laurer of nature ys ever grene.
L96 To lay in LAVENDER .
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. III iii 39: Which sute (for the more
sweetning) now lies in lauander. 1608 MIDDLETON Family Love III
ii 78: In your t’other hose? why, those hose are in lavender. I611
FLOR., s.v. Andar’a la ara, p. 27: To lay to pawne, as we say to lay
in lauander. 1612 DEKKER If It Be Not Good, p. 319: Heele lay it
in Lauender. 1617 J. TAYLOR Travels to Hamburg: W ks. F., p. 561:
As if her selfe . . had layne seaven yeares in Lavender. 1628 EARLE
Micro. 2, p. 23: He . . has a iest still in lauender for Bellarmine.
[a1639] 1651 H. WOTTON Let.: Relig., p. 512: Yours hath lyen so
long by me (as it were in lauender) without an answer. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Hebreos fratres, p. 81: To have ones goods at
pawn, in lavander. a1700 B.E.: Layd-up-in Lavender. *When
any Cloaths or other Moveables are pawn’d or dipt for present
Money.
L97 Agree, for the LAw is costly
I616 BRET., p. 6: The law is costly. 1623 CAM., p. 265. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Discordia, p. 94. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub IV i 56: Come to a
composition with him, Turfe: The Law is costly, and will draw on


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite Verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LAW
LAWS
37I


1647 HOWELL Let. II 72, II 499: Law is not only a pick-
purse, but a Purgatory. 1659 N.R., p. 2. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 112, p. 225: The English say, The Law is costly. 1670 RAY,
p. 56. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 41 1, I 383: Agree, Agree, (says
the Old Saw) the Law is Costly. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 380:
Come, agree, agree; the law’s costly.
Cf. M543: Men are never wise but returning from law.
charge.
L98 He that goes to LAW holds a wolf by the ears
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. Dem. to Rdr., p. 70: (He that goes to
law, as the proverb is, holds).
Cf. M855: A meddler is as he that takes a wolf by the ears; S685:
You take the wrong sow by the ear; W603: He holds a wolf by the
ears.
L99 He will go to LAW for the wagging of a straw
1615 W. GODDARD Nest Wasps 16, S. C2v: Thou knowst a barlie
strawe Will make a parish parson goe to lawe. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 563. 1639 CL., p. 275: (for your wagging). 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 15: (for a straw). I670 RAY, p. 184.
Cf. W5: To be angry at (laugh at, be afraid of) the wagging of a
S traw.
L100 LAW and country
1563 RAINOLDE Found. Rhet., f. 60v: And as the Prouerbe is, Lex
vt Regio, the Lawes are accordyng to the Region. 1581 MARBECK
Commonplaces, p. 270: It is an old Prouerbe, Lawe and Countrie,
for euerie region hath certeine customes of their owne, which cannot
easilie be chaunged.
Cf. L48: Every land has its own lauch and every corn its own chaff.
L101 LAW cannot persuade Where it cannot punish
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 126: Law perswadeth not where it hath no
force to punish. 1732 FUL., no. 3148.
L102 The LAW grows of sin and chastises it
1573 SANF., f. 52. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v: (and dooth
punish it). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 39, p. 27. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
5, p. 126: Law springs from sin, and punisheth the same.
Cf. M625: Ill manners (lives) produce good laws.
L103 The LAW intends the mind more than the deed
1616 DR., no. 1199.
Cf. M761: It is not the matter (words) but the mind.
L104 The LAW is made a nose of wax
1596 LODGE Marg. America, p. 40: Iustice is made a nose of waxe
warmed, and wrought according to all mens pleasures. 1611 L.
BARRY Ram-Alley I, s. B4: And ’tis, within the power of vs Lawyers
To wrest this nose of wax which way we please. 1616 DR., no.
1202. 1657 T. BURTON Diary, 11 162: This Bill . . is a nose of wax,
and nobody can make any levies upon it. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
12, p. 126: All laws have a nose of Wax. 1687-8 Penal Laws Not-
tingham, p. 1 14: So rend’ring the Laws a Nose of Wax, to serve their
arbitrary ends. 1710 SHAFTESBURY Advice to Author: Char., I 18 5:
He was wise enough to see in the issue, that his Independency and
Freedom were mere Glosses, and Resolution a Nose of Wax.
Cf. H531: The Holy Scripture is made a nose of wax; N226: A
nose of wax.
L105 The LAW is not the same at morning and at
night
1640 HERB., no. 899.
night).
1664 COD., p. 222. 1670 RAY, p. 15: (and
L106 The LAW is the philosopher’s stone
1616 DR., no. 1136. Ibid., no. 1197: (Good Lawes are).
Cf. C625: Content is the philosopher’s stone, that turns all it
touches into gold.
L107 LAW is the scourge of sin
1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. X4v: The Lawe is a scourge
to the euill and comforte to the good. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s.
A5V).


L108 LAW, logic, and the Switzers may be hired to
fight for anybody
1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: Wks., II 99. 1630 BRATHWAITE Eng.
Gentlem. Youth, p. 13: It is commonly said that Law, Logicke, and
the Switzers, may be hired to fight for any one. a1651 R. DAVEN-
PORT Survey Sciences, p. 327: Law, logick, Switzers fight on any
side.
L109 The LAW must rule us and not we the law
1639 CL., p. 180. 1664 COD., p. 213: (us, not we).
Cf. A162: All must live under a law.
L110 No LAW for lying
1678 RAY, p. 172: *A man may lie without danger of the law.
L111 To have the LAW in one’s own hand
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s. I3v: But they may do as they
list, the law is in their oune hands. 1639 CL., s.v. Vis injusta, p.
321: The Law is in his owne hands. 1670 RAY, p. 184. I672
WALK. 45, p. 52: He hath the Law in his own hand.
SHAKESPEARE.—I604 O. I iii 67: The bloody book of law You
shall yourself read in the bitter letter After your own sense; yea,
though our proper son Stood in your action.
Cf. M341: No man ought to be judge in his own cause.
L112 You may have much LAW on your side and but
little equity (justice)
1694 ECHARD Self-Tormenter IV, p. 143: (The old Saying’s true,
You). 1732 FUL., no. 3482: Much Law, but little Justice.
L113 As unalterable as the LAWS of the Medes and
Persians
[Dan. vi 12: True, according to the law of the Medes and Persians,
which altereth not.] 1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s Sickness: Wks., p. 442:
His will is like the Persian law, vnalterable. 1616-3o Partial Law
I iii, p. I 1: Yet such force Have your Commands on me that like to
Lawes Of Medes and Persians I have them obey’d. [611657] 1693
J. HACKET Mem. Williams Pref., s. b4: The Laudean Faction (like
the Laws of the Medes and Persians) altereth not.
See ST., no. 2559.
L1 14 He deserves not to give LAWS who cannot endure
to receive them
1659 N.R., p. 43. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 126: (who can[not]
indure to have laws given him).
Cf. L118: They that make laws must not break them.
L115 LAWS are good if they be rightly interpreted and
duly executed
1616 DR., no. 1200.
L116 LAWS catch flies (little flies) but let the hornets
(great flies) go free -
[ERAS. Adagia, 169C: Aranearum telas texere . . leges cum aranea-
rum textis comparabat.] 1552 HULOET Abced., s. A5v: Lawes were
made lyke Cobwebbes; for the smal flyes were tyed, but the greate
flyes brake awaye. 1573 SANF., f. 67: The Philosopher Anacharsis
wisely compared mens lawes to Spyders webs, saying: That euen as
they holde faste the lesser flyes and wormes, and giue place to the
greatest, so the lawes do bend the poore and weke, but the rich and
mightie, they let passe. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing,
p. 77: Dat veniam corvis, vexat censura Columbas, Crabrones
abeunt, recidunt in retia- muscae. 1586 WITHALS, s. A8: The
spider intrappeth Flies, but lets waspes passe through her web.
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 80: Laws are like Spiders
webs which catch the small flies, and let the great break through.
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER Sir Th. Wyatt, s. F2v: Great men like
great Flies, Through lawes Cobwebs breake, But the thin’st frame,
the prison of the weake. 1611 COT., s.v. Corbeau: Censure tor-
ments Pigeons, and frees Rauens; and hence are Lawes compared
vnto Cobwebs; little flies are caught in them, great ones breake
through them. 1611 JONSON Cat. III 506, p. 485: Petty crimes are
punish’d, great rewarded. 1612 DEKKER IfIt Be Not Good, p. 287:

In partial quotations Wording (not Spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
LAws
LAY
372

Like cob-webbe in fowle roomes, through which great flies Breake
through, the lesse being caught bith wing, there dies. 1613 SYL-
VES'I‘ER Weeks II N ii 219: Let not thy Lawes be like the Spider’s
Caul, Where little Flies are caught and kild. 01626 Dick Dev. V i,
p. 83: Law! yes; the spiders Cobweb, out of which great fiyes breake
and in which the little are hangd. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in
Land. IV, p. 190: The weake And smaller fiyes i’th Spiders web are
tane When great ones teare the web, and free remaine. 1639 CL.,
p. 172: Little theeves are hang’d, but great ones escape. 1655 T.
STANLEY l/ist. Phil. I ix, p. 26: Laws are like Cobwebs which en-
tangle the lesser sort, the greater break through. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 7, p. 161: Great fiyes break thorough the cobwebs. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Ragni, p. 164: To prove of those humming fiyes
which break through the cobwebs, viz. of those which put a force
upon Justice, and make Laws to be no better than cobwebs. 1732
FUL., no. 3150. 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 8: Laws like to cobwebs, catch
small flies, Great ones break through before your eyes.
Cf. C210: Censure, which spares the raven, torments the dove;
M152: The great man is the spider, the poor man is the fly. (13)
The more (Many) LAws the more (many) of-
fenders (sins)
1573 SANF., f. 4: Where there are many lawes, there be also or haue
ben many vices. 1648 HERRICK Hesperides: Poet. Wks., p. 244:
As many Laws and Lawyers do expresse Nought but a Kingdoms
ill-afi'ectednesse. 1667 MILTON Par. Lost XII 283, p. 388: As
many Laws argue so many sins Among them. 1732 FUL., no. 4663.
Cf. M625: Ill manners (lives) produce good laws; P228: The
worse people have most laws.
L117
L118 They that make LAws must not break them
1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. H2v: It is a shame for the Law-
giuer to breake and violate his owne institutions. 1631 JONSON
New Inn II vi 129: Would you make lawes, and be the first that
break ’hem? 1639 CL., p. 193: (breake lawes). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 33, p. 125: Who makes the law, ought to keep it. 1669 PENN
No Cross No Crown XIX, p. 376: Xenophanes, being jeered for
refusing to play at a forbidden game, answered . . They that make
Laws, must keep them. 1670 RAY, p. 1 12. I672 WALK. 14, p. 45.
1721 KEL., p. 232: Law Makers should not be Law Breakers.
1732 FUL., no. 3305: Magistrates are to obey as well as execute
Laws. 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 8: The magistrate should obey the laws,
the people should obey the magistrate.
Cf. K65: The king must be subject to (must do nothing against)
the law; L114: He deserves not to give laws who cannot endure to
receive them.
L119 Great LAWING small loving
1562 HEY. Epig. 10, p. 180. 1611 COT., s.v. Plaid: The more law
the lesse loue.
L120 The finest LAWN (cloth) will be the soonest
stained
1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 44: As finest cloth will soonest catch
a staine. Ibid.: The purest Lawne is apt for euery staine. 1616
DR., s.v. Faults, no. 688. 1639 CL., p. 83: (is soonest steyned).
1670 RAY, p. 90: The finest lawn soonest stains.
See DUR., II, no. 328. Cf. C56: The canker soonest eats the
fairest rose (flowers); C429: The finest cloth'is eaten by moths;
L121a: The purest lawn has frets; S450: The fairest silk is soonest
soiled; S781: A spot is most seen upon the finest cloth.
He that will sell (buy) LAWN before he can fold
it shall repent him before he has sold it
1546 HEY. I viii, s. C1: (er he can folde it, He shall repent hym
er he haue solde it). 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 68: He that
will sell lawne must learne to folde it. 01594 BACON, no. 474.
1611 DAY. Prov., no. 393: (Hee that sells and He shall). 1616
DR., s.v. Vnexperienced, no. 2273. 1623 CAM., p. 270: (He that
buyes Lawne before). 1639 CL., s.v. Imperitia, p. 149: (He that
buyes lawne before). 1670 RAY, p. 112: (He that buyes lawn and
have sold it). 1732 FUL., no. 2358: [As in 1580 Lyly]. Ihid, no.
6443: [As in 1670 Ray].
L121


L121a The purest LAWN has frets
1598 BARNrIELD Lady Pecunia, p. 149: No peece of Lawne so pure,
but hath some fret. [1611] I630 MIDDLETON Chaste Maid in
Cheaps. I i 34: As there’s no woman made without a flaw, Your
purest lawns have frays, and cambrics bracks.
Cf. L120: The finest lawn (cloth) will be the soonest stained,
L122 LAWSUITs consume time and money and rest and
friends
1640 HERB., no. 772.
L123 She has given LAWTON GATE a clap
1678 RAY, p. 300: *Spoken of one got with child and going to Lon-
don to conceal it. Lawton is in the way to London from several
parts of Cheshire. 1710 British Apollo 26, May 24, Vol. III.
Cf. P69: To come home like the parson’s cow, with a calf at her
foot.
L124 A good LAWYER an evil neighbor
1611 COT., s.v. Advocat. Ihid., s.v. Voisin: The best Lawyer is
the worst neighbor; those that know most are worst to dwell by.
1664 COD., p. 183: (but an evil Neighbour). 1670 RAY, p. 15.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Neighbor: (is an ill Neighbor). 1737 FRANKLIN,
p. 13: (is a bad neighbour).
L125 A LAWYER will not plead but for money (a fee)
01460 Wisdom l. 669, p. 57: W0 Wytt haue law, must haue monye.
01550 Parl. Birds 1. 147 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 174: Lytle money
lytle lawe. 1597 G. HARVEY Trim. Nashe, p. 26: No fee, no lawe.
1616 DR., no. 276. 1618 HOLYDAY Technogamia II v, s. D4v:
A man may as well open an Oister without a knife, as a Lawyers
mouth without a fee. 1639 CL., p. 5 5: A Lawyer’s tongue run’s
glib when he’s fed.
SHAKESPEARE.——1605—6 K.L. I iv 141: This [advice] is nothing,
fool. —Then ’tis like the breathlof an unfeed lawyer—you gave me
nothing for’t.
Cf. P199: No penny no paternoster.
L126 A LAWYER’s pen is a hook
1616 DR., no. 1205.
L127 A LAWYER’s purse is the mouth of hell
1616 DR., no. 1204.
L128 Fair and softly, as LAWYERs go to heaven
1670 RAY, p. 193. 1694 MO'I‘TEUX Gargantua V xxviii, III 335:
Come, let’s now talk with Deliberation, fair and softly, as Lawyers
go to Heaven.
Cf. H407: If hell were not full the lawyer could not be saved.
L129 Few LAWYERs die well, few physicians live well
1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man V, p. 396: There is a common proverbe,
that neither a physitian liueth wel, nor a lawyer dieth wel. 1636
CAM., p. 295. 1659 N.R., p. 34: Few Lawyers die well. Ibid.:
Few Physicians live well.
L130 LAWYERs’ houses are built on the heads of fools
1640 HERB., no. 944. 1659 N .R., p. 73. 1660 J. HOWELL Parley
Beasts II, p. 17: The Lawyer replied . . this house [his own] is made
of Asses heads and Fools sculls, meaning the multitude of Clients he
had had.
L131 I will LAY it on, take it off who will
1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. H3v:
Heere Madame, Ile set it on, tak’t off who will. 1640 JONSON Tale
Tuh II ii 12: Ile lay it on, and sure; Take’t off who’s wull. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Largo, p. 86: (To rant out ones expences, as the
English say, lay).
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. I ii 224: There’s laying on, take’t off
who will, as they say.
__
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LAYING 373
LEAK


L132 I have cured her from LAYING in the hedge, quoth
the good man when he had wed his daughter
I678 RAY, p. 56.
Daughter).
1732 FUL., no. 2604: (when he married his
L133 Leave her on a LEA1 and let the devil flit her
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Alb. x, s. I3v: They should set her on
the Leland, and bid the Diuell split her. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 16: *A Lincolnshire Proverb spoken of a scolding wife; viz.
Tye her to a Plow-ridge, and lett the Devill remove her to a better
Pasture.
[1meadow, field]
L134-L137 LEAD: subst.
L134 As heavy as LEAD
[c1553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. II i 22: As heavie as lead lumpes.
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II v, s. D4: I beleeve it is as heauy
as lead. 1593 R.S. Phoenix Nest, p. 11: As heavie as a mount of
lead. 1694 DRYDEN Love Triumph. I i, p. 396: Try his wit, senor,
you’ll find it as heavy as lead.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 RY. II v I7: Unwieldy, slow, heavy and
pale as lead. 1597 I Hen. IV V iii 34: I am as hot as molten lead,
and as heavy too. 1598 2 Hen. IVI i 117: All the rest Turn’d on
themselves, like dull and heavy lead. I613 T.N.K. V i 95: Thy
yoke . . is heavier Than lead itself.
L135 As wan (pale) as LEAD
[1503] c1545 SKELTON Phyllyp Sparrowe l. 60: Wks., I 53: My
vysage pale and dead, Wanne, and blewe as lead. I509 HAWES
Past. Pleas. 16, p. 76: And Dyane derlyng pale as any leade. I520
WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 36: His lyppes be as wan as lede.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 RY. II v 17: Unwieldy, slow, heavy and
pale as lead.
L136 To have LEAD on one’s heels
01475 Mankind l. 548, p. 21: I promes yow I haue no lede on my
helys. CI570 Marr. Wit and Science V iii, S. E3v: Runne with
leaden heeles. CI579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ix, p. 58:
Some leden heeled Lubber. 1604-5 CARLTON (to Chamberlain)
quoted in Sullivan Court Masques fumes I, p. 2 5: Germain had lead
in his heales and sometimes forgott what he was doing.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. III i 312: This tiger-footed rage . .
. . Tie leaden pounds to’s heels.
Cf. G421: To let no grass (moss) grow on one’s heel.
will
L137 Ye are as cold as LEAD
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1635.
L138 LEAD: verb
L138 Neither LEAD nor drive
1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions I, p. 144: Another . . would neither be
led nor driven. I678 RAY, p. 75: *An untoward, unmanageable
person.
L139-L145 LEAF = foliage
L139 AS light as LEAF on lind
I520 Treatise Gallant l. 138 in Bal.from MSS, Vol. I, p. 450.
L140 He trembles (quakes, shakes) like an aspen
LEAF
01475 Mankind l. 727, p. 27: My body tir-trymmelyth as the aspen
leffe. 01566 Song Outcast Lover in C. Robinson et al. Handf.
Pleas. Delights, p. 49: As wauering as the aspen leaf they [women]
are, so God me saue. 1594 See. Report Dr. Faustus XIX, p. 96:
He stood quiuering and shaking eyther for could or feare like an
Aspine leafe (as they say). 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt.
Burn. Pestle III i, p. 197: I tremble (as they say) as ’twere an
Aspine leaf. 1616 DR., no. 709: (quaketh). 1639 CL., p. 310.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10: (He shaketh as). 1666 TOR. Prov.

L141
Phr., s.v. Giacomo, p. 73: To tremble for fear, like an asping leaf, as
they say in English. Ibid., s.v. Verga, p. 228: To tremble and
shiver for cold as an asping leaf. 1670 RAY, p. 207: (To quake
like).
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. .dnd. II iv 44: O, had the monster seen
those lily hands Tremble like aspen leaves upon a lute. 1598 2
Hen. IV II iv 113: Feel, masters, how I shake. . an ’twere an aspen
leaf. I cannot abide swagg’rers.
Cf. W677: A woman’s tongue, like an aspen leaf, is always in
motion. (5)
A LEAF of borage might buy all the substance
that they can sell
I546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: (But wed of corage They must in all haste,
though a leafe of).
See APP., p. 60.
L142 He eats LEAVES and voids silk
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 176: *All things thrive
with him. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 11: (and shites silk).
L143 He that is afraid of the LEAVES must not go to
the wood
I596 DEL., s. P2v. 1611 COT., s.v. Peur: Let him thats skar’d
by leaues keepe from the Wood. I616 DR., no. 702: (of leaues).
1623 WOD., p. 488: Wee should never go to the Wood, if wee feare
the Leaues. 1639 CL., p. 144: (must not come into the wood).
1640 HERB., no. 764: He that feares leaves let him not goe'into the
wood. 1651 HERB., p. 369: (of leaves goes not to the wood).
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 15: (Who fears the wagging of leaves,
let him not). 1659 N.R., p. 61: [As in 1651 Herb.]. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 19, p. 281: Let him not go to the wood, who is afraid of
boughs. 1670 RAY, p. 55: (of leaves, must not come in a wood).
Cf. B737: He that is afraid of every bush will never prove good
huntsman; F165: Let not him that fears feathers come among wild
fowl; G416: He that fears every grass must not piss (walk) in a
meadow.
L144 LEAVES enough but few grapes
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 1: *Many words and few deeds.
N.R., p. 73.
1659
L145 Often drunk and seldom sober falls like the
LEAVES in October
[1616-24] 1639 FLETCHER ET AL. Bloody Brother II ii, p. 263: And
he that will to bed go sober, Falls with the leaf still in October.
1652 CHILD 44 in Festive Songs, p. 60: Let him drink his smal beer
and be sober; Whilst we drink sack, and sing as if it were Spring,
He shall drop like the trees in October. 1732 FUL., no. 6219.
L146 LEAF=pages of a book
L146 To turn over a new LEAF
I546 HEY. II iv, 8. G4: Nay, she will tourne the leafe. 1570
ASCHAM Schoolmaster, p. 121: Except soch men think them selues
wiser then Cicero for teaching of eloquence, they must be content to
turn a new leafe. I581 MULCASTER Positions 37, p. 147: The
state is now altered . . the preferment that way hath turned a
new leafe. I602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 460, p. 19:
Yet because Ile not be counted a worse foole then I am, Ile turne
ouer a new leafe. [01605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 114:
I sweare, as I hope my soule, I will turne ouer a new leafe.
1616 DR., s.v. Repentance, no. 1831: He turneth a new leafe. 1639
CL., p. 281: He hath turn’d over a new leafe. I666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Registro, p. 166: To alter ones wont and custome, to
turn over a new leaf. I670 RAY, p. 197. (37)
L147 A small LEAK will sink a great ship
1642 FULLER Holy State I viii, p. 20: Many little leaks may sink a
ship. 1670 RAY, p. 118: A little leak neglected, in time will sink a
ship. I732 FUL., no. 407. 1745 FRANKLIN, p. 22: (Beware of
little Expences; a small).
Cf. 892: Many sands will sink a ship.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8.
LEAP
LEAVE
374
L148 A LEAP in the dark
[ERAS. Adagia, 348E: In tenebris saltare. Est rem gerere clancu-
lum, nullo teste, nulloquejudice.] 1697 VANBRUGH Provoked Wife
V v, p. 177: Now, I am in for Hob’s Voyage; a great Leap in the
Dark. 1722 I)EFOE Moll Flanders, I 99: Make matrimony, like
death, be a leap in the dark.
L149 LEARN not and know not
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 26.
L150 LEARN to say before you sing
1639 CL., p. 116. 1670 RAY, p. 139. I732 FUL., no. 3165.
Cf. C332: Children learn to creep before they go (A man must
creep before he goes); C820: First creep, then go (Learn to creep
before you go).
L151 LEARN weeping and you Shall laugh gaining
1640 HERB., no. 127. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
236. 1659 N.R., p. 74: (laugh gaming).
L152 LEARN young learn fair
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 933. 1641 FERG., no. 570: Lear [learn]
young, lear fair. I668 R.B., p. 34: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I721 KEL.,
P- 239-
L153 Never too old (late) to LEARN
[01620] 1661 MIDDLETON Mayor Queenb. V i 287: A man is never
too old to learn. 1670 RAY, p. 112. 1672 WALK. I I, p. 45. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Old. 1721 KEL., p. 266: (late). 1732 FUL., no. 3530:
(to learn what is good).
Cf. M263: A man may learn wit every day.
L154 That which is evil (nought) is soon LEARNED
1639 CL., p. 260: (naught). 1664 COD., p. 215. 1670 RAY, p. 8.
1721 KEL., p. 31: An ill leason is erth [easy] to learn.
L155 LEARNING belongs to students, riches to the care-
ful, the world to the presumptuous, paradise to
the devout
1573 SANF., f. 107. 1754 FRANKLIN, p. 31: Learning to the Studi-
ous; Riches to the Careful; Power to the Bold; Heaven to the
Virtuous.
L156 LEARNING in the breast of a bad man (a prince)
is as a sword in the hand of a madman
1591 HARINGTON Allegory: Orl. Fur., p. 413: The chiefe fault
commonly is, in those counsellors that put a sword into a mad-
mans hand, by putting such conceits into Princes heads. I613
EGERTON Indecorum, p. 37: (Our English prouerb . . which saith,
that learning in). 1629 TUVILL Vade Mecum Of Learning, p. 16:
Learning . . in a Prince . . is like a dangerous knife in the hands ofa
mad-man.
Cf. P669: Ill putting (Put not) a naked sword in a madman’s
hand.
L157 LEARNING is the eye of the mind
1616 DR., no. 1192. 1664 COD., p. 204.
L158—9 LEARNING is the labor of the brain
1616 BRET., p. 9. 1639 CL., p. 61.
L160 They favor LEARNING whose actions are worthy
of a learned pen
1651 HERB., p. 367.
L161 Too much LEARNING makes men mad
[Acts xxvi 24: Festus said with a loud voice, Paul thou art beside
thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.] 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 16. 1680 R. L’ESTRANGE Twenty Select Colloq. 16, p. 212:
But much learning makes a man mad.
Cf. S141: Much science much sorrow.

j,
L162 He never has a bad LEASE that has a good land-
lord
01640 SMYTH 74, p. 32.
L163 He that eats LEAST eats most
01645 E. BROOKE Commonpl. Bk., p. 27.
See APP., p. 176.
L164 Who is more busy than he that has LEAST to do?
1616 DR., s.v. Busie or medling, no. 219. 1639 CL., p. 20. 1659
N.R., p. 120: (Who more busie). 1664 COD., p. 224: (than he who
hath). 1670 RAY, p. 66: (Who more busy). 1732 FUL., no. 5711:
(Who more busy than they that have).
L165 Whom we love best to them we can say LEAST
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 29: As I have heard, those that love most
speak least. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 155: True loue
lacketh a tongue. 1670 RAY, p. 47. 1732 FUL., no. 6259: (Whom
love we best, To them we).
SHAKESPEARE.—-1594 T.G.V. I ii 31: They do not love that do
not show their love. —O, they love least that let men know their
love. Ibid. II ii 16: What, gone without a word? Ay, so true love
should do. It cannot speak, For truth hath better deeds than
words to grace it. 1595 M.N.D. V i 104: Love, therefore, and
tongue-tied simplicity In least speak most, to my capacity. 1598-
99 M.A. II 1 317: Silence is the perfectest herald ofjoy. I were
but little happy, if I could say how much. Lady, as you are mine,
I am yours. 1605—6 K.L. I i 63: What shall Cordelia speak?
Love, and be silent.
L166 As tough as LEATHER (white leather)
1611 COT., s.v. Corias. 1622 MABBE Rogue I I iii, I 100: I began
with the crust, and ended in the crumme, which was as tough as
Whit-lether. 1678 RAY, p. 290: (whitleather).
L167 Raw LEATHER will stretch
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. G2v: Yong kids lether will stretch.
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 213. 1616 DR., s.v. Couetousnesse, no. 377.
1639 CL., s.v. Conscientia, p. 66. 1659 N.R., p. 88. I670 RAY,
p. 136. 1721 KEL., p. 284. 1732 FUL., no. 4004.
Cf. C608: He has a conscience like a cheverel’s skin.
L168—L170 LEAVE: subst. (=1iberty, permission)
L168 He must have LEAVE to speak who cannot hold
his tongue
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 474: (He must hav libertie to speak that).
1641 FERG., no. 301: (that cannot had his tongue). 1668 R.B., p.
21: He mon have leave to speak that cannot had his tongue. I697
MER., p. 164: (that cannot). 1721 KEL., p. 145: *Spoken against
impertinent and indefatigable Baublers. 1732 FUL., no. 1992.
Cf. L458: Give losers leave to speak (talk).
L169 He that will thrive must ask LEAVE of his Wife
01475 Songs and Carols 71, p. 87: Fore he that cast hym for to
thryve, He must ask off hys Wiffe leve. 1523 A. FITZHERBERT
Husb., p. 93: There is an olde common sayinge, that seldom doth
the housbande thryue, withoute the leue of his wyfe. I562 HEY.
Dial. I xi, p. 28. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 106: A man cannot
thryfe except his wyffe let him. I611 DAv. Prov., no. 337. 1616
DR., no. 2394: (shriue). 1639 CL., p. 328: A man must aske his
wife ifhe shall thrive. 1642 D. ROGERS Matr. Honor xiv, p. 302: A
man may thrive, if he have his wifes good wil. I668 R.B., p. 8:
[As in a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 49: A man must ask his wife
leave to thrive. 1721 KEL., p. 15: A Man that would thrive, must
ask his Wife’s Leave. *If a Man have an extravagant Wife, he
cannot thrive, unless his Funds were inexhaustible.
L170 LEAVE is light
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: Ye huswife, what wind blowth ye hyther
thus right? Ye might haue knokt or ye came in, leaue is lyght.
1562 HEY. Epig. 134, p. 149. [a16oo] 1639 DELONEY Gentle Craft
II, p. 13: Leave is light; which being obtained, a man may be bold

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LEAVE
LEG
375


without offence. 1600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will: Wks., III 259:
As the prouerbe sayes, leaue is light. 1611 GRUT., no. 172. 1614
CAM., p. 309. 1631 JONSON New Inn V v 82: But you must aske
my leaue first . . Leaue is but light. [1633] I640 JONSON King’s
Enter. at Welbeck l. 65: Later Entertainments, VII 794: Leave is
ever faire, being ask’d; and granted, is as light, according to our
English Proverbe, Leave is light. 1639 CL., p. 315. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 4. 1664 COD., p. 203. 1670 RAY, p. 113. 1721
KEL., p. 230: *A Reproof to them whointrude upon your Interest,
without your Permission.
L171 LEAVE: subst. (=parting)
1 will take no LEAVE of you, quoth the baker to
the pillory
1546 HEY. II ii, s. G1: And so late met, that I feare we parte not
yeet, Quoth the baker to the pillory. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
11. 1685 CODRINGTON Coll. Proverbs 614, p. 113.
L171
L172 LEAVE: verb
L172 Better LEAVE than lack
1546 HEY. I V, s. B2. 1598 R. BARRET Theor. Prac. 'Wars VI, p.
224: For better it is to leaue then to lacke. 1611 GRUT., no. 59.
1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., s.v. Plentie, no. 1656: It is better to
leaue then to lacke. 1639 CL., s.v. Copiae, p. 74. 1641 FERG., no.
191: Better leave nor want. I642 FULLER Holy State IV xiv, p.
310: His Book is a worthy work (wherein the Reader may rather
leave then lack). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659 N.R., p. 22.
I668 R.B., p. 14: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 113. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Dine, Dinner, p. 92: Better to leave than
to lack. 1681 ROB., p. 475: At dinner ’tis better to leave, then to
lack. 1721 KEL., p. 66: *In carrying on of a Project, better to
abound in material Tools, and other Necessaries, than be in the
least deficient. I732 FUL., no. 912.
Cf. K8: Well guessed, Kate, here. is neither to lack nor to leave.
L173 LECHERY and covetousness go together
[1621-39] 16 5 3 J. FORD Queen IV, p. 30: ’Tis an old proverbe that
leachery and covetousnes go together, and ’tis a true one too.
L174 To give one a Juniper LECTURE (letter)
1655 FULLER Church Hist. 111 v, I 359: Bishop Grouthead, of-
fended thereat, wrote pope Innocent IV. such a juniper letter, tax-
ing him with extortion. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Capello, p. 28:
To reprove and jobe one, to rattle one up soundly, and give him a
juniper Lecture. 1706 HEARNE Remarks and Coll. June 10, I 260:
The Quaker . . read him a Jumper [Juniper] Lecture against lewd-
ness.
L175 The empty LEECH sucks sore
1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 38: An empty tick sucks sore.
WALK. 14, p. 36. 1681 ROB., p. 528.
1672
L176 AS green as a LEEK
1573 GASCOIGNE Dan Barth. Bath: Posies, p. 130: His flecked
Cheekes, Nowe cherrye redde, nowe pale and greene as leekes.
1585 HIGGINS Nomenclator I, p. 180: A colour as greene as a leeke.
[CI608] 1638 W. ROWLEY A Shoe. a Gent. IV i 308: And at the very
sight hee look’t as greene as a leeke. 1678 RAY, p. 285.
I iHAKESPEAREr—ISQS M.N.D. V i 342: His eyes were green as
ee s.
L177 Like a LEEK, he has a white head and a green
tail
c1590 DAVIES Epig. 35, p. 32: Septimus liues, and is like garlick
scene, For though his head be white, his blade is greene. 1591
GREENE Fare. to Folly, p. 323: Old men were like leekes gray headed,
and oft greene tailde. I598 HALL Satires IV iv, p. 79: The
maidens mocke, and call him withered leeke, That with a greene
tayle hath an hoary head. [01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore,
p. 103: Tho my head be like a Leeke, white, may not my heart be
like the blade, greene? I607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. H0 IV,
g

L181
L183
s. E4: Garlick has a white head, and a greene stalke, Then why
Should not I? Lets bee merry. [c1634] 16 51 W. CARTWRIGHT
Ordinary III i, p. 36: Mine head is white, but 0 mine taile is green.
[8.1660] 1693 URQUHART Gargantua III xxviii, II 146: How I am of
the Nature of Leeks, which with a white Head carry a green, fresh
streight, and vigorous Tail. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 213: Though
a leek have a white head, yet it hath a green tail. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Porro, p. 155: To bear a leek for ones coat, viz. white and
green; spoken of lusty old men, that though they have a white
head, have a green tail. 1678 RAY, p. 149: Gray and green make
the worst medley . . An old lecher is compared to an onyon, or leek,
which hath a white head but a green tail. 1721 KEL., p. 363:
(You breed of the Leek, you have a white). *Spoken to old grace-
less prophane Wretches.
Cf. G430: Gray and green make the worst medley; H254: A head
that’s white to maids brings no delight; L589: His lust is as young
as his limbs are old.
L178 Eat LEEKS in Lide1 and raisins in May and all
the year after physicians may play
1558 BULLEIN Gov’t. Health, f. 45: Leekes doe purge the blood in
March. 1686—7 AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and ffudaism, p. 13: (A
proverbial rhythme Eate leekes in).
[lMarch]
L179 Sometimes the LEES are better than the wine
1616 DR., no. 2423: (Many times). Ibid., no. 2427.
L180 AS right (straight) as my LEG
c1636 F. GROVE Coach’s Overthrow l. 103 in Roxb. Bal., III 338: The
sick, the weake, the lame also, A coach for ease might beg; When
they on foot might lightly goe, That are as right’s my leg. I639
SHIRLEY Ball IV i, p. 57: Right as my leg again. 1664 J. WILSON
Cheats II iv, p. 26: All’s well, and as right as my Leg. —And
that’s crooked to my knowledge. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cane,
p. 26. 1678 RAY, p. 90: (She’s as). *A whore. Ibid., p. 288.
I696 D’URFEY3 Don Quix. III ii, p. 250: And she as right as is my
Leg, Still gave him leave to touze her. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
I, p. 415: Straight! ay, straight as my leg, and that’s crooked at
knee.
Back with that LEG (foot)
1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 251: Pluck back that foot.
65.
1678 RAY, p.
L182 Badger-like, one LEG shorter than another
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20.
Cut ofi the LEG of an ill custom
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8.
Cf. C1 14: A cask and an ill custom must be broken; C931: A bad
custom is like a good cake (A bad custom is), better broken than
kept.
L184 He has cut his LEG
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Alto, p. 4: To be soundly paid with wine,
to have a cut in the leg. Ibid., s.v. Pagliucca, p. 127: To have got
soundly drunk, a cup too much, a cut in the leg, a fox, so as to
knock under the table. 1678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk. a1700
B.E., s.v. Cut: Cut in the Leg or Back, very drunk. 1732 FUL., no.
1885: He hath cut both his Legs, and cannot go, nor Stand.
Cf. B487: Knock under the board (table); C905: He has got a
cup too much; C911: To be in one’s cups; F651: To catch the fox.
L185 1 now see which LEG (foot) you are lame of
1586 D. ROWLAND Lazarillo, p. 40: When I perceiued upon which
foot hee halted, I made hast to eat. 1631 MABBE Celestina XII,
p. 212: I now perceive on which foot you halt. 1732 FUL., no. 2623.
L186 A LEG (pestle) of a lark is better than the body
of a kite
1546 HEY. I iv, s. B1: (than is the body of a kyght). 1582 WHET-
STONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. S4v: But she (that knew a leg of a Larke,
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
LEG
LENGTH
376
was better then the whole Carkasse of a Kyte). 1605 CHAPMAN,
JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho V i 151: (The legge). 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 293: (is worth two of a kite). 1611 GRUT., no. 15.
1614 CAM., p. 302. 1616 DR., s.v. Rare, or scarce, no. 1803: [As in
1611 I)av.]. 1630 T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: Wks., p. 1136: The
legge of a Larke is better then the whole body of a Kite. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (then the whole body of a Kyte). 1659
N.R., p. 8: (is worth the body of a Kite). 1662 FULLER Worthies
Rutlandshire, II 241: Indeed it is but the Pestel of a Lark, which is
better than a Quarter of some bigger Bird, having the most cleanly
profit in it. 1666 TOR. 1t. Prov., note 13, p. 242: A pestle ofa lark,
is better worth than the leg of a kite. 1670 RAY, p. 1 12: One leg of
a lark’s worth the whole body of a kite. 1732 FUL., no. 3765: [As
in 1670 Ray].
Cf. P291: A piece of a kid is worth two of a cat. (5)
L187 She has broken her LEG above the knee (broken
her elbow)
[1618] 1647 FLETCHER Loyal Suhj. III V, p. 130: Ifher foot slip, and
down fall she, And break her leg ’bove the knee. [1621] 1652
FLETCHER Wild Goose Chase IV i, p. 365: She . . slip’d And broke
her leg above the knee. 1650 HEATH Clarastella II, p. 64: And so
she broke her elboe ’gainst the bed. 1678 RAY, p. 256: *Had a
bastard. 1709 CIBBER Rival Fools V, p. 176: Your Niece! your
niece! Sir. —What! broke her leg?
L188 While the LEG (foot) warms, the boot (shoe)
harms
a1536 HILL 21, p. 128: While the fote warmith, the sho harmith.
1546 HEY. II ii, s. F4v. 01594 BACON, no. 385. 1611 DAv. Epig.,
no. 325. 1616 DR., s.v. Idlenesse, no. 1049: Whiles the legge
warmeth, the boote (i. the profit) harmeth. 1639 CL., s.v. Ignavia,
p. 145. 1670 RAY, p. 113. 1732 FUL., no. 6309. ‘
Cf. W70: He warms too near that burns.
L189 Everyone stretches his LEGs according to his
coverlet '
1640 HERB., no. 147. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 24.
1664 COD., p. 192: (according Coverlet). 1670 RAY, p. 25: Stretch
your legs according to your coverlet. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To stretch:
[As in 1670 Ray]. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 15 5: [As in 1670 Ray]. -*Or
Make your Coat according to your Cloth.
Cf. C472: Cut your coat according to your cloth.
L190 He is run off his LEGs
1678 RAY, p. 89: *A Bankrupt.
L191 How came you hither? On my LEGs
[1598] I616 HAUGH'I‘ON Eng. for My Money, s. G1v: How come we
to Wesmistere? ~Why on your Legges fooles, how should you
goe? 1632 SHIRLEY Love in Maze II i, p. 297: How came you hither?
-—Why, upon my feet.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. 1111 iv 86: I would speak with Clar-
ence, and I came hither on my legs.
Cf. H587: To beat it on the hoof.
L192 Long be your ans and short be your life
1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 68.
See APP., p. 275.
L193 To be (To go) on one’s last LEGs
[1599] I656 MIDDLETON, W. ROWLEY, AND MASSINGER Old Law V i,
p. 435: My husband goes upon his last hour now. —On his last'
legs, I am sure. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Orciuolo, p. 123: All is
gone, there’s no more left, to be on ones last legs. 1678 RAY, p. 89:
He goes on’s last legs. *A Bankrupt. Ihid., p. 257: He’s on his
last legs.
L194 To stand on his own LEGs
1623 MASSINGER Duke Milan II i, p. 32: The Duke stands now on
his own legs, and needs No nurse to leade him. 1631 JONsON
Staple News I i 20: I Stand on my owne feete, so much a yeere.
1672 WALK. 46, p. 37. 1675 H. NEVILLE Prince XIII, p. 88: When

i
he began to stand upon his own legs his renown began to increase,
1697 COLLIER Friendship: Essays II, p. 54: Persons of their Fortune
and Quality could well have stood upon their own Legs and needed
not to lay in for Countenance and Support.
Cf. T596: Every tub must stand on its own bottom.
L195 Use LEGs and have legs
1582 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 188: Vse Legges, and haue Legges:
Vse Law and haue Law. Vse nether and haue nether. [01638]
I657 CARLELL Fool Fav. I, p. 7: Use a voyce, and have a voyce,
1639 CL., s.v. Exercitatio, p. 107. 1664 COD., p. 223. 1670 RAY,
p. 153. 1721 KEL., p. 342: Work Legs, and win Legs, hain [save,
spare] Legs, and tine [lose] Legs. 1732 F UL., no. 5410.
L196 At LEisURE, as flax grows
1639 CL., s.v. Tarditatis, p. 304.
L197 He has no LEISURE who uses it not
1640 HERB., no. 891. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p,
185. 1753 FRANKLIN, p. 29: It is not Leisure that is not used.
L198 I have no LEISURE to hunt the loiterer
1616 WITHALS, p. 569: (Hee hath). 1639 CL., p. 23 5.
L199 He that LENDs gives
1640 HERB., no. 782. 1659 N.R., p. 58.
Cf. F725: Who lends to a friend loses double.
L200-L201 LENGTH = end
L200 At LENGTH the fox is brought to the furrier
1611 COT., s.v. Regnard: En fin les regnards (Viz. their skinnes) se
trouvent chez le pelletier. The craftie are at length surprised.
1623 WOD., p. 512: In the End Foxes come to the Glovers. The
deceiver deceived. The most crafty are caught in the End. 1640
HERB., no. 81. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: At last the Foxes meet
at the Furriers shop. 1659 N.R., p. 15. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20,
p. 199: All foxes are found at the Furriers shop.
Cf. D179: He that deceives (beguiles) another is oft deceived (be-
guiled) himself; F63 1 : Every fox must pay his own skin to the flayer.
L201 At LENGTH the string cracks by being over-
strained
01594 BACON, no. 612: *Spanish. 1616 DR., no. 1771: Where
strings are high set, they breake or grow out of tune. 1659 How.
Br. Prov., p. 2: The more a string is stretcht, the sooner it breaks.
Ibid., p. 8: When the string is streightest it breaks with stretching.
See ST., no. 296.
L202 LENGTH = measure
L202 To have (know) the LENGTH of one’s foot
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 68: But you shal not know the
length of my foote, vntill by your cunning you get commendation.
1587 GREENE Penelope’s W eh, p. 19 5: Who by the last nights prattle
had found the length of Penelopes foote. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
663: He can tak the meat of your foot. 1604 Pasg. Yests in Shak.
fest-8km, III 33: Finding the length of his foot. 1609 DEKKER
Raven’s Alman: Non-Dram. Wks., IV 199: If any maide brought but
her shoes to mending, his wife swore presently that hee had the
length of her foote. 1616 DR., s.v. Knowledge, no. 1169: I know
the length of his foot. 1622 DEKKER AND MASSINGER Virgin
Martyr III, p. 5 3: And misery taking the length of my foot, it boots
not me to sue for life. 1629 RM. Micrologia 3, s. B4v: For he will
soone haue the length of your foote to an haire. [1663] 1673
D’AVENANT Playhouse V, p. 100: Well, gossip, I know too the
length of your foot. 1670 RAY, p. 184. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. Please, p. 2 56: He knows how to handle him.—has the length of
his foot. 1721 KEL., p. 380: You have the Measure of his Foot.
*That is, you can exactly humour him.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 474: Do not you know my
lady’s foot by th’ squier? (5)
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LENSON HILL
LIAR
377


L203 AS much.akin as LENSON HILL t0 Pilsen Pen
1662 FULLER Worthies Dorsetshire, I 310: *That is, no kin at all.
It is spoke of such who have vicinity . . without the least . . con-
sanguinity or afiinity betwixt them: for these are two high hills.
1670 RAY, p. 226: *Dorsetshire.
L204 Who intends to have a short LENT let him take
up money to pay at Easter
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 23: He that would have a
short Lent, let him take money to be paid at Easter. 1659 HOW.
It. Prov., p. 11: Who desires a short Lent, let him make a debt to
be paid at Easter. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. I: Owe money at
Easter, and Lent will seeme short to thee. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p.
228: (moneys). 1732 FUL., no. I 865: He has but a short Lent, that
must pay Money at Easter. 1738 FRANKLIN, p. 14: He that would
have a short Lent, let him borrow money to be repaid at Easter.
L205 In a LEOPARD the spots are not observed
1640 HERB., no. 656. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 38, p. 126: In a leopard
spots are not discern’d. *Note 33, p. 133: Meant, that they are so
many, that they cannot be reckon’d on.
L206 A LEOPARD (panther) cannot change his spots
[7er. xiii 23: Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his
spots?] [1605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 156: ’Tis rare, as to
see Panthers change their spots. 1629 FORD Lover’s Mel. III,
p. 53: Panthers may hide their heads, not change the skin. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pardo, p. 133: To be like a Leopard, viz. which
changeth not her spots. 1703 DUNTON dthen. Oracle, I 386: Can
the Leopard change his spots, and the Blackamore his skin?
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. III i 174: Lions make leopards tame.
——Yea, but not change his spots!
Cf. E186: To wash an Ethiop (blackamoor, Moor) white.
L207 Eat LESS and drink less and buy a knife at
Michaelmas
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6.
L208 LESS of your courtesy (counsel) and more of
your purse (cost)
1630 T. ADAMS Christian’s Walk: Wks., p. 802: With a show of
spiritual counsell, they neglect corporall comfort: and . . the poore
might well reply; More of your cost, and lesse of your counsell.
1639 CL., p. 43. 1670 RAY, p. 74. 1672 WALK. 46, p. 41.
L209 LET: subst.
L209 A little LET1 lets2 an ill workman
1640 HERB., no. 751.
[’difi‘iculty 2hinders]
L210 LET: verb (=behave, appear)
L210 He is not so daft as he LETS him
a1598 FERG. MS., no. 651. 1721 KEL., p. 151: (as he lets on him).
L211 LET: verb (=permit)
L211 He will not LET anybody lie by him
I678 RAY, p. 89: *A lier.
L212 LET ALoNE makes many a lurdan1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 984: (many ane knave). 1641 FERG., no.
598: (monylurdon). 1668 R.B., p. 36: (many lurden). 1721 KEL.,
p. 233: (many a Lown). *Want of Correction makes many a bad
Boy.
[1a lazy stupid person]
L213 Let the LETTER stay for the post, not the post
for the letter
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 10: (and not). 1664 COD., p. 203. Ibid.,
p. 231: Your Letter had better stay for the Post, than the Post for

the Letter. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 127: Let a letter expect the
messenger, not the messenger the letter. 1670 RAY, p. 15: (Let
your letter). *Ital. 1705 Pleas. Alrt, p. 152: (Let your Letter and
for your Letter). *That is, be always beforehand with your Busi-
ness. 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: (and not).
L214 LETTERS OF BELLEROPHON
I548 ELYOT, s.v. Bellerophontes, s. 18v: Bellerophontes literas
offert. A Prouerbe, whan one bryngeth letters agaynst hym
selfe.
See SM., p. 261.
tail (head).
Cf. R153: He has made a rod (staff) for his own
L215 All the LEVERS you can lay will not do it
1678 RAY, p. 353. 1732 FUL., no. 554: All the levers you can bring,
will not heave it up.
L216 He is a greater LIAR than an epitaph
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2.
L217 A LIAR is not believed when he tells truth
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 117]: The reward of a lyar is that he be
not beleuid of that he reherseth. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 97:
The Liar never is beleeved, although an 0th he take. 1639 CL., p.
142: He that useth to lie, is not always beleeved when he sayes true.
Ibid., p. 207: Lyers are not beleeved when they speak truth.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 39: A man by lying getteth
this aduantage, that when he telleth truth, he cannot be beleeued.
1645 J. HOWELL Let. I v 1 I, I 261: It being one of the punishments
. . of a Lyar, not to be believ’d when he speaks truth. 1659 HOW.
It. Prov., p. 3. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 31: A lyer is not believ’d,
though he swears, a truth-teller is believ’d, though he lies. 1681
Speech without Doors in Somers Tracts, VIII 290: Do not be deceived
by an old saying, That when one usually tells lyes, he is not trusted
when he speaks truth.
See OTTO, no. 1094. Cf. D180: He that once deceives is ever
suspected; M176: He that swears till no man trust him, he that
lies till no man believe him, he that borrows till no man will lend
him, let him go where no man knows him.
L218 A LIAR is worse than a thief
1622 TAYLOR Thief: Wks. F., p. 285: But sure the Prouerbe is as
true as briefe, A Lyer’s euer worser then a Thiefe. 1639 CL., p.
150. [I642] I652 SHIRLEY Sisters II i, p. 371.
Cf. L220: Show me a liar and I’ll Show you a thief; T55: A tale-
teller (tratler) is worse than a thief.
L219 A LIAR Should have a good memory
[ERAS. ddagia, 514A: Mendacem memorem esse oportet.] 01531
LATIMER Let. 4: Serm. and Rem., p. 312: You may learn how neces-
sary it is for a liar to have a good memory. 3.1542 WYATT Defence:
Wks., p. xxxvii: For they say He that lie well must have a good
remembrance, that he agree in all points with himself, lest he be
spied. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. K3: (For so goes the prouerbe)
a good liar must be memoratiue. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 17. 1607
[TOMKIS] Lingua III i, s. E4: Thou hast heard Oportet mendacem
esse memorem. 1616 DR., no. 1326: A liar must haue a good (ready)
wit (memory). 1642 FULLER Holy State V xii, p. 407: Memory in a
Lyer is no more then needs. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 39: A liar’s
gone, if he forget. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: (A lyer had need
of). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p.31: (A lyer requires). 1668 R.B., p.
3. 1721 KEL., p. 50: *Lest he tell the same Lye different ways.
See Dt'IR., II, no. 64. (I 1)
L220 Show me a LIAR and I’ll Show you a thief
1615 T. ADAMS Mystical Bedlam: W ks., p. 50 5: The Prouerbe giues
the Lier, the inseparable society of another sinne. Da mihi men-
dacem, et ego ostendam tibi furem: Shew me a Lier, and I will shew
thee a thiefe. 1639 CL., p. 148. I640 HERB., no. 648. 1659 N.R.,
p. 89. 1664 COD., p. 211. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 31. 1670
RAY, p. 113. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Liar. I732 FUL., no. 4151.
See Dt'IR., II, no. 66. Cf. L218: A liar is worse than a thief.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
LIARS
LIE
378
L221 LIARs begin by imposing upon others but end by
deceiving themselves
1622 BACON Hen. VII: Wks., XI 211 : Perkin . . with often telling a
lie, was turned (by habit) almost into the thing he seemed to be, and
from a liar to a believer. 1718 PRIOR Alma III: Poems, p. 239: As
Folks, quoth Richard, prone to Leasing, Say Things at first because
they’re pleasing; ’Till their oun Dreams at length deceive ’em, and
oft repeating, they believe ’em.
See SM., p. 261.
L222 LIAR LICK-DISH
[01552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle V ii, s. C3v: Thou lier
lickdish, didst not say the neele wold be gitten? [1602] 1631
CHETTLE Hoflman V, s. I2v: Liar, liarl—Lick-dish!
L223 LIBERTY is more worth than gold (is a pearl, is a
jewel)
1484 CAXTON Fab. Aesop III 15, p. 91: There is no rychesse gretter
than lybete for lyberte is better than alle the gold of the world.
1596 DEL., s. M8v: Freedome and libertie be better worth then all
the golde of the worlde. 1616 DR., no. 1220: (Freedome and liber-
tie are). 1639 CL., p. 188: Libertie is a peerelesse pearle. I659
N.R., p. 75: Liberty is a Jewel.
L224 LIBERTY makes thieves
1611 COT., s.v. Grand: Great libertie makes great theeues. 1639
CL., p. 188. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 1: Much liberty, many
theeves.
L225 Too much LIBERTY spoils all
1611 COT., s.v. Bandon: Much libertie brings men to the gallowes.
1616 DR., no. 1225: (maketh vs all the worse). I616 WITHALS,
p. 542: Libertie hatcheth all vice. 1639 CL., p. 188. 1664 COD.,
p. 204: [AS in 1616 Withals]. 1672 WALK. 61, p. 31. 1681 ROB.,
p. 822. 1694 ECHARD Self-Tormenter III, p. 123: For too much Lib-
erty corrupts an Angel.
L226 They are for LICENSE not for liberty
1645 MILTON Poems (1673 ed.): Wks., Pt. I, I 63: License they mean
when they cry libertie. a1720 SHEFFIELD (Duke of Buckingham)
Wks. (1753 ed.), I 272, quoted in Sm., p. 261.
L227 He will LICK himself whole again
[1549] 1581 [HALES] Dis. Commonweal Eng. I, p. 32: If anie men
haue licked theim selues whole youe be the same. 1595 HARTWELL
War betw. Turks and Persians IX, p. 384: Hee determined to issue
out into the fielde, and not onelie to reuenge the death of his people
. . but also to licke himselfe whole, and by a kinde of violent resti-
tution to bee recompensed. 1600 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy
XXVII, p. 653: With that bootie he licked himselfe whole againe.
[1619] I647 FLETCHER Hum. Lieut. III vi, p. 328: Hang him, he’l
lick all those whole. 1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 242. 1670 RAY, p.
1 84: To lick ones selfwhole again. 1691 T. BROWN Welsh Levite, p.
21: Being so sequestred from the Vanities of this World, they have
nothing else to mind, but how to lick themselves whole in another.
1712 J. ARBUTHNOT Law Bot. Pit IV vi: Hist. 7ohn Bull, p. 240: He
would quickly lick himself whole again by his Vails.
L228 London LICKPENNY1
[1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. II, s. D2: London lick penny call ye
it—t’as licked me with a witness. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER
Sir Th. Wyatt, s. E3: Yfaith wee are the Madcaps, we are the licke-
pennies.
please, but you will find the old Proverb true, London Lick-penny.
1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 55: *The Countryman coming up
hither, by his own experience, will easily expound the meaning
thereof. 1670 RAY, p. 240.
[’something that makes money vanish]
L229 You are a LICK-THE-WIDDY1 or pin
I508 DUNBAR Flyting Kennedie l. 413: Poems, II 25: A stark gal-
lowis, ane wedy [halter], and a pyn, the hede poynt of thyne elderis
armes ar. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1638. ~1721 KEL., p. 369: You
1641 Curate’s Conference in Harl. Misc., I 484: Do as you


are a Widdie full against hanging time. *Spoken to tricky young
Boys, whom they commonly call Widdie fulls.
[lone who deserves hanging]
L230 LIDE1 pills2 the hide
01640 SMYTH 47, p. 30: *Meaninge that March (called by vs lide)
pinches the poare man’s beast.
[lMarch 2strips]
L231-L242 LIE: subst.
He that trusts in a LIE shall perish in truth
1659 N.R., p. 57.
L232 A hot (sudden) LIE is the best
optimum mendacium.] 01594
1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua
L231
1640 HERB., no. 565.
[ERAS. Adagia, 1069B: Calidum . .
BACON, no. 901: (A hot [or burning] lie).
I viii, s. C1: A sodaine lye hath best luck.
L233 If a LIE could have choked him that would have
done it
1678 RAY, p. 89: *A great lie.
L234 A LIE does good how little a while soever it be
believed
1639 CL., p. 53.
L235 A LIE stands on one leg, truth on two
1573 SANF., f. 107: Alye hath onelamelegge. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 19: (but Truth upon two). *A Jewish Proverb. I735 FRANK-
LIN, p. 9.
Cf. L241: Lies have no (short) feet (legs, wings).
L236 One LIE calls for many
1533 UDALL Flowers Terence, f. 25v: One falshode 0r subtiltie
bringeth in an other. 1642 FULLER Holy State V xii, p. 406: Having
made one lye he is fain to make more to maintain it. 1732 FUL.,
no.3766.
L237 Tell a LIE and find the truth
01594 BACON, no. 610: Tell a lye to know a truth. 1605 BACON
Adv. Learning II, p. 18: There are few men so true to themselves
and so settled, but that . . they open themselves, specially if they be
put to it with a count_er~dissimulation, according to the proverb of
Spain, Di mentira, y sacaras verdad: Tell a lie and find a truth.
1642 MILTON Notes on Malvezzi: W ks., XVIII 494: According to the
Spanish proverbe, Tell a lye and finde a truth. I678 RAY, p. 75:
(the troth). 1732 F UL., no. 4324: (and find out the Truth).
SHAKESPEARE.—-1596 K7. III i 275: Though indirect, Yet in-
direction thereby grows direct, And falsehood falsehood cures, as
fire cools fire. 1600—I H. II 1 64: And thus we do . . By indirec-
tions find directions out.
Cf. E112: The end justifies the means; E203: Never do evil (ill)
that good may come of it.
L238 That is a LIE with a latchet (witness), all the dogs
in the town cannot match it
1610 A. COOKE Pope 7oan (1625 ed.) in Harl. Misc., IV 74: He
writes, that, inasmuch as she was a German, no German could ever
since be chosen Pope. Which is a Lye with a Latchet. I653
MOTTEUX Gargantua V xxx, XXVI 343: That’s a Lye with a Latch-
et. 1678 RAY, p. 89: That’s a lie with a witness; a lie with a latchet.
*A great lie. Ibid., p. 257. I732 FUL., no. 6157.
L239 Though a LIE be well dressed it is ever overcome
I640 HERB., no. 133. I659 N.R., p. 112: (it is ever over-ripe).
1664 COD., p. 217: (’tis easily overcome).
L240 Who tells a LIE to save his credit wipes his nose
on his sleeve to save his napkin
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 1.
Cf. N243: To wipe one’s nose on one’s sleeve.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LIES 379 LIFE


L241 LIES have 110 (short) feet (legs, wings) SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II IIHi 154: His time is spent, our
1578 FLOR. Fir“ R XIX’ f. 31V: Lyes have short legges. I61]: pllgrimage must be. 1599 A.Y. III 11 137:How brief the life ofman
DAV. Prov., no. 73: Lyes haue short wings. 1616 DR., no. 1325:
Lyars haue short wings. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 5: A lye hath
short legs. Ibid.: A lye wants feet. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 30.
A lye hath no feet. Ibid. 35, p. 30: Lyes have short legs. 1678
RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 404: A lie hath no feet. 1732 FUL., no. 263:
A Lye has no Leg, but a Scandal has Wings.
See ST., no. 1365. Cf. L235: A lie stands on one leg, truth on two.
L242 Milesian LIES1
[1596] I633 SPENSER View Ireland, p. 627: All which are in very
trueth fables, and very Mylesian lyes (as the Latine proverbe is).
Cf. M929: The Milesians were valiant in the days of yore.
[15ee Sugden, p. 347, s.v. Miletus.]
L243 LIE: verb
L243 He will not LIE where he is slain
1597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 471: Poems, p. 19: He will
not ly quhair he is slaine, That douttis befoir he dies. 1721 KEL.,
p. I 3 5: *Spoken of timorous People, as if their Corpse would flee from
the Place where they Should be kill’d.
L244 Anything for a quiet LIFE
[1621] 1662 MIDDLETON Anything Quiet Life I i 317.
HEYWOOD Captives III iii 101. c1625 Pepys Bal. 49, II 18. 1639
CL., p. 328. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 1 3 5: She would
doe anything for a quiet life. 1670 RAY, p. 135. ' 1721 KEL., p. 49:
*That is, we will take any thing rather than make a Bustle. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 417: Anything for a quiet life: my nose itch’d.
Cf. A172: Bear (Take, Suffer) this, bear (take, suffer) all.
1624 T.
L245 A good LIFE has a good death
1611 COT., s.v. Vie: Good life imbellishes, and ends in blisse. 1616
DR., no. 444: An honourable death followeth an honourable life.
Ibid., no. 446: (will haue a good end). Ibid., no. 1230. 1629 Bk.
Mer. Rid. 27, p. 27: (makes a good death).
Cf. B259: A good beginning makes a good ending; L247: An ill
life an ill end; L391: He that lives well shall die well (cannot die
amiss).
L246 If I were to fast for my LIFE I would eat a good
breakfast in the morning
1678 RAY, p. 67. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 439: IfI were to fast
for my life, I would take a good breakfast in the morning, a good
dinner at noon, and a good supper at night.
L247 An ill LIFE an ill end
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 308: Thy life, seeinge the beginning
sheweth the ende to bee naught. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 32:
For as his life was abhominable, so was his end miserable. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 58. 1611 COT., s.v. Chere: The life spent in good
cheere hath a faire beginning but a foule end. 1668 R.B., p. 4.
1670 RAY, p. 261. 1677 Groans from Newgate in Cent. Broadside
Eleg., p. 129: Let this sad Tomb advise my friends, Ill Lives must
still expect Ill ends. 1721 KEL., p. 50: (makes an ill end). *Qualis
Vita finis ita.
Cf. L245: A good life has a good death; L263: Such a life such a
death (an end); L391: He that lives well shall die well (cannot die
amiss); L392: He that lives wickedly can hardly die honestly.
L248 In LIFE you loved me not, in death you bewail me
1640 HERB., no. 214. 1659 N.R., p. 65: (In life you love).
L249 LIFE is a pilgrimage
[ERAS. Adagia, 1177A: Peregrinatio quaedam est vita.] 1576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 81: Wherein I mean for my part to pass the
pilgrimage of this my short life. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p.
308: Lyfe is but .. a pilgrimage. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Com-
monw., f. 169v. 1611 CORYATE Crudities, I 148: Life. . is nothing
else then a dayly travell to that last and heavenly pilgrimage.


Runs his erring pilgrimage. I604 M.M. II i 33: See that Claudio
Be executed by nine to-morrow morning . . For that’s the utmost of
his pilgrimage.
See OTTO, no. 1915.
L250 LIFE is a shuttle
[fob vii 6: My days are swifter than a weaver’s Sl'llltth.]
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 V i 24: I know also life is a
shuttle.
L251 LIFE is a span
[Ps. xxxix 5: Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth.]
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 2 52: Our lyfe is . . of such Shortnesse
that Dauid sayth it is but a spanne long. 1599 J. DAVIES Nosce
Teip., p. 24: I know my life’s a paine and but a span. 1633 G.
HERBERT Ch. Porch: Temple, p. 28: Lifes poore span Make not an
ell, by trifling in thy wo. 1639 CL., p. 322.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 A.Y. III ii 137: How brief the life of man
Runs his erring pilgrimage, That the stretching of a span Buckles
in his sum of age. 1604 O. II iii 73: A soldier’s a man; O, man’s
life’s but a span, Why then, let a soldier drink. 1605—8 T. Ath. V
iii 3: Timon is dead, who hath outstretch’d his span. 1613 Hen.
VIII III ii 139: You have scarce time To steal from spiritual leisure
a brief span To keep your earthly audit.
L252 LIFE is half spent before we know What it is
1600 W. CORNWALLIS Essays 2, s. B6: We begin not to line before
we are ready to die. 1640 HERB., no. 911. 1659 N.R., p.74.
1664 COD., p. 205. 1670 RAY, p. 16: (e’re we). I732 FUL., no.
3208.
Cf. H45: Half the way to know the way.
L253 LIFE is no sure inheritance
I611 COT., s.v. Vie: Life is no sure (no true) inheritance. 1623
WOD., p. 522: (Heritage). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 10: (Life
here is).
Cf. S253: Service is no inheritance (heritage).
L254 LIFE is sweet
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 45: Life is sweet to every one. 1578
WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. V iii, 3. L4. 1597 [BODENHAM]
Wit’s Commonw., f. 170: Life is Short yet sweet. [01589] 1601 LYLY
Love’s Metam. III ii 6: Life is sweete, hunger Sharpe; betweene them
the contention must bee short. I599 [GREENE] George a Greene, s.
B1v: But life is sweete, and I cannot withstand it. 1610-25
Stonyhurst Pag. VII 882, p. 35. 1616 DR., no. 1228. 1639 CL., p.
189. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: Life is sweet, though it alway
sweat. I664 DRYDEN Rival Ladies IV iii, p. 195. 1670 RAY, p.
113.
L255 LIFE lies not in living but in liking
1589 GREENE Menaphon, p. 55: Hee that liues without loue, liues
Without life. 1639 CL., p. 322. 1670 RAY, p. 113. I672 WALK.
13, p. 45. 1732 FUL., no. 3209: Life lyeth not in living [but] by
liking.
L256 The LIFE of man is a winter’s day and a Winter’s
way
I640 HERB., no. 908: The life of man is a winter way. 1659 N.R.,
p. 104: The life of a man is a Winter way. 1664 COD., p. 222: (a
winters way, and a winters day). 1670 RAY, p. 16. 1694 D’UR-
FEY 1 Don Quix. V ii, p. 82: (A Man’s Life is). 1732 FUL., no. 6239.
L257 The LIFE of spies is to know, not be known
1651 HERB., p. 367.
L258 The LIFE of the Wolf is the death of the lamb
1616 DR., s.v. Impunitie, no. I 102. Ibid., s.v. Pity, no. 1633: The
sparing of the woolfe, is the death of the sheepe. 1639 CL., p. 325.
Cf. D146: The death of the wolves is the safety of the sheep.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
LIFE
LIGHT
380
L259 LIFE without a friend is death without (with) a
witness
1640 HERB., no. 381. 1659 N.R., p. 74: (without witnesse). 1664
COD., p. 204: (with a witness). 1670 RAY, p. 10: (with a witness).
1732 FUL., no. 3211: (is Death with a Vengeance).
L260 Long LIFE has long misery
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 170v: A longlyfe, hath com-
monly long cares annexed with it. 1611 COT., s.v. Vivre: The
longer life the greater griefe. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II,
xxxii, III 242: He that lives long, suffers much. 1732 FUL., no.
3270.
L261 A short LIFE and a merry (sweet)
1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. III v, p. 101: The indicted
cry a merry life and a short. 1658 FLECKNOE Enig. Char., p. 117:
A merry life and a short. 1660 TATHAM Rump I, p. 4: (and a merry
life). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pasto, p. 135: A Fate usually at-
tending Thieves and Rogues, who cry, A short life and a sweet.
1701 TEMPLE Of Health: Misc. III, I 276: A short Life and a merry
carries it, and is without doubt better than a long with Sorrow or
Pain.
L262 A single LIFE is best
1639 CL., p. 58. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 7: Next to a single a
married life is best.
Cf. M529: Honest men marry soon, wise men not at all; M693:
It is good to marry late or never; M696: To marry young is too
early, to marry old is too late; M698: Who marries does well, who
marries not does better.
L263 Such a LIFE such a death (an end)
1573 SANF., f. 109: Such as the life is, such is the end. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 33: (an end). 1596 DEL., s. P5v: (an end). 1611
COT., s.v. Fin: Such as his life, such was his end. 1616 BRET., p.
9: As the life is, so is the death. 1623 WOD., p. 516: Such Life such
End. 1639 CL., p. 215: As men live so they die. [hid., p. 322.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. I 1, p. 312: As the life is, so is the end.
Cf. L247: An ill life an ill end; L391: He that lives well shall die
well (cannot die amiss); L392: He that lives wickedly can hardly
die honestly.
L264 There is LIFE in a mussel
1678 RAY, p. 167: *There is some hopes though the means be but
weak. 1721 KEL., p. 309: (in a Muscle though it be little). *Spo-
ken when we have some little hope of effecting our Design. They
will say, There is Life in a Muscle yet. 1732 FUL., no. 4896.
L265 There is LIFE in it
1639 CL., s.v. Spes pertinax, p. 294: There’s some life in’t yet.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOOI T.N. I iii 118: There’s lifein’t, man. 1605-
6 K.L. IV vi 206: Then there’s life in’t. 1606-7 A.C. III xiii 176:
There’s hope in’t yet. Ihid. III xiii 191: Come on, my queen,
There’s sap in’t yet!
Cf. L269: While there’s life there’s hope.
L266 To keep LIFE and soul together
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. II, p. 27: We haue as much as wil serue to keepe
life and sowle together. 1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 342:
I covet no more Wit nor employment than as much as will keep life
and soul together.
Pestle IV i, p. 219: This is [it] that keeps life and soul together,
mirth.
L267 We must not look for a golden LIFE in an iron
age (world)
[111591] 1675 H. SMITH Trial Righteous: Wks., I 247: Look not for
a golden life in an iron world. 1616 DR., no. 2177: A golden life
is not to be expected in an yron world. Ihid., no. 2503: A man must
not looke for a golden life in an yron world. 1639 CL., p. 124: Ex-
pect not a golden life in an iron world. 1664 COD., p. 185: (A Man
1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. I

fi
must not look for). 1670 RAY, p. 14. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 152.
1732 FUL., no. 5450.
L268 What is LIFE where living is wanting (extinct)?
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K3v: (is extincte cleere). 1616 DR., no. 1670.
L269 While there’s LIFE there’s hope
[ERAS. Adagia, 526D: Aegroto dum anima est, speS est.] 1539
TAV., f. 37v: The sycke person wher he hath lyfe, hath hope.
1615 WELDE 7anua Ling. 406, p. 26: A sick man lying on his bed,
hopeth while he breatheth. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 8: While there
is breath, there is some hope. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 119: The
sick body so long as there is breath, is still in hopes. 1670 RAY, p,
113. 1671 CROWNE Yuliana V, p. 103: Madam, he breathes, and
whilst there’s life There’s hope. 1672 WALK. 12, p. 45. 1732
FUL., no. 5689.
See OTTO, no. 1681. Cf. D157: Till death all is life; L265: There
is life in it; T293: He that has time has life.
L270 He is LIFELEss that is faultless
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D3v. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 416: Faultles lifies.
1611 COT., s.v. Tare: (who is faultlesse). 1611 DAV. Prov., no.
346. 1616 DR., no. 679. 1639 CL., p. 80. I641 FERG., no. 583:
Livelesse, faultlesse. 1664 COD., p. 197. 1668 R.B., p. 36: [As in
1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 89. I672 WALK. 29, p. 23. I681 ROB.,
. 825.
p Cf. BI 15: Every bean has its black; B322: The best must crave
their aces ofallowance; G403: He must have his grains of allowance;
M1 16: Every man has (No man is without) his faults.
L271 T 0 help at a dead LIFT
1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia II, Pol. Govt., p. 76: Whiche they
graunte to be not so good as horses at a sodeyne brunte, and (as we
saye) at a deade lifte. 1578 WHETSTONE 1 Promos and Cass. V iv,
s. F2v: I haue founde a helpe at a dead lyfte. 1606 Wily Beguiled
viii, p. 28: I’m good at a dead lift. 1607 G. WILKINS Miseries Enf.
Marr., s. G4v: Tut, I neuer faile at a dead lift. 1614 B. RICH
Honesty This Age, p. 43: Shee . . hath . . twenty companions at a
becke, that will Stick to her at a dead lift. 1632 T. RANDOLPH
7eal. Lovers I ix, p. 85: I will One way or other. Wit, at a dead lift
help me. 1639 CL., s.v. Necessitas, p. 225: (Ready at). 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Costa, p. 47: (To give assistance in time of
need, a help at). 1670 RAY, p. 180. 1721 KEL., p. 160: (He help’d
me out at). *That is, he gave me a seasonable Assistance in a
proper time.
Cf. F699: A friend will help at a dead lift; W669: A woman’s
advice (wit) helps at a pinch (is best at a dead lift).
L272 Every LIGHT has its shadow
1596 DEL., S. N3v: There was neuer any light, but it had some
shadow. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 216V.
L273 Every LIGHT is not the sun
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 15.
L274 The LIGHT is nought for sore eyes
[ERAS. Similia, 566E: Oculo lippienti non est admovendum lumen]
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 1 57: Sore eyes must not behold the
candle. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. E2v: Sore eies may not vewe
the light without a scarfe. 1601 MARSTON Yuck Drum I, s. CIV:
Sore eyes cannot endure the Sun. 1611 COT., s.v. (Eil: An eye
distempered cannot brooke the light; sicke thoughts cannot indure
the truth. 1616 DR., s.v. Conscience, no. 309. 1639 CL., s.v.
Indeprehensos, p. 161. 1664 COD., p. 215. 1664 T. KILLIGREW
Parson’s Wed. II V, p. 96: I see you are merry; I’ll leave you; I must
go a little way, to enquire about a business. —Has got a sore-eye,
I think. 1670 RAY, p. 114.
L275 To hide one’s LIGHT (candle) under a bushel
[Matt. v I 5: Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a
bushel.] 1560-4 BECON God’s W 0rd and Man’s Invention: Prayers,
p. 488: What doth the light of a candle profit a man being in a dark
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LIGHT
LIKE
381


house, if it be hid and set under a bushel? 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal.,
II, 159: All such bright lights should not be put under a bushel.
1632 R. SANDERSON Ad Populum vi: Serm., I 508: The light of
God’s word, hid from them under two bushels for sureness. 1650
T. VAUGHAN Anima tl/Iagica: Mag. Writings, p. 74: I have not
busheld my light nor buried my talent in the ground.
See ST., no. 1385.
L276 T 0 stand in one’s own LIGHT
I546 HEY. II iv, s. G3v: This poore man sees Bothe howe blyndly
ye stande in your owne lyght. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 195:
Wit standeth in his owne lyght. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 357: Some
wantons stand in their owne light. 1616 DR., s.v. Wilfulnesse,
no. 2414: He standeth in his owne light. 1639 CL., p. 199: You
stand in your own light. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub. II iii 57: Doe not
stand i’ your owne light. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Lume, p. 93:
To hold the light, viz. to shadow ones self, to stand in ones own
light, as many do. 1670 RAY, p. 184. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II,
p. 447: No, miss; but your maidenhead hangs in your light.
See ST., no. 1383. Cf. L330: Your lips hang in your light; M465:
A jealous man’s horns hang in his eyes.
L277 A LIGHTENING (lightning) before death
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 166, p. 135:'A Latin prouerbe Cygnea
cantio, which among the common people is termed, a lightning be-
fore death. 1612 WEBSTER White DevilI ii 259: Woe to light hearts!
—they still forerun our fall! 1613 CHAPMAN Rev. Bussy D’Amb.
V ii 25: Confidence that lightens ere she die. 1616 DR., no. 443.
1639 CL., s.v. Laetitia, p. 185. [1641] 1652 R. BROME Yovial Crew
III, p. 441: Ifit be a Lightning before Death, the best is, I am his
Heire. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 179, p. 16 5: As the English usually
say, A lightning before death. I678 RAY, p. 76: It’s a lightning be-
fore death. *This is generally observed of sick persons, that a little
before they dye their pains leave them, and their understanding and
memory return to them; as a candlejust before it goes out gives a
great blaze.
SHAKESPEARE.—-61595 R]. IV ii 46: My heart is wondrous light,
Since this same wayward girl is so reclaim’d [Capulet’s speech just
before Juliet’s pretended death]. Ibid. V i 2: My dreams presage
some joyful news at hand. My bosom’s lord Sits lightly in his
throne, And all this day an unaccustom’d spirit Lifts me above the
ground with cheerful thoughts. I dreamt my lady came and found
me dead. Ibid. V iii 88: How oft when men are at the point of
death Have they been merry! which their keepers call A lightning
before death. 1598 2 Hen. IV IV ii 81: Against ill chances men are
ever merry, But heaviness foreruns the good event. 1602 T. C. I i
39: But sorrow that is couch’d in seeming gladness Is like that mirth
fate turns to sudden sadness.
Cf. M475: A man’s mind often gives him warning ofevil to come;
81028: Like a swan, he sings before his death.
L278 To be LIGHT-FINGERED
1616 WITHALS, p. 577: Be not too light fingered in taking up more
than your owne. 1639 CL., s.v. Rapacitas, p. 270: Light finger’d.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mani, p. 96: Cheats, who are light fin-
ger’d, and can dive in a pocket. I669 WORLIDGE Systema Agric.
VII, p. 13 5: ’Tis true, the more remote the Branches are from the
Earth, the less are they subject to the injuries of Cattle, or the
Fruit to light Fingers.
See ST., no. 2404. Cf. F236: His fingers are lime twigs.
L279 As swift as LIGHTNING
I599 PEELE David and Beths. iv, S. C2v: My selfe, as swift as thun-
der or his spouse, Will hunt occasion with a secret hate, To work
false Ammon an vngracious end. 1602 MARSTON Antonio’s Rev.
III i 174: Revenge as swift as lightning bursteth forth, And cleaves
his heart. 1612 WEBSTER White DevilI ii 4: I am prompt As lightL
ning to your service, 0 my Lord! 1613 T. HEYWOOD Brazen Age,
p. 180: Swifter then Ioues lightning, my fierce vengeance Shall
crosse Euenus. 1613 T. HEYWOOD Silver Age III, p. 138: Which
when I heard, as swift as lightning I search’t the regions of the vpper
world. 1622 G. MARKHAM AND SAMPSON Herod and Antipater
III, s. GI: Be swift as Lightning. [1625] 1647 MASSINGER ET AL.


Love’s Cure I i, p. 167: Swift as lightning he came on. 1631 SHIR-
LEY Love Tricks I i, p. I I: If your answer be, That you can love me,
be it swift as lightning. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 327: (the lightning).
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQI 3 Hen. VI II i 129: Their weapons like to
lightning came and went. 1595 M.N.D. I i 145: Brief as the light-
ning in the collied night. 01595 R.7. II ii 119: Too like the light-
ning, which doth cease to be Ere one can say ‘It lightens.’ Ibid.
III i 177: And to’t they go like lightning. 1596 Rich. II I iii 79:
Be swift like lightning in the execution.
L280 LIGHTNING (Thunder) bruises the tree (melts
the marrow) but breaks not the bark (Skin)
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 309: (Thunder). 1582 LYLY Letter
to Watson: Wks., I 26: Such is the nature of persuading pleasure,
that it melteth the marrowe before it scorch the skin, and burneth
before it warmeth. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. T2v: You cut me
in calling me kite, muche like as the thunder cutteth the tree. For
as that pearceth the bulke, and neuer hurteth the barke, so though
you grieue my hart, you hurt not my manners. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F.
XII, p. 185: Womens beauty is like unto .. thunder [which] . .
killeth where it breakes no flesh. 01595 Richard II IV iii 169: For
as a fearefull thunderclapp doth stricke The soundest body of the
tallest oake, Yett harmless leaues the outward barke vntoucht.
1607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amb. IV ii 188: A politician must like
lightning melt The very marrow, and not taint the skin. 1614 T.
ADAMS Soul’s Sickness: W ks., p. 474: Like thunder, which breakes
the bone, without Scratching the Skinne. 1616 BEAUMONT AND
FLETCHER Scornful Lady II, p. 253: Lightning, that with-a flash or
two will melt your money, and never singe your purse-strings.
1622 DEKKER AND MASSINGER Virgin Martyr III, p. 41: The dread-
ful lightning that does crush the bones, And never singe the Skin.
[1622] I653 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Changeling V ii 86: Like
subtle lightning will I wind about ’em: And melt their marrow in
’em. 1635 SHIRLEY Traitor IV i, p. 155: That most subtle flame
That burnes the heart, yet leaves no part or touch Upon the skin
to follow or suspect it.
L281 There is LIGHTNING lightly1 before thunder
1616 DR., s.v. Warning, no. 2351 : Lightly before thunder, lightning
1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209. 1670 RAY, p. 114.
[1commonly]
L282-L288 LIKE: subst.
L282 The LIKE breeds the like
1560-77 Misogonus I i 79: The like bredes the like eche man sayd.
Cf. L337: The litter is like to the sire and the dam.
L283 The LIKE, I say, sits with the jay
I539 TAV., f. 9v: Semper graculus assidet graculo. Alwaye the
Jay sytteth wyth the Jay. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 40, p. 27.
Cf. B393: Birds of a'feather will flock (fly) together.
L284 LIKE to like, a scabbed horse to an Old dike
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 934: (Lik drawes to lyk). 1639 CL., p. 287:
(as a scab’d horse to). 1668 R.B., p. 34: (Like draws to like).
1721 KEL., p. 231.
Cf. H690: A scald (scabbed) horse is good enough for a scabbed
(scald) squire; L285: Like to like and Nan for Nicholas; L286: Like
will to like; L326: Like (Such) lips like (such) lettuce.
L285 LIKE to like and Nan for Nicholas
1611 COT., s.v. Demander: Like will to like; a Iacke lookes for a
Gill. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 203. I670
RAY, p. 15. 1732 FUL., no. 3239: (and Nan to Nicholas).
Cf. L284: Like to like, a scabbed horse to an old dike; L286: Like
will to like.
L286 LIKE will to like
[ERAS. Adagia, 78D: Aequalis aequalem delectat. Ibid., 79E:
Simile gaudet simili.] 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 35: For it
is a prouerbe, and an olde sayd sawe That in euery place lyke to
lyke wyll drawe. a1536 HILL 23, p. 131: A like will drawe to like.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
LIKE 382 an
fl
1539 TAV., f. 8: Lka delyteth the lyke. 1546 HEY. I iv, 8. B1. L294 LIKENESS causes liking (love)
1559 COOPER, s.v. Aequalis: *One shrew loueth to matche with an o - _
other: or contrary. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 197: Is it not a Igggdcfiéf'hgé oszsaznciglé; 110' 3243' L’kencss begets Love’ yet
by WOOt'd, t0 BARET, t0 p to
or like most readily gather in companie vnto like. 1585 [MUNDAY] ' ' '
Fidele and Fort. V iv, 8. H1: Like vnto like, and learning to skill. L295 LIKE To DIE mends not the mtkyard
1611 COT., s.v. Demander. Ibid., s.v. Semblable. 1611 GRUT.,
no. :74. 1614 CAM.,p. 309. 1616 DR.,nO.284:Liketolike. rue, all593 FERF- MS> {10- 956- W68 RR» R 35~ I721 KEL., P- 23s
Long e’er like to dle fill the KIrkyerd. _
no. 1242. I623 WOD., p. 507: Everyone seekes his Like. 1639
CL., p. 290. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., . 9. 1672 WALK. 33, . 41. .
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. I i 237szhe mightiest space if: for- L296 AS Whlte as a LILY
tune nature brings To join like likes. 1604 M.M. V i 415: Haste I485 CAXTON Life 0145- the Great II, p. 90: Hyr chekys rounde,
still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; Like doth quit like. whyt as the flour d6 lys- c157o INGELEND DiJOB- Chi/d, 8- F2.
See DUR., I, no. 601; OTTO, no. 1335; ST., no. 2104. Cf. C135: 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. B4V: Thy colour shal be Dowlas
Cat after kind; C136; Cat after kind, good mouse, hunt; as white 3.8 a 1682 BEHN Heiress I I, 2091 The dear.
L284: Like to like, a scabbed horse to an old dike; L285: Like to first lOVCliCSt Hypocrite, White as Lillies-
like and Nan for Nicholas; L287: Like will to like, quoth the devil SHAKESPEARE.—1592 T. And. 11 iv 44'. 0, had the monster seen
to the collier; L294: Likeness causes liking (love); $1056: Sympathy those lily hands Tremble like aspen leaves upon a lute. 1592-3
of manners makes the conjunction of minds, VH4. 10532 Wh0S€ W011th white parple tears that wound wept was drench’d. 1594 T.G.V. II iii 24: She is as white
L287 LIKE Will to like, quoth the dGVil t0 the collier as a lily and as small as a wand. 1609 Son. 98, l. 9: Nor did I
1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like Qua}, the Dew-7 to the Collier, wonder at the lily’s white, Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose.
[Title]. 1580 BARET, A—589. 1614 B. RICH Honesty This Age, . . . .
p. 48. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. 11, xix, III 144. Like to like L297 The LILY ’5 fan 1’1 5110‘” but f0“! 11’ smell
(quoth the Devill to the Collier), 1639 C1“, p, 1187; (Like to like 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 14: Lillies are faire in shew, but foule in
quoth). 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 180. 1659 smell. I591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 181: Euen of prickles Roses doe
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9: (Like to like, quoth). 1670 RAY, p. 114: proceede, And whitest Lillies from a stinking weede. 1596 Edw.
(as the Devil said to the Collier), 1680 BUNYAN Mr, Badman; III, s. D2: Lillies that fester, smel far worse then weeds. [a1600]
Wk;,, III 647; Hang them rogues , , Like to like, quoth the devil to 1639 DELONEY Gentle Craft II, p. 75: Though lillies be faire in shew
the collier. I732 FUL., no. 3240: [As in 1670 Ray]. they be foule in smell. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 103: From a stink~
Cf. L286: Like will to like. ing plant the Lilly springs.
SHAKESPEARE—1609 Son. 94, l. 13: For sweetest things turn
L288 N0 LIKE iS the same sourest by their deeds; Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.
I600 THYNNE Embl. and Epig., p. 94: But what is like is not the Cf' C668: The corruption Of the beSt is WOrSt-
same, as all menn well doe finde. [01608] 1638 W. ROWLEY A Shoe. . . .
a Gent. II iii 167: Why wouldst not have her like me? —Because no L298 To 116k 1t up hke LIM HAY
like’s the same. 1670 RAY, p. 206: *Lim is a village on the river Mersey . . where the
Cf. A167: All that is alike is not the same. best hay is gotten.
L299 LINCOLN shall be hanged for London’s sake
01596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More III i 46: This the olde prouerbe
L289 AS LIKE as like may be now compleate dooth make, That Lincolne should be hanged for
1616 WITHALS, p. 568. 1639 CL., p. 286. I660 [SHIRLEY] An- Londons Sake-
dmmana I 1’ p' 197’ I672 WALK' 74’ p' ’2’ (can be" L300 LINCOLN was, London is, and York shall be
L290 They are SO LIKE that they are the worse for it 1603 DEKKER Wonderful _Year: Non-Dram. Wks., I 101: That
worme-eaten prouerbe of Lincolne was, London Is, and Yorke shall
L289-L290 LIKE: adj.
[1614-33] 1637 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Elder Brother II i, p. 12: 0
Your eldest Son, Sir, and your very Image, (but he’s so like you, .bee' I607 DEKFEhR APE”) VZEBS_TE.R Nolflh' H0 Iis' AQ' True’ but yet
that he fares the worse for’t). 1616 OVERBURY Sergeant: Char. It comes scanto t e mp ésy’ mco ne was’ ondon ’S’ and York.”
’ shall-be. 1622 TAYLOR Merry Voyage: Wks. F., p. 171: There Is
p. 163: He is so like him, that hee is the worse for it, and hee takes
after his father. 8.1640 DAY Peregr. VI, p. 54: All nurst of her
owne teate and so like the mother they ware the worse againe.
1678 RAY, p. 354. 1732 FUL., no. 4959: (that both are).
SHAKESPEARE—1611 W. T. II iii 95: It is yours; And, might we L301 LINCOLN GREEN
lay th’ old proverb to your charge, So like you ’tis the worse.
a Proverb, part of which is this, They say that Lincoln was, and
London is. 1639 CL., s.v. Fuerunt non sunt, p. 132: Lincolne
was 1622 FULLER Worthies York, II 538.

[A bright green cloth made at Lincoln.] 8.1519 Lit. Gest Robin
L291 Do the LIKELIEST and God will do the best Hood VIII, 3. E5V:R0b.HoodPoems,I 292: Whan they were clothed
1n Lyncolne grene They keste a way theyr graye. 1622 DRAYTON
hope the beSt) Poly-Olb. XXV 262, p. 517: Whose Swains in Shepheards’ gray,
81598 FERG. MS, no. 341: D0 YQ thC likliest let God (10 thC bCSt. and Gyrles in Lincolne greene,
1641 FERG., no. 234. 1668 R.B., p. 17. 1721 KEL., p. 90: (and

hope the best). L302 LINCOLNSHIRE, where hogs shit soap and cows
. . . . . - shit fire
L292 LIKELY hes m the me and unhkely goes by It 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 84, p. 59: The Cows shite fire, and the Hogs
(gets over) shite soap in Lincolnshire. I670 RAY, p. 236: *The inhabitants of
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 954. 1668 R.B., p. 3 5. I670 RAY, p. 286. the poorer sort washing their clothes with hogs dung, and burning
1721 KEL., p. 238: (gets over). *Good Likelihood is not always an dried eow-dung for want of better fuel,
infallible token of great Strength, Skill, or Fortune. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3242: (when Unlikely gets over). L303 AS straight as a LINE (thread)
, _ , [01521] 1 33 HEYWOOD Pard. and Friar, s. A4: As stray ht as any
L293 I mu pamt you In your LIKENESS threde. 51546 HEY. I xi, s. D3: Thou folowist his steppg as ryght
1616 WITHALS, p. 577: I will paynt you out in your likenesse. as a lyne. 01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 736, p. 133:
1639 CL., s.v. Hypocrisis, p. 141. - To prove my saying, is straight as a line. [a1558] I568 7acob and


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LINE
LION
383


Esau II iv, s. D2: I can go to hir as streight as a threde. 1567
GOLDING Metam. VIII 220, p. 164: And marching eft to open Sea
as streight as any string. 01570 T. PRESTON Cambyses, s. C4v: As
right as a line his hart I haue hit. 1587 CHURCHYARD Worth.
Wales, p. 17: Upright as straight as line. 1641 J. EVELYN Diary
and Corr. Aug. 19, I 24: The river, ten miles in length, Straight as a
line.
L304 Bring your LINE to the wall, not wall to line
[ERAS. Similia, 581D: Ut ad lineam applicandus est lapis, non ad
lapidem linea.] 1607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amb. III i 69: As to the
Line, the stone, Not to the stone, the line Should be oppos’d.
1732 FUL., no. 1021: (not the Wall to the Line).
L305 To work by LINE and level (measure)
1587 CHURCHYARD Worth. Wales, p. 103: So such as haue, thereto
but little right, Possesse the same, by leauell and by line. 1591
FLOR. Sec. F. IX, p. 147: There a man must doo euerie thing by line
and measure, as walke by counterpoint, speake by the pointes of
the moone, and spit by doctrine. 1598 F L0R., s.v. Apenello, p. 22:
Curiously, perfectly, exquisitely, by line and measure. 1611 F LOR.,
s.v. Sesta, p. 493: A paire of compasses, a sesta, by compasse, by
leuell, line and measure. 1612 JONSON Alch. II vi 64: Yes sir, to
carry quarrells, As gallants doe; and manage ’hem by line. 1639
CL., s.v. Ad rem pertinentia, p. 11: (To build by). Ibid., s.v.
Diligentia, p. 92. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Consider, p. 63.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6II Temp. IV i 239: We steal by line and level,
like your Grace.
L306 To wrap up in clean LINEN
1678 RAY, p. 84: *To deliver sordid or uncleanly matter in decent
language.
L307 By LINK and link the coat of mail is made at last
1611 COT., s.v. Haubergeon: Linke after linke the coat is made at
length; peece after peece things come to full perfection. 1623
WOD., p. 486: Maile and Maile do make the Coate. 1653 UR-
QUHART Gargantua I xi, I 5 5: He . . would have the Mail-coats to be
made link after link. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 27: *This Proverb
telleth us that there is nothing but by little and little may be
perfected by study and labour.
Cf. L340: By little and little.
L308 As fierce (valiant) as a LION
c1485 Herod’s Killing Children i, p. 10: For thei be as fers as a lyon
in a cage. 1616 SS. Hon. Lawyer III, s. F3v: Hee’s valiant like
a Lyon. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV III i 167: Valiant as a lion, And
wondrous affable, and as bountiful As mines of India.
L309 A LION among sheep and a sheep among lions
1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xxiv, p. 293: (As the prouerbe
goeth . . a Lyon).
Cf. L318: Who takes a lion absent fears a mouse present.
L310 A LION fears no bugs1
1572 R.H. Ghosts I iii, p. 16: Authors write that Lions are not feared
with any bugs: for they are full of stomacke and deuoide of feare.
1584 R. SCOT Disc. Witchcr. VII xv, p. 152: (It is a common saieng;
A lion). 01592 Soliman, s. C2v: A retchlesse Lion scornes, The
humming of a Gnat.
[Iterrors]
L311 A LION in the field, a lamb in the town
1557 Praise Audley l. 8 in Tottel’s Misc., I 160: In towne a lambe, in
felde full fierce a lyon at the nede. 1573 GASCOIGNE Epit. Capt.
Bourcher: Posies, p. 74: In fielde a Lion, and in Towne a Childe,
Fierce to his foe, But courteouse to his friende. 1589 PUTTENHAM
Art Eng. Poesy III xxiv, p. 293: We say it is comely for a man to be
a lambe in the house, and a Lyon in the field. 1593 G. HARVEY
Let. Not. Cont., p. 277. 1636 W. SAMPSON Vow BreakerI iii, p. 16:
Two spirits that in peace are lambes, in warr two ravening Lyons.


L312 A LION in the way
[Prov. xxvi 13: The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way.]
1641 MILTON Reformation, p. 66: They fear’d not the bug-bear
danger, nor the Lyon in the way that the sluggish and timorous
Politician thinks he sees. 3.1674 CLARENDON Hist. Rebel. VI, III
479: There be both mountains and lions in the way.
L313 A LION is known by his paw (claw)
[ERAS. Adagia, 347D: Leonem ex unguibus aestimare.] 1559
COOPER, s.v. Leo: To esteeme the lion by his talons: A prouerbe,
signifiyng, to perceiue by a little what the whole matter meaneth.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 103: Lyons [are known] by their
clawes. 1581 MULCASTER Positions Ep. Ded., s. *3: The paw of a
Lion may bewraie the hole body in me by the prouerbe. 1600
BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 36: As Lyons are discerned by their pawes.
01600 I Ret.from Parn. IV, p. 63: I am one that canjudge according
to the proverbe, bovem ex unguibus. I601 JONSON Cynthia’s
Revels V x 73: Ex vngue, you know the old adage, as these, so are
the remainder. 1639 CL., s.v. Fucus, p. 131. 1706 A. BEDFORD
Evil and Danger Stage Plays I, p. 23: The Lion is known by his Paw,
and from this Prologue we may guess at the design’d Reformation.
See DUR., I, no. 416. Cf. H44: The half shows What the whole
means; L342: By the little is known the much.
L314 The LION is not so fierce as he is painted
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: (as they paint him). *He is
[not] such a one as he makes shew of. 1616 DR., no. 703: (not so
furious as). 1639 FULLER Holy War V xxx, p. 284: But the Lion
is not so fierce as he is painted, nor this Empire so formidable as
fame giveth it out. 1640 HERB., no. 285: (as they paint him).
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 29: Let thy countenance bee
rather sweet, than frowning, for the lyon is not so seuere as men
paint him, and many are not such as they make shew of. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: (The Lion not so). 1659 How. Span. Prov. ,
p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 214: (not so furious as). 1670 RAY, p. 114:
(not half so). 1672 WALK. 15, p. 45: (not half so). 1732 FUL.,
no. 4642: (The Lion’s not half so).
Cf. D255: The devil is not so black as he is painted; M552: Men
make the wolf worse than he is.
L315 A LION may come to be beholden to a mouse
1484 CAXTON Fab. Aesop I 13, p. 26. 1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag.
XVIII 101, p. 266: For that shallow witted ys, may some tyme
counsell geue that wholesome ys, and a seely mouse a Liones may re-
leeue. [1613] I647 FLETCHER ET AL. Hon. Man’s Fort. III, p. 239:
Pray you accept My will to do you service: I have heard The Mouse
once sav’d the Lyon in his need. 1639 FULLER Holy War III viii,
p. 123: As the fable telleth us . . the mouse [may] befriend the lion.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 126: There was never so great a lion, but
might stand in need of a mouse. 1732 FUL., no. 264: (beholding).
Cf. F449: Even a fool sometimes speaks a wise word (to the
purpose); M1235: A mouse in time may bite in two a cable.
L316 The LION spares the suppliant
[ERAS. Similia, 611B: Leo . . Simplicibus ac prostratis parcit.]
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 142: Lions spare those that couch
to them, the Tygresse biteth not when shee is clawed. 1583
GREENE Mamillia I, p. 82: The Lyon spareth lyfe, if his enemy
yeeld. 1595 SPENSER Amoretti 20: Wks., p. 721: And yet the lyon,
that is lord of power . . In his most pride disdeigneth to devoure
The Silly lambe that to his might doth yield. 1596 Edw. III,
S. G3v: The Lion scornes to touch the yeelding pray.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592 T. And. II iii 151: The lion, mov’d with
pity, did endure To have his princely paws par’d all away. 1594—5
L.L.L. IV i 90: Thus dost thou hear the Nemean lion roar ’Gainst
thee, thou lamb, that standest as his prey. Submissive fall his
princely feet before, And he from forage will incline to play. 1602
T. C. V iii 37: Brother, you have a vice of mercy in you Which better
fits a lion than a man.
L317 Wake not a sleeping LION
1593 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. IV, II 90: Not thinking it good to awake
the sleeping Lyon. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 154.
1611 COT., s.v. Esveiller: To awake the Sleeping Lyon (say we).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
LION
LIPS
384
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 113: Raise a Pad in the
straw: and awake a sleeping Lyon? [8.1660] 1693 URQUHART Gar-
gantua III xiv, II 81: As when we say proverbially to incense
Hornets, to move a stinking Puddle, and to awake a sleeping Lyon.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: It is ill awaking of a sleeping Lion.
1670 RAY, p. 153: It’s not good to wake a sleeping dog; or lion.
1672 WALK. 1, p. 13: You will rave in a wasps nest; wake a sleeping
Lion; bring an old house over your head.
See I)UR., II, no. 599. Cf. H756: He pulls an old house on his
head; S662: When sorrow is asleep wake it not; W7: It is evil (ill,
not good) waking of a sleeping dog; W8: It is not good waking of
care when it is asleep; W79: To stir a wasp’s nest.
L318 Who takes a LION absent fears a mouse present
1659 How. It. Prov., p. II. 1732 FUL., no. 2395: He who killeth a
Lion, when absent; feareth a Mouse, when present.
Cf. B489: The greatest boasters (crackers) are not the greatest
doers (the boldest men); L309: A lion among sheep and a sheep
among lions.
L319 If the LION’S skin cannot the fox’s shall
[ERAS. Adagia, 846D: Si leonina pellis non satis est, vulpina
addenda.] 1573 SANF., f. 58v: King Antigonus . . aunswered . . if
the Lions skin be not enough, take the Wolfes too. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. Dd2v: Haste thou not hearde this precepte of
Lycurgus, where the Lyons skin will not serue, sow the Foxes to it,
that is to interprete it, where honest force will not auaile, use fraude
and falshood, and set conscience to sale. [01590] I654 CHAPMAN AND
PEELE Alphonsus I i 106: And where the lion’s hide is thin and scant,
I’ll firmly patch it with the fox’s fell. 01594 BACON, no. 1500:
Coudre la peau du renard a celle du lyon. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel.
Man III, p. 231: [The King] determined (after the old proverbe)
when the Lions tayle is short, to tye the Foxe tayle to him, to make
proofe, seeing force would not prevaile, what policy would doe.
1607 ALEXANDER Alex. Trag. III i 1189: The Foxe must help, if
that the Lyon faile. 1615 W. SMITH Hector Germ. III ii, p. 100:
I thinke twere good to peece the Lyons Skinne where it too short
falls, with the Foxes skinne. 1616 DR., no. 1665: That a Lion
cannot doe, a Foxe can doe. 1623 CAM., p. 272: (cannot doe it).
1623 WOD., p. 512: To sow the Foxes Skin to the Lions. *Suttlenes
where Strength wantes. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 5: To sow a fox
tail to the Lion’s skin, viz. to joyn cunning with strength. 1664
COD., p. 216: The Foxes tail will serve to piece out the Lions skin.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 316: Ifnot with that of the Lion, with that
of the fox. *Note 192, p. 323: Policy goes beyond strength. 1670
RAY, p. 184. 1672 WALK. 46, p. 52: Piece out the Lyons skin with
the foxes tail; sew the foxes tail to the Lyons skin. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Lion: To patch a Foxe’s Tail to a Lion’s Skin, to use both sleight
and might.
Cf. Mg21: Either by might or by sleight; P462: Policy goes
beyond strength. (7)
L320 The LION’S skin is never cheap
1611 COT., s.v. Lion: A Lyons Skinne was neuer bought good
cheape; the valiant euer sold their skinnes full deere. 1640 HERB.,
no. 55: (A lyon’s). 1664 COD., p. 217. I670 RAY, p. 16. I732
FUL., no. 4643.
L321 Essex LIONS1
1629 TAYLOR Wit and Mirth 79: Wks. F., p. 352: He gaue the
white-fac’d Calfe the Lyons stile. 1678 RAY, p. 307: As valiant as
an Essex lion, i.e. a calf. 1721 KEL., p. 380: You look like a Lamer-
moor Lyon. *Lamermoor is a large Sheep Walk in the East of‘
Scotland. The English say, An Essex Lyon.
Cf. C21: Essex calves; L323: AS fierce as a lion of Cotswold.
[lsee Sugden, p. 182.]
L322 To see the LIONS
[To see the sights, originally with specific reference to the lions in
front of the Tower of London] 1590 GREENE Never Too Late,
p. 68: This countrey Francesco was no other but a meere nouice,
and that so newly, that To vse the old prouerb, he had scarce seene
the lions. 1595 llIaroccus, p. 8: Indeed those be the young men
v.-
L325

__
that never sawe the lyons. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels V iv 112;
Nor to be frighted with a face, Signior! I haue scene the lyons,
1622 JONSON Masque Augurs l. 8: Masques at Court, p. 629: I ha’
scene the Lyons ere now, and he that hath seene them, may see the
King.
L323 As fierce as a LION 0F COTSWOLD1
[01486—1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature II, s. G3: Ye are wont to be
as bold as yt were a lyon of cottyswold. [01537] c1560 UDALL
Thersytes, s. A3v: Now haue at the lyons on cotsolde. 1546
HEY. I xi, 5. E3V. [01553] 1566-7 UDALL Roister D. IV vi 39: Then
will he looke as fierce as a Cotssold lyon. 1600 Sir Oldcastle,
s. C4v: You olde stale rufiin, you lion of Cotswold! 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 180: (As furious as). 1670 RAY, p. 229: *A sheep.
Cf. L321: Essex lions.
[lSee Sugden, p. 1 3 3.]
L324 He can ill pipe that lacks (wants) his upper LIP
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L1 v: (his ouer lyp). 1577 STANYHURST Descr.
Ireland II in Holinshed Chron., VI 14: He might be accounted as
vnreasonable, as he that would force . . one to pipe . . that wanteth
his vpper lip. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 267: Ill can they pipe that lacke
their vpper lips. 1611 GRUT., no. 1 12. [1621] 1640 JONSON Gypsies
Metam. l. 930: Masques at Court, VII 596: Mary, a newe Collection,
there’s no Musique els, he can ill pipe that wants his vpper lip.
1636 CAM., p. 297. 1639 CL., p. 44: No man can pipe without his
upper lip. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1659 N.R., p. 47. 1664
COD., p. 196: He can pipe but ill who wants an upper Lip. 1670
RAY, p. I 31: (wants). *Things cannot be done without necessary
helps and instruments. 1732 FUL., no. 6374: (wants).
Free of her LIPS free of her hips
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 32: They are as loose of their lips and as
free of their flesh. 1678 RAY, p. 62. 1732 FUL., no. 6269.
L326 Like (Such) LIPS like (such) lettuce
[ERAS. Adagia, 386D: Similes habent labra lactucas.] 1546 HEY.
II Vii, s. I4: Suche lips, such letise. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Similis:
Similes habent labra lactucas, a prouerbe applyed to theym that
beyng of lyke yll condicions, bee matched together, as a lewde
seruaunt with an ill maister . . lyke maister lyke man, lyke will to
lyke. 1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. C2: And as the wise man
saith, such letice such lips. 1573 New Custom I ii, s. B3v: Like
Lettuse like lippes, a scabd horse for a scald squire. 1597 T.
MORLEY Intr. Music III, p. 122: Such lips, such lettus, such au-
thoritie, such imitation. 1611 COT., s.v. Foire: A gift agreeable to
her nature, or humor; fit (and filthie) Lettuce for her (stinking)
lips. 1611 GRUT., no. 240: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1616 DR., no. 1248:
Like lettice, like lips. 1631 JONSON New Inn II vi 19: Laetitia!
a faire omen! And I take it. Let me haue still such Lettice for
my lips. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1668
R.B., p. 47: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1670 RAY, p. 114: *As when a dull
scholar happens to a stupid or ignorant master; a froward wife to a
peevish husband. 1721 KEL., p. 241. 1732 FUL., no. 3231.
Cf. B215: Such beef such broth; H690: A scald (scabbed) horse
is good enough for a scabbed (scald) squire; L284: Like to like, a
scabbed horse to an old dike. (I 3)
L327 LIPS go, laps go, drink and pay
1668 R.B., p. 36: Lips go, laps go, he that eats, let him pay. 1721
KEL., p. 232: *If you put your Lip to the Pot to drink, put your
Hand to your Lap to take out your Purse.
L328 Scald not your LIPS in another man’s pottage
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1560: Ye scad your lips in other folks kaill.
1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. B1v: Without aspiring higher,
or manifesting thy mallice by scalding thy lyppes in other mens
Pottage. 1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s Sickn.: Wks., p. 472: He busieth
himselfe in other mens common-wealths .. he scalds his lips in
euery neighbours pottage. 1670 RAY, p. 56. 1672 WALK. 32,
p. 9: (in other folks broth). 1696 D’URFEY 3 Don Quix. II ii,
p. 231: Dont scald your Lips in another Man’s Porridge. 1721
KEL., p. 259: Never scald your Lips in other Folks Kail. *Do not

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LIPS 385
LITTLE


ofiiciously meddle in other Folks Business. 1732 FUL., no. 4074:
Scald not thy Lips with another Man’s Porridge.
L329 You licked not your LIPS Since you lied last
1721 KEL., p. 368: *Intimating that what he then said was a Lye.
1732 FUL., no. 5931.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV II iv I68: I am a rogue ifI
drunk to-day. —O villain! thy lips are scarce Wip’d since thou
drunk’st last.
L330 Your LIPS hang in your light
[c1517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. C4v: Thy lyppes hange in thyne
eyen. 01530 Youth, 3. A4v: But my lyppes hange in my lyght.
I546 HEY. II iv, 5. G3v: Your lyps hang in your light, but this
poore man sees Bothe howe blyndly ye stande in your owne lyght.
[01560] I581 WOODES Confl. Cons. II iii, s. C2v: Ye purblinded
fooles, doo your lyps blinde your eyes? 01594 BACON, no. 107: His
lippes hang in his light. 1596 NASHE Saflron-Walden: Wks.,
marginal note, III 85: When his lippes hang so in his light. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 356: Some lasses lips hang in their light. 1611
T. HEYWOOD Gold. Age IV, p. 60: She that hath the best eyes of
them all, I haue a trick to make her nose stand in her light. [01616]
I630 Pathomachia I ii, p. 7: I thinke your Lips hang in your light.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 134: A born fool. His lips hang in’s
light. 1681 ROB., p. 621: [As in 1671 Cl.].
Cf. L276: To stand in one’s own light.
L331 LIP HONOR costs little yet may bring in much
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13: The honor one doth with the mouth
avails much and costs little. I732 FUL., no. 3245.
L332 To preach over one’s LIQUOR (cup, pot)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 54: It is pitie Lady you want a
pulpit, hauing preached so well ouer the pot. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Prediche, p. 156: The English variously use the Phrase,
when any one is deep in a story, and lets his Wine pawl; what do
you stand preaching over the cup for? I682 BEHN Roundheads
IV iii, p. 397: Bread, my Lord, no preaching o’er yar Liquer.
1709 DYKES, p. 295: ’Tis dangerous to preach over our Liquor.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 447: Pray, Sir John, did you ever hear
of parson Palmer? ——No, my lord; what of him? —Why, he used
to preach over his liquor.
L333 With what LIQUOR a vessel is first seasoned, it
will long keep the scent of it
[ERAS. Adagia, 529B: Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odorem
Testa diu.] 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 47: But fyll an erthen
pot first with yll lycoure And euer after it shall smell somwhat
soure. 1520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 110: A pytcher wyll haue
a smatche longe after of the lyquoure thet was fyrst put in it.
1539 TAV., f. 37: A vessell woll kepe longe the sauour Wherewyth
it is fyrste seasoned. For thys cause Quintilian counsayleth vs
forthwyth euen from our youth to lerne the best thynges, syth
nothyng stycketh more fastly, than that, that is receyued and taken
of pure youth not yet infected wyth peruerse and croked maners or
opinions. 1577 GOLDING Abraham’s Sacr. l. 142, p. 7: A new made
vessell holdeth long the sent Of that that first of all is in it pent.
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 265: It is pretely sayd of Horace a
newe vessell will long time sauour of that lyquor that is first powred
into it. 1586 WITHALS, s. E8v: A vessell will smell when it is olde,
of that whiche is put into it, when it is new. [a1594] 1605 K. Leir,
3. HI: A new fresh vessel Still retayns the taste Of that which first
is powr’d into the same. 1615 RA. Val. Welsh. III iii, 3. E3v:
Vessels that once are seasoned, keepe their smell. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Education, no. 561. 1629 MASSINGER Roman Actor IV ii, p. 62:
As vessels still partake the odour Of the sweet precious liquors they
contained. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 10: A new vessel retains the
first scent. 1664 COD., p. 223: Vessels retain the savour still, of
that thing which them first did fill. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 29:
A butt gives such a scent as it hath. 1732 FUL., no. 1473: Every
Tub smells of the Wine it holds.
Cf. MII82: The mortar smells always of the garlic; Y42: That
which one learns in youth will continue till old age. (13)
L337
L341

L334 LIST: subst.
L334 Eat your LIST and leave the lave1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 383.
[1remainder]
L335 LIST: verb
L335 You may if you LIST but do if you dare
1678 RAY, p. 350.
L336 LISTENERS never hear good of themselves
I678 RAY, p. 75. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables I70, I 151: ’Tis an
Old Saying, That Listners never hear Well of Themselves. 1732
FUL., no. 3248: Listeners hear no good of themselves.
The LITTER is like to the sire and the dam
I562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 27.
Cf. F92: Such a (Like) father such a (like) son; L282: The like
breeds the like; MI 199: Like mother like daughter.
L338 Better long LITTLE nor1 soon right nought (than
soon nothing)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 227. 1668 R.B., p. 11. I721 KEL., p. 64:
(than soon nothing). *A persuasive to Saving, and good Hus-
bandry.
[Ithan]
L339 By a LITTLE and little the wolf eats the sheep
(goose)
I6II COT., s.v. Oye: By little and little the Wolfe deuoures the
Goose; by diligence, or degrees a man obtaines his purpose. 1616
DR., s.v. Beginning, no. 134.
Cf. L340: By little and little; L353: A little and a little the cat
eats up the bacon flitch.
L340 By LITTLE and little
[Exod. xxiii 30: By little and little I will drive them out.] 1548
E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 30. By litle and litle, the Englishemen
recouered again many tounes. 1612 BACON Essays, p. 134: Custom
of profane scofiing in holy matters; which doth by little and little
deface the reverence of religion. 1616 DR., no. 1264. 1620
SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xvii, III 131: So lessening their feare, by
little and little they drew neere him. I682 DRYDEN Religio Pref.,
p. 12: Their descendants lost, by little and little, the primitive and
purer rltes.
Cf. H21: Pull hair and hair and you’ll make the carl (the horse’s
tail) bare; L307: By link and link the coat of mail is made at last;
L339: By a little and little the wolfeats the sheep (goose); L353: A
little and a little the cat eats up the bacon flitch.
By LITTLE and little the poor whore sinks her
barn
1678 RAY, p. 170.
L342 By the LITTLE is known the much
[ERAS. Adagia, 100D: Ex uno omnia specta.] CI550 GOSYNHYLL
Schoolhouse Want. 1. 846, p. 138. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. 01: Now good Lady, if by this litle yow can iudge the whole.
Cf. B421: You may see by a bit what the bread is; H43: The half
is more than the whole; H44: The half shows what the whole means;
L313: A lion is known by his paw (claw).
L343 Clothe thee warm, eat LITTLE, drink enough, and
thou shalt live
1573 SANF., f. I 10v: (eate a little). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34:
Clothe warme, eate litle, drink wel, so shalt thou lyue. I59I FLOR.
Sec. F. I, p. I 1: Cloathe warme, feede sparingly, and drink well, so
shalt thou live long. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 129, p. 29.
Cf. L344: Dine with little, sup with less.
L344 Dine with LITTLE, sup with less
1620 SHELTON Don Quin. Pt. II, xliii, IV 40: Eat little at dinner, but
lesse at supper. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 22: Dine with little,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
LITTLE
LITTLE
386

sup with less, sleep high, and thou wilt live. 1744 FRANKLIN, p. 22:
Dine with little, sup with less: Do better still; sleep supperless.
Cf. L343: Clothe thee warm, eat little, drink enough, and thou
shalt live; L356: A little in the morning is enough, enough at dinner
is but little, a little at night is too much.
L345 He can give LITTLE to his servant that licks his
knife
I611 COT., s.v. Escuyer: Peu peut bailler a son Escuyer qui son
cousteau lesche: He that hath but little for himselfe hath not much
for his man. 1640 HERB., no. 840. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes
Fae. in Via, p. 138. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18: Who licks his
knife, will give little to his servant. 1659 N.R., p. 58: (that locks
[for licks] his knife).
Cf. B632: Who has no more bread than needs must not keep a dog.
L346 He is not poor that has LITTLE but he that de-
sires much '
1613 A. WHITAKER Good Newsfrom Va., s. D3: Hee truely is the
onely poore man, not that hath little, but which continually de-
sireth more. 1631 MABBE Celestina I, p. 53: Besides, I must tell
you, that they are not poore, that have little, but they that desire
much. I640 HERB., no. 305. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw.,
p. 15: Hee is not poore which possesseth a little, but he whose hopes
are neuer satisfied, for contentment is euer the best feast. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 17: (who hath). 1659 N.R., p. 57. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 20, p. 214: (who hath little, but he who desires much).
1705 Pleas. Art, p. 156. 1732 FUL., no. 1937: (that hath not much,
but he that craves much).
Cf. L347a: He that desires but little has no need of much;
M1273: He is not rich that has much but he that covets least.
L347 He loves me for LITTLE that hates me for nought
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 504: (He loves me littil, that). 1641 FERG.,
no. 332. 1668 R.B., p. 23. 1721 KEL., p. 146: *Spoken to those
who are much displeased, upon a small Provocation.
Cf. 016: He never loved well that will hate for a little offense.
L347a He that desires but LITTLE has no need of much
I614 LODGE Ep. 108, p. 443: He that coueteth little, hath not need
of much. 1732 FUL., no. 2077.
Cf. H328: A small (humble) heart has small (humble) desires,
L346: He is not poor that has little but he that desires much.
L348 He that has LITTLE is the less dirty
I640 HERB., no. 432.
1664 COD., p. 199.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 21.
L349 He that knows LITTLE often repeats it
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. I: Who knows little tells it quickly.
I732 FUL., no. 2209.
L350 It is better to enjoy a LITTLE with quietness than
to possess much with trouble
[Eccl. iv 6: Better is a handfull with quietness, than both the hands
full with travail and vexation of spirit.] 1509 A. BARCLAY Slzip
Fools, II 74: And better a lytell sure than moche in fere and dout.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 211. 1747 FRANKLIN, p. 24: Better is a
little with content than much with contention.
Cf. E67: Better is an egg in peace than an ox in war; L360: A
little with honesty is better than a great deal with knavery; L361:
A little with quiet is the only diet.
L351 It is better to pay and have LITTLE than have
much and to be in debt
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1 I. 1664 COD., p. 231: You were better to
pay and have little, than to have much and be in debt. I732
FUL., no. 2918: (and have but little left; than to have much, and be
always in Debt).
L352 It is LITTLE of God’s might to make a poor man
a knight
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 828.
I668 R.B., p. 31. I721 KEL., p. 182.

L353 A LITTLE and a little the cat eats up the bacon
flitch
a1536 HILL 16, p. 130. 1546 HEY. II vii, s. 14v: Yet littell and
littell the cat eateth the fiickell.
See S. MEECH “A Collection ofProverbsin Rawlinson MS D 328,”
Modern Philology, XXXVIII, 2 (Nov., 1944), I 13. Cf. L339: By a
little and little the wolf eats the sheep (goose); L340: By little and
little.
L354 The LITTLE cannot be great unless he devours
many
1616 DR., no. 1566: A little body cannot be great, except he eate
many. I640 HERB., no. 916. 1664 C011, p. 222. I670 RAY, p. 16.
Cf. F 311: The great fish eat the small; 063: There would be no
great ones if there were no little ones; $228: A serpent must eat
another serpent before he can become a dragon.
L355 A LITTLE given seasonably excuses a great gift
I640 HERB., no. 828. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 14: A small gift
great, if discreet. 1659 N.R., p. 18.
Cf. G100: A small gift brings often a great reward; G125: He
that gives quickly (in a trice) gives twice.
L356 A LITTLE in the morning is enough, enough at
dinner is but little, a little at night is too much
I607 WALKINGTON Optic Glass IV, p. 47: (As the proverbe runnes:
A little in the morning).
Cf. L344: Dine with little, sup with less; M786: A good meal, a
bad meal, and a middling meal preserves a man in health.
L357 LITTLE may an old horse do if he may not neigh
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 936. 1668 R.B., p. 35. I721 KEL., p. 235:
(do, that may not N igher [neigh]). *Spoken of over-grown decayed
Rakes, that speak Baudy.
Cf. H671: It is an ill horse that can neither whinny nor wag his
tail.
L358 LITTLE (Nothing) said, soon amended
01550 Parl. Birds 1. 41 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 169: For lytle money
is soone spende And fewe wordes are soone amend. 01555 Songs
and Bal. Philip and Mary 10, p. 31: Therefor lyttel sayd ys sowne
amended. 1562 HEY. Epig. 169, p. 154. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 946:
(is soon mended). I603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON
Patient Grissill, s. E1 v: (is soone amended). 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 5: Little or nothing said soone mended is. 1614 CAM., p. 309.
1616 DR., s.v. Quietnesse, no. 1799.: (and soone amended). 1616
WITHALS, p. 550. 1622 ROWLANDS Good News and Bad, p. 30: We
know that little said is soone amended. 1639 CL. , s.v. Taciturnitas,
p. 302. I640 MENNIS AND SMITH W it’s Recreations: Facetiae, II 162:
Little or nothing said, soon mended is. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9.
Ibid., p. 13: (and soon amended). 1668 R.B., p. 34: Little sayd is
soon mended, and a little geir is soon spended. 1670 RAY, p. 115.
I672 WALK. 10, p. 39: Silence seldome doth harm; little said soon
amended.
Cf. S445: Silence does seldom harm; S729: Who speaks not errs
not; W798:_Few words are best. (12)
L359 LITTLE troubles the eye but far less the soul
1641 FERG., no. 599. 1668 R.B., p. 36.
L360 A LITTLE with honesty is better than a great deal
with knavery '
[Ps. xxxvii 16: A little that a righteous man hath is better than the
riches of many wicked] 1577 GoooE Four Bias. Husa. I, f. 8: A
litle is better with the godly, then the great riches of the wicked.
[01637] 1659 Land. Chant. i, p. 325: (That precise axiom A little
with).
Cf. L350: It is better to enjoy a little with quietness than to
possess much with trouble; S75: Better eat salt with philosophers of
Greece than sugar with courtesans (courtiers) of Italy.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and]pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LITTLE
LIVE
387


L361 A LITTLE with quiet is the only diet
I611 COT., s.v. Peu: A little with quietnesse is Gods owne gift.
I623 WOD., p. 492: He conte[n]ts himselfe of a litle. 1640 HERB.,
no. 323. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 157: (A little in Quiet).
See ST., no. 2417. Cf. L350: It is better to enjoy a little with
quietness than to possess much with trouble.
L362 Many a LITTLE (Every little) makes a mickle
(a great)
01535 ELYOT Educ. 10, s. E1: If to a lytell thou addest a lyttell
more In space of tyme thou shalte have mykell store. 01540 Dial.
Two Persons, p. 130: Many lytle offerynges makythe a heuy boxe.
1552 TAV., f. 5 3: We commonly say in englyshe: Many a lytle maketh
a greate. 1576 WAPULL Tide Tarries No Man, s. E1: Many a little
maketh a great. 1597 SKENE De Verb. Sign., s.v. Hawbert, s. H3v:
Manie littles makis an meikle. I611 COT., s.v. Riviere: Many
littles make a mickle; many small parcells ioyned together make
vp a great bodie, or bulke. 1614 CAM., p. 310. 1616 DR., no.
1274: (Euery little). 1616 WITHALS, p. 579. 1620 SHELTON Don
Quix. Pt. II, Vii, III 58: Many littles make a mickle. 1644 Pet.
Retailers, p. 174: And therefore that old saying Many a little makes
a mickle is now a maine plea for the poore. 1655 FULLER Church
Hist. VI V, II 274: Many a little, saith the proverb, make a mickle.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 33: Many littles make a great. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 213, p. 227: (The Scot
says, Many). 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 139: [As in 1620 Shelton].
1672 WALK. 19, p. 45: Many drops make a shower; many littles
make a mickle. 1721 KEL., p. 254: [As in 1620 Shelton]. 1732
FUL., no. 6318: (make). 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 12: (Every little).
See ST., no. 1 175. Cf. D617: Many (Small) drops make a shower
(flood); G398: Grain by grain and the hen (ant) fills her belly (his
barn); L372: Little and often fills the purse; P201: Penny and penny
laid up will be many; S554: Many smalls make a great; W935:
Everything helps, quoth the wren when she pissed in the sea. (10)
L363 Of a LITTLE take little
1611 COT., s.v. Assez: From much take much, from little take a
little. Ibid., s.v. Petit: Of a little take a little, of a mickle mickle.
1631 MABBE Celestina XII, p. 212: That common saying of your
little children: Of a little, a little; of much, nothing. 1721 KEL.,
p. 276.
L364 Stay a LITTLE and news will find you
1640 HERB., no. 326.
L365 That LITTLE which is good fills the trencher
1664 COD., p. 219. 1666
I670 RAY, p. 16.
1640 HERB., no. 501: (A little and good).
TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 211: (Little, and good).
L366 There is LITTLE for the rake after the besom
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1257: Thair is littil to the raik to gait after
the bissome. 1668 R.B., p. 49: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL.,
p. 319: *There is little to be gotten of such a Thing, when covet-
ous People have their Will of it.
L367 Though he said LITTLE he thought the more
01475 Partonope l. 2702, p. 84: He seyyth butte lytell, butte more
thynckyth he. 01509 Pain Evil Marr., p. 22: Therfore thynke
moche and say nought. [01517] c1545 SKELTON Speak Parrot l. 381:
W ks., II 267: Some say but lityll, and thynke more in there
thowghte. 1546 HEY. II ii, s. G1: I saie little (saied she) but I
thynke more. 01563 Yuck juggler, s. C1: I saye nothing, but I
thinke sum what I wis. 1596 SPENSER V xii 29: Yet spake she
seldom, but thought more, the lesse she sed. 1599 H. PORTER Two
Women Ab. x, s. I4: Well, I say little, but I thinke the more yet Ile
giue him good words. 1602 [COOKE] How Man May Choose, s. B1:
Faith master she said little, but she thought more. 1615 BRATH-
WAITE Strap. for Devil, p. 253: Though she spake nought yet the
more did think. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II ii 155: Well! I say little;
But hitherto all goes well, pray it prove no better. 1678 RAY,
p. 82: Though he saith nothing, he pays it with thinking, like the
Welchmans Jackdaw. 1721 KEL., p. 182: I will say nothing, but
I will yerk [be busy] at the Thinking. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,

p. 392: Miss says nothing; but I warrant She pays it off with
thinking.
SHAKESPEARE.—159I 3 Hen. VI IV i 83: I hear; yet say not
much, but think the more.
Cf. M581: Say as men say but think to yourself; P144: Although
I hold my peace I gather up stones; T220: One may think that
dares not speak; T401: To have a Still tongue but a busy head. (8)
L368 To yield a LITTLE is better than to be stifi
1639 CL., p. 56.
Cf. B566: Better bow than break.
L369 We must recoil a LITTLE to the end we leap the
better
01500 Melusine XX, p. 1 13: Wyse men goo abacke for to lepe the
ferther. 1547 J. HARRISON Exhor. to Scots, p. 213: AS one that in-
tendeth to make a greate lepe, I muste bee forced to ronne back to
fetche my course. 1596 DEL., s. N3V. 1616 DR., no. 2521: (that
wee may leape the better). I623 WOD., p. 512: He goes backe for
to leape the better. *So said, of him that goes low to the End that
after may mount hie. 1639 CL., p. 56: Go back a little to leape
further. 1651 HERB., p. 370: (we may leap the better). 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 246: Who means to fetch a good leap, steps
backwards first. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Discourse, p. 97: He
runs far back that means to leap a great way. He takes his rise
far. 1681 ROB., p. 480: [As in 1671 Cl.].
L370 What costs LITTLE is less esteemed
1612 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. I, IV vii, II 89: It is also said as well,
quoth Camilla, That that which costeth little, is lesse esteemed.
1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo~Belgica, II 29:
What costs nothing is good for nothing. 1732 FUL., no. 5485.
Cf. D12: Dear bought and far fetched are dainties for ladies;
L562: We love that dearly that costs us dearest.
You would do LITTLE for God if the devil were
dead
1641 FERG., no. 909: (an the devil were dead). 1668 R.B., p. 58:
[As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 364: *That is, you would do little
for Love, if you were not under Fear. 1732 FUL., no. 6016:
(You would be little for God, if).
L371
L372 LITTLE AND OFTEN fills the purse
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 211. 1685 R. L’ESTRANGE Observator 2,
Vol. III: But a little and often, is a Good Rule. 1732 FUL., no.
3249-
Cf. G398: Grain by grain and the hen (ant) fills her belly (his
barn); L362: Many a little (Every little) makes a mickle (a great).
L373 He was born at LITTLE WITHAM
[01565] 1 59 5 Peddler’s Proph., s. B4v: At litle Wytham seuen yeares
I went to schoole. I589 Martin’s Month’s Mind, p. 192: I giue and
bequeath . . to each of them an Aduouson: To the former of small
Witam: and to the other oflittle Brainford. 1662 FULLER Worthies
Lincolnshire, II 7: *It is applyed to such people as are not over-
stock’d with acutenesse. 1670 RAY, p. 237.
L374 As sure as you LIVE
1608 J. DAY Law Tricks III, p. 50: To-morrow, the houre eight.
—Certaine? —AS life. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Certain, p. 47:
I’m as sure, as I’m sure now I live. Ibid., p. 303. 1701 COLLIER
Myth. Picture Cebes, p. 318: Do they walk in this inner Court?
—AS sure as you live. 1710-11 SWIFT your. to Stella 16, Feb. 24,
II 181: This letter certainly goes this evening, sure as you are
alive, young women.
SHAKESPEARE.——1590-1 2 Hen. VI III ii 153: As surely as my
soul intends to live With that dread King. 1592-4 I Hen. VI
III ii 80: As sure as English Henry lives And as his father here was
conqueror. 1594 T.G.V. IV iv 18: Sure as I live, he had suffer’d
for’t! 1596 Rich. II IVi 101 : Why, Bishop, is Norfolk dead? —As
surely as I live, my lord. 1597 I Hen. IVIII i 252: And ’as true as
I live!’ and ‘as God shall mend me!’ and ‘as sure as day!’ 1598-9
M.A. V iv 63: I do live, And surely as I live, I am a maid.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
LIVE
LIVES
388
L375—6 He is well to LIVE
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk.
L377 If you would not LIVE to be old you must be
hanged when you are young
1670 RAY, p. 126. I721 KEL., p. 377: (Ifyou will not).
Cf. D328: Old be or young die.
*English.
L378 It is not how long but how well we LIVE
[ERAS. Similia, 586B: Laudatur . . non qui diu vixit, sed qui bene.]
1605 WOODHOUSE Flea, p. 28: How long we liue it skils not, but
how well. 1664 COD., p. 200: (It is not how long we live, but).
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 314: It avails not to live long, but to
live well. 1670 RAY, p. 16. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 152. 1755
FRANKLIN, p. 32: A long Life may not be good enough, but a good
Life is long enough.
Cf. L382: Live well and live forever; L386: He lives long that
lives well.
L379 LIVE and learn
1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. Epil., p. 88: We live to learne. 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 193: You haue lyued long and learned
lyttle. 01629 F.D. Excell. Medley l. 156 in Roxb. Bal., I 60: (A
man may). 1639 CL., p. 267. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: One
may live and learn, and be hang’d and forget all. 1664 WILSON
Cheats III iii, p. 37: I see a man may live, and learn every day.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 1 17: One learns as long as one lives. 1670
RAY, p. 116: (One may). 1721 KEL., p. 346: We are to learn while
we live. *Spoken when we are inform’d of a thing that we knew
not before. 1732 FUL., no. 3777: (One may). 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 411: Well; live and learn.
See DUR., II, no. 33. Cf. L393: The longer that one lives the
more he knows; M263: A man may learn wit every day; M1288:
One must live long to learn much.
L380 LIVE and let live
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 945. [a1641] 1664 MUN Eng. Treas. III, p. 16:
But if any man allege the Dutch proverb, Live and let others live.
1664 COD., p. 115. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 314: To live, and let
others live by them, is the profession of an honest man. 1668
R.B., p. 35. 1678 RAY, p. 178: *Do as you would be done by. 1697
MER., p. 165. 1721 KEL., p. 231: *Deal so equally, and so fairly,
that you may gain, and others may gain by you. 1732 FUL., no.
3263.
See ST., no. 1369. Cf. D395: Do as you would be done to.
L381 LIVE charily if not chastely
1561 T. HOEY Courtier III, p. 231: That saith: Si non caste, tamen
caute. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 32: Do not some men say that
women always live ch astely enough, so that they live charily enough?
1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 87: Sins vnseene are halfe pardoned;
and Loue requires not chastitie but that her souldiours be charie.
1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 29: Their ghostly Fathers
wished a man to liue Charily, though not chastly. 1590 Tarlton’s
News out Purgatory, p. 7 5: And though she could not live caste, yet
she lived caute. 1604 MARSTON Malcontent IV i 23: O beauties,
look to your busk-points; if not chastely, yet charily. I612
[BRETON] Cornucopia l. 648, p. 25: Although thou be not chaste,
yet be charie. 1617 T. ADAMS Soldier’s Honor: Wks., p. 1081: Yet
in warres caute et caste viuunt, they [the Turks] liue charily and
chastly. Not as the Fryers say, Caute si non caste. 1618 N.
FIELD Amendsfor Ladies III iii, p. 131: Si non caste, tamen caute,
madam.
Latin, Caute, Si non caste. Live charily, if not chastely. [01633]
1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 54: [Heathens] as little
caring in such things to seem honest, as to be; but this is not the
Case of Christians, who though never so irregular, will yet observe
this Rule: Si non caste, tamen caute, If not chastly, yet charily.
SHAKESPEARE.~1604 O. III iii 202: In Venice they do let heaven
see the pranks They dare not show their husbands; their best
conscience Is not to leave’t undone, but keep’t unknown.
Cf. B471: A blot is no blot unless it be hit; S472: A sin unseen is
half pardoned.
1630 Tinker Turvey, p. 36: I learned this old saying in -


L382 LIVE well and live forever
1616 WITHALS, p. 539: (and liue alway). 1639 CL., p. 322.
Cf. L378: It is not how long but how well we live; L386: He lives
long that lives well; L394: Who lives well sees afar off.
L383 LIVE with me and seek some other to maintain
thee
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84: Liue with me, and seeke some
other that may maintaine thee, i. Doe me seruice, and get mainte-
nance where thou canst. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 2:
Line with mee, and seeke some other to maintaine thee, do me
service, and get maintenance where thou canst.
L384 Too soon wise to LIVE long
[ERAS. Adagia, 9271": Mors optima rapit, deterrima relinquit.]
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 160: Those children which are destined to
death in the prime time of their life, are far more witty, discreet,
and perfect every way, than those who have long time granted them
to live on earth. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U2V: These forward
youthes (and too forward saith M. Askam) neuer proue Old men.
1586 BRIGHT Melancholy XI, p. 54: Whereupon I take it, the
prouerbe ariseth: that they be of short life, who are of wit so preg_
nant: because their bodies do receaue by nature so speedie a ripe-
nesse, as thereby age is hastened. 1592 GREENE Disp. hetw. He
and She, p. 238: The neighbours said, I was too soone wise, to be
long olde. 1594 MARLOWE Edw. II III ii 79: Ah, boy! this toward-
ness makes thy mother fear Thou art not mark’d to many days on
earth. 1607 MIDDLETON Phoenix I i 69: A little too wise, a little
too wise to live long. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 385: I fear Lady
Answerall can’t live long, she has so much wit.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III III i 79: So wise so young, they
say do never live long.
Cf. F774: Sharp frosts bite forward springs; G251: Those that
God loves do not live long (The good die young); R133: Soon ripe
SOOl'l rotten.
L385 We shall LIVE till we die
1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 54: Hereof am I sure, I shall liue till I
die. 1655 MOFFETT Health’s Improvem. i, p. 8: (till we dye in de-
spight of Diet).
L386 He LIVES long that lives well
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 83: They liued long enough, that haue
liued well enough. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 310: He, not
that hath most yeres but many vertues, nor he that hath grayest
haires but greatest goodnes, lyueth longest. 1602 JONSON Poetas-
ter To Rdr., p. 3 17: Non annorum canicies est laudanda, sed morum.
1630 DRUMMOND Cypress Grove: Poet. Wks., II 8 5: Dayes are not
to bee esteemed after the number of them, but after the goodnesse.
1639 CL., p. 322. 1642 FULLER Holy State I vi, p. 16: If he chance
to die young, yet he lives long that lives well. 1664 COD., p. 195.
1670 RAY, p. 16. 1721 KEL., p. 168: He that liveth well, liveth
long. I732 FUL., no. 1968. I739 FRANKLIN, p. 15: If thou
would’st live long, live well; for folly and wickedness shorten life.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. III i 152: [You] that prefer A noble life
before a long.
Cf. H576: It is better to die with honor than to live with shame;
L378: It is not how long but how well we live; L382: Live well and
live forever.
L387 He LIVES that overcomes
1573 SANF., f. 110v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33V: Who lyueth,
vanquisheth. 1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xx, III 156: Thou
art . . like them that cry, Long live the Conquerour. 1629 Bk. Mer.
Rid. 131, p. 29.
L388 He that LIVES long suffers much
1611 COT., s.v. Souffrir: The longer we liue the more we haue t’in-
dure. 1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xxxii, III 242: Tis good to
live long, to see much; although tis said also, that he that lives
long, suHers much. 1732 FUL., no. 2220.
Cf. L389: He that lives most dies most.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite Verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LIVES
LOBSTER
389

L389 He that LIVES most dies most
I640 HERB., no. 433.
Cf. L388: He that lives long suffers much.
L390 He that LIVES well is learned enough
1611 COT. , s.v. Vivre: He that lines well enough hath skill enough.
1640 HERB., no. 86. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 23: It is
better not to liue, than not to know how to line. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 17: (Who lives well). 1659 N.R., p. 42. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 4, p. 243: He knows enough, who knows how to live. 1736
FRANKLIN, p. 11.
Cf. L394: Who lives well sees afar off.
He that LIVES well shall die well (cannot die
amiss)
1506 Cal. Shep. II, p. 169: He that leuyth well maye not dye amys.
I530 WHITFORDE Wk. Householders, s. H3v: To dye Well, is Well to
lyue. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28: Who lyueth well, dyeth wel.
1596 DEL., s. N6v: It is almost impossible, that a man that liues
well, should die ill. 1611 COT., s.v. Mourir: He that would dye
well must liue well; an honest life ends in a peacefull death. 1616
DR., no. 445: He dieth well, that liueth well. 1639 CL., p. 215: He
that lives well never dyes amiss. Ibid.: They die well that live
well. 1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 321: No man dies ill,
that liveth well.
Cf. L245: A good life has a good death; L247: An ill life an ill
end; L263: Such a life such a death (an end); L392: He that lives
wickedly can hardly die honestly; M64: AS a man lives so shall he
die, as a tree falls so shall it lie.
L391
L392 He that LIVES wickedly can hardly die honestly
1616 DR., no. 1232: (liueth shamefully). 1664 COD., p. 198. 1670
RAY, p. 16. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 152.
Cf. L247: An ill life an ill end; L263: Such a life such a death (an
end); L391: He that lives well Shall die well (cannot die amiss);
M64: As a man lives so shall he die, as a tree falls so Shall it lie.
L393 The longer that one LIVES the more he knows
1576 FULWELL Ars Adulandi II, S. C3: I see the longer a man
liueth the more hee may learne. I600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will
1. 253: IVks., III 241: The longer we line, the more wee Shall learne. "
1616 DR., no. 636.
Cf. F60: The longer we live the more farlies we see; L379: Live
and learn; M1288: One must live long to learn much.
L394 Who LIVES well sees afar off
1640 HERB., no. 348: (He that). 1664 COD., p. 228. 1670 RAY, p-
16: *Hispan.
Cf. L382: Live well and live forever; L390: He that lives well is
learned enough; M188: A hungry man sees far.
L395 Let the longer LIVER take all
[1605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 115: IfI may haue meat to
my mouth, and rags to my backe, and a flock-bed to snore vpon,
when I die, the longer liuer take all. 1616 DR., no. 1233. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Possessio, p. 256. I681 Loyal London Prentice l. 64 in Roxb.
Bal., IV 241: I’le serve my King till I am Dead, The longest liver
then take all.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R]. I v 16: Be brisk awhile, and the
longer liver take all.
L396 You are mope-eyed1 by LIVING so long a maid
1640 MENNIS AND SMITH W it’s Recreations: Facetiae, II 465: Mope-
ey’d I am, as some have said, Because I’ve liv’d so long a maid.
1678 RAY, p. 346. I700 B.E., s.v. Mop-eied: Mop-eied, one that
can’t see well, by living too long a Maid. 1721 KEL., p. 394: (with
being so long a Maiden). *Spoken to those who over-look a Thing
before them.
[’purblind]
L397 LIVING WELL is the best revenge
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 285: The greatest harme that you
can doe vnto the enuious, is to doe well. 01640 W.S. Countrym.

Commonw., p. 13: Nothing will grieue thine enemy more than thy
perfect honest life. 1640 HERB., no. 520. 1659 How. It. Prov., p.
12: Wilt thou be revenged of thy enemy? carry thy self well.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 299: Hast a mind to revenge thyself on
thy enemie, order thy self as thou Shouldst do, and the business is
done. 1725 N. BAILEY Sober Banquet: Familiar Col/09., p. 350:
None [of Diogenes’ sayings] charms me more than the answer he
made to one that asked him what was the best way to be revenged
on a enemy? Says he, By approving yourself an honestgood man.
1732 FUL., no. 4575: The greatest Mischiefyou can do the Envious
is to do well. 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 8: If you would be reveng’d of
your enemy, govern yourself. 1750 FRANKLIN, p. 26: Wouldst
thou confound thine Enemy, be good thy self.
See T. 518, p. 258. Cf. P51: Pardons and pleasantness are
great revenges of slanders; R92: To pardon is a divine revenge.
L398 Like a LOADER’S1 horse that lives among thieves
1678 RAY, p. 350: *The countrey man near a town. Som. I732
FUL., no. 3223.
[learrier’s]
L399 Give a LOAF and beg a shive1
I631 WEEVER Anc. Funeral Mon., p. 112: The religious Order . .
could by no means be brought in .. to giue a loafe, and beg a
shiue, to turne themselues out of actuall possession, and lie at the
Kings mercie. 1678 RAY, p. 247.
[lslice]
L400 A White LOAF and a hard cheese never shame
the master
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11: (shames).
Cf. B611: Bread and cheese is good to eat when men can get no
other meat (are physic to such as are in health).
L401 LOAVEs and fishes
[That is, material benefits rather than spiritual blessings] 1612
I. HALL Contempl. I: Recoll. Treat., p. 954: If it were not for the
loaues and fishes, the traine of Christ would bee lesse.
See SM., p. 275.
L402 A borrowed LOAN should come laughing home
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 28: A lend sould come laughing home againe.
1641 FERG., no. 29. 1668 R.B., p. 3. I721 KEL., p. 6: *What a
Man borrows he should return with Thankfulness, rather better
than worse. I732 FUL., no. 6314.
L403 He is in LOB’S POUND (Cob’s pound)
[He is in difiiculty.] 1597 ES Disc. Knights Post, s. BI: Alias the
Knightes of the Poste, the Lords of lobs pound, and heires apparent
to the pillory. I612 [BRETON] Cornucopia l. 1897, p. 64: Thus is
the woodcocke fall’n into the gin, And in Lobs-pound intangled
by a wile. 1623 MASSINGER Duke Milan III ii, p. 54: He was the
party Found in Lob’s pound. 1639 CL., p. 188: (Cobs pound).
1663 S. BUTLER Hud. I iii 910, p. 127: Crowdero, whom in Irons
bound, Thou basely threw’st into Lob’s pound. 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. Punishment, p. 270: (Cob’s pound). 1671 CROWNE
j‘uliana I, p. 33: And so there’s a heavy bustle, the Cardinal on one
side, and the Princess on the t’other, and between ’um both he’s
got into Lobb’s pound.
L404 A Chichester LOBSTER, a Selsey cockle, an Arun-
del mullet, a Pulborough eel, an Amberley
trout, a Rye herring, a Boume Wheatear
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Sussex, I 308: Selsey . . is most famous for
good cockles, and full Lobsters. 1653 WALTON Complete Angler E.
VIII, p. 131: Just so doth Sussex boast of four sorts of fish; namely,
an Arundel Mullet, a Chichester Lobster, a Shelsey Cockle, and
an Amerly Trout. 1670 RAY, p. 2 54: (A Selsey cockle, an Arundel).
I678 RAY, p. 336: *Sussex.
L405 To be as red as a boiled LOBSTER
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gambero, p. 70: *To have been drinking,
to have a red and rich face, to have the rubrick there.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
L001:
LoNG
39o
L406 No L001: will hold against the power of gold
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 71: And who is so ignorant that
knoweth not, gold be a key for euery locke. I611 CHAPMAN May
Day I i 162: Gifts and gold take the strongest hold. 1640 HERB.,
no. 313. I659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 207. Nid.,
p. 215: There is no Lock but a golden Key will open it. 1666 TOR.
1t. Prov. 26, p. 45: With the keys of gold one opens any gate. I670
RAY, p. 12: *Hisp. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 151: (the Force of Gold).
1732 FUL., no. 6236.
See DUR., I, no. 612. Cf. G282: Gold goes in at any gate except
heaven’s; K24: A silver key can open an iron lock; M1050: If
money go before all ways lie open; M1102: What will not (cannot)
money (gold) do?
L407 To keep under Locx and key
01566 Song Outcast Lover in C. Robinson et al. Handf. Pleas. De-
lights, p. 49: Some are as sure as lock and key. 1629 Wine, Beer,
Ale, p. 182: Art not thou kept vnder locke and key, confinde to
some corner of a cellar? 1693 DRYDEN Yuvenal vi, 1. 464, p. 169:
Keep close your women under lock and key.
SHAKESPEARE—I602 A.W. I i 75: Keep thy friend Under thy
own life’s key. '
L408 He who comes in late has an ill LODGING
1573 SANF., f. 103v: He that commeth late, hath yll lodging. I578
FLOR. First F. V, f. 5: But knowe you not what the prouerbe saith?
. . Who commeth late, lodgeth il. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 59:
Who commeth late, lodgeth ill. 1605 RF. Sch. Slov. II 1612, p. 70:
It is a proverb which will last untill the day ofdoome, He that comes
late, must either loose his supper, or his roome. I732 FUL., no. 2381.
L409 Neither a LOG nor a stork, good Jupiter
[An allusion to Aesop’s fable of the frogs who appealed to Jupiter
for a king and, being dissatisfied with the log given them, found him
replaced by a stork.] 1623 FELTHAM Resolves I 57, p. 86: I like
neither a devouring Stork, nor a Jupiters log. 1732 FUL., no. 3521.
L410 To sleep like a L00
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ciocco, p. 40: *TO sleep soundly.
L411 Crooked LOGs make straight fires
1611 COT., s.v. Busche: A crooked log makes a straight fire. Nid.,
s.v. Tortu: Tortue busche fait droict feu. *So comes a crooked
thing to be good for something. 1640 HERB., no. 45: [As in 1611
Cot., s.v. Busche]. 1664 COD., p. 189. 1670 RAY, p. 6. I694
D’URFEY 1 Don Quite. I ii, p. 20: (good Fires).
See DUR., I, no. 942.
L412 To chop LOGIc
[To bandy logic, to argue.] 01527 SKELTON Replycacion l. 114:
W ks., I 212: That wyse Harpocrates Had your mouthes stopped . .
Whan ye logyke chopped. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: She chopth
logyk to put me to my clargy. 1565 AWDELEY Frat. Vagabonds,
p. I 5: Choplogyke, is he that when his mayster rebuketh him of hys
fault he wyll geue hym xx wordes for one. 1596 HARINGTON
Anat. Metam. Ajax, p. 121: I thinke we should chop logicke best
with such a one in ferio. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt.
Burn. Pestle I, p. 17 5: Harke how he chops Logick with his Mother.
1659 JOHN ARROWSMITH Chain Principles V, p. 261: The continual
and manifold bubblings up of carnal reason against divine dispensa-
tions and decrees, that which our English proverb calls chopping
logic with God. 1682 BEHN City Heiress I i, p. 211: Send him to
chop Logick in an University.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R.7. III v 150: Choplogic? What is this?
(17)
L413 He is sick of the L0MBARD FEVER
[01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. II ii 23: If he have not one Lum-
bardes touche, my lucke is bad. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
I670 RAY, p. 215: (feaver: or of the idles).
Cf. F197: TO be sick of the fever~lurden; I4: Sick of the idles.
L414 LOMBARDY is the garden of the world (Italy)
1573 SANF., f. 107v. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31v. 1591 FLOR.
Sec. F. V1, p. 107. [01592] 1615 T. HEonOD Four Prent. Lond.,

fl
p. 198: We haue entred . . Euen to the midst of fertile Lombardy,
By writers term’d the Garden of the world. 1604 [DALLINGTON]
View France, s. B2: In somuch that as they say of Lombardy, that
it is the Garden of Italy: so may we truly say of France, that it is
the Garden of Europe. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 123: Italy the
Garden of the World. Ibid. 6, p. 131: Lombardy the garden of
Italy.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594-8 T.S. I i 3: I am arriv’d for fruitful Lem-
bardy, The pleasant garden of great Italy.
L415 She has been at LONDON to call a strea a straw
and a waw a wall
I670 RAY, p. 218: *Chesh. I678 RAY, p. 75: *This the common
people use in scorn of those who having been at London are ashamed
to speak their own Countrey dialect.
L416 LONDON BRIDGE was built upon woolpacks
[01637] 1659 Land. Chant. viii, p. 341: When we kept the Whitson
ale, where we danced The Building of London Bridge upon wool-
packs. 1656-91 AUBREY Nat. Hist. Wilts. II vi, p. 98: There is a
saying also that London-Bridge was built upon wooll packs. 1708
British Apollo 43, July 7, Vol. I: Is the receiv’d report of London
Bridge’s being founded upon Wool, true? —That Vulgar Saying
arose from Wool’s being the Principal Product of the kingdom . .
and therefore call’d the Foundation of that Expensive Work: It
being also maintain’d in Repair by Tolls paid for Loads of Wool
brought over it.
L417 LONDON BRIDGE was made for wise men to go
over and fools to go under
1591 FLOR. Sec. E. II, p. 19: Wise men go over and fools go under
bridges. 1639 CL., p. 249. 1664 COD., p. 204: (and for fools).
1670 RAY, p. 16: (to pass over and for fools to pass under). 1678
RAY, p. 321. 1732 FUL., no. 3266: [As in 1670 Ray].
Cf. B668: Bridges were made for wise men to walk over and fools
to ride over.
L418 LONDONER-LIKE, ask as much more as you will
take
1678 RAY, p. 349.
Cf. M272: A man must ask excessively to get a little.
L419 LONG: subst.
L419 The LONG (short) and the short (long) of it
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. D2: How soeuer it be, this
is the short and longe. I589 Martin’s Month’s Mind, p. 185: This
is the short and the long, and the somme of all. 1600 JONSON Ev.
Man out Hum. V vii 56: That’s the short and long on’t. [a1660]
1693 URQUHART Gargantua III xxviii, II 146: This is in truth, the
long and the short on’t. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cotto, p. 47:
To understand the business, one way, or another, to know the
short, or the long on’t. 1676 T. SHADWELL Lihertine II, p. 41:
The short and the long on’t is, you are very uncivil. I681 ROB.,
p. 837: The long and the short of a business; Summa rei.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. IV ii 38: For the short and the
long is, our play is preferr’d. 1596 WI. V. II ii 1 3 5: Indeed, the short
and the long is, I serve the Jew. 1599 Hen. VIII ii 125: That sall
I suerly do, that is the brePr' and the long. 1600—1 II i
137: There’s the short and the long. Ihid. II ii 60: Marry, this is
the short and the long ofit. I602 A.W. II iii 34: That is the brief
and the tedious of it.
L420-L421 LONG: adj.
L420 If it be LONG it will be light
1616 DR., no. 2249. 1639 CL., p. 321.
LONG and lazy, little and loud, fat and fulsome,
pretty and proud
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 189: If long, she is lazy, if little, she is
lowde, If fayre she is slutish, if foule, she is proud. 1610—25 Stony-
hurst Pag. XVIII 816, p. 290: This leysy lout, who ys as lither as
L42 1
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LONGING
LOOKS
39I


longe. 1639 CL., s.v. Foeminae, p. 118: Long be lither, and little
be loud. F aire be foolish, and foule be proud. 1648 HERRICK Hesp.:
Poet. Wks., p. 141: Long and lazie. That was the Proverb. Let
my mistress be Lasie to others, but be long to me. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 10: *In point of women. 1732 FUL., no. 3267: Long
and lazy.
Cf. F28: Fair and foolish, black and proud, long and lazy,'little
and loud.
L422 To lose one’s LONGING
1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 15 5: He looseth his longing. 1670
RAY, p. 184.
L423 LONG LOOKED FOR comes at last
1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 11: (Long looke for). 1606
J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. D3: Long lookt for comes at last, to bed we goe.
1616 DR., no. 1001: (Long hoped for). 1639 CL., p. 294. 1655
FULLER Church Hist. II ii, I 109: Long~looked for comes at last.
King Edwin, almost three years a candidate at large of Christianity,
cordially embraceth the same. 1658 MENNISKAND SMITH Wit Re-
stored: Facetiae, I 261. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 1 1: Long comes at
last. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1670 RAY, p. 117. I721
KEL., p. 242. 1732 FUL., no. 3271.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594—8 T.S. II i 335: Now is the day we long
have looked for.
See DUR., II, no. 910. Cf. C373: They talk of Christmas so
long that it comes; D59: Be the day never so long, at last (at length)
comes (it rings to) evensong.
L424-L425 LOOK: subst. (=appearance)
L424 A cheerful LOOK makes a dish a feast
1611 COT., s.v. Més: A cheerefull looke fills vp halfe-emptie dishes.
1640 HERB., no. 317. 1659 N.R., p. 14. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 156.
Cf. C572: It is the company that makes the feast; G338: Good
will and welcome is your best cheer; W258: Welcome is the best
cheer.
L425 Good LOOKS are good cheap
1639 CL., s.v. Asperitas, p. 34.
L426—L427 LOOK: subst. (=glance)
L426 Love not at the first LOOK (Love at first sight)
1598 MARLOWE Hero and Leander I 174, p. 37: Where both delib-
erate, the love is slight; Who ever lov’d, that lov’d not at first
sight? 1639 CL., p. 28.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 A.Y. III v 82: ‘Who ever lov’d that lov’d
not at first sight?’ 1611 Temp. I ii 440: At the first sight They have
chang’d eyes.
L427 A pitiful LOOK asks enough
1640 HERB., no. 785.
Cf. D201: He that asks faintly begs a denial.
L428—L435 LOOK: verb (=observe, see)
L428 LOOK behind you and consider what you were
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 21.
L429 LOOK ere (before) you leap
1528 TYNDALE Obed. Chr. Man, p. 304: We say . . Look ere thou
leap: whose literal sense is, Do nothing suddenly, or without advise-
ment. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV iii, p. 136: The burned chylde
. wyll after loke better or warelyer or he lepe. 1546 HEY. I ii, s.
A3v: Ye may learne . . In weddyng and all thyng, to loke or ye
leape. 1562 HEY. Epig. 5, p. 129. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 61:
He that leapeth before he look, may hap to leap into the brook!
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34v: Looke wel ere thou leape. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 988. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 242. 1611 GRUT., no.
176. 1614 CAM., p. 309. 1616 DR.,no. 2235: Aman must looke be-
fore that heleape. 1639 CL., s.v. Deliberandi, p. 85: (before). 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 14, p. 98: Look

before you leap, things must be done considerately and deliberately.
1670 RAY, p. 117: (before). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 416: I
would advise you to look before you leap.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I598 2 Hen. IVI iii 33: And, winking, leapt into
destruction.
Cf. L430: Look ere you loup and you’ll ken the better Where you
light; L433: He that looks not before finds himselfbehind; L434: He
that looks not ere he loup will fall ere he wit of himself; T219: First
think and then speak; T224: He thinks not well that thinks not
twice. (42)
L430 LOOK ere you loup1 and you’ll ken the better
Where you light
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 584: He that looks or he loups wots quhar he
lichts. 1721 KEL., p. 230: *Consider well before you undertake a
Thing of Weight.
Cf. L429: Look ere (before) you leap.
[ljump]
L431 LOOK high and fall low
1732 FUL., no. 3272.
Cf. C780: Look high and fall into a cow turd; S827: To look at the
Stars and fall into a ditch.
L432 He LOOKS not well to himself that looks not ever
1611 COT., s.v. Garder: He lookes not, that still lookes not, to him-
selfe. 1640 HERB., no. 829. 1659 N.R., p. 58. 1664 COD., p. 200:
(not ever to himself).
Cf. D399: Do well for others yet look to yourself.
L433 He that LOOKS not before finds himself behind
1640 HERB., no. 196. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 22.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6: Look before, thou wilt not fall back-
ward. 1659 N.R., p. 52. 1664 COD., p. 199: (He who). 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 35, p. 109: Who looks not before, stands in the rear. 1670
RAY, p. 3: (Who looks not). 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 150: (He who).
1735 FRANKLIN, p. 9: Look before, or you’ll find yourself behind.
Cf. L429: Look ere (before) you leap.
L434 He that LOOKS not ere he loup1 will fall ere he
wit of himself
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 528. 1668 R.B., p. 26. 1721 KEL., p. 147:
He that looks not e’re he loup, will fall e’re he wit. *A Man without
reasonable Caution, will meet with unforeseen Inconveniencies.
Cf. L429: Look ere (before) you leap.
[’jump]
L435 She that LOOKS too much at herself looks too
little to herself
1611 COT., s.v. Mirer. 1685 CODRINGTON Coll. Proverbs 881, p. 1 22.
Cf. W688: The more women look in their glass the less they look
to their house.
L436-L438 LOOK: verb (=Seem, appear)
L436 You LOOK as if you were crow-trodden
1560-77 Misogonus III i 199: Thart a crowetrodden houre Ile not
suffer the an thou wert my grandum. [01622] 1647 FLETCHER AND
MASSINGER Custom Country II, p. 363: Now do I look as ifI were
Crow-trodden. 1678 RAY, p. 237.
L437 _ He LOOKS as if he had neither won nor lost
I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 120: The shepheard stoode as though hee
had neither wonne nor lost. 1594 GREENE Friar Bacon, s. G4v:
What meanes the frier . . To sit as melancholic in his cell As if he
had neither lost nor woune to day. 1678 RAY, p. 2 57: *He stands as
if he were mop’t, in a brown study, unconcern’d. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 411: (You look as if you).
Cf. H535: I come from home, I have neither gained nor lost; 5945:
To be in a brown study.
L438 He LOOKS as if he would look through me
1639 CL., s.v. Ira, p. 178.
Cf. M965: I can see as far into a millstone as another man.
In partial quotations wording (not Spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
LORD
LOSERS
392
L439 As drunk as a LORD (emperor)
1659 Char. Eng. in Somers Tracts, VII 184: (Yet the proverb goes,
As). 1665 C. COTTON Scarron. IV, p. 75: Drunk as Lords. 1670
RAY, p. 204: (People . . are ready to say, As). 1697 DILKE City
Lady III, p. 24: Here’s my Brother as Drunk as an Emperor.
Cf. B225: As drunk as a beggar.
L440 As safe as a LORD in a hutch
1616 RC. Times’ Whistle l. 1817, p. 60: O ther this man (like lord
within a hutch) Will pay for all. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pollo,
p. 152. Ihid., s.v. Zucca, p. 241: To lye close and snug making no
noise; the English Phrases are, A Mouse in a Cheese, or a Lord in a
Hutch.
Cf. M1221: As safe (snug) as a mouse in a cheese.
L441 He that follows the LORD hopes to go before
1640 HERB., no. 987. I659 N.R., p. 60.
Cf. C536: As proud comes behind as goes before.
L442 Like LORD like chaplain
1538 BALE K. yohan l. 1874, p. 96: Lyke lorde lyke chaplayne,
neyther barrel] better herynge.
See SM., p. 267.
L443 As fine (proud) as a LORD’s bastard
1678 RAY, p. 284: (As fine [or proud]).
L444 I live and LORDS do no more
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. iv, 5. E3: Well, how dooth thy
master? ——Forsooth, live, and the best dooth no better. 1721
KEL., p. 400: Even living, and Lairds do no more. 1732 FUL., no.
2616.
L445 Many LORDS many laws
1616 DR., s.v. Ambition, no. 70. 1659 N.R., p. 75.
Cf. L446: New lords (kings) new laws.
L446 New LORDS (kings) new laws
1548 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 87: Tholde spoken proverbe, here
toke place: New Lordes, new lawes. 1594 True Trag. Rich. III xii,
s. F1 : Nay there, new officers, new lawes, would we had kept the old
still. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1079. 1603 SYLVESTER Weeks I ii 97:
For, still New Lords, New Laws. 1611 COT., s.v. Mesnie. a1612
HARINGTON Treat. Play, p. 171: To such reprovers I answer, new
lords, new laws. 1613 J. STEPHENS Cynthia’s Rev. I i, s. B2v: From
the succession of new Kings, new lawes Take their originall. 1616
DR., s.v. Ambition, no. 69. Ibid., s.v. King, no. I 154: A new King,
a new law. [01630-40] 1659 R. BROME Qu. and Concuhine II v, p.
34: New Lords (you know the Proverb) make new Laws. 1639 CL.,
p. 217. 1659 N.R., p. 79. 1664 COD., p. 207: New Kings, new
Laws. 1668 R.B., p. 40. 1670 RAY, p. 125. 1672 WALK. 34, p.
46. 1721 KEL., p. 82: Change of Masters, change of Manners.
I732 FUL., no. 3536.
See ST., no. 870. Cf. L445: Many lords many laws; P590: Of a
new prince new bondage. (5)
L447 LORDs’ hests are held for laws
1616 DR., no. 1508.
Cf. K72: What the king wills, that the law wills.
L448 My LORD BALDWIN’S dead
1670 RAY, p. 163: *It is used, when one tells that for news which
every body knows. A Sussex Proverb.
Cf. N154: Tell me news (what I know not).
L449 I have dined as well as my LORD MAYOR of Lon-
don
1577—87 W. HARRISON Descr. Eng. I ii, I I 51: I haue dined so well as
my lord Maior (of London). 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p.
194: Hauing halfe dyned, they say as it were in a prouerbe, that they
are as well satisfied as the Lorde Maior of London. 1601 J. MAN-
NINGHAM Diary March 13, p. 40: He imprisoned one for saying he
had supt as well as the Lord Maior, when he had nothing but bread

fl
and cheese. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. I, p. 6: And then
swear we have dined as well as my lord mayor. 1662 FULLER
Worthies London, II 58: *That is, as comfortable, as contentedly,
according to the Rule, Satis est quod sufi'icit, Enough is as good as a
Feast. 1670 RAY, p. 242. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 444: I have
dined as well as my lord mayor.
L450 I would not change with my LORD MAYOR
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Spagna, p. 198: In a mean condition to
content ones self, and remain satisfi’d; the English to this purpose
say, I would not change with my Lord-Mare.
L451 As skittish as my LORD MAYOR’S horse
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Spagnuola, p. 198: (The English say, as).
L452 He wears a Whole LORDSHIP on his back
1639 CL., s.v. Profusio, p. 262.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 K.7. II i 69: Have sold their fortunes at
their native homes, Bearing their birthrights proudly on their backs,
To make a hazard of new fortunes here. 1613 Hen. VIIII i 83: O,
many Have broke their backs with laying manors on ’em For this
great journey.
L453 One good LORDSHIP1 is worth all his manners2
1639 CL., p. 168. 1670 RAY, p. 18 5: (One lordship).
[lkindness Shown by a lord or patron 2manors]
L454 As good (Better) LOST as (than) found
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4v: A geast as good lost as founde, for all this
showe. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal. , II 68: Knowing him better lost than
found, being no better unto you. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 66: And seeing it is so, better lost they are with a lyttle grudge,
then found with much griefe. [a1600] I662 I.T. Grim Collier Croy-
don V i, 8. K1: For such as he are better lost then found. 1603
CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. J3V: Better
lost then found if you be so wauering. 1616 DR., s.v. Guests, no.
924: A guest better lost then found. 1616 WITHALS, p. 563. 1619
J. TAYLOR Kick. Win. 3: Wks. F., p. 197: Hard for me to finde, and
being found, were better lost. 1623 CAM., p. 265. 1639 CL., p.
319. [1641] 1652 R. BROME jovial Crew IV i, p. 411: Art not
asham’d to cry . . for a thing that’s better lost then found; a Wench?
1659 N.R., p. I. 1670 RAY, p. 184. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v.
To Dispraise, p. 99.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. II iii 216: I have now found thee;
when I lose thee again, I care not. (10)
L455 It is LOST that is unsought
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E1. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14.
Cf. N315: Nothing seek nothing find; S213: He that seeks finds.
L456 What is LOST is lost
1623 WOD., p. 479.
lost is lost.
1672 WALK. 95, p. 19: What is gone is gone; is
L457 When he has been at LOSEHAM1 FAIR some cross2
comes in his way
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To lose, p. 204.
[lpun on “lose” 2misfortune]
L458 Give LOSERS leave to speak (talk)
1533 T. MORE Dehell. Salem xix: Wks. 1557, p. 1018: Hit is an olde
curtesye at the cardes perdy, to let the leser haue hys wordes. 1546
HEY. II vi, s. IIv: And where reason and custome, (they saie)
afoords Alwaie to let the loosers haue theyr woords. 1589 Triumphs
Love and Fort. II i, s. B4v: Loosers they say may easily be forborne.
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. V, p. 69. 1616 DR., no. 2239: Let loosers haue
their words. 1623 CAM., p. 269. 1639 CL., p. 319: (talke). 1640
HERB., no. 598: (talke). 1655 FULLER Church Hist. IV i, I 465:
Give winners leave to laugh, and losers to speak, or else both will
take leave to .themselves. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: Loosers
have leave to speak. Ibid., p. 16. 1664 COD., p. 194: (talk).
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 80, p. 224: The English say, Losers may
have leave to speak. 1697 MER., p. 165: (tank). 1721 KEL.,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Loss
LOUSE
393


p, 123: Give losing Gamesters leave to talk. *Suffer Men who have
had Losses and Wrongs, to express their Resentments. I732 FUL.,
no. 1658: (to speak, and Winners to laugh).
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-I 2 Hen. VI III i 182: But I can give the
loser leave to chide. Ibid. III i 1 8 5: And well such losers may have
leave to speak. 1592 T. And. III i 233: Then give me leave; for
losers will have leave To ease their stomachs with their bitter
tongues. 1596 KY. IV iii 30: But there is little reason in your
grief. —-Sir, sir, impatience hath his privilege. 1600—1 I iv 128: We must give folks leave to prate. 1605-6 K.L. II ii 75:
You beastly knave, know you no reverence? —Yes, Sir, but anger
hath a privilege.
Cf. L93: He laughs that wins; L168: He must have leave to speak
who cannot hold his tongue. ‘ (13)
L459 He buys and sells and lives by the Loss
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. DIV: Who findeth fire in frost,
he finds, but yet he liues by losse. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 85: Some
whores line by losse; whose tongues runne at rouers. 1611 FLOR.,
s.v. Stoccheggiare, p. 535. 1616 DR., s.v. Busie, or medling, no.
226. Ibid., s.v. Gaine, no. 831. 1639 CL., s.v. Damni,p. 81. 1660
FULLER Mixt Contempl.: Good Thoughts, p. 250: Merchandizing is a
ticklish matter, seeing many buy and sell, and live by the loss.
I670 RAY, p. 166: To buy and sell and live by the loss. 1732 FUL.,
no. 1033: Buy and sell, and live by the Loss.
Cf. B786: Who always buys and sells feels not what he spends.
L460 He that goes out with often LOSS at last comes
home by Weeping Cross1
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 28. I705 Pleas. Art,
p. 155. 1732 FUL., no. 6072: (Comes Home at last by).
Cf. W248: To come home by Weeping Cross.
[18ee Sugden, p. 5 59.]
L461 He that is not sensible of his Loss has lost
nothing
01526 Dicta Sap., S. B4: It is no domage that thou parceyuest nat.
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 77: So long as I know it not, it hurteth
me not. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 206: A man maketh no
account of that, which hee knoweth not. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5,
p. 195: He suffers not, who knows not. 1732 FUL., no. 2186.
SHAKESPEARE—I604 0. III iii 342: He that is robb’d, not want-
ing what is stol’n, Let him not know’t, and he’s not robb’d at all.
Cf. H622: To wear a horn (To be a cuckold) and not know it will
do one no more harm than to eat a fly and not see it.
L462 Loss embraces shame
1640 HERB., no. 599. 1659 N.R., p. 72.
L463 No great Loss but some small profit
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1408: Thair was never a grit loss without som
small vantag. I670 RAY, p. 117. I721 KEL., p. 261.
Cf. W188: No weal without woe.
L464 To fear the Loss of the bell more than the loss
of the steeple
[a1618] 1628 RALEIGH Prerog. Parl.: Remains, p. I 16: To fear that,
were to fear the losse of the bell, more then the losse of the steeple.
1678 RAY, p. 351.
L465 Little LOSSES amaze, great tame
1640 HERB., no. 1006.
L466 AS sure as a LOUSE in Pomfret
1638 BRATHWAITE Barnabee’s Your. III, II G7: A louse in Pomfrait
is not surer, Then the poor through Sloth securer. I670 RAY, p. 208:
*Yorksh.
Cf. L467: As sure as louse in bosom.
L467 As sure as LOUSE in bosom
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sacco, p.
175: To have any thing sure; the English say, As sure as louse in
bosome. 1670 RAY, p. 208: *Chesh.
Cf. L466: As sure as a louse in Pomfret.

L468 Better a LOUSE (mouse) in the pot than no flesh
at all
1623 CAM., p. 267. 1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 241. 1641
FERG., no. 211: Better have a mouse in the pot as no flesh. I655
MENNIS AND SMITH Musarum Deliciae: Facetiae, I 31: A Lowse is
better than no meat. 1659 N.R., p. 23. 1664 COD., p. 188: Better
a Louse in the Pot, than no Flesh. 1668 R.B., p. 14: [As in 1641
Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 117: *Scotch Proverb saith a mouse, which is
better sence, for a mouse is flesh and edible. I696 D’URFEY3 Don
Quix. V i, p. 286: (Better have a Mouse). 1697 MER., p. 164:
Better heve a mouse in the pot as neay fleh. 1721 KEL., p. 60:
Better a Mouse in the Pot than no Flesh. *Better something than
nothing at all; for, as they say, Something has some Savour. I732
FUL., no. 867: (Mouse).
See DUR., I, no. 193. Cf. S620: Something (Somewhat) has
some savor; S623: Somewhat (Something) is better than nothing.
L469 If a LOUSE miss its footing on his coat it will be
sure to break its neck
I530 PALS., p. 620a: He hath made my gowne so bare that a lowse
can get no holde on it. 01595 W. SPELMAN Dial., p. 116: Truth
among Clothyers hath Lesse harborowe then the lowce among a
thrydbare Clothe. 01610 Ballad quoted in T. Wright Essays
Middle Ages, II 277: Thy doublet and breech that were so playne,
On which a louse could scarse remayne. 1721 KEL., p. 212: (miss
its Foot). *Signifying that his Coat is thread-bare. I732 FUL.,
no. 2661.
L470 It is not long since LOUSE bore langelt,1 no wonder
she fall and break her neck
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 8 39: It is short whyl sinc louse boor langelt.
I668 R.B., p. 32: It is short while seen the louse boore the langelt.
I721 KEL., p. 198: *Spoken when one has suddenly started up to a
high Station, and behaves himself saucily in it.
[lhobble]
L471 A LOUSE is a man’s (beggar’s) companion
1567 Mer. Tales and Quick Answ. 24 in Shak. fest-Bk., I 37: Vpon
a time a seruant of the fornamed kinges, seynge a louce crepe vpon
the kynges robe, kneled downe and . . toke the louce . . The kynge
asked hym what it was, but he was ashamed to shew. So moche
the kyng instanted hym, that at laste he confessed hit was a louce.
Oh! quod the kynge, it is good lucke: for this declareth me to be a
man. For that kynde of vermyne principally greueth mankynde.
1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 226: A Lowce (that was anie gentle-
mans companion) they thought scorne of. 1616 BRET., p. 5:
(Begger’s). I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 406: A louse is a man’s
companion, but a flea is a dog’s companion.
SHAKESPEARE.-——I600—1 I i 19: The dozen white louses
do become an old coat well . . It is a familiar beast to man and signi-
fies love.
Cf. B230: A beggar pays a benefit with a louse; B240: Sue a beg-
gar and get (catch) a louse; B249: You think beggars have no lice;
R161: A rogue’s wardrobe is harbor for a louse.
L472 Not worth a LOUSE
8.1547 Doctor Double Ale 1. 95 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 308: Then
seke an other house: This is not worth a louse. 01565 W. WAGER
Enough Good as Feast, s. A3v: There was no man that did set by
him a Louse. 1595 GOSSON Quips for Upst. Gentlewomen, p. 6:
All this new pelfe now sold in shops, In value true not worth a louse.
I662 Parliament-Compl[i]ment in Rump Songs, II 168: A Vote lately
called the Judgement 0’ th’ House, To be esteemed and reputed not
worth a Louse. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Lendine, p. 88: To give
nothing at all for it; the English say, not to give a louse for it. 1698
Elegy on Death of Trade in Harl. Misc., II 276: But, Faith, I’m
scarce worth a Louse.
L473 To flay a LOUSE for the skin
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 117: He was such a couetous miser, that
he would haue fleade a louse to saue the skin of it. 1623 WOD.,
p. 28 5: He would haue flayed a Louse for her skin, he was so couet-
ous. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7: He is such a miser, that he would


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
LOUSE (LICE) 394
flay a louse to sell the skin. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Lui, p. 92:
To be extreme covetous, to flea a louse for the skin.
Cf. F373: To flay (skin) a flint; P52: He will not part with the
parings of his nails.
L474 To go as if dead LIcE dropped ofi him
1672 WALK. 17, p. 20: To go a snails gallop; creep like a snail; go as
if lice dropt off from you. 1678 RAY, p. 75: (dropt out of him).
*He is so poor and lean and weak, that he cannot maintain his lice.
L475—L555 LOVE: subst.
L475 As good LOVE comes as goes
[8.1511] 1570 HENRYSON Cock and Fox: Fah, p. 38: The Prouerb
sayis als gude lufe cummis as gais. [01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three
Estates]. 1726, p. 440. 9.1598 F ERG. MS, no. 170.
L476 Aye be as merry as be can, for LOVE ne’er de-
lights in a sorrowful man
1678 RAY, p. 55. 1732 FUL., no. 6402: (Be always as merry as ever
you can; For no Man delights in).
L477 Faithful LOVE will never turn to hate
1598 MARLOWE Hero and LeanderI 128, p. 34: (For faithful love).
01606 Caesar and Pompey I ii, 3. A4v: True setled loue can neere bee
turn'd to hate.
Cf. H210: The greatest hate proceeds from the greatest love;
H211: No hate like to brothers’ if they fall at debate; L539: A per-
fect love does last eternally.
L478 The first LOVE is the fastest
I611 COT., s.v. Premier: The first loue is the fastest, or faithfullest;
no loue’s like to the first. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat.
Countess IV iv 33: I do not hold the opinion of the philosopher, that
writes, we love them best that we enjoy first. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov.,
p. 22: There is no love like to the first. 1659 N.R., p. I II.
Cf. I45: The first impression is hard to cancel; W372: The second
wife is best beloved.
L479 Follow LOVE (pleasure, glory) and it will flee,
flee love (pleasure, glory) and it will follow
thee
[ERAS. Adagia, 562B: Aversum insequitur, rursum aversatur aman-
tem.] 1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 27: Folowe pleasure, and then will
pleasure flee. Flee pleasure, and pleasure will folowe thee. I578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 251: Cupide is a craftie childe following
those at an ynche that studye pleasure, and flyinge those swyftlye
that take paines. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 410: (and it wil flie the).
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 189: (Follow thou pleasure and still it will
flee, But flee thou pleasure and). 1612 N. FIELD Woman Is
Weathercock IV i, p. 61: I am not tied to that opinion, They are like
women, which do always shun Their lovers and pursuers, and do
follow With most rank appetites them that do fly. 1616 DR., no.
1652: Flie pleasure, and it will follow thee. 1633 J. FORD Broken
Heart I ii, p. 17: And when we slight them thus, Instead of following
them, they'll follow us; It is a woman’s nature. 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. 17: In Rome preferments seek them that seek them not,
and fly from them that seek them. 1664 COD., p. 192: [As in 1616
Dr.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 75: A woman runs after who shuns
her. Ibid. 1 I, p. 107: Glory flyes from such as seek after her, and
runs after such as shun her. 1668 R.B., p. 19: (and it will flee from
thee; leave it, and). 1670 RAY, p. 21: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1678 RAY,
p. 5 5: *This was wont to be said of glory, Sequentem fugit, fugien-
tem sequitur. Just like a shadow. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Pleasure:
[As in 1616 Dr.]. 1721 KEL., p. 106: (and it will flee thee). 1732
FUL., no. 6258. I738 FRANKLIN, p. 14: Fly pleasures, and they’ll
follow you.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594 T.G.V. V ii 49: Why, this it is to be a
peevish girl That flies her fortune when it follows her!
Cf. L518: Love (Woman, Honor), like a shadow (crocodile,
death), flies one following and pursues one fleeing; L554: In love’s
wars he who flies is conqueror. (7)

L481
L480 Great LOVE great sorrow (grief)
1573 SANF., f. 105: (griefe). I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30.
Cf. L507: Love is full of fear (trouble).
He that has LOVE in his breast has spurs in his
sides
1640 HERB., no. 422. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: Who hath love in
his breast, hath a spur in his flank. 1659 N.R., p. 56: (on his
breast hath Spurres on his sides). 1664 COD., p. 199: (side). 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 10: Who so hath love in his breast, hath spurs at
his sides. I678 RAY, p. 54. 1732 FUL., no. 2160: (hath Spurs at
his Heels).
SHAKESPEARE.—I605-6 M. I vi 22: But he rides well, And his
great love, sharp as his spur, hath help him To his home before us.
Cf. L568: Lovers ever run before the clock.
L482 Hot LOVE hasty vengeance
a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 607: Haistie lov is a sudden vengeance.
KEL., p. 163: *The Love that’s too violent, will not last long.
BAILEY, s.v. Vengeance.
Cf. L483: Hot love is soon cold.
1721
I730
L483 Hot LOVE is soon cold
I530 WHITFORDE Wk. Householders, s. E3v: (As the comune
prouerbe saythe) hote loue is soone colde. 1546 HEY. I ii, s. A3:
Hotte loue sone colde. 01550 REDFORD Wit and Science, p. 36:
It is true thys proverbe old, Hastye love is soone hot and soone
cold. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. IV viii 38: Gay love God
save it,—s0 soone hotte, so soone colde. 01565 W. WAGER
Enough Good as Feast, s. B3v: No looue so soon colde, as that is
moste hot. 3.1578 Scofl Lady in C. Robinson et al. Handf. Pleas.
Delights, p. 12: Hote wanton loue soone waxeth cold. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 313: Cold coolis the lov quhilk kendlis over hote. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 305. I611 GRUT., no. 132-. [As in 1546 Hey.].
1614 CAM., p. 307: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1615 WITHER Fidelia: Yum,
II 571: Loue that’s soon’st hot, is euer soonest cold. 1616 DR.,
no. 1299: [As in 1546 Hey.]. I616 WITHALS, p. 582: What friend-
ship can last ever? hot loue, soone cold. 1639 CL., p. 28. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: [As in 1546 Hey.]. I659 N.R., p. 49:
[As in 1546 Hey.]. 1668 R.B., p. 16: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670
RAY, p. 46. I721 KEL., p. 81: Cold cools the Love that kendles so
hot.
Cf. E222: No extreme will hold long; H732: Soon hot soon cold;
L482: Hot love hasty vengeance; L5 59: Love me little love me long.
(17)
L484 I could not get any, neither for LOVE nor money
[01565] 1595 Peddler’s Proph., s. C2: Neither for loue nor mony
they will winke. 1604 DEKKER News from Gravesend: Plague
Pamph., p. 75 : An Hostler to walke them was not to be had for
loue or money. 1631 H. OXINDEN (to J. Holt, June 5) in Oxinden
Let. 56, p. 67: I have a verie greate desire to obtaine it for him, ifit
may bee had for love or monie. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Misure,
p. 106: For a thing to be rare, not to be had for love nor money.
1669 T. SHADWELL Royal Shep. Prol.: If it were to be had For Love
or Money. 1678 RAY, p. 258.
L485 In LOVE is no lack
I540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus Peroratio, p. 180. 1546 HEY. I iv, s.
B1: And than of olde prouerbs in openyng the packe, One shewth
meopenly in loue is no lacke. 1562 HEY. Epig. 9, p. 130. 1593
Tell-Trothes Gift in Tell-Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc. , p. 7: Content—
ment in loue . . according to the saying, Loue hath no lacke. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 909. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 136. I611 GRUT., no.
141. 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616 DR., no. 1292. I619 DRAYTON
Idea 63 59: Wks., II 340: In Love there is no lack, thus I begin.
1639 CL., p. 28. [1641] 1652 R. BROME Yovial Crew III, p. 408:
That’s a most lying Proverb, that saies, Where Love is, there’s no
Lack. I am faint, and cannot travail further without Meat. 1641
FERG., no. 576: Love hes na lack. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 5.
1668 R.B., p. 35: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 117. 1721
KEL., p. 240: Love has no lack, if the Dame was ne’er so black.
(5)
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite Verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LOVE
LOVE
395


L486 In LOVE there is both dotage and discretion
1611 COT., s.v. Amour. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 22: (both foolish-
ness, and wit). I659 N.R., p. 69.
Cf. H557: Of honey and gall in love there is store.
L487 It is better to obtain by LOVE than force
1616 DR., no. 770.
Cf. F586: There is a great force hidden in a sweet command.
L488 Light LOVE will change
1575 F ENTON Golden Epp., f. 321: Light loue is an affection great
and vehement, and yet lasteth not long. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par.
Dainty Dev., p. [70], l. 32. 1606 CRAIG Amor. Songs: Wks., no. 5,
p. 70: Thy loue was lightlie won, and lost for lesse.
L489 Lingering LOVE breeds mislike
1563—4 In Lingeringe Loue Mislikinge Growes 2002 in Rollins
A nalyt.'I ndex, p. 1 7 3: [Title]. 1578 T. PROCTOR ET AL. Gorg. Gallery,
p. 88: Ne giue occasion to reporte, How loytryng loue, reapes
troubled toyle. 1593 Pass. Morrice in Tell-Trothes New Year’s
Gift, etc., p. 87.
L490 LOVE and a cough (smoke, itch) cannot be hid
I573 SANF., f. 98v: Four things cannot be kept close. Loue, the
cough, fyre, and sorowe. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 184:
Fire can-not be hydden in the flaxe with-out smoake . . nor loue in
the breast with-out suspition. 01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p.
100: The cowgh will needs be heard: and Looue soone bewrayeth
itselfe. 1590 GREENE Royal Exch., p. 294: There are foure things
cannot be hydden. I. The cough. 2. Love. 3. Anger. 4. And
sorrow. 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. DI: For smoke and
the fire of a womans loue cannot bee hid. 1611 COT., s.v. Amour:
We say, Loue, and the Cough cannot be hidden. 1619 BASSE Help
Discourse, p. 102: What Passions and Diseases are those that cannot
be hid ?—Love, and the Chin-cough. 1640 HERB., no. 49. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 10: Love, cough, and smoke, cannot be hid in a
poke. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: (The itch, a cough, and love).
1659 N.R., p. 74. 1664 COD., p. 105: (Love and cough). Ibid.,
p. 204. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 9: Love, the cough, and smoke,
are hardly hid. I670 RAY, p. 47. 1721 KEL., p. 242: (Love and
Light). 1732 FUL., no. 3298: (Love, the Itch, and a Cough). I737
FRANKLIN, p. 13: Love, cough, and a smoke, can’t well be hid.
See DUR., II, no. 46. Cf. L500: Love cannot be hid.
L491 LOVE and business teach eloquence
1640 HERB., no. 700. 1659 N.R., p. 74: (find eloquence).
Cf. L522: Love makes men orators.
L492 LOVE and dirt are two stark things
a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 962.
L493 LOVE and envy make a man pine
1625 BACON Essays, p. 109: (do make). 1732 FUL., no. 3280.
Cf. G27: Gaming (Play), women, and wine, while they laugh
they make men pine.
L494 LOVE and knowledge live not together
I611 COT., s.v. Aimer.
p. 174. 1664 COD., p. 204: (not alwayes together). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 9, p. 7: Knowledge and love, altogether cotten not.
Cf. L558: It is impossible to love and be wise.
L495 LOVE and lordship like no fellowship
I552 TAV., f. 65: Non bene cum socys regna Venusque manent.
Loue ne lordshyp wol no feloshyp that is to saye. The nature of
man or woman is suche, that lyke as he or she can not abyde any
other to loue the same person that he or she loueth. So also he can
not wel indure in his hert, an other to be ioyned with hym in imperie
or gouernaunce, but coueteth aswel in the one as in the other to be
alone. 1573 SANF., f. 108: Neyther loue nor soueraigntie will haue
companye. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33: Neither loue nor
frindship, wyl haue company. 1587 GREENE Euph. to Philautus,
p. 251: Ambition . . not suffring loue or Lordship to brooke any
;
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq.,

fellowship. 1591 SPENSER Prosop. l. 1026: Wks., p. 103: But
either algates would be lord alone: For love and lordship bide no
paragone. 1611 COT, s.v. Amour: Loue, and lordlinesse neuer
held companie together; a friend, and a lord are incompatible.
1616 DR., no. 77: (abide no fellowship). Ibid., no. 78: Loue and
royaltie suffer no equall. 1623 CAM., p. 273. 1639 CL., p. 27.
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 258: There is no Maxime
more holding than this Scepters and Suiters hate Competitors.
[01640] 1659 R. BROME Love-sick CourtI ii, p. 105: Love and ambi-
tion (I have heard men say) Admit no fellowship. 01640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 2: Two sparrowes on one care of come,
ill agree, and loue and lordship brooke no fellowship. 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 2: (never kept fellowship). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17,
p. 9: Love and dominion admits of no companion. 1670 RAY,
p. 46: *The meaning of our English Proverb is, Lovers and Princes
cannot endure rivals or partners. I672 WALK. 19, p. 40. 1681
ROB., p. 846. 1721 KEL., p. 242: (like no Marrows [partners]).
1732 FUL., no. 4079: Scepters and Suitors hate Competitors. 1737
FRANKLIN, p. 10: (hate companions).
Cf. L549: When love puts in friendship is gone; S992: Two suns
cannot shine in one sphere. (7)
L496 LOVE and pease pottage will make their way
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: *One breaks the heart, the other the
belly. I670 RAY, p. 47: *Because one breaks the belly, the other
the heart. 1671 KIRKMAN Eng. Rogue III xv, p. 580: You know
the old proverb, that sad are the effects of Love and Pease Porridge.
1721 KEL., p. 231: Love, and raw Pease, are two ill Things, the one
breaks the Heart, and the other brusts the Belly. 1732 FUL., no.
3282: (Pease-porridge). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 411: They say
love and pease porridge are two dangerous things; one breaks the
heart; and the other the belly.
Cf. L529: Love will break out in spite of a man; L531: Love will
find a way.
L497 LOVE asks faith and faith firmness
1640 HERB., no. 590. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: (Love requires
faith, and). 1659 N.R., p. 73. 1664 COD., p. 205: (and Faith
asks Firmness). I670 RAY, p. 16: [AS in 1664 Cod.]. *Ital.
Cf. L551: Where love is there is faith (Where there is no trust
there is no love).
L498 LOVE, being jealous, makes a good eye look
asquint
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 8 3: To much loue makes a sound eye often-
times to see a misse. 1640 HERB., no. 539: Love makes a good eye
squint. 1664 COD., p. 204. 1670 RAY, p. 16.
SHAKESPEARE.—16o5-6 K.L. V iii 72: That eye that told you so
look’d but asquint.
Cf. L510: Love is never without jealousy.
L499 LOVE cannot be compelled (forced)
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 123: Neither doth love learn of force the
knots to knit. 1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. F1: Loue
will not be constrained. 1584 LYLY Camp. II ii 98: Affection com-
meth not by appointmente or birth; and then as good hated as
enforced. 1591 LYLY Endim. V iii 231: I will not commaund loue,
for it cannot bee enforced: let me entreat it. [01592] 1615 T. HEY-
WOOD Four Prent. Lond., p. 251: Loue comes not by constraint.
1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 29: Loue may not be compeld by
masterie. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 V 5, p. 805: [Love] is
a free passion . . and may not be forced. 1636 T. HEYWOOD Chall.
for Beauty IV, p. 61: Love cannot be inforc’d.
SHAKESPEARE.——I592-4 I Hen. VI V v 62: What is wedlock
forced but a hell?
Cf. K46: Kindness comes of will; L528: Love rules his kingdom
Without a sword; L556: He cannot love me that is afraid of me.
L500 LOVE cannot be hid
1596 DEL., s. P6V: A perfect loue can not be disguised. 1600
DEKKER Old Fort. II ii 168: Age is like love, it cannot be hid.
1602 Poet. Rhap. 69, I 122: Love most coneeal’d, doth most it selfe
discover. 1616 DR., no. 1323. 1631 JONSON New Inn I iv 1:
In partial quotations Wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original.
For full explanation see pp. xi fI.
LOVE 396
LOVE
O loue, what passion art thou . . That not the wisest, nor the
wariest creature, Can more dissemble thee, then he can . . conceale,
or hide thee.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. III i 159: A murd’rous guilt shows
not itself more soon Than love that would seem hid: love’s night is
noon.
Cf. L490: Love and a cough (smoke, itch) cannot be hid.
L501 LOVE comes by looking (in at the eyes)
[ERAS. Adagia, 100E: Ex adspectu nascitur amor.] 1539 TAV.,
f. 12: [As in Eras.]. Of syght is loue gendred. 1576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., II 128: Love first entereth in at the eyes. 01577 NORTH-
BROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 89: She must needes fire some . .
According to the olde prouerbe, ex Visu amor. 1580 LYLY Euph.
and His Eng., p. 59: Loue commeth in at the eye. [01589] I601
LYLY Love’s Metam. I i 10: In the bloud he [love] is begot by the
fraile fires of the eye. 1593 GREENE Mamillia II, p. 283: Loue
commeth in at the eye not at the eares. 1599 RAINOLDS Over-
throw Stage Plays, p. 33: Love doeth enter in by the eyes. 1639
CL., p. 28: Lookes breed love. Ihid.: (Loving).
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M.V. III ii 63: Tell me, where is fancy
bred? . . It is engend’red in the eyes, With gazing fed. 1601 T.N.
I V 315: Methinks I feel this youth’s perfections With an invisible
and subtle stealth To creep in at mine eyes. (8)
L502 LOVE comes in at the window and goes out at
the door
I611 GRUT., no. 178. 1614 CAM., p. 309. 1639 CL., p. 28: Love
creeps in at window, but goes out at doore. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 9. 1659 N.R., p. 72. 1664 COD., p. 204: (but goeth out).
1670 RAY, p. 47: (windows and doors). 1732 FUL., no. 3285:
(and flies out).
Cf. D562: To love at the door and leave at the hatch; W456:
To come in at the window (o’er the hatch).
L503 LOVE covers many infirmities
[1 Pet. iv 8: And above all things have fervent charity among
yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.] a1598
FERG. MS, no. 974. 1666 TOR., note 197, p. 226: Love covers a
multitude of faults.
Cf. L550: Where love fails we espy all faults.
L504 LOVE does much but money does all (more)
1584 GREENE Morando Pt. I, p. 61. 1611 COT., s.v. Amour. 1657
LEIGH, p. 260: Love can do much, silver can do all. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 27. I659 N.R., p. 73. 1664 COD., p. 204: (more).
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 178: Love can do much, but gold can do
more. 1732 FUL., no. 3286: (more).
Cf. L512: Love is potent but money is omnipotent.
L505 LOVE has no respect of persons
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 188: Alas, a wife is to be preferred before
father and friend . . Alas, love hath no respect of persons. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 184: I but loue regardeth no byrth . .
I but loue knoweth no kindred. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 28:
Desire hath no respect of persons. 1591 LYLY Endim. III iv 110:
Loue knoweth neither friendshippe nor kindred.
Cf. L549: When love puts in friendship is gone.
L505a LOVE is a sweet torment
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 80: You see what Loue is . .
A paine full of pleasure, a ioye replenished with misery. [01589]
I601 LYLY Love’s Metam. III i 22: Loue is a . . bitter death in a
sweete life. 1592 LYLY Gall. I ii 16: [Love is] a heate full of cold- '
nesse, a sweet full of bitternesse, a paine ful of pleasantnesse.
1616 DR., no. 1310.
SHAKESPEARE.——01595 R]. I i 186: Misshapen chaos of well-
seeming forms! Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick
health! . . This love feel I.
Cf. L513: Love is sweet in the beginning but sour in the ending.
L506 LOVE is blind
01475 Partonope 1. 10796, p. 437: In this case love is blynde. 1531
ELYOT Governor II xiv, II 175: For as Plutarche saieth, what so

L511
_
euer he be that loueth, he doteth and is blynde in that thinge
whiche he dothe loue. 01565 Bughears III ii 9: I see love is blynde.
1584 LYLY Camp. I iii 75: Well Aristotle, kindred may blind thee,
and affection mee. 1586 WITHALS, s. M7: Loue doth Obscure
darke the mind, and sometime maketh wyse men blinde. 1611
GRUT., no. 179. 1616 DR., no. 1580: Affection is blinde. 1639
CL., p. 27. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. I659 N.R., p. 72. 1670
RAY, p. 46.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594 T.G.V. II i 73: Ifyou love her, you cannot
see her. —Why? —Because Love is blind. Ihid. II iv 96: They
say that Love hath not an eye at all. 01595 R7. III ii 9: Iflove be
blind, It best agrees with night. 1596 M. V. II Vi 36: But love is
blind, and lovers cannot see The pretty follies that themselves
commit. 1599 Hen. V V ii 327: Yet they [maids] do wink and
yield, as love is blind and enforces. 1609 Son. 135, l. 1: Thou
blind fool, Love, what dost thou to mine eyes That they behold,
and see not what they see?
See OTTO, no. 23. Cf. A48: Affection is blind reason. (22)
L507 LOVE is full of fear (trouble)
01503 A. BARCLAY Castle Lahor, s. D3v: This prouerbe that I the
lere . . Loue goeth neuer without fere. 1594 MUNDAY 7ohn a Kent
IV, p. 50. 1596 DEL., s. M3v: Loue neuer was without both feare
and teares. 1616 DR., no. 1322: (trouble). I623 WOD., p. 501:
There is never no good Loue with out Feare.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 V.A. l. 1021: ‘Fie, fie,fond love, thou art
so full of fear.’
Cf. F134: Fear has a quick ear; L480: Great love great sorrow
(grief).
L508 LOVE is lawless
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 9: Oh love without law! 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 228: Loue knoweth no lawes. 1581 B. RICH
Fare. Mil. Prof., p. 131: What is he, I praie you, that is able to
prescribe lawes to love? 1588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 237: Thinking
that Loue was aboue all Lawes, and, therefore, to be stayed with
no Law. 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. C2: Fancy forsweares
all reason, loue all lawe. 1639 CL., p. 27. 1700 DRYDEN Pal. and
Arcite I 326, p. 26 5: Know’st thou not, no law is made for love?
Cf. A139: All is (All stratagems are) lawful in love and war;
L517: Love is without reason.
L509 LOVE is liberal
1639 CL., p. 28.
L510 LOVE is never without jealousy
[ERAS. Similia, 583A: Ut non est verus amor, qui caret zelotypia.]
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 102: Love, they say, is light of belief,
and jealousy is grounded upon love. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 18 3: He would haue a woman if she were faithful to be also
ielious. 1592 Arden F., s. B1: Yet pardon me for loue is Jelious.
01592 Fair Em, S. B4: Ah Em, faithfull loue is full ofielousie. 1602
BRETON Packet Letters Pt. II: Wks., II 21: I Perceiue it is true . .
that loue is not withoutjealousie. 1612 CHAPMAN W idow’s Tears
III ii 56: True love is ever full of jealousy. 1630 MASSINGER
Picture V ii, p. 224: Was be jealous of me? —There’s no perfect
love Without some touch of’t, madam. I659 CRADOCK Know. and
Prac. II xi, p. 398: Jealousie is the pasport of love. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 19, p. 102: Love is not without jealousie, nor Glory without
envy. 1732 FUL., no. 4731: The Reward of Love, is Jealousy.
SHAKESPEARE—~1592-3 V.A. l. 1137: It [love] shall he waited on
with jealousy. 1594 T.G. V. II iv 177: For love, thou know’st, is
full of jealousy.
See OTTO, no. 79; T. 412, p. 217. Cf. L498: Love, beingjealous,
makes a good eye look asquint.
LOVE is not found in the market
1640 HERB., no. 397. 1658 [EDMONDSON]. Comes Fae. in Via, p. 19.
1659 N.R., p. 74.
L512 LOVE is potent but money is omnipotent
1611 COT., s.v. Argent: (but money omnipotent). 1659 N.R.,
p. 72. 1664 COD., p. 204.
Cf. B172: Beauty is potent but money is omnipotent; L504:
Love does much but money does all (more).
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most iInportant word.
LOVE
LOVE
397


L513 LOVE is sweet in the beginning but sour in the
ending
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 248: Though the beginning of loue
bring delyght, the ende bringeth destruction. 1589 PUTTENHAM
Art Eng. Poesy III xix, p. 210: Or as it is in these two verses where
one speaking of Cupids bowe, deciphered thereby the nature of
sensual loue, whose beginning is more pleasant than the end. 1616
DR., no. 1309: (Loue sweet in).
SHAKESPEARE—~1592—3 V.A. l. 1137: It [love] shall . . Find
sweet beginning, but unsavoury end.
Cf. L505a: Love is a sweet torment; L555: Love’s beginning is
fear, middle Sin, and end grief and annoyance; M1265: What is
sweet in the mouth is oft sour (bitter) in the maW (stomach).
L514 LOVE is the loadstone of love
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 10: Love is wont to be the loadstone of
love. 1732 FUL., no. 3288.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. II ii 157: Love goes toward love.
Cf. F745: He that would have friends must Show himself
friendly; L515: Love is the reward of love.
L515 LOVE is the reward of love
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 74: Shewe thou loue to
win loue in worde, heart and dede. 1569 E. FENTON Certain Secre
Won. Nat., p. 66: Loue . . can not be payed but with loue. 1573
I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, s. CI: The surest way to be beloued,
is fyrst to doo the same. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27v: Loue
them that loue thee. 1578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. III
vi, s. D4: And loue with lone ought to be answered styll. I591
HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XXVIII lxxx, p. 231: And sure love craveth
love, like asketh like. 1631 MABBE Celestina VII, p. 138: Love is
never pay’d, but with pure love. 1639 CL., p. 27: Love lookes for
love again. 1640 HERB., no. 536: Love is the true price of love.
1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 252: Love love begets, then
never be Unsoft to him who’s smooth to thee. 1659 HOW. Span.
Prov., p. 4: Love, and thou shalt be loved. 1659 N.R., p. 74:
[As in 1640 Herb.]. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 6: Do thou love, and
thou shalt be loved. 1700 DRYDEN Pal. and Arcite II 373, p. 287:
For ’tis their maxim,~—L0ve is love’s reward. I755 FRANKLIN,
p. 31: If you would be loved, love and be loveable.
Cf. L514: Love is the loadstone of love.
L516 LOVE is the touchstone of virtue
1616 DR., no. 1293. 1619 DRAYTON Idea 63 60: Wks., II 340: Let
Vertue be the Touch-stone of my Love.
L517 LOVE is without reason
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 81: He that loueth is voyde of all
reason. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 231: You neede not muse
that I shoulde so sodeinely bee intangled, loue giues no reason of
choice, neither will it suffer anye repulse. 1581 B. RICH Fare.
Mil. Prof., p. 191: (As thei saie) Loue is without lawe, so it maketh
the pacientes to bee as utterly voide of reason. 1582 WHETSTONE
Hept. Civil Disc., s. FIv: Reason and Loue, are enemies. 1584 LYLY
Camp. II ii 110: You say that in loue there is no reason, and ther-
fore there can be no likelyhood. I589 GREENE Tully’s Love,
p. 216: Womens reasons would seeme no reasons, especially in
loue, which is without reason. I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 46:
Exhort him I may, but perswade him I cannot; for Loue admits
neither of counsaile, nor reason. I592 LYLY Gall. III iv 54: Mad-
ame, if loue were not a thing beyonde reason, we might then giue
a reason of our doings. 1601 MARSTON jack Drum I, s. B3v:
Loue hath no reason. I666 TOR. It. Prov. I 5, p. 231: Love values
not the bridle of reason.
SHAKESPEARE.--1600-I II i 5: Though Love use Rea-
son for his physician, he admits him not for his counsellor. I610
Cym. IV ii 21: And I have heard you say Love’s reason’s without
reason.
See OTTO, no. 79; PF., no. 95. Cf. A48: Aerction is blind
reason; L508: Love is lawless; L558: It is impossible to love and
be wise; W592: In wiving and thriving a man should take counsel
of all the world.


L518 LOVE (Woman, Honor), like a shadow (crocodile,
death), flies one following and pursues one
fleeing
I586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 174: There is nothing more like unto
death, then a woman, because (like death) she pursues those that
flie from her, and flies from those, that call uppon her. 1591
FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 175: They [women] are like Cocodrills, They
weepe to winne, and wonne they cause to dye, Follow men flying
and men following flye. [01597] 1637 DELONEY Gentle Craft I,
p. 8: Women are like Shaddowes, for the more a man follows them,
the faster they run away; but let a man turn his course, and then
they will presently follow him. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. .Man III,
p. 138: It [honor] is likened to a mans shadow, which the more hee
runneth after, the more it flieth away; and when he flieth from his
shadow, it followeth him againe. I606 CHAPMAN M. D’Olive IV
ii 97: This honour is like a woman, or a crocodile (choose you
whether) it flies them that follow it and follows them that fly it.
1606 MARSTON Parasitaster V i 19: Nicer love’s a shade—It follows
fled, pursued flies as afraid. 1616 JONSON Forest 7, p. 267: Follow
a shadow, it still flies you, Seem to fly it, it will pursue: So court a
mistress, she denies you; Let her alone, she will court you.
1633 FISHER True Trojans I iv, p. 462: Seeing this crocodile
[a woman] pursues me flying, Flies you pursuing; we’ll catch her
by a trick. [1636] 1655 STRODE Float. Island II iv, p. 168: And then
sheel love you like your shadow; Fly thou, sheel follow; follow thou,
sheel fly.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6OO-I II ii 215: ‘Love like a shadow
flies, when substance love pursues, Pursuing that that flies, and
flying what pursues. ’
Cf. L479: Follow love (pleasure, glory) and it will flee, flee love
(pleasure, glory) and it will follow thee; L5 54: In love’s wars he who
flies is conqueror.
L519 LOVE lives in cottages as well as in courts
1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 9 5: Lone lurkes assoone about a Sheep-
coate, as a Pallaice. 1611 COT., s.v. Amourettes: (Loue bides in).
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. I: There is love under a fustian petticoat
as well as under a silk fardingall. 1664 COD., p. 204. 1670 RAY,
p. 16. 1721 KEL., p. 236. I732 FUL., no. 3290: Love lives more
in Cottages than Courts.
Cf. C626: Content lodges oftener in cottages than palaces.
L520 LOVE locks no cupboards
1639 CL., p. 26.
Cf. F736: Friends do tie the purse with a cobweb thread; L567:
A lover’s purse must be tied with a cobweb or a leek’s leaf.
L521 LOVE makes all hard hearts gentle
I586 WITHALS, s. N6v: Hard harts are broken at leastewise bowde,
By soft intreating, which is alowde. 1640 HERB., no. 538. 1659
N.R., p. 73: (hard things gentle). 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 219:
Kind usage overcomes hard hearts.
Cf. L527: Love overcomes all.
L522 LOVE makes men orators
I593 GREENE Mamillia II, p. 57: It hath byn a saying more
common then true, that loue makes al men Orators. 1600 BODEN-
HAM Belvedere, p. 31: Loue makes blunt wits, right pleasing Ora-
tours. I630 Tinker Turvey, p. 63: I haue heard this old said
saw, that loue makes men orators, and afl'ections whetteth in
eloquence.
Cf. L491: Love and business teach eloquence.
L523 LOVE makes one fit for any work
1640 HERB., no. 642. 1659 N.R., p. 74.
Cf. N299: Nothing is impossible (hard, difficult) to a willing
heart (mind).
L524 LOVE needs no teaching
[a1618] I632 RALEIGH Instr. to Son II: Remains, p. 85.
See SM., p. 280.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
LOVE
LOVE
398
L525 The LOVE of a harlot (whore) and wine of a
flagon is good in the morning (evening) and
nought in the evening (morning)
1573 SANF., f. 102: (flagon or bottle). I578 FLOR. First F. XIX,
f. 27v: The loue of a whore, and the wine of a bottle at night is
good, in the mornyng naught. I591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 175:
The wine of a Flaggon, and the loue of a Whore, At euening is rich,
at morning is poore. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 57, p. 28. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. II, p. 9: The love of a woman, and the wine of a bottle,
in the Evening is good; in the morning is spoyl’d. I678 RAY, p. 55:
The love of a woman and a bottle of wine, Are sweet for a season,
but last for a time. 1732 FUL., no. 6401: The Love of a Woman,
and a Bottle of Wine, Are sweet for a Season; but last a short Time.
L526 LOVE of lads and fire of chats1 is soon in and
soon out
01460 Good Wife Would a Pilgr. l. 83, p. 41: A fyre of sponys
[wood shavings], and loue of gromis, Full soun woll be att a nende.
I670 RAY, p. 46.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 K.L. III vi 19: He’s mad that trusts in
the tameness of a wolf, a horse’s health, a boy’s love, or a whore’s
oath. I610 Cym. V v 105: The boy disdains me; He leaves me,
scorns me. Briefly die theirjoys That place them on the truth of
girls and boys.
Cf. L23: Lad’s love is a busk of broom, hot awhile and soon
done; T551: No trust is to be given to a woman’s word (a woman).
[lchips]
L527 LOVE overcomes all
01565 Bugbears I iii 27: Amor vincit omnia. 1566-8 WILMOT ET
AL. GismondI i 68: Loue rules the world, Loue onely is the Lorde.
I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33v: Loue conquereth al. 1591
1 Troublesome Reign john, s. FIV: Amor vincit omnia, so Cato
aflirmeth. 1591—2 WILMOT Tancred and Gism. I i, s. A2v: I . . am
that great God of loue, who with his might Ruleth the wast wide
world, and liuing things. I592 LYLY Gall. Epil., l. 11: For this is
infallible, that Loue conquereth all things but it selfe, and Ladies
all harts but their owne. 1607 T. HEYWOOD Fair Maid Exch., p.
21: Love orecomes all, and I that love Obey. 1611 COT., s.v.
Amour: Loue ouercomes any thing but a froward, or spightfull,
heart.
See OTTO, no. 74. Cf. L5: Labor overcomes all things; L521:
Love makes all hard hearts gentle; L532: Love will go through
stone walls.
L528 LOVE rules his kingdom without a sword
I640 HERB., no. 537. I659 N.R., p. 73. 1664 COD., p. 204.
TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 9. 1670 RAY, p. 16.
Cf. L499: Love cannot be compelled (forced); L556: He cannot
love me that is afraid of me.
1666
L529 LOVE will break out in spite of a man
1639 CL., p. 27.
Cf. L496: Love and pease pottage will make their way; L531:
Love will find a way.
L530 LOVE Will 0001 ’twixt a pair of sheets if there be
not wherewithal to keep them warm
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 10, p. I 8: Though loue be in choosing
farre better than gold, let loue come with somewhat, the better to
hold. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 990: Love without landis is lyk a fyr
without fewell. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 1, p. 241: (The English-
say, That love).
Cf. C532: If thou wilt come with me bring with thee; L552:
Who marries for love without money has good nights and sorry
days; MI 146: More belongs to marriage than four bare legs in a bed.
L531 LOVE will find a way
[01597] 1637 DELONEY Gentle Craft I, p. 100: Thus love, you see,
can finde a way To make both men and maids obey. 1625 BACON
Essays, p. 110: Love can find entrance not only into an open heart,
but also into a heart well fortified, ifwatch be not well kept. 01662


Truth’s Integrity in Bk. Songs and Bal., p. 142: In spight of all con-
testing, Love will finde out the way. I662 FULLER Worthies
Leicestershire, I 563: But Love and Money will find or force a
passage. 01675 Over Mts. l. 8 in Roxh. Bal., II 639: Love will find
out the way.
Cf. L496: Love and pease pottage will make their way; L529;
Love will break out in spite of a man.
L532 LOVE will go through stone walls
I616 BRET., p. 6.
Cf. H811: Hunger breaks down (pierces) stone walls; L527;
Love overcomes all.
L533 LOVE without end has no end
1625 BACON Apothegms: W ks., XIII 360: There is a Spanish adage,
Love without end hath no end: meaning, that if it were begun not
upon particular ends it would last. 1642 FULLER Holy State III
xxii, p. 213: For love which hath ends will have an end. 1651
HERB., p. 372: *Says the Spaniard; meaning, if it were not begun
on particular ends, it would last.
Cf. L539: A perfect love does last eternally.
L534 Marry first and LOVE will come after
1601 MARSTON Yack Drum III, s. E3v: Love should make marriage,
and not marriage love. 1607 G. WILKINS Miseries Enf. Marr.,
s. B1: You stray from the steps of Gentility, the fashion among
them is to marry first, and loue after by leisure. [1619] 1632
N. FIELD AND MASSINGER Fatal Dowry II ii, p. 116: Pray tell me,
lady, do you love, to marry after, or would you marry, to love
after? 1714 STEELE Spect. 605, VIII 189: The old Family Maxim,
that, If she marries first, Love will come after.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I I i 251: Can you love the maid?
—I will marry her, sir, at your request; but if there be no great
love in the beginning, yet heaven may decrease it.
Cf. M695: They who marry where they do not love will love
where they do not marry.
L535 Natural LOVE descends but it does not ascend
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 8: And, further, parentes are more
naturall to their children then children to their fathers and mothers.
Nature dooeth descende, but not ascende. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal.,
I 188: Why hath not nature caused love to ascend as well as
descend? 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 243: The wise Paynter
saw more than the foolish parent can, who paynted loue going
downeward, saying it might well descend, but ascende it coulde
neuer. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Z3v: Although Aristotle say
8. Ethickes, that Loue descendes rather then ascendes, that parents
loue children more then requite it, yet doth not this loue alwayes
indiuidually concomitate and follow parentes. 1590 GREENE
Royal Exch., p. 262: Nature is greater in discent than in ascent, and
greater is the affection that cometh from the father than from the
sonne. 1616 DR., no. 1320. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in
Via, p. 23 5: Love like waters run swiftest downwards. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3289: Love is wont rather to ascend than descend.
Cf. L2 5: Go down the ladder when you marry a wife, go up when
you choose a friend.
L536 Next to LOVE, quietness
1678 RAY, p. 194.
L537 No LOVE to1 a father’s
1640 HERB., no. 121. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
235. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 27: No advice, to the Fathers.
1659 N.R., p. 79.
[llike]
L538 One LOVE drives out (expels) another
[ERAS. Similia, 606B: Ut amor pellat amorem, ceu clavus clavum,
ira iram, et dolor dolorem.] 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. E1:
Sith Socrates vs byd deuide one Venus into two, In two likewise
Dan Cupid God, loue tormentes to abate. I578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. kVit, p. 255: One loue expelleth an other. 1583 GREENE

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LOVE
LOVE
399


Mamillia I, p. 103: The saying of Calimachis . . the last [love]
driueth out the first. 1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 191:
The new successor drives away old love. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36,
p. 10: One love expells another.
Cf. D174: One deceit (falsehood) drives out another; F277: One
fire (heat) drives out another; G446: The greater grief (sorrow)
drives out the less; L560: Love one and love only; N17: One nail
drives out another; P457: One poison expels another; W234: One
wedge drives out another.
L539 A perfect LOVE does last eternally
1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. L2v: Perfect loue, cannot be
so iniuried, but it will alwais retaine some affection. I596 DEL.,
s. P6V. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess III ii
83: Love is not love unlesse love doth persevere; That love is
perfect love, that loves for ever. 1615 DANIEL Hymen’s Triumph
IV iii, p. 388: For boy who truly loues, Must ever so. 1631
JONSON New Inn III ii 198: And Loue is neuer true, that is not
lasting.
SHAKESPEARE—I609 Son. 1 16, l. 2: Love is not love Which alters
when it alteration finds.
Cf. L477: Faithful love will never turn to hate; L533: Love
without end has no end; L542: Sound love is not soon forgotten;
016: He never loved well that will hate for a little offense.
L540 See for your LOVE, buy for your money
1579 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 59: Looke, I beseeche you, for your
loove and buie for your moonye. 1639 CL., s.v. Curiositas, p. 79.
Ibid., s.v. Industriae, p. 163: (Looke for your love). 1659 N.R.,
p. 91: See for love and buy for money. 1670 RAY, p. 184: (love,
and). 1721 KEL., p. 299: See for Love, and buy for Money.
*A Cant among Pedlars and Hucksters. ‘
L541 She lives by LOVE and lumps in comers
I678 RAY, p. 75. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 411: Miss lives upon
love. —Yes, upon love and lumps of the cupboard.
Cf. L569: Lovers live by love as larks live by leeks.
L542 Sound LOVE is not soon forgotten
I591 STEP., p. 159: Who so heartely loueth, hardly forgetteth.
1611 COT., s.v. Aimer. 1623 WOD., p. 51 1: Who loves well forgets
late. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: Who loves well is long a forget-
ting. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17: [As in 1623 Wod.]. 1659
N.R., p. 91. 1664 COD., p. 210: Sound love and true is never for-
gotten. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 6: Who loves heartily, hardly
forgets. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Love.
Cf. L539: A perfect love does last eternally.
’L543 There is LOVE in a budget
1678 RAY, p. 258.
L544 There is no LOVE lost between them
01592 Fair Em, s. F2: Nor was there any loue betweene vs lost,
But that I held the same in high regard, Vntill repaire of some vnto
our house. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 307:
God-a-mercy little rogue, there’s no loue lost, Ile assure thee.
1621 J. TAYLOR Trav. Twelvepence: Wks. F., p. 81: But there’s no
great loue lost ’twixt them and mee. We keepe asunder and so best
agree. a1651 R. DAVENPORT Survey Sciences, p. 327: Oh my
sweete! Sure there is no loue lost when you two meete.
L545 There was never a foul LOVE nor a fair prison
1596 DEL., s. N3v. 1611 COT., s.v. Prison: There neuer was faire
prison, nor foule loue. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 215: (faire prison,
nor loue with fowle face). I623 WOD., p. 510: There were never
no foule Loue, nor faire Prison. 1640 HERB., no. 824: No prison
is faire nor love foule. 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: There are no ugly
loves, nor handsome prisons.
L546 They love too much that die for LOVE
1611 COT., s.v. Aimer: (who dye). Ibid., s.v. Mourir: He loues
too much that dyes for loue. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and
Eleg., p. 174: (who die). 1664 COD., p. 215. I670 RAY, p. 16.

L547
L551

True LOVE is the joy of life
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A7). 1639 CL., p. 26.
L548 True LOVE kithes1 in time of need
[ERAS. Adagia, 1055A: Amicus eertus in re incerta cernitur.] a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1307. 1668 R.B., p. 53. 1721 KEL., p. 326.
Cf. F694: A friend is never known till a man have need.
[lshows itself]
L549 When LOVE puts in friendship is gone
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 98: Where love leadeth . . no friend [is]
forced of. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 209: Where loue beareth
sway, friendshippe can haue no shew. 1583 GREENE Mamillia I,
p. 30: It were a poynt of meere folly to trust a friend in loue, sith
Ouid in his booke de Arte amandi, had forbidden that, as principal.
1588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 238: He considered that . . where fancy
forced, friendship was of no force. [1623] 1647 FLETCHER AND
MASSINGER Lovers’ Prog. I, p. 76: You are my friend; yet as the
Proverb says, When love puts in, friendship is gone.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.C. V. V iv 54: In love Who respects
friend? 1598-9 M.A. II i 182: Friendship is constant in all other
things Save in oflice and affairs of love.
Cf. L495: Love and lordship like no fellowship; L505: Love has
no respect of persons.
L550 Where LOVE fails we espy all faults
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2: Faults are thick where love is thin.
Ibid., p. 5: (we spy all faults). 1664 COD., p. 229: (we spy all
faults). 1670 RAY, p. 16. 1732 FUL., no. 5676: Where there is no
Love, all are Faults.
Cf. I41: Ill will (Evil will) never speaks (said) well; L503: Love
covers many infirmities.
Where LOVE is there is faith (Where there is
' no trust there is no love)
16th 0. Balliol, Oxf. 346 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 235: Wher is lytyll
love, ther is lytill tryste. a1536 HILL 56, p. 47: An old said sawe . .
Wher is lytill love ther is lytill tryste. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit, p. 218: They commonly are soonest beleeued, that are best
beloued. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 201: (According to the
common saying, where). 1599 CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth xiv
148, p. 93: Where there is no trust, there is no love. 1600 THYNNE
Embl. and Epig., p. 25: For where is perfect love, there trustie
fayth is found. 1629 J. HOWELL Let. I v 20, I 270: It is a Rule in
Friendship, When distrust enters in at the Fore-gate, Love goes
out at the Postern. 1639 CL., p. 90: They never love us, whom we
mistrust.
Cf. L497: Love asks faith and faith firmness.
L552 Who marries for LOVE without money has good
nights and sorry days
1623 WOD., p. 486: Fy on Loue without Mony! 1659 HOW. It.
Prov., p. 6: Who marrieth for love hath pleasant nights, but
sorrowfull dayes. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17: Who marries for
love hath good nights, but sorry dayes. 1664 COD., p. 226: Who
marrieth for love, and no money, hath good nights, but sorry
dayes. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 10: He who marries for love, in
the night-time hath pleasure, in the day-time sorrow. I670 RAY,
p. 17: *Ital. Hispan. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 153: (He who). 1732
FUL., no. 5710: (hath merry Nights and sorry Days).
Cf. L530: Love will cool ’twixt a pair of Sheets if there be not
wherewithal to keep them warm; M1 146: More belongs to marriage
than four bare legs in a bed.
L553 Your LOVE is a million
1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, 5. D3v: Theres a
friend worth a Million. [01616] I639 FLETCHER M. Thomas III i,
p. 127: A friend at need you Rogue is worth a million. 1678 S.
BUTLER Hud. III i 523, p. 278: Madam (quoth he) your Love’s a
Million. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 463: O, madam, your love’s
a million.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IV III iii 155: A thousand pound,
Hal? A million! Thy love is worth a million.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl'.
LOVE (LOVE’S)
LOVER’S
400
L554 In LOVE’S wars he who flies is conqueror
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 10: In the warr oflove, who flies is victor.
1732 FUL., no. 2819.
Cf. L479: Follow love (pleasure, glory) and it will flee, fiee love
(pleasure, glory) and it will follow thee; L518: Love (Women,
Honor), like a shadow (crocodile, death), fiies one following and
pursues one fleeing.
L555 LOVE’s beginning is fear, middle sin, and end
grief and annoyance
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 80: You see what Loue is, begon
with griefe, continued with sorrowe, ended with death. 1591
FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 171: [Love] whose beginning is feare, whose
midle sin, and whose end grief and annoyance.
Cf. L513: Love is sweet in the beginning but sour in the ending.
L556-L564 LOVE: verb
L556 He cannot LOVE me that is afraid of me
[I Yohn iv 18: Perfect love casteth out fear.] 1639 CL., s.v. Metus
poenae, p. 208.
Cf. L499: Love cannot be compelled (forced); L528: Love rules
his kingdom without a sword.
L557 I LOVE it but it loves not me
1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady II, p. 244: Do you
love Tobacco? —SurelyI love it, but it loves not me. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 389: Why, madam, I must confess I do love
it, but it does not love me.
L558 It is impossible to LOVE and be wise
[ERAS. Adagia, 476E: Amare et sapere, Vix Deo conceditur.] 01526
Dicta Sap., s. B1v: To haue a sadde mynde and loue is nat in one
person. a1542 WYATT Trilogy on Love 1. 22: Poems, I 166: There
is no man At ons that can To love and to be wise. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 210: To loue and to lyue well, is not graunted
to Iupiter. 1596 DEL., s. 06v: We can scarce both loue, and be
wise together. 1605 MARSTON Dutch Courtesan II ii 104: The gods
themselves cannot be wise and love. 1623 WOD., p. 506: 0 how
hard it is to loue truely, and to be wise both to gether. 1631
BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlew. Behavior, p. 32: Whence came that
vsuall saying, One cannot loue and be wise . . My Tenet is, One
cannot truely loue, and not be wise. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep
Husb., p. 41: It is not given us, to love and to be wise. 1658
FLECKNOE Enig. Char., p. 149: He is bound by the Prouerb; Tis
impossible to love and be wise. 1700 DRYDEN Pal. and Arcite II
364, p. 286: The prouerb holds—that to be wise, and love, Is
hardly granted to the gods above.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1602 T.C. III ii 162: But you are wise, Or else
you love not; for to be wise and love Exceeds man’s might: that
dwells with gods above.
Cf. F437: No folly to being in love; L494: Love and knowledge
live not together; L517: Love is without reason.
L559 LOVE me little love me long
1546 HEY. II ii, s. G1: (Olde wise folke saie, loue). I578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 34v: (and loue me long). ' 1580 G. HARVEY
Marginalia, p. 187: (and Looue me Longe). [01589] 1633 MAR—
LOWE Yew Malta IV vi 28. 111598 FERG. MS, no. 960: (and lov
me longer). 1611 COT., s.v. Aimer: They loue too much who dye
for loue. We say, loue me little and loue me long. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 359. I611 GRUT., no. 180. 1614 CAM., p. 309. 1616
DR., no. 1300.
cannot brooke poore friends. This inconstant charitie is hatefull;
as our English phrase premonisheth; Loue me Little and Loue me
Long. 1639 CL., p. 25: (and love me long). 1648 HERRICK Hesp.:
Poet. Wks., p. 51: You say to me-wards your affection’s strong:
Pray love me a little, so you love me long. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 15. 1664 COD., p. 204: (and love me long). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 19, p. 6: (but love me still). 1668 R.B., p. 36: (and love me
long). 1670 RAY, p. 46: (and love me long). 1721 KEL., p. 229:
*A Dissuasive from Shewing too much, and too sudden Kindness.
1732 FUL., no. 3291: (and love me long).
1630 T. ADAMS Love’s Copy: Wks., p. 813: Men-


SHAKESPEARE—01595 R]. II vi 14: Therefore love moderately:
long love doth so. 1596 M.V. III ii 111: 0 love, be moderate . .
scant this excess! . . Make it less for fear I surfeit.
Cf. A168: All that is Sharp is short; L483: Hot love is soon cold;
N321: Nothing violent can be permanent.
L560 LOVE one and love only
1639 CL., p. 27.
Cf. L538: One love drives out (expels) another.
L561
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12.
1721 KEL., p. 240: Love most, least thought of.
our Love and Friendship meet with Neglect.
L562 We LOVE that dearly that costs us dearest
1639 CL., s.v. Parentes liberi, p. 240: (cost).
Cf. L370: What costs little is less esteemed.
L563 He LOVES to hear himself speak
1604 Pasg. 7ests in Shak. 7est-Bks., III 81: A certaine idle com-
panion, that loued to heare himself speake. 1616 DR., s.v. Words,
no. 2494. 1639 CL., s.v. Jactantia, p. 142.
They that LOVE most are least set by
1670 RAY, p. 16: (They who).
*Spoken when
L564 He that LOVES well does punish well
1596 DEL., s. P2v. 1611 COT., s.v. Chastier: He that loues
throughly, payes home when he punishes. 1612 SHELTON Don
Quite. Pt. I, III Vi, I 181: I have heard old folke say, That man
loves thee well, who makes thee to weepe. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 1: Who loves well, corrects well. 1733 FRANKLIN, p. 5: Love
well, whip well.
Cf. A53: Afflictions are sent us by God for our good; C342: He
that loves his children corrects them well.
L565 The LOVER is not where he lives but where he
loves
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. E4v: The hart [of a lover] being
more where he loueth, than where he giueth life. 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 48: For you may perceiue that he is not
where he liues, but Wher he loues. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 169:
Nay where my loue is, there my heart is, not lodging where it
liueth, but where it loueth. 1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: W ks., II
42: Vbi cuiusque animus est, ibi animat: where a mans minde is,
there his myrth is. 01600 1 Ret. from Parn. IV, p. 67: Soules live
where they love. 1621 BRATHWAITE Shep. Tales I 2: Nat. Emhassy,
p. 207: (Man is not Where). 1662 FULLER Worthies Westmorland,
II 432: The Proverb is, Homo non est ubi animat, sed amat, One
is not to be reputed there where he lives, but where he loves. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 57: The heart is not where it lives, but where
it loves. 1732 FUL., no. 4761: The Soul is not where it lives, but
where it loves.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 V.A. l. 580: Bids him . . look well to her
heart, The which . . He carries thence incaged in his breast. 1594-5
L.L.L. V ii 825: Hence hermit then—my heart is in thy breast.
1597 Rich. III I ii 203: Look how my ring encompasseth thy finger,
Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart. 1601 T.N. I v 287:
Make me a willow cabin at your gate And call upon my soul within
the house. Ibid. IV i 62: Beshrew his soul for me! He Started one
poor heart of mine, in thee. 1609 Son. 22, l. 5: For all that beauty
that doth cover thee IS but the seemly raiment of my heart, Which
in thy breast doth live, as thine in me.
Cf. T485: Where treasure is the heart is.
L566 An old LOVER is as Winter without flowers
1616 DR., no. 1317.
L567 A LOVER’S purse must be tied with a cobweb or
a leek’s leaf
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 7. Ibid. 34, p. 28: Suters tye their purses
with cobwebs.
Cf. F736: Friends do tie the purse with a cobweb thread; L520:
Love locks no cupboards.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
LOVERS
LUCY—LIGHT
401


L568 LOVERS ever run before the clock
SHAKESPEARE.——I594 T.G. V. V i 4: She will not fail; for lovers
break not hours Unless it be to come before their time, So much
they spur their expedition. 1596 M. V. II vi 3: And it is marvel
he outdwells his hour, For lovers ever run before the clock.
Cf. L481: He that has love in his breast has spurs in his sides.
L569 LOVERS live by love as larks live by leeks
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: Louers lyue by loue, ye as larks lyue by
leekes. 1589 GREENE Menaphon, p. 76: Men . . die for loue, when
larkes die with leekes. I591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 167: Some line
by loue. —Yea as Larkes doo by leekes. 1611 GRUT., no. 182.
1614 CAM., p. 309. 1616 DR., no. 1305: (as larkes by leekes).
1616 WITHALS, p. 579: He lives by love, as larks by leeks. 1623
WOD., p. 313: They bee some that do line of Loue. —VVell yea,
as Larkes do of Leekes. 1639 CL., p. 28: (as larkes do by leekes).
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15: [As in 1639 Cl.]. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Stecchi, p. 204: To live sparingly, to feed upon nothing,
as it were, Upon Love; the English commonly say, as Larks do of
Leeks. 1670 RAY, p. 46: [As in 1616 Dr.]. *This is I conceive in
derision of such expressions as living by love. Larks and leeks
beginning with the same letter help’d it up to be a Proverb. 1721
KEL., p. 367: You live on Love as Laverocks do on Leeks. *A Jest
upon them that eat little.
Cf. L541: She lives by love and lumps in corners; M226: A man
cannot live on air like a chameleon.
L570 LOVERS’ vows are not to be trusted
1534 T. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. EIv: Louyng and lyeng haue we
brought nowe hyther Louers and lyers to ley both to gyther.
1578 WHETSTONE 1 Promos and Cass. IV iii, s. E2v: Lovers feare
not how they sweare, to wyn a Lady fayre, And hauing wonne
what they wish, for othes nor Lady care. 1636 W. SAMPSON Vow
Breaker I iv, p. 21: Foolish lovers vowes, like breath on steele, as
soone are of, as on.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 A.Y. III iv 33: The oath of a lover is no
stronger than the word of a tapster: they are both the confirmer of
false reckonings. I602 T.C. III ii 91: All lovers swear more per-
formance than they are able.
Cf. J82: Jove laughs at lovers’ perj uries.
L571 A true LOVER’S-KNOT
1616 DR., no. 1303. 1639 CL., p. 320: (The true).
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. II Vii 45: I’ll knit it [hair] up in
silken Strings With twenty Odd-conceited true-love knots.
L572 As proud as LUCIFER
1616 DR., no. 1702: (He is as). 1649 F. QUARLES Virgin Widow V,
p. 310. 01686 Invincible Pride Women 1. 26 in Roxb. Bal., VII 21.
L573 AS good LUCK as had the cow that stuck herself
with her own horn
I678 RAY, p. 287.
Cf. L574: As good luck as the lousy calf that lived all winter
and died in the summer.
L574 As good LUCK as the lousy calf that lived all
winter and died in the summer
1678 RAY, p. 287.
Cf. L573: As good luck as had the cow that stuck herself with
her own horn.
He that would have good LUCK in horses (horse-
flesh) must kiss the parson’s wife
[1621] 1640 JONSON Gypsies Metam. l. 842, variant read.: Masques
at Court, p. 593: Youle ha’ good lucke to horseflesh o’ my life, you
plow’d so late with the Vicars wife. 1622 T. MAY Heir V, p. 573:
I hope to have good luck to horse flesh, now she is a parson’s wife.
1640 GLAPTHORNE Wit in Constable II, p. I 83: Ifhe be a parson And
I his wife, I sure shall make my friends Lucky to horse-flesh. I659
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2: He is well seen in horse-flesh for he hath
L575


lain with a Parsons wife. 1678 RAY, p. 86. I738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. II, p. 435: I have had devilish good luck in horse flesh of
late. —Why, then, Sir John, you must kiss a parson’s wife.
L576 111 LUCK is good for something
1636 CAM., p. 300. I659 N.R., p. 66. 1732 FUL., no. 1398: Even
ill Luck it self is good for something in a wise Man’s Hand. Ibid.,
no. 3074.
Cf. I35: There is no ill but may turn to one’s good; N327: There
is nothing but is good for something.
L577 111 LUCK is worse than found money
1670 RAY, p. 110.
L578 Left-handed LUCK is ill luck
01475 Mankind l. 515, p. 19: I blysse yow with my lyfte honde:
foull yow be-fall! 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV vii, p. I 51:
A lefte hande lucke . . is yll lucke. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 68: So as you cut it not with a paire of left handed sheeres.
1608 J. DAY Hum. out Breath IV iii, p. 63: Ile mend it next course,
you shall see. e—In the Corner of the left hand. 1616 JONSON
Epic. III v 19: [You] would not be put off with left-handed cries.
Cf. P387: He that is born under a threepenny (three-halfpenny)
planet will never be worth a groat; S405: To get over the left
shoulder.
L579 LUCK and bon voyage
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 957: Luck and a bon voyage. I668 R.B.,
P- 35-
L580 LUCK is a lord
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 101: If good lucke had been our
lord, we had made our selues . . for euer. 1709 DYKES, p. 272:
Luck is a Lord, we say.
L581 Shitten LUCK is good luck
[1639-61] 1662 Alderman Atkins in Rump Songs, I 136: Shitten
luck is good. [1639-61] 1662 Re-resurrection Rump in Rump
Songs, II 3: There’s another Proverb . . That of all kind of Lucks,
Shitten Luck is the best. 1670 RAY, p. 141. I661 Mer. Droll.
II, p. 261.
L582 There is LUCK in odd numbers
1590 SPENSER F..Q. III iii 50: Spitt thrise upon me, thrise upon me
spitt; Th’ uneven nomber for this business is most fitt.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 V i 2: This is the third time;
I hope good luck lies in odd numbers . . either in nativity, chance,
or death.
Cf. T175: All things thrive at thrice (There are three things of
all things); T319: The third time pays for all.
L583 They run well but they have ill LUCK
I616 WITHALS, p. 553. 1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 154.
L584 What is worse than ill LUCK?
1639 CL., p. 166. 01641 Organ’s Echo in Roxb. Bal., VII 613:
The Proverbe sayes, What’s worse than ill-luck? 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 3. 1665 J. WILSON Projectors II, p. 234: Then our business
is done already! What’s worse than ill luck? 1670 RAY, p. 117.
1685 MERITON Praise Yorksh. Ale, p. 47. 1721 KEL., p. 354:
*Spoken when a thing miscarries purely by Misfortune. There is
a Return to this Proverb, but it is paultry.
L585 LUCY-LIGHT,1 the shortest day and the longest
night
1612 DONNE Second Anniv. l. 119: Poems, p. 230: Think that they
bury thee, and thinke that right Laies thee to sleepe but a Saint
Lucies night. 1630 T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: Wks., p. 1222:
Vnder the Law, they had short dayes, and long nights . . Theirs
was a Saint Lucies day; short and cloudy. 1659 How. Span.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
LUDGATE BIRD 402
LYDFORD LAw
Prov., p. 13: San Lucy bright, the shortest day and longest night.
1678 RAY, p. 52. I732 FUL., no. 6222: (and longest Night).
[‘Dec. 21]
L586 A LUDGATEI BIRD
1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 245.
[‘debtor’s prison (see Sugden, p. 322)]
L587 As lazy as LUDLAM’s dog that leaned his head
against a wall to bark
I670 RAY, p. 202.
L588 To leave one (To lie) in the LURCH
01576 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 163: Lest he fail in his reckning . .
and so leave himself in the lurch. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit
and Wisdom viii, p. 57: I haue lye in the lurch, For coussing of
Witt. 1600 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy VI, p. 222: The Vol-
scians seeing themselves abandoned and left in the lurch . . quit the
campe and field. I616 WITHALS, p. 581: He left him in the lurch.
1639 CL., s.v. Fraus ab amico, p. 128: [As in 1616 Withals]. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. Scantonata, p. 182: (in the lurch, or suds).
I678 RAY, p. 258.
Cf. K25: To lay the key under the door and be gone; L72: To
leave one in the lash; $953: To leave one (To lie, To be) in the
suds (sands). ( 5)
L589 His LUST is as young as his limbs are old
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. IO.
Cf. L177: Like a leek, he has a white head and a green tail.


L590 LYDEORDl LAw (Halifax2 law): first hang and
draw, then hear the cause
1565 JEWEL Reply to Harding’s Answ. (I61 1 ed.), p. 356: But beere
he thought it proofe sufficient, for the multitude of his Masses, to
call vs Theeues, and wicked Judges, and to charge vs with the Law
of Lydford, and so to solace himselfe with an Old Wiues tale. 1612
J. TAYLOR Merry Voyage: Wks. F., p. 172: At Hallifax, the law so
sharpe doth deale, That whoso more than I 3 Pence doth steale,
They haue a Iyn that wondrous quicke and well, Sends Thieues all
headlesse vnto Heau’n or Hell. 1615 T. ADAMS Wolf Worrying
Lamb: Wks., p. 389: As it is reported of a Iudge of the Stannerie at
Lydford in Deuonshire; who hauing hanged a felon among the Tin-
ners in the forenoone, sate in iudgement on him in the afternoone.
01645 W. BROWNE Lidford Yourney: Wks., II 3 52: I ofte haue heard
of Lidford Lawe, How in the Morne they hang and drawe, And sitt
in iudgment after. 1656 T. BLOUNT Glossographia, p. 377: Lidford-
Law. Used proverbially for hanging a man first, and indicting him
afterwards. 1662 FULLER Worthies Devonshire, I 274: First hang
and draw, Then hear the cause by Lidford Law. *This libellous
Proverb would suggest . . as if the Towns-men thereof . . were un-
able to manage their own liberties. I678 RAY, p. 305: First hang
and draw, Then hear the cause by Lidford law. 1730 BAILEY: Lid-
ford Law, a proverbial expression, used to signify the hanging a
person first, and trying of him afterwards; from Lidford in Cornwall.
1732 FUL., no. 3206.
See DONALD BOND, “The Law and Lawyers in English Proverbs,”
Am. Bar Assoc. your“ XXI (Nov., 1935), 726. (8)
[ISee Sugden, p. 324. 2Ibid., p. 241.]
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
M
M
Mr You might carry (have) an M under your girdle
[That is, use a respectful prefix (“Master,” “Mistress”) when ad-
dressing or mentioning a person.] [8.1553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D.
III iii I35: Neare an M by your girdle? [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON
Eng.for My Money, 3. Q2: You might doe well to haue an M. under
your Girdle. [I600] I659 DAY Blind Beg. I, 5. C2: Nere an under your Girdle. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON East-
ward Ho IV ii 185: You might carry an M. vnder your girdle to
Maister Deputis worship. 1634 T. HEYWOOD Maidenhead Well
Lost III, p. 131: To see if the Tayler that made your Gowne, hath
put ne’re an M. vnder your Girdle. 1640 SHIRLEY Arcadia I ii, p.
181: I like it well when you Carry an M under your girdle, governor.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 391: What, plain Neverout! methinks
you might have an M under your girdle.
M2 A MACKEREL SKY
1669 WORLIDGE Progn. I in Systema Agric. XIV, p. 295: In a fair
day, if the sky seem to be dapled with white Clouds, (which they
usually term a Mackarel-sky) it usually predicts Rain.
See APP., p. 389.
M3 MADAM PARNELL, crack the nut and eat the kernel
[“Parnell” is a seventeenth-century name for a wanton woman.]
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 21: *This alludes to labor. 1670 RAY, p.
84.
Cf. K19: He that will eat the kernel let him crack the nut.
M4 Go here away, go there away, quoth MADGE
WHITWORTH when she rode the mare in the
tedder
I678 RAY, p. 85.
M5 When the MAGGOT bites
[When the whim takes one.] 1683 R. L’ESTRANGE Observator 470,
Vol. I: Prethee, where Bites the Magot to day, Trimmer? 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Magget: I Shall do it, when the magget bites.
Cf. M6: To have maggots in the brain.
M6 To have MAGGOTS in the brain
[1622] 1647 FLETCHER Women Pleased III iv, p. 276: Have not you
Maggots in your brains? 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pazzia, p. 137:
To be far gone in madness, deep dy’d in it . . the English express
themselves to that purpose by . . magots in the head. I675 Char.
Fanatic in Harl. Misc., VII 597: He puts off. . the Maggots of his
own Brain, for divine Inspiration. 1678 A. LITTLETON Eng. Lat.
Dict.: Latin Dict. I, S. Z2: A maggot in ones pate.
See ST., no. 1576. Cf. M5: When the maggot bites; W907: He
has a worm in his brain.
M7 The MAGICIAN mutters and knows not what he
mutters
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 409.
M8 He that buys MAGISTRACY must sell justice
1549 LATIMER Serm. 1 1, p. 18 5: Are civil oflices bought for money?
. . If they buy, they must needs sell; for it is wittily spoken, Vendere
jure potest, emerat ille prius, He may lawfully sell it, he bought it
before. 1642 FULLER Holy State IV Vii, p. 270: They that buy
Justice by wholesale, to make them-selves savers must sell it by
retail. 1650 TAYLOR Holy Living III ii, p. 124: For they that buy
the oflice, will sell the act. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20, p. 136: Who buys
a magistracy must upon force sell Justice. 1732 FUL., no. 2055.


MAGNITUDE
M9 As proper as the MAGNIFICAT in the morning (at
matins)
1559 COOPER, s.v. Lens: In lente vnguentum, a prouerbe Signifiying
the thynge to be absurde, as farre from the purpose as Magnificat
from mattens. 1588 L. ANDREWS Serm. at St. Mary’s 1, April 10:
Wks., V 49: The note is heere all out of place . . and so, their note
comes in like Magnificat at Matins. 1611 COT., s.v. Magnificat:
Chanter Magnificat £1 matines. *To . . vse a thing vnseasonably.
1622 MABBE Rogue II 1 viii, II 75: T0 looke to heare a Magnificat
at Martens, or to seeke after the man in the Moone. 1623 WOD.,
p. 474: To the Purpose as Priests praise God in the Morning.
Mea[ning], jesting with any that do no Thing to our Tast. 1653
URQUHART Gargantua I xi, I 55: He . . made a mock at the gods,
would cause sing Magnificat at Matines. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 3: To sing Magnificat in the morning; which should be at vespers.
Ibid., p. 7.
Cf. S633: His evening song and morning song are not (are) both
alike.
M10 Some correct MAGNIFICAT that know not Te
Deum (Quid significat)
[Some attempt that for which they have no qualifications] 1542
UDALL Apoph., f. 342v: A swyne to teache Minerua, was a p[ro]v-
erbe against suche . . will take vpon theim to bee doctours in those
thynges in whiche theimselfes haue no skille at all, for which wee
saie in Englyshe, to correcte Magnificat before he haue learned Te
Deum. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. E1: He is to busye . . that cor-
recteth Magnificat before he can singe Te deum. 1589 Martin’s
Month’s Mind, p. 152: They would correct Magnificat, not knowing
Quid significat. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. Pref., p. viii: As our
English proverbe saith . . some correct Magnificat, that know not
quid significat.
Cf. M11: You correct Magnificat; S680: A sow (swine) to teach
Minerva.
M11 You correct MAGNIFICAT
1533 ELYOT Of Know. Pref., p. 3: Accomptyng to be in me no lyttell
presumption, that I wyll in notynge other mens Vices correct Mag-
nificat. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus Prol., p. 18: Thou Zoilus. i.
thou Philyp fynde faute, whiche takest vppon the to correct Mag-
nificat. 1626-7 MEADE in Court and Times Chas. I, I 199: Yet
there is a syllabe wanting in the second verse, but I dare not cor-
rect the magnifieat. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 5. 1656 T.
BLOUNT Glossographia, p. 390: To correct Magnificat (an English
Proverb) signifies to attempt to amend Scripture, or that which is
beyond correction. 1659 HEYLIN in Fuller Appeal II, p. 514: This
is according to the old saying, to correct Magnificat. I670 RAY,
p. 185: To correct the Magnificat. *To correct that which is with-
out any fault or errour. Magnifieat is the Virgin Mary’s hymn,
Luke 1. So called from the first word of it, which is Magnificat.
1672 WALK. 100, p. 13: You seek a knot in a bull-rush; raise a
doubt, where none is; would correct the Magnificat. 1681 ROB.,
p. 388: To correct the Magnificat; Nodum in scirpo quaerere.
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 313, I 283: ’Tis the same Case where
Subjects take upon them to Correct Magnificat, and to Prescribe
to their Superiors.
Cf. K168: To seek a knot in a rush (bulrush); M10: Some cor-
rect Magnificat that know not Te Deum (Quid significat).
M12 MAGNITUDE is no Virtue
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1037. 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 9: Magni-
tude is not the measure of worth.
Cf. W921: Great worth is often found in things of small ap-
pearance (in little boxes).

403
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8'.
MAHOMET’S
MAIDS
404

M13 To be suspended like MAHOMET’S tomb between
heaven and earth
1649 MILTON Eikon. X, p. 169: We meet next with a comparison
that the Parliament have hung the majestic of Kingship in an airy
imagination of regality between the Privileges of both Houses, like
the Tombe of Mohomet. 1718 PRIOR Alma II: Poems, p. 229:
The Balance always would hang ev’n, Like Mah’met’s Tomb,
’twixt Earth and Heav’n.
M14 As good a MAID as her mother
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. II.
SHAKESPEARE—~16oo-1 II ii 35: Good morrow, good-
wife. —Not so, an’t please your worship. —Good maid then.
——I’ll be sworn, As my mother was the first hour I was born.
Cf. C314: She is past dying of her first child; M32: All the maids
in Wanswell may dance in an eggshell; M40: There are never the
fewer maids for her.
M15 Every MAID is undone
I678 RAY, p. 172.
M16 A gazing and gadding MAID seldom proves good
housewife
1611 COT., s.v. Fille: (seld proues good houswife).
LIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 177. 1659 N.R., p. 16.
Cf. R191: A rouk-town is seldom a good housewife at home; W688:
The more women look in their glass the less they look to their house.
1658 E. PHIL-
M17 He that woos a MAID must come seldom in her
sight but he that woos a widow must woo her
day and night
1639 CL., p. 27: He that will wed a widow, must come day and night.
1670 RAY, p. 49. 1721 KEL., p. 142: (sight. He that woos a
Widow, must woo Day and Night). 1732 FUL., no. 6403.
Cf. M18: He that woos a maid must feign, lie, and flatter; but he
that woos a widow must down with his breeches and at her.
M18 He that woos a MAID must feign, lie, and flat-
ter; but he that woos a widow must down with
his breeches and at her
1611 L. BARRY Ram-Alley II, s. DIv: Doe, but dally not; thats the
widdowes phrase. 1618 N. FIELD Amends for Ladies IV i, p. 142:
You have trusted to that fond opinion, This is the way to have a
widowhood, By getting to her bed. 1669 N. SMITH Quakers’ Spirit.
Court, p. 13: He told me that I must observe the old Prouerb . .
That he that would Woe a Maid, must fain, lye and flatter, but he,
That wooes a Widdow . . 1670 RAY, p. 49.
Cf. M17: He that woos a maid must come seldom in her sight
but he that woos a widow must woo her day and night.
M19 A MAID and a virgin is not all one
1639 CL., p. 152.
M20 A MAID oft seen, a gown oft worn, are dis-
esteemed and held in scorn
I611 COT., s.v. Fille: (seene, gowne too oft worne). 1623 WOD., p.
48 5: A Wench ought no more to be seene then an old Gowne that
few desires to see. 1633 W. ROWLEY All’s Lost by Lust II i 40:
Indeed you should be a virgin to my age, Sweet beauty; you woud
be like a garment long laid by And out of fashion, which tho new,
would not be Worth a wearing. 1657 LEIGH, p. 265: A maid often
seen, a garment often worn. 1659 N.R., p. 16: A maid often seen
is a garment often worn. 1664 COD., p. 184. 1670 RAY, p. 17.
1732 FUL., no. 6395: (and a Gown).
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV III ii 55: Thus did I keep my
person fresh and new, My presence, like a robe pontifical, Ne’er
seen but wond’red at.
M21 A MAID that gives yields
1611 COT., s.v. Abandonner. 1659 N.R., p. II. 1664 COD., p.
183. 1670 RAY, p. 16. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Maid: (is yielding).
Cf. M24: The maid which takes, sells herself; the maid which
gives, forsakes herself.

_,
M22 A MAID that laughs is half taken
1664 COD., p. 183. 1670 RAY, p. 16. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Maid.
1732 FUL., no. 269.
M23 A MAID that loves too soon will repent too late
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 205.
Cf. H196: Marry in haste and repent at leisure.
M24 The MAID which takes, sells herself; the maid
which gives, forsakes herself
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1201: Sho [that] taks gifts, hirself sho sels
and sho that gives does not els. 1611 COT., s.v. Fille: A maid that
giues is easily gotten . . A maid that takes (much) is as good as
taken. 1623 WOD., p. 484: A Wench that takes, her Body for-
sakes: a Wench that giues, her selfe not loues. 1657 LEIGH, p. 265:
A Maid which takes sels her body. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 6.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 74: A woman that takes, soon yields.
1668 R.B., p. 47: She that takes gifts, her self she sels; and she that
gives, does nought else. 1721 KEL., p. 294: She that takes Gifts
her self she sells, And she that gives them, does naught els.
Cf. G104: Who receives a gift sells his liberty; M21: A maid that
gives yields; M174: He that is beholden to another man is not him-
self.
M25 She is a good MAID, but for thought, word, and
deed
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Peccato, p. 137: The English usually say
of a young childe or girl under age, She is a Maid, i’ll swear for her,
Thought, word, and deed. 1678 RAY, p. 258.
Cf. W708: Women have but two faults, they can neither do well
nor say well.
M26 She is neither MAID, wife, nor widow
1595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 1047, s. F1: She that is neither maide,
wife, nor widowe. 1633 W. ROWLEY All’s Lost by Lust III i 13:
For it is now doubtfull what thou art, being neither Maide, wife,
nor, saving your reverence, widow. 1678 RAY, p. 90: She is neither
wife, widow, nor maid. *A whore. 1732 FUL., no. 4132.
SHAKESPEARE.—1604 M.M. V i 179: My lord, she may be a
punk; for many of them are neither maid, widow, nor wife.
M27 This MAID was born odd
1678 RAY, p. 77: *Spoken of a maid who lives to be old, and cannot
get a husband.
M28 To speak with a MAID
1678 RAY, p. 88: *To make water.
M29 While the tall MAID (a tall Meg of Westminsterl)
is stooping the little one (a short wench)
sweeps the house
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 108: Mentre la Grande s’abassa, la pic-
ciola scopa la casa. Whilst a tall Meg of Westminster is stooping, a
short wench sweeps the house.
See SM., p. 584.
[1See Sugden, p. 560.]
M30 Who knows who’s a good MAID?
1678 RAY, p. 172.
M31 A young MAID married to an old man is like a
new house thatched with old straw
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10: To marry a young Mayd to an old
man, is to cover a new house with old straw. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov. into Fr. It. S pan., p. 9.
M32 All the MAIDS in Wanswell may dance in an egg-
shell
01640 SMYTH 32, p. 29.
Cf. M14: As good a maid as her mother; M40: There are never
the fewer maids for her. -
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAIDS
MAIN
405
F—
M33 As merry as the MAIDS
01630 Health to Good-Fellows l. 39 in Roxb. Bal., I 448: For with
joviall blades I’m as mery as the maids. 1670 RAY, p. 202. 1684
BUNYAN Pilg. Prog. II, p. 177: At Madam Wanton’s where we were
as merry as the maids.
M34 MAIDS say nay and take it
1534 HEYWOOD Play Love, s. C3v: Your payne is most ifshe say
nay and take it. [01535] I602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 305, p.
386: We will tak it, perchance, Howbeit that wee say nay. 1562
HEY. Epig. 223, p. 162: Say nay and take it. 1578 WHETSTONE
I Promos and Cass. IV vii, s. F1: Ich haue hearde my great Grand-
sier saye: Maide will saye naye, and take'it. 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. Ee4v: Bee thou a mannerly maid for me, and say nay
and take it. 1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xix, p. 232: May
be likened to the maner of women, Who as the common saying is,
will say nay and take it. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. D3: Yet some
say: We maydes wish things, to which we aunswere nay. 1639
CL., p. 118: Say nay as maids doe. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7:
Say nay and take it. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Medici, p. 102: To
say as Physicians do, viz. no, and take it, as relating to their fee, as
maids are said to do. 1670 RAY, p. 118: Maids say nay and take.
1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua V xxviii, III 336: Like Maids, they say
Nay, and take it. 1721 KEL., p. 89: DO as the Maids do, say no
and take it. *Spoken when we urge a Thing upon them, who have
already refused it. 1732 FUL., no. 3308.
SHAKESPEARE.—I597 Rich. III III vii 50: And be not easily won
to our requests. Play the maid’s part: still answer nay, and take it.
Cf. W660: A woman says nay (no) and means aye; W672: A
woman’s heart and her tongue are not relatives. (8)
M35 MAIDS want nothing but husbands and when
they have them they want everything
1678 RAY, p. 347: *Som. 1732 FUL., no. 3309: (and then they
want every Thing).
Cf. M44: Maidens should be meek till they be married.
M36 Meeterly,1 as MAIDS are in fairness
1678 RAY, p. 355. I697 MER., p. 163.
[lindiflferently]
M37 Old MAIDS lead apes in hell
01560 Bk. Fortune, p. 190: A mickle truth it is I tell Hereafter
thou’st lead Apes in Hell: For she that will not when she may, When
she will she shall have nay. 1575 GASCOIGNE Ferd. and Leonora:
Posies, p. 430: I am afrayde my marryage will bee marred, and I
may go lead Apes in hell. 1584 PEELE Arr. Paris IV ii, s. D2:
All that be Dians maides are vowed to halter apples [for apes?] in
hell. I611 FLOR., s.v. Mammola, p. 297: An olde maide, or sillie
virgin that will lead Apes in hell. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6:
Coy Mayds lead Apes in Hell. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov. into Fr.
It. Span., p. 7a: Maydens above twenty lead Apes in hell. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Coccozza, p. 41: To dye a Maid, or Batchellor,
to lead apes in Hell. 1670 RAY, p. 51. I735 FRANKLIN, p. 9:
Old maids lead apes there, where the old batchelors are turn’d to
apes.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—8 T.S. II i 33: I must dance barefoot on
her wedding day And for your love to her lead apes in hell. 1598-9
M.A. II i 42: Therefore I will . . lead his apes into hell . . and there
will the devil meet me . . and say, ‘Get you to heaven, Beatrice . .
Here’s no place for you maids.’ So deliver I up my apes. (36)
M38 Suffolk fair MAIDS
I594 GREENE Friar Bacon, s. A3v: A bonier wench all Suffolke can-
not yeeld. 1622 DRAYTON Poly-Olb. XXIII 254, p. 474: Fayre
Sufl'olke Mayds and Milke. 1662 FULLER W orthies Suffolk,
II 326: *It seems the God of Nature hath been bountiful in giving
them beautiful complexions. I670 RAY, p. 253.
M39 There are more MAIDS than Malkin
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D2v: [If] there were no mo maydens but malkyn
tho, Ye had been lost. I562 HEY. Epig. 159, p. 152: (There be mo).
01565 Bugbears II v 12. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 37: There are

more houses then Parishe Churches, more maydes then Maulkin,
more wayes to the woode then one. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. S2: Comfort thy selfe, there bee more maids then Maukin and
though thou lose me, thou mayest finde some other. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 1292: Thair is m0 maidens nor Makine. I600 DEKKER
Shoe. Hol., p. 29: I pray let them go, there be mo maids than Maw-
kin, more men than Hodge, and more fooles than Firke. [1604-17]
1647 FLETCHER Woman’s Prize I iii, p. 18: Well there are more
Maids than Maudlin, that’s my comfort. —Yes, and more men
than Michael. 1611 COT., s.v. Asne: There be more maids then
Malkin, or, more maids then one be called Malkin. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 139. 1636 CAM., p. 308: (There’s more). 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 9: More mayds then Mawkin. I668 R.B., p. 53:
There are mae maidens, nor maukin. 1670 RAY, p. 118. 1678
RAY, p. 172: (And more men then Michael, i.e. little Mal or Mary).
a1700 B.E., s.v. Malkin: (than Malkins).
Cf. M660: There are more mares in the wood than Grissel;
W631: If she (he) were the only woman (man) in the world.
M40 There are never the fewer MAIDS for her
1678 RAY, p. 258: *Spoken of a woman that hath maiden children.
Cf. M14: As good a maid as her mother; M32: All the maids in
Wanswell may dance in an eggshell.
M41 MAIDEN=instrument for beheading people
M41 He that invented the MAIDEN first hanselled1 it
1652 TATHAM Scotch Figgaries II, p. 141: I’m sworn to cheat my
father, and ’tis fit, He that first made the gin should hansell it.
1721 KEL., p. 140.
See OTTO, no. 170.
[lgot the first use of it]
M42-M45 MAIDEN = unmarried woman
M42 A tear-eyed MAIDEN was aye thrice greedy
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 174.
M43 You are like an old MAIDEN, you look aloft
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1565. I721 KEL., p. 362: You breed of old
Maidens, you look high. *Spoken to them who overlook what is
just before them. Maidens are supposed to be long unmarried,
because they look for Courtiers of a higher Condition than those
that offer themselves.
M44 MAIDENS should be meek till they be married
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 994. I668 R.B., p. 37: (while they be mar-
ried). 1721 KEL., p. 253: (married, and then burn Kirks). *Spo-
ken often by way of Reflection, when we say that such a one is a
good humour’d Girl, as if you would say, observe how she’ll prove
when She is married.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 A.Y. IV i 148: Maids are May when they
are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives.
Cf. M3 5: Maids want nothing but husbands and when they have
them they want everything.
M45 MAIDENS should be seen and not heard
1560 BECON Cat. VI, p. 369: (Remembering this common proverb:
A maid should be). [1622] 1657 MIDDLETON More Dissemblers
III i 41: Virgins should be seen more than they’re heard. 1632
D. LUPTON Land. and Country in Bks. Chan, p. 73: Like a true
Maid, seen, but not heard. 1639 CL., p. 302: Maidens must be
seene and not be heard. I668 DRYDEN Essay Dr. Poesy, p. 306:
She has the breeding of the old Elizabeth way, which was for maids
to be seen, and not to be heard. 1670 RAY, p. 51: (Maidens must
be). 1675 C. COTTON Scofler Scoft, p. 139: Maids should be seen,
they say, not heard. 1732 FUL., no. 3306.
Cf. S447: Silence is the best ornament of a woman. ’ (6)
M46 The MAIN lost, cast the bye1 away
1619 DRAYTON Idea 63 59: Wks., II 340: As Love and I, late har-
bour’d in one Inne, With Proverbs thus each other intertaine . . The
Maine lost, cast the By away.
[1a thing of secondary importance]

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8'.
MAKE
MAN
406
M47 If you MAKE it not better make it not worse
1639 CL., p. 197.
M48 To MAKE or mar
01527 J. RAS'I‘EM. Calisto and Mel., s. A4v: Longyng to here whether
made or mard My message shall return by my seruannt. 1542
UDALL Apoph., f. 267v: Declaring that he was utterly mynded to
put al in hasarde to make or marre. 1558 PHAER Aeneid VI 658,
s. R2: He forgyd lawes for bribes, and made, and marrd, and
altryd all. 1562 HEY. Epig. 39, p. 133: Make or mar I wyll, so
saist thou euer: But thou doost euer marre, thou makst neuer.
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28v: He that maketh not, marreth not,
who marreth, amendeth. 1616 DR., no. 560: He is in the making
andmarring. 1639CL.,p.95:He’suponmakingor marring. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: I am made or marr’d. 1672 WALK. 71,
p. 53: Be made or marr’d.
SHAKES PEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 191: Nay, it makes nothing,
sir. ——If it mar nothing neither. 1599 A.Y. I i 33: I am not
taught to make anything. —VVhat mar you then, sir? 1604
O. V i 4: It makes us, or it mars us. (I7)
M49 You MAKE me scratch (claw) where it does not
itch
1521 BARCLAY Eclog. IV, p. 30: But Codrus I clawe oft where it doth
not itche. 1546 HEY. II Vii, 5. K1: (claw where it itcheth not).
1573 Twelve Mer. 7ests Edyth 2 in Shak. jest-Bks., III 41: The
barbour gan to claw there it did not ych. 1578 WHETSTONE 1
Promos and Cass. III v, s. D3: And straight (through feare) where
he clawes it doth not ytch. 1586 WITHALS, s. L6v: Sometimes the
head is scratched where no itching doth occasion rere. 1589
GREENE Menaphon, p. 101: He scracht his head where it itcht not.
1609 W.M. Man in Moon, p. 33: He wil scratch where it itcheth
not, and tickle your cares with a tale of variable venerie. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 256: (Some do claw where). 1623 CAM., p. 271:
He scratcheth, where it itcheth not. 1639 CL., p. 55: (It makes
me). 1653 URQUHART Gargantua I xi, I 54: He would . . claw where
it did not itch. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (where it itcheth not).
1659 N.R., p. 66: I scratch where it itcheth not. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Grattarsi, p. 78: (To scratch where). 1670 RAY,
p. 192. 1732 FUL., no. 5341: (’Twould make one Scratch, where).
SHAKESPEARE.——I611 Temp. II ii 55: A tailor might scratch her
where'er she did itch.
Cf. M205: It would make a man scratch where it does not itch
to see a man live poor to die rich.
M50 MALICE has a sharp sight and a strong memory
1650:FULLER Pisgah-Sight II iii, p. 94: Yet we know malice hath
a strong memory. 1732 FUL., no. 3328.
Cf. M52: Malice is mindful.
M51 MALICE hurts itself most
1639 CL., p. 197. 1664 COD., p. 205: (most of all). 1732 FUL., no,
3327: Malice drinketh up the greatest Part of its own Poison.
Cf. H830: He that hurts another hurts himself.
M52 MALICE is mindful
1639 CL., p. 325. I670 RAY, p. 118. I721 KEL., p. 249: Malice is
ay mindful. *Spoken when People rip up old Sores, and think,
with Resentment, upon Old Disobligations. 1732 FUL., no. 3329.
Cf. M50: Malice has a sharp sight and a strong memory.
M53 MALICE never speaks well
1574 HELLOWES Guevara’s Fam. Epp., p. 304: Malice findes many
faults. 1623 CAM., p. 274. I659 N.R., p. 79.
Cf. I41: Ill will (Evil will) never speaks (said) well.
M54 More MALICE than matter
1678 RAY, p. 352: *Somerset. I732 FUL., no. 3458. I747 FRANK-
LIN, p. 24: When there’s more Malice shown than Matter: On the
Writer falls the Satire.
M55 More MALLETs than anvils
1616 DR., no. 1042.

fi
M56 As the MALT is so will the drink be, strong or
small, good or bad
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sapore, p. 179: (The English say, AS
the).
M57 The MALT is above the water
1678 RAY, s.v. Proverbiall Periphrases of one drunk, p. 87.
FRANKLIN Drinker’s Dict.: Wks., II 138.
Cf. M58: Malt is above the wheat (meal) with him.
M58 MALT is above the Wheat (meal) with him
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D2: Sixe daies in a weeke, beside the market daie,
Malt is aboue Wheate with hym, market men saie. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 94, p. 215: Where so euer malte is aboue wheate. There in
shotte euer drinke is aboue meate. 1584 T. COGAN Haven Health
218, p. 217: Take good heede that Malt be not aboue Wheate be-
fore you parte. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1038: Malt spairs meall.
Ibid., no. 1319: The malt is abov the meall. 1616 DR., s.v. Drunk-
ennesse, no. 551. I626 BRETON Fantastics: Wks., II 7: Malt is now
aboue wheat with a number of mad people. 1639 CL., s.v. Bi-
bacitas, p. 46. I641 FERG., no. 850: The malt is above the beir.
1668 R.B., p. 54: [As in a1598 Ferg., no. 1319]. 1721 KEL., p. 320:
The Malt’s above the Meal with you. *That is, you are drunk.
Cf. M57: The malt is above the water.
I745
M59 The MALTMAN comes on Monday
1600 Sir Oldcastle, s. F1: Be mery wench; the mault-man comes
on munday. 1621 J. TAYLOR Trav. Twelvepence: Wks. F., p. 70:
The Malt-man came on Munday, and would haue me. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 9.
M60 It is merry when MALTMEN meet
I602 ROWLANDS ’Tis Merry When Gossips Meet, p. 6: Ther’s a
Booke cal’d, T’is merry when knaues meete. And ther’s a Ballad,
T’is merry when Malt-men meete. 01629 Excell. Medley l. 89 in
Roxb. Bal., I 59: ’Tis merry when kinde Maltmen meet. 1631
BRATHWAITE Whimzies Piper, p. 145.
Cf. F750: It is merry when friends meet; G382: It is merry when
gossips (gentlefolks) meet; K143: It is merry when knaves meet.
M61 I stand in a MAMMERING
1532 T. MORE Conf. Tyndale Pref: Wks. 1557, p. 343: He was in a
mamering whether he would retourne agayn ouer the sea. I580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 148: Being in a mammering what to
aunswere. 1609 W. BARLOW Ans. Catholic Eng. 128, p. 115: Hee
. . did protest, euen while matters were in a mammering. I616
WITHALS, p. 561.
M62 An active MAN can never be idle
1616 DR., no. 224: A man full of spirit cannot be idle.
p. 78.
M63 As a MAN is friended so the law is ended
I538 LATIMER Serm. and Rem. 3 3, p. 398: It is reserved to the assize,
where as men he friended, so (they say) things be ended. 01538
T. STARKEY Dialogue I iii 595: Eng. in Reign Hen. VIII II, p. 86:
For (as hyt ys commynly and truly also sayd) materys be endyd as
they be frendyd. 01548 BRINKELOW Compl. Rod. X, p. 25: The
lawe is ended, as a man is frynded. 1556 J. HEYWOOD Spider and
Fly XXVII, p. 123: Yet sum say, sumtime, that the law is eended,
In sum case, in sum place: as folke are freended. 1583 STUBBES
Anat. Abuses II, p. 10: Now commonly the law is ended as a man is
fri[e]nded. [I600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. III, s. G1: Remember
this old law, As men are friended, So either right or wrong their
sutes are ended. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., no. 1583. 1639
CL., p. 24: (so his cause is ended). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7.
1664 COD., p. 18 5: (is befriended). 1670 RAY, p. 94. 1681 ROB.,
p. 470: (so is his difference, or cause ended).
Cf. M375: Show me the man and I will show you the law.
1639 CL.,
M64 As a MAN lives so shall he die, as a tree falls so
shall it lie
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 308: Dost thou not know that where
the tree falleth there it lyeth? and euery ones deathes daye is his

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN
MAN
407


domes day? 1590 SPENSER FQ. I x 41: 0 man haue mind of that
last bitter throw; For as the tree does fall, so lyes it euer low. I600
BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 228: As falls the tree, so prostrate still it
lyes: So speedeth life, in liuing, as it dyes. 1616 Homo Arbor l. 23
in RC. Times’ Whistle, p. 126: The tree what way it falls, that way
doth lye. Even so shall man be iudged as he doth die. I669 PENN
No Cross No Crown XII, p. 338: As the Tree falls, it lies; and as
Death leaves Men, Judgment finds them. 1678 RAY, p. 296.
Cf. L391: He that lives well Shall die well (cannot die amiss);
L392: He that lives wickedly can hardly die honestly; T503: Where
the tree falls there it shall lie.
M65 As a MAN must take a Wife, for better or for
worse
1639 CL., s.v. Fortuitus eventus, p. 122: For better for worse.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: Be it for better or for worse. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Moglie, p. 106: To have taken a wife that one
might not be miserable alone, viz. to have company in ones sorrow;
the English say, for better, or for worse. 1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III
ii 103, p. 318: The Good Old Cause, which some believe To be the
Dev’l . . Had Store of Money in her Purse, When he took her for
bett’r or worse. 1699 PENKETHMAN Love without Int. III i, p. 15:
But if ever you have me for better for worse, such course Fare as
that will never serve turn. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 407: You
must take it for better for worse, as a man takes his wife.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 H. III ii 261: Still better, and worse.
——So you must take your, husbands.
Cf. P646: Be it better, be it worse, do after him that bears the purse.
M66 As good a MAN as ever trod on shoe (neat’s)
leather (as ever went on legs)
1560-77 Misogonus IV i 158: As vp right a fellowe as ere trod on
netes lether. 1594 LYLY Mother B. II iii 19: I haue as fayre a face
as euer trode on Shoo sole. I595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 581,
s. DI: Our lack sir? as good a fellow as euer troade vppon Neats
leather. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 634: He is als good a man as puts his
fute in a blak shoe. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money,
5. D3: You speake the best French that euer trode upon Shoe of
Leather. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s. I4: I know you
are as good a man as euer drew sword. . or as ere went on Neats
leather. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle I,
p. 172: It is e’n the kindest young man that ever trode on shooe-
leather. [01637] 1659 Lond. Chant. iii, p. 330: As good a one as ever
trod upon shoe-leather. I670 RAY, p. 181: (As honest as ever).
1678 RAY, p. 285: As good as ever the ground went upon.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V IV vii 147: His reputation is as
arrant a Villain and a Jacksauce as ever his black shoe trod upon
God’s ground and his earth, in my conscience, la! Ibid. IV Vii 168:
I would fain see the man, that has but two legs, that Shall find him-
self aggrief’d at this glove. 1599 7.C. I i 28: As proper men as ever
trod upon neat’s leather have gone upon my handiwork. 1611
Temp. II ii 62: As proper a man as ever went on four legs cannot
make him give ground. Ibid. II ii 72: He’s a present for any em-
peror that ever trod on neat’s leather.
M67 AS honest a MAN as any is in the cards when the
kings are out
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Bb3: Yes sure, you are as honest a man,
as any is in the cardes if the Kinges were out. 1639 CL., p. 286:
(as any in the cards when the kings be out). 1678 RAY, p. 291:
(when all the kings are out). 1732 FUL., no. 697: (as any in).
M68 As honest a MAN as ever broke bread
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, 3. I4: You are as good a man as . .
ere broke bread, or drunke drinke. 1604 Wit Woman, s. E3v:
TrulyI see you are your Mother’s daughter, franke and free hearted,
oh she was a good creature as broke bread. [1607] 1631 T. HEY-
WOOD I Fair Maid West II, p. 277: My father was a Baker . . as
honest a man as ever lived by bread. 1670 RAY, p. 181. 1673
DRYDEN Assig. V ii, p. 459: No ravishers . . but two as honest as
e’er broke bread.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. 111 v 41: An honest soul, i’ faith,
sir . . as ever broke bread. 1600—1 I iv 160: An honest
maid as ever broke bread.

M69 As honest a MAN as the sun shone on
1693 SHADWELL Volunteers I ii, p. 172: He is as fine a Gentleman as
the Sun shines upon.
See APP., p. 306.
M70 As if a MAN that is killed should come home
upon his feet
1678 RAY, p. 410: *This is used proverbially of those things which
we give for lost.
Cf. S212: Seeing is believing.
M71 As long lives a merry MAN as a sad
[01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates l. 106, p. 380: For als lang leifis
the mirrie man As the sorie, for ocht he can. [01553] 1566—7
UDALL Roister D. I i I: As long lyveth the mery man (they say) As
doth the sory man, and longer by a day. [a1563] 1661 Tom Tyler
and His Wife 1. 159, p. 5: (a merry heart as a sorrie). a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 86: Alse long lives the mirrie man as the wreche for all the
craft he can. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iv, s. E3: As long
lines the merry man as the sad. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1639 CL.,
p. 184. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1668 R.B., p. 6: [As in a1598
Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 116: (a merry heart). 1721 KEL., p. 48:
AS long lives the merry Man as the sad, and a Night longer. *A
chearful Temper is no Enemy to Health and long Life, but rather
a Friend.
SHAKESPEARE.—-IOII W.T. IV iii 134: A merry heart goes all
the day, Your sad tires in a mile-a.
Cf. H305: A good heart conquers ill fortune (overcomes all);
H320a: A merry heart lives long.
M72 As near to other as MAN and wife
1639 CL., p. 286.
Cf. B83: As near as bark to tree.
M73 As soon as MAN is born he begins to die
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 62: Carrying this in your remembrance that
we are born to die, and that even in our swathe-clouts death may
ask his due. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 252: Our lyfe is . . of
suche vncerteintie, that we are no sooner borne, but wee are subiecte
to death, the one foote no sooner on the grounde, but the other
ready to slippe into the graue. 1596 Edw. III, s. H3v: For from
the instant we begin to live, we do pursue and hunt the time
to die. 1615 T. ADAMS Mystical Bedlam: Wks., p. 513: AS soone as
wee are borne, we beginne to draw to our end. 1620 SHELTON
Don Quix. Pt. II, lxxiv, IV 269: As all humane things being transi-
torie, and not eternal, are ever declining from their beginnings,
untill they come unto their last end and period; but more especially
the lives of men. 1732 FUL., no. 4466: The Day ofour Birth is one
Day’s advance towards our Death.
See DUR., II, no. 462. Cf. B140: He that is once born once
must die; D327: It is as natural to die as to be born.
M74 AS the blind MAN casts his stafi (shoots the
crow)
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2: (casts his staffe, or shootes the crow).
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 745: He does as the blind man quhen he casts
his staff. 1616 DR., no. 595: He casteth as the blind man doth his
staffe, when he shooteth at a Crow. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 20:
As the blind Stands and casts his staff. 1670 RAY, p. 165: (shot the
crow). 1732 FUL., no. 1393: Even as the blind Man shot the Crow.
Cf. M81: A blind man may sometimes catch (hit, shoot) a hare
(crow, the mark).
M75 As the MAN is so is his talk
1539 TAV., f. 19: *The talke of honest men is honesty, the talke of
knaues is knauerye. [01570] 1599 Clyomon and Clamydes xv, s.
FIv: Alas poore simple Shepheard, by this Princes may see, That
like man, like talke, in euery degree. 1609 W.M. Man in Moon,
p. 50: Such as the woman is, such are her words. 1615 WELDE
Yanua Ling. 351, p. 22: (Such as the man is, such). 1616 DR.,
no. 2487: A man is knowen by his words. 1620 SHELTON Don
Quix. Pt. II, lxviii, IV 229: You may know the man, by the con-
versation he keepes. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 1 15: Such as a man

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MAN
MAN
408

is, such is his speech. Ibid. 26, p. 190: By seeing one, thou knowst
him half, by hearing of him speak, thou knowst him all over.
Cf. A401: Like author like book; B365: A bird is known by its
note and a man by his talk; F459: A fool cannot speak unlike him-
self; S735: Speech is the picture (index) of the mind.
M76 Ask not a sick MAN if he would be sound
1596 DEL., s. N3v: We must not aske of a sick man, if he will haue
his health. 1611 COT., s.v. Malade: Point ne faut demander a
malade s’il veut santé: An answer for those busie bodies, that cast
many doubts, and make many questions, in cases alreadie resolued
on. Ibid., s.v. Santé: *Make not a question of things questionlesse;
doubt not of that which is alreadie resolued. 1623 WOD., p. 502:
Wee should not Aske the Sicke if he would haue Health. *So said
of Questionlesse Things.
Cf. H284: AS welcome as health to sick men.
M77 The best MAN in the company when there is no
more
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 12: (I am the best).
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 398: One of the chief toasts in town.
—Ay, when all the rest are out of it.
Cf. M433: You are a man among the geese when the gander is
away.
M78 Beware of a silent MAN (dog) and still water
1585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. N2: A still fellow, for he commonly
is subtill and crafty. A still water which is deepe, and therefore
dangerous. 1611 JONSON Cat. III 569, p. 487: So waters speake
When they runne deepest. 1677 RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings:
Anglo-Belgica, II 27: A man that speaks not, and a dog that barks
not, must at all times be most narrowly look’d to. 1732 FUL., no.
1806: Have a Care of a silent Dog, and a still Water. Ihid., no.
4163: Silent Men, like still Waters, are deep and dangerous.
See DUR., II, no. 398; ST., no. 2531. Cf. D503: A still dog bites
sore; G184: God defend me from the Still water and I’ll keep myself
from the rough; H807: The stillest humors are always the worst;
M145: From a choleric man withdraw a little, from him that says
nothing, forever; W103: Running water is better than standing;
W123: Water runs smoothest where it is deepest.
M79 A black MAN is a pearl (jewel) in a fair woman’s
eye
1599 CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth viii 225, p. 79: Black is a pearl in
a woman’s eye. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap III i 26: And she
have no more good manners but to make every black slovenly
cloud a pearle in her eye, I shall ne’er love English moon again
while I live. 01608 MIDDLETON Your Five Gallants V i 166: A
black man’s a pear! in a fair lady’s eye. [01613] 1632 T. HEYWOOD
2 Iron Age I, p. 364: A blacke complexion Is alwayes precious in a
womans eye. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A4v): A faire woman is
a pearle in a black mans eye. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 ii
2, p. 679: A black man is a pearl in a fair woman’s eye, and is as
acceptable as lame Vulcan was to Venus. 1639 CL., p. 119: (a
jewell in a womans eye). 1670 RAY, p. 51: (jewel). 1721 KEL.,
p. 37: (Jewel). *Only a piece of Flattery to a Man who has not
the Advantage of a fair Complexion.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. V i 42: This is the pearl that pleas’d
your Empress’ eye. 1594 T.G. V. V ii 12: ‘Black men are pearls in
beauteous ladies’ eyes.’
M80 A blind MAN can (should) judge no colors
[ERAS. Adagia, 228B: Caecum disputare de coloribus.] 1530 PALS.,
p. 511a: (can nat deme no coulours). 1539 TAV., f. 18: For he
[Aristotle] sayeth a blynd man ought not to dispute of colours.
1546 HEY. ii v, s. H4v: (But blind men shold). 1591 FLOR. Sec. F.
XII, p. 185: Blind men cannot iudge of colours. 01592 Soliman,
s. C4v: (Blind can). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 64: (sould notjudge of
cullouris). 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 128: (The blinde Should). 1611
GRUT., no. 71: (Blind men should). 1614 CAM., p. 304: [As in 1611
Grut.]. 1616 DR., no. 1080: The blind can iudge of no colours.
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 7: Blind men judge of colours. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: Blind men should not judge of colours.
M81


1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 46: (judgeth not of colours). 1668 R.B.,
p. 2: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 63: (Blind men can).
SHAKESPEARE.——1598 2 Hen. VI II i 127: If thou hadst been
born blind, thou mightst as well have known all our names as thus
to name the several colours we do wear. Sight may distinguish
of colours; but suddenly to nominate them all, it is impossible.
A blind MAN may sometimes catch (hit, shoot)
a hare (crow, the mark)
1578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. V v, s. F4v: I see sometime,
the blinde man hits a Crowe. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Ahuses II,
p. 53: Sometim by chance a blind man may catch a hare. [1598]
1616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. D2v: Euery man as he
may; yet sometimes the blind may katch a Hare. —I sir, but he
will first eate many a Fly. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, 3.
I4: (may kill a Hayre). [1613-34] 1640 JONSON Underwoods 19,
p. 293: Who reads may rove, and call the passage dark, Yet may
as blindmen sometimes hit the mark. 1616 WITHALS, p. 581;
(may catch a crow). 1639 CL., p. 122: (may catch a crow).
Ihid., p. 258: (may catch a hare). 1658 ATWELL Faithful Surv. 2,
p. 8: The blinde man may shoot and hit a crow.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I H. (Q. I) (III ii), p. 65,1. 1216: God
knows, the warme Clowne cannot make a iest anesse by chance,
as the blinde man catcheth a hare.
Cf. M74: As the blind man casts his staff (shoots the crow).
(11)
M82 A blind MAN might see that
1562 HEY. Epig. 298, p. 171: Ye see your fare, a very straunge fare
to see. A blynde man may see our fare as well as wee. 1647 N.
WARD Simple Cohhler, p. 22: If God helpe not the one, and the
devill leave not helping the other, a blinde man may easily foresee
what will become of both. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 178. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Orbo, p. 122: For a blind man to be able to
see’t, viz. to be most clear and manifest.
M83 Brave MAN at arms but weak to Balthasar
01592 KYD Span. Trag. II ii, s. A4. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5.
1669 DRYDEN Wild Gallant II i, p. 51. 7
M84 Command your MAN and do it yourself
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 49: Command, and do it, and thou shalt
rid thy self of trouble. *Note 127, p. 60: As the English say, Com-
mand your man, and do it your self. 1670 RAY, p. 169. 1692
R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 53, I 53: Men are more sensible in their own
Case then in Anothers; which is all but according to the Old Say-
ing, Command your Man, and Do’t Your Self. 1732 FUL., no.
1124.
Cf. B341: Bid me and do it yourself; D401: For that which thou
canst do thyself rely not on another; S248: If you would be well
served serve yourself.
M85 A covetous MAN does nothing good until he dies
01526 Dicta Sap., s. BIV: A couetous man dothe no good tyll he
dye, for than he suffereth other to haue fruicyon of his goodes.
1539 TAV., f. 51: Auarus nisi cum moritur, nil recte facit, A couet-
ouse man doth noman good but whan he dyeth. They that giue
themselfes only to the hourdyng vp of money be, profitable to no
bodie while they liue. Only their death bryngeth pleasure and
profyte to theyr heyres and executours. 1572 T. WILSON Disc.
Usury, p. 230: The covetous man doth nothing well, but when he
dyeth. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: The miser doth nothing well,
but when he kicketh up his heels. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 17:
A covetous man never cloth a better deed, than when he kicks up
his heels. 1677 RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica,
II 24: A miser doth no good, but when he dieth.
Cf. M1005: A miser, like a hog, does no good until he dies;
M1071: Money, like dung, does no good till it is spread.
M86 A covetous MAN is good to none but worst to
himself
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 233v: A couetous man is
good to no man, and worst friend to himselfe. . 1614 LODGE Ep.
108, p. 443: The couetous man is good to no man, and worst to him-
selfe. 1732 FUL., no. 53.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN
MAN
409

P—t
M87 A covetous MAN is like a dog in a wheel, that
roasts meat for others
1614 OVERBURY News: Wks., p. 200: A covetous man is a dog in a
wheele, that toiles to roast meat for other mens eating. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: (A covetous man like a dogg). 1669
W[INSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 191. 1670 RAY, p. 5. 1732
FUL., no. 52: (is a Dog in).
M88 A covetous MAN is never rich
I657 LEIGH, p. 266. 1659 N.R., p. 17.
Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 37.
Cf. N163: The niggard has never enough (is never rich); P473:
Poor and liberal, rich and covetous.
M89 The deceitful MAN falls 0ft into the snares of
deceit
1596 DEL., s. N6v. I732 FUL., no. 994: Bloody and deceitful Men
dig their own Graves.
Cf. D179: He that deceives (beguiles) another is oft deceived
(beguiled) himself; S532: They had thought to have put others
into a sleeve and they are put in themselves.
1677 RICHARDSON Cert.
M90 A discontented MAN knows not where to sit easy
1640 HERB., no. 341. I705 Pleas. Art, p. I 57.
M91 Do well and doubt no MAN (all men)
16th c. Brit. Mus. MS Addit. 5665 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 258:
D0 well, and drede no man. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 349. Ibid.,
no. 350: (all man). 1641 FERG., no. 242: Do well and doubt na
man, and do weill and doubt all men. 1668 R.B., p. 17: [As in
1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 89: *But rest satisfied in the Testimony
of a good Conscience. Ibid.: (all Men). *Lest they malign and
envy you.
Cf. M513: Do well and let men say what they will.
M92 A drowning MAN Will catch at a twig (rush,
straw)
1614 C. BROOKE Ghost Rich. III: Poems, p. 105: And now like to a
man (ready to drowne) catch at a helplesse thing. I625 HALL
Contempl. I xix, II 244: The drowning man snatches at every twig.
1670 Cloud Opened in Harl. Misc., IV 153: Sinking Men will take
Hold of Reeds. 1677 R. GILPIN Daemon. Sacra III xi, p. 364: The
despairing grievance of spirit makes them take that which comes
next to hand, as a drowning man that grasps a twig or straw.
1678 R. L’ESTRANGE Mor. III xviii, p. 337: We catch hold of Hopes
. . as Drowning Men do upon Thorns, or Straws. 1732 F UL., no.
80: (Rush).
See ST., no. 2203.
crust.
Cf. H820: Hunger makes a man leap at a
M93 A drunken MAN (wife) gets aye a drunken penny
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 181. 1668 R.B., p. 17: Drunken wife gat ay
the drunken penny. I721 KEL., p. 29: A drunken Wife will get the
drunken Penny, but a Drudge will get a Dark [day’s work]. *They
that are free and liberal will have to spend, when the saving and
penurious will get hard Labour.
M94 A drunken MAN (Drunken folk) seldom catches
(take) harm
1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XXX xiii, p. 242: The horse unto the
bottome quickly sunke, And had for company his burthen drownd,
If fortune that helps frantike men and drunke, Had not him safe
conveyd to Affricke ground. 1604 DEKKER Meeting Gallants:
Plague Pamph., p. I 30: There is an oulde Prouerbe, and now con-
firmed true, a Druncken man neuer takes harme. I605 CHAPMAN,
JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho III iii 191: They say yet,
drunken men neuer take harme. 1616 WITHALS, p. 565: (never
catcheth harme). 1619 R. HARRIS Drunkard’s Cup, p. 13: (neuer
takes harmes). 1639 CL., p. 126. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 138: Boys, nor drunken men, do ever
come by any harm. I670 RAY, p. 8 3: Drunken folks seldom take
harm. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Drunken: [AS in 1670 Ray]. 1721 KEL.,


p. 122: God takes Care of Fools, and drunken Men. *Taken from
the strange Escapes that both these sort of People meet with.
M95 A dumb MAN holds all
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 49. 1668 R.B., p. 5.
M96 An envious MAN grows lean
3.1500 Harl. MS 3362, p. 309: A envyows man wexit lene. 1598
BARCKLEY Fel. Man V, p. 626: The envious man growes leane to
see others fat. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 6: An envious
man repines at the prosperity of another.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 7C. I ii 194—208: Yond Cassius has a lean
and hungry look . . Such men as he be never at heart’s ease Whiles
they behold a greater than themselves.
M97 An envious MAN will pluck out one of his own
eyes to pull out both of his neighbor’s
1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s Sickness: Wks., p. 448: The enuious man
would haue happily one of his eyes put out, as the couetous should
lose both. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 9: Such an envious wretch, that
he would pluck out one of his own eyes to take out both his neigh-
bours. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 122. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Solace:
He puts out one of his own Eyes, to put out both of his Adversary’s.
M98 Every ill MAN has his ill day
1640 HERB., no. 92. 1659 N.R., p. 31: (Every man hath).
PALMER, p. 123: (will have an Ill Time).
1710
M99 Every MAN a little beyond himself is a f001
1677 YARRANTON Eng. Improvem., I 105: The Old saying is true,
Every Man is a Fool when he is out of his own way. I732 FUL.,
no. 1421. _
Cf. M122: Every man in his way; M282: A man must not roam
above his reach.
M100 Every MAN (one) after his fashion
[01517] 01545 SKELTON Speak Parrot l. 92: kas., II 6: Euery Man
after his maner of wayes. I546 HEY. I xi, s. E1. 01594 BACON,
no. 955. I611 GRUT., no. 92: (one). 1614 CAM., p. 305: (one).
1616 DR., no. 673. 1639 CL., p. 89. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8:
(one). 1659 N.R., p. 30: Every one after his own fashion. 1664
COD., p. 191.
SHAKESPEARE—I602 A.W. IV i 19: We must every one be a
man of his own fancy.
Cf. M104: Every man as his business lies.
M101 Every MAN (one) as he loves (likes)
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 161: Euery one as he lyketh.
1611 COT., s.v. Guise: Euery one as he likes. 1639 CL., p. 16.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Liking, p. 199: (likes).
Cf. M102: Every man as he loves, let him send to the cooks;
M103: Every man (one) as he loves, quoth the good man when he
kissed his cow; M115: Every man has his delight.
M102 Every MAN as he loves, let him send to the
cooks
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 138: As ye loue send to the cookes. I641
FERG., no. 496: (Ilke a man as). 1668 R.B., p. 29: (Ilk a man as).
1721 Kel., p. 99: (Cook). *That is, let every Man choose accord-
ing to his liking.
Cf. M101: Every man (one) as he loves (likes).
M103 Every MAN (one) as he loves, quoth the good
man when he kissed his cow
1546 HEY. II i, S. F3: (whan that he kyst his cowe). [01553] 1566—7
UDALL Roister D. I iii I 10: I pray you when dyd ye last kisse your
cowe. 01569 J. PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 155, s. B3: I am as
homlie as the good wife that for loue kist her cow. 1611 GRUT.,
no. 87. 1614 CAM., p. 305. I630 D’AVENANT just It. III, p. 234:
In three hours not so much as a dry kiss. The old amorous deacon
that embrac’d his cow Was not so destitute. Every ane to his
taste as the auld man said when he kissed his coo. 1639 CL., p. 27:
(as hee likes). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (Every one as he likes).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
MAN 410
MAN
1659 N.R., p. 30: Every one as she liketh, quoth the good woman
when she kist her Cow. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Impicco, p. 82:
Every one as he likes; the English say, as the good woman when
she kiss'd her cow. 1672 WALK. 76, p. 54: (Every man where he
likes). I678 RAY, p. 168: (Every one as they like best, as the good
man said when).
Cf. M101: Every man (one) as he loves (likes).
M104 Every MAN as his business lies
I678 RAY, p. 107. I682 BEHN False CountI ii, p. I I 1: Every Man
to his business, I say.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 1 Hen. [V II ii 81: Every man to his busi~
ness. 1600-1 H. I v 128: I hold it fit that we shake hands and part;
You, as your business and desire shall point you, For every man
hath business and desire, Such as it is.
Cf. C23: Everyone must walk (labor) in his own calling (voca-
tion); C480: Let not the cobbler (shoemaker) go beyond his last;
M100: Every man (one) after his fashion.
M105 Every MAN before he dies shall see the devil
a1564 BECON Chr. Knt. Pref: Cat., p. 624: The common people
have a saying among them, that every man before he dieth shall
see the devil.
M106 Every MAN (one) can rule a shrew but he that
has her
1546 HEY. II vi, s. II: (saue he). 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax,
p. 78: For the shrewd wife, read the booke of taming a shrew,
which hath made a number of vs so perfect, that nowe euery one
can rule a shrew in our country, saue he that hath her. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 377: (Everie man can guyd ane ill wyf bot). I611
GRUT., no. 90: (saue he). 1614 CAM., p. 305: (saue he). 1616 DR.,
no. 639: (can skill of a shrew, but). 01620 M. PARKER Household
Talk 1. 39 in Roxb. Bal., I 442: Every man can tame a Shroe but he
who hath a wife unruly. 1639 CL., p. 48. I641 FERG., no. 251:
(rule an ill wife, but). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: Every one can
tame a shrew, but he who hath her. 1664 COD., p. 191. 1668
R.B., p. 17: (rule an ill wife, but). 1670 RAY, p. 50: (tame a shrew,
but). 1721 KEL., p. 92: (guide an ill Wife, but). *Often, and
justly, apply'd in a literal Sense; but in a general when one appre—
hends that he could order such a Station, Post, or Business, better
than he that has it.
Cf. B10: Bachelors’ wives and maids’ children are well taught.
M107 Every MAN cannot be a master (lord)
I546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v: Euery man maie not syt in the chayre.
1552 TAV., f. 5 5: Oure Englysh prouerbe, whiche sayeth Euery man
may not be a lorde. 1596 DEL., s. P6v: (Euery one can not).
1616 DR., no. 1712: (Lord). 1623 WOD., p. 519: All Men can not
be Maisters. I732 FUL., no. 537: [As in 1623 Wod.].
SHAKESPEARE—I604 O. I i 43: We cannot all be masters.
Cf. A15: There is no accord where every man would be a lord;
K55: Better to be king of a molehill than a kaiser’s slave; M412:
Where every man is master the world goes to wrack.
M108 Every MAN cannot be Vicar of Bowden
I678 RAY, p. 301.
M109 Every MAN cannot go to the price
1639 CL., s.v. Difficultatis, p. 87.
M110 Every MAN cannot hit the nail on the head
I611 GRUT., no. 89. 1614 CAM., p. 305. 1639 CL., p. I. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1659 N.R., p. 30. I662 FULLER Worthies
Lincolnshire, II 24: There be some mistakes (no hand so steady as
alwayes to hit the nail on the head). 1664 COD., p. 191.
Cf. N16: He has hit the nail on the head.
M111 Every MAN cannot speak with the king
1611 COT., s.v. Roy: Not euerie one that would, may speake to
Kings. 1616 DR., no. 1713. 1639 CL., p. 146. I672 WALK. 35,
p. 37: (come at the King). 1681 ROB., p. 788: [As in 1672 Walk.].

1
M112 Every MAN for himself (for one)
1478 J. WHETLEY (to Sir J. Paston, May 20) in Paston Let. 932, V
322: The wyche ye shall understond more when I come, for ther is
every man for hym selfl'. 1550 CROWLEY Epig. l. 203: Wks., p. 11;
Where euerye man is for him selfe, And no manne for all. 1575
GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. IV ii, p. 61. I578 WHETSTONE 1 Promos and
Cass. II iv, s. CIV: Each shyft for one. a1598 FERG. MS, no,
379: (himself quod Schir Marteine). 1606 Wily Beguiled viii, p. 32;
Euerie man for himselfe. Ile shift for one, I warrant ye. 1615
BRATHWAITE Strap. for Devil, p. 206: Th’ Old prouerbe’s in request,
each man for one. 1616 DR., no. 819. 1639 CL., p. 254: He is all
for himself. 1641 FERG., no. 253: Everie man for himself (quoth
the Merteine). 1668 R.B., p. 18: [As in 1641 Ferg.].
SBAKESPEARE.—I590-I 2 Hen. VI IV viii 33: For me, I will make
shift for one. 1611 Temp. V i 256: Every man shift for all the rest,
and let no man take care for himself; for all is but fortune.
Cf. C718: At court everyone for himself; M113: Every man for
himself and God for us all; M114: Every man for himself and the
devil for all; M952: Every miller draws water to his own mill.
M113 Every MAN for himself and God for us all
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f.
154. I598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man V, p. 636: (Yee have a common say-
ing . . euery man). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 100. I611 GRUT., no. 91.
1615 T. ADAMS Two Sons: Wks., p. 422: That byword, Every man
for himselfe, and God for vs all, is vncharitable, vngodly. 1639
CL., p. 162. I643 CAWDREY Good Man, p. 27: And a third [proverb]
is as common, Every man for himselfe, and God (only) for all.
1650 COWLEY Guardian III vi, p. 218: (Every one). 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 4. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 70: Every one hath
care of himself, and God of all. 1670 RAY, p. 103.
Cf. M112: Every man for himself (for one); M114: Every man
for himself and the devil for all.
M114 Every MAN for himself and the devil for all
1573 SANF., f. 108v. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33: (Euery one).
1615 WEBSTER Char., p. 44: (and the Divell for them all).
Cf. D267: The devil take the hindmost; M112: Every man for
himself (for one); MI 13: Every man for himself and God for us all.
M115 Every MAN has his delight
1616 DR., no. 478.
Cf. C812: Every creature thinks her own fair; M101: Every
man (one) as he loves (likes).
M116 Every MAN has (No man is without) his faults
[ERAS. Adagia, 532E: Nemo vacat prorsum malo, neque crimine.]
I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Cc3v: But no man is borne Without a
blemishe. 1590 W. SEGAR Bk. Honor and Arms III ix, I 48: There
is no man liuing faultles. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1285: Thair is
none without a fault. I611 COT., s.v. Mehaing: No man without
one fault or other. 1616 DR., no. 677. I616 WITHALS, p. 539:
Every man is subject to error. 1623 WOD., p. 479: Eueryone
hath his Vice. 1639 CL., p. 80. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 26:
None found without fault. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9: NO man
liveth without a fault. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 68: Every
one hath his fault. I668 R.B., p. 51 : There is none Without a fault.
I670 RAY, p. 89: Every man hath his faults, or, he is liveless that is
faultless. 1672 WALK. 23, p. 36: Every bean hath its black; there
are none without faults.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I I iv 14: But nobody but has his
fault. I604 M.M. V i 444: They say best men are moulded out of
faults. 1605-8 T. Ath. III i 29: Every man has his fault, and
honesty is his. 1609 Son. 35, l. 5: All men make faults, and even I
in this.
Cf. B115: Every bean has its black; L270: He is lifeless that is
faultless; M118: Every man has his weak side; M200: It is hard
for one (any) man to amend all faults; P638: Many without punish-
ment but none without fault.
M117 Every MAN has his proper gift
1639 CL., p. 89.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN
MAN
411


M118 Every MAN has his weak side
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 392, I 362: Every Man, in fine, has a
weak Side, if a body could but hit upon’t. I732 FUL., no. 1427.
Cf. M116: Every man has (No man is without) his faults.
M119—20 Every MAN has his wife
1639 CL., s.v. Coelibatus, p. 58.
M121 Every MAN in his humor
1601 JONSON Every Man in His Humor: [Title]. 1616 DR., no. 479.
1639 CL., p. 17: Every man has his humour. 1658 Every Man to His
Humour 775 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 71: [Title]. 1672 WALK.
90, p. 33: Every man hath his humour; his way to himself. 1681
ROB., p. 554: [AS in 1639 Cl.].
M122 Every MAN in his way
1678 RAY, p. 84.
Cf. M99: Every man a little beyond himself is a fool.
M123 Every MAN is a king (master) in his own house
1596 DEL., s. M6v: Euery clowne is King at home. 1611 COT., s.v.
Roy: (Euerie one). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 54: Euery groome is a
king at home. 1616 DR., no. 984: (at home). Ibid., no. 985: A
Collier is a King at home. 1623 WOD., p. 514: Every Man is King
in his House. 1629 MASSINGER Roman ActorI ii, p. 12: I in mine
own house am an emperor. 1639 CL., p. 102: (at home). 1657
LEIGH, p. 263: (Every one). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2: (master).
I659 N.R., p. 30: (Every one).
See DUR., I, no. 836. Cf. M473: A man’s house is his castle.
M124 Every MAN is best known to himself
1616 DR., no. 305. 1639 CL., p. 65. 1664 COD., p. 191.
RAY, p. 13. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 151. 1732 FUL., no. 1429.
Cf. K175: Know thyself; M130: Every man knows what is best
for himself.
1670
M125 Every MAN is either a fool or a physician to
himself
1602 JONSON Poetaster III iv 6: What are you, sir? -—A citizen of
Rome, sir. —Then you are not farre distant from a foole, sir. —A
pothecarie, sir. -——I knew thou wast not a physician; fough. 1606
P. HOLLAND Twelve Caesars Tiberius annot., I 282: Whereupon
might arise our English proverbe, A fool or a physician. 1615
T. ADAMS England’s Sickness II: Wks., p. 347: If age hath ripened
thy discretion, thou art to thy selfe (saith the Prouerbe, aut stultus
aut medieus) eyther a foole or a Physitian. I635 JONES Adrasta
Ded., s. A3: As well a foole as a good Physitian may come from
Padua. 1639 CL., p. 21. 164oJ0NSON Magn. Lady II vi 1 16: Yet
i’ the house, I heare it buzz’d, there are a brace of Doctors, A Foole,
and a Physician. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: Every one a fool or
a physitian to himself after thirtie. 1670 RAY, p. 3 5: (or a Phy-
sician after thirty years of age).
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 III iv 88: I seek you a better
husband. —That’s my master, Master Doctor . . ‘Nay,’ said I,
‘will you cast away your child on a fool and a physician?’
(11)
Cf. F454: A fool at forty is a fool indeed.
M126 Every MAN is the architect of his own fortune
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 154: A man’s owne manners
do shape him eyther good or bad fortune. I616 WITHALS, p. 543:
Faber est quisque fortunae suae. Every man worketh his owne
fortune. I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxvi, IV 218: Hence
’tis said, That every man is the Artificer of his own Fortune. 1649
MILTON Eikon. XXI, p. 254: They in whomsoeuer these vertues
dwell eminently, need not Kings to make them happy, but are the
architects of thir own happiness. 1678 R. L’ESTRANGE Mor. III
xiii, p. 31 1: Every Man is the Artificer of his Own Fortune.
Cf. CI 10: To be one’s own carver; M320: No man can make his
own hap.
M127 Every MAN is wise in his own conceit
1639 CL., p. 255.
Cf. C582: He that is wise in his own conceit is a fool.

M128 Every MAN keeps not his promise
1616 DR., no. 1741.
Cf. A149: All is not paid that is promised.
M129 Every MAN (The wearer) knows best where the
shoe wrings (pinches)
[ERAS. Similia, 574E: Ut nemo sentit qua parte stringat calceus,
nisi qui indutus est.] 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV vii, p. 152:
Doth thy shoe wrynge the, or pinche the any where. 1546 HEY.
II V, s. H2v: My selfe can tell best where my shoe doth wryng me.
1586 WITHALS, s. II: I wot wel where my shooe pincheth or Strain-
eth me. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 124: I am glad (quoth Gany-
mede) you looke into your owne faults, and see where your shooe
wrings you, measuring now the paines of Montanus by your owne
passions. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 381: (his awin sho bindis him).
1616 DR., no. 640: I know best where my shooe pincheth mee.
1623 CAM., p. 268: Euery man knowes where his shooe wrings him.
1639 CL., p. 199: Every man knowes where his own shooe wringeth
him. 1640 HERB., no. 487: (The wearer knowes where). 1641
FERG., no. 256: Every man wates best where his own shoe bindes
him. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1664 COD.,
p. 206: None know so well where the Shooe wringeth, but he that
weareth it. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Searpa, p. 182: To know
where ones shoo wrings, viz. to be sensible of ones own woes. 1668
R.B., p. 18: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 141: The wearer best
knows where the shooe wrings him.
See ST., no. 2003; TAY., p. 5.
weight of another’s burden.
Cf. W252: None knows the
(50)
M130 Every MAN knows what is best for himself
1616 BRET., p. 5.
Cf. K183: He knows (knows not) when he is well; M124: Every
man is best known to himself.
M131 Every MAN likes his own thing best
[ERAS. Adagia, 74E: Suum cuique pulchrum.] I539 TAV., f. 6v:
[AS in Eras.]. Euery man thynketh hys owne thynge fayre. 1576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 130: Every one is lightly in love with that
which is his own. 1623 WOD., p. 480: Euery one estimes, and
praiseth what he hath. 1672 WALK. 50, p. 42: (his own things best;
your geese are all swans).
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. V iv 60: A poor virgin, sir, an ill-
favour’d thing, sir, but mine own.
Cf. A270: Every ape thinks his puppy the fairest; C812: Every
creature thinks her own fair; C851: The crow thinks her own bird
fairest (whitest); M132: Every man loves himself best; M450: He
esteems each man’s birds and jewels better than his own.
M132 Every MAN loves himself best
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A4).
Cf. M131: Every man likes his own thing best.
M133 Every MAN may not wear a furred hood
1578 T. LUPTON All for Money, s. C2v: By the olde prouerbe euerie
man may not weare a fourde hood.
M134 Every MAN must choose and use his own wife
1616 DR., no. 2392.
Cf. C361: Choose for yourself and use for yourself; C362: In
choosing a wife and buying a sword we ought not to trust another.
M135 Every MAN must eat a peek of dirt (ashes, salt)
before he dies
1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. A3v: I
thinke I shall not eate a pecke of salt: I Shall not line long sure.
1639 CL., s.v. Infortunii, p. 165: You must eat a peek of ashes ere
you die. I670 RAY, p. 57: (ashes). 1710 PALMER, p. 221: She
spilt the Ashes in Her Husband’s Pottage, and then cry’d, What a-
do you make, Every Man must Eat a Peck of Dirt in his Life! Why
ay Wife, says he, that’s true, But prithee why so much at a Time?
1732 FUL., no. 1433.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi f1.
MAN
MAN
412
M136 Every MAN must have something to bring him
to his end
1616 DR., no. 449. 1639 CL., p. 215.
M137 Every MAN must see by his own eyes
1616 DR., no. 307. 1639 CL., p. 66.
M138 Every MAN must suffer his afflictions
1616 WITHALS, p. 546.
Cf. A53: Afflictions are sent us by God for our good.
M139 Every MAN will have his own turn served
1616 DR., no. 835.
M140 Every MAN will have his vie
[Every man is free to make objections] 1639 CL., s.v. Alia aliis
placent, p. 17.
M14I-2 Every MAN will Shoot at an enemy but few
will go to fetch the shaft
1678 RAY, p. 202. I732 FUL., no. 1436: (at the Enemy, but few
will gather the Shafts).
M143 Find me a true MAN Trent northward and I
will find you an honest whore
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14.
M144 For the same MAN to be a heretic and a good
subject is impossible
1651 HERB., p. 367: (is incompossible). 1659 N.R., p. 35.
From a choleric MAN withdraw a little, from
him that says nothing, forever
1631 MABBE Celestina IV, p. 99: That ancient Adage; From an
angry man, get thee gone but for a while; but from an enemy,
for ever. 1640 HERB., no. 164. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11:
Depart a while from the collerick man, and all thy life from a silent
man. 1659 N.R., p. 33.
Cf. M78: Beware of a silent man (dog) and still water.
hl14s
M146 Give a MAN luck (fortune) and throw him into
the sea
1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [33], l. 4: She [Fortune]
vseth neuer partiall handes for to offend, or please, Geue me good
Fortune all men sayes, and throw me in the seas. 1585 [MUNDAY]
Fidele and Fort. II v, s. D4v: Giue me good luck and throw mee into
the Seas. [a1600] 01647 Edm. Ironside l. 1738, p. 75: Give a man
luck and cast him over the gallous. [01607-25] 1632 W. ROWLEY
New Wonder I, p. 116: Now do I see the old proverb come to pass
"—Give a woman luck, and cast her into the sea. [01614] I639
FLETCHER Wit without Money IV, p. 181: Give him this luck, and
fling him into the sea. 1616 DR., no. 775: Giue mee fortune, and
cast me into the Sea. 1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xlii, IV
36: Heere the Proverbe comes in andjoynes well; that, Give a man
luck, and cast him in the Sea. 1639 CL., p. 125: (fortune and cast
him). 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh III vii 19: Give a man fortune, throw
him i’ the Sea. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 72, p. 321: The English say, Give one Luck, and fling him in
the Sea. 1670 RAY, p. 117. 1721 KEL., p. 113: (and cast him in
the Sea). *Spoken when a Man is unexpectedly fortunate.
Cf. B535: A fortunate boor needs but be born; F611: He dances
well to whom fortune pipes; H135: Hap and a halfpenny is world’s
gear enough; W560: Little wit serves unto whom fortune pipes.
M147 Give a MAN (dog) roast meat and beat him with
the spit
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 131: Such are not to bee liked that giue
a man a Shoulder of Mutton, and breake his head with the Spitte
when they haue done. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. T2v: To electe
mee to the callinge of thy moste intimate frends, and reiect me
to the number of thy greatest foes, were to call me to the roste,

and beate mee with the spitte. 1584 GREENE Arhasto, p. 214;
Thou art bidden to the feast by loue, and art beaten with the spit
by beauty. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 171: That bids you sit and
eate, but you with spit doth beate. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1644:
Ye should not call me to the rost and ding me with the spect.
1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet IV: Wks., p. 219: Satan according to
the tricks of some shifting Hostess, bids many friends to a Feast, and
then beates them with the Spit. 1616 DR., no. 667: He biddeth
him to roastmeate, and smiteth him with the spit. 1636 CAM., p.
296: (Give a dog rost, and). 1639 CL., p. 156: (Bid a man to rost,
and). 1659 N.R., p. 36: [As in 1636 Cam.]. 1664 COD., p. 194:
(Dog). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pane, p. 130: A bit and a knock,
the roast-meat first, and the spit afterwards. 1670 RAY, p. 190:
Give me roastmeat, and beat me with the spit. 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., p. 128: They were hidden to the rost, and beaten with the
spit. 1721 KEL., p. 62: Bid me to the Roast, and beat me with the
Spit. *Spoken when we are invited to our Cost.
M148 A good honest MAN nowadays is but a better
word for a fool
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Domine, p. 55: In English to say he is an
honest man, is as much as to say a fool, or a simpleton, but then the
word must be whinigly drawn, or spun out. 1732 FUL., no. 153.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 585: A foolish mild man; an
honest man, look you, and soon dash’d.
M149 A good MAN (She) can no more harm than a
sheep (she-ape)
1562 HEY. Dial. I x, p. 23: She can no more harme than can a she
ape. I611 GRUT., no. 8. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1616 DR., no. 1128:
(can doe no). Ibid., s.v. Women, no. 2464: Shee can no more euill
then a Shee ape. 1639 CL., s.v. Crudelitas, p. 77. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 7: (can doe no). 1659 N.R., p. 4. 1670 RAY, p. 98.
M150 A good MAN is never in danger but when he is
in the danger of a coward -
[01470] I485 MALORY Morte d’Arthur XIX iv, p. 777: (Hit is an old
sawe a good man).
M151 Good to fetch a sick MAN sorrow or a dead man
woe
1670 RAY, p. 194. 1721 KEL., p. 122: Good to fetch Sorrow to a
sick Wife. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 427: You are fit to be sent
for sorrow, you stay so long by the way.
Cf. J71: To send (To come) by John Long (Tom Long) the
carrier.
M152 The great MAN is the spider, the poor man is
the fly
1616 DR., no. 1510: The Noble-man, the Spider; and the countrey
man, the Flie. 1639 CL., p. 256.
Cf. C210: Censure, which spares the raven, torments the dove;
L116: Laws catch flies (little flies) but let the hornets (great flies)
go free.
M153 The greater the MAN the greater the crime
1600 Look about You, s. LIV: The greater man the greater his
transgression. 1732 F UL., no. 4566.
Cf. F102: The fault is as great as he that is faulty; M524: Great
men have great faults.
M154 A greedy MAN God hates
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 22. 1668 R.B., p. 5.
M155 Greet a red MAN and a bearded woman three
miles off
1573 SANF., f. 105V. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30v: If thou meete
a red man, and a bearded woman, greet them three myle of. 1591
FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 99: Wheresoeuer you are, beware of red men, of
women that are bearded, and of such as God hath marked. 1623
WOD., p. 488: Salute no red haired Man, nor Barded Woman, neerer
then thirtie Foot off, with three Stones in thy Hands for to deffend

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN
MAN
413


thee in a Need. So meant (of the common Sort) that such Men be
false, and such Women Witches. I657 LEIGH, p. 266: Salute no red
hair’d man, nor bearded woman nearer then thirty foot off, with
three stones in thy fist to defend thee in thy need. 1659 HOW.
Span. Prov., p. 19: A red man, and a bearded woman salute them
three leagues off. a1666 J. HOWELL Let. Suppl. 16, II 666: Touch-
ing a red-haired man and bearded woman, salute them a hundred
paces Off.
Cf. G177: Beware of him whom God has marked; M395: To a
red man read thy rede, with a brown man break thy bread, at a pale
man draw thy knife, from a black man keep thy wife.
M156 A handsome-bodied MAN in the face
1678 RAY, P- 73-
M157 Happy MAN happy cavil
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 516. 1668 R.B., p. 26. 1721 KEL., p. 159:
*Jocosely spoken when People are drawing Lots, or when it has faln
out well with us, or our Friend.
Cf. M158: Happy man happy dole (be his dole).
M158 Happy MAN happy dole (be his dole)
1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4v. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s.
B2v: Happy man be his dole. [a1600] I662 I.T. Grim Collier
Croydon II ii, s. G9v: Happy man be his dole that misseth her, say
I. 1611 GRUT., no. 110. 1614 CAM., p. 306. I633 SHIRLEY Cont.
for Hon. iii, p. 307: Happy man be his dole. 1639 CL., s.v. Liber-
alitas, p. 187. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 196:
Happy Man be his Dole. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 323: Hazard on
whom it lights on. *Note 4, p. 325: The English say, Happy man
be his dole, or happy be lucky. 1670 RAY, p. 12. 1678 RAY, p. I 50:
Happy man happy dole, or Happy man by his dole. I721 KEL., p.
155: *Spoken when People venture upon an uncertain Project.
SHAKESPEARE."—1594-8 T.S. I i 144: Sweet Bianca! Happy man
be his dole! 1597 I Hen. IV II ii 80: Now, my masters, happy
man be his dole, say I. 1600-1 III iv 67: Ifit be my luck,
so; if not, happy man be his dole! I611 W.T. I ii 162: No, my
lord, I’ll fight. ———You will? Why, happy man he’s dole!
Cf. H141: Happy-go-lucky; M157: Happy man happy cavil.
(5)
M159 A hasty (angry) MAN never wants woe
15th 0. Early Eng. Carols 338, p. 231: Sith hasty man lakked neuer
woo. a1536 HILL 41, p. 129: Hasti man lakkith newer woo.
1546 HEY. I ii, 8. A3v: (The hasty). I552 TAV., f. 29v: An hasty
man neuer getteth good. 1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 147:
Angrie men are subiect to many sorrowes. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 9:
(wanted never wae). 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s. 13v.
1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho V i 123:
The hastie person neuer wants woe, they say. 1611 COT., s.v.
Cheminant: (The hastie man seldom). I611 DAV. Prov., no. 243:
(The hastie). 1611 GRUT., no. 38. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1616 DR.,
no. 87: (The angry). 1636 CAM., p. 307: The envious man shall
never want woe. 1639 CL., p. 115: Hastie men never want woe.
Ibid., p. 178: (An angry). Ibid., p. 253: (A wilfull). 1640 HERB.,
no. 532: (The cholerick). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659
How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 9: (The colerique). I659
N.R., p. 8. Ibid., p. 111: [As in 1636 Cam.]. 1664 COD., p. 190:
Cholerick men never want Woe. Ibid., p. 212: [As in 1636 Cam.].
I668 R.B., p. 4: (never wanted woe). 1670 RAY, p. 101. 1697
Yorkshire Dial. in Yorkshire Anth., p. 77: But willfull fowks, duz
never want weay, it’s said.
M160 He commands enough that obeys a Wise MAN
I640 HERB., no. 543. 1650 TAYLOR Holy Living II iv, p. 78: The
humble man . . in all things lets God choose for him . . he does not
murmur against commands. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in
Via, p. 237. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 3: (who obeyes the wise).
1664 COD., p. 199. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 245: (He commands
sufliciently, who). 1670 RAY, p. 5: *Ital. 1732 FUL., no. 1827.
M161 He is a MAN, every inch of him
I595 COPLEY Wits, Fits V, p. 142: Well we see your inuincible heart,
you are (trulie) a man euerie inch of you. [a1600] c1647 Edm.
Ironside l. 466, p. 24: Hee is a mann every haires bredth . . a most

vilde, braue man yfaith. 1639 CL., s.v. Fortunatus, p. 125. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sonagli, p. 196: To be a Male, a man every
inch of him, a stout man at any thing. I670 RAY, p. 218. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 210. 1694 ECHARD Eunuch I, p. 55: Thou’rt a
Man every Inch of thee.
SHAKESPEARE.——I6o5-6 K.L. IV vi 109: Is’t not the King? ——
Ay, every inch a king!
Cf. S842: He is steel (metal) to the back.
M162 He is (is not) a MAN of God’s making
1593 PEELE Edw. I ii, s. B4: I am a poore Friar, a man of Gods
making, and a good fellow as you are. 211600 I Ret. from Parn. II,
p. 43: Luxurio, as they say, a man of God’s makinge, as they saye
Came to my house. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON
Eastward Ho I ii 44: For though thou art not like to be a Lady as I
am, yet sure thou art a creature of Gods making. 1606 DAY
Isle Gulls, S. E3v: I believe further that many Knights and some
Laydyes were neuer of Gods making. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER
North. Ho IV, s. E2v: Here’s a swaggering fellow sir, that speakes
not like a man of god’s making. 1608 G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN
Dumb Knt. IV, p. 183: Indeed at this time I am hardly like one of
God’s making. 1630 MASSINGER Picture IV ii, p. 204: He was once
a creature, It may be, of God’s making, but long since He is turn’d
to a druggist’s shop.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. V ii 528: ’A speaks not like a
man of God his making. I596 M.V. I ii 60: God made him, and
therefore let him pass for a man. 1599 A.Y. III ii 216: Is he of
God’s making? What manner of man? Is his head worth a hat?
or his chin worth a beard? 1600-1 H. III ii 36: I have thought
some of Nature’s journeymen had made men, and not made them
well, they imitated humanity so abominably.
M163 He is a tall MAN of his hands
[01470] 1485 MALORY Morte d’Arthur IV xvii, p. 140: He is a passyng
good man of his handes. I530 PALS., p. 784a. [a1588] I598 Fam.
Vic. Hen. V1. 440, p. 672: I tell you he is a man of his hands.
1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 4: They were neuer tall fellows
of their hands that were such hacksters in the street. I591 FLOR.
Sec. F. VII, p. 117: Is he valiant, and a talle man of his hands?
1599 SILVER Paradoxes Def, s. K2v: A verie tall man both of his
hands and person. 1600 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy III, p. 95:
There was not one thought to bee more readie in toung, or taller of
his hands. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Manesco, p. 298: Readie or nimble-
handed, working with his hands, a tall man of his hands. I615
Workfor Cutlers in Old Bk. Coll. Misc., II 9: Bill’s a tall fellow on’s
hands, and will quickly be wood. 1632 P. HOLLAND C yrupaedia II
vii, p. 46: As for my selfe, quoth he, swift I am not of foot, nor yet a
tall man of my hands. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub V ii 10: Az tall a
man on his hands, as goes on veet. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 18:
Stout and valiant of his hands. I678 RAY, p. 82: A tall man of’s
hands, He will not let a beast rest in’s pocket.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IV II ii 70: The worst that they
can say of me is . . that I am a proper fellow of my hands. I601
T.N. I iii 20: He’s as tall a man as any’s in Illyria. I611 W.T.
V ii 177: I’ll swear to the Prince thou art a tall fellow of thy hands.
M164 He is a Wise MAN who can make a friend of a
foe
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 496: (He is wise quho). 1639 CL., p. 189:
Make your enemy your friend. 1721 KEL., p. 172. 1732 FUL.
no. 6304.
M165 He is as good a MAN as bears hands (hair, hide
on his face)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 619: (hyd on his face).
no. 641: (hair).
M166 He is as good a MAN as belts him in a belt
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 628. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s.
I4: As good a man as . . was ere girt in a girdle.
Ibid., no. 633. Ibid.,
M167 He is as good a MAN as ever drew sword
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 638: (As handles suord or knyf). 1599 H.
PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s. 14: As good a man as ever drew sword.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part ornitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
MAN
MAN
414

M168 He is as good a MAN as lives (breathes)
81598 FERG. MS, no. 623: (as ever lived a lyf). Ibid., 110. 625:
(as breaths). Ibid., no. 626: (as lives this day). 1672 WALK. 87,
p. 25.
M169 He is as good a MAN as the earth bears (as
steps, as treads the grass down)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 622. Ibid., no. 631: (as treads the grasse
doune). Ibid., no. 639: (as steps). 1599 H. PORTER Two Women
Ab. x, s. I4: I know you are as good a man as . . ere trode on Gods
earth.
M170 He is now become a new MAN
[2 Cor. v 17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new crea-
ture.] 1570 ASCHAM Schoolmaster, p. 155: And so became so new a
man that Caesar . . made him pretor. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk.,
p. 9: You must put of the ould man, and put on the nu man. 1583
STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 24: But we are now newe creatures,
and adoptive children, created in Christ Iesus to doe good woorkes.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Repent, p. 281.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 Rich. II V iii I46: Come, my old Son. I
pray God make thee new. 1604 M.M. II ii 77: O, think on that!
And mercy then will breathe within your lips Like man new made.
1613 Hen. VIII III ii 365: Vain pomp and glory of this world, I
hate ye! I feel my heart new open'd.
Cf. A29: The old Adam.
M171 He that can catch and hold, he is the MAN of
gold
I654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. IV xi, p. 243. 1756 FRANK-
LIN, p. 33: Get what you can, and what you get hold; Tis the Stone
that will turn all your Lead into Gold.
See APP., p. 89. Cf. G102: To get is the gift of fortune, to
keep is the gift of wisdom.
M172 He that cannot be angry is no MAN (a fool)
01605 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 9: (I have heard it often said, that
he who cannot). 01645 E. BROOKE Commonpl. Bk., p. 27: (is a
foole, but Hee that will not be angry is more foole).
M173 He that is a wise MAN by day is no fool by night
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1 1: Who is wise in the day time, cannot be
a fool at night. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 249: (Who is a fool by
day, is). 1732 FUL., no. 2278.
M174 He that is beholden to another MAN is not him-
self
1639 CL., s.v. Servitus, p. 283.
Cf. G104: Who receives a gift sells his liberty; M24: The maid
which takes, sells herself; the maid which gives, forsakes herself.
M175 He that kills a MAN when he is drunk shall be
hanged when he is sober
01538 T. STARKEY Dialogue I ii 170: Eng. in Reign Hen. VIII I, p.
31: Accordyng to our commune proverbe, he that kyllyth a man
dronk, sobur schalbe hangyd. 1562 HEY. Dial. I x, p. 23. 01600
Birth Hercules IV i, p. 66: I see thou art drunke now, but thou shalt
paie for yt, when thou arte sober. I611 GRUT., no. 125. 1614
CAM., p. 307. 1616 DR., no. 559: (drunken, hee shall be). 1639
CL., s.v. Ultio malefacti, p. 324. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13:
(Who kills). 1659 N.R., p. 50. 1678 RAY, p. 130: (drunk, must
be). 1721 KEL., p. 344: What you do when you’re drunk, you must
pay for when you’re dry. *The Law makes Drunkenness no Ex-
cuse, but rather an Aggravation.
M176 He that swears till no MAN trust him, he that
lies till no man believe him, he that borrows
till no man will lend him, let him go where no
man knows him
[01530] 01545 H. RHODES Bk. Nurture in Babies Bk. etc., p. 107.
1578 FLOR. First F. XLIII, f. 104V.
Cf. L217: A liar is not believed when he tells truth.

M177 He that would take a Lancashire MAN at any
time or tide must bait his hook with a good
egg pie1 or an apple with a red side
1599 BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, s. AaIV: Here are neither Eg-pies
for the Lancashire-man, nor Wag-tayles for the Kentish-man.
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho I, s. B4: The Lancashire
Man [loves] an Egg-pie, the Welshman, Leekes Cheese. 1622
DRAYTON Poly-Olb. XXVII 65, p. 537: (He that wil fish for). 1655
MOFFETT Health’s Improvem. v, p. 36: Even as our Welshmen
esteem of Cheese, Lancashire men of egg pies, and Devonshire men
of a brown whitepot. 1678 RAY, p. 316.
[lsee Sugden, p. 297, s.v. Lancashire]
M178 He was a bold MAN that first ate an oyster
1655 MOFFET'I‘ Health’s Improvem. vi, p. 47: Onely Oisters of all fish
are good raw (yet he was no Coward that first ventered on them).
1662 FULLER Worthies Essex, I 336: King James was wont to say,
he was a very valiant man who first adventured on eating Onys-
ters. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II: Wks., IX 43o.
M179 He will be a MAN before his mother
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 566. [1625] I647 MASSINGER ET AL. Love’s
Cure II ii, p. 187: Fie on thee, Thou wilt scarce be a man before thy
Mother. 1721 KEL., p. 174: *Spoken to ill grown Children.
Cf. M441: You’ll needs be a man before your time.
M180 He will kill a MAN for a mess of mustard
I562 HEY. Epig. 207, p. 160.
M181
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7.
He wrongs not an old MAN that steals his sup-
per from him
1640 HERB., no. 307. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 22: Who steals the
old mans supper doth him no wrong. 1659 N.R., p. 58. 1664
COD., p. 199. 1670 RAY, p. 19. I732 FUL., no. 2420: (who steals).
1737 FRANKLIN, p. 12: He that steals the old man’s supper do’s him
no wrong.
M182 The healthful MAN can give good counsel to
the sick
[ERAS. Adagia, 249D: Facile, cum valemus, recta consilia aegrotis
damus.] 1539 TAV., f. 19: [As in Eras.]. Whan we be hayle, we
easely gyue good counsayles to the sycke. [01560] 1581 WOODES
Confl. Cons. V ii, s. II: The healthfull neede not Phisicks art, and ye
which are all haile, Can give good Counsell to the sick, their sick-
nesse to eschew. 1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorboduc IV ii, s.
F3: Many can yelde right sage and graue aduise. Of pacient sprite
to Others wrapped in woe. 1580 BARET, F—IO: [As in 1539 Tav.].
*To be applied to those, which can giue good counsell to other, when
they go beyond the bounds of honestie: and yet can not perceiue
their owne faultes, though they transgresse or ofifend in the like.
1592 LYLY Gall. I i 92: In health it is easie to counsell the sicke, but
it’s hard for the sicke to followe wholesome counsaile. 1596 DEL.,
s. N6v. I600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will l. 1136: Wks., III 269:
Euerie one, when hee is whole can giue aduice to them that are sicke.
1610—25 Stonyhurst Pag. XVIII 148, p. 268: It’s easy good aduise
t0 geue to others in their misery. 1651 HERB., p. 371: (can give
counsell to the sick). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 51: It’s easy for a
sound man to give counsel unto the sick.
SHAKESPEARE—~1598-9 M.A. Vi 20: For, brother, men Can coun-
sel and speak comfort to that grief Which they themselves not feel.
Cf. A124: All commend patience but none can endure to suffer;
C545: The comforter’s (counselor’s) head never aches.
M183 An honest MAN and a good bowler
1635 F. QUARLES Emblems (1643 ed.) I x: Wks., III 53: The vulgar
Proverb’s crost: He hardly can Be a good bOuler and an honest man.
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus et vilitatis, p. 72. 1670 RAY, p. 181.
SEAKESPEARE.-——I594-5 L.L.L. V ii 586: He is a marvellous good
neighbour, faith, and a very good bowler.
M184 An honest MAN is as good as his word
1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. H1: An honest man will be as
good as his word: Signior Graccus is an honest man, Ergo I must

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN 415
MAN


haue a new suite. 1631 DEKKER Penny-Wise l. 1012, p. 210: Hee
was as good as his word, for he lent them so much money, as put him
againe into his trade of Merchandize. 1659 E. NICHOLAS (to Mr.
Miles, Jul. 9) in Nicholas Corr., IV 166: I pray let me know whether
he hath bene as good as his word. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cer-
tosa, p. 35: To be a man of ones word. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
p, 266: To be a man of his word. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor.
Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 33.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IV V v 90: Sir, I will be as good as
my word. 1599 Hen. V IV viii 32: I met this man with my glove
in his cap, and I have been as good as my word. 1601 T.N. III iv
3 56: And for that I promis’d you, I’ll be as good as my word.
See ST., no. 1464. Cf. K74: You should be a king of your word;
M458: An honest man’s word is as good as his bond; M459: An
honest man’s word is his master. (8)
M185 An honest plain MAN without pleats
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2v: And so rather let fayre woords make fooles
fayn, Than be plain without plites, and plant your own payn. 1562
HEY. Epig. 201, p. 159: The playne fashin is best, what plaine with-
out pleates That fashin commendth the calfe when it bleates. 1616
DR., s.v. Plainnesse, no. 1644: Plaine without pleits. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 15.
M186 A houndless MAN comes to the best hunting
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 129. 1668 R.B., p. 9.
M187 A hungry MAN an angry man
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 553: Hungry men ar angry. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 14. 1683 DA. Whole Art Converse III
iii, p. 98: AS the Proverb insinuates, when I am hungry I am angry.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hungry. I721 KEL., p. 30: (is an angry Man).
*Eng. Hungry Bellies have no Ears.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. I ii 67: Is it near dinner time? —I
would it were, That you might kill your stomach on your meat And
not upon your maid. 1608 C. Vi 50: He [Coriolanus] had not din’d.
The veins unfill’d, our blood is cold, and then We pout upon the
morning, are unapt To give or to forgive; but when we have stuff’d
These pipes and these conveyances of our blood . . we have suppler
souls Than in our priest-like fasts.
Cf. B286: The belly has no cars; B292: A fasting belly may never
be merry; G155: If thou be hungry I am angry, let us go fight;
M314: Never speak to a fasting man; M846: When meat is in anger
is out; T2: Spread the table and contention will cease.
M188 A hungry MAN sees far
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 19. 1668 R.B., p. 2.
Cf. L394: Who lives well sees afar off.
M189 1 hope that a MAN may live by you
1616 DR., no. 1536.
M190 1 hope to see him an honest MAN
1639 CL., p. 295.
M191 I love not that any MAN should play with my
apple lest he should bite out a piece
1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia et Rapacitas, p. 39.
M192 If a MAN live not well he will soon enough be
ill spoken of
1616 DR., no. 1457.
Cf. SI 15: He who says (does) what he would hears what he would
not.
M193 If a MAN look not to his horse his halter will
strangle him
1616 DR., no. 1004.
M194 If a MAN once fall all will tread on him
1530 PALS., p. 757a: Whan a man is throwen under the foote ones,
than every man gothe upon hym. 1618 HOLYDAY Technogamia V

iv, s. N2v: When a man’s once downe, I perceiue he Shall be trod
vpon. I632 PARKER Knavery in All Trades 3 in Pepysian Garl.,
p. 411: Tis a Proverb . . that if a man be once downe, the world
cryes downe with him still. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus ct vilitatis,
p. 68. 1670 RAY, p. 88. I672 WALK. 71, p. 43. 1678 RAY, p.
129: He that’s down down with him. 1681 ROB., p. 574. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. To Fall. 1721 KEL., p. 199: If a Man be once down,
down with him. *Eng. If a Man once fall, all will tread upon him.
1732 FUL., no. 2282: He that’s down, down with him, cries the
World.
See DUR., I, no. 442.
M195 If a MAN will have his business well done he
must do it himself
1611 COT. , s.v. Attendre: Nothing is well done where one altogether
trusts vnto, or relyes vpon, another. Ibid., s.v. Besongne: No man
followes a businesse so well as he to whom it belongs. 1616 DR.,
no. 1695. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 5: None does ones businesse
better then himself. 1664 COD., p. 201. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p.
217: Who will have a thing suddenly, and well, let him do it himself.
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 53, I 53: He that would be sure to have his
Bus’ness Well Done, must either Do it Himself, or see the Doing of
it. 1732 FUL., no. 1422: Every Man doth his own Business best.
Cf. B750: Ifyou would have your business done, go; if not, send;
D401: For that which thou canst do thyself rely not on another.
M196 If every MAN mend one all shall be mended
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 1007, p. 145: God graunt vs
all we may doo this, Euery man to amend that is amis. I562 HEY.
Epig. I, p. 129. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 276: Let vs en-
deuour euerye one to amende one, and wee shall all soone bee
amended. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 42: If euery man desire to
saue one, and drawe his owne feete from Theaters, it shall preuayle
as much against these abuses. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p.
105: According to the olde prouerbe Euery man mend one, and all
would be mended. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 817: Ilkane mend on and
al wil be mended. 1601 BRETON No Whip. nor Trip., s. A7v: Eche
mend one, and ware the fall of pride. 1611 GRUT., no. 137. 1614
CAM., p. 308. 1639 CL., p. 75. 1641 FERG., no. 51 1: 11k man mend
ane, and all will be mendit. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: (If every
one). 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 75, p. 59: Let every body mend one,
saith the English Proverb. 1668 R.B., p. 30: [As in 1641 Ferg.].
1670 RAY, p. 20: If every one would mend one, all would be amend-
ed.
Cf. D561: Sweep before your own door; M200: It is hard for one
(any) man to amend all faults.
M197 If the young MAN knew and the old man could
there is nothing but would be done
01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 100: Had yonge men knowledg,
and owld men strength, The world woold becum A new paradise.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 298: If a
young man knew, and an old man were able, there is not that thing
but might be effected. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Would: If the young Man
would and the old Man could, there Would be nothing undone.
Cf. M574: Old men wish, wise men warn, and young men work.
M198 It is good to know what a MAN is to trust to
01450 Douce MS 52 30, p. 46: Welle were hym, that [wist] to Wham
he myght trist. 1616 DR., no. 2181.
Cf. T595: Try (Try your friend) before you trust.
M199 It is good to work wisely lest a MAN be pre-
vented
1616 DR., no. 2432.
i 1664 COD., p. 224: Work wisely lest you be
prevented.
M200 It is hard for one (any) MAN to amend all faults
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D3v: But harde is for any man all fautes to mende.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 345: ’Tis hard for one man all faults to amend.
1616 DR., no. 505.
Cf. M1 16: Every man has (No man is without) his faults; M196:
If every man mend one all shall be mended.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi f1.
MAN
MAN
416

M201 It is meet that every MAN be at his own bridal
1546 HEY. I vi, s. B3: Ye knowe well it is, as telth vs this olde tale,
Mcctc, that a man be at his owne bridale. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit, p. 228: It is good reason, that I shoulde be at mine owne bryd-
eall. I611 I)Av. Prov., no. 390: At his owne bridal] it’s meete a
man bee. 1616 DR., no. 2391. 1639 CL., p. 230: (’Tis fit every man
should be at).
M202 It is not given to every MAN to go to Corinth
[ERAS. Adagio, 1501": Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum.]
1542 UDALL zlpoph., f. 342: Lais an harlot of Corinthe . . was for
none but lordes and gentlemenne that might well paie for it.
Whereof came vp a prouerbe that it was not for euery manne to go
vnto Corinthe. 1552 TAV., f. 54v: It is not for euerye man to ar-
riue at Corinth. *The occasyon of this prouerbe grew after the
mynde of some men of the harde and daungerouse arriual at the
porte of Corinthe. Other there be which refer thoriginall of this
prouerbe t0 the faire Lais an harlot of great name which dwelt at
the sayd citie of Corinthe . . How she asked an excedyng great
quantitie of moneye. And hereof they say arose this prouerbe.
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 245v: (It is not fit for euery
man). 1695 DRYDEN Art Paint., p. 424: As the Proverb tells us,
That it happens not to every one to see Corinth.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-8 T. Alt/z. II ii 71: She’s e’en setting on
water to scald such chickens as you are. Would we could see you
at Corinth!
M203 It is not good for a MAN to be alone
[Gen. ii 18: It is not good that the man should be alone] I576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 87: Doth not God say it is not good for man to
live alone? 1585 E. SANDYS Serm. 16, p. 315: For God hath said,
It is not good that man be alone. 1616 DR., no. 2017.
Cf. W598: Woe to him that is alone.
M204 It is true that every MAN says
1520 WHIT'I‘INGTON Vulgaria, p. 72: (It is lyke to be true that).
61523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 52: It nedes muste be
true which euery man doth say. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: (It must
nedes be true, that). 1552 TAV., f. 57v: That which is in euerye
mans mouthe, is not spoken with out cause. . The Englyshe prou-
erbe sayeth thus: It is lyke to be true that euery man sayeth.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 813: It must be trew quhilk al men sayes.
1611 DAv. Prov., no. 29: (that all men say). 1611 GRUT., no. 167:
[As in 1546 Hey.]. 1614 CAM., p. 308: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1616
DR., no. 1435: That is true that most men say. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 571: (It is like to be true that). 1639 CL., p. 56: It is like to be
true that every one sayth. 1641 FERG., no. 508: (that all men
sayes). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: (It must needs be true what).
1668 R.B., p. 30: (that all men sayes). I670 RAY, p. 56: That is
true which all men say.
Cf. M531: Ifall men may say that thou art an ass then bray.
M205 It would make a MAN scratch where it does not
itch to see a man live poor to die rich
[1639-61] 1662 Rte-resurrection Rump in Rump Songs, II 7: (to see
forty fools heads in one politick breech). 1678 RAY, p. 296. 1680
T. SHADWELL Woman Captain I, p. 29: ’Twould make on scratch
where it does not itch, To see Fools live poor to dye rich. 1732
FUL., no. 6426.
Cf. M49: You make me scratch (claw) where it does not itch.
M206 The last MAN that he killed keeps hogs in
Hinckley field
1678 RAY, p. 317: *Spoken of a coward that never durst fight. ~
justice. This prince in justice seizeth but his own.
M211

man cannot want. 1664 COD., p. 204: Learned Men carry their
best treasures about them.
Cf. M222: A man cannot be robbed of his learning; M376: The
singing man keeps his shop in his throat; T461: He who has a trade
has a share everywhere.
M208 Let an ill MAN lie in thy straw and he looks to
be thy heir
1640 HERB., no. 267. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 26: Put a Galliego
but in thy barn, and he will make himself thy heir. I659 N.R., p.
75-
See DUR., I, no. 695. Cf. F655: When the fox has got in his head
(nose) he will soon make the body follow; M1230: I gave the mouse
a hole and she is become my heir.
M209 Let every MAN have his own
1596 SPENSER FAQ. V iv 20: So was their discord by this doome ap-
peased, And each one had his right. 1616 DR., no. I844. I631
JONSON Staple News IV ii 125: My man 0’ Law will teach vs all to
winne, And keepe our owne. 1641 JONSON Timoer, p. 41: No, let
him keep his own, not afi'ect his Subjects’. I651 HOBBES Levia-
than I xv, p. '72: Justice is the constant Will of giving to every man
his own. 1681 HOBBES Afr! Rhetoric I ix, p. 437: Justice, which is a
virtue whereby every man obtains what by law is his.
SHAKESPEARE.—-I592 T. And. I i 280: Suum cuique is our Roman
1595 M.N.D.
III ii 458: And the country proverb known, That every man should
take his own.
Cf. A164: All shall be well and Jack shall have Jill; D634: Give
everyone his due; GI23: To give (tell) one his own; 0100: Own is
own.
M210 Let every MAN praise the bridge he goes over
1678 RAY, p. 106: *Speak not ill of him who hath done you a cour-
tesie, or whom you have made use of to your benefit; or do commonly
make use of. 1732 FUL., no. 3175: Let every one praise the Bridge,
that carries him over.
Like a MAN in a dropsy, the more he drinks the
more he may
1530 PALS., p. 7o8b: (The covetouse man semeth lyke). 1598 BA RCK-
LEY Fel. Man II, p. 112: They that are sicke of the dropsie, the
more they drinke, the thirstier they are. 1606 W. PERKINS Cases
Consc. I ii 2: Wks., II 4: The dropsie man, the more he drinkes, the
drier he is. 1655 CULPEPER, COLE, AND ROWLAND Physio IX v,
p. 259: It is very dangerous: as in a Dropsie in which thirst is not
slacked, but rather increased with drink.
SHAKESPEARE—I608 C. I i 181: And your affections are A sick
man’s appetite, who desires most that Which would increase his
evil.
See T. 170, p. 129. Cf. D625: Ever drunk ever dry; M1 149: The
more one drinks (eats) the more one may; M1287: Much would
have more. (8)
M212 A little (low) MAN can fell a great oak
I596 DEL., s. 07v: (may fell). I611 COT., s.v. Chesne: A little man
fells a great oake; (so may a meane person ruine a mightie prince).
1623 WOD., p. 509: (may fell). 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and
Eloq., p. 178: A low man can fell a tall oak. If a tall oak, much
more a tall woman; therefore maiden despise not little men. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 229: (may hew
down an oak).
M213 The lone MAN is wolves’ meat
1611 COT., s.v. Homme. 1659 N.R., p. I 10: (The lean man).
Cf. S306: The lone sheep is in danger of the wolf.
M207 A learned MAN carries his treasure about with
him M214 A long-nosed MAN is seldom a cuckold
[ERAS. Adagio, 10550: Sapiens sua bona secum fert.] 1539 TAV., 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. I: (man seldom). 1664 Con., p. 184.
f. 51v: [As in Eras.]. The wyse man caryeth aboute wyth hym
hys goodes. *By thys is sygnifyed that those onely be in dede and
truely oures whyche be wythin vs as lerynge and vertue. 1616 DR.,
no. 1193: (hath his treasure about him). laid, no. 1196: A learned
M215 A MAN after one’s own heart
I531 ELYOT Governor I xx, I 215: The [god] had founde a man after
his harte and pleasure. I535 COVERDALE Biole I Kings XIII, I 31:



Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN
MAN
417

The Lorde hath soughte him out a man after his owne hert. 1547
BALE God’s Promises V, s. D2: I fynde the a man, accordynge to my
hart.
M216 A MAN alone is either a saint or a devil
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 ii 6, p. 216: (As the saying is, a man
alone).
Cf. M247: Man is either a god (saint) or a wolf (devil) to man;
M380: A solitary man is either a beast (brute, devil) or an angel
(saint, god).
M217 A MAN (One) among a thousand
I508 FISHER Sayings David in Psalms, p. 25: Scante one amonge
a thousande can be founde that dooth dewe satysfaccyon. 1598
BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p. 321: Mongst many thousands (to finde
one) tis hard Who vertue makes the price of his reward. 1616 DR.,
no. 1807: An horse amongst an hundred, and a man amongst a
thousand. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cima, p. 39: To be a man ofa
thousand, not to have his fellow.
SHAKESPEARE.———I6oo-1 H. II ii 178: To be honest, as this world
goes, is to be one man pick’d out of ten thousand.
M218 A MAN assaulted (surprised) is half taken
1573 SANF., f. 51v. 1611 COT., s.v. Homme: He thats assaulted is
halfe ouercome. I623 WOD., p. 487: A man surprised is halfe over-
come. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 22, p. 27. 1732 FUL., no. 310: A Man
surprized is half beaten.
Cf. H54: Half-warned (Forewarned) is half-armed (forearmed),
M219 A MAN can die but once
1616 DR., no. 489: A man can die but one maner of death. I723
PRIOR Turtle and Sparrow (1725 ed.): Dialogues Dead, etc., p. 61:
With great Submission I pronounce, That People Die no more than
Once.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2 Hen. IV III ii 250: A man can die but
once; we owe God a death. 1606—7 A.C. IV xiv 27: Death of one
person can be paid but once, And that she has discharg’d.
Cf. C774: A coward dies many deaths, a brave man but one. '
M220 A MAN can do no more than he can
1530 PALS., p. 474b: No man can do above his power. [a155o]
1626 7ests Scogin in Shak. yen-Bks., II 158: NO man can aske more
of a man, than hee is able to doe. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies
Lond., s. B4v: We will do what we can; but ultra posse non est esse,
you know. 1616 DR., no. 2407. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn.
IV, p. 79: I can do no more than I can. 1639 CL., p. 61: I doe what
I can. 1670 RAY, p. 67.
Cf. N221 : He that wipes his nose and has it not forfeits his face to
the king.
M221 A MAN cannot be in two places at once
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 160: No man can be atonys in euery
place. 01563 jack Yuggler, s. D3v: And that one man at on time
may be in too placis. I611 COT., s.v. Moulin: One cannot be in
two places, or follow two businesses, at once. 1655—62 GURNALL
Chr. in Armor, p. 146: You cannot be found in two places at once.
1672 WALK. 27, p. 8: A man cannot be here and there and all at
once.
Cf. M318: No man can do two things at once.
M222 A MAN cannot be robbed of his learning
1616 DR., no. 409. 1639 CL., p. 276.
Cf. M207: A learned man carries his treasure about with him;
T461: He who has a trade has a Share everywhere.
M223 A MAN cannot be too wary
1616 DR., no. 2346.
M224 A MAN cannot be warm without clothes
1616 DR., no. 1364.
M225 A MAN cannot hate music except he be deaf
1616 DR., no. 1449.


M226 A MAN cannot live on air like a chameleon
I557 Lover Shows Death 1. 34 in Tottel’s Misc., I 168: A fishe on
lande to whom no water flowes, As Chameleon that lackes the ayer
so sote. 1568-70 TURBERVILLE To Mistress: Epit., San., p. 298:
Chameleon feedes but on the ayre, the lacke whereof is his decay.
1581-90 Timon II iii, p. 30: And [they] built them castles there,
And now line like cameleons by th’ aire. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
884: I cannot liv on the air I am no Salmond. 1613 T. ADAMS
Heaven Earth Reconciled: Wks., p. 79: But we are not Camelions, to
line on the ayre of commendations. 1616 DR., no. 1869: A man
cannot liue by thankes. 1630 T. ADAMS Physicfrom Heav.: Wks.,
p. 274: Not vnless like a Camelion, he can line by ayre. 1632 T.
RANDOLPH 7eal. Lovers V iv, p. 162: Nay, I know my mother Was a
chameleon; for my father allowed her Nothing but air to feed on.
1639 CL., p. 306: To live upon ayre. I646 SUCKLING Agst. Frui-
tion: Poems, p. 44: Love’s a camelion, that lives on mere air. I670
RAY, p. 56: A man cannot live by the air.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594 T.G.V.. II i 178: Though the chameleon
Love can feed on the air, I am one that am nourish’d by my victuals,
and would fain have meat. Ibid. II iv 26: Give him leave, madam;
he is a kind of chameleon. —That hath more mind to feed on your
blood than live in your air. 1598 2 Hen. IVI iii 27: Who lin’d him-
self with hope, Eating the air on promise of supply. 1600—I H.
III ii 97: How fares our cousin Hamlet? —Excellent, i’faith; of the
chameleon’s dish. I eat the air, promise-cramm’d.
See T. 83, p. 95. Cf. L569: Lovers live by love as larks live by
leeks; W435: To live by the wind. (24)
M227 A MAN cannot spin and reel at the same time
1678 RAY, p. 205.
at).
Cf. B476: Blow first and sip afterwards; D606: One cannot drink
and whistle at once; M318: No man can do two things at once;
$998: It is impossible to sup and blow together (with one breath);
T294: I cannot run and sit still at the same time.
1732 FUL., no. 2591: (I cannot spin and weave,
M228 A MAN cannot tell where to have him
1616 DR., no. 2264.
Cf. K186: One knows not where to have you.
M229 A MAN condemned is half beheaded
I573 SANF., f. 105v. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30v.
It. Prov. 24, p. 115: (half executed).
Cf. N25: He that has an ill (evil) name is halfhanged.
M230 A MAN dies of the ill he fears
I611 COT., s.v. Peur: Feare ofan approaching mischiefe that breedes
effects of a present one; as a man to die (being threatened a death)
before any blow be giuen him. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 27.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 137: Of the evil a man feareth, he often
dyes.
Cf. D155: He that fears death lives not; F138: Foolish fear
doubles danger.
M231 MAN does what he can and God What he will
1616 DR., no. 893. 1639 CL., p. 87. I670 RAY, p. 97.
Cf. M298: Man proposes, God disposes.
I666 TOR.
M232 A MAN far from his good is nigh his harm
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4. I562 HEY. Epig. 130, p. 147. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 472: He that is far from his gear is near his skaith.
1611 COT., s.v. Plat: A man thats farre from his good is neere his
harme. 1611 GRUT., no. 19. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1639 CL., p.
258: (from’s good). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1670 RAY, p.
89: (is near his harm). 1721 KEL., p. 132: He that’s far from his
Geer, is near his Tinsel [loss]. *A Man may be soon wrong’d when
his Back is turn’d.
Cf. E1 I 8: The end of our good begins our evil.
M233 A MAN for all companies
1616 DR., no. 287. 1639 CL., p. 291: A man fit for all companies.
Cf. F178: A merry fellow for all companies.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
MAN
MAN
418

M234 A MAN has free choice to begin love but not
to end it
01573 I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, 3. B8: In loving, ech one hath
free choyce, or ever they begin, But in their power it lyeth not,
to end when they are in. 01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 100:
A man hath free arbitrage to begin Looue, but not to ende it.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 30: A man hath free choice to
begin loue, yet it must be with moderation, for to end it being begun
is often impossible. 1732 FUL., no. 1374: Enter upon Love when
you will; but give over when you can.
M235 A MAN has many enemies when his back is to
the wall
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 734: His back is at the wall. 1639 CL., p. 166.
Cf. M559: Men use him ill that has ill luck; W185: The weakest
goes to the wall.
M236 The MAN has no more goods than he gets good
of (has need of)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 83: A man hes na men gude, nor be hes good
of. 1639 CL., p. 297: (no more than he hath need of). 1664 COD.,
p. 213: [As in 1639 CL]. 1668 R.B., p. 6: (no more good then he
hath good of). 1721 KEL., p. 25: *What a Man enjoys of his Sub-
stance is really his, the rest he has only the keeping of. 1732 FUL.,
no. 276: (A man and gets good by).
Cf. G302: Goods are theirs that enjoy them; G319: That’s my
good that does me good; M1290: So much is mine as I possess and
give for God’s sake; U20: Better is the use ofriches than the possess-
ing of them; W200: Wealth is not his who has it but his who enjoys
It.
M237 A MAN heats his iron until it be red hot
1616 DR., s.v. Prouokement, no. 1770.
M238 MAN honors the place, not the place the man
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 39: It is not the place that maketh
the person, but the person that maketh the place honorable. I596
DEL., s. O2v: The place doth not honor the man, but the man
honorcth or dishonoreth the place. 1603 P. HOLLAND Morals
Laconicke Apophthegmes, p. 444: It is not the place which cred-
iteth the person, but the person that giveth credit and honour to
the place. 1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, 5. F2: Place makes not
men or good Or bad, its lewdnesse, ill condition, As Vice or vertue
doth in men abound. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 132. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3028: It is thou must honour the Place, not the Place thee.
SHAKESPEARE.—1602 A.W. II iii 132: From lowest place when
virtuous things proceed, The place is dignified by th’ doer’s deed.
See OTTO, no. 965. Cf. A402: Authority (Honor, Oflice) shows
what a man is.
M239 A MAN (thing) in print
1576 FLEMING Panoply Epp., p. 357: What soeuer is vttered in
such mennes hearing, must bee done in printe, as wee say in oure
common Prouerbe. 1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. II V 19: O,
you are a gallant in print now, brother. 1616 DR., no. 611: In
print, rarely, admirably, finically. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III
11 iii, p. 755: A young lover . . must have neat shoe-ties, points,
garters, speak in Print, walk in Print, eat and drink in Print, and
that which is all in all, he must be mad in Print. 1639 CL., s.v.
Excellentia, p. 104. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pennello, p. 140:
To be done . . most absolutely and exactly, in Print, in Wax. Ibid.,
s.v. Sinopia, p. 193: To speak premeditately, and regularly, the Eng-
lish say, To speak in Print.
Cent. Broadside Eleg., p. 1 13: A man in Print, a man in Wax.
SHAKESPEARE—I594 T.G.V. II i 175: All this I speak in print,
for in print I found it. 1594-5 L.L.L. III i 173: Most sweet gardon!
I will do it, sir, in print. 1599 A.Y. V iv 94: O sir, we quarrel in
print, by the book.
Cf. D453: A dog (man) of wax. (30)
M240 The MAN in the moon
[01517] CI545 SKELTON Speak Parrot l. 307: kas., II 15: For Jerico
and Jerssey shall mete togethyr . . to exployte the man owte of the
01670 Great Cry and Little Wool in'

i
mone. [01521] 1533 J. HEYWOOD Pard. and Friar, s. B3v: But he
wolde here no more than the man in the mone. 1548 E. HALL
Rich. III: Chron., f. 37: When the queue had heard this frendely
mocion (which was as farre from her thought as the man that the
rude people say is in the moone). 1560—77 Misogonus III i 102:
Alas good silly soule has toulde me a tale here 0th mann ith moone.
01570 Marr. Wit and Science II i, s. B1: Can I remember a longe tale
ofa man in the moone. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ee4: I thought
my selfe fellow to the man in the moone. 1616 DR., no. 593: As
far wide as the man in the moone.
SHAKESPEARE—I594-5 L.L.L. V ii 214: You took the moon at
full, but now she’s changed. —Yet still she is the Moon, and I the
Man. 1595 M.N.D. V i 249: Myself the man i’ th’ moon do seem
to be. 1611 Temp. II i 249: The man i’ th’ moon’s too slow. Ibid.
II ii 142: I was the Man i’ th’ Moon when time was. (12)
M241 MAN is a god to man
[ERAS. Adagia, 53F: Homo homini Deus.] I548 COOPER, s.v. H0~
mo: Homo homini deus, Man is man’s god, applied to hym, which
with any Singular benefite, helpeth a man aboue his expectation.
1548 E. HALL Edw. IV: Chron., f. 49: The olde Greke prouerbe . .
that a man, to a man shall sometyme be as a God. 1557 Vanity
Man’s Life 1. 28 in Tottel’s Misc., I 245: In wealth and wo thy frend,
an other self to thee, Such man to man a God, the prouerb sayth to
be. 1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., 5. C3: Man, is God to man.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 43: Man is a God unto man, for that one
receiveth so great pleasure and comfort of another. 1614 T. ADAMS
Fatal Banquet II: Wks., p. 190: The prouerbe is exiled, homo homi-
ni Deus, man is a God to man. 1670 COMENIUS 7anua Ling. Tri-
ling. 72, p. 185: Man to man is God.
Cf. M245: Man is a wolf to man; M247: Man is either a god
(saint) or a wolf (devil) to man.
M242 A MAN is a lion in his own cause
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 116. I668 R.B., p. 8. I721 KEL., p. 6: *No
bIan so zealous for, or assiduous in a Man’s Business as himself.
Cf. D465: Every dog is stout at his own door (is a lion at home);
M540: Men are blind in their own cause.
M243 A MAN is a man
[01589] I633 MARLOWE yew Malta IV vi 10: Hey, Rivo Castiliano!
a man’s a man. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s.
A3v: A man’s a man; and Ned is more then one. 1599 H. PORTER
Two Women Ab. ii, s. C3: And a man is a man in any ground of
England. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 115: (Every man).
SHAKESPEARE—I602 T.C. I ii 70: Well, I say Troilus is Troilus.
Cf. M244: A man is a man though he have but a hose on his head.
M244 A MAN is a man though he have but a hose on
his head
1592 NASHE Strange News: Wks., I 307. I594 MARLOWE AND
NASHE Dido II i 84: Aeneas is Aeneas, were he clad In weeds as bad
as ever Irus ware. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iii, s. E1: A
man’s a man and a haue but a hose on his hed. 1603 CHETTLE,
DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. H4V: A man is a man
though he haue but a hose on his head, and you are my Lady though
you want a hood. I615 R.A. Val. Welsh. II V, s. D4V. I620 SHEL-
TON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxv, IV 215. 1623 CAM., p. 265: (A man will
be). 1639 CL., p. 122. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I: (if he have).
1664 COD., p. I 85: (but his Hose on his Head). 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
33, p. 115: Every man is a man. *Note 17, p. I 16: As the English
say, If he have but a hose on his head. I678 RAY, p. 173. 1688
R. HOLME Acad. Armory III iv, III 175: We generally say a Man
is a Man let him be covered with clouts.
Cf. M243: A man is a man.
M245 MAN is a wolf to man
[ERAS. Adagia, 55D: Homo homini lupus] 1573 SANF., f. 24:
Wherefore Plautus sayth very well: Man to man is no man but a
Wolfe. 1580 BARET, H—570: [As in Eras.]. *A Prouerbe, or rather
a caueate for men to beware, that they be not too liberall in trusting
those they know not: but that they ought to beware of them, as ofa
woolfe. 1585 DYER Praise Nothing, p. 90: We are (by our owne
censures) iudged Wolues one to another. 1621 R. BURTON Anat.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN
MAN
419


M. I 1 i 1, p. 1 17: The greatest enemy to man is man, who by the
Devil’s instigation is . . a wolf, a Devil to himselfand others. 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 9: Men should not bee wolues vnto
one another; but Should rather feed one another, than feed vpon
one another. 1662 FULLER Worthies Merionethshire, II 599: It is
my desire, that . . the people. . give no longer occasion to the
Proverb, Homo Homini Lupus.
Cf. M241: Man is a god to man; M247: Man is either a god
(saint) or a wolf (devil) to man.
M246 MAN is but a bubble
[ERAS. Adagia, 500A: Homo bulla.] 1539 TAV., f. 34V: [As in Eras.].
Man is but a bubble, or bladder of the water. *As who shuld say
nothynge is more frayle, more fugitiue, more Slyght than the lyfe
of man. 1545 ELYOT, s.v. Homo: A man is but a bubbel, a prou-
erbe. I571 GOLDING Psalms xxxix 6, II 155: When man seemeth
to bee at his best, he is altogither nothing else but a bubble blowen
togither of vanitie. 01606 ROWLANDS Terr. Battle, p. 23: Poore
mortals in my hands are brittle ware, Like Vapor, Buble, Flower,
wither’d Hay. 1651 TAYLOR Holy Dying I i, p. 265: A man is a
bubble, said the Greek proverb . . all the world is a storm, and men
rise up in their several generations, like bubbles descending a Jove
pluvio. 1692 R.M. Micrologia 6, s. C2: Here lyes one tooke all in
snuffe Whose life was but a Bubble: Now being dead, hee’s calme
enough, And’s friends are rid of trouble. 1701 COLLIER Antoninus’
Conv. X xxxi, p. 276: Thus you’ll be strongly convinc’d that Men
are but Smoak and Bubbles.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 Rich. III IV iv 83: I call’d thee then . . A
dream of what thou wast . . a breath, a bubble.
M247 MAN is either a god (saint) or a wolf (devil)
to man
1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 75: It is a match whereto
may well be applied the common saying . . Man unto man is either
a God or a Wolfe. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil IV ii 92: Woman to
man Is either a God or a wolfe. 1616 WITHALS, p. 558: Man to
man, is either a Saint, or a Divell. 1639 CL., p. 137: Man is a God
or Devil to his neighbour. [a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., II
378: The Philosopher said—Man to Man is a God and a Wolf.
Cf. M216: A man alone is either a saint or a devil; l\/I241: Man is
a god to man; M245: Man is a wolf to man.
M248 A MAN is known by the company he keeps
1601 DENT Pathway to Heaven, p. 231: Let us therefore by David’s
Example shun the Company of the Wicked: For as a Man is, so is
his Company. 1616 DR., no. 283: As a man is, so is his companie.
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxiii, III 178: That fits the Proverb,
quoth Sancho, which sayes, You shall know the person by his com-
pany. 1639 CL., p. 74: A man may know what one is by his com-
panions. 1659 N.R., p. 127: You may know what a man is by his
company. 1672 WYCHERLEY Love in [Wood I, p. 78: There is a
Proverb, Mrs. Joyner, You may know him by his Company.
Cf. M382: Such a man as thou would be draw thee to such com-
pany; M535: Keep good men company and you shall be of the num-
ber; M536: Keep not ill men company lest you increase the number;
T87: Tell me with whom thou goest and I will tell thee what thou
dost (who thou art).
M249 A MAN is known to be mortal by sleep and lust
1651 HERB., p. 372: (mortal by two things—sleep and lust). I659
N.R., p. 19.
M250 A MAN is never enriched by another man’s
goods
1616 DR., no. 1113.
M251 A MAN is never the better for going to Rome
1616 DR., no. 2171.
Cf. B156: Who goes a beast to Rome a beast returns.
M252 A MAN is not so soon healed as hurt
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s. I4: (whole as hurt). 1614
CAM., p. 302. 1639 CL., p. 260: A man is sooner hurt than healed.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 39: Hurt is sooner received then well cured.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 183. 1670 RAY, p. 13:
(One is not so). Ibid., p. 102. 1721 KEL., p. 48: *Misfortunes
come suddenly, but their Remedies by more Slow degrees.
Cf. I30: Ill comes in by ells and goes out by inches; M998: Mis-
chief comes by pounds and goes away by ounces.
M253 A MAN is nothing but worms’ meat
1523 A. FITZHERBERT Husb., p. 102: And S. Bernarde saythe, Ho-
mo nihil aliud est, quam . . esca vermium: That is to saye, A man is
nothynge but .. wormes meate. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. I i 12:
I see by this we are all worms’ meat. 1611 COT., s.v. Estat: Euerie
creature is wormes meat.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. 111 i 112: They have made worms’
meat ofme. 1597 I Hen. IVV iv 85: No, Percy, thou art dust, And
food for—[Dies.] —For worms, brave Percy. 1597 Rich. III
IV iv 385: Two tender bedfellows for dust, Thy broken faith hath
made thee prey for worms.
M254 A MAN is weal or woe as he thinks himself so
1549 T. CHALONER Pr. Folly, S. F3: For what hurteth the, the peo-
ples hissing, as long as thou clappest thy selfe on the backe? 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 193: It is the disposition of the thought
that altereth the nature of the thing. 1591 NASHE Pref. Sidney’s
Astr. and Stella: Wks., III 332: So that our opinion (as Sextus Em-
piricus aflirmeth) giues the name of good or ill to euery thing.
1596 SPENSER VI ix 30: It is the mynd that maketh good or ill,
That maketh wretch or happie, rich or poore. 1605 WOODHOUSE
Flea, p. 13: The minde doth make the fact, or good or ill. [1622]
1647 FLETCHER Women PleasedI ii, p. 245: Come Isabella, let us in
to supper, And think the Roman dainties at our Table ’Tis all but
thought. 1639 CL., p. 125: A man may be happy ifhe will himself.
1641 JONSON Timber, p. 3: Yet that which happens to any man may
to every man. But it is in his reason, what he accounts it and will
make it. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9: A man is unhappy according as
he thinks himselfto be. 1685 ROCHESTER Valentinian IV iii, p. 55:
I am not wretched, for there’s no man miserable But he that makes
himself so. 1721 KEL., p. 25: *A contented Mind will sweeten
every Condition, and a repining Heart will produce the contrary
effects. 1732 FUL., no. 6312.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo—1 H. II ii 255: There is nothing either good
or bad but thinking makes it so. 1604 0. II iii 270: You have lost
no reputation at all unless you repute yourself such a loser.
( 5)
Cf. N298: Nothing is good or bad but by comparison.
M255 A MAN may as well turn the wind as a woman
1616 DR., no. 2468.
M256 A MAN may bear until his back break
1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 328: You will beare
with me. —I but M. Gresham, a man may beare till his backe
breake. 1611 COT., s.v. Sommer: A man so long doth toyle and
swinke, till vnder his owne charge he sinke. 1616 DR., s.v. Patience,
no. 1593. Ibid., no. 1773. 1618 N. FIELD Amendsfor Ladies I,
i, p. 104: I come not to be scoffed. A woman may bear and bear,
till her back burst. 1639 CL., p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 59. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3397: Men may bear till their Backs break.
M257 A MAN may buy gold too dear
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I4. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Aug, 1. 108, p.
37: So you may buye gold to deare. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 995:
Men may buy gold over dear. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 317: If
riches bring feare, gold’s bought to deere. I611 GRUT., no. 21.
1614 CAM., p. 302. 1616 DR., no. 903: [As in 1611 Dav.]. 1619
Two Wise Men V v, s. I4v. 1639 CL., p. 157. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 7. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 50, p. 182: (The English say,
One may). 1668 R.B., p. 37: [AS in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p.
97. 1721 KEL., p. 112: Gold is good but it may be clear bought.
*Spoken when an extravagant Price is ask’d for a good Thing.
1732 FUL., no. 292: (even Gold too dear). (9)
M258 A MAN may cause his own dog to bite him
1562 HEY. Dial. II Vii, p. 70: A man maie handle his dog so, That

he maie make him byte him, though he would not. 1601 JONSON

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the Original. For full explanation see pp. xi l‘f.
MAN
MAN
420

Ev. Man in l/um. I i 210: Like an eager dogge, Who (ne’re so little
from his game withheld) Turnes head and leapes vp at his masters
throat. 1616 DR., no. 1769. 1664 COD., p. 183. I670 RAY, p. 7.
1732 FUL., no. 298: (A Man may provoke). Ibid., no. 1074: Cause
not thine own Dog to bite thee.
SHAKESPEARE.~ISQO-I 2 Hen. V] Vi 151:0ft have I seen a hot
o’erweening cur Run back and bite because he was withheld. 1596
K]. IV i 116: And, like a dog that is compell’d to fight, Snatch at
his master that doth tarre him on. 1599 Hen. V II ii 82: For your
own reasons turn into your bosoms As dogs upon their masters,
worrying you.
Cf. M742: A mastiff grows the fiercer for being tied up.
M259 A MAN may come soon enough to an ill bargain
1616 DR., no. 601. 1639 CL., p. 157. 1732 FUL., no. 3772: One
may come soon enough to an ill Market.
M260 A MAN may hold his peace (tongue) in an ill
time
1616 DR., no. 42.
no. 2229: (One may).
1659 N.R., p. 10.
(tongue).
Cf. F418: Dumb folks get nolands; P145: He is wise that can hold
his peace.
M261 A MAN may know by his color what is his dolor
1616 DR., no. 855.
M262 A MAN may lead a horse to the water but he
cannot make him drink unless he will
1546 HEY. I xi, 3. D3: A man may well bryng a horse to the water.
But he can not make hym drynke without he Will. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 50, p. 135: A man may well leade a horse to the water: But he
can not make him drinke without he list. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. B4v: Knowing that a horse may be brought to the brooke, but will
not drinke except he list. 1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 32:
When I lead a horse to the water, if he will not drinke, what can I
doo, but whistle him. 1597 T. MORLEY Intr. Music Peroratio, p.
183: A man having brought a horse to the water cannot compel him
to drink except he list. 1611 COT., s.v. Boeuf: We say . . a man
may lead his horse to the water, but cannot make him drinke vn-
lesse he list. 1611 GRUT., no. 22: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1614 CAM.,
p. 303: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1616 DR., no. 773: A man may bring an
horse to the water, but he cannot make him drinke, except he will.
1639 CL., p. 168. 1640 HERB., no. 619: You may bring a horse to
the river, but he will drinke when and what he pleaseth. 1658 E.
PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 176: A man may lead his horse to
water but he cannot make him drink unless he list. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 7: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1664 COD., p. 231: [As in 1640
Herb.]. 1670 RAY, p. 105. 1732 FUL., no. 294: A Man may lead
his Horse to Water, but cannot make him drink.
Cf. H682: One may lead a horse to the water but four and twenty
cannot gar him drink. (9)
M263 A MAN may learn wit every day
1616 DR., no. 2445.
Cf. L153: Never too Old (late) to learn; L379: Live and learn.
Ihid., no. 1980: (tongue). [Mel., s.v. Venturing,
1639 CL., p. 41. Ibid., p. 302: (tongue).
1670 RAY, p. 103. 1672 WALK. 94, p. 44:
M264 A MAN may lose his goods (Many things are
lost) for want of demanding (asking) them
1616 DR., s.v. Boldnesse, or confidence, no. 192. 1639 CL., p. 40:
Will you lose your own for lack Of asking. I640 HERB., no. 961:
Manie things are lost for want of asking. I659 N.R., p. 76: [As in
1640 Herb.]. 1664 Con., p. 184. 1670 RAY, p. 7. 1672 WALK. 7,
p. 39: (his good debts for). I705 Pleas. Alrt, p. 150. I721 KEL., p.
35: (his own for lack Of craving).
Cf. A346: He will not lose it (Nothing is lost) for asking (for want
of asking); A347: To be had for the asking.
M265 A MAN may lose more in an hour than he can
get in seven
1616 DR., no. 1723.
Cf. H741: It happens in one hour that happens not in seven years.

‘
M266 A MAN may love his house (the kirk) well
though he ride not on the ridge
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G2v. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 189: (and yet
not ride vpon the ridge). 1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 119: (on
the roofe). 1611 GRUT., no. 21. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1616 DR.,
no. 2401: (well enough, though). 1639 CL., p. 142: (and yet not
ride on the ridge). 01640 SMYTH 44, p. 30: (vpon the ridge: Or,
Love well his cowe though hee kisse her not). 1664 COD., p. 185;
(his House although he rideth not on the Ridge of it). Ibid., p,
23 1: You may love your House well, but not ride on the Ridge. 1670
RAY, p. 107: [As in 1639 Cl.]. *A man may love his children and
relations well, and yet not cocker them, or be foolishly fond and in_
dulgent of them. 1697 Yorkshire Dial. in Yorkshire Anth., p. 78;
He can love the house weel that hes Tibb in, And nut be alwayes
riding 0’ th’ riggin. I721 KEL., p. 37: (the Kirk well enough, and
not ride on the riggen ofit). *A Man may love a Thing, or Person,
very well, and yet not shew too much Fondness. I732 FUL., no.
29 5: (his House, and yet not ride on the Ridge).
M267 A MAN may soon see what is in him
1639 CL., p. 64.
M268 A MAN may speer1 the gate2 to Rome
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 85. 1668 R.B., p. 6. I721 KEL., p. 24;
*Spoken to those, who being bid to go an Errand, excuse them-
selves, because they know not the way.
Cf. M31 1: Many man speers the gate he knows full well.
[linquire 2road]
M269 A MAN may spit in his hand and d0 full ill
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 96: (Ane may spitte in). 1641 FERG., no.
100: (on his hand). 1668 R.B., p. 7: (on his hand). 1721 KEL.,
p. 26: *When a Man is about to give a Blow he will spit in his Hand,
that he may hold the Cudge[l] the faster: Meaning, that a Man
may make good Ofi'ers to act stoutly, whose Heart may yet mis-
give him after all.
Cf. H12o—1: Spit in your hands and take better hold.
M270 A MAN may strain his nose until it bleed
1616 DR., no. 1768.
A MAN may woo where he will but he must wed
where his hap is
8.1598 FERG. MS, no. 110: (A man may owe [sic] quher he). 1641
FERG., no I 14: (but hee Will wed). I668 R.B., p. 8: (but wed where
he is weard). 1721 KEL., p. 27: (but wed where his Wife is).
*Spoken of a Man who having courted many Mistresses,'has at
last married to his Disadvantage. Taken from the strict Destiny
believed to be in Marriage.
Cf. M682: Marriage is destiny.
M271
M272 A MAN must ask excessively to get a little
[ERAS. Adagia, 492B: Iniquum petendum, ut aequum feras.] I539
TAV., f. 33v: [As in Eras.]. *Aske that is vnreasonable that thou
mayst beare awaye that is reasonable . . This craft our merchaunt
men and other that sel what so euer ware it be, knowe wel ynough.
1616 DR., no. 229. 1639 CL., p. 172: Be sure to aske enough.
1640 HERB., no. 318: Aske much to have a little. 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. 9: Ask enough, and there will be enough to abate. 1659
HOW. Span. Prov., p. 8: To ask much for to get the one half. 1721
KEL., p. 291: Seek mickle, and get something: seek little, and get
nothing.
Cf. A343: Ask and have; L418: Londoner-like, ask as much more
as you will take.
M273 A MAN must come to the court as Job and abide
there as Ulysses
1616 DR., no. 388.
M274 A MAN must fear a woman and thunder
1616 DR., no. 2473.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN
MAN
421

M275 A MAN must go old to the court and young to a
Cloister that would go from thence to heaven
1678 RAY, p. 117.
M276 A MAN must have an eye in the field and an-
other in the village
1616 DR., no. 1752.
M277 A MAN must hear and see in the court and for
the rest be blind
1616 DR., no. 389.
Cf. M1274: He that hears much and speaks not all shall be wel-
come both in bower and hall. '
M278 A MAN must keep an even hand
1616 DR., no. 1146.
M279 A MAN must not be too venturous
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 189: Be sober but not to sulloume,
bee valiaunt but not too venterous. 1616 DR., no. 46.
Cf. A190: He that ventures too far loses all.
M280 A MAN must not leave his way for a little rain
1616 DR., s.v. Feare, or Fearefulnesse, no. 700. 1639 CL., s.v.
Diflicultatis, p. 88.
Cf. R10: For a morning rain leave not your journey; 81022: He
is no good swain that lets his journey for the rain.
M281 A MAN must not leave the king’s highway for a
pathway
1616 DR., no. 2325. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 16: By no means
leave not the high-way for a by-path.
M282 A MAN must not roam above his reach
1616 DR., no. 6. 1639 CL., p. 212.
Cf. M99: Every man a little beyond himself is a fool.
M283 A MAN must not shape an answer before that
he know the question (errand)
[Prov. xviii 13: He that answereth a matter before he heareth it,
it is folly and shame unto him.] I532 WHITTINGTON Little Bk.
Good Manners, s. C4: Salomon saythe thus, he is a foole that
answereth before he hereth the ende. I546 HEY. I ix, s. CIv:
Ye plaie coleprophet . . who takth in hande, To knowe his answere
before he doo his errande. 1616 DR., no. 1787.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. III i 154: Do one thing for me
that I shall entreat . . —Well, I will do it, sir. Fare you well.
—0, thou knowest not what it is. —I shall know, sir, when I have
done it.
Cf. T219: First think and then speak; U6: Who understands ill
answers ill; W948: Wrong hears, wrong answer gives.
M284 A MAN must sell his wares according to the
rates of the market
1584 GREENE Arbasto, p. 224: If thou bee wise . . make thy market
while the chaffer is set to sale. 1616 DR., no. 1763: (rate). 1659
N.R., p. 78: Men must make there market as the time serves.
1664 COD., p. 185. I670 RAY, p 23: (his ware after the). 1721
KEL., p. 52: As the Market goes Wares must sell. I732 FUL., no.
5969: You must sell, as Markets go.
Cf. M670: As the market goes wives must sell.
M285 A MAN must take all well in worth that God
has sent
1616 DR., no. 358.
Cf. A53: Afliictions are sent us by God for our good.
M286 A MAN must yield to the tempest
1616 DR., no. 2519. I721 KEL., p. 189: Juck [down with your
head], and let a Jaw [wave] go o’er you. *That is, prudently yield
to a present Torrent.
Cf. F653: We must fall down before a fox (lion, fortune) in sea-
son.

M287 A MAN need not look in your mouth to know
how old you are (your age)
[ERAS. Adagia, 615B: Facies tua computat annos.] I616 WITHALS,
p. 557. 1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case IV ii 549: And then my
rotten teeth, with eating sweet-meats .. why, should a Farrier
looke in my mouth, he might mistake my age. 1639 CL., p. 280.
I670 RAY, p. 188. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Old, p. 238: (We
need not). 1672 WALK. 50, p. 52: (your age). 1721 KEL., p. 359.
They need not look in your Mouth to know your Age.
Cf. H678: Look not a given horse in the mouth.
M288 A MAN never surfeits of too much honesty
I616 WITHALS, p. 570: A man shall neuer surfet of overmuch
honesty. 1639 CL., p. 213: Too must [for much] honesty did never
man harme. 1664 COD., p. 185: (with overmuch Honesty). 1670
RAY, p. 13. I732 FUL., no. 3597: (No Man ever surfeited on).
M289 A MAN of courage (A man who will fight) never
wants weapons
1616 WITHALS, p. 544: Any thing is a weapon for him that is angry,
Furor arma ministrat. 1639 CL., p. 324: A man that will fight may
find a cudgell in every hedge. I732 FUL., no. 302.
Cf. M418: A Wight man never wanted a weapon.
M290 A MAN of gladness seldom falls into madness
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. I670 RAY, p. 11. 1732 FUL., no.
6235. .
M291 The MAN of God is better for having his bows
and arrows about him
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. Ibid., p. 19: The holy man of God will
be better with his bowes and arrowes about him; An Irish Proverb.
Cf. W40: Clothe thee in war, arm thee in peace.
M292 A MAN of great memory Without learning has a
rock and a spindle and no stuff to spin
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 81. I651 HERB., p. 368: (a great
memory and and no staffe to spin).
M293 A MAN of many trades begs his bread on Sun-
day (thrives by none)
1606 2 Ret. from Parn. V iv, s. H3: We haue run through many
trades, yet thriue by none. I642 FULLER Holy State I xi, p. 28:
I know two trades together are too much for one man to thrive
upon. 1721 KEL., p. 5. 1732 FUL., no. 304: (on Sundays).
Cf. J19: Jack-of-all-trades (John-of-all-trades).
M294 A MAN of straw is worth a woman of gold
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 173: (is more worth than). 1611 COT.:
s.v. Femme: (of gold for rude, or violent purposes will some say),
1615 DANIEL Hymen’s Triumph II i, p. 355: But hold A man of
strawe more then a wife of gold. 1623 WOD., p. 488: *So meant,
because Women be rarely good. 1637 J. HOWELL Let. II 4, II
380. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5. 1659 N.R., p. 7. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 38, p. 115: (may be worth). 1670 RAY, p. 49: *This is a
French Proverb. 1721 KEL., p. 46.
M295 A MAN of three letters
1559 COOPER, s.v. Homo: Homo trium literarum, signifieth some-
tyme in mockage a man of noble linage, because noble men wrote
theyr fornames, their names and surnames with three letters, as.
P. Cor. Scipio . . It is somtyme taken for a thefe, because Fur, hath
in it but thre letters.
See SM., p. 21.
M296 A MAN of words and not of deeds is like a gar-
den full of weeds
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20: (A man in words and not in deeds, Is).
1670 RAY, p. 211. I721 KEL., p. 20: *That is, both at a Distance
seem something, but, when narrowly inspected, are nothing. 1732
FUL., no. 6160. 1758 FRANKLIN Let. I77: Wks., III 244.
Cf. W812: Good words without deeds are rushes and reeds.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MAN
MAN
422
M297 A MAN or a mouse
1542 UDALL Apoph, f. 267v: He was vtterly mynded to put al in
hasarde to make or marrc, and to bee manne or mous. 01550
GOSYNHYLL -$'choolhouse Wom. l. 385, p. 119: Fear not, she saith
vnto her spouse, A man or a Mouse whether be ye. 1560-77
Misogonus ll iv 221: Ha then for all Christen soules a man or a
mouse. I564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 28: I warraunt you, life for
life, discomfort not your selfe, a man or a mouse. 1591 LYLY
Endim. I iii 40: Nay I tell ye my Maister is more then a man.
-—And thou lesse then a mouse. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Asso o sei, p. 44:
The most or least, as we say in english a man or a mouse. [1625]
1647 MASSINGER ET AL. Love’s Cure II ii, p. 184: Your Father has
committed you to my charge, and I will make a man or a mouse on
you. 1639 CL., p. 41: Ile make you either a man or a mouse.
Ibid.: A man or a mouse, a king or a begger. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 15: He a Man? he a Mouse. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Polli, p. 152: To have either chickens or crickets, viz. one or
other, in or out, a man or a mouse. I672 WALK. 20, p. 56: A
man or a mouse; A King or a Beggar; something or nothing.
a1700 B.E., s.v. Mouse-trap: A Man or a Mouse, a Prince or a
Peasant.
See ST., no. 1465. Cf. K67: A king or a beggar. (8)
M298 MAN proposes, God disposes
a15oo Harl. MS 3362, p. 309: A man purposyt, God dysposyt.
01500 Melusine XXXVI, p. 265: The fole proposeth and god
dysposeth. 1530 PALS., p. 67ob: Man purposeth and God dis-
poseth. I573 SANF., f. 51v: [As in 1530 Pals]. 1578 FLOR. First
F. XIX, f. 32v: Man dooth purpose, and God dooth dispose. 1596
DEL., s. N6V: Man doth purpose in earth, and God disposeth in
heauen. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1016: Men propones bot God
dispons. 1616 DR., no. 599: [As in 1530 Pals.]. 1639 CL., p. 157:
Man purposeth, God disposeth. 1640 HERB., no. 1. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 12, p. 70. 1668 R.B., p. 39: Man propones, but God dis-
pones. 1670 RAY, p. 118.
See DI'iR., II, no. 94; ST., no. 2578. Cf. M231: Man does what
he can and God what he will; M605: Wise men propose and fools
dispose. (I7)
M299 A MAN should hear all parts ere he judge any
1562 HEY. Epig. 172, p. 154: Here all
parts, ere ye iudge any. 1616 DR., no. 1133: A man must heare
all parts before that he giue iudgement of any. 1623 WOD., p.
497: Wee should know before wee judge. I651 HOBBES Leviathan
II 22, p. 122: Every man may think his own cause just, till it be
heard, and judged. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables II, I II: ’Tis
against Common Justice to pass Sentence without hearing Both
sides.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I H. I iii 68: Give every man thine ear,
but few thy voice.
Cf. P87: Hear all parties; T42: One tale is good until another be
told (heard).
1546 HEY. I xiii, s. Flv.
M300 A MAN that breaks his word bids others be
false to him
1548 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 57v: But (as the common prouerbe
saieth) he whiche is a promise breaker, escapeth not alway free.
1732 FUL., no. 311.
A MAN that cannot sit still in his chamber is not
fit for business
1662 PEPYS Diary Aug. 8, II 301: Another rule is a proverb that
he hath been taught, which is, that a man that cannot sit Still
in his chamber . . and he that cannot say no . . is not fit for
business.
Cf. P103: He that has no patience has nothing.
M301
M302 A MAN well mounted is ever choleric
1640 HERB., no. 1018.
Cf. K137: Set a knave on horseback and you shall see him
shoulder a knight.

M303 A MAN were better be half blind than have
both his eyes out
1616 WITHALS, p. 576: *Praestat uni malo quam duobus.
CL., s.v. Desperatio, p. 86. 1670 RAY, p. 64.
Cf. E227: Better to have one eye than be blind altogether; E240;
He that has one eye is a king among the blind.
M304 A MAN will rather hurt his body than displease
his palate
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I.
Cf. H292: To drink health is to drink sickness.
I639
M305 A MAN without money is a body without the
soul
1596 DEL., s. P6v.
A purse without money is like a body without a soule.
no. 1414: Men without Money, are bodies without soules.
N.R., p. 17: (a body without life).
Cf. G68: A gentleman without money (living) is like a pudding
without suet; S503: The skillfulest wanting money is scorned.
1597 BRETON Wit’s Trenchmour: Wks., II 18:
1616 DR.,
1659
M306 A MAN without reason is a beast in season
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. I670 RAY, p. 22. 1732 FUL., no.
6244.
M307 A MAN without religion is like a horse without
a bridle-
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III IV i 2, p. 882: Justice and Religion
are the two chief props . . of a . . commonwealth . . as Sabellicus
delivers, A man without Religion is like an horse without a bridle.
See SM., p. 21.
M308 A MAN would live in Italy but he would choose
to die in Spain
1651 HERB., p. 366: A man would live in Italy (a place of pleasure),
but he would chuse to dy in Spain, where they say the Catholic
religion is professed with greatest Strictness.
M309 Many a MAN makes an errand to the hall to
bid the lady good day
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1032: (Mony maks). 1641 FERG., no. 640:
(Mony man makes). 1668 R.B., p. 38: (Many man makes). 1721
KEL., p. 371: You make many Errands t0 the Hall, to bid the Laird
good Day. *Spoken to them who pretend Errands where they
have a Mind to go.
M310 Many MAN serves a thankless master
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1017: (Mony men). 1620 SHELTON Don
Quin. Pt. II, lxvi, IV 219: That it may not be said, So a good ser-
vant, an ungratefull Master. 1641 FERG., no. 626. 1668 R.B.,
p. 39. 1721 KEL., p. 248: (Many one).
Cf. M736: Masters love services and not the servants.
M311 Many MAN speers1 the gate2 he knows full well
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1027. I668 R.B., p. 39: (gate he kens full
well).
Cf. M268: A man may speer the gate to Rome.
[linquires for 2road]
M312 A married MAN turns his staff into a stake
1640 HERB., no. 362. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
187: *His state is not ambulatory and at liberty, but fixed and
setled. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6: *He hath not so much liberty.
1664 COD., p. 185: (must turn). *He must keep at home. 1670
RAY, p. 17: (The married man must turn).
M313 The miserable MAN makes a penny of a far-
thing, and the liberal, of a farthing Sixpence
1640 HERB., no. 207. 1659 N.R., p. 111: (farthing, the). 1664
COD., p. 217. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 156. 1732 FUL., no. 4716: The
poor Man’s Shilling is but a Penny.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN 423 MAN


M314 Never speak to a fasting MAN SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 70: Folly, in wisdom hatch’d,
I639 CL. s.v. Ira p. 178. Hath wisdom’s warrant . . And wit’s own grace to grace a learned
Cf Mi87_ A hL’mgry man an angry man fool. 1601 T.N. III 1 67: ThlS fellow is Wise enough to play the
' ' ' fool, and to do that well craves a kind of wit.
M315 N0 living MAN all things can See Orro, no. 868. Cf. M428: A wise man may sometimes (He
. . is not wise who cannot) play the fool. (6)
[ERAS. Adagio, 5200: Non omma possumus omnes.] 1539 TAV.,
f. 36: [As in Eras.]. *All men can not do all thynges. Thys is the M 322 N0 M AN can serve two masters
sayenge of the poete Vergill. 1611 CHAPMAN May Day III iii 143:
Non omnia possumus omnes: for some are born to riches, others to
verses. 1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears IV i I32: But one of those
virtues is enough at once. All natures are not capable of all gifts.
1616 WITHALS, p. 544. Ibid., p. 569: No one man may doe all, nor
neuer did, nor neuer shall do. 1639 CL., p. 97: No man is good at
all things. [Hol., p. 147. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20, p. 55: All persons
cannot do all things. I670 RAY, p. 56.
M316 N0 MAN becomes worst at the first dash
1630 T. ADAMS Generat. Serpents: Wks., p. 888: The violence and
virulence of this venomous qualitie comes not at first. Nemo fit
repente pessimus. No man becomes worst at the first dash. I732
FUL., no. 280: A Man is not good or bad, for one Action.
See SM., p. 319.
M317 No MAN better knows what is good than he
who has endured evil
[ERAS. fldagz'a, 7400: Discordia fit carior concordia.] I576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., I 190: Trouble and adversity makes quiet and prosperity
far more pleasant. I596 DEL., S. N4v: Good shall neuer be found
to be good, aness it haue bene first proued by the euill. I600
BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 6: We neuer know what ’tis in heauen to
dwell, Till wee haue had some feeling of grim hell. 1616 DR., no.
643: No man knoweth what is good, except he haue endured euill.
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 12: Who knows not ill cannot judge of
the good. 1664 COD., p. 206: No Men know better what is good,
but they who have endured evil. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 35, p. 24: He
knows not happiness, who hath not tryed unhappiness. I670
RAY, p. 8. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Indure: (what Good is).
Cf. M336: No man knows so well what wealth is as he that has
been poor.
M318 No MAN can do two things at once
1577 T. KENDALL Flowers Epig., p. 264: No man can doe twoo
thyngs at once, the prouerbe old doeth tell.
Cf. B476: Blow first and sip afterwards; M221: A man cannot
be in two places at once; M227: A man cannot spin and reel at the
same time; M322: No man can serve two masters.
M319 N0 MAN can have every man’s good word
1616 DR., no. 1991. I659 N.R., p. 81: Never yet that man that
every one spake well of.
Cf. A193: He that would please all and himself too undertakes
what he cannot do; 1103: Jupiter himself cannot please all; M526:
He that all men will please shall never find ease; P88: It is hard to
please all parties (men).
M320 N0 MAN can make his own hap
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1084: (his awin fortune). I641 FERG., no.
659: (Na man makes). 1668 R.B., p. 41: (No man makes). I721
KEL., p. 267.
Cf. K180: You know not what may happen to you; M126: Every
man is the architect of his own fortune; T192: Many things happen
unlooked for.
M321 No MAN can play the fool so well as the wise
man
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 159: To plaie the foole well it behooveth
a man first to be wise. 1596 DEL., s. M8v: To play the foole well,
is a signe of wisedome. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1087: (as ane wyse
man). 1602 JONSON Poetaster IV v 46: I haue read in a booke,
that to play the foole wisely, is high Wisdome. I611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 56: None plaies the foole well without wit. 1668 R.B., p. 40.
1670 RAY, p. 288. 1721 KEL., p. 267: (None can). 1732 FUL.,
no. 2849: It is a cunning Part to play the Fool well.

[Matt. vi 24.] 1477 CAXTON Yason, p. 57: For no man may wel
serue two maistres for that one corumpeth that other. 1571 R.
EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. B3v: Oftetimes I haue heard,
before I came hether, That no man can serue two maisters together.
1583 STUBBES flnat. Abuses I, p. 120: We cannot serue two Maisters,
God and Mammon. 1586 WITHALS, s. KI: Hee that will serue two
maisters in troth, He disappointeth and fayleth them both. 8.1598
FERG. MS, 110. 1095. 1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sickness II: Wks.,
p. 335: As Christs Maxime inferreth; No man can serue two lVIas-
ters with true service. 1623 WOD., p. 490: It is impossible . . To
serue two Maisters Enemies together. 1642 D. ROGERS Naaman,
p. 166: You cannot have your will . . and Christ too; no man can
serve two Masters.
Cf. M318: NO man can do two .things at once.
M323 No MAN can thrive heir for1 throng
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1094.
leave to thrive for throng.
your Business.
[lbecause of]
1721 KEL., p. 365: You cannot get
*That is, your too much haste spoils
M324 N0 MAN dies of an ague or without it i
1616 T. ADAMS Divine Hervall: Wks., p. 1034: But as Physicians
say, no man dies of an ague, or without it; so seldom any soule dies
of pride, or without pride.
See SM., p. 319.
M325 No MAN ever cried stinking fish
I660 TAYLOR Duetor Duoit. IV i, X 638: Does ever any man cry
stinking fish to be Sold? 1664 WILSON Cheats IV ii, p. 52: Did
you ever hear a Fish-wife cry stinking Makarel? 1666 G. ALSOP
C/zar. Prov. Md. Pref., p. 26: Besides, I have a thousand Billings-
gate Collegians that will give in their testimony, That they never
knew a Fish-woman cry stinking Fish. I678 RAY, p. 8I. 1721
KEL., p. 393: You never heard a Fisher cry stinking Fish. 1732
FUL., no. 3596: No Man cryeth stinking Fish.
M326 No MAN ever lost his credit (honor) but he that
had it not
01526 Dicta Sap., s. C2: None loseth mony saue he that had it.
But he is sayde to haue lost his fidelite that had it nat, that is to
saye, he that hath bene vnfaythfull. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and
Pithias, s. G2: Where can you say I euer lost mine honestie. —-You
never lost it, for you never had it, as farre as I know. 1598
MARLOWE Hero and Leander I 276, p. 43: Things that are not at all
are never lost. 1653 WALTON Complete Angler V, p. 89: Nay, the
Trout is not lost; for . . no man can lose what he never had. 1664
COD., p. 206. 1670 RAY, p. 6.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 AY. I ii 81: But ifyou swear by that that
is not, you are not forsworn. No more was this knight, swearing
by his honour, for he never had any.
M327 No MAN has a lease of his life
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 314: No body hath letters for to live ever.
1721 KEL., p. 266.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I5go—1 2 Hen. VI IV R 5: HI might have a
lease of my life for a thousand years, I could stay no longer.
M328 No MAN holds you
1631 JONSON Staple News III iv '75: Goe, as you came, here’s no
man holds you, There, There lies your way, you see the doore.
I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 457: Well, run on till you’re weary;
nobody holds you.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. I i 106: Your gifts are so good
here’s none will hold you.
Cf. M608: You go as if nine men held you.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MA]! 424
MAN
M329-30 No MAN is a prophet in his own country
[Matt. xiii 57: And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto
them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country,
and in his own house.] 1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 26:
No man hath beene a Prophet, not onely in his house, but in his
owne country, saith the experience of histories. I611 COT., s.v.
Sainct: Le sainct de la ville n'est point oré: Men least respect their
owne, or that they are vsed to; our well-knowne patrons are the
least implored. 1623 WOD., p. 510. 1632 MASSINGER Emp. East
I ii, p. 245: In a word, conceive him as a prophet honour’d In his
own country. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 26: A Prophet of small
account in his own countrey. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 114,
. 22 .
p Seg ST., no. 1891. Cf. M517: Few men have been admired by
their domestics (familiars); M522: Good men find not their country
kind.
M331 No MAN is born wise
I620 SHELTON Don Qaix. Pt. II, xxxiii, III 253: For no man is
borne wise, and Bishops are made of men, and not of stones. I732
FUL., no. 3599: (wise or learned).
M332 N o MAN is content with his lot
1639 CL., p. 73.
Cf. C628: He is never content.
M333 N0 MAN is happy before his death
[1611 Apocrypha Eeelus. xi 28: Judge none blessed before his death.]
1552 TAV., f. 53v: Salon aunswerd kyng Cresus, that no man coulde
be named happy, tyl he had happely and prosperouslye passed the
course of his lyfe. I565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorhodue III i,
s. D4: Oh no man happie, till his ende be seene. I596 DEL., s.
O5v: (happy, but after death). 1596 SPENSER IV iv 43: So
nought may be esteemed happie till the end. 1598 BARCKLEY
Fel. Man V, p. 479: The prosperous life and miserable end of
Policrates, confirmeth The opinion of Solon: that no man can be
accounted happy before his death. I600 DEKKER Old Fort. V ii
184: No man before his end is truly blest. 1615 RA. Val. Welsh.
III ii, s. E2: Grave Solons; NO mans happy untill death. I633
MARMION Fine Companion I i, p. 109: Our love is like our life;
There’s no man blest in either till his end. 1639 CL., p. 216.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 159: Before death, one cannot call any
body happy.
SHAKESPEARE.—~1592 T. And. I i 176: But safer triumph is this
funeral pomp That hath aspir’d to Solon’s happiness.
See DIJR., II, no. 462; Orro, no. 1143. (8)
M334 N0 MAN is his craft’s master the first day
1580 BARET, V-95: For as we saie, One daie is not sufficient to
attaine to learning. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 68: Appel-
les was no good Paynter the first day. 1621 BRATHWAITE Shep.
Tales I 1: Nat. Embassy, p. 191: For hauing thought (so easie was
the way) That one might be a Lawyer the first day. 1639 CL., p.
35: (No man his). 1670 RAY, p. 75. 1678 RAY, p. 120: *Nessuno
nasce maestro. I732 FUL., no. 806: Apelles was not a Master-
Painter the first Day. Ibid., no. 3600.
Cf. M728: None is born a master; SIO25: One swallow makes not
summer.
M335 N0 MAN is wise at all times
[ERAS. Adagio, 532E: Nemo mortalium omnibus horis sapit.] 1539
TAV., f. 37v: No man in the worlde is wyse at all houres. 1565 T.
COOPER Thesaurus, s.v. Sapio: No man liuing is at all times well
aduised. I604 MARSTON Malcontent V ii 177: Nemo omnibus horis
sapit; no man can be honest at all hours. 1639 CL., p. 266. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 249: (Nobody is). 1677 RICHARDSON Cert.
Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 28: (None among men is). 1680
R. L’ESTRANOE Twenty-Two Sel. Colloq. 15, p. 215: But it is not for
any Mortal to be wise at all Times, and to all Purposes.
SHAKESPEARE.—I604 0. II iii 241: The best sometimes forget.
Cf. H536: Homer nods sometimes; M599: Wise men are caught
in wiles.

M341
_
M336 N0 MAN knows so well what wealth is as he
that has been poor
1639 CL., p. 98. I732 FUL., no. 5463: Wealth is best known by
Want.
Cf. M317: No man better knows what is good than he who has
endured evil.
M337 N0 MAN loses (wins) but another wins (loses)
[ERAS. Adagia, 1055c: Bona nemini hora est, quin alicui sit mala.]
01526 Dicta Sap., s. B2: There is no lucky fortune, whiche chaunceth
nat to anothers yll. Ibid., 3. DIv: Lyghtly whan one wynneth, an
other loseth. 1623 WOD., p. 505. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 314:
It’s never ill for one, but that it proves well for another.
SHAKESPEARE.—I605-6 M. I ii 67: What he hath lost noble
Macbeth hath won.
Cf. B695: Like two buckets of a well, ifone go up the other must
go down; R136: The rising of one man is the falling of another;
W421: It is an ill (evil) wind that blows no man good (to good).
M338 N0 MAN loves his fetters though made of gold
1562 HEY. Dial. I viii, p. 15: (fetters, be they made of gold). 1590
SPENSER FQ. III ix 8: For sure a foole I do him firmely hold, That
loues his fetters, though they were of gold. c1594 BACON, no. 475:
(though they be of gold). I611 GRUT., no. 196: (fetters, bee the
[for they] made of gold). 1611 T. HEYWOOD Gold. Age IV, p. 58:
You giue me golden fetters, As if their value could my bondage
lessen. 1614 CAM., p. 310: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1616 DR., no. 1224:
None loue golden gyues. 1631 E. REYNOLDS Use Law, p. 370:
Gold is good of it selfe, but to fetter a man with a chaine of gold
would be no bounty, but a mockery. I632 MASSINGER Maid Hon.
III i, p. 344: Fetters, though made of gold, Express base thraldom.
1639 CL., p. 188. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: [As in 1562 Hey.].
1659 N.R., p. 80: [As in c1594 Bacon]. 1664 COD., p. 206. I670
RAY, p. 89.
Cf. G19: To be hanged on a fair gallows (with a silken halter).
M339 N0 MAN makes haste to the market where
there’s nothing to be bought but blows
I670 RAY, p. 119. I732 FUL., no. 3651: None hastens to that
Market, where nothing is to be bought but Blows.
M340 N0 MAN may puind1 for unkindness
1641 FERG., no. 653. 1668 R.B., p. 40.
Cf. D169: You can puind for debt but not for unkindness.
[1distrain]
N0 MAN ought to be judge in his own cause
1528 TYNDALE Ohed. Chr. Man, p. 24: No man is a right judge in
his own cause. 1560 DAUS Chron. 5, f. 60. 1639 CL., s.v. Judi-
candi recte, secus, p. 180: No man must be his own judge. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 231: One ought not to do ones own self reason.
*Note 7, p. 241: Namely, to be a Iudge in ones own cause.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 V.A. l. 220: Being judge in love, she can-
not right her cause. 1596 M. V. II ix 61: To offend and judge are
distinct oflices And of opposed natures. 1601 T.N. V i 362: Thou
shalt be both the plaintiff and thejudge Of thine own cause. I604
M.M. V i 166: Be you judge Of your own cause.
Cf. L111: To have the law in one’s own hand; M540: Men are
blind in their own cause; P239: He has put off the person of ajudge
that puts on the person of a friend (accuser).
M342 N0 MAN proves famous but by labor
1639 CL., p. 162.
Cf. N296: Nothing is given us in this life without much labor.
M343 No MAN so good (stout) but another may be as
good (stout) as he
1596 DEL., s. N3v: There is no man though neuer so strong, but
there is a stronger. I611 COT., s.v. Bon: The best man hath his
match; the purest his Peere; one may be euerie way as good as
another. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 23: He is not so good but there
may be as good. 1662 FULLER Worthies Cheshire, I 182: And
some will oppose to this narrow County-Proverb, an English one

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN
MAN
415


of greater latitude, viz. No man so good, but another may be as
good as he. 1672 WALK. 68, p. 24: You are not so stout but I am
as stout as you. You have met with your match.
Cf. M351: One man is better than another; M745: He has met
with his match.
M344 N0 MAN so wise but he may be deceived
I596 DEL., s. N3v: There is no man neuer so craftie, but he may be
deceiued. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A5).
Cf. T223: He that thinks himself surest is often deceived.
M345 No naked MAN is sought after to be rifled
1615 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Cupid’s Rev. II, p. 236: No naked
man fears robbing less Than I doe. 1651 HERB., p. 367. 1755
FRANKLIN, p. 32: A hundred Thieves cannot strip one naked Man,
especially if his Skin’s off.
Cf. B226: A beggar can never be bankrupt; B229: The beggar
may sing before the thief; N331: They that have nothing need
fear to lose nothing; R7a: To take raiment (clothes) from a naked
man.
M346 An old MAN has one foot in the grave
[ERAS. Adagia, 427B: Alterum pedem in sepulcro habere.] 1566
PAINTER Pal. Pleas. I 60, II 109: Takyng paines to visite him, who
hath one of his feet alreadie within the graue, the other stepping
after with conuenient speede. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 13: My
thrid is sponne, and my foote is in the grave. [a1594] 1605 K. Leir,
s. A2: One foote already hangeth in the grave. 1616 DR., s.v.
Olde age, no. 1556: (He hath one). 1633 MARMION Fine Com-
panion II ii, p. 130: Having one foot in the bed, and the other in
the grave, if she be rul’d by me, ’tis but her giving him a lift, and
the next turn marry with a Lord. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. La,
p. 84: (To be grown old, and past the best of his daies, to have one).
1672 WALK. 26, p. 57: He hath one foot already in the grave; he is
even as good as done; he hath but a while to live. 1678 RAY, p.
184. I732 FUL., no. 3720: Old Men have one Foot in the Grave,
and many young Men too.
See ST., no. 2452. Cf. E59: He is upon the edge of his grave;
F569: To have one foot in Charon’s boat; M480: The old man’s
staff is the rapper at death’s door; T249: His thread is spun. (7)
M347 An old MAN in a house is a good sign in a house
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 4: That house is happy which smells of an
old man. 1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 413.
M348 An old MAN in love hugs death
1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. T1: Greene Iuy, which catch-
eth an olde Tree, maketh quicke worke for the fire: and the im-
bracements of a faire Woman, hastneth an olde man to his Graue.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 14: Old men who play with young maids,
embrace death. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 298. I732 FUL., no.
3722: Old Men, that dandle Madams, hug Death. 1748 RICHARD-
SON Clarissa, VIII 117: Old men, when they marry young women,
are said to make much of death.
Cf. A76: When age is jocund it makes sport for death; L74: He
that is old and marries with a lass lies but at home and proves him-
self an ass; M573: Old men when they scorn (seem) young make
much of death; P230: Old people’s frisking does presage their end-
mg.
M349 An old MAN is a bed full of bones
I678 RAY, p. 184. 1732 FUL., no. 648.
Cf. M571: Old men carry an almanac in their bones.
M350 Old MAN, when thou diest give me thy doublet
I678 RAY, p. 77.
M351 One MAN is better than another
1616 DR., no. 915.
Cf. M343: No man so good (stout) but another may be as good
(stout) as he.
M352 One MAN is better than three
1639 CL., s.v. Excellentia, p. 104.

M353 One MAN (body) is no man (body)
1539 TAV., f. 17: One man no man. One man lefte alone and for-
saken of all the rest, can do lyttell good. 1586 G. WHITNEY Choice
Emblems I, p. 66: The prouerbe saieth, one man is deemed none.
1616 DR., s.v. Helpe or ayd, no. 966: (is no body). 1620 J. FORD
Line Life, p. 53: The olde Greeke proverbe concluded that one man
was no man. 1639 CL., p. 44: One body is no body.
See DUR., I, no. 360. Cf. O52: One and none is all one (One is
as good as none, One is none); O54: One is no number.
M354 One MAN is worth a hundred and a hundred are
not worth one
1573 SANF., f. 52: (and a hundred is not worth one).
First F. XIX, f. 32v: [As in 1573 Sanf.].
p. 27.
M355 A poor MAN gets a poor marriage
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 172. I721 KEL., p. 3: (a poor Marriage, and
that’s no meet for him). *Spoken when People of mean Condition
are meanly treated. 1732 FUL., no. 3 53.
I578 FLOR.
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 42,
1639 CL., p. 104: One’s as good as a hundred.
M356 A poor MAN is fain of little
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 119: (of litill albet not of nothing). 1641
FERG., no. 123. Ibid., no. 687: Poor men are fain of little thing.
1668 R.B., p. 9. Ibid., p. 43: [As in 1641 Ferg., no. 687]. 1721
KEL., p. 279: (Poor Folk is). *Because they have no hopes to get
much. .
M357 The poor MAN pays for all
01561 Poor Man Pays l. 4 in Roxb. Bal., II 334: And, waking from
my sleepe, I My dreame to mind did call: Me thought I saw before
mine eyes, How poore men payes for all. 1639 CL., p. 270: The
poore pay for all. Ibid., p. 298: (The poore subject). 1721 KEL.,
P- 323-
M358 The poor MAN turns his cake and another
comes and takes it away
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 402.
eats it).
Cf. B740: One beats the bush and another catches the bird.
I732 FUL., no. 4714: (comes and
M359 A poor MAN wants some things, a covetous man
all things
1678 R. L’ESTRANGE Mor. III ii, p. 467: The Poor Man wants
many things, but the Covetous Man wants All. 1732 FUL., no.
356-
M360 The properer (honester) MAN the worse luck
1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. C3: For our loues Sister, you may see the
properer women, the worse lucke. 1611 COT., s.v. Mescheoir: The
best men (commonly) haue the worst fortune; whereupon we say,
The honester man the worse his lucke. 1612-13 J. CHAMBERLAIN
(to Carleton) quoted in Sullivan Court Masques 7ames I, p. 76:
Yt comes to passe after the old prouerb the properer men the worse
lucke. 1639 CL., p. 299: (the worser luck). I640 JONSON Tale
Tub III vii 20. 1659 N.R., p. 106: The honester man the worser
luck. I670 RAY, p. 134: The properer man (and so the honester)
the worse luck. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Luck: (honester).
SHAKESPEARE.-I592-3 C.E. II ii 89: The plainer dealer, the
sooner lost.
Cf. D312: The devil’s child the devil’s luck; D472: A good dog
seldom meets with a good bone; K130: The more knave the better
luck.
M361 Rather a MAN without money than money
without a man
1529 HYRDE Instr. Chr. Wom. XVI, p. 1 10: I had leaver have a man
without money than money without a man. 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. AI: Themistocles . . had rather haue a man without
mony, then mony without a man. 1593 Tell-Trothes Gift in Tell-
Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 6: They regard not now a dayes the

old sayinge of the wise man, I had rather haue a man then mony,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MAN 426
MAN

but testify by their doinges that they esteeme more of wealth then
of humanity. 1596 DEL., s. N6V: We must rather seeke for a man
that wantes wealth, then for wealth that wantes a man. 1608
J. DAVIES Minor Poems, p. 71: 'I’ithes and lands I like, yet rather
fancy can, A man that wanteth gold, then gold that wants a man.
Cf. H218: Not what is she but what has she.
M362 Respect a MAN, he will do the more
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 16.
M363 A rich MAN and a miserable
1600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will 1. 299: Wks., III 243: It is a com-
mon prouerbe, Diuesq; miserq;, a rich man, and a miserable.
Cf. C506: Much coin much care; R108: Riches are gotten with
pain, kept with care, and lost with grief; R109: Riches bring care
and fears.
M364 A rich MAN is either wicked himself or the heir
of a wicked man
[ERAS. Adagia, 351A: Dives aut iniquus est, aut iniqui haeres.]
I539 TAV., f. 26V: A rych man is eyther wycked, or a wycked mans
executour or heyre. Thys prouerbe S. Hierome hym selfe vseth.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 177: Every rich man is either unjust
him selfe, or else the heire of some unjust man. 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., S. E2: Plutarch I remember hath these wordes. It is very
probable that euery riche man eyther hath bene wicked, or the
heire of a wicked man.
Cf. C305: Happy is the child whose father goes to the devil;
R106: Riches and sin are oft married together.
M365 The rich MAN may dine when he will, the poor
man when he may
1580 MUNDAY Zelanto I, p. 12: Ritch men may goe to dynner when
they wyll, and poore men when they may. 1584 T. COGAN Haven
Health 211, p. 184: Diogenes, the Philosopher, when he was asked
the question what time was best for a man to dine, he answered,
for a rich man when hee will, but for a poore man when he may.
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 128: The Queene asked if it were
time to goe to supper? Yes (said Cavall.) for the rich men when
they list, for the poore men when they can. 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 3: When thou feedest, think on them that hunger, for
a rich man may dine when hee will, and a poore man when he may.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 2: The rich man dines when he pleaseth,
the poor man when he can. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 140: The rich
man eateth when he will, the poor man when he can.
Cf. M366: The rich man walks to get a stomach to his meat, the
poor man to get meat for his stomach.
M366 The rich MAN walks to get a stomach to his
meat, the poor man to get meat for his stom-
ach
1586 W. WARNER Albion’s Eng. V 27: Poems, p. 571: The rich for
meate seeke stomackes, and the poore for stomackes meate. I595
COPLEY Wits, Fits III, p. 101: One woonted to say, that poore men
want meate to their stomackes, and rich men stomackes to their
meats. I600 [LYLY] ll/Iaid’s Metam. II i 30: You walke to get
stomacke to your meate, and I walke to get meate to my stomacke.
1642 FULLER Holy State III xiii, p. 185: A rich man told a poore
man that he walked to get a stomach for his meat. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 10: The diflerence twixt the poor man and the rich,
is that the one walketh to gett meat for his stomack, the other to
get a stomack to his meat. 1664 COD., p. 231: Your rich Man'
walketh to get a Stomack to his Meat, and the poor Man walks to
get Meat for his Stomack. I670 RAY, p. 217: The difference be-
tween the poor man and the rich is, that the poor walketh to get
meat for his stomack, the rich a stomack for his meat. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3895: Poor Men seek Meat for their Stomach; rich Men Stomach
for their Meat. I735 FRANKLIN, p. 9: The poor man must walk
to get meat for his stomach, the rich man to get a stomach to his
meat.
SHAKESPEARE—I598 2 Hen. IV IV iv 105: She [Fortune] either
gives a stomach, and no food (Such are the poor, in health), or else

M371

a feast, And takes away the stomach—such are the rich That have
abundance and enjoy it not.
Cf. M365: The rich man may dine when he will, the poor man
when he may.
M367 A Scottish MAN and a Newcastle grindstone
travel all the world over
1662 FULLER Worthies Northumberland, II 188: *The Scots
(gentry especially) . . travail into foreign parts, most for main-
tenance, many for accomplishment . . No Grind-stone so good as
those of Newcastle. 1670 RAY, p. 247. I697 MER., p. 166.
M368 A Scottish MAN is wise behind the hand
I641 FERG., no. 137. I668 R.B., p. 10: A Scots man is ay wise
behind hand. 1721 KEL., p. 28: *Without doubt the warm Tem_
per of that Nation makes them easily receive the first Impression;
especially if gilded over by Men of Eloquence, Cunning, and Arti-
fice; and seem to offer a present Profit.
Cf. E192: To be wise after the event; 1103: The Italians are wise
before the deed (fact), the Germans in the deed (fact), the French
after the deed (fact).
M369 A scrupulous MAN stumbles and staggers
among quicksands and flint stones
1616 DR., no. 1915.
M370 Seldom is a long MAN wise or a low man lowly
1556 T. HILL Brief and Pleas. Epit. Physiog., s. FIV: The olde
prouerbe . . I haue seldom seen a long or tal man, wittye, or a little
man, meeke and pacyent. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U3V: I
haue seldome sene a long man Wise, or a lowe man lowlie. 1625
BACON Apothegms: Wks., XIII 410: My Lord St. Alban said, that
wise nature did never put her precious jewels into a garret four
stories high: and therefore that exceeding tall men had ever very
empty heads. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13: If the tall were
valiant, the little man patient . . all the world would be equal.
Cf. P497: A little pot is soon hot.
Send a wise MAN on an errand and say nothing
unto him
I461 DENYES (to M. Paston, July) in Paston Let. 463, III 285: Men
sey, send a wiseman on thy erand, and sey litell to hym, wherfor
I write brefly and litell. 1616 DR., no. 2084: (on your errand).
1640 HERB., no. 213. 1659 N.R., p. 92: (to him). 1670 RAY,
p. 157: (to him).
Cf. H39: Half a word (tale) to a wise man (a good understander)
is enough; W781: A word to a wise man is enough (Few words to
the wise sufl'ice).
M372 Shake a Leicestershire MAN by the collar and
you shall hear the beans rattle in his belly
1622 DRAYTON Poly-Olb. XXIII 265, p. 474: Beane-belly Lester-
Shire, her attribute doth beare. 1662 FULLER Worthies Leicester-
shire, I 562: (Shake a Leicester-shire Yeoman by). 1670 RAY, p.
236. 1732 FUL., no. 4114.
M373 A short MAN needs no stool to give a great
lubber a box on the ear
1639 CL., p. 127. I670 RAY, p. 142. 1732 FUL., no. 396: (a long
Lubber).
Cf. M546: Men are not measured by the yard or ell (by inches).
M374 Show a good MAN his error and he turns it to a
virtue; but an ill, it doubles his fault
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 181:
(but if to an ill, he doubles his fault). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 80:
By shewing 'a good man his error, it turns to virtue. 1732 F UL.,
no. 1953: He is well onward in the Way of Wisdom who can bear
a Reproof, and mend by it. 1750 FRANKLIN, p. 26: He that can
bear a Reproof, and mend by it, if he is not wise, is in a fair way of
being so.
Cf. P542: Praise makes good men better and bad men worse.
1640 HERB., no. 651 .


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN
MAN
417

’—
M 375 Show me the MAN and I will show you the law
1641 FERG., no. 773: (and I shall). 1668 R.B., p. 48. I721 KEL.,
p. 289: *The Sentences ofJudges may vary, according to the Meas~
ure of their Fear, Favour, or Affection.
See DONALD BOND, “The Law and Lawyers in English Proverbs,”
Am. Bar Assoc. 7010:, XXI (Nov., 1935), 725. Cf. M63: As a man
is friended so the law is ended.
M376 The singing MAN keeps his shop in his throat
1640 HERB., no. 912. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
193. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18: The Musician keeps shop in
his throat. 1659 N.R., p. 104. 1664 COD., p. 222. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 15, p. 37: (A singing man hath). I670 RAY, p. 24. I732
FUL., no. 4747.
Cf. M207: A learned man carries his treasure about with him.
M377 A sleeping MAN is no better than a dead man
1611 COT., s.v. Homme: A sleeping, is no better then a dead, man.
1616 DR., no. 1998: A sleeper is but a dead man. 1659 N.R., p. 6.
Cf. S526: Sleep is the brother (kinsman, cousin) of death; S527:
Sleep is the image of death.
M378 A slothful MAN is a beggar’s brother
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 3. 1668 R.B., p. 2.
slothful Man is the Beggar’s Brother.
in 1721 Kel.].
1721 KEL., p. 315: The
1732 FUL., no. 4748: [As
M379 A sober MAN a soft answer
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 7.
M380 A solitary MAN is either a beast (brute, devil)
or an angel (saint, god)
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 30: So the common saing is, that there
is no other name meete for a solitarie person, but either of a beast,
or a tyrant. I596 DEL., s. N2v: The man that lines alone, doth
liue like a wild Cat. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 115:
The solitary man is either a God or a Beast. 1623 WOD., p. 487:
(is an Angell, Divell, or Beast). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 115: (Brute). I732 FUL., no. 418: (Brute).
Cf. M216: A man alone is either a saint or a devil.
M381 Speak not of a dead MAN at the table
1640 HERB., no. 668. 1659 N.R., p. 110: The dead are not to be
mentioned at Board. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 160: One must
never mention the dead at table.
M382 Such a MAN as thou would be draw thee to
such company
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1174.
such compagnons such thou wilt become.
KEL., p. 289.
Cf. M248: A man is known by the company he keeps; T87: Tell
me with whom thou goest and I will tell thee what thou dost (who
thou art).
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 24: Among
1668 R.B., p. 47. 1721
M383 Such a MAN is one of Saint Paul’s mariners
I662 FULLER Worthies Kent, I 482: Navigation is much improved,
especially since Saint Paul’s time; insomuch that, when a man goes
bunglingly about any work in a Ship, I have heard our English-men
say, Such a man is onelof Saint Paul’s Mariners.
See SM., p. 146.
M384 Such MAN such master
1549 N. UDALL ET AL. Parap/L Luke xxiii, f. 178: Beeyng lyke men,
like maister, accordyng to the prouerbe. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv.
III, II 102: For if the proverbe be true, That like man like maister,
—and that a fishe beginneth first to smell at the head, there is no
doubt, but the faultes of our servantes will be layed uppon us.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1 171. I668 R.B., p. 47. 1697 MER., p. 165:
Sike a man Sike a master. I721 KEL., p. 292.
Cf. M723: Like (Such a) master like (such a) man (servant);
M1022: Like mistress like maid.

M385 Take a MAN by his word and a cow by her horn
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1324: (and a cow be the horne). I668 R.B.,
p. 54. I721 KEL., p. 320: *A Reflection upon one who has broken
his Word to us.
See DDR., II, no. 700. Cf. 0107: An ox is taken by the horns
and a man by the tongue (word).
M386 That MAN falls low that never again does rise
1685 MERITON Praise Yorksh. 111e, p. 72.
M387 That which a MAN causes to be done he does
himself
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 67, I 66: That which a Man Causes
to be Done, he Does Himself, and ’tis all a case whether he does it
by Practice, Precept, 01 Example. I732 FUL., no. 4377.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V IVi I54 ff; [An extended variation
on this theme].
M388 That which comes from above let no MAN ques-
tion
1662 FULLER lVort/zies Leicestershire, I 575: [Henry Noel's] Lands
and Livelyhood were small . . yet in State . . and expences, did ever
equalize the Barons of great worth. If any demand whence this
proceeded, the Spanish Proverb answers him, That which cometh
from above, let no man question.
M389 There is no MAN though never so little but
sometimes he can hurt "
1596 DEL., s. N2v. 1616 DR., no. 1257: It is a very small thing
that can doe neither good nor hurt. 1651 HERB., p. 370. I732
FUL., no. 4628: The least and weakest Man can do some Hurt.
Cf. F393: The fiy has her spleen and the ant her gall.
M390 Therefore a MAN is a cuckold because two can
do more than one
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 2.
are too hard for one).
1732 FUL., no. 4947: (because two
This is that must needs be, quoth the good MAN
when he made his wife pin the basket
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 27.
See APP., p. 626.
M391
M392 A till1 MAN a will man
1639 CL., s.v. Pertinacia, p. 253.
[ltame, gentle]
M393 To a crafty MAN a crafty and a half
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: To one traitor, two traitors, i.
To ouer reach one craftie knaue, set two craftie knaues to him and
they will cony catch him. I611 COT., s.v. Trompeur: A trompeur
trompeur et demy: Applyable vnto a knaue, ouer-raught, or ouer-
matched by a knaue. I623 WOD., p.474: For a Deceiuer, a Deceiuer
and a halfe. *He who goes about to deceiue, ought to be deceiued with
a greater deceiuer then himselfe. I640 HERB., no. 791. 01640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 37: It is a iust preuention, to one traitor
to apply two Traitors; and to ouer-reach one craftie knaue, apply
two craftie knaues, for they will conycatch him. 1664 COD., p. 221 :
To a crafty man send a crafty and a half to deal with him. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 42: A'knave must have a knave and a half to
deal with him. *Note 82, p. 59: So we say again, Popolo matto,
Prete Spiritato, if the People of the Parish be mad, the Priest must
be possest, that is, madder than they, to deal with them in their
own coyn. Ibid. 12, p. 67: With a devil, one must be a devil and
a half. 1754 FRANKLIN, p. 31: Don’t think so much of your own
Cunning, as to forget other Men’s: A Cunning Man is overmatched
by a cunning Man and a Half.
Cf. D179: He that deceives (beguiles) another is oft deceived
(beguiled) himself; P53: A mad parish must have a mad priest.
M394 To a grateful MAN give money when he asks
I622 HOWELL Let. I ii 9, I 107: Sir, Thanks for one Courtesy is a
good Usher to bring on another. 1640 HERB., no. 115. I659

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. Xi H.
MAN
MAN
428

N.R., p. 105. 1664 COD., p. 217. 1732 FUL., no. 2113: He that
gives to a grateful Man, puts out to Usury.
M395 To a red MAN read thy rede, with a brown man
break thy bread, at a pale man draw thy knife,
from a black man keep thy wife
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1422: *The Red is wise, the Broun trusty The
pale envyous, and the black lusty. 1600 W. VAUGHAN Directions
Health V iv, p. 144: As likewise they ayme, that the red-headed or
red-bearded are crafty; and the browne complexioned trusty. I615
TOFTE Blazon 7eal., p. 21: The sallow complectioned fellow, with
a blacke beard . . [is] to be suspected about Womens matters, ac-
cording to the old saying; To a Red man reade thy Reade, With a
Browne man breake thy Bread, At a Paleman draw thy Knife, From
a Blacke man keep thy Wife. Which wee expound after this man-
ner; The Red is wise, the Browne trusty, The Pale enuious, and the
Blacke lusty. 1619 BASSE Help Discourse, p. 148. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 16. I670 RAY, p. 210: (With a red man).
Cf. M155: Greet a red man and a bearded woman three miles off.
M396 T0 beat a MAN of straw
1624 GA'I‘AKER Transuhstantiation, p. 92: To skirmish with a man
of straw of his owne making. I677 [NEDHAM] Sec. Packet, p. 52:
I rather suppose the Some that say so never were men of God’s
making, but mere men of straw set up by Master Bencher, for a
Tryal of his own Skill in Confutation.
M397 To grease a MAN in the fist
[c1517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. B2: Wyth golde and grotes they
grese my hande, In stede of ryght that wronge may stande. 1569
E. FENTON Certain Secret Won. Nat., f. 135: Annointing their clarkes
in the hand with double fee. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 1 17:
If you have argent . . I dare not say Gold, but red oyntment to
grease them in the fist withall, than your sute shall want no fur-
therance. 1606 2 Ret. from Parn. II ii, s. C3: Ought his gowtry
fists then first with gold to be greased? I611 COT., s.v. Advocat:
To grease his fist withall. 1616 DR., s.v. Bribery, no. 204. [1616]
1631 JONSON Devills Ass III iii 79: They’ll part, Sir, with no bookes,
without the hand-gout Be oyld. I618 BRETON Court. and Coun-
trym.: Wks., II 13,- You must haue them [your hands] nointed
with the oyle of gold, before you can fall to any good worke.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 18: To greaze in the fist, or give bribes.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mani, p. 97: To grease the hands, viz.
to bribe one. 1670 RAY, p. 178: *That is to put money in his hand,
to see or bribe him. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Bribes, p. 40:
You must greaze him in the fist with a new Fee. I681 ROB., p.
281: [As in 1671 Cl.].
See ST., no. 2084. Cf. O27: Oil of angels; S682: To grease a fat
sow in the tail. (7)
M398 To kill a MAN with a cushion
1609 ROWLANDS Whole Crew Kind Gossips, p. 12: Go to (quoth I)
y’are best beat out my braines With Cushions now, to make the
prouerbe true. 1616 WITHALS, p. 575: To kill a man with a cushion.
Plumbeo jugulare gladio. 1639 CL., s.v. Timiditas, p. 310. 1664
COD., p. 213. 1670 RAY, p. 218. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To
Threaten, p. 335.
Cf. N239: To run him through the nose with a cushion; 81054:
To slay (cut one's throat) with a leaden sword.
M399 T0 stagger like a drunken MAN
[Ps. cvii 27: They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man.]
1530 PALS., p. 732a: I staggar, as a dronkyn man dothe. 1616
T. ADAMS Sacrif. Thanhfuln.: Wks., p. 95: Their trepidations are
more shaking then cold Ague fits: their staggers worse then a
Drunkards.
SHAKESPEARE.—CI595 R7. II iii 3: Flecked darkness like a
drunkard reels From forth day’s path.
M400 To take a MAN up as short as a dog in a halter
1639 CL., s.v. Rigor, p. 274.
Cf. T30: You take me up before I am down.


M401 To tell a MAN a lie and give him a reason for it
1678 RAY, p. 257.
M402 Today a MAN tomorrow a cuckold
1664 J. WILSON And. Comnenius V vii, p. 205: To-day a man, to.
morrow a cuckold, the next day dead. I669 W[1NSTANLEY]
New Help Discourse, p. 189.
Cf. A109: Alive today and dead tomorrow; G469: Today above
ground tomorrow under; M404: Today a man tomorrow none;
T368: Here today and gone tomorrow.
M403 Today a MAN tomorrow a mouse
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 79, p. 59. 1732 FUL., no. 5152.
Cf. M404: Today a man tomorrow none.
M404 Today a MAN tomorrow none
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 116. a1536 HILL 34, p. 129: (This dai).
I552 TAV., f. 35: If ye requyre the english prouerbe it is this. To
day a man to morow none. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D.
Psalmodie, p. 186: Thus you see to day a man, to morrow Iohn
[for none?]. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 83: A man to day, to morowe
none. 1611 COT., s.v. Biere. 1616 DR., no. 1427. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 559. 1639 CL., p. 322. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17.
Cf. A109: Alive today and dead tomorrow; G469: Today above
ground tomorrow under; hI402: Today a man tomorrow a cuckold;
M403: Today a man tomorrow a mouse; T368: Here today and gone
tomorrow.
M405 What’s a MAN but his mind?
1639 CL., p. 16. I732 FUL., no. 4652: The Mind is the Man.
M406 Whatsoever chances to one MAN may happen
likewise to all men
01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 101: That mai happen to many,
Which doth happen to any. I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw.,
f. I85v. 1668 RYMER Prince xiv, p. 48: Reject not any man to
whom a thing hapneth, which may sometimes befall the wisest and
best men. 1624 DONNE Devotions xvii, p. 98: Any mans death
diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore
never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.
M407 When a MAN is full of lust his womb is full of
leasing1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1455: (When ones prik stands his). 1668
R.B., p. 44: (womb).
Cf. J82: Jove laughs at lovers’ perj uries.
[llying]
M408 When a MAN loses his wife he loses his earthly
treasure
1616 DR., no. 2386.
Cf. M467: A man’s best fortune or his worst is a wife; W360:
He that loses his wife and Sixpence (a farthing) has lost a tester.
M409 When a MAN sleeps his head is in his stomach
1659 N.R., p. 126. -
M410 When an old MAN will not drink go to see him
in another world
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: When the Old man will not drink, go
to see him in the other world. 1664 COD., p. 227. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 17, p. 298: (look for him in another World). 1670 RAY,
p. 20. I732 FUL., no. 5548: (drink, you may safely promise him a
Visit in the next World).
Cf. D214—15: He begins to die that quits his desires.
M411
1640 HERB., no. 974.
Where a MAN does force veins he draws too
much blood
1616 DR., no. 772.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN
MAN
419

M412 Where every MAN is master the world goes to
wrack
I616 WITHALS, p. 566: (Where euery one). 1639 CL., p. 218.
Cf. M107: Every man cannot be a master (lord); M729: One
master in a house is enough.
M413 Where shall a MAN have a worse friend than he
brings from home?
a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 886: I gat never a wer foe nor I broght from
home. 1616 DR., s.v. Tongue, no. 2162: (Where can a man haue a
worse enemy). Ibid., s.v. Treason, no. 2173: (Where can a man).
1623 CAM., p. 280. 1639 CL., p. 25: (Who ha’s). 1659 N.R., p.
122. 1664 COD., p. 224. 1670 RAY, p. 94. 1678 RAY, p. 351:
(No man hath). 1732 FUL., no. 5656. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
I, p. 382: I see there’s no worse friend than one brings from home
with one.
Cf. M452: He is no man’s enemy but his own.
M414 Where there is a MAN, there do not thou Show
thyself a man
1678 RAY, p. 397: *The meaning is, that it becomes us not to inter-
meddle in an office where there is already such good provision made
that there is no need of our help.
M415 Wherever a MAN dwells he shall be sure to
have a thombush near his door
1639 CL., s.v. Infortunii, p. 165: (dwell). 1670 RAY, p. 148.
1678 RAY, p. 209: *No place no condition is exempt from all
trouble . . I think it is true of the thorn-bush in a litteral sense, Few
places in England where a man can live in but he shall have one
near him. 1732 FUL., no. 3469: Most Men have a Thorn at their
Door.
M416 Why should a rich MAN steal?
1678 RAY, p. 196. 1721 KEL., p. 356: What need a rich Man be a
Thief. 1732 FUL., no. 5736.
M417 A wicked MAN is his own hell
[01588] I604 MARLOWE Faustus II i 122: Hell hath no limits, nor
is circumscribed In one self place; but where we are is hell. I667
MILTON Par. Lost IV 75, p. 109: Which way I flie is Hell; my self
am hell. 1732 FUL., no. 460.
Cf. H406: Hell is wherever heaven is not.
M418 A Wight1 MAN never wanted a weapon
[8.1511] 1570 HENRYSON Fox Wolf and Cadger: Fab., p. 156: Ane
wicht man wantit neuer, and he wer wyis. a1598 F ERG. MS, no.
10: Ane wicht [man want]ed never a wapone. 1668 R.B., p. 3.
1721 KEL., p. 6: *A Man of Sense . . will make a Tool of the first
thing that comes to his Hands. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Weapon: (A
wise Man).
Cf. M289: A man of courage (A man who will fight) never wants
weapons.
[’strong]
M419 A willful MAN should be very wise
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 141. 1721 KEL., p. 2: *Because he will not
take the Assistance of other Mens Wisdom. 1730 BAILEY, s.v.
Wilful. 1732 FUL., no. 465: A wilful Man had need be very wise.
M420 A wise MAN changes his mind, a fool never
will
I631 MABBE Celestina V, p. 104: A wise man altreth his purpose,
but a foole persevereth in his folly. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov.,
p. 9: The wise man changeth counsel, the fool perseveres. I711
ADDISON AND STEELE Spect. 78, I 306.
Cf. M431: A wise man ought not to be ashamed (need not blush)
to change his purpose.
M421 A wise MAN commonly has a fool to his heir
(has foolish children) '
[ERAS. Adagia, 235B: Heroum filii noxae.]
I552 TAV., f. 58v:
[As in Eras.].
Our common Englyshe prouerbe sayeth, that the


wysest men haue moost foles to their chyldren. I580 BARET, H~406z
[As in Eras.]. *A Prouerbe often vsed, when as wise fathers haue
foolish and vndiscreete children: and as our vulgar speach is, Many
a good cow hath an ill calfe. 1590 W. SEGAR Bk. Honor and Arms
IV i, I 51: Neither the horse of excellent courage, doth alwaies beget
another of like qualitie, nor that the vertuous man hath euer
children resembling himselfe. 1594 LYLY Mother B. I i 7: Your
Worship being wise begot a foole. Ibid. V iii 111: (A wise man . .
commonly).
Cf. C761: Many a good cow has an ill (evil) calf; M611: Great
men’s sons seldom do well.
M422 Wise MAN if thou art, of thy God take part
15th 0. Proverbs in Relig. Antig., I 314: Wyse mon if thou art, of
thi god Take part or thou hense wynde; For if thou leve thi part
in thi secaturs [executor’s] ward, Thi part non part at last end.
M423 A Wise MAN is a wonder
1639 CL., s.v. Vanitas, p. 314. 1732 FUL., no. 472: (great Wonder).
M424 The wise MAN is deceived but once, the fool
twice
1596 DEL., s. N2v: A wise man can not be twise abused. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 18: (the simple twice). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 28,
p. 119: A wise man may be deceived once, a fool many times.
1730 BAILEY, s.v. Wise. I
Cf. F121: The first faults are theirs that commit them, the second
theirs that permit them; S267: He that deceives me once Shame fall
him, if he deceives me twice shame fall me.
M425 The wise MAN knows himself to be a fool, the
fool thinks he is wise
1557 T. NORTH Dial Princes II xv, p. 224: Amongst the Sages hee
is most wisest, that presumeth to know least: and amongst the
simple he is most ignorant, that thinketh to knowe most.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A. Y. V i 33: I do now remember a saying,
‘The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to
be a fool.’ 1601 T.N. I v 36: Those wits that think they have
thee [wit] do very oft prove fools; and I that am sure I lack thee
may pass for a wise man.
Cf. C582: He that is wise in his own conceit is a fool; N276: I
know nothing except that I know not; W522: Who weens himself
wise, wisdom wots him a fool.
M426 A wise (valiant) MAN makes every country his
own a
. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. C1v:Omnis solum fortis
patria: a wise man may lyue every wheare. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit, p. 316: The wiseman lyueth as well in a farre country as in
his owne home. 1602 MARSTON Antonio’s Rev. 11 i 167: A wise
man’s home is wheresoe’er he is wise. 1604 MARSTON Malconten
V iii 65: He ever is at home that’s ever wise. 1607 JONSON Vol.
[I i I: To a wise man, all the world’s his soile. I616 WITHALS,
p. 540: A valiant man accounteth every place his owne Countrey.
1630 T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: Wks., p. 1221: The wise mans
home is wheresoeuer hee is wise. 1639 CL., p. 121: A good heart
may doe well any where. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9. 1664
COD., p. 185: A valiant Man esteemeth every place to be his own
Countrey. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 184: Every Countrey, to a
resolute man, is a home, and every where may be good living.
SHAKESPEARE.~—~I596 Rich. II I iii 275: All places that the eye
of heaven visits Are to a wise man ports and happy havens.
See OTTO, no. 1356. Cf. M468: A man’s country is where he
does well; M973: The resolved mind has no cares. (7)
M427 A wise MAN makes more opportunities than
he finds
1659 CRADOCK Know. and Prac. II v, p. 288: A wise man makes
more opportunities than he finds, but a fool neglecteth those he
has. 1732 FUL., no. 479: (will make more).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
MAN
MAN (MAN’s)
430

M428 A wise MAN may sometimes (He is not wise
who cannot) play the fool
I602 MARSTON Antonio’s Rev. IV i 23: By the genius of that
Florentine, Deep, deep observing, sound-brain’d Machiavel, He is
not wise that strives not to seem a fool. I611 COT., s.V. Sage:
(The wisest man doth sometimes). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3:
It is wisedom to play the fool sometimes. Ibid., p. 6: He is not
wise, that knows not how to be a fool. 1664 COD., p. 195: He is
not wise who knows not how to be a fool. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
12, p. 197: (He is not altogether wise, who cannot). *Note 136,
p. 225: The Latin says, Stultitiam simulare loco, sapientia summa
est. 1732 FUL., no. 1929: He is no wise Man, that cannot play
the Fool upon Occasion.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. III i 74: Folly that he wisely shows,
is fit.
See PF., no. 61. Cf. M321: No man can play the fool so well
as the wise man; N72: He has great need of a fool that plays the
fool himself.
M429 A wise MAN must bear with many faults
1616 DR., no. 2431.
Cf. M430: The wise man must carry the fool upon his shoulders.
M430 The Wise MAN must carry the fool upon his
shoulders
1573 SANF., f. 104: (had need to carie). 1623 WOD., p. 489: *So
said of the cruell Envy of Fooles against the Wise. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 22, p. 249: It behoves that a wise man carry a fool on his
back. *Note 59, p. 275: Alluding to the ill-favoured Phylosopher,
who was made to carry wood to and fro, and abus’d by wordlings;
his saying was, Luo poenas deformitatis meae.
Cf. M429: A wise man must bear with many faults.
A wise MAN ought not to be ashamed (need not
blush) to change his purpose
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v. 1629 Bk.
Mer. Rid. 43, p. 27: (to alter his purpose). 1640 HERB., no. 609:
(needes not blush for changing his purpose). I659 N.R., p. 19:
(need not blush for changing his purpose). 1664 COD., p. 229: Wise
Men need not blush for changing their purposes.
Cf. M420: A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.
M431
1573 SANF., f. 52v.
M432 The wisest MAN may be overseen1
1616 DR., no. 2439: No man so discreet, but that he may be ouer-
seene. 1639 CL., p. 151.
Cf. H536: Homer nods sometimes; M599: Wise men are caught
in wiles.
[1fall into error]
M433 You are a MAN among the geese when the gan-
der is away
1670 RAY, p. 177: *Chesh. a1700 B.E., s.v. Goose: He’ll be a Man
among the Geese when the Gander is gon. 1732 FUL., no. 5842.
Cf. M77: The best man in the company when there is no more
M434 You are a MAN of a gruellie1 spirit
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1625.
[1disagreeable]
M435 You can call a MAN no worse than unthankful
1639 CL., p. 170. 1664 COD., p. 230: You cannot call a Man
worse than unthankfull.
Cf. I66: Ingratitude comprehends (is the worst of) all faults
(vices).
M436 You dare as well take a dead MAN by the toe
1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209.
M437 You live well when no MAN can lay aught to
your charge
1616 DR., no. 1120.

fi
M438 You look like a Murray MAN melting brass
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 676: (He looks lyk). I721 KEL., p. 373;
*Us'd when People look sillily, demurely, foolishly, or wildly.
M439 You may be a wise MAN though you cannot
make a watch
1664 COD., p. 231. 1670 RAY, p. 29.
yet not know how to make a Watch).
1732 FUL., no. 5939: (and
M440 You may know the MAN by his manners
1639 CL., p. 64. 1664 COD., p. 230.
Cf. M629: Manners make a man, quoth William of Wickham.
M441 You’ll needs be a MAN before your time
1639 CL., p. 267.
Cf. M179: He will be a man before his mother.
M442 You’ll see the last MAN born
1639 CL., s.v. Tarditatis, p. 304.
M443 A young MAN and woman is a match of God’s
making but a young man and an old woman is
of the devil’s making
211655 N. L’ESTRANGE in Anec. and Trad. I, p. 37: (This proverbial
saying passeth upon marriages: That a yong man).
M444—5 Better to be an old MAN’S darling than a
young man’s warling1 (worldling)
I546 HEY. II vii, s. 13v. 1604 Wit Woman, s. F4: I doe not thinke
but twere better be an old mans darling, then a young mans
worldling. 1614 CAM., p. 304: (Better be). 1639 CL., s.v. Avari-
tia, p. 37: (worldling). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4. I659 N.R.,
p. 22: (Better be). 1664 COD., p. 188: Better an old Man’s
Darling, than a young Mans Wonderling. I670 RAY, p. 51:
(Better be). 1721 KEL., p. 74: [As in 1664 Cod.]. *Warling, say
the English. I know not what either Wonderling or Warling signi-
fieth, but it is used as an Argument to induce a young Girl to marry
an old Man, to the doing of which no Arguments should prevail.
[lobject of abuse]
M446 The blind MAN’S wife needs no painting
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 4. 1664 COD., p. 215. I670 RAY, p. 3.
1732 FUL., no. 992: Blind Men’s Wives need no Paint. I736
FRANKLIN, p. 11: Why does the blind man’s wife paint herself?
Cf. S836: It stands one in as much stead as a looking glass does a
blind man.
M447 Every MAN’S censure1 is first molded in his own
nature
1651 HERB., p. 374. 1659 N.R., p. 29: (Every man’s conscience).
Cf. Y1: You measure everyone by your own yard.
[ljudgment]
M448 Every MAN’s neighbor is his looking glass
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3.
Cf. M990: The best mirror is an Old friend; M1197: It is not as
thy mother says but as thy neighbors say.
M449 Every MAN’S nose will not make (He has a nose
like) a shoeing-horn
1508 STANBRIDGE V ulgaria, p. 19: His nose is lyke a Shoynge home.
1555 WATERMAN Fardle Fashions 9, V 30: Their noses tourne vp
like a shoinge home. 1576 GASCOIGNE Grief 70y I: Wks., II 518:
Full well wott you, that Corynth shoyng hornes Maie not be made,
like everie noddies nose. 1606 2 Ret. from Parn. III iii, 5. E3vz
Her nose is like. —A coblers shooinghorne. 1616 DR., s.v.
Priuiledge, no. 1715: Euery man hath not a nose like a shooing home.
1639 CL., p. 167. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: Every one cannot
have a nose like a shooing-horn. 1664 COD., p. 191. 1670 RAY,
p. 125. 1672 WALK. 35, p. 37. 1721 KEL., p. 91: (will not be).
*Spoken to them who have found the Man, with whom they were

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl. ), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN (MAN’S)
MAN (MAN’S)
431


dealing, more sagacious and cunning than they expected: Every
Man is not to be impos’d on, or made a Property of.
M450 He esteems each MAN’S birds and jewels bet-
ter than his own
1616 DR., no. 503.
Cf. F27: Fair and far off; F625: Far fowls have fair feathers;
M131: Every man likes his own thing best; P507: Your pot
broken seems better than my whole one.
M451 He is in every MAN’S debt and danger1
1461 Paston Lett. no. 465, III 286: I am gretly yn your danger and
dette for my pension. 1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia II, Of Their
Journying, p. 104: Whyche to those riche men, in whose debte and
daunger they be not, do giue almost diuine honoures. 1616 DR.,
no. 450.
Cf. D166: Out of debt out of danger.
[lunder every man’s iurisdiction or power, under an obligation]
M452 He is no MAN’S enemy but his own
1600-I W. CORNWALLIS Essays 9, s. E5v: It smarts not halfe so as
the phrase, Every bodies friend but his owne. 1616 DR., no. 2298.
1630 T. ADAMS Pass. to Paradise: W ks., p. 656: The Prodigall is no
mans foe, but his owne; saith the prouerbe. 1639 CL., p. 21. I655
MENNIS AND SMITH Musarum Deliciaer Facetiae, II 237: How ere
he fail’d in’s life, ’tis like Jack Friend, Was no mans foe but’s oun,
and there’s an end.
Cf. M413: Where Shall a man have a worse friend than he brings
from home P
M453 He that fills every MAN’S mouth needs much
meal
1586 WITHALS, s. 64,.
See DUR., II, no. 81. Cf. A213: Who gives to all denies all;
F698: A friend to all is a friend to none.
M454 He that keeps another MAN’S dog Shall have
nothing left him but the line
1623 CAM., p. 270: (left but the lyne). 1639 CL., p. 20. I670
RAY, p. 81.
Cf. M463: It is dangerous to feed another man’s dog.
M455 He that looks in a MAN’S face knows not what
money is in his purse
1616 DR., no. 655.
M456 He that meddles with another MAN’S trade
milks his cow in a pannier1
I611 COT., s.v. Panier: *Looses his profit, and vndoes himselfe.
1659 N.R., p. I 17: Who drives another mans Trade make a sop in
a panier. I710 PALMER, p. 89: He that changes his Trade makes
Soop in a Basket.
Cf. W11 1: To pour water into a sieve.
[1a wicker basket]
M457 He that waits on another MAN’S trencher1
makes many a late dinner
1611 COT., s.v. Attendre. 1664 COD., p. 197. 1670 RAY, p. 27.
1721 KEL., p. 142: Eng. He that waits on another Man’s Trencher
eats many a late Dinner. 1732 FUL., no. 2339: (another’s Trencher
makes many a little Dinner).
Cf. M619: Who waits for dead men’s shoes shall go long barefoot.
[1platter]
M458 An honest MAN’S word is as good as his bond
1616 DR., no. 2196: His word is as good as an Obligation. 1630
BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlem. Acquaintance, p. 266: For his word is
his gage. 1631 LENTON Char. 38, p. 90: (His word is). 1642
FULLER Holy State V xiii, p. 409: He hath this property of an honest
man, that his word is as good as his band. 1670 RAY, p. 103. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Honest. 1732 FUL., no. 2530: Honest Mens Words
are as good as their Bonds.

SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G. V. II vii 75: His words are bonds, his
oaths are oracles.
See ST., no. 610. Cf. MI84: An honest man is as good as his
word; M459: An honest man’s word is his master.
M459 An honest MAN’S word is his master
1630 HALL Occasional Medit., p. 359: It is true, an honest man’s
word must be his master. 1679 DRYDEN AND LEE Oedipus I, p.
148: It’s a hard world, neighbours, If a man’s oath must be his
master. -
Cf. M184: An honest man is as good as his word; M458: An
honest man’s word is as good as his bond.
M460 I am no MAN’S wife
1594 LYLY Mother B. IV ii 143: You may take your pleasure of my
tongue, for it is no mans wife. I640 JONSON Tale Tub I i 75: Ifnot,
praforme it your zelves. ’Cham no mans wife, But resolute Hilts.
Ibid. II ii 63: Come, spare not me, Sir; I am no mans wife.
M461 In the Wise MAN’S mouth what is public (mani-
fest) is secret
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: In the wisemans mouth, That
is manifest is kept secret. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 20:
Locke thy counsels in the bosome of a discreet friend, for in a wise
mans mouth, that which is manifest, is kept secret. 1659 How.
It. Prov., p. 12: In a discreet mans mouth a publick thing is private.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3.
M462 It is best to use another MAN’S madness
1539 TAV., f. 34v.
Cf. M612: Happy is he whom other men’s harms make beware.
M463 It is dangerous to feed another MAN’S dog
1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 169.
Cf. M454: He that keeps another man’s dog shall have nothing
left him but the line.
M464 It is every MAN’S case
1639 CL., p. 56.
M465 A jealous MAN’S horns hang in his eyes
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. F2v: Her mothers husband . . could
not see for homes growing ouer his eyes. I631 LENTON Char. 32,
p. 86: A cuckold is the harmeless horned creature, but they [his
horns] hang not in his eyes as your wittals do. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
36, p. 174: A jealouse man hath his horns in his eyes. I678 RAY,
p. 346: Your horns hang in your light. 1732 FUL., no. 226.
Cf. L276: To stand in one's own light.
M466 The liberal MAN’S bags are always ready
1616 DR., no. 1217.
Cf. F736: Friends do tie the purse with a cobweb thread.
M467 A MAN’S best fortune or his worst is a wife
I655 HOWELL Let. IV 7, II 568: For a Wife is the best or the
worst fortune that can betide a man thro’out the whole train of
his life. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. I670 RAY, p. 28. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Wife. 1732 FUL., no. 306.
Cf. M408: When a man loses his wife he loses his earthly treas-
ure.
M468 A MAN’S country is where he does well
[ERAS. Adagia, 4810: Patria est, ubicunque est bene] 1576 PET-
TIE Pet. Pal., I 40: I count any place my country where I may
live well and wealthily. 01592 Soliman, s. G2: And where a man
liues well, there is his countrie. I594 LYLY Mot/ter B. III iv 5: I
care not, Omnem solum forti patria, I can liue in christendome as
well as in Kent. —And Ile sing Patria vbicunque bene; euerie
house is my home, where I may Stanch hunger. 1639 CL., p. 265.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 195: That’s ones Countrey where one hath
welfare. I732 FUL., no. 5659: Wheresoever we live well, that is
our Country.
Cf. H306: A good heart may do well anywhere; M426: A wise
(valiant) man makes every country his own.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MAN (MAN’S) 432
MAN (MAN’S)

M469 A MAN’S destiny is always dark
1651 HERB., p. 374. 1659 N.R., p. 19.
M470 A MAN’S discontent is his worst evil
1640 HERB., no. 249. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Eat. in Via, p.
182.
Cf. C624: Content is happiness; C629: Contentment (A con-
tented mind) is great riches.
M471 MAN’S extremity is God’s opportunity
[Luke xviii 27: The things which are impossible with men are
possible with God.] 1630 T. ADAMS Vict. Patience: Wks., p. 619:
Heere is now a deliuery fit for God, a cure for the Almightie hand to
vndertake. Mans extremity is Gods opportunitie. 61640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 16: When man is most feeble, then God is
most forcible. 1648 J.S. Wit’s Labyrinth, p. 2: Mans greatest
extreamity,is Heavens best opportunity. [a1691] I701 FLAVEL Sea
Delia, p. 73: We knew that Mans Extremity is God’s Opportunity.
SHAKESPEARE.——16o5-6 K.L. IV vi 73: Think that the clearest
gods, who make them honours Of men’s impossibilities, have pro-
serv’d thee.
Cf. N300: Nothing is impossible to God.
M472 A MAN’S gift makes room for him
[Prov. xviii 16: A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth
him before great men.] 1732 FUL., no. 308.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. II ii 144: I have here a dish of doves
that I would bestow upon your worship; and my suit is—.
M473 A MAN’S house is his castle
1581 MULCASTER Positions 40, p. 225: He is the appointer of his
owne circumstance, and his house is his castle. 1582 WHETSTONE
Hept. Civil Disc., s. Y1: A mans house is a pettie common weale.
1601 J. MANNINGHAM Diary Feb. 20, p. 21: His house .. is his
Castle. 1616 DR., no. 1016. 1639 CL., p. 101. 1642 FULLER
Fast. Serm.: Serm., I 260: It was wont to be said A mans house is his
Castle. 1659 N.R., p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 106. 1672 WALK. 100,
p. 44. I687 MIEGE, s.v. House. 1732 FUL., no. 3499: My House
is my Castle.
Cf. H780: My house, my house, though thou art small, thou
art to me the Escorial; M123: Every man is a king (master) in his
own house.
M474 A MAN’S liberty is his paradise
1616 DR., no. 1221.
M475 A MAN’S mind often gives him warning of evil
to come
1616 DR., no. 852.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 RY. I iv 106: My mind misgives Some
consequence, yet hanging in the stars. 1597 Rich. III II iii 41:
Before the days of change, still is it so. By a divine instinct
men's minds mistrust Ensuing danger. Ibid. V iii 73: I have not
that alacrity of spirit Nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have.
1598—9 NLA. III iv 25: God give mejoy to wear it [wedding gown]!
for my heart is exceeding heavy. 1600-I H. V ii 222: But thou
wouldst not think how ill all’s here about my heart. But it is no
matter. 1606—7 A.C. IV xiv 120: She had a prophesying fear Of
what hath come to pass.
Cf. L277: A lightening (lightning) before death.
M476 A MAN’S praise in his own mouth does stink
I484 CAX'I‘ON Fab. Avian 11, p. 229: No fowler a thyng is to the
man than with his mouth to preyse hym self. [a1594] 1605 K.
Leir, s. B2: The prayse were great, spoke from anothers mouth.
1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, III ii, I 134: Which is such, that ifI
doe not praise it, it is because men say, that proper praise stinkes,
but my Squire will informe you what I am. 1616 RC. Times’
Whistle l. 1088, p. 37: Hast thou that auncient, true saide sawe
forgot, That a mans praise in his owne mouth doth stinke? I641
JONSON Timber, p. 35: That which had been great, if another had
reported it of them, vanisheth, and is nothing, if he that did it
speak of it. 1659 CRADOCK Know. and Prac. II v, p. 252: A mans

M481
M482
M483

praise smels sweet out of anothers mouth, but stinks out of his own.
1673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 31: Remember that nothing
makes a mans breath stink worse than commendations of himself.
1737 RAMSAY Scot. Prov., p. 360: It is a stinking praise comes out of
ane's ain mouth.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M.V. III iv 22: This comes too near th
praising of myself. Therefore no more of it. '
Cf. A26: Neither praise nor dispraise thyself, thy actions serve
the turn; P547: He that praises himself spatters himself.
M477 A MAN’S wisdom is his sobriety
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iv, s. E3: He’s a foole [that] will
take more [drink] then will do yee good. 1639 CL., p. 290.
Cf. M585: Temperate men are the wisest.
M478 An old MAN’S best praise is his prayer
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 5: (is prayer). 1664 COD., p. 184.
M479 An old MAN’S end is to keep sheep
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2.
M480 The old MAN’S staff is the rapper at death’s
door
I640 HERB., no. 910: (of death’s door).
I 8: (of death’s door). I659 N.R., p. I 8.
RAY, p. 19. 1732 FUL., no. 4690.
Cf. H31: Gray hairs are death’s blossoms; M346: An old man
has one foot in the grave.
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p.
1664 COD., p. 222. 1670
An old wise MAN’S shadow is better than a
young buzzard’s sword
1611 COT., s.v. Coquard: The shadow of an aduised grandsire is
better than the sword of an aduenturous goosecap. 1623 WOD., p.
503: Better the Shaddow of an old Man, then the Armour of a yong
Sluggard: because of his Wisdome and her cont[rary]. 1640 HERB.,
no. 90. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: The shadow of a wise old man is
more safe then the target of the young gallant. I659 N.R., p. 16.
1664 COD., p. 216: The shadow of an advised Grandsire, is better
than the sword of an adventurous fool.
Cf. M496: A valiant man’s look is more than a coward’s sword.
One MAN’S breath is another man’s death
1639 CL., s.v. Pestilentia, p. 253: One man’s breath, anothers death.
1670 RAY, p. 128. 1732 FUL., no. 6343.
Cf. M483: One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
One MAN’S meat is another man’s poison
1587 RANKINS Mirr. Monsters, f. 2v: For that is poison to some,
which is medicinable to other. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 113. 1611
COT., s.v. Vivre: That which preserues one man poysons another.
1616 DR., no. 1368. [1626] 1647 MASSINGER ET AL. Love’s Cure
III ii, p. 194: What’s one man’s poison, Signior, Is anothers meat or
drink. 1639 CL., p. 16. 1651 WIT'I‘IE Pop. Errors I xiv, p. 54:
What is poyson to one, may bee meat to another. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 5: (That which is one mans meat). 1668 R.B., p. 8.
I670 RAY, p. 128: (That that’s one mans meat’s).
See DI'JR., I, no. 817; ST., no. 454. Cf. B51: What baits one
banes another; M482: One man’s breath is another man’s death;
M810: All meat pleases not all months. (IQ)
M484 A poor MAN’S cow dies, a rich man’s child
I640 HERB., no. 863. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
187.
M485 A poor MAN’S table is soon spread
1616 DR., no. 1465.
MIEGE, s.v. Poor.
soon spread.
Cf. G333: When the goodman is from home the goodwife’s
table is soon spread (the board cloth is tint).
1639 CL., p. 241. 1670 RAY, p. 132. 1687
I732 FUL., no. 3896: Poor Men’s Tables are
M486 A poor MAN’S tale cannot (may now) be heard
[1547-53] c1565 WEVER Lusty Yuventus, s. C3: A poore mans talc
cannot now be heard As in tymes past. 1616 DR., no. 1691.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN (MAN’S)
MAN (MEN)
433


01640 SMYTH 57, p. 31: (may now). *When none speakes the
meanest may.
M487 Put another MAN’S child in your bosom and
he’ll creep out at your elbow (sleeve)
1670 RAY, p. 52: *That is, cherish or love him, he’ll never be natu-
rally affected toward you. 1721 KEL., p. 279: (Sleeve). I732
FUL., no. 3982: (Sleeves).
M488 Ready to dance to (run at) every MAN’S pipe
(whistle)
01480 Early Eng. Misc. 4, p. 25: I wylle dance whylle the world
wylle pype. I546 HEY. II vi, s. II: To daunce after her pipe I am
my led. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 153: They
will neyther mourne at John’s preaching, nor daunce at my pype.
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. III ix 114: I cannot stay to dance
after your pipe. 1616 DR., no. 196: Hee is ready to runne at euery
mans whistle. 1639 CL., p. 232: Ready to run at every mans
whistle. I670 RAY, p. 170: To dance to every mans pipe or whistle.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Dance: To dance to every mans pipe.
See ST., no. 1824. Cf. F522: I will not dance to every fool’s
pipe. (12)
M489 A rich MAN’S money hangs him oftentimes (is
his enemy)
1616 WITHALS, p. 562. 1636-7 HOBART Let. Verney in Verney
Papers, p. 189: Truly, his wealth is his greatest enemy. 1639 CL.,
p. 98. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3: A mans wealth is his enemy.
Cf. N172: He that will be rich before night may be hanged be-
fore noon; V46: Vice rules where gold reigns.
M490 To be MAN’S meat
1664 FALKLAND Marr. Night II, p. 13: But is she Mans meat? I . .
can scarcely digest one in her Teens. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Starvi o Starci, p. 203: To be Marriageable; spoken of a Maid
grown up, as the English say, to be Mans-meat.
Cf. M832: No meat for mowers (your mowing); M837: She is
meat for your master.
M491 To go on a dead MAN’S errand
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Radici, p. 163: To think any one to have
made roots there . . spoken unto such as Stay a long time before they
return from the place unto which they were sent; the English say,
To be gone of a dead bodies Errand. I670 RAY, p. 171: Good to
send on a dead bodies errand. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 428:
You are good to send of a dead man’s errand.
Cf. J71: To send (To come) by John Long (Tom Long) the
carrier.
M492 To kiss a MAN’S wife or wipe his knife is a
thankless office
1639 CL., p. 45. 1670 RAY, p. 111: (is but). 1721 KEL., p. 263:
Never kiss a Man’s Wife, nor wipe his Knife, for he will be likely to
do both after you.
M493 To meddle (Meddle not) with another MAN’S
matter
1611 FLOR., s.v. Aia, p. 17: To meddle with what belongs not to
him. 1623 WOD., p. 515: To medle with other mens Affaires.
1639 CL., p. 20. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7: Meddle not with
what doth not belong unto thee. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Con-
troversie, p. 64: I’le not meddle with that matter—leave it where I
found it. 1672 WALK. 32, p. 9: Meddle not with that which noth-
ing concerns you. Meddle with that you have to do with.
Cf. M758: Let him meddle with his own matters; M854: Med-
dle with What you have to do; M859: Of much meddling comes no
sound sleeping; N238: To put one’s nose into everything.
M494 To play at blind MAN’S buffet
1639 CL., s.v. Aberrandi, p. 2: Hide and seek or Blind mans buffe.
1672 WALK. 28, p. 57: *To wink and strike. 1681 ROB., p. 996.

M495 An unhappy MAN’S cart is easy to tumble
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 31. 1668 R.B., p. 5. 1721 KEL., p. 22:
*Spoken of an infortunate Man, when Misfortunes follow him.
M496 A valiant MAN’S look is more than a coward’s
sword
1640 HERB., no. 704. 1664 COD., p. 223: Valiant mens looks pre-
vail more than cowards swords.
Cf. M481: An old wise man’s shadow is better than a young
buzzard’s sword.
M497 When a MAN’S house burns it’s not good play-
ing at chess
I596 DEL., s. OI v: Very careless is the man that will play at chesse,
when his house is on fire. I640 HERB., no. 662: (When my house
burnes). 1651 HERB., p. 371: To play at chesse when the house is
on fire. 1659 N.R., p. 124: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 229:
(When my House is in a fire). 1670 RAY, p. 106. 1732 FUL., no.
5539: When a Man’s House is on Fire, it’s Time to break off Chess.
Cf. N116: When thy neighbor’s house does burn be careful of
thine own.
M498 A wicked MAN’S gift has a touch of his master
1640 HERB., no. 162. 1659 N.R., p. 14.
Cf. G109: Gifts from enemies are dangerous.
M499 You knock (Sing) at a deaf MAN’S door
1616 DR., no. 433: (Hee singeth at). 1616 B. RICH Ladies’ Looking
Glass, p. 3: Therefore it is but to knocke at a deafe mans doore.
1639 CL., p. 7.
M500 You set an old MAN’S head on a young man’s
Shoulders
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 7.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. IV i 163: I never knew so young a
body with so old a head. 1598-9 M.A. I i I 14: If Signior I.eonato
be her father, she would not have his head on her shoulders for all
Messina, as like him as she is.
M501 All MEN are made of the same metal
[ERAS. Similia, 5690: Ex eadem materia prima natura sunt ele-
menta inter se diversissima pugnantissimaque.] 1552 LATIMER
Serm. 18, p. 343: For we have all one Father, which hath made us
all of one metal of earth. Ibid. 21, p. 393: They have a common
saying amongst them, What! say they, they be made of such metal
as we be made of. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 190: Though
all men bee made of one mettall, yet they bee not cast all in one
moulde. I616—30 Partial Law III iii, p. 6 5: All’s made of the same
metall. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 40: (To use that
old proverbe of Symonides) but every wench hath not the same
mole, though the same mould. I732 FUL., no. 5003: Tho’ all
Men were made of one Metal, yet they were not cast all in the same
Mould.
See DUR., I, no. 821. Cf. A119: All are of the same dust.
M502 All MEN are mortal
[01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, s. C4: And seeinge we be mortall all
Let not our wroth be immortall. 1594 R. WILSON Cobbler’s Proph.,
s. D2v: All men are but morter. 1605 JONSON Sejanus I 477, p.
371: Posteritie should know it, we are mortall. 1616 DR., no. 435.
[I621] I658 DEKKER, FORD, AND W. ROWLEY Witch Edmon. I ii, p.
357: Men, the Proverb says, are mortal. 1621 J. TAYLOR Super.
Flag: Wks., p. 47. I631 JONSON New Inn III i 129: We are all
mortall, And haue our visions. 1652-3 D. OSBORNE Letters 7, p. 17:
But wee are all Mortall.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M.V. I iii 22: But ships are but boards,
sailors but men. 1598-9 M.A. I i 60: We are all mortal. 1599
A.Y. II iv 54: All is mortal in nature.
Cf. E179: To err is human, to repent is divine, to persevere is
diabolical; G237: I owe God a death; M505: All men must die;
M541: Men are but men; M544: Men are not angels; M593: We are
but men, not gods.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MAN (MEN)
MAN (MEN)
434

M503 All MEN be not true
a1536 H114. 28, p. 129: It is comenly said, that all men be not trew.
Cf. F34: There is no faith in man; M534: It is not good to
trust to all men.
M504 All MEN cannot abide to hear the truth
01586 Wellspoken Nobody in Bal. and Broadsides 91, p. 274: In print
tofore I did neuer appere Yet many coulde me not well bear But no
maruell for the prouerbe sayth All men can not abyde to here the
truthe.
M505 All MEN must die
[Ps. lxxxix 48: What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death?]
1578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. V iii, s. L4: Death, is but
death, and all in fyne shall dye. 1580 H. GIFFORD Epistle C. Pthol-
omoeus: Gilloflowers, p. 26: All men both by the law of God and
nature, of necessity must once die. 1599 T. HEYWOOD 2 Edw IV,
p. 176: What canst thou say, Flood, why thou Shouldst not die?
-——I am mortal and must die,When my time comes; but that I thinks,
not yet. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 14: Nay, do not weep for
him, we all must die. I607JONSON Volp. I iii 31: Alas, kind gentle-
man, well, we must all goe. 1616 DR., no. 436: All must die. 1616
JONSON Epic. IV v 122: I’ll trie if he will be appeas’d with a leg or
an arme, if not, you must die once. 1616 WITHALS, p. 549. 1633
W. ROWLEY All’s Lost by Lust V v 108: I must dye One day, and as
good this day as another. 1639 CL., p. 216: Rich and poore, old
and young must die. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 5: Being ill, and
hoping to be better, I must dye I know not when. 1672 WALK. 16,
p. 36: We must all die, high and low; rich and poor; death makes no
difference. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. IMor. Sayings: Anglo-Bel-
gica, II 39: We must all once die. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p.
456: Dead! . . I’m heartily sorry; but, my lord, we must all die.
SHAKES PEARE.—1591 3 Hen. VI Vii 28: And, live we how we can,
yet die we must. 01595 R]. III iii 92: Well, death’s the end of all.
Ibid. III iv 4: Well, we were born to die. 1596 Rich. II III ii 103:
Death will have his day. 1598 2 Hen. IV III ii 41: Death, as the
Psalmist saith, is certain, to all; all shall die. 1599 Y.C. IV iii 190:
We must die, Messala. With meditating that she must die once, I
have the patience to endure it now. 1604 M.M. II iv 35: Yet may
he live awhile; and, it may be, As long as you or I. Yet he must
die. 1 .
Cf. D142: Death is common to all; G237: I owe God a death;
L81: They that live longest must die at last; M502: All men are
mortal; W166: To go the way of all flesh.
M506 Amongst good MEN two men suflice
1640 HERB.,.nO. 879.
M507 Barefooted MEN need not tread on thorns
1664 COD., p.187. 1670 RAY, p. 2. 1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p.
404: While thy shooe is on thy foot tread upon the thornes.
Cf. T235: He that goes barefoot (sows thorns) must not plant
thorns (go barefoot).
M508 Better spare to have of thine own than ask of
other MEN
I640 HERB., no. 262. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, pl. 25.
1659 N.R., p. 21: (then ask others). 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 155: (then
ask other Men). ‘ .
Cf. H217: He that has of his own needs not to borrow.
M509 Charitable MEN lose nothing
1639 CL., p. 187.
Cf. A223: Alms never make poor; C248: The charitable gives out
at door and God puts in at the window. -
M510 Dead MEN bite not (do no harm)
[ERAS. Adagia, 857D: Mortui non mordent.] 1548 E. HALL Hen.
VI: Chron., f. 10v: A prouerbe which sayth, a dead man doeth no
harme. 1579 T. NORTH Lives, VI 214: Adding withall, this sen-
tence, that a deade man byteth not. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 343:
(bytis). I604 MARSTON Malcontent V ii 239: Death hath no teeth


nor tongue. 1611 COT., s.v. Mordre: A dead man, (or as we say, a
dead dog) bites not. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn.
Pestle IV i, p. 215: I hope He will not bite again: boy bring the
boldly. 1616 DR., no. 441: A dead man can doe no hurt. 1622
G. MARKHAM AND SAMPSON Herod and Antipater II, s. F3v: Dead-
men doe not bite. 1639 CL., p. 216: Buryed men bite not. 1668
R.B., p. 17: (bites). I732 FUL., no. 1239: Dead Folks can’t bite.
Cf. D448: A dead dog bites (barks) not; M511: Dead men tell no
tales.
M511 Dead MEN tell no tales
1664 J. WILSON And. Comnenius I iv, p. 134: Twere best To knock
them i’ th’ head . . The dead can tell no tales. 1681 DRYDEN Span,
Friar IV i, p. 477. 1702 FARQUHAR I nconstant V ii, p. 270.
Cf. M510: Dead men bite not (do no harm).
M512 Do as most MEN do and fewest will speak evil
of you
[1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. B4V: For euery man
clepyth hym wyse That doth after the comen gyse. 1546 HEY. II
ii, s. F4v: He that dooth as moste men doo, Shalbe leste wondred
on. 1604 DRAYTON Owl (1619 ed.) 1. 14: Wks., II 480: Least is he
mark’d, that doth as most men doe. 1616 DR., no. 1437. 1639
CL., p. 195: (Doe as the most doe, and). 1670 RAY, p. 122: (DO as
the most do, and). 1732 FUL., no. 1303: (and Men will speak well
of thee).
Cf. M581: Say as men say but think to yourself; N118: He that
does as his neighbors do shall be beloved.
M513 Do well and let MEN say what they Will
1639 CL., s.v. Calumnia, p. 53.
Cf. M91: Do well and doubt no man (all men).
M514 Dying MEN speak true (prophesy)
1595 COPLEY Wits, Fits VII, p. 204: Yes, it is best telling a truth in
the houre of death. I607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER Sir Th. Wyatt,
s. GI: Oft dying men are fild With prophesies, But ile not be a
prophet of your il. 1613 T. HEYWOOD Brazen Age, p. 181: And so,
whom Nessus cannot, do thou kill, Still dying men speake true.
1620 or 1630 T.D. Bloody Bang. V i, s. G3: Dying men Prophesie,
faith tis our last end; Now I must tell you brother, that I hate you,
In that you have betray’d my lov’d Mazeres. I640 BRATHWAITE
Art Asleep Husb., p. 128: The words of dying men be precious even
to strangers.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 K._‘7. V iv 26: What in the world should
make me now deceive, Since I must lose the use of all deceit? 'Why
should I then be false, since it is true That I must die here, and live
hence, by truth? 1596 M. V. I ii 30: And holy men at their death
have good inspirations. 1596 Rich. II II i 5: O, but they say the
tongues of dying men Enforce attention like deep harmony. Where
words are scarce, they are seldom spent in vain, For they breathe
truth that breathe their words in pain. 1597 I Hen. IV V iv 83:
O, I could prophesy, But that the earthy, and cold hand of death
Lies on my tongue. 1610 C ym. V v 40: She alone knew this; And,
but she spoke it dying, I would not Believe her lips in opening it.
Cf. C328: Children (Drunkards) and fools cannot lie (Children
and fools 'speak- truth). .
M515 Feared MEN be fearful
1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. III xii, s. 03: He ought to feare
manye, whome manye do feare. 1695 DEL., s. P2v: He that will
be feared, ought to feare also. 1597 [BODENHAM] W it’s Commonw.,
f. 66v: The Prince that is feared of many must of necessity fear
many. 1616 DR., no. 943: Hee that hateth all, shall bee hated of
all. 1639 CL., p. 208: Feared men be fearefull. Necesse est mul-
tos timeat quem multi timent.
See OTTO, no. 178 5. Cf. S242: So many servants so many en-
em1es.
M516 Few MEN and much meat make a feast
1639 CL., p. 74.
Cf. C572: It is the company that makes the feast.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first s bstantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
M AN (MEN)
MAN (MEN)
435

f—
M517 Few MEN have been admired by their domes-
tics (familiars)
I603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III ii, III 26: Few men have beene
admired of their familiars. No man hath beene a Prophet, not
onely in his house, but in his owne country . . In my climate of
Gascoigne they deeme it ajest to see mee in print. 1685 C. COT-
TON Essays III ii, III 33.
See SM., p. 319. Cf. M329—30: No man is a prophet in his own
country.
M518 From good MEN comes goodness
1611 COT., s.v. Bien: (all goodnesse). I659 N.R., p. 32.
M519 Good MEN are a public good
1613 CHAPMAN Rev. Bussy D’Amé. V i 134: A good man happy is a
common good. 1732 FUL., no. 1718.
M520 Good MEN are pitiful1
1639 CL., p. 204.
[1merciful]
M521 Good MEN are scarce
1616 DR., no. 1806: A good man is hard to be found. 1629 TUVILL
Vade Mecum Of Respect, p. 96. 1660 TATHAM Rump II, p. 27:
Could you find no better company? —Good men were scarce.
Cf. M1281: Make much of one, good men are scarce.
M522 Good MEN find not their country kind
1639 CL., s.v. Exilium, p. 108.
Cf. M329—3o: No man is a prophet in his own country.
M523 Great MEN are great idols
1616 DR., no. 1388. 1639 CL., p. 257: (are idolized). 1664 COD.,
P: 19+ .
M524 Great MEN have great faults
1616 DR., no. 1383.
small.
Cf. F102: The fault is as great as he that is faulty; M153: The
greater the man the greater the crime. .
1639 CL., p. 160: Great mens faults are never
M525 Great MEN have their ends when they coun-
tenance the poor '
1639 CL., p. 46. _
Cf. M1296: Whoso makes much of thee that was not wont either
will deceive or stands in need of thee.
M526 Herthat all MEN will please Shall never find
ease
[01560] 1581 WOODES Confl. Cons. IV i, s. GI: He that will seeke
eche man to content Shall_proove him selfe at last most unwise.
1639 CL., p. 282. 1692 R. L’ESTRANoE Failes 358, I 325: He that
Resolves not to go‘toiBed till all the World is pleas’d, Shall be
troubled with the head-Ach. .
Cf. A193: He that would please all and himself too undertakes
what he cannot do; 1103: Jupiter himself cannot please all; M319:
No man can have every man's good word; P88: It is hard to please
all parties (men). '
M527 He that converses not with MEN knows nothing
1664 COD., p. 19 5. 1670 RAY, p. 5. 1732 FUL., no. 2070: He that
converses not, knows: nothing.
Cf. N274: He who still keeps home knows nothing.
M528 Honest MEN and knaves may possibly wear
the same cloth . j _
1639 CL., p. 131: He can cover a knaves head with an honest mans
hat. 1732 FUL., no. 2525. ~
Cf. A284: Handsome apparel makes fools pass for wise men
(hides much deformity).

M529 Honest MEN marry soon, wise men not at all
1659 How. It. Prov., p. I: Honest men use to marry, but wise men
not. 01660 ]. HOWELL Let. Suppl. 16, II 666: [As in 1659 How.].
1664 COD., p. 198. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 249: Honest men
marry, wise men not. 1670 RAY, p. 17. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To
Marry. 1696 D’URFEY3 Don Quix. III ii, p. 248: A pure Proverb,
that says Honest Men marry quickly, but wise Men not at all.
1705 Pleas. Art, p. 153.
Cf. L262: A single life is best; M693: It is good to marry late or
never; M696: To marry young is too early, to marry old is too late;
M698: Who marries does well, who marries not does better.
M530 Hooly1 and fair, MEN ride far journeys
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 530: Hullie and fair men ryds far. Ibid., no.
558: (men coms hom again even). 1668 R.B., p. 25: (rides).
Cf. S601: Soft and fair goes far.
[lsoftly, quietly]
M531 If all MEN may say that thou art an ass then
bray
1616 DR., no. 104. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 1: When all tell thee
‘ thou art an ass ’tis time for thee to bray. ' '
Cf. M204: It is'true that every man says; MI 197: It is not as thy
mother says but as thy neighbors say; N120: Think not better of
yourself than all your neighbors do; O48: If one, two, or three tell
you you are an ass put on a tail (bridle); P54: Think not better of
yourself than all the parish.
M532 If great MEN would have care of little ones both
would last long »
1640 HERB., no. 693. 1659 N.R., p. 69.
M533 In young MEN to err is less Shame
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 302.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IV V ii 16: My nephew’s trespass
may be well forgot; It hath the excuse of youth and heat of blood.
1599 7.0 II i 147: It shall be said his [Cicero’s] judgment rul’d our
hands. Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear, But all be
buried in his gravity. 4
Cf. A236: He is young enough to amend.
M534 It is not good to trust to all MEN
1530 PALS., p. 763b. 1623 WOD., p. 505: Do not trust to all Men.
Cf. M503: All men be not true. ' '
M535 Keep good MEN company and you shall be of
the number, I
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 26]: Acompanye the with good people, and
thou shalt be on of hem. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 5: According
to the Prouerbe by companying with the wise, a man shall learne
wisedome. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 982: Leive with good men. 1620
SHELTON Don. Quix. Pt. II, xxxii, III 238: Keepe company with
good men, and thou shalt be as good as they. I640 HERB., no.
120. 1659 N.R., p. 71. 1664 COD., p. 203. 1670 RAY, p. 5.
I705 Pleas. Art, p. 150. '
Cf. M248: A man is'known by the company he keeps; M536:
Keep not ill men company lest you increase the number.
M536 Keep not ill MEN company lest you increase
the number f ' _ '
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 44: According to the Proverbe, A friend
of fooles wil become like unto them. ' I640 HERB., no. 310. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 18: (Keep not ill company lest). I705 Pleas.
Art, p. 156. _ ‘ '
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2 Hen. IV V i 72: It is a wonderful thing
to see the semblable coherence of his men’s spirits and his. They,
by observing of him, do bear themselves like foolish justices; he,
- by conversing with them, is turned into a justice-like servingman.
Cf. C574: Who keeps company with the wolf will learn to howl;
M248: A man is known by the company he keeps; M535: Keep
good men company and you Shall be of the number. '

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MAN (MEN)
MAN (MEN)
436

M537 Many MEN do lack1 what they would fain have
in their pack
81598 FERG. MS, no. 1003: Mony men dois lack that quhilk he wold
fain hav in his pack. 1641 FERG., no. 612: (Mony men does lack,
that yat wald fain). I668 R.B., p. 36: (Many do lack, that yet
would). 1721 KEL., p. 249: (Many one do). *Men will seem to
discommend what they have a great Mind to, in order to get it
cheapen
Cf. B445: He that blames would buy; M648: He that speaks ill of
the mare will buy her; P546: He praises who wishes to sell.
[1disparage]
M538 Married MEN need (need not) many eyes
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 4. 1664 COD., p. 205: (need not).
M539 MEN are best loved farthest off
1639 CL., p. 71.
Cf. F27: Fair and far ofI.
M540 MEN are blind in their own cause
1546 HEY. II v, S. H4v: (Folk ofttimes are most). a1598 FERo-
MS, no. 1014. 1616 DR., no. 1581. 1668 R.B., p. 38. 1697
MER., p. 165. 1721 KEL., p. 100: (Every Man is blind in his).
*Eng. Self-love is a Mote in every Man’s Eye.
Cf. M242: A man is a lion in his own cause; M341: No man ought
to bejudge in his own cause; S218: Self-love is a mote in every man’s
eye.
M541 MEN are but men
1576 GASCOIGNE Grief 70y III: Wks., II 540: Men are men, and will
abyde no boordes. 61596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More III i 107:
Men are but men, and so Woords are but wordes, and paies not
what men owe. 1606 2 Ret. from Parn. II iii, s. CIv: We are all
men. 1619 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER King No King V, p. 221:
This is foul play i’ faith, to put a fresh man upon us, men are
but men Sir. 1732 FUL., no. 4014: Remember, thou art but a Man.
SHAKESPEARE.—1604 0. II iii 241: But men are men; the best
sometimes forget. 1605-6 M. III i 91: We are men, my liege.
1613 Hen. VIII V iv 78: An’t please your Honour, We are but men.
See T. 192, p. 137. Cf. M502: All men are mortal; M544: Men
are not angels; M593: We are but men, not gods.
M542 MEN are made of clay but women are made of
men
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 154: They [women] are made of the puri-
fied metal of man, whereas man was made of the gross earth. 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 204: [Women] being framed as it were of
the perfection of men, they be free from all such cogitations as may
any way prouoke them to vncleanenesse. Ibid., p. 241: I was halfe
perswaded that they were made of the perfection of men. 1615 T.
ADAMS Mystical Bedlam: Wks., p. 500: Man was made but ofearth;
Woman of refined earth. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 424: Women,
they are better creatures than men; for men were made of clay, but
woman was made of man.
Cf. W852: The last works of men (God) are best.
I
M543 MEN are never wise but returning from law
1623 WOD., p. 501.
See DONALD BOND, “The Law and Lawyers in English Proverbs,”
Am. Bar Assoc. Your“ XXI (Nov., 1935), 724—727. Cf. L97:
Agree, for the law is costly.
M544 MEN are not angels
1616 DR., no. 676. Ibid., no. 683: Man is not an Angel. 1639 CL.,
p. 80. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 115. 1691 J. WILSON Belphegor V
i, p. 56: Men are no Angels.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 Hen. VIII V iii 10: But we all are men . .
few are angels.
Cf. M502: All men are mortal; M541: Men are but men; M593:
We are but men, not gods.

fl
M545 MEN are not made of steel
1631 JONSON New Inn III i 176: Your better man, the Geno’way
Prouerbe say’s, Men are not made of Steele.
Cf. S842: He is steel (metal) to the back.
M546 MEN are not measured by the yard or ell (by
inches)
I603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne I, I 88: A little man is a whole man
as well as a great man. Neither men nor their lives are measured
by the Ell. 1659 N.R., p. 78. 1721 KEL., p. 116: God doth not
measure Men by Inches. *People of small Stature may have stout
Hearts. 1732 FUL., no. 3390: Men are not to be measur’d by
Inches.
Cf. M373: A short man needs no stool to give a great lubber a box
on the ear.
M547 MEN fear death as children fear to go in the
dark
1612 BACON Essays, p. 84. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: (as chil-
dren do to go to the dark). I670 RAY, p. 7: (as children to go).
1732 FUL., no. 3392: (as Children fear going).
M548 MEN get wealth and women keep it
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 25. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
24, p. 238: Men procure wealth, and women lay it up. 1732 F UL.,
no- 3394- _
Cf. G102: To get Is the gift of fortune, to keep is the gift of wis-
dom. ’
M549 MEN go over the dike at the lowest
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1021: (goes). 1610 ROWLANDS Martin Mar/e-
All, p. 14: You will verifie the old saying, where the ditch is lowest,
there men goe ouer thicke and three-fold. 1668 R.B., p. 39:
(goes). 1721 KEL., p. 97: Every one loups o’er the Dike where it is
laighest. *There are many Proverbs to this purpose, signifying
that poor People are run down by every Body.
Cf. H361: A low hedge is easily leaped over; H364: Where the
hedge is lowest men may soonest over.
M550 MEN know when they were born but not where
they shall die
1639 CL., p. 108: (borne, not). 1664 COD., p. 205. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 20, p. 244: Every one knows where he is, but not where he
shall dye.
Cf. N311: Nothing more certain than death and nothing more
uncertain than the time of its coming.
M551 MEN love to hear well of themselves
1639 CL., p. 12.
M552 MEN make the wolf worse than he is
1616 DR., no. 704. 1639 CL., p. 208. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9:
To make the wolf fiercer then he is.
Cf. D255: The devil is not so black as he is painted; L314: The
lion is not so fierce as he is painted.
M553 MEN (Women) may blush to hear what they
were not ashamed to act (do)
[01602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King II, p. 23: And even the modest
wives, this know we too, Oft blush to speake what is no shame to
doe. 1602 WEBSTER White Devil I ii 19: Yet why should Ladyes
blush to heare that nam’d, which they do not feare to handle?
I605 R.F. Sch. Slov. I 196, p. 21: What kinde of men are these?
true reason soone will prove them mad Which will not speake the
words, but do the deedes, which is as bad. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4,
p. 85: That which is dishonest to do, believe not that it is honest to
speak. 1732 FUL., no. 3398.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 K.L. IV vi 120: Yond simp’ring dame . .
That minces virtue, and does shake the head To hear of pleasure’s
name. The fitchew nor the soiled horse goes to’t With a more
riotous appetite.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important Word.
M AN (MEN)
MAN (MEN)
437

Ff
M554 MEN must do as they may (can), not as they
would
1567 MAPLET Green Forest To Rdr., p. 7: Not that which I would,
but that which I may, for my poore skill and knowledge. 1570 T.
WILSON Three Orations, p. 26: Not as men would, but as men may.
1578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. IV ii, s. L3: If thou can not
where thou wouldst, lyue where thou maye. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 479: He that may not as he wold must do as he may. 1613 A.
WHITAKER Good News from Va., s. C4: Goe forward, and moue on,
if not so fast as you would, yet as you may. 1616 DR., s.v. Con-
tentment, no. 357: A man must doe as he can, when hee cannot as
he would. [1619] 1632 N. FIELD AND MASSINGER Fatal Dowry II
ii, p. 1 16: You must do as you may, not as you would. 1639 CL., p.
95: Doe as we may, if not as we would. Ibid., p. 129. Ibid., p.
147: Doe as you may, when you can’t doe as you would. Ibid., p.
222: Men must doe as they are able. Ibid., p. 264: We must do as
we can, not as we would. Ibid., p. 277: Do as you may, if you can’t
do as you would. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9: Who cannot do as he
would, let him do as he can. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13: If not
as we will, as well as we may. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 84: Who
cannot do as he would, let him do as well as he can. 1668 R.B., p.
22: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. II i 106: What you cannot as you
would achieve You must perforce accomplish as you may. 1597
Rich. III V iii 92: I, as I may,—that which I would I cannot,—
With best advantage will deceive the time.
See OTTO, no. 1456; T. 720, p. 341. Cf. l\I76g: Who that may
not as they would, will as they may; M769a: Who that may not as
they will, must will as they may. (14)
M555 MEN (Men’s love), not walls, make the city
(prince) safe
I489 CAXTON Fates Arms II, p. 143: For as a prouerbe saith The
walles maken not the stronge castelles but the deffense of good
folke maketh hit imprenable. 1596 DEL., s. OI v: The loue of the
subiect, is the strongest piller of a Prince. 1608 CHAPMAN Byron’s
Trag. III ii 44: I never sought to build more forts for me than were
within their hearts. 1616 DR., no. 1297: The loue of the subiect,
is the strongest pillar of the prince. Ibid., no. 1298: A prince is
better preserued by loue, then by the sword. 1639 CL., p. 279: The
love of the subjects is the safety of the King. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
I I, p. II 5: Walls make not a City, but men. 1678 R. L’ESTRANGE
Mor. III xx, p. 347: The Strength of a Prince is in the Love of his
People. 1721 KEL., p. 338: The Subject’s Love is the King’s Life-
guard. 1732 FUL., no. 4773: The Subj ect’s Love is the King’s best
Guard. Ibid., no. 5121: ’Tis the Men, not the Houses, that make
the City. 1754 FRANKLIN, p. 29: Friends are the true Scepters of
Princes.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. III i 199: What is the city but the
people?
See SM., p. 240. Cf. C120: Better a castle of bones than of
stones; J106: Justice is the best keeper of kings; R95: Reward and
punishment are the walls of a city; U12: Unity (Union) is the
strongest building (bulwark) of cities.
M556 MEN of his hair are Seen oftener at the B~—-—
court than at the gallows
1678 RAY, p. 89: *A Wencher.
M557 MEN speak of the fair as things went with
them there
I631 MABBE Celestina IV, p. 84: And as you find your penniworths,
so you speake of the Faire. 1640 HERB., no. 151. I659 N.R., p.
76: (fare). I670 RAY, p. 88. I701 TEMPLE Pop. Discontents:
Misc. III, I 257: Every Man speaks of the Fair as his own Market
goes in it. 1721 KEL., p. 249: (went there). *Men speak of Men,
or Things, as they find them.
M558 MEN take bitter potions for sweet health
1639 CL., s.v. Tolerantia, p. 312.
Cf. E195: Bear with evil (ill) and expect good; P327: Bitter pills
may have wholesome effects.


M559 MEN use him ill that has ill luck
1523-5 BERNERS Chron. Froissart, VI 90: It is sayde in an olde
prouerbe, He that hath mysfortune, eueryman offereth hym wronge.
1611 COT., s.v. Mesfaire: Men (lightly) vse him ill that hath ill
lucke.
Cf. H361: A low hedge is easily leaped over; M235: A man has
many enemies when his back is to the wall; T502: When the tree is
fallen every man goes to it with his hatchet.
M560 MEN use to do as their betters
1639 CL., p. 193.
M561 MEN will strain hard for profit
1616 DR., no. 314. 1639 CL., p. 66: (for gaine). I659 N.R., p.
76: Men will strive hard for profit. 1664 COD., p. 205.
M562 MEN will talk on it when we be dead, do what
we can
1639 CL., p. 206.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 W. T. III iii 81: If thou’lt see a thing to talk
on when thou art dead and rotten, come hither.
M563 Mind other MEN but most yourself
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 110. 1639 CL., p. 217.
M564 Most MEN are great braggers
1616 DR., no. 2221.
M565 Never speak ill of MEN behind their backs
1530 PALS., p. 727b. 1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xxv, p.
302: To speake faire to a mans face, and foule behinde his backe,
to set him at his trencher and yet sit on his skirts for so we use to
say by a fayned friend. 1663 WAKER Refined Courtier VII, p.
173: No discreet sober person can value the acquaintance of him
who is uncharitable and severe, because he believes that he will re-
port the very same things or worse of him behind his back, and
(according to the old Proverb) Every one takes care to avoid a mad
Bull that has hay twisted about his horn. 1670 WALKER Idiom.
Ang.-Lat., p. 35: To rail on one behind his back. 1691 T. BROWN
Welsh Levite, p. 28: Chamber-Maids for telling Tales behind their
Master’s back.
Cf. H233: He has hay on his horn.
M566 Of young MEN die many, of old men scape
not any
1659 N .R., p. 8 3: Of young men there dies many of old men scapes
not any. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 105: Of young people, many dye,
of the old, none escapes. 1670 RAY, p. I 27. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Old:
Of young men many die of old men none escapes. I732 FUL., no.
6 .
3C9f. L39: As soon goes the young lambskin (lamb) to the market
as the old ewe’s (sheep); M572: Old men go to death, death comes
to young men; M609: Young men may die, old men must die.
M567 Old MEN and far travelers may lie by authority
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 68: There thre sortes be Of people
lyuynge, whiche may themselfe defende In lesynge . . pilgrimes . .
men aged . . and men of hye degre Before theyr seruauntis. 1607
[TOMKIS] Lingua II i, s. D1: AS for old-men they challenge my
[Mendacio’s] Company by authority. 1623 CAM., p. 275. 1639
CL., p. 316. 1659 N.R., p. 85. 1664 COD., p. 208: (Old men and
Travailers). 1670 RAY, p. 127. 1672 WALK. 5, p. 35: (Old men
and travellours). I681 ROB., p. 947: (Old men and travellers).
1732 FUL., no. 3715: Old Men and Travellers may lie with Author-
Ity.
SHAKESPEARE—1609 Son. 17, l. 9: So should my papers . . Be
scorn’d, like old men of less truth than tongue.
Cf. P28: Painters (Travelers) and poets have leave to lie; T476:
A traveler may lie with authority.
M568 Old MEN are covetous by nature
[1486-1500] 01530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. D4v: Mary whan hys
hed waxeth hore than Shalbe good season To folow couetyse and hys

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
MAN (MEN)
MAN (MEN)
438
way. 1493 [H. PARKER] Dives and Pauper, f. 327v: The more that
men nyghe their ende, the more couetouse they ben. 1586 WITH-
ALs, 3. M4: When thou art old and growne in yeares, Thy care for
coyne the more. 1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, 3.
B4V: That disease (Of which all old men sicken) Auarice. 1614 T.
ADAMS Soul’s Sickn.: Wks., p. 461: Couetousnesse is commonly the
disease ofold age, Ambition of middle age, Lust of youth; and it ex-
tends further, it portends lesse helpe. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 6. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. IV iii, I 524: The older the
more covetous. 1659 COLE Rodfor Lawyers in Harl. Misc., IV 31 1:
[As in 1655 Fuller].
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2Hen. IVI ii 256: A man can no more sepa-
rate age and covetousness than ’a can part young limbs and lechery.
Cf. S479: When all sins grow old covetousness grows young.
M569 Old MEN are forgetful
1616 DR., no. 1539.
Cf. K47: Kindness is lost that is done to an old man and young
child.
M570 Old MEN are twice children (bairns)
[ERAS. Adagia, 195B: Bis pueri senes.] 1539 TAV., f. 16v: [As in
Eras.]. Olde folke are twyse chyldren, or double chyldren. *Aris-
totle in his politykes writeth, that after two and fyfty yeares, the
sharpnes of wyt wareth blounte and dull. 1549 LATIMER Serm. 8,
p. 113: For all old men are twice children, as the proverb is, Senex
bis puer, an old man twice a child. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II
155: Olde men . . like my selfe, are twice children, and drunkards
are twice children. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 26: (bairnes). 1611
DAV. Epig., no. 136: (children twice). 1616 DR., no. 1554: An old
man is twice a Child. 1639 CL., p. 279: (babes). 1642 T. BROWNE
Relig. Med. I xlii, p. 52: A man may be twice a Child before the
days ofdotage. I668 R.B., p. 4: (bairns). 1670 RAY, p. 126: *And
that not in respect of the mind only, but also of the body. 1672
WALK. 2, p. 19. I697 MER., p. 163: (bairnes).
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Luc. l. 939: Time’s glory is . . To make
the child a man, the man a child. 1599 A.Y. II vii 163: Last scene
ofall, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness
and mere oblivion. 1600-I H. II ii 403: They say an old man is
twice a child. 1605-6 K.L. I iii 18: Now, by my life, Old fools are
babes again. (17)
M571 Old MEN carry an almanac in their bones
[I633] I655 MASSINGER Guardian I i, p. 187: I do not carry an al-
manack in my bones, to pre-declare what weather we shall have.
1647 J. HOWELL Let. II liv, II 458: To carry their legs in their
hands, their eyes upon their noses, and an Almanack in their bones.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 297: (Old men have).
Cf. M349: An old man is a bed full of bones.
M572 Old MEN go to death, death comes to young
men A
1625 BACON Apothegms: Wks., XIII 354: One ,of the Fathers saith;
That there is but this difference between the death of old men and
young men; that old men go to death, and death comes to young
men. 1640 HERB., no. [I]. 1659 N.R., p. 84. 1732. FUL., no.
3719: (but Death comes).
Cf. M566: Of young men die many, of old men scape not any;
' M609: Young men may die, old men must die; M704: No marvel if
old men be sick.
M573 Old MEN when they scorn (seem) young make
much of death
1640 HERB., no. 593. 1659 N.R., p. 85: (seem). 1664 COD., p.
' 208. 1670 RAY, p. 19. I678 RAY, p. 19: *Rather, as Mr. Howell
hath it, When they sport with young women.
I Cf. M348: An old man in love hugs death.
M574 Old MEN wish, wise men warn, and young men
work
1616 WITHALS, p. 673. 1639 CL., p. 89.
Cf. M197: If the young man knew and the old man could there
is nothing but would be done; M616: Old men’s counsel and young
men’s actions.


M575 Passionate MEN, like fleet hounds, are apt to
overrun the scent
1692 T. BLOUNT Essays VI, p. 141: ’Twas the usual saying of a very
Ingenuous Person, that Passionate Men, like Yorkshire Hounds, are
apt to over-run the Scent. 1732 FUL., no. 3849.
Cf. M585: Temperate men are the wisest.
M576 Poor MEN go to heaven as soon as rich
1639 CL., s.v. Divitiae, p. 98.
M577 Poor MEN have no souls
1562 HEY. Epig. 167, p. 153. 1641 FERG., no. 696: Poore men they
say hes na souls. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1668 R.B., p. 43:
Poor men (they say) have no souls. 1670 RAY, p. 21. 1687
MIEGE, s.V. Poor: A poor Man has no Soul. 1721 KEL., p. 281:
*This is an old Proverb in the Time of Pop’ry when the Poor had no
Masses, or Dirige’s said for them.
Cf. W709: Women have no souls.
M578 Rich MEN are stewards for the poor
I552 LATIMER Serm. 21, p. 399: You rich men, when there cometh a
poor man unto you . . remember that thy riches be not thy own,
but thou art but a steward over them. 1616 BRET., p. 5. 1639
CL., p. 99. _
Cf. M1044: He that hoards up money takes palns for other men;
P471: That which is given to the poor is lent to God.
M579 Rich MEN may do anything
1639 CL., p. 99. Ibid., p. 300: Rich men may doe all point vice.
1732 Funmo. 4036: Rich Men have no Faults.
Cf. M1052: Money answers all things.
M580 Rich MEN may have what they will
01629 F.D. Excell. Medley l. 121 in Roxb. Bal., I 60: Rich people
haue the world at will. 1639 CL., p. 300.
M580a Rich MEN want1 no kindred ,
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 9: (can want). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 235:
Rich men have abundance of Relations. Ibid. 21, p. 23 5: Every-
one is a-kin unto the rich. 1732 FUL., no. 4735: The Rich never
want for Kindred.
Cf. K37: It is good to be near of kin to an estate; R103: The
rich have many friends. -
[llack]
M581 Say as MEN say but think to yourself
1616 DR., no. 728: Speak faire wordes, and thinke what you will.
1639 CL., p. 327.
Cf. L367: Though he said little he thought the more; M 512: Do
as most men do and fewest will speak evil of you.
M582 So many MEN in court and so many strangers
I640 HERB., no. 868. 1659 N.R., p. 89: (in Court so many stran-
gers).
M583 So many MEN so many minds
[ERAS. Adagia, 114A: Quot homines, tot sententiae.] 1539 TAV., f.
I 3: [As in Eras.]. So many men, so many wyttes. So many heades,
so many iudgementes. 1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. A2:
Divers men of divers mindes be. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 66:
Every man is not of like mind in like matters. 1611 COT., s.v.
Teste: As many men, so many minds. 1616 DR., no. I 389: Diuers
men, diuers minds. I616 WITHALS, p. 578: How many men, so
many minds. 1639 CL., s.v. Alia aliis placent, p. 16: Many men
many minds. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9: [As in 1639 C1.]. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 188: (so many opinions). 1670 RAY, p. 119.
1672 WALK. 89, p. 33: [As in 1639 Cl.]. 1725 N. BAILEY Profane
Bang.: Familiar Colloq., p. 69: (Although, as the comedian says,
So).
See ST., no. 951. (19)
M584 Some MEN plant an opinion they seem to eradi-
cate
1651 HERB., p. 373.
Cf. H279: So many heads so many Wits.
1659 N.R., p. 93.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important wOrdi
MAN (MEN)
MAN (M EN)
439

_,_———
M585 Temperate MEN are the wisest
1616 DR., s.v. Moderation, no. 1409.
Cf. M477: A man’s Wisdom is his sobriety; M575: Passionate men,
like fleet hounds, are apt to overrun the scent; M793: The mean
(The merry mean) is the best.
M586 There are more MEN threatened than struck
1640 HERB., no. 252: (then stricken). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes
Fac. in Via, p. 190: More are threatened then hurt. I659 N.R., p.
97: (then Striken). Hid, p. II 3: There are more threatned then
striken. 1664 COD., p. 218. 1670 RAY, p. 26: There are more
threatned then struck. 1732 FUL., no. 3459: More Men are terri~
fied than punished. _
Cf. F425: Threatened folks (men) live long.
M587 There be many witty MEN yet their brains can-
not fill their bellies
1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 213: There are many
witty Men, yet their brain cannot fill their belly.
M588 Think well of all MEN
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
M589 Threatened MEN eat bread
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: Threatened men eate bread. i.
threatened men liue long. 1651 HERB., p. 368: (bread, says the
Spaniard).
Cf. F425: Threatened folks (men) live long.
M590 Three merry MEN and three merry men and
three merry men be we
1595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 27, s. A3v: Let vs rehearse the old
prouerb. Three merrie men, and three merrie men, and three mer-
rie men be we. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle
II, p. 191: I am three merry men, and three merry men. [1616-24]
1639 FLETCHER ET AL. Bloody Brother III ii, p. 285: Three merry
Boys, and three merry Boys, and three merry Boys are we.
To dead MEN and absent there are no friends
left
I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83. 1605 I. HALL Medit. II 69, p.
123: Dead men and absent finde no friends. All months are boldly
opened, with a conceit of empunitie. I611 COT., s.v. Ami: The
dead haue no friends, the sicke but faint ones. Mid, s.v. Mort:
M591
Death hath no friend, the sicke man but an halfe one. 01640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 2: (and absent are). 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 8: The dead hath no friend, the sick but half a one. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 4: The absent and the dead have no friends. 1702
SEDLEY 35: Wks., I 34: Justice has bid the World adieu, And dead
Men have no Friends.
Cf. D124: Speak well of the dead; F704: He is a good friend that
speaks well on’s behind our backs; P86: The absent party is still
faulty.
M592 Two MEN bear a feather
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2v: If your meete mate and you meete together.
Than shall we see two men beare a fether.
Cf. F159: She cannot bear a feather but she must pant.
M593 We are but MEN, not gods
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. G4v: He is no God but a
man. [1614] I647 FLETCHER Trag. Valent. II iii, p. 24: Though I
most strive to be without my passions, I am no God.
SHAKES PEARE.—1604 0. III iv 148: Nay, we must think men are
not gods.
See OTTO, no. 819. Cf. F363: Flesh is frail; M502: All men are
mortal; M541: Men are but men; M544: Men are not angels.
M594 Weak MEN had need be witty
1639 CL., s.v. Fraus, p. 128. 1664 COD., p. 224: (to be Witty).
1670 RAY, p. 154. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Weak.

When all MEN have what belongs to them it
cannot be much
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 21.
M595
1640 HERB., no. 972.
1659 N.R., p. 125.
M596 When all MEN speak no man hears
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1462: (speaks). 1668 R.B., p. 45: (speaks).
1721 KEL., p. 343: *Used when many speak at once in a Business.
M597 Where MEN are well used they will frequent
' there
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1670 RAY, p. 27.
5649: (kindly used, they will resort).
Cf. C264: Good cheer and good cheap gars many haunt the house.
1732 FUL., no.
M598 Whom great MEN wrong they hate
1665 PATRICK Parable Pilgrim XXXIX, p. 527: Remember that
those will be your worst enemies, not to whom you have done evil,
but who have done evil to you: and those will be your best Friends;
not to whom you have done good, but who have done good to you.
1732 FUL., no. 5725.
M599 Wise MEN are caught in wiles
1611 COT., s.v. Bon: The wisest man’s assotted by a woman. 1639
CL., s.v. Prudentia, p. 266. 1670 RAY, p. 156. 1721 KEL., p. 360:
(with Wiles). *I have writ down this Proverb as the English have
it, because in Scotch it is smutty, it signifies that wise Men are some-
times strangely overseen, and over-reached. I732 FUL., no. 5782:
Wise Men may chance to be caught.
Cf. M335: No man is wise at all times; M432: The wisest man
may be overseen.
M600 Wise MEN care not for what they cannot have
1640 HERB., no. 658: A wise man cares not for what he cannot have.
1664 COD., p. 229: (for that which). 1670 RAY, p. 29. 1732 FUL.,
no. 7 5.
Cf. F642: The fox when he cannot reach the grapes says that they
are not ripe (are sour). '
M601 Wise MEN do the work and fools brag of it
1611 COT., s.v. Besongne: (and fooles agree for it). 1664 COD., p.
225.
Cf. M604: Wise men make proverbs and fools repeat them.
M602 Wise MEN have their mouth (tongue) in their
heart, fools their heart in their mouth (tongue)
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 140]: The tonge of a discrete man is in his
herte and the herte of a foole is in his tonge. 1574 HELLOWES
Guevara’s Fam. Epp., p. 117: The wise man hath his tongue in his
hart, and he that is a foole and furious, hath his heart in his tongue.
1618 HANNAY Happy Hush, p. 170: The wise man’s tongue is euer
in his heart; The fooles heart’s in his tongue. I630 BRATHWAITE
Eng. Gent/em. Education, p. 82: These are those fooles, which carry
their Hearts in their Mouthes; and farre from those wise men, which
carry their Mouthes in their Hearts. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 27.
1732 FUL., no. 478: A wise Man’s Thoughts walk within him, but a
Fool’s without him. 1733 FRANKLIN, p. 6: The heart of the fool is
in his mouth, but the mouth of the Wise man is in his heart.
Cf. H312: The heart of a fool is in his tongue (mouth); H333:
What is in the heart of the sober man is in the tongue (mouth) of
the drunkard; M606: Wise men silent, fools talk; M1187: Who
knows most speaks least; P145: He is wise that can hold his peace.
M603 Wise MEN labor, good men grieve, knaves in-
vent, and fools believe
1645 J. TAYLOR Oxford Besieged: W ks. Q,“ III 7: (Postscript, or an
old said saw of the Malignants. Wise men Labour, Good).
M604 Wise MEN make proverbs and fools repeat
them
1710 PALMER, Pref., p. viii: (but Fools).
FUL., no. 5781.
Cf. M601: Wise men do the work and fools brag of it.
1721 KEL., p. 110. 1732
In partial quotations wording (not Spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
MAN (MEN)
MAN (MEN’S)
440

M605 Wise MEN propose and fools dispose
1625 BACON Apothegms: Wks., XIII 377: At Athens wise men did
propose, and fools dispose. 1692 R. L’ESTRANCE Fables I22, I 114:
The old Saying is a shrewd One; that Wise Men Propose, and Fools
Determine . . Lyons do not come into the World in Litters.
Cf. M298: Man proposes, God disposes.
M606 Wise MEN silent, fools talk
1639 CL., p. 5.
Cf. H298: Hearing much increases knowledge; M602: Wise men
have their mouth (tongue) in their heart, fools their heart in their
mouth (tongue); P145: He is wise that can hold his peace.
M607 Worthy MEN shall be remembered
1639 CL., p. 91. Ibid., p. 134: (never be forgotten).
M608 You go as if nine MEN held you
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2v: Ye ren to worke in haste as nyne men helde
ye. 1672 WALK. 17, p. 20: To go a snails gallop . . as if nine men
pull’d you, and ten men held you. 1678 RAY, p. 348.
Cf. M328: No man holds yOu.
M609 Young MEN may die, old men must die
[a1535] 1553 T. MORE Dial. Comf., p. 115: For as we well wot that a
young man may die soon, so be we very sure that an old man cannot
live long. 1623 CAM., p. 281: (but old men must die). 1639 CL.,
p. 215. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: Though the Old man cannot
live long, yet the young man may dy quickly. 1659 N.R., p. 127:
(but old men must die). 1670 RAY, p. 160: Young men may die,
but old men must. 1721 KEL., p. 386. 1732 FUL., no. 6039:
Young Men may die; old Men must.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594—8 T.S. II i 393: May not young men die as
well as old?
See DUR., I, no. 851. Cf. M566: Of young men die many, of old
men scape not any; M572: Old men go to death, death comes to
young men.
M610 Young MEN think old men fools but old men
know that young men be fools
I577 GRANGE Garden, 8. O2v: Yong men thinks old men fooles, but
old men knoweth well, Yong men are fooles. I580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 26: He that is young thinketh the olde man fond, and
the olde knoweth the young man to be a foole. I605 CHAPMAN
All Fools V ii 205: Young men think old men are fools; but old men
know young men are fools. 1606 MARSTON Parasitaster IV i 707:
Youth thinks that age, age knows that youth is vain. 1615 T.
ADAMS Mystical Bedlam: Wks., p. 513: They thinke vs mad-men,
we know them so. 1623 CAM., p. 281: (Yong men thinke that old
men be fooles, but old men doe know). 1639 CL., p. 181. 1664
COD., p. 230: Young Men think old Men are fools, but old Men know
that young Men are so. 1670 RAY, p. 160: (and old men know
young men to be so). *This is quoted by Camden, as a saying of
one Doctour Metcalf. It is now in many peoples mouths, and likely
to pass into a Proverb. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Young: (and old Men
know young Men to be so). 1732 FUL., no. 6041: (but old Men
know the young are so). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 421: You think
us old fellows are fools; but we old fellows know young fellows are
fools.
M611 Great MEN’S sons seldom do well
[ERAS. Adagia, 235B: Heroum filii noxae.] 1621 R. BURTON Anat.
M. III 11 v 3, p. 792: (Think but of that old proverb . . great).
1639 CL., p. 84: Great mens sonnes oft are their sinnes.
Cf. M421: A wise man commonly has a fool to his heir (has
foolish children).
M612 Happy is he whom other MEN’S harms make
beware
[ERAS. Adagia, 496E: Felix, quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum.]
aI500 Harl. MS 3362, p. 309: He ys an happy man, that ys war be
anothyr mannys dedys. 1539 TAV., f. 3: [As in Eras.]. He is
happy, whom other mens perilles maketh ware. I549 LATIMER
Serm. 8, p. 117: The proverb is, Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula


cautum; Happy is he that can beware by another man’s jeopardy,
1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorboduc IV ii, s. G1: And happy he
that can in time beware By others harmes and turne it to his good.
1596 DEL., s. M4v: (that can beware by an other mans harme).
1616 DR., no. 2355: (doe make to beware). 1623 CAM., p. 271;
(that can beware by other mens harmes). 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 3: (that growes wise by other mens harms). 1659 N.R., p. 50;
He is happy that can be warn’d by others harms. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 21, p. 87: (who learns at another bodies cost).
Cf. M462: It is best to use another man’s madness; M615: It is
good to (He is wise who can) beware by other men’s harms; N114;
Better learn from your neighbor’s scathe than your own; S3 5 5: Let
another’s shipwreck be your seamark; T291: He is wise that is ware
(wary) in time. (15)
M613 He fares well of other MEN’S cost
1639 CL., p. 57. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 100, p. 100: It is pleasant
to live on free cost, and save ones own stake. I672 WALK. 34, p,
I 5: You live merry lives on’t; eat and drink, and fare o’th best,
and all at others cost.
Cf. D610: It is good drinking of wine at another man’s cost;
M847: The wholesomest meat is at another man’s cost; Y53: It is
easy to cry yule at other men’s cost.
M614 He lives upon other MEN’S death
1616 DR., no. 1923: Hee seeketh to raise himselfe by other mens
ruines. 1639 CL., p. 304.
Cf. R136: The rising of one man is the falling of another.
M615 It is good to (He is wise who can) beware by
other MEN’S harms
[ERAS. Adagia, 496E: Feliciter sapit, qui alieno periculo sapit.]
a1536 HILL 36, p. 132: He is wysse, that can beware by an other
manys harme. 1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 34. 1571 R. EDWARDS
Damon and Pithias, s. C4v: He is but a stranger, by his fall let
others be wise. I577 WHETSTONE Life Gascoigne, p. 19: Our neygh-
bours harms are Items to the wise. I579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p.
48: Let vs learne by other mens harmes too looke to our selues.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D3v: (Better be wise by). 1591 FLOR.
Sec. F. VI, p. 103: (Learne alwayes to be wise by). 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 377. 1611 GRUT., no. 154. 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616
WITHALS, p. 573: (to bee warned by). 1639 CL., p. 23. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 8. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 249: By other folks
harms, a wise man mends his own. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. II 3:
’Tis good to beware by others example. 1672 WALK. 36, p. 30:
’Tis good to learn by others tryals; to buy wit with other mens
money. 1732 F UL., no. 5779: Wise Men learn by other Men’s
Harms; Fools, by their own. 1749 FRANKLIN, p. 25: Wise Men
learn by other’s harms; Fools by their own.
Cf. M612: Happy is he whom other men’s harms make beware;
N114: Better learn from your neighbor’s scathe than your own;
N1 16: When thy neighbor’s house does burn be careful of thine own;
W546: Bought wit is clear. (19)
M616 Old MEN’S counsel and young men’s actions
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 51. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Say-
ings: Anglo-Belgica, II 3 5: War with young, but advise with old.
Cf. M574: Old men wish, wise men warn, and young men work,
M617 They are wise in other MEN’S matters and fools
in their own
1623 WOD., p. 495: I am so busied about other Mens Businesse, that
I can not mind myne owne. I672 WALK. 62, p. 31.
See OTTO, no. 60. Cf. A314: An Argus abroad and a mole at
home.
M618 Who can hold MEN’S tongues?
1616 DR., no. 2154. 1639 CL., s.v. Maledicentia, p. 196: (tongues
from talking).
M619 Who waits for dead MEN’S shoes shall go long
barefoot
1530 PALS., p. 644a: Thou lokest after deed mens shoes. 1562
HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 37: (men). 1611 COT., s.v. Corde: (We say, he


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MAN (MEN’S)
MANNERS
441


that waits for). 1611 GRUT., no. 326: (dead-men). 1614 CAM., p.
315. 1616 DR., no. 439: He that looketh for dead mens shoes, may
long goe barefoot. 1623 CAM., p. 270: He that hopes for dead mens
shooes, may goe long bare-foote. 1639 CL., s.v. Haeredipetae, p.
136: They may long goe barefoot that hope of live-mens shooes.
Ibid., p. 214: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: (shooes,
may go a goodwhile barefoot). 1670 RAY, p. 78: He that waits for
dead mens shooes, may go long enough barefoot. *He hath but a
cold suit who longs for another mans death. a1700 B.E., s.v.
Dead: To wait for dead mens shoes, for what is little worth, or may
never come to pass. 1721 KEL., p. 148: He goes long bare Foot that
wears dead Mens Shoon. *Spoken to them who expect to be some
Man’s Heir, to get his Place, or Wife, if he should dye.
Cf. H598: He that lives on hope has a slender diet; M457: He that
waits on another man’s trencher makes many a late dinner; R170:
He pulls with a long rope that waits for another’s death; S375: He
should wear iron shoes that bides his neighbor’s dead. (10)
M620 Young MEN’S knocks old men feel
1670 RAY, p. 38: *Quae peccamus Juvenes ea luimus senes. 1672
WALK. 17, p. 40. 1721 KEL., p. 393: *Bruises got in time of Youth
will ake in old Age. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Knock. 1732 FUL., no.
3718: Old Men feel Young Men’s Knocks.
M621 He has stolen a MANCHET1 out of the brewer’s
basket
1678 RAY, s.v. Proverbiall Periphrases of one drunk, p. 87. I745
FRANKLIN Drinker’s Dict.: Wks., II 134: Has stole a Manchet out of
the Brewer’s Basket.
[lloaf]
M622—M631 MANNER (pl.)=forms of polite behavior
M622 As full of good MANNERS as an egg is of oatmeal
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 96: He that may haue your com-
pany maye be glad therof: for ye be as ful of good maner as an egge
is of oote mele. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. M4v: I heard asmuch
speach, as thou hast honestie, and that is asmuch as an egge hath
otemeale. I594 GREENE Friar Bacon, s. H4v: Another saith my
head is as full of Latine as an egs full of oatemeale. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., p. 214: As full of manners as an egg of oat-meal.
Cf. K149: As full of knavery (As full) as an egg is full of meat.
M623 Good MANNERS are durable but beauty is per-
ishing
1616 WITHALS, p. 549: Good manners are endurable, but beautie is
lost by age. 1664 COD., p. 194.
Cf. B165: Beauty does fade like a flower; B167: Beauty is a
blaze (blast); B169: Beauty is but a blossom.
M624 Good MANNERS to except my Lord Mayor of
London
1655 FULLER Church Hist. III vi, I 376: The richest and proudest
(always good manners to except cardinal Wolsey) of that place.
1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 58: *This is a corrective for such,
whose expressions are of the largest size, and too general in their ex-
tent, parallel to the Logick maxime, Primum in unoquoque genere est
excipiendum, as too high to come under the roof of comparison. In
some cases, it is not civil to fill up all the room in our speeches of our
selves, but to leave an upper place voyd, as a blank reserved for our
betters. 1670 RAY, p. 242.
Cf. C578: Compare only with thy compeers.
M625 Ill MANNERS (lives) produce good laws
[ERAS. Adagia, 384D: Bonae leges ex malis moribus procreantur.]
I539 TAV., f. 28: [As in Eras.]. Good lawes be gendred of euyll
maners. I586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 175: Often times good ef-
fects proceede from evil causes. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 181:
Good lawes [issue] out of bad manners. 01594 BACON, no. 1454:
Out of bad customs, good laws. I596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax,
p. 47: Euill manners make good lawes. 1604 [DALLINGTON] View
France, s. E4: Euill maners cause good lawes. [01605] I630 DEK-
KER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 168: Thus wholsom’st Lawes spring from the

worst abuse. 1611 COT., s.v. Loy: Bad lines haue bred good lawes.
1655 FULLER Hist. Cambridge 3, p. 85: Ill manners occasion good
laws, as the handsome children of ugly parents. 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 9: Good laws come from lewd lives. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
28, p. 233: From ill manners, good laws, and from errors, come
rules. 1732 FUL., no. 3075.
Cf. K84: Ill kings make many good laws; L102: The law grows of
sin and chastises it; L1 17: The more (Many) laws the more (many)
offenders (sins).
M626 It is not good MANNERS to offer salt or brains
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. L4v: It chaunced in this supper
(as a poynt of courtesie) he offered a Gentlewoman salte upon hyr
trencher, who at that profered curtesie weeped most bitterly. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 69: She requesting me to be hir caruer,
and I not attending well to that she craued, gaue hir salt, which when
she receiued, Shee gan . . to reply . . I seldome eate salte for feare
of anger, and ifyou giue it mee in token that I want witte, then will
you make me cholerike before I eate it: for woemen be they neuer
so foolish, would euer be thought wise. 1623 WOD., p. 274: Neuer
Offer salt, head nor beast to any man, if hee aske it not of thee first.
1659 N.R., p. 84: Offer not to present salt or the head of any crea-
ture. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 245: At table, one ought not to
present any one, either salt, or the head of any creature. *Note
21, p. 274: The onejeeringly, that he wants wit, Whereof salt is an
emblem; the other brains, whereof the head presented, is full of.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 440: For they say, ’tis not good man-
ners to offer brains. .
Cf. C695: Neither counsel nor salt is presented unless demanded;
P565: Do not make a present of a knife, for it will cut love.
M627 It is not good MANNERS to show your learning
before ladies
1694 Let. Love Ep. Ded., II A3: Nay, some, tho’ they were Address-
ing to you, would have the impertinence to bring in Latin and
Greek. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 445: Tace is Latin for a can-
dle. —Is that manners, to shew your learning before ladies?
M628 Let him mend his MANNERS, it will be his own
another day
[01550] 1560 Nice Wanton, s. C2: Apply your lerning and your
Elders obay, It wil be your proffit an other day. 1602 DEKKER
[AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 2007, p. 58: It is your owne another day.
1602 [W.S.] Ld. Cromwell, S. C2: Tom, or Maister Thomas, learne
to make a Horse-shooe, it will be your owne another day. 1604
Wit Woman, s. E4: But I haue a secret to tell you, that if you wil
conceale, and follow my counsaile, it will bee for your good another
day. 1606 CHAPMAN M. D’Olive V i 228: That’s enough; let my
sister go waste his revenue in tapers; ’twill be her own another day.
1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. C2: Ile attend then presently, be a good
seruaunt, Dorus. —Twill be his owne another day, Madam.
1606 Nobody and Somebody, s. E2v: Ile teach you ply your worke,
and thanke me to, This paines will be your owne another day. 1608
MIDDLETON Mad WorldI i 184: Mother, I am too deep a scholar
grown To learn my first rules now. —’Twill be thy own; I say no
more. 1614 COOKE Greene’s Tu Quoque, s. K3: Wee’le be in-
structed by you. —Well, if you bee, it will be your owne another
day. [01614] 1639 FLETCHER Wit without Money III, p. 167: You
have a tongue, a dish of meat in your mouth, which if it were
minced Luce, would do a great deal better . . It will be your own one
time or other. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II ii 68: Let ’hun mend his
manners then, and know his betters: It’s all I aske ’hun: and ’twill
be his owne; And’s Masters too, another day. [1641] I653 SHIR-
LEY Cardinal V ii, p. 336: ’Tis better, being a woman; thou may’st
do Things that may prosper better, and the fruit Be thy own an-
other day. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 7: Do not poursue ill luck
at play, ’Twill be thine own another day. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. To Obey, p. 23 3: It will be your own another day, if you do as I
say. 1678 RAY, p. 76. Ibid., p. 345: Quick and nimble, ’twill be
your own another day. 1679 T. SHADWELL True Widow III, p.
320: Trust us, and ’twill be your own another day.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV i 109: Here, sweet, put up this;
’twill be thine another day.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
MANNERs 442
MARCH
5
M629 MANNERs make a man, quoth William of Wick- M634 MANNER = way
haml
1513 H. BRADSHAW St. WerburgeII I, p. 131: Good maners and con-
ynge maken a man. 1520 VVPII'ITINGTON Vulgaria, p. 115: I wyl
somwhat speke of the scholers maner or duty, for maners (as they
say) maketh man. 1602 ROWLANDS ’Tis Merry When Gossips
Meet, p. 44: The Prouerbe sayes t’is manners that doth make. 1605
Land. Prod, s. BIV: For thers an old saying . . Be he borne in barne
or hall, Tis maners makes the man and all. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 12. 1662 FULLER Worthies Hampshire, I 401: Manners makes a
Man, quoth William Wickham. *This generally was his Motto,
inscribed frequently on the places of his Founding; so that it hath
since acquired a .Proverbial Reputation. 1670 RAY, p. 1 18. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 213: Manners make a man.
Cf. G391: Grace (Nurture) and manners make a man; M440:
You may know the man by his manners; M630: Manners make
often fortunes; M827: Meat makes and cloth shapes but manners
make a man; M1051: Money and good manners make the gentle-
man.
[‘fifteenth-century bishop and educator]
M630 MANNERS make often fortunes
[ERAS. Adagia, 532E: Sui cuique mores fingunt f0rtunam.] I539
TAV., f. 37V: [As in Eras.]. A mans owne maners do shape hym
hys fortune. *It is theyr owne maners, theyr owne qualities,
tetches, condicions, and procedynges that shape them thys fortune,
that is to saye, that cause them eyther to be sette forwarde or back-
warde, eyther to prosper or not to prospere. 1610-25 STONYHURST
Pag. XVIII 37, p. 264: Such maners, and conditions as euery one ys
of, such for the most part are their fortunes. 1639 CL., p. 167:
Mens manners make their fortunes. 1664 COD., p. 206. 1670
RAY, p. 17. 1677 M. HALE P. Atticus I, p. 433: Every man’s man-
ners procure to him his fortune. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 157: A Man’s
own Manners do make his Fortune either Bad or Good.
Cf. M629: Manners make a man, quoth William of Wickham.
M631 You know good MANNERs but you use but a few
1520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 95: Good syr, it semeth ye haue
seen more good maners, than ye haue borne awaye. 1563 FULKE
Goodly Gallery I, s. AIv: As the common saying is they may know
we haue skill of good maners though we litle vse them. 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 100: Thou like our Athenians, knowest what
thou Shouldest doe, but like them, neuer dost it. 1581 PETTIE Civ.
Conv. I, I 32: They are greatly to blame, which knowing howe to doe
well, doe it not. 1639 CL., p. 2. 1664 COD., p. 230. 1670 RAY, p.
185. 1721 KEL., p. 393: You have good Manners, but you bear
them not about with you. 1732 FUL., no. 5919: You have good
Manners, but never carry them about you.
See T. 426, p. 223. Cf. W160: He tells me my way and does not
know it himself.
M632 MANNER = kind
M632 Thou wilt lie all MANNER of colors but blue and
that is gone to the litting1
1678 RAY, p. 75.
[1dyeing]
M633 MANNER = sinful act
M633 To take one with the MANNER
1530 PALS., p. 752a: I take with the maner, as a thefe is taken with
thefte, or a person in the doyng of any other acte. 1606 J. DAY
Isle Gulls, s. H3: I ran to Manasses, thinking to take my husband
and his wife in the manner. 1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p.
183: There was one courtier lay with twelve men’s wives in the sub-
urbs, and pressing farther to make one more cuckold within the
walles, and being taken with the manner, had nothing to say.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. I i 204: The manner ofit is,I was
taken with the manner. 1597 I Hen. IVII iv 345: O villain! thou
stolest a cup of sack eighteen years ago and wert taken with the
manner, and ever since thou hast blush’d extempore.

M641
M634 He that works after his own MANNER his head
aches not at the matter
1640 HERB., no. 417. 1664 COD., p. 228: Who works after his own
manner, his head never aketh at the matter.
Cf. D407: What we do willingly is easy.
M635 You are a MAN OF DURSLEY
01640 SMYTH 3, p. 26: Hee’l proove, I thinke, a man of Durseley.
*A man that will promise much but performe nothinge. I662
FULLER Worthies Gloucestershire, I 377: *It is taken for one that
breaks his word, and faileth in performance of his promises; parallel
to Fides Graeca, or Fides Punica. I670 RAY, p. 228.
Cf. F31: Grecian faith.
M636 As wise as a MAN 0F GOTHAIVI1
1560-77 Misogonus II iii 10: The wise men of gotum. 1597 J.
HALL Satires II v, p. 34: Saint Fooles of Gotam mought thy parish
be. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: You are as wise as the men of
Gotham, who went to build a wall about the wood to keep out the
Cuckow. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13: Like the men of Gotham, who
sowed needles, hoping they would grow to bars of iron. 1662 FUL~
LER Worthies Nottinghamshire, II 206: *It passeth publickly for
the Periphrasis of a Fool; and an hundred Fopperies are . . fathered
on the Town-folk of Gotham . . in this County. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Bergamo, p. 14: To be a Nody of Bergamo, viz. to be one
of the wise men of Gotam. 1670 RAY, p. 248.
See APP., p. 267. ‘
[ISee Sugden, p. 228.]
M637 Between MAN OF WAR and man of war there’s
nothing got but dry blows
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 148, p. 60: (The English say, Between).
M638 Too MANY to be good
1602 FULBECKE Pandectes Law Nations VI, f. 30v: The multitude
haue this prouerbe verie rife in their mouthes, too many to bee good.
Cf. T145: That thing which is rare is clear.
M639 The fine MARBLE needs no painting
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 163: The fine marble you know needeth no
painting, that is needful only for ragged walls. I578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. Wit Ep. Ded., p. I 81: Paynting is meter for ragged walls'then
fine Marble. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. Ep. Ded., I 4: The fine
Marble [needs no] painting. 1611 COT., s.v. Marbre: *A beautifull
thing needs no luster, an excellent thing no commendation.
Cf. C649: The right coral needs no coloring; F 7: A good face needs
no paint.
M640-M644 MARCH: subst.
M640 He is as sure as MARCH in Lent
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 2. 1664 COD., p. 195.
MARCH comes in like a lion and goes out like a
lamb
[1624] I647 FLETCHER Wife for Month II, p. 16: I would chuse
March, for I would come in like a Lion. “But you’d go out like a
Lamb when you went to hanging. 1640 J. HOWELL Dodona’s
Grove, p. 5: Like the moneth of March, which comes in like a Lyon,
but goeth out like a Lambe. 1669 WORLIDGE Kat. Rust.: Systema
Agric., p. 269: The beginning of March usually concludes the nipping
Winter, the end initiates the subsequent welcome Spring according
to the Proverb: March Cometh in like a Lyon, and goes out like a
lamb. I670 RAY, p. 41: (March hack ham comes in like a lion,
goes). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. March. 1732 FUL., no. 6473: (March
balkham, Comes in like a Lion, goes).
M642 _MARCH in Janiveer, Janiveer in March I fear
1678 RAY, p. 44. I732 FUL., no. 6148.
Cf. MI 1 10: All the months in the year curse a fair February; S590:
As seasonable (welcome) as snow in summer (harvest); S78 5: Where
there is a spring in winter and a winter in spring the year is never
good; W508: A green winter (Christmas) makes a fat churchyard.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MARCH
MARE’S
443


M643 MARCH many weathers
1678 RAY, p. 44. I732 FUL., no. 6475: March many-Weathers
rain’d and blow’d, But March Grass never did good.
M644 A windy MARCH and a rainy April make a beau-
tiful May
1657 LEIGH, p. 270: (make a May trim and gay). 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 21: (makes May beautiful). 1732 FUL., no. 468.
Cf. S411: April showers bring May flowers.
M645 MARCH: verb
M645 He is MARCHED off
1678 RAY, p. 89: *A Bankrupt.
M646 Away the MARE
1509-18 Friar and Boy 1. 49 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 62: Of no man
he had no care, But sung, hey howe, awaye the mare, And made
ioye ynough. [01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. D3v: Nowe then goo
we hens, away the mare. 01527 ]. RASTELL Calisto and Mel., s.
A2: Tush syr be mery let pas awey the mare. 1566 L. WAGER
Mary Magd., s. F 2v: Be mery Mistress Mary, and away the mare.
M647 The gray MARE is the better horse
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: She is (quoth he) bent to fors you perfors To
know that the grey mare is the better hors. 01569 J. PHILLIP Pa-
tient Grisselll. 168, s. B3: But who so euer intendeth of that misterie
to be tastar, Findeth oft times the graie mare better maister. I583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. S3: The gray mare is the better horse, es-
peciallie if She be a curtal, it must be as the woman will, when all is said
and done. I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: In the house of the
silly man of necessitie and of forc: The graie mare will still prooue
the better horse. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 328: (is oft). 1616 WITH-
ALS, p. 567: *Nimis est uxorius. 1636 CAM., p. 307. 1639 CL., s.v.
Uxor, p. 328. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 20: In the
houses and gouernment of fooles wiues do command more than the
husbands, for the grey mare is oft the better horse. 01640 SMYTH
1 5, p. 27: *Meaninge, that the most master goeth breechlesse: i. when
the silly husband must aske his wife, Whether it shall bee a bargaine
or not. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II ii
686, p. 179: For all th’ Antiquity you smatter, Is but a Riding, us’d
of Course, When the Grey Mare’s the better Horse. 1670 RAY,
p. 18 5: *The woman is master, or as we say, wears the breeches.
Cf. B645: She wears the breeches; F377: It is a silly (sorry) flock
where the ewe bears the bell; M727: Most master wears no breech.
M648 He that speaks ill of the MARE will buy her
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 60: But I beleeue, it is as they say,
he that dispraiseth the mare carrieth her away. 1659 HOW. Span.
Prov., p. 17: Who speaks ill of the Mare buyes her. Ihid. 10, p. I 37:
Who speaketh evil of the mare, means to take her away with him.
*Note 17, p. 162: For we use to say, Chi biasima, vuol comprare, who
finds fault, intends to buy. I721 KEL., p. 130: He that lacks my
Mare, would buy my Mare. *Buyers commonly discommend what
they have a Mind to; apply’d when a Man discommends a Maid,
whom he would gladly marry, if he could get her. 1742 FRANKLIN,
p. 20.
Cf. B445: He that blames would buy; M537: Many men do lack
What they would fain have in their pack; P546: He praises who
wishes to sell. '
M649 I will not go (run) before my MARE to market
1678 RAY, p. 2 59: *I’ll do nothing preposterously: I’ll drive my mare
before me. 1709 KINGSTON Apoph. Cur. 378, p. 79: Resolution
Without Deliberation . . is like running before ones Mare to the
Market.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 Rich. III I i 160: But yet I run before my
horse to market.
M650 The MARE lame, the colt the like
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2: If the Mare be lame, her Colt will be
lame. Ibid., p. 8.
Cf. F408: How can the foal amble when the horse and mare trot?
MII99: Like mother like daughter.

M651 My old MARE would have a new crupper
1546 HEY. II i, s. F3: (Myne old mare). 01565 Bughears I ii 70:
Old morell wold have a new bridell I suppose. 1578 T. LUPTON
Allfor Money, s. E1: Gylle my olde mare must haue a newe crupper.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 185: (The old mare). 1639 CL., s.v. Ambi-
tionis, P. 24. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: Old Mares lust after new
cruppers. 1664 COD., p. 205: (should have). 1670 RAY, p. 19:
[As in 1659 How.].
M652 Ride who will, the MARE is shod
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 572, p. 127: (shod is the
Marc).
See SM., p. 373.
M653 She Simpers as a MARE when She eats thistles
1639 CL., p. 120.
M654 This (Thus) bit the MARE by the thumb
1546 HEY. II vi, S. I2: (byteth). I611 DAV. Prov., no. 82: (Thus
bitt).
M655 To ride (shoe) the wild MARE
[a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 180: Wks., I318: Let se who
that dare Sho the Mockysshe mare; They make her wynche and
keke. [1604—17] 1647 FLETCHER Woman’s Prize II V, p. 31: She
should ride the wild Mare once a week, she should. I609 ARMIN
Two Maids More., s. D1v: Christmas gambuls, father, Shooing the
Wilde mare. 1611 COT., s.v. Asne: To unshoe the Asse; wee say, to
ride the wild mare. I626 BRETON Fantastics: W ks., II 11: It is now
Christmas . . and the Youth shew their agility in Shooing of the wild
Mare. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cavalla, p. 33: To leap the mare,
viz. to use carnal copulation. [1670] 1689 C. COTTON To My
Friend from Country: Poems, p. 112: With many another stiff and
Sturdy lout That play at wasters, Shoe the wild mare, and lick the
board. 1680 [1. SPEED] Batt upon Batt, p. 4: Shooing the Wilde
Mare, tumbling the young Wenches, Drinking all night, and Sleep-
ing on the Benches. a1681 T. RAYMOND Autobiog., p. 51 : This per-
son fell to greate debouchery as to woemen and often abroad a
night, bragging amongst those of his feather how often that night he
had shodd the wild mare.
SHAKESPEARE—I598 2 Hen. [V II iv 267: And (he) drinks olf
candles’ ends for flapdragons, and rides the wild mare with the boys.
M656 When the MARE has a bald face the filly will
have a blaze
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1670 RAY, p. 17. 1696 D’URFEY 3
Don Quix. I i, p. 221: (If the Mare have). 1732 FUL., no. 5596:
(hath a Blaze).
M657 Whose MARE is dead?
1595 Maroccus, p. 5: Whose mare is dead, that you are thus mel-
ancoly? I599 Warningfor Fair Women, s. A2: Whose mare is dead
That you are going to take off her skine. [3.1600] 1639 DELONEY
Gentle Craft II, p. 37: Whose mare is dead? Whats the trouble?
[1634] 1655 MASSINGER Very Woman III ii, p. 377: Whose dog’s
dead now, That you observe these vigils? 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
I, p. 407: Whose mare’s dead now?
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. [V II i 46: How now? Whose
mare’s dead? What’s the matter?
M658 He has found a MARE’S nest and laughs at the
eggs '
1582 BRETON Flourish upon Fancy and Toys Idle Head: Wks., I 6:
To laughe at a horse nest, and whine too like a boy. [01614] I647
FLETCHER Bonduca V ii, p. 147: Why dost thou laugh? What
Mares nest hast thou found? 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sapore,
p. 179: To laugh because others laugh, to laugh for company, to
tickle again for laughing, and yet not to know at what; to such the
English say, What, you have found a Mares-nest now, and laugh
at the young ones: ah? I678 RAY, p. 76: To find a mares nest.
1704 D’URFEY Night Adventures (tr. from Boccaccio): Tales, p.
216: A laughing Fit quite stunn’d their Ears, As if a Fool hadfound
a Marc’s. I721 KEL., p. 385: You have found a Horse Nest.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
MARE’S 444
MARKET

*Spoken to them who laugh without a Cause. I732 FUL., no. 5917: M667-M669 MARK = target
You have found a Colt’s Nest, and laugh at the Eggs. I738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 401: What! you have found a mare’s nest,
and laugh at the eggs?
See ST., no. 1582.
M659 A MARE’S shoe and a horse’s shoe are both alike
1641 FERG., no. I47: (A mache and a horse shoe). 1668 R.B., p.
10: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I721 KEL., p. 34: (and a Horse Shoe).
1732 FUL., no. 318.
M660 There are more MARES in the wood than Grissel
1678 RAY, p. 173.
Cf. M39: There are more maids than Malkin.
M661 MARGERY, good cow, gives a good meal (pail)
of milk but throws it down with her heels
1546 HEY. II vii, 5. KW: Margery good cowe (quoth he) gaue a good
meele, But than she cast it downe agayne with hir heele. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 748: He breids of the goat that casts all clowne at
even and gives good milk all day. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab.
x, s. I4: But be not you like the Cowe that giues a good sope ofmilke
and casts it clowne with his heeles. 1616 DR., no. 686: (giueth agood
deale of). 1623 CAM., p. 266: A curst cow giues a paile of milke, and
kicks it downe with her heele. 1639 CL., p. 220: Margerie good-
cow gave a good meale, And when sh’ad done strok’t down with
her heele. I639 FULLER Holy War V xxii, p. 266: These Italians
. . as at first they gave good milk, so they kicked it down with their
heel, and by their mutuall discord caused the losse of all they
helped to gain in Syria. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II iv 19: Turne
not the bad Cow, after thy good soape. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 14: Like a curst Cow that gives a paile of milk, and then kicks
it down. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fine, p. 63: To spoyl ones self
in the end, not to come OH well; the English say, to play Margery
good Cow, to give a good pail full of milk, and then kick it down
with her foot. 1670 RAY, p. 185: Madge goodcow, gives a good
pail of milk, and then kicks it down with her foot. I721 KEL.,
p. 310: The Goat gives a good milking, but she casts it all down
with her Foot. *Spoken when they who do a piece of good Service,
by their after Behaviour, spoils the good Grace of it. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3497: My Cow gives a good Mess of Milk, and then kicks it
down.
See DUR., I, no. 952.
M662 To water the MARIGOLDS
I678 RAY, p. 88: *To make water.
Cf. R184: To pluck a rose.
M663 MARINERS’ craft is the grossest and the subtlest
handicraft that is
1573 SANF., f. 104V. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 101, p. 29: (yet of handi-
crafts the subtillest).
M664 Well remembered, MARION
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1522. 1721 KEL., p. 353: Well minded
Marrion to thy Lives end. *Spoken to them that call a thing to
mind opportunely.
M665 MARK = characteristic trait
M665 She has a MARK after her mother
1678 RAY, p. 259: *That is, she is her mothers own daughter.
Patris est filius.
Cf. F97: You are your father’s own son; M1199: Like mother
like daughter.
M666 MARK = line
M666 To make one to toe his MARK
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Stecchetto, p. 204: To make one stand
to the peg, Viz. to make one to keep within Bounds; the English
say, To make one to toe his Mark.

M667 He shoots well that hits the MARK
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20.
See ST., no. 2123.
M668 He shoots wide of the MARK
1562 HEY. Epig. 184, p. 156: He shooteth wyde. I596 RALEIGH
Disc. Guiana, p. 405: He also shot wide of the mark. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1670 RAY, p. 214: To Shoot wide of the mark.
1672 WALK. 22, p. 29: Wide of the mark. I680 D’URrEY Virtuous
Wife I, p. 10: You are merry Sir, and shoot wide 0’ th’ mark.
Cf. B575: Thou art in a wrong box; F516: A fool’s bolt may
sometimes hit the mark (white); M669: To miss his mark (aim);
P571: To shoot nigh the prick.
M669 To miss his MARK (aim)
1530 PALS., p. 638a: I mysse my marke. 1582 R. ROBINSON
Assertion K. Arthur V, p. 29: In which poynt what manner booke
soeuer it be, it misseth not the marke altogether. 1599 RAINOLDS
Overthrow Stage Plays, p. 80: Antinous hurling it did misse the
marke, and played not his part as you appointed him out of Homer.
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 v5, p. 802: Penelope had a company
of suitors, yet all missed of their aim. 1639 CL., p. I: To misse of
his marke. I670 RAY, p. 185. I672 WALK. 47, p. 52: *Beside the
cushion; not to come near his text. a1700 B.E., s.v. Aim: He has
mist his Aim or End.
Cf. C929: To set one beside the cushion; F516: A fool’s bolt may
sometimes hit the mark (white); M668: He shoots wide of the
mark; P571: To shoot nigh the prick.
M670 As the MARKET goes wives must sell
[c1589] 1601 LYLY Love’s Metam. I ii 32: Celia, the Forrester giues
you good counsel, take your penniworth Whiles the market serues.
I732 FUL., no. 734.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 A.Y. III v 59: For I must tell you [Phebe]
friendly in your ear, Sell when you can! you are not for all markets.
I602 A.W. I i 168: Off with’t [virginity] while ’tis vendible; answer
the time of request.
Cf. M284: A man must sell his wares according to the rates of
the market.
M671 Forsake not (He loses) the MARKET for the toll
1623 CAM., p. 269. 1637 CAM., p. 297: (He loses). 1639 CL., s.v.
Difiicultatis, p. 88. I659 N.R., p. 34. Ibid., p. 48: (He looseth).
1664 COD., p. 192. 1670 RAY, p. 119.
Cf. H495: Lose not a hog (sheep) for a halfpennyworth of tar;
P6: It is a silly pack that may not pay the custom.
M672 He has made a good MARKET
I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 104: Well sir, if your market may be
made no where els, home again. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 263:
I stepping to her with a dunstable tale made vp my market. 1649
QUARLES Virgin Widow I, p. 293: Is it even So? Quack’s thread is
fairly spun, Quack may go home again, his market’s done. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 24. 1672 WALK. 10, p. 34: He knows how to
make his market (make use of his time) well enough.
M673 He that cannot abide a bad MARKET deserves
not a good one
1678 RAY, p. 173. 1732 FUL., no. 2058.
M674 He that means to make a good MARKET of his
ware must watch an opportunity to open his
shop
1639 CL., s.v. Opportunitas, p. 237.
M675 The MARKET is the best garden
1640 HERB., no. 739. 1659 N.R., p. 94. 1664 COD., p. 221. 1670
RAY, p. 17: *At London they are wont to say, Cheapside is the best
garden.
Cf. C260: Cheapside is the best garden.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MARKET
MARROWBONE
445

_—.__
M676 You may know how the MARKET goes by the
market folks
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: Men know . . Howe the market gothe by the
market men. 1577 GRANGE Garden, s. S4: For the market de-
clareth how the come is solde. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
, 48: He himselfe knowing best the price of Corne, not by the
Market folkes, but his owne foote-Steppes. I583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. D4v: I am content to learne of the market folks how the
market goes. a1591 H. SMITH Preparative Marriage: W ks., I 15:
If thou wilt know a godly man or a godly woman mark the report,
because as the market goes, so, they say, the market-men will talk.
9,1594 BACON, no. 642: Men know how the market goes by the
market men. [1600] 1659 DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. II: You shall
know by the Market-folks how the Market goes. I606 CHAPMAN
Sir G. Goosecap I iV 165: A man may know by the market-folks
how the market goes. 1616 DR., no. 669: Wee may know how the
market goeth by the market folke. 1639 CL., p. 56: A man may
know by the market folkes how the market rules. 1670 RAY,
p. I 19: You may know by the market-folks, how the market goes.
I732 FUL., no. 5952: [As in 1670 Ray].
M677 To make our own MARKETS
1698 CHILD Discourse Trade IX, p. 175: If there were no others to
wage with us, we might, as the Prouerb saith, make our own Markets.
M678 To walk penniless in MARK LANE1
1591 GREENE Sec. Part Conny-Catching, p. 99: Perceiued he was
bitten [cheated] of all the bite [money] in his bung, and turned to
walke penylesse in Marke lane, as the old prouerbe is.
[1See Sugden, p. 333.]
M679 An ill MARRIAGE is a spring of ill fortune
1616 DR., no. 2378.
Cf. T123: The best or worst thing to man for this life is good or
ill choosing his good or ill wife.
M680 MARRIAGE and magistrate be destinies of heav-
en
1573 SANF., f. 108v: Marriage and Office, are appoynted from aboue.
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33: (Mariages and). 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
16, p. 146: Marriage, and Magistracy is destined by God.
Cf. M682: Marriage is destiny; M688: Marriages are made in
heaven; W232: Wedding and hanging go by destiny.
M681 MARRIAGE is a lottery
1640 JONSON Tale Tub I i 97: I smile to thinke how like a Lottery
These Weddings are. 1642 FULLER Holy State III xxii, p. 212:
Marriage shall prove no lottery to thee, when the hand of provi-
dence chuseth for thee.
Cf. M682: Marriage is destiny.
M682 MARRIAGE is destiny
01558-9 REDLE AND LANT The Proverbe Is Tru Yat Weddynge Is
Destyne 2216 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 191: [Title]. 1576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 1 23: For marriages are guided by destiny. I594
LYLY Mother B. IV i 64: You see marriage is destinie. I605
CHAPMAN All Fools V ii 157: Marriage is ever made by destiny.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I V V 245: In love the heavens
themselves do guide the state; Money buys lands, and wives are
sold by fate. 1601 T.N. I v 315—329: Methinks I feel this youth’s
perfections . . To creep in at mine eyes . . Fate, Show thy force! 1602
A.W. I iii 64: For I the ballad will repeat, Which men full true
shall find: Your marriage comes by destiny, Your cuckoo sings by
kind. 1604 O. III iii 268: O curse of marriage . . Yet . . ’Tis destiny
unshunnable, like death.
Cf. C889: Cuckolds come by destiny; M271: A man may woo
where he will but he must wed where his hap is; M680: Marriage
and magistrate be destinies of heaven; M681: Marriage is a lottery;
M688: Marriages are made in heaven; W232: Wedding and hanging
go by destiny.
M683 MARRIAGE is honorable
[Heb. xiii 4: Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled.]
I573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 10, p. 18: True wedlock is best, for


auoiding of sinne, the bed vndefiled much honour doth winne.
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I II: Amongst all the bonds of benevolence
and good-will there is none more honourable, ancient, or honest than
marriage. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 230: Frame thy selfe
to that honourable estate of matrimonye, whiche was sanctified
in Paradise. 1616 BRET., p. 8.
SHAKESPEARE.~—I598—9 M.A. III iv 29: Is not marriage honour-
able in a beggar? Ibid. V iv 29: This day to be conjoin’d In the
state of honourable marriage.
See DUR., I, no. 317. Cf. M684: Marriage is honorable but
housekeeping is a shrew.
M684 MARRIAGE is honorable but housekeeping is a
shrew
1670 RAY, p. 48. 1732 FUL., no. 3371: (but House-keeping charge-
able). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 415.
Cf. H796: Housekeeping is a privy thief; M683: Marriage is
honorable.
M685 MARRIAGE rides upon the saddle and repentance
on the crupper
I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 30: Marriage leapeth into the
saddle, and repentance upon the crouper. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 24. 1732 FUL., no. 3372: Marriage leapeth up upon the Saddle,
and soon after Repentance upon the Crupper.
Cf. H196: Marry in haste and repent at leisure; P582: When
pride is on the saddle shame is on the crupper.
M686 This is a goodly MARRIAGE (match) Were the
woman away
1546 HEY. II i, s. F3: A goodly mariage she is, I here saie. She is
so (quoth one) were the woman away. 1586 MASSIE Traflord
Serm., s. A5: Others are not ashamed to holde this vile and Villan-
ous opinion, as prophane Atheistes, A good marriage if the wife
were away. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 19: Oh, what a
match were this, were the woman away.
M687 At MARRIAGES and burials friends and kinsfolk
be known
I573 SANF., f. 101v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27v: (kinrede is
knowen). I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 55, p. 28: (kinsfolkes). 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 21, p. 171: At weddings, and Funerals, relations and friends
are known. 1732 F UL., no. 829: At Weddings and Funerals,
Friends are discerned from Kinsfolk.
M688 MARRIAGES are made in heaven
1566 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. XXIII 23, III 24: True it is, that mariages
be don in heauen and performed in earth. 1580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 223: Mariages are made in heauen, though consumated
in yearth. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 77: Mariages (as they
say) are made in heaven, and are guided by destiny. 1636 W.
SAMPSON Vow Breaker Illust. [p. 2]: Weddings are made in Heaven,
though seald below. 1639 CL., p. 230: Marriages were made in
heaven. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I 5: (Weddings). 1664 T.
KILLIGREW Parson’s Wed. II vii, p. 104: (Were not these Marriages).
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. V iv I 14: [Implicit in Hymen’s song].
Cf. M680: Marriage and magistrate be destinies of heaven;
M682: Marriage is destiny; W232: Wedding and hanging go by
destiny.
M689 Blow out the MARROW and throw the bone to
the dogs
1678 RAY, p. 343: *A taunt to such as are troublesome by blowing
their nose.
M690 He is blind that eats his MARROW but far blind—
er that lets him
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 546. 1668 R.B., p. 27.
M691 The MARROWBONE of the matter
1554 LATIMER Disput. Oxford: Serm. and Rem., p. 483: Ye said upon
Saturday last, that ye could not find the mass nor the marrow-
bones thereof in your book. 1634 [S. ROWLEY] Noble Soldier I, s.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8'.
MARRY
MASTER
446

B2v: What I knocke out now is the very Maribone of mirth. 1639
CL., p. 194. 1681 ROB., p. 471: This is the marrow bone of the
difference, or matter.
M692 It is better to MARRY than to burn
[1 Cor. vii 9.] 1537 W. TURNER Old Learn. and New, s. Flv: He
sayeth not onely it is better to mary then to burne: but he com-
maundeth openly in this maner. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 88.
I581 MARBECK Commonplaces, p. 146. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M.
III 111 v 5, p. 810: Better it is indeed to marry than burn for their
soul’s health. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 122.
See K. F. W. WANDER Deutsches Sprichwb'rter-Lexikon, s.v.
Freien, I 1 148.
'M693 It is good to MARRY late or never
1616 DR., no. 2382: It is good to marry late. 1639 CL., p. 329-
1670 RAY, p. 47.
Cf. L262: A single life is best; M529: Honest men marry soon,
wise men not at all; M696: To marry young is too early, to marry .
old is too late; M697: He that marries late marries ill; W369: Next
to no wife a good wife is best.
M694 MARRY today repent tomorrow
1623 WOD., p. 476: To day maryed, to morrow sorri. 1657 LEIGH,
p. 260: Married to day, sad to morrow. 1659 N.R., p. 78: (sad to
morrow). 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica,
II 38.
Cf. H196: Marry in haste and repent at leisure.
M695 They who MARRY Where they do not love will
love where they do not marry
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 234. 1734 FRANKLIN,
p. 7: Where there’s marriage without love, there will be love with-
out marr1age.
Cf. L534: Marry first and love will come after.
M696 To MARRY young is too early, to marry old is
too late '
I542 UDALL Apoph., f. 124v: One demaundyng when best season
wer to wedde a wife: for a young manne quoth he [Diogenes]: it is
too soone, and for an olde manne ouer late. 1589 L. WRIGHT
Display Duty, f. 12: Diogenes being asked what age was most fit for
mariage: for young men (quoth he) it is too soone, and for old men
too late. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 35.
Cf. L262: A single life is best; M529: Honest men marry soon,
wise men not at all; M693: It is good to marry late or never.
M697 He that MARRIEs late marries ill
1589 NASHE Anat. Absurdity: W ks., I 13: Thys common prouerbe,
he that marrieth late marrieth euill. 1640 HERB., no. '857. 1658
[EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 235. 1659 N.R., p. 40. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 143: Who marries late, marries amiss.
Cf. L74: He that is old and marries with a lass lies but at home
and proves'himself an ass; M693: It is good to marry late or never.
M698 Who MARRIES does well, who marries not does
better
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5. a1666 HOWELL Let. Suppl. 16, II 666.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 143: (who doth not, doth better).
Cf. L262: A single life is best; M529: Honest men marry soOn,
wise men not at all.
M699 He that is needy when he is MARRIED shall be
rich when he is buried
1639 CL., p. 65. 1670 RAY, p. 48. 1687
I721 KEL., p. 333. 1732 FUL., no. 6407:
1616 DR., no. 2380.
MIEGE, s.v. Marry’d
(married, Shall not be).
M700 It is dangerous MARRYING a widow because she
has cast her rider
1659 How. Prov. Let. Adv.: Be wary how you marry one that hath
cast her Rider . . I mean a Widdow. 1678 RAY, p. 58.

i
M701 MARRYING is marring
1546 HEY. I viii, s. B4V: And sens our one mariyng or marryng daie,
Where any of theim se vs, they shrinke awaie. 1562 HEY. Dial.
II vii, p. 68: Mariyng marryng. And what maryed I than? A
woman. As who saith, we to the man. 1589 PUTTENHAM Ar;
Eng. Poesy III xix, p. 207: The maide that soone married is, soone
marred is. 1607 T. HEYWOOD Fair Maid Exch., p. 32: Take this
of me, a yong man’s never mard, Till he by marriage from all joy
be bar’d. 1611 COT. , s.v. Marri: Maried to day, marred to morrow,
1625 J. HOWELL Let. I iv 9, I 219: You are upon a Treaty of Mar-
riage . . a work of such consequence, that it may make you or mar
you. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 17: Better long unmarried then for
ever mard. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 2: Married to day, and marred
to morrow. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 143: Who marries, either
makes himself, or mars himself.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R)“. I ii 13: And too soon marr’d are
those so early made [i.e., married]. 1600-1 Ill.W.W. I i 24: I may
quarter 002. —You may, by marrying. —It is marring indeed,
if he quarter it. 1602 A.W. II iii 315: A young man married is a
man that’s marr’d.
Cf. W656: Woman is the woe of man.
M702 MARTIN said to his man, Who is the fool now?
[01607] 1655 A. BREWER Lovesick King II, p. 28: If you be gull’d,
remember what Martin said to his man, Whose the fool now? 1609
Martin in Bk. Songs and Bal.,ip. I I 5. 1639 CL.,s.v. Indeprehensos,
p. 161: Who’s the foole now.
M703 It is better to be a MARTYR (confessor) than a
confessor (martyr)
1573 SANF., f. 107v: (Confessoure, than a Martir). I578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 32: (Confessour, then a Martyr). 1586 YOUNG
Civ. Conv. IV, II 197: If I had not given credence to that Proverbe,
That it is better to be a Martyr than a Confessour. 1599 MINSHEU
Span. Dial., p. 22: And when they doe racke you, rather prooue
a martyr then a confessor._ 1616 DR., no. 916. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 12, p. 50: (Confessor than a Martyr).
M704 No MARVEL if old men be sick
' 1639 CL., p. 279.
See DUR., I, no. 80; OTTO, no. 1623. Cf. A73: Old age is sickness
of itself; M572: Old men go to death, death comes to young men.
M705 No MARVEL if water be lue1
1678 RAY, p. 215: *Enclining to cold, whence comes the word luke-
warm. '
[1tepid]
M706 N0 MARVEL it is if the imps follow when the
devil goes before '
1616 DR., no. 926.
M707 He is an ill'MASON that refuses any stone
1611 COT., s.v. Masson: The cunning Mason workes with any stone.
[6.1633] 1652 G. HERBERT Priest to Temple IV, p. 128: (They say it
is an).
M708 Neither MAss nor matins
[M450] 1468 Doomsday in Coventry Myst, p. 404: Mass nor mat-
eynes. 1529 T. MORE Dial. conc. Heresy I xx, p. 145,:_It maketh no
matter they saye, ye maye beginne agayne and mende it, for it is
nother masse nor mattyns.
M709 Short MAss and long dinner
1657 LEIGH, p. 263: Courte messe et long disner. Short Masse,
and long dinner. 1659 N.R., p. 90. [3.1660] 1693 URQUHART Gar-
gantua III xv, II 18 5: The Claustral Proverb De Missa ad mensam.
M710 Better speak to the MASTER than the man
1655—62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 803: (The proverb is here too
true. Better). '
Cf. B320: The best is best to speak to; M1021: If you can kiss
the mistress never kiss the maid.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MASTER
MASTER
447


Do as thy MASTER commands thee and sit
down at table
1611 COT., s.v. Maistre: He needs not wait, thats bid sit downe by
his maister. I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxix, III 218.
M711
M712 Early MASTER long knave1
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 38: To erly mayster, the sonner knave.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 133. 1668 R.B., p. 18. 1721 KEL., p. 95:
(soon Knave). *When a Youth is too soon his own Master, he will
squander his Patrimony, and so must turn Servant.
[lservant]
M713 Everyone is MASTER and servant
1640 HERB., no. 1019: Every one is a master and servant.
[EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 239.
Cf. M717: He that is master must serve another.
1658
M714 He can ill be MASTER that never was scholar
1530 PALS., p. 447b: It behoveth a man first to be a scoler and than
a maister. 01538 T. STARKEY Dialogue I i 87: Eng. in Reign Hen.
VIII II, p. 3: Me semyth you remembyr not the commyn saying,
He was never gud mastur that neuer was scoler. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 567: Hee can ill play the master, that hath not beene a scholler.
1631 MABBE Celestina I, p. 30: It is a miserable thing, to thinke
that hee should be a Master, who was never any scholler. 1639
CL., p. 284.
Cf. S235: An ill servant will never be a good master; S237: One
must be a servant befOre he can be a master.
M715 He is MASTER of another man’s life who con-
temns his own ‘
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III Iv ii 2, p. 937: How many thousands
.. have made away themselves, and many others! For he that
cares not for his own, is Master of another man’s life. 1633 FORD Broken Heart I iii, p. 17: They care not For harmes to others,
who contemne their owne. 1642 D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 295: As
one said of a traitor, Whoso despiseth his owne life may easily be
Master of anothers. I648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 181:
He’s Lord of thy life, who contemnes his own. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. I, p. 312: He is Master of anothers life, who Slighteth his
own. 1732 FUL., no. 5735: Whosoever values not his own Life,
may be Master of another’s.
Cf. G317: He that hopes not for good fears not evil.
M716 He never thrives who with his MASTER strives
1596 DEL., s. P2v: He that will striue against his master commonly
looseth his cause. I611 COT., s.v. Seigneur.
Cf. A357: An ass must be tied where his master will have him;
M720: If the master say the crow is white the servant must not
say ’tis black; M856: It is no meddling with our betters; R166:
You may not sit in Rome and strive with the Pope.
M717 He that is a MASTER'must serve another
1640 HERB., no. 984. 1659'N.R.,‘p. 60.
Cf. M713: Everyone is master and servant.
M718 He that serves a good MASTER Shall have good
wages
1611 COT., s.v. Bon: (looks for a good reward). 1616 DR., no.
1932. ‘ '
M719 If the MASTER bid go the servant must run
1616 WITHALS, p. 573.. 1639 CL., p. 284.
Cf. A357: An ass must be tied where his master will have him.
M720 If the MASTER say the crow is white the servant
must not say ’tiS black
01563 7ack juggler, s. E3v: He must saye the Croue is whight yf
he be so commaunded. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom
i, p. 10: Say as she sayeth, allthought that she Doe say the crowe
is white. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 133: I would sweare
the Crow were white, if thou shouldest but say it. 1649 GRAUNT


ET AL. Hunting Foxes in Somers Tracts, VI 52: If they say the
crow is white, so must the souldier. 1672 WALK. 46, p. 10.
1681 ROB., p. 871.
Cf. B440: To make black white; B441: To say that black (white)
is white (black); C853: He will say the crow is white; M716: He
never thrives who with his master strives.
M721 An ill MASTER makes bad scholars
1639 CL., p. 238.
Cf. M724: Like master like scholar.
M722 It is better to be a MASTER than a Servant
1616 DR., no. 1222. '
M723 Like (Such a) MASTERlike (such a) man (ser-
vant)
1530 PALS., p. 378b: Suche maystre suche man .. suche faultes
suche paynes. CI534 BERNERS Huon 67, p. 232: Such as the
mayster was so was the seruuant. 1538 ELYOT, s.v. Similes: A
lewde servaunt with an yll master . . Lyke master lyke man, Lyke
will to lyke. 1554 T. MOUNTAIN in Strype Eccles. Mem. XXIII,
Vol. III, Pt. i, p. 302: The old proverbe is true, I perceive; for Such
' a Master, such a servant. 1566 HOL., p. 260. 1569 W. WAGER
Longer Thou Livest, s. E2: Such a Master,‘such servaunts in deede.
I573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 48, p. 107: Such maister such man,
and such mistris such maid. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34v.
1580 BARET, L-475. I611 COT., s.v. Maistre. Ihid., s.v. Seigneur:
Such as a maister, such his man will be. 1614 CAM., p. 309. 1616
DR., no. 1235: Like master, like seruant. 1623 WOD., p. 474: Such
Maister such Man . . Mean[ing]: the Maister is as foolish as his
Boy. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 195:
To such a Master, such a Servant. Ihid. 7, p. 2 58: An ill Master,
makes an ill servant- 1725 N. BAILEY Profane Bang; Familiar
Collog., p. 68.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2 Hen. IV II i 202: What foolish master
taught you these manners, Sir John? 1611 Temp. II ii 188::
Caliban Has a new master. Get a new man.
See DUR., II, no. 640; OTTO, no. 511; ST., no. 868. Cf. C906:
Such cup (pot) such cover (potlid); M384: Such man such master;
M731: A sleepy master makes his servant a lout; MIo22: Like
mistress like maid; T525: Trimtram, like master like man. (6)
M724 Like MASTER like scholar
1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. C2: Like maister like men, like
tutor like Scholer. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p.
138: The olde saying is, qualis praeceptor, talis discipulus, as the
maister is, suche is the scholers. 1623 WOD., p. 516: Such Tutor
such Disciple. -
See OTTO, no. 571. Cf. M721: An ill master makes bad scholars .
M725 The MASTER absent and the house dead
1640 HERB., no. 934. 1659 N.R., p. 94.
Cf. C175: When the cat’s away the mice will play.
M726 A MASTER of straw eats a servant of steel
I640 HERB., no. 1022. '
M727 Most MASTER wears no breech
15th c. Tyranny Women 407 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 272: The most
mayster of the hows weryth no brych. I546 HEY. II iii, s'. GIV:
Shall the maister weare a breeche, or none sey you. 1553 T. WILSON
Rhet., p. 167: As though the good man of the house did' weare no“
breches, or that the graie Mare were the better Horse. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 196, p. 158: The master weareth no breeche. I573 TUSSER
-500 Points Hush. 67, p. 156: .Least some should talke, as in the
speech, The good wiues husband weares no breech, If suCh I ,hap
to wine. 1588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 267: His wife . . Taking up a
cudgel (for the most maister went breechles) swore solemnly that
shee would make clubs trumps. 1623 CAM., p. 274. 1639 CL., p.
328: The more master weares no breeches. 1657 CAM., p. 299:
Most master wears the breeches. I659 N.R., p. 78: [As in 1657
Cam.]. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 41: That’s a sad house Where
the Master weareth not the breeches.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MASTER
MASTIFF
448


SHAKESPEARE.—1590-I 2 Hen. VII iii 148: Though in this place
most master wear no breeches.
Cf. 8645: She wears the breeches; M647: The gray mare is the
better horse.
M728 None is born a MASTER
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II i, p. 70: No man is borne a craftes
man. 1640 HERB., no. 650: None is borne master. 1653 WALTON
Complete Angler To Rdr., S. A7: No man is born an Artist nor an
Angler. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 6: No man is born a Master in
any trade. 1664 COD., p. 207. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 146: (No
man is).
See DUR., II, no. 91. Cf. M334: No man is his craft’s master
the first day.
M729 One MASTER in a house is enough
[ERAS. Adagia, 614E: Multitudo imperatorum Cariam perdidit.]
1539 TAV., f. 43v: [As in Eras.]. *This prouerbe aduertiseth vs
that nothynge is more noysome nor more pestiferous to a common
weale, then the ouermoche libertye of a multitude. 1639 CL.,
. 218.
Cf. M412: Where every man is master the world goes to wrack.
M730 Right, MASTER, right; four nobles a year is a
crown a quarter
1670 RAY, p. 217: *Chesh.
M731 A sleepy MASTER makes his servant a lout
1640 HERB., no. 762. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
138. 1659 N.R., p. 17.
Cf. M723: Like (Such a) master like (such a) man (servant).
M732 You challenge him that may be your MASTER
1616 WITHALS, p. 560: (your good maister). 1639 CL., s.v. Excel-
lentia et aequalitas, p. 105.
M733 The MASTER’S eye makes the horse fat
61535 ELYOT Educ. 9, s. D4v: Accordynge to the propre sayenge
of the wyse horseman, that sayde, that nothynge made a horse so
sone fatte as the eie ofhis mayster. 1539 TAV., f. 7: A certayne man
(as Aristotle telleth) was asked what thynge best fedeth a horse, he
answereth: The maysters eye. 1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil.
III v, s. N6v: There is nothyng so good to make an horse fat, as
the eye of his mayster. 1573 SANF., f. 107: The owners eye, doth
fatte the horse. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31: The eye of the
maister, fatteneth the horse. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 245:
It is the eye of the maister that fatteth the horse, and the lone of
the woman, that maketh the man. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. U3: The maisters eye fattes the horse, thoughe the Groome of
the stable geue him prouander. I586 WITHALS, S. C3v: (makes a
fayre horse). 1611 COT., s.v. Maistre: A horse is fattened by his
maisters eye. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 75: (doth fatt the horse). 1611
GRUT., no. 267. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 DR., no. 1694: (The
eye of the Master). 1639 CL., p. 167. I640 HERB., no. 482:
(fattens the horse, and his foote the ground). 1658 HOOLE Sent.
Puer., p. 24: *Oculus domini saginat equum. 1659 How. Br. Prov.,
p. 14: The masters eye-bals feeds the beasts belly. 1664 COD.,
p. 219: (fattens his Horse, and his foot the Ground). I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 33, p. 175: The eye of the Master fattens the horse, and
his foot, the field. 1670 RAY, p. 119.
See ST., no. 1685. Cf. M734: The master’s footsteps fatten the
soil; M1024: The mistress’s eye feeds the capon. (7)
M734 The MASTER’S footsteps fatten the soil
I530 WHITFORDE Wk. Householders, s. H1: The stepe of the hous-
bande: maketh a fatte dong hyll. And the eye of the mayster a
fast [for fat] hors. [1565] 1576 T. NEWTON Touchstone Complex.
I vii, f. 54: The owners foote maketh a fruitfull fielde (sayth the
Prouerbe) and the Maysters eye fatteth the horse. 1573 SANF.,
f. 18: And an Africane being demaunded what doong was the beste
to fatten the graunde, he aunswered the owners foot steps. 61640
SMYTH 79, p. 32: The owners foot doth fatt the soile: Or the masters
eye doth feed the horse. 1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 230:
The best compost for the Lands Is the wise Masters Feet, and
Hands. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p.

3: The foot of the Master is as dung to the ground. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 24, p. 206: The Masters foot fattens the field. I721 KEL.,
p. 308: The Master’s Foot is the best Foulzie [dung]. *Signifying
that the Care and Concern ofa Man will make his Business prosper.
See DUR., I, no. 714. Cf. M733: The master’s eye makes the
horse fat.
M735 Many MASTERS, quoth the paddock1 to the bar-
row when every tine took her a knock
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1000: Mony maisters quod the paddok quhen
ilk a tynd took hir a touk. I641 FERG., no. 609. 1668 R.B., p. 37,
1721 KEL., p. 243: (gave her a Tig). *Spoken by those whom Per_
sons, inferior to their Masters, presume to reprove, command, or
correct. 1732 FUL., no. 3354: Many Masters, quoth the Toad to
the Harrow, when every Tine turn’d her over.
[lfrog]
M736 MASTERS love services and not the servants
1616 DR., no. 836.
Cf. M310: Many man serves a thankless master.
M737 MASTERS should be sometimes blind and some-
times deaf
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 41: In the house the Master should be
blind, and the Woman deaf. 1732 FUL., no. 3376.
Cf. H834: A husband must be deaf and the wife blind to have
quietness.
M738 He is like the MASTER BEE that leads forth the
swarm
61640 SMYTH 19, p. 28: *Alludinge to the prime man of a parish,
to whose will all the rest agree.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1592 T. And. V i I 3: We’ll follow where thou
leads’t, Like stinging bees in hottest summer’s day, Led by their
master to the flow’red fields.
M739 Blurt, MASTER CONSTABLE
I602 MIDDLETON Blurt, Master-Constable: [Title]. 1606 North
Riding Quart. Ses., p. 37: Will Forde of Cundall contemned the
Constable’s aucthority in executing of his office, and used evill
speaches to him, saying, Blirt, Mr. Constable. 1640 JONSON Tale
Tub II ii 62: You’ll clap a dog of waxe as soone, old Blurt? 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: *Spoke in derision.
M740 0 MASTER VIER, we cannot pay you your rent,
for we had no grace of God this year, no ship-
wreck upon our coast
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12: *A saying of the Cornish.
M741 MASTERY mows the meadow down
8.1598 FERG. MS, no. 1006. I668 R.B., p. 38: (Meadows). I721
KEL., p. 251: *Spoken when People of Power and Wealth eiIect a
great Business in a short Time.
M742 A MASTIFF grows the fiercer for being tied up
1732 FUL., ho. 320.
Cf. G449: Grief pent up will break the heart; M258: A man may
cause his own dog to bite him.
M743 The MASTIFF never loves the greyhound (A
churl never cares for a gentleman)
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 85: (And as the saying is, the mastifi').
I611 COT., s.v. Aimer: anues mastin n’aima Levrier. A churle
neuer cared for gentleman. 1664 COD., p. 183: A Churle seldome
careth for a Gentleman.
See T. 432, p. 225. Cf. C387: Lay not a churl upon a gentleman.
M744 Though the MASTIFF be gentle yet bite him not
by the lip
1640 HERB., no. 132. 1659 N.R., p. 113. 1664 COD., p. 217.
I670 RAY, p. 17. 1696 D’URrEY 3 Don Quix. I i, p. 214: As the
Proverb says, tho the Bear be gentle, don’t bite him by the nose.
1732 FUL., no. 5011. 1757 FRANKLIN, p. 34.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MATCH 449
MAY


M745-M747 MATCH: subst. M754 Much MATTER of a wooden platter
. . [ERAS. Adagia, 1061c: Mira de lente.] 1616 WITHALS, p. 565: (ofa
M745 He has met WIth hls MATCH treene platter). 1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133. 1670 RAY, p.
[01470] I485 MALORY Morte d’flrt/zur X liv, p. 504: G00 feche sire
launcelot or sir Tristram And there shalle ye fynde your matche.
1594 GREENE Friar Bacon, s. F1: How now . . have you met with
your match? 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 308:
I have met with a better commodity then matches, and my master
cannot say but he hath met with his match. 1615 W'orkfor Cut/ers
in Old Bk. Coll. Misc., II II: Well, if either you or anybody else
should meet with Powder, yet it’s a hundred to one if he meet not
with his match. 1616 DR., no. 1774: You shall meet with your
match. 1623 WOD., p. 491: Hee hath found his Match. *So said
either in Dirisition, or purposelie in its right Meaning. 1633
SHIRLEY Witty Fair One I iii, p. 288: I am married, sir. —Then
I hope you have met with your match already. 1639 CL., p. 14.
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 13: (Sancho hath met). 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Scarpa, p. 182: (To have met). I700 CONGREVE
Way World III, p. 42: Well, Mr. Fainall, you have met with your
Match.
Cf. M343: No man so good (stout) but another may be as good
(stout) as he.
M746 A MATCH, quoth Jack (Hatch, John) when he
kissed his dame (when he got his wife by the
breech)
1670 RAY, p. 216: A match quoth Hatch, when he got his wife by
the breech. 1678 RAY, p. 76. 1732 FUL., no. 321: (John)
M747 Meddle with your MATCH
1601 Jonson Ev. Man in Hum. III ii 111: Nay he wil not meddle
with his match I warrant you. [1614] I631 JONSON Bart/z. Fair I
iv 102: Meddle you with your match. 1622 J. HALL Contempl. I vi,
II 56: We meedle not with our Match, when we strive with our
Maker. 1639 CL., p. 184. 1721 KEL., p. 246: *Spoken by People
of Age, when young People jest upon them too wantonly: Or by
weak People, when insulted by the more strong, and robust, in that
Case they will say, You dare not meddle with your Match.
M748 MATCH: verb
M748 They are well MATCHED
1639 CL., p. 63. 1672 WALK. 50, p. 38.
M749 As comfortable as MATRIMONY
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 203.
Comfortable.
1730 BAILEY, s.v.
M750-M758 MATTER = affair
M750 All the MATTER is not in my Lord Judge’s hand
1678 RAY, p. 76.
He would carry the MATTER invisiny in a cloud
(not be seen in the matter)
1616 DR., s.v. Dissimulation, no. 519. Ibid., no. 520: (not be seene
in the matter).
M751
M752 It is an easy MATTER to kiss a man’s tail when
the breeches be down
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y1: When a mans hose be downe, it is
easie to kisse him where he sat on Saterday. I616 WITHALS, p.
567: *Mortuo leoni et lepores insultant. 1639 CL., p. 216: (when
his breeches be down).
Cf. A386: You would kiss my ass before my breeches be down;
H165: So hares may pull dead lions by the beard.
M753 The MATTER itself will lie for neither of us both
1616 WITHALS, p. 579: *Res ipsa loquitur. 1623 WOD., p. 501: The
Matter, or Thing will shiew it selfe. Mealning] the Deed, and not
words, etc. 1639 CL., s.v. Judicandi recte secus, p. 180.

185: *A great stir about a thing ofnothing. I672 WALK. 48, p. 52.
1732 FUL., no. 6159.
M755 To mince the MATTER
1641 MILTON flnimadv. upon Remons. Diff; Wks., Pt. I, III III:
Mince the matter while you will. 1668 DRYDEN Secret Love V
i, p. 488: Never mince the matter. 1698 COLLIER Short View II,
p. 57: Sometimes they mince the matter; change the Letter, and
keep the Sense. a1700 B.E., s.v. Mince: Mince the Matter, tO tell
it Sparingly or by Halves.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 0. II iii 247: Thy honesty and love doth
mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio. 1606—71101 ii 109:
Speak to me home. Mince not the general tongue.
M756 Do not speak of secret MATTERs in a field that
is full of little hills
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 396.
Cf. F209: Fields have eyes and woods have ears.
M757 Great MATTERS are not compassed in a moment
1611 COT., s.v. Bien. 1664 COD., p. 194.
M758 Let him meddle with his own MATTERS
1616 DR., no. 1372.
Cf. C480: Let not the cobbler (shoemaker) go beyond his
last; M493: To meddle (Meddle not) with another man’s matter;
M854: Meddle with what you have to do.
M759-M76o MATTER = significance
M759 N0 MATTER how but whether
1639 CL., s.v. Mors, p. 216.
M760 No MATTER what’s the disease when God is
the physician
1616 DR., no. 1624: I care not what the disease be, so God be the
physition. 1639 CL., p. 87.
M761 MATTER = substance
M761 It is not the MATTER (words) but the mind
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. A2v: Take thinges as they
be ment. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I I 3 5: Rather weigh the will of
the speaker, than the worth of the words. 1588 GREENE Pandosto,
p. 232: So I hope your honour, measuring my worke by my will,
and wayghing more the mind than the matter, will . . couer a
deformed Owle. 1596 DEL., s. M4v: Weigh the meaning, and
looke not at the words. 1597 BRETON W'il/ Wit (1599 ed.) To Rdr.:
W ks., II 5: Perfect courtesie dooth beare with imperfect knowledge,
regarding more the good minde in the writer then the matter
written. I640 HERB., no. 757: Of him that speakes ill consider the
life more then the words. 1641 JONSON Timber, p. 17: It is the
mind, and not the event, that distinguisheth the courtesy from
wrong. 1670 WALKER Idiom. Ang.-Lat., p. 296: Matter is minded,
not words. Res spectatur, non verba. Cic. 1732 FUL., no. 5105.
Cf. G339: The good will is all; L103: The law intends the mind
more than the deed; S730: That is well spoken (There is nothing ill
said) that is well taken; T31: Everything is as it is taken; W393:
To take the will for the deed.
M762 Go dig at MAVORN1 HILL
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 20: *Spoken of one whose wife wears the
breeches.
[1M alvern]
M763—M768 MAY: subst.
M763 As fresh as MAY
1600 [LYLY] Maid’s Metam. I i 356: Who for their persons and their
neate aray, Shalbe as fresh, as is the moneth of May. 1615 BEAU-


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xifi.
MAY
MEAD
450
MONT AND FLETCHER Cupid's Rev. II, p. 246: Where is she can
boldly say Though she be as fresh as May: She shall not by this
Corps be laid, Ere to morrows light doe fade. 1618 BELCHIER
Hans Beer-Pot, s. D1: But this I made is new: as fresh as May Or
flowres in lune.
SHAKESPEARE—'IOOO-I H. III iii 81: With all his crimes broad
blown, as flush as May.
M764 A cold MAY and a windy makes a full barn and
a findy1
I573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 51, p. 111: Cold Maie and windie,
barne filleth vp finelie. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 20: A blustring
cold May, in the barn fills every bay. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12.
I670 RAY, p. 41. I687 MIEGE, s.v. May. 1721 KEL., p. 51: A
Wet May and a windy, makes a full Barn Yerd and a Findy. 1732
FUL., no. 6190: A cool May and a Windy Barn filleth up finely.
1749 FRANKLIN, p. 25: A cold April, the Barn will fill.
[Isolid, full, substantial]
M765 Come it early, come it late, in MAY comes the
cowquake
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 315. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: Lett May
come early or come late, Yet it will make the Cow to quake. 1668
R.B., p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 41 : May come she early or come she late
she’ll make the cow to quake. I678 RAY, p. 44: [As in 1670 Ray].
*May seldom passes without a brunt of cold weather. Some Will
have it thus, She’ll bring the Cow quake. i.e. Gramen tremulum,
which is true, but I suppose not the intent of the Proverb. 1721
KEL., p. 80: *A cold Rain oftentimes falls out in May, which makes
the Cows, which are then but poor and weak, to tremble. 1732
FUL., no. 6191: May come early, come late, ’Twill make the Cow
to quake. 7 -
M766 A hot MAY makes a fat churchyard
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. I670 RAY, p. 42. I687 MIEGE, s.v.
May. 1732 FUL., no. 219: (fills the Church-yard). Ibid., no. 6192:
(An hot May, as I have heard, Maketh). _
Cf. W508: A green winter (Christmas) makes a fat churchyard.
M767 A red gay MAY is best in any year, February
full snow is to the ground most dear, a whis- ‘
tling March that makes the plowman blithe,
and moist April that fits him for the scythe
_ I623 WOD., p. 475.
M768 To match MAY with December (January)
1581 T. HOWELL Devises: Poems, p. 231: In fayth doth frozen Ianus
double face, Such fauour finde, to match with pleasant Maye.
01595 W. SPELMAN Dial., p. 94: When I Loked apon her husbond
with his white hedde and horye Berde I'j udged Janiary and may to
be copled to gether. 1604'Wit Woman, s. E4v: Is not this a prettie
world? Ianuary and May make a match? 1606 DEKKER Seven
Deadly Sins: Non-Dram. Wks., II 71: You doe wrong to Time, en-
forcing May to embrace December. 1608 Poet.'Rhap. 235, I 291:
It is December match’d with May. 01620 ROWLANDS Pair Spy
Knaves, p. 7: (Yonder goes cold December match’d with May.
[1633] 1655 MASSINGER Guardian I i, p. 188: I am in the May of my
‘ abilities, And you in your December. 1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes
Don Quite. II iv, p. 50: As unfortunate it is, when fifteen joi'nes to
seventy, there’s old doings (as they say) the Man and Wife fitting
togather like January and May day. 1655 MENNIS AND SMITH
Musarum Deliciae: Facetiae, I 103: Lustfull he was, at Forty needs ,
must wed, Old Ianuary will have May in bed.
M769-M769a MAY: verb
M769 Who that MAY not as they would, will as they
may '
1546 HEY. II v, 5. H2. 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 150.
no. 331. 1614 CAM., p. 315.
Cf. M554: Men must do as they may (can), not as they would;
M769a: Who that may not as they will, must will as they may.
1611 GRUT.,

_
M769a Who that MAY not as they will, must will as
they may
1539 TAV., f. 48v: Quando id fieri non potest quod vis, id velis quod
possis. Whan that thynge can not be done that thou woldest,
woll that thou cannest. 1616 DR., no. 3. 1639 CL., p. 212. Ibid.,
p. 232: (They that may not as they would, must). 1659 How,
Eng. Prov., p. 10: (as they would, must). 1664 COD., p. 226:
(Who may not).
Cf. M554: Men must do as they may (can), not as they would;
M769: Who that may not as they would, will as they may.
M770 Every, MAYBE has a may not be
1678 RAY, p. 174. 1732 FUL., no. 1437.
A MAY FLOOD never did good
1670 RAY, p. 41. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. May.
M771
1639 CL., p. 307.
FUL., no. 6194.
1732
M772 To do what one can to get up MAY HILL
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Poggiolino, p. 151: (The English say of
one Convalescent, To do what).
M773 The MAYOR 0F ALTRINGHAM and the Mayor of
Over, the one is a thatcher, the other a dauber
I678 RAY, p. 301. I787 GROSE Prov. Gloss., s.v. Cheshire.
Cf. M774: The Mayor of Altringham lies in bed while his
breeches are mending.
M774 The MAYOR 0F ALTRINGHAM lies in bed while
his breeches are mending
1678 RAY, p. 301. 1787 GROSE Prov. Gloss., s.v. Cheshire.
Cf. M773: The Mayor of Altringham and the Mayor of Over,
the one is a thatcher, the other a dauber. >
M775 He is to be summoned before the MAYOR or
HALGAVER
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall II, p. 296: Hence is sprung the
proverb, when we see one slovenly apparelled, to say, He shall be
presented in Halgaver court. 1662 FULLER Worthies Cornwall, I
21 1: *This is ajoculary and imaginary Court, wherewith men make
merriment . . presenting such persons as go slovenly in their attire
. . Where judgement in formal. terms is . . executed more to the scorn
then hurt of the persons. 1670 RAY, p. 223: (Major of Halgaver).
M776 Like the MAYOR 0E HARTLEPOOL, you cannot do
that
[That is, you cannot do the imposSible.] 1678 RAY, p. 317.
M777 .The .M-AYOR 0F NORTHAMPTON opens oysters
with his dagger
I662 FULLER Worthies Northamptonshire, II 160. 1670 RAY, p.
246: *To keep them at a sufl-icient distance from his nose. For this
Town being eighty miles from the sea, fish may well, be presumed
stale therein. 1732 FUL., no. 2001: He opens an Oyster with a
Dagger. ‘ ' ' '
SHAKESPEARE.—I6OO-I M.V’.W. II ii 3: Why, then the world’s
mine oyster, Which I with sword will open.
M778 As tall as a MAYPOLE
1602 MARSTON Antonio and Mel. I i 135: What a slender waist he
hath! He looks like a may-pole, or a notched stick. 1607 [TOMKIs]
Lingua V v, S. K3: How d-O’St thou my fine may-pole? 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Pertica, p. 142: A tall spiny person, over-grown as
‘to height, but as slank as a lath; the English say, A May-pole, of
Men, and long Meg of Westminster, of Women. 1678 RAY, p. 289.
SHAKESPEARE.-——I595 M.N.D. III ii 296: How low am I, thou
painted maypole? ’ '
M779 Little MEAD little need
1678 RAY, p. 352: *A mild winter hoped for after a bad summer.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MEADOW
MEANS
451


M780 He will hide himself in a mown MEADOW
c1594 BACON, no. 915.
M781 A thin MEADOW is soon mowed
a1655 FULLER Short View Yews: Serm., II 570: No wonder if a thin
Medow were quickly mown. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. I670
RAY, p. 26. 1732 FUL., no. 433.
Cf. H691: A short horse is soon curried.
M782—M785 MEAL = ground grain
M782 He can hold MEAL in his mouth and blow
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 655.
Cf. $998: It is impossible to sup and blow together (with one
breath).
M783 Many care for MEAL that have baked bread
enough
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 101 1: Mony caires for meal quho hes baiken
bread eneugh. 1668 R.B., p. 38: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I721
KEL., p. 248: *Spoken against whining, complaining People, who
have enough, and yet are always making a Moan.
M784 The MEAL of the devil turns half to bran
1596 DEL., s. OIV: (is halfe turned into branne). I611 COT., s.v.
Diable: Halfe of the diuels meale turnes vnto branne. I611 DAV.
Prov., no. 222: (turnes all to branne). 1616 DR., no. 1343. 1639
CL., p. 326: The Devils meale is halfe branne. 1659 HOW. Fr.
Prov., p. 6: The Devils meal turns more then half to bran. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 85: The Devils flower turns all to bran. I670
RAY, p. 80: [As in 1639 Cl.].
Flour is half Bran.
M785 To leave the MEAL and take the bran
1596 DEL., S. N3v: We must not leaue the meale, to take the branne.
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 5.' '
SHAKESPEARE—I608 C. I i 148: All From me do back receive the
flour of all And leave me but the bran.
I732 FUL., no. 4487: The Devil’s
M786—M789 MEAL = repast
M786 A good MEAL, a bad meal, and a middling meal
preserves a man in health
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: A good, a bad, and one indifferent meal
m’aintaineth health. I659 N.R., p. 14.
Cf. L356: A little in the morning is enough, enough at dinner is
but little, a little at night is too much.
M787 He fasts enough that has a bad MEAL
1611 COT., s.v. Assez: He that feeds barely fasts sufficiently. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 68: He fasteth sufficiently, who maketh a thin
meal. I732 FUL., no. 1844.
M788 Better are MEALS many than one too merry
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I4v. 01594 BACON, no. 494. 1611 DAY. Prov.,
no. 249: Better meales many, then too merry one.‘ 1616 DR., no.
2016: (Better meales few). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10: Better
are many meals then one merry one. 1678 RAY, p. 40: (Better be
meales many). .
M789 Two hungry (ill), MEALS make the third' a glut-
ton. ‘
1546 HEY. I xi, is. E3v. 1611 GRUT., no. 296. 1614 CAM., p. 314.
1616 DR., no. 1035. 1623 CAM., p. 278: (makes). Ihid.: Three
hungry meales, makes the fourth a glutton. 1639 CL., p. 113.
I640 HERB., no. 571: (ill). 01640 SMYTH 48, p. 31: *In like sense as,
Hungry dogs eat durty puddings. 1641 F ERG., no. 860: (Twa
hungrie meltits makes). 1655 FULLER Church Hist. VI ii, II 193:
At last a sirloin of beef was set before him, on which the abbot fed
. . and verified the proverb, that two hungry meals makes the third
a glutton. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 10: Two hungry meals belike,
makes the third gorbelize. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1659

N.R., p. 102: (Two ill meales makes). 1664 COD., p. 215. 1668
R.B., p. 54: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 119: (ill). 1697
MER., p. 165. 1721 KEL., p. 302: *Spoken when one eats greedily
after long fasting. Apply’d also to other Things of the like nature,
where long wanting sharpens the Appetite.
Cf. D538: Hungry dogs will eat (love) dirty puddings.
M790 Poor be your MEAL-POKE and aye your neive1
in the nook of it
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1231: Sillie be your meal pock and ay be yow
licking. 1641 FERG., no. 775: (Sairie be). 1668 R.B., p. 46:
(Sairy be). 1721 KEL., p. 278.
[lfist]
M791 He is MEALYMOUTHED
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3: And whan the meale mouth hath won the
bottome Of your stomake, than will the pikthanke it tell To your
moste enmies, you to bie and sell. 1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. G4:
And ile not be mealely mouthd I warrant em. 1611 DAV. Prov., no.
412: Olde Sharkus hath a meal-mouth (as they say) Then must his
tongue knead dowe there, night and day. 1639 CL., p. 12. £11653
G. DAN1EL Idyllia 5, l. 105: Poems, IV 232: Let’s Sift the World;
and bate that Proverbe’s force, In Meale, not Mealy-mouth’d.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bufl'one, p. 22: To set a bold face out, not
to be meal-mouth’d, to prosecute ones interest boldly.
M792—M793 MEAN =intermediate course
M792 The golden MEAN is best
1539 TAV., f. 20v: So harde it is to kepe the golden mediocritie
whych the sayd Poete Horace full wyttely describeth. 1574 King
Humher in Mirrorfor Magistrates I, I 52. a1591 H. SMITH Way to
Walk: Wks., I 162: The golden mean is good for all things. I611
CORYATE Crudities, II 150: To keepe the golden meane in the levell
of their thoughts. I631 JONSON Staple News V vi 63: But teach
them all The golden meane: the Prodigall how to line, The sordid,
and the couetous, how to dye. I642 MILTON Apol. Animadv.
Smect.: Wks., Pt. II, III 360: If they for lucre use to creepe into the
Church undiscernably, prouide that no revennu there may exceed
the golden mean.
See OTTO, no. 1078. Cf. A288: To moderate the appetite is a
virtue, to let it loose is a vice; M793: The mean (The merry mean)
is the best; M804: Measure is a merry mean; M806: There is a
measure (mean) in all things; V80: Virtue is found in the middle
(mean). (6)
: M793 The MEAN (The merry mean) is the best
[ERAS. Adagia, 260A: Mensuram serva, modus in re optimus omni.]
16th c. Mean Is Best 348 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 236: The mene ys
beste. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus V i, p. I 56: For a suretie (it is as
thou sayst) but in euery thynge the meane is beste, or but measure
is a mery meane. I573 GASCOIGNE Memories: Posies, p. 73: Thus
learne I by my glasse, that merrie meane is best. 1612 T. ADAMS
Gallant’s Burden: W ks., p. 11: The meane and honest way is the
safest. 1616 DR., no. 1355. Ihid., no. 1360: A meane state of life
is best. 1639 CL., p. 213.: A meane is best. Ne quid nimis. 1659
I 'How. Br. Prov., p. 16: Better-a mean then too much. I732 FUL.,
I no. 3428: Moderate Things are best.
Cf. A288: To moderate the appetite is a virtue, to letit loose
I 'is a vice; M585: Temperate men are the wisest; M792: The golden
mean is best; M804: Measure is a merry mean; M806: There is a
measure (mean) in all things; O77: An order is to be observed in all
7 things; V80: Virtue is found in the middle (mean).
M794¥M796 MEAN (1)1.) = method
M794 Fair MEANS prevail more than foul
1573 SANF., f. 109: More by faire meanes than by foule. 1616 DR.,
no. 2363: All good meanes must be vsed. 1639 CL., s.v. Consilium,
p. 66: First try faire meanes before you use foule. Ihid., p. 273.
I672 WALK. 80, p. 35: Fair means is best. 1680 DRYDEN Limher-
ham V i, p. 99: Still gentle means are best. You may come to force
- at last.
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
MEANS 452
MEASURE
M795 Many MEANS to get money
1639 CL., p. 191.
M796 Use the MEANS and God will give the blessing
1639 CL., s.v. Diligentia, p. 92: (and trust
Ibid., s.v. Industriae, p. 162. 1664 COD., p.
1732 EU 1.., no. 5413: (and trust to God for
1616 DR., no. 1178.
God for a blessing).
223. 1670 RAY, p. 17.
the Blessing).
Cf. G236: Help thyself and God will help thee.
M797 One may know your MEANING by your gaping
(mumping)
1639 CL., s.v. Conjecturae, p. 64: Iknow your meaning by your
winking. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 21 : You may know his meaning
by his gaping. 1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions 6, p. 251: They might
have known their meaning by their mumping. 1670 RAY, p. 186.
1694 ECHARD Fair Andrian I, p. 7: A body may guess at the old
Man’s meaning by his Mumping. 1721 KEL., p. 183: I know your
meaning, by your mumping. *I know by your Motions and
Gestures what you would be at, and what you design. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3776. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 448: I can tell your meaning
by your mumping.
Cf. G48: Gaunting bodes wanting; $932: Stretching and yawn-
ing lead to bed.
M798—M801 MEASURE: subst. (=measuring device)
M798 LondonI (Water, Billingsgate) MEASURE
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pruneto, p. 158: Huge large measure;
the English say, Water-measure, or London-measure, a handfull
above their fellows. Ibid., s.v. Semola, p. 189: To give it out with
bran measure, viz. abundantly; as the English say, Water-measure,
Billingsgate measure.
[lsee Sugden, p. 314.]
M799 Macclesfield (Maxfield) MEASURE, heap and
thrust
1670 RAY, s.v. Drinking Phrases, p. 217: *Chesh. 1678 RAY, 76:
Maxfield measure heap and thrutch. i.e. thrust.
M800 MEASURE for measure
1595 Rich. Duke York, s. D4: Measure for measure must be an-
swered. 1599 Warning Fair Women, s. G3: Measure for measure,
and lost bloud for bloud.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI II vi 55: Measure for measure
must be answered. 1592 T. And. V iii 66: There’s meed for meed,
death for a deadly deed! 1597 Rich. III IV iv 20: Plantagenet
doth quit Plantagenet; Edward for Edward pays a dying debt.
1604 Measure/or Measure: [Title]. Ibid. V i 416: Like doth quit
like, and Measure still for Measure.
Cf. M801: With what measure you mete it shall be measured
unto you.
M801 With what MEASURE you mete it shall be meas-
ured unto you
[Matt. vii 2: With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to
you again.] 61510 T. MORE Life Picus (tr.): Wks., I 13: It is
written: In what mesure that ye mete, it shalbe mette you agayn.
1523 J. FI'I‘ZHERBER'I‘ Bk. Surveying 13, f. 25: The same measure
that ye do mete to other men shall be metten to you. 1556 HEYWOOD Spider and Fly XCII, p. 427: Our mesurs mette to other,
shal to vs be mottun. 1567 PICKERING Horestes, 3. D4: For loke
What mesure thou dost meate, the same againe shalbe, At other
tyme at others hand, repayde againe to the. 1578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. Wit, p. 235: I will pray that thou mayst be measured vnto
with the lyke measure that thou hast meaten vnto others. 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 73: He shall have the same measure made
him by his children, as he Shall meate to his Father. 1596 DEL., s.
O7v: We shall be measured by the same measure, that we measure
others by. 1622 MABBE Rogue I I iv, I 120: The same measure
that you mete unto others, shall be mete unto you againe. 1629
J. TAYLOR Wit and Mirth 55: kas. F., p. 348: In this the prouerb is
approued plaine, What bread men breake is broke to them againe.


1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9: The same measure thou givest to others,
thou shalt have thy self.
See ST., no. 1454; T. 436, p. 226. Cf. M800: Measure for
measure.
M802-M806 MEASURE: subst. (=moderation)
M802 Feed by MEASURE (sparingly) and defy the
physician
1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 67. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 378: Eat
measurablie and defye the medicineris. 1616 DR., no. 493: Vse
reason, or moderation, and defie the Physitian. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 14: (sparingly). 1664 COD., p. 223: Use moderation, and
defie the Physitian. 1668 R.B., p. 18: [AS in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670
RAY, p. 39: (sparingly). 1721 KEL., p. 236: Live in measure, and
laugh at the Mediciners. *Nothing contributes more to Health,
than a temperate Diet. Whereas, Nimia gula morborum Mater.
Cf. D378: Many dishes many diseases; D427: The best doctors
(physicians) are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman; F93;
Whatsoever was the father of a disease an ill diet was the mother;
F148: Feasting is the physician’s harvest; G148: Gluttony (Sur-
feit) kills more than the sword; I43: All immoderations are enemies
to health; P269: Piss clear and defy the physician.
M803 He that forsakes MEASURE, measure forsakes
him
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 488. 1668 R.B., p. 22. 1721 KEL., p. 158:
*That is, he who is immoderate in any Thing, Design, or Action,
shall meet with Treatment accordingly.
M804 MEASURE is a merry mean
15th 6. AUDELAY Timor Mortis 366 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 225:
Then mesuere hit is a mary mene. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools,
I 188: A mery thynge is mesure. [61517] I533 SKELTON Magn.,
s. B1v. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus V [i], p. 156. 1546 HEY. II
vii, s. I4. 1562 HEY. Epig. 128, p. 146. 1580 BARET, K (Intr.):
(I graunt measure is). 1581 MULCASTER Positions 33, p. 118: In
al these measure is a mery meane. 1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 1,
p. 10: Although euery man doth know . . that measure is a merrie
meane, yet few can hit that meane. 1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty,
f. 8v: Measure is called a merry meane. 1590 GREENE Mourn.
Garm., p. 209: (Measure was). 1611 GRUT., no. 190. 1614 CAM.,
p. 310. 1616 DR., s.v. Meane, no. 1357. 1639 CL., s.v. Mediocria
tuta, p. 206. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1670 RAY, p. 17.
Cf. A288: To moderate the appetite is a virtue, to let it loose is
a vice; M792: The golden mean is best; M793: The mean (The
merry mean) is the best; M993: Mirth without measure is madness;
V80: Virtue is found in the middle (mean). (17)
M805 MEASURE is treasure
61475 Mankind l. 230, p. 9. [c1517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. A2v.
[61517] c1545 SKELTON Speak Parrot I. 64: Wks., II 4: In mesure is
tresure. 1552 TAV., f. 21: Measure no doute is an hygh treasure.
1557 SEAGER Sch. Virtue l. 477 in Babies Bk. etc., p. 344: Temper
thy tongue . . For measure is treasure. a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 1002.
1616 DR., no. 1356: Measure is a treasure. 1639 CL., p. 206: [As in
1616 Dr.]. 1668 R.B., p. 37. 1670 RAY, p. 119: [As in 1616 Dr.].
M806 There is a MEASURE (mean) in all things
[61500] 1522 World and Child, s. B3: But syr measure is in all
thynge. [61517] I533 SKELTON Il/Iagn., s. A2v: With euery con-
dycyon Measure must be sought. [61530] c1545 H. RHODES
Bk. Nurture (1577 ed.) 1. 41 in Babies Bk. etc., p. 83: Be not to
liberall nor to scant, vse measure in eche thing. 61569 W. WAGER
Longer Thou Livest, s. F2v: In all thinges there is a meane. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 152: In all things I know there must be
a meane. 1616 DR., s.v. Moderation, no. 1406. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 550: There is a bound and a meane for all things. 1652 BLITH
Eng. Improv. To Husbandman, s. E3: There is a Medium in all
things, too thick sowing may be as bad. 1656 A. Fox Surgery II
xi, p. 90: A medium is best in all things. 1693 Humors and Con-
versa. Town I, p. 73: There’s a Medium in all things. 1721 KEL.,
p. 314: (things, if it were but in Kail supping).

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MEASURE
453

SHAKESPEARB.—I598-9 M./1. II i 73: If the Prince be too im-
portant, tell him there is measure in everything, and so dance out
the answer.
Cf. M792: The golden mean is best; M793: The mean (The
merry mean) is the best; O77: An order is to be observed in all
things.
M807-M808 MEASURE: verb
M807 MEASURE thrice what thou buyest and cut it
but once
1591 FLOR. See. F. VI, p. 97: Alwaies measure manie, Before
you cut anie. 1623 WOD., p. 275: Measure thrice; before thou
shapest once. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: (and cut it once).
1664 COD., p. 205. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 154: Measure thrice,
before you cut once. *Note 137, p. 164: Spoken of Taylers, but
applyable otherwise, to a thousand purposes besides. 1670 RAY,
p. 17. I721 KEL., p. 255: Measure twice, cut but once. *Take
good Deliberation before you fall to actual Execution. I732 FUL.,
no. 3381: Measure thrice, and cut once.
See DI'IR., I, no. 208. Cf. C472: Cut your coat according to
your cloth; 5149: Score twice before you cut once; T219: First
think and then speak.
M808 He that MEASURES not himself is measured
1640 HERB., no. 428.
M809 After MEAT comes mustard
1566 HOL., p. 260: The english sayeth, after dinner mustard.
[211582] 1635 Long Meg Westminster in Old Bk. Coll. Misc., II 45:
What, quoth she, after meat, mustard. 1596 DEL., s. O5v: After
dinner mustard. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1025: Mustard after meat.
1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 265: It is even as good as
Mustard after dinner. I611 COT., s.v. Moustarde: After meat
mustard; helpe when danger, supply when want, hath left vs. 1616
WITHALS, p. 575: Mustard after meat. 1623 CAM., p. 265: After
meate, Mustard. 1639 CL., p. 282. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love
and Eleg., p. 180. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1668 R.B., p. 39:
[As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. I 19: *When there is no more use
of it. 1672 WALK. 44, p. 10: After meat comes mustard; after the
steed is stolen shut the stable door; when the Friar’s beaten, then
comes James. To come after the battel; a day after the fair.
1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua V xxvii, III 330. 1721 KEL., p. 48:
After Meat Mustard. *Spoken when a Thing is brought in after
the proper time.
See ST., no. 1559. Cf. C196: When I am dead make me a
caudle; D133: After death the doctor (physic); F677: When the
friar is beaten then comes James; S838: When the steed (horse) is
stolen shut the stable door. (5)
M810 All MEAT pleases not all mouths
1546 HEY. II ii, s. F4v: That one loueth not, an other doth. 1577
GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. B2v: And I forbid a carping knight
t0 catche where catche he can, For harde it is one dishe to please
the mouth of euery man. 1681 ROB., p. 597. 1732 FUL., no. 535:
All Meat is not the same in every Man’s Mouth. Ibid., no. 3560:
N0 Dish pleases all Palates alike.
Cf. M483: One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
M811 Better have MEAT than fine clothes
1639 CL., p. 113.
Cf. B288: The belly robs the back; M826: Meat is much (good)
but manners (mense) is more (better).
M812 Dear MEAT is a thief
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 20, p. 54: Make Martilmas beefe,
deere meate is a theefe. 1640 JONSON Tale Tua II i 22: Deare
meate’s a theife: I know it by the Butchers.
M813 Eat thy MEAT and drink thy drink and stand
thy ground, 01d Harry
I678 RAY, p. 343: *Somerset.
Cf. G467: Stand to thy ground, old Harry.

M814 Eaten MEAT is good to pay
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 372. 1668 R.B., p. 17.
M815 Good to be merry at MEAT
8.1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 75: Make mery at mete. 1616 DR., no. 718:
(It is good to). 1664 COD., p. 194. 1670 RAY, p. 18.
M816 He brings (carries) MEAT in his mouth
1579 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 73: The only vertue in efi'ecte in the
whole crissecrosse rowe ether of moral] or intellectuall vertues that
nowe adayes karrieth meate in the mowthe. I592 GREENE Disp.
betw. He and She, p. 269: The oldest lecher was as welcom as the
youngest louer, so he brought meate in his mouth. 1601 ]0Ns0N
Cynthia’s Revels V iv 31: A gentleman of so pleasing, and ridiculous
a carriage; as euen standing, carries meat in the mouth, you see.
1608 MIDDLETON Family Love V iii 112: Well, out of that ring we
will wring matter that shall carry meat i’th’ mouth. 1639 CL., p.
43: It brings meat i’th mouth. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1670
RAY, p. 186: To bring meat in its mouth. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
p. 265: He comes with meat in his mouth. 1671 KIRKMAN Eng.
Rogue II xxxvii, p. 462: I did not long continue so cold to him, for he
bringing meat in his mouth, good store of gold in his pocket . . I
permitted him to take all the pleasure he could receive by me.
Cf. C532: If thou wilt come with me bring with thee; C536a:
He is welcome who comes well laden; H537: Let Homer yield to
such as presents bring.
M817 He has eaten his roast MEAT first
01640 SMYTH 75, p. 32: *Diversly applied.
M818 He hides his MEAT and seeks more
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 658: He can eat his meat and ask more. 1641
FERG., no. 390: He can hide his meat and seek more. 1721 KEL.,
p. I 34: *Spoken when covetous People pretend Poverty; and con-
ceal their Wealth, to plead Pity.
M819 He loves roast MEAT well that licks the spit
[1619] I647 FLETCHER Mad Lover II, p. 24: He loves roast well That
eats the Spit. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 101: To a cat that licks
the spit, trust not roast-meat. 1670 RAY, p. 137. 1732 F UL., no.
1980.
Cf. B23: He loves bacon well that licks the swinesty door;
M1339: He loves mutton (sheep’s flesh) well that dips (wets) his
bread in the wool.
M820 I never loved MEAT that crowed in my crop
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 872: I lov not the meat quhilk crowes in my
womb. 1721 KEL., p. 206: *Spoken when People has done you
Service, and afterwards upbraids you with it.
M821 If you wanted me and your MEAT you would
want one good friend
1641 FERG., no. 552. 1668 R.B., p. 33. 1721 KEL., p. 198:
*Facetiously meaning by, the one good Friend, his Meat. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 417: If you wanted me and your victuals,
you’d want your two best friends.
M822 It is better to want MEAT than guests or com-
Pally
1602 JONSON Poetaster II ii 207: Sweetly was it said of a good olde
house-keeper, I had rather want meate, then want ghests. 1616
DR., no. 711.
M823 It is not MEAT for every mouth
01589 NASHE dlmondfor Parrot: Wks., III 357: Phil. stu. was no
meate for her tooth. 1639 CL., p. 241. Ibid., p. 293: Meat good
enough for such a mouth.
Cf. M832: No meat for mowers (your mowing).
M824 MEAT and drink and leisure is good for work-
folks
1639 CL., s.v. Occupatio, p. 234.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi'.
MEAT 454
MEAT

M825 MEAT (Oats) and mass (matins) never hindered
man (hinder no man’s journey)
1639 CL., p. 273: Meat and mattens hinder no mans journey.
1641 FERG., no. 644: (never hindred no man). 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 6: Oats and Mass never retard a journey. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 23, p. 151: For a mass, nor for oats, one never loseth ones
journey. *Note 113, p. 164: Meant, that by hearing Mass in the
morning before one set out, or by bayting ones horse, thejourney is
not retarded, but rather furthered. 1668 R.B., p. 37. 1670 RAY,
p. 120: [As in 1639 CL]. 1721 KEL., p. 253. 1732 FUL., no. 3382:
Meat and Mattins hinder not a Journey.
Cf. P556: Prayers and provender hinder no journey.
M826 MEAT is much (good) but manners (mensel) is
more (better)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 999: Meat is good but mens is better.
CL., p. 93. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13: Meat is needful, a good
name more. 1668 R.B., p. 37: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p.
119. 1697 Yorkshire Dial. in Yorkshire Ainth., p. 80: For meat is
mickle, but mence is mare. 1721 KEL., p. 244: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
*Let not ones Greediness on their Meat intrench upon their Mod-
esty. 1732 FUL., no. 3383: Meat is much; but Malice is more.
Cf. M811: Better have meat than fine clothes; M827: Meat
makes and cloth shapes but manners make a man.
[lgood manners]
1639
M827 MEAT makes and cloth shapes but manners
make a man
a15oo Prov. Wisdom l. 59: Euer maner and clothyng makyth man.
1591 FLOR. See. F. VII, p. 115: Though manners makes, yet ap-
parell shapes. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 997: Meat and cloth maks
the man. 1639 CL., p. 103: Cloth shapes, meat maintaines, but
manners make the man. 1668 R.B., p. 37: (clothes shapes, but
manners makes a man).
Cf. A283: Apparel makes (Clothes make) the man; G206: God
makes and apparel shapes but money makes the man; M629:
Manners make a man, quoth William of Wickham; M826: Meat is
much (good) but manners (mense) is more (better).
M828 MEAT was made for mouths
SHAKESPEARE.———I608 C. I i 209: They . . sigh’d forth proverbs—
That hunger broke stone walls, that dogs must cat, That meat was
made for mouths, that the gods sent not Corn for the rich men only.
M829 Much MEAT much malady
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. I53v.
1664 COD., p. 206. 1670 RAY, p. 120.
Cf. D378: Many dishes many diseases.
1639 CL., p. 98.
1732 FUL., no. 3483.
M830 Never be ashamed to eat your MEAT
1639 CL., p. 269. 1670 RAY, p. 57.
no shame to eat ones meat.
Cf. A342: He that is ashamed to eat is ashamed to live.
M831 New MEAT begets a new appetite
1616 DR., s.v. Change, or Exchange, no. 254: New meats prouoke
the appetite. Ibid., s.v. Choice, or varietie, no. 268: (bringeth a
new appetite). 1664 COD., p. 207. 1670 RAY, p. 18. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3534: New Dishes beget new Appetites.
Cf. C230: Change of pasture makes fat calves.
1672 WALK. 24, p. 40: ’T is
M832 No MEAT for mowers (your mowing)
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 342: Lais an harlot of Corinthe . . so dere
and costely, that she was no morsell for mowyers. 1552 LATIMER
Serm. and Rem. 43, p. 198: Not meat for mowers. 1580 LYLY Euph.
and His Eng., p. 153: And sure I am shee did not hang for thy
mowing. 1581 MULCASTER Position: 38, p. 180: To hope for hie
mariages, is good meat, but not for mowers. 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. Ee2: Marmalet is no meat for mowers. 1584 T. COGAN
Haven Health 8, p. 29: Wherefore they are meate for Mowers, as the
Proverb is, and for Ploughmen, but not for Students. 1596 LODGE
Marg. America, p. 28: Soft (amorous sir) this is no meate for your
mowing. 1596 LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 38: I am not for your mow-

M837
*
ing. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng.for My Money, s. C2v: You haue
sayd sir; but I am no meate for his moing, nor yours either. 1599
CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth v 99, p. 60: Hands off, sir, she is not
for your mowing. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap H i 221: I hope
our suitors are no fit meat for our pages. 1616 DR., no. 1092: It is
not for your mowing. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72. 1640
JONSON Tale Tuh IV v 4: As mine owne mother sayes, I am not for
your mowing.
Cf. M490: To be man’s meat; M823: It is not meat for every
mouth; M837: She is meat for your master.
M833 Of all the MEAT in the world drink goes best
down
01525 ]. RASTELL Nat. Four Elem, s. C4v: Of all metes in the worlde
that be, By this lyght I loue best drynke. 1564 BULLEIN Dial.
Fever, p. 122: Of all Potage I love good Ale. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
1 123. 1721 KEL., p. 274: Of all Meat in the World, Drink goes the
best down. *A facetious Bull when we drink heartily after Meat.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 440: Of all vittles drink digests the
quickest: give me a glass of wine.
M834 Put not thy MEAT in an unclean dish
[ERAS. Adagia, 19E: Cibum in matellam ne immittas.] 01535
ELYOT Educ. 12, s. F2: Put not thy meate in a traye, put not good
sentenses and vertuous lernynges, into a foule and corrupte mynde.
1539 TAV., f. 55: [As in Eras.]. Put not meate into a pyspot.
*Plutarche expouneth thys sayng thus. Cast not good sentencies
in t0 the mynde of a wycked person, So that it is al one in effecte
with that sayenge of Christ. Cast not perles afore swyne.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 A.Y. III iii 35: Truly, and to cast away
honesty upon a foul slut were to put good meat into an unclean
dish.
Cf. P165: Cast not pearls before swine; W468: Put not good
wine into an ill bottle (vessel).
M835 Quick at MEAT quick at work
1611 COT., s.v. Beste. Ihid., s.v. Eschauffer: Good at meat good
at worke. 1616 DR., no. 494. 1639 CL., p. 92: (and quick at
work). 1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight II viii, [I] 174. 1658 E. PHIL-
LIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 178: Good at meat, good at work.
1659 N.R., p. 88: (Quick at Victuals). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22,
p. 140: Who is slow at his victuals, is slow at every thing. 1670
RAY, p. 135. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Quick. 1721 KEL., p. 282:
*Neither this, nor its Reverse, holds always. 1732 FUL., no. 3993.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 451: What! quick at meat, quick at
work, they say.
M836 Salt MEAT draws down drink apace
1633 HART Diet Diseased I xviii, p. 71: Salted meat . . is farre worse
than fresh meat . . howbeit a good shooing home for a cup of good
liquor. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 25.
Cf. B214: Salt beef finds the way to the wine without a candle.
She is MEAT for your master
1608 G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN Dumb Knt. II, p. 134: Go to,
sirrah, I will not have your kindness to intermeddle with her kind,
she is meat for your master. 1614 J. COOKE Greene’s Tu Quogue, s.
H4: Take heart vpon’t, and think mee, (that am meate, And set vp
for your Maister) fit for you. 1681 OTWAY Soldier’s Fort. II, p. 16:
Let my Doxie rest in peace, she’s meat for thy master. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 466: Hand’s off! that’s meat for your
master.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. I V II iv 134: Away, you mouldy
rogue, away! I am meat for your master.
See ST., no. 2115. Cf. M490: To be man’s meat; M832: N0
meat for mowers (your mowing).
M838 Show me not (Look not on) the MEAT but show
me (look on) the man
1534 ]. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. D4: I dysdayne Fode and slepe, this
prouerbe answereth you playne Loke not on the meat, but loke on
the man. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3: Yet loke not on the meate, but
loke on the man. 1616 DR., no. 656: Shew mee not the meat, but


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MEAT
MEDAL
455


the man. 1639 CL., p. 84. 1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight II x, [I] 217:
(Our English Proverb saith, shew me not). 1721 KEL., p. 259:
(Never shew me the Meat, but). *If a Man be fat, plump, and in
good liking, I shall not ask what keeping he has had.
Cf. M844: To measure the meat by the man.
M839 Sweet MEAT must have sour sauce
01500 Blowhols Test. 1. 131 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 98: Sharpe
sawce was ordeigned for swete mete. [a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn
Cloute l. 450: Wks., I 328: (Yet swete meate hath). I562 HEY.
Dial. I viii, p. 16: (will haue). 1566 GASCOIGNE Supposes V ii, p.
231: They shall have sowre soppes too their sweete meates. 1566
HOL., p. 260. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F.
XII, p. 169. [01608] 1638 W. ROWLEY A Shoe. a Gent. III ii
110: It is but sawce to sweete meates. 1611 GRUT., no. 243: (wil
haue). 1614 CAM., p. 312: (will haue). I6I6 BRET., p. 9. 1616
DR., no. 1648: (will haue). I6I6 WITHALS, p. 581: *Sequitur post
gaudia luctus. 1639 CL., s.v. Voluptas, p. 326. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 16: (will have). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 199, p. 226. 1670
RAY, p. 146. [01687] 1702 DRYDEN Ep. Etherege l. 60, p. 43: ’Tis
the sour sauce to the sweet meat, The fine you pay for being great.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Sweet: He has given me sweet Meat, but sowr
Sauce. ~
SHAKESPEARE—01595 RY. II iv 83: Thy wit is a very bitter
sweeting; it is a most sharp sauce. —Andisit not, then, well serv’d
in to a sweet goose?
Cf. R182: No rose without a thorn (prickle); 51036: No sweet
without some sweat; S1038: Take (Mingle) the sweet with the sour.
(45)
M840 There is MEAT in a goose eye1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1407: Ther is meekl hid meat in a goos ey.
1621 J. TAYLOR Taylor’s Goose: Wks. F., p. 115: For the old
prouerbe I must here apply, Good meate men may picke from a
gooses eye. I668 R.B., p. 54: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1678 RAY,
p. I48.
[legg]
M841 They that have no other MEAT, bread and but-
ter are glad to eat
1639 CL., p. 113. 1670 RAY, p. 66. 1732 FUL., no. 6128.
Cf. B611: Bread and cheese is good to eat when men can get no
other meat (are physic to such as are in health); B628: To him
who is hungry any bread is pleasant.
M842 To be MEAT and drink to one
1533 FRITH Ans. More, s. E1: It ys meate and drinke to this childe
to plaie. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 51: Whitch were sutch mat-
ter for them and others to chat of, as wuld be meat and drink to M.
Proctor. 1589 NASHE Ret. Pasg.: W ks., I 72: To heare every mans
talk that passed by, was better than meate and drinke to me. 1596
LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 16: It is meat and drinke to him when he is
mocking another man. 1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l.
1428, p. 43: I warrant it does him good to sweare. —Yes faith ’tis
meate and drinke to me. 1606 Wily Beguiled iii, p. 9: Lord,
twould be as good as meate and drinke to me, to see how the foole
woulde wooe you. 1642 FULLER Holy State V viii, p. 388: Even
fasting itself is meat and drink to him, whilest others behold it.
1669 DRYDEN Wild Gallant III i, p. 66: Oh, these little mischiefs are
meat and drink to me. 1672 WALK. 3, p. 14: It is meat and drink
to me. 1681 ROB., p. 876: [As in 1672 Walk].
SHAKESPEARE—I599 A.Y. Vi 11: It is meat and drink to me to
see a clown. 1600—I I i 306: That’s [bearbaiting] meat
and drink to me now.
M843 To mar good MEAT by ill cooking
1639 CL., s.v. Imperitia, p. 149.
Cf. G222: God sends meat and the devil sends cooks.
M844 To measure the MEAT by the man
1678 RAY, p. 354: *The message by the messenger.
Cf. M838: Show me not (Look not on) the meat but Show me
(look on) the man.


M845 What they want in MEAT let them take in drink
I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 26: What they wanted in meate, Rosader
supplied with drinke. [1607] 1631 T. HEYWOOD 1 Fair Maid kVest
II, p. 280: Make it 4s. wine, though you bate it them in their
meate. -——Why so, I prethee? —Because of the old proverbe,
What they want in meate, let them take out in drinke. 8.1669
Life Rawdon, p. 30: For this voyage he was as well stord with pro-
visions as could well be had, but What they wanted in meate, as
the old proverb saith, they might taike in drinke, for he had aborde
the ship three hundreth bottles of wine.
SHAKESPEARE—I598 2 Hen. IV V iii 30: What you want in
meat, we’ll have in-drink.
M846 When MEAT is in anger is out
1639 CL., p. 178. 1664 COD., p. 224.
Cf. M187: A hungry man an angry man.
M847 The wholesomest MEAT is at another man’s
cost
1605 MARSTON Dutch Courtesan III iii 83: Faith, I never tasted
salmon relish better! Oh! when a man feeds at other men’s cost.
1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap IV i 61: There is a principle in the
politician’s physic: Eat your meat upon other men’s trenchers, and
beware of surfeits of your own cost. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: ’Tis good feasting at other mens
houses. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15: A great pleasure to eat well
and spend nothing. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 186: Bread and wine
which cost nothing, is alwaies the best. 1670 RAY, p. I. 1732
FUL., no. 2935: It is good Beef, that costs nothing.
See DUR., I, no. 90. Cf. D610: It is good drinking of wine at
another man’s cost; F678: Observant friars spare their own and eat
that which is other men’s; M613: He fares well of other men’s cost;
N121: Neighbor quart is good quart.
M848 You are in your roast MEAT when others are in
their sod
1616 WITHALS, p. 575: (in their sodden). 1639 CL., s.v. Festinatio
praepropera, p. 115: (in their sodden). 1670 RAY, p. 190. 1672
WALK. 52, p. 52. 1732 FUL., no. 5849: (the Roast-meat, while we
are in the Sod).
M849 You cannot fare well but you must cry roast
MEAT
1611 GRUT., no. 335. 1614 CAM., p. 315. 1616 BEAUMONT AND
FLETCHER Scornful Lady V, p. 297: (Cannot you). 1616 DR., no.
187: (Cannot you be content to). 1639 CL., p. 267: (Can’t you).
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Hush., p. 74: I will begin with the
Tale of a Wenching Companion, who could not fare well but he
must cry roast-meat. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1670 RAY,
p. 88. 1672 WALK. 29, p. 37. 1681 ROB., p. 1084: To cry roast
meat. I697 VANERUGH Provoked Wife I i, p. 139: You must never
be slovenly, never be out of humor, fare well and cry Roast-meat.
M850 All MEATS to be eaten, all maids to be wed
1546 HEY. II ii, s. F4v: That one loueth not, an other doth, which
hath sped, All meates to be eaten, and all maydes to be wed. 1616
Dr., no. 1390: That that one will not, another will: so shall all maids
bee married, and all meats eaten. 1639 CL., p. 95. 1678 RAY,
p. 64.
Cf. O62: That (If) one will not another will.
M851 Every MEDAL has its reverse
1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 293: Ogni medaglio ha il
suo riverscio; Each outside hath his inside, saith the Italian. 1659
N.R., p. 31 : (its right side and its wrong). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p.
147: (its right side, and its wrong side). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Medaglia, p. 102: To shew the reverse of the medal, viz. for one
to shew his breech. 1690 Dialogue hetw. Francisco and Aurelia in
Harl. Misc., IV 557: To shew you the Reverse of the Medal Is it
not a pity that a young Gentlewoman . . betake herself to some mean
Employ?

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
MEDDLE 456 MELTETH


M852 I will neither MEDDLE no;- make other mens matters, shall neuer line in rest. 61640 SMYTH 4o,
. ' . . . p. 30.
1564 Child Mar., p. 123. Ifhe either make or meddle With it. 1580 Cf. M493: To meddle (Meddle not) with another man,s matter;
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 184: But I will leaue Camilla, with
Whose loue I haue nothing to meddle, for that it maketh nothing to
my matter. 1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: Wks., II 101: Ifin speech
you neither meddle nor make with hym. 1598 I.M. Health to Serv.
Men, s. G4: They would neither make nor meddle with it. 1615-16
R. COCKS Diary Feb. 25, II 276: He would not make nor meddell in
the matter. 1639 CL., p. 20. 1661 PEPYS Diary Nov. 7, II 132:
We are resolved neither to meddle nor make with her. 1665 C.
COTTON Scarron. IV, p. 113: (I neither did). I666T0R. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Gelo, p. 72: Not to meddle or make with any thing. 1672
WALK. 16, p. 14: I neither meddle nor make with them. I am not
at all concern’d there. 1678 RAY, p. 68: (Quoth the young Cock,
I’ll neither). Ibid., p. 260: I’ll neither meddle nor make, said Bill
Heaps when he spilled the butter-milk.
SHAKESPEARE.—-I598—9 M.A. III iii 55: The less you meddle or
make . . the more is for your honesty. 1600-1 I iv 115:
I vill teach a. . priest to meddle or make! 1602 T.C. Ii 14: For my
part, I’ll not meddle nor make no farther. Ibid. I i 85: For my part,
I’ll meddle nor make no more i’ th’ matter.
Cf. M874: Either mend or end. (’7)
M853 I will not MEDDLE with him hot or cold
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 71.
M854 MEDDLE with what you have to do
1639 CL., p. 18. 1672 WALK. 32, p. 9: Meddle with that you have
to do with.
Cf. B752: Mind your own business; C480: Let not the cobbler
(shoemaker) go beyond his last; M493: To meddle (Meddle not)
with another man’s matter; M758: Let him meddle with his own
matters.
M855 A MEDDLER is as he that takes a wolf by the ears
1616 DR., no. 216.
Cf. L98: He that goes to law holds a wolf by the ears; W603:
He holds a wolf by the ears.
M856 It is no MEDDLING with our betters
1616 DR., no. 151. 1639 CL., p. 256. 1664 COD., p. 200: (ones
betters).
Cf. B346: Be not too bold with your biggers or betters; B417: He
loses many a good bit that strives with his betters; M716: He never
thrives who with his master strives.
M857 It is no MEDDLING with short daggers
1616 DR., s.v. Might, no. 1384.
Cf. P405: It is ill playing with Short daggers.
M858 Of little MEDDLING comes great rest (ease)
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 128: Lytyll medlyng makythe mych rest.
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 1410: Wks., I 417: With litell besynes
standeth moche rest. 61525 Interlocution betw. Man and Woman,
s. A5v: For of lytell medlynge cometh moche rest. 1546 HEY.
II ii, s. G1v: (there comth great rest). I552 TAV., f. 57: In lytle
medlyng lieth greate ease. 1560 Impat. Poverty, s. A3v: In lyttle
medlynge standeth great rest. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev.,
p. [94], l. 19: Of little medlyng cometh rest, The busie man neuer
wanteth woe. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 154: In little
medling lyeth much rest. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. viii,
s. HIv: (And in little medling). 1611 GRUT., no. 205. 1614 CAM.,
p. 310: (case). 1616 DR., no. 1793. 1616 WITHALS, p. 563: Hee
is best at ease that medleth least. 1639 CL., s.v. Domi vivere, p.
102: (most rest). 61640 SMYTH 40, p. 30: In little medlinge is
much ease. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: (case). 1670 RAY,
p. 120: (ease). 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quite. III ii, p. 49: (ease).
Cf. 187: Little intermeddling makes good friends (fair parting);
M859: Of much meddling comes no sound sleeping.
M859 Of much MEDDLING comes no sound Sleeping
1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [15], l. 12: Of medling much,
dooth mischiefe oft aryse. 1591 STEP., p. 152: Who so medleth in

M858: Of little meddling comes great rest (ease).
M860 There is no MEDICINE (remedy) for fear
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1290: (remeed for fear). 1668 R.B., p. 51,
1721 KEL., p. 319: There is no Remedy for Fear but cut off the
Head. *For a panick Fear is beyond all Arguments.
Cf. W205: All the weapons (arms) of war (Brescia, England)
cannot arm fear.
M861 MEDICINES be not meat to live by
1545 ASCHAM Tox., p. 60: Aristotle him selfe sayeth, that medicines
be no meate to lyue withall. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw.,
f. I46v.
M862 Unskillful MEDICINERS and horse marshals slay
both man and beast
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1492: (slayes).
M863 MEDLARS1 are never good till they be rotten
1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao II i 101: The Medler, which in the mo-
ment of his full ripenes is known to be in a rottennes. 1599
WEEVER Epig., p. 19: Medlers are neuer ripe before that they be
rotten. [1612] 1657 MIDDLETON Women Beware Women IV ii 100:
A medlar-tree, and that’s good stuff; ’tis no sooner ripe but it looks
rotten. 1664 J. WILSON Cheats I iv, p. I 1 : Like Bawds and Medlars,
never Ripe, till Rotten. I671 KIRKMAN Eng. Rogue III xx, p. 632:
A medlar, which is never good till rotten. 1678 RAY, p. 52.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1599 A.Y. III ii 124: I’ll graff it with you and
then I shall grafI' it with a medlar. Then it will be the earliest fruit
i’ th’ country; for you’ll be rotten ere you be half ripe, and that’s the
right virtue of the medlar.
Cf. R133: Soon ripe soon rotten.
[Ismall fruit, resembling crab apple]
1668 R.B., p. 55: (slayes).
M864 Merry MEET and merry part
1678 RAY, p. 175. 1732 FUL., no. 3410: Merry meet, merry part.
M865 As long as MEG OF WESTMINSTER1
[M582] 1635 Life Long Meg of Westminster in Old Bk. Coll. Misc.,
II: [Title]. 1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. I. 1190, p. 37:
Tis thou makst me so, my Long Meg a Westminster, thou breedst
a scab, thou. 1662 FULLER Worthies Westminster, II 104: *This
is applyed to persons very tall, especially if they have hop-pole
heighth, wanting breadth proportionable thereunto. I666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Pertica, p. 142: A tall spiny person, over-grown as to
height, but as slank as a lath; the English say, A May-pole, of Men,
and long Meg of Westminster, of Women. 1670 RAY, p. 244.
[See Sugden, p. 560.]
M866 MELANCHOLY is the pathway to madness
1616 DR., no. 2028: (Melancholy the).
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. Ind. ii I 3 5: Melancholy is the nurse
of frenzy. 1605-6 K.L. III iv 19: O Regan, Goneril! Your old
kind father, whose frank heart gave all! O, that way madness
lies; let me shun that!
M867 A MELON and a woman are hard to be known
1611 COT., s.v. Femme: A peine cognoist on la femme, et le Melon.
*The meaning is, vntill they be broken, or cut vp; and, the outside
is often the best part of them. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and
Eloq., p. 177: A Woman and a melon are both alike . . For till they
are broke up, no body knows what is in them. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 4.
M868 A MELTETH1 of meat is the best gift ever a man
gave
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 197.
[lmeal]
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MEMORY
MERCHANT
457


M869 He that has a good MEMORY gives few alms
1662 FULLER Worthies Devonshire, I 279: The Welch have a
Proverb . . He that hath a good memory, giveth few alms; because
he keepeth in mind what and to whom he had given before.
M870 MEMORY is the treasure of the mind
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 209: The memorie called the Threasure
of the minde. 1642 FULLER Holy State III x, p. 174: [Memory] is
the treasure-house of the mind.
M871 Who has no MEMORY (understanding) let him
have legs
1659 N.R., p. I I6. 1813 RAY, p. 24: (Who has not understanding)-
*Ital.
See Di'IR., I, no. 932.
M872—M873 MEND: subst.
M872 The MENDS1 is in his own hands
1566-7 Mer. Tales Skelton 12 in Shak. fest-Bks., II 21: Then I shall
be well at ease, for I shall haue my mendes in my nown handes.
1655-62 GURNALL C/zr. in Armor, p. 27: If any mischief befals him,
the mends is in his own hands. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 25, p. 162:
If he be angry, he may mend himself, he hath his means in his own
hands; there’s nobody cares for his anger.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. I i 67: Ifshe be fair, ’tis the better for
her; an she be not, she has the mends in her own hands.
[lamends]
M873 MENDS1 is worth misdeeds
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1023: (misdeid). 1668 R.B., p. 39. 1721
KEL., p. 320: There is nothing but ’mends for misdeeds. *IfI have
done you harm, I will make reparation.
[lamends]
M874—M875 MEND: verb
M874 Either MEND or end
1606 DANIEL Arcadia IV iv, p. 278: All extremeties must mend, or
end. 1639 CL., p. 223. 1682 HICKERINGILL Hist. W/ziggism: Wks.,
I 21: I had rather we should mend than end.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T. C. I ii 83: Time must friend or end.
1605-6 M. III i I I3: I would set my life on any chance, To mend it
or be rid on’t. 1611 W. T. II iii 181: Commend it [an infant]
strangely to some place Where chance may nurse or end it.
See DI'J'R., II, no. 200. Cf. F103: A fault is sooner found than
mended; F1 10: He may find fault that cannot amend; M852: I will
neither meddle nor make.
M875 It is never too late to MEND (repent)
[01588] I604 MARLOWE Faustus II ii 82: Never too late, if Faustus
will repent. 1594 GREENE AND LODGE Looking Glass, s. I3v:
Woman, amends may neuer come too late. 01655 ]. HOWELL Let.
IV 38, II 624: We have both of us our failings that way . . but it
is never over-late to mend. 1670 RAY, p. 112: (repent). 1672
WALK. 10, p. 45: (repent).
SHAKESPEARE.—1605—6 K.L. I iv 279: Woe that too late repents!
Cf. D403—4: It is never too late to do well; R77: Late repentance
is seldom true; R80: Repentance never comes too late.
M876 They hold together as the MEN OF MARHAM
when they lost their common
1670 RAY, p. 238: *Some understand it ironically, that is, they are
divided with several factions, which ruines any cause. Others use
it onely as an expression of ill success, when men strive and plot
together to no purpose.
M877 The MEN OF TIVIDALE have likers, lemans, and
lier-bys
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Aa2v: It is a Prouerbe in Englande
that the men of Tiuidal borderers on the english midle marches,
haue likers, lemmons, and lyerbies.

M878 MERCHANDISE will have neither friends nor kin-
dred
1611 COT., s.v. Marchandise: Marchandise holds no friendship,
yeelds no fauour, hath no consideration but of gaine. 1659 How.
It. Prov., p. 12: Merchandize will neither friends or kindred.
M879 There is no MERCHANDISE but usury
1593 NAsI-IE Christ’s Tears: Wks., II 93: It is nowe growne a
Prouerbe That there is no merchandize but Vsury.
M880 As good MERCHANT tines1 as wins
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 55. 1668 R.B., p. 4. 1721 KEL., p. 4: As
good a Merchant tines as wins by a time. *For a good Merchant
may meet with Misfortunes.
Cf. M888: He that loses is merchant as well as he that gains;
M889: A merchant that gains not, loses.
[lloses]
M881 Either a MERCHANT or a thief
1611 COT., s.v. Larron: *A speech verie ordinarie in the mouthes o
Shop-keepers, who thereby pretend, that not comming to their
wares so easily, they cannot sell them so cheape, as theeues doe.
Cf. M892: Today a merchant tomorrow a miscreant.
M882 He is a MERCHANT of eelskins
1545 ASCHAM Tox., p. 151: He that wyll . . vse the seas knowinge no
more what is to be done in a tempest than in a caulme, shall soone
becumme a marchaunt of Eele skinnes. I546 HEY. II _v, s. HI: If
he holde on a whyle, as he begyns, We shall se hym proue a mar-
chant of eele skyns. A marchaunt, without either money or ware.
[01607] 1655A. BREWER Lovesiek King II, p. 13: Then am I a Mer-
chant, not of Eels-skins, but Lamb-skins. 1624 T. HEYWOOD
Captives IV i 39: Who knowes but I In tyme may proove a noble
marchant? —Yes, of eele skinnes. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15:
A Merchant of Eel-skins. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 14: A pedling
Merchant, or a Merchant of Eelskins. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Pittore, p. 150: The English usually say of a pretended Mer-
chant or Shop-keeper, a Pedler, a Merchant of Eel-skins.
Cf. M883: He is a merchant without money or ware.
M883 He is a MERCHANT without money or ware
1546 HEY. II v, s. HI: Ifhe holde on a whyle, as he begyns, We shall
se hym proue a . . marchaunt, Without either money or ware. I562
HEY. Epig. 186, p. 156: He is a marchaunt without money or ware.
Byd that marchaunt be couered, he is bare. I611 DAv. Prov.,
no. 158: (Men are oft marchants without). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 7: (without ware or money).
Cf. M882: He is a merchant of eelskins; M884: He is not a mer-
chant bare that has money, worth, or ware.
M884 He is not a MERCHANT bare that has money,
worth, 0r ware
1664 COD., p. 200. 1670 RAY, p. 17. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 153:
(Money’s worth, 0r Ware). 1721 KEL., p. 171: (That hath either
Money, Worth, or Ware). *A good Merchant may want ready
Money. 1732 FUL., no. 6240: (Money-worth, and Ware).
Cf. M883: He is a merchant without money or ware.
M885 He promises like a MERCHANT but pays like a
man of war
1639 CL., s.v. Magnifica promissa, p. 194. 1658 [EDMONDsoN]
Comes Fae. in Via, p. 9: (It is got among the Proverbs, to promise
like a merchant, and pay like). 1664 COD., p. 196. 1670 RAY,
p. 22: (and pays like). 1732 FUL., no. 2007: (Merchant-man, and
pays like).
M886 He that buys and sells is called a MERCHANT
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 400: *Used in derision of those who buy
and sell to their loss.
M887 He that could know what would be dear need
be a MERCHANT but one year
1546 HEY. I i, 3. A2: Who so that knewe, what wolde be dere, Shulde
nede be marchaunt but one yere. 01594 BACON, no. 173: Who to

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
MERCHANT 4 58
MESSENGER
know what would be dear need be a merchant but a year. 1597
MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 1303: Poems, p. 45: Quha wist
quhat wald be cheep or deir, Sould neid be traffique bot a zier, Gif
things to cum were kend. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 8 I 2: Ifa man knew
quhat wold be dear he wold be marchand bot ane year. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Adventure: Wee say, He that did know what would be deare,
might grow full rich within a yeare. 1611 GRUT., no. 325: (Who
so that knew what would be deare, should need). 1614 CAM.,
p. 315: [As in 1611 Grut.]. 1616 DR., no. 637: (Hee that would
know what would bee deare, had need). 1639 CL., p. 263: (He
that wist what). 1641 FERG., no. 507: If a man knew what wald
be dear, he wald be but merchant for a year. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 3: He who could know what would be
clear, need be a Merchant but once in a year. 1668 R.B., p. 30:
[As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 78.
M888 He that loses is MERCHANT as well as he that
gains
1640 HERB., no. 514. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 4: (He is as well a
Merchant who loses, as). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 150: (He is a
Merchant that loseth, as well as).
Cf. M880: As good merchant tines as wins; M889: A merchant
that gains not, loses. .
M889 A MERCHANT that gains not, loses
1611 COT., s.v. Marchand: (The Marchant). 1640 HERB., no. 47.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 19. 1659 N.R., p. 11.
1705 Pleas. Art, p. I 56.
Cf. M880: As good merchant tines as wins; M888: He that loses
is merchant as well as he that gains.
M890 The MERCHANT that loses cannot laugh
1596 DEL., s. 05v. 1611 COT., s.v. Marchand: A Marchant loosing
cannot laugh. 1616 DR., no. 1289. 1664 COD., p. 215.
M891 To play the MERCHANT with us
1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: Wks., II 159: Is it not a common
prouerbe amongst vs, when any man hath cosend or gone beyonde
vs, to say, Hee hath playde the Merchant with vs? [01607-25]
1632 W. ROWLEY New Wonder IV, p. 165: I doubt Sir, he will play
the merchant with us.
M892 Today a MERCHANT tomorrow a miscreant
1611 COT., s.v. Meschant. 1659 N.R., p. 108.
Cf. M881: Either a merchant or a thief.
M893 MERCURY=image of the god Mercury
M893 A MERCURY is not made of every wood
[ERAS. fldagia, 5660: Ne e quovis ligno Mercurius fiat.] 01594
BACON, no. 545: A Mercury cannot be made of every wood (but
Priapus may). [a1623] I686 SWINBURNE Treat. Spousals XIII 45,
p. 188: Mercury is not made of every Wood (according to the old
Proverb). 1625 T. ADAMS Temple: W ks., p. 984: Euery blocke is
not fit to make an Imagee. 1689 T. SHADWELL Bury Fair II,
p. 315: (Mercury’s Statue is not). 1732 FUL., no. 1410: Every
Block will not make a Mercury.
M894 MERCURY = quicksilver
M894 Be thou sick or whole, put MERCURY in thy coal
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 28, p. 45: (It is a common prouerbe
among the people, Be thou).
M895 He shall find MERCY that merciful is
[Matt. v 7: Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.]
1616 DR., no. 1631.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 M.V. IV i 200: We do pray for mercy,
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render The deeds of
mercy. 1604 M.M. II ii 75: How would you be If be which is the
top ofjudgment should But judge you as you are? O, think on
that! And mercy then will breathe within your lips Like man new
made.

M901
fl
M896 I cry you MERCY, I killed your cushion
1530 PALS., p. 501b: I kry you mercy, I kylled your cussheyn: je
vous crie mercy, jay tué vostre cuisseyn. 1594 LYLY Mother B,
IV ii 65: On thy conscience tell me what tis a clocke? —I cry you
mercie, I haue kild your cushion.
M897 I cry you MERCY, I took you for a joint stool
[A taunting apology for overlooking a person.] 1594 LYLY Mother
B. IV ii 28. 1602 J. MANNINGHAM Diary Oct., p. 53: I cry you
mercy, said the gent., I tooke you for a May pole, after he had
danced around a tall man. 1639 CL., s.v. Inculpatus, p. 160.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 186.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 K.L. III vi 55: Cry you mercy,I took you
for a joint-stool.
M898 It is in their MERCY that kings come closest to
gods
1598 CHAPMAN Blind Beg. Alex. x 71, p. 40: Kings in their mercy
come most near the gods. 1606 MARsTON Sophon. II ii 5 5: The
god-like part of kings is to forgive. 1636 T. HEYWOOD Chall. for
Beauty V, p. 69: What seeke you from this throne? --—That in
which Kings Resemble most the Gods: Iustice.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I592 T. And. I i 117: Wilt thou draw near the
nature of the gods? Draw near them then in being merciful.
Sweet mercy is nobility’s true badge. 1596 M. V. IV i 196: And
earthly power doth then show likest God’s When mercy seasons
justice. 1604 M.M. II ii 59: No ceremony that to great ones ’longs
. . Become them with one half so good a grace As mercy does.
Cf. W946: To forget a wrong is best revenge.
M899 MERCY is a salve for every sore
1616 DR., no. 1377. 1664 COD., p. 205.
Cf. P107: Patience is a plaster for all sores; S84: There is a salve for
every sore.
M900 MERRY—GO—DOWN
[Strong ale.] CI475 Songs and Caron 74, p. 91: Where is the best
wyn? tell yow me . . I know a drawght off mery-gO-downe, The
best it is in all thys towne. 1567 GOLDING Metam. V 556, p. 113:
Out she brought hir by and by a draught of merrie go downe. 1591
LODGE Catharos, p. 9: The hare (after a draft of merrie goe downe)
wrote this. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl Ded.: Wks., III 150: You
can do no lesse then present mee with the best mornings draught of
merry-gO-downe in your quarters. 1721 KEL., p. 2 56: Much good
dO’t you, and a merry go down, with every Lump as great’s my
Thumb. *A facetious Wish to our Companions whenthey are
eating.
A MERRY GREEK
[CI553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D.: Mathewe Merygreeke [the name
of a character in the play]. 1560-77 Zl/Iisogonus II iv I23: Ites a
good mery greke. 1596 NASHE Saflron-Walden: Wks., III 33: The
barber of Trinity Colledge, a rare ingenuous odde merry Greeke.
1607 VVALKINCTON Optic Glass IV, p. 55: But as soone as hee had
tasted a cup of Canary, he became of a powting Stoicke, a merry
Greeke. 1611 CORYATE Crudities,I 17: Hee is a mad Greeke, no
lesse than a merry. 1616 DR., s.v. Mirth, no. 1397. 1640 JONSON
Tale Tuh Sc. Interloping, l. 23, p. 63: Mine was a merry Greeke.
I655 FULLER Church Hist. II iii, I 153: We know the modern prov-
erb, of a merry Greek. 1665 C. COTTON Searron. IV, p. 75: Merry
as Greeks and drunk as Lords. 1681 ROB., p. 3 59: To play the good
fellow, 'or the merry Greek.
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. IV i 19: I-prithee, foolish Greek, de-
part from me. 1602 T.C. I ii 116: I think Helen loves him better
than Paris. —Then she’s a merry Greek indeed! Ibid. IV iv 58:
A woful Cressid ’mongst the merry Greeks!
Cf. G454: A merry grig.
M902 To keep yet one MEss for Alyson in store
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K3.
M903 He is a corbie1 MESSENGER
[a1511] 1570 HENRYsON Sheep and Dog: Fah, p. 86: Schir corbie
Rauin wes maid Apparitour.- a1598 FERG. MS, no. 596. [a1617]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MESSENGER
MIDWIFE
459

#—
1683 J. MELVILLE Mem., p. 170: His Majesty alledging, ThatI was
Corbie’s Messenger. 1670 W. Row Add. to Corones in J. Row
Hist. Kirk Scot, p. 448: He proved Corbie messenger (as it is in the
proverb) to his master the Pope; for he himselfe . . wes converted to
the trueth; and . . became one of the Reformers. 1721 KEL., p. 385:
(You are a). *Taken from the Raven sent out of the Ark; apply’d
to them who being sent an Errand do not return with their Answer.
[lraven] '
M904 To come before the MESSENGER
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D2: Ye marchant, what attempth you, to attempt
VS, To come on vs before the messanger thus.
M905 MESSENGERS should neither be headed nor
hanged
[ERAS. Adagia, 1102C: Legatus non caeditur, neque violatur.]
I519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 380: No man shulde do an harolde harme.
[a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. G3v: It is ’gainst law of Armes, To offer
violence to a Messenger. 01594 BACON, no. 587: L’Imbassador no
porta pena. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1013. 1616 DR., no. 1940: A
seruant must not be blamed for doing his message or errand. 1616
JONSON Epic. II ii 56: Alas, sir, I am but a messenger. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 7: An Embassador undergoes no punishment.
*Note 32, p. 18: Embassadors, Heralds, and Messengers, are exempt
and free, by the Law of Nations, from all injuries and punishments
whatsoever, though their Embassie or Message be never so harsh
and severe. 1668 R.B., p. 38. 1721 KEL., p. 246: *An Excuse for
carrying an ungrateful Message.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. V i 22: O, pardon me for bringing
these ill news, Since you did leave it for my office, sir. I599 A.Y.
IV iii 11: It bears an angry tenure. Pardon me; I am but as a
guiltless messenger. 1606-7 A. C. II v 67: I that do bring the news
made not the match.
M906 METAL upon metal is false heraldry
1643 CLEVELAND Upon Sir T. Martin 1. 24: Poems, p. 140: (Metal
on). I659 FULLER Appeal II, p. 400: What? Doth he allege him-
self to prove his own opinion? My bad heraldry was neuer guilty
of such a fault.—metal upon metal! 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Mani, p. 97: To give unto them who have enough, and too much
already, as the English say, metal upon metal is false Heraldry.
M907 ' METE and measure make men wise
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1039: (maks). I721 KEL., p. 247: (make all
Men wise). *Spoken when People would have what they buy
weighed, or measured. '
Cf. W254: Weight and measure take away strife.
M908 As old as METHUSELAH
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Old: He is as old as Mathusalem.
M909 METTLE is dangerous in a blind horse
1664 COD., p. 205. 1670 RAY, p. 18. 1696 D’URFEY3 Don Quite.
I i, p. 216: (Too much mettle is). 1721 KEL., p. 244: (blind Mare).
*And so is Bigottry, and blind Zeal, in an ignorant Fellow. 1732
FUL., no. 3411.
Cf. B112: Who so bold (As bold) as blind Bayard? B507: Bold-
ness is blind.
M910 MEUM and tuum
I594 GREENE AND LODGE Looking Glass, s. C3: What, wooe my
subiects wife that honoureth me? —Tut, Kings this meum tuum
Should not know. I625 BACON Essays, p. 270: The things deduced
t0 judgement, maybe meum and tuum, when the reason. and con-
sequence thereof may trench to point of estate. 1625 PURCHAS
Pilgrims I i 5, XIV 44: True it is that if Man had continued in his
first integritie, Meum and Tuum, had never proved such quarrelling
Pronounes. 1662 STILLINGFLEET Origines Sacrae I vi, p. 68: But
it Was most suitable to the heathen Priests to maintain a Meum
and Tuum between their own Character and the vulgar. 1670
T. CASE Mt. Pisgah III, p. 66: Meum and Tuum fills all the world
with quarrels and confusions. (15)
h
M91 1 MEW = gull
M911 As light as a MEW
1674 F. MARTEN Voy. Spitzhergen IV ii, p. 67: (We have a proverb,
and say: Thou art as).
M912 MEW = son-in-law
M912 Make not two MEWS of one daughter
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1034. 1668 R.B., p. 37. 1721 KEL., p. 255:
*The Sense I do not understand, unless it be spoken to them who
think to oblige two different Persons with one and the same
Benefit.
Cf. S639: He makes two sons-in-law of one daughter.
M913 As MICKLE up with as mickle down with
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 68. 1668 R.B., p. 5. I721 KEL., p. 24:
*Spoken when a Man has got a quick Advancement, and as sud-
den Depression.
Cf. F37: One may sooner fall than rise'.
M913a He that speers1 MICKLE gets wit of part
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 555. 1641 FERG., no. 833: (wil get wot of
part). 1668 R.B., p. 53: They that speirs meikle, will get wot of
part. 1721 KEL., p. 127: He that speers all, gets but Wit of part.
*A Repulse to curious Impertinents, who are too busy at their
Questions.
[lasks]
M914 Make not MICKLE of little
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1031. 1668 R.B., p. 38. 1721 KEL., p. 253.
Cf. M1035: Of a molehill he makes a mountain.
M915 MICKLE must a good heart thole1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1010. 1668 R.B., p.38. 1721 KEL., p. 253.
Cf. H340: Your kind heart will be your death; H342: Kind
hearts are soonest wronged.
[1suHer]
M916 MICKLE spoken, part must spill
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1012. Ihid., no. 1440: (Whair meikl is).
1641 FERG., no. 621: (part mon spill). I668 R.B., p. 38. 1721
KEL., p. 249: (part split). _*Eng. Talk much err much. From the
Spanish.
Cf. S703: Talk much and err much, says the Spaniard; S728: He
that speaks much is much mistaken; S729: Who speaks not errs not.
M917 Better woo (marry) over the MIDDEN1 than over
the moor (moss)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 235. I641 FERG., no. 168: Better wooe over
midding nor over mosse. 1662 FULLER W orthies Cheshire, I 183:
(Better wed over the Mixon then). *That is, hard by or at home,
Mixon being that heap of compost which lyeth in the yards of good
husbands. 1668 R.B., p. 12: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 222:
(Better wed over the Mixon then). 1721 KEL., p. 60: (marry).
*Better marry a Neighbour’s Child, whose Humours and Circum-
stances you know, than a Stranger.
Cf. G164: He that goes far to marry will either deceive or be
deceived.
[1dunghill]
M918 You would marry a MIDDEN1 for muck
1678 RAY, p. 260.
[ldunghill] _
M919 As slender in the MIDDLE as a cow in the waist
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 iii, p. 738: She stoops, is lame . . as
slender in the middle as a Cow in the waist. I670 RAY, p. 207.
1732 FUL., no. 727.
M920 You ride as if you went to fetch the MIDWIFE
1678 RAY, p. 266.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
MIGHT
460

M921 Either by MIGHT or by sleight
1639 CL., s.v. Fraus, p. 127: (or slight). I655 FULLER Church
Hist. III viii, I 407: These western men do bear away the bell for
might and sleight in wrestling. 1670 RAY, p. 186. I721 KEL.,
p. 179: If] cannot do by Might, I’ll do by Slight. “IfI dare not
attack my Enemy openly, I’ll do him an Injury in a private, and
clandestine Way. 1732 FUL., no. 6293: IfI can’t by Might, I’ll
do’t by Slight.
Cf. L319: If the lion’s skin cannot, the fox’s shall; P462: Policy
goes beyond strength.
M922 MIGHT overcomes right
1546 HEY. II v, s. sz. 01563 7ae/e yuggler, s. E3v: And an Olde
saying it is, that most tymes myght Force, strength, power, and
colorable subtlete Dothe appresse, debare, ouercum and defeate
ryght. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 3: Considering that the law was
now in there own hands, and miht had alreddi overcumd riht.
I578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. III ii, s. I4v: I see by proofe,
that true the prouerbe is, Myght maisters right. 1591 STE P., p. I 52.
01594 BACON, no. 964. 8.1598 FERG. MS, no. IOQQ: Might over-
gangs right. 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 142. 1611 GRUT., no. 191.
1614 CAM., p. 310. 1616 DR., no. I378: Might ouerruleth right.
1629 TUVILL Vade Mecum Of Injuries [p. 182]: It is an old Coun-
try Proverbe, that Might overc[o]mes right. 1639 CL., p. 172.
1641 FERG., no. 630: Might, often times overcomes right. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. Ibid., p. 13: When might overcomes right,
the weakest goes to the wall. 1668 R.B., p. 39: [As in 1641 Ferg.].
I670 RAY, p. 120.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2 Hen. IV V iv 27: O God, that right should
thus overcome might! 1602 T.C. I iii 116: Force should be right; or
rather, right and wrong . . Should lose their names, and so should
justice too. (14)
M923 With MIGHT and main
1513 H. BRADSHAW St. Werhurge I 33, p. 16: With herte mynde
and harneys redy day and nyght Theyr enemyes to subdue, by
power, mayne and myght. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. March, 1. 86,
p. 16: I . . shott at him with might and maine. 1611 FLOR., s.v.
A piu, p. 32. 1616 DR., s.v. Endeuour, no. 584. 1639 CL., p. 60.
1672 WALK. 61, p. 53: Tooth and nail; with might and main.
Cf. T422: Tooth and nail. (53)
M924 Every MILE is two in winter
I659 N.R., p. 29.
M925 A Welsh MILE
1653 J. TAYLOR Short Re1.: Wks. Q, I B3v: I hired a Guide who
brought me to Swansey (16 well stretch’d Welch Mountainous
Miles).
See SM., p. 566.
M926 Within a MILE of an oak
1589 NASHE Counter Cuyjr Given Martin Yr, title page: Wks., I 57:
Printed Betweene the skye and the grounde, within a myle of an
Oake. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. I4v: Where be your
tooles? ——Within a mile of an Oke sir. 1618 N. FIELD flmendsfor
Ladies I i, p. 100: If he durst have quarrelled, the world knows he’s
within a mile of an oak has put him to’t, and soundly. 1632
HAUSTED Rival Friends II v, s. E4v: Ile breake you of this trade Of
making children Before your time, ifI can find a willow within a
mile of an Oake. 1632 SHIRLEY Love in Maze IV iii, p. 344: But if
she be troubled with a tympany, there is a man within a mile of an
oak, I name nobody, that has had—some earnest of her body.
1678 BEHN Sir Patient III i, p. 44: Sir Credulous, where’s your
Mistress? —Within a Mile of an Oak, dear Madam, I’ll warrant
you. 1696 D’URFEY3 Don Quix. V i, p. 285: Your Worship can
tell within a mile of an Oak where he is. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,
p. 420.
M927 I will go twenty MILEs on your errand first
1670 RAY, p. 177.
SHAKESPEARE.—I604 M.M. III ii 36: The deputy cannot abide
a whoremaster. If he be a whoremonger, and comes before him,
he were as good go a mile on his errand.
1640 HERB., no. 942.

M928 You are right for the first MILEs
I673 RAY, P- 343-
M929 The MILESIANS were valiant in the days of yore
[a1635] 1651 T. RANDOLPH Heyfor Honesty IV iii, p. 479.: You told
her the Milesians were valiant in the days of yore. Faith do not
hit her in the teeth with contumelous proverbs.
Cf. L242: Milesian lies.
M930 As natural to him as MILK to a calf
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Proprio, p. I 58: His own very nature and
instinct, also use or custome to do so or so; the English say, As
innate as milk to a calf. 1678 RAY, p. 287.
M931 As white as MILK
[01486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. D2: And as whyte as
any mylk. a1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II 419: With
rochetes white as mylke. 1573 New Custom II ii, s. CIv: Braue
coopes in the churche, surplices as white as milke, Beades and
suche like. 1580 Lady Greensleues in C. Robinson et al. Handf.
Pleas. Delights, p. 9.0: Thy pumps as white as was the milk. 1600
DEKKER Old Fort. I ii 114: His head and beard as white as milk.
1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels V iv 434: Your brests and forehead
are whiter then gotes milke. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONsON, AND MAR-
STON Eastward H0 III ii 77: His head as white as mylke. [61605]
c1650 Caps in Poems on Costume, p. 119: The sick man’s cap, not
wrought with silk, Is like repentant, white as milk. 1639 CL., p.
288. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Giglio, p. 74: To look like a lilly,
viz. to be as white as milk. 1669-96 AUBREY Brief Lives, I 212:
A long beard as white as milke.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594 T.G.V. III i 250: Even in the milk-white
bosom of thy love. 1595 M.N.D. V i 344: Come, come to me, With
hands as pale as milk. 1596 M. V. III ii 86: Who, inward search’d,
have livers white as milk! 1599 Pass. Pilgr. 9, l. 3: Paler for sorrow
than her milk-white dove. 1608 P. IV Prol. 22: With fingers long,
small, white as milk.
See OTTO, no. 898.
M932 Bristol MILK
1662 FULLER Worthies Bristol, II 295: *This metaphorical Milk,
whereby Xeres or Sherry Sack is intended. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
26, p. 308: Wine is the mans bubby. *Note I44, p. 322: Bristol
Milk. I668 PEPYS Diary June 13, VIII 47: Plenty of brave wine,
and above all Bristoll milk. 1670 RAY, p. 251: *That is Sherry-
sack, which is the entertainment of course, which the courteous
Bristolians present to strangers, when first visiting their city.
Cf. W483: Wine is the Old man’s milk.

M933 I will have none of your flat MILK
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
M934 If you would live forever you must wash the
MILK from your liver
1611 COT., s.v. Laict: Wash thy milke off thy liuer, (say we).
1639 CL., p. 205: They that would live ever must wash milk from
the liver. I651 WITTIE Pop. Errors III xi, p. I67: Milk must be
washed off the Liver. I670 RAY, p. 36: (live ever). I721 KEL., p.
29.1: (for ever,wash). 1732 FUL., no. 6073: (the Milk ofi'yourLiver).
M555 MILK is white and lies not in the dike, but all
men know it good meat
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3v.
M936 MILK says to wine, Welcome, friend
1640 HERB., no. 180. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12: 'Wine upon milk
is good. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 23: Milk said to Wine, Friend,
thou art come in good time. 1659 N.R., p. 78. 1664 COD., p. 227:
Welcome friend, sayes Milk to Wine.
M937 Suffolk MILK
1622 DRAYTON Poly-01h. XXIII 254, p. 474: Fayre Sufi'olke Mayds
and Milke. 1662 FULLER Worthies SufTolk, II 326: *NO County
in England affords better and sweeter of this kind. 1670 RAY, p.
2 52.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MILK
MILLER
461
Pf
M938 Their MILK is sod over
1678 RAY, p. 354. 1732 FUL., no. 2510: His Milk boil’d over.
M939 To cry for spilt MILK
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 40: No weeping for shed milk. 1681
YARRANTON Eng. Improvem., II 107: Sir, there is no crying for
shed milk, that which is past cannot be recall’d. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 390: ’Tis a folly to cry for spilt milk.
See ST., no. 2621. Cf. T127: For a tint (lost) thing care not;
T203: Things past cannot be recalled; T204: Things past cannot
be recalled but may be repented.
M940 Born in a MILL
I578 WHETSTONE 1 Promos and Cass. I iv, s. B3v: Were you borne
in a myll, curtole? You prate so hye. 1616 DR., s.v. Deafenesse,
no. 431. 1639 CL., s.v. Surditas, p. 301. 1678 RAY, p. 76: He
was born in a mill. *He’s deaf.
M941 He that comes first to the MILL grinds first
[ERAS. Adagia, 688D: Qui primus venerit, primus molet.] 01475
J. PASTON (to M. Paston, March 29) in Paston Let. 868, V 228: For
who comyth fyrst to the mylle, fyrst must grynd. 1611 COT., s.v.
Mouldre: Qui premier arrive au moulin le premier doit mouldre:
The first commer is to be serued first. 1616 DR., no. 1521. Ibid.,
s.v. Occasion, no. 1524: He that first putteth his come into the
mill-hopper, is first serued. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 33: The first
that brings in Grist, let him grind. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: Who
is first at the mill let him grind. 1659 N.R., p. 35: First come to the
Mill first grinde. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. I 56: Who first goes to
the mill, first grindes.
Cf. C530: First come first served.
M942 His MILL will go with all winds
1631 JONSON Staple News III ii 295: He . . is turn’d The Churches
Millar, grinds the catholique grist With euery wind. [M654] 1689
SELDEN Table Talk, p. 32: Collonel Goring serving first . . like a
good Miller that knows how to grind which way so euer the Wind
sits. I732 FUL., no. 2511.
M943 I am loath to change my MILL
1678 RAY, p. 349: *Eat of another dish.
M944 The MILL cannot grind with the water that is
past
1616 DR., s.v. Past, no. 1589: The water that is past, cannot make
the mill goe. 1640 HERB., no. 153: (with water that’s past).
1659 N.R., p. 112. 1664 COD., p. 217. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 13,
p. 2: A Mill grinds not with water that is past by. 1670 RAY, p.
18. I732 FUL., no. 4651.
M945 The MILL gets by going
I640 HERB., no. 122. 1659 N.R., p. 107.
M946 The MILL stands that wants water
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 33. 1732 FUL., no. 3414: Mills will not
grind, if you give them not Water.
M947 A new MILL does grind the corn well
1616 DR., s.v. New things, no. 1493.
Cf. B682: A new broom (besom) sweeps clean.
M948 N0 MILL n0 meal
[ERAS. Adagia, 795D: Qui vitat molam, vitat farinam.] 01577
NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 5 5: Doe according to the Old
prouerbe, Qui fugit molam, fugit farinam. 1627 R. SANDERsON
Ad Populum IV: Serm., I 405: No mill, we say, no meal. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Industriae, p. 163. 1670 RAY, p. 120. 1672 WALK. 24, p. 46:
N0 mill, no meal; no sweat, no sweet. 1732 FUL., no. 3613.
See ST., no. 2557. Cf. S1036: No sweet without some sweat.

M949 Who cannot go to one MILL let him essay
another
1611 COT., s.v. Mouldre: Qui ne peut mouldre a vn moulin aille a
l’autre: *Let him that cannot fadge in one course fall to another.
1623 WOD., p. 511: *So Alle[gorie] in agreeing a Bargane.
M950 You had as lief go to MILL as to mass
1636 CAM., p. 310. I659 N.R., p. 127.
1732 FUL., no. 5909: You
had rather go to Mill than to Mass.
M951 MILLS and wives are ever wanting
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 36: Women, though never so honest,
are insatiable of such trifles. Whereupon it is said, that mils and
women ever want something. 1640 HERB., no. 384: (ever want).
1659 N.R., p. 78: (ever want). 1664 COD., p. 206. 1670 RAY,
p. 18. I721 KEL., p. 249: (Wives, and Mills). *It requires much
to keep a Mill useful, and a Wife fine.
Cf. S350: A ship and a woman are ever repairing; W658: A
woman, like a German clock, is still repairing (never goes true).
M952 Every MILLER draws water to his own mill
I573 SANF., f. 1 10: All draw water to their owne mill. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIV, f. 14: Euery man draweth water to hymselfe, and so
do you. But knowe you not howe euery man seeketh his owne
profite? 1593 G. HARVEY Pieree’s Super., p. 181: Euery Miller is
ready to convey the water to his owne mill. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
376: Everie man wishes the water to his awin mill. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 192: Euery man drawes water to his mill. 1616 DR.,
no. 281. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 127, p. 29: [As in 1573 Sanf.]. 1639
CL., p. 264. 1644 HOWELL Pre-eminenee Parl.: Dodona's Grove,
p. 10: Lewis the eleventh . . could well tell how to play his game,
and draw water to his owne Mill. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 7:
(Every one draweth). 1664 COD., p. 191. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
38, p. 2: Every one draws water to his Mill. 1668 R.B., p. 17:
[As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 121. 1677 W. HUCHEs Man
Sin II viii, p. 118: Boniface 8 . . ripend the Invention of bringing
more water to the Popes Mill. 1721 KEL., p. 92: *Mens Eagerness
upon Self-interest has given occasion to this, and a great many
other Proverbs. 1732 FUL., no. 1438: (the Water).
Cf. M112: Every man for himself (for one).
M953 An honest MILLER has a golden thumb
01510 Cock Lorell’s Boat, p. 3: A myller dustypoll than dyde come,
A Ioly felowe with a golden thome. 01525 Hundred Mer. Tales
10 in Shak. jest-Bks., I 23: I haue harde say that euery trew mylner
that tollyth trewlye hath a gylden thombe. 1576 GASCOIGNE
Steel Glass, p. 171: When shal our prayers end? . . When millers,
toll not with a golden thumbe. 1592 LYLY Gall. II iii 128: They
say my Father hath a golden thumbe. 1612 TURNER Turners Dish
5 in Pepysian Garl., p. 32: The miller with his golden thumbe . . he
needs must steale a peck. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via,
p. 33: A Miller, of whom the old Proverb of England was, that
every true one hath a golden thumb. 1678 RAY, p. 176. Ibid.,
p. 354: (Every honest miller). *They reply, None but a cuckold
can see it. Somerset. 1732 FUL., no. 2531: Honest Millers have
golden Thumbs.
M954 The MILLER got never better moulter1 than he
took with his own hands
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1026: Millers gat never ane better mowtar nor
they took themselfs. 1641 FERG., no. 634: Millers takes ay the
best multar with their own hand. 1668 R.B., p. 39: [As in 1641
Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 313: *Spoken to them who have a Thing at
their own taking.
Cf. M958: Toll it again, quoth the miller.
[ltoll]
M955 The MILLER is a thief
1533 HEYWOOD Play Weather, s. B4v: Who wolde be a myller as
good be a thefe. [01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 4109, p.
530: Or ane Millair that hes na falt, that will nather steill meall nor
malt. [9.1582] 1635 Long Meg Westminster in Old Bk. Coll. Misc.,
II 37: What shall I put out boy, quoth the miller? Marry, quoth

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fI.
MILLER
MIND
462

the boy, a thief’s head, and a thief’s pair ofears. 1673 Vinegar and
Mustard in Old B/t. Coll. Misc., III 19: Many a miller many a thief.
Cf. M957: Put a miller, a weaver, and a tailor in a bag and shake
them, the first that comes out will be a thief; M959: As stout as a
miller's waistcoat, that takes a thief by the neck every day.
M956 Not grind with every false MILLER
1639 CL., s.v. Pudicitia, p. 268.
M957 Put a MILLER, a weaver, and a tailor in a bag
and shake them, the first that comes out will
be a thief
1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker I ii, p. 14: Put me a Tailor, a
Weaver, and a Miller into a bag. —-And what then, sir? —-Why,
he that first comes out will be a knave. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p.
3: (Put a Miller, a Tailor, and a Weaver in). 1670 RAY, p. 217.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Taylor: (is a Thief).
See DUR., II, no. 108. Cf. M955: The miller is a thief; R145:
He that does not rob makes not a robe or a gown; T22: A hundred
tailors, a hundred millers, and a hundred weavers make three
hundred thieves.
M958 Toll it again, quoth the MILLER
1678 RAY, p. 91: *Relating to several trades. 1721 KEL., p. 189:
It is good to be sure, quoth the Miller, when he moultered[t00k
the toll] twice.
Cf. M954: The miller got never better moulter than he took
with his own hands.
M959 As stout as a MILLER’s waistcoat, that takes a
thief by the neck every day
1658 [EDMONDsON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 34: In Germany they say,
when they speak of a stout man, that he is as bold as millers shirt,
that every morning takes a thief by the neck. 1721 KEL., p. 34:
As Wight [stout] as a Webster’s Westcoat, that every Morning
takes a Thief by the Neck. *The Scots have but an ill Opinion of
Weavers Honesty. Apply'd to them who brag of their Stoutness.
1732 FUL., no. 731.
Cf. M955: The miller is a thief.
M960 Like a MILLER’s mare
1606 BRETON Choice, p. 68: Can seeme as sober as a Millers Mare.
[1619] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Little Fr. Lawyer IV, p.
430: I can jump yet, Or tread a measure. —Like a Millers Mare.
1664 T. KILLICREW Parson’s Wed. II vi, p. 99: I’le make him Jostle,
like the Millers Marc, and stand like the Dun Cow, till thou ~may’st
milk'him.
M961 No bigger than a MILLER’s thumb
[A small fish, a mere trifle] 1675 C. COTTON Scofler Seoft, p. 18:
A Groom no bigger than a Millers Thumb. .
See APP., p. 417.
M962 To put out the MILLER’S eye
1678 RAY, p. 343: *Spoken by good-housewives when they have
Wet their meal for bread or paste too much.
M963
lips (mouth) ere the poke be open .
1641 FERG., no. 911: (mouth). 1668 R.B., p. 58. 1697 MER.,
p. 165: (mouth). 1721 KEL., p. 361: *Spoken to covetous People,
who are eagerly expecting a thing, and ready to receive it, before
it be profiered.
M964 To have thwitten1 a MILLPOST to a pudding-
prick
1529 T. MORE Dial. cone. Heresy III xv, p. 236: Now, forsoth . . _
I546 HEY. -
here was a gret post wel thwyted to a pudding pricke.
II xi, s. L4: Here is a myll poste Thwitten to a puddyng pricke so
neerely. [1571] 1633 E. CAMPION Hist. Ire. II viii, p. 105: Thus
was Perkins bragge twighted, from a milpost to a pudding pricke,
and hanged was he the next yeare after. 1573 G. HARVEY Let.‘B/e.,
p. 26: To make a great monsterus milpost of his litle pudding prick.
You breed of the MILLER’S dog, you. lick your, ‘


61594 BACON, no. 109: A myle-post thwitten to a pudding pricke.
1603 Archpriest Contra, II 236: The king makers designes will
come, as is the old proverbe, from a wyndmill post to be pudding
prik. 1611 COT., s.v. Arbre: (We say of one that hath squandered
away great wealth) hee hath thwitten a mill-post to a pudding
pricke. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1: He hath brought a Mill-post
to a pudding-prick; This is meant of a great unthrift. Ihid., p.
14: (to a thwittle). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 4: A mill-post to a
thwittle. 1660 J. HOWELL Parley Beasts IV, p. 59: If she be
prodigal] she will bring her poor husband quickly to thwitten a
mill-post into a pudding-prick. 1670 RAY, p. 198. 1691 RAY
Words Not Gen. Used, p. 75: He'hath thwitten a Mill-Post into a
Pudding-Prick.
Cf. N194: To bring a noble (shilling) to ninepence; P5: He has
brought his pack to a pack pin; S756: To make a spindle of a spar
(spear).
[lwhittled]
M965 I can see as far into a MILLSTONE as another
man
[A claim to acuteness, often used ironically.] 1540 PALSGRAVE
flcolastus Prol., p. 17: We . . wolde seme to see farther in a myll
stone, than excellent auctours haue done before vs. 1546 HEY. I
x, s. C4: She thought Ales, she had sene far in a mylstone. 1562
HEY. Epig. 57, p. 135: Thou seest far in a mylstone. 1578 WHET-
STONE 2 Promos _and Cass. II iv, s. CIv: I haue eyes, will looke into
a Mylstone. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 67: Your eyes are
so sharpe, that you cannot onely looke through a Milstone, but
cleane through the minde. 1597 T. MORLEY Intr. Music 111, p.
123: I am glad that you can see no further into a milstone then
myselfe. 1608 G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN Dumb Knt. I, p. 123:
But they are ever peeping and prying, that they are able to pierce
through a millstone. 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 105: Lenea sees farre
int’ a milstone. 1639 CL., s.v.‘Perspicacitas, p. 252: He sees
through a milne stone. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub I i 58: Che can spy
that At’s little a hole, as- another, through a Milstone. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 5: (as another): 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Monti,
p. 108: (To see as far in). 1678 RAY, p. 260. 1687 T. BROWN
Saints in Uproar: Wks., I 93: I can dive as far into a Millstone as
any of my Neighbour Princes. 1721 KEL., p. 215: (in a Mill-stone,
as he that pick’d it). *I understand very well how Things go,
and what you aim at. . . . '
(112)
Cf. L438: He looks as if he would look through me.
M966 The lower MILLSTONE grinds as well as the up-
* per ~
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 223: The lower Stone can do no good
without the hyar. 1678 RAY, p. 172. 1732 FUL., no. 4638: (as
much as the upper one). - ‘
M967 He weeps MILLSTONEs
01606 Caesar and Pomp. II i, s. C3: Men‘s eye's must mil-stones drop,
when fooles shed teares. [1632] 1659 MASSINGER City Madam IV
iii, p. 469: He, good gentleman, Will weep when he hears how we
are used. ——Yes, millstones. I672 WALK. 90, p. 19: As many
tears as millstones; I cannot cry.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III I iii.353: Your eyes drop mill-‘7
stones when fools’ eyes fall tears. Ihid. I iv 243: He will Weep.
—Ay, millstones, as he lessoned us to Weep. 1602 T.C. I ii 156:
Queen Hecuba Iaugh’d that her eyes ran o’er. —With millstones.
See OTTO, no. 1486.
M968 To rain MILLSTONES ‘ .
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Spuntoni, p. 202: The English say,
Though it should rain Mill-stones.
Cf. C182: It rains cats and dogs. I
M969—M978 MIND: subst.
M969 A contented MIND is a continual feast
~ [Prov.‘xv. ‘15: He that is of a merry heart hatha continual feast]
1586.W. WARNER Alhion’s Eng. VII xxxvii: Poems, p. 594: It is a
sweete continuall feast To liue content I see.. 1681 ROB., p. 381.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most irnportant word.
Mnm
MINT
463
’—
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Contented.
is, there is a Feast.
Cf. C605: A good conscience is a continual feast; N294: Nothing
is better than a contented mind.
M970 His bashful MIND hinders his good intent
1678 RAY, p. 66.
1732 FUL., no. 5637: Where Content
M971 His MIND is on his meat
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 224: Is your minde on your meat? a
penny for your thought. 1616 DR., no. 880: (All his minde).
1672 WALK. 18, p. 29: My mind is upon my meat, I am minding
what I must live by. 1721 KEL., p. 366: You have mind of your
Meat, though you have little hap o’t. *A Return of wanton
Girls -to young Fellows, when they talk smutty.
M972 My MIND to me a kingdom is
[01597] I609 JONSON Case Is Altered I ii 41: I am no Gentleman
borne, I must confesse, but my mind to me a kingdome is. 1600
JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. I i 13: Or (with a number of these pa-
tient fooles) To Sing: My minde to me a kingdome is. a1607 DYER
My Mynde to Me a Kingdome Is: Wks., p. 21: [Title]. 1618 BRETON
Court. and Countrym.: Wks., p. 9: My Minde to me a Kingdome is;
So that the quiet of the minde is a greater matter then perhaps
many great-men possesse. I624 Pepys Bal. 37, I 229; 1639 CL.,
p. 16. I670 RAY, p. 121. 1732 FUL., no. 3500.
See ST., no. 2654. Cf. C623: Content (A mind content) is a
kingdom (crown).
M973 The resolved MIND has no cares
1616 DR., s.v. Patience, no. 1592: All troubles welcome to a re-
solued minde. I640 HERB., no. 460. I659 N.R., p. 100: (hath no
ears). 1664 COD., p. 219.
Cf. M426: A wise (valiant) man makes every country his own.
M974 ,A SOund MIND in a sound body
1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sickness II: Wks., p. 342: A Sicke minde
dwels not rightly in a sound body. 1639 CL., p. 276: *Mens sana in
corpore sano. 1651 WITTIE Pop. Errors I iv, p. 11: Priesthood
joynes Physick, procures that a sound mind may be lodged in a
sound body. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 325, I 292: A sound
Mind in a sound Body is the Perfection of Humane Bliss.
Cf. D381: The disposition of the mind follows the constitution
(composition) of the body.
M975 A willing MIND makes a light foot
1630 MASSINGER Picture V iii, p. 225: A willing mind makes a hard
journey easy. 1721 KEL., p. 31. 1732 FUL., no. 467.
Cf. D407: What we do willingly is easy; N299: Nothing is im-
possible (hard, difficult) to a willing heart (mind); W394: Where the
will is ready the feet are light.
M976 Crabbed MINDS are pleased with nothing
1616 BRET., p. 8. ' I
M977 Unsound MINDS, like unsound bodies, if you
feed yOu poison
1651 HERB., p. 368. 1659 N.R., p. 116.
M978 You will never be mad (married), you are of so
many MINDS .
1670 RAY, p. 118. I721 KEL., p. 374: You are of so many Minds,
you’ll never be married. *A Reflection upon fickle and unconstant
People. 1732 FUL., no. 6028.
Well, Mr. Neverout, you’ll never be mad, you are of so many minds.
M979 MIND: verb
M979 MIND that you must live by
1639 CL., s.v. Ad rem pertinentia, p. I 1. 1664 COD., p. 205: (Mind
that which). 1672 WALK. 18, p. 29: My mind is upon my meat, I
am minding what I must live by.

1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 403:.

M980 What is MINE is yours and What is yours is
mine (your own)
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 1 16: That which is mine should be yours,
and yours your own. 1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 47: Beautious
Jane what’s mine, Shall (if thou make myself thine) all be thine.
1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed with Kind, p. 147: Al’s mine is
yours, we are alike in state. 1607 G. WILKINS Miseries Enf. Marr.,
s. H1: Whats mine is yours, to gaine your peace or good. 1609
Every Woman in Her Hum., s. G2v: Why What is his is yours, what’s
yours, your owne. I612 JONSON Alch. V iv 91: Wee’ll tickle it at
the pigeons, When we haue all, and may vnlock the trunkes, And
say, this’s mine, and thine, and thine, and mine. I614 COOKE
Greene’s Tu Quogue, S. KI: For what is mine, is yours; and you may
command heere . . and be as soon obayde. [1623] 1636 DAY AND
DEKKER Wonder King. II, p. 240: I send you all that is mine, in
hopes all shall bee mine that is yours, for it stands to reason, that
mine being yours, yours should bee mine, and yours being mine,
mine should be yours. 1631 DRUE Duch. Sufiolk I, s. B2: I choose
thy selfe my marriage mate . . what’s mine is thine, thine mine,
seal’d with this kisse. 1732 FUL., no. 5512: What’s mine, is my
own: what’s my Brother’s, is his and mine. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
II, p. 457: Why, what’s yours is mine, and what’s mine is my
own.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. III ii 16: One halfof me is yours, the
other half yours—Mine own, I would say; but if mine, then yours,
And so all yours! 1599 Hen. V V ii 184: And, Kate, when France is
mine and I am yours, then yours is France and you are mine. 1604
M.M. V i 540: Dear Isabel, I have a motion . . Whereto if you’ll a
willing ear incline, What’s mine is yours, and What is yours is mine.
1606-7 A.C. V ii 150: O, behold, How pomp is followed! Mine
will now be yours; And should we shift estates, yours would be
mine.
Cf. C834: Cross I win, pile you lose; F729: Among friends all
things are common.
M981 MINISTERS are the chariots of souls
1616 DR., no. 1391.
Cf. P70: Parsons are souls’ wagoners.
M982 When the MINSTREL plays at his own charges
itis meet that he have an instrument after his
own mind > ‘
1616 DR., no. 1451.
M983-M984 MINT: subst. (=intending, threatening)
M983 After long MINT never dint1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 135. 1668 R.B., p. 18. 1721 KEL., p. 237:
Long ment, little dint. *Spoken when Men threaten much, and
dare not execute.
[lelfect, force]
M984 He that takes MINT to the bed will never get
bairns
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 568. I721 KEL., p. 253: Minting gets
no Bairns. *Only offering to do a Thing, is not the Way to effect
it. .
M985 MINT: subst. (=place for making coins)
M985 New out of. the MINT I
1639 CL., s.v. Novitas, p. 228. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zecca,
p. 239: To be Mint-new, viz. just newly coyn’d; the English say,
Bran-new, or spick and span new.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. I i 178: Armado is . . a man of
fire-new words,_fashion’s own knight. 1601 T.N. III ii 22: You
Should then have accosted her; and with some excellent jests, fire-
new from the mint, you should have bang’d the youth into dumb-
ness.
Cf. S748: Spick-and-span-new (Spick-and-span).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An‘asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
464
MISCHIEF

M986 MINT: verb
M986 MINT1 ere you strike
aI598 FERG. MS, no. 1001. 1668 R.B., p. 37. I670 RAY, p. 286.
1721 KEL., p. 251: *Spoken to them that threatens us; give me
fair warning, and do your best.
['give warning]
M987 The first MINUTE after noon is night
1633 DONNE Lecture upon Shadow 1. 25: Poems, p. 72: Love is a
growing, or full constant light; And his first minute, after noone, is
night. 1664 T. KILLIGREW Parson’s Wed. II i, p. 88: Lest we prove
. this sad truth in Love; The first minute after noon is night.
M988 He is gotten out of the MIRE and is fallen into
the river
1616 DR., s.v. Euill, no. 604. 1639 CL., p. 197: (and falne into th’
river). 1732 FUL., no. 5168: To get out of one Mire, to run into
another.
Cf. B27: To go from bad to worse.
M989 To leave (lie) in the MIRE
[c1522] c1545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court: Wks., II 34:
They haue layde all in the myre. 1546 HEY. I iii, s. A3v: Than
my beautyfull mariage lythe in the dyke, And neuer for beautie,
shall I wedde the lyke. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. II iii
6: Our mirth lieth in the mire. 1608 DAY Law Tricks I ii, p. 19:
Take heed; for, if you tire, Sheele keepe her pace and leaue you in
the mire.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. II i 120: Your wit’s too hot, it
speeds too fast, ’twill tire. —Not till it leave the rider in the mire.
1605-8 T. Ath. I ii 58: Here’s that which is too weak to be a sinner,
honest water, which ne’er left man i’ th’ mire.
Cf. D642: Draw Dun out of the mire; D643: Dun is in the mire.
M990 The best MIRROR is an old friend
1611 COT., s.v. Miroir: An old friend an excellent looking-glasse.
1640 HERB., no. 292. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7: There is not so
clear a mirror as an old friend. 1659 N.R., p. 98. 1664 COD.,
p. 218. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 266: It’s a wholsome precept, to
make others a looking-glass to ones self. *To contemplate ones
own self in others. 1670 RAY, p. 10. 1732 FUL., no. 4905: There
is no better Looking-Glass than an old Friend.
Cf. M448: Every man’s neighbor is his looking glass.
M991 A mirk1 MIRROR is a man’s mind
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 67: (is ane other manis [mynd]). 1641 FERG.,
no. 70. 1668 R.B., p. 5. 1721 KEL., p. 36: A Man’s Mind is a
mirk Mirrour. *Hard to pry into a Man’s Thoughts, or know his
Designs.
[‘dark]
M992 The MIRROR of a prince is justice
1616 DR., no. I 138.
M993 MIRTH without measure is madness
1639 CL., p. 185.
Cf. M804: Measure is a merry mean.
M994 There is no MIRTH without mourning
1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 134: After myrth commeth mones,
after ioy greefe, and after pleasure paine. 1586 WITHALS, s. G4v:
Myrth and mone are mingled. 1587 HOLINSHED Chron. Index, VI
4P1 v: After mirth commeth mone. 1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sick-
ness II: Wks., p. 328: The end of mirth is heauinesse. 1616 DR.,
no. 1647.
Cf. P420: There is no pleasure without pain; W188: No weal
without woe.
M995 Better once a MISCHIEF than always an incon-
venience
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 297: Better ane misheifi' nor ane Inconven-
ience. 1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, s. F4: Worse,


and worse still, you embrace a mischiefe, to preuent an ill. 1639
CL., p. 251: (than ever). 1642 D. ROGERS Naaman, I. 255: Re-
deeme a perpetuall inconvenience, although by a present mischiefe
(as the Proverb saith) pulling down a bad chimney with some cost,
rather than induring a perpetuall smoky house. 1670 RAY, p. 121:
Better a mischief, then an inconvenience. *That is, better a
present mischief that is soon over, then a constant grief and dis-
turbance. 1672 WALK. 25, p. 46: Praestat semel malum, quam
semper incommodum. 1681 ROB., p. 252: (then always incon-
venience). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Mischief: A short Mischief is better
than a long Inconveniency.
Cf. I62: Better an inconvenience than a mischief.
M996 He that MISCHIEF hatches mischief catches
1623 CAM., p. 271. 1639 CL., p. 127. I659 N.R., p. 45. 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 56, p. 33: Mischief still falls on the Contriver.
I687 MIEGE, s.v. Mischief: He that studies Mischief comes to Mis-
chief. 1732 FUL., no. 6348.
Cf. D182: To deceive the deceiver is no deceit.
M997 If we would avoid a MISCHIEF we must not be
very kind and familiar with an evil man
1678 RAY ddagia Hebr., p. 412.
M998 MISCHIEF comes by pounds and goes away by
ounces
1573 SANF., f. 104v: (and goeth by ounces away). 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 29v: (The yll commeth by poundes, and). 1596
DEL., s. 04v: [As in 1573 Sanf.]. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 100, p. 9.9.
1639 CL., p. 165: Mischiefes come by th’ pound, but goe away by
ounces. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: Mischances come by pounds,
and go away by ounces. 1664 COD., p. 206: Miseries come by
Pounds, but go away by Ounces. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. I 38:
(Evil commeth by cart-loads, and). 1670 RAY, p. 121: Mischiefs
come by the pound, and go away by the ounce. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Mischief: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1732 FUL., no. 3417: Mischief comes
by the Pound, and goes away by the Ounce.
Cf. I30: Ill comes in by ells and goes out by inches; M252:
A man is not so soon healed as hurt.
M999 MISCHIEF comes without calling for
01606 R. WILLIAMS Acclam. Pat. 1. 256 in Bal.from MSS, Vol. II,
Pt. i, p. 47: It hathe bene oftymes tolde, Myscheife is ever in all
things to bolde. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 138.
M999a One must not bemoan (wail) a MISCHIEF but
find out a remedy for it
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 236.
SHAKESPEARE—I591 3 Hen. VI V iv 1: Wise men ne’er sit and
wail their loss But cheerly seek how to redress their harms. 1596
Rich. [1 III ii 178: Wise men ne’er sit and wail their woes, But
presently prevent the ways to wail.
Cf. D125: To lament the dead avails not and revenge vents
hatred.
M1000 There is no MISCHIEF but a priest at one end
1549 LATIMER Serm. 8, p. 114: He called . . one Abiathar, the high
priest; for it is marvel if any mischief be in hand, if a priest be not
at some end of it. 1560—77 Misogonus II v 73: Thers no mischeife
as they say comonly but a preist at one end.
Cf. F593: Beware Of the forepart of a woman, the hind part
of a mule, and all sides of a priest (monk); MIOOI: There is no
mischief in the world done but a woman is always one.
There is no MISCHIEF in the world done but a
woman is always one
1630 T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: Wks., p. 1169: When he [Satan]
would peruert a whole family to superstition, hee teaches his Iesuite
to begin with the woman. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15: (But that
a woman). 1670 RAY, p. 50. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Woman. 1732
FUL., no. 6405.
Cf. M1000: There is no mischief but a priest at one end.
M1001
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MISCHIEF
MISFORTUNE
465

___-——
M1002 To practice MISCHIEF in huggermugger
1616 WITHALS, p. 564. 1639 CL., s.v. Hypocrisis, .p. 140.
Cf. H805: In huggermugger.
M1003 With a MISCHIEF
I533 HEYWOOD Yohn, s. B2v: Now go chafe the wax with a
myschyfe. 1538 ELYOT, s.v. Abi: Abi in malam rem, go hens with
a mischefe. 01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 277, p. 119:
And now God giue the shame at last, Commest drunken home with
a mischeef. 1565 COOPER Thesaurus, s.v. Malus: What, with a
mischiefe, haste thou to doe with it? 1611 COT., s.v. Chemise:
Hee raised them with a mischiefe, roused them with a vengeance.
1623 MASSINGER Duke Milan II i, p. 35: Pleased, with a mischief.
1640 NABBES Bride III ii, p.48: Y’are welcome with a mischiefe to
the occasion that brought you hither. 1681 ROB., p. 760: Be gone
with a mischiefe.
M1004 MISCHIEES, like waves, never come alone
1591-2 WILMOT Tancred and Gism. V iii, s. H3v: One mischiefe
brings another on his neck, As mighty billowes tumble in the seas.
[01605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 138: Like waues, my misery
driues. 1613 J. STEPHENS Cynthia’s Rev. III V, s. K2: Mischiefe
(like mighty waues) ne’re comes alone. [1623] 1636 DAY AND
DEKKER Wonder King. I, p. 230: [He] held so bravely up his head,
In such a sea of troubles (that come rowling One on anothers necke).
1636 T. HEYWOOD Love’s Mistress IV i, p. 147: Then woes like
waves, follow each others neck.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 Rich. H II ii 97: A tide of woes Comes
rushing on this woful land at once! 1600—1 H. III i 59: Take arms
against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them.
See DI'IR., II, no. 509. Cf. I32: It is a good ill that comes alone;
M1012: Misfortune (Evil) never (seldom) comes alone; M1013:
One misfortune comes on the neck of another.
M1005 A MISER, like a hog, does no good until he dies
[01560] I581 WOODES Confl. Cons. 11 iii, s. C2: To a filthy Swyne,
such mysers are comparable. Which while they be dead are nothing
profytable. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 9: Coueteous vsurers,
whiche bee like fat vncleane swine, which dooe neuer good vntill
thei come to the dishe. 1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 5v:
There is nothing worse (saith Iesus Syrach) then a couetous man,
who for his intolerable greedinesse, is aptly compared to . . a noy-
some hogge, that is neuer profitable till he die. 1614 T. ADAMS
Soul’s Sickn.: Wks., p. 452: The Couetous man is like a two-leg’d
Hog: whiles hee lines, he is euer rooting in the earth, and neuer doth
good, till he is dead. 1678 RAY, p. 90: He’s like a swine, he’ll ne’re
doe good while he lives. 1732 FUL., no. 3226: Like an Hog; he
does no good till he dies. 1733 FRANKLIN, p. 5: A rich rogue is like
a fat hog, who never does good till as dead as a log.
Cf. M85: A covetous man does nothing good until he dies;
MIO7I: Money, like dung, does no good till it is spread.
M1006 He bears MISERY best that hides it most
01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 95: (his misery). 1732 FUL.,
no. 1810.
M1007 MISERY may be the mother when one beggar
begs of another
1546 HEY. II x, s. L3: Misery maie be mother, Where one begger is
dryuen to beg of an other. 1616 DR., no. 138. 1664 COD., p. 205:
Misery must be the Mother when one Beggar begets another.
M1008 MISERY Shows the man what he is
1639 CL., p. 250.
M1009 N 0 MISERY to imprisonment
1616 BRET., p. 9. 1639 CL., p. 189.
M1010 Once to have been happy is MISERY enough
(Remembrance of past pleasures augments
present pains)
1556 ]. HEYWOOD Spider and Fly II, p. 33: Of pleasure past, re-
membraunce doth alwaie The pinche of present payne, right much
augment. 1557 T. NORTH Dial Princes Prol., s. B3v: For the re-

membraunce of pleasour past, greatly augmenteth the paines
present. 1562 BULLEIN Bulwark Def. Use Sick Men, f. 76: There
is no greater aduersitie then in miserie to remember prosperitie.
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 28: Adversity is ever most bitter to him
who hath long time lived in prosperity. 1597 [BODENHAM] W it’s
Commonw., f. 85v: The consideration of pleasures past, greatly
augments the paines present. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 206:
Remembrance of ioyes past, breeds greater paine. 1616 BEAU-
MONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady III, p. 267: ’Tis a miserie to say
you had it. 1639 CL., s.v. Miseria, p. 210. 1732 FUL., no. 4650:
The Memory of Happiness makes Misery woeful.
Cf. L7: Past labor is pleasant; R73: The remembrance of past
sorrow (dangers) is joyful.
M1011 He gains enough that loses MISFORTUNE (for-
tune)
1573 SANF., f. 102: (whom fortune looseth). 1578 FLOR. First F.
XIX, f. 27v: He getteth much, that looseth fortune. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Assez: He gets ynough that balkes ill lucke; or, that looses
nothing. Ibid., s.v. Fortune: He does much that ill fortune misses,
but he does more that quits a whore. Ibid., s.v. Gainger: He gets
ynough that misses an ill turne. 1623 WOD., p. 476. 1629 Bk.
Mer. Rid. 60, p. 28: (whom Fortune loseth). 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov.,
p. 6: (who scapes a mischance). 1659 N.R., p. 53: (that looseth
nothing).
M1012 MISFORTUNE (Evil) never (seldom) comes alone
[ERAS. Adagia, I208E: Mala malis eveniunt.] 01475 Partonope l.
5542, p. 210: For efter won euylle comythe mony mo. 1509 A.
BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 251: For wyse men sayth, and oft it fallyth
so . . That one myshap fortuneth neuer alone. 1593 PEELE Edw.
I xxv, s. L3: How one afiliction cals another ouer. 01595 W.
SPELMAN Dial., p. 3: A man Cannot have one losse, but more will
ffollowe. 1611 COT., s.v. Malheur: Mischances neuer come single.
1612 WEBSTER White Devil III iii 70: Misfortune comes, like the
Crowners businesse, Huddle upon huddle. 1616 Dr., no. 1496:
(An euill chance neuer). 1631 DEKKER Penny-Wise l. 925, p. 208:
Misfortunes sildome walke alone. I659 N.R., p. 76: Misfortunes
seldom come alone. 1664 COD., p. 185: (An evil Chance neuer).
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 90: The end of one mischiefis the begin-
ning of another. 1668 R.B., p. 41: Of ane ill comes many. 1670
RAY, p. 121: Misfortunes seldom come alone. 1721 KEL., p. 143:
Hareships [misfortunes] sindle [seldom] come single.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. [I III iv 28: Woe is forerun with woe.
1600-I H. IV v 78: When sorrows come, they come not single spies,
But in battalions! Ihid. IV Vii 165: One woe doth tread upon
another’s heel. 1608 P. I iv 6 3: One sorrow never comes but brings
an heir That may succeed as his inheritor.
See Di'IR., II, no. 512; ST., no. 1676. Cf. D361: Disgraces are
like cherries, one draws another; E205: Welcome, evil (mischief),
if thou comest alone; I32: It is a good ill that comes alone; M1004:
Mischiefs, like waves, never come alone; M1013: One misfortune
comes on the neck of another; T617: One shrewd turn follows (asks)
another. (28)
M1013 One MISFORTUNE comes on the neck of another
01526 Dicta Sap., s. C2: There is none iuell that commeth alone
without an other in the necke of it. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit
and Wisdom viii, p. 54: One greefe fales on anothers neck. 1611
COT., s.v. Malheur: One misfortune succeeds in the necke of another.
1616 DR., no. 2176: One trouble in the necke of another. 1639 CL.,
p. 197: One mischief i’ the neck of another. 1648 BURROUGHES
Rare 7ewel Christ. Cont. II, p. 17: Affiictions are not single things,
but they come one upon the neck of another. 1664 CUDWORTH
(to Worthington, Nov. 24) in Worthington Diary and Corr., II I 52:
It pleases God to exercise me with variety of troubles, one upon
the neck of another. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 153, p. 60: One
mischief 0n the back of another. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 340:
Troubles came tumbling on, one in the neck of another.
SHAKESPEARE—1609 Son. 131, l. 10: A thousand groans, but
thinking on thy face, One on another’s neck, do witness bear.
See ST., no. 1676. Cf. 132: It is a good ill that comes alone
M1004: Mischiefs, like waves, never come alone; M101 2: Misfortune
(Evil) never (seldom) comes alone. (24)

In partial quotations wordng (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
MISRECKONING
MITTENS
466

M1014 MISRECKONINC (Wrong count) is no payment
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4v. I562 HEY. Epig. 215, p. 161. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1476: (Wrong compt). 1611 DAv. Prov., no. II.
1623 CAM., p. 274. 1639 CL., p. 126: (Wrong reckoning). Ibid.,
p.156. 1659How. Eng.Prov.,p. 7. 1659 N.R.,p.76. I668 R.B.,
p. 57: (Wrong count). 1670 RAY, p. 121. 1721 KEL., p. 349:
(Wrong count). *And therefore all Accounts pass, Errors excepted.
Eng. Misreckoning is no Payment. 1732 FUL., no. 3423.
M1015 He will be MISSED when he is gone
1576 FULWELL rlrs Adulandi I, 5. CW: Wise men are not wanted,
till they are lodged in their graues. a1594 BACON, no. 60: Extinctus
amabitur idem. 1625 J. TAYLOR Eleg. on 7ames: Wks. F., p. 461:
A good man’s neuer mist till he be gone. 1639 CL., p. 281. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 8: Thou wilt know me better when thou hast me
not.
SHAKESPEARE.—1606-7 AC. I iv 43: And the ebb’d man. .
Comes dear’d by being lack’d. 1608 C. IV i 15: I shall be lov’d
when I am lack’d.
Cf. A12: The abundance of things engenders disdainfulness;
C749: The cow knows not What her tail is worth till she has lost it;
W924: The worth of a thing is best known by the want.
M1016 A Scotch MIST will wet an Englishman to the
skin
1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 394: We care not for a
Scottish mist, though it wet vs to the skin. 1616 WITHALS, p. 566:
It will prove a Scottish mist, able to wet an English-man to the
skin. 1618 J. TAYLOR Penniless Pilg.: Wks. F., p. 144: The old
Prouerbe of a Scottish Miste was verified, in wetting to the skinne.
1639 CL., p. 11: (may wet). I641 Vox Borealis in Harl. Misc.,
III 228: (A Scottish Mist). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,p. 16: (wetteth).
1662 FULLER Worthies Northumberland, II 188: (A Scottish mist
may wet). *That is, Small mischeifs in the beginning, if not sea-
sonably prevented, may prove very dangerous. This limitary
Proverb hath its original in these parts, where mists may be said
to have their fountain North, but fall South of Tweed, arising in
Scotland, and driven by the winds into England, where they often
prove a sweeping and soaking rain. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Villano, p. 232: Not to seem to rain, yet to wet him to the very
shirt, as is said ofa Scotch Myst. 1672 WALK. 57, p. 58: (may wet).
I681 ROB., p. 1100: (A scottish mist may wet). 1721 KEL., p. 18.
M1017 To cast a MIST before one’s eyes
1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 20: The Iuggler casteth a myst to
worke the closer. I583 STUBBES Anat. flhuses I, p. 118: But
though thei can for a time . . like cunning deceiuers, cast a mist
before the blind world, yet the Lord . . shall make them manifest.
1604 DEKKER I Hon. Whore, p. 54: Mens othes doe cast a mist
before our [maidens’] eyes. 1607 DEKKER Whore Bab., p. 256:
They say you can throw mists before our eyes, To make vs thinke
you faire. 1611 Sec. Maiden’s Trag. IV i, p. 51: She trustes me
now to cast a mist forsooth before the servauntes eyes. 1659 N.R.,
p. 44: He casts a mist before a mans eyes that puts money in his
hand. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Traveggole, p. 220: To make one
believe one thing for another, as Juglers do in Fares and Markets,
by Vertue of Hocus Pocus, casting a myst before ones eyes, as the
English express it with their Trick of Legier de main. 1672 WALK.
85, p. 13: We will cast a mist before his eyes. a1674 CLARENDON
Surv. Leviath., p. 26: And by a mist of words . . he dazles mens eies.
M1018 MISTER1 makes men of craft
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1008. I668 R.B., p. 38. 1721 KEL., p. 245:
(man). *Eng. Make Virtue of Necessity.
Cf. N61: Necessity is the mother ofinvention; N80: Need makes
virtue; V73: Make a virtue of necessity.
[lnecessity]
M1019 Hackney1 MISTRESS hackney maid
1616 WITHALS, p. 579. 1639 CL., s.v. Morum contagio, p. 217.
1670 RAY, p. 99. 1672 WALK. 88, p. 44. 1732 FUL., no. 1780.
Cf. M1022: Like mistress like maid.
[1drudging]


M1020 He that makes (makes not) his MISTRESS
(wife) a goldfinch may perhaps find her a wag-
tail
1592 LYLY Midas I i 81: If therfore thou make not thy mistres a
goldfinch, thou mayst chance to find her a wagtaile. I597 [BODEN_
HAM] Wit’s Commonw., p. 17: Hee that makes not his Mistress a
Goldfinch, may perhaps in time finde her a Wagtayle. 1611 DAY.
Epig., no. 48: But who a gold-finch faine would make his wife,
Makes her (perhaps) a wag-taile all her life. 1732 FUL., no. 2773;
If you make your Wife a Gold-finch, she may prove in time a Wag-
tail.
If you can kiss the MISTRESS never kiss the
maid
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: He is a fool that kisseth the Mayd,
when he may kiss the Mistresse. 1670 RAY, p. 1 1 I. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. To kiss.
Cf. M710: Better speak to the master than the man; M1023:
You cannot love both at once the mistress and her maid Malkin.
M1022 Like MISTRESS like maid
[ERAS. .ddagia, 1068c: Qualis hera, tales pedissequae.] 1557
TUSSER 100 Points Hush. 72, p. 230: Such maister, suche man, and
such mistres suche mayde. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 47, p.
103: Such Mistres, such Nan, such Maister, such Man. 1616 DR.,
no. 1240. I620 ROWLANDS Night Raven, p. 17. I699 FARQUHAR
Love and Bottle I i, p. 21.
Cf. M384: Such~man such master; M723: Like (Such a) master
like (such a) man (servant); M1019: Hackney mistress hackney
maid.
M1021
M1023 You cannot love both at once the MISTRESS
and her maid Malkin
1616 WITHALS, p. 571. 1639 CL., p. 140: You cannot wed both
the mistris and Malkin her Maid.
Cf. M1021: If you can kiss the mistress never kiss the maid.
M1024 The MISTRESS’S eye feeds the capon
1616 BRET., p. 8: The Mistris Eye makes the Capon fatt.
s.v. Industriae, p. 163.
Cf. M733: The master’s eye makes the horse fat.
1639 CL.,
M1025 MISUNDERSTANDING brings lies to town
1639 CL., p. 181.
most part from mistake and misunderstanding.
Don Quix. I III xi, I 180. 1732 FUL., no. 3424.
M1026 I care not (Not worth) a MITE
01485 Herod’s Killing Children i, p. 6. [1513] 1553 DOUGLAS
Aeneid III Prol., II 1 17: In cais thai bark, I compt it neuir a myte.
C1525 J. RASTELL Nat. Four Elem., s. A2v: Other matter not worth
a myte. I534 HEYWOOD Play Love, s. B2v: I forse for no man the
worth of a myte. [01535] I602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 4105, p.
529: Count ye nocht that ane myte. [1547-53] c1565 WEVER
Lusty 7uventus, s. E2: I set not a myte by thy checking. 1592
GREENE Groatsworth, p. 137: Greene will send you now his groats-
worth of wit, that neuer shewed a mitesworth in his life.
1670 RAY, p. 121: *Lies and false reports arise
01703 MOTTEUX
M1027 No MITER no crown
[1639-61] 1662 Rump Served with Sallet in Rump Songs, II 121: The
Proverb proves true no Miter, no Crown.
Cf. B408: No bishop n0 king; C839: No cross no crown.
M1028 T o handle without MITTENS
I631 WEEVER Anc. Funeral Mon., p. 300: This merry deuill ..
would have handled with rough Mittins, as the prouerbe is. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Capo, p. 28: To reprove and punish without
the least forbearance, to handle one without mittins. 1670 RAY, p.
216. 1680 R. L’ESTRANCE Twenty-Two Sel. Colloq. 12, p. 178: He
handled the Reverend Fathers without Mittens.
See ST., no. 1102. Cf. C166: Such a cat cannot be caught with-
out mittens.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MOB
MONEY
467


M1029 The MOB has many heads but no brains
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 210: The multitude is a brute with many
legs, and without a head. I732 FUL., no. 4653. 1747 FRANKLIN,
p. 24: A Mob’s a Monster; Heads enough but no Brains.
Cf. M1308: A multitude of people is a beast ofmany heads.
M1030 To MOCK and mow
e1485 Herod’s Killing Children iii, p. 12: And make them to lye and
mowe like an ape. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I I 12: They mocke
and mowe at anothers small offence. I530 PALS., p. 641a: He useth
so moche to mocke and mowe that he disfygureth his face. I596
SPENSER VI vii 49: And other whiles with bitter mockes and
mowes He would him scorne. I681 ROB., p. 898: Mocks and mows
with the mouth.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1610 Cym. I vi 39: For apes and monkeys,
’Twixt two such shes, would chatter this way and Contemn with
mows the other. 1611 Temp. III iii, stage direction following 1. 82:
Then, to soft music, enter the Shapes again, and dance, with mocks
and mows, and carrying out the table. Ihid. IV i 46: Each one,
tripping on his toe, Will be here with mop and mow. (I2)
M1031 He who MOCKS shall be mocked
1484 CAXTON Fah. Poggio 7, p. 307: Alle the sallary or payment of
them that mokken other is for to be mocqued at the last. 1509 A.
BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 213: They that on mockes alway theyr
myndes cast Shall of all other be mocked at the last. 1534 J. HEY-
WOOD Play Love, s. B4v: For who so that mocketh Shall surely
stur This olde prouerbe mockum moccabitur. 1599 H. PORTER
Two Women Ah. iii, s. EI: I it seemes to me, that you maister Phillip
mocke me, do you not know qui mocat mocabitur, mocke age and
se how it will prosper? 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. '6: Mock and be
mocked. 1673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 25: Qui mokat mocka-
bitur.
Cf. 5152: Scorning (Mocking) is catching.
M1032 MODESTY sets off one newly come to honor
I651 HERB., p. 367.
Cf. H583: Honors change manners.
M1033 She that loses her MODESTY and honesty has
nothing else worth losing (never finds them
again)
1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: Wks., II 154: Chastitie, beeing once
scarred, is neuer salued. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 302: Honour and
modesty, if women lose them, never find them again. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4143.
Cf. H539: He that loses his honesty has nothing else to lose;
W662: A woman that has lost her Shame has lost her respect and
her good name.
M1034 AS blind as a MOLE
[ERAS. Adagia, 133T: Talpa caecior.] I548 COOPER, s.v. Talpa:
Talpa coecior, blynder then a mole, a prouerbe applied to theim
that lacke iudgement in thynges that are plaine. 1563 Rivers in
Mirrorfor Magistrates III, Pt. I, II 266: Blinde as moales. I581
BELL Agst. Osorius II, p. 1 13: By this Argument you may playnely
perceive unlesse you wilbe wilfully blind like a want [mole]. I598
SYLVESTER Weeks II 1 ii 376: In heav’nly things ye are more blinde
then Moals. I601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels V iv 622: Who sees not
now their shape, and nakednesse, Is blinder then the sonne ofearth,
the mole. 1616 DR., no. 171: (He is as). [1633] 1655 MASSINGER
Guardian IV ii, p. 254: Your reward is to be drunk-blind like moles,
in the wine-cellar. I659 N.R., p. 12. I672 WALK. 73, p. 54: As
blind as a beetle; as a mole; as a post.
See OTTO, no. 1739; ST., no. 254.
M1035 Of a MOLEHILL he makes a mountain
1560 BECON Cat. VI, p. 338: Yea, be the fault never so little, they
make of a fly an elephant, and of a mole-hill a mountain. 1573 G.
HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 14: And thus he and his fellows seek . . to make
huge mountains of smal low molhils. 1589 T. COOPER Admon.
People Eng., p. 15: No maruaile though their blemishes bee ampli-
fied, and (as the prouerbe is) of euery moul-hill made a great moun-

tayne. I609 W.W. Man in Moon, p. 46: Love is feigned blinde, be-
cause he cannotjudge aright, but maketh a mountain of a molehill,
a saint of a sow. [01615] 1633 P. FLETCHER Purple Island VII 67,
p. 224: And molehill faults to mountains multiplie. 1616 DR., no.
33. I616 WITHALS, p. 556: You make a Mountaine of a Mole-hill.
[1628] 1653 R. BROME City W'it IV i, p. 335: She takes me for a
Mountaine, that am but a Mole-hill. 1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p.
133. 1641 H. OXINDEN (to Henry of Deane) in Oxinden Let. 229,
p. 297: Of a moalehill she hath made a mountaine so great that it
hath reached up to London. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 22: To make
of one Devill two, to make a Mountain of an Ant-hill. 1664 COD.,
p. 208. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pelo, p. 139: To magnifie things,
of a Mole-hill, to make a Mountain. 1670 RAY, p. 186: To make a
mountain of a mole-hill. I672 WALK. 49, p. 52: [As in 1670 Ray].
1679 DRYDEN AND LEE Oedipus IV, p. 200: Each mole-hill Thought
swells to a huge Olympus. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hill: [As in 1670 Ray].
Cf. F398: To make of a fly an elephant; M914: Make not mickle
of little. (I5)
M1036 MONDAY fiit, never sit
1641 H. BEST Farm Bk., p. 135: As for Munday, they account it
ominous, for they say. Munday flitte, Neaver sitte.
See APP., p. 420.
M1037 MONDAY is Sunday’s fellow
[a1600] I611 Tarlton’s Yests in Shak. yen-Bks., II 243: One asked
Tarlton why Munday was called Sundaies fellow? 1637 PRICE
Round Boys, Indeed 78 in Pepysian Garl., p. 445: Tho Munday Sun-
dayes fellow be, when tuesday comes to worke fall we.
M1038 Dally not with MONEY or women
1640 HERB., no. 150. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
233. I659 N.R., p. 27: (nor women). 1664 COD., p. 191: (or with
Women).
M1039 He begins to build too soon that has not
MONEY to finish it
1616 DR., no. 4. I659 N.R., p. 46.
Cf. C244: The charges of building and making ofgardens are un~
known.
M1040 He for my MONEY
I598 GREENE 7ames IV IV iii, p. 284: Well, I will then binde the
(w)hole credit of their occupation on a bagpiper, and he for my
money. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Englishmenfor My Money: [Title].
1639 CL., s.v. Approbandi, p. 30. I668 DRYDEN Martin Mar-All
V i, p. 84: They may talk what they will ofOxford for an university,
but Cambridge for my money. 1677 W. HUGHES Man Sin II viii,
p. 124: Here’s now a Purchase worth the having . . Sixtus, I say,
for my Money.
He that has it and will not keep it, he that
wants it and will not seek it, he that drinks and
is not dry shall want MONEY as well as I
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 21. I670 RAY, p. 211.
M1041
M1041a He that has MONEY has most things
1611 COT., s.v. Argent. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 1: Who hath
money hath what he Will. 1664 T. K1 LLIGREW 2 Thomaso IV xi, p.
441: He that hath money hath all. 1672 WALK. 72, p. 25: A man
may have anything for money.
Cf. M1052: Money answers all things; M1084: Money will do
anything.
M1042 He that has MONEY in his purse cannot want a
head for his Shoulders
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1678 RAY, p. 18.
M1043 He that has no MONEYneeds no purse
1616 DR., no. 1487. I623 WOD., p. 511: Who spendeth well, and
well doth winne, needs no Purse to put his mony in. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 33, p. 63: Who hath no moneys, hath not need ofa purse.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi'.
MONEY
MONEY
468

M1044 He that hoards up MONEY takes pains for
other men
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 109. 1732 FUL., no. 2165.
Cf. M578: Rich men are stewards for the poor.
He that plays his MONEY ought not to value it
1659 N.R., p. 46: (ought to value it).
M1045
1640 HERB., no. 197.
M1046 He that wants MONEY wants all things
1611 COT., s.v. Argent. 1616 DR., no. 274: When we want mony,
we want all. 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 243: Want money and
want all. 1659 N.R., p. 43.
M1047 He who has MONEY and capers is provided for
Lent
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 20: (is furnished for Lent).
1659 N.R., p. 126: (is well furnisht for Lent). 1732 FUL., no. 2388.
M1048 His MONEY burns in his purse (pocket)
1529 T. MORE Dial. conc. Heresy II x, p. 195: A littell wanton
money, which . . brenned out the bottom of hys purs. 1573 TUSSER
500 Points Hush. 10, p. 19: Sonne, think not thy monie purse bottom
to burn, but keepe it for profite, to serue thine owne turn. 01600
Charlemagne l. 40, p. 2: My money burnte in my pursse tyll I lost it.
1637 SHIRLEY Hyde Park IV iii, p. 510: My gold has burnt this
twelve months in my pocket. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 320: His
money burns out his purse bottom.
M1049 His MONEY comes from him like drops of
blood
1678 RAY, p. 90: *A covetous person. 1688 BUNYAN 7erusalem
Sinner Saved: W ks. , I 87: Niggardly rich men, whose money comes
from them like drops of blood.
Cf. M1097: To get money from him is like pulling teeth.
M1050 If MONEY go before all ways lie open
1542 BECON Nosegay: Early Wks., p. 223: Whosoever hath money
may go where he list, and do whatsoever he will at his own pleasure.
1632 ’Tis Money That Makes the Way 2641 in Rollins Analyt. In-
dex, p. 228: [Title]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 68, p. 163: Money
makes all gates to flye open.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I II ii 174: For they say, if money
go before, all ways d0 lie open. I610 Cym. II iii 72: ’Tis gold Which
buys admittance.
See DI'JR., I, no. 612. Cf. A356: An ass laden with gold climbs to
the top of the castle; G282: Gold goes in at any gate except heaven’s;
L406: No lock will hold against the power ofgold; M1084: Money
will do anything.
M1051 MONEY and good manners make the gentle-
man
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9: (makes Cavalleers). 1742 FRANKLIN,
. 2o.
Cf. M629: Manners make a man, quoth William of Wickham;
M1076: Money makes the man.
M1052 MONEY answers all things
[Eccl. x 19: Money answereth all things] 1630 T. ADAMS Cosmop-
olite: Wks., p. 678: What quality beares vp so braue a head but
money giues it the checlomate! It answereth all things, saith
Salomon. A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry:
but Money answereth all.things. 1659 N.R., p. 75. 01700 E.
WARD London Spy XVII, p. 400. '
Cf. G285a: Gold speaks; M579: Rich men may do anything;
M1041 a: He that has money has most things; M1065: Money is the
best lawyer; MIO84: Money will do anything.
M1053 MONEY begets money
1587 TURBERVILLE Trag. Tales I, p. 22: But, where wealth is, there
lightlie follows more. 1625 BACON Essays, p. 218: They say . .
That it is against nature for money to beget money. [a1654] 1689
SELDEN Table Talk, p. 114: ’Tis a vain thing to say, Money begets
not money; for that no doubt it does. 1659 N.R., p. 76. I666


TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 64.
gets Money.
SHAKESPEARE.——1592-3 V.A. l. 768: Gold that’s put to use more
gold begets.
Cf. M1062: Money is often lost for want of money; P215: Put
two pennies (halfpennies) in a purse and they will draw together,
1732 FUL., no. 5091: ’Tis Money, that be-
M1054 MONEY breeds rage; love, marriage
I611 COT., s.v. Amour. 1623 WOD., p. 47 5: Mony makes Rage, and
Loue Mariage. *So said to those that are most part negligent,
and may parforme with Meanes, or Paines taking. 1658 E. PHIL-
LIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 17 5: Love makes men marry, money
makes them angry. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I: Love causeth rage,
but money makes the marriage. 1659 N.R., p. 75.
Cf. B174: Beauty without bounty avails nought; M1074: Money
makes marriage; MI 101: Too much money makes one mad; V46:
Vice rules where gold reigns.
M1055 MONEY does either serve as a slave (servant)
or command as a master
1616 WITHALS, p. 541. 1633 MASSINGER New Way to Pay IV i, p.
173: I must grant Riches, well got, to be a useful servant, But a
bad master. CI640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 8: Make mony
thy friend, thy seruant, and companion, and not thy master. 1664
COD., p. 206. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 64: Money is a Servant to
him who can make use of it, otherwise it is a Master. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2694: If Money be not thy Servant, it will be thy Master.
Cf. F253: Fire and water are good servants but bad (ill) masters;
R113: Riches serve a wise man but command a fool.
M1056 MONEY is a dangerous bait for soldiers
1639 CL., p. 219.
M1057 MONEY is a great comfort
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A6). 1659 N.R., p. 77: Money cheereth
mans heart.
M1058 MONEY is a great master in a market
1616 BRET., p. 5. 1630 T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: Wks., p. 1212:
Money is the master. 1639 CL., p. 98.
Cf. M1075: Money makes masteries (masters); M1078: Money
makes the merchant; T163: All things are obedient to money.
M1059 MONEY is a great traveler in the world
1616 BRET., p. 5: (a continual] Traueller). 1639 CL., p. 98.
Cf. M1070: Money is wise, it knows its way.
M1060 MONEY is a monarch
1639 CL., s.v. Pecunia, p. 245. 1732 FUL., no. 3441: (the only
Monarch).
Cf. M1075: Money makes masteries (masters); M1 102: What will
not (cannot) money (gold) do?
M1061 MONEY is heard everywhere
1549 LATIMER Serm. 8, p. 127: The saying is now, that money is
heard every where; if he be rich, he shall soon have an end of his
matter.
Cf. G28 5a: Gold speaks.
M1062 MONEY is often lost for want of money
1616 DR., no. 744. 1664 COD., p. 205.
Cf. M1053: Money begets money.
M1063 MONEY is round and so quickly rolls away
1619 BASSE Help Discourse, p. 115: Why is the form of Money
round? Because it is to run to every man. 1659 HOW. It. Prov.,
p. 2: (trills away). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 64: Moneys are
round, and that makes them rowl away.
Cf. M1092: Ready money will away.
M1064 MONEY is that which art has turned up trump
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1670 RAY, p. 18: (that Art bath).
1705 Pleas. Art, p. 153. 1732 FUL., no. 3438: Money is Ace of
Trumps.
Cf. T544: To turn up trump.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MONEY 469
MONEY


M1073 MONEY makes friends enemies
I616 BRET., p. 6. 1732 FUL., no. 3446: Money makes not so many
true Friends as real Enemies.
M1065 MONEY is the best lawyer
1639 CL., p. 219.
Cf. G285a: Gold speaks; M1052: Money answers all things;
M1072: Money makes all right that is wrong. ,
M1074 MONEY makes marriage
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 ii 3, p. 693: There is another great
allurement . . and that is . . money makes the match. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3445. _ .
Cf. B174: Beauty Without bounty avails nought; M1054: Money
breeds rage; love, marriage.
M1066 MONEY is the principal word in this house
1573 SANF., f. 106. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 3ov: (the chiefest
woord) .
M1067 MONEY is the sinews of war
[1549] I581 [HALES] Dis. Commonweal Eng. II, p. 86: These coines
and treasures be not with out cause called of wise men . . The sen-
owes of warre. 1579 T. NORTH Lives, V 223: He that sayed first,
that Money was the sinewe of all thinges, spake it Chiefly in my
opinion, in respect of the warres. I590 STOCKWOOD Plain and
Easy Constr., p. 21: Monie is called the sinewes, or strength of war.
I596 DEL., s. N7v: Money is the sinewes, and the force of warre.
1605 BACON Adv. Learning II, p. I 57: But that opinion I may con-
demn with like reason as Machiavel doth that other, that moneys
were the sinews of wars. 1622 F. MARKHAM Five Decades Epist.
War III ii, p. 85: Men and money (my good Lord) are the Sinewes,
Nerues, and Strength of the warres. 1640 ]. HOWELL Let. II 18,
II 410: Money is the sinew and soul of War. 1660 C. WALKER
Hist. Independ. IV, p. 65: The Army could not subsist without
money (which is the Nerve of War).
See OTTO, no. 1221.
M1075 MONEY makes masteries (masters)
1602 Liheralityand Prod. I v, s. B3v:
1659 How. Span.
[Money does wonders]
Money makes masteries, Old prouerbs declare.
Prov., p. 4: (Masters).
Cf. M1058: Money is a great master in a market; M1060: Money
is a monarch; T163: All things are obedient to money.
M1076 MONEY makes the man
[ERAS. Adagia, 647B: Pecuniae vir.] I542 BECON Nosegay: Early
Wks., p. 222. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 102: Suger, Spice,
Silke . . that will make readie money, and money maketh a man.
1582 BRETON Flourish upon Fancy and Toys Idle Head: Wks., I 55:
Tis money . . Yet shall not money make him yong againe. 1616
DR., no. 1410: (a man). 1618 T. ADAMS Happiness Church: Wks.,
p. 578: Money makes a Gentleman, and reputation swels with the
Barnes. 1639 CL., p. 99: (a man). 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 4:
Money makes the man compleat. 1672 WALK. 30, p. 46.
Cf. M1051: Money and good manners make the gentleman.
(39)
M1068 MONEY is welcome everywhere
1616 DR., no. 1421. 7
Cf. M1069: Money is welcome though it come in a dirty clout.
M1069
M1077 MONEY makes the mare to go (the old wife
trot)
15th 0. Money, Money 393 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 262: In the hey-
weyes ther joly palfreys yt [money] makyght to lepe and praunce.
I573 SANF., f. 105v: Money makes the horsse to goe. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 30V: Money maketh horses runne. I605 BRETON
Old Man’s Lesson: W ks., II 7: Money . . makes the olde Mare trot,
and the young Tit amble. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: Money
makes the gray Mare to go. 1661 Mer. Droll. I, p. 117: This
[money] makes the old wife trot, and makes the mare to go.
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 23, p. 78. 1670 RAY, p. 122: (It’s money
makes). 1672 WALK. 27, p. 46: ’Tis money makes the mare goe.
1677 W. HUGHES Man Sin II viii, p. 121: Our Lawyers call it
Pone legem: but the plain English is, ’Tis Money makes the Mare
to goe. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Mony: (’Tis Mony makes). 1690
D’URFEY Collin’s Walk iii, p. 96: As Money makes the Mare to
go, Even so it makes the Lawyer too. 1698 Money Masters All
Things Proem 8, p. 3: [Money] makes the old Wife trot, and makes
the Mare to go. 01700 E. WARD London Spy XVII, p. 400: Money
makes the Old Wife Trot. Money makes the Mare to go. 1705
Pleas. Art, p. 157: (It is Money that). 1732 FUL., no. 2975: (It
is Money, that). Ihid., no. 3433: Money, as well as Need makes
MONEY is welcome though it come in a dirty
clout
1629 J. HOWELL Let. I v 18, I 268: Not would I receive Money in a
dirty Clout, if possibly I could be without it. 01630 I. HOWELL
Let. II 25, II 417: (tho’ it be). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: (in a
Shitten Clout). 1670 RAY, p. 18: [As in 1659 How.]. 1705 Pleas.
Art, p. 153: (in a sh n Clout). 1721 KEL., p. 249: Money is
welcome in a dirten Clout.
Cf. C350: So we get the Chink we will bear with the stink; G277:
Godfathers (Mothers) oft give their blessings in a clout; M1068:
Money is welcome everywhere.

M1070 MONEY is wise, it knows its way
1678 RAY, p. 352: *Sayes the poor man that must pay as soon as he
receives. Somerset.
Cf. M1059: Money is a great traveler in the world.
M1071 MONEY, like dung, does no good till it is spread
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 9: Coueteous vsurers . . like vnto
greate stinkyng mucle medin hilles, which neuer do pleasure vnto the
Lande . . vntill their heapes are caste abroade to the profites of many.
[01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered IV ix 20: The old prouerb’s
true, I see: gold is but mucke . . [He remoues the dung, and shows him
the gold] 1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. III viii 48: I haue liu’d,
Like an vnsauourie muck-hill to my selfe, Yet now, my gather’d
heapes being spread abroad, Shall turne to better, and more fruit-
full vses. 1625 BACON Apothegms: Wks., XIII 380: Mr. Bettenham
used to say; That riches were like muck; when it lay upon an heap,
it gave but a stench . . but when it was spread upon the ground,
then it was cause of much fruit. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19:
Riches like muck which stinks in a heap, But spread abroad, maketh
the Earth fruitful. 1670 RAY, p. 22: Riches are like muck which
stink in a heap, but spread abroad, make the earth fruitful. I705
Pleas. Art, p. 154: [As in 1659 How.]. 1732 FUL., no. 3444.
Cf. M8 5: A covetous man does nothing good until he dies;
M1005: A miser, like a hog, does no good until he dies.
M1072 MONEY makes all right that is wrong
[01500] a1520 Everyman S, s. B2: For it is sayd euer amonge the
summenynge That money maketh all ryght that is wronge.
Cf. M1065: Money is the best lawyer.

the Old Wife trot.
Cf. M1086: Money will make the pot boil; N79: Need makes the
old wife trot.
M1078 MONEY makes the merchant
[01517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. E2v: Money maketh marchauntes
I tell you ouerall. 01527 J. RASTELL Calisto and Mel., s. A6: For
money makyth marchaunt that must jet.
Cf. M1058: Money is a great master in a market.
M1079 MONEY never comes out of season
1616 DR., no. 910. 1639 CL., p. 220. I732 FUL., no. 3435: Money
in Purse will be always in Fashion.
M1080 MONEY refused loses its brightness
1640 HERB., no. 442. 1659 N.R., p. 77: (his brightnesse).
M1081 MONEY stands always with cap in hand to take
exchange
1573 SANF., f. 106.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MONEY
MONEY
47o

M1082-3 MONEY wants no followers
I651 HERB., p. 374. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 20:
Money wants no followers, or Everyone fastens where there is gain.
I659 N.R., p. 78.
M1084 MONEY will do anything
1611 T. HEYWOOD Cold. Age IV, p. 62: Now gold proue thy true
vertue. Thou canst all things and therefore this. 1616 DR., no.
208: (any thing in these dayes). Ibid., no. 1411. 1623 WOD., p.
475: Mony doth all Things: the force of Mony is great, and cor-
rupteth. 1639 CL., p. 98: Mony can doe much. 1692 R. L’Es-
TRANCE Fables 389, I 359: The Old Saying, that Money does all
things, is not much wide of the Truth.
See PE, no. 108. Cf. A356: The ass laden with gold climbs to
the top of the castle; M1041 a: He that has money has most things;
M1050: If money go before all ways lie open; M1052: Money an-
swers all things; M1102: What will not (cannot) money (gold) do?
(7)
M1085 MONEY will do more than my lord’s letter
1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. II v 49: Get money, Boy; No mat-
ter, by what meanes; Money will doe More, Boy, then my Lords
letter. 1678 RAY, p. 177. I732 FUL., no. 3447.
See DUR., I, no. 569. Cf. G285a: Gold speaks.
M1086 MONEY will make the pot boil
[1663] 1673 D’AVENANT Playhouse V, p. 101: We’ll find out rich
husband to make you the pot boil. 1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions
5, p. 225: Money will make the Pot boil, though the devil piss in the
fire. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 340, I 304: ’Tis That [money] which
makes the Pot Boyl (as the Proverb says). 1721 KEL., p. 243:
Money will make the Pot play, if the Dee’l pish in the Fire. 1732
FUL., no. 3449: [As in 1667 R. L’Estrange].
Cf. MIO77: Money makes the mare to go (the old wife trot);
P505: To make the pot boil.
M1087 Much MONEY makes a country poor, for it sets
a dearer price on everything
1651 HERB., p. 373.
M1088 No MONEY (chink) no drink
1640 No Money No More Drinke 1948 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p.
169: [Title]. 1659 PECKE Parnassi Puerperium 140, p. 64: No
Chinke, n0 Drink; Nothing is Gratis now.
Cf. P199: NO penny no paternoster.
M1089 N o MONEY no Swiss
1596 DEL., S. 08v: NO money no man. 1670 RAY, s.v. No silver
no servant, p. 143: The Suisses have a Proverb among themselves,
parallel to this. Point (1’ argent point de Suisse. No money no
Suisse. The Suisses for money will serve neighbouring Princes in
their wars. 1687 DRYDEN Hind and Panther III 177, p. 205: Those
Swisses fight on any side for pay. a1704 T. BROWN Divert. Let.:
VITA, III 143: After long Observation, I find it to hold truer no
Money, no Mistress, than no Money no Swiss. 1732 FUL., no.
3614: No Pay, no Swiss. 1738 GAY Fables II 9, p. 191: For these,
like Swiss attend; NO longer pay, no longer friend.
Cf. $456: No silver no servant.
M1090 Put MONEY in thy purse
1616 JONSON Ev. Alan in Hum. II v 49: The rule, Get money; still,
Get money, Boy. 1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. I iii, p. 9:
My son, put money in thy purse. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17:
My friend keep money in thy purse. 1664 COD., p. 205: My son
put Money in thy purse and then keep it.
SHAKESPEARE—I604 O. I iii 345: Put money in thy purse.
M1091 Ready MONEY is a ready medicine
1559 COOPER, s.v. Medicamen: Pecunia praesens medicamen est
praesentaneum, redie monie, redie medicine. 1611 COT., s.v. Ar-
gent. 1651 HERB., p. 366. 1657 LEIGH, p. 260. 1658 [EDMOND-
SON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 20. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 6: Ready
money brings physick. 1659 N.R., p. 88. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 90, p. 163: A Physician must have his fee, No money, no cure.


M1092 Ready MONEY will away
1621 J. TAYLOR Trav. Twelvepence: Wks. F., p. 82: For by long
proofe, the Prouerbe true doth say, That ready money euer will
away. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1670 RAY, p. 18. 1721
KEL., p. 342.
Cf. M1063: Money is round and so quickly rolls away.
M1093 Tell1 MONEY after your own father
1616 DR., no. 2175: A man must tell golde after his owne father.
1639 CL., p. 90. 1656 F. OSBORNE Advice to Son I xxxiii, p. 26:
Count Mony after your Father. I670 RAY, p. 122. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Tell. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 340, p. 305: One gave him :1
Fee of Forty Broad pieces: He took ’em, and Counted ’em (as a
Man may Count Money after his Father they say). 1721 KEL., p,
284: Reckon Money after all your Kin. 1732 FUL., no. 4328;
(your own Mother).
[1count]
M1094 They can find MONEY for mischief when they
can find none to buy com
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 409. I732 FUL., no. 2425: He’ll find
Money for Mischief, when he can find none for Corn.
M1095 They left him as bare of MONEY as an ape of a
tail
1591 GREENE Disc. Coz., p. 18: [They] so feret-claw him at cardes
that they leaue him as bare of mony, as an ape of a taile. 01605
Life and Death Ratsey, s. E2v: [They] left him as bare of money,
as an Ape of a tayle.
M 1096 They that take MONEY must pay all the charges
(31364 M. PARKER Good Fellow Beloved l. 101 in Roxb. Bal., III 253:
(The proverb Observing—They that money take Must).
M1097 To get MONEY from him is like pulling teeth
1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes II iv, p. 208: He may as soone get one of
his teeth from his jawes with a paire of pinchers, as a pennie out
of his purse with such a conceite. I611 CHAPMAN May Day III
i 179: Captain Quintiliano cheated him yesterday of five pounds.
——Faith, sir, he drew such a kind of tooth from him indeed! [1616]
I631 JONSON Devil Is Ass III iii 160: A man may draw Your teeth
out easier, then your money? 1640 JONSON Tale Tub V x 66: The
Lawes . . doth peck A hundreth pound out of his purse, that comes
Like his teeth from him.
Cf. F63: As soon may you get a fart of a dead man (horse);
M1049: His money comes from him like drops of blood.
M1098 To have MONEY is a fear, not to have it a grief
1640 HERB., no. 587. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 20.
Cf. C506: Much coin much care.
M1099 To make MONEY with one’s teeth
1604 [DALLINGTON] View France, s. HI: He makes money with his
teeth, saith the Frenchman, meaning his sparing of great and super-
fluous expence at his table. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 6: (with his
teeth, viz. by parsimony).
Cf. K1 1 I: A little kitchen makes a large house.
M1100 To send good MONEY after bad
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sostanza, p. 197: The English say, To
send good Mony after bad, to lose the Substance, for the Shaddow.
See SM., p. 548; ST., no. 645. Cf. $951: Lose not the substance
for the shadow.
M1101 Too much MONEY makes one mad
01640-1 CROUCH Begg. All A-row 7 in Cav. and Pur., p. I 17: (makes
men mad, the prouerb plaine doth Show). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 13.
Cf. M1054: Money breeds rage; love, marriage.
M1102 What will not (cannot) MONEY (gold) do?
1578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. I ii, s. H1: A syr, here is short
knowledge to entertayne a king, But 0, O, quid non pecunia? I58I
T. HOWELL Devises: Poems, p. 214: But briefe to bee, what can you
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), 01' by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MONEY
MOON
471


craue, That now for Golde you may not haue? I583 STUBBES
Anat. Ahuses I, p. 186: As the saying is, quid non pecunia potest:
What is it but money will bring to passe? 1623 WEBSTER Devil’s
Law-Case IV i 91: Lord, Lord, to see, What money can doe! 1639
CL., p. 221: What cannot gold doe? 1672 WALK. 92, p. 19. I681
ROB., p. 892.
Cf. L406: No lock will hold against the power of gold; M1060:
Money is a monarch; M1084: Money will do anything; T163: All
things are obedient to money.
M1103 When the MONEY is paid the arms are broken
I611 COT., s.v. Bras: He that payes for worke beforehand, lames
his workeman; or, hath it but lamely done. I620 SHELTON Don
Quix. Pt. II, lxxi, IV 252: It shall never be said of me, Money well
paid, and the Armes broken. 1631 MABBE Celestina III, p. 67:
How softly she goes! How one leg comes drawling after another!
Now she has her money, her armes are broken. I657 FULLER
Notes Yonah: Serm., II 468: He That pays his Servants wages afore
hand, cuts off his right arme. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 3: The wages
had, the arms are broken, viz. labour ceaseth. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
24, p. 257: A servant paid, his arm broke.
Cf. H699: To work for a dead horse; W845: He that pays before-
hand has his work ill done.
M1104 Would you know what MONEY is? Go borrow
some
1640 HERB., no. 334. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
23. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13: If thou wilt know the value of
a Crown, borrow one. 1659 N.R., p. 118. 1664 COD., p. 202: If
thou wilt know the value of an Angel, go and borrow one. Ihid.,
p. 228. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. I I8: Wilt thou know how much a
Ducato is worth? borrow it. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 157. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2801: If you would know the value of a Ducat, try to borrow
one. [1732-57] 1758 FRANKLIN Way to Health, p. 34: Ifyou would
know the value of money, go and try to borrow some.
M1 105 MONMOUTH CAPS
[Flat round caps] 1585—1616 Shirhurn Bal. 29, p. I 18: The miller
in his best array . . He puts on His Munimouth cap. 1605 CHAP-
MAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho IV ii 7: You may . .
hurle away a browne dozen of Monmouth Capps or so, in sea-cere-
monie to your boon voyage. 1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p.
216: The German loves his Conny-wooll: The Irishman his Shagge-
too. The Welsh his Munmouth loves to weare And of the same will
bragg too. 1662 FULLER Worthies Monmouthshire, II 116: The
best Caps were formerly made at Monmouth . . the trade was . .
removed hence to Beaudly .. yet .. they are called Monmouth
Caps unto this day.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Hen. V IV vii 102: The Welshman did good
service . . wearing leeks in their Monmouth caps.
Cf. A101: Derby ale and London beer; B22: Dunmow bacon and
Doncaster daggers, Monmouth caps and Lemster wool, Derby ale
and London beer. (23)
M1106 The merry MONTH of May
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. K4: It mighte be the merry
moneth of May. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. May, I. I, p. 23: Is not
thilke the mery moneth of May. 1586 WITHALS, s. A2v: The
pleasant moneth of May, doth not last alwaye. I594 BARNFIELD
Aflect. Shep., p. 41: Thus doth he passe the merry month of May.
01636 R. CLIMSALL Warn. Maids l. I in Roxh. Bal. III 42: All in a
May morning, in the merry month of May. 1678 RAY, p. 44.
01680 Barhara Allen 1. 5 in Roxh. Bal., III 434: All in the merry
month ofMay,when green leaves they was springing. 1700 DRYDEN
Pal. and Arcite II 44, p. 276: Observance to the month ofmerry May.
M1107 Who intends to have a good MONTH, let him
to the bath; a good year, let him marry; a
good week, let him kill a hog; who will be
happy always, let him turn priest
1662 FULLER Worthies Wales, II 555: The Italian-humor, who have
a merry Proverb, Let him that would be happy for a Day, go to the
Barber; for a Week, marry a Wife; for a Month, buy him a New-
horse; for a Year, build him a New-house; for all his Life-time, be an

M1111

Honest-man. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 151. 1725 N. BAILEY
Benefice Hunting: Familiar Colloq., p. 37: He that marries a wife is
happy for a month, but he that gets a fat benefice lives merrily all
his life.
M1108 Better is one MONTH’S cheer than a churl’s
whole life
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I4v. 1616 DR., no. 1403.
M1109 To have a MONTH’s mind to a person (thing)
[To have an inclination or liking for a person or thing] I575
GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. II V, p. 40: She hath a monethes minde vnto
Phylosarchus. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 217: He gaue
him-selfe to his booke, determininge to ende his lyfe in Athens, al-
though he hadde a moneths minde to England. 1598 J. HALL
Satires IV iv, p. 79: He thaws like Chaucer’s frosty Janivere; And
sets a month’s mind upon smiling May. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s.
D4: I perceiue my seruant Dorus beares a months mind to you, be
not so straight laced to him. 1632 T. RANDOLPH Yea]. Lovers III
i, p. 110: I had oflate a moneth’s mind, sir, to you. 1636 D’AVE_
NANT Plat. Lovers II, p. 26: Belike then, you have a month’s mind
to her. 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady III i 23: I have a moneths mind,
To peepe a little too. 1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II i 3, p. 60: For if a
Trumpet sound, or Drum beat, Who has not a Moneth’s Mind to
combat? I670 RAY, p. 186: (thing). *In ancient wills, we find
often mention of a moneths mind, and also of a years mind and a
weeks mind. The meaning was, because the party deceased, used to
appoint a second lesser funeral solemnity for remembrance of him,
at those times. 1700 CONGREVE Way World III, p. 41: She has a
Month’s Mind; but I know Mr. Mirabell can’t abide her. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 421: Why, you must know she had a month’s
mind to Dick Frontlcss.
SHAKESPEARE.——I594 T.G. V. I ii 137: I See you have a month’s
mind to them.
M1110 All the MONTHS in the year curse a fair Feb-
ruary
1670 RAY, p. 40. I721 KEL., p. 52: (causes [for curses] a fair Feb-
ruar). I732 FUL., no. 6151.
Cf. G417: If grass grows in Janiveer it grows the worse all the
year; J36: IfJanuary’s calends be summerly gay it will be winterly
weather till the calends of May; M642: March in Janiveer, Janiveer
in March I fear.
AS changeful (inconstant) as the MOON
01576 Common Cond. l. 353, 5. B3: (Women are) Like to the Moone
whose operation it is often times to change. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. III,
p. 29: Put not thy confidence in any woman, For like the Moone,
shee changeth, to undoo man. 1596 SPENSER VII vii 50: So
that as changefull as the moone men use to say. 1599 T. HEYWOOD
2 Edw. IV, p. 162: And women all are govern’d by the moon, Which
is, you know, a planet that will change. 1608 G. MARKHAM AND
MACHIN Dumh Knt. II, p. 141: They shall live continent, and leave
to range But men [like to the moon] each month must change.
1629 R.M. Micrologia 12, s. D1v: The change of his clothes is as
frequent as the Moones. 1632 T. RANDOLPH Yeal. Lovers I iii, p.
76: This fellow, tutor, Waxes and wanes a hundred times a minute!
In my conscience, he was got in change of the moon. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Luna, p. 93: To be more mutable than the moon, viz.
Inconstant.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594—5 L.L.L. V ii 212: Thus change I like the
moon. 1594-8 T.S. IV V 20: And the moon changes even as your
mind. 01595 R._‘7. II ii 109: O, swear not by the moon, th’ incon-
stant moon. 1597 1 Hen. IVI ii 35: The fortune of us that are the
moon’s men doth ebb and flow like the sea.
M1112 As full as the MOON
1639 CL., s.v. Similitudinis et congruentiae, p. 286.
M1113 A fine MOON, God bless her
a1697 AUBREY MS in Antig. Rep., I 73: Some of them sitting astride
on a gate or stile the first evening the new moon appears, and say, A
fine moon, God bless her.
See APP., p. 424.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MOON 472
MOON

M1114 He casts beyond the MOON
[He indulges in wild conjectures] 1546 HEY. I iv, s. B1v: Feare
may force a man to cast beyonde the moone. 1562 HEY. Epig. 191,
p. 158. 1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed with Kind, p. I38: I
talke of things impossible, And cast beyond the moone. 1610
Cromwell in Mirror/or Magistrates III, Pt. I, II 513: Beyond the
moone when I began to cast .. what place might be procur’d.
1611 DAv. Prov., no. 12: Still Fucus casts beyond the moone: and
why The moone still casts him into Lunacy. 1616 DR., s.v. Feare,
or Fearfulnesse, no. 699: Feare causeth a man to cast beyond the
Moone. 1623 CAM., p. 271. 1631 MABBE Celestina I, p. 26: Thou
speakest of matters beyond the Moone. It is impossible. 1636
CAM., p. 298: He casts beyond the Moone, that hath pist on a
nettle. 1639 CL., s.v. Conjecturae, p. 64. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 7. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Millanterie, p. 105: To talk ofthings
done beyond the Moon.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. IV iii 63: Now, masters, draw.
[They shoot] . . ——My lord, I aim a mile beyond the moon.
(14)
See T. 75, p. 91.
He will shoot higher that shoots at the MOON
(sun) than he who aims at the tree
1598 SIDNEY Arcadia [1 Bk. VI, p. I 84: Who shootes at the mid-day
Sunne, though he be sure he shall never hit the marke; yet as sure he
is, he shall shoote higher, then who aymes but at a bush. [211633]
1652 G. HERBERT Priest to Temple Auth. to Rdr.: I have resolved to
set down the Form and Character of a true Pastor, that I may have
a mark to aim at: which also I will set as high as I can since he
shoots higher that threatens the Moon, than he that aims at a Tree.
1655—62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 261: He that aims at the sky
shoots higher than he that means only to hit a tree. I721 KEL., p.
136: (than he that shoots at the Midding, though he never hit the
Mark). *Spoken as an Encouragement to noble Designs and En-
deavours.
Cf. A86: One can take no aim (One cannot take true aim) at
things too high; S390: Short shooting loses the game.
M1116 He would make him believe that the MOON is
made of green cheese
1529 FRITI-I Ep. Chr. Reader, f. 100: They wold make men beleve . .
that the moone is made ofa grene chese. I530 PALS., p. 627a: I make
hym byleve the moone is made of a calves skynne. I542 UDALL
Apoph., f. 170v: He. . made his frendes beleue the moone to be
made of a grene cheese. 1546 HEY. II vii, s. KI: Ye fet circum-
quaques to make me beleeue Or thynke, that the moone is made of
a grene chese. 01563 jack juggler, s. E3v: To beliue and saye
the moune is made of a grene chese. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I
76: They make them beleeve . . that the Moone is made ofa greene
Cheese. a1598 FERO. MS, no. 688: (He wil gar a man trow that).
1598 R. BERNARD dndria I ii, p. 15: He makes us beleeve the moone
is made of a greene cheese. 1606 BRETON Choice, p. 18: It is
not meet that men should be perswaded, that the moon is mad of
green cheese. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 252: Some men thinke the
moone’s made of greene cheese. 1616 DR., s.v. Blindnesse, no. 176.
1616 WITHALS, p. 570: The Moone is made of greene cheese. 1639
CL., s.v. Caecutientia, p. 52: Make me beleeve the moone is made
of greene cheese. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (You will make me
believe that). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Male, p. 95: (To make
one believe any thing, that). 1670 RAY, p. 186: Tell me the moon
is made of green cheese.
See ST., no. 1200. Cf. $995: When two Sundays come together.
(16)
M1115
M1117 It is midsummer MOON with you
1588 [MARPRELATE] Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. 129: Secondly, you
may demand whether it be midsummer noon [for moon] with him
or no. 1596 NASHE Safiron-Walden: Wks., III 38: Ere hee bee
come to the full Midsommer Moone and raging Calentura of his
wretchedness. [1598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. C2v:
’Tis Midsomer-Moone with him; Let him alone. . he calls Ned
Walgraue Maister Vandalle. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11: *You
are madd. 1670 RAY, p. 214: *You are mad. 1690 DRYDEN zim-
phit. IV i, p. 80: What’s this? midsummer-moon! IS all the world
gone a-madding? 1732 FUL., no. 2974.

M1121

SHAKESPEARE.—-1601 T.N. III iv 61: Why, this is very midsum_
mer madness.
M1118 The MOON directs more than the sun
1616 DR., s.v. Women, no. 2476. 1639 CL., s.v. Uxor, p. 329,
M1119 The MOON does not heed the barking dog
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. Ep. Ded., 5. A3: The moone keeps her course for
all the dogges barking. 1597 T. MORLEY Intr. Music Peroratio,
p. 183: Contemning the iniuries of the ignorant, and making as
little account of them as the moone doth of the barking of a dog.
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II III vii, p. 552: Doth the Moon care
for the barking of a dog? 1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof. II iii, p. 74:
Believers resemble the moon, which emerges from her eclipse, by
keeping her motion; and ceases not to shine because the dogs bark
at her. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 132: The moon minds not the
barking of the dogs. 1813 RAY, p. 208: *A great minister despises
the sarcasm of low writers.
See DI'IR., II, no. 100. Cf. D449: The dog (wolf) barks in vain
at the moon; M1123: To bark against the moon.
M1120 The MOON is not seen where the sun shines
[ERAS. Similia, 5743: Luna cum soli conjungitur, turn obscuratur.]
1577 GRANOE Garden, s. P3: The brightnesse of the Sunne daseth
the light of the Moone. 1578 LYLY Euph./inat. Wit, p. 199: As
the Sunne dimmeth the Moone. . so this gallant gyrle . . eclipsed
the beautie of them all. 1613 STEPHENS Cynthia’s Rev. I vii, s.
DIv: Lights be obscured when the greater shine. 1616 DR., no.
I 381: Where the Sunne shineth, the Moone hath nought to doe.
1639 CL., p. 105: Where the Sun shineth the moone’s not seen.
I670 RAY, p. 122.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 230: My love (her mistress)
is a gracious moon; She (an attending star) scarce seen a light.
See DI'J'R., II, no. 365. Cf. 5826: Stars are not seen by sunshine
(at midday); S988: To set forth the sun with a candle (lantern,
taper).
Once in a MOON
I607 DEKKER Knight’s Conjuring I, p. 25: She would haue trickes
(once in a moone) to put the Diuell out of his wits. 1707 E. WARD
Wood. World Dissect., p. 17: Once in a moon, perhaps, he invites
some Marine-Lieutenant to taste of his bounty.
See ST., no. 248.
M1122 Pale MOON does rain, red moon does blow
[ERAS. De Copia Verh., 50A: Si quartam orbis rutilus cinget, ventos
et imbres praemonebit. Nascens Obatro cornu, pluvias decrescens
dabit. Rubicundam venti protinus sequuntur.] 1588 FRAUNCE
Lawyer’s Log. I viii, f. 43v: When the Moone is red, shee be~
tokeneth wind, these common adiunctes. 1639 CL., s.v. Prog-
nosticandi, p. 263.
Cf. B733: A burr around the moon bodes wind and rain; M1126:
White moon does neither rain nor snow; M1175: A red morning
foretells a stormy day.
M1123 To bark against the MOON
1589 NASHE Ret. Pasq.: W ks., I 85: A good Prayer beleeue mee for
this dogged generation, that is euer barking against the Moone.
[1609] 1655 T. HEYWOOD AND W. ROWLEY Fortune Land and Sea
I i, p. 370: He hath such honourable friends to guard him, We
should in that but bark against the moon. 1616 DR., no. 1337:
He barketh at the moone. I623 WOD., p. 475: *So said dissigning
Impossibilitie either in hearing or doing any Thing. [1641] 1652
SHIRLEY Cardinal III i, p. 305: ’Tis above your malice, and your
noise not worth his anger; ’Tis barking ’gainst the moon. I659
N.R., p. 44: He barks at the Moon that endeavours to disparage
truth.
Cf. D449: The dog (wolf) barks in vain at the moon; MI I 19: The
moon does not heed the barking dog; M1 124: To take the moon be-
tween one’s teeth.
M1124 To take the MOON between one’s teeth
I579 TOMSON 1st Ep. Paul to Tim. iii: Serm. Calvin, p. 243: That
they which looke vp to the Sunne and the Moone, make as if they
would take the Moone betweene their teeth, as the prouerbe is.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl. ), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MOON
MORE
473


1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 17: (with his teeth). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Cima, p. 39: To pretend to things above ones reach, to catch
the Moon in ones teeth.
Cf. M1123: To bark against the moon.
M1125 To watch in the MOON and sleep in the sun is
neither profit nor honor '
1573 SANF., f. 110: (To watch in the night and sleepe in the day,
causeth neither). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33V. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2021: He sits up by Moon-shine, and lies abed in Sun-shine.
Cf. M1 172: He who sleeps all the morning may go a begging all
the day after.
M1126 White MOON does neither rain nor snow
1639 CL., s.v. Prognosticandi, p. 263.
Cf. M1122: Pale moon does rain, red moon does blow.
M1127 Old MOON-MIST dies never of thirst
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1122.
See APP., p. 424. Cf. B733: A burr around the moon bodes
wind and rain.
M1128 He strives for the MOONSHINE in the water
1530 PALS., p. 865a: For moone shyne in the water. 1546 HEY.
I xi, s. E3v: I wyll as sone be hylt, As wayte agayne for the mone-
shyne in the water. 1562 HEY. Epig. 264, p. 167: He wayteth for
moone shyne in the water. 1570 T. NORTH Moral Phil. Doni III,
p. 182: How they laboured and toyled for life about Moone shine
in the water. 1580 BARET, A-7: Applyed to those which foolishly
doe seeke after those things which be not to be gotten, or when we
seeke after we knowe not what: and according to our common Prou-
erbe, to seeke for Moone shyne in the water. 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., 5. Y2: Thou chats about mooneshine in the water. 1591
FLOR. Sec. F. Ded., 3. A2: And catch the moone shine in the
water. 1594 LYLY Mother B. V iii 111: A wise man is melancholy
for moone-shine in the water. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know
Not Me, p. 284: Do you heare, fellow? Are you drunke, this morn-
ing, to make Vs looke for moonshine in the water? 1611 COT., s.v.
Debatre: We striue for that whereto neyther of vs hath right . .
mooneshine in the water. 1616 DR., no. 2508. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 561: He hopes after moone-shine in the water. [01633] 1662
R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 99: These mens soundings will
prove no other, then as the barking of Dogs at Moonshine in the
Water. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: He waits for Moon-shine
in the water. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Luna, p. 93: To seek for
the moon in the water, viz. to seek in vain.
SHAKESP.EARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 208: Thou now requests but
moonshine in the water.
Cf. M1129: Thou shalt have moonshine in the mustard pot
(water pot) for it. (13)
M1129 Thou shalt have MOONSHINE in the mustard
pot (water pot) for it
1639 CL., p. 68: Moon-Shine i’ th’ mustard pot. lhid., s.v. Inanis
opera, p. 154: The moone shine i’ th’ water-pot. 1678 RAY, p. 76:
*Nothing. 1732 FUL., no. 5035: (in thy Mustard-Pot for it).
Cf. M1128: He strives for the moonshine in the water.
M1 130-M1 132 MOOR = an African
M1130 As tawny (black) as a MOOR1
01489 CAXTON Sons Aymon XXVI, p. 565: He was soo angry for it,
that he became as blacke as a moure. 1616 R.C. Times’ Whistle
III 1103: A taunie Negro, or Barbarian Moore. 1672 WALK. 24,
p. 8: As tawney as a Moor; as swart as a Negro.
SHAKESPEARE.--1592 T. And. III ii 66: It was a black ill-fa-
vour’d fly, Like to the Empress’ Moor. 1596 M. V. II i, first stage
direction: Enter [the Prince of] Morocco, a tawny Moor.
[lSee Sugden, p. 351.]
M1131 The more MOORS the better victory (the more
gain)
I631 MABBE Celestina VII, p. 140: For still (as it is in the Proverbe)
The more Moores, the better market. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,

p. 6: (the more gain). *Moors viz. Slaves. 1678 RAY, p. 351.
1732 FUL., no. 4665: (the greater the Victory).
M1132 Three MOORS to a Portuguese, three Portu-
guese to an Englishman
1625 PURCHAS Pilgrims I i 1, I 35: Even the Indians (which yeelde
commonly in martiall, alway in Neptunian affaires to the Moores)
have a proverb, three Moores to a Portugal], three Portugals to an
Englishman.
Cf. E155: One Englishman can beat three Frenchmen.
M 1 133 MOOR = wasteland
M1133 It is a bare MOOR he goes over and gets not a
cow
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 835.
that).
1668 R.B., p. 31: (It is a bare Moor
M1134 As melancholy as MOORDITCH1
I608 Penniless Parl., p. 39: We think it necessary . . that all such
as buys this book, and laughs not at it, before he has read it over,
shall be condemned of melancholy, and be adjudged to walk over
Moorfields, twice a week. 1618 TAYLOR Penniless Pilg.: Wks.
F., p. 139: My body being tyred with trauell, and my minde attyred
with moody, muddy, Moore-ditch melancholly.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IVI ii 87: What sayest thou to a
hare, or the melancholy of Moor Ditch?
[15ee Sugden, p. 352.]
M1135 Good is the MCRA1 that makes all sure
1640 HERB., no. 145.
[idelay]
M1 136 He is up with the MORE and down with the less
1662 TRAPP Com. Old, New Test. Gen. 31, I 118: Laban likewise
talks a great deal here; and is up with the more, and down with the
less, as they say.
M1137 He knew no MORE than the Pope of Rome
1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II iii 893, p. 217: That durst upon a Truth
give doom, He knew no more then the Pope of Rome. 1678 RAY,
p. 2 5 5: To know one no more than he does the Pope of Rome.
M1138 He owes MORE than he is worth
I672 WALK. 86, p. 25: I do not believe he is
He owes more than
1623 WOD., p. 497.
worth a groat, if every body had their own.
he is worth.
M1139 He that does kiss and do no MORE may kiss
behind and not before
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 4.
He that is suffered to do MORE than is fitting
will do more than is lawful
1670 RAY, p. 9. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 151.
M1 140-1
1664 COD., p. 195.
M1142 I will say no MORE till the day be longer
1562 HEY. Epig. 168, p. 154. 1616 DR., s.v. Opportunitie, no.
1562: (vntill).
M1143 It costs MORE to do ill than to do well
1640 HERB., no. 258.
M1144 The MORE a man has the more he desires
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 64: The moo they
receyue, alway they gape for moo. 1550 LATIMER Serm. 14, p.
278: The more he had, the more covetous he was to have still more
and more. 01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. G2: For
the more he hath, the more stil he dooth require. 1573 SANF.,
f. 50V. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 126: The more she had, the more
she desired to have. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32. 1578 T.
LUPTON All/or Money, s. C2v: The more money I haue The more
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MORE
MORE
474

I desire. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 71: Who hir selfe was
well stored, and as yet infected with a desyre of more. 1596 DEL.,
s. P6v: The more men haue, the more they desire. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 9, p. 66: The more one hath, the more one desires.
SHAKESI'EARE.—1605-6 M. IV iii 8 I : And my more-having would
be as a sauce To make me hunger more.
Cf. M1287: Much would have more; N163: The niggard has
never enough (is never rich).
M1145 The MORE a man loses the less he has
1616 DR., no. 1286.
M1146 MORE belongs to marriage than four bare legs
in a bed
1562 HEY. Dial. I viii, p. 16: In house to kepe housholde, whan
folks wyll needis wed, M0 thyngs belong than foure bare legs in a
bed. 1608 Penniless Parl., p. 56: Furthermore, it Shall be lawful
for him that marries without money, to find bare legs in His bed.
1623 CAM., p. 273: (Longs more to marriage then). 1639 CL.,
p. 65: (There belongs more to marrying then). 1657 CAM., p. 303:
(There longs more to wedding than). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 4:
There must be more then four legges a bedd to keep a houshold.
Ibid., p. 13: There are more then four leggs in a bedd that belong
to man and wife. 1659 N.R., p. 109: (There longs more to a wed-
ding then). 1664 COD., p. 216: (There belong more to marriage
than). 1670 RAY, p. 48: (More longs to marriage, then). 1708
T. BROWN Let. Fr. Authors: Wks., I 345: Four Legs in a Bed . . want
something to keep them warm. 1721 KEL., p. 234: Long e’er four
bare Legs heat in a Bed. *To dissuade People who have no Stock
from marrying.
See DUR., II, no. 84. Cf. L530: Love will cool ’twixt a pair of
sheets if there be not wherewithal to keep them warm; L552: Who
marries for love without money has good nights and sorry days;
M1157: There belongs more to a bed than four bare legs.
M1147 MORE favor lusty youth than crooked age
1616 WITHALS, p. 575. 1639 CL., p. 190.
Cf. $979: The rising, not the setting, sun is worshiped by most
men.
M1148 MORE have repented speech than silence
I640 HERB., no. 678. 1664 COD., p. 206: (of Speech).
Cf. W519: No wisdom to silence.
M1 149 The MORE one drinks (eats) the more one may
[ERAS. Adagia, 11671": Quo plus biberint, e0 plus sitire.] 1557
T. NORTH Dial Princes III xx, p. 432: I finde, that the more I
eate, the more I dye for hunger, the more I drinke, the greater
thirst I haue. 1577-87 W. HARRISON Descr. Eng. II vi, I 161:
The more the drinker tipleth, the more he may. 1586 WITHALS,
s. N5: The more that men drinke water, The more tis thirsted
after. 1605 JONSON, CHAPMAN, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho I ii
129: He that’s most drunke may soonest be athirst. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Mangeant: (eats the more he may). 1616 DR., no. 553: The
more that a man drinketh, the more he may. 1664 COD., p. 222:
There’s none desires Drink, more than he that hath too much.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 25: (the more one would). Ibid., note
68, p. 321: The more you eat the more you may.
Cf. A286: Appetite comes with eating; D343: He that would
eat a good dinner let him eat a good breakfast; D625: Ever drunk
ever dry; M211: Like a man in a dropsy, the more he drinks the
more he may. (5)
M1150 The MORE one spends the less one puts in
one’s will
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 208, p. 226: (The English say, The more).
Cf. K110: A fat kitchen a lean Will (testament).
M1151 MORE spends the niggard than the liberal
1639 CL., p. 39. 1640 HERB., no. 679: The covetous spends more
then the liberall. 1659 N.R., p. 103: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 17: A covetous man out-spends a liberal man.
Cf. F145: No feast to a miser’s.


M1152 MORE than enough is too much
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 107, p. 29: More then enough breakes the cover.
1732 FUL., no. 3461.
Cf. C744: Covetousness (Too much) breaks the bag (sack).
M1153 The MORE the merrier, the fewer the better
cheer (fare)
1530 PALS., p. 885a: (fare). 1546 HEY. II vii, s. I3: The mo the
merier, we all daie here and se. Ye but the fewer the better fare
(saied he). I553 Respublica III v, p. 26: The mo knaves the merier.
I573 GASCOIGNE Gascoigne’s Memories: Posies, p. 63: Store makes
no sore: loe this seemes contrarye. And m0 the merrier is a Prov-
erbe eke. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1298. 1611 GRUT., no. 256: The
fewer the better fare. 1614 CAM., p. 312: [As in 1611 Grut.].
Ibid., p. 313: The more the merrier. 1615 T. ADAMS Wolf Worrying
Lambs: Wks., p. 379: If there were many and not haters, then as it
is in the Prouerbe, The more the merrier: if haters and not many,
then the fewer the better cheare. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A4):
The more the merrier. 1616 DR., no. 710: The more the merrier.
I616 WITHALS, p. 580. 1639 CL., p. 133: [As in 1611 Grut.].
Ibid., p. 219. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9: [As in 161 I Grut.]. Ibid.:
The more the merrier. 1659 N.R., p. 113. 1668 R.B., p. 53.
1670 RAY, p. 120. I681 ROB., p. 598. 1697 MER., p. 165: Mae
the merrier fewer better faire. 1721 KEL., p. 315: *The first, be-
cause good Company exhilarate one another: The second, because
there will be the more to each. 1732 FUL., no. 4667. I738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 432: The more the merrier. —Ay; but
the fewer the better cheer.
Cf. 8903: Store is no sore. (17)
M1154 The MORE you heap the worse you cheap
I670 RAY, p. 102: *The more you rake and scrape, the worse success
you have: or the more busie you are and stir you keep, the less
you gain. I732 FUL., no. 6101.
M1155 Put no MORE in the pocket than it will hold
1639 CL., p. II.
M1156 There belongs MORE than whistling to going
to plow
1678 RAY, p. 191. I732 FUL., no. 4866: (to a Plowman).
M1157 There belongs MORE to a bed than four bare
legs
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1019: Mor belongs to a bed nor four bair
limmes. 1631 JONSON New Inn V v 137: Foure thousand pound!
that’s better, Then sounds the prouerbe, foure bare legs in a bed.
1641 FERG., no. 856. 1668 R.B., p. 54.
Cf. M1146: More belongs to marriage than four bare legs in a
bed.
M1158 There is MORE in it than you are ware of
1573 GAsCOIGNE Supposes IV iv, p. 222: Thou speakest truer than
thou arte aware of. 1607 C. WILKINS Miseries Enf. Marr., s. E2v:
This foole speakes Wiser then he is aware. 1639 CL., p. 194.
SHAKESPEARE.——1599 A.Y. II iv 57: Thou speak’st wiser than
thou art ware of.
M1159 They Shall have no MORE of our prayers than
we of their pies, quoth the Vicar of Layton
1678 RAY, p. 191.
M1160 To be MORE than he can answer
[1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. II, s. E1: I haue done No more than
I can answer, I and will. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub IVi 25: This more:
and which is more, then he can answer.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. IV ii 62: And this is more, masters,
than you can deny.
M1161 To do MORE than the priest spoke of on Sun-
day
1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 344, p. 18: I haue more to yow to say than
as the saying is, the prist dyd speke a sonday. 1546 HEY. II ix, s.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MORE
MORNING
475


LIV: Had I, as ye haue, I wolde doo more (quoth hee) Than the
preest spake of on sondaie, ye shulde see. [01565] I 595 Peddler’s
Proph., s. B3v: I know more then the priest spake of on Sunday.
01594 BACON, no. 679.
M1162 T 0 have MORE of the serpent than the dove
[Matt. x 16: Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as
doves.] [01589] 1633 MARLOWE Yew Malta II iii 36: Now will I
show myself To have more of the serpent than the dove; that is,
more knave than fool. 1642 D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 210: Many
professors defile the ointment of sweete Christianity, with their
overmuch pollicy . . They put more of the Serpent, then the Dove
into the confection.
Cf. D572: As innocent (harmless) as a dove; K129: More knave
than fool.
We can have no MORE of the fox but the
skin
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2: (He can haue). I562 HEY. Epig. 119,
p. 145. 1582 T. WATSON Hekatompathia 60: Poems, p. 96: Then
force me not to more then well I may, Besides his Skinne, the Fox
hath nought to pay. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 274: (No more can we
haue). I611 GRUT., no. 298. 1614 CAM., p. 314: (but his skinne).
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 4: You can have no more of the Fox then
his Skin. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 199: What wouldst have more
of a fox than her skin.
Cf. C149: He is sure of a cat that has her skin; M1 167: You can
have no more of a cat than her skin.
M1163
M1164 We leave MORE to do when we die than we
have done
1640 HERB., no. 965.
M1165 Who MORE than he is worth does spend, he
makes a rope his life to end
1611 COT., s.v. Corde. 1664 COD., p. 224.
I687 MIEGE, s.v. To spend.
no.6397.
Cf. H808: Who has a hundred and owes a hundred and one needs
not fear; who has a hundred and one and Owes one hundred and
two, I recommend him to God.
1670 RAY, p. 24.
1705 Pleas. Art, p. 154. 1732 F UL.,
M1166 Who spends MORE than he Should shall not
have to spend when he would
1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 5. 1664 COD., p. 226. I670 RAY, p.
25. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To spend.
M1167 You can have no MORE of a cat than her skin
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 9: In my fantasie it is happy to the
Huntman when he haue nothyng of the Catte but the sillie skinne.
1570 A. HALL (to W. Cecil, Dec. 20) in R. Cecil Cal. MSS, I 489:
(of the cat but the skin). 1580 MUNDAY Zelanto II, p. 58: (but
her skyn). I582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. H4: A man can
haue of a Cat but her skin, and of a begger, but his scrip: vnless
he wil set the Appothecary the greace of the one, and the dice
maker, the bones of the other. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1546: Ye wil
gait no more of the cat but the skin. [01602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD
Royal King II, p. 23: I have brought thee all that the warres have
left Of me; were I better worth, ’twere all thine; thou canst have no
more of the Cat but his skinne. I611 COT., s.v. Tirer: (but her
skinne). *Or there can come no more (no other stuffe) from a man
then is in him. 1616 DR., no. 1481: A man can haue no more of
the Catt, but the skinne. 1639 CL., p. 163: (but her skin). I659
N.R., p. 119: (We can have). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 199:
What wouldst have more of a fox than her skin. *Note 161, p. 226:
The English say the same, but of a Cat. I668 R.B., p. 50: Thou
wilt get no more of the eat, but the skin. 1670 RAY, p. 67. 1721
KEL., p. 371: *You can have no more of a Person, or Thing, than
they can afford. 1732 FUL., no. 5871.
Cf. C149: He is sure of a cat that has her skin; M1163: We can
have no more of the fox but the skin.

M1168 You pay MORE for your schooling than your
learning is worth
1639 CL., p. 59. 1664 COD., p. 230. I670 RAY, p. 23. I732 FUL.,
no. 5955: (You may pay for your Schooling, more than).
M1169 By the MORNING one knows the day
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 46: It behooveth fathers . . to finde
out . . the naturall instinct of their children: which is best knowne
in their infancye, as the proverbe is, That by the morning it maye
bee gathered, how all the day will prove after. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
10, p. 146.
Cf. M1 175: A red morning foretells a stormy day; M1 178:
Cloudy mornings turn to clear evenings (days); N92: By the needle
you shall draw the thread and by that which is past see how that
which is to come will be drawn on.
M1170 Drink in the MORNING staring, then all the
day be sparing
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1. I670 RAY, p. 39.
Cf. F99: Our fathers which were wondrous wise did wash their
throats before they washed their eyes.
M1171 A fine MORNING to catch herrings on New-
market heath
1639 CL., s.v. Tempestiva, Tempus, p. 308.
M1172 He who Sleeps all the MORNING may go a beg-
ging all the day after
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. I I: Who sleeps all the morning, may beg all
the day after. 1732 FUL., no. 2404.
Cf. M1 125: To watch in the moon and sleep in the sun is neither
profit nor honor.
M1173 In the MORNING mountains, in the evening
fountains
I640 HERB., no. 469. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 22: The morning
to the mount, the evening to the fount. I659 N.R., p. 70.
Cf. M1 174: In the morning the heights, in the evening the depths;
M1176: Some laugh in the morning that weep at night. I
M1174 In the MORNING the heights, in the evening
the depths
1596 DEL., 3. CW: One in a morning swelleth for pride of his goods,
that at the Sunnes setting hath lost all. 1605 JONSON Sejanus V 902,
p. 470: For, whom the morning saw so great, and high, Thus low,
and little, ’fore the ’euen doth lie. I611 COT., s.v. Mont: Au matin
les monts, au SOir les fonds: So some men quickely fall from high
full low.
Cf. M1173: In the morning mountains, in the evening fountains;
M1176: Some laugh in the morning that weep at night.
M1175 A red MORNING foretells a stormy day
1551 T. WILSON Rule Reason, f. 48v: The skie was redde this
mornyng: Ergo we are like to haue raine ere night. 1584 R. SCOT
Disc. Witchcr. XI xv, p. 205: If the morning riseth red, Of wind or
raine we shalbe sped. 1596 Edw. III, s. I2v: Now is the prouerbe
verefied in you, Too bright a morning breeds a louring daie.
[1621] 1662 MIDDLETON Anythingfor Quiet Life IV i 100: You shall
find her beauty as malevolent unto you as a red morning, that doth
still foretell a foul day to follow. [I625] I661 WEBSTER Curefor
Cuckold III i 7: Like a red Morning, friend, that still foretels A
stormy day to follow. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
183: A fine morning never lasts a day. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 21: A red morning, wind or rain. Ihid., p. 22: A red Sun hath
water in his eye. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 13: The skie red, either
rains, or blows.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-3 V.A. l. 453: Like a red morn, that ever
yet betoken’d Wrack to the seaman, tempest to the field, Sorrow to
shepherds, woe unto the birds, Gusts and foul flaws to herdsmen and
to herds. 1596 Rich. II III iii 62: See, see, King Richard doth him-
self appear, As doth the blushing discontented sun From out the
fiery portal of the East When he perceives the envious clouds are
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
MORNING
MOTE
476

bent To dim his glory and to stain the track Of his bright passage
to the Occident. 1597 I llen. IV Vi I: How bloodily the sun begins
to peer Above yon busky hill! The day looks pale At his dis-
temp’raturc. ———The southern wind . . Foretells a tempest and a
blust’ring day.
Cf. M1122: Pale moon does rain, red moon does blow; M1169:
By the morning one knows the day; S515: A red sky in the evening
is a sign of a fair day.
M I 176 Some laugh in the MORNING that weep at night
1530 PALS., p. 776a: You waxe mery this morning, God gyue grace
you wepe nat or nyght. 1611 COT., s.v. Matin: Some begin the day
with laughter, and end it with teares. Ibid., s.v. Pleurer: Tel au
matin rit qui au soir pleure: No glad man knowes how soone he
may be sorie. Ihid., s.v. Soir: Some laugh amornings who ere night
shed teares. 1623 WOD., p. 516: Such laughes in the Morning that
weepes at Night. 1721 KEL., p. 332: They that laugh in the Morn-
ing may greet e’er Night.
Cf. M1173: In the morning mountains, in the evening fountains;
M1174: In the morning the heights, in the evening the depths;
S480: Today we sing tomorrow we weep.
M1177 Tomorrow MORNING I found a horseshoe
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xliii, IV 41: I bid thee leave thy
proverbs . . that are as much to the purpose, as, To morrow I found
a horse-Shoo. 1678 RAY, p. 71. 1732 FUL., no. 5208.
Cf. B398: Then we shall catch birds tomorrow.
M1 178 Cloudy MORNINGS turn to clear evenings (days)
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L3: (to clere after noones). [a1600] c1647
Edm. Ironside l. 1060, p. 49: A lowring morninge proves a fayer
daye. 1611 GRUT., no. 79. 1614 CAM., p. 305. 1639 CL., p. 198:
Many a foule morning hath a faire day. Ibid., s.v. Proficientium
in melius, p. 261. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. I iv, I 30: Dark . .
was the morning of this century, which afterward cleared up to be
a fair day. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: A clowdy morn may turn
to a cleer afternoon. 1659 N.R., p. 25. 1664 COD., p. 189. 1670
RAY, p. 72. 1672 WALK. 3, p. 35: *The world will mend. I681
ROB., p. 341. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Cloudy. 1721 KEL., p. 48: A
misty Morning may prove a good Day. *Things may prove a
little confused and backward in the beginning, which with Care
and Industry may come to good effect.
Cf. E191: An evening red and morning gray is the sign of a fair
day; M1169: By the morning one knows the day; 033: In the old of
the moon a cloudy morning bodes a fair afternoon.
M1179 I was taken by a MORSEL, says the fish
1640 HERB., no. 623. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
193. 1659 N.R., p. 68.
M1180 An upbraided MORSEL never choked any
1640 HERB., no. 402. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via,
p. 183: (never choaked a man).
M 1 18 1 MORTAR = building material
N o more MORTAR no more brick
1732 FUL., no. 6425.
M1181
I678 RAY, p. 296.
M1 182 MORTAR = vessel
M1182 The MORTAR smells always of the garlic
1611 COT., s.v. Mortier: Le mortier sent tousiours les aulx. *A bad
impression made by nature, or an ill habit got by custome, leaue
euer some tacke of themselues behind them. 1623 WOD., p. 504:
*So said of a bad heriditarie Nature. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 25:
*This Proverb is proper to him who being once foul’d with some
vice, beareth still some markes of it, nor can he dissemble his in-
clination thereunto; As a morter, wherein Garlicke hath been
pestelled in, cannot be so washed, but that it will still retain some
smell thereof.
Cf. L333: With what liquor a vessel is first seasoned, it will long
keep the scent of it.


M1183 Backare,1 quoth MORTIMER to his sow
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2. [c1553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I ii 97,
1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., s. C3: Nay hoa there, backare, you
must stand apart. 1592 LYLY Midas I ii 3: The Masculin gender
is more worthy then the feminine, therefore Licio, backare. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 23: (vnto his sowe). 1636 CAM., p. 293: (unto his
Sow). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. II i 72: Let us that are poor pc-
titioners speak too. Bacare! you are marvellous forward.
[1stand back]
M1184 He may remove MORT STONE
1662 FULLER Worthies Devonshire, I 274: *There is a Bay in this
County called Mort-Bay; but the Harbour in the entrance thereof
is stopped with a huge Rock, called Mort-Stone; and the People
merrily say that none can remove it, save such who are Masters
of their Wives. 1670 RAY, p. 225.
M1185 To take one napping, as MOSSE took his mare
1569-70 Stat. Reg., I 193: Recevyd of Wylliam greffeth for his
lycense for the pryntinge of a ballett intituled taken nappynge as
Mosse toke his meare iiiid. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. I3v: Her
brethren . . tooke him napping as Moss did his mare. I591 LODGE
Catharos, p. I 3: So Mosse his mare leaping ouer my Lords ditch,
saide my Maister feedes me in Lanes, and is this friendship? 1607
SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. III, p. 37: Catch my loue napping as
Morse catcht his Mare. 1639 CL., p. 299: He tooke him napping,
as Mosse did his mare. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I 3: He found
him napping as Mosse found his mare. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Peccavisti, p. 137: To catch any one in the peccavisti, viz. in the
fact, napping, as Mosse caught his Mare, to make one cry peccavi.
1670 RAY, p. 187: (I Took him napping, as Moss).
Cf. N36—7: To take one napping; P170: To cry peccavi. (18)
M1186 MOST takes all
1678 RAY, p. 347: (take).
M1187 Who knows MOST speaks least
1621 I. TAYLOR Super. Flag: Wks. F., p. 45: He knowes most,
which least doth seeme to. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 189.
Cf. M602: Wise men have their mouth (tongue) in their heart,
fools their heart in their mouth (tongue).
M1188 Every MOTE is a beam in his eye
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 391. 1615 TOFTE Blazon 7eal., p. 29: Hee
will then quickly take occasion to be angry with her, and euery mote
(as the Prouerbe goeth) is a beame in his eye.
Cf. M1189: He is a mote in their eyes.
M1189 He is a MOTE in their eyes
1600 P. HOLLAND Rom. Hist. Livy I, p. 33 : Then every day more than
other began Tullius to be a continual mote in their eies. 1625
MOUNTAGU 7ust Appeal I I, p. 3: Authority . . that great Cordolium,
and Moate-in-the-eye unto popular irregularitie. 1627 ABBOT
Narr. in Rushworth Hist. Coll., I 450: The first of these is Sir Dudley
Diggs, a very great Mote in the Duke’s Eye.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo—1 H. I i 112: A mote it is to trouble the
mind’s eye.
Cf. M1188: Every mote is a beam in his eye.
M1190 A MOTE may choke a man
1639 CL., s.v. Infortunii sive exitii, p. 164. 1670 RAY, p. 122.
You can see a MOTE in another man’s eye but
cannot see a beam in your own
[Matt. vii 3: And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy
brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own
eye? ERAS. Adagio, 256D: Festucam ex alterius oculo ejicere.]
1481 CAXTON Reynard 29, p. 74: Ther be many that see a strawe in
an others eye that can not see a balke [beam] in his owne. 1526
TYNDALE Paul to Rom. (1573 ed.): Doct. Treat., p. 486: Thou
teachest other men, and seest a mote in another man’s eye, but art
not ware of the beam that is in thine own eye. 1546 HEY. II vii,
M1191

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MOTES
MOTHER
477


5. I4: Ye can see a mote in an other mans iye, But ye can not see a
balke in your owne. [1547-53] c1565 WEVER Lusty 7uventus, s.
E2v: You go about my liuing to dispise, But you wil not see the
beames in your owne eyes. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 5: I wuld
he were but as wel bent to pluck out the beame out of his oun i as he
is busi to spi a mote in an other man’s i. 1580 BARET, A—293:
Applyed against those, which seeme to meddle with other mens
faults neglecting their owne: and as we say of such, that they can
see a mote in other mens eyes, and canne not see a beame that is in
their owne. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ee2: I was once a pleasant
moate in my mistrisses eye, whiles I had a beame in mine owne not
to discerne her dealinges. 1616 DR., no. 297: He can easily see or
espie a mote in an other mans eye, but he cannot discerne a beame
in his owne. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: (You see the mote in my
eye, but cannot see the beam). 1663 N. WAKER’Refined Courtier
VII, p. 184: Others are exceeding solicitous to pull a mote out of
their Neighbours eye, and in the mean time regard not the beam
that is in their own. 1672 WALK. 8, p. 21: (You can spie a mote in
another bodies eye, and cannot).
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 161: You found his mote,
the King your mote did see; But I a beam do find in each of three.
See DtiR., I, no. 143. Cf. F107: He finds fault with others and
does worse himself (He that will blame others must be blameless
himself); W20: We see not what is in the wallet behind. (7)
M1192 As many as there are MOTES in the sun
1606 Wily Beguiled Prol., p. 2: Ile shew you as many toies as there
be minutes in a moneth, and as many trickes as there be motes in
the sunne. [1632] 1645 MILTON Il Penseroso l. 7: Wks., Pt. I, I 40:
And numberless, As the gay motes that people the Sun Beams.
1634 T. HERBERT Some Yrs. Travel II, p. 266: Paradise (sayes the
Alcoran) is so many miles about as there be moates or atoms in the
Sunne. 1653 WALTON Complete Angler X, p. 1 88: As thick as motes
are said to be in the Sun.
M1193 Ask the MOTHER if the child be like his father
1562 HEY. Epig. 50, p. 208: Who is thy father childe, axt his
mothers husband. Axe my mother (quoth he) that to vnder-
stand. The boy dalieth with you sir: for verily He knowth who is
his father as well as I. [1600] I659 DAY Blind Beg. II, s. EIV:
Is not this your Son? ———I cannot tell, his Mother tells me so.
1616 BRET., p. 5: Euery child knowes his owne father. —Not, but
as his mother tels him. [1618] I647 FLETCHER Loyal Suhj. II iii,
p. I 10: Are these fair ones yours, Lord? *Their Mother made me
think so Sir. 1732 FUL., no. 818. Mid, no. 4676: The Mother
knows best, whether the Child be like the Father. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 383: Are you not Tom johnson’s daughter? —So my
mother tells me.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.C. V. III i 293: Tell me this: who begot
thee? —Marry, the son of my grandfather. —O illiterate loiterer!
It was the son of thy grandmother. 1594-5 L.L.L. II i 201: Pray
you, sir, whose daughter? -—Her mother’s, I have heard. 1594-8
T.S. V i 34: Art thou his father? —Ay, sir. So his mother says,
ifI may believe her. 1597 I Hen. IV II iv 442: That thou art my
son I have partly thy mother’s word, partly my own opinion. 1598
2Hen. IV III ii 137: Shadow, Whose son art thou? —My moth-
er’s son, sir. 1598-9 M.A. I i 104: I think this is your daughter.
—-Her mother hath many times told me so. 1611 Temp. I ii 55:
Sir, are not you my father? —Thy mother was a piece of virtue,
and She said thou wast my daughter.
Cf. C309: It is a wise child (father) that knows his own father
(child); M1 20 5: The mother’s side is the surer side.
MI 194 Better a thigging1 MOTHER than a riding father
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 269. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 39: Better a
poor careful mother, then a rich careless father. 1668 R.B., p. I 5.
I721 KEL., p. 66.
[lbegging]
M1195 The good MOTHER says not, Will you? but
gives
1640 HERB., no. 463. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
185. 1659 N.R., p. 101. 1664 COD., p. 219. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
27, p. 3 I 5: A good Mother doth not say, will you? 1670 RAY, p. I 8.
M1196 If your MOTHER had not lost her virginity you
would not have been born
[ERAS. Fam. Col/09., 696A: Nisi matri tuae defiuxisset fios ille, nos
istum flosculum non haberemus.] 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 86:
Would you should follow her [your mother’s] example, and make no
conscience to lose that which she herself hath lost, which, except
she had lost, we had lost so rare a jewel as your seemly self are.
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 230: If thy Mother had bene of that
minde [not to marry] when shee was a mayden, thou haddest not
nowe bene borne to bee of this minde to bee a virginne. 1611 T.
HEYWOOD Gold. Age II, p. 26: Oh thinke faire creature, that you had
a mother, One that bore you, that you might beare another.
SHAKESPEARE."I592—3 V .A. l. 203: 0, had thy mother borne so
hard a mind, She had not brought forth thee, but died unkind!
1602 A.W. I i 148: To speak on the part of Virginity is to accuse
your mothers, which is most infallible disobedience.
M1197 It is not as thy MOTHER says but as thy neigh-
bors say
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 398: *The meaning is that we are not to
regard the praises of a near relation, but to listen to what is said by
the neighborhood. I732 FUL., no. 2995.
Cf. M448: Every man’s neighbor is his looking glass; M531: If
all men may say that thou art an ass then bray; N120: Think not
better of yourself than all your neighbors do.
Mr 198 A light-heeled MOTHER makes a heavy-heeled
daughter ‘
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 15: Ane oleit mother makis a sueir dochter.
1668 R.B., p. 3: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 53: *Because
she doth all her work herself, and her daughter the mean time sitting
idle, contracts a habit of sloth. 1721 KEL., p. 22: [As in a1598
Ferg.]. I732 FUL., no. 3214: Light-heel’d Mothers make leaden—
heel’d Daughters.
Cf. M1201: A pitiful mother makes a scabby daughter (a scald
head).
M1199 Like MOTHER like daughter
[Ezek. xvi 44: Every one . . shall use this proverb against thee, say-
ing, As is the mother, so is her daughter.] 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship
Fools, I 236: An olde prouerbe hath longe agone be sayde That oft
. . the mayde Or doughter, vnto the Mother wyll agre. I591 STEP. ,
p. 154: Of a good mother commeth seldome a bad daughter. 1616
DR., no. 262: Like father, like sonne: like mother, like daughter.
1623 WOD., p. 516: Such Mother such Daughter. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 19, p. 135: Such as the mother is, such is the daughter. 1672
WALK. 26, p. 22.
Cf. C759: Like cow like calf; F92: Such a (Like) father such a
(like) son; G335: Well good mother daughter; H424: Like hen like
chicken; L337: The litter is like to the sire and the dam; M650:
The mare lame, the colt the like; M665: She has a mark after her
mother.
M1200 The MOTHER of mischief is no more1 than a
midge wing
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1310. 1668 R.B., p. 52. 1721 KEL., p. 310:
*Spoken when a great Quarrel has risen from a small Occasion.
[lbiggerl
M1201 A pitiful MOTHER makes a scabby daughter
(a scald1 head)
01594 BACON, no. 1471: Mere pitieuse fille rigeureuse. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Mere: A tender mother breeds a scabbie daughter. 1623 WOD.,
p. 503: *So said where no good Industrie is of the Mothers side.
1640 HERB., no. 643: (a scald head). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes
Fac. in Via, p. 236: (a scall’d head). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 11:
Too pitiful a mother makes a scabby child. 1659 HOW. Span.
Prov., p. 6: (a Shitten Child). 1659 N.R., p. 19: (a scab’d daughter).
See DI'IR., II, no. 119. Cf. H799: A gentle housewife mars the
household; M1198: A light-heeled mother makes a heavy*heeled
daughter; P270: A pitiful physician (chirurgeon, surgeon) makes a
deadly wound (sore); P366: Foolish (Peevish) pity mars a city.
[lscabby]


In partial quotations wordng (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
MOTHER’S
MOUNTAIN
478

M1202 Every MOTHER’S son (child)
[01470] I485 MALORY Morte d'Arthur II x, p. 88: And there were
slayn mony moders sones. 1545 ASCHAM Tox., p. 69: The Ro-
maynes . . slewe them euery mother son. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet.,
p. 72: Die we must euery mothers sonne of vs. 1594 NASHE Un-
fort. Trav., p. 229: I heard where they dyde vp all in one Familie,
and not a mothers childe escapde. 1601 On Death Essex in Cent.
Broadside Eleg., p. 3: He neuer yet hurt mothers sonne. 1602
Alarm for London, s. F2: You’ll be staru’d euerie mothers Sonne
of yee. 1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed with Kind, p. 95:
Euery mothers childe, With Nose-gaies and Brideiaces in their hats,
Dance all their country measures. I616 WITHALS, p. 574: Every
mothers child. 1639 CL., p. 4: Every mothers child of us. 1672
WALK. 1, p. 7: Every mothers son of them. 1675 C. COTTON
Scofl'er Scoft, p. 147: Ladies! Thou (Paris) movs’t my laughter,
They’re Deities ev’ry Mothers Daughter. 1694 ECHARD Mother—
in~Law I, p. 260: Ay ev’ry Mothers Son of ’em.
SHAKESPEARE—I595 M.N.D. I ii 80: That would hang us, every
mother’s son. Ibid. III i 75: Come, sit down every mother’s son.
M1203 He was lapped (wrapped) in his MOTHER’S
smock
I585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II v, s. D4v: This was my fathers
craft, for he euer made my Mother to wrap mee in her smocke.
1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 198: HOW should I be vsed: but as
one that was wrapt in his mothers smock when hee was borne.
1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. DIv: I thinke (as the prouerbe
goes) I was wrapt in my Mothers smocke the day I was begotten, I
thank the Goddesse Cupid for it, I am so fauourd of the Women
my hostes loues me execrably. 1620 or 1630 T.D. Bloody Bang. I
iv, s. CI v: Hum, is that the most fortunate, spider catching, smocke
wrapt Gentleman? 1639 CL., p. 125. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Giove, p. 75: To be born in Jupiter’s lap, viz. to be a favourite; the
English say, to have been wrap’d up in Fortunes smock. 1668 T.
SHADWELL Sullen Lovers V, p. 80: Sure I was born with a Caul on
my Head, and wrapt in my Mothers Smock the Ladies do so love
me. 1670 RAY, p. 184. 1672 WALK. 98, p. 26: (Fortunes darling;
he was lapt in). 1696 DILKE Lover’s Luck I, p. 4: Lap’d in your
Mother’s Smock. 1721 KEL., p. 139: He was wrap’d in his Mother’s
Sark Tail. *The Scots have a superstitious Custom of receiving a
Child, when it comes to the World, in its Mother’s Shift, if a Male;
believing that this Usage will make him well-beloved among Wom-
en. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 446: Indeed, miss,I believe you
were wrapt in your mother’s smock, you are so well beloved.
Cf. C197: He was born with a caul; S632: A son of the white hen;
S772: He was born with a silver spoon (a penny) in his mouth.
(9)
M1204 His MOTHER’S milk is not out of his nose
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 593. 1607 G. WILKINS Miseries Enf. Marr.,
s. F2: Their mothers milke not wrung out of their nose yet, they
knowe no more how to behaue themselues in this honest and neede-
ful calling of Purse taking, then I do to peece Stockings. 1721
KEL., p. 387: Your Minnie’s Milk is no out of your Nose yet.
*Spoken to Novices who are not yet accustomed to be with, or
serve Strangers, and take harsh usage ill. I732 FUL., no. 6055:
Your Mamma’s Milk is scarce out ofyour Nose yet.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. Iv 169: One would think his mother’s
milk were Scarce out of him.
Cf. C795: Cradle straws are scarce out of his breech; L69: Like
a lapwing that runs away with the shell on its head.
M1205 The MOTHER’S side is the surer side
1548 E. HALL Hen. V: Chron., f. 41v: If the old and trite prouerbe
be true that the womans side is the surer side and that the childe
foloweth the wombe. I607 MIDDLETON Mich. Term I i 71: Yet the
mother’s side Being surer than the father’s, it may prove, Men
plead for money best, women for love. 1607 MIDDLETON Phoenix
I vi 157: I’ll swear then he is his brother indeed, and by the surer
side. [1622] 1657 MIDDLETON More Dissemblers I iii 112: Only
death Comes by the mother’s side, and that’s the surest.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592 T. And. IV ii 126: Nay, he is your brother
by the surer side, Although my seal be stamped in his face.
Cf. l\111193:Ask the mother ifthe child be like his father.


M1206 Four good MOTHERS beget four bad daughters:
great familiarity, contempt; truth, hatred; vir_
tue, envy; riches, ignorance
I657 LEIGH, p. 273. I659 N.R., p. 35. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 21,
p. 135: Four good mothers bring forth bad children; Truth brings
forth hatred, Prosperity pride, Security danger, and Familiarity
contempt.
Cf. T569: Truth begets hatred.
M1207 He that will not hear MOTHERHOOD shall hear
stepmotherhood
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 477. 1668 R.B., p. 21. 1721 KEL., p. 158;
*That is, they who will not be prevail’d upon by fair Means, Shall
meet with harsher Treatment. 1732 FUL., no. 5729: Whoso is not
dutiful to a good Mother, shall be punished by an ill Step-Mother.
Cf. D19: He that will not be ruled by his own dame (father)
must be ruled by his stepdame (stepfather).
M1208 The MOTHER-IN-LAW does not remember that
she has been a daughter-in-law
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 36.
that she was).
1732 FUL., no. 4675: (remembers not,
M1209 He scoms the MOTION
1616 DR., s.v. Contempt, no. 324. 1659 N.R., p. 54.
M1210 MOTIONS are not marriages
1678 RAY, p. 56.
He that MOUNTS (climbs) higher than he ought
falls lower than he would
I484 CAXTON Fab. Avian 2, p. 217: Who so mounteth hyher than he
shold, he falleth lower than he wold. I596 DEL., s. PIv: (shall de-
scend lower then he would). 1611 COT., s.v. Haut: (He that climbes
higher then he should). 1616 DR., no. 65. I623 WOD., p. 511:
Who climmes higher then hee ought, Falls lower then hee thought.
1657 LEIGH, p. 273: [As in 1596 Del.]. 1659 N.R., p. 45: [As in
I 596 Del.].
Cf. D412: He that does (seeks) that he ought not, that hap-
pens to him he thinks not (finds what he would not); S823: The
higher standing (up) the lower (greater) fall.
M1211
M1212 The higher MOUNTAIN the greater descent
1586 WITHALS, S. B5v: The higher the hill is, the deeper is the dale,
or the valley is the lower. 1616 DR., no. 67.
See DUR., I, no. 806. Cf. H467: There is no hill without its
valley; S823: The higher standing (up) the lower (greater) fall.
M1213 If the MOUNTAIN will not come to Mahomet,
Mahomet will go to the mountain
01594 BACON, no. 925: Se no va el otero a Mahoma vaya Mahoma
al otero. 1625 BACON Essays, p. 117: If the bill will not come to
Mahomet, Mahomet will go to the hill. 1642 OWEN Display
Armin. VIII: Wks., X 83. 1660 R. BOYLE New Exper. Physico-
Mech. Pref., p. xv: (Since the Mountain cannot come to). 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Macometto, p. 94: To say as Mahomet to the
Mountains, viz. if ye come not to us, we will come to you. 1691 J.
RAY Wisdom God I, p. 49: The stupid Matter . . would be as sullen
as the Mountain was that Mahomet commanded to come down to
him. I732 FUL., no. 2707: (must go to the Mountain).
See ST., no. 207.
M1214 A MOUNTAIN and a river are good neighbors
1640 HERB., no. 270. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p
231.
M1215 The MOUNTAIN was in labor and brought forth
a mouse
[ERAS. Adagia, 339B: Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus]
1549 LATIMER Serm. 7, p. 92: For all their boasts, little or nothing
was done; in whom these words of Horace may well be verified . .
The mountains swell up, the poor mouse is brought out. 1580


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MOUNTAINS
MOUSE
479


BARET, P—I36: *A Prouerbe vsed towards those, which being great
boasters of their substance and welth, promise verie great rewards:
but when they come to performance of such things, they seeme to
eate their words. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. K4v: Where he
looked for mounteines of mynes, which as we say, brought foorth
nothing else but a Sielie dragled mouse. I584 LYLY Camp. Prol., l.
12: If the shower of our swelling mountaine seeme to bring foorth
some Eliphant, perfourme but a mouse, you will gently say, this is
a beast. 1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s.
GIV: Doo all these mountaines moue to breede a mouse? I604
ALEXANDER Croesus II i 434: I thinke a Mountaine hath brought
forth a Mouse. 1615 R.A. Val. Welsh. III v, s. F2: This Welsh-
man is all superficiall, Without dimensions, and like a mountaine
swels, In labour onely with great ayry words, Whose birth is nothing,
but a Silly Mouse. 1625 MIDDLETON Game at Chess II ii 9: And
from his huge bulk let forth a butterfly, Like those big bellied
mountains, which the poet Delivers, that are brought to bed with
mouse-flesh. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 10: The mountain fumes, a
mouse comes forth. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 157: The mountains
are big, and bring forth a fart. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sorcio, p.
196: To have done much, and at last prove but a mouse, viz. to have
laboured to no purpose.
(11)
See ST., no. 206.
M1216 He promises MOUNTAINS (golden hills) and
performs molehills (dirty dales)
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 75 : Will he not promise golden hills and
perform dirty dales? I598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. B1v: His
promise is golden Hilles, but his performance durtie Dales. I629
Bk. Mer. Rid. 105, p. 29. 1631 MABBE Celestina XXI, p. 282: Thou
promisest mountaines, but performest Mole-hils.
Cf. M1217: To promise mountains (golden mountains); 5187:
He promises seas and mountains.
M1217 To promise MOUNTAINS (golden mountains)
[ERAS. Adagia, 339E: Aureos montes polliceri.] 1548 E. HALL
Hen. VI: Chron., f. 29v: Not onelye requiryng hym, of concord,
peace, and amitie, but also promysing golden mountaines, and
many more benefites, then at that tyme, he was either able or could
performe. 1599 T. HEYWOOD I Edw. IV, p. 34: After thy prom-
ises Of many golden mountaines to ensue, Is this the greatest com-
fort thou canst giue? I605 DANIEL Philotas IV ii, p. 159: You
promise mountaines, and you draw men on, With hopes of greater
good than hath been scene. 1606 CHAPMAN M. D’Olive IV ii 37:
I will not promise mountains, nor assure you annuities of forty or
fifty crowns. [1616] 1631 JONSON Devil Is Ass I v 22: Promise
gold-mountaines, and the couetous Are still most prodigall. I630
MASSINGER Picture II ii, p. 151: Their wives and children kiss the
surgeon’s knees, Promise him mountains, if his saving hand Restore
the tortured wretch to former strength. [a1635] 1651 T. RAN-
DOLPH Heyfor Honesty IV i, p. 452: Where is the god that promised
golden mountains T’enrich us all?
See OTTO, no. 1132; ST., no. 208. Cf. G271: He would spend
God’s cope if he had it; M1216: He promises mountains (golden
hills) and performs molehills (dirty dales); S187: He promises seas
and mountains.
M1218 That MOURNING is well bestowed that helps
the moumer
I611 COT., s.v. Dueil. 1664 COD., p. 216.
M1219 As drunk as a MOUSE (rat)
01475 Songs and Carols 53, p. 90: $0111 [women] wilbe dronken as a
mouse. 01500 Blowhols Test. 1. 141 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 98: Oft
hath made me dronke as any mous. [a1525] CI 545 SKELTON Colyn
Cloute l. 803: Wks., I 342: Dronken as a mouse, At the ale house.
1536 BEERLY To Cromwell in Let. Suppress. Monast. 40, p. 133:
[They] cum to mattens as dronck as myss. CI542 BOORDE Diet.
Health VIII: Intro. and Dietary, p. 147: Although I wyll be dronken
other whyles as a rat. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 125: As ifone had
. . kept the Tauerne till he had bene as dronke as a Ratte. [a1563]
1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife 1. 300, p. 9: Drunk as a mouse. I568
FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. DIV. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses
I, p. I 13: Thus satte thei swillyng, and carousyng one to an other,

till thei were bothe as dronke as Rattes. 1616 DR., no. 555: As
drunken as a Rat or Beggar. I616 Pepys Bal. I6, I 105: Full little
would ye wat, when he was drunke as a Rat, how trimly he would
trudge it. 1661 Mer. Droll. I, p. 28: He walks about the Country
. . Drunk as a Rat.
M1220 As dun as a MOUSE
1678 RAY, p. 283.
Cf. D644: Dun is the mouse.
M1221 As safe (snug) as a MOUSE in a cheese
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zucca, p. 241: To lye close and snug
making no noise; the English Phrases are, A Mouse in a Cheese, or
a Lord in a Hutch. I678 RAY, p. 288.
Cf. L440: As safe as a lord in a hutch; M1222: As safe as a mouse
in a malt heap; M1223: As safe as a mouse in a mill; M1226: As
warm as a mouse in a churn; M1238: To speak like a mouse in a
cheese.
M1222 As safe as -a MOUSE in a malt heap
1639 CL., s.v. Bonae fortunae, p. 47. I670 RAY, p. 207.
Cf. M1221: As safe (snug) as a mouse in a cheese; M1223: AS
safe as a mouse in a mill; M1238: To speak like a mouse in a cheese;
M1241: You are like a mouse under a firlot; M1242: As merry as
mice in malt.
M1223 As safe as a MOUSE in a mill
1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s. B4v: Liue
like a mouse in a mill and haue another to grinde my meale for me.
1600 Weakest to Wall, s. B4: And all without feare, safe as mouse in
a mill. [I625] 1639 R. DAVENPORT New Trick to Cheat Devil III
i, p. 231: She’s safe as Mouse in Mill.
Cf. M1221: As safe (snug) as a mouse in a cheese; M1222: As safe
as a mouse in a malt heap; M1241: You are like a mouse under a
firlot; T102: As safe as a thief in a mill.
M1224 As still (mute, silent) as a MOUSE
1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. E1: Mute like a mouse.
1656 R. FLECKNOE Diarium II, p. 9: Was wont to be as still as
Mouse And wondred much, such noice to heare. I695 Pepys Bal.
466, VII 163: When he came in the house, He found all still, as any
mouse. I696 DILKE Lover’s Luck V, p. 43: I’ll warrant you, I’ll
be as silent as a Mouse in a Cheese. I709 CIBBER Rival Fools II,
p. 124: Mute as a Mouse in a Cheese.
See ST., no. 1574. Cf. M1238: To speak like a mouse in a cheese.
M1225 As sure as a MOUSE tied with a thread
1546 HEY. II viii, s. KIV: Is as sure, as it were sealed with butter.
Or a mouse tyed with a threede.
Cf. B769: As sure as if it were sealed with butter.
M1226 AS warm as a MOUSE in a churn
1678 RAY, p. 290.
Cf. M1221: As safe (snug) as a mouse in a cheese.
M1227 A dead MOUSE feels no cold
I678 RAY, p. 123. 1732 FUL., no. 1241: Dead Mice feel no Cold.
M1228 The escaped MOUSE ever feels the taste Of the
bait
1640 HERB., no. 675. 1659 N.R., p. 103. 1664 COD., p. 221.
Cf. B394: Birds once snared (limed) fear all bushes; M1245: You
must not let your mousetrap smell of cheese.
M1229 Every MOUSE has its shadow
1616 DR., s.v. Little, no. 1256: (it).
Cf. H25: There is no hair so small but has its shadow.
M1230 I gave the MOUSE a hole and she is become my
heir
I640 HERB., no. 94. 1659 N.R., p. 69: I give my mouse a hole and
she will become my heir.
See DUR., I, no. 695. Cf. F655: When the fox has got in his
head (nose) he will soon make the body follow; M208: Let an ill
man lie in thy straw and he looks to be thy heir.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original.
MOUSE
MOUSE (MICE)
48o

It is a bold (wily) MOUSE that breeds (nestles)
in the cat’s ear
[01522] c1545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court 1. 753: Wks., II
50: It is a wyly mouse That can bylde his dwellinge house Within
the cattes eare Withouten drede or feare. a1536 HILL 4, p. 128:
(It is a sotill mowsse, that slepith in). 1546 HEY. II v, s. H3v:
(I haue Ofte herde tell, it had nede to be A wyly mouse, that shuld
breede in). 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 210: Let Philautus be-
haue himselfe neuer so craftely, hee shal know that it must be a
wily Mouse that Shal breed in the Cats eare. 1592 LYLY Gall. IV
i 45: (It is a wilie Mouse that will breede in). 01594 BACON, no.
490: (He had need to be a wily mouse should breed in). [1613—14]
1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi IV ii 134: Thou sleep’st worse, then if
a mouse should be forc’d to take up her lodging in a cats eare. 1640
HERB., no. 689: (nestles). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 24: (The mouse
will not nestle in). 1664 COD., p. 188: (Bold is the Mouse that
nestleth in). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gatta, p. 71: To build a
nest in a cats ear, viz. to be bold and venturous. I732 FUL., no.
3040: It must be a wiley Mouse, that can breed in a Cat’s Ear.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQQ Hen. VIII vii 155: You may as well say
that’s a valiant flea that dare eat his breakfast on the lip of a lion.
M1231
M1232 The MOUSE goes abroad where the cat is not
lord
a1536 HILL 48, p. 132.
Cf. C175: When the cat’s away the mice will play; M1239: Well
kens the mouse that the cat is out of the house.
M1233 A MOUSE in a bag, a serpent in your lap, and
fire in your bosom
1688 BARNES Hist. Edw. [H I xviii, p. 222: Even this Man . .
hath served Us, as the Proverb is, a Mouse in a Bag, a Serpent in
your Lap, and Fire in your Bosom.
M1234 A MOUSE in pitch
[ERAS. Adagio, 5111-“: Mus picem gustans.] 01522 ERASMUS
quoted in Froude Council Trent III, p. 64: Alas! that I in my old
age should have fallen into such a mess, like a mouse into a pot of
pitch. 1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 332: She doth but
quest and firret . . turning, winding, building and entangling her
selfe in hir owne work . . Mus in pice. A Mouse in pitch. 1684
CREECH Idylliums XIV, s. K3: But as the Proverb says, the heedless
Mouse Hath bitten Pitch, and how shall he get loose?
M1235 A MOUSE in time may bite in two a cable
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I4v: (bite a two, a gable). 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 209: (A mouse may in time). 1611 GRUT., no. 23: (bite a two a
cable). 1614 CAM., p.303: (bite atwo a cable). 1616 DR., no. 2149:
In time a mouse may eate in twaine a cable. 1639 CL., s.v. Tempes-
tiva, Tempus, p. 308. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1664 COD.,
p. 183: (a double Cable). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 282: In time
a mouse gnaws a rope. 1670 RAY, p. 149. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Time:
(bite a Cable in two). 1732 FUL., no. 331: (may shear a Cable
asunder).
SHAKESPEARE.-——16o5-6 K.L. II ii 79: Rogues . . Like rats, oft
bite the holy cords atwain Which are too intrinse t’unloose.
Cf. L315: A lion may come to be beholden to a mouse.
M1236 The MOUSE that has but one hole is quickly
taken
[ERAS. Adagio, I I 82E: Mus non uni fidit antro.] 1586 WITHALS, s.
C3: That mouse is in an ill case that hath but one hole to lurke in.
1596 DEL., s. N8v: (but a hole). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1191: She is
but ane sarie mous quho hes but on holl. 1611 COT., s.v. Entrée:
(is soon caught; the man that hath but onehelpe’s soone orethrowne).
1623 WOD., p. 515: The Mouse is soone taken that hath but one
Going-in, Plainesse, or Weakenes compared so. 1631 MABBE
Celestina VII, p. 139: It goes hard (Daughter) with that Mouse,
that bath but one hold to trust to. 1639 CL., p. 271: (easily
taken). 1641 FERG., no. 762: Shee is a sairie mouse that has but
ane hole. 1651 HERB., p. 371. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 8:
(quickly caught). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 30: Woe be to that
mouse that hath but one hole to shelter it selfin. 1668 R.B., p. 47:


[As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 122: (easily taken). 1672 WALK,
31, p. 46: (easily taken). *’Tis good having two strings to ones
bow. a1700 B.E., s.v. Mouse-trap: A sorry Mouse, that has but
one Hole. *A poor Creature that has but one Shift.
See SK., no. 270; ST., no. 600. Cf. $937: It is good to have two
strings to one’s bow.
M1237 To look like (As wet as) a drowned MOUSE
(rat)
01500 Blowhols Test. 1. 30 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 93: He lokyd
furyous as a wyld catt, And pale of hew like a drowned ratte.
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. I8ov: An hedde he had . . Three heares on a
side, like a drouned ratte. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x,
s. I3: Yee talke of a drownd Rat, but twas time to swim like a Dog,
I had bin seru’d like a drowned Cat. 1612 [BRETON] Cornucopia
l. 1714, p. 58: And looking forth did see that miser wight, Which
(like a drowned mouse) stood dropping there. 1629 WADSWORTH
Eng. Span. Pilgr. VIII, p. 81: I saued my selfe and got on shoare
as wet as a drouned Rat. 1633 T. JAMES Strange Voyage, p. 507;
Our selues being as wet as drown’d rats. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art
Asleep Hush, p. 78: Who came forth like a drown’d rat. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 298: You are dropping dry, not drown’d I see
—look like a drown’d mouse. 1678 RAY, p. 286. a1697 DAM-
PIER New Voy. IV, p. 98: The storm . . drencht us all like so many
drowned Rats.
SHAKESPEARE—1592-4 I Hen. V] I ii 12: Or piteous they will
look, like drowned mice.
Cf. W102: Pour not water on a drowned mouse (rat).
M1238 To speak like a MOUSE in a cheese
[1598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, S. D4: Nay, but your
Monsieur’s but a Mouse in cheese Compared with my Signor, hee
can tell of Lady Venus, and her Sonne blind Cupid. 1599 H.
PORTER Two Women Ah. viii, S. G2: Hush then, mum, mouse in
cheesse, cat is neare. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (He speaks like).
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Calabrone, p. 23: To speak like a hornet
in a bottle, viz. humming, so that one cannot be heard, or under-
stood, to speak like a mouse in a cheese. 1670 RAY, p. 186. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 318: (You speak like). 1681 ROB., p. 1157:
(You speak, like). 1732 FUL., no. 5233. 1736 AINSWORTH
Thesaurus I, I, s.v. Mouse: He speaketh like a mouse in cheese.
Cf. M1221: As safe (snug) as a mouse in a cheese; M1222: As
safe as a mouse in a malt heap; M1224: As still (mute, silent) as a
mouse.
M1239 Well kens the MOUSE that the cat is out of the
house
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1525: (Weill Wits the mous the cat).
FERG., no. 878: (Weill wats the mouse, the cats).
1732 FUL., no. 6275: (Well sees the Mouse).
Cf. C175: When the cat’s away the mice will play; M1232: The
mouse goes abroad where the cat is not lord.
1641
1721 KEL., p. 342.
M1240 Whist (Peace), and catch a MOUSE
1616-30 Partial Law II iv, p. 41: Mumme and catch a mouse, I
loue not these prating companions. 1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends
V i, s. K4v: But peace and catch a mouse cry I. 1639 CL., s.v.
Taciturnitas, p. 302. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: (Peace). 1670
RAY, p. 199.
M1241 You are like a MOUSE under a firlot1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1591.
Cf. M1222: As safe as a mouse in a malt heap; M1223: As safe
as a mouse in a mill.
[1a measure of corn]
M1242 As merry as MICE in malt
1639 CL., p. 185. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 3: As merry as Cup
and Can, as merry as Tinkers, as mice in malt. 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 18.
Cf. C903: As merry as cup and can; M1222: As safe as a mouse
in a malt heap; T350: As merry as tinkers.
—d—-
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), Or by most important word.
MOUSE (MICE)
MOUTH
481


M1243 MICE (Rats) quit a falling house (sinking ship)
I612 BACON Essays, p. 159: It is the wisdom of rats, that will be
sure to leave a house somewhat before it fall. [1613-14] 1623
WEBSTER Duch. Malfi V ii 218: I heare that he is falne in some dlS-
grace . . if he be, like the mice That forsake falling houses, I would
Shift To other dependance. 1663 S. BUTLER Hud. I ii 939, p. 90:
When he was falling off his Steed, (As Rats do from a falling
House . . ). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 41: From old houses the mice
do flye. 1672 CROWNE Charles VIII V, p. 193: All vermin from a
falling palace run.
SHAKESPEARE.—I606—7 A.C. III xiii 63: Sir, sir, thou art so
leaky That we must leave thee to thy sinking. 1611 Temp. I ii
146: A rotten carcass of a butt . . the very rats Instinctively have
quit it.
M1244 He will beat him into a MOUSEHOLE
1639 CL., s.v. Timiditas, p. 311. I672 WALK. 6, p. 26: To put one
into a mouse hole.
M1245 You must not let your MOUSETRAP smell of
cheese
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1670 RAY, p. 18.
3189: Let not the Mouse-trap smell of Blood.
Cf. M1228: The escaped mouse ever feels the taste of the bait.
1732 FUL., no.
M1246 As like him as if he had been spit out of his
MOUTH
[1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng.for My Money, s. F2: Now looke I as
like the Dutchman, as ifI were spit out of his mouth. 1602 BRE-
TON Wonders: W ks., II 8: Twoo girles . . the one as like an Owle, the
other as like an Urchin, as if they had been spitte out of the mouthes
of them. 1608 MIDDLETON Family Love III ii 17: As if you were
spit out on’s mouth, sir; you must needs be like him, for you are
both cut out of a piece. [1611] 1630 MIDDLETON Chaste Maid in
Cheaps. III ii 10: Is’t not a chopping girl? so like the father. —-As
ifit had been spit out of his mouth. 1616 DR., no. 1247: (He
is as like him as if he were spit). 1616 WITHALS, p. 568: As like,
as like may be: he is as like him, as if he had beene spit out of his
mouth. 1639 CL., p. 287. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sputata, p. 202: To be himself spit out, viz.
the very same. 1668 DRYDEN Martin Mar-All V i, p. 82: Like you
as if I were spit out of your mouth. 1670 RAY, p. 206: (As like
one, as if). 1672 WALK. 48, p. 58: (As like as if he were spit).
I687 MIEGE, s.v. Like: (He is as like him as if).
See ST., no. 14.
M1247 A close MOUTH catches n0 flies
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: In a closed vp mouth a flie
cannot get in. 1617 MORYSON Itinerary III 1 ii, III 399: I must
remember the traveller of two good Italian proverbs . . Keepe close
lips and never feare, Any flies should enter there. 1623 CAM., p.
265. 1639 CL., s.v. Prudentia, p. 266. I640 HERB., no. 215: Into
a mouth shut flies file not. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw.,
p. 20: Into a Closed vp mouth, a fly cannot enter. 1659 FULLER
Appeal I, p. 320: The Spanish proverb . . is necessary in dangerous
times: Where the mouth is shut, no fly doth enter. 1659 HOW.
Span. Prov., p. 29: When the mouth is shut flies will not enter. *That
is to say, the silent man prevents many inconveniences. 1659
N.R., p. 2. 1664 COD., p. 183. 1670 RAY, p. 71. 1732 FUL.,
no. 43. 1742 FRANKLIN, p. 20: (Speak and speed: a close). (6)
M1248 A cool MOUTH and warm feet live long
1611 COT., s.v. Bouche: He that would line a long time, must keepe
both his mouth coole, and moist, and his feet warme, and drie.
Ibid., s.v. Pied: A coole mouth, and a dry foot (preserue a man
long time aliue). 1640 HERB., no. 21. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 17. I659 N.R., p. 3. Ibid., p. 51: He that will live long, must
keep his mouth coole, his feet warm and dry. 1664 COD., p. 184.
Cf. F576: Dry feet, warm head bring safe to bed; F579: Keep
thy feet dry, thy mouth moist; H253: The head and feet keep
warm, the rest will take no harm.

M1249 He never speaks but his MOUTH opens
1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133. 1670 RAY, p. 193: You never
speak but your mouth opens. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Non-
sense, p. 231. 3.1700 B.E., s.v. Mouth.
M1250 He speaks as if he would creep into one’s
MOUTH
I546 HEY. II ix, 5. LIV: Ye speake nowe, as ye wolde creepe into
my mowth. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 170: (To
speak as though he). I732 FUL., no. 2023: (into his Mouth).
Cf. B546: He will creep into your bosom.
M1251 He that has a MOUTH of his own must not say
to another, Blow
1640 HERB., no. 349. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via,
p. 194. 1732 FUL., no. 2130: (should not).
Cf. D401: For that which thou canst do thyself rely not on
another.
M1252 His MOUTH runs over
1616 DR., no. 363. 1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133.
Cf. A179: He cannot hold but all must out; B433: Blab (Labbe)
it wist and out it must.
‘ M1253 Into the MOUTH of a bad dog often falls a good
bone
1596 DEL., s. P3V: (dogge, fals Often). 1611 COT., s.v. Chien:
Souvent a mauvais chien tombe vn bos en gueule. *An vnworthie
fellow oft lights on worthie fortunes; or, the verier knaue the
better lucke. 1639 CL., p. 45. 1651 HERB., p. 369: (In the mouth
of a bad dog fals often). 1670 RAY, p. 82. 1732 FUL., no. 2832:
(falls many a good Bone).
Cf. K130: The more knave the better luck.
M1254 It will melt in your MOUTH like a mare’s turd
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 863.
M1255 Let me spit in your MOUTH
1602 MARSTON Antonio and Mell. II i 93: I’ll spit in thy mouth,
and thou wilt, to grace thee. I616 WITHALS, p. 555: (in thy
mouth). 1639 CL., s.v. Laudandi, p. 186. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 17. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 262.
Cf. M1259: Spit in his mouth and make him a mastifl' (as men
do with dogs).
M1256 The MOUTH that lies slays the soul
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1277. 1668 R.B., p. 50.
M1257 One MOUTH does nothing without another
1640 HERB., no. 1021: (One month [for mouth]). 1659 N.R., p. 83.
M1258 Out of one MOUTH to blow hot and cold
[ERAS. Adagia, 309E: Ex eodem ore calidum et frigidum efilare]
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. D2: Out of one mouthe commeth
bothe hotte and colde. 1580 BARET, C—448: [As in Eras.]. *A
Prouerbe vsed towards those, which can speake faire, before a
mans face, but behind his backe raise horrible contumelies and
reproches. 01594 BACON, no. 797: Out of the same mouth hot
and cold. 1619 H. HUTTON Folly’s Anat., p. 12: Which, Gnato
like, doth blowe both hot and cold. 1627 W. HAWKINS Apollo
Shroving II iii, p. I 19: Doe you blow hot and cold at once, at once
will and nill? [1641-8] 1699 HOLLES Mem., p. 203: They can
blow hot and cold, as the fellow in the Fable, to make all the
Satyrs, and almost the Devil himself abhor them. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 15: He blows hot and cold. 1670 WALKER Idiom.
Ang.-Lat., p. 62: (With the same breath to). 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., p. 100: To blow hot and cold with the same breath. 1682
Scandalum Magnatum, p. 7: Abhorring as the Satyr did of old,
The wretch that could at once blow hot and cold. 1692 R. L’Es-
TRANCE Fahles 243, I 219: The Old Adage of Blowing Hot and
Cold; which is taken for the Mark and Character of a Dissembler.
1710 E. WARD Vulgus Brit. XI, p. 124: S0 Esop’s Satyr we are
told With the same Breath, blew Hot and Cold.
See ST., no. 2532.

In partial quotations wordng (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation sec pp. xi IT.
MOUTH
MUCH
482
M1259 Spit in his MOUTH and make him a mastiff
(as men do with dogs)
1576 FULWELL Ars Adulandi VIII, 3. I3v: I thinke those men of
honour and worship, vse you as men vse their waterspaniels: that is,
they make you their instrument to fetch and bringe vnto them such
commodities, as you by the corrupting ofyour conscience may com-
passe, and .. for your labour they spitte in your mouth. 1606
DANIEL Arcadia I ii, p. 221: And ifshe meet but with my dog, she
takes And strokes him on the head, playes with his eares, Spits
in his mouth, and claps him on the backe. [1614] I631 JONSON
Barth. Fair III vi 15: The Lady, Win, that desir’d to spit i’ the
great Lawyers mouth, after an eloquent pleading? [I621] I658
DEKKER, FORD, AND W. ROWLEY Witch Edmon. IV i, p. 406: That
Morrico makes me spit in thy mouth, I dare not stay. 1640
JONSON Tale Tub II iv 9: What’s he? —A Spaniel. And scarce
be spit i’ the mouth for’t. 1641 JONSON Timber, p. 12: What hath
he done more than a troublesome base cur? barked and made a
noise afar off; had a fool or two to spit in his mouth, and cherish
him with a musty bone? 1668 H. MORE Div. Dial. II xviii, p.
284: To spit into the mouth of a Dog and clap him on the back for
encouragement, is not indecorous for the man, and gratefull also
to the Dog. 1670 RAY, p. 216.
Cf. M1255: Let me spit in your mouth.
M1260 They mense1 little the MOUTH that bite ofi the
nose
1668 R.B., p. 53: (bites). 1721 KEL., p.302: *Spoken when People:
who pretend Friendship for you, traduce your near Friends and
Relations.
Phonofl
M1261 To drop in one’s MOUTH
1562 HEY. Dial. I ix, p. 17: Tyll meate fall in your mouth, will ye
ly in bed, Or sit styll? 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Presente, p.
157: (The English say, To drop).
Cf. B390: You may gape long enough ere a bird fall in your
mouth.
M1262 To fill the MOUTH with empty spoons
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 86: And you might say that, ac-
cording to the proverbe, I went about to fil your mouth with an
empty spoone. 1639 CL., s.v. Vanitas, p. 314: (You fill). 1664
COD., p. 230: You fill your mouth with an empty Spoon. I670
RAY, p. 175. 1721 KEL., p. 384: You have put a toom [empty]
Spoon, in my Mouth. *You have rais’d, and disappointed my Ex-
pectation.
Cf. W829: Who gives good words feeds with an empty spoon.
M1263 To make up one’s MOUTH
1546 HEY. Ixi, s. E3: His wyfe to make vp my mouthe . . deuiseth
to cast in my teeth, Checks and chokyng oysters. 1549 LATIMER
Serm. 7, p. 102: Surveyors there be, that greedily gorge up their
covetous goods . . all such as survey, they make up their mouths,
but the commons be utterly undone by them. 1553 Respublica
I i, p. 3: And now ys the tyme come . . een to make vp my mouth,
and to feather my neste. 1577 GRANGE Garden, s. O3: Sometime
she gaue me mony store, to bye me What I would. Thus making
vp my mouth. 1607 B. BARNES Devil’s Charter V i, s. K2v:
Thus doth one hideous act succeed an other, Vntill the mouth of
mischeife be made vp. 1616 DR., s.v. Ill successe, no. 2070: It
hath made vp his mouth. I618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, S. HI:
From thence to Ireland Where I was a While, But Newport battell
that made vp my mouth. 1640 HALL Christ. Mod. II x: Wks.,
I 32: To make up his Mouth, shall go away with an Opinion of an
hundred several foul Errors in John Calvin. 1669 SHADWELL
Royal Shep. III, p. 131: Thy mother . . would have made a hard
shift to have sat at the upper end of my Lord Neander’s Table, to
have had occasion to have made up a fine Mouth.
Cf. N125—6: To feather one’s nest.
M1264 To stop one’s MOUTH
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4v: That shall not stop my mouth, ye maie well
gesse. 1548 E. HALL Rich. III: Chron., f. 26: Some say that be

had a smal office or a ferme to stoppe his mouth withall. 1558
KNox First Blast, p. 26: To stoppe the mouthe. 1562 HEY. Epig.
219, p. 162: He shall not stop my mouth, no Nan I thinke that I
beleue all the deuils in hel stopth it nat. 1629 RM. Micro/ogia
To Rdr., S. A3v: In the meane time for my present perclose and
to stop the mouth of malicious malignitie, who may Without
cause be exceptions. 1657 LIGON Hist. Barbadoes, p. 57: This I
say, to stop those mens mouths, that lye here at home. 1680
FLAVEL Method Grace XXIX, p. 448: Your inoffensive carriage
is the only means to stop the mouths of Detractors.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. II i 321: Stop his mouth with a
kiss.
See ST., no. 1537.
M1265 What is sweet in the MOUTH is oft sour (bitter)
in the maw (stomach)
I596 DEL., s. M5v: (is oft bitter at the heart). 1597 [BODENHAM]
Wit’s Commonw., f. 144: (is bitter in the stomick). I607 SHARPHAM
Fleir To Rdr., s. A3v: This volume wil be sweet in the palates of
your mindes, though your mouthes may finde it bitter in your
digestion. I612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears V i 67: Your banquet
seems sweet in your liquorous palate, It shall be sure to turn gall
in your maw. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet I: Wks., p. 179: But
these waters are .. sweet in the palate, bitter in the stomach.
1678 RAY, p. 174: That is not always good in the maw that is
sweet in the mouth. 1732 FUL., no. 5511: What’s good in the
Mouth, may be bad in the Maw.
SHAKESPEARE.——1593—4 Lac. 1. 699: His taste delicious, in di-
gestion souring. 1596 Rich. II I iii 236: Things sweet to taste
prove in digestion sour.
Cf. H560: Too much honey cloys the stomach; L513: Love is
sweet in the beginning but sour in the ending; 597: Sweet sauce
begins to wax sour.
M1266 Whoso has but a MOUTH will never in England
sufier drought
1670 RAY, p. 85: *For if he doth but open it, its a chance but it
will rainin.
M1267 You have a ready MOUTH for a ripe cherry
1641 FERG., no. 910. 1668 R.B., p. 58. 1721 KEL., p. 366:
*Spoken to those who are ready to catch at what we have. 1732
FUL., no. 5913: (You have always).
M1268 Your MOUTH has beguiled your hands
1678 RAY, p. 260. 1732 FUL., no. 6057.
M1269 To stop two MOUTHs with one morsel
1616 WITHALS, p. 556: *To make two friends with one favour.
1639 CL., s.v. Beneficentia, p. 45. 1670 RAY, p. 197. 1672
WALK. 66, p. 53: To stop two mouths with one morsell; to kill
two birds with one shot; stone.
Cf. B400: To kill two birds with one stone.
M1270 It is good Mowsl that fills the wamb (belly)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 791: (fils the belly).
1668 R.B., p. 28.
[lmorsels of food]
1641 FERG., no. 485.
M1271 Drink as MUCH after an egg as after an ox
1607 HARINGTON Eng. Doctor, p. 81: Remember . . For euery Egge
you eate you drinke as oft. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13: (Drink
after an Egg, as after). 1670 RAY, p. 36. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
II, p. 449: (And faith one Should drink as much).
M1272 'He has as MUCH as he can turn him to
1616 DR., s.v. Busie no. 222.
M1273 He is not rich that has MUCH but he that
covets least
01526 Dicta Sap., s. A2v: He is nat riche that moche possesseth,
but he that is content with that he hath. Euery couetous man is
poore, who hath nat that he hath. C1577 NORTHBROOKE Treat.
1639 CL., s.v. Perplexus, p. 249.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MUCH
MUCH
483


agst. Dicing, p. 48: Seneca sayeth .. He is riche, not that hath
much, but that coueteth least. 1591 GREENE Fare. to Folly, p. 309:
It is not richesse to haue much, but to desire little.
Cf. L346: He is not poor that has little but he that desires much;
M1287: Much would have more; M1291: They need much whom
nothing will content; N257: He has nothing that is not content;
N262: He is rich enough who wants nothing.
M1274 He that hears MUCH and speaks not all shall
be welcome both in bower and hall
1670 RAY, p. 102. 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quix. 111 ii, p. 49: (and
speaks not at all, is welcome). I732 FUL., no. 6461.
Cf. M277: A man must hear and see in the court and for the
rest be blind; M1277: Hear much but speak little; N275: Hear and
see and say nothing (little, the best); P140: He that will live in
peace and rest must hear and see and say the best.
M1275 He that spends MUCH and gets nought, he
that owes much and has nought, he that looks
in his purse and finds nought, he may be sorry
and say nought
15th c. Proveroi in Reliq. zintz'g., I 316: He that spendes myche and
getythe nowghte, And owith myche and hathe nowghte, And
lokys in hys purse and fynde nowghte, He may be sory, thowe he
seythe nowghte. [CI530] c1545 H. RHODES Bk. Nurture (1577
ed.) in Babies Bk., etc., p. 107. 1578 FLOR. First F. XL, f. 104v:
(findeth nought: Hee maie be sorie, and saye nothing).
M1276 He that travels far knows MUCH
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A5v). 1639 CL., p. 276. 1670 RAY,
p. 149. 1732 FUL., no. 2335: He that travels much, knows much.
Cf. N274: He who still keeps home knows nothing.
M1277 Hear MUCH but speak little
1562 HEY. Epig. 20, p. 96: Who hereth oft, And speaketh seeld,
Be witte aloft, He wynth the feeld. 1586 G. WHITNEY C/zoice
Emblems II, p. 191: Heare much; but little speake. 1621 R.
BURTON dnat. M. II 111 vii, p. 555: Hear much: speak little. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 8: Speak little, hear much, and thou shalt
not erre. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 15: Hear much, speak little.
1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgioa, II 26.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1600-I H. I iii 68: Give every man thine ear,
but few thy voice.
Cf. M1274: He that hears much and speaks not all shall be
welcome both in bower and hall; N44: Nature has given us two
ears (eyes) and but one tongue; N275: Hear and see and say
nothing (little, the best); P140: He that will live in peace and
rest must hear and see and say the best.
M1278 If you make not MUCH of a threepence you’ll
never be worth a groat1
1678 RAY, p. 210. 1732 FUL., no. 2771.
[1fourpence]
M1279 If you may spend MUCH put the more to the
fire
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 797. I668 R.B., p. 29: (If he may spend
meikle, put). I721 KEL., p. 181: (If you can). *That is, if you
have a great Income spend accordingly. Some have it Put the
more to the Fore, that is, lay up the more, and do accordingly.
M1280 Make MUCH of nought
1639 CL., s.v. Vanitas, p. 314.
make much of naught (your self).
M1281 Make MUCH of one, good men are scarce
[1615] 1631 P. FLETCHER Sire/ides III iv, p. 73: Good men are
scantie; make much Of one. 1616 DR., no. 1719: He will make
much of one. 1670 RAY, p. 118. 1721 KEL., p. 124: Good Folks
are scarce, you’ll take care of one. *Spoken to those who care~
fully provide against ill Weather, or cowardly shun Dangers.
I732 FUL., no. 3307: Maids, make much of one; good Men are
1678 RAY, p. 347: You love to


scarce. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 393: Make much of naught;
good folks are scarce.
Cf. M521: Good men are scarce; O50: It is good to save one.
M1282 Make MUCH of what you have
1616 WITHALS, p. 573: (of that you haue).
galitas, p. 129.
M1283 MUCH abides behind what a fool thinks
1489 CAXTON Blanchardyn XLVII, p. 181: It ys sayd often in a
comyn langage that moche abydeth behynde that a fole thynketh.
1639 CL., s.v. Fru-
M1284 MUCH in little
1616 DR., s.v. Shortnesse, or brevity, no. 1972: A man may com-
prize much matter in few words. 1639 CL., p. 66: Much in a little.
Cf. W799: Few words show men wise.
M1285—6 MUCH on earth, little in heaven
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15. I732 FUL., no. 3481: Much in
Earth, but little in Heaven.
M1287 MUCH would have more
1597 T. MORLEY Intr. Music II, p. 70: But the common Prouerb
is in me verified, that much would haue more. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1029. 1616 DR., no. 373. 1636 CAM., p. 302. 1639 CL.,
p. 37. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1659 N.R., p. 76.
1664 COD., p. 205: Much would still have more. 1668 R.B., p. 38:
Meikle hes, would ay have more. 1670 RAY, p. 123. 1721 KEL.,
p. 245: Mickle would ay have more. 1732 FUL., no. 3487: Much
would have more; but Often meets with less.
SHAKESPEARE.——I593-4 Luv. 1. 98: Cloy’d with much, he pineth
still for more.
See OTTO, no. 1158. Cf. M211: Like a man in a dropsy, the
more he drinks the more he may; M1144: The more a man has the
more he desires; M1273: He is not rich that has much but he that
covets least; N163: The niggard has never enough (is never rich);
N262: He is rich enough who wants nothing; P530: Poverty
(Luxury) wants many things but covetousness (avarice) all.
M1288 One must live long to learn MUCH
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 313.
Cf. L379: Live and learn; L393: The longer that one lives, the
more he knows; M1289: One must live long to see much.
M1289 One must live long to see MUCH
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, ii, IV 118: Mother was used to
say, That ’twas needfull to live long, to see much.
Cf. M1288: One must live long to learn much.
M1290 So MUCH is mine as I possess and give for
God’s sake
1573 SANF., f. 51v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32: (as I enjoy, or
els geue for Gods sake). I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 17, p. 27: (and give
or lose for God’s sake). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: That’s mine
which I enjoy, and give for God. 1732 FUL., no. 4198: (as I
enjoy, and give away for God’s sake).
Cf. M236: The man has no more goods than he gets good of
(has need of).
M1291 They need MUCH whom nothing will content
1639 CL., p. 38. I670 RAY, p. 124.
Cf. M1273: He is not rich that has much but he that covets
least; N262: He is rich enough who wants nothing.
M1292 To offer MUCH is a kind of denial
1611 COT., s.v. Demander: An offer of more then is required, im-
ports a flat denyall. I631 MABBE Celestina VI, p. 116: It is a
common saying: To offer much to him that asketh but a little, is a
kinde of deniall. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 7. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 24, p. 176: (To proffer much).
Cf. A213: Who gives to all denies all.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
MUCH
MULLIGRUBS
484

M1293 To speak MUCH and to the matter is two men’s
labor
[ERAS. Adagio, 106A: Non est ejusdem, et multa, et opportuna
dicere.] 1539 TAV., f. 12v: [As in Eras.]. It is not for one man
to speake both many wordes and apte wordes. 1616 WITHALS, p.
571: It is two mens labours to speake much and to the matter.
1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133. 1732 FUL., no. 3007: It is one
Thing to speak much, and another to speak pertinently.
Cf. S718: Many speak much who cannot speak well; S728: He
that speaks much is much mistaken.
M1294 TOO MUCH spoils, too little does not satisfy
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 12. 1732 FUL., no. 5268: (too little is
nothing).
M1295 Who too MUCH grips (grasps, embraces) the
less he holds (holds nothing fast)
1573 SANF., f. 52: He that embraceth too much, bindeth nothing.
1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. IV iv, p. 65: An old saying hath beene
Chi tropo abraccia niente tiene. 1578 FLOR. First F. VI, f. 6:
Who imbraceth much, litle closeth. Ibid. XIX, f. 26: Who too
much imbraceth nothing closeth. I596 DEL., s. P2v: Whosoeuer
promiseth him selfe to much, gets nothing. 1611 DAV. Prov., no.
278. 1616 DR., no. 368: (the lesse holdeth). 1653 URQUHART
Gargantua I xlvi, I 153: It is too great an undertaking . . and (as
the Proverb is), He that gripes too much, holds fast but little.
1656 W. SANDERSON Hist. Mary Qu. Scot. I, p. 199: Who gripes at
all, grasp nought but wind. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 5: Who
grapples too much, takes hold of nothing. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov.,
p. 11: Who grasps too much, holds little. 1659 N.R., p. 126: Who
embraces all nothing graspes. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 171:
Who embraceth too much, graspeth nothing. 1732 FUL., no.
2123: He that grasps at too much, holds nothing fast.
Cf. A127: All covet all lose; A192: He that will have all loses all.
M1296 Whoso makes MUCH of thee that was not wont
either will deceive or stands in need of thee
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 20: (Whosoeuer makes much of thee that was not wont,
either will deceive thee, or). 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 12: Who
sooths thee more then ordinary hath a purpose to couzen thee, or
hath need of thee.
Cf. A112: All are not friends that speak us fair; M525: Great
men have their ends when they countenance the poor; U26: Who
uses me better than he was used (was wont), by him I am or shall
be abused (betrayed).
M1297 MUCK and money go together
1678 RAY, p. 179: *Those that are slovenly and dirty usually
grow rich, not they that are nice and curious in their diet, houses
and clothes.
Cf. C350: So we get the Chink we will bear with the Stink.
M1298 MUCK of the world
1530 PALS., p. 582b: It is a great folye for a man to hazarde his
lyfe for the mucke of this worlde. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3V: To
disdeigne me, who muck of the world hordth not. As he doth.
1590 SPENSER II vii IO: Regard of worldly mucke doth fowly
blend, And low abase the high heroicke spright. 1606 T. HEY-
WOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 329: Though I haue not the mucke
of the world, I haue a great deale of good loue, and I prethee accept
of it. 1668 E. HOPKINS Vanity World: Wks., I 7: Whence is it,
that we . . should lie here groveling in the thick clay and muck of-
this world? 1683 DRYDEN AND LEE Duke Guise III i, p. 351: You
moving Dirt, you rank stark Muck o’th’ World, You Oven-Bats.
SHAKESPEARE.—1608 C. II ii 128: He . . look’d upon things
precious as they were The common muck of the world. (9)
M1299 Not worth his MUCK
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 70.
M1300 You Will have his MUCK for his meat
1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 170. 1670 RAY, p. 186.

M1301 He has a good MUCKHILL at his door
1678 RAY, p. 261: *He is rich.
M1302 You make a MUCKHILL on my trencher, quoth
the bride
1678 RAY, p. 77: *You carve me a great heap. I suppose some
bride at first, thinking to speak elegantly and finely might use
that expression: and so it was taken up in drollery: or else it’s
onely a droll, made to abuse countrey brides, affecting fine language.
1732 FUL., no. 5936.
M1303 Old MUCKHILLS will bloom
1678 RAY, p. 77.
M1304 A good MULE, a good goat, and a good woman
are three unhappy creatures
1585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. K3V: There are 3. vnhappy beasts
according to the old prouerbe. A good woman. A good mule.
A good goate. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man V, p. 452: The old
prouerbe: That a good wife, a good mule, and a good goate are
three naughty beasts. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 5: (It is said,
that a good).
M1305 Neither a MULE with a black muzzle, nor a
maid that has passed the sea, nor a knavish
parasitical servant, nor a neighbor abbot, nor
a well at the door is ever good
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 27: Neither a mule with a blacke
mussell, nor a maide that hath passed the sea, nor a seruant Peter
in ones house, nor a neighbor abbot, nor a Well at the dore, is
euer good. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 21: A Mule with
a black mussell, a mayd which hath past the seas, a knauish par-
asitical! seruant, a neighbor abbot, and a well at a mans doore,
are neuer good.
M1306 One MULE (ass, horse) does scrub (scratch,
claw) another
[ERAS. Adagio, 300A: Mutuum muli scabunt.] 1540 PALSGRAVE
Acolastus IV ii, p. 129: Surely mules scratche of eche other scabbes
or scurfifes merylye. 1545 COOPER, s.v. Muli: Mules doo gnappe
one another. A proverbe applyed to persons yll and defamed,
when one of them commendeth the other. 1552 TAV., f. 65v:
[As in Eras.]. One moile claweth an other. 1584 T. COGAN
Haven Health I, p. 5: Why . . one of you might claw and rubbe an
Others backe well enough, So wisely did he delude the practise o
Parasites, according to the old proverb. 1614 OVERBURY Ostler:
Char., p. 72: Hee pufi‘es and blowes ouer your horse . . and leaues
much of the dressing to the proverbe of Muli Mutuo scabient,
One horse rubs another. 1616 CORYATE Trav. Eng. Wits, p. 37:
I haue often read this greeke Proverb . . that is, one hand washeth
another, and in Latine, Mulus mulum scabit . . by which the
Ancients signified that courtesies done vnto friends, ought to bee
requited with reciprocall offices of friendship. 1639 T. RANDOLPH
Muses’ Look. Gloss III iv, p. 235: I need not flatter these, they’ll
do’t themselves, And cross the proverb that was wont to say, One
mule doth scrub another; here each ass Hath learn’d to claw him-
self. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 15: Asses scratch one another.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 460: Well, she and Tom Gosling
were banging compliments backward and forward: it looked like
two asses scrubbing one another.
Cf. C405: Claw me and I will claw thee; H87: One hand washes
another and both (both wash) the face.
M1307 Sick of the MULLIGRUBS with eating chopped
hay
[01616] I639 FLETCHER M. Thomas II ii, p. 115: Whose Dog lies
sick 0’ th’ mulligrubs? 1634 [S. ROWLEY] Nohle Soldier IV, s.
F3v: The Divell lyes sicke of the Mulligrubs. I670 RAY, p. 218.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Angrie, p. 18: He is in the mulligrubs.
1721 KEL., p. 211: (You are sick of). *Spoken, with Contempt, of
those who are become unreasonably out of Humour. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4158: (with eating of chopp’d Hay). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MULTITUDE 48 5 MUSE
__—

I, p. 408: What! you are sick of the mulligrubs with eating chopt
hay?
Cf. $964: To be sick of the sullens.
M1308 A MULTITUDE of people is a beast of many
heads
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 109: The multitude of the grosse people,
beeyng a beaste of many heddes. 1588 FRAUNCE Lawyer’s Log.
II xvii, f. 113V: Poets seeke to please The multitude, a beast of
many heades. 1598 SIDNEY Arcadia II Bk. II, p. 199: O weak
trust of the many-headed multitude. 1604 MARSTON Malcon-
tent III i 216: That beast with many heads, The staggering multi-
tude. 1664 J. WILSON And. Comnenius II ii, p. 162: What is this
giddy multitude ?—this beast Of many heads?
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVI i 17: And of so easy and so plain
a stop That the blunt monster with uncounted heads, The still-dis-
cordant wav’ring multitude, Can play upon it. 1608 C. II iii 17:
He himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude.
Cf. M1029: The mob has many heads but no brains. (8)
M1309 Where there is a MULTITUDE there is confusion
I577 H.I. Decades II ix, VII 381: The proverb is common which
saith, Where a multitude is, there is confusion.
M1310 MUM is counsel (the word)
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus Prol., p. 16: I dare not to do so moche as
put my hande to my mouthe, and saye mum, is counseyle. 1546
HEY. II V, s. G4v: I will saie nought but mum, and mum is counsell.
1562 HEY. Epig. 218, p. 162: Mum is counsel! in euery man we see.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 146. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: *Silence.
1696 DILKE Lover’s Luck I, p. 7: No, no Mum’s the word.
Cf. M1311: Mumbudget; N279: I will say nothing (nought) but
mum; W767: No word but mum. (8)
M1311 MUMBUDGET
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. C3v: But mumbouget
for Carisophus I espie. 1611 COT., s.v. Court: To play at Mum-
budget, or be at a Nonplus. 1623 MABBE Rogue I 11 Vi, II 56: I
was Mum-budget, and durst not open my lips to him . . in that
businesse. 1663 S. BUTLER Hud. I iii 205, p. 105: Have these
Bones rattled, and this Head So often in thy Quarrel bled? Nor did
I ever winch or grudge it, For thy dear sake. (Quoth she) Mum
budget. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Silent. Silence, p. 312: Mum-
budget. Not a word to throw at a dog.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 V v 209: I went to her in
white, and cried ‘mum,’ and she cried ‘budget,’ as Anne and I
. had appointed.
Cf. M1310: Mum is counsel (the word); W762: He has not a
word to cast at a dog; W767: No word but mum.
M1312 He looks (stands) like MUMCHANCE (Mum-
hazard), who was hanged for saying nothing
1670 RAY, p. 209: (He stands like Mumphazard). *Chesh. 1694
ECHARD Self-Tormenter V, p. 150: What an unreasonable thing
’tis to make me stand like Mum~chance at such a time as this?
a1700 B.E., s.v. Mum-chance: One that sits mute. He looks like
Mum-chance that was Hang’d for saying of nothing. 1707 STEVENS Dog and Fever: Com. Wks., p. 385: I will not be like Mum-
chance, hang’d for saying of nothing. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
I, p. 390: (You look like Mumchance, that was).
M1313 Mock not, quoth MUMFORD when his wife
called him cuckold
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1668 SKIPPON Diary, p. 163: (quoth
Munford). 1670 RAY, p. 186: (quoth Montford). 1732 FUL.,
no. 3426: (quoth Mountford).
Cf. H835: Husband, you are a cuckold. Wife, who told you so?
M1314 He will not Change his old MUMPSIMUS for
the new sumpsimus
[An allusion to an illiterate English priest who, when corrected for
reading “quod in ore mumpsimus” in the Mass, replied, “I will
not change my old mumpsimus for your new sumpsimus.”] 1531
ELYOT Governor III xiv, II 289: Them whome nothing contenteth

out of their accustomed Mumpsimus. 1548 E. HALL Hen. VIII:
Chron., f. 261V: Some be to styf-f in their old Mumpsimus, other
be to busy and curious in their newe Sumpsimus. a1555 LATIMER
Serm. and Rem. 44, p. 21 I: Some be so obstinate in their old mump-
simus, that they cannot abide the true doctrine of God. 01561
UNDERHILL Autobiog. in Narr. Reform. V1, p. 141: Syr . . yPE yow
loke among the pristes in Poolles, ye shall fynde some old mum-
symussis ther. —Mumsymussis, knave . . mumsymussis? Thou
arte an herytike. 1649 E. HERBERT Hen. VIII, p. 598: [As in
1548 E. Hall]. (5)
M1315 MURDER will out
1481 CAXTON Reynard XXXII, p. 89: I shal knowe who it was.
though I shold renne thurgh al the world to seke hym. ffor murdre
abydeth not hyd. 01510 SKELTON Bowge Court l. 524: Wks., I 50:
I drede mordre wolde come oute. 01592 KYD Span. Trag. II v, s.
D4: The heauens are iust, murder cannot be hid. I594 MARLOWE
Edw. II V Vi 46: I fear’d as much; murther cannot be hid. 1607
DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. H0 V i, s. IIV: Murder I see cannot
be hid. I607 TOURNEUR Rev. Trag. IV ii, p. 138: Murder will
peepe out of the closest huske. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch.
Malfi IV ii 278: Other sinnes onely speake; Murther shreikes out.
1616 SS. Hon. Lawyer III, s. F4: Murder from heauens eye cannot
be conceal’d. 1622 T. MAY Heir V, p. 580: I’ll leave the felon with
your lordship. —Farewell, good constable: murder, I see, will
out. 1641 MARMION Antiquary V, p. 286: ’Tis an old saying
Murder will out. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 197: No sin is so
close, but may be detected. *Note 138, p. 225: The English say,
Murther will out. 1678 RAY, p. 179: *This is observed very
often to fall out in the immediate sense, as if the Providence of
God were more then ordinarily manifested in such discoveries, It
is used also to signifie, that any knavery or crime or the like will
come to light. 1721 KEL., p. 247: *Spoken jocosely when some-
thing is like to be discovered, which we would gladly have conceal’d.
SHAKESPEARE.~—1592 T. And. II iii 287: How easily murder is
discovered! 1596 M. V. II ii 83: Truth will come to light; murder
cannot be hid long. 1597 Rich. III I iv 286: Well, I’ll go hide
the body in some hole . . And when I have my meed, I will away,
For this will out. 1600-1 H. I ii 257: Foul deeds will rise, Though
all the earth o’erwhelm them, to men’s eyes. Ihid. II ii 621: For
murther, though it have no tongue, will speak With most miracu-
lous organ. 1601 T.N. III i 159: A murd’rous guilt shows not
itself more Soon Than love that would seem hid.
See ST., no. 1551. Cf. T117: The thief will be found out at last;
T591: Truth will come to light (break out). (9)
M1316 MUSE: subst. (=g0ddess of arts)
M1316 He that lives with the MUSES Shall die in the
straw (Learning ever dies in beggary)
a1597 Pilgr. to Parn. I, p. 3: Learninge and povertie will ever kiss.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 235: Who writes well, shall ne’r be rich.
1672 WALK. 33, p. 23: Poets seldome dye rich. 1732 EU L., no. 2223.
SHAKESPEARE.—1595 M.N.D. V i 52: ‘The thrice three Muses
mourning for the death Of Learning, late deceas’d in beggary.’
Cf. C723: He that lives in court dies upon straw.
M1317 MUSE: subst. (=musing)
M1317 Nought (Ill, Sad) is that MUSE that finds no
excuse
I573 SANF., f. 110. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33v: II is that
Muse, that can not find a scuse. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 123:
Bad is that muse, that hath no excuse. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 123,
p. 29. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 254: That is a sad muse, which
cannot Invent one excuse.
Cf. F421: Idle folks lack no excuses; W654: A woman is never
without an excuse.
M1318 MUSE: verb
M1318 You MUSE as you use
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. G3v: Vse not, as you muse, and good
inough. It is no shame to take a fall. 1639 CL., s.v. Conjecturae,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
MUSHROOM 486
MUST

p. 64. 1670 RAY, p. 123: Men muse as they use. 1678 RAY, p.
179: Men muse as they use, [i.e.] measure other folks corn by their
own bushel. 1697 York. Dial. in Yorkshire Anth., p. 90: You meas-
ure, Wife, as ye use. a1700 B.E., s.v. Corn: He measures my
Corn by his own Bushel, he muses as he uses, he thinks me Bad
because he is so himself.
Cf. C663: You measure everyone’s corn by your own bushel;
Y1: You measure everyone by your own yard.
M1319 A MUSHROOM grows in a night
1573 SANF., f. 106: A musheron groweth in one nyght. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 30: In one night growes a Mushrop. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 209: Hath shee not hearde . . that the greatest
mushrompe groweth in one night? 1594 MARLOWE Edw. III iv
284: But cannot brook a night-grown mushrump. I600 JONSON
Ev. Man out Hum. I ii 163: These mushrompe gentlemen, That
shoot vp in a night to place, and worship. 1607 CHAPMAN Bussy
D’Amb. III i 117: Fortune’s proud mushroom shot up in a night.
1622 PEACHAM Complete Gent. XV, p. 160: How may we . . dis-
cerne and know an intruding upstart, shot up with the last nights
Mushroome, from an ancient descended and deserved Gentleman.
1626 BACON Sylva VI 546, p. 114: Mushromes . . come up so
hastily, as in a Night, and yet they are Unsown. And therefore
such as are Upstarts in State, they call, in reproach, Mushromes.
1626 T. HAWKINS ET AL. Holy CourtI i, p. 25a: Some men will aske,
who built this house? Answer will be made, such a one, a mush-
rome of the Court, comming from nothing in one night. 1647 R.
BOYLE Life: IVks., I 23: As for our upstart sectaries, mushrooms
of the last night’s springing up. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 92:
(in an hour). *Note 76, p. 99: Usually applyed to base Upstarts.
1697 BENTLEY Dis. on Epp. Themistocles in W. Wotton Reflec. Anc.
and Mod. Learn., p. 438: For he sprung but up, like a Mushroom,
out of a rotten Passage in Suidas. 1732 FUL., no. 2810: In a Night’s
Time springs up a Mushroom.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. V i 39: Midnight mushrumps.
See PF., no. 112; T. 456, p. 233. (12)
M1320 MUSIC helps not the toothache
1640 HERB., no. 528. 1664 COD., p. 206. I670 RAY, p. 18. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Musick: Musick does not help the Tooth-ake. 1732
FUL., no. 3493.
M1321 MUSIC is a sweet folly
1616 DR., n0. I446.
M1322 MUSIC is the eye of the ear
1616 DR., no. 1448.
M1323 You may make as good MUSIC on (as) a wheel-
barrow
1678 RAY, p. 276.
as a Wheel-barrow.
1732 FUL., no. 5938: You make as good Musick
M1324 He is a bad MUSICIAN that can sing but one
song
1596 DEL., s. N6V: (Vnskillfull is the Musician, that). 1639 CL.,
s.v. Elabendi, p. 104. 1664 COD., p. 196: (He is a bad Musician can).
Cf. C894: You are like the cuckoo, you have but one song;
G384: You breed of the gouk, you have aye but one rhyme (song);
S638: To sing the same (one) song; $936: To harp upon one (the
same) string.
M1325 When a MUSICIAN has forgot his note he makes -
as though a crumb stuck in his throat
1616 WITHALS, p. 558: (When the singer bath). 1639 CL., s.v.
Excusandi, p. 108. 1670 RAY, p. 123: *When a singing_man or
musician is out or at a loss, to conceal it he coughes. Some seeking
to hide a scape with a cough, render themselves doubly ridiculous.
1732 FUL., no. 6471.
Cf. F64: Cloak a fart with a cough.
M1326 MUSICIANS are magicians
1616 DR., s.v. Musicke, no. 1445.

M1331

M1327 MUSICIANS are the parrots of paradise
I616 DR., 110. I447.
M1328 MUSICIANS (Singers) know no means to be
entreated either to begin or end
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 16: This is ofsingers the very propertie
. . when their frendes would heare of their cunning Then are they
neuer disposed for to sing, But if they begin desired of no man
Then . . neuer leaue they till men of them be wery. 1589 L. WRIGHT
Display Duty, f. 18v: They are aptly compared to the Musician, who
being intreated, wil scant sing, Sol, Fa: but vndesired, straine aboue
Ela. 1602 JONSON Poetaster II ii 201: ’Tis the common disease of
all your musicians, that they know no meane, to be intreated,
either to begin, or end.
Cf. B251: Like the blind beggars of Bologna.
M1329 Look not for MUSK in a dog’s kennel
1611 COT., s.v. Chien: (Looke not for ciuet in). 1640 HERB., no. 23.
1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 336: Who would look for
musk in a dog’s kennel? 1659 N.R., p. 73.
M1330 MUST: subst.
M1330 MUST is for the king
1594 MARLOWE Edw. [I IV vi 81: Your majesty must go to Killing-
worth. —Must! ’tis somewhat hard, when kings must go. 1599
CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth iv 146, p. 56: Must she, sir? Have you
brought the King’s warrant for it? 1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON]
Satiro. l. 2107, p. 61: Must I then goe? ’tis easie to say no, Must
is the King himselfe, and I must goe. 1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER,
AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. H2: Your father sendes and I
must part from you, I must oh God I must, must is for Kings, And
loe obedience, for loe vnderlings. 1603 Qu. Eliz. in Lingard Hist.
Eng. IX, VI 647: Must! she exclaimed, is must a word to be ad-
dressed to princes? 1659 FULLER Appeal I, p. 354: Must is for a
king, and seeing the doctor and I are both kings alike, I return, He
must not be so understood. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Necessity,
p. 226. 1678 BUNYAN Come and Welcome: Wks., I 257: Must is for
the king. If they Shall come, they shall come. 1721 KEL., p. 254:
*Spoken to them that say, You Must do such a Thing; such absolute
Commands become no Subject. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 380:
Must! why, Colonel, Must’s for the King.
M1331 MUST: verb
What MUST (shall, will) be must (shall, will)
be
1546 HEY. II i, s. F3: That shalbe, shalbe. 1559 Clarence in Mirror
for Magistrates III, Pt. I, II 231: What shalbe, shall bee. 1576
PETTIE Pet. Pal. , II 128: What shall be, shall be; no policy may pre-
vent the power of the heavens, no doings of men can undo the des-
tinies. [01588] 1604 MARLOWE Faustus I i 49: What will he, shall
be. 1593 PEELE Edw. Ixii, s. H3v: Wel Dauid what Wil be shall be.
1594 MARLOWE Edw. II IV vi 94: Well, that shall be, shall be: part
we must. 1594 Selimus i, S. A4v: What must he, cannot Chuse but
be done. 1596 NASHE Let. to Cotton: Wks., V 196: God may moue
you though I say nothing, in which hope that that which wilbee
shalbe I take my leaue. I611 COT., s.v. Oportet: That which must
be will be; absolute authoritie, or vrgent necessitie, are excellent
workmen. 1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady III,
p. 264: I must kiss you. —No Sir. —Indeed I must. —What
must be, must be; I’le take my leave. 1639 CL., p. 225: That which
will be shall be. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13: That which will be,
will be. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 5, p. 18.
SHAKESPEARE.-—CI595 R}. IV i 21: What must be shall be.
—That’s a certain text. 1596 K}. IV i 55: If heaven be pleas’d
that you must use me ill, Why, then you must. 1596 M. V. II ii
187: You must not deny me. I must go with you To Belmont.
—Why, then you must. 1597 I Hen. IV II iii 108: Whither I
must, I must. I601 T.N. I v 329: Fate, show thy force! Our~
selves we do not owe. What is decreed must be—and be this so!
See DUR., II, no. 363. Cf. A161:All must be as God will; T202:
Things must be as they may. (17)
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
MUSTARD
MYSTERY
487


M1332 As strong (keen, hot) as MUsTARD
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1670 RAY, p. 207. 1672 WALK. 88,
p, 25: (keen). 1679 F. SMITH Clod-Pate’s Ghost, p. 4: You shall see
a man as hot as Mustard against Plot and Plotters. I720 GAY
New Song Similes l. 1: Poems, II 277: My passion is as mustard
strong.
M1333 He looks as if he lived on Tewkesbury MUs-
TARD1
[ERAS. Adagio, 107013: Sinapi victitare.] c1594 BACON, no. 813:
To feed upon mustard. 1662 FULLER Worthies Gloucestershire,
I 377: (had liv’d). *It is spoken partly of such who always have a
sad, severe, and tetrick [austere] countenance. 1670 RAY, p. 229.
1732 FUL., no. 2453: He’s as sharp, as if he liv’d upon Tewksbury-
Mustard.
SHAKESPEARE.—I598 2Hen. IV II iv 262: His wit’s as thick as
Tewksbury mustard.
[lSee Sugden, p. 507.]
M1334 MUSTARD takes one by the nose
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Senapa, p. 189: For mustard to catch one
by the nose, viz. to be quickly mov’d, and angry at the least thing
in the World, to take pett, or pepper in the nose. I738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. II, p. 442: Egad, my lord, your mustard is very uncivil.
—Why uncivil . . P —Because it takes me by the nose.
Cf. N223: His nose will abide nojests; P231: He takes pepper in
the nose.
M1335 He that will not live long let him dwell at
MUSTON, Tenham, or Tong
1576 LAMBARDE Peramo. Kent, p. 248: (The common Rythme of
the countrie . . He that will not).
M1336 MUTABILITY is the badge of infirmity
1607 WALKINGTON Optic Glass IX, p. 109: And indeed mutablenes
and inconstancie are the intimates and badges whereby fools are
known. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof. II 18, p. 191: (Mutability is
at best but). 1732 FUL., no. 3496.
M1337 A MUTE among the vowels
1639 CL., s.v. Subditi, p. 297.
M1338 He loves laced MUTTON
1578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. I iii, s. B3: He lou’d lase
mutton well. [a1600] I612 DELONEY T. Reading 2, p. 218: N0
meat pleased him as well as mutton, such as was laced in a red pet-
ticoate. 1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 68: Why, here is good lac’d
mutton as I promist you. 1636 T. HEYWOOD Love’s Mistress
II, p. 113: Lord of lamentations, Heroe of hie-hoes, Admirall of
aymees, and Mounsieur of mutton-lac’d. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Carnefici, p. 31: To be a great eater, to love flesh well, and by
drollery, to love a wench, as the English say, to love Mutton; also
as it were alluding to the name of a Family that should be so call’d.
I678 RAY, p. 89: *A wencher. I719 Wit and Mirth, I 353: I’m a
loyn of Mutton plainly dress’d, And those nice volk, love all their
mutton lac’d.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.C. V. I i 101: I (a lost mutton) gave your
letter to her (a lac’d mutton), and she (a lac’d mutton) gave me (a
lost mutton) nothing for my labour. 1604 M.M. III ii 191: The
Duke, I say to thee again, would eat mutton on Fridays . . I say to

thee, he would mouth with a beggar, though she smelt brown bread
and garlic.
M1339 He loves MUTTON (sheep’s flesh) well that
dips (wets) his bread in the wool
01460 Good Wife Would a Pilgr. l. 71, p. 41: He wyll lowys scheppis
flesche, That wettyth his bred in woll. a1536 HILL 33, p. 131: He
loveth well moton, that weteth his bred in well. 1546 HEY. II v,
s. H3: He loueth wel sheeps flesh, that wets his bred in wul. 1608
G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN Dumo Knt. II, p. 134: Yet I may dip
my bread in the wool, mistress Collaquintida. I611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 201: (Sheepes flesh he loues well that). 1611 GRUT., no. 114:
He loveth wel sheepsflesch that weteth his bred in the woll. 1614
CAM., p. 307: [As in 1611 Grut.]. 1639 CL., s.v. Amor, p. 28. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: He loves sheeps flesh well, that wetts his
bread in the wooll. 1664 COD., p. 196: (that soketh his bread in
the Wool). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 4: He loves a Lamb well,
that will eat the very wool on’t. 1670 RAY, p. 123. 1696 D’URFEY
3 Don Quix. I i, p. 219: (that can dine upon the Wool). 1721 KEL.,
p. 125: He lov’d Mutton well, that lick’d where the Ewe lay. *Spo-
ken to them, who will sip the bottom of a Glass where good Liquor
was, or scrape a Plate, after good Meat. I732 FUL., no. 1979:
(that eats the Wool).
Cf. B23: He loves bacon well that licks the swinesty door; D26:
They love dancing well that dance among thorns; M819: He loves
roast meat well that licks the spit.
M1340 It is hard to make MUTTON of a sow
1639 CL., s.v. Impossibilia, p. 147.
M1341 MUTTON is meat for a glutton
1611 COT., s.v. Mouton: Flesh of a Mutton is food for a glutton;
(or was held so in Old time, when Beefe and Bacon were your onely
dainties). 1623 WOD., p. 515: Flesh of Mutton, is Cheere of Glut-
ton. I657 LEIGH, p. 262: Flesh of Mutton is meat for a Glutton.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12: Mutton is the food of a glutton. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 42.
M1342 To put on MUTTON-TAFFETY (beggar’s velvet)
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 126, p. 322: A gray Country Stuff that
Clowns do wear in Summer; that resists against the water, as a
Camelot; The English say, Mutton Taffety. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Veluto, p. 227: To put on tripe Velvet, viz. to clothe meanly,
like Shepheards and Vine-keepers, to put on Beggers Velvet, or Mut-
ton Tafl'ety, as the English say.
M1343 He can say MY Jo1 and think it not
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 767. 1721 KEL., p. 144: He can say Jo, and
think it no. *That is, he can pretend Kindness, where he has none.
[1a term offlattery]
M1344 A MYRTLE among thorns (nettles) is a myrtle
still
1640 BRATHWAITE flrt flsleep Husb., p. 166: A mirtle will shew it
selfe a mirtle amongst nettles. 1678 RAY Adagia Hear., p. 397: A
myrtle standing among nettles does notwithstanding retaine the
name of myrtle. I732 FUL., no. 333.
Cf. F384: A flower among thorns sends forth a very sweet smell.
M1345 There is a MYSTERY1 in the meanest trade
1678 RAY, p. 120. [lskill, art]

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
N
NAB
N1 NABl me, I’ll nab thee
1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III ii 1457, p. 362: To nab the Itches of their
Sects, as Jades do one anothers Necks. 1678 RAY, p. 351.
Cf. C405: Claw me and I will claw thee.
[’to bite gently]
N2 If you bleed your NAG on St. Stephen’s Day he
will work your work for ever and aye
1529 MORE Dial. conc. Heresy II x, p. 194: On Saint Stephens day
we must let al our horses bloud with a knife, because saynt Stephen
was killed with stones. 1552 LATIMER Serm. and Rem. 35, p. 100:
Upon this day we were wont to let our horses blood. 1686-7 AU-
BREY Rem. Gentilism and Yudoism, p. 27: On St. Stephens day the
Farrier came constantly and blouded all our Cart-horses.
See SM., p. 213.
N3 A NAG with a weamb1 and a mare with nean2
I670 RAY, p. 44. 1721 KEL., p. 37.
[lbelly 2none]
N4—NI3 NAIL = fingernail or toenail
N4 As naked (bare) as my NAIL
1533 J. HEYWOOD Play Weather, s. E2: (Thou myghtest go as na-
ked). 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV v, p. 144: (I am all to gether
lefte bare . . as naked). 1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. E1v:
(I am as bare). 1587 CHURCHYARD Worth. Wales, p. 103: (Like
begger bare, as naked). I604 DEKKER I Hon. Whore, p. 26: (Cud
pid is a God, as naked). 1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. II i, p. 26:
(The Cooke . . left them as naked). 3.1640 DAY Peregr. XX, p.
79: (Stript as naked). 1681 ROB., p. 905: (ones nail).
N5 As white (clear) as my NAIL
1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 2039, p. 104. 01630 Pepys Bal. 70, II 150:
Shee’s Cleare as my nayles.
N6 He has not a whole NAIL to claw him with
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 723: He hes not ane haill naill to claw him.
*Of Waisters and Debters. 1641 FERG., no. 436: (a heal nail).
N7 Not to stir a NAIL’S breadth
1531 ELYOT Governor II xii, II 147: All this coulde nat remoue me
the breade of my nayle from my dere frende Gysippus. 1540 PALS-
GRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 80: The loue I haue to my selfe telleth me . .
of ryght reason . . whose perswasyons I holde to the nayle. 01547
BALE Three Laws II, s. A8: The sec doth ebbe and fiowe, And vary-
eth not a nayle. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Transuersus: Not to goe a nayle
bredth from it A prouerbe, Signifiyng a little distaunce. [01605]
I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 122: Giue her not therefore a quar-
ter of your yard, not a nayle. 1637 [GILLESPIE] Dispute II i, p. 9:
The position . . we maintaine . . and from which we will not departe
the breadth of one naile, is this.
a nails breadth; a foot; a hairs breadth from a place.
Cf. H28: Not to Stir a hair’s breadth.
N8 From their tender NAILS
1603 P. HOLLAND .Morals Educ. Children, p. 4: For feede them they
will with greater affection . . as loving them inwardly and (as the
proverbe saith) from their tender nailes.
N9 He must have iron NAILS that scratches a bear
1678 RAY, p. 98. 1732 FUL., no. 1991: (scratcheth with a Bear).
1672 WALK. 48, p. 10: Not to stir .

NAIL
N10 It is unlucky to pare one’s NAILS on Sunday (Fri-
day)
1596 LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 12: He will not . . paire his nailes while
Munday, to be fortunat in his loue. I618 HOLYDAY Technogamia
II vi, 3. E1v: That you may neuer pare your nailes vpon a Fri-
day. [1621] I662 MIDDLETON Anything QuietLife IV ii 126: What
a cursed wretch was I to pare my nails to-day! a Friday too. 1695
CONGREVE Love for Love III, p. 135: Thou’rt . . melancholic as if
thou hadst . . par’d thy Nails of a Sunday.
N I 1 To have long NAILS with which to dig one’s grand-
mother out of her grave
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ugna, p. 231: The English say, Extreme
long nails, So as to be able to dig ones Grannum out of her Grave.
N12 To pare one’s (the devil’s) NAILS
1548 BOORDE Intro. Knowledge I, s. A4: I wyll follow myne owne
mynd and myn old trade. Who shal let me, the Deuyls nayles vn-
pared. 1579 TOMSON 1st Ep. Paul to Tim. ii: Serm. Calvin, p. 229:
God must needes paire the nailes, as well ofvs men as women. 1600
P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy IV xxvi, p. 155: Moreover the Lords
of the Senat, albeit they were Willing enough that the Censorship
nailes should be pared and their power taken clowne. [1613-14]
1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi IV ii 107: I have paired the divells
nayles forty times, roasted them in Ravens egges. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Ale, p. 3: To keep the wings clipt; the English say, to pare
ones nails.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 Hen. V IV iv 74: Bardolph and Nym had
ten times more valour than this roaring devil i’ th’ old play that ev—
ery one may pare his nails with a wooden dagger. 1601 T.N. IV
ii 139: Like a mad lad, ’Pare thy nails, dad.’
Cf. W498: To clip one’s Wings.
N13 You had as good eat your NAILS
1678 RAY, p. 241. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 386: Mr. Neverout
. . say a word more and you had as good eat your nails.
Cf. N19: Hungry enough to eat nails (horse nails).
N 14—N20 NAIL = metal nail
N14 Drive the NAIL that will go
1655 FULLER Church Hist. II iv, I 171: Thus he drave that nail . .
which would go best for the present. 1732 FUL., no. I336: (Drive
that Nail).
N15 Drive the NAIL to the head
1639 CL., p. 3. 1645 D. FEATLEY Dippers, p. 57: To drive this naile
to the head, I shall need to add nothing save the capitall punish-
ments inflicted. 1661 R. BOYLE Style Holy Scrip.: Wks., II 110:
Not a bare repeating, but such a redoubling as we are fair to vse, to
drive in a nail to the head.
N16 He has hit the NAIL on the head
1508 STANBRIDGE Vulgaria, p. 18: (Thou hyttes). [a1525] c1545
SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 33: Wks., I 312: And yf that he hyt The
nayle on the hede, It standeth in no stede. 1546 HEY. II xi, s. L4v:
(This hitteth). 1560—77 Misogonus III iii 132: Go go gossupe Bus-
bey this fellowe hits naile oth head. 1578 FLOR. First F. XXI, f.
38: (Certis you haue hit). 1580 BARET, A—I50: Acurem tangere.
A Prouerbe vsed when a matter is rightly defined: as we say, to hit
the nayle on the head. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 119: (You haue
hit). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 617: (upon the head). 1616 DR., no.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
488
NAIL
NAME
489


860: (He hitteth). 1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair Maid West I, p. 341:
(A foolish proverbe we use in our countrey, which . . is as much as
to say You have hit). 1639 CL., p. I 1: (You hit). 1641 FERG., no.
4,34. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 4: You have hit the nail on the
head, Viz. you are in the right. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gatta,
p. 71: (To have found out where the difliculty lyes, to have hit).
1670 RAY, p. 180: To hit the nail 0’ th’ head. 1672 WALK. 2, p. 33:
(You have hit).
See PF., no. 253; ST., no. 2123.
hit the nail on the head.
Cf. M110: Every man cannot
(35)
N17 One NAIL drives out another
[ERAS. Adagia, 70B: Clavum clavo pellere.] I539 TAV., f. 32: [As
in Eras.]. *As we se one nayle dryuen out with an other nayle, so
doth many tymes one crafte and gyle expell an other. 1559 COOPER,
s.v. Clauus: Clauum clauo pellere to dryue out one nayle with an
other. A prouerbe signifiyng one yll to put out an other, one la-
bour an other, one grefe an other, one deceyte an other, extreme
pleasure with extreme peyne. 1562 HEY. Epig. 111, p. 144: Seel-
dome cumth the better, come or go who will, One nayle driueth out
an other, wee se still. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. 14v: But
afterwarde, one nayle driuing forth another, they fell in great ad-
miration at the sudden and shorte anger of louers. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 34: One nayle is driuen out with an other. 1586
YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 144: One nayle is driven out by an other.
[a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. D3: Thus with one nail another I’ll expel,
And make the worldjudge, that I us’d him well. 1598 S. BRANDON
V ir. Octavia II, s. C2: One nayle you see another will expel, When
nothing els can force the same to mooue. I599 MINSHEU Span.
Dial., p. 67: (Have you neuer heard, that one naile). 1611 COT.,
s.v. Clou: One nayle serues to driue out another; one friend im-
ployed to supplant the other. 1627 ABBOT Narr. in Rushworth
Hist. Coll., I 456: One Nail (as the Proverb is) being to be driven
out by another. 01645 ]. HOWELL Let. IV 14, II 582: Languages
and Words . . may be said to stick in the memory like nails or pegs
in a Wainscatdoor, which useth to thrust out one another often-
times. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 10:
One nail thrusts out the other. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Chiodo,
p. 37: To drive one nail with another. 1670 RAY, p. 18. 1676
W. DUGDALE Baron. Eng., II 429: It was thought fit, by some
eminent persons . . to drive out one nail with another. 1732 FUL.,
no.3785.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.C. V. II iv 192: Even as one heat another
heat expels Or as one nail by strength drives out another, SO the
remembrance of my former love Is by a newer object quite for-
gotten. 1608 C. IV vii 54: One fire drives out one fire; one nail, one
nail.
See DiiR., I, no. 358; JENTE 242, p. 428; PF., no. 113; T. 410, p.
216. Cf. D174: One deceit (falsehood) drives out another; F277:
One fire (heat) drives out another; G446: The greater grief (sorrow)
drives out the less; L538: One love drives out (expels) another;
W234: One wedge drives out another. (21)
N18 To pay down upon the NAIL
[To do something on the spot, at once; chiefly used of making pay-
ments of money.] 1596 NASHE Saflron-Walden: W ks., III 40: Tell
mee, haue you a minde to anie thing in the Doctors Booke? speak
the word, and I will help you to it vpon the naile. 1607 MIDDLETON
Mich. Term II iii 207: There’s no merchant in town but will be greedy
upon’t, and pay down money upo’ th’ nail. 1631 SHIRLEY Love
Tricks III v, p. 5 5: [He shall] pay both his ears doun upon the nail
for it. 1670 WALKER Idiom. Ang.-Lat., p. 307: He paid the money
doun upon the nail.
See ST., no. 642.
N19 Hungry enough to eat NAILS (horse nails)
1661 Pr. Blacksm. l. 93 in Roxh. Bal., II I 30: Your roaring-boy . .
Could never yet make the Smith eat his nails. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Chiodo, p. 37: To eat to the very nails, viz. to have an ex-
treme stomach, or appetite, to be ready to eat horse-nails. Ihid.,
s.v. Ramarri, p. 164: To have a good stomach, that any thing will
down with him, to eat even horse-nails.
Cf. N13: You had as good eat your nails.

N20 To have more NAILS to drive than one
1635 H. OXINDEN (to B. Dixwell, March 28) in Oxinden Let. 81, p.
98: I have according to the proverb more nailes to drive then one,
and such as are farre fitter then that.
Cf. E87: I have other eggs to fry; 199: He has many (other) irons
in the fire; IIOO: He that has many irons in the fire, some will cool
(burn).
N21—N32 NAME: subst.
N21 Do not take my NAME in vain
[Ex. xx 7: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in
vain.] 3.1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 148: His name nott yn idell take.
I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 422: Who’s that takes my name in vain?
N22 A good NAME is better than riches (gold)
[Prov. xxii I: A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches]
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 64]: Good renomme is bettir than richesse.
01526 Dicta Sap., s. B2v: It is better to haue a good name, than
richesse. 1586 WITHALS, s. F4V: (is more precious then riches).
1611 COT., s.v. Assez: (is wealth suflicient). 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal
Banquet II: Wks., p. 193: It robs man of his good name, which is
above all riches. 1616 DR., no. 1453: (gold). 01640 W.S. Coun-
trym. Commonw., p. 20: (Reputation is). 1659 N.R., p. 5: (is suffi-
cient Wealth).
SHAKESPEARE—1604 0. III iii 157: Who steals my purse steals
trash . . But he that filches from me my good name Robs me of
that which not enriches him And makes me poor indeed.
See T. 292, p. 173. Cf. R74: A good renown is better than a
golden girdle; R85: A good reputation is a fair estate.
N23 A good NAME keeps its luster in the dark
1664 COD., p. 184: (his own lustre). 1705 Pleas.
Art, p. I 53.
1670 RAY, p. 18.
N24 He has not his NAME for nought (nothing)
1616 DR., no. 1458. 1639 CL., s.v. Probrum, gloria, p. 259: A name
for nought. 1678 RAY, p. 261: You had not your name for nothing.
Cf. N32: Names and natures do often agree.
N25 He that has an ill (evil) NAME is half hanged
1546 HEY. II Vi, s. I2. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 186: A man is halfe
hanged, that hath lost his good name. 01594 BACON, no. 974.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 485: He that is evill deimed is half hanged.
1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. EIv:
Thou art halfe hang’d, for Thou hast an ill name. 1608 BRETON Div.
Consid.: Wks., II 22: (Hee who hath an euill name). 1611 GRUT.,
no. 122. 1614 CAM., p. 307. 1616 DR., no. 1456. 1629 ]. TAYLOR
Wit and Mirth 29: Wks. F., p. 345: Thou art halfe hang’d already
(as the prouerbe sayes:) for thou hast an ill name. 1639 CL., p. 53.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10: (Who hath). 1670 RAY, p. 124.
1721 KEL., p. 195: Ill deem’d half hang’d. *A Man that is vehe-
mently suspected, will soon be found guilty.
Cf. C817: He that has lost his credit is dead to the world; H740:
He was born in an ill hour who gets an ill name; M229: A man con-
demned is half beheaded.
N26 He that has the NAME (famel) to be an early riser
may sleep till noon
1611 COT., s.v. Dormir: He that is thought an earlie man may sleepe
till dinner time; he that is held an honest man may long abuse the
world; common report gulles manie, who thinke no hurt when out-
wardly they see none. 1623 WOD., p. 496: Hee may well rise, and
sleepe late that hath the Name of an earely Riser. *Meaning his
earely Rising may make him (in Tyme) to do it the better. 1634
]. HOWELL Let. II 14, II 405: (He that hath once got the fame of
an early riser). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: (Who hath once the
fame to be). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 25: (Who hath once the re-
port to be). 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 2: Get once a good name,
and sleep at leisure. 1659 N.R., p. 47: He that hath a fame of ris-
ing early may sleep till dinner. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 77: He
may sleep his fill, who hath the fame of an early riser. Ihid. 31, p.
127: Who hath the name of an early riser, may lye a-bed yet one
In Dartial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
NAME
NATURE
490
hour. 1688 BUNYAN Yerusalem Sinner Saved: Wks., I 75: He that
can do thus . . he shall have the name and fame he desires; he may
lie a-bed till noon. 1721 KEL., p. 112: Get a Name to rise early,
and you may lye all Day.
Cf. N27: He who but once a good name gets may piss abed and
say he sweats; N28: Ifone’s name be up he may lie in bed.
['reputation]
N27 He who but once a good NAME gets may piss abed
and say he sweats
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. I, p. 11: Nay, you haue the world at will. —You
may pisse abed, and say you sweate. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes
Fac. in Via, p. 176: He may pisse in bed, and say he sweat. *His
name is up. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 16: You may piss a bed, and say you sweated. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 16, p. 170: Who hath a good name, may piss abed, and say
that he sweat. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Letto, p. 89: To be able
to piss a-bed, and say that he sweated, viz. to be able to do anything;
this is spoken to them, who being well to pass, exhort us to make
expences, which we cannot bear, or induce us to do things which are
not fitting, which in them, because they are rich, are not taken no-
tice of. 1670 RAY, p. 18. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens
Nov. 29: (He that once). I705 Pleas. Art, p. 153. 1732 FUL., no.
6241: (He that once).
Cf. N26: He that has the name (fame) to be an early riser may
sleep till noon; N28: If one’s name be up he may lie in bed.
N28 If one’s NAME be up he may lie in bed
1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 77: Who hath the fame to rise betimes, may
sleep an hour more. *Note 91, p. 79: As the English say, His name
is up, he may lye abed till noon. 1670 RAY, p. 124. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Name: Ifones Name be up, he may ly a-bed. 1732 FUL., no.
5633: When your Name is up, you may lie abed till Noon.
Cf. N26: He that has the name (fame) to be an early riser may
sleep till noon; N27: He who but once a good name gets may piss
abed and say he sweats.
N29 My NAME is Twyford, I know nothing of the mat-
ter
1694 MO'I‘TEUX Gargantua V xiii, III 284: Has-n’t the Fellow told
you he does not know a word of the business? His Name’s Twy-
ford. 1732 F UL., no. 3502.
N30 They seek to get them a NAME by pissing against
the holy waterstock
1579 TOMSON 2nd Ep. to Tim. i: Serm. Calvin, p. 735: [They] seek to
get them a name by pissing against the holy waterstock (as the
prouerb is) for there are a great number that wold be spoken of
and renoumed for their naughty and wicked deeds.
N31 I name no NAMES (nobody)
[01620] I647 [BEAUMONT AND] FLETCHER lVit at Sev. Weapons II,
p. 94: So Servingman Pompey Doodle, may be respected as well
with Ladies (though I name no parties) as Sir Gregory Pop. 1633
SHIRLEY Witty Fair One V iii, p. 361: Somebody hath been cozened,
I name nobody. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 120: If no body be
nam’d, no body is injur’d.
See SM., p. 198.
N32 NAMES and natures do often agree
[1 Sam. xxv 25: For as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and
folly is with him.] 1639 CL., p. 287. 1662 FULLER Worthies Devon-
shire, I 279: John Jewel [Bishop ofSalisbury] . . was born . . 24th of
May 1552 . . It may be said of his Sirname, nomen, omen; Jewel
his name and pretious his vertues.
Cf. N24: He has not his name for nought (nothing).
N33 NAME: verb
N33 Sooner NAMED sooner come
[01560] 1581 WOODES Confl. Cons. III ii, s. D2: Sooner named, soon-
er cumme, as common Prouerbes say.
Cf. D294: Speak of the devil and he will appear; W607: Speak of
the wolf and he will appear.

N34 Not worth the NAMING
1639 CL., p. 81.
Cf. H300: It is worth the hearing.
N35 You take a NAP of a night long
1616 WITHALS, p. 556: (You take but a nap). 1639 CL., p. 292.
N36—7 To take one NAPPING
1594 LYLY Mother B. IV ii I 5 3: Accius and Silena courted one anoth-
er; their fathers toke them napping. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch.
Malfi III ii 71 : We shall one day have my brothers take you napping.
1616 DR., no. 644: Haue I taken you napping? 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 24: I shall take you napping. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p.
324: I’le take you napping.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii I29: I should blush, I know,
To be o’erheard and taken napping so. 1594-8 T.S. IV ii 46: Nay,
I have ta’en you napping, gentle love.
See SM., p. 504; T. 618, p. 300. Cf. M1 185: To take one napping,
as Mosse took his mare. (30)
N38—N40 NATURE = character
N38 It is the NATURE of the beast
1678 RAY, p. 77.
N39 Ill N ATURES, the more you ask them the more
they stick
1640 HERB., no. 106. 1659 N.R., p. 69.
N40 Kind NATURES win most
1639 CL., p. 59.
N41—N5 1 NATURE = natural order
N41 He that follows NATURE is never out of his way
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 192: Doth not Cicero conclude and
allowe, that if wee followe and obey Nature, we shall neuer erre?
1732 FUL., no. 2108.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 M.M. III i 134: What sin you do to save
a brother’s life, Nature dispenses with the deed so far That it be-
comes a virtue.
See T. 457, p. 234. Cf. H18: It goes against the hair; N51: To
go against nature (Invita Minerva).
N42 NATURE abhors a vacuum
1551 CRANMER Answ. to Cavil., p. 250: Natural reason abhorreth
vacuum, that is to say that there should be any empty place, wherin
no substance should be. 1563 FULKE Meteors IV, p. 122: Nature
abhorreth emptiness; so that where nothing else is, there is Air and
Vapors. I585 DYER Praise Nothing, p. 109: Where as the schole
men haue this ground that Natura abhorret vacuum, which is the
natural element or residence of nothing, it consequently followeth,
that she also abhorreth nothing. 1586 WITHALS, s. N8: The
philosophers mainetayne that no place is voide or emptye in all the
world. [01590] 1654 CHAPMAN AND PEELE Alphonsus I i 55:
Nature . . Ordain’d there should be nihil vacuum. 1611 DAv.
Epig., no. I 30: It’s true, it’s true; but prouerb, by your leaue Were
not some men in debt they would not line; For had they paid their
debts, their purse and mawes Would let in vacuum spite ofNatures
lawes. 1686 R. BOYLE Ing. into Notion Nature: Wks., IV 406: I do
not acquiesce in the axiom of the schools, that nature abhors a
vacuum.
N43 NATURE does nothing in vain
1481 CAXTON Mir. World I xiv, p. 44: Nature fourmeth nothing in
vayn. 1584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 128: [Natura] nihil facit
frustra. 1611 CHAPMAN Anag. Hen. Pr. Wales: Iliad, I ix: Nature
doth nothing vainly. 1642 T. BROWNE Relig. Med. I xvi, p. 20:
Natura nihil agit frustra, is the only indisputed Axiome in Philoso-
phy. There are no Grotesques in Nature; not anything framed to
fill up empty Cantons, and unnecessary spaces.
Cf. G199: God (Nature) is no botcher.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
NATURE 49 1
NEAREST

FP—
N44 NATURE has given us two ears (eyes) and but one N50 Though you cast out NATURE with a fork it will
tongue
1535 Dial. Creatures 113, s. Qq3: To euery creature longith but oon
tonge and two erys. 1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. III xxii,
5. P5: It is better to heare than to speake much, and therefore
Nature hath geuen vs two eares, and but one tongue. 1550 TAv.
Flowers Sent., s. B2: Nature hath gyuen man therfore two eares and
but one mouthe, that we shulde be readyer to heare than to speake.
1572 T. WILSON Disc. Usury, p. 211: You have twoe cares and
one tongue, because you shoulde heare more than you speake.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I I 19: (tongue: to that ende . . that wee
shoulde heare muche, and speake little). 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man
V, p. 625: One saith we have two eares, given us by nature, and one
tongue; to the end that we should heare much more than we should
speake. I605 Lond. Prod., s. D2: Euery man hath one tongue, And
two eares, nature in her building, Is a most curious worke-maister.
That is as much (as) to say, a man should heare more Then he
should speake. 1647 HOWELL Let. II 5, II 381: You have two
Eyes and two Ears, but one Tongue; you know my meaning.
1669 PENN No Cross No Crown XIX, p. 378: Demosthenes . . had
these Sentences; That Wise Men speak little, and that therefore
Nature hath given Men two Ears and one Tongue, to hear more than
they speak.
Cf. M1277: Hear much but speak little.
N45 NATURE is content with a little
1584 LYLY Camp. I ii 3: Then art thou in a state of life, which
Philosophers commend. A crumme for thy supper, an hande for
thy cup, and thy clothes for thy sheetes. For Natura paucis
contenta. 1616 DR., no. 1462. I648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks.,
p. 33: Nature with little is content. 1656 CULPEPER Ghost: durum
Pot., p. 184: ’Tis a common Proverb, Nature is content with little.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 211: (contented).
N46 NATURE is the true law
1573 SANF., f. 52. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32: Nature is the
right law. 1628 FELTHAM Resolves II 42, p. 218: Nature implants a
Moral Justice, which, unperverted, will deal square. 1629 Bk. Mer.
Rid. 34, p. 27.
N47 NATURE passes nurture
1578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit, p. 191: Education can haue no shew,
Where the excellencie of nature doth beare sway. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 925: Kind passes nurture. Ihid., no. 1072. 1639 CL., p. 224.
1647 R. STAPLETON Sat. x 359, p. 189: Nature can do more then
breeding can. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 32: Nature stronger then
nurture. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 166: Nature surpasses all
learning. I668 R.B., p. 40.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. IV i 188: A devil, a born devil, on
whose nature Nurture can never stick!
See DUR., II, no. I 59; ST., no. 1604. Cf. B402: Birth is much but
breeding is more; B648: It is breeding and not birth that makes a
man; F174: Better fed than taught; N357: Nurture is above
(passes) nature.
N48 NATURE will have her course
1578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit, p. 191: Nature will haue course after
kinde. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 99. 1590 LODGE Rosa-
lynde, p. 69: Nature must haue her course, womens eyes haue
facultie attractiue like the ieat, and retentiue like the diamond.
1616 DR., no. 1473: (it course). 01646 WITHER Douhtfull .4!-
nzanaek: Misc. Wks., I 6: It is a true saying, Nature will not be hid.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pani, p. 130: To let things be as they are,
to let nature take her own course.
Cf. N81: Need will have its course; Y45: Youth must not have
its will; Y48: Youth will have its course (swing).
N49 That which NATURE gives no man can take away
a1536 HILL 29, p. 129: (That natwre geweth). 1576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., II 85: For the nature of nothing may be altered: that which
nature hath given, cannot be taken away.

still return
[ERAS. Adagia, 617E: Naturam expellas furca, tamen usque recur-
rit.] 1539 TAV., f. 44v: [As in Eras.]. Thrust out nature wyth a
croche, yet woll she styll runne backe agayne. 1571 R. EDWARDS
Damon and Pithias, s. C2v: Not in vain the Poet saith Natura furca
expellas, tamen vsque recurrit. 1594 LYLY Mother B. I i 100: Why
though your sons folly bee thrust vp with a paire of homes on a
forke, yet being naturall, it will haue his course. 1613 W. BROWNE
Br. Past. (1625 ed.) I 2, I 71: Thrust Nature of? with forkes, she’ll
turne againe.
See OTTO, no. 743.
N51 To go against NATURE (Invita Minerva)
[ERAS. fldagia, 44A: Invita Minerva, pro eo quod est refragante
ingenio, repugnante natura, non favente coelo.] 1589 PUTTENHAM
Art Eng. Poesy III xxv, p. 306: (And as they are woont to say) in
spite of Nature or Minerua. [1621] 1652 FLETCHER Wild Goose
Chase I iii, p. 329: And brought up, invita Minerva, at her needle.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 264: To do any thing against nature (the
hair).
Cf. B339: To run against the bias; H18: It goes against the hair;
N41: He that follows nature is never out of his way.
N52 Proo,1 NAUNT,2 your mare puts
I678 RAY, p. 79: Proo naunt your mare puts, i.e. pushes.
[1a call to a cow or horse, inviting it to stand still or come near
2aunt]
N53 He goes early to steal that cannot say NAY
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 520. 1668 R.B., p. 24. 1721 KEL., p. 170:
(He gangs early to beg, that). *Because Men will make a Prey of
his liberal Disposition.
N54 He that will not when he may, when he would he
shall have NAY (shall not when he will)
[01530] c1545 H. RHODES Bk. Nurture (1577 ed.), Rule Honest
Living, in Babies Bk. etc., p. 107: He that may and will not, He then
that would shall not. 1546 HEY. I iii, s. A3v. 1559 COOPER, s.v.
Occasio: (may, when he Will). 1562 HEY. Epig. 7, p. 130. 01570
T. PRESTON Camhyses, s. B4: Ye are vnwise if ye take not time
while ye may: If ye wil not now when ye would ye shall haue nay.
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 99. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 513: (shall not
quhen he wold). 1611 COT., s.v. Pouvoir. 1611 GRUT., no. 127.
1614 CAM., p. 307. 1616 DR., no. 1525: (when he would, shall haue
ney). 1631 MABBE Celestina IX, p. 165. 1639 CL., p. 234. Ibid.,
p. 237: He that may and will not, when he would he shall not.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1668 R.B., p. 24: (shall not when he
wald). 1670 RAY, p. I 55: (may, when he wills). 1721 KEL., p. 147:
(may, When he Will). 1743 FRANKLIN, p. 21: He who would [not]
when he could: Is not able when he would.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I H. IV vii 119: That we would do, We
should do when we would; for this ‘would’ changes, And hath abate-
ments and delays as many As there are tongues, are hands, are
accidents. 1606—7 .4.C. II vii 89: Who seeks, and will not take
when once ’tis oiier’d, Shall never find it more.
See APP., p. 292; JENTE 344, p. 440; SM., p. 174.
Take time when time comes lest time steal away.
Cf. T313:
(11)
N55 You may mend three NAYs with one yea
I562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 29: Ye maie syr (quoth he) mend three
naies with one yee.
N56 0 thou N AZARITE, go about, go about, and do not
come near the vineyard
I678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 408.
N57 I am NEAREST to myself
[ERAS. Adagia, 147A: Heus proximus sum egomet mihi.] 01570
T. PRESTON Camhyses, s. A3v: He is a man that to himselfe is nie.
I586 WITHALS, s. O7v: I loue you well, but I loue my selfe better.
Proximus sum egomet mihi. [01589] I633 MARLOWE Yew Malta
Ii 1 87: Ego mihimet sum semper proximus. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
N ECESSITY
NEED
491
Revels V vii 27: As euery one is neerest to himselfe, so this hand-
maid of reason, allowable selfe-loue, as it is without harme, so are
none without it. 1601 YARINGTON Two Lam. Trag., s. CIV: But
nature, loue, and reason, tels thee thus, Thy selfe must yet be
neerest to thy selfe. 1605 JONSON Sejanus IV 85, p. 421: The
thoughts borne nearest Vnto our selues, moue swiftest still, and
dearest. 1633 J. FORD Love’s Socr. III, p. 142: Meane time, my
Lord, Be nearest to your selfe. 1634 ]. FORD Perkin War. II,
p. 188: But every man is neerest to himselfe, And that the King
obserues, tis fit a’ should. 1643 CAWDREY Good Man, p. 27: It is a
common and received Proverbe in nature, proximus egomet mihi,
I am my owne next neighbour.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G. V. II vi 23: I to myself am clearer than
a friend, For love is still most precious in itself. 1611 Temp. I i 21:
Good, yet remember whom thou hast aboard. —None that I more
love than myself.
See T. 461, p. 235.
W532: He is not wise that is not wise for himself.
Cf. B141: We are not born for ourselves;
(13)
N58 NECESSITY is a hard weapon
1539 TAV., f. 34v: Ingens telum necessitas. Necessitie is a sore
weapon. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II i, p. 61: Necessitie is a
harde weapon. i. nede hath no lawe. 1550 BECON Fortr. Faithful:
Cat., p. 601: But ye know the common proverbs . . Necessity is an
hard dart.
Cf. N76: Need (Necessity) has no law.
N59 NECESSITY is coal-black
1678 RAY, p. 180.
N60 NECESSITY is the best schoolmistress
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 83: Nede taught hym wytte. 1622
MABBE Rogue I 11 i, I 236: She [Necessity] is the Mistresse to all
things. 1659 N.R., p. 81.
Cf. N61: Necessity is the mother of invention.
N61 NECESSITY is the mother of invention
1545 ASCHAM Tox., p. 134: Necessitie, the inuentour of all goodnesse
(as all authours in a maner, doo saye) . . inuented a shaft heed.
1569 UNDERDOWNE Aethiop. Hist. VII, p. 201: Surely necessitie is
the deviser of all manner of shiftes. 1596 DEL., s. O5v: Necessitie
is mother and nurce of all Artes. 1611 Torlton’s yests, p. 36: Want
is the Whetstone of wit. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 167: *Note 12,
p. 172: The Latin says, Ingenii largitor venter. 1677 Smithfield
Yockey, p. 6: Necessity, the Mother of Invention, would not suffer
him to want. 1709 CENTLIVRE Busyhody I, p. 64: Tho’ Want, the
Mistress of Invention, still tempts me on, yet still the old Fox is
too cunning for me.
See APP., p. 438; SM., p. 308. Cf. M1018: Mister makes men of
craft; N60: Necessity is the best schoolmistress; P527: Poverty is
the mother of all arts.
N62 NECESSITY makes the coward grow courageous
1611 COT., s.v. Necessité: (Necessitie .. makes). 1616 WITHALS,
p. 540: Neede maketh cowards couragious. 1623 WOD., p. 504:
Necessitie makes the Couward stoute and magnanimus. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3514: Necessity and Opportunity may make a Coward valiant.
Cf. C777: Put a coward to his mettle and he will fight the devil;
D216: Despair (Love) makes cowards courageous (desperate).
N63 NECESSITY never made a good bargain
1611 COT., s.v. Mescheoir: Those Whom necessitie, or misfortune
forces to sell, are neuer offered the full worth of things.
How. New Sayings, p. 6. 1735 FRANKLIN, p. 9.
N64 I will first see thy NECK as long as my arm
1678 RAY, p. 261.
N65 NECK and heels
1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III ii 1090, p. 351: Insolencies That to your
own Imperious Wills, Laid Law and Gospel Neck and Heels.
1740 R. NORTH Examen I ii 81, p. 72: The Liberty of the Subject
is brought in Neck and Heels, as they say, that the Earl might be
popular.
1659‘

N66 NECK or nothing, for the king loves no cripples
1678 RAY, p. 347: Neck or nothing. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus
Ridens March I: Have at all, Neck or nothing, The King Loves
no Cripples. 1721 KEL., p. 266: *A prophane Jest upon those who
are like to fall, wishing that they may either break their Neck, or
come off safe; for breaking a Limb will make them useless Subjects.
1732 FUL., no. 3518. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 422: Neck or
nothing; come down, or I’ll fetch you down.
N67 One may as soon break his NECK as his fast there
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2: (A man shall as soone). a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1534: Ye wil break your neck and fast alyk in his house. 1598
]. HALL Sotires V ii, p. 97: And, ever since, they say . . That men
may break their neck soon as their fast. 1598 I.M. Health
to Serv. Men, s. G4vz I aduise you goe not fasting to such a house,
for there you may as soon breake your necke as your fast. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 349: A man shall as soone breake his necke as his
fast In a miser’s house. 1616 DR., s.v. Hospitalitie, no. 101 I : A man
may as soone breake his head at his house, as breake his fast. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: A man may break his neck as soon as his
fast in his house. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Paradiso, p. 132:
(ones neck, as ones fast at his house). 1668 R.B., p. 57: Ye will
break your crag as soon as your fast in his house. 1670 RAY, p. 16 5.
1672 WALK. 14, p. 8: You may as soon break your neck as your
fast. 1732 FUL., no. 3770: (at your House).
N68 To break one’s NECK going upstairs
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 90, p. 99: He is misfortunate, and suf-
fereth ship-wrack in the very Haven, breaks his neck up-stairs.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Secco, p. 188: (To be absolutely unlucky
and misfortunate, to break).
Cf. H219: To shipwreck in the haven (harbor).
N69 To slip one’s NECK out of the collar
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 95: And I canne tell you, he hadde
shrunke his heade oute of the coller of those insupportable paynes
long before that Princesse dyed. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 16 5:
Drawe not your head out of the coller, sayde Lorde Vespasian.
01603 DEKKER Wonderful Year: Plague Pomph., p. 34: Those that
could . . shrink their heads out of the collar. 1616 DR., no. 1963:
He draweth his necke out of the coller. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Mano, p. 98: Not to seem to be the person that did the mischief,
to lye behind the hedge, or slip ones neck out of the collar. 1678
RAY, p. 3 5o.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R]. I i 6: Ay, while you live, draw your
neck out of collar. 1597 Rich. [[1 IV iv 111: Now thy proud neck
bears half my burthen’d yoke, From which even here I slip my
wearied head.
(14)
See SM., p. 542.
N70 He is a great NECROMANCER, for he asks counsel
of the dead
1651 HERB., p. 372.
N71-N85 NEED: subst.
N71 He has as much NEED of it as I have of the cough
1616 WITHALS, p.557. 1639 CL., p. 221. I670 RAY, p. 187: AS
much need on’t, as he hath of the pip, or of a cough.
N72 He has great NEED of a fool that plays the fool
himself
1640 HERB., no. 46. 1659 N.R., p. 40: (will play).
Cf. M428: A wise man may sometimes (He is not wise who can-
not) play the fool.
N73 He stands in great NEED that borrows the cat
dish
1639 CL., p. 225.
N74 He that has NEED of nobody is a king in himself
1616 DR., no. 2372.
Cf. N I 19: One may need one’s neighbors sometime.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
NEED 493
NEEDINGWORTH

___
N75 NEED and night make the lame to trot
01640 SMYTH 78, p. 32.
Cf. N77: Need makes the naked man run and sorrow makes
websters spin; N79: Need makes the old wife trot.
N76 NEED (Necessity) has no law
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3V. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Necessitas: Necessitee
hath no lawe, or needes must that needes will be. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 20, p. 131. I573 SANF., f. 51. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX,
f. 32: (Necessitie). 1596 DEL., s. O5v: (Necessitie). a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1076: (Necessity). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 119. 1611
GRUT., no. 193. 1614 CAM., p. 310. 1616 DR., no. 1474: (Neces-
sitie). 1623 WOD., p. 504: (Necessitie). 1639 CL., p. 225: (Neces-
sity). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 206. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 167: Necessity hath no Law, nor Superior.
I668 R.B., p. 40. 1670 RAY, p. 124: (Necessity). I672 WALK.
67, p. 53: (Necessity).
Cf. N58: Necessity is a hard weapon. (25)
N77 NEED makes the naked man run and sorrow
makes websters spin
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. C2: Tusche he that hath nede man
let him rynne. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1081: Neid gares naked men
run. 1639 CL., p. 225: Needs makes the naked man run. 1641
FERG., no. 656: Need gars naked men run, and sorrow gars web-
sters spin. 1668 R.B., p. 40: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 124:
[As in 1639 Cl.].
Cf. N75: Need and night make the lame to trot; N78: Need
makes the naked quean spin; N79: Need makes the old wife trot;
S655: Sorrow gars websters spin.
N78 NEED makes the naked quean spin
1670 RAY, p. 124.
Cf. N77: Need makes the naked man run and sorrow makes web-
sters spin; N79: Need makes the old wife trot.
N79 NEED makes the old wife trot
a15oo Harl. M S 3 362, p. 309: Nede makyth an old wyf . .
English Proverhs in Relig. Antig., I 207.
(to trotte). 1546 HEY. II x, s. L3v.
DAV. Prov., no. 87. 1611 GRUT., no. 194. 1614 CAM., p. 310.
1616 DR., no. 1476. 1639 CL., p. 225. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 19. I659 N.R., p. 79. 1664 COD., p. 206. 1670 RAY, p. 124.
1672 WALK. 67, p. 53: (to trot). 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 157.
Cf. D278: He must needs go that the devil drives; M1077: Money
makes the mare to go (the old wife trot); N75: Need and night
make the lame to trot; N77: Need makes the naked man run and
sorrow makes websters spin; N78: Need makes the naked quean
16thc. Old
a1536 HILL 5, p. 128:
1591 STEP., p. 154. 1611
spin. (21)
N80 NEED makes virtue
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1075. 1668 R.B., p. 40. a1681 T. RAY-
MOND Autobiog, p. 462.
See T. 172, p. 377. Cf. M1018: Mister makes men of craft;
V73: Make a virtue of necessity.
N81 NEED will have its course
1601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. II ii 53: Oh Lord sir, need wil haue
his course. 1678 RAY, p. 180.
Cf. N48: Nature will have her course.
N82 They have NEED of a besom that sweep the house
with a turf
1678 RAY, p. 101. 1697 MER., p. 166: They had need of a bee-
some that sweeps house with a turf.
N83 They have NEED of a blessing that kneel to a
thistle
I580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 153: Theyr courtesie is ouermuch
that will kneele to a Thystle. 1604 BRETON Grimello’s Fort.: W ks.,
II 6: I loued no Painting on my face, no superfluitie in my dyet,
nor excesse in my apparell, nor to creepe to a Thorne, nor to


N87
N91
quarrel for trifles, nor to tell lies.
1639 CL., s.v. Adulatio, p. 13.
1670 RAY, p. 63: (who kneel).
great Need of).
1623 CAM., p. 279: (will kneele).
1664 COD., p. 216: (had need).
1732 FUL., no. 4964: (They have
N84 To give and keep there is NEED of wit
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lviii, IV 153: He stucke to the
Proverb, To give and to have, cloth a braine crave. 1664 COD.,
p. 221. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 73: To give, and to hold, one
must have wit. 1670 RAY, p. II. 01703 MOT'I‘EUX Don Quix.
II lviii, II 374: I guess he stuck to the proverb: To give and keep
what is fit, requires a share of wit. 1732 FUL., no. 6353: To give
and to have, Doth a Brain crave.
Cf. G102: TO get is the gift of fortune, to keep is the gift of
wisdom.
N85 Who buys has NEED of a hundred eyes, who sells
has enough of one
1640 HERB., no. 386: The buyer needes a hundred eyes, the seller
not one. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 20: [As in 1640
Herb.]. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: A hundred eyes for the buyer,
and one is enough for the seller. 1659 N.R., p. 99: The buyer
needs a hundred eyes the seller one. Ibid., p. 122. 1664 COD., p.
219: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p.49: (Who buys,
must have). 1670 RAY, p. 66. 1732 FUL., no. 1035: Buyers want
an hundred Eyes, Sellers none. Ihid., no. 6129: (Who buys, Had
need and But one’s enough, For him that sells the Stuff).
See DI'IR., I, no. 884. Cf. B788: Let the buyer beware.
N86-N90 NEED: verb
N86 He had NEED rise betimes that would please
everybody
1639 CL., p. 34: They must rise betimes, that please all. 1639
FULLER Holy War IV xiv, p. 192: He must rise early, yea, not
at all go to bed, who will have every ones good word. 1670 RAY,
p. 132. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica,
II 28: He must rise betimes who will please every body. 1732
FUL., no. 1854: (who would).
Cf. A193: He that would please all and himself too undertakes
what he cannot do; P88: It is hard to please all parties (men).
It had NEED be dainty, it cost him so dear
1611 COT., s.v. Lievre: We say of a thing bought at a high rate,
it had need be daintie it cost him so deere; or, it is a Hare dressed
with Venison, or Deere, sauce.
N88 You NEED not be so crusty, you are not so hard-
baked
1594 LYLY Mother B. II iii 67. I678 RAY, p. 237. Mid, p. 352:
She is as crousty as that is hard bak’d. *One that is surly and
loath to doe any thing.
N89 He may well be contented who NEEDS neither
borrow nor flatter
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 69]: Some axed him of howe moche goodels]
a man ought to be content, And he answered to haue so moche as '
he neded nat to flatre nor borowe of other. 1597 [BODENHAM]
Wit’s Commonw., f. 107v: He hath riches sufficient, that needeth
neyther to flatter nor borrow. 1670 RAY, p. 5. 1732 FUL., no.
1942: He is rich enough, that needeth neither flatter nor borrow.
Cf. H217: He that has of his own needs not to borrow; N90: He
needs to be beholden to nobody; N264: He need not borrow nor
nothing will lend.
N90 He NEEDS to be beholden to nobody
1616 DR., no. 2078: (need).
Cf. N89: He may well be contented who needs neither borrow
nor flatter.
It comes from N EEDINGWORTH
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 68.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
NEEDLE
NEIGHBOR
494
N92 By the NEEDLE you shall draw the thread and by
that which is past see how that which is to
come will be drawn on
1640 HERB., no. 325.
Cf. K170: He that would know what shall be must consider what
has been; M1169: By the morning one knows the day.
N93 Here I left a NEEDLE and here I will find it
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 67: Heere lost I a needle, and heere
hope I to finde it againe. I732 FUL., no. 2495.
Cf. F224: Here I found you and here (As I found you) I leave you.
N94 Naked as a NEEDLE
[01470] 1485 MA LORY Morte d’Arthur XI i, p. 572: There syr launce-
lot toke the fayrest lady by the hand . . and she was naked as a
nedeL
N95 Sharp as a NEEDLE
1552 HULOET Abced., s. Eel: Sharpe lyke a nedle. 1566 ADLINGTON
Gold. Ass VII, p. 149: Sharp thorns, as sharp as needles. 1607 T.
HEYWOOD Fair Maid Exch., p. 25: Shee hath a wit as sharpe as her
needle. 1688 T. SHADWELL Sq. Alsatia IV, p. 263: I am sharp,
sharp as a Needle.
N96 To break the NEEDLE in one’s knee
1579 TOMSON 1st Ep. Paul to Tim. vi: Serm. Calvin, p. 545: Let vs
bridle our mindes with patience, and be not as some that would
breake the needle in their knee, as the prouerbe is.
N97 To seek a NEEDLE in a bottle1 of hay
1533 T. MORE Answ. Frith’s Let.: Wks. 1557, p. 837: To seke out
one lyne in all hys bookes wer to go looke a nedle in a medow.
1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s. IIv: I haue
bene seeking ye, as a man should seek a load of hay in a needles eye.
[I598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng.for My Money, 5. B2v: I am seeking a
Needle in a Bottle of Hay, a Monster in the likenesse of a Man.
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s. I3v: Hee is gone to seeke a
Hayre in a Hennes nest, a Needle in a Bottle of Haye, which is sil~
dome scene as a blacke Swan. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Land.
II, p. 164: My Mistres is to me Sir, the needle in the bottle you wot
where. —Of hay thou mean’st, she’l not be lost I warrant. 1633
T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. III i, p. 58: Oh, Sir, you are the Needle,
and if the whole County of Middlesex had bin turn’d to a meere
Bottle of Hay, I had been inioyn’d to haue found you out. 1639
CL., p. 153: (You seek). 1670 RAY, p. 187. 1672 WALK. 82, p. 18:
(You may as well bid me go seek). 1732 FUL., no. 5225.
Cf. 5943: He seeks for stubble in a fallow field. (14)
[lbundle]
N98 You put it together with a hot NEEDLE and burnt
thread
1678 RAY, p. 350. 1732 FUL., no. 5990: You sew’d it with a red-
hot Needle, and a burning Thread.
See ST., no. 876.
N99 Begin with NEEDLES and pins and leave ofi with
horse and horned nowt1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1377: Thay that begins with needl and spoone
taks horned neat or they have done. 1721 KEL., p. 68: *Intimating
that they, who begin with pilfering and picking, will not stop there,
but proceed to greater Crimes.
[lcattle]
N100 To walk (stand) on NEEDLES’ points
1613 CHAPMAN Rev. Bussy D’Amb. I i 107: For so on needles’ points
My wife’s heart stands with haste of the revenge. 1664 KILLI-
GREW Pandora V, p. 75: State Affairs, where the wisest ever walk on
needles points.
Cf. E91: To walk on eggs.
N101 Two N EGATIVES make an affirmative
1593 G. HARVEY Let. Not. Cont., p. 293: But euen those two Neg-
atiues . . would be conformable enough, to conclude an Afiirmatiue.

*
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 101: First therefore I say, his no
no is an affirmatiue. For in one speach two negatiues afi’irme,
[01600] 1657 DAY, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Lust’s Dominion I i,
p. 98: No, no says ay; and twice away says stay. [1641] 1651 W,
CARTWRIGHT Lady Errant I ii, p. 6. 1647 FULLER Worse Times:
Good Thoughts, p. 125. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 13: A womans
double negative, is a single affirmative.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. V i 23: If your four negatives make
your two affirmatives, why then, the worse for my friends and the
better for my foes.
(II)
Cf. W660: A woman says nay (no) and means aye.
N102 NEGLECT will kill an injury sooner than revenge
1607 JONSON Volp. II ii 20: Sir, calumnies are answer’d best with
silence. 1621 WILLIAMSON Wise Vieillard, p. 77: Often-times it
hath beene better to winke at, and passe by an iniurie then to re-
uenge it. 1628 FELTHAM Resolves II 64, p. 259. 1732 FUL., no.
3520: Neglect will sooner kill an Injury than Revenge. 1749
FRANKLIN, p. 26: Neglect kills Injuries, Revenge increases them.
Cf. E208: Some evils are cured by contempt; W946: To forget a
wrong is best revenge.
N103 One stifi NEGO is one good point of law
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 161: Ane stiff nego is ane good poynt oflaw.
N104 He is an ill NEIGHBOR that is not missed
1639 CL., p. 75.
Cf. H832: He is an ill husband that is not missed.
N105 He is my NEIGHBOR who grinds at my mill
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 192: (that grindes).
How. Eng. Prov., p. 6.
Cf. F705: He is my friend that grinds at my mill.
I659
N106 He that has a good NEIGHBOR has a good morrow
1566 HOL., p. 260. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 57: You have a good
neighbor then. -—-And by consequence a good morrow. CI594
BACON, no. 1479: Qui a bon voisin a bon matin. 1596 DEL., S. P1 v.
1611 COT., s.v. Matin. 1614 CAM., p. 302: A good neighbor, a good
goodmorrow. 1616 DR., no. 1488. 1639 CL., p. 317: A good
neighbour a good morrow. 1657 LEIGH, p. 273. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 7: [As in 1614 Cam.]. 1664 COD., p. 196. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 27, p. 30 5: A good neighbour, a good morrow, an ill neighbour,
an ill morrow. 1670 RAY, p. 124: [As in 1614 Cam.]. 1672 WALK.
15, p. 8: [As in 1614 Cam.]. 1732 FUL., no. 165: [As in 1639 Cl.].
Cf. N107: He that has an ill neighbor has oftentimes an ill morn-
ing.
N107 He that has an ill NEIGHBOR has oftentimes an
ill morning
[CI530] c1555 BERNERS Arthur Little Br., p. 464.
F. VIII, p. 129: Hee hath . . wicked neighbours.
an ill morowe then.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V IV i 6: Our bad neighbour makes
us early stirrers.
Cf. N106: He that has a good neighbor has a good morrow; N108:
An ill neighbor is an ill thing.
N108 An ill NEIGHBOR is an ill thing
[ERAS Adagia, 39F: Aliquid mali, propter vicinum malum.] 1552
TAV., f. 49: [As in Eras.]. Euyll betydeth bycause of an euyll neygh-
bour. 1639 CL., p. 317. 1669 WORLIDGE Systema Agric. X, p.
228: An ill Neighbor is a very great Evil, and a good Neighbour as
great a Happiness, said old Hesiod. 1672 WALK. I 5, p. 8: ’Tis ill
dwelling by bad neighbours.
Cf. N107: He that has an ill neighbor has oftentimes an ill morn-
ing.
N109 Love your NEIGHBOR, yet pull not down your
hedge
1640 HERB., no. 141.
183. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. I.
To preserve friendship let there be a wall between.
1591 FLOR. Sec.
—Belike, he hath
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
I659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 8:
1659 N .R., p.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important Word.
NEIGHBOR
NEIGHBORS
495

__—
72. 1664 COD., p. 204: (but pull not).
pull not). 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 156.
not up thy Hedge for him).
pull down).
1670 RAY, p. 117: (but
1732 FUL., no. 3299: (but cut
I754 FRANKLIN, p. 30: (Yet don’t
N110 A near NEIGHBOR is better than a far friend
(kinsman)
1552 TAV., f. 49: (Our Englyshe prouerbe, which speketh in this
wyse. A nere neyghbour). I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f.
154: A neere friend, is better then a farre dwelling kinsman. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 305: It’s better to have a neer neighbour, than
a remote kinsman.
See ST., no. 386.
N111 N EIGHBOR, we are sure of fair weather, each has
beheld this morn Abergainy Hill
c1640 SMYTH 8, p. 27.
Cf. H471: When the hill wears a cap it means mischief.
N112 Who more ready to call her NEIGHBOR scold
than the arrantest scold in the parish?
I616 WITHALS, p. 583: (than the rankish scold). 1639 CL., p. 79-
1670 RAY, p. 140.
Cf. C579: Some complain to prevent complaint; F107: He finds
fault with others and does worse himself (He that will blame others
must be blameless himself); K21: The kettle calls the pot black ass;
W319: Call her whore first.
N113 You must ask your NEIGHBOR if you shall live
in peace
1639 CL., p. 203. 1670 RAY, p. 125. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Neighbour-
1721 KEL., p. 258: No Man can live longer in Peace than his
Neighbour pleases.
N114 Better learn from your NEIGHBOR’S scathe1 than
your own
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 218: Better learne be your neighbours skaith
nor be your aw[in]. 1668 R.B., p. 11: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I721
KEL., p. 64.
Cf. M612: Happy is he whom other men’s harms make beware;
M615: It is good to (He is wise who can) beware by other men’s
harms.
[lharm]
N115 Our N EIGHBOR’S ground yields better corn than
our own
[ERAS. Adagia, 251A: Fertilior seges est alieno semper in arvo.l
I552 TAV., f. 59v: The come in an other mans grounde semeth euer
more fertyll and plentyfull then doth oure owne. By this is noted
the lyghtnesse, newe fangelnesse and constancye of mankynde
which estemeth euen Straunge thynges better then his owne. 1580
BARET, F—423: Fertilior seges in agro alieno. *A Prouerbe to be
applied to those, which are of a couetous an[d] vnsatiable mind,
and thinke all too much that other haue. 1586 WITHALS, s. C1:
Wee thinke alwayes the come that growes in another bodies ground
to be better then our owne. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 4: My
neighbours goat gives more milk then mine.
See DUR., I, no. 89; OTTO, no. 60. Cf. F27: Fair and far off;
F342: Like Flanders landscapes (Flanders pieces), that look fair at
a distance but coarser near at hand; F413: Far folk fare best; F625:
Far fowls have fair feathers.
N116 When thy NEIGHBOR’S house does burn be care-
ful of thine own
[ERAS. Adagia, 862C: Tua res agitur, cum proximus ardet paries.]
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 184: Whan my neybours house is a fyre:
I can nat be out of thought for myn owne. 1548 E. HALL Hen.
VII: Chron., f. 13: When thy neighboures house is a fyer, thy
stalIe standeth nexte the dore. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev.,
p. [96], l. 27: When neighbours next house burnes, tis tyme thereof
take hede. I586 WITHALS, s. G1: Looke to thy owne house when
thy neighbours doth burne. 1594 True Trag. Rich. [I] iv, s. CIV:
Tush a shadow without a substance, and a feare without a cause:


but yet ifmy neighbours house bee on fire, let me seeke to saue mine
owne. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1458: (is in fyr tak tent [heed] to thy
awin). 1611 GRUT., no. 309. 1614 CAM., p. 314. 1616 DR., no.
2350: (is on fire, looke t0 thine owne). 1616 WITHALS, p. 551 : Thou
hast neede to take heede, when thy neighbours house is on fire.
I623 WOD., p. 502: Who sees his Nighbours House burne, ought to
feare his owne. Mea-[ning]: not to be glad of an other Mans Losse.
1639 CL., p. 23: When your neighbours house is on fire beware your
own. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 9:
When there is fire in the neighbourhood, bring water to thy own
house. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 3: When the neighbours house is
a fire, carry water to thine own house. 1668 R.B., p. 45: [As in
a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 106: (is on fire, beware of thin fOWI‘l).
I672 WALK. 9, p. 35: When your neighbours house is on fire, then look
to your own. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Neighbor: (is on fire, beware thy
own). 1721 KEL., p. 352: (is in danger take tent to thine own).
1732 FUL., no. 5599: When the next House is a Fire, it’s high Time
to look to thy own.
See DUR., II, no. 127. Cf. M497: When a man’s house burns
it’s not good playing at chess; M615: It is good to (He is Wise who
can) beware by other men’s harms.
N117 He dwells far from NEIGHBORS (has ill neigh-
bors) that is fain to praise himself
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 68: Men . . In theyr olde prouerbes
Often comprehende That he that is amonge shrewyd neyghbours
May his owne dedes laufully commende. 1548 E. HALL Hen. V.
Chron., f. 19: He that praiseth him selfe lacketh louyng neighbors:
1549 T. CHALONER Pr. Folly, s. A2: The common prouerbe, which
saieth, that he maie rightly praise hym selfe, whom none other
bodie will. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 95: Those are tearmed
houshold witnesses, who perhaps praise themselves, for lacke of
good neighbours. 1586 WITHALS, s. I3v: He that of himselfe doth
brag, bost and vaunt, Hath yll neighbours aboute him, to set him
aflaunt. [a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. B2: The praise were great, spoke
from another’s mouth: But it should seem your neighbours dwell
far OH. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. KI: You dwell by
ill neighbours, Richard, that makes yee praise your selfe. I607
MARSTON What You Will V i 3: I commend, commend myself to
ye, lady. ——In troth, sir, you dwell far from neighbours, that are
enforced to commend yourself. 1616 DR., no. 738: Hee that prais-
eth himselfe hath ill neighbours. 1616 WITHALS, p. 568: I am
none of those which are faine to commend themselves for want of
good neighbors to doe it. 1639 CL., p. 32: (He ha’s ill neighbours).
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16: Who commendeth himself, wanteth
good neighbours. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 20: It seemeth he hath
ill neighbours. *This is meant of one that prayseth himselfe too
much. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vicinato, p. 231: To have ill
neighborhood, viz. to commend ones own self. I670 RAY, p. 12 5.
I672 WALK. 32, p. 46: (He dwells by ill neighbours, [far from neigh-
bours] that’s). I721 KEL., p. 375: You live beside ill Neighbours.
*Spoken when People commend themselves, for if they deserv’d
Commendation, their Neighbours would commend them. 1732
FUL., no. 1841: (who is).
SHAKESPEARE—I592 T. And. V iii 116: But soft! methinks I do
digress too much, Citing my worthless praise. O, pardon me! For
when no friends are by, men praise themselves. 1598-9 M.A. V
ii 76: There’s not one wise man among twenty that will praise him-
self. ———An old, an old instance, Beatrice, that liv’d in the time of
good neighbours. 1600—1 H. V ii 189: I commend my duty to your
lordship. —~Yours, yours. [Exit Osric.] He does well to com-
mend it himself; there are no tongues else for’s turn.
Cf. C554: Who commends himself berays himself; P547: He that
praises himself spatters himself. (5)
N118 He that does as his NEIGHBORS d0 shall be be-
loved
1616 DR., no. 1438.
bours.
Cf. M512: Do as most men do and fewest will speak evil of you.
1639 CL., p. 282: Let him doe like his neigh-
N119 One may need one’s NEIGHBORS sometime
I573 SANF., f. 108v: Every day and yeare, one hathe need of an-
other. 1611 COT., s.v. Geline: How rich, or powerfull soeuer a

In partial quotations Wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. Xi H.
NEIGHBORS
N ETTLE
496

man be, he may haue need of his neighbors. 1616 DR., no. 1490:
There is no man but hee shall haue need of his neighbours at
one time or other. 1639 CL., p. 317: As great as you be, you
may need your neighbours. 1664 COD., p. 213: There is no Man
but needs his Neighbour at one time, or other. 1732 FUL., no.
4564: The Great and the Little have need of one another.
Cf. N74: He that has need of nobody is a king in himself; Y24:
Once in ten years one man has need of another.
N 120 Think not better of yourself than all your NEIGH-
BORS do
1616 WITHALS, p. 576: It is a good thing not to thinke better of
himselfe than all his neighbours doe. 1639 CL., p. 85.
Cf. M531: If all men may say that thou art an ass then bray;
M1197: It is not as thy mother says but as thy neighbors say; 048:
If one, two, or three tell you you are an ass put on a tail (bridle);
P54: Think not better of yourself than all the parish.
N121 NEIGHBOR QUART is good quart
1678 RAY, p. 180: *Giffe gaffe is a good fellow.
Cf. D610: It is good drinking of wine at another man’s cost; G94:
Giff gaff (Give gave) was a good fellow; M847: The wholesomest
meat is at another man’s cost.
N122 Fast and welcome, NELLA BOOTH’S medicine
1639 CL., p. 241.
N123 Dead in the NEST
I594 LYLY Mother B. IV ii 67: I am paid and stroke dead in the
neast. [1624] 1660 J. HALL Serm. Homptoncourt: Olive Tree, p. 7:
Were it not for quafiing, ribaldry . . profaneness, these men would
be dull, and (as we say) dead on the nest. 1670 RAY, p. 171.
N124 Destroy the NEST and the rooks will flee away
1655 FULLER Church Hist. VI v, II 280: Thacker, being possessed
ofRepingdon abbey. . plucked down . . a . . church belonging there-
unto, adding he would destroy the nest, for fear the birds should
build therein again. 1721 KEL., p. 89: (Ding down the Nests, and).
*This Proverb was unhappily apply’d at the Reformation to the de-
stroying of many stately Cathedrals, and Collegiate Churches.
1732 FUL., no. 1555: Fling down the Nests, and the Rooks will be
gone.
SHAKESPEARE—1609 Son. 73: [An expansion of the proverb].
N125-6 T0 feather one’s NEST
1553 Respublica III vi, p. 30: We will feather oure nestes, ere tyme
may vs espie. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses II, p. 38: They feather
their nests. 1594 True Trag. Rich. III iii, s. B2: But if the King
scape, as I hope he will, Then Will I feather my neast. 1611 DEK-
KER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, s. D4: By my faith the foole has
fetherd his nest well. 1616 DR., no. 1881: He hath feathered his
nest. Ibid., no. 2373: He hath well feathered his nest. 1622 MABBE
Rogue I 11 iii, I 259: Wee should feather our nests, and our selves in-
rich. 1630 T. ADAMS Politic Hunting: Wks., p. 118: Some among
vs haue feathered their nestes, not by open violence, but politicke
circumuention. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 16: He hath well feather’d
his nest, or made up his mouth. 1670 RAY, p. 174: (ones nest well).
See ST., no. 2519. Cf. M1263: To make up one’s mouth.
N127 He that fishes afore the NET, long ere he fish
get
1548 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 9: He that fysheth before the net,
may lese, but nothyng gayne. 1641 FERG., no. 379: (lang or he
fish get). 1668 R.B., p. 27. 1697 MER., p. 165: (lang fish or he
fish get).
who devour by Expectation, What they have not in Possession, for
the Fish are not gotten till the Net be drawn ashore.
Cf. F335: It is ill fishing (Fish not) before the net.
N128 The NET of the sleeper catches fish
1549 T. CHALONER Pr. Folly, s. P4v: Whose good happe . . gaue
fyrst place to this prouerbe, slepe he neuer sa soft, his nette catcheth
for hym. 01594 BACON, no. 768: Dormientis rete trahit.
See SM., p. 454. Cf. F331: Who sleeps catches no fish; S321:
Whoso keeps well sheep and bees, sleep or wake their thrift comes in.
1721 KEL., p. 148: (before the Net). *Spoken to those

fl
N129 The rough NET is not the best catcher of birds
1562 HEY. Dial. I ix, p. 18. 1611 COT., s.v. Douceur. 1611 DAV,
Prov., no. 403: (not best). 1611 GRUT., no. 276. 1614 CAM., p,
313. 1616 DR., no 769. 1639 CL., p. 205. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 15. 1659 N.R., p. 99: (of fish). 1670 RAY, p. 125.
Cf. V3: In vain the net is spread in the sight of the birds.
N130 You dance in a NET and think nobody sees you
1534 J. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. C1v: Lyke as a foole myght haue
iettyd in a net Beleuyng hymselfe saue 0f hym selfe onely To be
perceyued of no lyuyng body. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p,
151: But if they daunce in a net, no doubt they will be espied.
01592 KYD Span. Trag. IV iv, s. L4: Whose reconciled sonne Marcht
in a net, and thought himselfe vnseene. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
11: (and you think). 1668 DRYDEN Martin Mar-All IV i, p. 55: I
see I have not danced in a net before you. 1670 RAY, p. 6.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 Hen. VI ii 93: And rather choose to hide
them in a net Than amply to imbare their crooked titles.
N131 As angry (surly) as if he had pissed on a NETTLE
1670 RAY, p. 189: (surely). I678 RAY, p. 265: (surly). 1697
MER., p. 165.
Cf. N132: He has pissed on a nettle.
N132 He has pissed on a NETTLE
[He is out of temper.] 1546 HEY. II x, s. L3v: In no place coulde
she sitte, hir selfe to settyll. It seemd to hym, she had pyst on a
nettyll. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 30: Ether
I rose on my lift Side to day, or I pist on a nettell. 1592 GREENE
Quip for Upstart Courtier, p. 220: Al these women that you heare
brawling . . and scolding thus, have seuerally pist on this bush of
nettles. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 44. 1639 CL., s.v. Asperitas, p. 3 5:
(He pist). 1641 FERG., no. 426. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: I
think you have piss’d on a nettle, viz. you are froward.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. III v 56: Now, when the credit of
our town lay on it, Now to be frampal, now to piss 0’ th’ nettle!
G0 thy ways.
Cf. N131: As angry (surly) as if he had pissed on a nettle; S426:
He rose on his right (wrong, left) Side.
N133 He that handles a NETTLE tenderly is soonest
stung
[ERAS. Similia, 606B: Quemadmodum urtica, si contanter attingas
ac timide, adurit: sin premas tota manu, non adurit.] 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 212: He which toucheth the nettle tenderly, is
soonest stoung. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., 8. C3: Play with the
nettle neuer soe nimbly and it will sting thee. I591 FLOR. Sec. F.
XII, p. 175: To Nettles: Those that but touch they sting them, But
hurt not those that wring them. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. V ii 18:
Andelocia is a Nettle: if you touch him gently, he’ll sting you.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ortiche, p. 124: To know how to handle
Nettles, Viz. ruffly and harshly; and this is spoken of such as have
to deal with Boors and Barbarians. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus
Ridens March 8: Whether a peevish Nettle be not the true Emblem
of a Schismitick, which if you stroak it gently, it stings your fingers;
but if you grasp it hard, it never hurts you. 1732 FUL., no. 2126.
1748 FRANKLIN, p. 24: Knaves and Nettles are akin; stroak ’em
kindly, yet they’ll sting.
See T. 464, p. 237. Cf. C92: Kiss a carl and clap a carl and that’s
the way to tine a carl, knock a carl and ding a carl and that’s the
way to win a carl; T236: He that handles thorns shall prick his
fingers. (6)
N134 It is better to be stung by a NETTLE than pricked
by a rose
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 95: I can better take a blister of
a Nettle, then a prick of a Rose. 1644 J. HOWELL Eng. Tears in
Somers Tracts, V 42: (with a nettle, than to be pricked). 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1670 RAY, p. 25.
N135 The NETTLE grows where the rose was expected
1616 DR., s.v. Degenerate, no. 464.
Cf. R181: I took her for a rose but she proved a but.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
NEVERMASS
NEWS
497

#—
N136 At NEVERMASS
[01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, s. D4: Tyll I saye Dauydes psalter
That shall be at neuermas. 1639 CL., s.v. Nunquam nusquam, p.
229. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bino, p. 15: Never, as the English
say, at Nevermass, when ill Pay-masters pay their debts. I672
WALK. 43, p. 52: At latter Lammass; at Nevermass; when two sun-
days come together.
Cf. G441: At the Greek calends; L90: At latter Lammas; S995:
When two Sundays come together.
N137 NEWER is truer
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3v: Thy ryme (quoth he) is muche elder than
myne, But myne beyng newer, is trewer than thyne.
N138 A NEWGATE BIRD1
1607 DEKKER AND WILKINS Yests in Dekker Non-Dram. Wks., II
343: Our N ewgate Bird . . spreading his Dragon-like wings . . be-
held a thousand Synnes. 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 7: Newgate
birds are no Buzzards. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Forcoli, p. 6 5:
To be born to be hang’d, to be a N ewgate, or Tyburn bird. Ihid.,
s.v. Sindicato, p. 193: To be Arraigned; the English nick-name such
a one by Newgate-bird; to have been at the Old-Baily. I672 WALK.
21, p. 20.
[lSee Sugden, p. 364.]
N139 Good NEWS may be told at any time, but ill,
in the morning
1640 HERB., no. 871. 1659 N.R., p. 38.
N140 He that brings good NEWS knocks boldly
1611 COT., s.v. Hardiment: (boldly knocks at doore). 1623 WOD.,
p. 487: He knocks boldly at the Gate that brings good Newes in
there at. *So said of those that have a cleare and sound Action in
their Afl'aires. 1640 HERB., no. 819: (knockes hard). 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. I 8: Who brings good news may knock boldly. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. I 3, p. 213: He knocks boldly at the door, who bring-
eth good news.
Cf. W813: He spares no words that brings good news.
He that has told good NEWS needs tell no more
1659 N.R., p. 53.
N141
1611 COT., s.v. Assez.
N142 He was scarce of NEWS that told his father was
hanged
1668 R.B., p. 24: (He was scant). 1721 KEL., p. 136: *Spoken to
them that say something, that may tend to the Disparagement
of themselves, or Family. 1732 FUL., no. 2378: (who told).
N143 If you will learn NEWS you must go to the oven
or the mill
1611 COT., s.v. Moulin: An Ouen, and Mill are nurseries of newes.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I I.
N144 Ill NEWS are commonly true
1596 DEL., S. O5v: Ill newes be commonly to true. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 387: Evil newes ar oft tyms trewest. 1611 DAY. Prov.,
no. 47. 1616 DR., no. 1495. 1639 CL., p. 228: Ill newes is too oft
true. 1721 KEL., p. 221: Ill News are ay o’er true.
N145 Ill NEWS comes too soon
1530 PALS., p. 466a: He knocketh too soone at the dore that bring-
eth yvell tydynges. 1596 DEL., s. P5V: He cometh too soone to
our gate, that brings with him ill newes. 1611 COT., s.v. Nouvelle:
He that brings ill news comes too soone. 1623 CAM., p. 272. 1639
CL., p. 210. 1659 N.R., p. 64.
Cf. N147: Ill news flies faster than good; N148: 111 news has wings
(comes apace).
N146 111 NEWS comes unsent for
1639 CL., p. 123.
Cf. S654: Sorrow comes unsent for; W219: Like ill weather, you
come (sorrow comes) unsent for.

N147 Ill NEWS flies faster than good
1630 MASSINGER Picture II i, p. 142: Ill news, madam, Are swallow-
wing’d, but what’s good walks on crutches. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8,
p. 171: Ill news come the first. 1671 MILTON Samson Ag. 1. 1538,
p. 392: For evil news rides post, while good news baits. 1694
ECHARD Fair Andrian V, p. 46: Bad News always fly faster than
good.
Cf. N145: Ill news comes too soon; N148: Ill news has wings
(comes apace).
N148 Ill NEWS has wings (comes apace)
1596 DEL., s. P7V: An ill word is quickly spread abroad. 1603
DRAYTON Barons’ Wars II xxviii 233, p. 34: Ill Newes hath Wings,
and with the Wind doth goe. 1609 ROWLANDS Whole Crew Kind
Gossips, p. 3: And swift report hath very nimble Wings. 1611
COT., s.v. Parole: A bad word quickly flyes abroad; a bad report
set once on foot, spreads farre. 1623 WOD., p. 522: An evill Word
is presently spred over all. 1656 W. SANDERSON Hist. Mary Qu.
Scot. I, p. 2: Ill news hath wings, which flew to the King at Falk-
land. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: An ill report quickly flyes
abroad. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 171: (flyes apace). 1670 RAY,
p. 109: (comes apace). 1685 DRYDEN Thren. Aug. 1. 49, p. 65:
Ill News is winged with fate, and flies apace. 1732 FUL., no.
3077: (comes apace).
Cf. N145: Ill news comes too soon; N147: Ill news flies faster
than good; P489: The lame post brings the truest news; R83: A
false report rides post; Z2: Zeal has wings (will fly).
N149 NEWS are like fish
1616 BRET., p. 8: News are like fish.
would stinke when they are stale.
See SM., p. 314.
—Not so, for then they
N150 NEWS, like a snowball, is more by telling
1639 CL., p. 228.
Cf. S595: Like a snowball, that rolling becomes bigger.
NEWS, news, the skin of your ass will make a
new pair of shoes
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
N151
N152 N0 NEWS is good (the best) news
1632 D. LUPTON Land. and Country Carbonadoed 12 in Bks. Char.,
p. 320: The best newes is when we heare no Newes. 1640 I.
HOWELL Let. II 18, II 410: I am of the Italian’s mind, that said,
Nulla nuova, buona nuova, No news, good news. 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. 3: The best news is no news.
N153 Simondsall NEWS
01640 SMYTH 35, p. 30: *The Clothiers horscarriers and wainmen . .
who weekely frequent London, knowinge . . That the first question
. . is What newes at London; Doe vsually gull vs with feigned in-
ventions . . which wee either then suspectinge vpon the report, or
after findinge false, wee cry out, Simondsall newes. A generall
speach betweene each coblers teeth.
N154 Tell me NEWS (what I know not)
1616 WITHALS, p. 566: Tell me that I know not. 1639 CL., p. 303:
Tell me what I know not. 1670 RAY, p. 1 87. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. Incredible, p. 178: You tell news indeed. 1672 WALK. 50,
p. 31: Tell me news; what I know not; speak to the matter; come
to the question. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 409: Indeed, miss,
you are very handsome. —Poh! I know that already; tell me
news.
Cf. L448: My Lord Baldwin’s dead.
N155 This is NEWS, quoth the fox when he let a fart
in the morning
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 30.
N156 This NEWS is too good to be true
1578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. I iii, s. B3: I thought thy
talke was too sweete to be true. 1594 LYLY Mother B. IV ii 4:

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
NEXT
NIGHT
498


N161
N162
It was too good to be true. [01604] 1638 T. HEYWOOD Wise
Woman H. IV i, p. 337: The name of that news is cal’d, too good to
be true. 1605 S. ROWLEY When You See Me, 5. B1: This newes
my Lord is cald too good to be true. 1606 DANIEL Arcadia V iv,
p. 294: ’T is too good to be true [of news].
N157 I will thank you for the NEXT, for this I am sure
of
1640 JONSON Tale Tub I i 88: I thanke you Squires-worship, Most
humbly (for the next, for this I am sure of). 1678 RAY, p. 273.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 452: Your wine is excellent good, so I
thank you for the next, for I am sure of this.
N158 MORE NICE (precise) than wise
1581 B. RICH Fare. Mil. Pref., p. 139: I warrant you, thei can
make it more nice then wise. 1592 LODGE Euph. Shadow, p. 75:
She vain maid, being more faire then fortunat: and more precise
then witty. 1599 BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, 5. A7. 1616 DR., s. V.
Scrupulositie, no. 1913: He is more precise then wise. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Curiositas, p. 78: (precise). 1670 RAY, p. 187. I683 BUNYAN
Greatness Soul: Wks., I 128: Calling those that cry out so hotly
against it, men more nice than wise. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Nice: (He
is more). 1721 KEL., p. 249: *Spoken when People out of Bash-
fulness leave a Thing unsaid, or a Person unspoken to, which
would have contributed to their Interest.
N159 NICHILS (Nifles) in nine pokes (in a bag)
1530 PALS., p. 850: Nyfels in a bagge, de tout nifies. 1584 R.
SCOT Disc. Witchcr. XVI vi, p. 483: The witches .. that .. giue
their soules to the divell . . and their bodies to the hangman to be
trussed on the gallowes, for nichels in a bag. 1622 MABBE Rogue
II 160, quoted in New English Dictionary: No wise man will ad-
uenture his person for nifies in a bagge. I670 RAY, p. 188: *Noth-
ing at all. 1678 RAY, p. 261: (pokes or nooks).
N160 NICK = critical moment
N160 In the NICK (nick of time)
1565 GOLDING Metam. III 314, p. 69: And for to fierce hir ire,
Another thing cleane overthwart there commeth in the nicke.
1576-7 HANMER Anc. Eccles. Hist. Socrates Schol. VI vi, p. 363:
The Romaine navy . . arriued at the very pinch, or as commonly
we say, in the nicke. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. III ii, s.
E3v: In tempore veni, I came hether in the nicke. 1602 MARSTON
Antonio and Mell. Ind., l. 63: I will so tickle the sense . . with the
titillation of hyperbolical praise, that I’ll strike it in the nick, in the
very nick, chuck. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap II i 124: Now,
ifshe have the grace to apprehend it in the nicke, there’s all. 1611
FLOR., s.v. Apponto, p. 34: Point by point, pat, iumpt, in the nicke.
1623 FELTHAM Resolves I viii, p. 10: There are some nicks in Time
which whosoever finds, may promise to himself successe. 1672
WALK. 74, p.32: In the very nick of time.
SHAKESPEARE—I604 O. V ii 317: Iago in the interim [Q 1 nicke]
came in and satisfied him. 1613 T.N.K. III v 72: There’s a
dainty mad woman, master, Comes i’ th’ nick.
See PE, no. 432; ST., no. 1638. Cf. P634: To come in pudding
time. (45)
N 161 NICK = Satan
Old NICK
1643 Mer. Droll. App., p. 394: For Roundheads Old Nick stand up
now. [1660] 1693 URQUHART Gargantua III iii, II 32: An accursed
imp of the Infernal Old Nick. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Patrasso,
p. I 36: To go to one’s Fore-fathers, abusively, and in drollery; the
English would say, He is gone to Old Nick, meaning the Devil and
Father of Lyers. 1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions I, p. 149: They
were all sent tO Old Nick. 1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III i 1313, p. 303:
Nick Machiavel had ne’er a Trick (Tho’ he gives Name to our Old
Nick).
NICK AND FROTH
[A term for tapsters’ tricks]
12: With Cannes of Beere
1612 S. ROWLANDS Knave Hearts, p.
.. And those they say are fil’d with

N167
Nick and Froth. a1700 B.E., s.v. Nickum: Nick and Froth
built the Pye at Aldgate, sharping in the Reckonings and cheating
in the Measure built that (once) Noted House.
N163 The N IGGARD has never enough (is never rich)
1493 [H. PARKER] Dives and Pauper, f. 8. 1611 COT., s.v. Riche;
The niggard’s nere (in his opinion) rich. 1623 WOD., p. 487; A
Niggard Man is never rich. So said of him that is never rich in
Contentment, but poore in Slaverie with Goods. '
Cf. M88: A covetous man is never rich; IVII 144: The more a man
has the more he desires; M1287: Much would have more.
N164 After NIGHT comes the day
01475 CAXTON Hist. Troy, II 473: Ther is no nyght so derke but
that hit is surmounted wyth the day. 1504 ATKYNSON Imi;_
Christ II viii in Imit. Christi, p. 186: For after wynter foloweth
somer, after the night the day. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II
319: After the day cometh the nyght So after pleasour oft comys
payne. 1613 WITHER Abuses I 16, I 17 5: Calmes doe the l'Oughest
stormes that are attend, And th’longest night that is, will haue an
end. 1636 D’AVENANT Plat. Lovers II, p. 66: This, Sir, is certain
as the night’s Succession to the day. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21,
p. 282: After night cometh day, and after bad times come good.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo—1 H. I iii 79: And it must follow, as the
night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. 1605-6
M. IV iii 239: Receive what cheer you may. The night is long that
never finds the day. 1609 Son. 145, l. 9: An end That follow’d it as
gentle day Doth follow night.
Cf. D70: Every day the night comes.
N165 As secret (silent) as the NIGHT
1602 [COOKE] How Man May Choose, s. G3: She blusht and said
that long tongu’d men would tell, I seem’d to be as secret as the
night, and said, on sooth I would put out the light. 1607 B. BARNES
Devil’s Charter III ii, S. E4: Secret as mid-night, sure as the sunne,
quick as the waters. 1611 JONSON Cat. III 432, p. 482: Be secret
as the night. 1613 STEPHENS Cynthia’s Rev. I vii, s. D2: AS
secret as calme silence, or the night. 1619 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER
King No King V, p. 226: For I would be as still as night. 1629
D’AVENANT Albovine III, p. 48: I must seem pensive as the night.
1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair Maid West II, p. 361: Mute as night,
AS Silent and as secret.
N166 A blustering NIGHT a fair day
1640 HERB., no. 303.
SHAKESPEARE.———I609 Son. 90, l. 7: Give not a windy night a
rainy morrow.
Dark NIGHT is Cupid’s day
1595 CHAPMAN Ovid’s Bang. Sense: Wks., p. 27: So in this Cupid’s
night—oft seen in day. 1598 MARLOWE Hero and Leander I 191,
p. 38: And Night, deep-drench’d in misty Acheron, Heav’d up her
head . . dark night is Cupid’s day. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: W ks.,
III 19 5: What will not blinde Cupid doe in the night, which is his
blindmans holiday? 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 29: The darkest
night is Cupids brightest day. 1608 JONSON Haddington Masque
l. 167: Masques at Court, p. 254: This same Night Is Cvpid’s day.
[1621] 1662 MIDDLETON Anything Quiet Life II i 171: Midnight is
Cupid’s holyday.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I592—3 V.A. l. 720: ‘In night,’ quoth she, ‘de-
sire sees best of all.’
N168 A drunken NIGHT makes a cloudy (misty) mom-
mg
1631 W. CORNWALLIS Essays 43, s. Z8: (misty). 1732 FUL., no. 81.
N169 A fine (fit) NIGHT to run away with another
man’s wife (to steal away a fair lady)
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 165: It were euen a fine night to runne
awaye with another mans wife in. 1592 Arden F., s. G2: Didest
thou euer see better weather to runne away with another mans
wife. [1623] I647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Lovers’ Prog. III, p.
104: Here were a night to chuse to run away with another mans
Wife, and do the feat. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. IV, p.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), 01' by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
NIGHT
NOBLE
499

73: They say a moonshine night is good to run away with another
man’s wife; but I am sure a dark night is best to steal away my
father’s daughter. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: A fit night to
steal away a fair Lady. *A cleer Moon-shine. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 404: O! ’twas a delicate night to run away with another
man’s wife.
N170 Good NIGHT, Nicholas, the moon is in the flock
bed1
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
[lwool- or cotton-padded bed]
N171 He that runs in the NIGHT stumbles
1504 CORNISH Treat. Infor. and Music 1. 13, p. 422: Who gothe in
the darke must stomble among. 1616 DR., no. 1073. 1664 COD.,
p. 196. 1670 RAY, p. 19. I732 FUL., no. 2271: (in the Dark, may
well stumble).
N172 He that will be rich before NIGHT may be
hanged before noon
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 369, p. 337: Slow and Sure . . is good
Counsel. ’Tis a Roguy kind of a Saying, that He that will be Rich
before Night, may be Hang’d before Noon.‘
Cf. M489: A rich man’s money hangs him oftentimes (is his
enemy); S544: Slow but sure.
N173 He thinks that it will never be NIGHT with him
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sera, p. 189: The English say of a Spend- I
thrift, or Gamester, that’s flush of moneys, He thinks it will ne’r
be night with him, that his moneys will ne’r have an end.
N174 NIGHT is the mother of counsels
[ERAS. Adagia, 4623: In nocte consilium.] 1573 SANF., f. 106: The
night is the mother of thoughts. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31v:
[As in 1573 Sanf.]. I590 SPENSER I i 33: Vntroubled night
they say giues counsell best. 1600 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy
XLII, p. 1129: I will sleepe upon it and bee well advised what to
doe for the best. 1611 COT., s.v. Conseil: Night gives aduice; We
say, take counsell of your pillow. 1623,WOD., p. 501: The Night
will giue you Counsell. 1640 HERB., no. 742. 1659 N.R., p. 80.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 171: The night is the mother of thoughts,
and of counsells. a1700 BRAMSTON Autobiog., p. 206: I will not
take your commission; but thinck better on it—sleep vpon it.
Cf. C696: Take counsel of your pillow.
N175 The NIGHT is the time of rest for all creatures
I6I6 BRET., p. 9.
N176 This grew by NIGHT
1678 RAY, p. 72: This grow’d by night. *Spoken of a crooked
Stick or tree, it could not see to grow.
N177 To a great NIGHT a great lantern
1640 HERB., no. 727.
N178 To make a NIGHT of it
1602 Narcissus l. 88, p. 4: Youle make as good a night ofit heere as
ifyou had beene at all the houses in the towne. I607 DEKKER AND
WEBSTER North. Ho V, s. G2: Weel make a night of it. 1660
TATHAM Rump V, p. 63: Every man to his home, or shall we make
a Night on’t. I693 CONGREVE Old Bachelor IV, p. 204: I’m re-
solv’d to make a Night on’t. I701 CIBBER Love Makes Man I, p.
154: Well! And didst thou make a Night on’t Boy?
N179 What is done by NIGHT appears by day
1611 COT., s.v. Nuict: The Day bewrayes whatsoeuer was done by
night; or, the day discouers the harme that night hath done. 1659
HOW. Br. Prov., p. I 5: Done what’s by night, day brings to light.
1664 COD., p. 214: The day discovers what harm the night hath
done. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 170: What thou shalt do in the
night, will appear in the day. Ihid. 2, p. 263: That which is done
in the dark, appears in the sun-shine. I732 FUL., no. 5495.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. 746: She prays she never may be-
hold the day, ‘For day,’ quoth she, ‘night’s scapes doth open lay.’

N180 Trust not one NIGHT’S ice
1640 HERB., no. 449. 1659 N.R., p. 101.
N181
1664 COD., p. 219.
The NIGHTINGALE and the cuckoo sing both in
one month
1639 CL., p. 106. 1664 COD., p. 213: (a month). 1670 RAY, p. 19.
1696 D’URFEY3 Don Quint. V i, p. 286: D’ye hear, Sir, as great as
you are, remember this, the Nightingale and Cuckoo sing both in
a Month.
N182 The N IGHTINGALE sings clear
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
N183 To sit (sing) like a NIGHTINGALE, with a thorn
against one’s breast
1610 G. FLETCHER Christ’s Victory, p. 194: But leaning on a thorn
her dainty chest, For feare soft sleepe should steale into her breast,
Expresses in her song grief not to be expressed. 1630 T. ADAMS
Fire Content: Wks. (1861), II 155: The godly must be fain to sit,
like the nightingale, with a thorn against her breast.
SHAKESPEARE.—I593-4 Lac. 1. 1135: And whiles against a thorn
thou bear’st thy part To keep thy Sharp woes waking, wretched
I . . against my heart Will fix a sharp knife to affright mine eye.
1599 Pass. Pilgr. 20, l. 7: Everything did banish moan, Save the
nightingale alone. She, poOr bird, as all forlorn, Lean’d her breast
up-till a thorn. I613 T.N.K. III iv 25: O for a prick now, like a
nightingale, To put my breast against!
N184 NIGHTWORK
1639 CL., s.v. Nox, p. 227: Night-works. Clandestina scelera.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. [V III ii 211: Ha, i’twas a merry
night. And is Jane Nightwork alive?
N185 NIMROD was a hunter, even to a proverb
1630 T. ADAMS Politic Hunting: Wks., p. 116.
N186 As like as NINEPENCE to nothing
1670 RAY, p. 206.
N187 As neat as NINEPENCE
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11: As fine as fippence, as neat as nine
pence. ’
Cf. F341: As fine as fivepence.
N188 NINEPENCE, n0 pence, half a groat1 wanting two
pence
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12.
[lfourpence]
1670 RAY, p. 215.
N189 To give him a privy NIP
8.1538 LATIMER Serm. and Rem. 33, p. 76: [He] giveth them a goodly
privy nip. I551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia I, p. 48: A priuie nippe
for them that do otherwise. 1639 CL., p. 80. 1676 MARVELL Mr.
Smirke, p. 25: Many a dry bob, close gird, and privy nip has he
given him. ' '
N190 As small as a NIT
I555 EDEN Decades New World, p. 219: These lyse are at the first
as little as nitts. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 46, p. 16: What is that: as
small as a nit, and serves the king at every bit? It is salt.
N191 NITs will be lice
a1700 B.E., s.v. Nit. I791 DISRAELI Curios. Lit., III 44: Oliver
Cromwell’s coarse but descriptive proverb conveys the contempt he
felt for some of his mean and troublesome coadj utors: Nits will be lice!
N192 NOBILITY is the spear’s point
1616 DR., no. 1507.
N193—N194 NOBLE: subst.
N 193 As yellow as the golden NOBLE
1678 RAY, p. 3 50.
Cf. G280: As yellow (shining) as gold.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
NOBLE
NORTH
500

N194 To bring a NOBLE1 (shilling) to ninepence
1546 HEY. II v, s. H1: He maketh his martes with marchantes
lykely, To bryng a shillyng to nyne pence quickely. 1560-77
Misogonus II iv 206: Has The Marchant a shillinge so some to nine
pence brought? 1568 FULWELL [.ike Will to Like, 8. D4: Tomtos-
pot . . Hath increased a Noble iust unto nine pence. 1591 FLOR.
Sec. I". IX, p. 143: He ouercome with debts, hath brought a noble
to ninepence, and hath made a spindle of a speare. 1616 DR., s.v.
Poore, or Pouertie, no. 1669: (Hee hath brought). 1639 CL., s.v.
Profusio, p. 262: (to nine pence,—or no pence). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 17: (He hath brought). 1660 J. HOWELL Parley Beasts IV,
p. 59: Many of you [women] are so lavish that you make the poor
husband oftentimes to turn a noble to nine~pence. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Gheriglio, p. 73: (To decline, and waste in ones
state by ill husbandry, to bring). 1668 T. SHADWELL Sullen
Lovers V, p. 87: I shou’d soon bring a Noble to Ninepence then, as
they say. 1670 RAY, p. 187: (to ninepence, and ninepence to
nothing). 1680 R. L’ESTRANGE Twenty~Two Sel. Colloq. 22, p. 299:
I have e’en brought a Noble to Nine-pence. 1732 FUL., no. 6021:
(You’ll bring).
Cf. M964: To have thwitten a millpost to a pudding-prick; S756:
To make a spindle of a spar (spear).
['about six shillings]
N195 NOBLE: adj.
N 195 The more NOBLE the more humble
1639 CL., p. 212: The more humble the more
1670 RAY, p. 19. 1721 KEL., p.
1616 DR., no. 1504.
honourable. 1664 COD., p. 217.
331.
N196 He is NOBODY
1616 DR., no. 322. 1639 CL., p. 105: A very nobody.
N197 Beyond the N OCK
1530 PALS., p. 489b: He commendeth hym by yonde the nocke: il
le prise oultre bort, or oultre mesure. 1534 J. HEYWOOD Play
Love, s. B3v: Where or whan she lyst to gyue a mock She coulde
and wolde do it beyonde the nock.
N198 A NOD for a wise man and a rod for a fool
1616 DR., no. 1883: A rod for the fooles backe. 1678 RAY Adagio
Hebr., p. 413. I732 FUL., no. 337.
N199 To play at N ODDY
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Muti, p. 113: The English quibble in
saying, To play at Noddy, which is meant either of the game at
cards so call’d, or to set a sleep and nod ones head.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQ4 T.G.V. I i 119: Nod~ay? Why, that’s
noddy. ———You mistook, sir. I say she did nod; and you ask me if
she did nod; and I say, ‘Ay.’ ——And that set together is ‘noddy.’
N200 The NOISE is greater than the nuts
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram, p. 83: *More afraid then hurt. 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 15: Let not any afiiction make thee
to despaire, for the noise is euer greater than the nuts, and many
are more afraid than hurt. I651 HERB., p. 368.
Cf. A55: More afraid than hurt.
Would No I THANK YOU had never been made
1732 FUL., no. 5821.
N201
1678 RAY, p. 77.
N202 NOLI ME TANGERE
[Touch me not.] [Vulgate Yohn xx 17.] 01475 Mankind l. 504, 19: I xall spare master Woode of Fullburn; He ys a noli me tangere.
1591 PEELE Speeches at Theohald’s iii: Wks., II 313: Noli me tangere:
I let go my hold, and desire your majesty that you will hold yours.
1634 W. WOOD New Eng. Prosp., p. 24: The Porcupine . . stands
upon his guard and proclaimes a Noli me tangere, to man and
beast.
N203 No MAN’S LAND
1662 FULLER W'orthies Warwickshire, II 409: There happened so
grievous a Pestilence in London, that . . the Dead might seem to


justle one another . . Whereupon this Bishop charitably bought ,,
ground nigh Smithfield. It was called No-Man’s-Land . . as dc-
signed and consecrated for the generall Sepulture of the Deceased,
1719 DEFOE Crusoe, II 520: This was a kind of border that might
be called No Man’s Land.
N204 NON EST INVENTUS
[He was not found] 01475 Mankind l. 774, p. 29: You must speke
to the schryne for a cepe coppus, Ellys ye must fayn to retorn with
non est inventus. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Ahuses I, p. 117: Sheriffes
and Officers wil returne writs with a tarde venit, or with a non est
inuentus. 1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 101: SO long put he his
hand into his purse, that at last the emptie bottome returned him a
Writt of Non est inuentus.
N205 NON PLACET
[It does not please. A formula used in the older universities and in
ecclesiastical assemblies to indicate a negative vote upon a prop0_
sition.] 1589 GREENE Menaphon, p. 67: When I craued a finall
resolution to my fatall passions, shee . . shooke me off with a Non
placet. 1592 NASHE Strange News: Wks., I 261: He forsooth wil
be the first that shal giue Pierce Penilesse a non placet. 1596
NASHE Saflron-Walden: Wks, III 42: I would cut his cloake with
the Wooll, though Lilly and Nashe neuer so cry Non placet thereat.
1620 BRENT Hist. Coun. Trent VI, p. 500: There were 57 who said
Non placet.
N206 He is put to a N ONPLUS
[01589] I633 MARLOWE Yew Malta IV iv 14: I left him, being driven
to a non-plus at the critical aspect of my terrible countenance.
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dict., s.v. Parar, p. 184: To be at a non plus,
to pause. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 23: He was graveld or put to a
nonplus. I672 WALK. 7, p. 7: To set one on his breech; to non
plus him; gravel him; put him to a stand; to his trumps.
See ST., no. 2493. Cf. T545: To put one to his trumps.
N207 He is a very NONSUCH
1613 S. ROWLANDS Knave Spades and Diamonds Ep., p. 4: The very
Nonesuch of true courtesie. 1639 CL., s.v. Raritas, p. 271: A very
None-such. 1677 W. HUGHES Man Sin I i, p. 2: We have therein
a very Nonsuch, for the enriching that Aegypt, which it passeth
through. '
N208 He rises over soon who is hanged ere NOON
a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 501: (quho is hanged or noone). 1641 FERG.,
no. 329: He rises over earlie that is hangit or noone. 1668 R.B.,
p. 22: He rises over early that is hangit ere noon. 1721 KEL., p.
146: (He’s o’er early up that is). *A Jest upon them that boast of
their early rising, or an Excuse for them that lye long.
N209 To have run beyond NOON
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Parte, p. 134: To have lavish’d and out-
stript his portion or estate; if I mistake not, the English say, To
have run beyond Noon.
N210 To ring NOON on one’s head
[1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. II, s. D3: I’ll make your sconce and
the post ring noon together. 1605 CHAPMAN All Fools III i 420:
By your clock, sir, it should be almost one, for your head rung noon
some half hour ago. 1607 Puritan I, s. C2v: Let vs alone to make
our Blades ring noone, Tho it be after Supper. 1640 JONSON Tole
Tuh II ii 23: This Ash-plant Had rung noone 0’ your pate, Mr.
Broome-beard.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 CE. I ii 45: The clock hath strucken
twelve upon the bell—My mistress made it one upon my check.
The NORTH for greatness, the East for health,
the South for neatness, the West for wealth
I662 FULLER Worthies Dorsetshire, I 310.
N211
N212 The NORTH of England for an ox, the South for
a sheep, and the middle part for a man
1662 FULLER Worthies Wiltshire, II 435: I have heard a Wise man
say, that an Oxe .. would, of all England, choose to live in the
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
NORTH 501 NOSE


North, a Sheep in the South . . and a Man in the Middle betwixt Age, p. 76: If the Poet observe not these measures, the working
both. up of a Scene, is plainly the tormenting of nature, and holding our
_ ears to the Grindstone. 1732 FUL., no. 187: (To hold one’s).
N213 Out of the NORTH all 111 comes forth C5 5513, I will Si, 0,, you, Skirt,“ 5
1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p. 339: There hath beene an old say-
ing, that all evils rise out of the North. [1624] 1656 DEKKER AND
FORD Sun’s Darling V, p. 334: What such murmurings does your
gall bring forth, Will you prov’t true, no good coms from the North.
1649 Winter Dream in Harl. Misc., VII 199: (And you know the old
Saying, Out). 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 4: All mischiefs from the
North proceed.
SHAKESPEAREr—IOOS P. IV i 52: When I was born the wind was
north. 1610 Cym. I iii 35: Comes in my father, And, like the tyran-
nous breathing of the North, Shakes all our buds from growing.
Cf. I38: Three ills (evils) come from the North, a cold wind, a
shrinking cloth, and a dissembling man; W214: Cold weather and
crafty knaves come out of the North.
N214 NORTHAMPTON stands on other men’s legs
1662 FULLER Worthies Northamptonshire, II 158: The Town of
Northampton may be said to stand chiefly on other mens Leggs;
where . . the most and cheapest Boots and Stockens are bought in
England.
N215 As plain as the NOSE on a man’s face
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 173: No more seene then a nose in a
mans face. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III III iv 1, p. 850: As clear
and as manifest as the nose in a man’s face. 1639 CL., p. 188.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: As plain to be seen as the nose on your
face. Ibid., p. 20: (of a man’s face). 1670 RAY, p. 206. 1678
S. BUTLER Hud. III iii 780, p. 396: As plain as Noses upon Faces.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594 T.G. V. II i 141: Ojest unseen, inscrutable,
invisible, As a nose on a man’s face or a weathercock on a steeple!
1601 T.N. IV i 7: Nor your name is not Master Cesario; nor this
is not my nose neither. Nothing that is so is so.
N216 He cannot tell where to turn his NOSE
1560—70 Bal. Priest in Coll. 79 Bl. Letter Bal., p. 144: The prouerbe
is true in you, I suppose,—He cannot tell Where to turne his nose.
N217 He has a good NOSE to make a poor man’s sow
1530 PALS., p. 580a: (to be apoore mans sowe). 1566 HOL., p. 260:
You are good to be a poore mans sow. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr.
Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 27: I haue a good nose to be a pore mans
sowe. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Klv: For their smelling, they
were yll to be poore mens hogges. 1639 CL., p. 239. 1670 RAY,
p. 193: Good to make a poor mans sow. I721 KEL., p. 376: You
wou’d be a good Borrowstown Sow you Sense so well. *Spoken
when People pretend to find the Smell of something, that we would
conceal. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 407: Colonel, I find you
would make a very bad poor man’s sow.
Cf. F634a: The fox is the finder; 8108: He that smells the first
savor is the fault’s first father.
N218 He holds his NOSE to the grindstone
[1525-40] 1 5 57 Merry Dial. , p. 60: I woulde haue holden his nose to
the grindstone. 1533 FRITH Mirr. to Know Thyself: Writings, p. 24:
This saying holds their noses so hard to the grindstone, that it
wholly disfigures their faces. 1546 HEY. I V, s. B2: I shall to re-
uenge former hurts, Hold their noses to grinstone, and sit on their
skurts. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 41: And so holde the poore
Frenchmennes Noses to the Grindstone for euer after. 1596 KNY-
VETT Dey‘. Realm, p. 53: The overplus of ours, will day and nighte so
houlde theire noses to the grindstone, as in the nighte they shall
take no rest. a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 836: I shall hold his nose in the
grindstone. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 385: The great to the grindstone
the small’s nose do hold. 1615 Work for Cutlers in Old Bk. Coll.
Misc., II 5: Nay, ne’er talk: for you know he can hold your nose
to the grindstone, when he list. 1616 DR. no. 198. 1639 CL., s.v.
Rigor, p. 274. 1641 FERG., no. 530: I shall hold his nose on the
grindstone. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: (my nose). 1659 N.R.,
p. 49. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bacile, p. 9: To hold one to it,
to keep his'nose to the grindstone. 1668 R.B., p. 31: (I shall hold
his). 1670 RAY, p. 187: (To hold ones). 1678 RYMER Trag. Last
N221
N225

N219 He puts his NOSE out of joint
1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 1095, p. 35: Yonder bald
Adams, is put my nose from his ioynt; but Adam I will be euen to
you. 1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 8: The thought of the
new come Foole so much mooued him, that hee was as dead as a
doore nayle . . looking towardes the doore to behold his arriuall,
that he would put his nose out of ioynt. 1607 Puritan V, s. H2:
All the knights noses are put out of ioynt, they may go to a bone
setters now. 1616 DR., no. 453. 1618 HOLYDAY Technogamia II
iii, 3. G1v: You’d put all their noses out of ioynt quite. 1656
H. MORE Enthus. Triumph. 21, p. 16: He hoped to put Mahomet’s
nose out ofjoint. 1670 RAY, p. 188: (To put ones nose). 1672
WALK. 16, p. 27: To put ones nose quite out ofjoynt. (5)
N220 He sees no farther than his NOSE
01594 BACON, no. 1563: Il ne regard plus loin que le bout de son
nez. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 9: (then the end of his nose). 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Naso, p. 114: Not to see the length of ones
nose, Viz. to be short sighted, sand blind.
See ST., no. 1620. Cf. I51: He sees an inch before his nose.
He that wipes his NOSE and has it not forfeits
his face to the king -
1672 WALK. 28, p. 9. 1678 RAY, p. 86: (He that snites [wipes] his
nose). *A man can do no more then he can.
Cf. M220: A man can do no more than he can.
N222 He would wipe his NOSE if he had one
1639 CL., p. 145. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20: (Nick would).
1670 RAY, p. 108: Jack would wipe his nose if he had it.
Cf. N228: They may wipe their nose that have it.
N223 His NOSE will abide n0 jests
1588 [MARPRELATE] Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. 12 5: I am sure their
noses can abide no jest. 1592 LODGE Euph. Shadow, p. 61: My
nose loues no iesting. 1593 PEELE Edw. I ii, s. B4v: We are ..
disposed to be pleasant with thee a little; but I perceiue, Friar, thy
nose will bide no iest. 1616 DR., no. 1069: (iest). 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 6: His nose will abide no jest; he hath taken a pett,
or Pepper in the nose. 1678 RAY, p. 77.
Cf. M1334: Mustard takes one by the nose; P231: He takes
pepper in the nose. 1
N224 If your NOSE itches you will kiss a fool
1604 DEKKER I Hon. Whore, p. 26: We shall ha’ guests to-day . .
my nose itches so . . Gods my pittikins, some foole or other knocks.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 417: My nose itch’d, and I knew I should
drink wine, or kiss a fool.
Cf. E98: My elbow itches, I must change my bedfellow.
My NOSE runs like a soap wife’s arse
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1043.
N226 A NOSE of wax
[A thing or person easily molded] I609 MELTON Six~Fold Pal.,
p. 77: They meete with no such noses of waxe as will be so iested
with all. 1611 COT., s.v. Tordre: To make a nose of wax of; to
wrest, wrie, manage, turne, at pleasure. 1691—2 WOOD Fasti II,
p. 168: Being a man [Sir T. Honywood] soft in spirit, and too easy,
like a nose of wax, to be turn’d on that side where the greatest
Strength then was, was taken into Oliver’s court.
See ST., no. 1630. Cf. H531: The Holy Scripture is made a nose
of wax; L104: The law is made a nose of wax.
N227 One may know by his NOSE (looks, face) what
pottage (porridge) he loves
1556 T. HILL Brief and Pleas. Epit. Physiog., s. D3v: That face . .
declareth that man to be a drinker of good wyne after the choyse of

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
NOSE
NOSE
502

the nose, as the prouerbe is. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 79: I see
by his nose that of al potage he loueth good Ale. 1590 LODGE
Rosalynde, p. 91: Her colour chaungde, and she said to Aliena, See,
Mistresse, where our iolly Forrester comes. And you are not a
little glad thereof, quoth Aliena; your nose bewrayes what porredge
you loue. 1604 [DALLINGTON] View France, s. T3: But wee may
pay Commines with his owne coyne, and reply, that a Frenchman
of all other (except the Dutch) hath least cause to taxe vs ofdrink-
ing: for we may see by many of their noses, What pottage they loue.
1612 N. FIELD Woman Is Weathercock I ii, p. 22: One may see by
her nose what pottage She loves. 1616 DR., no. 653: (face). 1631
MABBE Celestina V, p. 104: I know by your nose what porridge you
love. 1639 CL., s.v. Conjecturae, p. 64: A man may know by your
nose what porridge you love. Ibid., s.v. Iudicandi recte, p. 179:
You may know by his lookes what porridge he likes. 1670 RAY,
p. 125: (by your nose, what pottage you love). 1732 FUL., no.
3775: (Porridge).
N228 They may wipe their NOSE that have it
1639 CL., s.v. Derisio, p. 86.
Cf. N222: He would wipe his nose if he had one.
N229 To bore one’s NOSE
[To trick, swindle] 1560-77 Misogonus II i 59: That old churle
I am sure would haue borde you throughe nose. [1599] 1656
MIDDLETON, W. ROWLEY, AND MASSINGER Old Law IV i, p. 201:
We will not have our noses bored with a cushion, ifit be so. [01614]
1640 FLETCHER Nightwalker II, p. 335: I’ll take order she shall ne’r
recover To bore my Nose. 1642 J. HOWELL For. Trav. VIII, p. 59:
I have knoun divers Dutch Gentlemen grosly guld by this cheat,
and som English bor’d also through the nose this way, by paying
excessive prices for them.
See ST., no. 1621. Cf. N239: To run him through the nose with
a cushion.
N230 To follow one’s NOSE
1508 STANERIDGE V ulgaria, p. 24:.Ryght forthe on thy nose. Recta
via incede. 1599 [GREENE] George a Greene, s. E3v: Where is the
best ale in the towne? —Afore, afore, follow thy nose. 1637
SHIRLEY Lady Pleas. II ii, p. 35: Give him leave To follow his nose,
madam, while he hunts In View,—he’ll soon be at a fault. 1664
C. COTTON Scarron. I, p. 36: There lies your Way, follow your Nose.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Panca, p. 128: To say as Panca was wont
to say, viz. strait along, follow your nose. 1670 RAY, p. 187.
1692 R. BENTLEY Folly Atheism II, p. 63: The main Maxim of his
[Epicurus’] Philosophy was to trust to his Senses, and follow his
Nose.
SHAKESPEARE.—I605 K.L'. II iv 70: All that follow their noses
are led by their eyes but blind men.
N231 To hang a NOSE
[To have an inclination or hankering] 1649 G. DANIEL Trinarch.
Hen. V 125, IV 132: Chuse his Bread, And hang a Nose to Leekes,
Quaile-Surfetted. 1655 SOREL Com. Hist. Francion VIII, p. 19:
If there be in my Kitchin any thing better than other .. this
Gallant wil hang a nose after it.
Cf. A384: To hang an ass (groin).
N232 To hold up one’s NOSE at anything
1579 TOMSON 1st Ep. Paul to Tim. ii: Serm. Calvin, p. 228: Let
women holde vppe their noses no more: for all their presumption
is sufficiently beaten downe here. 01600 Club Law I vii, p. 18: He
carries his nose up in the winde. 1629 MASSINGER Roman Actor
IV i, p. 56: Here he comes, His nose held up; he hath something in
the wind.
See ST., no. 1625.
the wind.
Cf. S621: There is something (somewhat) in
N233 To lead one by the NOSE
[ERAS. Adagia, 414E: Naribus trahere.] 1598 FLOR., s.v. Menar
per il naso, p. 308: To leade by the nose, to make a foole of one.
[1611] 1630 MIDDLETON Chaste Maid in Cheaps. I ii 78: ’Tis but
observing a man’s humour once, And he may ha’ him by the nose
all his life. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. .M. III IV i 2, p. 885: They will

fi
make others most devout and superstitious . . and lead them by the
nose like so many bears in a line. 1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav.
IV i, p. 61: I my master . . where I please, Lead by the nose along.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: He suffereth himself to be led by the nose
like a Buffalo. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Caparuccia, p. 27: To
deride and abuse one, to lead one by the nose. 1670 RAY, p. 187;
*Erasmus saith, the Metaphor is taken from Buffies, which are lead
and guided by a ring put in one of their nostrils.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 O. I iii 405: The Moor . . will as tenderly
be led by th’ nose As asses are. 1611 W.T. IV iV 832: Though
Authority be a stubborn bear, yet he is oft led by the nose with gold.
See PE, no. 256; ST., no. 1619.
N234 To make one pay through the NOSE
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Salata, p. 176: To make any one pay the
utmost price for any Commodity . . to make one pay through the
nose. 01680 Pepys Bal. 106, III 88: To make them to pay stil
thorow the nose. a1700 B.E., s.v. Pay: pay through the Nose,
Excessively, or with Extortion.
See ST., no. 2096.
N235 To make one’s NOSE swell
1678 RAY, p. 77: Doth your
[To make one jealous or envious]
nose swell (or eek, i.e. itch) at that?
See SM., p. 530.
N236 To play with the NOSE
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. E2v: I could find him sport by my little
Philosophye if I were disposed to play with his nose, or cast pearles
before swine in steed of draffe. 1589 GREENE Menaphon, p. 77:
Pesana hearing how pleasantly Melicertus plaid with her nose,
thought to give him as great a bone to gnaw vppon. I611 COT.,
s.v. Nasarder: To filip . . also, to frumpe, or breake a ieast on; play
with the nose of.
N237 To pull oneself by the NOSE
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 90: Let them take heed that in
one place or other of this pamphlet, they doe not pull themselues by
the nose, as the prouerbe is. 1601 BRETON No Whip. nor Trip.,
s. BI: But doe not laie it [his drunkenness] open to his foes: Least in
describing his vngodlinesse, You take your selfe too soundly by the
nose. 1616 DR., no. 1618: Take thy selfe by the nose.
N238 T 0 put one’s NOSE into everything
1611 COT., s.v. Nez: To thrust his nose into euerie corner. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Naso, p. 1 14: To put his nose in every business,
viz. to meddle where one is not concern’d. 1678 HEXHAM Dict.,
s.v. Besnofi'elen: To See, Prie, or Have his nose in every thing.
See ST., no. 1627. Cf. M493: To meddle (Meddle not) with
another man’s matter.
N239 To run him through the NOSE with a cushion
I672 WALK. 32, p. 57: *Plumbeo jugulare gladio.
Cf. M398: To kill a man with a cushion; N229: To bore one’s
nose; 81054: To slay (cut one’s throat) with a leaden sword.
N240 To slit one’s NOSE
[a16oo] 1662 IT. Grim Collier Croydon II i, S. H5: Our noses are all
slitt; for Mariana The Spanish Doctor hath her to his wife. I732
FUL., no. 5231.
N241 To snap (bite) off one’s NOSE
1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl': Wks., III 200: Shee was a Shrewish,
snappish bawd, that wold bite off a man’s nose with an answere.
1678 RAY, p. 348: Will you snap (or bite) off my nose?
SHAKESPEARE.-—1604 M.M. III i 109: That thus can make him
bite the law by th’ nose.
N242 To speak in the NOSE
1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker V ii, p. 68: Ther’s none of us can
speake i’ th nose. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Naso, p. 114: The
French say, Parler du nez; and the English, To speak in the nose,
or to snutfie.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
NOSE
NOTHING
503


N243 To wipe one’s NOSE on one’s sleeve
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2v: And I maie set you besyde the cushyn yit,
And make ye wype your nose vpon your sleeue. 1553 T. WILSON
Rhet., p. 180: My maister your father, hath many a time and oft,
wipte his nose vpon his sleeue. 1577 STANYHURST Descr. Ireland
II in Holinshed Chron., VI 18: For anie recompense he is like to
haue at mine hands, he may wipe his nose on his sleeue. 17th c.
Mer. Dial. l. 88 in BagfordBal., I 461 : If at this song he vex or grieve,
He may wipe ’s nose upon his sleeve. 1601 R. JOHNSON King. and
Commonw. II, p. 88: It was vsed in that good old world, when men
wiped their nose on theyr sleeue, (as the French man sayes). 1604
[DALLINGTON] View France, s. OI: For the third meanes [of raising
money], it is now out of season; it was vsed in that good olde world,
when . . Men wiped their nose on their sleeue, (as the French man
sayes). 1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua II iii, s. D3: There’s a Chandlor
wipes his nose on his sleeue. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 22: He wiped
his nose with his own sleeve, viz. he cousened him neatly. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Naso, p. 114: To wipe ones nose with ones
sleeve, viz. to be a sloven and ill bred.
Cf. L240: Who tells a lie to save his credit wipes his nose on his
sleeve to save his napkin; S536: You spit on your own sleeve.
N244 To wipe the NOSE of someone
1566 Albion Kn., p. 120: Yet, with the same text I pray you wipe
your nose. I602 BRETON Packet of Letters Pt. I: Wks., II 23: It
shall goe hard if all hit right, but some body shall wipe their nose
for their knauery. 1639 SHIRLEY Ball III ii, p. 40: Poor gentleman,
how is he beguil’d! —Your nose is wiped. I667 PEPYS Diary July
17, VII 28: The King [might] own a marriage before his contract . .
with the Queen, and so wipe their noses of the crown. 1672 WALK.
59, p. 17: You are even fairly cheated; your nose is wiped. 1678
RAY, p. 343: I wip’t his nose on’t. a1700 B.E., s.v. Wipe: He Wipt
his Nose, c. he gull’d him.
Cf. C929: To set one beside the cushion.
N245 You make his NOSE warp
1678 RAY, p. 262.
N246 It will be a NOSEGAY to him as long as he lives '
1678 RAY, p. 262: *It will stink in his nostrils, spoken of any bad
matter a man hath been engaged in.
Cf. W943: Do wrong (ill) once and you will ‘never hear the end
of it.
N247 To cry one NOTCHEL
[To proclaim publicly that one will not be responsible for debts
incurred by a certain person.] I681 Dial. betw. Sam. and Will. in
Harl. Misc., II 101: The King’s Majesty, him they cryed Nochell.
—~What, as Gaffer Block of our Town cryed his Wife?
See SM., p. 506.
N248 To change one’s NOTE
I575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. V iv, p. 78: I must make you sing
another note. 1578 T. LUPTON Allfor Money, s. B3: I knewe I
would make him soone change his note. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON
Eng. for My Money, s. F1: Theyle change their note, and Sing an
other song. 1680 Obs. on Curse Ye Meroz, p. 7: Do you imagine
such a Fool would not think it high time to change Note and Coat?
Cf. $637: To Sing another song; $934: Harp no more on that
string; S936: To harp upon one (the same) string.
N249 Who can sing so merry a NOTE as he that can-
not change a groat?1
1546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v: (As maie he). 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon
and Pithias, s. F3: They say who can singe so mery a note, As he
that is not able to change a grote? 1611 COT., s.v. Perdre: (And
Who doth sing). 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 318. 1616 DR., no. 143:
(that is not worth a groate). 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 243.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 143-. (Who doth sing).
1672 WALK. 61, p. 48: (Who doth sing). I732 FUL., no. 6449: Who
doth sing so merry a Note, As the Cobler, that cannot change a
Groat!
Cf. B229: The beggar may sing before the thief. (5)
[lfourpence]

N250 Better say NOTHING than nothing to the purpose
(To speak to no purpose)
I606 Wily Beguiled viii, p. 28: But its more wisedome to say nothing
at all, then speake to no purpose. 1623 WOD., p. 519: Thou answer-
est no Thing to the Purpose. 1639 CL., p. 11: Speak to th’ purpose
or hold your peace. Ibid., p. 18: Nothing to the purpose. 1693
PENN Fruits Solitude I 132: Wks., I 827: Better say nothing, than
not to the Purpose. 1732 FUL., no. 684: As good do nothing, as to
no Purpose. Ibid., no. 921.
Cf. S721: Speak fitly or be silent wisely.
N251 D0 NOTHING hastily but catching of fleas
a1655 N. L’ESTRANGE in Anec. and Trad. I, p. 55: (Do nothing
rashly). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 95: There’s never any thing
well done in haste, but to shun the plague, to shun quarrelling, and
to catch fleas. 1678 RAY, p. 151: Nothing must be done hastily
but killing of fleas. 1721 KEL., p. 261 : Nothing to be done in haste,
but gripping Of Fleas. *Spoken when we are unreasonably urged
to make haste. 1732 FUL., no. 1309.
See DUR., I, no. 691.
N252 Fear NOTHING but sin
1616 DR., no. 1123: Be afraid of nothing but sinne. 1639 CL.,
p. 268: Be ashamed of nothing but of sin. 1640 HERB., no. 295.
I659 N.R., p. 32. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 156.
N253 A fine new NOTHING
1678 RAY, p. 342.
N254 Happy is he that owes NOTHING
[ERAS. Adagia, 637D: Felix qui nihil debet.] 1539 TAV., f. 46v:
[As in Eras.]. Happye is he, that oweth nothynge. 1611 DAV.
Epig., no. 130: [As in Eras.]. 1659 N.R., p. 49. I732 FUL., no.
2557: How happy is he, that owes nothing but to himself!
N255 He can say NOTHING that cannot speak well of
his own trade
1616 DR., no. 2166.
N256 He cares for NOTHING
1616 DR., no. 2296. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 58: Who careth for
nothing, liveth at a venture.
SHAKESPEARE.—~I6OI T.N. III i 30: I warrant thou art a merry
fellow and car’st for nothing. ——Not so, sir; I do care for some-
thing; but in my conscience, sir, I do not care for you. If that be'
to care for nothing, sir, I would it would make you invisible.
N257 He has NOTHING that is not content
1616 DR., no. 348. 1664 COD., p. 195: (contented).
Cf. M1273: He is not rich that has much but he that covets least.
N258 He is good for NOTHING
1614 J. COOKE Greene’s Tu Quoque, s. F1: Fie vpon her, shee’s good
for nothing then, no more than a iade that knowes his owne strength.
1616 DR., no. 337. Ibid., no. 2295. 1639 CL., p. 70. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Cervello, p. 36: The English say, Who is good for
nothing but to shell pease.
Cf. N324: So good that he is good for nothing.
N259 He is not full that has NOTHING to eat
1616 DR., no. 1027.
N260 He is NOTHING but Skin and bone
1548 E. HALL Edw. V: Chron., f. 16v: She dyed, when she had
nothyng but a reueled skynne and bone. 1562 HEY. Epig. 42, p.
134: And yet art thou skyn and bone, leane as a rake. I602
Narcissus l. 727, p. 26: I am naught left now but bone and skinne.
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho I ii, s. D1: She is falne away
so, that shees nothing but bare skin and bone. 1623 WOD., p. 494:
He hath nothing on him but the Skin and Bones. 1678 RAY, p. 81.
(6)
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
NOTHING
NOTHING
504


N261 He is poor that can promise NOTHING
1616 DR., no. 2498. 1639 CL., p. 142: He is poore, can promise
nothing. 1670 RAY, p. 132: (He is poor indeed that).
N262 He is rich enough who wants NOTHING
1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man II, p. 112: He that covets nothing pos-
sesseth all things. 1639 CL., p. 98: He’s rich that wants nothing.
1640 HERB., no. 399.
Cf. M1273: He is not rich that has much but he that covets least;
M1287: Much would have more; M1291: They need much whom
nothing will content.
N263 He loses NOTHING that keeps God for his friend
(loses not God)
1611 COT., s.v. Dieu: (keepes God his friend). 1640 HERB., no.
35: (looseth not God). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: (who loseth not
God). 1659 N.R., p. 46: (loseth not God). 1664 COD., p. 197.
1670 RAY, p. 16: (who keeps). 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 153: (He loseth
nothing, who). 1732 FUL., no. 1976.
N264 He need not borrow nor NOTHING will lend
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 598: He is weill bodden [provided] ther ben
that neidis nather borrow nor lend. 1616 DR., no. 2034: (not to
borrow, nor). 1641 FERG., no. 386: He is weill staikit [stocked]
thereben, that will neither borrow nor len. 1721 KEL., p. 150: He
is well boden there benn, who will neither borrow nor lend. *A
Man must be well furnished indeed who needs not borrow, and will
not lend.
Cf. N89: He may well be contented who needs neither borrow
nor flatter; W904: The world still he keeps at staff’s end that needs
not to borrow and never will lend.
N265 He that does NOTHING does not (does ever)
amiss
1573 SANF., f. 103. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 75, p. 28: (doth ever amisse).
N266 He that has NOTHING is not contented
1670 RAY, p. 19.
Cf. N291: Nothing have nothing crave.
N267 He that isalways unfortunate must enterprise
NOTHING
1616 DR., no. 2277.
N268 He that knows NOTHING doubts nothing
1611 COT., s.v. Rien: He that knowes nought, of nothing doubts.
1640 HERB., no. 855. 1659 N.R., p. 59. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p.
169: Who knows nothing, doubts of nothing. *Note 21, p. 172:
The Latin Says, IS qui nil dubitat, nil capit inde boni.
N269 He that knows NOTHING is nothing worth
1616 DR., no. 1190.
N270 He that NOTHING has nothing shall be set by
a1536 HILL 40, p. 132: He [that] hath nowght, ys nowght sett by.
1564-5 W. GRIFFITH He That Nothynge Hath Nothynge Sholh[e] Sett
By 1089 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 96: [Title]. 01565 W. WAGER
Enough Good as Feast, s. A3: For the olde saying now a dayes prou-
eth trueth, Naught haue naught set by as dayly we see. 1672
WALK. 17, p. 22: If you have nothing, you shall be nothing set by. .
He that owes NOTHING, if he makes not mouths
at us, is courteous
1640 HERB., no. 358.
N271
N272 He that promises too much (all) means NOTHING
1616 DR., no. 1737: He that promiseth all, deceiueth all. 1639
CL., p. 194: Men promise more then they will performe. 1659
How. Br. Prov., p. 37: A man That promises all things and per-
forms nothing. 1694 Court. Oracle 191, p. 174: He that promises

all promises nothing, and promises are so many slippery steps for
fools. 1732 FUL., no. 2253.
Cf. A213: Who gives to all denies all; N333: To promise and give
nothing (nought) is a comfort to (is to comfort) a fool; P602: Great
promise small performance.
N273 He that Sleeps much gets NOTHING
1616 DR., no. 2002.
Cf. F331: Who sleeps catches no fish.
N274 He who still keeps home knows NOTHING
1611 COT., s.v. Ville: He that goes not abroad knowes nothing.
1618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.: Wks., II 7: I see the prouerbe
holds true in you, He that liues alwayes at home sees nothing but
the same. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 24: Keep still at home, never
knowledge have. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 33: Who keeps home
knows nothing.
SHAKESPEARE-“1594 T.G.V. I i 2: Home-keeping youth have
ever homely wits.
Cf. M527: He that converses not with men knows nothing;
M1276: He that travels far knows much.
N275 Hear and see and say NOTHING (little, the best)
01475 Songs and Carols 1 8, p. 24: Her and se and sey ryt nout; Than
schall men sey thou art well tout. 3.1500 Harl. MS 3362, p. 309:
Here the and sey nawt. a15oo Prov. Wisdom l. 95: (and say
nowght). Ibid. 1. 99: Hyre and se, and be styll. Ibid. 1. 1 19: (and
say but lyte). Ibid. 1. 127: (say and do the best). 1546 HEY. II
xi, s. E2: I see muche, but I saie littell, and doo lesse. 1576 R.
EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev. [p. 94], l. 9: Wherefore in all, as men
are bent, Se all, saie nought, holde thee content. 1584 R. WILSON
Three Ladies Lond., s. D2: Well well Lucar, Audeo, et taceo, I see
and say nothing. 1591 STEP., p. 156: To heare, see, and say litle,
are three principal vertues. 1618 BELCHIER Hons Beer~Pot, s. B1:
That you will heare and see, and say the best. 1639 CL., p. 102:
(the best). Ihid., p. 302. 1657 LEIGH, p. 271: Hear, see, and be
silent, if thou wilt live in peace. *Audi, vide, tace, si Vis vivere in
pace.
Cf. M1274: He that hears much and speaks not all shall be we!-
come both in bower and hall; M1277: Hear much but speak little;
P140: He that will live in peace and rest must hear and see and say
the best.
N276 I know NOTHING except that I know not
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 15v: Of all the saiynges of his [Socrates]
there is none so muche taken vp, as that he saied, that he knewe
nothyng, sauyng onely this, that he knewe no thyng. 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. N2: If yow be inquisitiue of any crime in
Florence, which is rather to bee amended priuatelye, then repre-
hended publicklye, my aunswere is Nihil scio, nisi nescio. [I589—
99] 1610 [MARSTON] Histrio-M. I, s. A4: The wisest said: I know I
nothing know. 1606 MARSTON Porositoster III i 220: I tell thee, I
am truly learned, for I protest ignorance. I607 MARSTON What
You Will II ii 192: I know I know naught but I naught do know.
1608 MIDDLETON Family Love Vi 130: And some of them can wisely
say with the philosopher, that in knowing all, they know nothing.
1633 J. FORD Broken Heart IV i, p. 64: Maids know onley that they
know not. 1671 CARYLL Sir Solomon IV, p. 6 3: All the knowledge
I have, is, that I want it.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 M.M. II iv 76: Let me be ignorant, and in
nothing good But graciously to know I am no better. -—ThuS
wisdom wishes to appear most bright When it doth tax itself.
Cf. M425: The wise man knows himself to be a fool, the fool
thinks he is wise.
N277 I thank you for NOTHING
1594 LYLY Mother B. II iii 95: I thanke you for nothing, because I
vnderstand nothing. 1619 Two Wise Men VI i, s. Mlv: I thanke
you for nothing when it is too late. 1668 T. SHADWELL Sullen
Lovers V, p. 87: Thank you for nothing: Is this the honour you have
for me? 1693 PENN Fruits Solicitude II 188: Wks., I 853: Accord-
ing to the Proverb, Patience per Force, and thank you for nothing.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
NOTHING
NOTHING
505

,—
N278 I will foreheet1 NOTHING but building Churches
and louping2 over them
1678 RAY, p. 355. 1697 MER., p. 163. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II,
p, 454: I hear . . you have foreswore the town. —No, madam; I
never foreswore anything but the building of churches.
[lforswear 2leaping]
N279 I will say NOTHING (nought) but mum
[a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute 907: Wks., I 346: Can say
nothynge but mum. [01525-9] 1561 Godly Qu. Hester l. 481, p. 20:
I dare say nothinge but mum. 1546 HEY. II V, s. G4v: (nought).
[01552] I575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle II iii, s. C1. 1562
HEY. Epig. 225, p. 162: (nought). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7:
(nought).
SHAKESPEARE—1604 M.M. Vi 286: Speak not you to him till we
call upon you. —Mum. 1605-6 K.L. I iv 215: So your face bids
me, though you say nothing. Mum, mum! 1611 Temp. III ii 58:
Why, I said nothing. —Mum then, and no more.
See PF., no. 251. Cf. M1310: Mum is counsel (the word); W767:
No word but mum.
N280 If you put NOTHING into your purse you can take
nothing out
1732 FUL., no. 2781.
Cf. B552: Who still takes out and puts not in will quickly find a
bottom; N326: There came nothing (nought) out of the sack but
what was in it (there).
N281 It is better to be idle than to work for NOTHING
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 216: Better sit Idl nor work for noght.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 269. 1668 R.B., p. 11: Better sit idle,
then work for nought. I697 MER., p. 164: Better sit idle then work
teaum (i.e. for nothing).
Cf. I7: Better to be idle than not well occupied; N340: As good
play for nought (nothing) as work for nought (nothing).
N282 It is NOTHING to me what others do
1639 CL., p. 21.
N283 NOTHING but money is money worth
1611 COT., s.v. Argent. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p.
175. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 10: That’s money which is money-
worth. 1659 N .R., p. 79: (is moneys worth).
N284 NOTHING but up and ride?
1639 CL., p. 116: What? no more but up and ride. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Via, p. 231: Up and ride, saith the English, there
goes more to’t than so. 1670 RAY, p. 198. 1732 FUL., no. 5497:
What! is it nothing, but up and Ride?
N284a NOTHING can be said that has not been said
before
1596 DEL., s. O6V: (Nothing is said, that).
(There is nothing can be said new; which).
Cf. T147: There is no new thing under the sun.
1672 WALK. 17, p. 29:
N285 NOTHING can come of nothing
01550 Parl. Birds 1. 222 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 179: For he that
nought hath nought shal haue. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D2:
Ex nihilo nihil fit, if thou hast nothing, thou shall haue nothing.
[01589] I633 MARLOWE Yew Malta I ii 105: Christians, What, or
how can I multiply? Of naught is nothing made. 1607 G. WIL-
KINS Miseries Enf. Marr., s. A2v: Of nothing comes nothing. 1693
DRYDEN Persius iii 158, p. 238: Nothing can be brought from
nothing.
SHAKESPEARE.—-—16o5-6 K.L. I i 92: Nothing can come of noth-
ing. Ihid. I iv 145: Why, no, boy. Nothing can be made out of
nothing. 1611 W. T. I ii 295: Nor nothing have these nothings, If
this be nothing.
See DUR., II, no. 181. Cf. N337: Where nothing is, nothing can
be had; N344: Nought will be nought; N346: An old nought will
never be aught; P424: He that has plenty of goods shall have more,
he that has but a little shall have less, and he that has right nought
right nought shall possess.

N286 NOTHING comes sooner to light than that which
is long hid
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1086. 1668 R.B., p. 40. 1721 KEL., p. 260:
*Spoken when People unexpectedly find what has been long con-
ceal’d.
Cf. N330: There is nothing so secret but it may be discovered.
N287 NOTHING down nothing up
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 19.
Cf. N343: Nought lay down nought take up (Nothing stake
nothing draw).
N288 NOTHING dries sooner than tears
[ERAS. Adagia, I 147D: Lacryma nihil citius arescit.] 1553 T. WIL-
SON Rhet., p. 134: For as Cicero doth say, nothing drieth soner then
teares. 01594 BACON, no. 533: [As in Eras.]. 1612 WEBSTER
White Devil V iii 188: These are but Moonish shades of greifes or
feares, There’s nothing sooner drie than womens teares. 1640
HERB., no. 655: (a teare). 1659 N.R., p. 81. 1664 COD., p. 207:
(a tear). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 124: Nothing is sooner dryed
up than a tear. 1670 RAY, p. 147. 1672 WALK. 71, p. 48:
(Nothing dries up). 1681 ROB., p. 927: (Nothing dries up). 1732
FUL., no. 3661: (a Woman’s Tears). 1757 FRANKLIN, p. 33: (a
Tear).
See OTTO, no. 903.
N289 NOTHING enters in a close hand
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1074. 1668 R.B., p. 40: (into a). I 1721 KEL.,
p. 263: (into a). *Niggardly People will not procure much good will.
N290 NOTHING has no savor
I546 HEY. I viii, 3. CI: But now I can smell, nothyng hath no sauer.
1559 BECON Ld.’s Supper: Prayers, p. 365: Nought hath no savour.
1562 HEY. Epig. 76, p. 139: Nothing hath no sauer, which sauerles
showe. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 93: Nought hath no sauor. 1611
GRUT., no. 200. 1614 CAM., p. 310. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9.
1659 N.R., p. 80. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 169: Nothing requires
no salt. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 425: Has he got a good fortune
with his lady? for they say, something has some savour, but noth-
ing has no flavour. y
Cf. B412: Better a bit than no bread; S620: Something (Some-
what) has some savor.
N291 NOTHING have nothing crave
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 19.
6242: Nothing crave, Nothing have.
Cf. N266: He that has nothing is not contented.
1732 FUL., no.
N292 NOTHING hurts the stomach more than surfeiting
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A4V).
Cf. G148: Gluttony (Surfeit) kills more than the sword.
N293 NOTHING ill in Spain but thatvwhich speaks
1642 HOWELL For. Trav. VII, p. 48: Spaine yeeldeth to none of her
neighbours in perfection of any thing, but only in plenty; which I
beleeve was the ground of a Proverbe they have amongst them . .
there is nothing ill in Spaine, but that which speakes.
N294 NOTHING is better than a contented mind
01573 I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, s. C2: Of worldlye things, the
chiefest is a well contented mind. a1579 N. BACON Conclusion:
Recr. Age, p. 13: Wherefore for man nothinge I fynde soe good as a
contented mynde. 1596 DEL., s. N4v: (There is nothing better).
1616 DR., no. 350. 1664 COD., p. 225: (What is better).
Cf. M969: A contented mind is a continual feast.
N295 NOTHING is easier than to deceive oneself
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18: The easiest thing in the world is for
one to deceive himself. I732 FUL., no. 3664.
N296 NOTHING is given us in this life without much
labor
1573 GASCOIGNE yocasta III ii, p. 290: You know deare father, that
this life of ours Is . . nothing else in deede But tedious toyle. 1602
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 3.
NOTHING
NOTHING
506

JONSON Poetaster III i 277: Man hath nothing giuen him, in this
life, without much labour.
See Or'ro, no. 891. Cf. M342: No man proves famous but by
labor; N305: Nothing is to be gotten without pains (labor); P22:
Pains are the price that God puts upon all things.
N297 NOTHING is good but what is gainful
1639 CL., p. 39.
N298 NOTHING is good or bad but by comparison
1676 T. SHADWELL Virtuoso II, p. 131: No Man’s happy but by
comparison. 1732 FUL., no. 3666. Ibid., no. 5071: ’Tis Compar-
ison, that makes Men happy or miserable.
Cf. C576: Comparisons are odious; M254: A man is weal or woe
as he thinks himself so.
N299 NOTHING is impossible (hard, diflicult) to a
willing heart (mind)
1509 HAWES Past. Pleas. I, p. 7: To a willyng harte is nought im-
possible. 01524 WYATT 11, l. 26: Poems, I 271: All ys possyble,
Who so list beleve; Trust therfore fyrst. 1546 HEY. I iV, s. BIV.
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 66: Nothing is to hard to willing minds.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 148: (hard unto). CI594 BACON, no.
942. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1083: (difficile and mynd). 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 295: (Nought is). 1611 GRUT., no. 201. 1614 CAM., p.
310. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A4v): (Nothing hard and mind).
1616 DR., no. 2408: (hard and minde). 1639 CL., p. 92: (hard and
mind). 1641 FERG., no. 658: Nothing is difficile to a well willit
man. [1641] I6 51 TATHAM Distracted State I, p. 53: To a resolved
mind Nothing seems difficult. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664
COD., p. 206: (unpossible and mind). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p.
318: To a willing mind, nothing can withstand. 1668 R.B., p. 40:
Nothing is difiicile to a weill willed man. 1670 RAY, p. 155: (mind).
1732 FUL., no. 3679.
SHAKESPEARE.~—1592-3 V.A. l. 567: Things out of hope are com-
pass’d oft with vent’ring, Chiefiy in love, whose leave exceeds com-
mission. 1594 T.G.V. III i 378: Well, I’ll have her. And ifit be a
match, as nothing is impossible—.
See OTTO, no. 74; T. 354, p. 195. Cf. D407: What we do willingly
is easy; L523: Love makes one fit for any work; M975: A willing
mind makes a light foot; W157: To him that wills ways are not
wanting. (7)
N300 NOTHING is impossible to God
1616 WITHALS, p. 573. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 15.
Cf. M471: Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.
NOTHING is more easily blotted out than a good
turn
1647 Countrym. New Commonw. 26, quoted in App., p. 454: Noth-
ing sooner waxeth old then a good turne or benefit. 1732 FUL.,
no.3669.
Cf. T616: One good turn asks (requires, deserves) another.
N301
N302 NOTHING is more precious (dearer) than time
1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. II i, p. 27: Tyme is the greatest treas-
ure which man may here on earth receive. I582 BATMAN Bar-
tholome IX ii, f. 142. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1306: Thair is nothing
mor precious nor tyme. 1616 DR., no. 2145: (dearer). 1639 CL.,
p. 308: Time is precious. 1668 R.B., p. 53: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
Cf. II I: Idleness is the greatest prodigality in the world.
N303 NOTHING is our own but time only
1639 CL., p. 308. 1732 FUL., no. 3671: Nothing is ours, but Time.
N304 NOTHING is stolen Without hands
1616 BRET., p. 5: There is nothing stoln without hands.
I3. I49.
N305 NOTHING is to be gotten without pains (labor)
1594 CHURCHYARD Mirror Man, s. A4v: Who sowes may well reape,
some what hath some sauor, Nothing is gotten, without toyle and
labor. 1611 COT., s.v. Peine: Nor bread, nor ought is gotten with-
out paines. 1623 WOD., p. 513: No thing with out Paine. 1659
1639 CL.,


How. Span. Prov., p. 7: No good is got without labour. I721 KEL.,
p. 262: Nothing gotten but [without] Pains, but an ill Name. 1732
F UL., no. 3677: Nothing to be got without Pains, but Poverty.
Cf. N296: Nothing is given us in this life without much labor;
P24: Without (No) pains no gains (profit); P420: There is no
pleasure without pain.
N306 NOTHING is to be presumed on or despaired of
1651 HERB., p. 317. I659 N.R., p. 81.
N307 NOTHING is well said or done in a passion (in
anger)
1481 CAXTON Reynard 40, p. 1 10: Therefore he is wyse that can in
his angre mesure hym self and not be ouer hasty. 1533 TYNDALE
Enchiridion, 5. 86V: Neither say nor do any thyng at any tyme
while thou art angry. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 278: IfI
were not angrye I woulde make thee repent thy ill husbandry.
Plato . . sayd, Out of my sighte, for I am incensed with anger.
1586 WITHALS, s. M2v: Let vengeaunce cease and patience last
Untill thy wrath bee ouerpast. 1596 DEL., s. OI v: Wrath and an-
ger doth blinde the iudgement. 1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s Sickness:
Wks., p. 447: The best remedy for Anger is delay. 1658 HOOLE
Sent. Puer., p. 6: Angriness is an enemy to Counsel. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3672. 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 7: Whate’er’s begun in anger, ends
in shame.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VI I iii 155: Now, lords, my
choler being overblown With walking once about the quadrangle, I
come to talk of commonwealth affairs. 1597 I Hen. IVI i 105:
But come yourself with speed to us again; For more is to be said
and to be done Than out of anger can be uttered. 1598 2 Hen. IV
I i 161: This strained passion doth you wrong, my lord. ——Sweet
Earl, divorce not wisdom from your honour. 1606—7 A. C. IV i 8:
Never anger Made good guard for itself.
N308 NOTHING kindles sooner than fire
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 133: (It is a common saying, nothing).
N309 NOTHING lasts but the Church
1640 HERB., no. 657. 1659 N.R., p. 81.
N310 NOTHING like leather
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 448, I 420: There was a Council of
Mechanicks call’d to Advise about the Fortifying of a City . . Up
starts a Currier, Gentlemen, says he, when y’ave said all that can
be said, there’s nothing in the World like Leather.
See SM., p. 330.
NOTHING more certain than death and nothing
more uncertain than the time of its coming
a15oo Prov. Wisdom l. 1 I 5: We shall dye, I nott how, son. 1546 E.
HALL Will, p. 176: Nothing is more surer then Deathe and nothing
more uncerten then the tyme of his commyng. 1571 R. EDWARDS
Damon and Pithias, s. E2: I know I am borne to die: Where or in
what place, the gods know alone. 1590 GREENE Never Too Late,
p. 125: Wee haue nothing more certaine than to dye, nor nothing
more vncertaine than the houre of death. 1630 T. ADAMS Soul’s
Refuge: Wks., p. 916: We know wee Shall die, wee know not how
soone.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V V i 32: Base Troyan, thou shalt
die! ——You say very true, scauld knave, when God’s will is. 1599
Y.C. III i 98: Fates, we will know your pleasures. That we shall
die, we know; ’tis but the time, And drawing days out, that men
stand upon. ’
See SM., p. 320; T. 82, p. 99. Cf. D136: As sure as death; M550:
Men know when they were born but not where they shall die; N316:
Nothing so certain (sure) as death.
N311
N312 NOTHING more proud than basest blood when
it does rise aloft
1642 Poisoning Ld. M. Hamilton in Harl. Misc., II 65: By his Car-
riage the Proverb is verified, Nothing more proud, than basest
Blood, when it doth rise aloft.
Cf. A402: Authority (Honor, Office) shows what a man is; H58 3:
Honors change manners.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
NOTHING
NOTHING
507
FP—
N313 NOTHING proves well unless it be plied
I6I6 WITHALS, p. 562: (except). 1639 CL., p. 92.
N314 NOTHING secure unless suspected
1651 HERB., p. 367.
Cf. F135: Fear (Suspicion) is one part of prudence; T223: He that
thinks himself surest is often deceived; W152: The way to be safe
is never to be secure (He that is secure is not safe).
N315 NOTHING seek nothing find
I600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will: Wks., III 261: Nought seeke,
nought haue. 1614 R. COCKS (to East India Co., Nov. 25) in St.
Papers Col. Ser. 1513—1616, p. 342: (As the saying is, nothing).
I616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. II v 1 16: You’ld gladly finde it, but
you will not seeke it. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 28: Not seek, not
find.
Cf. L455: It is lost that is unsought; S213: He that seeks finds.
N316 NOTHING so certain (sure) as death
1484 CAXTON Curial, p. 19: Ne than the deth nothyng more certayn.
1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorboduc IV ii, s. F2v: How full of
chaunge, how brittle our estate, Of nothing sure, saue onely of the
death. 1616 BRET., p. 8: There is nothing so sure as death. 1639
CL., p. 214: (sure). 1659 N.R., p. 79.
Cf. N311: Nothing more certain than death and nothing more
uncertain than the time of its coming.
N317 NOTHING so good but it (The best things, Every-
thing) may be abused
1530 PALS., p. 415b: (There is nothing). 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II
138: There is nothing so good, but by ill using may be made naught.
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 242: Ther is nothing but through
the mallice of man may be abused. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses To
Rdr., p. xii: There is nothing so good but it may be abused. 1586
W. WARNER Albion’s Eng. IX 52: Poems, p. 619: Yeat things, that
of themselues be good, abuse brings out of square. 1605 RF.
Sch. Slov. I 750, p. 40: Mongst all the things which Nature made in
wisedome for mans use, Nothing is simply bad, but it from man
receives abuse. 1639 CL., p. 5: (The best things). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 12, p. 1: (Every thing).
SHAKESPEARE.——CI595 R]. II iii 19: Nor aught so good but,
strain'd from that fair use, Revolts from true birth, stumbling on
abuse.
See T. 33, p. 76. Cf. C668: The corruption of the best is worst.
N3 18 NOTHING so necessary for travelers as languages
I611 COT., s.v. Rome: He that can speake may trauell any way.
I616 BRET., p. 9.
N319 NOTHING (N ought) venture nothing (nought)
have
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E1: Nought venter, nought haue. 1553 EDEN
Treat. New India, p. 42: Nought venter nought haue, is a saying of
old. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Fortis: Fortune foretherethe bolde aduen-
turers, nothyng venture, nothyng haue. 1580 BARET, F—97o: As
our phrase of speach is, Nothing venture nothing haue. I585
[MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I i, s. B1. 1602 BRETON Wonders: Wks.,
II 9: The young man replyed: Oh sir, nothing venter nothing haue.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 92. I611 GRUT., no. 202: [As in 1546 Hey.].
1614 CAM., p. 310. 1616 DR., no. 39. 1639 CL., p. 41. 1658 E.
PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 174. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
9. I670 RAY, p. 152.
See DUR., II, no. 574; ST., no. 2503. Cf. A190: He that ventures
too far loses all; E88: She that will not venture her eggs shall never
have chickens; N 320: Nothing venture nothing win; R1 17: He that
never rode never fell.
N320 NOTHING venture nothing win
1481 CAXTON Reynard 12, p. 27: He that wil wynne he muste
laboure and auenture. I591 FLOR. Sec. F. V, p. 71: His gaines
will be but small, who ventures not at all. 1596 DEL., s. P1 v: He
that will aduenture nothing, shall get nothing. 1624 T. HEYWOOD
Captives IV i 12: I see hee that nought ventures, nothinge gaynes.

1668 SEDLEY Mulb. Garden III ii, p. 36: Who ever caught any thing
With a naked hook? Nothing venture, nothing Win.
See ST., no. 2503. Cf. A190: He that ventures too far loses all;
C412: He that never climbed never fell; N319: Nothing (Nought)
venture nothing (nought) have.
N321 NOTHING violent can be permanent
I565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorboduc V i, s. G2v: These violent
thinges may haue no lasting long. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 209: Will shee not rather imagine . . that ther is nothing which
is permanent that is violent? I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y3: N0
violence is permanent. [01589] 163 3 MARLOWE Yew Malta I i 130:
And nothing violent, Oft have I heard tell, can be permanent.
I590 MARLOWE 2 Tamburlaine V iii 64: This grief will cease, And
cannot last, it is so violent. 1600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will: Wks.,
III 257: No violence that liueth to olde age. 1607 B. BARNES
Devil’Is Charter III ii, s. E2v: Whereas the loue . . is so violent it
will not last. 1610 J. MASON Turk I i, p. 6: Things rough and
violent Dye like abortiue fruit before perfection. 1611 COT., s.v.
Orage: No violence, nor violent thing, lasts alwayes. 1615 T.
ADAMS Bad Leaven: W ks., p. 708: The lesse Violence, the longer the
continuance. 1616 DR., no. 2250. 1623 WOD., p. 481: A Violent
Thing is not durable. 1624-36 POYNTz Relation, p. 106: N0 violent
thing can continue long. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 117: An im-
moderate thing cannot last. Ibid. 2, p. 310: A violent thing is not
lasting. 1672 WALK. 96, p. 55: No violent thing is oflong continu-
ance. I732 FUL., no. 3676: Nothing, that is violent, is permanent.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. 894: Thy Violent. vanities can
never last. 01595 Rf. II vi 9: These Violent delights have violent
ends And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Which, as they
kiss, consume. 1596 Rich. II II i 34: For violent fires soon burn
out themselves. 1600—I H. II i 102: This is the very ecstacy of
love, Whose violent property fordoes itself.
See SM., p. 331; T. 660, p. 317. Cf. A168: All that is sharp is
Short; E222: No extreme will hold long; L559: Love me little love
me long. (12)
N322 NOTHING was too hot or too heavy for him
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 323: As beeyng a taker and a brybyng
feloe, and one for whom nothyng was to hotte nor to heauie.
1546 HEY. I xii, s. F1: They myght conuey thynges, Suche as
were nother to heuy nor to whot. CI594 BACON, no. 651: Nej ther
to heavy nor to hott. I611 COT., s.v. Chaud: Il ne trouve rien
trop chaud, ny trop pesant. He will take, or vndertake any thing;
nothing (whereof profit may be made) comes amisse vnto him.
1618 J. TAYLOR Penniless Pilg. I: Wks. F., p. 136: Nothing they
thought too heauy or too hot. 1653 URQUHART Gargantua I
xxvii, I 100: Nothing was either too hot or too heavie for them.
1678 RAY, p. 349: Hee’ll bear it away, if it be not too hot or too
heavy. *Spoken of a pilferer.
See SK., no. 273. Cf. H514: Too hot to hold.
N323 Say NOTHING when you are dead
1678 RAY, p. 82: *Be silent.
N324 So good that he is good for NOTHING
01594 BACON, no. 908: Tanto buon che val niente. 1612 BACON
Essays, p. 118: (The Italians have an ungracious proverbe . . So
good, that). 1639 CL., p. 78: So good as good for nothing.
Cf. N 258: He is good for nothing.
N325 Tell NOTHING to a woman and a pie1 unless thou
wouldst have all the world to know it
1616 DR., no. 2474.
Cf. 5196: Trust no secret with a woman; W649: A woman con-
ceals what she knows not.
[Imagpie]
N326 There came NOTHING (nought) out of the sack
but what was in it (there)
1611 COT., s.v. Sac: On ne peut tirer du sac que ce qu’y est. *There
can come no more (no other stuffe) from a man then 1s 1n him. I623
WOD., p. 489: There can come out ofa Sacke but What 18 In It. *So

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
NOTHING
NOTHING
508
said of him that can do no more than he is able either by Meanes,
or Bad Nature of Children. 1640 HERB., no. 827: There come
nought out of the sacke but what was there. 1658 [EDMONDSON]
Come: li'ae. in Via, p. 190: (there). 1664 COD., p. 221. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. I, p. 245: (There goes nothing out of a sack, but). 1670
RAY, p. 20.
Cf. B552: Who still takes out and puts not in will quickly find a
bottom; N280: If you put nothing into your purse you can take
nothing out.
N327 There is NOTHING but is good for something
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A5v): Nothing but is good for some-
thing. 1639 CL., p. 72. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 318: There is
not any thing, though ne’r so abject, but may be good for some-
thin .
SHgAKESPEARE.—-m$95 RY. II iii 17: For naught so vile that on
the earth doth live But to the earth some special good doth give.
Cf. I35: There is no ill but may turn to one’s good; L576: 111 luck
is good for something; N328: There is nothing so bad in which
there is not something of good; T170: All things in their being are
good for something.
N328 There is NOTHING so bad in which there is not
something of good
1623 WOD., p. 505: No Evill without Good.
Hebr., p. 408.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V IV i 4: There is some soul of
goodness in things evil, Would men observingly distil it out.
Cf. I35: There is no ill but may turn to one’s good; N327: There
is nothing but is good for something; T170: All things in their
being are good for something.
1678 RAY Adagia
N329 There is NOTHING so crouse1 as a new-washen
louse
1641 FERG., no. 864. 1668 R.B., p. 54: (so course [for crouse])~
1670 RAY, p. 203: As crowse as a new washen louse. *This is a
Scotch and Northern Proverb. 1721 KEL., p. 263: *Spoken of
them who have been ragged, and dirty, and are proud, and fond
of new, or clean Cloaths.
Cf. B504: As brisk (busy, brag) as a body louse.
[lbrisk]
N330 There is NOTHING so secret but it may be dis-
covered
[Luke viii 17: Nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest]
1550 LATIMER Serm. 14, p. 260: God’s proverb will be true, There is
nothing hidden that will not be revealed. 1596 DEL., s. N2v: (so
wel hidden, but). Ibid., s. N5v: (but it may be knowen). I610-25
Stonyhurst Pag. IX 255, p. 104: I see no synne’s so secret, but yt’s
knowne to god Almighty. 1611 COT., s.v. Rien: The closest kept
things are at length found out. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 33: The
sin be it ever so secret that thou dost commit, at length it will come
out.
See Di'IR., II, no. 424; T. 739, p. 348. Cf. N286: Nothing comes
sooner to light than that which is long hid; T333: Time reveals
(discloses) all things.
They that have NOTHING need fear to lose noth-
ing '
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 569: He that hes nothing tyns [loses] nothing.
[1622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Span. Curate II i, p. 785
Cantabit vacuus. They that have nothing fear nothing. All I
have to lose, Diego, is my learning. 1639 CL., p. 41. CI640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 46: He which hath nothing to loose need
not feare theeues. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 281 : Who hath nothing,
fears nothing. I732 FUL., no 2150: He that has nothing, is frighted
at nothing. 1741 FRANKLIN, p. 19: They who have nothing to be
troubled at, will be troubled at nothing.
Cf. B226: A beggar can never be bankrupt; B229: The beggar
may sing before the thief; M345: No naked man is sought after to
be rifled; N342: Nought is never in danger.
N331


N332 To lose NOTHING by telling
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fuso, p. 68: To magnifie and stretch his
stories, to lose nothing by telling.
Cf. T43: A tale never loses in the telling (carrying).
N333 To promise and give NOTHING (nought) is a
comfort to (is to comfort) a fool
1611 COT., s.v. Promettre: (and giue nought contents the foole).
1616 DR., no. 1736: To promise, and to give nought, is to comfort
a foole. I664 COD., p. 213: (is to comfort a fool). 1670 RAY, p. 22.
Cf. N272: He that promises too much (all) means nothing; W794;
. Fair words (promises) make fools fain.
N334 Too much of NOTHING but of fools and asses
1616 DR., no. 746. 1639 CL., p. 73.
N335 Well fare NOTHING (nought) once a (by the)
year
1597 DOWLAND First Bk. Song: or Airs in Eng. Garn., IV 48: If
doubt do darken things held dear, Then Well fare nothing! once a
year. 1600 Weakest to Wall, s. B3. 1639 CL., p. 244: (nought and
by the). Dial, p. 272: Wellfare some thing once in the yeare.
01640 SMYTH 38, p. 30: Ffaire fall nothinge once a yeare. *It needs
no coment. Nothing. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 18: Well fare
nothing once a year; For then he is not subject to plundring. 1678
RAY, p. 182: Fair fall nothing once by the year. *It may some-
times be better tO have nothing then something. SO said the poor
man, who in a bitter snowy morning could lie still in his warm bed,
when as his neighbours who had sheep and other cattel, were fain
to get up betimes and abroad, to look after and secure them.
N336 Where NOTHING is, a little does ease
1546 HEY. I x, s. D1: (a little thyng). I562 HEY. Epig. 93, p. 141:
(a little thyng). 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 310: Where there is little, a
small thing much easeth. 1611 GRUT., no. 31 1. 1614 CAM., p. 314.
1639 CL., p. 10. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1659 N.R., p. 122.
1670 RAY, p. 125. 1694 D’URFEY I Don Quite. 11 i, p. 24: Where
nothing is, a little goes a great way.
N337 Where NOTHING is, nothing can be had
1619 J. TAYLOR Kick. Win. 5: Wks. F., p. 198: Where nought is,
there’s nothing to be got. 1675 Poor Robin’s Almanac Sept.,
quoted in App., p. 455: He who hath nothing, nothing can he pay.
1732 FUL., no. 5653.
Cf. B650: It is ill to take breeks of? a bare ass; N285: Nothing
can come of nothing; N338: Where nothing (nought) is (is to be
had) the king must lose his right.
N338 Where NOTHING (nought) is (is to be had) the
king must lose his right1
1546 HEY. I xii, 3. F1: (Where as). 1562 HEY. Epig. 248, p. 165.
1566 HOL., p. 261: The King looseth his right, where nothing is to
bee had. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: (the king looseth his
right). 1594 True Trag. Ric/z. III iii, s. B3: Where nothing is to be
had, the King looseth his right they say. 1596 DEL., s. N8v: The
King doth lose his right, where nothing is to be had. 1602 [W.S.]
Ld. Cromwell, s. B4v: (naught). 1611 COT., s.v. Despouiller:
Where there is nothing, the King looses his rights. I611 DAV.
Prov., no. 375: (the king his right doth lose). I611 GRUT., no. 312.
1614 CAM., p. 314. 1616 DR., no. 1480: Where nothing is to be
had, there the King looseth his right. 1623 WOD., p. 514: The
King looses his Right where no Thing is to be had. 1639 CL.,
p. 244: (Where nought’s to be had). 1641 H. OXINDEN (to Mar-
garet) in Oxina'en Let. 199, p. 231: Where nothing was to be had
the King might lose his right. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 3. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 232: Who hath no peny, nor pound, the King
frees him. I670 RAY, p. 125: (is to be had). 1672 WALK. 92,
p. 25: (Where nought is to be had). 1721 KEL., p. 358: (the King
loseth his Right). 1732 F UL., no. 5677: (Where there is nothing
to be had, even the King of France must).
See ST., no. 1121. Cf. N337: Where nothing is, nothing can be
had. (6)
[ldue]

Proverbs are alphabfliled by first SUbStantive (58- and pl.), 01' by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
NOTHING
NUT
509
rf
N339 Who practices NOTHING shall have nothing
I546 HEY. I x, s. C4: Nought can she doo, and what can she haue
than. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 19, p. 48: This Prouerbe
experience long ago gaue, that nothing who practiseth nothing shall
haue.
N340 As good play for NOUGHT (nothing) as work for
nought (nothing)
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3v. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 97: As good to play
as worke for nought. 1611 GRUT., no. 45: (As good to play). 1614
CAM., p. 303: (As good to play). 1639 CL., p. 82. Ibid., p. 155:
Better play for nothing than work for nothing. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 3. 1664 COD., p. 187: [As in 1639 Cl., p. 155]. 1670
RAY, p. 132: (nothing and nothing). 1721 KEL., p. 60: Better
play for nought, than work for nought. *For the one hath some
Pleasure, but the other, neither Pleasure nor Profit.
Cf. I7: Better to be idle than not well occupied; N281: It is better
to be idle than to work for nothing.
N341 As good seek NOUGHT as seek and find nought
1546 HEY. I xi, 5. E1.
N342 NOUGHT is never in danger
1639 CL., p. 126. 1678 RAY, p. 180.
Cf. N331: They that have nothing need fear to lose nothing.
N343 NOUGHT lay down nought take up (Nothing
stake nothing draw)
1546 HEY. Ixi, s. E2V. 1560-77 Misogonus II iV 192: Ery little
wagpasty coulde say nought stake nought drawe. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 173. 1616 DR., no. 1139: (Nothing and nothing). I678
RAY, p. 206: Nothing Stake nothing draw.
Cf. N287: Nothing down nothing up.
N344 NOUGHT will be nought
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 167: Nought wyll be nought, what
so euer thou do. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 77, p. 169: So
naught will be naught. 1574 King Madan in Mirrorfor Magis-
trates I, I 87: Naught once, they say, and euer after naught. I611
COT., s.v. Agneau: To naught it goes that came from naughtinesse.
1656 A. Fox Surgery I ii, p. 4: Naught will be naught, and never
good, though it had been practiced a thousand years.
Cf. N285: Nothing can come of nothing; N346: An old nought
will never be aught.
N345 NOUGHT won by the one, nought won by the
other
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 34: (the tone and the tother).
N346 An old NOUGHT will never be aught
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 1205: Wks., I 410: Harde to make
ought of that is nakid nought. I678 RAY, p. 184. 1732 FUL.,
no.6342.
Cf. N285: Nothing can come of nothing; N344: Nought will be
nought
N347 Where NOUGHT is to wed with, Wise men flee
the clog
I546 HEY. I xi, s. D2V. I611 GRUT., no. 315: (to wend Whit [for
wed with]). 1614 CAM., p. 314: (to wend Whit). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 10: (wend witt).
Cf. H749: Before thou marry be sure of a house wherein to tarry.
N348 NOVEMBER take flail, let ships no more sail
1557 TUSSER 100 Points Hush. 21, p. 55. I626 BRETON Fantastics:
W ks., II 10: It is now Nouember, and according to the old Prouerbe,
Let the Thresher take his flayle, And the ship no more sayle. 1661
M. STEVENSON Twelve Months NOV., p. 51: Now wheels the Proverb
about, Let the Thresher take his F layl, And the Ship no more Sayl.
1732 FUL., no. 6221.
N349 A doltish NOVICE proves a professed fool
1616 DR., no. 2275.

N350 Now is now and Yule’s in Winter
1631 MABBE Celestina VII, p. 144: Now is now; and then is then.
1721 KEL., p. 268: *A Return to them that say Now, by way of
Resentment; a Particle common in Scotland.
N351 Now or never
1560 DAUS Chron. 25, f. 442b: Therfore thought they now, or els
neuer, that God was on theyr side. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
F2: I do acknoweledg that now or neuer is the time to be wrought
to the rules of litterature. [01589] 1601 LYLY Love’s Metam. III ii
34: Neptune, heare now or neuer. 1663 CLARK Marciano V ii, p.
59: Sister, we must shake e’m off now or never. 1681 E. RAWLINS
Heraclitus Ridens Feb. 8: Whether the bustling Protestant Dis-
senters, do not think Now or Never, as useful a Proverb as any of
Solomon’s?
SHAKESPEARE.———1590-1 2 Hen. VIIII i 331: Now, York, or never,
steel thy fearful thoughts.
N352 The NUN of Sion1 with the friar of Shean1 went
under the water to play the quean
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17.
[1places on the Thames (Sion was formerly the site of a convent)]
N353 AS nice as a NUN’S hen1
15th 0. Lamheth MS 306 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 268: Some be nyse
as a nonne hen. 1546 HEY. II i, s. F3: She toke thentertaynment
of the yong men All in dalyance, as nyce as a nuns hen. 1553 T.
WILSON Rhet., p. 219: I knewe a Priest that was as nice as a Nunnes
Henne, when hee would say Masse. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3.
1670 RAY, p. 202.
[lperhaps the blue titmouse, whose crest of white feathers gives
it a nunlike appearance]
N354 A NURSE spoils a housewife
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1: *Because she is more daintily fed, and
more idle all the while.
N355 A NURSE’S tongue is privileged to talk
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 4: A Nurses tongue priviledged to talk.
1664 COD., p. 218. I670 RAY, p. 19.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 [Juliet’s voluble nurse exemplifies
the proverb].
N356 NURSES put one bit in the child’s mouth and
two in their own
1639 CL., p. 39.
N357 NURTURE is above (passes) nature
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 264: But you see howe education
altereth nature. 01594 BACON, no. 1595: Nourriture passe nature.
1596 DEL., s. O5v: Bringing vp goeth beyond nature. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Nature: Nurture passeth nature, good bringing vp any breeding.
1616 DR., no. 567. 1639 CL., p. 167. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12:
Nurture passeth nature. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 6: Nurture over-
comes nature. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3 5, p. 166: Education over-tops
nature.
Cf. B402: Birth is much but breeding is more; B648: It is breed-
ing and not birth that makes a man; N47: Nature passes nurture.
N358 As sweet as a NUT
1599 BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, s. O4. 01600 Cluh Law I iv, p. 3:
As sweete as a nutt, a good naturd girle I tell thee. 1654VGAYTON
Pleas. Notes Don Quix. II i, p. 34: So have you him uncorrupt . .
sweet as a nut. .
N359 Crack me that NUT, quoth Bumstead
1545 ELYOT Def. Good Women 1. 227, p. 129: Nowe knacke me that
nut maister Candidus. I546 HEY. II Vii, s. I3v: Knak me that
nut. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. I i 67: My tongue speaks no language
but an almond for parrot, and crack me this nut. 1611 FLOR., s.v.
Beccati su questa, p. 58: Cracke me this nut. 1659 How. Eng.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
NUT
NYAS
510

Prov., p. 4. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 4: Crack me that nut. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 229: Fasten me this. *Note 14, p. 230: As
much as to say, There’s for your better Nodification; The French
say . . jeeringly sometimes . . Crack me that nut. Ibid., note 14,
p. 292: Spoken sometimes in derision, is to bid one kiss ones breech,
or Crack me that nut. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Castrami, p. 33:
As one should say in English, in derision, letting a fart, crack me
that nut. 1670 RAY, p. 214. 1732 FUL., no. 1121: Come, crack
me this Nut, quoth Bumstead.
Cf. A220: An almond for parrot.
N360 Sweet is the NUT but bitter (hard) is the shell
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 202: The sweete kernel] lyeth in the
hard shell. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 132: I am not he
Camilla that will . . refuse the sweete Chesnut, for that it is couered
with sharpe huskes. 1595 SPENSER Amoretti 26: Wks., p. 722:
Sweet is the Nut, but bitter is his pill; Sweet is the Broome-fiowre,
but yet sowre enough.
SHAKESPEARE.~1599 A. Y. III ii 115: Sweetest nut hath sourest
rind, Such a nut is Rosalinde.
Cf. K19: He that will eat the kernel let him crack the nut.
N361 To have a NUT to crack
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 62: Ha, ha, ha, how cracke you this
nutte? 1581 BELL Agst. Osorius III, p. 416: Now he hath a Nutt
to crack if he cann. 1602 BRETON Mother’s Bless.: Wks., I 9:
Spoile not thy teeth with cracking such a nutt. 1655 FULLER Hist.
Cambridge 4, p. 95: The nut is not worth the cracking. 1668
DRYDEN Essay Dr. Poesy, p. 311: He gives us many times a hard
nut to break our teeth, without a kernel for our pains.
See ST., no. 1648. Cf. K19: He that will eat the kernel let him
crack the nut.
N362 You are a sweet NUT, the devil crack you (if
you were well cracked)
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. X3. 1595 [W.S.] Locrine III iv, s. F3.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1649. 1721 KEL., p. 389: (if you were well

fi
crack’d). *Ironically spoken to bad Boys. 1732 FUL., no. 5844:
[As in 1721 Kel.].
N363 It is NUTS to him
[1619] 1647 FLETCHER Mad Lover V, p. 65: Such are Nuts to me.
1675 H. NEVILLE Marriage Belphegor: Prince, p. 2 59: They brought
before her . . St. J. Galbert’s cloak which was nuts to Belphegor and
made him nothing but laugh. 1732 FUL., no. 2970: It is like Nuts
to an Ape.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 H. IV ii 19: He keeps them, like an ape,
in the corner of his jaw; first mouth’d, to be last swallowed.
N364 She goes as if she cracked NUTS with her tail
1678 RAY, p. 291.
N365 To be fed on (live upon) deaf NUTS1
1637 RUTHERFORD Let. 138, p. 267: I live upon no deaf nuts, as We
use to speak. 1721 KEL., p. 395: You are not fed on deaf Nuts.
*Spoken to those who are plump and in good liking.
[1nuts without a kernel]
I732 FUL., no. 4122.
N366 Not worth a N UTSHELL (a couple of nuts)
a1529 SKELTON Agst. Ven. Tongues: W ks., I I 3 5: All is not worth a
couple of nut shalis. 1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., s. BI: Within a
while they would not be worth a couple of nuts. 1672 WALK. 52,
p. 16: A sorry fellow; not worth a . . nut shell.
N367 The foolish N YAS1 will never away
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 123: But if they . . know him to be an
eyas which will never away, then they make him fly and never serve
him. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 249: Wilt thou resemble . .
the foolish Eiesse, which will neuer away? 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv.
III, II 33: There is no manne such an asse [nyas?], but that con-
tinuall bobbes and repulses wil make him soare away. 1589
GREENE Tully’s Love, p. 167: If shee be so ramage let hir fiye and
seeke for a Niess that may prooue more gentle.
[1a young hawk]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
OAK
As close as OAK
SHAKESPEARE—I604 0. III iii 210: To seel her father’s eyes up
close as oak.
See APP., p. 461.
01
02 To cut down an OAK and set up a strawberry
(thistle)
I662 FULLER Worthies Devonshire, I 271: I would not wish this
County the increase of these Berries, according to the Proverb; Cut
down an Oak, and set up a Strawberry. I670 RAY, p. 188. 1732
FUL., no. 5151: (and plant a Thistle).
O3 OAKS may fall when reeds stand the storm
I573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 64, p. 149: Like as in tempest great,
where wind doth beare the stroke, Much safer stands the bowing
reede then doth the stubborne oke. I578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos
and Cass. I i, s. G3: The reede doth bow at euery blast. 1621 R.
BURTON Anat. M. II 111 iii, p. 519: Though I live obscure, yet I live
clean and honest; and when as the lofty oak is blown down, the
silly reed may stand. 1662 FULLER Worthies Hampshire, I 408:
Though our Lord Powlet enjoyed his place not so many years, yet
did he serve more Soveraigns, in more mutable times, being (as he
said of himself) no Oake, but an Osier. I732 FUL., no. 3692.
04 He will have an OAR in every man’s boat
01510 Cock Lorell’s Boat, p. 1 1: In Cockes bote eche man had an ore.
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 180: In eche mannes bote, would he haue
an ore, But no woorde, to good purpose, lesse or more. 1546 HEY. I
x, s. C3: She must haue an ore in euery mans barge. I562 HEY.
Epig. 189, p. 157: (in euery mans barge). I575 GASCOIGNE Glass
Govt. II Chorus, p. 43: Beholde the devill, whose ministers are prest:
To stir an ore, in every forward boate. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 48:
Youths which delight . . to have an oar stirring in every beautiful
boat. 1597 G. HARVEY Trim. Nashe, p. 133: Those . . that will . .
haue an oare (as we say) in euerie mans boate. I611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 157: Phrine will haue an Oare in each mans boate. [1614] 1631
JONSON Barth. Fair III v 55: Pray thee mind him not, fellow: hee’ll
haue an oare in euery thing. 1616 DR., no. 218: (He hath). I620
SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xxii, III 166: There is no boat that hee
hath not an oare in. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II ii 111: You must
Have Ore in every thing. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Brache, p. 20: To resolve to have an oar in every
mans boat, to be medling upon all scores. I670 RAY, p. 188: (To
have).
Cf. O5: It is not good to have an oar in every man’s boat; S420:
Put not thy sickle in another man’s corn (harvest). (37)
05 It is not good to have an OAR in every man’s boat
1557 Description Ungodly World 1. 45 in Tottel’s Misc., I 198: Who
styrres an oare in euery boat shal play a folish part. 1599 H.
PORTER Two Women Ab. viii, s. H1 v: Tis not good to haue an oare
in another mans boate. 1614 CAM., p. 309. 1639 CL., p. 20.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 8. I659 N.R., p. 69: (in every ones boat).
1687 I. BARROW Serm. 24: Wks., II 235: He that will have a sickle
in another’s corn, or an oar in every man’s boat, no wonder if his
fingers be rapped.
Cf. B752: Mind your own business; O4: He will have an oar in
every man’s boat.
06 To sow his wild OATS
I542 BECON Nosegay: Early Wks., p. 204: That they may satisfy
the foolish desire of certain light brains and wild oats, which are al-


OATH
together given to new fangleness. 1560—77 Misogonus II iii 37: He
hath not yet sowne all his wilde Otes he is but yonge trulie he must
needes runne his race. [1565] 1576 T. NEWTON Touchstone Complex.
II ii, f. 99: That wilfull and vnruly age, which lacketh rypeness and
discretion, and (as wee saye) hath not sowed all theyr wyeld Oates.
1582 T. WATSON Hekatompathia 87: Poems, p. 123: I finde that all
my wildest Oates are sowne, and by to see, what now I see at last.
1598 R. BERNARD Andria I ii, p. 15: Now hee may have sowne his
wilde oates, that now he may leave all company. 1600 NASHE
Summer’s Last Will 1. I547: Wks., III 282: Youth ne’re aspires to
vertues perfect growth, Till his wilde oates be sowne. 1604 DEK-
KER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 9: Very well; you ha travelled enough now, I
trow, to sowe your wilde oates. 1611 J. SPEED Hist. Gr. Brit. IX
xv 5, p. 624: But let vs heare how his wilde oates were spent, and
with what increase the haruest was got. 1616 DR., s.v. Youth, no.
2534: Hee hath not yet sowen all his wilde oates. I629 D’AVENANT
Albovine IV, p. 78: If this heat continue, I must e’en call For ajulip,
or sow my wild oats In the next soil I meet. 1639 CL., p. 261: He has
sowne all his wild oates. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: He hath not
yet sowed all his wild oats. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 92, p. 59: The
English say That ones wild oates must be sown one time, or other,
and that a ragged coult makes a good horse. Ibid. 2, p. 197: Who
plays not his mad pranks in his youth, will do them in his old age.
*Note I 32, p. 225: The English say, Sow their wild oats. I670
RAY, p. 193. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To Sow: *To leave off his youthfull
Pranks. I732 FUL., no. 1789: Happy is he, who hath sow’d his
wild Oats betimes.
See ST., no. 1147. Cf. C522: Of a ragged colt comes a good
horse.
07 An unlawful OATH is better broken than kept
1481 CAXTON Reynard 20, p. 50: I wente ones with a good man that
said to me that a bydwongen 0th. or 0th sworn for force. was none
0th. 1549 LATIMER Serm. 8, p. I 16: For all promises are not to be
kept, specially if they be against the word of God, or not standing
with a common profit. 01566 KNOX Hist. Ref. I, I 283: But yf
he had maid ane unlefull aith, contrair Goddis command, it war
better to violate it then to observe it. 1598 MARLOWE Hero and
Leander III 366, p. 87: And Vows made ignorantly never bind us.
1624 T. HEYWOOD Captives V iii 99: Oathes made Vnto our hurt wee
are not bound to keepe. 1633 J. FORD ’Tis Pity II, p. 104: The
vowes I made . . Were wicked and vnlawfull, ’twere more sinne To
keepe them, then to breake them. 1639 CL., p. 194: (A constrained
promise is). 1640 HERB., no. 1010: An oath that is not to bee made
is not to be kept. I659 N.R., p. 1 1 1 : There is no equity in keeping an
unjust promise. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 219: To keep an unjust
promise, is neither just, nor fitting. 1670 RAY, p. 126: (broke).
I672 WALK. 35, p. 46. 1721 KEL., p. 222: It is ill to make an un-
lawful Oath, but worse to keep it. 1732 FUL., no. 366: A Promise
against Law or Duty, is void in its own Nature. Ibid., no. 2965: It
is ill to take an unlawful Oath, but worse to keep it. Ibid., no.
4915: There is no Piety in keeping an unjust Promise.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VIVi 182: It is great sin to swear
unto a Sin, But greater sin to keep a sinful oath. 1591 3 Hen. VI
V i 89: Perhaps thou wilt object my holy oath. To keep that oath
were more impiety Than Jephtha when he sacrific'd his daughter.
1594 T.G.V. II vi 11: Unheedful vows may heedfully be broken.
1594-5 L.L.L. II i 105: ’Tis deadly sin to keep that oath, my lord,
And sin to break it. 1596 K.7. III i 270: For that which thou hast
sworn to do amiss Is not amiss when it is truly done; And being not
done where doing tends to ill, The truth is then most done, not doing
It.
Cf. C931: A bad custom is like a good cake (A bad custom is),
better broken than kept; F33: No faith with heretics.

511
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
OCCASION
011.
512
08 He that takes away the OCCASION takes away the
ofiense
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p.84. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw.,
p. 45. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15: Beware of the occasion, and
God will save thee from the sin.
Cf. F786: Take away fuel take away fire (flame); O71: Oppor-
tunity makes the thief.
09 To drink the OCEAN dry
[ERAS. Adagio, 908A: Mare exhauris.] [01589] 1633 MARLOWE
Yew Malta V v 120: SO will we guard us now, As sooner shall they
drink the ocean dry, Than conquer Malta.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. 1] II ii 144: The task he undertakes
Is numb'ring sands and drinking oceans dry.
See OTTO, no. 1062. Cf. $91 : As difficult as to number the sands
in the sea; S259: You may as soon sip up the Severn and swallow
Mavern.
09a To ask what it is O’CLOCK
1594 LYLY Mother BomoieIV ii 64: Wks., III 210: Theres a glieke for
you, let me haue my gi'rde.~——On thy conscience tell me what tis a
clocke? 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Beffania, p. 12: TO ask in what
month Twelf-tide falls in, viz. to ask an absurd question, to ask
what’s a clock when it strikes. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 400:
Pray, miss, what’s a clock? “Why, you must know, ’tis a thing
like a bell, and you a fool that can’t tell.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 A.Y. III ii 317: I pray you,whatis’to’clock?
—You should ask me, what time 0’ day. There’s no clock in the
forest. (12)
010 To know what it is O’CLOCK
[To know how matters stand, be aware ofwhat is going on.] [3.1525]
c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 216: Wks., I 319: Your gorge not en-
dewed Without a capon stewed, or a stewed cocke, To knowe What
ys a clocke vnder her swifled smocke, And her wanton wodicocke.
1546 HEY. II x, s. L3v: And lookt in the bag, what it was a clocke.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. C3v: Ifhe cast up his nose against the
sunne with open chapps, by his teeth may be discerned what is a
clock perhapps.
See ST., no. 1313.
hand).
0 I 1
Cf. T90a: He can tell ten (the fingers in his
(10)
Good OCTOBER, a good blast to blow the hog
acorn and mast
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Husb. 19, p. 47: October good blast, To
blowe the hog mast. I732 FUL., no. 6218.
012 ODDS will beat anybody
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 19, p. 320: (The English say, That Odds).
Cf. H436: Hercules himself cannot deal with two; T644: Two to
one is odds (is Odds at football).
013 Bad ODORs attract the vulture (beetle), perfumes
repel him
[ERAS. Similia, 572C: Scarabei, ac vultures oflenduntur unguentis.
Ibid., 583E: Vultures ad exstincta corpora odore feruntur, sana non
sentiunt.] I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 191: Perfumes doth re-
fresh the Doue and kill the Betil. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet II:
Wks., p. 193: These [slanderers] are like vultures, ad male olentia
feruntur,—they passe ouer Meadowes and flowers, to fall upon
canons.
Cf. B221: The beetle flies over many a sweet flower and lights in
a cowshard.
014 None is OFFENDED but by himself
[ERAS. Adagio, 856B: Nemo laeditur, nisi a seipso.]
no. 652.
I640 HERB.,
015 The OFFENDER never pardons
1659 How. It. Prov., p. I 1: Who offends doth
1664 COD., p. 220. 1666 TOR.
1640 HERB., no. 557.
never forgive. 1659 N.R., p. 107.

i
It. Prov. 18, P. 176: Who offends ne’r forgives. 1670 RAY, p, 19_
1672 DRYDEN 2 Conq. Gran. I ii, p. 129: Forgiveness to the injured
does belong; But they ne’er pardon, who have done the wrong,
[3.1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., II 39: Bad Men never use to for-
give those, whom they have injured, or received any extraordinary
Obligation from. 1732 FUL., no. 3701: Offenders never pardon.
016 He never loved well that will hate for a little
OFFENSE
1611 COT., s.v. Hair: He neuer soundly loued that hateth for a toy,
1616 DR., no. 1296. I659 N.R., p. 47: (that hated for a trifle).
Cf. L347: He loves me for little that hates me for nought;
L539: A perfect love does last eternally.
017 It is good to take (Never refuse) a good OFFER
1591 STEP., p. 150: Refuse not a benefit when it is proffered. 1596
DEL., s. P5v: Some refuseth a thing, that he wisheth for after.
1616 DR., no. 864. Dial., no. I 528: Take any good thing, when it is
ofl'ered. 1623 WOD., p. 504: Hee who refuses may thereafter be
thinke himselfe. 1639 CL., p. 222. 1670 RAY, p. 136: (Never
refuse). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. T0 Refuse: (Never refuse).
018 Put not all your OFFERING in one stock1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1153.
Cf. A209: Venture not all in one bottom; E89: To put all your
eggs in one basket.
[lalms box, collection plate]
019 Be good in your OFFICE
1560-77 Misogonus II iii 66. 1616 DR., s.v. Oflice, no. 1535.
RAY, p. 262: (your office, you’ll keep the longer on).
Cf. 021: He that has an office let him wait on it.
1678
020 He has a good OFFICE, he must needs thrive
1611 COT., s.v. Mestier: He that hath a good trade hath a goodlie
reuenue. 1678 RAY, p. 263.
Cf. T461: He who has a trade has a share everywhere.
021 He that has an OFFICE let him wait on it
1616 DR., no. 1533.
Cf. 019: Be good in your oflice.
022 A new OFFICE, like a new garment, straight at
first putting on
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 19.
Cf. B682: A new broom (besom) sweeps clean.
023 OFFICES may well be given but not discretion
I573 SANF., f. 109v. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33v: (Oflices are
geuen but). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 116, p. 29.
024 The OFFSPRING of those that are very young or
very old lasts not
1640 HERB., no. 881.
(or very old is not lasting).
very young). 1664 COD., p. 222.
of them that).
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 235:
1659 N.R., p. 103: (of the very old or
1670 RAY, p. 19: (The CIT-spring
025 As smooth as 01L
[ERAS. Adagia, 276A: Oleo tranquillior.]
and Fort. I ii, s. B4: More glib then Oyle.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IVI iii 6: My condition, Which hath
been smooth as oil.
I585 [MUNDAY] F idele
026 He that measures 01L shall anoint his fingers
1611 COT., s.v. Huile: (oyle besmeares his fingers). 1616 DR.,
s.v. Prouidence, no. 1762: He that measureth out the oile, anointeth
his fingars. 1639 CL., p. 135. 1670 RAY, p. 126: *Gall.
Cf. H549: He that handles honey shall feel it cling to his fingers.
027 OIL of angels1
1592 GREENE Quip for Upstart Courtier, p. 2 52: Lawiers are troubled
with the heate of their liuer, which makes the palms of their hands

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
OIL
ONE
513


so hot that they cannot be coold vnlesse they be rubd with the oyle
of angels. I592 GREENE Repentance, p. 172: My Mother pampered
me so long, and secretly helped mee to the oyle of Angels. 1606
2 Ret.from Parn. II ii, s. C2v: Must his worships fists bee then oyled
with Angells? 1623 MASSINGER Duke Milan III ii, p. 53: I have
seen . . his stripes washed off With oil of angels.
Cf. M397: To grease a man in the fist.
[lgold coins issued in England 1470—1634]
028 OIL of whip
1662 FULLER Worthies Somersetshire, II 280: Although Oil of whip
be the proper plaister for the cramp of lazinesse, yet some pity is
due to impotent persons. 1693 Poor Rohin’s Almanac, quoted in
Sm., p. 3 3 5: Now for to cure such a disease as this, The oyl of whip
the surest medicine is.
029 There is OIL (no oil) left in the lamp
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 9: (There is yet some Oyle).
SHAKESPEARE.—I592—4 I Hen. VIII V 8: These eyes, like lamps
whose wasting Oil is spent, Wax dim. 1596 Rich. III iii 221: My
oil-dried lamp and time-bewasted light Shall be extinct with age.
1602 A.W. I ii 58: ‘Let me not live,’ quoth he, ‘After my flame lacks
oil.’
030 To add OIL to (pour oil on) the fire
[ERAS. Adagia, 71E: Oleum camino addere.] 1548 COOPER, s.v.
Caminus: Camino Oleum addere, to caste oyle into the fyre. *A
proverbe Signifiyng to minister occasion of greatest rage or fury.
I560 DAUS Chron. 16, f. 228b: Which as the common saying is,
poured oyle upon the fyre. 01570 INGELEND Disoh. Child, s. B4:
And after the Prouerbe, we put oyle to the fyre. 1599 RAINOLDS
Overthrow Stage Plays, p. 18: Amatorie dansing is, in Homers wan-
tons, as oile vnto the fier. 1622 DEKKER AND MASSINGER Virgin
Martyr I, p. 8: You pour oil on fire that burns already at the height.
1639 CL., p. 77: Adde not oyle to the flame. 1647 COWLEY In-
curahle: Mist., p. 129: But Wine, alas, was Oil to th’ Fire.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VI V ii 54: And beauty, that the
tyrant oft reclaims, Shall to my flaming wrath be oil and flax.
I602 A.W. V iii 6: Natural rebellion, done i’ th’ blaze of youth,
When oil and fire, too strong for reason’s force, O’erbears it and
burns on. 1605-6 K.L. II ii 79: Such smiling rogues as these . .
Bring oil to fire.
See ST., no. 1660. Cf. F287: To quench fire with oil; O32: To
pour (cast) oil into the fire is not the way to quench it.
031 T0 burn the midnight OIL
1635 F. QUARLES Emhlems (1643 ed.) II ii: Wks., III 58: We spend
our mid-day Sweat, our mid-night oyl, We tire the night in thought,
the day, in toyl. 1650 G. DANIEL Crast. Anim. l. 16: Poems, IV
202: As were that worth, our Braines, and Midnight Oyle. 1727
GAY Fahles Introd., p. 2: Whence is thy learning? Hath thy toil
O’er books consumed the midnight oil?
Cf. C43: It smells of the candle (lamp, oil); L44: It smells more
of the lamp than of wine.
032 To pour (cast) OIL into the fire is not the way to
quench it
1596 DEL., s. O4v: (cast). 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 27: (To powre out
oyle into). 1623 CAM., p. 275: Powring oyle into the fire, is not the
way to quench. 1639 CL., s.v. Ingenii malicia, et institutio, p. 167:
(cast). 1659 N.R., p. 87: (Pouring oyl into). 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Stoppa, p. 205: To throw flax in the Fire, and think to
quench it with Oyl, viz. to make a mischief worse than it was.
1670 RAY, p. 126: (To cast oil in). 1732 FUL., no. 5142: (cast).
Cf. F287: To quench fire with oil; F785: Add fuel to the fire; O30:
To add oil to (pour oil on) the fire.
033 OLD: subst.
033 In the OLD of the moon a cloudy morning bodes
a fair afternoon
01640 SMYTH 52, p. 31: A misty morne in th’ old o’th moone doth
alwaies bringe a faire post-noone. 1678 RAY, p. 48.
Cf. M1178: Cloudy mornings turn to clear evenings (days).

034—038 OLD: adj.
034 He that would be OLD long (well old) must be
old betimes (Old young and old long)
1539 TAV., f. 10v: Become an olde man betyme yf thou wylt be an
olde man longe. *By thys we be monyshed, that whyle we be
stronge and lusty, we cease from ouer moche labours, and also from
suche riottes, daliaunce, and surfettyng, as commonly youth de-
syreth. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. C1: He that will be an old man
long, must bee an old man soone. 1639 CL., p. 190: Old young, and
old long. Ibid., p. 280: They that would bee old long, must be old
yong. 1640 HERB., no. 367: (well old). 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 24: If thou wilt live in health, make thy self old betimes. 1664
COD., p. 228: (Who would be well old). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4,
p. 298: Who means to be very old, let him begin betimes. 1670
RAY, p. 34: [As in 1639 Cl., p. 190]. I672 WALK. 15, p. 39. 1732
FUL., no. 6179: [As in 1639 Cl., p. 190].
Cf. O36: Old young, young old.
035 OLD and tough, young and tender
I678 RAY, p. 85.
036 OLD young, young old
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 4: A young man old, makes an old man
young. 1670 RAY, p. 34: They who would be young when they are
old must be Old when they are young. 1691 R. CROMWELL Corr.,
p. 109: There is an old proverb old yong, yong old. 1697 MER.,
p. 164: Seaun awd lang young. '
Cf. O34: He that would be old long (well Old) must be old betimes
(Old young and old long).
037 OLDER and wiser
1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends V iv, s. L2v: Are you auis’d of that?
older and wiser. 1639 CL., p. 267: The older, the wiser. 1656
Older and Wiser 2014 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 174: [Title].
1670 RAY, p. 126. 1672 WALK. 36, p. 46. 1683 W. KENNETT Pr.
Folly, p. 18: Contrary to the Proverb of Older and Wiser, the more
Ancient they grow, the more Fools they are.
Cf. O38: The older the worse.
038 The OLDER the worse
1639 CL., p. 84: The Older the worse, like my old shooes.
FUL., no. 4693: The older a Fool is, the worse he is.
Cf. F506: There is no fool to the old fool; 037: Older and wiser.
I732
039 Call me not an OLIVE till you see me ripe and
gathered
1640 HERB., no. 297: (till thou see me gathered). 1664 COD., p. 1 89.
040 Sweet OLIVER
1584 0 Sweet Olyuer Leave Me Not Behind Thee 1995 in Rollins
Analyt. Index, p. 173: [Title]. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III
225: One boone you must not refuse mee in, (if you be boni socii
and sweete Oliuers). 1601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. III iii 106:
Sweete Oliuer, would I could doe thee any good. 1604 DEKKER 1
Hon. Whore, p. 29: This sweet Oliver will eate Mutton till he be
ready to burst. 1606 BRETON Packet Letters Pt. II: W ks., II 34: O
Braue Oliver, leaue me not behind you. [1613-34] 1640 JONSON
Underwoods 62, p. 320: All the mad Rolands and sweet Olivers.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. III iii 101: 0 sweet Oliver, O brave
Oliver, Leave me not behind thee!
O41 ONCE out and always out
1678 RAY, p. 77.
042 Better ONE die (perish, sufi'er) than all
[Yohn xi 50: Now consider that it is expedient for us, that one man
should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.]
1616 T. ADAMS Forest Thorns: Wks., p. 1057: (perish). 1639 CL.,
p. 218: Better one than all. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Hush,
p. 20: Better one perish, than a multitude. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov.,
p. 16: Better dy one then dy all. Ibid.: Better woe one, then woe
all. 1681 DRYDEN Ahsalom and Achit. I 416, p. 253: Better one
suffer than a million grieve.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
ONE
ONE
514

O43 By ONE and one the spindles are made
1573 SANF., f. 102. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27v: (By one and
by one). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 62, p. 28: (are made up).
044 He that chastens ONE chastens twenty
1640 HERB., no. 352.
Cf. 045: He that chastises one amends many.
He that chastises ONE amends many
1664 COD., p. 195. 1670 RAY, p. 4.
045
1616 DR., no. 359.
FUL., no. 2065.
Cf. O44: He that chastens one chastens twenty.
I732
O46-7 I will give you ONE and lend you another
1670 RAY, p. 177: I thought I would give him one, and lend him
another. *I would be quit with him. 1721 KEL., p. 396: *Spoken
when ill mannered Boys are provoking us.
048 If ONE, two, or three tell you you are an ass, put
on a tail (bridle)
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 396: If any say that one of thine ears
is the ear of an ass, regard it not: Ifhe say so of them both, procure
thy selfa bridle. *That is, it is time to arm our selves with patience
when we are greatly reproached. 1732 FUL., no. 2697.
Cf. M531: If all men may say that thou art an ass then bray;
N120: Think not better of yourself than all your neighbors do.
049 It is better to be spoken of ill by ONE before all
than by all before one
1659 How. Prov. To Philologers. 1664 COD., p. 214.
p. 14: (Better be ill spoken of by).
1670 RAY,
050 It is good to save ONE
[a1558] 1568 Yacob and Esau II iii, s. C4v: I tolde you at the fyrst,
I woulde prouide for one: My mother taught me that lesson a good
whyle agone. 01570 T. PRESTON Cambyses, s. B4: It is wisdome
(quoth I) by the masse to saue one. 01576 Common Cond. l. 1779,
s. G2v: It is good to saue one, as far as I can see. 1616 DR., s.V.
Cowardise, dastardlinesse, no. 393: He will saue one. 1639 CL.,
p. 264: He will look to one. Ibid., s.v. Timiditas, p. 310: [As in
1616 Dr.]. 4
Cf. M1281: Make much of one, good men are scarce.
051 ONE and all
1602 MIDDLETON Blurt V iii 59: Come any one, come all. 1662
FULLER Worthies Devonshire, I 285: The English Nation . . had
learnt also from the Souldiers . . to cry out One and all; each Shire
setting forth a Remonstrance of their Grievances. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Rota, p. 173: To be all agreed as one, One and all,
the Sea phrase. 1725 DEFOE New Voy. Round World, p. 222: Some
bold rogues upon the forecastle . . cried out, One and all, which was
a cry . . of mutiny and rebellion.
052 ONE and none is all one (One is as good as none,
One is none)
1591 H. SMITH Preparative Marriage: Wks., I 12: We say that one is
none. 1611 COT., s.v. Vn: As good haue none as haue no more but
one. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 19. 1664 COD., p. 208. 1670
RAY, p. 20: *Hispan. 1672 WALK. 76, p. 48: One’s none; as good
as none. 1681 ROB., p. 953: One’s as good as none.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R.?'. I ii 32: Which, on more view ofmany,
mine, being one, May stand in number, though in reck’ning none.
1609 Son. 136, l. 7: In things of great receipt with case we prove
Among a number one is reckon’d none. _
Cf. M353: One man (body) is no man (body); 054: One is no
number.
053 ONE, but that one is a lion
1607 TOPSELL Hist. Four-footed Beasts, p. 46 5: Shee bringeth foorth
indeede but one, yet that one is a Lyon. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE


Fables 122, I 114: A Fox cast it in the Teeth of a Lyoness, that she
brought forth but one Whelp at a time. Very Right, says the other,
but then That One is a Lyon.
054 ONE is no number
1592 LYLY Midas III i 32: And haue they not perished, that there was
not two left to make a number? 1598 MARLOWE Hero and Leander
I 255, p. 41 : One is no number; maids are nothing then, Without the
sweet society of men. [01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 152:
To fall to one (Besides your husband) is to fall to none, For one no
number is. 1621 BRATHWAITE Omphale: Nat. Embassy, p. 268:
Number can ne’re consist of lesse then two. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 35,
p. 314: One makes no number. 1681 ROB., p. 953.
Cf. M353: One man (body) is no man (body); O52: One and none
is all one (One is as good as none, One is none); U25: Once and use
It not.
055 ONE is not smelled where all stink
1630 T. ADAMS General. Serpents: Wks., p. 893: They that will
quarter themselues with the wicked, must drinke of their poyson.
If you aske, how haps it that their infection is not smelt: Bernard
answeres; Vbi omnes sordent, vnus minime sentitur: one is not
smelt, where all stinke.
See SM., p. 343.
056 ONE is too few, three too many
1678 RAY, p. 342.
Cf. $193: A secret is too little for one, enough for two, too much
for three.
ONE of the four and twenty qualities of a knave
is to stay long at his errand
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1664 COD., p. 208: (and twenty parts
of a Knave, is to stay long in an arrant).
Cf. J71: To send (To come) by John Long (Tom Long) the carrier;
O78: You breed of the four and twenty orders of knaves, you tell
your errand ere you go.
058 ONE, two, three, four are just half a score
1678 RAY, p. 86.
057
059 Still he fishes that catches ONE
1596 DEL., s. P5v: Still fisheth he, that catcheth one. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Pescher: And yet he fishes who catches one. 1639 CL., s.v.
Spes pertinax, p. 294. 1651 HERB., p. 369: [As in 1596 Del.].
1659 N.R., p. 91: [As in 1596 Del.]. 1670 RAY, p. 91: *Gall.
1732 FUL., no. 4262.
See ST., no. 2417.
060 That is a loud ONE
1678 RAY, p. 89: *A great lie.
O61 That ONE is bad makes hundreds sad
1612 HALL Contempl. I: Recoll. Treat., p. 955: One offendeth, and
all feele the reuenge To punish aboue the oHence is no lesse vniustice,
then to offend. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 15.
O62 That (If) ONE will not another Will
1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4. Ibid. II ii, s. F4v: That that one maie not,
an other maie. 1560-77 Misogonus IV i 157: An thou woudst not
another woud. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. A4v: Here
is scripolous Conscience, and nice Loue in deede, Tush if they will
not other will. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 804: (If). 1611 COT., s.v.
Moulin: What one will not (or, if one will not) another will. 1611
GRUT., no. 246. 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1616 DR., no. 1390: That that
one will not, another will: so shall all maids bee married, and all
meats eaten. 1630 D’AVENANT Cruel Brother I, p. 134: What one
cannot, another can. 1639 CL., p. 17: (What one). 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1668 R.B., p. 29: (If ane). 1670 RAY, p. 158,
(The world was never so dull, but if one). 1721 KEL., p. 182: If
one will not, another will; so are all Maidens married. 1732 FUL.:


Proverbs are alphabetized by first Substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ONES
ORCHARD
515


no. 6451: The World was never so dull still, But if one won’t
another will.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. IV i 130: An I cannot, another
can.
Cf. M850: All meats to be eaten, all maids to be wed. (9)
063 There would be no great ONES if there were no
little ones
I640 HERB., no. 288. I659 N.R., p. 88. 1664 COD., p. 218.
1670 RAY, p. 12: There could be no great ones if there were no
little. 1732 FUL., no. 4868: (There could be).
Cf. F311: The great fish eat the sinall; L354: The little cannot
be great unless he devours many; S228: A serpent must eat another
serpent before he can become a dragon.
064 He is ONE-AND-THIRTY
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Proverbiall Periphrases of one drunk.
SHAKESPEARE.-1594-8 T.S. I ii 31: Was it fit for a servant to
use his master so, being perhaps (for aught I see) two-and-thirty, a
peep out?
065 As spruce as an ONION
1678 RAY, p. 289.
066 Not worth an ONION (a leek)
01500 Piers Fulham 1. 16 in Early Pop. Poetry, II 2: (a leke).
cr515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. V, p. 44: In valour scant worth a couple
of onions. [a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 183: Wks., I 318:
(a leke). 1534 ]. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. C2. [01535] I602
LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 564, p. 396: Princis or Potestatis ar nocht
worth ane leike. I562 HEY. Epig. 182, p. 156: I weene not the
value of a good greene leeke. 01569 W. WAGER Longer Thou
Livest, s. F4v: By honest men he setteth not an Oynion. I596 DEL.,
s. P3v: To put himselfe in the number of onions, and not to be
worth a scallion. 1612 [BRETON] Cornucopia l. 2380, p. 79: This
opinion is not worth two leekes.
067 To weep (It may serve) with an ONION
1548 COOPER, s.v. Cepa: Cepas edere, to eate oynions, was a
prouerbe spoken of them, whiche dydde seeme to weepe, or that
do weepe often. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. X1v: Yet can I not
chuse but weepe, with an onion in mine eye, and an apple in my
mouth. [01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered I iii 40: Faith thou
hast made me weepe with this newes. —Why I have done but the
parte of an Onion, you must pardon me. 1616 WITHALS, p. 557.
1639 CL., p. 313. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. I: (It may serve).
*Spoken ironically. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Occhi, p. 121:
To squeeze onions in ones eyes, viz. to seem to weep or mourn, to
force tears. I670 RAY, p. 214: (It may serve). 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. To Dissemble, p. 100: (He weeps). 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 8:
Onions can make ev’n heirs and widows weep.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. Ind. i 124: And if the boy have
not a woman’s gift To rain a shower of commanded tears, An
onion will do as well for such a shift. I602 A.W. V iii 321: Mine
eyes smell onions; I shall weep anon. 1606-7 A.C. I ii 175:
The tears live in an onion that should water this sorrow. Ibid.
IV ii 34: Look, they weep, And I, an ass, am onion-ey’d.
Cf. SI 3: To mourn in sack and claret.
O68 ' OPINION sways the world
1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. A3: Let them expresse the very soule of
wit, And want Opinions voice to countnance it, Tis like the idle
buzzing of a flie, Heard, not regarded. 1607 B. BARNES Devil’s
Charter I iv, s. B4: Things are as they seeme, Not what they be
themselues; all is opinion. 1607 MARSTON What You Will I i 18:
All that exists, Takes valuation from opinion, A Giddy minion
now. 1615 G. MARKHAM Eng. Housewife, p. 70: Yet it is but
opinion, and that must be the worlds master alwayes. 1638
R. BAKER Epp. Balzac I, p. 96: It is not now onely that opinion
governes the world. 1646 J. HOWELL Let. II 39, II 431: Opinion
can do much, and indeed she is that great Lady which rules the
World. 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 2: Opinion the greatest Lady
that swayeth the world. [a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., I 241:
Opinion governs all Mankind.
Cf. S214: Be what thou would seem to be.

069 Our own OPINION is never wrong
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 184: A man’s own opinion
is never in the wrong. 1732 FUL., no. 3824.
070 OPPORTUNITY (Night, Midnight) is whoredom’s
bawd
[ERAS. Adagio, 432A: Occasione duntaxat opus improbitati.] 1539
TAV., f. 30v: [As in Eras.]. *Leudnes lacketh but occasion. I604
MARSTON Malcontent III i 200: Confirm’d With potent examples
impudent custom, Entic’d by that great bawd, opportunity.
[1607] 1631 T. HEYWOOD 1 Fair Maid West I, p. 267: Then put her
to’t, win Oportunity, Shees the best bawd. I608 DAY Law
Tricks V i, p. 71: Midnight, thou Ethiope, Empresse of blacke
soules, Thou generall Bawde to the Whole world. 1614 T. ADAMS
Soul’s Sickness: Wks., p. 463: Let him shunne Opportunitie as his
Bawde and Occasion as his Pandar. CI6I5 Pepys Bal. I5, I 98:
And many when they heare him, will thinke this Prouerb true,
That Gold and Opportunity will make some Women doe. 1633
T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. V i, p. 90: Wouldest thou your Bawd
know? Mid-night, that the houre. 1633 W. ROWLEY All’s Lost
by Lust I i 17: Times antient bawde, opportunity, attends us now,
and yet our flaming bloud will scarce give leave To Opportunity.
1636 CAM., p. 303. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 2: Opportunity
the greatest bawd. 1659 N.R., p. 83. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 171:
The night is the lovers bawd.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1592-3 V .A. l. 773: This black-fac’d night, de-
sire’s foul nurse. 1593-4 Luc. l. 876: O Opportunity, thy guilt
is great! ’Tis thou that execut’st the traitor’s treason; Thou sets
the wolf where he the lamb may get; Whoever plots the sin, thou
point’st the season.
Cf. O71: Opportunity makes the thief; P570: The prey entices
the thief.
O71 OPPORTUNITY makes the thief
I539 TAV., f. 24: Opportunitie is of such force that of honest it
maketh vnhonest. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 169: Opportunitie
makes a man commit larcenie. 1599 RAINOLDS Overthrow Stage
Plays, p. 87: Weapons themselves (saith Homer) doe draw men
to fight: and opportunitie maketh theeves. 1611 COT., s.v. Coffre:
Opportunitie makes, or warrants, a thiefe. Ibid., s.v. Peché: An
open coHer the theefe excuses. 1623 CAM., p. 275. 1639 CL., p.
233. 1659 N.R., p. 84: (a thief). 1664 COD., p. 207: (a Thief).
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 75, p. 19: (a Thief). I670 RAY, p. 129:
*Ocassio facit furem. 1732 FUL., no. 3810.
See ST., no. 417. Cf. D558: An open door (gate) may tempt a
saint; H519: The hole calls the thief; O8: He that takes away the
occasion takes away the offense; O70: Opportunity (Night, Mid-
night) is Whoredom’s bawd; P570: The prey entices the thief;
P654: He that shows his purse longs to be rid of it.
072 OPPRESSION causes rebellion
1616 DR., no. 1565.
073 OPPRESSION makes the wise man mad
[Eccl. vii 7: Oppression maketh a wise man mad.] 1616 BRET., p. 5.
1721 KEL., p. 276: (Oppression will make a).
074 To speak like an ORACLE
1629 SHIRLEY Brothers II i, p. 217: Believe not all That great men
speak are oracles. 1676 SOUTH Wisdom of This World 9: Serm.,
I 139: He only now-a-days speaks like an oracle, who speaks tricks
and ambiguities. 1692 DRYDEN Man Ignorant of Himself: Essays
Evremont, p. 284: He speaks like the Oracles to puzzle the World,
and is puzzled himself with his own Arguments. I738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. II, p. 432: Colonel, you spoke like an oracle.
O75 His ORCHARD is his shambles
1639 CL., s.v. Bonae fortunae, p. 50.
076 It’s easy to rob an ORCHARD when none keep it
1639 CL., s.v. Causa indefensa, p. 55: (when no man keepes it).
1664 COD., p. 201. 1670 RAY, p. 23: (keeps it). 1732 FUL., no.
2925.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
ORDER
516
OWL
077 ORDER = arrangement
077 An ORDER is to be observed in all things
1616 DR., no. 1567.
Cf. M793: The mean (The merry mean) is the best; M806: There
is a measure (mean) in all things.
O78 ORDER = kind
078 You breed of the four and twenty ORDERS of
knaves, you tell your errand ere you go
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1596: (order). 1721 KEL., p. 318: The first of
the nine Orders of Knaves is he that tells his Errand before he
goes it. *This is spoken to a Boy who being bid to go an Errand,
will pretend to tell how he’ll speed before he goes.
Cf. O57: One of the four and twenty qualities of a knave is to
stay long at his errand.
079 Evening ORTs1 (oats) are good morning fodder
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 374: Eving Orts is good morning fother. 1639
CL., s.v. Fames, p. 114. 1668 R.B., p. 17: (is good). 1670 RAY, p.
86. I721 KEL., p. 96: (is good). *Spoken when a Man Break-
fasts upon what he left for Supper. 1732 FUL., no. 1401: (Oats).
[lleavings]
080 Make not ORTS1 of good hay
1639 CL., s.v. Profusio, p. 262. 01640 SMYTH 28, p. 29: Hee’s
well served, for hee hath oft made orts of better hay. 1670 RAY, p.
188: (To make orts). 1732 FUL., no. 3317: (Make no Orts).
[lleavings]
081 To heap OSSA upon Pelion
[1598] 1617 GREENE Alcida, p. 102: I shall but with the Giants
heape Pelion vpon Ossa. 1609 ARMIN Two Maids More., s. E2v:
Thou art a Villaine, and hast cast up hilles against heauen it selfe.
1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. IV i, p. 70: And to suppresse Your
Soules yet lower, without hope to rise, Heape Ossa vpon Pelion.
I668 COWLEY Essays 6: Essays, Plays, p. 433: The old Gyants are
said to have made an Heroical attempt of scaling Heaven in de~
spight of the gods, and they cast Ossa upon Olympus and Pelion
upon Ossa.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOOO-I H. V i 274: Now pile your dust upon
the quick and dead Till of this flat a mountain you have made
T’ o’ertop old Pelion or the skyish head of blue Olympus.
082 OSSING comes to bossing
I670 RAY, p. 52: *Chesh. Ossing, i.e.
The meaning is the same, with Courting
and woing brings dallying and doing. 1672 WALK. 68, p. 11: Of
ossing comes bossing. Flamma furno est proxima. 1674 RAY
kVords Not Gen. Used, p. 53: To offer to do, to aim at, or intend to
do, Ossing comes to bossing.
Cf. C738: Courting and wooing bring dallying and doing.
083 The foolish 0STRICH (woodcock) buries his head
in the sand and thinks he is not seen
1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 43: Woodcocks . . want not will to
auoyde hurte, when they thrust theyr heads in a Bushe, and thinke
their bodyes out of daunger. 1623 Fatal dccident Blackfriars,
p. 14: Like the Austridge, who hiding her little head, supposeth
her great body obscured. 1654 WASHBOURNE No Hiding: Poems,
p. 72: Or like the wood-cock hide their heads, and then, ’Cause ‘
they see none, think none sees them agen.
See SM., p. 349; St., no. 2210. Cf. $11: To cover oneself with a
wet sack.
[Oflering comes to kissing]
oflering or aiming to do.
084 More cruel than the OSTRICH
[Lam. iv 3: The daughter of my people is become cruel, like the
ostriches in the wilderness] I575 LANEHAM Letter, p. lxxxiv: Fel
and folish as the Oystrich. 1616 DR., s.v. Vnnaturall, no. 2294.
I690 Banished Duke Prol., s. A3v: Who, like Ostridge, doth his
brood disown.

091
i
085 An OUNCE of fortune (good fortune) is worth a
pound of forecast (wit)
1611 COT., s.v. Sagesse: An ounce of lucke excells a pound of wit.
1616 DR., s.v. Fortune, no. 776: (is worth an ounce [for pound]
ofpolicie). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: (is more worth then a pound
of learning). 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 10: (is worth a pound of
wisedom). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 264: Rather one ounce of
fortune, than a pound of wit. 1672 WALK. 57, p. 42: An ounce of
good fortune is worth a pound of discretion; better be happy than
wise. I721 KEL., p. 52: (good Fortune). 1732 FUL., no. 657.
Cf. H140: It is better to be happy (fortunate) than wise.
086 An OUNCE of mirth is better than (is worth) a
pound of sorrow
1567 Trial Treas., 3. A3: Therefore a little mirth is worth much
sorow some say. 1573 HOLLYBAND Cit. at Home, p. 42: An ounce of
mirth is better, then a pounde of sorow, yea, and make good
weight. 1616 DR., no. 1396: A little mirth is worth a great deale of
sorrow. 1617 B. RICH Irish Huabuo, p. 6: A little mirth (they
say) is worth a great deale of sorrow. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 1:
(than a pound of melancholy). I678 RAY, p. 176: (A pennyworth
0f mirth is worth). 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens Feb. 8:
Sweet dear Brother, an ounce of mirth is worth a pound of sorrow.
See DI'JR., I, no. 212.
087 An OUNCE of mother wit (discretion, wit) is worth
a pound of clergy (learning, wit, folly)
I596 DEL., s. P6v: An ounce of discretion, is better worth then a
pound of hardines. 1616 T. ADAMS Sacrif. Thankfuln.: W ks., p. 91:
The Prouerbe is true; an Ounce of Discretion, is worth a pound of
Learning. 1641 FERG., no. 149. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac.
in Via, p. 194: A little deal of wit is worth a great deal of folly.
I668 R.B., p. 10. I676 MARVELL Mr. Smirke, p. 8: (The homely
Scotch proverb that an ounce). I678 RAY, p. 125: (discretion, is
worth a pound of wit). a1700 B.E., s.v. Clerk-ship, or Clergy: (of
Clergy, 0r Book-learning). I721 KEL., p. 7. I745 FRANKLIN,
p. 22: An Ounce of wit that is bought Is worth a pound that is
taught.
Cf. H127: A handful Of nature is better than an armful Of
science; W545: Bought wit is best.
088 An OUNCE of state requires a pound of gold
1573 SANF., f. 51v: An ounce of state, and a pound of golde. 1629
Bk. Mer. Rid. 26, p. 27.
O88a N 0 OUT is good but out of prison
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 103, p. 225: The English have a propriety
of speech quiblingly; There’s no over good, but over the Ferry, nor
any out, but out of Prison.
Cf. 091: All overs are ill but over the water (ferry).
089 Be not too hasty to OUTBID another
1664 COD., p. 188.
hasty to).
1670 RAY, p. 3. I732 FUL., no. 853: (Be not
090 To quake like an OVEN
1670 RAY, p. 207.
All OVERS1 are ill but over the water (ferry)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 109: (is ill except). 1641 FERG., no. 113:
All overs are ill. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 103, p. 225: The
English have a propriety of speech quiblingly; There’s no over
good, but over the Ferry, nor any out, but out of Prison. Did. 2 5,
p. 290: Of everything, too much is hurtfull. *Note 109, p. 294:
The English say, That there is no over-good, but over the Ferry.
I668 R.B., p. 8. I721 KEL., p. 2: (All Overs is Vice, but). *This
shews the Folly of all Extremes, translated from the Latin, Omne
nimium vertitur in vitium.
Cf. T158: Too much of one thing is good for nothing.
[lexcesses]
092 As blind as an OWL (bat)
1607 WALKINGTON Optic Class II, p. 21: Our soule in the body,
though it bee not so blinde as a Batt, yet is it like an Owle, or Batt

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
OWL
517
Ox

before the rayes of Phoebus, all dimmed and dazled. 1636 W.
SAMPSON Vow BreakerI iv, p. 21: Cupid blesse thee, for i’le sweare,
he has blinded thee as blind as a Bat. 1639 CL., s.v. Cacutientia,
p. 52: Owle-eyed. Ihid.: As blind as a bat at noone. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., p. 73: Like an owle, he can’t see day when the sun
shines in’s face. I691 Pepys Bal. 367, VI 106: Sometimes she
wants Rings, with other such things And makes the poor fellow as
blind as an Owl.
093 The OWL flies
1683 W. KENNETT Pr. Folly, p. 137: There is also another favour-
able Proverb . . The Owl flies, an Omen of Success.
Cf. 095: To fly with the owl.
094 An OWL is the king of the night
1616 DR., s.v. Follie, no. 742. 1639 CL., s.v. Aberrandi, p. 1.
095 To fly with the OWL
1622 MALYNES Anc. Law Merchant III xi, p. 283: There is a Cus-
tome that no Oflicer may arrest after Sun set; such therefore as go
abroad but at those times, are said to Fly with the Owle, by a
common Prouerbe.
Cf. 093: The owl flies; 098: To walk by owl-light.
096 To look (whoop) like an OWL in an ivy bush
[01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. II i 23: With toodleloodle poope
As the howlet out of an yvie bushe should hoope. 01576 Common
Cond. l. 419, s. B3v: The slaue lookes like an owle in a tree. 01580
LODGE Reply to Gosson, p. 10: You day Owl . . hath brought such a
sort of wondering birds about your eares, as . . will chatter you out
of your Iuey bush. 1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. H3: How say you
my lady, what Oule sings out of that Iuy bush? 1616 DR., no.
2480: All men wonder at him like an owle in an IVie-tree. 1616
SS. Hon. Lawyer V, s. I2: There’s not an Owle in an Iuy-bush . .
has whoo whoop . . more perfit. [1623] I653 MIDDLETON AND
W. ROWLEY Span. Gypsy IV iii 51: I sit like an owl in the ivy-bush
of a tavern. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Civetta, p. 40: To be like
an owl in an ivy-bush, a ridiculous object and spectacle to all the
World. 1670 RAY, p. 215. (6)
097 You bring OWLs to Athens
1548 COOPER, s.v. Noctua: Owles to Athens, a prouerbe, where
one sendeth to a man any thynge, whereof he that receyueth it
hath plentie. 1567 MAPLET Green Forest II, p. 161: Noctuas Athe-
nas mittere: In Grammaticall sense: to sende ouer Owles to Athens.
In Tropicall sense, ment of such as bestow largely vpon them that
haue no neede: and much after that that we say, to cast water into
the Tems. 1580 BARET, V—92: Vlulas Athenas. *A Prouerbe
applied to foolish Occupiers, which Carrie their wares to sell at such
places, as where the same doe abound. As if a man should carrie
Mockadoes and woolsteds to be sold at Norwich. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. L3v: Thy exhortation to those, that knowe
twenty for thy one, is as if thou Shouldest bring Owles to Athens.
1600 THYNNE Emhl. and Epig. Ded., p. 3: Therefore in vaine for
mee to bring owles to Athens, or add water to the large Sea of your
rare lerning. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Acqua, p. I: To throw
water into the Sea; The English say, to grease a fat sow in the arse,
also, to carry coles to New Castle, Owls to Athens, and Pots to
Samos. 1732 FUL., no. 5866.
Cf. C466: To carry coals to Newcastle; G137: To carry glasses to
Venice; S682: To grease a fat sow in the tail; W106: To cast water
into the sea (Thames). (7)
098 To walk by OWL-LIGHT
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10: *To fear arresting.
Cf. O95: To fly with the owl.
099 May we not do with our OWN what we list?
[Matt. xx 15: Is it not lawful for me to do what I Will with mine
own?] 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 124: What,
and if they [dicers] will so playe their mony, are they not lords of
their owne things? [01588] I604 MARLOWE Faustus II i 104: Why
Shouldst thou not? is not thy soule thine owne? [a1594] 1605
K. Leir, s. H3: Your title’s good still: for tis alwayes knowne, A
man may do as him list with his owne. 1594 R. WILSON Cohhler’s
1670 RAY, p. 214.

0101
Proph., s. B4v: What hath any man to doe what I doe with mine
owne? 01602 MANNINGHAM Diary Mounford’s Serm., p. 7:
It is noe better excuse for a drunkard to say that it was his owne
that he spent, then yf one should say he would cut his owne throate,
for the knife that Should doe it is his owne. 1630 T. ADAMS
Seed-Time and Harvest: Wks., p. 641: Releeue the poore, saith the
Lord: Thou . . wilt giue nothing. Why, may wee not doe with
our owne what wee list? 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 238, p. 278: A Man
may make bold with what’s ones own, one would think: The Eng-
lish ever say, That which is mine, is my own. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Grasso, p. 78: I eat of my own, and I hope I may do what
I list with my own.
SHAKESPEARE—*ISQO M.V. I iii 114: And [you do this] all for
[my] use of that which is mine own. 1599 A.Y. II vii 79: Or what
is he of basest function That says his bravery is not on my cost,
Thinking that I mean him, but therein suits His folly to the mettle
of my speech? 1610 Cym. II i 3: I had a hundred pound on’t.
And then a whoreson jackanapes must take me up for swearing,
as ifI borrowed mine oaths of him and might not spend them at
my pleasure.
Cf. E19: My ears are my own; 0100: Own is own; 0101: Own is
own at the reckoning’s end.
0100 OWN is own
1562 HEY. Epig. 227, p. 163: Owne
I602 MARSTON Antonio’s Rev. II ii
1646 F.
1659
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 103.
is owne, Whers owne knowne.
I74: Loose fortune’s rags are lost, my own’s my own.
QUARLES 7udg. and Mercy: Wks., I 72: My owne’s my owne.
How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: Own is own, and home is home.
Cf. M209: Let every man have his own; 099: May we not do
with our own what we list? 0101: Own is own at the reckoning’s
end.
OWN is own at the reckoning’s end
1546 HEY. II iv, 3. G4V. 1616 DR., no. 1140. 1639 CL., p. 182:
(at reckonings end).
Cf. 099: May we not do with our own what we list? 0100:
Own is own.
0102 As much dungs one OK as a thousand flies
1611 COT., s.v. Chier: *One rich man may spend more than many
poore ones. Ibid., s.v. Moucheron: As much is Shitten by one Oxe
as by a thousand Gnats. *Some by this Prouerbe meane, that spar-
ing should be onely in great matters. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 4:
An Ox shites more then a hundred flies. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 5: One Ox shites more then a hundred Swallows. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 4, p. 161: (An oxe shites as much as).
0103 The black Ox never trod on his foot
[1525—40] 1557 Merry Dial., p. 86: I thinke he passethe not .xxiii.
the blacke oxe neuer trode on hys fote [about one who has not felt
yet the burden of married life]. 1546 HEY. I vii, s. B4: (had not
trode on his nor her foote). 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 96: And
Oflate I traueiled into Terra Florida, whereas I felt both wealth and
woe; the blacke oxe neuer trode vpon my foote before, a dogge
hath but a daie. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1375: (hes not tramped).
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 391: (hath not trode on Phrinaes fine foote).
1616 DR., no. 2271. 1623 CAM., p. 279: (hath not trod). 1639
CL., s.v. Infortunii sive exitii, p. 165: (has trod on’s foot). Ibid.,
s.v. Paupertas, p. 245: The black Oxe treads sore on’s toes. 1659
HOW. Br. Prov., p. 23: (did not tread on thy foot). 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 5: (thy foot). *Thou wast never in want. 1670
RAY, p. 188. 1721 KEL., p. 327: (your Foot). *You never had
the Care of a Family upon you, nor was press’d with severe Business
or Necessities. 1732 FUL., no. 4427: (never yet trod upon your
Feet).
See A. TAYLOR, “The Proverb ‘The Black Ox Has Not Trod on
His Foot’ in Renaissance Literature,” Philological Quarterly, XX
(July, 1941), 266-78. (20)
0104 If the OK fall whet your knife
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 405: *The meaning is we must not let
slip the occasion of getting the victory over an Enemy.
Cf. T502: When the tree is fallen every man goes to it with his
hatchet.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
0x
OYSTERS
518

0105 An old Ox makes a straight furrow
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9: The old Ox makes the streightest
furrow. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 30: An old Oxe, a streight fur-
long. 1732 FUL., no. 650.
0106 The Ox is never woe till he to the harrow go
1523 A. FITZHEREERT Husb., p. 24: It is an olde saying, The oxe is
neuer wo, tyll he to the harowe goo. And it is bycause it goeth by
twytches, and not alwaye after one draughte.
0107 An Ox is taken by the horns and a man by the
tongue (word)
1611 COT., s.v. Bosuf: Le boeuf par la corne, et l’homme par la pa-
role. (For in forreine countries Oxen are yoked by the homes.)
Ibid., s.v. Homme: A Ox (is bound) by the home, a man by his
word. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 ii 4, p. 700: It was Cleo-
patras sweet voice, and pleasant speech, which inveigled Anthony
. . As a bull’s horns are bound with ropes, so are men’s hearts
with pleasant words. 1640 HERB., no. 960. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 5: Take a Bull by the horn, and a man by his word. 1659
N.R., p. 6: An Ox is bound by his homes, a man by his word.
Ibid., p. 18: (by his tongue). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 191:
Horses are taken by the bridle, and men by their words.
Cf. M385: Take a man by his word and a cow by her horn.
0108 The Ox when he is weary treads surest
1539 TAV., f. 3: Bos lassus fortius figit pedem. An olde beaten oxe
fastenethe his fote the stronger. Jerome used this proverb writing
to S. Augustine to fear him that he a young man should not provoke
S. Jerome at that time old. 01594 BACON, no. 569: The weary 0X
sitteth strong. 1611 COT., s.v. Boeuf: The wearie Oxe goes slowly;
men that are beaten to the practise of the world are calme, and
moderate in their proceedings. 1650 TAYLOR Holy Living II Vi,
p. 88. 1678 RAY, p. 186: (when weariest). *Those that are slow
are sure. 1732 FUL., no. 4699.
Cf. S544: Slow but sure.
0109 To plow (till) with an Ox and an ass together
[Deut. xxii 10: Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass to-
gether.] 01540 Eng. Hist., XXIII 72: The same could be accompted
nothing els but (as the old proverbe is) to till the grounde with an
oxe and an asse.
0110 To swallow an Ox and be choked with the tail
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 194. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. To Swallow: *C’est a dire, entreprendre de grandes Choses,
qui se trouvent en fin fatales. 1714 LOCKHART Mem. Aflairs Scot.
in Lockhart Papers, I 221: But the Courtiers . . were resolved not
to swallow a cow, and stick at the tail, and as they had begun,
carried on, and finished their projects. 1721 KEL., p. 190: It is a
Shame to eat the Cow, and worry on the Tail. *It is a Shame to
perform a great Task all but a little, and then give over. 1732
FUL., no. 5238.
Cf. H651: He has eaten a horse and the tail hangs out at his
mouth.
0111 Where shall the Ox go but he must labor?
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 42: (that he shall not labour).
1631 MABBE Celestina IV, p. 78: Which way shall the Oxe goe, but
he must needs plough? 1640 HERB., no. 98: Whither shall the oxe

goe where he shall not labour? 1659 N.R., p. 119: [As in 1640
Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 227. I670 RAY, p. 20. I732 FUL., no.
5657.
0112 You must plow with such OXEN as you have
1678 RAY, p. 191: A man must plow with such oxen as he hath.
1732 FUL., no. 5968.
See ST., no. 1930.
0113 Muzzle not the OXEN’S mouth
[Deut. xxv 4: Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out
the corn.] 1586 WITHALS, s. C6v: Thou shalte not moozle the
mouth of the Oxe that treadeth out the come. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1028: (ox month). 1641 FERG., no. 636. 1668 R.B., p. 39.
Cf. L12: The laborer is worthy of his hire.
0114 To gape like an OYSTER for the tide
[01614] I647 FLETCHER Bonduca I ii, p. 86: Thou want’st drink.
Did I not find thee gaping like an Oyster For a new tide? [1614]
I631 JONSON Barth. Fair V v 23: I haue gaped as the oyster for the
tide, after thy destruction. [1626] 1647 MASSINGER ET AL. Fair
Maid Inn II, p. 166: And mine [stomach] gapes for’t like a stale
Oyster.
0115 To give a stopping (choking) OYSTER
[To utter a taunt or reply that puts one’s opponent to silence]
01510 SKELTON Bowge Court 1. 477: Wks., I 48: I haue a stoppynge
oyster in my poke. 1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 55v: To a feloe laiyng
to his rebuke, that he was ouer deintie of his mouthe and dyete,
he did with this reason geue a stoppyng oystre. 1546 HEY. I xi,
S. E3: Therto [she] deuiseth to cast in my teeth, Checks and chokyng
oysters. 1616 DR., s.v. Obraiding, no. 1515: He casteth into his
teeth, checkes and choaking oysters.
0116 Undone as you would undo an OYSTER
1639 CL., s.v. Infortunii, p. 166: He’s undone like an oyster. 1672
WALK. 14, p. 34. 1678 RAY, p. 291: (Undone as a man would).
1681 ROB., p. 1275.
OYSTERS are not good in the month that has not
an R in it
1599 BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, s. NI: It [the oyster] is vnseason-
able and vnholesome in all monethes, that haue not the letter R
in their name. 1600 W. VAUGHAN Directions Health II vi, p. 38:
Oisters . . must not be eaten in those monethes, which in pronounc-
ing wante the letter R. 1655 MOFFETT Health’s Improvem. vi,
p. 46: Oisters in all months in whose name an R is found. 1678
RAYHL 349.
0118 OYSTERS are ungodly meat, uncharitable meat,
and unprofitable (cruel) meat
[a1600] I611 Tarlton’s jests in Shak. jest-Bk., II 192: Oysters . .
be ungodly meate, uncharitable meat, and unprofitable meate . .
They are ungodly, sayes Tarlton, because they are eaten without
grace; uncharitable, because they leave nought but Shells; and un-
profitable, because they must swim in wine. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. II, p. 430: They say oysters are a cruel meat, because we eat
them alive: then they are uncharitable meat, for we leave nothing
to the poor; and they are an ungodly meat, because we never say
grace.
0117

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
P
P (P’s)
P1 To remember one’s P’s and Q’s
I594 LYLY Mother B. II iv 21: Euerie one remember his que. ——I,
and his k. 1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 943, p. 31:
Now thou art in thy Pee and Kue. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER
West. Ho II i, s. B4v: At her p. and q. neither Marchantes Daughter,
Aldermans Wife, young countrey Gentlewoman, Nor Courtiers
Mistres, can match her. 1608 MIDDLETON Family Love V ii 125:
Here are lords that, having learned the OPQ of courtship, travel up
and down among citizens’ wives. 1611 L. BARRY Ram-Alley III,
s. E1v: And old men know their q’s. 1612 S. ROWLANDS Knave
Hearts, p. 20: Bring in a quart of Maligo, right true: And looke,
you Rogue, that it be Pee and Kew.
P2 He that stumbles and falls not mends his PACE
(goes the faster)
1611 COT., s.v. Choper: He that stumbles without falling, gets the
more forward. 1636 ]. HOWELL Let. II 3, II 378: We find that a
stumble makes one take firmer footing . . Kit hath now o’ercome
himself, therefore I think he will be too hard for the Devil here-
after. 1640 HERB., no. 7. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 10: Who
stumbles and falls not, goes the faster. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 12: Who stumbles and falls not, goes faster. I659 N.R., p. 41.
1664 COD., p. 225: [As in 1659 How. Span. Prov.]. I732 FUL.,
no. 2316: (and falls not quite, gains a Step).
P3 Soft PACE goes far
1566 HOL., p. 260. I598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 259. 1635 SWAN
Spec. Mundi III i, p. 52: True it is, that with us a
farre.
Cf. H201: No haste to hang true men; S601: Soft and fair goes
far.
P4 He has brought his PACK to a fit speed
1641 FERG., no. 441.
soft pace goes
P5 He has brought his PACK to a pack pin
1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. D4: Rafe roister . . Hath
brought a pack of wul to a faire paire of hosen. 1597 MONT-
GOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 1297: Poems, p. 45: Suppose the pack
cum to the pins, Quha can his chance eschew? a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 729. I721 KEL., p. 368: You have brought the Pack to the
Pins. *That is, you have dwindled away your Stock.
Cf. M964: To have thwitten a millpost to a pudding-prick.
P6 It is a silly PACK that may not pay the custom
1641 FERG., no. 546. 1668 R.B., p. 33. 1721 KEL., p. 178: It’s
an ill Pack that’s no worth the Custom. *It is a bad Thing that is
not worth any small Pains, or Cost, that it may require.
Cf. H495: Lose not a hog (sheep) for a halfpennyworth of tar;
M671: Forsake not (He loses) the market for the toll.
P7 A small (little) PACK becomes a small (little) ped-
dler
I596 DEL., s. M4v: (a little pedler). I611 COT., s.v. Mercier:
The little Pedler a little packe doth serue. 1623 WOD., p. 475:
A litle pedler, a litle Packe. *It is good to spend according to our
Reech. 1639 CL., s.v. Mediocria tuta, p. 206: (a little pedler).
I657 LEIGH, p. 260: A little Pedler, a little pack. 1670 RAY,
p. 143. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Small. 1732 FUL., no. 409.
P8 As plain as a PACKSADDLE
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 141: An honest true dealing seruaunt . .
plaine as a packsaddle. 1613 WITHER Abuses To Rdr., I 19: As

PAH.
plaine (as they say) as a pack-saddle.
BAILEY, s.v. Plain.
Cf. P322: As plain as a pikestafif (packstaff).
1670 RAY, p. 202. 1730
P9 There is a PAD1 in the straw
I530 PALS., p. 595a: Though they make never so fayre a face, yet
there is a padde in the strawe. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: Orels this
geare wyll brede a pad in the strawe. [01552] 1575 [STEVENSON]
Gam. Gurt. Needle V ii, s. E1: Ye perceiue by this lingring, there is
a pad in the straw. 1562 HEY. Epig. 290, p. 170: It wyll breede a
pad in the strawe. I564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 22: Well, I smell
an other padde in the Strawe. 1590 NASHE Pasg. Apol. Pt. I:
Wks., I 123: I will carrie my mouth in my hart, and let them passe,
and though there be a pad in the straw that must be rousde.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 17: No Padd was in the straw. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Danger, or perill, no. 425. 1631 MABBE Celestina IV, p. 97: I
smell a Rat; there is a Padde in the straw. 1640 BRATHWAITE
Art Asleep Husb., p. 113: Raise a Pad in the straw: and awake a
sleeping Lyon? 1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight III viii, p. 425: Latet
anguis in herba, there is a pad in the straw, and invisible mischief
lurking therein. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 22. 1678 RAY, p. 78.
Cf. D53: Strike, Dawkin, the devil is in the hemp; D251: The
devil is in the straw; S585: Snake in the grass. (19)
[1toad]
P10 Go pipe at PADLEY (Colston), there’s a peasecod
feast
1678 RAY, p. 78: *Some have it, Go pipe at Colston, etc. It is
spoken in derision to people that busie themselves about matters
of no concernment.
P11 Make a PAGE of your own age
01525 RASTELL Nat. Four Elem., s. B5: Than I beshrew the page
of thyne age Come hyther knaue for thyne auauntage. [1600] I6 59
1. DAY Blind Beg. V, s. I4v: Ill make a page of my own age, and
fet it my self. I605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 40: The next
bootes Ile make a page of my owne age, and carry home my selfe.
1616 DR., s.v. Contempt, no. 333: Let him make a page of his age.
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 70: (of your old age). 1659 N.R.,
p. 78. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I, p. 152: There’s no better Messenger
than ones own self. *Note 117, p. 164: The English usually say,
Make a page of thy own age. 1670 RAY, p. 189: *That is, do it
your self. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 426: (of your own age, and
do it yourself).
P12 He thinks himself n0 PAGE’s peer
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 669. 1721 KEL., p. 160: *That is, he thinks
no Body comparable to himself.
P13 As blake1 as a PAIGLE2
1678 RAY, p. 355. 1697 MER., p. 163.
p. 40: (As yellow as).
[lyellow 2cowslip]
1735 PEGGE Prov. Kent 12,
P14 I know by my PAIL who milks my cow
I640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 287: Nay; you will tell
your innocent Husbands, when, God knowes, there is no great
cause to suspect them: That you know by your Payles, what way
the milk goes. 1721 KEL., p. 193: I ken by my Coag [pail], who
milks my Cow. *Spoken by a Woman who is jealous of her Hus-
band.

519
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
PAILFULS
PAIR
520
P15 To come down by PAILFULS
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bottaccio, p. 19: To pour down rain by
butts-full, viz. as the English say, by pails-full, tearing showers.
Ibid., s.v. Secchie, p. 187: To come down by pail-fulls, viz. to rain,
as if a Deluge were at hand.
P16 Great PAIN and little gain will make a man soon
weary
1616 DR., no. 2302. 1639 CL., p. 154. 1670 RAY, p. 129: (little
gain, make). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Pain: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1721
KEL., p. 341: Great Pains and little Gains make Men soon weary.
*English.
Cf. P19: Pain is forgotten where gain follows.
P17 It is more PAIN (painful) to do nothing than some-
thing
1640 HERB., no. 878. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via,
p. 182: (pains). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (painfull). 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 18: (pains). 1659 N.R., p. 70. 1664 COD.,
p. 214: (painfull). 1670 RAY, p. 19: (painful). I705 Pleas. Art,
p. 153: (painful). 1732 FUL., no. 2978: (painfull to do Nothing
than to do Something).
P18 N 0 PAIN t01 the gout and toothache
I616 BRET., p. 5: There is no paine like the Gowt.
Tooth-ach. 1639 CL., p. 203.
['like]
—Yes, the
P19 PAIN is forgotten where gain follows
1636 CAM., p. 304. 1659 N.R., p. 86. 1664 COD., p. 208. 1670
RAY, p. 129. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Pain. 1732 FUL., no. 3836: (when
Gain comes).
Cf. G6: The gains will quit the pains; P16: Great pain and little
gain will make a man soon weary.
P20 Great PAINS but all in vain (to no purpose)
1616 WITHALS, p. 552: You take great paine, but all is in vaine.
1639 CL., p. 154: Great paines to little purpose. laid, p. 155.
1672 WALK. 70, p. 12: We . . take pains to no purpose.
P21
1640 HERB., no. 530.
Great PAINS quickly find ease
1659 N.R., p. 38.
P22 PAINS are the price that God puts upon all things
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 19: (Pains is).
Cf. N296: Nothing is given us in this life without much labor;
P24: Without (N0) pains no gains (profit).
P23 PAINS to get, care to keep, fear to lose
1640 HERB., no. 968. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 21:
Pains to get, fear to lose, care to keep. 1659 N.R., p. 86.
Cf. R108: Riches are gotten with pain, kept with care, and lost
with grief.
P24 Without (N 0) PAINS no gains (profit)
1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 3: Nor gaine without pain. I612
DABORNE Chr. Turned Turk l. 579, p. 207: There is no profite
without some paine. 1639 CL., p. 92: (profit). Ibid., p. 183.
1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 253: N0 Paines, No Gaines.
If little labour, little are our gaines: Mans fortunes are according
to his paines. 1670 RAY, p. 129. 1672 WALK. 67, p. 11: No gain
without pain. [kid 21, p. 36: N0 pains no gains. Ibid. 41, p. 46.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1605-6 M. IV i 39: 0, well done! I commend
your pains, And every one shall share i’ th’ gains.
Cf. N305: Nothing is to be gotten without pains (labor); P22:
Pains are the price that God puts upon all things.
P25 PAINFULNESS is something1 eased by hoping for
rest
1616 WITHALS, p. 542. 1664 COD., p. 209.
[Isomewhat]

*
P26 As it pleases the PAINTER
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 104: But whatsoeuer the colour
be, the picture is as it pleaseth the Paynter. 01594 BACON, no,
159: As please the paynter. 1678 RAY, p. 78. a1700 B.E., s.v.
Painter: What pleases the Painter, when any Representation in
the Productions of his or any Art is unaccountable, and so is to be
resolv’d purely into the good Pleasure of the Artist.
P27 A good PAINTER can draw a devil as well as an
angel
- I596 DEL., s. P6v: A good painter, can draw as well a deuill, as an
Angell. 1639 CL., s.v. Tolerantia, p. 311.
P28 PAINTERs (Travelers) and poets have leave to lie
1586 WITHALS, s. F5: To lye belongeth vnto Astrologers, or star-
gasers, and t0 Poets. I591 HARINGTON Apol. Poet.: Orl. Pur., f. 4:
According to that old verse . . Astronomers, Painters, and Poets
may lye by authoritie. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1135. 1616 DR.,
no. 1334: Poets and trauellours may lie by authority. 1618
HARINGTON Epig. II 88, p. 128: Besides, we Poets lie by good
authoritie. 1630 BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlem. Vocation, p. 137;
Whence it is said, that Travellers, Poets and Lyers, are three words
all of one signification. 1639 CL., p. 131: (Poets and painters).
Ibid., p. 314: Travellers and Poets may lie by authority. I650
HEATH Clarastella II, p. 3 5: Poets and Painters by authoritie As
wel as Travellers we say may lie. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 30:
Painters, Poets, and Travellers, a lye becomes them. 1668 R.B.,
p. 43: (may have). 1681 ROB., p. 1003: (may lie by authority).
1721 KEL., p. 277: (Poets, and Painters).
SHAKESPEARE—1605-8 T. Ath. I i 226: Art not a poet?
~—Then thou liest.
Cf. M567: Old men and far travelers may lie by authority; P449:
A good poet an evil person; T476: A traveler may lie with authority.
—Yes.
P29 On PAINTING and fighting 100k aloof
1640 HERB., no. 243. 1659 N.R., p. 83: (look afar of). 1664
COD., p. 208. 1670 RAY, p. 20: (look aloof off). 1721 KEL.,
p. 273: (look abigh [CIT at a side]). *It is dangerous to be near the
one, and if we look near the other it loseth much of its Advantage.
1753 FRANKLIN, p. 29: Paintings and Fightings are best seen at a
distance.
P30 Better a fair PAIR of heels than die at the gallows
I620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, lxvii, IV 227. I694 D’URFEY
2 Don Quix. II ii, p. 132. 1732 FUL., no. 861: (of Heels than a
Halter).
Cf. P31: He shows a fair pair of heels.
P31 He shows a fair PAIR of heels
1546 HEY. II vii, s. 12V; Except her mayde shewe a fayre payre
of heles, She haleth hir by the booy rope. I577 GRANGE Gold.
Aphroditis, s. D3v: The valyaunt Souldioure hadde rather truste
to the force of hys armes . . than in the fielde a fayre payre of heeles
to shew. I583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 96: He showes them a
faire pair of heeles, and away goeth he. [I615] 1631 P. FLETCHER
Sicelides V v, p. 133: Were wee not bound, wee would showe a
faire payre of heeles. 1616 DR., s.v. Cowardise, dastardlinesse,
no. 399. 3.1655 N. L’ESTRANGE in Anec. and Trad. I, p. 47: After
three or four good brushes, he shewe a faire payre of heeles. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Giocar, p. 24: To fly, and never pay a debt,
to shew a fair pair of heels for’t. I678 RAY, p. 89: (He hath shewn
them). *A bankrupt.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. [V II iv 51: Darest thou . . play
the coward with thy indenture and show it a fair pair of heels and
run from it?
See ST., no. 773. Cf. F338: To ofifer his fist and show a fair pair
of heels; P30: Better a fair pair of heels than die at the gallows. (1 1)
P32 I would not touch him with a PAIR 0f tongs
1639 CL., p. 214: Not to be handled with a paire 0f tongues. 1661
Mer. Droll. II, p. 229: Without a pair of tongues there’s no man
will touch her. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zottolosa, p. 241: A
Nasty slut, a Draggletail, a F usty Puss; the English of such a one


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PAIR
PANTOFLES
521
__
say, That one would not touch her with a pair of Tongs. 1670
RAY, p. 196. 1688 BUNYAN Yerusalem Sinner Saved: Wks., I 98:
We are scarce for touching of the poor ones that are left behind;
no, not with a pair of tongs. 1732 FUL., no. 2649: (I will not touch
her with).
(5)
Cf. F581: He will not come within forty foot of him.
P33 One PAIR of ears draws dry a hundred tongues
I640 HERB., no. 522. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: (dry up). 1659
N.R., p. 84: (is enough to dry up). 1753 FRANKLIN, p. 30: A Pair
of good Ears will drain dry a hundred Tongues.
P34 One PAIR of heels (legs, feet) is worth two pair
of hands
[01552] I575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle IV ii, s. D2: If one
paire of legs had not bene worth two paire of hands He had had
his bearde shaven if My nayles wold have served. I580 BARET,
V—236: (feete). 1597 G. HARVEY Trim. Nashe, p. 52: (One paire
of legs are). 1600 Weakest to Wall, s. B4: One paire of running
legges, are worth two paire of working hands. 1611 CORYATE
Crudities, I 35: (legges). 1616 DR., s.v. Cowardise, no. 400. 1639
CL., p. 31 I. 1659 How. Br. Prov.,p. 4: Better one pair of feet, then
two pair of hands. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (sometimes is
worth). Ihid., p. 6. 1664 COD., p. 208. 1670 RAY, p. 102. 1688
Reading Skirmish l. 68 in Bagford Bal., I 375: (was worth). I721
KEL., p. 270: (of Hands by a time). *Especially to them who are
better at fleeing than fighting. 1732 FUL., no. 3789.
Cf. D79: He that fights and runs away may live to fight another
day.
P35 A PAIR of good spurs to a borrowed horse is better
than a peek of haverl
I697 MER., p. 164.
[loats]
P36 There went but a PAIR of shears between them
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 195: And as it were but a payre of
sheeres to goe betweene theire natures. I589 LYLY Pappe with
Hatchet: W ks., III 404: For there went but a paire of sheres betweene
your knaueries. 1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl,
s. G4: One paire of sheeres sure cut out both your coates. 1614
OVERBURY Apparatour: Char., p. 91: There went but a paire of
sheeres betweene him and the pursivant of hell, for they both delight
in sin. 1616 WITHALS, p. 574: (betwixt them). 1617 MORYSON
Itinerary III 1 i, III 361: So vertue decline not to the neighbour
Vice, betweene which there goes nothing but a paire of sheares, as
the Prouerbe is. 1631—2 Star Chamher Cases, p. 98 : There went
but a paire of sheeres between a Papist and a Protestant, and not a
pinne to choose of what religion a man is. 1639 CL., s.v. Differ-
entiae, p. 89: There went but a paire of sheeres between. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (There goeth but). 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., p. 198: (betwixt ).
SHAKESPEARE—I604 M.M. I ii 26: Thou thyself art a wicked
villain, despite of all grace. —Well, there went but a pair of
shears between us.
Cf. E81: To come of the same egg (nest); H24: There is but a
hair between. (8)
P36a Fix thy PALE1 in Severn, Severn will be as before
1662 FULLER Worthies Montgomeryshire, II 601: Fixt thy Pale
[with intent to fence out his water] in Severn, Severn will be as
before.
[lfence]

P37 The straighter (higher) grows the PALM the heav-
ier the weight it bears
[ERAS. Similia, 617C: Ut palmae arboris ramus, imposito onere
non deflectitur in terram caeterarum more, sed renititur, et ultro
adversus sarcinae pondus erigit sese.] 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 191: It is proper for the Palme tree to mounte; the heauyer you
loade it the higher it sprowteth. 1584 GREENE Card Fancy, p. 183:
The Palme-tree the greater waight it beareth, the straighter it
groweth. I591 LYLY Entertainment at Cowdray: Wks., I 426: Or


P41
as the Palme that higher reares his head, when men great burthens
on the branches throw. 1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 5: Like as
the Palme-tree, when there is a great waight laid on it, spreadeth
and florisheth the broader. 1619 DRUMMOND (to Jonson, July I)
in Jonson Let., I 209: A Palm Tree, the word, Ponderibus virtus
innata resistit. [01620] I647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER False One
V iv, p. 365: Grant they had slav’d my Body, my free mind Like
to the Palm-tree walling fruitful Nile, Shall grow up straighter and
enlarge it self. ’Spight of the envious weight that loads it with.
[1624] 1654 GLAPTHORNE [AND CHAPMAN] Rev.forHon. II ii 27:Then
the thraldom Will be as prosperous as the pleasing bondage Of
palms that flourish most when bow’d down fastest. 1631 MAS-
SINGER Believe as You List I i, p. 390: Complaints Are weak and
womanish: I will, like a palmtree, Grow under my huge weight.
1659 DRYDEN Heroic Stanzas 15, p. 16: His palms, though under
weights they did not stand, Still thrived. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20,
p. 18 5: The palm, the more it is opprest, the more it riseth.
Cf. C34: The more camomile is trodden down the more it spreads.
P38 He has the PALSY in his hand
1639 CL., s.v. Liberalitas, p. 187.
P39 As flat as a PANCAKE
1580 BARET, F—649: A nose as flat as a cake. 1585 HIGGINS
Nomenclator I, p. 27: A flat nose like a pancake. [1600] 1659
J. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. G2: I’ll beat thy nostrils as flat as a pan-
cake. 1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, s. D1: A
continuall Simon and Judes raine Beate all your fethers as flat
downe as pancakes. 1631 MABBE Celestina XII, p. 209: My Caske
strangely bruised, beaten as flat as a Cake. I633 MOUNTFORT
Launching Mary I. 1045, p. 47: This ys as patt as a pancake. 01665
L. HUTCHINSON Mem. Col. Hutchinson, p. 255: One of his expres-
sions was that he should lay Nottingham castle as flatt as a pan-
cake. 01667 T. SHERLEY Disc. Turks, p. 16: The vpper parte wyll
beate the castell by the sea syde as flatte as a cake.
P40 PAND ORA’S Box
1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 44: I cannot lyken our affection better
than to . . Pandoraes boxe, lift vppe the lidde, out flyes the Deuill.
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 1 i I, p. 114: The sin ofour first parent
Adam . . is . . shadowed unto us in the tale of Pandora’s box,
which, being opened through her curiosity, filled the world full of
all manner of diseases. 1647 A. Ross Interpreter XIV, p. 366:
Such a father is fraughted with more griefes, then Pandora’s boxe
was with mischiefes. 1679 GOODMAN Penitent II i, p. 158: There
may be some hope left in the bottom of this Pandora’s box of
calamities. 1690 T. BROWNE Let. Friend, p. 173: And if Asia,
Africa and America should bring in their List [ofdiseases], Pandora’s
Box would swell, and there must be a strange Pathology.
See ST., no. 470.
Mock no PANNIERMAN, your father was a fisher
1678 RAY, p. 78. I732 FUL., no. 3425: (if your Father).
Cf. B606: Fly, brass, thy father is a tinker; F95: Your father
was no glazier.
P42 To stand to one’s PAN PUDDING
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Macchia, p. 94: To stand it out, not to
flinch, not to confess in the least, for any torture, to stand to ones
pan-pudding; for life may be as well hazarded at a surfeit, as at a
fight. I694 MOTTEUX Gargantua IV lxiv, III 225: How bravely
did they stand to their Pan puddings.
P43 T0 stand on one’s PANTOFLES1
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 14: Now he was altogither set on his
merri pinnes, and walkd on his stateli pantocles. 1581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. II, I 241: Shee hath great cause to stande uppon her
pantofles, and to thinke her halfepennie better silver than other
womens. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho III, s. D2v:
Sometimes be merrie and stand vppon thy pantoflies like a new
elected scauinger. 1611 COT., s.v. Bout: To stand vpon his pan-
tofles, or on high tearmes. 1616 DR., s.v. Vaunting, no. 2219:
He standeth too much on his pantofles. 1631 MABBE Celestina
XVIII, p. 255: The Villaine stands upon his pantofles, and begins

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
PAP
PARROT
522

to looke big. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pantoffole, p. 131: To
walk a tip-toes on pantofies, viz. softly and gingerly, also to be
lofty, arrogant and proud. 1670 RAY, p. 189: (upon). 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., s.v. Proud, p. 267: He stands on his pantoffies. 1681
ROB., p. 1031: He is grown very proud; he stands on his Pantofies.
Cf. P194: He thinks his penny (farthing, halfpenny) good silver;
P335: To be on a merry pin. (14)
[‘an overshoe with a cork sole worn to raise the feet from the
wet or the mud]
P44 As soft as PAP
1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 4: The first ladlefull had a
smacke as soft as pap. 1720 T. GAY New Song Similes l. 45:
Poems, II 279: As soft as pap her kisses are.
P45 PAP with a hatchet
I589 LYLY Pappe with an Hatchet: Wks., III: [Title]. 1592 G.
HARVEY Four Letters II, p. 164: I neither name Martin-mar-
prelate: nor shame Papp wyth a hatchet. 1594 LYLY Mother B.
I iii 103: They giue vs pap with a spoon before we can speak, and
when wee speake for that wee loue, pap with a hatchet. 1615
A. NICCHOLES Disc. Marriage in Harl. Misc., VI 156: He that so
olde seekes for a nurse so yong, shall have Pap, with a Hatchet.
P46 PAPER and ink cost money
1616 DR., s.v. Reward, no. 1870: Inke and paper cost money.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 208.
P47 He that will enter into PARADISE must have a good
key
1616 DR., no. 960: It is a good Key that must open Paradise.
1639 CL., p. 186: ’Tis a good key that opens heaven. 1640 HERB.,
no. 889. 1664 COD., p. 200. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 188: One
must have a good key to get into Paradise. 1670 RAY, p. 20.
1732 FUL., no. 2347: (enter Paradise, must come with a right Key).
Cf. G282: Gold goes in at any gate except heaven’s.
P48 I would not be alone in PARADISE
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. II, p. 15: (I would be loth to be). 1659 How.
It. Prov., p. 8. I681 MARVELL Garden: Wks., I 63: Two paradises
’twere in one, To live in paradise alone.
Cf. F749: It is good to have some friends both in heaven and hell.
P49 A PARAGON of price (A peerless paragon)
1596 SPENSER IV ii 8: Proud man himselfe the other deemed,
Hauing so peerelesse paragon ygot. 1616 DR., s.V. Excellencie,
no. 614: A peerelesse paragon. 1616 WITHALS, p. 570. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Dignitas et excellentia, p. 91.
P50 PARDON makes offenders
1589 Triumphs Love and Fort. V i, s. G2v: Sometime pardon breedes
a second ill. 1596 Knack to Know Hon. Man, s. G3v: Who spares
the guyltie, anymates the bad. 1639 CL., p. 182.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. 1687: For sparing justice feeds
iniquity. 1604 M.M. II i 299: Pardon is still the nurse of second
woe. 1605—8 T. Ath. III v 3: Nothing emboldens sin so much as
mercy.
Cf. I68: He invites a new injury who bears the old patiently.
P51 PARDONS and pleasantness are great revenges of
slanders
1640 HERB., no. 361. 1659 N.R., p. 86.
Cf. L397: Living well is the best revenge; R92: To pardon is _a
divine revenge.
P52 He will not part with the PARINGS of his nails
1546 HEY. I xi, s. EIv: (She and hir). 1553 T. WILSON Rhet.,
p. 187: (He will not lose the). 1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 167:
Dame Niggardize . . borrowed . . an old Wiues pudding pan on her
head, thrumd with the parings ofher nails. [a1600] 1639 DELONEY
Gentle Craft II, p. 11: Such penny fathers and pinch-fistes, that will
not part with the parings of his nails. 1616 DR., s.v. Niggardli-
nesse, no. 1502. [1621] I662 MIDDLETON Anything Quiet Life IV
ii 140: I would give five pound for the paring of my nails again!


1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia et Rapacitas, p. 37. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov”
p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 184: (He’ll not lose the). 1681 ROB., p. 843;
(He will not lose the).
Cf. D619: He will not lose the droppings of his nose; F373; To
fiay (skin) a flint; L473: To flay a louse for the skin.
P53 A mad PARISH must have a mad priest
I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 82, p. 59: So we say . . if the People of the
Parish be mad, the Priest must be possest, that is, madder than they,
to deal with them in their own coyn. 1732 FUL., no. 268.
Cf. M393: To a crafty man a crafty and a half; P583: Like priest
like people; P585: Such as the priest such is the clerk.
P54 Think not better of yourself than all the PARISH
1580 BARET, C—264: As we say, one that thinketh more of himselfe,
then all the worlde doth beside. 1639 CL., s.v. Adulatio, p. 12.
1664 COD., p. 213: (than the whole Parish besides).
Cf. M531: If all men may say that thou art an ass then bray;
N120: Think not better of yourself than all your neighbors do.
P55 He is too hasty to be a PARISH PRIEST (parish
clerk)
1616 DR., s.v. Anger, no. 93. 1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, 5.
D2: Soft, you are too hasty for a parish Priest. 1639 CL., p. 116;
You are too hasty to make a parish clerke. Ibid., s.v. Ira, p. 178-.
Too hastie to make a parish Clerke. I659 N.R., p. 52: (Parish
Clerk). I670 RAY, p. 180: Too hasty to be a parish clerk.
P56 The PARISH PRIEST forgets that ever he was clerk
1533 T. HEYWOOD j’ohn, s. B3v: (But nowe I se well the olde prou-
erbe is treu The). 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: (that euer he hath been
holy water clerke). 1562 HEY. Epig. 48, p. 134: (forgeth, he was
paryshe Clarke). 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 124. I584 GREENE
Card Fancy, p. 102: Shall the olde Prouerbe be verified in thee,
that the Priest forgets himselfe that euer he was a Clarke? 1599
H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iii, s. D2v: The Priest forgets that ere
he was a Clarke. 1611 GRUT., no. 273: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1612
RICH. JOHNSON Beggar and King: Crown Garl., I 48: The proverb old
is come to passe, The priest when he begins the masse, Forgets
that ever clarke he was. 1614 CAM., p. 313: [As in I 546 Hey.].
1616 DR., s.v. Pride, no. 1698: (The Priest). 1618 BELCHIER
Hans Beer-Pot, S. B4: The elder Priest forgets that he was Clerke,
When you were young, you did as he now does. 1639 CL., p. 31:
[As in 1616 Dr.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I: (forgot that he was
ever a Clark). *This is meant of proud Starters up. 1664 COD.,
p. 216: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1670 RAY, p. 133: The Priest forgets
that he was a clerk. *Proud upstarts remember not the meanness
of their former condition. 1732 FUL., no. 4721: The Priest forgets
he was a Clark.
See DUR., I, no. 947. (6)
P57 Like a PARISH TOP
[A large top provided for the amusement of the parishioners]
[01614] 1640 FLETCHER Nightwalker I, p. 320: And dances like a
Town-top: and reels, and hobbies. 1621 FLETCHER ET AL. Thierry
and Theo. II, p. 2 5: A boy of twelve Should scourge him hither like
a Parish Top. 1631 JONSON New Inn II v 42: A merry Greke, and
cants in Latine, comely, Spins like the parish top.
SHAKESPEARE.——1601 T.N. I iii 42: He’s a coward . . that will
not drink . . till his brains turn 0’ th’ toe like a parish top.
P58 As tender as PARNELL, that broke her finger in a
posset curd
1678 RAY, p. 289. a1700 B.E., s.v. Tender-parnel: Tender-parnel,
a very nicely Educated creature, apt to catch Cold upon the least
blast of Wind.
P59 AS melancholy as a sick PARROT
1682 BEHN False Count I ii, p. 106.
See APP., p. 412.
P60 To speak (prate) like a PARROT
1534 J. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. E1: Speke parot I pray ye. 01563
Yack Yuggler, s. B1: And speaketh like a parat Poppagaye. 1589
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PARSIMONY
PA RTICULARITY
523


PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III V, p. 151: And in the grauest mat-
ters prate like a parrat, and finde wordes and phrases ynough to
serue both turnes. I594 Sec. Report Dr. Faustus VI, p. 61: As the
vnlearned Parrat who speaketh oft and much, and vnderstandeth
neuer any thing. I596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 74: But least
you should thinke I speake as a parrot, nothing but what I haue
heard an other say. 1631 JONSON New Inn I iii 4: He prates Latine
And ’twere a parrat, or a play-boy. [CI633] 1662 R. BAKER
Theatrum Redivivum, p. 91: He delivers the words as a Parrat . . but
not as a man. 1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133: He prates like a
parrot. 1644 K. DIGBY Nature Bodies: Two Treatises, s. B3: A
faculty, and readiness to talk like parrats of many things. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cieco, p. 39: To say the blind mans prayers,
viz. alwaies the same, over and over again, to speak like a parrot.
1678 RAY, p. 265: To prate like a Parrot.
P61 PARSIMONY is the best revenue
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 15.
See OTTO, no. 1350. Cf. A97: No alchemy to saving.
P62 PARSLEY before it is born is seen by the devil nine
times
1658 MENNIS AND SMITH Wit Restored: Facetiae, I 152: Or else the
weed [parsley], which still before it’s borne Nine times the devil]
sees.
See APP., p. 483.
P63 PARSLEY fried will bring a man to his saddle and
a woman to her grave
I678 RAY, p. 345.
P64 It is good enough for the PARSON unless the parish
were better
1678 RAY, p. 187.
P65 A Pancridge PARSON1 (earll)
1612 N. FIELD Woman Is Weathercock II i, p. 33: Thou Pancridge
parson! [I616] I631 JONSON Devil Is Ass II i 62: Here’s a plain
fellow . . Wi’ not be sold for th’ Earledome of Pancridge. I640
JONSON Tale Tub III vi 6: Or Pancridge Earle.
[ISee Sugden, pp. 387—8, s.v. Pancras.]
P66 As happy as the PARSON’S Wife during her hus-
band’s life
1664 T. KILLIGREW Parson’s Wed. I i, p. 76: Thou know’st the
Proverb, as happy as the Parsons Wife, during her Husbands
life.
P67 Pinch on the PARSON’S side
01530 ROY Proper Dial., p. 169: Let him ones begynne to pynche
Or withdrawe their tithinge an ynche, For an heretike they will
him ascite. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 230: Lucilla . . shaped
him an aunswere whiche . . pinched Philautus on the parsons side.
1613 T. ADAMS Heaven Earth Reconcil.: W ks., p. 77: This is a com-
mon slander, when the Hel-hound (the couetous wretch) pincheth
on the Priests side. 1678 RAY, p. 344. a1700 B.E., s.v. Pinch: To
Pinch on the Parson’s side, or Sharp him of his Tythes.
P68 She is as tender as a PARSON’S leman
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4: (It is as). 1562 HEY. Epig. 238, p. 164.
1592 GREENE Disp. betw. He and She, p. 223: A good auncient
Matron . . had a faire wench to her daughter, as yong and tender
as a morrow masse priests Lemman. I611 COT., s.v. Mol: As
tender as a Priestes leyman. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15. I659
N.R., p. 2: [As in 1611 Cot.]. I670 RAY, p. 208: (As tender as).
P69 To come home like the PARSON’S cow, with a calf
at her foot
1670 RAY, p. 209: *Chesh.
Cf. L123: She has given Lawton Gate a clap.
P70 PARSONS are souls’ wagoners
I640 HERB., no. 932. 1659 N.R., p. 87: (fools Waggoners).
Cf. M981: Ministers are the Chariots of souls.

P71 Like the PARSON OF SADDLEWORTH,wh0 could read
in no book but his own
1670 RAY, p. 209: *Chesh.
P72 There or thereabouts, as PARSON SMITH says
1643 CHAS. I (to Rupert): Pythouse Papers 1, p. I: So desyring
you to have care of the Armes and Clothes there and thereabouts.
1678 RAY, p. 343: *Proverbial about Dunmow in Essex.
See APP., p. 623.
P73 The big PART of her body is her bum
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1604 M.M. II i 228: Your bum is the greatest
thing about you.
P74 For my PART, burn the kiln boldly
1639 CL., s.v. Crudelitas, p. 77.
Cf. P171: For my peck of malt, set the kiln on fire.
P75 He may his PART on Good Friday eat and fast
never the worse for ought he shall get
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 K]. I i 234: Sir Robert might have eat his
part in me Upon Good Friday and ne’er broke his fast.
Cf. W506: I might put my winnings in my eye and see never
the worse.
P76 He that repairs not a PART builds all I
1640 HERB., no. 340. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
186: *By letting it go to ruine. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 157: (not part
of his House, must build it all).
P77 It is the PART of a fool (It is a shame for a wise
man) to say, I had not thought
1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Illor. Phil. III ii, 5. N2v: It is a shame for a
wyse man to saye, I thought not so muche. 1550 TAV. Flowers
Sent., s. A8: It is an vncombly sayenge for a wyse man to saye, I
wolde not haue thought it or wolde not haue loked that it shuld
haue come so to passe. 1616 DR., no. 136. 1631 Rule Health, s.
A4: It is no poynt of Wisdome to say, I was not aware ofit. 1639
CL., p. 320: Who would have thought it? 1659 N.R., p. 65: (best
part). 1664 COD., p. 200: (thought on it). 1732 FUL., no. 4539:
The Fool saith, who would have thought it?
Cf. F484: He is a fool that thinks not that another thinks; H10:
Had I wist was a fool.
P78 Take PART of the pelf when the pack is a dealing
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1253: (is in dealing).
1668 R.B., p. 51: (is dealing).
I641 FERG., no. 783.
P79 The worst PART is within
1639 CL., s.v. In Stupidos, p. 296. 1664 COD., p. 214.
P80 The PARTHIANS fight flying away
1600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will Prol.: Wks., III 235: As the
Parthians fight, flying away, so will wee prate and talke, but stand
to nothing. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet IV: Wks., p. 226: The
best way to conquer Sinne, is by Parthian warre, to runne away.
1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III Heroic Ep., p. 404: You wound, like
Parthians, while you fly, And kill, with a Retreating Eye. 1712
STEELE Spect. 437, VI 158: It may be said of our Beauties, as a
great Poet did of Bullets, They kill and wound like Parthians as
they fly.
SHAKESPEARE—I610 Cym. I vi 20: Like the Parthian, I Shall
flying fight.
P81 One PARTICULARITY concludes no generality
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 138. I579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 23:
So one Swalowe bringes not Sommer; nor one particular example
sufficient proof for a general precept. I584 LYLY Sapho and Phao
I iii 26: Where we mislike for some perticular grudge, there we pick
quarrels for a generall griefe. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 112:

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
PARTING
PATERNOSTER
524

Particular instances inferre no generall conclusions. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 23, p. 233: Ofa particular, there’s no making of an univer-
sal rule.
Cf. 81025: One swallow makes not summer.
P82 It is tedious PARTING with a thing we love
[01500] a152o Everyman S, s. A6v: Partynge is mournynge. [01535]
1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 2511, p. 472: This parting dois me
paine. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3.
SHAKESPEARE.-—CI§95 RY. II ii 186: Parting is such sweet
sorrow.
P83 Praise at PARTING
[1475—1500] 1572 Rauf Coilyear l. 86, p. 5: Pryse at the parting.
[01497] a1520 MEDWALL Fulgens, s. A4v: Prayse at the parting
euyn as ye fynde. [a1563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife 1. 667, p.
19: It is an old saying, praise at the parting. 1576 R. EDWARDS
Par. Dainty Dev., p. [26], l. 9: Then prayse at parting some men say.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 130: I but Philautus prayse at
the parting, if she had not liked thee, she would neuer haue aun-
swered thee. I581 MULCASTER Positions 16, p. 74: Here [in danc-
ing] will desire throng in prease, Though it praise not in parting.
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. xii, s. LI: But praise your lucke at
parting.
SHAKESPEARE.——I602 T.C. III ii 97: Praise us as we are tasted;
allow us as we prove. Our head shall go bare till merit crown it.
1611 Temp. III iii 39: Praise in departing.
Cf. D100: Praise a fair day at night; E116: The end crowns
(tries) all; E190: The evening crowns (praises) the day; F587:
Ruse the ford as you find it; H538: All the honesty is in the parting;
I33: Say no ill of the year till it be past; P549: It is not good praising
a ford till a man be over.
P84 AS plump as a PARTRIDGE (plover)
I594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 261: As fat and plum euerie part
of her as a plouer. 1678 RAY, p. 281. 1694 ECHARD Eunuch II, p.
62. 1720 GAY New Song Similes l. 17: Poems, II 278: Plump as a
partridge was I known.
P85 If the PARTRIDGE had the woodcock’s thigh,
’twould be the best bird that ever did fly
1670 RAY, p. 44. 1732 FUL., no. 6400.
P86 The absent PARTY is still faulty
1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, III xi, I 235: To him that absent is
All things succeed amisse. 1640 HERB., no. 314. 1658 [EDMOND-
SON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 184. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1659
N.R., p. 98. 1664 COD., p. 214: (is ever faulty). 1670 RAY, p. 1.
Cf. M591: T0 dead men and absent there are no friends left.
P87 Hear all PARTIES
1481 CAX'I‘ON Reynard 25, p. 57: Audi alteram partem, here that
other partye. I577 H.I. Decades II viii, I 347: The common prov-
erbe saith Let the other party be heard too. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
499. 1668 R.B., p. 23.
Cf. M299: A man should hear all parts ere he judge any.
P88 It is hard to please all PARTIES (men)
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 140: It is harde to content all mennys
myndis. a1536 HILL 49, p. 132: Ther may no man all men please.
I596 DEL., s. M7v: T’is very hard to please all men in all things.
1616 DR., no. 504: One can hardly please all men. 1623 WOD., p.
480: It is a hard Thing to please all the World. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
33, p. 204: One cannot please all people. 1721 KEL., p. 220.
See ST., no. 532. Cf. A193: He that would please all and him-
self tOO undertakes what he cannot do; J103: Jupiter himself can-
not please all; M319: No man can have every man’s good word;
M526: He that all men will please shall never find ease; N86: He
had need rise betimes that would please everybody.
P89 At an ill PASSAGE honor thy companion
1562 HEY. Epig. 101, p. 142: Euery one horse [before an impassible
slough] geuyng an other the way. Of good manner as it were, and


more and more, Eche horse gaue backe, to set his better before.
1573 GAsCOIGNE Supposes V v, p. 234: Hence to the gallowes
knaue. -—What softe and faire sir, I pray you, I prae sequar, you
are mine elder. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 93: Traueling by the
waie, in winter time, honour your companion, so shall you auoid
falling into dangerous places. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 4: In an ill
passage honour thy companion. Let him go first. 1666 TOR,
Prov. Phr., s.v. Honore, p. 81: To do honour to ones companyon at
an ill passage, viz. to be willing that ones companion should lead
the way, where the way is difficult and dangerous.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 V.A. l. 887: Finding their enemy to be
so curst, They all strain court’sy who shall cope him first. 1596
K._7. I i 154: I’ll follow you unto the death. ——~Nay, I would have
you go before me thither. —Our country manners give our betters
way.
Cf. A61: After you is good manners; B666: On bridge, on plank,
and in river the boy (servant) before and master after. (6)
P90 Bridle PASSIONS and be yourself a free man
1639 CL., p. 284.
P91 You are not one of our PASTE
1672 WALK. 2, p. 21: You are not one of us; none of our company;
not one of our paste.
P92 Hang yourself for a PASTIME
1678 RAY, p. 73.
P93 There never was a PASTON poor, a Heyden a
coward, nor a Cornwallis a fool
1678 RAY, p. 327.
P94 PATCH by patch is good husbandry but patch upon
patch is plain beggary
01640 SMYTH 91, p. 33: (is yeomanly and is beggerly). 1670
RAY, p. 129. 1732 FUL., no. 6181: (is good Housewifery, But
Patch upon Patch plain Beggary).
P95 He cannot say his PATERNOSTER
1552 LATIMER Serm. 21, p. 389: When we be disposed to despise
a man . . we say, He cannot say his Pater-noster.
P96 He may be in my PATERNOSTER but he shall never
come in my creed
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2: (in my Pater noster in dede, But be sure, he
shall neuer). 1562 HEY. Epig. 118, p. 145: (Thou maist be in my
pater noster in deede. But surely thou shalt neuer). 01577
BOURCHER Breeding Lark l. 183 in Roxh. Bal., III 92: [He] may in
my Pater-noster bee, but never in my Creede. I593 CHETTLE
Kind Heart’s Dream, p. 45: Al your Villanies about that peece of
seruice, as perfectly known to some of my friends yet liuing as their
Pater noster, who curse the time you ever came in their creed.
61594 BACON, no. 270: (in my paternoster indeed, Be sure he shall
never be). 1613 T. ADAMS White Devil: Wks., p. 54: [Flatterers]
are . . the Common-wealths Wolues; put them in your Pater-noster,
let them neuer come in your Creed: pray for them, but trust them
no more than theeues. 1639 CL., p. 323: He may come into my
Pater noster, but never into my Creed. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p.
5: Thou maist be in my Paternoster, but shalt never come into my
Creed.
Cf. 198: To know how judicare came into the creed.
P97 PATERNOSTER built churches and Our Father
pulled them down
1612 T. ADAMS Gallant’s Burden: Wks., p. 16: Common Prophane
persons . . that make the profession of the Gospell haue an euill
name: hence that Prouerbe Pater noster, set vp Churches, Our
Father, puls them downe. 1644 FULLER jacoh’s Vow: Serm., I
426: Will your selues . . sufTer the Houses of God to lie waste?
Shall Pater noster build Churches, and Our father pull them doune
(as the prouerbe is)? or suffer them to fall? 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 70: (pulls them down). 1732 FUL., no.
3851.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PATERNOSTER
PATIENCE
525
*—
P98 To know it as well as one knows his PATERNOSTER
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 80: I knowe as parfitely as
can be, or poynte deuyse, or as perfytly as any Pater noster. 1559
COOPER, s.v. Digitus: I can it as parfite as my Pater Noster. 1668
DRYDEN Martin Mar-All II ii, p. 27: Dost thou not know the
contents on’t? —Yes, as well as I do my pater noster.
- Cf. B234: I know him as well as the beggar knows his dish.
P99 A PATERNOSTER WHILE
[The brief time in which a paternoster might be said.] 1530 PALS.,
p. 807b: But a pater noster while a go. [01535] 1602 LINDSAY
Three Estates 1. 1262, p. 423: And wald nocht let me bide sa long To
say my Pater noster. 1536 LATIMER Serm. 4, p. 37: Devotion
cometh of the beholding of an image, though it be but a Pater-
noster while. 1594 NASHE Terrors Night: W ks., I 378: Euery Pater
noster while, he lookt whether in the nets he [the devil] should be
entangled. 1681 GREw Mus. Regalis Soc. I vii 3, p. 175: The Worm
will die within the space of a Pater Noster.
See ST., no. 81. (13)
P100 Every PATH has a puddle
1640 HERB., no. 21 I. 1664 COD., p. 192. 1670 RAY, p. 21. I732
FUL., no. 1453.
P101 Not to go forward on the PATH (way) of virtue
is to go backward
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I ii, s. B3: In Via Virtutis non
progredi, regredi est. 1611 JONSON Cat. III 230, p. 476: These
things, when they proceed not, they goe backward. 1632 MAS-
SINGER Maid Hon. I i, p. 310: Virtue, ifnot in action, is a Vice, And,
when we move not forward, we go backward. 1732 FUL., no. 3682:
(forward in the Way of Virtue, is to go backwards.)
P102—P1 I 5 PATIENCE = endurance, fortitude
P102 He that can have PATIENCE can have what he will
1611 COT., s.v. Venir: He that can wait long shall haue a good
houre. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: All succeeds well to him who
hath patience. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. I I : Who can have patience,
hath what he Will. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 10.
Cf. P103: He that has no patience has nothing; S835: He that
can stay obtains; T172: All things may come soon enough if we can
have the patience to stay for them.
P103 He that has no PATIENCE has nothing
1611 COT., s.v. Patience. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: Who hath
not patience wants all things. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 194:
(Who hath not).
Cf. M301: A man that cannot sit still in his chamber is not fit
for business; P102: He that can have patience can have what he
will.
He that has PATIENCE has fat thrushes for a
farthing
I640 HERB., no. 426. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 194: Who hath
patience, may have fat thrushes at a farthing apiece.
P104
P105 PATIENCE and shuflle
I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxiii, III 176: If it be otherwise,
O Cousin, I say, Patience and shuflie. *Marginal note: Card
players . . when they lose, cry to the dealer, Patience, and shuffle
the Cards.
See SM., p. 3 54.
P106 PATIENCE in adversity brings a man to the Three
Cranes1 in the Vintry
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. I4: Indeed I am patient I
must needes say, for patience in aduersitie, brings a man to the
three Cranes in the Ventree. 1616 DR., s.v. Patience, no. 1595.
[‘a famous London tavern on Upper Thames St., near Vintry
Wharf (see Sugden, p. 514)]

P107 PATIENCE is a plaster for all sores
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 206: Pacience is a remedie for euery
disease. 1562 BROOKE Romeus and 714/. 1. 1401, p. 176: A sondry
medson hath, eche sondry faynt disease, But pacience, a common
salve, to every wound geves case. 1578 FLOR. First F. XXV,
f. 44v: Pacience is the best medicine that is, for a sicke man, the
most precious plaister that is, for any wounde. I605 BRETON
Pray Be Not Angry (1624 ed.): ths., II 4: (for all paine). 1616
BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A5v). 1623 WOD., p. 508: The Roote of
Patience is Phisicke for all Sores. 1639 CL., s.v. Aequanimitas,
p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 130. I694 D’URFEY2 Don Quix. I i, p. 113.
1732 FUL., no. 3855.
Cf. G189: God has provided a remedy for every disease; M899:
Mercy is a salve for every sore; P108: Patience is a remedy for
every grief (sorrow); R69: There is a remedy for all things but
death; R71: There is no remedy but patience; S84: There is a salve
for every sore.
P108 PATIENCE is a remedy for every grief (sorrow)
1573 SANF., f. 52: Pacience remedieth all kinde of sorrow. 1623
WOD., p. 508: Patience is a good Remedie against all Mischance.
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 32, p. 27: Patience is the remedy of sorrow.
1664 COD., p. 208.
Cf. P107: Patience is a plaster for all sores; R71: There is no
remedy but patience.
P109 PATIENCE is a Virtue
1526 BONDE Pilgr. Perf., f. 136: Pacyence is the vertue wherby man
or woman for the loue of god gladly suffreth all iniuryes or wronges.
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II iV, s. D2v: But pacience is a
vertue, as the woorthiest wits doo say. 1594 LYLY Mother B. V iii
122: Well, patience is a vertue, but pinching is worse than any vice!
I600 DEKKER Old Fort. I i 13: Well, I am very poor and very
patient; Patience is a virtue: would I were not virtuous, that’s to
say, not poor, but full of vice, that’s to say, full of chinks. 1607
Trag. Nero, 3. M2v: The highest vertue is true patience. [1613-14]
1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi V ii 44: I am studying the Art of Pa-
tience. —’Tis a noble Vertue. 1615 BRATHWAITE Strap.for Devil
p. 72: Vnto thy humble spirit annex’t there is, Another soueraigne
vertue, Patience. [1618] 1647 FLETCHER Loyal Suhj. III ii, p. 120:
Study your Vertue, Patience, It may get Mustard to your Meat.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9.
P110 PATIENCE passes science1
1596 DEL., s. 08v. 1611 COT., s.v. Science. 1623 WOD., p. 508:
Patience goeth beyond Science, and puts the Conscience at Peace.
1639 CL., p. 204.
[llearning]
P11 1 PATIENCE perforce
1504 CORNISH Treat. Infor. and Music I. 90, p. 424: Enformacione
hathe taught hym to solff thys songe: pacyence, perforce content
yew with wronge. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii,
p. 27. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 169: The worst poore
helpe patience . . the more it is perforce. 1584 R. WILSON Three
Ladies Lond., S. C3: We must haue pacience perforce seeing there is
no remedie. 1590 SPENSER III x 3: But patience perforce he
must abie What fortune and his fate on him will lay. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 1140. 1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed with Kind, p.
139: Here’s patience perforce, He needs must trot afoot that tires
his horse. 1622 T. ADAMS City of Peace: Wks., p. 1000: Not to
contest because we cannot conquer, is called Patience perforce.
1668 R.B., p. 43.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R7. I v 91: Patience perforce with wilful
choler meeting Makes my flesh tremble in their different greeting.
1597 Rich. III I i 116: Meantime, have patience. ——I must
perforce.
Cf. P1 12: Patience perforce is a medicine for a mad dog. (6)
P112 PATIENCE perforce is a medicine for a mad dog
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9: (is medicin for). 1664 COD., p. 209:
(Patience by force, is). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Patienza, p. 136:
To endure anything because one cannot help it; the English say,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
PATIENCE
PAYER
526

Patience per force, is a medicine for a mad horse. 1670 RAY, p. 130.
1732 FUL., no. 3860: (Patience upon Force, is).
Cf. P111: Patience perforce.
P113 PATIENCE provoked turns to fury
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 19: Long patience breaks into passion.
1664 COD., p. 230: Wronged patience often becomes furious. I732
FUL., no. 3859.
P114 PATIENCE, time, and money accommodate all
things
1640 HERB., no. 494. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13. I705 Pleas. Art,
p. 157. 1732 FUL., no. 3858: Patience, Money, and Time, bring
all Things to pass.
Cf. T172: All things may come soon enough ifwe can have the
patience to stay for them.
P115 PATIENCE with poverty is all a poor man’s rem-
edy
1639 CL., p. 15. 1664 COD., p. 209: (Patience in). 1670 RAY, p.
130. I732 FUL., no. 6361: (Is a).
PI 16—P1 17 PATIENCE = a species of dock
P116 Let PATIENCE grow in your garden
I562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 37: (gardein alwaie). 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 374: Let patience still in your garden appeare: This lessons but
women, still borne to beare. 1616 DR., no. 1594. 1664 COD., p.
204.
Cf. P117: Patience is a flower that grows not in every garden.
PATIENCE is a flower that grows not in every
garden
1645 HOWELL Let. I vi 58, I 371: No more, but that I wish
you Patience, which is a Flower that grows not in ev’ry Garden.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 194:
Patience is a good herb, but it doth not grow in every garden.
1670 RAY, p. 130: (flower grows not in every ones garden). 1694
D’URFEY 1 Don Quix. I i, p. 12: Patience grows not in every one’s
P117
Garden. 1732 FUL., no. 3854: Patience grows not in every Garden.
See DUR., I, no. 548. Cf. P116: Let patience grow in your
garden.
P118 What again? quoth PAUL when his wife made
him cuckold the second time
1639 CL., p. 303. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: What again quoth
Palmer.
PI 19 As old as PAUL’S (Paul’s steeple, Charing Cross)
1659 How. Proverbs Ep. Ded.: Some of them may be said to be as
Old as Pauls Steeple. 1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 58:
(Paul’s Steeple). *This Proverb . . serveth . . to be returned to
such, who pretend those things to be novell, which are known to be
stale . . and almost antiquated. 1662 Your Humble Serv. l. 29 in
Roxb. Bal., III 577: I can call ’um pritty souls, though they be as
old as Pouls. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. Rena, p. 167: The English
say, So old, so wondrous old, AS old as Pauls it self. 1670 RAY, p.
242: As old as Pauls, or as Pauls steeple. 1678 RAY, p. 287: As old
as Charing-Cross. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 414: How do you
like Lady Fruzz? . . —She is as old as Poles.
P120 PAUL’S pigeons
1598 STOW Surv. Lond., I 75: The schollers of Paules, meeting
with them of S. Anthonies, would call them Anthonie pigs, and they
againe would call the other pigeons OfPaules, because many pigions
were bred in Paules Church, and Saint Anthonie was alwayes
figured with a pigge following him. 1662 FULLER Worthies London,
II, 65: Nicholas Heath was . . one of St. Anthonies Pigs therein (so
were the Scholars of that School commonly called, as those of St.
Paul’s, Paul’s Pigeons).
Cf. S35: To follow one like a Saint Anthony’s pig.


P121 PAUL’S will not always stand
1659 How. Prov. Ep. Ded.: A very ancient Proverb . . Viz. Pauls
cannot alwayes stand, alluding to the lubricity of all sublunary
things. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1670 RAY, p. 130. I732
FUL., no. 3861.
P122 To make PAUL’S work of it
1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 980, p. 32: When he had
done, made PoulCS-worke of it, as for these Twynnes these Poet-
apes. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. Milano, p. 105: Never finish’d,
alwaies something to be done to it: the English say, Pauls work.
Ibid., s.V. Riparata, p. 168: That will ne’r be quite finish’d, as that
of Saint Peters in Rome; To have Pauls work in band, would the
English say. 1673 S’too Him Bayes, p. 15: But I must dispatch,
for I see He’s making Paul’s work on’t already.
P123 Fat PAUNCHES make lean pates
1607 WALKINGTON Optic Glass III, p. 42: Fat paunches make leane
pates, and grosser bits Enrich the ribs, but bankerupt quite the
wits. [1625] I647 MASSINGER ET AL. Love’s Cure II i, p. 178;
Fat bodies, lean brains. 1639 CL., p. 135: [As in 1607 Walkington].
Ibid., p. 192: Fat paunches and leane pates. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
10, p. 54: A fat body hath a lean brain. 1670 RAY, p. 129. 1681
ROB., p. 587. 1721 KEL., p. 106: Fat Paunches bode lean Pates.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. I i 26: Fat paunches have lean
pates, and dainty bits Make rich the ribs but bankrout quite the
w1ts.
Cf. B285: A belly full of gluttony will never study willingly;
B293: A fat belly does not engender a subtle wit; B303: When the
belly is full the bones would be at rest; D329: The sparing diet is
the spirit’s feast.
P124 A fair (good) PAWN never shamed his master
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 179: Ane fair wed [pledge] naver shamed the
maister. 1623 CAM., p. 265. 1631 [BRATHWAITE] Whimzies 21,
p. 103: (good). 1639 CL., p. 109. 1640 GLAPTHORNE Wit in
Constable V, p. 235: A good pawne neVer shames the master. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 1 1: [As in 1640 Glapthorne]. 1670 RAY, p. 130.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Pawn. 1721 KEL., p. 7: A good Pawn never
sham’d its Master. *It is no Shame for a Man to borrow on a good
Pawn.
P125
1611 COT., s.v. Argent.
1670 RAY, p. 130.
He that cannot PAY let him pray
1659 N.R., p. 41.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. To pay.
1664 COD., p. 197.
1732 FUL., no. 6362.
P126 It is hard to PAY and pray too
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 826: It is pain both to pay and pray. 1631
LENTON Char. 20, p. 75: In his trade, above all others, you must
both pray and pay. 1639 CL., p. 220: Both pay and pray?
that’s hard. 1642 D. ROGERS Matr. Honor ii, p. 53: Now I adde,
pray for it, pay and pray too. 1668 R.B., p. 31: It is a pain both to
pay and pray. 1721 KEL., p. 221: (both to pray and pay). 1732
FUL., no. 2951. -
Cf. P360: Pitch and pay.
P127 He that PAYS last never pays twice
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1: He Who payeth last, payeth but once.
1670 RAY, p. 130. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To pay. 1721 KEL., p. 150:
*Spoken in Jest to one who is 10th to pay his Reckoning, as ifit was
out of a Principle of Prudence. I732 FUL., no. 2246.
P128 Once PAID never craved
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1117. 1639 CL., p. 182: (and never crav’d).
1641 FERG., no. 61: Anes payit never cravit. 1668 R.B., p. 4: Anes
payit never crave it. 1678 RAY, p. 188. 1721 KEL., p. 270: *In
the Scottish Dialect, Anes pay’t ne’er cree’t; pay your Debts, and
prevent dunning.
P129 An ill PAYER makes a sore craver
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 142. 1721 KEL., p. 286: Ill Payers are sore
Cravers.
Cf. C807: A sore craver was never a good payer.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most iInportant word.
PAYMASTER
PEACE
527

Ff
P130 A gOOd'PAYMASTER (payer) is lord (master) of
another man’s purse
1640 HERB., no. 591: A good prayer [sic] is master of Another’s
purse. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 23: A good payer
is master of anothers purse. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 12. 1736
FRANKLIN, p. 10: (The good).
P131 A good PAYMASTER needs no surety
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xiv, III 104: A stayed voyce,
answered and sayd: A good Pay-master needs no surety. 1670
RAY, p. 130: (needs no surety. Starts not at assurances). 1694
D’URFEY 1 Don Quix. IV i, p. 69. 1732 FUL., no. 1726: (Good
Paymasters need).
Cf. P132: A good paymaster starts not at assurances; 5199:
He that means to pay gives good security.
P132 A good PAYMASTER starts not at assurances
1640 HERB., no. I I3. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 23:
(assurance). 1659 N.R., p. 10. 1664 COD., p. 186. I670 RAY,
p. 130: A good pay-master needs no surety. Starts not at assur-
ances.
Cf. P131: A good paymaster needs no surety; 5199: He that
means to pay gives good security.
P133 As small (big) as a PEA
[c1622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Double Marr. V, p. 393: A
bit of Marmalade No bigger than a Pease. 1625-6 R. MOUNTAGUE
(to Bishop Durham) in Cosin Corr. 54, II 87: [I] clered my Self by
the way, through rogging of the coatch, of 2 stones . . the least as
bigg as a pease. 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady V vii 58: Ile clense
him with a pill (as small as a pease). I651 HARTLIB Legacy, p. 12:
Till your Grain be as big as a small Pease. 1666 R. BOYLE Origin
Forms and Qualities III: Wks., II 499: A little vegetable bud . .
not so big oftentimes as a pea.
P134 Every PEA[SE] has its vease and a bean fifteen
1599 BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, s. E7: Our common prouerb
accordeth, speaking somewhat homely: Euery pease wil haue a
fease; but euerie beane, fifteene. 1605 ARMIN Foolupon Fool: Wks.,
p. 38: It was in Lent, when pease pottage bare great sway, and when
euery pease must haue his ease. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4:
(Every pease). I670 RAY, p. 214: (Every pease). 1678 RAY, p.
78: (Every pease). *A veaze vescia in Italian is crepitus ventris.
So it signifiesPease are flatulent, but Beans ten times more.
P135 Not worth a PEA (two peas)
[01525-9] I561 Godly Qu. Hester l. 391, p. 17: It is not worth a
pease. a1547 SURREY Frailty Beauty: Poems, p. 47: Brittle beautie,
that nature made so fraile . . past not worthe two peason. 01550
BIESTON Bait and Snare Fort, s. A4: A thing vnreasonable art thou
not worthy two peason. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Oct., 1. 69, p. 45:
The vaunting Poets found nought worth a pease. 1589 PUTTEN-
HAM Art Eng. Poesy II xi [xii], p. 1 12: All is but a iest, all dust, all
not worth two peason. (6)
P136 As like as two PEAS (as one pea is like another)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 5: The Twinnes of Hippocrates,
(who wer as lyke as one pease is to an other). 1594 NASHE Unfort.
Trav., p. 233: They would vaunt there was not a pease difference
betwixt them. 1602 S. ROWLANDS Greene’s Ghost, p. 33: One that
is so like you, as one peaze is like another. 01675 Old Pudding
Pie Woman in Roxb. Bal., VII 77: And will be as like her as one
Pea’s like another. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens Oct. 11:
You know Rebellion and Witchcraft are as like as two Pease.
211715 SWIFT Dennis’ Invitation: Pol. Poems, p. 322: They’re as
like each other as are pease. 1732 FUL., no. 708.
P137 The smaller PEAS the more to the pot, the fairer
woman the more giglot1
15th 0. Scrap in Relig. Antig., II 40. 01550 GOSYNHYLL School-
house W'om. l. 558, p. 126.
Cf. P138: Who has many peas may put the more in the pot.
[1a wanton]

P138 Who has many PEAS may put the more in the pot
I546 HEY. I v, s. B2. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 300. 1616 DR., s.v.
Plentie, no. 1657: He that hath many pease, may put the more into
the pot. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10: (Who hath much pease).
1670 RAY, p. 21: (He who hath much pease).
Cf. P137: The smaller peas the more to the pot, the fairer
woman the more giglot.
P139-P143 PEACE = concord
P139 By PEACE plenty
1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xix, p. 208: Peace makes
plentie, plentie makes pride, Pride breeds quarrell, and quarrell
brings warre. 1622 T. ADAMS City of Peace: Wks., p. 1012: Peace
is the Mother of Prosperitie. 1639 CL., p. 245: Peace is the mother
of plenty. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: Through Peace cometh
Plenty. 1659 N.R., p. 20.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V V ii 34: Peace, Dear nurse of arts,
plenty, and joyful births.
Cf. W518: By Wisdom peace, by peace plenty.
P140 He that will live in PEACE and rest must hear and
see and say the best
01450 Proverbs Counsel in Bks. on Courtesy, p. 69: Yf thou wylte
leve in peas and Reste, here, and see, and sey the beste. 1509 A.
BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 200: They that wyll lyue in quyetnes and
rest must here and se and hasty wordes refrayne. I578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 31: Heare, see, and hold thy peace,if thou wylt
liue in peace. 1578 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [105], l. 23:
If thou Desire To line In rest, Giue care And see But say The best.
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 101: Ifyou wil stil line at ease, heare and
see, ’and hold your pease. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 69. 1616 DR., no.
1791: (line in peace, must heare, see, and). 1623 WOD., p.‘ 506:
Heare, see, and hold thy Peace, If thou wilt liue at Peace. 1636
CAM., p. 297. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 13: To live content, hear, see,
and be silent. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 182: He hears, sees, and
says nothing, who intends to live in peace. I670 RAY, p. 130:
(He that would live in). 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 11: He that would
live in peace and at ease, Must not speak all he knows, norjudge
all he sees.
Cf. M1274: He that hears much and speaks not all shall be
welcome both in bower and hall; M1277: Hear much but speak
little; N275: Hear and see and say nothing (little, the best). (6)
P141 He that will not have PEACE God gives him war
1640 HERB., no. 725. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
193: (God sends him war).
P142 PEACE and patience and death with repentance
1640 HERB., no. 315.
P143 Where there is PEACE God is
1640 HERB., no. 729. 1664 COD., p. 230: (God is there).
P144—P149 PEACE = silence
P144 Although I hold my PEACE I gather up stones
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 20: *He that is silent gathereth
reasons to confute his aduersarie. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 19: I
that do hold my peace do gripe stones.
Cf. L367: Though he said little he thought the more.
P145 He is Wise that can hold his PEACE
1557 Few Words Wisdom l. 34 in Tottel’s Misc., I 234: A wise man
can his tong make cease, A foole can neuer holde his peace. 1639
CL., s.v. Taciturnitas, p. 301. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 3: The man
is wise, while he holds his peace. Ibid., p. 11: (For Wise he may
pass, that).
Cf. E164: He knows enough that knows nothing if so be he
know how to hold his peace; M260: A man may hold his peace
(tongue) in an ill time; M602: Wise men have their mouth (tongue)
in their heart, fools their heart in their mouth (tongue); M606:
Wise men silent, fools talk; P149: Who can live and hold his peace
can do enough.
In partial quotations Wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
PEACE 528
PEAR

P146 He that knows not how to hold his PEACE
(tongue) knows not how to speak (talk)
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, l 121. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Com-
monw., f. 132: He that knowes not when to holde his peace, knowes
not when to speake. I640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 117:
He that knoweth how to speake well, knoweth also when hee must
hold his peace. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 189: Who knows not how
to hold his peace, at least let him learn to speak. Ibid. 14, p. 279:
He can hardly speak, who cannot hold his peace. I732 FUL., no.
1820: He cannot speak well, that cannot hold his Tongue. Ibid.,
no. 2210: (his Tongue and to talk).
P147 He that speaks, sows, and he that holds his
PEACE, gathers
1640 HERB., no. 431. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p-
181. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 6: (Who speaks sowes, who holds)-
1659 N.R., p. 56. 1664 COD., p. 228: Who speaketh, doth sow, and
he who holds his peace, doth reap. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 189:
Who speaks sows, who is silent, reaps. 1670 RAY, p. 24: (doth sow,
he that holds his peace doth reap). *Ital. 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don
Quix. IV i, p. 60: (doth sow, he that holds his Tongue may reap).
1732 FUL., no. 2310: (sows; he that hears, reaps).
P148 Hold thy PEACE to keep the peace
1591 H. SMITH Preparative Marriage: Wks., I 30: Sometimes she
must observe the servant’s lesson . . Not answering again, and hold
her peace to keep the peace. 1611 COT., s.v. Paix: Hold thy peace
and enioy peace; vnseasonable talke is the mother ofdebate. Ibid.,
s.v. Taire: He that holds his peace of, is at peace with, all men.
P149 Who can live and hold his PEACE can do enough
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 194: And doe yow not know the
common Proverbe, Whosoever serves well and holdeth his peace,
doth demaunde enough. 1611 COT., s.v. Scavoir: Hee is cunning
ynough that can liue and hold his peace. I623 WOD., p. 476.
Cf. P145: He is wise that can hold his peace.
P150-P154 PEACE=treaty of peace
P150 Better a lean PEACE than a fat victory
1605 BRETON Old Man’s Lesson: Wks., II 10: The heart Of a wise
man will bee better pleased with a poore peace, then a Rich Warre.
1616 DR., s.v. Quietnesse, no. 1797: A little with peace, is better
then a great deale with warre. 1732 FUL., no. 864.
Cf. A78: A11 ill (lean) agreement is better than a good (fat)
judgment; P152: Peace is better than victory (war); P154: An
unjust peace is (is not) to be preferred to a just war.
P151 A disarmed PEACE is weak
I640 HERB., no. 624. 1659 N.R., p. 16.
p. 183: Arms bring peace.
Cf. P153: To make peace with a sword in his hand; 51049: One
sword keeps another in the sheath (scabbard).
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 14,
P152 PEACE is better than victory (war)
1570 WILSON Three Orations, p. 42: Peace better than warre, if
a man may be sure of it. 1611 COT., s.v. Servitude: Better be
peaces vassall, then warfares marshall. 1616 DR., no. 1605. 1642
FULLER Holy State IV xix, p. 341: Peace is as farre to be preferred
before victory itself, as the end is better then the means.
Cf. P150: Better a lean peace than a fat victory; P154: An
unjust peace is (is not) to be preferred to a just war. _
P153 To make PEACE with a sword in his hand
1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 2 51. 1699 FARQUHAR Love and Bottle V
iii, p. 109: ’Tis safest making peace they say, with sword in hand.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-I 2 Hen. VI II i 33: I prithee, peace . .
For blessed are the peacemakers on earth. —Let me be blessed
for the peace I make Against this proud Protector with my sword!
Cf. P151: A disarmed peace is weak; 51049: One sword keeps
another in the sheath (scabbard); W40: Clothe thee in war, arm
thee in peace; W206: Weapons bode peace.

i
P154 An unjust PEACE is (is not) to be preferred to a
just war
1555 Instit. Gentlem., s. E7V: I allow (sayeth he [Tully]) an vnjuste
peace to bee better than a moste rightefull warre. 1605 DANIEL
Ulyss. and Siren 64: Occas. Poems, p. 272: For 0ft we see a wicked
peace To be well chang’d for war. 1605 Trial Chivalry, s. A3: Tis a
bad peace exceeds not a iust war. 1619 Two Wise Men IV ii, S. GI:
But I haue heard say; it is better to haue honorable warres, then
inconvenient peace. 1630 T. ADAMS Saints’ Meet.: Wks., p. 742;
Iust warre is better then an vniust peace. [a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER
Gen. Rem., I 284: It hath been said, that an unjust Peace is to be
prefer’d before ajust War.
Cf. P150: Better a lean peace than a fat Victory; P152: Peace is
better than victory (war).
P155 Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS
[Matt. v 9: Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called
the children of God.] 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. viii, s. HIV.
1631 MABBE Celestina I, p. 57: For blessed are the peacefull. 1732
FUL., no. 988: Blessed is the Peace-maker, not the Conqueror.
SHAKESPEARE.—I509-1 2 Hen. VIII i 33: I prithee, peace . .
For blessed are the peacemakers on earth.
P156 The PEACH will have wine, the fig water
1573 SANF., f. 104. I577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. E1: (and
the figge water). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 103, p. 29. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 8: Pear, Peach, and Melon require pure wine.
Cf. P159: After a pear, wine or a priest; W1 17: Water after figs
and wine after pears; W464: He that drinks not wine after salad is
in danger to be sick.
P157 As proud as'a PEACOCK
[1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature II, s. HI: Here cometh Pryde
As crank as a pecok. 1513 H. BRADSHAW St. WerhurgeI 258, p. 69:
Prowde as a Peacocke whelynge full bryght. 1560 DAUS Chron.
9, f. 119: They are as bragge and as proude as pecockes. 1595
PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 271, s. B3v: Shee is . . as proude of her
hopes, as a Peacock of her taile well growne. 1639 CL., p. 286.
1670 RAY, p. 202. 1681 ROB., p. 1030.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592 C.E. IV iii 81: ‘Fly pride,’ says the pea-
cock. Mistress, that you know.
P158 The PEACOCK has fair feathers but foul feet
1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao V ii 79: I will pull those plumes, and
cause you to cast your eyes on your feete, not your feathers. 1585
E. SANDYS Serm. 7, p. 142: For if we did look upon our black feet,
our fair peacock feathers no doubt would soon fall down. 1592
GREENE Quip for Upstart Courtier, p. 215: As the peacocke wrappte
in the pride of his beautious fethers is knowne to be but a dunghill
birde by his foule feete. 1616 DR., s.v. Apparell, no. 100. [CI620]
1662 Birth Merlin IV, s. F2v: Thus with the peacock I beheld my
train, but never saw the blackness Of my feet. 1639 CL., s.v.
Stupidi, p. 298: Faire feathers but foule feet.
P159 After a PEAR, wine or a priest
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 101, p. 89: That saying which is
commonly used, that Peares without wine are poyson. 1607
HARINGTON Eng. Doctor, p. 100: Peares wanting wine, are poyson
from the tree. 1611 COT., s.v. Prestre. Ibid., s.v. Vin: After a
(cold) Peare either drinke Wine to concoct it, or send for the Priest
to confesse you. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12: After Pears, the Priest
or Wine.
Cf. P156: The peach will have wine, the fig water; W117:
Water after figs and wine after pears; W464: He that drinks not
wine after salad is in danger to be sick.
P160 As rotten as a PEAR
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tisico, p. 216: The English say, As rotten
as a Pear, when full of the Pox. 1700 T. BROWN Amusements XI,
p. 98: They’ll say his Body was as Rotten as a Pear. I720 GAY
New Song Similes l. 79: Poems, II 280: When I am rotten as a pear.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PEAR
PEDDLER’S
529

*P—
P161 Not worth a PEAR
[01470] 148 5 MALORY Morte d’Arthur XV vi, p. 663: Vayne glory of
the world the whiche is not worth a pere. I538 BALE K. 7ohan l.
989, p. 48: All that they do . . is not worth a rottyn wardon [a
winter pear].
P162 The ripest PEARS fall to swine
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 121. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 212:
The best pears fall into the mouths of the worst hogs.
P163 Share not PEARS with your master either in jest
or in earnest
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 5: Divide not Pears with thy master in
jest or earnest. 1732 FUL., no. 4117.
Cf. C279: Eat not cherries (prunes) with your lord; C280: He
that eats cherries (pears) with his lord picks none of the best.
P164 Make a PEARL on your nail
I592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 205: Drinking super nagulum, a
deuise . . which is, after a man hath turnd vp the bottom of the
cup, to drop it on his naile, and make a pearle with that is left:
which, if it shed . . he must drinke againe for his pennance. I678
RAY, p. 88. 1732 FUL., no. 3311.
Cf. 51000: To drink sUpernaculum.
P165 Cast not PEARLS before swine
[Matt. Vii 6: Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast
ye your pearls before swine.] 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II
257: Cast precious stones or golde amonges swyne And they had
leuer haue dreggis fylth or chaHe. 1529 T. MORE Dial. conc.
Heresy I xxv, p. 159: Such hogges and dogges as were not metely
to haue those precious perles put vpon their nose. I539 TAV., f.
55: Cast not perles afore swyne. For spech is the meate of the
mynde. But thys meat is corrupted and doth putrify, yf it fal
into an vnsounde minde. 1546 HEY. II ix, .s. K4v: But you, to
cast precious stones before hogs. I562 HEY. Epig. 86, p. 140:
Folly to cast precious stones before hogs. 1573 New Custom I i,
s. A3: This is the olde prouerbe, to cast perles to an hogge. I580
BARET, C—531: Cibum in matulam ne immitas. A Prouerbe agre-
ing with that saying of Christ, cast not pearles before swine, that is,
vse no ciuile communication with a peruerse and naughty fellowe.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 214: For to reason oflearning amongst
such maner of people, is according to the Proverbe, To sow pearles
amongest Swine. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1148: Pearles should not
be cast befor swyne. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. F1: To'cast Elo-
quence amongst a companie of Stinctards, is all one as if a man
should scatter Pearle amongst the hoggish animals ecliped Swine.
1611 DAY. Prov., no. 284: It’s ill casting pretious stones before
swine: Yet some very sowes it makes very fine. 1622 G. MARK-
HAM AND SAMPSON Herod and Antipater I, s. C4v: Peace knaue, I
say, these pearls must not feed Porkets. 1623 CAM., p. 273: Lay
pearle before Swine. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, indecora, p. 5: You
lay pearle before swine. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: This is to
cast Perls before swine. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Perle, p. 141:
To cast Pearls before Swine, viz. to loss, and to no purpose. 1693
W. KENNETT Life Somner, p. 47: So that till the nation was dis-
possest of this spirit, it was not fit to cast the pearl before them.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. IV ii 90: Fire enough for a flint,
pearl enough for a swine.
See ST., no. 1761. Cf. F436: It is folly to strew roses amongst
swine (hogs); M834: Put not thy meat in an unclean dish. (20)
P166 PEARLS are restorative
I600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. II vi 107: If thou wilt eate the
spirit of gold, and drinke dissolu’d pearle in wine, ’tis for thee.
1607 JONSON Volp. III vii 191: See, here, a rope of pearle; and each,
more orient Then that the braue IEgyptian queene carrous’d: Dis-
solue, and drinke ’hem. 1616 BRET., p. 6.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 H. V ii 282: The King shall drink to
Hamlet’s better breath, And in the cup an union shall he throw . .
Hamlet, this pearl is thine; Here’s to thy health.

P167 As pert as a PEARMONGER
1567 JEWEL Def. Apol. V, IV 822: Here pricketh forth this hasty
defender, as pert as a pearmonger. 1678 RAY, p. 281: (a Pear-
mongers mare). 1720 GAY New Song Similes ]. 9: Poems, II 278:
Pert as a pear-monger I’d be, if Molly were but kind. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 409: You are as pert as a pearmonger this morning.
P168 PEASE POTTAGE and tawny never made good
medley
1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 38: Simple Iohn .. dyed
the inside Of his pocket, pease pottage tawny. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 12.
P169 They hang together like PEBBLES in a halter
1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 155: It hangs together as pebles in a
wyth. I678 RAY, p. 250: (like burs, or like pebbles in a halter).
P170 To cry PECCAVI
1509 J. FISHER Funeral Hen. VII: Eng. Wks., p. 272: Kynge David
that wrote this psalme . . with one worde spekynge his herte was
chaunged sayenge Peccaui. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 64: Much
soner shall al other he subiect vnto him, and crie Peccaui. 01570
Marr. Wit and Science II i, s. B2: And cry peccaui too. 1578
WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. III iv, s. D2: I in his rage (poore
wretch) shall sing Peccaui. 1618 R. COCKS Diary Sept. 25, II 79:
They cried pecaVie and followed after me 2 leagues to aske pardon.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Peccavisti, p. 137: To catch any one in
the peccavisti, Viz. in the fact, napping, as Mosse caught his Mare,
to make one cry peccavi. 1672 MARVELL Rehear. Transprosed I,
p. 54: He hath in some late treatises cried peccavi with a witness.
Cf. M1185: To take one napping, as Mosse took his mare. (21)
P171 For my PECK of malt, set the kiln on fire
I616 WITHALS, p. 566. 1639 CL., s.v. Philautia, p. 254. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 234: For my share, let the rest go. *Note 30,
p. 242: The English say, For my peek of malt, set the keel on fire.
I670 RAY, p. 185: *I am little concern’d in the thing mentioned, I
care much come on it what will. 1672 WALK. 16, p. 14. I681
ROB., p. 982. 1721 KEL., p. 207.
Cf. P74: For my part, burn the kiln boldly.
P172 To be in a PECK of troubles
01535 Death Dr. Fisher, p. 97: The said George cam to this deponent,
and told hym that Mr. T. More was in a pecke of troubles. 1542
UDALL Apoph., f. 343: The woman beeyng in a pecke of troubles
was half in mynde and purpose to hang hirself. 1611 FLOR., s.v.
Trouarsi in su le secche, p. 582: (To find himselfe in). 1616 DR.,
s.v. Danger, or perill, no. 416: (Hee is in). 1631 MABBE Celestina
XII, p. 201: We shall runne into a pecke of troubles. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Perplexus, p. 249: In a peck of troubles. 1659 N.R., p. 55:
(He is in). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pettole, p. 144: In danger,
In a peck of troubles, say the English. 1670 RAY, p. 189. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 4 5: A peck of troubles. A pack of cares. (24)
P173 Every PEDDLER thinks well of his pack
1611 COT., s.v. Panier. I631 MABBE Celestina IX, p. 161: Every
Pedler prayseth his owne needles.
Cf. A270: Every ape thinks his puppy the fairest; C851: The
crow thinks her own bird fairest (whitest).
P174 Let every PEDDLER carry his own burden
1611 COT., s.v. Mercier: A chasque mercier son pannier: Pro. Let
each man his owne burthen beare. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17.
I670 RAY, p. 21. I732 FUL., no. 3176: (his own Pack).
Cf. B725: Everyone shall bear his own burden; B728: To lay
one’s burden upon another’s back.
P175 PEDDLER’S French
1530 PALS., p. 727a: I speke a pedlars frenche, or a gyberishe, or
any contrefait langaige. 1567 HARMAN Caveat Ep., p. 23: Their
languag—which they term peddelars Frenche or Canting—began
but within these xxx yeeres. 1577—87 W. HARRISON Descr. Eng.
II x,I 218: They [beggars] haue deuised a language among them-
selues, which they name Canting, but other, pedlers French. 1600

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
PEDIGREE 5 3o
PENNY
NASHE Summer’s Last Will: Wks., III 276: Wherein differ they
From beggars, that professe the Pedlers French? 1613 WITHER
Abuses II I, I 170: Besides, as I suppose, their Lawes they pend,
In their old Pedlers French, vnto this end. 1620 SHELTON Don
Quix. Pt. II, xix, III 143: All this to the Husbandmen was Heathen
Greek, or Pedlers French. 1649 [SHIRLEY AND CAVENDISH] Capt.
Underwit II ii, p. 351: Out upon’t! pedlars French is a Christian
language to this. a1700 B.E.:Pedlars-French. *A sort of Gibrish
. used by Gypsies . . Also the Beggers Cant. (11)
P176 As long as a Welsh PEDIGREE
I652 CULPEPER Eng. Physician, p. 106: Many are the Names this
furious biting Herb hath obtained, almost enough to make up a
Welshman’s Pedigree, if he fetch it no farther than John of Gaunt,
or William the Conqueror. 1662 FULLER Worthies Wales, II 556:
*Any Welsh-Gentleman . . can presently Clime up, by the stairs
of his pedigree, into princely extraction. [a1683] 1698 A. SIDNEY
Disc. Govt. II 24, p. 175: The Nation . . set up a young Man to
reign . . who had no better cover for his sordid extraction than a
Welch Pedegree.
Cf. G78: All Cornish gentlemen are cousins.
P177 Never inquire the PEDIGREE of a good man
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 29: *This proverb denotes that vertue
and goodnesse is the best coat of arms.
Cf. V85: Virtue is the true nobility.
P178 In great PEDIGREES there are governors and
Chandlers
1640 HERB., no. 218.
Cf. F49: It is a poor family (kin) which has neither a whore nor
a thief in it.
P179 I was by, quoth PEDLEY, when my eye was put
out
1678 RAY, p. 242.
P180 Play with your PEERS
[01582] I621 MONTGOMERIE Flyting (1629 ed.) 1. 95: Poems, p. 62:
Play with they peir, or I’ll pull thee like a paipe. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 1132. 1616 WITHALS, p. 554: It is no jesting with great
Bugs. 1668 R.B., p. 43. 1721 KEL., p. 281: (Playfeers [fellows]).
*Spoken to young People when they offer to be roguish upon, or
play too saucily with, old People.
P181 I will take you a PEG (buttonhole, hole) lower
1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 394: Now haue at you all
my gaffers of the rayling religion, tis I that must take you a peg
lower. 1591 LYLY Endim. III iii 82: Hee hath taken his thoughts
a hole lower. 1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 204: The hard lodging
on the boards [will] take their fiesh downe a button hole lower.
1599 CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth v 77, p. 60: Decline me, or take
me a hole lower, as the proverb is. 01600 Club Law IV i, p. 67:
The scrubbes are so perke now, if wee doe not take them downe a
hole lower, the slaves will crowe over us. 1616 DR., s.V. Correc-
tion, no. 361: He hath taken him an hole lower. a1624 M. SMITH
Serm., p. 188: They did not onely dispute the case with him . . but
also they went more roundly and roughly to worke with them,
taking them downe a pinne or two lower. I633 SHIRLEY Triumph
Peace, p. 280: I’d see the tallest beefeater on you all . . knocking
my wife down, and I’ll bring him a button hole lower. 1639 CL.,
p. 183. 1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. IV ix, p. 234: Had
not Daplusse taken him a button lower. 1664 S. BUTLER Had.
II ii 520, p. 174: We still have worsted all your Holy Tricks . . And
took your Grandees down a peg. 1670 RAY, p. 189: To take one
a peg lower. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 214: I’le take you down a
peg—teach you better manners. 1672 WALK. 38, p. 57: To pull
one down a peg.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 706: Master, let me take you
a button-hole lower. (8)
P182 PEN and ink is wit’s plow
1639 CL., p. 35. 1670 RAY, p. 130. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Pen.


P183 PENS may blot but they cannot blush
01574 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 172: I could not sai so mutch to your
face without blussing, but literae non erubescunt. I577 GRANGE
Garden, s. RIV: And Sith, as the prouerbe goeth, Inke and paper
blusheth not. 1596 HARINGTON Anat. Metam. Ajax, p. 3: (You
know the old saying, Pens). I615 WELDE Yanua Ling. 223, p, 14;
Letters blush not. 1616 DR., s.v. Bashfulnes, no. 114. [1622]
I653 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Changeling III iv 80: Paper
blushes not, Send thy demand in writing. 1639 CL., s.v. Pudor,
p. 268. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: A letter doth not blush. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 14: Paper blusheth not. *Note 83, p. 19: One
may write, what one would be ashamed to speak. 1732 F UL., no,
3201: Letters blush not.
See ST., no. 1775.
P184 PENDLE, Ingleborough, and Penigent are the
three highest hills between Scotland and
Trent
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Lancashire, I 749: Of these hils I haue made
mention the more willingly, both because they are the highest in
our Apennine whence commeth this vulgar Rhime. Ingleborrow
Pendle and Penigent Are, the highest hills betweene Scotland and
Trent. 1622 DRAYTON Poly-Olb. XXVIII I 15, p. 548: That Ingle_
borow hill, Pendle, and Penigent, Should named be the high’st
betwixt our Tweed and Trent. 1670 RAY, p. 256: And which is
more common in the mouths of the vulgar, Pendle, Penigent and
Ingleborough, Are the three highest hills all England thorow.
1697 MER., p. 165.
P185 As old as PENDLE HILL
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20. 1670 RAY, p. 235.
P186 PENELOPE’S web
1559 COOPER, s.v. Penelope: Penelopes telam retexere, Signifieth
to doo and vndoo, to take much labour in vayn. 1580 BARET,
P—253: Penelopes telam texere . . A Prouerbe aptly applied to
those which labour, and yet can see no fruite of their trauell, or
paines taking. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 195: If this be all you
say, a fayre threed she hath sponne, For what she wrought all day,
at night was all vndone. 1602 BASSE Sword and Buckler 68:
Poetical Wks., p. 27: His libertie is in an howers While, Both done
and undone like Penelop’s web. 1613 T. ADAMS Heaven Earth
Reconcil.: Wks., p. 71: Examples teach soonest . . It is a long way
by Preceptes, a short by Examples: The force of a hundred good
Sermons, is lost by one enormitie: so easie is it to weaue Penelopes
webbe. 1614 OVERBURY Melanch. Man: Char., p. 73: He winds up
his thoughts often, and as often unwinds them; Penelope’s web
thrives faster.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. I iii 92: You Would be another Penelope.
Yet, they say, all the yarn she spun in Ulysses’ absence did but
fill Ithaca full of moths.
See OTTO, no. 1379.
P187 To Sit on PENNILESS BENCH1
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 29: Euery stoole he sate on, was
penniles bench. 1604 MIDDLETON Black Bk., p. 27: The time was
at hand, like a pickpurse, that Pierce should be called no more
Pennyless, like the Mayor’s bench at Oxford. [1632] 1659 MAS-
SINGER City Madam IV i, p. 459: Bid him bear up: he shall not Sit
long on Penniless-Bench. [9.1635] 16 51 T. RANDOLPH Hey for
Honesty IV i, p. 451: I now must pine and starve at Penniless
Bench. (10)
[ISee Sugden, p. 402.]
P188 AS clean as a PENNY
1681 ROB., p. 338. 1720 GAY New Song Similes l. 54: Poems, II
279: Clean as a penny drest.
P189 A better PENNY
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom i, p. 9: Indulgence, when
thay maried art, Hath buttur [for better] pence in store. 1591
SPENSER Prosop. l. 523: Wks., p. 97: Whereas then maist com-
pound a better penie. [1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. V, s. K1v:
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PENNY
PENNY
531


Hast thou any mony about thee Tom? —An hundred angels, and
a better peny, Pigs of your own Son Father. 1606 Wily Beguiled
i, p. 5: I can . . fetch in ten in the hundred, I and a better penny
too. 1617 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Fair Quarrel Vi 88: Why,
sir, she has a thousand and a better penny. 1624 CHAMBERLAIN
in Court and Times 7ames I, III 468: The Earl of Holderness
married Sir William Cockaine’s daughter, with £10,000 portion,
and a better penny, as they say. 1668 DRYDEN Martin Mar~All
IV i, p. 61: There’s five thousand pounds, and a better penny.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-1 M. W.W. I i 60: Did her grandsire leave
her seven hundred pound? ——Ay, and lit-:r father is make her a
petter penny.
P190 Better PENNY in silver than any brother
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 16.
Every PENNY that is saved is not gotten
1732 FUL., no. 1454: Every Penny that is taken,
P191
1670 RAY, p. 139.
is not clear Gains.
Cf. P206: A penny saved is a penny got; P209: Sometime a
penny well spent is better than a penny ill spared.
P192 Everyone has a PENNY for the new alehouse
I678 RAY, p. 181: Every one has a penny to spend at a new Ale-
house. 1732 FUL., no. 1445.
P193 He has not a PENNY to buy his dog a loaf
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 724.
Cf. B632: Who has no more bread than needs must not keep a
dog; D474: He is not able to give a dog a crust.
P194 He thinks his PENNY (farthing, halfpenny) good
silver
I546 HEY. I x, s. C4v: She thynkth her ferthyng good siluer. I575
GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. I v, p. 24: I thought my halfepeny good
siluer within these few yeares past, and now no man esteemeth
me unlesse it be for counsell. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 19 5:
He deemeth no pennye good siluer but his owne, preferring . . his
owne witte before all mens wisedomes. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv.
II, I 241: Shee hath great cause . . to thinke her halfepennie better
silver then other womens. 1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. II xiv, I
237: And I, simple though I sit here, thought once my pennie as
good silver, as some of you do. 1594 GREENE AND LODGE Looking
Glass, s. C2: Tho she say that she is fairest, I thinke my pennie
siluar by her leaue. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 736: He counts his half-
penny good silver. 1602 BRETON Packet Letters Pt. I: Wks., II
20: There are more Batchelors then Roger, and my penny is as
good siluer as yours. 1616 DR., s.v. Conceitednesse, no. 292:
(halfepenie). I622 MABBE Rogue I 1 ii, I 88: She thought her
penny good silver, and would not give her arme for the wringing.
I632 HAUSTED Rival Friends IV vi, s. I3: I thinke my penny as
good siluer as yours, euery day i’th Weeke, I’le tell you but so.
1639 CL., s.v. Philautia, p. 254. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: She
thinks her farthing as good silver as anothers. Ibid., p. 15: She
thinketh her farthing good silver. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 13:
(Every begger thinks). I670 RAY, p. 189. 1721 KEL., p. 172:
He counts his Half-penny good Silver. *That is, he thinks much
of himself with little Reason. 1732 FUL., no. 3112: Is no Coin
good Silver but your Penny?
Cf. P43: To stand on one’s pantofles. (9)
P195 An ill-won PENNY will cast down a pound
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 36: (Ane evill wone). 1662 N. ROGERS Rich
Fool, p. 416: Every Peny hoarded up by sinful courses, will in the
end bring with it a Pound of Vengeance. 1668 R.B., p. 6: (An ill
win penny). I721 KEL., p. 23: *Because cheating and overreach-
ing ruins a Man’s Credit, and so mars his Interest; to which add a
secret Curse of God, who casts away the Substance of the wicked.
P196 In for a PENNY in for a pound
1695 RAVENSCROFT Canterb. Guests V i, p. 50: Well, than, O’er
shooes, o’er boots. And In for a Penny, in for a Pound.
See SM., p. 220. Cf. S379: Over shoes over boots.

P197 Lay your PENNY to mine
I546 HEY. I xi, s. E2: He hath laied downe one peny by myne.
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iii, 5. D4v: But then their sauing
pennie prouerbe comes, And that is this: they that will to the
wine, Berladie mistresse shall lay their pennie to mine.
P198 No PENNY no pardon
1531 TYNDALE Expos. Yohn, p. 156: O popishe forgiveness, with
whom it goeth after the common proverb, No penny, no pardon.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1088. I668 R.B., p. 41. 1732 FUL., no.
3616.
Cf. H1 10: Empty hands deserve no prayer; P199: No penny no
paternoster; P344: No pipe no pudding.
P199 N o PENNY no patemoster
1528 TYNDALE Obed. Chr. Man, p. 245: (After the common saying,
No). 1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 1917, p. 98: No grote no Pater noster,
no penye no placebo. 1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2. 1554 LATIMER
Disput. Oxford: Serm. and Rem., p. 254: (For they say, No). 1573
GASCOIGNE Supposes I i, p. 190: Pitie nor pencion, peny nor pater
noster, shoulde ever have made Nurse once to open hir mouth in
the cause. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 28: Nothing shall
alter my minde, neither penny nor Pater noster. I587 GREENE
Penelope’s Web, p. 158: His Penny gets no Paternoster. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1098. I598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, 3. E4: Re-
membring the olde saying of the popysh Priestes, that wont to
make money of their Mattens, No pennie, no Pater noster. 1611
DAv. Prov., no. 39. 1611 GRUT., no. 199. 1614 CAM., p. 310.
1616 WITHALS, p. 581: No penny, no pater-noster, pay the old
score and fetch a new. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 iii 15, p.
276: No penny, no Pater Noster, as the saying is. 1630 T. ADAMS
Place of Praises: W ks., p. 63 5: It is the reproach of Rome; No peny,
no Pater noster. 1639 CL., p. 245. 1664 COD., p. 206. 1670 RAY,
p. 130. 1721 KEL., p. 259.
See ST., no. 646. Cf. H110: Empty hands deserve no prayer;
L125: A lawyer will not plead but for money (a fee); M1088: No
money (Chink) no drink; P198: No penny no pardon; P344: No
pipe no pudding. (17)
P200 One PENNY is worth another
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pane, p. 130: The English say, As a
peny-loaf is worth a peny, or as a Thief is worth a halter, or as one
peny is worth another.
Cf. T103: As well worth it as a thief is worth a rope (halter).
P201 PENNY and penny laid up will be many
I611 COT., s.v. Bastir: Pennie vpon pennie builds the house; by
little and little great matters are effected, great workes finished.
1639 CL., s.v. Assiduitas, p. 35: (Penny, a penny lay’d). I670 RAY,
p. 130. 1732 FUL., no. 6373.
Cf. L362: Many a little (Every little) makes a mickle (a great);
P213: Who will not keep a penny shall never have many (a
pound).
P202 A PENNY at a pinch is worth a pound
I616 WITHALS, p. 553: (is better than a Pound at any other time).
1639 CL., p. 45.
P203 A PENNY for your thought
01522 T. MORE Four Last Things: Wks., I 76: It often happeth,
that the very face sheweth the mind walking a pilgrimage, in such
wise that . . other folk sodainly say to them: a peny for your
thought. I546 HEY. II iv, s. G3: Wherwith in a great musyng he
was brought. Frend (quoth the good man) a peny for your
thought. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 224: IS your minde on
your meate? a penny for your thought. 1592 GREENE Philomela,
p. 120: Seeing the Countie in a brown study, wakened him of his
muse with a merrie greeting, and bad a pennie for his thought.
I602 MARSTON Antonio and Mell. II i 77: A penny for thy thought,
man. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 382: Come, a penny for your
thought. —It is not worth a farthing.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 3.
PENNY 532
PENNY-WISE

P204 The PENNY in pocket is a good companion
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1670 RAY, p. 130: Penny in pocket’s
a good companion. 1732 FUL., no. 3864: Penny in Pocket is a
merry Companion.
Cf. C560: There is no companion like the penny; P205: A penny
in purse will bid me drink when all the friends I have will not;
P656: His purse is his best friend.
P205 A PENNY in purse will bid me drink when all the
friends I have will not
1670 RAY, p. 130. I732 FUL., no. 3865: (Penny in Purse will
make me).
Cf. C560: There is no companion like the penny; P204: The
penny in pocket is a good companion; P656: His purse is his best
friend.
P206 A PENNY saved is a penny got
1662 FULLER Worthies Huntingtonshire, I 471: By the same pro-
portion that a penny saved is a penny gained, the Preserver of
Books is a mate for the Compiler of them. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note II, p. 230: The English say, A peny sav’d, is as good as a peny
got. 1678 RAY, p. 349. CI686 R. POCOCK Daughter Dear l. 8 in
Roxh. Bal., VI 349: A Penny well sav’d is as good as one earn’d.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Penny. 1695 RAVENSCROF'I‘ Canterh. Guests II
iv, p. 17: This I did to prevent expenses, for. . A penny sav’d, is
a penny got. 1721 KEL., p. 148: *English.
Cf. P191 : Every penny that is saved is not gotten; P207: A penny
spared (saved) is twice (twopence) got; P209: Sometime a penny
well spent is better than a penny ill spared.
P207 A PENNY spared (saved) is twice (twopence) got
1640 HERB., no. 502. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 25.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: A peny saved is twice gained. 1659 N.R.,
p. 18. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 229: A peny sav’d, is twice gotten.
I705 Pleas. Art, p. 157. 1732 FUL., no. 342: A Penny sav’d is Two-
pence got. 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 12: A penny saved is two pence
clear.
See DUR., II, no. 370. Cf. P206: A penny saved is a penny got;
S712: Sparing is the first gaining (getting).
P208 A PENNY to serve one’s need
1637 PRICE Round Boys, Indeed 78 in Pepysian Garl., p. 447: The
gentle Craft doth beare good will, to all kind hearted tradesmen
still, That keepe the prouerbe to fullfill, a penny to serve their need.
P209 Sometime a PENNY well spent is better than a
penny ill spared
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 189: It were better sometimes wastefully
to spende, than warely to keepe. 1672 WALK. 71, p. 32.
Cf. A151: All is not won that is put in the purse; P191: Every
penny that is saved is not gotten; P206: A penny saved is a penny
got; S739: Spend not where you may save, spare not where you
must spend.
P210 That PENNY (halfpenny) is well spent that saves
a groat1 (penny)
1611 COT., s.v. Bon: Well is that halfepenie spent that saues a penie.
1614 CAM., p. 312. 1639 CL., p. 221. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 23: That half penny is good that saves a
penny. 1659 N.R., p. I 14. 1664 COD., p. 216. 1670 RAY, p. 130.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Peny. 1732 FUL., no. 4369. 1749 FRANKLIN, p.
25: (’T is a well spent penny that).
Cf. H495: Lose not a hog (sheep) for a halfpennyworth of tar.
[lfourpence]
P211 To turn the PENNY (an honest penny)
1525 Maid Emlyn l. 77 in Early Pop. Poetry, IV 85: His wyfe made
hym so wyse, That he wolde tourne a peny twyse, And then he
called it a ferthynge. 1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4v: Towne ware was
your ware, to tourne the peny. I621 HOWELL Let. I i 41, I 92:
There is no State that winds the Penny more nimbly, and makes
quicker Returns. 1670 G.H. Hist. Card. II ii, p. 144: Trading in
trifles, so he might but turn the Penny. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p.

P215

339: To chop and change, and turn his penny. 1676 WYCHERLEY
Plain Dealer III, p. 157: You must call Usury and Extortion, God’s
Blessings, or the Honest turning of the Penny. 1681 E. RAWLINS
Heraclitus Ridens Feb. 1: I do not intend to make any advantage
of you, but only to keep the Trade going in this dead time, by turn-
ing the peny. a1700 B.E., s.v. Penny-white: To get a Penny, to
endeaver to Live; to turn and winde the Penny, to make the most
of one’s Money. (6)
P212 Who buys by the PENNY finds1 not only himself
but others
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 9. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 10: He that buys by
the penny, maintains not only himself, but other people.
[lsupports]
P213 Who will not keep a PENNY shall never have
many (a pound)
1541 COVERDALE Chr. State Matr. XIX, f. 64v: Who so spareth not
the penye shall neuer come by the pownde. CI625 Pepys Bal. 51,
II 33: For such as haue no care, a penny for to keepe: Shall neuer
be worth a pound. 1639 CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129. 1670 RAY,
p. 131. 1732 FUL., no. 6383: (Who will not lay up).
See ST., no. 1173. Cf. P201: Penny and penny laid up will be
many; P331: He that will not stoop for a pin will never be worth a
pound (point).
P214 You may know by a PENNY how a Shilling spends
1678 RAY, p. 78. 1732 FUL., no. 5951.
Put two PENNIEs (halfpennies) in a purse and
they will draw together
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1134: (in a purs thay wil ay draw together).
1641 FERG., no. 690: (half pennies). 1668 R.B., p. 42: (half-pen-
nies). 1721 KEL., p. 281: *When People have purchased any little
sum of Money it will easily encrease. Apply’d sometimes when rich
Men marry rich Women.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. III i 5 5: Would not a pair of these
[coins] have bred, sir? -—-Yes, being kept together and put to use.
Cf. M1053: Money begets money; U28: An usurer is one that puts
his money to the unnatural act of generation, and the scrivener is
his bawd.
P216 A PENNY FATHER
[01550] 1560 Nice Wanton, s. B1: So that I might bear a rule in hell
by the masse, T0 toss fierbrandes at these penny fathers pates.
1562 HEY. Epig. 24, p. 98: This peny father drue his purse apase,
Saiyng: sens thou art penilesse, I will Geue the this peny, my pen-
ance to fulfill. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. iii, s. D4v: This
was one of this penny-fathers bastards. 1616 DR., s.v. Sparing,
no. 2031. 1631 DEKKER Penny—Wise l. 51 [p. 183]: And yet for all
this, a Penny will be a braue companion still: olde men loue it, and
are therefore called Penny-Fathers. I681 ROB., p. 982. (37)
P217 To be PENNY-WHITE
1622 MABBE Rogue II 11 i, III 198: Whose estate was now such. .
that many principall men became Sutors unto her . . and some of
them exceeding rich . . shee was penny-white (as we say). 1631
DEKKER Penny-Wise l. 59, p. 1 8 3: A Blacke Wench, if she be Penny-
white, passes for current money, where a Faire Wench that hath no
pence, shalled be nayled vp for a counterfet. 1655 FULLER Church
Hist. VI i, II 161: Of the first sort we account the she-Benedictines,
commonly called Black Nuns, but, I assure you, penny white, being
most richly endowed. a1700 B.E., s.v. Penny-white: Penny-white,
said of her, to whom Fortune has been kinder than Nature.
P218 PENNY-WISE and pound-foolish
8.1598 F ERG. MS, no. 1128: Pennie wyse pund fool. 1607 TOPSELL
Hist. Four-footed Beasts, p. 609: If by couetousnesse or negligence,
one withdraw from them their ordinary foode, he shall be penny wise,
and pound foolish. 1611 COT., s.v. Espice: Some to spare a pennie
loose the vse of that which cost them a pound. 1616 DR., s.v.
Follie, no. 743: (He is). 1619 Two Wise Men I i, s. B2v: Least you
be pennywise, and pound foolish. 1623 CAM., p. 275. 1639 CL.,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PENNYWORTH
PEPPER-PROOF
533
F?—
p. 57. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1664 COD., p. 209.. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Spillo, p. 200: In small matters, to be sparing
and covetous, but in great matters of Concern to be lavishly profuse,
and a Prodigal; which the English express by, Peny wise, and Pound
foolish. 1668 R.B., p. 42: Penny wise, pound fool. 1670 RAY, p.
130. 1678 RAY, p. 264: *He spares at the spiggot and lets it out
at the bung-hole. [a1680] 179 5 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., II 486: They
that are curious in Subtleties, and ignorant in things of solid Knowl-
edge, are but penny~wise and pound-foolish. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Peny: A Peny wise and a Pound foolish. 1721 KEL., p. 281:
Penny wise, Pound Fool. *Spoken when People by saving a little
Cost, incur a great deal more Damage. I732 FUL., no. 3866.
See ST., no. 1799. Cf. S750: Spare at the spigot and let it out at
the bunghole. ' ~ (6)
P219 A PENNYWORTH of ease is worth a penny in a
man’s purse
1636 CAM., p. 291: A penniworth of ease is worth a penny at all
times. 1657 CAM., p. 290. 1659 N.R., p. 7: (is worth two in a mans
Purse). 1678 RAY, p. 130: A penny-worth of ease is worth a penny.
1732 FUL., no. 344: [As in 1678 Ray].
P220 He pays him with PEN POWDER
1639 CL., s.v. Clamor, p. 58.
P221
1640 HERB., no. 511.
PENSION never enriched young man
1659 N.R., p. 87: (Pensions).
P222 Among the common PEOPLE Scoggin1 is a doctor
1616 WITHALS, p. 559. 1639 CL., p. 143. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Unlearned, p. 3 50.
[1a jester]
1670 RAY, p. 140.
P223 The common PEOPLE look at the steeple
1564 BECON Preface: Ear/y Wks., p. 21: The poor beholding the
high steeple, (which is the poor man’s sign,) might know where the
pastor or feeder dwelt. 1639 CL., s.v. Illecebra mali, p. 148.
P224 Hasty PEOPLE will never make good midwives
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 101.
Cf. B42 5: The hasty bitch brings forth blind whelps.
He that builds on the PEOPLE builds on the mud
(dirt)
1616 DR., no. 1613. 1641 JONSON Timber, p. 38: Nor let the com-
mon proverb of he that builds on the people builds on the dirt, dis-
credit my opinion. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 212: Who builds on
the people builds on the dirt. 1675 H. NEVILLE Prince IX, p. 66:
(upon the people builds upon the sand).
Cf. P226: He that serves the people (commonalty) serves noth-
ing; S88: To build on sand.
P225
P226 He that serves the PEOPLE (commonalty) serves
nothing
1573 SANF., f. 103v: (the Common wealthe, serueth none). 1578
FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: Who serueth the commons serueth no
body. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 237: Who serues the people nothing
serues. 1616 DR., no. 1436. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 49: Who
serves a commonality, hath a weak Master. 1732 F UL., no. 2082:
He that does any thing for the Publick, is accounted to do it for no
body.
See OTTO, no. 1938. Cf. P225: He that builds on the people
builds on the mud (dirt); S231: A common servant is no man’s
servant; S244: He that serves everybody is paid by nobody.
P227 SO I be warm let the PEOPLE laugh
1659 HOW. S pan. Prov., p. 8: Let me go warm, and let people laugh
as long as they Will. 1732 FUL., no. 4195.
P228 The worst PEOPLE have most laws
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 10. 1664 COD., p. 218.
Cf. L1 17:The more (Many) laws the more (many) offenders (sins).

P229 You cannot make PEOPLE honest by an act of
Parliament
[1616] 1631 JONSON Devil Is Ass IV i 57: This act may make him
honest! ——Ifhe were TO be made honest, by an act of Parliament,
I should not alter, i’ my faith of him.
See SM., p. 601.
P230 Old PEOPLE’S frisking does presage their ending
I611 COT., s.v. Gambade. I685 CODRINGTON Coll. Proverbs 781,
. 1 1 .
Cf. A76: When age isjocund it makes sport for death; M348: An
Old man in love hugs death.
P231-P235 PEPPER: subst.
P231 Hetakes PEPPER in the nose
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 67: Haue no peper yn thy nose. 1520
WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 84: Ifony man Offende hym: he may not
forthwith take peper in the nose, and shewe by rough wordes . . that
he is angred. 1530 PALS., p. 750b: (I take). 1546 HEY. II iv, s.
G4v: He taketh pepper in the nose, that I complayne Upon his
fautes. 1562 HEY. Epig. 212, p. 161: (Thou takst). 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 141: Least you gentlewomen shoulde take
pepper in the nose, when I put but salt to your mouthes. I601
MARSTON Yack Drum I, s. B2: Sir, you need not take the pepper
in the nose, Your nose is firie enough. 1607 WALKINGTON Optic
Glass IX, p. 101: So we say in our English prouerb, when a man is
teisty, and anger wrinckles his nose, such a man takespepper in the
nose. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 7: Phrina (hot whoore) takes pepper in
the nose. 1616 DR., s.v. Wrathfull, or furious, no. 2515. 1636
CAM., p. 306: Takes pepperin the nose. 1641 FERG., no. 428. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: His nose will abide no jest; he hath taken a
pet, or pepper in the nose. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,-s.v. Mosca, p.
1 10: To be netled, and peevishly angry, and to have taken pepper in
the nose, as the English say. 1670 RAY, p. 189: (To take). 1732
FUL., no. 2032: (his Nose).
Cf. M1334: Mustard takes one by the nose; N223: His nose will
abide no jests. (44)
P232 I would I had as mickle PEPPER. as he counts
himself worthy mice dirt
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 842: (worth of myse dirt). I641 FERG., no.
539. 1668 R.B., p. 32.
P233 PEPPER is black and snow white
1616 DR., no. 169: (and snow is white).
deformitas, p. 119.
Cf. S593: Snow is white and lies in the dike and every man lets it
lie; pepper is black and has a good smack and every man does it buy.
1639 CL., s.v. Forma et
P234 PEPPER is hot in the mouth but cold in operation
1588 W. BAILEY Disc. Peppers, s. B 5: (For it is a common saying,
that pepper).
P235 To put PEPPER upon strawberries
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zuccaro, p. 241: A sawce ill contriv’d,
and which doth not suit with the Palat . .the English to that purpose
would say, To put Pepper upon Strawberries.
P236 PEPPER: verb
P236 To be PEPPERED
1599 H. PORTER Two Women [1h iv, 3. E3: You made him drunke at
your house to day, but Ile pepper some of you for’t. 1603 DEKKER
Wonderful Year: Plague Pamph., p. 3 5: You are pepperd if you visit
them; for they are visited alreadie. 1608 DAY Hum. out Breath
I iii, p. 16: Id’e pepper your box. 1631 T. HEYWOOD 1 Fair Maid
West IV, p. 393: She’s peppered by this. 1678 RAY, p. 88: He
is peppered. *One that hath the Fr. Pox.
See ST., no. 65. Cf. P237: He is not pepper-proof.
P237 He is not PEPPER—PROOF
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 197, p. 165: Spoken drollingly, against such
as are not pepper proof. I678 RAY, p. 88: *One that hath the

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
PERSON
PHILOSOPHERS
534

French Pox. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 439: My lord, this veni-
son is plaguily pepper’d; your cook has a heavy hand. —My lord,
I hope you are pepper-proof.
Cf. P236: To be peppered.
P238 Hate not the PERSON but the vice
I533 TYNDALE Enchiridion, s. N2v: We must defye and abhorre the
vices, but not the man. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f.
222v: We ought not to hate the man but his vices. 01640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 3: Hate not the person, but the ill con-
ditions of the wicked, for that is charity. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4,
p. 313: (One hates not).
SHAKESPEARE—1604 M.M. II ii 37: Condemn the fault, and not
the actor of it?
Cf. K64: A king (prince) loves the treason but hates the traitor.
P239 He has put off the PERSON of a judge that puts on
the person of a friend (accuser)
1563 RAINOLDE Found. Rhet., f. 61v: No godlie Lawe, maketh the
accuser his owne Judge. 1618 T. ADAMS Happiness Church: Wks.
(1861), II 550: (Tully tells us of a proverb . . He hath put off).
Cf. F87: He whose father isjudge goes safe to his trial; M341: No
man ought to be judge in his own cause.
P240 To feel a PERSON’S pulse
01540 Eng. Hist., VIII 288: Godwinus, havinge noe small confidence
(after hee hadd once felte his pulses and perceaved his diet) wente
unto him. 1616 DR., no. 1171: I haue felt his pulse.
See ST., no. 1854.
P241 The PERSUASION of the fortunate sways the
doubtful
I640 HERBQ no. 826. I659 N.R., p. 102: (of fortune).
p. 220. I670 RAY, p. 10.
1664 COD.,
P242 PERVERSENESS makes one squint-eyed
I640 HERB., no. 630. 1659 N.R., p. 86.
P243 There is no worse PESTILENCE than a familiar
enemy
01538 Lisle Papers, p. 423: (It hath been an old proverbe that there).
P244 He robs PETER to pay Paul
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. I, p. I 1: Fewe Princes geue that which to
them selfe attayne . . They robbe saint Peter therewith to cloth
S. Powle. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D2: Lyke a pickpurs pilgrym . . to
robbe Peter and paie Poule. 1552 HULOET Abced., s. C6: Borowe of
Peter to paye Paule, whyche is a vulgare speach, properly wher as a
man doth Borow of one to paye an other. 1562 HEY. Epig. 19,
p. 131: Rob Peter and pay Poule. 1566 HOL., p. 260. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 31. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 99: That in my
judgement is a shameful! thyng . . to uncloathe Peter to cloath
Paule. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 699. 1611 COT., s.v. Descouvrir:
Descouvrir Sainct Pierre pour couvrir Sainct Paul. 1616 DR., s.v.
Iniustice, no. 1114. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Piero, p. 147: To
devest Peter to clothe Paul; the English say, To rob Peter to pay
Pan]. 1670 RAY, p. 191. 1732 FUL., no. 4056: Rob Peter, to pay
Pau .
Cf. K101: He rives the kirk to theek the quire; S56: Give not
Saint Peter so much to leave Saint Paul nothing; S427: I will not
take from my left side (hand) to give to my right. (30)
P245 PETER in and Paul out
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1143. 1668 R.B., p. 43. 1721 KEL., p. 279:
Peter in, Paul out. *Spoken when after we had wanted a necessary
Person a long time, upon his Arrival, another equally necessary is
gone.
P246 PETER is so much God’s that God gets him not
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 15. 1732 FUL., no. 3870: Peter is so
godly, that God don’t make him thrive.
P247 PETER of Wood, church and mills are all his
1670 RAY, p. 217: *Chesh.

fig
P248 When you have a PETITION to make buy your
paper of Mr. Humble
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 6. 1683 JANE LEAD Pref. in Pordage
Theol. Myst., p. 62.
P249 As red as a PETTICOAT
1678 RAY, p. 288.
P250 Near is my PETTICOAT (kirtle, coat) but nearer
is my smock (sark)
[ERAS. Adagia, 146C: Tunica pallio propior est.] 1539 TAV., f. 15:
[As in Eras.]. My cote is nerer me than my robe or gowne. *By
thys is signifyed that one frende is nerer vnto a man than an other
is. 1546 HEY. I x, s. D1: Ny is my kyrtell, but nere is my smocke.
1552 TAV., f. 15v: The englyshe prouerbe sayethe thus: Nere is my
cote, but nerer is my shyrt. 1566 HOL., p. 261. 1580 BARET,
P—327: Nigh is my gowne, but nearer is my cote: nigh is my peticote,
but nearer is my smocke. 1591 STEP., p. 150. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1082: Neir is my coat but nearer is my sark. 1610 JONSON
Alch. III v 9: And though to Fortvne neere be her petticote, Yet,
neerer is her smock, the Queene doth note. 1611 COT., s.v. Chair:
(Our women say, neere is). 1616 WITHALS, p. 583. 1622 J.
HOWELL Let. I ii 15, I 119: That king . . having too many irons in
the fire at his own home . . answer’d ’em That the Shirt was nearer
to him than his Doublet. 1623 WOD., p. 504: My Shiort is nearer
me the[n] my Gowne. *So meant of the nearest Bloud, or of him-
selfe before Strangers. 01623 Young Man’s Careless Wooing in
Roxburghe Ballads VIII 869: Near is my petticoat, nearer my
smock is. 1636 CAM., p. 303. 1639 CL., s.v. Philautia, p. 254.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 1: His coat be neere, yet is his
shirt much neerer. 1641 FERG., no. 657: Neir is the kirtle, but
neirer is the sark. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 207:
You know what the Proverbs sings, Near is my Petticoat, but nigher
is my smock. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4,
p. 3 5: The Shirt is nearer the body than the doublet. 1668 R.B.,
p. 40: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. I 31: *Some friends are
nearer to me then others, My parents and children then my other
relations, those then my neighbours, my neighbours then strangers.
1672 WALK. 40, p. 30: (but nearer my smock).
Cf. S356: Close fits (sits) my shirt (coat) but closer my skin.
P251 PHILIP and Cheiny,1 more than a good meinie2
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 280: It was not his entent to bryng vnto
Silla, philip and cheiny, moo then a good meiny, but to bryng hable
soudiours of manhood approued and well tryed to his handes.
1569 BECON Displ. Popish Mass: Prayers, p. 276: Ye pray for
Philip and Cheny, more than a good meany. 1573 TUSSER 500
Points Husb. 2, p. 8: Loiterers I kept so meanie, both Philip, Hob,
and Cheanie.
[ltwo or more of the common people 2retinue]
P252 To appeal from PHILIP drunk to Philip sober
1531 ELYOT Governor II v, II 52: A poure woman, agayne whom the
same kynge had gyuen iugement . . cried, I appele . . To whom
appelist thou? said the kyng. I appele, said she, from the, nowe
beinge dronke, to kynge Philip the sobre. 1557 T. NORTH Dial
Princes IV xviii, p. 707: King Philip—~after hee had giuen iudgement
vppon a time, against a poore widow-woman: She aunswered streight
. . I appeale to King Philip, which is now drunke: that when he is
sober, he returne to giue sentence. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
M4v: I appeale to Papius when hee is sober, to debate the dissen-
tion. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet IV: Wks., p. 224: Let mee but
appeale to Philip of Macedon, when hee is drunke, to Philip of
Macedon, when he is sober.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. 638: To thee, to thee, my heav’d-
up hands appeal, Not to seducing lust, thy rash relier! I sue for
exil’d majesty’s repeal.
P253 PHILOSOPHERS must be captains (kings) and cap—
tains (kings) philosophers
1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia I, p. 55: Plato iudgeth that weale
publiques shall by this meanes atteyne perfecte felicitie, eyther if
philosophers by kynges, or elles yf kynges geue themselves to the
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PHILOSOPHY 535 PHYSICIAN


studie of Philosophie. 1584 LYLY Camp. I i 86: Needes must that Ray]. 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: Don’t misinform your doctor nor
common wealth be fortunate, Whose captaine is a Philosopher, and your lawyer.
whose Philosopher is a Captaine. 1587 GREENE Euph. to Philautus,
p. 206: A Grecian . . made answere . . our captaynes and Generalls
are Philosophers, and our Philosophers made our Captaynes in
warre. 1590 W. SEGAR Bk. Honor and Arms V xxv, II 67: Which
moved Plato to say: That happie is Common weale, where either the
Prince is a Philosopher or where a Philosopher is the Prince. 1605
BACON Adv. Learning I, p. 48: Then should people and estates be
happy when either kings were philosophers, or philosophers kings.
P254 It is the PHILOSOPHY of the distaff
1651 HERB., p. 366. 1657 LEIGH, p. 262.
The PHILOSOPHY of princes is to dive into the
secrets of men, leaving the secrets of nature to
those that have spare time
1651 HERB., p. 373.
P255
P256 As rare as the PHOENIX
[ERAS. Adagia, 615C: Phoenice rarior.] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 86: There is but one Phoenix in the world. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 18, p. 87: He is rarer than a Phoenix, who is wholly happy.
SHAKESPEARE.———1599 A. Y. IV iii 16: She calls me proud, and that
she could not love me, Were man as rare as phoenix. I610 Cym.
I vi I6: Ifshe be furnish’d with a mind so rare, She is alone th’ Ara-
bian bird, and I Have lost the wager.
P257 He takes PHYSIC before he is Sick
1616 WITHALS, p. 575. 1639 CL., p. 283: (before hee be sick).
1670 RAY, p. 1 89: To take physick before one be sick.
P258 He that lives by PHYSIC lives miserably
1588 T. COGAN Haven Health Ep. Ded., p. ii: (But it is a common
saying: He).
P259 If PHYSIC does not work prepare for the kirk
1678 RAY, p. 189.
P260 Kitchen PHYSIC is the best physic
1562 BULLEIN Bulwark Def. Compounds, f. 48v: With kitchin
phisicke: whiche kitchin I assure thee, is a good Poticaries shop.
1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 13v: Preferring alwaies the kitchin
before the Pothicaries shop. 1592 GREENE Quip for Upstart
Courtier, p. 248: For my selfe ifI be i] at ease I take kitchin phisicke,
I make my wife my Doctor, and my garden my Apoticaries shop.
1608-16 DAY Parl. Bees 9, p. 58: My kitchin is my Doctor; and
my garden, My college. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bocca, p. 16:
To help ones self with ones mouth, viz. to recreate nature with good
kitchen Physick. Ibid., s.v. Cantina, p. 27: To drink good wine,
and eat good meat, to use kitchen physick. 01670 Plowm. Rep. 1.
40 in Roxb. Bal., VII 238: Good Kitchen-Physick is the best. 1683
BARNARD Life Heylin LVII, p. 174: The Cook’s boy in the Kitchen
. . was the best Physitian among the Doctors, for by his Kitchen
Physick the Sick was cured. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 444.
Cf. C640: Better wait on the cooks than the mediciners.
P261 Deceive not your PHYSICIAN, confessor, or law-
yer
1573 SANF., f. 50: Conceale not the truthe from the Physition and
Lawyer. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27: From the Phisition and
Attorney, keepe not the truth hidden. 1596 HARINGTON Metam.
Ajax, p. 80: From your confessor, lawier, and Phisition, Hide not
your case on no condition. 1616 DR., no. 302: Hide nothing from
thy Pastour, Physician, Lawyer. 1619 BASSE Help to Discourse,
p. 154: From thy Confessor, Lawyer, and Physician, Hide not thy
case or state on no condition. 1639 CL., p. 289: Hide nothing from
thy Minister, Physitian and Lawyer. 1640 HERB., no. 10 5. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 10: Do not misinform thy Physician, thy
Councellor or Lawyer. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I I, p. 50: From a Physi-
cian, a Confessor, and Counsellor, keep not the truth unreveal’d.
I670 RAY, p. 103: Hide nothing from thy minister, Physician and
Lawyer. 1685 CODRINGTON Coll. Proverbs 534, p. 110: [As in 1670

P262 He is a good PHYSICIAN who cures himself
I611 COT., s.v. Bon: (that can heale his owne infirmitie).
TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 148.
Cf. P267: Physician, heal thyself.
I666
P263 He is purse-sick and lacks a PHYSICIAN
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. II, p. 21: How feel you
your selfe in your purse? —In a manner alwaies ill at ease and
faint. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Testa, p. 215: To be well of ones
head, but sick of ones purse, viz. to be half sick, which the Latin
expresseth by, Aegrotare magis Crumena quam Corpore. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 157: My bodie is sound, but my purse is sick—
I lack money.
SHAKESPEARE.——1598 2 Hen. IVI ii 264: I can get no remedy
against this consumption of the purse.
P264 Honor a PHYSICIAN before thou hast need of him
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 41 I.
P265 An old PHYSICIAN and a young lawyer
1640 HERB., no. 644. 1642 FULLER Holy State II i, p. 52: Com-
monly Physicians like beer are best when they are old, and Lawyers
like bread when they are young and new. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p.
12: Make use of a young Chyrurgeon, but an old Physitian. 1659
N.R., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 36: An old Physician, a young Lawyer.
*An old Physician because of his experience; a young Lawyer, be-
cause he . . will have leisure enough to attend your business. 1732
FUL., no. 652.
Cf. B72: A young barber and an old physician; P273: A young
physician fattens the churchyard.
P266 The PHYSICIAN gleans and the lawyer reaps
1616 DR., s.v. Lawyer, no. 1209.
Cf. G10: Galen gives goods, Justinian honors.
P267 PHYSICIAN, heal thyself
[Luke iv 23: Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician,
heal thyself. ERAS. Adagia, 1032B: Medice cura teipsum.] 1484
CAXTON Fab. Avian 5, p. 22: The leche whiche wylle hele somme
other ought fyrste to hele hym self. 1511 COLET Serm. in Dunton
Phoenix, II 8: Wherefore if you will consider and pull out the motes
that be in your Eyes; ’tis an old Prouerb, Physician heal thy self.
1543 BECON Invective agst. Swearing: Early Wks., p. 385: It is a
shame for a physician to be spotted and pocky that it shall may
justly be said to him, Physician, heal thyself. 1578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. Wit, p. 256: If thou saye to mee, Phisition heale thy selfe, I
aunswere, that I am meetly well purged of that disease. 1616 DR.,
no. 1630. I629 TUVILL Vade Mecum Of Reprehensions, p. 152:
First therefore Physitian, cure thine own ills. 1659 N.R., p. 87:
Physician cure thy self.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-I 2 Hen. VI II i 53: Medice, teipsum.
Protector, see to’t well; protect yourself.
(5)
Cf. P262: He is a good physician who cures himself.
P267a The PHYSICIAN is more dangerous than the dis-
ease
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II Ivi 1, p. 560: As he said of Adrian, a
multitude of Physicians hath killed the Emperor; more danger there
is from the Physician than from the disease. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch
Prof. III 6, p. 257: Most that perish, it is not their disease which
kills them but their physician.
Cf. R68: The remedy (cure) is worse than the disease.
P268 The PHYSICIAN owes all to the patient but the
patient owes nothing to him but a little money
1616 DR., no. 1626: The physitian oweth all to the disease, and the
disease nothing to the physition. 1640 HERB., no. 915. 1659
N.R., p. 104: (the Patient ows him nothing but). 1664 COD., p. 222.
Cf. P272: Who pays the physician does the cure.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
PHYSICIAN
PIE
536

P269 Piss clear and defy the PHYSICIAN
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 61: I knowe no better phisick then to
pisse cleare, that so a man may bid a figg for the phisition. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 15: Piss clear, and shite upon the Physitians head.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 23: When thy piss is of the florins col-
our, a fig for the Physician. 1678 RAY, p. 42.
Cf. M802: Feed by measure (sparingly) and defy the physician.
P270 A pitiful PHYSICIAN (chirurgeon, surgeon) makes
a deadly wound (sore)
1562 BULLEIN Bulwark Dey'. Dial., f. 2v: Soft chyrurgiens maketh
foule sores. I573 SANF., f. 107v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32:
(a scald wound). 1596 DEL., s. P7v. I604 MARSTON Malcontent
IV ii 9 5: Tut, a pitiful surgeon makes a dangerous sore. I611 COT.,
s.v. Playe: A pitifull Chirurgian makes a pitifull sore.
See DUR., I, no. 117. Cf. M1201: A pitiful mother makes a
scabby daughter (a scald head); P366: Foolish (Peevish) pity mars
a City.
They that- are whole need not a PHYSICIAN, but
they that are sick
[Mark ii 17: They that are whole have no need of the physician,
but they that are sick.] 1508 J. FISHER Sayings David in Psalms,
p. 14: They that be hole nedeth no physycyen, but a phisycyen is
nedefull vnto them that be seke. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat.
agst. Dicing, p. 22: Christe, that sayeth . .The whole neede not a
phisition, but they that are sicke. I597 BRETON Physician’s Letter
in Will Wit (1599 ed.): Wks., II 62: Il sano non ha bisogna del medi-
co. 1616 DR., no. 1974: The sicke haue neede of the Physician.
1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xxii, III 166: The sound man needs
no Physician. 1630 T. ADAMS Physicfrom Heav.: Wks., p. 290:
(They that be Whole).
SHAKESPEARE.—I§99 A.Y. III ii 376: Iwill not cast away my
physic but on those that are sick.
P271
P272 Who pays the PHYSICIAN does the cure
1616 DR., no. 1417: They that pay the Physition, shall bee cured.
1640 HERB., no. 873. I659 N.R., p. 125.
Cf. P268: The physician owes all to the patient but the patient
owes nothing to him but a little money.
P273 A young PHYSICIAN fattens the churchyard
I566 HOL., p. 254: They say in our parish that yong phisitions make
the churchyardes croked. I611 COT., s.v. Cemetiere: (An vnex-
perienced Physitian). Ibid., s.v. Medecin: A new Phisition makes
a Churchyard swell. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12: A young Physi-
tian makes the Church-yard hilly, Viz. full of graves. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 38, p. 147: Ignorant Physicians make a bumping Church-
yard. Ihid. 22, p. 148.
Cf. P265: An old physician and a young lawyer.
P274 There are more PHYSICIANS in health than
drunkards
1640 HERB., no. 897. 1659 N.R., p. 104.
Cf. D630: There are more Old drunkards than old physicians.
P275 The PHYSICIANS OF VALENCIA have long robes and
little skill
1616 DR., no. 1629. 1654 WHITLOCK Zootomia, p. 101: The Valen-
tian Doctor Is one that hath done his Exercises in Fees, or by . .
Fiat is created Doctor . . Doctor he will be, though but Doctor of
Valentia: of whom the Italian Proverb saith, Doctor di Valenza
Longa Robba, Corta Scienza. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 21:
Physicians of Valencia, long coats and little knowledge.
P276 To be in a sad (sweet) PICKLE
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 56, p. 125: Reape barlie with sickle,
that lies in ill pickle. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 153: I
will put them in bryne, or a piteous pickle, euery one. 1600 Sir Oldcastle, s. G1: Gods wil, I am in a proper pickle. 1616 RC.
Times’ thist/e l. 1841, p. 60: And all the rest in a sweet pickle
brought. 1620 J.C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids I iv, s. D4: Here is your


sweet-hearts Brother . . in a worser pickle then you. 1633 SHIRLEY
Bird in Cage II i, p. 391: Save yourself, you are in a worse pickle
than we are. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh IV Vi 46: They have pm
me in a sweet pickle, Dame. 1660 PEPYS Diary Sept. 26, I 251;
At home with the workmen all the afternoon, our house being in a
most sad pickle. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fresco, p. 67: In a
pityfull condition; The English say, in a sad pickle. 1694 CON-
GREVE Douhle Dealer III, p. 40: Should she smoke my design upon
Cynthia, I were in a fine pickle.
SHAKESPEARE.—~16II Temp. V i 281: How cam’st thou in this
pickle? —I have been in such a pickle, since I saw you last, that I
fear me will never out of my bones.
See ST., no. 1915. (69)
P277 Purgatory PICKPURSE
1536 LATIMER Serm. 5, p. 50: They that begot and brought forth
that our old ancient purgatory pick-purse. 1548 LATIMER Serm.
6, p. 71: Downe with Christ’s cross, up with purgatory pickpurse,
up with him, the popish purgatory, I mean. 1554 HILARIE Resur.
Mass, s. B6v: They talke also of pickepurse purgatory. 1593 H,
SMITH God’s Arrow 5: Wks., II 419: It may be well andjustly called
purgatory pickpurse . . wealth and great riches of the clergy, was
the only mark they aimed at.
P278 To look like the PICTURE of ill luck
1639 CL., p. 119: (You looke like). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Zingano, p. 240: To look like an ill-favoured Fellow; Like the Pie-
ture of ill Luck, saith the English. 1670 RAY, p. 206.
P279 Painted PICTURES are dead speakers
I616 BRET., p. 5. 1639 CL., p. 120. 1670 RAY, p. 131.
P280 PICTURES are the books of the unlearned
1662 FULLER Worthies Kent, I 527: According to the maxime, Pic-
tures are the Books, Painted Windows were in the time of Popery
the Library of Lay-men; and after the Conquest grew in general use
in England. -
P281-P285 PIE = magpie
P281 As merry as a PIE (magpie) .
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. B2v: And iet it ioly as a iay. I546
HEY. II iii, s. G2v: The fyrst parte of diner mery as a pie. I570
GOOGE Popish Kingdom IV, f. 45v: They rowte and reuell, feede
and feast, as merry all as Pyes. 1575 LANEHAM Letter, p. 41: With
sak and suger, we sweetned him againe, and after becam az mery az
a py. 1590 Tarleton’s News out Purgatory, p. 68: Home went Ly-
setta, as merry as a pye. a1600 T. Reading (1632 ed.) 2 in Early
Eng. Prose Rem., I 78: As pleasant as Pics. 1600 DEKKER Shoe.
Hol., p. 73: I’le be as merrie as a Pie. 1605 S. ROWLEY When You
See Me, s. C4: Hele lafe and be as merry as mag-pie. I611 DAV.
Prov., no. 363: As merry as pies: Maids are made by the cup. 1616
DR., no. 1404. [01616] 1639 FLETCHER M. Thomas IV ii, p. 143:
At Valentines house so merry? -—As a pie Sir. 1659 HOW. Br.
Prov. , p. 40: More wanton then the Magpie.
P282 Fly at a PIE and catch a daw
1570 ASCHAM Schoolmaster, p. 128: Soch as will nedes so flie, may
fiie at a Pye, and catch a Dawe. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 163:
And no dout that scholler that takith rashley uppon him ani profes-
sion . . mai perhaps fii at a pie, as the prouerbe is, but he is most
likeli to catch a dawe.
Cf. P317: Shoot at a pigeon and kill a crow.
P283—4 Not too high for the PIE nor too low for the crow
I546 HEY. II vii, s. I4. 1560-77 Misogonus II ii 59: Take hede Sir
yow goe not to low for the crowe and take hede Sir yow goe not to
hye for the pye. 1562 HEY. Epig. 224, p. 162. 1616 WITHALS, p.
567. 1639 CL., s.v. Mediocria tuta, p. 206. 1670 RAY, p. 189.
P285 T0 chatter like a PIE
[1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. B1v: That one chatreth
lyke a pye. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 4: Sawynge theyr sede
of chatrynge lyke the pye. 1509 HAWES Past. Pleas. 9, p. 46: That
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most irnportant word.
PIES
PIG
537

f
the vyle termes should nothing arage As like a pye to chatter in a
cage. 61525 Interlocution betw. Man and Woman, s. A4: Chatryng
lyke a pye. 1548 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 3: But no treason is
commonly hiden nor no sedicion long vnreueled, for Pies wyll chatter
and Mice wyll pepe. 1583 STUBBES dnat. Abuses I, p. 87: As wom-
en you know are talkative enough, and can chat like Pies. 01600
I Ret. from Parn. V, p. 73.
P286 PIE = pastry
P286 Better n0 PIES than pies made with scabby
hands
1611 COT., s.v. Pastissier: (with scabd hands).
Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 180.
1658 E. PHILLIPS
P287 A good PIECE steel is worth a penny
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 90. 1668 R.B., p. 7.
P288 He has a PIECE of bread and cheese in his head
I678 RAY, p. 87: (He has got a). *Of one drunk.
P289 A knotty PIECE of timber must have sharp
wedges
[ERAS. ddagia, 70F: Malo nodo malus quaerendus cuneus.] I539
TAV., f. 4v: To a crabbed knot muste be sought a crabbed wedge.
*A stronge disease requyreth a stronge medicine. A shrewed wyfe,
a shrewed husbande to tame her. A boysteous horse, a boysteous
snaffel. I586 WITHALS, s. E8: Malo nodo malus addendus cuneus.
A wagge must bee well whipped. I611 COT., s.v. Coing: A dur, ou
mauvais noeud mauvais coing. *Sayd of a swaggering, or litigious
fellow, matched with one, in his owne kind, worse then himselfe.
1611 DAV. Epig., no. 137: A crabbed knot a crabbed wedge must
haue. 1616 DR., s.v. Seuerity, no. 1949. 1664 COD., p. 203:
(Knotty pieces of). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 170: To a great knob,
a sharp wedge. I670 RAY, p. 15: (must have smooth wedges).
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. I iii 316: Blunt wedges rive hard knots.
See DiiR., I, Suppl., no. 926.
P290 A PIECE of a churchyard fits everybody
1640 HERB., no. 1020. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
190. 1659 N.R., p. 18: (fits many a mans body).
Cf. G428: We shall lie all alike in our graves.
P291 A PIECE of a kid is worth two of a cat
1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 70: A peece of a kyd is woorth two of a
cat. Who the diuell will chaunge a rabet for a rat? I611 GRUT.,
no. 24. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., s.v. Rare, or scarce, no.
1804. 1639 CL., s.v. Dissimilitudinis, p. 96. Ibid., s.v. Excellen-
tia, p. 104: A bit of kid’s worth the body of a kite. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 7. I659 N.R., p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 183. 1670 RAY,
p. 110. I732 FUL., no. 348.
Cf. L186: A leg (pestle) ofa lark is better than the body ofa kite.
P292 The worst PIECE is in the midst
I616 WITHALS, p. 577: (Brauely attired, but the worst peece).
1639 CL., p. 141: (Bravely drest, but the worst part). 01640
SMYTH 43, p. 30: (All is well save that the worst peece). I666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Paglia, p. 126: To be field straw, viz. one bad in the
midst of two good; for Husbandmen when they carry their straw to
sell, they put the best outmost, and the worst in the midst. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 22.
Cf. V80: Virtue is found in the middle (mean).
P293 You have gotten a PIECE 0f Kitty Sleitchock’s1
bannock2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1588: Ye have eaten a peic of Kittie Fleich-
ours bannok. I721 KEL., p. 373: *Spoken when young ones
flatter us for something.
llKitty the fiatterer 2cake]
P294 He is all to PIECES
I678 RAY, p. 89: *A Bankrupt.
Cf. H17: His hair grows through his hood.
¥

P295 PIE LID makes people wise
I592 LYLY Midas IV iii 39: He hath laid the plot to be prudent: why
tis pasty crust, eat enough and it will make you wise, an Olde prou-
erb. 1678 RAY, p. 79.
Cf. E157: Eat enough and it will make you wise.
P296—P3 13 Pro = swine
P296 As snug as a PIG in pease straw
1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed wit/z Kind, p. 136: To bed . . and
let VS sleepe as snug as pigs in pease straw. [1625] 1639 R. DAvEN-
PORT New Trick to Cheat Devil III i, p. 232: He snores and sleepes as
snug As any Pigge in Pease-straw. CI662 yovial Crew 1. 89 in Bag-
ford Bal., I 198: Like Piggs in the pease-straw, intangld they lie.
P297 As subtle (wise) as a dead PIG (sow)
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 16: I am as wise as
my mothers sowe. I672 WALK. 51, p. 16: *Non plus sapit quam
occisa sus. I681 ROB., p. 1 185: (He’s as subtle as).
P298 As willful as a PIC, he’ll neither lead nor drive
1678 RAY, p. 291. I732 FUL., no. 750: (a Pig, that will neither).
P299 A brinded PIG will make a good brawn to breed
on
1678 RAY, p. 67: *A red-headed man will make a good stallion.
P300 The first PIC, but the last whelp, of the litter is
the best
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: The first pig, the last puppy is best.
1678 RAY, p. 53: *Ital. 1732 FUL., no. 4530: (is best).
P301 He has a PIG of the worse pannier sure
1533 I. HEYWOOD 701m, s. B4v: And peradventure, there, he and she
Wyll make me cokold, euyn to anger me And then had I a pyg in
the woyrs panyer. I546 HEY. II xi, s. MI: Who that hath either
of these pygs in bre, He hath a pygge of the worse panier sure.
P302 He knows not a PIG from a dog
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rossignuolo, p. 173: (To be a very fool;
the English say, he knows not a). 1678 RAY, p. 264. I732 FUL.,
no. 1960.
P303 I desire not a PIG with a bell about his neck
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 30: *The meaning is, that a courtesie
done with noise and ostentation is not so pleasing.
P304 I will not buy a PIG in a poke
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2v: Though ye loue not to bye the pyg in the
poke Yet snatche ye at the poke. 1562 HEY. Epig. 83, p. 139: I will
neuer bye the pyg in the poke. [01565] 1595 Peddler’s Prop/1., s.
A4: Wilt thou haue me buy the pig in the poake. 1573 TUSSER
500 Points Hush 16, p. 34: In dooing of either, let wit beare a stroke,
for buieng or selling of pig in a poke. I580 BARET, A—168: To buy
at all aduenture, or to buy a pigge in a poke. 1583 GREENE Ma-
millia I, p. 121: He is a foole, they say, that will buy the pig in the
poke. I603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne I, I 229: No man will buy
a pig in a poke. 1614 CAM., p. 309. 1616 WITHALS, p. 580. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: To buy a pigg in a poke. Ibid., p. 12: This
is to sell a pigg in a poke. 1659 N.R., p. 69. 1670 RAY, p. 131:
*Gall. To buy a cat in a poke. a1700 B.E., s.v. Poke: To buy a
Pig in a Poke, or unsight 0r unseen.
' See ST., no. 1093. Cf. C170: To buy a cat in a poke; U17: Un-
sight unseen. (12)
P305 A PIG of your (my) own sow
CI525 []. RASTELL] Gentleness andNobility, s. AI v: That is euyn a pyg
of our own Sow. I546 HEY. II vii, s. I2v: (myne owne sowe). I562
HEY. Epig. 178, p. 155: Syr ye gyue me a pyg, of myne owne sowe.
I579 GOSSON Sclz. flbuse, p. 40: The last, because it is knowen tOO
be a Pig of myne owne Sowe, I will speake the lesse of it. 1579 G.
HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 59: Bestowing uppon myselfe a misshapin ill-
IH Partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
PIG
PIGEONS
538

favorid freshe copy of my precious poems, as it were, a pigg ofmyne
owne sowe. [1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. V, s. Klv: Pigs of your
own Sow. 1608 J. DAY Hum. out Breath III i, p. 34: Tis a pig of
your owne sow. 1611 COT., s.v. Chemise: To giue one a pig of his
owne sow. *To affoord him helpe out of his owne meanes. 1616
WITHALS, p. 556: *Ex tua officina venit. 1639 CL., s.v. Pensatio
beneficii vel officii, p. 246. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: You give
me a Pigg of my own Sow. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 180: See,
here’s an egge of my own hen. *Note 60, p. 182: The English say,
a pig of my own sow. 1670 RAY, p. 188: (my own sow). 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., s.v. Self, Self-love, p. 305: (’Tis a pig of). 1681 ROB.,
p. I I 10: ’Tis a pig of your own sow, your own selfsold it. (5)
P306 A PIG plays on the organs1
1616 WITHALS, p. 580. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, indecora, p. 7.
Ibid., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72: As good musick as when pigs play 0’
the organs. I670 RAY, p. 189: (Pigs play). 1672 WALK. 59, p. 53:
(Pigs play). 1683 W. KENNETT Pr. Folly, p. 75: No more Skill in
the handling ofany Instrument than a Pig playing vpon the Organs.
1685 WESLEY Maggots Grunting of Hog, p. 22: Why should not
other Piggs on Organs play, As well as They?
Cf. A366: To see an ass play on a harp; H505: You were born at
Hogs Norton, where pigs play on organs; J38: The jay is unmeet
for a fiddle; S679: A sow to a fiddle.
[lone organ]
P307 To stare like a stuck PIG
[1614-33] 1637 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Elder Brother II ii, p. 16:
Ask ’em any thing out of the Element of their understanding, and
they stand gaping like a roasted Pig. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua V
ix, III 272: Panurge star’d at him like a dead Pig. 1709 British
Apollo 62, Oct. 26, Vol. II: At witty Repartee She will gape like aPig
on a Spit, not able to answer a word. 1720 GAY New Song Similes
l. 13: Poems, II 278: Like a stuck pig I gaping stare.
P308 When the PIC is profiered (offered) hold up
(open) the poke
1520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria, p. 107: It is sayd comenly, whan the
pygge is profered: open thepoughen. 1530 PALS., p. 594b: (is prof-
ered it is good to apen the poke). a1536 HILL 1, p. 128: Whan I
profir the pig, opin the poke. 1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4: Than haste
must prouoke, Whan the pygge is proferd to holde vp the poke.
1548 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 37: In this lucky tyme also, no lesse
occasion of victory, was offred to the Englishemen, beyng in another
parte, yf, when the pigge had been profered, thei had opened the
poke. 1576 FULWELL Ars Adulandi VI, s. G1: When Pig is prof-
erd, ope the poke. 1601 BODLEY Letters to T. Yames, p. 1 1: It will
be requisit alwaies, to open the poake when the pigge is presented.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 302: (hold ope thy poke). 1611 GRUT., no.
305. 1614 CAM., p. 314. 1616 DR., s.v. Opportunitie, no. 1561:
(While the pigge). 1616 WITHALS, p. 579: (is offered, hold ope the
poake). 1639 CL., s.v. Occasio, p. 234: (hold open the poke).
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 193. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 10. 1664 COD., p. 225: (hold open the Poke). 1670 RAY,
p. 131: *Never refuse a good offer. 1732 FUL., no. 5601.
See TAY., p. 78. Cf F615: When fortune smiles upon thee take
the advantage of it; S406: When the shoulder of mutton is going it
is good to take a slice; T31 I: Take time (occasion) by the forelock,
for she is bald behind.
P309 The young PIG grunts like the old sow
I678 RAY, p. 184.
Cf. C491: The young cock crows as he the old hears.
P310 Some cannot abide to see a PIG’S head gaping
1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 1 88: Some will take on like a mad man,
if they see a pigge come to the table. [a1600] 1639 DELONEY
Gentle Craft II, p. 84: Some cannot abide to eate of a pig. [I613-
14] I623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi III ii 254: (He could not).
SHAKESPEARE.——1596 M. V. IV i 47: Some men there are love not
a gaping pig, Some that are mad if they behold a cat.
Cf. J50: Invite not a Jew either to pig or pork.


P311 PIGS can see the wind
1678 S. BUTLER Had. III ii 1105, p. 351: Had Lights where better
Eyes were blind, As Pigs are said to see the Wind. 1703 E. WARD
Writings, II 271, quoted in App., p. 494: ’Tis as natural . . as ’58
for a hog to see the wind.
P312 PIGS fly in the air with their tails forward
I595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 884, S. E2v: Are not you the man _ ,
that came from a strange place in the land of Catita, where Jaeke
a napes flies with his taile in his mouth? 1616 WITHALS, p, 533,
1639 CL., s.v. Impossibilia, p. 147. I670 RAY, p. 189. 1671 C1,,
Phras. Puer., s.v. Impossible, p. 175.
P313 PIGS love that lie together
1678 RAY, p. 189. 1707 CIEBER Double Gallant V, p. 100: You
know the old saying Sir Solomon, Lying together makes Pigs love,
1732 FUL., no. 3874.
P314 PIG = vessel, crock
P314 Where the PIC breaks let the shells1 lie
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1465: (Wher the pigs breaks). 1668 R.B.,
P: 44-
[1potsherds]
P315 Here is a PIGEON (goose, pig) so finely roasted
it cries, Come eat me
[8.1558] 1568 Yacob and Esau IV i, 5. E1: I shall with a trice make
such meate certain, As shall say come eate me. [1614] I631 JON-
SON Barth. Fair III ii 75: Good mother, how shall we finde a pigge,
if we doe not looke about for’t? will it run off 0’ the spit, into our
mouths, thinke you? as in Lubberland and cry, we, we? 1640
JONSON Tale Tub III i 51: And then, a Goose will bid you all, Come
cut me. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 280: The table invites. *Note
18, p. 292: A complement, when we would bid our Guest to fall to,
the Guests themselves will say, I need not eat, The very meat on the
board envites us. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 437.
Cf. L71: He thought that roasted larks would have fallen into his
mouth.
P3 16 The PIGEON never knows woe but when she does
a benting1 go
1609 T. RAVENSCROFT Deuteromelia, S. F3: The Pigion is neuer woe,
till abenting she goe. I670 RAY, p. 44. 1732 FUL., no. 6480.
[lfeeding on bent grass]
P317 Shoot at a PIGEON and kill a crow
1639 CL., s.v. Aberrandi, p. 2. 1670 RAY, p. 189: (To shoot at).
1732 FUL., no. 5229: (To shoot at).
Cf. P282: Fly at a pie and catch a daw.
P318 Full PIGEONS find cherries bitter
1611 COT., s.v. Pigeon: Le Pigeon saoul trouve les cerises ameres:
Said of one who loathes, or derides, his owne ouer-easefull estate.
1623 WOD., p. 509: *Said of those that know not what Povertie is.
Cf. P426: Plenty makes dainty.
P319 To take (catch) two PIGEONS (doves) with one
bean
1573 SANF., f. 104: (It is a goodly thing to take). 1577 GRANGE
Gold. Aphroditis, s. E2: In hoping to take two pigeons with one
beane you are decyued. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29v: It is a
prety thing to catch two Doves with one beane. I580 LYLY Euph.
and His Eng., p. 173: With one bean it is easy to get two pigeons.
1592 LYLY Entertainments at Bisham: W ks., I 473: For oft I haue
hearde, that two Pigeons may bee caught with one beane. 1601
CHAMBERLAIN Letters 45, p. 124: You deserve double thanckes, and
serve two pigeons with one beane. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 98, p. 28:
[As in 1573 Sanf.]. 1639 CL., s.v. Magnifica promissa, p. 193: He
feeds two doves with one beane. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fava, p. 59: To take two doves with one bean,


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PIKE
PILLAR
539


viz. to kill two birds with one stone. 1678 RAY, p. 353: (catch).
I732 FUL., no. 5144: To catch two Pigeons with one Pea.
Cf. B400: To kill two birds with one stone; F404: To kill two
flies with one flap.
P320 PIKE = fish
P320 Witham PIKE, England has none like
1615 G. MARKHAM Husbandnz. Rear. xii, p. 82: The ancient Proverb
is, Ancome Ele, and Witham Pike, In all England is none sike.
I622 DRAYTON Poly-Ola. XXV 307, p. 519: As Kestiven doth boast,
her Wytham so have I, My Ancum (onely mine) whose fame as farre
doth flie, For fat and daintie eeles, as hers cloth for her Pyke, Which
makes the Proverbe up, the world hath not the like. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Lincolnshire, II 2: English Pikes, wherein this County is
eminent, especially in that River which runneth by Lincolne,
whence grew this Proverb, Witham Pike England hath nene like.
P32 I PIKE = weapon
P321 To pass the PIKES
1567 G. FENTON Trag. Dis. 5, I 238: At the leaste, hee wolde graunte
him dispence and saer conduit To passe thorow the pikes of his in-
fortunat dangers. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. Pref., p. 7: Havyng al-
ready past the Pikes in a daungerous conflict without wounde of
honour. I593 MUNDAY Def. Contraries Ep. Ded., s. A3v: I hope to
passe the pikes with my Paradox’ apologia. 1616 DR., s.v. Safety,
no. 1908: He is passed through the pikes. I6I6 WITHALS, p. 576:
You passe through the Pikes. 1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 2 51: You
passe through pikes. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Picche, p. 145:
TO have past among the Pikes, viz. to have been in great dangers,
and past through them, got off. 1670 RAY, p. 189. I682 BEHN
Roundlzeads V, p. 5 5: With much ado . . I have pass’d the Pikes,
my House being surrounded. 31700 B.E., s.v. Pike: *To be out of
Danger. (27)
P322 As plain as a PIKESTAFF (packstaff)
1533 T. MORE Conf. Tyndale IX: Wks. 1557, p. 814: (packe stafi'e).
1542 BECON David’s Harp: Early Wks., p. 276: He is as plain as a
pack-staff. I579 FULKE Heskins et al. Overthr., p. 227: He . .
maketh all the matter as plain as a pack staffe. I591 GREENE Disc.
Coz., p. 21 : A new game—that hath no policie nor knauerie, but plain
as a pike staffe. I597 HALL Satires III Prol., p. [38]: Not, riddle
like, obscuring their intent; But, packe-stalIe plaine, uttring what
thing they ment. 1608 MIDDLETON Family Love V iii 13: It makes
them even when they are at odds; it shows ’em a flat case as plain
as a pack—stafi'. I622 MABBE Rogue I 111 viii, II 228: My new Mas-
ter was . . just in his dealings, and as plaine as any Pack-stafi'e.
I639 CL., p. 287: (pack-stag). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1664
C. COTTON Scarron. I, p. 38: Plain as a pike-staff without gilding.
I678 RAY, p. 281. I690 DRYDEN dmphit. III i, p. 5 5: (pack-staff).
Cf. P8: As plain as a packsaddle. (17)
P323 To speak out in PILATE’s voice
[To speak in the loud voice customary to the Pilate of the mystery
plays.] I530 PALS., p. 837a: In a pylates voyce, a haulte voyx.
1542 UDALL flpoplz., f. 345: He heard a certain oratour speakyng
out of measure loude and high, and all together in Pilates voice.
I546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: Myne aunte had no choyce, But other burst,
or burst out in pylats voyce. 1560-77 Misogonus IV ii 37: [A]re
yow in year pilats voyce.
P324 PILGARLIC
[This term originally indicated a bald head, but became a prover-
bial name for any unlucky person.] a1529 SKELTON Algst. Garnesche
l. 67: W ks., I 122: Ye loste hyr fauyr quyt; Your pyllyd garleke hed
Cowde hocupy there no stede. [I619] I647 FLETCHER H um. Lieut.
II ii, p. 299: There got he a knock, and down goes pilgarlick. 1671
Westminster Droll. I, p. 38: Then to the cupboard Pilgarlick must
hie, To seek for some Crusts that have long lain dry. 1676 T.
SHADWELL Virtuoso II, p. 119: Do you think to make a fool of Pil-
garlick? I699 BOYER Royal Diet, s.v. Sangler: The poor pilgarlick
was soundly horsewhipped. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 412: They
went all to the opera; and so poor pilgarlic came home alone.
P325 To sugar (gild) the PILL
1557 T. NORTH Dial Princes II xvi, p. 231: For the faire women are
like vnto the golden pilles: the which in sight are very pleasant, and
in eating very noysome. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev.,
p. [21], l. 10: The Golden Pill, hath but a bitter taste. I583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. 14v: Pills ywrapt in sugar yeeld no bitter rel-
lishe. I622 MABBE Rogue II 1 i, III 40: For with the finest gold, is
the bitterest Pill covered. 1625 LONG Argem's II i, p. 123: Selenissa
had privately guilded those pills of suspicion, which shee gave the
King against Tinoclea. I647 NATH. BACON Laws Eng. I 16, p. 29:
Yet cloathed with Majesty, like some bitter Pill covered with Gold,
to make the service better tasted. 1663 N. WAKER Refined Courtier
VII, p. 199: Let it not border upon severity and derision, and seem
a bitter pill wrapt in hony. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 324: Bitter
Medicines are cover’d over with sugar. I690 TEMPLE Of Poetry:
Misc. II, I 245: Tis true the Pill was Gilded, but so thin, that the
Colour and the Taste were too easily discovered.
See ST., no. 1828. Cf. A282: Apothecaries would not give pills
in sugar unless they were bitter.
P326 To swallow (digest) a bitter PILL
I567 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. II 24, III 52: The good lady . . swallowed
down that pille without chewing. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 220: I digested the Pill which had almost chockt me. 1595
GOODWINE Blane/lardyn LIV, p. 216: Learne by me to disgest the
hard and harsh pilles of vnhappie fortune. I603 CHETTLE, DEK-
KER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, 5. C3: Ile not disgest this pill.
1623 RUSHWORTH Hist. Coll. I, I 101: [It] would be a harsh and
bitter Pill, to be digested without some preparative. I668 DRYDEN
Essay Dr. Poesy, p. 31 I: But we cannot read a verse of Cleveland’s
without making a face at it, as if every word were a pill to swallow.
I670 G.H. Hist. Card. I iii, p. 73: They were forc’d . . to swallow that
bitter Pill in the Cup of Patience.
SHAKES PEARE.—1594 T.C. V. II iv I49: WhenI was sick you gave
me bitter pills.
See ST., no. 1827.
P327 Bitter PILLs may have wholesome effects
I578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit, p. 253: The medicine the more bitter
it is, the more better it is in working. I721 KEL., p. 69: (blessed
Effects). *Present Afiiictions may tend to our future good. 1732
FUL., no. 985.
SHAKESPEARE.—I604 M.M. IV vi 7: ’Tis a physic That’s bitter
to sweet end.
Cf. A53: Afiiictions are sent us by God for our good; M558: Men
take bitter potions for sweet health.
P328 To be tossed from PILLAR (post) to post (pillar,
pillory)
1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. III, p. 25: From poste vnto piller tossed
shalt thou be. a1529 [SKELTON] Vox Populi: Wks., II 403: That
from piller vnto post The powr man he was tost. 01536 COPLAND
Highway Spittle House 1. 715, p. 56: And turmoyleth alway fro
pyler to post. 1546 HEY. II ii, s. F4: And from post to piller, wyfe,
I haue been tost By that surfet. I562 HEY. Epig. 251, p. 166: Tost
from post to pyller. 1575 RB. flpius and Virg., s. EIV: Thus in
hurly burly from piller to poste, Poore Haphazard daily was toste.
I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Dd2: Hee was . . tossed from poste to
piller, like an espial or runnagate. I598 TOFTE [flea II, p. '70: And
though from piller tost he be to poste, When All him leaue, yet Care
with him doth stay. 1602 Liberality and Prod. II iv, 5. C3: Ech
day, ech houre, yea, every minute tost, Like to a tennis ball, from
piller to post. 1605 CHAPMAN All Fools III i 182: This light sex 'Is
tumbled and tossed from post to pillar. 8.1626 BRETON Char. Eliz.:
Wks., II 5: In the tyme of her sister Queene Maries raigne, how was
shee handled? tost from piller to post, imprisoned, sought to be
put tO death. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15: Toss’d from post to
pillory. I670 RAY, p. 190: (post to pillory). 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. Miserie, p. 223: (post to pillar). a1700 B.E., s.v. Post:
From Pillar to Post, from Constable to Constable.
SHAKESPEARE—I613 T.N.K. III v 114: Whose doughty dismal

fame . . from post to pillar, Is blown abroad. (28)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
PILLows 540 Pm
P329 To sew PILLOWS under one’s elbows
[Ezele xiii 18: Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes.]
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 195: One flattereth an other in hys
owne folly, and layeth cushions vnder the elbowe. I581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. I, I 88: These flatterers are resembled to those which put
a pillow under our heads, and delicate and soft Feathers under our
bodies to make us sleepe. 1584 LYLY Camp. IV iii 31: He must lay
a pillowe vnder his head, when he would put a targette in his hand.
1587 RANKINs Mirr. Monsters, f. I 3: Players . . pynne Cushions
vnder the elbowes of young wits. 1588 [MARPRELATE] The Epistle:
Marpr. Tracts, p. 75: You sow pillows under Harvey’s elbows.
[1604-17] 1647 FLETCHER Woman’s Prize II v, p. 31: I must sleep
out my anger, and endure it, Sow pillows to her ease. 1638 T.
RANDOLPH Muses’ Look. Glass II iv, p. 214: Thou man of sin and
shame, that sewest cushions Unto the elbows of iniquity. I640
JONSON Magn. Lady V vii 14: Softly with art, as we were sowing
pillowes Vnder the Patient elbowes. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Trastullo, p. 220: To humour one, and say as he says, by way of
abuse, to sow pillows under ones elbows. 1672 WYCHERLEY Love
in Wood I, p. 76: No, Mrs. Joyner, you cannot sew Pillows Under
Folks elbows . . You cannot tickle a Trout to take him.
Cf. T537: To catch one like a trout with tickling.
P330 He that takes not up a PIN slights his wife
1640 HERB., no. 357. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 14: Who takes
not up a pin hath no care of his wife. 1659 N.R., p. 56. 1664
COD., p. 199. 1670 RAY, p. 21. 1732 FUL., no. 2324.
He that will not stoop for a PIN will never be
worth a pound (point)
1668 PEPYS Diary Ian. 2, VII 266: (I see your Majesty do not
remember the Old English proverb, He that). 1670 RAY, p. 131:
(shall never be worth a point). 1732 FUL., no. 2355: [As in 1670
Ra .
P213: Who will not keep a penny shall never have many (a
pound).
P331
P332 He that will steal a PIN will steal a better thing
(will be hanged for a pound)
1639 CL., p. 84: He that begins to steale a pin, will be hang’d for a
pound one day. 1670 RAY, p. 145. 1732 FUL., no. 6087.
Cf. E73: He that will steal an egg will steal an OK.
P333 Not to care a PIN -
01555 Songs and Bal. Philip and Mary 27, p. 89: Of Goddes ferfull
vengance the[y] passyde note a pynne. 1560—77 Misogonus II v
45: Doe your best and your worst I care not a pinn for yow I.
1590 SPENSER I v 4: Who not a pin Does care for looke of
liuing creatures eye. 01603 Death R. Devereux in Cent. Broadside
Eleg., p. 3: The Frenchmen . . marched to Roane immediately, not
caring for his foes a pin. 1622 WITHER Fair Virtue: 7am, II 895:
Him I loue, that loueth me; For the rest a pinne I care not. 1627
DRAYTON Agincourt l. 703: Wks., III 26: Nor for their shot he
careth not a pin, But seekes where he his Battery may begin.
01649 Glory of West 34 in Cav. and Pur., p. 259: If either gold
or pearle, Would this damsels favour win, then he weighd it not a
pinne. 1663 Amanda I. 64 in Bagford Bal., I 480: Let them laugh
that win, I care not a pin. 1672 WALK. 15, p. 20: To set lightly
by; make little reckoning of; not value a rush; not care a pin for.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 20: I would not care a pin
if the other three were in. (40)
P334 Not worth a PIN
[61530] c1545 H. RHODES Bk. Nurture (1577 ed.) 1. 420 in Babies
Bk. etc., p. 93: Yet he is not worth a pin. [1547—53] CI565 WEVER
Lusty Yuventus, s. B4: Thou hadst not ben worth a Flaunders
pyn. 01570 INGELEND Disoh. Child, s. C4v: Or els all is not worth
a Brasse pynne. 1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. C1: Then care not
for conscience, the worth of a pin. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 81:
The wedding was not worth a pinne. 1616 WITHALS, p. 570: Not
worth a pins end. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 56, p. 243: That is
byass’d Charity, and not worth a pin.


SHAKESPEARE—I594 T.G.V. II vii 55: A round hose, madam,
now’s not worth a pin. 1600-1 H. I iv 65: I do not set my life at a
pin’s fee. 1604 M.M. II i 98: No matter for the dish, sir. —No,
indeed, sir, not of a pin! (15)
P335 To be on a merry PIN
[01486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature I, s. D2v: Thys wyll set hym
on a mery pyn. cr510 SKELTON Bowge Court 1. 386: Wks., I 45;
Plucke vp thyne herte vpon a mery pyne. 01525 J. RASTELL Nat,
Four Elem., s. E4: Nowe set thy hert on a mery pyn A gayns these
lusty bluddes come in. 01550 BECKE Two Dial., p. 17 It [wine]
setteth your hart vpon a mery pynne. [01550] I 560 Nice Wanton,
s. A2v: I wyll set my heart On a mery pynne. I560 Impat.
Poverty, s. C3: Mon coeur iocunde is sette on a mery pynne. 1566
PAINTER Pal. Pleas. I 51 , II 33: Vpon this hope, this Ladie’s hart
was set on a merie pin. 1592 GREENE Quip for Upstart Courtier,
p. 279: I seeing they were al set on a merry pin, told . . how the
controuersie grew. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money,
8. E1: Ile beare away those three, who being heere, Would set my
Daughters on a merry pin. I622 MABBE Rogue II 111 i, IV 83: And
seeing him thus set upon the merry pin. [1625] 1639 R. DAVEN-
PORT New Trick to Cheat Devill ii, p. 200: Faith I was never on a
merrier pinn, Nor my breast lighter hearted. 1656 T. BLOUNT
Glossographia, p. 496: Pin, as, he is in a merry Pin; it was an an-
cient kind of Dutch artificial Drunkenness, the cup, commonly of
wood, had a pin about the middle of it, and he was accounted the
man, who could nick the pin, by drinking even to it. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Rota, p. 173: To be merry and jocund upon any
good success happen’d, To be on the merry Pin. I670 RAY, p,
189: To be in a merry pin. a1700 B.E., s.v. Pin: Upon a merry
Pin, or in a pleasant Mood.
Cf. P43: To stand on one’s pantofies. (46)
P336 To cleave the PIN
[In archery, to split the pin in the white center of the target]
01576 Common Cond. l. 553, s. CIV: Cupid hath hit the pin. I590
MARLOWE 1 Tamhurlaine II iv 8: For kings are clouts that every
man shoots at, Our crown the pin that thousands seek to cleave.
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 389: Still Cupid’s arrowes neere the hart do
stick But Venus still shootes neerest to the (Pin). [CI613] 1657
MIDDLETON N0 Wit Like Woman’s II i 27: I’ll cleave the black pin
in the midst 0’ the white. 1642 FULLER Holy State V xvii, p. 426:
These fear not to forswear, but fear they shall not forswear enough,
to cleave the pinne and do the deed. 1655 FULLER Church Hist.
IX iii, II 508: Mr. Fox came not up in all particulars to cleave the
pin of conformity.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV i 136: Indeed ’a must shoot
nearer, or he’ll ne’er hit the clout . . Then will she get the upshoot by
cleaving the pin. c1595 R._‘7. II iv 15: The very pin of hisheart
cleft with the blind bow-boy’s butt-shaft.
P337 Hang PINCHING
CI636 W.B. Hang Pinching in Roxh. Bal., III 255: [Title]. 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 148, p. 276: As one would say, Hang pinching,
Lets be mery. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 450: Come, hang sav-
ing; bring us up a half-p’orth of cheese.
P338 A notable PINCHPENNY
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: That benchwhistler (quoth I) is a pinche-
peny. 1565 COOPER Thesaurus, s.v. Aridus: A niggard: a miser:
a pinch penny: withered with couetousnesse. 1616 DR., s.v.
Sparing, or nigardlinesse, no. 2032: A pinch-penie. 1639 CL., s.v.
Avaritia, p. 37. I681 ROB., p. 390: A covetous scrape or pinch-
penny. (19)
P339 The PINE wishes herself a shrub when the ax is
at her root
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 237, I 214: Tell me, h0wever, when the
Carpenter comes next with the Axe into the Wood to Fell Timber,
whether you had not rather be a Bramble, then a F ir-Tree. I732
FUL., no. 4705.
Cf. C208: High cedars fall (are shaken) when low shrubs re-
main (are scarcely moved).
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Moon
PIT
541

*P—
P340 To bring PINNOCK to pannock
I552 HULOET Ahced., s. D3v: Brynge somethynge to nothynge, as
the vulgare speache is, to brynge pynnock to pannock.
P341 The first PINT is the dearest
I623 WOD., p. 493: The first Pint (of any Thing) is the dearest.
*Phrase in hazarding with litle Mony, etc. 1657 LEIGH, p. 267.
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 5, p. 123: As the French say, In good
fellowship . . the first Pint only is the clearest.
P342 A PINT of wine to a vintner is but a pippin to a
costermonger
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
P343-P345 PIPE: su bst.
P343 I will make him dance without a PIPE (fiddle)
1614 T. ADAMS Sinner’s Passing-Bell: Wks., p. 267: But then you
may daunce Without a Pipe; and leape Leuolto’s in Hell. [1625]
1647 FLETCHER Chances I viii, p. 184: Are ye well arm’d? —Never
fear us. Here’s that will make ’em dance without a Fiddle. I678
RAY, p. 71 : *I’ll do him an injury, and he shall not know how. I732
FUL., no. 2639.
P344 No PIPE no pudding
CI640 SMYTH 5, p. 27: *In the like sense as, No penny no pater
noster.
Cf. P198: No penny no pardon; P199: No penny no paternoster.
P345 TO put up one’s PIPES
01565 Bughears II iv 33: I haue lernyd to putt vp my pipes, and
vse patyence. I594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 222: He could haue
found in his hart to haue packt vp hys pipes and to haue gone
to heauen without a bait. I611 COT., s.v. Bout: He can doe no
more, he can goe no further; he may put vp his pipes, goe shake
his eares. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Andar la riporre, p. 27: To go put vp
ones pipes, for one to goe hide himselfe. 1632 R. BROME North.
Lass Vii, p. 86: Pray put up your pipes sir. I like not your musick.
1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 155: Put up your pipes. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Bossota, p. 19: To make an end, and be gone, to
put up ones pipes. Ihid., s.v. Pive, p. 150: To put up ones Pipes
in the bagg, Viz. to be silent, and desist from such or such a dis-
course, to prate no more on’t, also of having done nothing. 1678
RAY, p. 317: Put up your pipes, and go to Lockington wake [festival,
fair].
SHAKESPEARE.——CI595 R7. IV v 96: Faith, we may put up our
pipes and be gone. 1604 0. III i 20: Then put up your pipes in
your bag, for I’ll away.
Cf. E16: He may go shake his ears; B553: Wind up your bottom.
(10)
P346 PIPE: verb
P346 No longer PIPE no longer dance.
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, Vii, III 61: It shall not be sayd,
Master, for me, No longer pipe no longer dance. 1623 CAM.,
p. 274. 1639 CL., s.v. Adulatio, p. 12. 1659 N.R., p. 79. I672
WALK. 24, p. 57. I721 KEL., p. 257: *A Reflection on those who
have been advantaged by us heretofore, whose Kindness continues
no longer than they are getting by us. 1732 F UL., no. 3590.
See ST., no. 646.
P347 He is an evil PIPER but a good fiddler
1561 T. NORTON Inst. Chr. Rel. IV xiii, f. 525: (As the common
people say, he).
P348 The PIPER wants mickle that wants the under
chaffs1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1267: (the nether chafts). I721 KEL., p. 310:
*Spoken when a Thing is wanting that is absolutely necessary.
l‘jaW]

P349 TO pay the PIPER
I638 TAYLOR Feast: Wks. III 98: Alwayes those that dance
must pay the Musicke. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens
Aug. 16: After all this Dance he has led the Nation, he must at
last come to pay the Piper himself. I695 CONGREVE Love for
Love II, p. 116: I warrent you, if he danc’d till Doomsday, he
thought I was to pay the piper. I699 PENKETHMAN Love without
Interest II i, p. 12: We’ll remove all secretly and securely, whilst I
in and make ’em pay the Pipers.
See ST., no. 639.
P350 As full as a PIPER’S bag
[1614] 1631 JONSON Barth. Fair IV iv 12: I’is e’en as vull as a
Paipers bag. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh V iii 55: I am ene as vull as a
Pipers bag with joy. 1678 RAY, p. 284.
P351 PIPING HOT
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus Prol., p. 18: Whiche commeth strayght
hvssyng hotte or pypying hotte from the forge. 1596 NASHE
Saflron-Walden: Wks., III 122: Information piping hot. CI608
MIDDLETON Your Five Gal/ants II i 56: Whence comes he, sir?
——Piping hot from the university. [1614] 1631 JONSON Barth. Fair
II v 40: Heere you may ha’ your Punque, and your Pigge in state,
Sir, both piping hot. 01623 W’elsh flmhass. III, p. 30: My head is
a meere bagpuddinge . . when you see mee pipinge hott then looke
for a lick at mee. I641 MILTON Reform. Church Discipline: Wks.,
Pt. I, III 7: The Booke . . in defence Of Bishops, which came out
piping hot much about the time. 1676 ETHEREGE Man Mode I
i 365: There is a great Critick I hear in these matters Lately arriv’d
piping hot from Paris. (33)
P352 She has broken her PIPKIN
1602 [COOKE] How Man May Choose, s. A4v: And not being full, on
the sodaine I crackt, and you know Mistris a Pipkin is soone
broken. 1680—90 Lass of Lynn’s l. 19 in Bagford Bal., I 467: Were
not my Pipkin Crackt before, I vow I would be his wife. CI681
Animadversions on Lady Marquess in Roxh. Bal., V 67: For if you
should your Pipkin crack, your Credit will away. 1732 FUL., no.
4I24.
P353 One PIRATE gets nothing of another but his cask
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 5: ’Twixt Pirat and Pirat there’s nothing
found but crack’d casks. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 54: ’Twixt
Pirate and Pirate, there’s nothing to be had but empty barrels.
I732 FUL., no. 3790.
P354 The one cannot PISS but the other must fart
I546 HEY. II v, s. H1 v: My husband and he be so great, that the
ton Can not pisse but the tother must let a fart. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 292.
P355 To stay a PISSING-WHILE
[01552] 1575 [STEVENsON] Gam. Gurt. Needle IV i, 5. D1: Where he
shal neuer be at rest, one pissing while a day, But he must trudge
about the towne, this way, and that way. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL
Roister D. IV v 33: Truce for a pissing while or twaine. 1599
NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 177: The Galli Gallinacei or cocking
French, swarm euery pissing while in their primmer editions. 1676
WYCHERLEY Plain Dealer III, p. 151: Stay but a making Water
while, (as one may say) and I’ll be with you again. 1678 RAY,
p. 265.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G. V. IV iv 21: He had not been there
. . a pissing while but all the Chamber smelt him.
P356 He falls into the PIT he digs for another
[Ps. vii 15: He made a pit . . and is fallen into the ditch which he
made.] 1580 BARET, H—66: According vnto the saying of Dauid,
He that digged a pitte for other, is fallen into the same himselfe.
1587 RANKINS Mirr. Monsters, f. 19V: So falleth it out that the
dissentious fall into the pits they digged for others. c1600 MAR-
LOWE Mass. at Paris xviii 31, p. 237: Come, Guise, and see thy
traitorous guile outreach’d, And perish in the pit thou mad’st for
me. [1602] 1631 CHETTLE Hoflman V, s. K2: Fox you’l be taken,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
PITCH
PITY
542
hunter you are falne Into the pit you dig’d. I604 DEKKER I Hon.
Whore, p. 69: He fals himselfe that digs anothers pit. I607 HALL David’s Psalms Metaphr. 7: Poems, p. 208: Deep pits he
delues, And falls into his pits himselue. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal
Banquet IV: Wks., p. 223: They haue digged a pit for vs, and that
low, vnto Hell; and are falne into it themselues.
Cf. F626: The fowler is caught (taken) in his own net (snare).
P357—P359 PITCH: subst.
P357 As dark (black) as PITCH
I485 CAXTON Life Chas. the Great II, p. 165: He is as blacke as
pytche boylled. I567 GOLDING Metam. XI 636, p. 231: All the
heaven with clowds as black as pitch was over cast. 1599 H.
PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. K1: 0 Lord, it is as darke as Pitche.
1605 Trial Chivalry, 5. D4: Tis as darke as Pitch. 1639 CL., p.
287: (black). I663 WORCESTER Cent. Inv. 7, p. 399: As dark as
Pitch is black. I670 RAY, p. 205.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. 111i 199: Pitch-balls . . for eyes.
(3)
P358 He that touches PITCH shall be defiled
[1560 Geneva Apocrypha Eeelus. xiii, f. 484v: He that toucheth
pitche, shallbee defiled with it.] 1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 21:
If there be any which can . . touche soft pitche and not his fingers
file. 01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. GIV: He that
toucheth pitch, shalbe defiled with the same. 1576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., II 127: As he which toucheth pitch shall be defiled [of women].
1586 WITHALS, s. C5v: Whiles pitch is handled, the hands there-
with are defiled. I601 BRETON N0 Whip. nor Trip., s. D2v: Who
toucheth pitch and tarre cannot be cleane. 1611 COT., s.v. En-
fariner: (must needs be defiled). 1616 DR., no. 1106: If a man
touch pitch, he shall therewith be defiled. I655 FULLER Church
Hist. X iv, III 248: Vorstius had . . received several letters from
certain Samosatenian heretics . . and . . had handled pitch so long
that at last it stuck to his fingers. I732 FUL., no. 2127: He that
handles Pitch, shall foul his Fingers.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-I 2 Hen. V] II i 194: If she have forgot
Honour and virtue and convers’d with such As, like to pitch, de-
file nobility. 1594—5 L.L.L. IV iii 2: I am toiling in a pitch—pitch
that defiles. 1597 I Hen. [V II iv 454: This pitch, as ancient
writers do report, doth defile; so doth the company thou keepest.
1598-9 M.A. III iii 59: I think they that touch pitch will be defil’d.
See ST., no. 1794. Cf. H549: He that handles honey shall feel
it cling to his fingers; 5972: He that walks much in the sun will be
tanned at last; T236: He that handles thorns shall prick his fingers;
T602: He that wrestles with a turd, fall he undermost 0r uppermost,
he shall be sure to be bedirten. (13)
P359 To be spotted with one PITCH
I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 59: (IfI may say it) Of one selfe pitch,
we all have a touch. I591 FLOR. See. F. VII, p. 121: You are al
spotted with one pitch, and haue no more conscience than the
wolfe. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pece, p. 137: To be all defil’d with
one pitch, viz. all alike guilty, all sick of one and the same disease.
See SM., p. 38.
P360 PITCH: verb
P360 PITCH and pay
01500 Piers Fullham l. 206 in Early Pop. Poetry, II 9: Yt ys full
hard bothe to pyche and paye. 1559 Warwick in Mirrorfor Magis-
trates III, Pt. I, II 214: I vsed playnnesse, euer pitch and pay. I591
FLOR. See. F. VI, p. 99: But pitch and paie, and goe your waie.
I602 BRETON Wonders: Wks., II 9: Yet I hope so long as we Pitch
and Pay . . wee shall not goe to hell for a small matter. 1602
MIDDLETON Blurt I ii 171: Will you pitch and pay, or will your
worship run? 1622 G. MARKHAM AND SAMPSON Herod and Anti-
pater III, s. H2: He that will purchase this, Must pitch and pay.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Hen. V II iii 51: The word is ‘Pitch and
pay.’ Trust none.
Cf. P126: It is hard to pay and pray too. (6)
P361 T0 bang the PITCHER
1639 CL., s.v. Bibacitas, p. 46. 1670 RAY, p. 216.
P363


P362 Whether the PITCHER (pot) strikes the stone or
the stone the pitcher (pot) it will be bad for
the pitcher (ill for the pot, ill for the stone)
1612 SHELTON Don Quint. Pt. I, III vi, I 182: After what way soever
I grow angry with thee, it will be bad for the Pitcher. I620
SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xliii, IV 43: And If the pot fall upon
the stone, or the stone on the pot, ill for the pot, ill for the stone,
Cf. P495: The earthen pot must keep clear of the brass kettle.
Small (Little) PITCHERS have wide ears
I546 HEY. II v, s. G4v: (Auoyd your children, smal). 1564 BUL.
LEIN Dial. Fever, p 13. I600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 59: Pitchers
have eares. I611 COT., s.v. Fouyer: Little pitchers haue wide
eares (wee say; and it seemes by this prouerbe that) little children
haue long tongues. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 288. I611 GRUT., no.
227. 1614 CAM., p. 311. 1616 DR., s.v. Children, no. 264: Little
pitchers haue ears. 1639 CL., s.v. Taciturnitas, p. 302: [As in 1616
Dr.]. 1640 HERB., no. 376: (Little). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 5. 1664 COD., p. 203: Little Pitchers have great ears. 1670
RAY, p. 115: [As in 1616 Dr.]. a1700 B.E., s.v. Pitcher-bawd;
Little Pitchers have large Ears. *Children may over-hear, and
discover Secrets. 1732 FUL., no. 4192.
SHAKESPEARE.——I594-8 T.S. IV iv 51: Not in my house, Lu-
centio; for you know Pitchers have ears, and I have many scr.
vants. 1597 Rich. [H II iv 37: Pitchers have ears.
See ST., no. 1873. Cf. C300: The child says nothing but what
it heard by the fire; C344: What children hear at home soon flies
abroad; W19: Walls (Hedges) have ears (eyes).
P364 PITII1 is good in all plays but threading of nee-
dles
a1598 FERG. MS, no. I 133: Pith is good in al play. 1668 R.B., p.
42: Pith is good in all Playes. I721 KEL., p. 278.
[Istrength, vigor]
P365-P370 PITY: subst.
P365 As great a PITY to see a woman weep as a goose
go barefoot
61525 Hundred Mer. Tales 8 in Shak. Yest-Bks” I 22: By thys tale
ye may se that the olde prouerbe ys trew that yt is as gret pyte to
se a woman wepe as a gose to go barefote. 1538 BALE K. Yohan
l. 175, p. 10: Yt is as great pyte, to se a woman wepe As yt is to se,
a sely dodman crepe Or as ye wold say, a sely goose g0 barefote.
I589 PUTTENHAM drt Eng. Poesy III xxiv, p. 291: For by the
common prouerbe, a woman will weepe for pitie to see a gosling
goe barefoote. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 849: It dois a woman no
more harme to greit [weep] nor a goose to go barefooted. I616
WITHALS, p. 579: (It is as much pittie and as it is to see). [(21633]
1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 134: With many such,
no less impertinent, then Pathetical Interrogatories; which he
would use, if he were but speaking of a Goose’s going bare-foot.
1639 CL., p. 117. I641 FERG., no. 533: It is na mair pittie to see a
woman greit, nor to see a goos go bair fit. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 16: Ther’s no more pitty to be taken of a woman weeping then Of
a Goose going bare-foot. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Oche, p. 120:
Not to be willing that Geese should go bare-foot, viz. to have com-
passion where there’s no need; TO pitty a Goose going bare-foot
say the English. 1668 R.B., p. 32: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I670
RAY, p. 50: (As great pity). 1687 MIECE, s.v. Woman. 1721
KEL., p. 189: It is no more Sin to see a Woman greet, than to see a
Goose go barefoot. 1732 FUL., no. 2989: It is no more Sin to see
a Woman weep, than to see a Goose go barefoot.
P366 Foolish (Peevish) PITY mars a city
1556 ]. HEYWOOD Spider and Fly XX, p. 326: This . . Is either not
pittie: or peuish pittie: Which (as thold saying sayith) marrth the
cittie. 1613 WITHER flhuses I 13, I 160: A foolish pitty quickly
ouerthrowes, In warre an Army, and in peace a State. 1616 DR.,
no. 1632: (Too much pity). 1622 R. HAWKINS South Sea Voy. 30,
p. 186: But thatjustice halteth with us, and so the Old proverbe is
verified, Pittie marreth the whole cittie. 1623 CAM., p. 275:
(Peeuish). 1639 CL., s.v. Iustitiae, p. 181. 1659 How. Eng.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), 01' by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PITY
PLAIN DEALING
5 43


Prov., p. 10: (the Citty). 1659 N.R., p. 87: (Peevish). 1664
COD., p. 209: Peevish pitty spoils a City. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21,
p. 207: Over much pity spoyls many a City. 1670 RAY, p. 131:
(spoils a city). 1732 FUL., no. 6216: Foolish Pity Ruins a City.
Cf. M1201: A pitiful mother makes a scabby daughter (a scald
head); P270: A pitiful physician (chirurgeon, surgeon) makes a
deadly wound (sore).
P367 He deserves n0 PITY that chooses to do amiss
twice
1637 T. HEYWOOD Pleas. Dial. Anna and Phillis, p. 324: Of whom
the proverb speakes, Hee deserveth no pitty, that chuseth to doe
twice amisse.
P368 It is PITY fair weather should do any harm
1616 DR., s.v. Discontentment, no. 506: (It is pitie that faire
weather). 1639 CL., s.v. Curiositas, p. 79: (’Tis pity that). 1642
D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 351: But oh! that such faire weather should
doe harme and be an occasion to make us wax wanton, earthly,
and thinke grauce to be pind to our sleeves; how reproveable is it?
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: (any hurt). 1665 R. HOWARD Com-
mittee I, p. 57: ’Tis a thousand pities That fair weather should do
any hurt. 1670 RAY, p. 42. I721 KEL., p. 221: It is a pity fair
Weather should ever do harm. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 429:
’Tis a pity that fair weather shOuld ever do any harm.
P369 It is PITY to part three things: the lawyer and
his client, the physician and his patient, and a
pot of good ale and a toast
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17.
Cf. G445: Go not for every grief t0 the physician nor for every
quarrel to the lawyer nor for every thirst to the pot.
P370 PITY is akin to love
1613 T. HEYWOOD Brazen dge, p. 213: Madam, because I loue I
pitty you. 1696 T. SOUTHERNE Oroonoko ll ii, p. 297: D0, pity me;
Pity’s a kin to love. 1712 ADDISON Spect. 397, VI 7: Pity is
nothing else but love softened by a degree of sorrow.
SHAKESPEARE.—160I T.N. III i 134: I pity you.
degree to love.
-—That’s a
P371—P3 72 PITY: verb
P371 It is better to PITY than revenge
1616 DR., no. 1638. 1664 COD., p. 188: Better it is to pitty, than
to revenge.
Cf. R92: To pardon is a divine revenge.
P372 He that PITIES another remembers himself
1640 HERB., no. 777. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 21.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18: (Who pities). 1664 COD., p. 200.
I670 RAY, p. 21: *Hisp.
P373 He quits his PLACE well that leaves his friend
there
I611 COT., s.v. Place: He leaues a place well that leaues a friend
in it. 1640 HERB., no. 869: ([t]here). 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 1:
(He parts well with his;place who). I659 N.R., p. 49: [As in 1611
Cot.]. 1664 COD., p. 200.
P374 One may change PLACE but not change the grief
(mind)
1583 STUBBES dnat. Ahuses I, p. 96: Though they chaunge their
place of abode, yet their naughtie dispositions they retaine stil.
1589 Triumphs Love and Fort. II i, s. B2: Least change of ayre
should change the absent minde. 1604 MARSTON Malcontent III
i 7: Sad souls may well change place, but not change grief. 1613
SYLVESTER Weeks II 11 iv 2 50: But, changing air, these change not
mind (in Jury). 1622 G. MARKHAM AND SAMPSON Herod and flnti-
pater IV, s. H3: For now he’s coming forth To change the ayre, not
his afiiiction. 1633 ]. FORD Broken Heart I i, p. 12: Soules
sunke in sorrowes, never are without ’em; They change fresh ayres,
but beare their griefes about ’em. 1746 FRANKLIN, p. 23: Chang-
ing Countries or Beds, cures neither a bad Manager, nor a Fever.
P375 Sit in your PLACE and none can make you rise
1611 COT., s.v. Seoir: He needs not feare to be chidden that sits
where he is bidden. 1640 HERB., no. 368. 1664 COD., p. 211.
1670 RAY, p. 24. 1721 KEL., p. 299: Sit in your Seat, and none
will raise you. *Spoken to those who have gotten an Agront for
presuming beyond their Station. 1732 FUL., no. 4180: Sit firm
in thy Place, and none can hurt thee.
Cf. S493: He sits not sure that sits too high.
P376-7 To have a soft PLACE in one’s head
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Matto, p. 102: To be born a fool, to
have had a knock in the cradle, else to have a soft place in ones
head, to be born with the simples. 1670 RAY, p. 193.
Cf. K166: He got a knock in the cradle; S463: To be cut for (of)
the simples.
P378 T0 sing PLACEBO
[To act with servile complaisance; to agree with someone in his
opinions] 1538 BALE K. 7ohan l. 761, p. 36: By the mas me thynke,
they are syngyng of placebo. 1542 BECON David’s Harp: Early
Wks., p. 276: He cannot bear fire in one hand and water in the
other. He cannot play placebo. 1591 HARINGTON .dpol. Poet.:
Orl. Pur., f. 6: Of which Comedie—when some to sing placebo, ad—
vised that it should be forbidden, because it was somewhat too
plaine—yet he would have it allowed. 1592 NASHE Pierce Penn.,
p. 185: That Poets and good fellowes may drinke, and Souldiers
may Sing Placebo. 7
Cf. F267: He bears (carries) fire in one hand and water in the
other.
P379 Not worth a PLACK1
01520 [DUNBAR] Doun by Rever l. 68: Poems, II 307: He wald nocht
mend thame worth ane plack. 1597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and
Sloe l. 1153: Poems, p. 40: Ye are nae prophet worth a plak. 1681
COLVILLE Mock Poem I, p. 3: With all men to augment my Pack,
By making Lines not worth a Plack.
[1a copper coin, the least amount of money]
P380 T0 graze on the PLAIN
1546 HEY. II x, s. L3v: He turnde hir out at durs, to grase on the
playne.
See APP., p. 269.
P381 PLAIN DEALING is a jewel
1587 BRIDGES Def. Church Govt. I, p. 124: Plaine dealing (sayeth the
Prouerbe) is a Jewell. I614 COOKE Greene’s Tu Quoque, s. E4v:
This same plaine dealing is a Iewel in thee. 1616 DR., s.v. Plain-
nesse, no. 1641. 1664 COD., p. 209. 1685 DRYDEN dlhion and
dlhan. Epil., p. 284: Plain Dealing for ajewel has been known; But
ne’er till now the jewel of a crown. 1693 CONGREVE Old Bachelor
IV, p. 210.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-8 T. 11th. I i 214: HOW dost thou like this
jewel, Apemantus? —Not so well as plain-dealing.
Cf. P382: Plain dealing is ajewel but they that use it die beggars;
P383: Plain dealing is best; T575: Truth (Plain dealing) has no
need of rhetoric (figures).
P382 PLAIN DEALING is a jewel but they that use it die
beggars
I583 MELBANCKE Philot. Ep. Ded. Arundell: (though they that vse
it commonly die beggers). 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x,
8. I4: I speake plainely, for plaine dealing is a Iewell, and he that
vseth it shal dye a beggar. 1605 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not
Me, p. 328: Plain dealing’s a iewell, and I haue vs’d it so long, I am
next door to a beggar. 1608 J. DAY Law Tricks II, p. 23: They
were plaine indeede, and thereof grew the prouerbe plaine dealing
is a Iewell —But he that vseth it Shall die a begger. 1608 T. HEY-
WOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 197: If ever I uS’d any plaine dealing, or
were ever worth such a jewell, would I might die like a begger.
1639 CL., p. 30. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: (and he that useth
it Shall die a beggar). 1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof. III 10, p. 284:
That is but an hell-made proverb; plain dealing is a jewel, but he


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
PLAIN DEALING
PLAY
544

who adheres to it shall die a beggar. 1670 RAY, p. 132. I732 FUL.,
no. 3878: (but they that wear it, are out of Fashion).
Cf. P381: Plain dealing is ajewel; T592: Who follows truth too
close at the heels, she may chance dash out his teeth.
P383 PLAIN DEALING is best
1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. E2v. [1589-99] 1610 [MARSTON]
[listrio-M. III, s. D3v: Plaine dealing is the best when all is done.
[61597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered IV vii 38: These tricks are for
truls, a plaine wench loues plaine dealing. 1616 DR., no. 1639.
Cf. H543: Honesty is the best policy; P381: Plain dealing is a
jewel; W9: He that walks plainly walks safely.
P384 PLAIN DEALING is dead and died without issue
1616 B. RICH Ladies’ Looking Glass, p. 60: Plaine dealing: honesty
is dead . . died without issue. 1732 FUL., no. 3879. 1750 FRANK-
LIN, p. 26: Poor Plain Dealing! dead without Issue.
P385 PLAIN DEALING is praised more than practiced
1639 CL., s.v. Honestas, p. 138. 1664 COD., p. 209: (is more
praised than practised).
Cf. V86: Virtue (Counsel) must be practiced (honored) not
praised.
P386 Born under an unlucky PLANET
I604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 25: Some men I see are borne under
hard-favoured planets as well as women. 1639 CL., p. 165. I672
WALK. 50, p. 10: Born under an ill planet; in the wain ofthe Moon;
curs’d in his cradle. [a1715] 1734 G. BURNET Hist. His Own Time,
II 168: His malignant Star still blasted every project, that was
formed for his Service.
See ST., no. 670. Cf. P387: He that is born under a threepenny
(three-halfpenny) planet will never be Worth a groat; P389: To be
planet-struck; W28: Born in the wane of the moon.
P387 He that is born under a threepenny (three-half-
penny) PLANET will never be worth a groat1
1607 DEKKER Knight’s Conjuring III, p. 31: All such rich mens
darlings are either christened by some left-handed priest, or els
born vnder a threepenny planet. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12:
(Who is). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Luna, p. 93: Misfortunate in
everything one undertakes, to be a poor, pityfull fellow, to be born
under a three-peny Planet. 1670 RAY, p. 64: He that was born
under a three half-penny planet, shall never be worth twopence.
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 444, I 416: No, says Fortune .. I’ll
. make Good the Old Saying to ye; That he that’s Born under a
Three-Penny Planet, shall never be worth a Groat. I694 DRYDEN
Love Triumph. I i, p. 394: And yet his good fortune, and my rascally,
threepenny planet, make me suspicious without reason. I721 KEL.,
p. 172. I732 FUL., no. 2344: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 415: Egad, I was born under a three-penny planet, never
to be worth a groat.
Cf. L578: Left-handed luck is ill luck; P386: Born under an un-
lucky planet.
[lfourpence]
P388 It rains by PLANETS
1662 FULLER Worthies Westminster, II 109: Rain (which Country-
people say goeth by Planets) goeth by Providence. I670 RAY, p.
45: *This the Countrey people use when it rains in one place and
not in another; meaning that the showers are governed by the
Planets.
P389 To be PLANET-STRUCK
I601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. IV ii 125: Sure I was strooke with' a
Plannet then, for I had no power to touch my weapon. [1626] 1639
SHIRLEY Maid’s Rev. III i, p. 137: Velasco’s shallow, And will be
planet-struck, to see Berinthia Die in his arms. I633 MARMION
Fine Companion IV iii, p. 170: How now! what, planet-struck?
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. II iv 14: IfI do wake, some planet
strike me down, That I may slumber an eternal sleep! 1600-I H.
I i 162: The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike. 1604 0.
II iii 182: As ifsome planet had unwitted men. 1608 C. II ii 117:
And with a sudden reinforcement struck Corioles like a planet.
Cf. P386: Born under an unlucky planet.


P390 Noble PLANTS suit not with a stubborn soil
1640 HERB., no. 618: A noble plant suites not with a stubborne
ground. 1664 COD., p. 207. I670 RAY, p. 21: (suit not a). 1732
FUL., no. 3641.
P391 To water one’s PLANTS
[To weep.] I542 UDALL Apoph., f. 266: When he read the chronicle
of Alexander the greate, he could not forbeare to water his plantes.
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 80: So long as my childe liued I fasted, and
watered my plants for my yong boye. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 253: Neither water thou thy plantes. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde,
p. 122: Water not thy plants. I599 NASHE Lenten Stufl': Wks., III
200: Mustard bites a man so by the nose, and makes him weep and
water his plants when he tasteth it. [1621] I658 DEKKER, FORD,
AND W. ROWLEY Witch Edmon. V i, p. 426: Thou hast made me
water my plants spight of my heart.
P392-P393 PLAY: subst. (=drama)
P392 As good as a PLAY
1638 ]. TAYLOR Bulls, Mistakes, etc.: W ks. Q, p. 43: It was as good
as a Comedy to him to see the trees fall. 1672 MARVELL Rehear.
Transprosed I, p. 41: It was grown almost as good as a Play among
us
See L., II 835.
P393 There can be no PLAY without a fool
1639 CL., p. 149: (There’s no). 1650 NEVILLE New Exchange, p.
14: ’Tis an old proverb, there can be no play without a foole in it.
P394—P397 PLAY: subst. (=gaming)
P394 The best PLAY on the board (at dice) is not to
play at all (is to cast them quite away)
1594 H. SMITH yonah Punishment II: Wks., II 258: If thou dost not
only venture thy money, but hazard thy soul: then the best cast of
dice is, to cast them quite away. 1659 N.R., p. 111.
P395 He who swears when he is at PLAY may chal-
lenge his damnation by way of purchase
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2.
P396 The less PLAY the better
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1304. 1668 R.B., p. 53.
P397 PLAY, women, and wine undo men laughing
I657 LEIGH, p. 267: Play, a whore, and brisk Wine make a man
poor laughing. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 188.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1. 1659 N.R., p. 86: [As in 1657 Leigh].
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 104: Gaming, women, and wine, consumes
a man laughing. I670 RAY, p. 21. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Play. 1721
KEL., p. 353: Women and Wine, Game and Deceit, Make the
Wealth small, and the Wants great. 1732 FUL., no. 3884. Mid,
no. 6416: [As in 1721 Kel.].
Cf. G27: Gaming (Play), women, and wine, while they laugh they
make men pine.
P398-P399 PLAY: subst. (=sp0rt)
P398 It is no PLAY where one greets1 and another
laughs
a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 81 I: (It is no pastyme quhair). 1641 F ERG.,
no. 506. I668 R.B., p. 30. I721 KEL., p.198: *Spoken when a
Patrimony is unequally divided.
Cf. H839: When the husband is sad (merry) the wife will be
merry (sad).
[1weeps]
P399 When PLAY (game, jest) is best it is time to leave
8.1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 50: When game is best, is tyme to lete.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1452: When the play is best it is best to leave.
I606 CHAPMAN Gentl. UsherI i I 59: Our hunting sport is at the best,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PLAY
PLEASURE
545

my lord. And when a thing is at the best, time to leave Off then.
1611 COT., s.v. Ieu: Tis good leauing at play when it is at the fairest;
or, tis good to leaue (when one hath got) at play. 1659 How. Br.
Prov., p. 30: When the game is at the best, best leave. 1668
R.B., p. 45: (it is best to lear). I721 KEL., p. 233: Leave OH while
the Play is good. *Lest, if it be continued, it may come to earnest.
Spoken also by People Of Age and Gravity, when young People
jest upon them, intimating that they will not bear it. 1732 FUL.,
no. 6357: Leave a Jest, When it pleases you best.
SHAKESPEARE—M595 R]. I iv 39: The game was ne’er so fair,
and I am done. Ihid. I v 121: Away, be gone; the sport is at the
best.
See DUR., I, no. 122. Cf. J46: Leavejesting while it pleases lest
1t turn to earnest.
P400—P404 PLAY: verb
P400 PLAY with me and hurt me not, jest with me and
Shame me not
1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xxii, p. 254: This common
Prouerbe, Jape with me but hurt me not, Bourde with me but
shame me not. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XII, notes, p. 94: *That
excellent rule of civilitie is evermore to be kept. 1601 BRETON No
Whip. nor Trip., s. A2v: This good prouerbe: Play with mee; but
hurt me not: and iest with me; but disgrace me not. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Ioué: He ieasts but ill that hurts him whom he ieasts with.
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 iv 4, p. 293: (but hurt and but shame).
1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 251: Play with me, and hurt me not.
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 100: (but hurt and but
shame). 1656 F. OSBORNE Advice to Son I xlvii, p. 34: Play with
me, but hurt me not. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2: Play, but hurt
not; jest, but shame not. Ihid., p. 10: Play and grieve not, jest
and disgrace not. 1732 FUL., no. 5190: Tojest is tolerable, but to
do Harm by Jest is insufferable.
P401 To PLAY fast and loose
[To be unreliable.] I578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. II v, s.
C3: At fast or loose, with my Giptian, I meane to haue a cast.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 98: Thus with the Aegyptian
thou playest fast or loose. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. F4v: When
he had played faste and loose with a pretty wench. 1600 JONSON
Ev. Man out Hum. I ii 124: How they play fast and loose with a
poore gentlemans fortunes. 61629 T.F. Fool’s Bolt Shot 55 in
Pepysian Garl., p. 320: But she that wanton is and fond, that fast
and loose will play. 1654 BRAMHALL Vindication Church Eng. IX:
Wks., I 263: They fomented the rebellion of his own subjects at
home, sometimes of his barons, sometimes of his Bishops, playing
fast and loose on both sides for advantage. 1678 RAY, p. 346.
1694 ECHARD Fair Andrian I, p. 7: [He] keeps a deadly narrow Eye
o’re me, lest I shou’d play fast and loose with him in this Business.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. I ii 160: I will fast, being loose.
—No, sir; that were fast and loose. Thou shalt to prison. Ihid.
III i 104: To sell a bargain well is as cunning as fast and loose.
1596 K3. III i 242: Play fast and loose with faith? I606fi A.C.
IV xii 25: This false soul of Egypt . . Like a right gypsy hath at
fast and loose Beguil’d me to the very heart of loss!
Cf. F78: Fast and loose is no possession. (16)
P402 To PLAY underboard
1590 NASHE Pasg. Apol. Pt. I: Wks., I 117: My Reformer doth
nothing but play the Iugler: he packs vnder-boord. I591 FLOR.
Sec. F. VIII, p. 134: Thou haste long hands, and vsest them vnder-
boord. 1642 FULLER Holy State IV V, p. 262: The receivers . . of
such [pensions] will play under-board at the Council-table. 1664
H. MORE Myst. I niq. II 11 xix, p. 445: Then shall that Wicked one
be revealed, (who has dealt under-board hitherto with his Conspir-
ators). I681 ROB., p. 437.: That you should not think I ly at
Catch, or play under board to deceive you.
Cf. C188: To lie at catch; D128: To deal (play) aboveboard. (9)
P403 We should PLAY to live, not live to play
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 245: (Meaning, that wee should play
to live, but not). 1732 FUL., no. 5457.
Cf. E50: Eat to live, not live to eat.
P411

P404 He PLAYS well (best) that wins
1562 HEY. Epig. 230, p. 163: (best). 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s.
A6). 1639 CL., p. 122. I640 HERB., no. 546. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 7: He playes best who wins. 1659 N.R., p. 42. 1664
COD., p. 195: He playeth best who winneth. I670 RAY, p. 132.
I687 MIEGE, s.v. To play. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 157. I732 FUL.,
no. 2005.
P405 It is ill PLAYING with short daggers
1546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v: It be yll playing with short daggers, Which
meaneth, that euery wise man staggers, In earnest or boorde to be
busy or bolde With his biggers or betters. 01594 BACON, no. 483:
Ill plaieing with short dager. *Taunting replie.
Cf. B346: Be not too bold with your biggers or betters; M857: It is
no meddling with short daggers.
P406 No PLAYING with (It is ill to draw) a straw before
an old cat
[aI5II] I570 HENRYSON Wolf and Neck-Herring: Fah, p. 148:
Thow wenis to Draw the stra befoir the catt! I546 HEY. II viii,
s. K2v. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 825: (It is ill to draw). 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 262. 1668 R.B., p. 31: (It is ill to draw). I721 KEL.,
p. 180: I am o’er old a Cat, to draw a Straw before my Nose. *I am
too old to be imposed upon. A young Cat will jump at a Straw
drawn before her, but not an old one.
P407 N0 PLEA1 is best
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1085: (pley). 1641 FERG., no. 660: (plie).
1668 R.B., p. 40. I721 KEL., p. 267: (reply). *Spoken by sedate
and even temper’d Men, when abused by others.
Cf. S445: Silence does seldom harm.
[llawsuit]
P408 - After PLEASURE (joy) comes pain (sorrow)
15th c. Metrical Proverb in Relig. Antig., I 323. 1509 A. BARCLAY
Ship Fools, II 3 19: After the day cometh the nyght So after pleasour
comys payne. 1640 MABBE Two Damsels: Exemp. Nov., I 59: For
as it is in the proverb, afterjoy comes sorrow. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
27, p. 5: Afterjoy, follows sadness.
See DUR., I, no. 493. Cf. P420: There is no pleasure without
pain; 8908: After a storm comes a calm (fair weather).
P409 Eat at PLEASURE, drink by measure
1611 COT., s.v. Pain. 1670 RAY, p. 38: *This is a French Proverb
. and they themselves observe it. 1732 FUL., no. 6079: (Drink
in Measure).
Cf. B619: Eat bread at pleasure, drink wine by measure.
P410 Fly the PLEASURE that bites (brings sorrow) to—
morr OW
1573 SANF., f. 51v: Flee that present pleasure, which afterworde
maketh thee sory. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30: Flee that pres-
ent pleasure, that bringeth afterward sorow. I591 FLOR. Sec. F.
VI, p. 99: Flie that present ioye, Which in time will breed anoy.
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 29, p. 27: Fly that pleasure which paineth after-
ward. 1640 HERB., no. 440. 1664 COD., p. 193: (bites soon after-
wards). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 204: Shun that present pleasure,
which may cause thee future sorrow.
For one PLEASURE a thousand woes (sorrows)
I573 HOLLYBAND Cit. at Home, p. 56: (sorowes). 1596 DEL., s.
07v: (griefes). I623 WOD., p. 510: *So meant Where Sin is
punished. I657 LEIGH, p. 272: (sorrowes). I659 N.R., p. 32:
(sorrows).
Cf. D582: Every dram of delight has a pound of pain; H824:
Hunting, hawking, and paramours, for one joy a hundred displeas-
ures; P413: Never pleasure without repentance; P419: Short pleas-
ure long lament (repentance, pains); P420: There is no pleasure
without pain.
P412 He that will have the PLEASURE must endure the
pam
1509 HAWES Past Pleas. 16, p. 70: Who wyll have pleasure he must
fyrst apply To take the payne wyth hys cure besely. I546 HEY. I

In partial quotations wording (not Spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8'.
PLEASURE
PLENTY
546
1616
v, s. B2v: Take a peyne for a pleasure all wise men can.
DR., no. 1650.
Cf. W187: He is worth no weal that can bide no woe; W188: No
weal without woe.
P413 Never PLEASURE without repentance
1611 GRUT., no. 195. 1614 CAM., p. 310. 1639 CL., p. 326. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 19. I659 N.R., p. 79. I670 RAY, p. 21.
Cf. D582: Every dram of delight has a pound of pain; H467:
There is no hill without its valley; P411: For one pleasure a thou-
sand woes (sorrows); P42o: There is no pleasure without pain.
P414 PLEASURE and joy soon come and soon g0
61538 T. STARKEY Dialogue I ii 1429: Eng. in Reign Hen. VII] II,
p. 67: NO one can long enyoy plesure or quyetnes. 1590 R. WILSON
Three Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s. B3: The best pleasure of al
lasts but a time. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 37, p. 204.
Cf. H747: Hours of pleasure are short; J90: The joys Of the
world dure but little.
P415
1596 DEL., s. 03v: (doth cost deare).
9: Ofte pleasure got with paine wee dearlie deeme.
Rare, or scarce, no. 1801.
Cf. D12: Dear bought and far fetched are dainties for ladies.
PLEASURE is not pleasant unless it cost dear
9.1597 Pilgr. to Parn. II, p.
1616 DR., s.v.
P416 A PLEASURE long expected is dear enough sold
(bought)
1596 DEL., s. N8v: A pleasure is bought too deare, When it is
looked for too long. 1611 COT., s.v. Attendu: We buy too deerely
meat we stay long for; or, a little meat long stayed for’s deerely
bought; (The like may be said Of any benefit, or fauor). I640
HERB., no. 862. 1659 N.R., p. 18. Ibid., p. 86: Pleasure long
expected is dear enough bought. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 204:
A civility long expected, is half repaid.
Cf. T95: He loses his thanks that promises and delays.
P417 PLEASURE the rarer used the more commendable
1539 TAV., f. 24: A seldom vse of pleasures maketh the same the
more pleasaunt. 1616 WITHALS, p. 542: The rarer the use of
pleasure is, the more commendable. 1664 COD., p. 209.
P418 Say to PLEASURE, Gentle Eve, I will none of your
apple
1651 HERB., p. 371.
P419 Short PLEASURE long lament (repentance, pains)
1596 DEL., s. N8v: A long repentance, oft followes a short pleasure-
1611 COT., s.v. Plaisir: For a short pleasure long repentance. 1639
CL., p. 281: Long repentance followes short pleasure. 1670 RAY,
p. 142. I681 ROB., p. 1001. 1732 FUL., no. 4155: Short Pleasures,
long Pains.
Cf. P411: For one pleasure a thousand woes (sorrows).
P420 There is no PLEASURE without pain
01526 Dicta Sap., s. D3v: Alway vnto felicite some incommodite is
ioyned. And lyghtly there is no pleasure, but that vnto it some
peyne is annexed. 1573 SANF., f. 108: No good thing is without
payne. 1578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. I vii, s. HIv: Each
pleasure hath his payne. 1596 DEL., s. 05v: No good without
paine. 1611 CHAPMAN May Day Vi 8: N0 pains, but pleasure, sir,
I was glad I had such good means to be known to your worship.
1615 W. SMITH Hector Germ. V iv, p. 134: Theres no true ioy without
some taste of woe. 1616 DR., no. 1646: Pleasure asketh paine.
1616 WITHALS, p. 542: There is nojoy so solide, but it is intermixed
with some sorrow. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 24: There is no Earthly
pleasure but is accompagnied with pain.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. II iv 71: I’ll pay thy pleasure then.
—Truly, sir, and pleasure will be paid one time or another.
See T. 493, p. 249. Cf. D582: Every dram of delight has a pound
of pain; H467: There is no hill without its valley; H556: N0 honey
without gall; J85: N0 joy without annoy; M994: There is no mirth
without mourning; N305: Nothing is to be gotten without pains
(labor); P408: After pleasure (joy) comes pain (sorrow); P411: For
one pleasure a thousand woes (sorrows); P413: Never pleasure with-
out repentance; RI82: No rose without a thorn (prickle); S21:
Sadness and gladness succeed each other; W188: N0 weal without
woe. (19)
To woo is a PLEASURE in a young man, a fault in
an old man
1664 COD., p. 217. 1670 RAY, p. 30: To we is a pleasure in a young
man, a fault in an old. 1732 FUL., no. 5254: To woo is a Pleasure
in a young Man, but a Phrenzy in an old.
P42 1
P422 The PLEASURES 0f the mighty are the tears of the
poor
1616 DR., no. 1509. 1664 COD., p. 213. 1670 RAY, p. 21. 1732
FUL., no. 4707: The Pleasures Of the Rich are bought with the Tears
of the Poor.
Cf. D1 1: The dainties of the great are the tears of the poor.
P423 Stolen PLEASURES are sweetest
[1623] 1636 DAY AND DEKKER Wonder King. II, p. 248: Gold bar’d
with locks, IS best being stolne. 1629 CARLELL Deserv. Favorite II
897, p. 99: Euery time That we shall meete in secret, will farre passe
A wedding-night in joy, stolne pleasures giue An appetite, secure
delights but cloy. [1632] 1659 MASSINGER City Madam II i, p.
425: And, pleasure stolen being sweetest. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst.
Love and Eloq., p. I 83: Why do some men love wenches better than
their wives? *Because stoln pleasures seem sweetest. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: Stoln goods seem sweet, but take heed Of
afterclapps. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 7: A stollen bit is the
sweetest. 1697 VANBRUGH Relapse IV, p. 41: Nay, I must confess
stoln Pleasures are sweet.
Cf. B626: Stolen bread is ever sweetest; C544: Concealed com-
forts are the sweetest; F779: Stolen fruit is (Stolen apples are)
sweet; S779: Sport is sweetest when there be no spectators.
P424 He that has PLENTY of goods shall have more,
he that has but a little he shall have less, and
he that has right nought right nought shall
possess
I546 HEY. I xi, 3. E4. 01550 Parl. Birds 1. 222 in Early Pop. Po-
etry, III 179: He that nought hath nought shal haue. I611 GRUT.,
no. 123: (of goode). 1614 CAM., p. 307: (of good). 1616 DR., no.
2369: (He that hath plentie, Shall haue more; he that hath but little,
shall haue lesse; and he). 1639 CL., p. 82: He that hath little shall
have less. Ibid., p. 125: He that hath plenty of goods shall have
more. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: (of good). 1659 N.R., p. 55:
[As in 1639 Cl., p. 125]. 1670 RAY, p. 212: (of good and but little).
1732 FUL., no. 6465: He that hath but little, he Shall have less, And
he that hath right nought, right nought shall possess.
Cf. N285: Nothing can come of nothing.
P425 PLENTY is no dainty
1531 ELYOT Governor I xiii, I 128: And in whom of vertu is founden
great plentie, Any thinge that is good may neuer be deintie. I542
RECORDE Ground Arts, p. 35: Plentie is no daintie, as the common
saieying is. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3v: Plentie is no deyntie. ye see
not your owne case. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Q2: I will not be
daintie . . suche Guests as I be plentie, but easely condiscend. 1616
DR., no. 2376. 1639 CL., p. 75. 1641 FERG., no. 701. 1668 R.B.,
p. 43. 1721 KEL., p. 281.
Cf. P426: Plenty makes dainty.
I P426 PLENTY makes dainty
a1598 FERG. MS, 110. 1144: Plentie is daintie. 1678 RAY, p. 190.
1721 KEL., p. 281: *When People have Variety of many Meats, or
Abundance of one Sort, they are nice and delicate, and undervalue
what they have in Abundance. The English seems contrary to
this, yet means the same Thing, Plenty is no Dainty. 1732 FUL.,
no. 6375: ’TiS Plenty, That makes you dainty. 1749 FRANKLIN, p.
25: Too much plenty makes Mouth dainty.
Cf. D10: Dainty makes dearth; P318: Full pigeons find cherries
bitter; P425: Plenty is no dainty.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PLENTY
POETS
5 47

P427 PLENTY makes poor
1596 SPENSER I iv 29: Whose wealth was want, whose plenty
made him pore. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 109: Plenty
begetteth want, for hee that hath much, needs much. 1621 BRATH-
WAITE Omphale: Nat. Emhassy, p. 269: Forced now to surfet on her
Store, She prou'd this true: Much plentie made her poore.
Cf. P530: Poverty (Luxury) wants many things but covetousness
(avarice) all.
P428 A gray PLOVER cannot please him
1655 MOFFETT Health’s Improvem. xi, p. 98: (The gray Plover is
so highly esteemed, that this Proverb is raised of a courious and
malecontented stomack, A gray).
P429 A Leicestershire PLOVER
1678 RAY, p. 317: *A Bag pudding. Leicestershire.
P430 Better to have one PLow going than two cradles
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 16: Be not hastie to marry, it is
better to haue one plough going, then two cradells. 1599 T. HEY-
WOOD I Edw. I V, p. 71: Thou hast two ploughs going, and neer a
cradle rocking. 1673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 85: It is better
to have one Plow going than two Cradles, and more profit to have a
Barn filled than a Bed. 1732 FUL., no. 905: (Better have).
He that by the PLow would thrive himself must
either hold or drive
1678 RAY, p. 191. 1732 FUL., no. 6385. 1747 FRANKLIN, p. 24.
Cf. P435: The plow goes not well if the plowman holds it not.
P43 1
P432 If your PLOW be jogging you may have meat for
your horses
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1670 RAY, p. 21. 1705 Pleas. Art,
p. 154. 1732 FUL., no. 3119: Keep thy Plough jogging, so shalt
thou have Corn for thy Horses.
P433 Let (Never let) the PLow stand to catch a mouse
1678 RAY, p. 265. 1710 PALMER, p. 5: (Never let). 1721 KEL., p.
234: (stand, and slay a Mouse). *Lay aside, for a little, that Busi-
ness that you are SO earnest upon: and take a little Divertisement.
Ihid.: Never let the Plough stand to Slay a Mouse. *Which also
has a good Signification, to wit, that we be not taken off from our
proper Business, by every obvious Divertisement.
P434 The PLOW goes before the oxen
[ERAS. Adagia, 273A: Plaustrum bovem trahit.] 1571 Lewd Ballet
1. 9 in Sat. Poems Reform., XVII 201: That mokis . . the plewche
befoir the oxin go, the best the man to gyde. 1623 WOD., p. 501:
*That is to say All backward. 1653 URQUHART Gargantua I xi, I
54: He would . . put the plough before the oxen.
Cf. C103: To set the cart before the horse.
P435 The PLow goes not well if the plowman holds
it not
1616 WITHALS, p. 573: (except the plowman hold it).
s.v. Diligentia, p. 92: (hold). I670 RAY, p. 132.
4710: (hold).
Cf. P431: He that by the plow would thrive himself must either
hold or drive.
1639 CL.,
1732 FUL., no.
P436 He that lippens1 t0 bon2 PLows his land will lie
ley3
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 475. 1668 R.B., p. 21. 1721 KEL., p. 145:
He that trusts to bon Ploughs, will have his Land lye lazy. 1732
F UL., no. 2337: He that trusts to borrowed Ploughs, will have his
Land lie fallow.
[ltrus ts 2borrowed
3fallow]
P437 T0 spoil a PLOWMAN to make a scholar of him
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Savio, p. 180: To be wise as to Learning,
but a fool by nature, viz. to be thought wise, but really no such
thing: spoken of one who pretends to be a Scholar, and hath not any

genius or wit to come off, if put upon Tryal; the English say to
spoyl a Plow-man for to make a Scholar of him, to force nature from
her course.
Cf. F458: A fool by nature and wise in writing.
P438 PLUCK not where you never planted
1639 CL., s.v. Rapacitas, p. 270.
P439 A black PLUM1 (grape, raisin) is as sweet (good)
as a white
1616 DR., s.v. Beautie, no. 155: (A blacke raisin as good). Ihid.,
s.v. Blackenesse, no. 168: A blacke grape is as good as the white.
1639 CL., s.v. Forma, et deformitas, p. 1 19. 1670 RAY, p. 63: *The
prerogative of beauty proceeds from fancy. 1732 FUL., no. 986:
Black Plums may eat as sweet as white.
[lraisin]
P440 Every PLUMMET is not for every sound
1630 T. ADAMS Feed-time and Harvest: Wks., p. 638: (for this
sound). 1732 FUL., no. 1455.
P441 The higher the PLUM TREE the riper the plum,
the richer the cobbler the blacker his thumb
1639 CL., s.v. Difiicultatis, p. 88: The higher the plum-tree the
sweeter the plumme. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17: The higher the
tree the sweeter the plumb, The better the shooe, the blacker the
thumb. 1659 N.R., p. 112: The richer the Cobler the blacker his
thumb. 1670 RAY, p. 210. 1732 FUL., no. 6420. I
Cf. S363: A black shoe makes a blithe (merry) heart.
P442 As fearful as PLUTUS
1621 R. BURTON dnat. M. I 11 iii 12, p. 247: Timid Plutus, an old
proverb, as fearful as Plutus . . trusting no man.
P443-4 A PLYMOUTH CLOAK
[01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 134: Shall I walke in a Pli-
mouth Cloake, (that’s to say) like a rogue, in my hose and doublet,
and a crabtree cudgell in my hand? 1622 MABBE Rogue I 11 i, I
240: I had my Cloake on my back. A Plimmouth Cloake. 61623
Welsh Amhass. V, p. 67: But this Lyninge of plimoth cloake (calld
the battone) is a stuff but new cutt out of the loome. 1631 LENTON
Char. 30, p. 84: A Plymouth cloak, otherwise call’d a batton. 1662
FULLER Worthies Devonshire, I 273: *That is, a Cane, or a Staer . .
Many a man . . coming home from far voiages, may chance to land
here, and . . unable . . to recruit himself with cloaths [would] make
the next Wood their Draper’s shop. 1668 DENHAM To Mennis:
Poems, p. 245: He being proudly mounted, clad in cloak of Ply-
mouth. 1670 RAY, p. 225.
P445-6 He plays you as fair as if he picked your
POCKET
I678 RAY, p. 79.
P447 Where POCKETS are full men will borrow
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 146, p. 225: (The English say, Where).
Cf. E209: The gentle ewe (Sheep) is sucked by many lambs (every
lamb).
P448 Everyone is not born a POET
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13.
Cf. P451: Poets are born but orators are made.
P449 A good POET an evil person
1611 COT., s.v. Homme. Ihid., s.v. Poéte: (an ill man).
WOD., p. 477: A good Poet, is bad, or vitious. 1659 N.R., p. 6.
Cf. P28: Painters (Travelers) and poets have leave to lie.
I623
P450 A POET in adversity can hardly make verses
1616 DR., no. 53. 1659 N.R., p. 1. 1664 COD., p. 183: A Poet
maketh but bad Verses in adversity.
P451 POETS are born but orators are made
1586 W. WEBBE Disc. Eng. Poetry, p. 91 : Learned men vse common-
ly to say that A Poet is as well borne as made a Poet. 1595 SIDNEY

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi [f.
POETS’
POOR
548


Def. Poetry, p. 37: Therefore is an old Proverbe, Orator fit, Poeta
nascitur. I600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 55. 1620 SHELTON Don
Quite. Pt. II, xvi, III 122: A Poet is naturally borne a Poet from his
mothers wombe. 1662 FULLER Worthies Warwickshire, II 414:
[Shakespeare] was an eminent instance of the truth of that Rule,
Poeta non fit, sed nascitur; one is not made, but born a Poet. 1673
E. SETTLE Ep. Ded. in Pordage Herod and Mariamne: As ’tis said of
Poets, who are Born, not made, ’tis so with their Patrons.
Cf. P448: Everyone is not born a poet. '
P452 Poor POETS’ heads are ever full of bees
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 319. 1616 DR., s.v. Reward, no. 1865: (are
full of Bees).
Cf. H255: His head is full of bees.
P453-P454 POINT=part
P453 The first POINT of hawking is hold fast
I546 HEY. II iv, s. G4. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 236: If thou
haddest learned the first poynt of hauking thou wouldst haue
learned to haue held fast. CI594 BACON, no. 659: The first poynt
of a faulkener to hold fast. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1665 ].
WILSON Projectors II, p. 240: ’Tis the first part of falconry to hold
fast. I670 RAY, p. 13. I732 FUL., no. 2520: Hold fast is the first
Point in Hawking.
P454 She has one POINT of a good hawk, she is hardy
I546 HEY. II iv, s. G4. 01594 BACON, no. 658: (He and he).
P45 5-P456 POINT = particle
P455 He knows one POINT more than the devil
I599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 29: (A mulitter knowes). I 1620
SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, xxviii, III 214: I know that you know an
Ace more then the Devill in all you speake or thinke. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 2: *Spoken of a cunning fellow.
P456 Not worth a POINT
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 165: He was for the respecte of his qualitees
not to be estemed worth a blew point or a good lous. I570 GOOGE
Popish Kingdom I, f. I4v: That now he is not worth a poynt, in any
kinde of place. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 37, p. 128: A head without a
tongue is not worth a point. 1672 WALK. 63, p. 59.
P457 One POISON expels another
1567 G. FENTON Trag. Dis. 12, II 218: One poyson driveth oute an
other. 1577 GRANGE Garden, s. O3v: Playne proofe declares one
poyson to driue forth an other. 1591 HARINGTON Orl.‘ Fur. XXV i, p.
198: Ev’n as one poyson doth another heale. 61600 Charlemagne
l. 1298, p. 46: Bytter thynges expell poyson: see if my follyes may
be purdgd a littill. 1616 DR., no. 1829: Euery venimous beast
hath his counterpoison. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 34.
Cf. F277: One fire (heat) drives out another; G446: The greater
grief (sorrow) drives out the'less; L5 38: One love drives out (expels)
another.
P458 POISON is hidden in golden cups
1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorhoduc II ii, s. D3v: Loe, thus it is,
poyson in golde to take, And holsome drinke in homely cuppe for-
sake. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [21], l. 1 1: In glittering
glasse, a poyson ranckest plaste. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 80: As
in fair painted pots poison oft is put. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 202: In paynted pottes is hidden the deadlyest poyson. I583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y4v: Though in the fairest goblet he had ‘
found poyson, hee would not refuse to drinke in a meaner peece.
1584 GREENE Arhasto, p. 206: Proferreth poison . . in golden pot.
I589 NASHE Anat. Ahsurdity: Wks., I 34: As if a man shold love . .
poison because it is in a siluer peece. 1600 LODGE Old Damon’s
Pastoral in Bodenham Eng. Helicon, p. 27: Golden cups doo harbour
poyson. 1602 MARSTON Antonio and Mell. IV i 36: Give me water,
boy. There is no poison in’t, I hope; they say That lu[r]ks in massy
plate. 1615 T. ADAMS Bad Leaven: W ks., p. 705: Poyson is poyson
though it come in a golden cup. 1616 DR., no. 659: In golden pottes
are hidden the most deadly poyson. Ibid., no. 904: Men drinke

poison in golden pots. I622 DEKKER AND MASSINGER Virgin Mar.
tyr I, p. 19: Yet poyson still is poyson Though drunk in gold, and all
these flattering glories To me, ready to starve, a painted banquet,
And no essential food.
P459 To hate (shun) one like POISON
1530 PALS., p. 57gb: He hateth me lyke poyson.
Philot., s. Ee2: She shuns me like poyson.
P460 It is kindly1 that the POKE savor2 0f the herring
a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 800: Its kyndly the pock savour of the herring.
1611 COT., s.v. Harenc: The poke still of the Herring smells; Our
nature will, doe what we can, subsist. I668 R.B., p. 29. I721
KEL., p. 197: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. *It is no uncommon Thing to
see Children take after their Parents. - Always meant in ill Things,
Cf. F97: You are your father’s own son.
[lnatural 2smell]
P461 To stink like (worse than) a POLECAT
1533 ]. HEYWOOD Yohn, s. A2: She shall stynke lyke a pole kat.
[1599] 1656 MIDDLETON, W. ROWLEY, AND MASSINGER Old Law III
ii, p. 429: I’ll make you stink worse than your pole-cats do. 1630
DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 161: Sh’ as a breath stinks worse than
fifty Polecats. 1639 CL., p. 293: He stinks like a poll-cat. 1670
RAY, p. 207. CI700 E. WARD London Spy II, p. 43: Which made
the crooked Vermin out stink a Pole-cat.
Cf. B679: To stink like a brock.
P462 POLICY goes beyond strength
1481 CAXTON Reynard37, p. 104: The connyng goth to fore strengthe.
1555 EDEN Decades New World, p. 2 52: Two giantes are taken by
a pollicie. I575 GASCOIGNE Commend. Verses: Wks., II 560: P01-
licie, sometime surpasseth force. 01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia,
p. 100: A lytle pollicy praeuaileth, when A great deale of strength
fayleth. [CI590] 1654 CHAPMAN AND PEELE Alphonsus II iii 124:
Had not policy help’d above strength These sturdy swains had rid
me of my life. 1616 DR., no. 1663: Policie in warre preuaileth more
then power. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 32, p. 133. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Policy.
SHAKESPEARE.—I60I T .N. III ii 30: Redeem it by some laudable
attempt either of valour or policy. w--An’t be any way, it must be
with valour; for policy I hate.
Cf. L319: If the lion’s skin cannot the fox’s shall; M921: Either
by might or by sleight; S854: Sticking goes not by strength but by
guiding of the gully; $952: Subtlety is better than force; W527: Wis-
dom is better than strength.
P463
1583 MELBANCKE
POLICY with his long nails has almost scratched
out the eyes of religion
1616 DR., no. 1662. 1664 COD., p. 209: (Policy with her long nails).
P464 All our POMP the earth covers
1563 GOOGE Eclog. Epit. and Sonn., p. 98: All the pompe and Pryde,
the Bodie tournes to dust. 1640 HERB., no. 712. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. I 1, p. 28 5: All our pomps, at the last the earth doth cover.
P465 Standing POOLS gather filth
1639 CL., s.v. Ignavia et inscitia, p. 144. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p.
35: A pool that stirs, never stinks. 1670 RAY, p. 145. I721 KEL.,
p. 299: Standing Pools gather Mud. 1732 FUL., no. 4257.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. I i 88: There are a sort of men whose
visages Do cream and mantle like a standing pool. I605-6 K.L.
III iv 138: Drinks the green mantle of the standing pool.
Cf. G184: God defend me from the still water and I’ll keep myself
from the rough; W103: Running water is better than standing.
P466—P471 POOR: subst.
P466 Everyone is weary: the POOR in seeking, the
rich in keeping, the good in learning
1640 HERB., no. 674. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 4: Every one will
labour, the poor man in seeking what he wants, and the rich man in
preserving what he hath.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
POOR
PORPOISE
549

P467 He serves the POOR with a thump on the back
with a stone
1678 RAY, p. 90: *A covetous person.
Cf. B414: A bit in the morning is better than nothing all day or
than a thump on the back with a stone.
P468 The POOR have few friends
01510 Hickscorner, s. A3v: Fewe frendes pouerte dooth fynde.
1539 TAV., f. 47: The frendes of an infortunate person be farre of.
When fortune ones beginneth to fayle the, anone thy frendes are
gone. 01573 I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay, s. B8: The poore, they
haue no frends at al. 1581—90 Timon III iv, p. 59: Is’t possible a
poore man should haue friends? 1582 BRETON Flourish upon
Fancy and Toys Idle Head: W ks., I 281: The nearer that thy purse
is polde, The more still friendship waxeth colde. 1611 COT., s.v.
Parent: He that is famished hath but ill friends. 1616 DR., no.
1690. 1630 T. ADAMS Love’s Copy: Wks., p. 813: Men cannot
brooke poore friends. I672 WALK. 5, p. 5 5: Poor folks have little
kindred. 1721 KEL., p. 279: Poor Folks Friends soon miskens
them. 1732 FUL., no. 2181: He that is known to have no Money,
has no Friends nor Credit.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 V .A. l. 707: For misery is trodden on by
many And, being low, never reliev’d by any.
Cf. R103: The rich have many friends.
P469 The POOR suffer all the wrong
1616 DR., no. 2367. 1616 WITHALS, p. 548: No man regardeth the
poore. 1639 CL., p. 99: Rich men use the poore as they list.
Cf. H364: Where the hedge is lowest men may soonest over.
She loves the POOR well but cannot abide beg-
gars -
I678 RAY, p. 350: *Of pretenders to charity. Somerset.
P470
P471 That which is given to the POOR is lent to God
[Prov. xix 17: He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the
Lord.] 1616 DR., no. 1666. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p.
3: That Man is blessed, that pittieth the poore, for he lendeth to
them that want. 1648 ].S. W it’s Labyrinth, p. 2: He that relieves
the poor, gives almes to Heaven.
Cf. A223: Alms never make poor; C248: The charitable gives out
at door and God puts in at the window; M578: Rich men are stew-
ards for the poor.
P472-P475 POOR: adj.
P472 Once POOR, seldom or never rich (Once unhappy
ever unhappy)
I569 UNDERDOWNE Aethiop. Hist. V, p. 139: But there was none
other remedie, but as the proverbe is, once unhappie, and ever un-
happy. 1618 W. LAWSON New Orch. and Garden III, p. 7: ’Tis with
grounds in this case, as it is with men . . Much will have more: and
once poor, seldom or never rich.
P473 POOR and liberal, rich and covetous
1640 HERB., no. 335. I659 N.R., p. 87.
Cf. H464: The higher the hill the lower the grass; M88: A cOvet-
ous man is never rich.
P474 POOR and proud, fie, fie
[I611 Apocrypha Ecclus. xxv 2: Three sorts of men my soul
hateth . . a poor man that is proud.] 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II,
I 172: Whiche is confirmed by this saying, that three sortes of men
are odious to the world, a poore man proude, a riche man a lyar, and
an old man a foole. 1611 GRUT., no. 213. 1614 CAM., p. 311.
1616 DR., no. 73. 1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia, p. 32. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 214: It’s an ugly thing
to see a poor' man proud, and a rich man covetous. 1670 RAY, p.
132. I732 FUL., no. 3933: Pride and Poverty are ill-met, yet often
seen together.

SHAKESPEARE.—IOOI T.N. III i 138: O world! how apt the
poor are to be proud!
See ST., no. 1038. Cf. H325: A proud heart in a poor breast has
mickle dolor to dree; P475: Poor and proud, still tailorlike; P579:
Pride may lurk under a threadbare cloak.
P475 POOR and proud, still tailorlike
61630 Time’s Abuses l. 89 in Roxb. Bal., II 580: The saying Old hath
0ft beene told, It plaine doth verifie, Poore and proud, still taylor-
like.
Cf. P474: Poor and proud, fie, fie.
P476 As long as the POPE can finger a pen he can want
no pence
I621 HOWELL Let. I i 38, I 83: (It is a common Saying here, That
as long).
P477 The POPE comes by voices, the king by nature,
the emperor by force
1657 LEIGH, p. 272.
Voices, a King by Nature, an Emperour by power.
110.
1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 9: A Pope by
1659 N.R., p.
P478 To go where neither POPE nor emperor can send
an ambassador
1611 FLOR., s.v. Andare, p. 27. I651 HERB., p. 366: To go where
the king goes afoot; i.e. to the stool. I657 LEIGH, p. 259: [As in
1651 Herb.]. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 176: To go
where the King cannot send an Embassadour (to stool). 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 10: (To go whither Pope nor Emperour can).
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Papa, p. 131: *To do his business at the
house of Office, to go do that which no body can do for one.
See ST., no. 2241. Cf. U5: I am going to my Uncle John’s house.
P479 To have a POPE in one’s belly
1590 NASHE Pasq. Apol. Pt. I: Wks., I 111: This fellow seemes to
haue a Pope in his bellie. 01645 HOWELL Let. IV 36, II 621:
Some shallow-pated Puritan . . will . . cry me up to have a Pope in
my belly. 1689 T. GRAVES (to J. Russell) People’s Right to Elec-
tion in Andros Tracts, II 106: Every man has a pope in his belly.
1692 WASHINGTON Def. People VIII, p. 183: You carry another
Pope in your belly.
P480 A POPE’S bull, a dead man’s skull, and an old
trull are not all worth a pound of wool
1616 B. RICH Ladies’ Looking Glass, p. 36: (The prouerbe is Old, A
Popes). CI64O W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 18: (And a crooked
Trull, Are not all worth a fleece of wooll).
P481 An old POPINJAY cares not for the rod
I550 SHERRY Treat. Schemes [p. 54]: Wee wyl teache a popinjaye
while time is, to speke as a manne dothe, knowynge well that the
elder he waxeth, the lesse apte he wyll be to be taughte, yea the
common prouerbe geuyng warnynge of thys thynge: That an old
popinj aye careth not for the rod. And what a thynge is it to be
diligente in a byrde, and Slowe in teachynge thy sonne?
P482 The PORCUPINE has darted out his quill
1592 NASHE Strange News: Wks.,I 259: Stand darting of quils . .
like the Porpentine. 1616 DR., s.v. Malice, no. I 346. 1679 OLD-
HAM Apology: Wks., p. 114: He’d shoot his Quillsjust like a Porcu-
plne.
P483 The PORPOISE (dolphin) plays before a storm
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. A4v: I seeme to prognosticate
thereby (as doth the Dolphin) that some storme or tempest ap-
procheth at hande. 1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears Ep. Ded.: Wks., II
9: Give mee leaue, with the sportiue Sea Porposes, preludiatelie a
little to play before the storme of my Teares. [1604-17] 1647
FLETCHER Woman’s Prize V ii, p. 84: Or Porpisces, Made to all fatal
uses. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho III iii
140: There was a Porcpisce, euen now scene at London bridge, which
is alwaies the messenger of tempests, he sayes. 1606 ]. HALL

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 3.
PORRIDGE
POT
55°

Heaven upon Earth XXV: Wks., III 192: If thou swimest against
the Stream of. . Providence . . every Wave turns the over like a
Porkpisce before a Tempest. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch.
Malfi III iii 61: That Cardinal] . . lifts up's nose, like a fowle Por-
pisse before A storme. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 208: The dolfin
appears, we shall have rain. 1718 R. SAVAGE Love in Veil III, p.
45: Like a porpus before a Storm.
SHAKESPEARE.—I608 P. II i 21: Alas, poor souls! It grieved my
heart to hear what pitiful cries they made to us to help them . .
*Nay, master, said not I as much when I saw the porpas, how he
bounc’d and tumbled?
Cf. G478: The gull comes against a tempest (the rain); R33: The
croaking raven bodes misfortune (death).
P484 I know him not though I should meet him in my
PORRIDGE (pottage dish)
1608 ARMIN Nest Ninnies: Wks., p. 52: You heare, Maddam sayes
our Cmnick, how he is markt, if ye meete him in your pottage-dish,
yet know him. 1672 WALK. 75, p. 54: He is a meer stranger to me;
I havenot the least knowledge of him; not the least acquaintance
With him; I know him not though I meet him in my dish. 1678
RAY, p. 265: (should I meet him in my pottage dish). 1732 FUL.,
no. 2613.
Cf. B234: I know him as well as the beggar knows his dish.
P485 A Rochester PORTION, two torn smocks and what
nature gave
a1700 B.E., s.v. Rochester-portion.
P- 74-
1735 PEOOE Prov. Kent 55,
P486 One POSITIVE weighs more than a score of neg-
atives
1718 PRIOR Epist. F. Shepherd: Poems, p. I 3: One single Positive
weighs more, You know, than Negatives a score.
P487 POSSESSION is eleven (nine) points of the law
1596 Edw. 1H, s. E3: Tis you are in possession of the Crowne, And
thats the surest poynt of all the Law. 1616 T. ADAMS Sacrif.
Thanhfuln.: Wks., p. 97: The Deuill hath Eleuen poynts of the Law
against you; that is, Possession. 1616 DR., no. 1692: Possession is
nine points in the Law. 1623 CAM., p. 275. 1639 CL., p. 256: (in
the Law). I639 FULLER Holy War V xxix, p. 281: At this day the
Turk hath eleven points of the law in Jerusalem, I mean possession.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 259, p. 227:
(The English say, Possession). 1670 RAY, p. 132. 1678 RAY, p.
191: *And they say there are but twelve. 1697 CIBBER Woman’s
Wit I, p. 119: (in the Law). 1721 KEL., p. 278. 1732 FUL., no.
3902: (in the Law).
Cf. H513: Hold fast when you have it. (7)
P488 POSSESSION is worth an ill charter
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1136: (ane evel chartor). 1641 FERG., no.
692. 1668 R.B., p. 43. 1721 KEL., p. 278: *The Law supposes the
Person in Possession to be the right Owner, till the contrary appear.
P489 POST = postman
P489 The lame POST brings the truest news
1640 HERB., no. 327: Stay till the lame messenger comes, ifyou will
know the truth of the thing. 1659 N.R., p. 115: (the true news).
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zoppo, p. 241: Spoken of a Messenger of
News, that he that comes halting, brings the truest News of any
Feat ofArms, or the like. To wait for the Lame Post. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4620.
Cf. F583: The nimblest footman is a false tale; N148: Ill news has
wings (comes apace); R83: A false report rides post.
P490-P494 POST = stake
P490 As deaf (dumb) as a POST
[ERAS. Adagio, 1024C: Statua taciturnior.] 1575 CHURCHYARD
Chips, p. 136: I thereat seemde dumme and deaf-Te as post. 1607
[TOMKIS] Lingua III vii, s. G3v: I heare no more then a post. 1616


JONSON Epic. IV iv I73: I will haue ’hem as silent as Signes, and
their posts too.
Cf. P491: As good speak to a post; P493: I understand you as
much as the post.
P491 As good speak to a POST
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus I iii, p. 47: In dede he were as good to
tell his tale to a poste. 1608 DAY Hum. out Breath IV iii, p. 64:
As good talke to a post, and as good answer twould make you.
1616 DR., s.v. Wilfulnesse, no. 2418. 1639 CL., s.v. Surditas, p.
301. 1672 WALK. 100, p. 33: You may as well talk to the wall.
Cf. P490: As deaf (dumb) as a post; P493: I understand you as
much as the post.
P492 As good trust to a rotten POST
1616 DR., s.v. Vncertainty, no. 2257. 1639 CL., s.v. Perfidiae, p.
248.
P493 I understand you as much as the POST
1616 WITHALS, p. 571. 1639 CL., s.v. Obscuritas, p. 232. 1694
ECHARD Fair Andrian IV, p. 3 3: I know your designs no more than
a Post.
Cf. P490: As deaf (dumb) as a post; P491: As good speak to a
post.
P494 You must kiss the POST
[1503] c1545 SKELTON Phyllyp Sparrowe l. 714: Wks., I 73: Troylus
also hath lost On her moch loue and cost, And now must kys the
post. 01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 19: Thou lofe [loseP] thy
meat and kisse the post. 01550 BIESTON Bait and Snare Fort., s.
B3: The poore the poste may kis. 1595 CHURCHYARD Charity, p.
10: But some that lost, their blood in countries right May kisse the
post. 1599 T. HEYWOOD 1 Edw. IV, p. 47: Make haste thou art
best, for feare thou kiss the post. 1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND
HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. CI: anesse I ride post, I kisse the
post. 1607 DEKKER Knight’s Conjuring VII, p. 63: Looking as
hungrilie as ifhe had kist the post. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Rimanere, p.
438: AS we say when one comes late that all haue dined or supped,
t0 kisse the Hares foote, or else to kisse the post. 1616 WITHALS, p.
582: *Sero venisti. 1623 [W.W.] New and Merry Prognos., p. 19:
That such as come late must kisse the post. 1639 CL., s.v. Tardita-
tis, p. 305. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Dine, p. 93. 1681
ROB., p. 47 5: You must kiss the post, or hares foote.
Cf. D637: To dine with Duke Humphrey; H162: TO kiss the
hare’s foot.
P495 The earthen POT must keep clear of the brass
kettle
[1560 Geneva Apocrypha Ecclus. xiii 2, f. 484v: For how agree the
kettle and the earthen pot together? for if the one be smitten against
the other, it shall be broken] 1612-26 HALL Contempl. I xxi,
II 324: Now see, what it is for thine Eathen Pitcher to knock with
Brass. Now where is the Man that would needs contest with Ha-
man? 1732 FUL., no. 4494.
Cf. P362: Whether the pitcher (pot) strikes the stone or the Stone
the pitcher (pot) it will be bad for the pitcher (ill for the pot, ill for
the stone).
P496 He that comes last to the POT soonest wroth
a1536 HILL 42, p. I 32: (ys sonnest wrothe). 1546 HEY. II ix, s.
L3v: (is soonest wrothe). 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 43: The last at the
pot is the first wroth. 1611 GRUT., no. 120. 1614 CAM., p. 307.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8.
P497 A little POT is soon hot
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D2: Little pot soone whot. 1606 DAY Isle
Gulls, S. D3v: Nay tho I be but a little pot, I shall be as soone hott
as another. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 316. 1611 GRUT., no. 16: A littel
pot, soone hott. 1614 CAM., p. 302: [As in 161 I Grut.]. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Anger, no. 90: [As in 1 546 Hey.]. 1639 CL., s.v. Ira, p. 177: [As in
1611 Grut.]. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 179: [As in
I 546 Hey.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: *Meant Of little men soon

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
POT
POTTAGE
55I

cholerick. 1670 RAY, p. 1 15: *Little persons are commonly choler-
ick. I732 FUL., no. 6173.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. IVi 5: Now were not I a little pot
and soon hot, my very lips might freeze.
Cf. M370: Seldom is a long man wise or a low man lowly.
P498 A mean1 POT played2 never even
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1 1 1. 1668 R.B., p. 8. 1721 KEL., p. 27:
(never play’d even). *Projects and Properties in which many have
a Share (by the Backwardness of some, and the ill Nature of others)
seldom come to a good Account.
[lshared 2boiled]
P499 Neither POT broken nor water spilt
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3v: There is no harme doone, man, in all this
fray; Neither pot broken, nor yet water spylt. 1562 HEY. Epig.
299, p. 171. 1617 B. RICH Irish Huhhuh, p. 16. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 14: Ther’s neither pot broke, nor water spilt. *No hurt
done.
P500 The POT walks
[Said of a drinking bout in which the pot of liquor was passed from
person to person.] 1567 HARMAN Caveat II, p. 32: How the pottes
walke about! their talking tounges talke at large. 1622 R. HAW-
KINS South Sea Voy. 61, p. 302: The pott continually walking, in-
fused desperate and foolish hardinesse in many.
P501 So long goes the POT (pitcher) to the water
(well) that at length it comes home broken
1481 CAXTON Reynard 28, p. 67: A pot may goo so longe to water
that at the laste it cometh to broken hoom. 1546 HEY. II vii, s.
I4v: (The pot so longe to the water gothe Tyll at the laste it).
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. B3: It is a true saying that
0ft hath bin spoken, The pitcher goeth so longe to the water, that he
commeth home broken. 1586 WITHALS, s. B1: S0 oft goeth the
pitcher to the well, that at last it commeth broken home. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1246: So long went the pot to the wel that at last it
cam broken home. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. I4: (to
the water, at). 1611 GRUT., no. 274: (The pot so long to the water
goth, tyl at last it). 1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV iii, II 39:
For the earthen pitcher goes so 0ft to the water, I will say no more.
1614 CAM., p. 312. 1616 DR., s.v. Revenge, no. 1851: (it commeth
broken home). 1616 WITHALS, p. 578: The pot goeth so long to the
water that at length it commeth broken home. 1623 CAM., p. 279:
The pot goes so often to the water, that at last it comes broken
home. 1639 CL., p. 161: Often goes the pitcher to the well, but at
last it comes broken home. 01640 M. PARKER Good News from
North 5 in Cav. and Pur., p. 103: But theirs an ancient adage, Oft
used in this mad age, the Pitcher goes so often to the Well; That it
comes broken home at last. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664
COD., p. 216: The Pot that goes often to the Well comes broken
home at last. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 20, p. 320: (The English
say, The Pitcher goes so oft to the Well, that at last it). 1670 RAY,
p. 131: The pitcher does not go so often to the water, but it comes
home broken at last. 1732 FUL., no. 4706: The Pitcher, that goes
often to the Well, comes home broken at last.
(14)
See ST., no. 1290.
P502 There is no POT so ugly that a cover cannot be
found for it
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 201: (so ugly, but hath a cover for’t).
*Note 173, p. 226: As in couch’d bawdry, something to that pur-
pose, The English say, There’s ne’r a Jack, but there’s a Gill.
1732 FUL., no. 4917.
See ST., no. 1871. Cf. J6: There is not so bad a Jack (Jill) but
there is as bad a Jill (Jack).
P503 To a boiling POT flies come not
1640 HERB., no. 123. 1752 FRANKLIN, p. 28: The busy Man has
few idle Visitors; to the boiling Pot the Flies come not.
P504 To go to POT
1530 TYNDALE Ans. More, p. 1 10: Then goeth a part of little flock
to pot, and the rest scatter. 1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 1 16: The riche

and welthie of his subiectes went dayly to the potte, and wet chopped
vp. 1550 BECON Fortr. Faithful: Cat., p. 597: Yet must Stephen
to the pot, and be condemned for an heretic. [a1558] 1568 Yacoh
and Esau V iv, s. F4v: Not one of them shall scape but they shall
to the potte. [c1560] 1581 WOODES Confl. Cons. III ii, s. D2: But
to the Pot, he is sure to goe. 1573 New Custom II iii, s. C3v: Thou
mightest sweare: ifI could I would bring them to the pot. 1593
PEELE Edw. I v, s. D4v: For goes this wretch, this traitor to the pot.
01596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More III ii 98: I thought it stood not
with my reputation and degree to com to my questions and aun-
swers before a citty justice. I knew I Should to the pott. 1627
BEAULIEU in Court and Times Chas. I, I 285: But where so many
officers went to the pot, how could fewer soldiers squer? 1639 CL.,
p. 239: All goe to the pot. 1649 P. HERBERT Gradus Simeonis in
Somers Tracts, VII 88: Many a wiser man than I hath gone to pot.
1664 Trial Turners in T. B. Howell State Trials, VI 597: Let me see
where those goods and monies are, else you will go to pot. 1670
RAY, p. 190. 1682 H1CKERINGILL Hist. Whiggism: Wks., I 158:
Poor Thorp, Lord Chief Justice, went to Pot, in plain English, he
was Hang’d. I683 CROWNE City Politics V, p. 198: I am to be
Lord Treasurer, boy! so the Whigs are all to go to pot.
SHAKESPEARE.—1608 C. I iv 46: Foolhardinessl. .See, they have
Shut him in. ——To th’ pot, I warrant him.
See ST., no. 570. Cf. W183: The weaker goes to the pot.
P505 To make the POT boil
1577—87 W. HARRISON Descr. Eng. II ii, I 63: One of the best paire
of bellowes . . that blue the fire in his (the pope’s) Kitchen, where-
with to make his pot seeth. [1663] 1673 D’AVENANT Playhouse V,
p. 101: We’ll find out rich husband to make you the pot boil.
Cf. M1086: Money will make the pot boil.
(39)
P506 Touch POT touch penny
[A warning that no credit will be given.] 1654 GAYTON Pleas.
Notes Don Quite. III iii, p. 83. 1678 RAY, p. 351: If you touch pot
you must touch penny. *Pay for what you have. Somers. c.1720
SWIFT Elegy Demar: Misc. Poems, p. 1 18: He touch’d the pence when
others touch’d the pot. 1732 FUL., no. 5270.
P507 Your POT broken seems better than my whole
one
1640 HERB., no. 266.
Cf. F413: Far folk fare best; M450: He esteems each man’s birds
and jewels better than his own.
P508 Two POTS well filled are signs of a feast
1611 COT., s.v. Femme: Two pots well fild are signes of a feast;
two women ill-wild of a storme. 1659 N.R., p. 107.
P509 I hate a POT COMPANION with a good memory
[ERAS. Adagia, 262A: Odi memorem compotorem] 1639 CL., p.
133: You must not tell tales out of the tavern. 1683 W. KENNETT
Pr. Folly, p. 171: (It is an Old Proverb. . I hate). 1710 PALMER, p.
78: He is an Ill Companion that has a good Memory.
Cf. T54: To tell tales out of school; W487: Wine neither keeps
secrets nor fulfills promises.
P510 If it should rain POTTAGE he would want1 his dish
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Cc3: All the world is otemeale, and my
poke left at home. 1670 RAY, p. 191. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To Rain.
1692 Poor Rohin’s Almanac May, quoted in App., p. 522: What is
he better for his wish, When it rains porridg to want a dish. 1732
FUL., no. 2687: (rain Porridge, he’d want a Dish).
[llack]
P511 If you drink in your POTTAGE you’ll cough in
your grave
1653 URQUHART Gargantua II xii, I 248: That antick Proverb, which
saith, Who in his pottage-eating drinks will not When he is dead and
buried see one jot. 1670 RAY, p. 133. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II,
p. 443: You ha’n’t tasted my cider yet. —No, my lord; I have
been just eating soup; and they say, if one drinks with one’s por-
ridge, one will cough in one’s grave.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
POTTAGE
POVERTY
552
P512 01d POTTAGE is sooner heated than new made
1670 RAY, p. 47. I732 FUL., no. 3724: Old Porridge is sooner
warmed, than new made.
P513 Every POTTER praises his own pot
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9: Every Potter commends his own
pitchers. I732 FUL., no. 1456.
Cf. A270: Every ape thinks his puppy the fairest.
P514 The POTTER envies the potter, the smith the
smith
[ERAS. Adagia, 80E: Figulus figulo invidet, faber fabro.] 1539
TAV., f. 8V: *Assuredly where men exercise one science, there
comonly the lykenes of the science doth rather gender hart bren-
nyng then it dothe loue or beneuolence. I617 MORYSON Itinerary
III IV iii, IV 275: The Potter hates the Potter, and the begger hates
the begger, and each one his next neighbour, more then any other.
1618 DYKE Philemon, p. 23: In the most men the Prouerbe is
verified, Figulus figulo inuidet; One Potter enuies another.
Cf. B237: One beggar is woe (bides woe) that another by the
door should go; T643: Two of a trade seldom agree.
P515 He will commit POULTRY
I678 RAY, p. 89: *A wencher.
P516 Come, everyone heave a POUND
1678 RAY, p. 355: *Som.
P517 In a hundred POUND of law there is not a half-
penny weight (an ounce) of love
1611 COT., s.v. Amour. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 3: (pounds of
Law, there is scarce an ounce of Love). 1659 N.R., p. 70. 1664
COD., p. 200. I670 RAY, p. 15: In a thousand pound of Law there’s
not an ounce of love. 1732 FUL., no. 281 I: In a thousand Pound’s
worth of Law, there is not a Shilling’s worth of Pleasure.
P518 A POUND of care will not pay an ounce of debt
1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 15: (A pound of sorrow). 1590
GREENE Never Too Late, p. 85: (One pound of care payes not).
1591 FLOR. Sec. E. II, p. 27: For a hundreth cart loades of thought,
will neuer paie one ownce ofdebts. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 206: (cair
payes not). 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. iv, s. E3: An ownce
of debt will not pay a pound of care. —Nay a pound of care,
will not pay an ounce of debt. I600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 43:
A pound of care payes a dram of debt. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1639
CL., s.v. Solicitudo, p. 291. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 13: A hundred crowns of melancholy will not pay
a half pennyworth of debt. 1659 N.R., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 183.
01665 PRICE Good Ale 1. 90 in Roxh. Bal., I 416: Care neere paid a
pound of debt. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 200: (A hundred cart—
load of thoughts, pay not). 1670 RAY, p. 67: *Ital. An hundred
cart-load of thoughts will not pay an ounce of debt. 1697 York-
shire Dial. in Yorkshire Anth., p. 82: (A pound of car’l nut pay).
I721 KEL., p. 3: *Care here is taken for Trouble, Vexation, and
Concern, by which no Business will be effected; but rather by
Patience and Industry. 1732 FUL., no. 361.
Cf. S660: Sorrow will pay no debt.
P519 What is a POUND of butter among a kennel of
hounds?
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Torso, p. 219: To be like a stalk amongst
an hundred geese, viz. a small matter of Provision amongst a great -
many Persons; The English .. say, What’s a Pound of Butter
amongst a Kennel of Hounds. I670 RAY, p. 66. I732 FUL., no.
5498: (What is one Pound of Butter).
P520 A thousand POUNDS and a bottle1 of hay is all one
thing at doomsday
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1. I670 RAY, p. 26.
Thousand: (will be all one Thing at Dooms-day).
6398: (all one at Dooms-Day).
[lbundle]
I687 MIEGE, s.v.
1732 FUL., no.

fl
He that is in POVERTY is in suspicion
I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 73, p. 28: (is still in suspi-
P521
1573 SANF., f. 102v.
don)
P522 Neither be daunted with POVERTY nor lifted up
with riches
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 7: (by poverty and by riches).
COD., p. 206.
Cf. P613: With prosperity be thou not lifted up and with ad-
versity be not cast down.
1664
P523 Plain1 of POVERTY and die a beggar
I678 RAY, p. 191.
[1complain]
P524 POVERTY breeds strife
01538 T. STARKEY Dialogue I ii 827: Eng. in Reign Hen. VIII
II, p. 50: Sche [poverty] ys the mother of envy and malice, dys-
sensyon and debate. 1678 RAY, p. 354: *Somerset. I732 FUL.,
no. 6109: Want makes Strife, Between the good Man and his Wife.
Cf. P529: Poverty parts fellowship (good company, friends).
P525 POVERTY in surety is better than riches in fear
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 33]. I484 CAXTON Fah. Aesop I 12, p. 17:
Better worthe is to lyve in pouerte surely, than to lyue rychely
beyng euer in daunger. [a1600] 1612 DELONEY T. Reading 3, p.
222: Pouerty with suretie, is better than honour mixed with feare.
P526 POVERTY is no sin (vice), but an inconvenience
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 105: Neuer be ashamed of thy calling, for
Pouertie is no Vice, though it be an inconuenience. I599 MINSHEU
Span. Dial., p. 41: You saie not well, for he is not couetous, but as
it is saide, Pouertie is not Vilenes. I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram,
p. 84: Pouertie is no Vile or vitious matter, but yet an inconuen-
ience. 1616 DR., no. 1680: Pouertie is Without shame. I640
HERB., no. 838: Poverty is no sinne. 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 14: That thou art poore, let it not make thee to
despaire, for pouerty is no vilde or vitious matter, only it is an
inconuenience. 1641 PEACHAM Worth Penny in Eng. Garn., VI 260:
Women of the meanest condition may make good wives; since
Paupertas non est vitium; Poverty is no Vice. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 3: (but an incommodity). 1664 COD., p. 209: [As in 1640 Herb.].
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 214: (Vice). I749 FRANKLIN, p. 25:
Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is.
P527 POVERTY is the mother of all arts
I611 COT., s.v. Pain: Necessitie inuented all good Artes; want more
then any thing makes men industrious. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 28,
p. 214: (all arts and trades).
See ST., no. 115. Cf. N61: Necessity is the mother of inven-
tion.
P528 POVERTY is the mother of health
I598 BARCKLEY Fel. lllan IV, p. 335: (A poore table is). 1640
HERB., no. 468. I659 N.R., p. 86. 1664 COD., p. 209. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 215: Poverty, the mother of health, and tombe of
Virtue. 1670 RAY, p. 21. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Poverty. I732 FUL.,
no. 3907: Poverty is a Friend to Health.
P529 POVERTY parts fellowship (good company,
friends)
c1475 Songs and Carols 29, p. 34: This wrat I oftyn, poverte partyth
company. a1536 HILL 44, p. 129. 1546 HEY. I xii, 3. F1. 1562
HEY. Epig. 249, p. 16 5: Pouertee partth felowship, thats not trewe
euer, Pouertie in beggers partth felowship neuer. I594 NASHE
Unfort. Trav., p. 210: But pouertie in the end partes friends.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1138: Povertie pairtes good companie and
is ane enemie to vertew. Ihid., no. 1532: Want breakis amity.
1599 Warningfor Fair Women, s. G2v: IfI were richer, then thou
shouldst go with me, but pouerty partes company. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 320: Pouerty parts fellowship not euer so; For it makes
beggers together go. 1616 BRET., p. 6: (good company). 1616
DR., no. 1689. 1639 CL., p. 245: (friends). Ihid.: (good company).

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
POVERTY
PRAISE
553

1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: (friends). 1664 COD., p. 209: (good
fellowship). 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 43, p. 224: The English say,
Poverty parts good company. 1668 R.B., p. 42: [As in a1598
Ferg. MS, no. 1138]. 1670 RAY, p. 21: (friends [or fellowship]).
Ibid., p. 133: (good fellowship). 01675 7ane Shore 1. 106 in Roxb.
Bal., I 487: For friendship parts in poverty. I687 MIEGE, s.v.
Poverty: (the best Friends). 1721 KEL., p. 278: Poortha [poverty]
parts Friends. *At least makes them very coldrife.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A. Y. II i 51: ‘ ’Tis right!’ quoth he, ‘thus
misery doth part The flux of company.’
Cf. P524: Poverty breeds strife; P531: When poverty comes in
at the doors love leaps out at the windows; P611: Prosperity gets
friends but adversity tries them.
P530 POVERTY (Luxury) wants many things but cov-
etousness (avarice) all
1668 COWLEY Essays 7: Essays, Plays, p. 437: Much is wanting to
luxury, all to avarice. To which saying, I have a mind to add . .
Poverty wants some, luxury many, avarice all things. 1669 PENN
No Cross No Crown XIII, p. 346. 1732 FUL., no. 4640: The Luxur-
ious want many Things, the Covetous all Things. 1735 FRANKLIN,
p. 9: Poverty wants some things, luxury many things, avarice all
things. '
See OTTO, no. 226. Cf. M1287: Much would have more; P427:
Plenty makes poor.
P531 When POVERTY comes in at the doors love leaps
out at the windows
01476 CAXTON Game Chess III iii, s. F4: Herof men say a comyn
prouerbe in englond, that loue lasteth as longe as the money en-
durith. I631 BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlew. Fancy, p. 134: It hath
beene an Old Maxime: that as pouerty goes in at one doore, loue
goes out at the other. 1639 CL., p. 2 5: (at doores and at windowes).
1664 COD., p. 226: (at the door, love flyeth out at the window).
1670 RAY, p. 133. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Poverty: (out of the Win-
dows). 1721 KEL., p. 346: (at the Door, Friendship flees out at
the Window). *When good Cheer is lacking, Friends will be pack-
ing. Eng. 1732 FUL., no. 5565: (at the Door, Love creeps out at
the Window).
See DUR., II, no. 45. Cf. P529: Poverty parts fellowship (good
company, friends); T301: In time of prosperity friends will be
plenty, in time of adversity not one among twenty.
P532 He should have a hale POW1 that calls his neigh-
bor nitty know2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 525: (pow cals his neighbour nikie now).
1641 FERG., no. 354: (nikkienow). 1666 R.B., p. 26: (nikkynow).
I721 KEL., p. 133: (He had need to have). *A Man ought to be
free of these Faults that he throws up to others.
Cf. C827: He that mocks a cripple ought to be whole; F107:
He finds fault with others and does worse himself (He that will
blame others must be blameless himself).
[lhead 2a lousy head]
P533 To send (come) with a POWDER
[01589] 1633 MARLOWE j’ew Malta III iv 108: Here’s a drench to
poison a whole stable of Flanders mares. I’ll carry’t to the nuns
with a powder. [01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered I ii 19: Art
thou there mad slaue, I come with a powder. 1607 DEKKER AND
WEBSTER North. Ho V, s. H2v: Phillip, go thy wayes, giue fire to
him, and send him hither with a powder presently. 01626 Dick
Dev. I iii, p. 22: Take heed you be not sent to heaven with a powder:
a company of hott shotts are abroad I can tell you. [1626] 1639
SHIRLEY Maid’s Rev. IV i, p. 159: I am old Sforza, that in my days
have scoured rogues’ faces with hot balls, made them cut cross
capers, and sent them away with a powder. 1635 SHIRLEY Traitor
III i, p. 132: He . . walked up and down the court with a case of
pistols charged, wherewith, as he partly confessed, he intended to
send the duke to heaven with a powder! 1639 Con., Clinches,
Flashes and W himsies in Shak. Yen-Bks., III 32: Gunners are more
serious in what they doe then other men: for what they doe they
doe with a powder.
P534 POWER seldom grows old at court
1651 HERB., p. 367.
P535 POWER weakens the wicked
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 6.
Cf. A402: Authority (Honor, Ofiice) shows what a man is.
P536 POWYS is the paradise of Wales
1662 FULLER Worthies Montgomeryshire, II 601: (ways Para-
dwys Cymry. That is Powis is).
P537 A Pox'on these true jests
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. V ii 46: A pox of that jest, and I
beshrow all Shrows!
Cf. J43: True jests are the worst.
P537a PRACTICE what you preach
1546 HEY. I vi, s. B3: Practise in all, aboue all toucheth the quicke
. . If ye bryng practise in place, without fablyng, I will banishe
bothe haste and busy bablyng. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 169: Take heede Camilla, that . . prescribing a good counsaile
to others, thou thy selfe follow the worst. I612 CHAPMAN W idow’s
Tears II ii 131: But it is the course of the world to dispraise fault
and use them, that so we may use them the safer. 1639 FULLER
Holy WarI xxiii, p. 38: The Levites . . had 48 cities ._ . being better
provided for then many English ministers, who may preach Of
hospitalitie to their people, but cannot go to the cost to practise
their own doctrine. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 215: Who preacheth
unto others, let him not forget himself. 1678 R. L’ESTRANGE
Mor. II ii, p. 130: We must practise what we preach.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. I ii 15: It is a good divine that fol-
lows his own instructions.
Cf. W160: He tells me my way and does not know it himself.
P538—P545 PRAISE: su bst.
P538 Faint PRAISE is disparagement
[01615] 1633 P. FLETCHER Purple Island VII 67, p. 224:§-When
needs he must, yet faintly, then he praises . . So marreth what he
makes, and praising most dispraises. 1616 JONSON Epig. 52, p.
234: I rather thou Shouldst utterly Dispraise my work, than praise
it frostily. 1654 WHITLOCK Zootomia, p. 447: Patricius assureth
us, Laus frigida est quaedam Species vituperationis, faint Praise is
but a mannerly disparagement. 1676 WYCHERLEY Plain Dealer
Prologue: You who Scrible . . And with faint praises, one another
Damn. 1732 FUL., no. 1487.
P539 Old PRAISE dies unless you feed it
1640 HERB., no. 695.
P540 PRAISE by evil men is dispraise
01526 Dicta Sap., s. A2v: It forceth nat howe many, but what they
be that preyse the: for to be preysed of yuell parsons is dispreyse.
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 217v: It is a praise to the
godly to be dispraised of the wicked, and it is likewise a disprayse
to be praised of them. 1605 MARSTON Dutch Courtesan II ii 40:
I did praise, I confess, I did praise him; I said he was a fool, an un-
thrift, a true whoremaster, I confess; a constant drab-keeper, I
confess. I612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears II iii 3: Never was man
so praised with a dispraise. [1616] 1631 JONSON Devil Is Ass IV
Vii 37: Would one Of worth had spoke it: whence it comes, it is
Rather a shame [vn]to me, then a praise. I641 JONSON Timber,
p. 8: It is as great a spite to be praised in the wrong place, and by a
wrong person, as can be done to a noble nature. 1732 F UL., no.
3925: Praises from wicked Men are Reproaches.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605—8 T. Ath. IV iii 172: I never did thee harm.
—Yes, thou spok’st well of me. —Call’st thou that harm? —Men
daily find it.
Cf. D383: Dispraise by evil men is praise; P543: Praise to the
undeserving is severe satire.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
PRAISE
PRAYERS
554

P541 PRAISE is the reflection (shadow) of virtue
I612 BACON Essays, p. 258. [a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem.,
II 118: Praise is but the Shadow of Virtue.
Cf. H571: Honor is the reward of virtue.
P542 PRAISE makes good men better and bad men
worse
1659 PECKE Parnassi Puerperium 84, p. 95: Good Men, are made
Better; Bad, worse by Praise. 1732 FUL., no. 3918.
Cf. M374: Show a good man his error and he turns it to a virtue;
but an ill, it doubles his fault.
P543 PRAISE to the undeserving is severe satire
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 82: For so much as false prayse is naught
els but mockerie. 1752 FRANKLIN, p. 29.
Cf. P540: Praise by evil men is dispraise.
P544 Too much PRAISE is a burden
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 117.
P545 True PRAISE takes root and spreads
I659 N.R., p. 102:
1670 RAY,
1732 FUL., no. 5266.
1640 HERB., no. 634: (True praise rootes).
True praise rootes and sprouts. 1664 COD., p. 220.
p. 21.
P546-P548 PRAISE: verb
P546 He PRAISES who wishes to sell
[1610] 1620 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Phi/aster I, p. 79: What’s
his price . . He'll tell [sell ?] himselfhe has so prais’d his shape. 1636
T. HEYWOOD Challfor Beauty III, p. 36: I thinke you would gladly
sell whom you have so lately bought, else you would never have
spoake him thus. 1639 CL., p. 319. 1672 WYCHERLEY Love in
Wood III, p. 106: You praise her, as if you had a mind to part with
her. 1721 KEL., p. 216: It has no other Father but you. *Spoken
when People commend what they are selling.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. II i 15: Beauty is bought by
judgment of the eye, Not utt’red by base sale ofchapmen’s tongues.
Ibid. IV iii 239: Fie! painted rhetoric—O, she needs it not! To things
of sale a seller’s praise belongs. I602 T.C. IV i 77: But we in
Silence hold this virtue well, We’ll not commend what we intend
to sell. 1609 Son. 21, l. 14: I will not praise that purpose not to
sell. Ibid. 102, l. 3: That love is merchandiz’d whose rich esteem~
ing The owner’s tongue doth publish everywhere. 1611 Temp. IV
i 9: Do not smile at me that I boast her off, For thou shalt find she
will outstrip all praise And make it halt behind her . . Then, as
my gift, and thine own acquisition worthily purchas’d, take my
daughter.
See DiiR., II, no. 711. Cf. B445: He that blames would buy;
M537: Many men do lack what they would fain have in their pack;
M648: He that Speaks ill of the mare will buy her.
P547 He that PRAISES himself spatters himself
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 76: For this is a prouerbe
sounding to veritie Of thy proper mouth thy land is not laudable.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 95: The saying, That hee which washeth
his mouth with his owne praise, soyleth himselfe with the suddes
that come of it; and that praise in a mans owne mouth, is spilt.
1640 HERB., no. 983.
Cf. A26: Neither praise nor dispraise thyself, thy actions serve
the turn; C554: Who commends himself berays himself; M476:
A man’s praise in his own mouth does stink; N117: He dwells far
from neighbors (has ill neighbors) that is fain to praise himself.
P548 He that PRAISES publicly will slander privately
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 117v: He that praiseth a
man openly will not stick to flatter him secretly. 1732 FUL., no.
2250.
SHAKESPEARE.——C1595 R}. IV i 27: IfI do so [say that I love
you], it will be of more price, Being spoke behind your back, than
to your face.
P549 It is not good PRAISING a ford till a man be over
1616 DR., no. 578: (praysing of a foord, vntill). 1639 CL., p. 171.
1670 RAY, p. 92. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Ford: Never praise a Ford,

i
till you got over. 1732 F UL., no. 3920: Praise not the Ford, till
you are safe over.
Cf. F587: Ruse the ford as you find it; P83: Praise at parting.
P550 PRATE is prate but it is the duck that lays the
eggs
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 215: (duck lays the
eggs). 1732 FUL., no. 3926: (Egg).
Cf. T59: Talk (Prate) is but talk (prate), but it is money buys
land.
P551 PRAY for yourself, I am not sick
I562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 68.
P552 He has much PRAYER but little devotion
1546 HEY. II ix, S. L2: Aue Maria (quoth he) howe muche mocion
Here is to praiers, with howe little deuocion. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 763. 1721 KEL., p. 170: *Spoken of those Men who make great
pretences to Religion, but shew little of it in their Practice, of
whom I have known many.
P553 PRAYER brings down the first blessing and praise
the second
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6.
P554 PRAYER Should be the key of the day and the
lock of the night
1628 FELTHAM Resolves II 59, p. 25 5: Albeit prayer should be the
key of the day, and the lock of the night; yet I hold it of the two
more needful in the morning, than when in the evening we commit
our selves t0 Repose. 1732 FUL., no. 3927.
P555 A short PRAYER penetrates heaven
1493 [H. PARKER] Dives and Pauper, f. 74v: It is a common prou-
erbe, that a short prayer thirleth [reaches] heuen. 1659 HOW.
Span. Prov., p. 15. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 178: A short prayer
penetrates. 1732 FUL., no. 397: A short Prayer may reach up to
the Heaven of Heavens.
P556 PRAYERS and provender hinder no journey
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 6: Neither in going to the Church, nor
in giuing prouender to thy horse, was there euer iourney hindered
or lost. [a1633] 1652 G. HERBERT Priest to Temple XVII, p. 161:
At going to bed . . he will have prayers in the hall . . The like he
doth in the morning, using pleasantly the outlandish proverb, that
Prayers and Provender never hinder journey. 1640 HERB., no.
273. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 188: (never hinder
journey). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (never hinder journey).
1664 COD., p. 209: (never hinder a journey). 1670 RAY, p. 133:
(no mansjourney). 1705 Pleas. flrt, p. 155: Prayer and Provender
hinders n0 Journey. 1744 FRANKLIN, p. 22.
Cf. M825: Meat (Oats) and mass (matins) never hindered man
(hinder no man’s journey).
P557 PRAYERS like petards break open heaven gate
1654 COKE Art Logic Ep. Ded. [p. 9]: The prayers of the Saints
ascending with you, will Petarr your enterances thorow Heauvens
Portcullis. 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 5.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. Epil. 15: My ending is despair Un-
less I be reliev’d by prayer, Which pierces so that it assaults
Mercy itself.
P558
1678 RAY, p. 79.
She is at her last PRAYERS
a1700 B.E., s.v. Stale Maid: At her last Prayers.
P559 To say his PRAYERS backward
1595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 997, s. E4v: They say it is good to
. . say his prayers backward. [1604-17] 1647 FLETCHER Woman’s
Prize II ii, p. 28: And say her Prayers back-ward to undo thee.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 16: He curseth, he sayeth the Lords
Prayer backward. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bertuccia, p. 14:

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PRAYERS
PRIDE
555

To say the Pater noster of the Ape, viz. to grumble and mumble I
know not what, to say ones prayers backwards. 1678 RAY, p. 26 5.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. III i 61: But she would spell him
backward.
P560 When PRAYERS are done my lady is ready
1611 COT., s.v. Messe: When prayers were ended, Madame ends
her pranking. 1640 HERB., no. 71. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes
Fac. in Via, p. 233: *For her dinner. 1659 N.R., p. 120. 1664
COD., p. 226. '
P561 He PREACHES well that lives well
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xx, III 157. 1630 T. ADAMS
Physicfrom Heaven: Wks., p. 298: The preaching of life is made
more forcible by the good life of the Preacher. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
36, p. 215: For to preach well, one should first do well. 1732
FUL., no. 2006.
Cf. D394: Do as I say, not as I do; E213: Examples teach more
than precepts; R206: We must walk (live) by rules (laws) and not
by examples; V86: Virtue (Counsel) must be practiced (honored)
not praised.
P562 He that will not be saved needs no PREACHER
1611 COT., s.v. Cure: (no preaching). *Aduice preuailes not with
such as are carelesse of their owne good. 1664 COD., p. 197:
(no Preaching). 1670 RAY, p. 21. 1732 FUL., no. 2351: (no Ser-
mon).
P563 To be in the same PREDICAMENT
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 103: You put them all in one predica-
ment. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Ahuses I, p. 83: Being booth ioyned
in one predicament of sinne. 1616 WITHALS, p. 561: (You are in),
1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 251: (You are in). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 15: (We are all in). 1670 RAY, p. 190. (7)
P564 The PRESBYTER’S wife had rather see her hus-
band in his shirt than in his surplice
1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 8: (then in a Surplice).
p. 21
P565
1664 COD.,
Do not make a PRESENT of a knife, for it will
cut love
1619 Two Wise Men VII ii, s. N4: What? Kniues? O, I will not
take them in anie wise, they will cut loue. a1700 B.E., s.v. Cut: No
Present to be made of Knives, because they Cut kindness. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 392: Make me a present of that pretty pen-
knife. —Not for the world . . it will cut love.
Cf. C695: Neither counsel nor salt is presented unless demanded;
M626: It is not good manners to offer salt or brains.
P566 PRESENTS of love fear not to be ill taken of
strangers
1651 HERB., p. 372: (taken ill).
Via, p. 21. I659 N.R., p. 87.
Cf. G109: Gifts from enemies are dangerous.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in
P567 PRETTINEss dies first (quickly)
I640 HERB., no. 480. 1659 N.R., p. 86.
(quickly). 1670 RAY, p. 21: (quickly).
Prettiness is short-liv’d.
Cf. B169: Beauty is but a blossom.
1664 COD., p. 209:
I732 FUL., no. 3930:
P568 PRETTINEss makes no pottage
I678 RAY, p. 192. 1732 FUL., no. 3931.
P569 PREVENTION is better than cure
1618 T. ADAMS Happiness Church: Wks., p. 598: Preuention is so
much better then healing, because it saues the labour of being
sicke. 1685 Eng. Wants in Somers Tracts, IX 22 5: The wisdom of
prevention is better than the wisdom of remedy. 1732 FUL., no.
3932: Prevention is much preferable to Cure.

P570 The PREY entices the thief
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 93: As a pleasant prey soon enticeth a
Simple thief. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 210: Is it not the
praye that entiseth the theefe t0 ryfie? I583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
S. E4: A pleasant praye entiseth many a theefe.
SHAKESPEARE.——1592—3 V.A. l. 724: Rich preys make true men
thieves.
Cf. O70: Opportunity (Night, Midnight) is whoredom’s bawd;
O71: Opportunity makes the thief.
P571 T0 shoot nigh the PRICK
1546 HEY. I vi, s. B3: Now ye shoote ny the pricke.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV i 133: ‘A mark,’ says my lady!
Let the mark have a prick in’t, to mete at, if it may be . . —In-
deed ’a must shoot nearer.
Cf. F516: A fool’s bolt may sometimes hit the mark (white);
M668: He Shoots wide of the mark; M669: To miss his mark (aim).
P572 No PRIDE like an enriched beggar
1611 COT., s.v. Orgueil: There is no pride vnto th’inriched begger.
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 8: There’s no such pride as from a begger
grown rich. I659 N.R., p. 80.
Cf. P579: Pride may lurk under a threadbare cloak.
P573 PRIDE and laziness would have mickle uphold-
ing
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1130: Pryd and plew irones wold hav much
uphold. 1641 FERG., no. 68 5: Pride and sweirnesse [unwillingness]
wald have meikle uphald. 1668 R.B., p. 43: (Pride and sweirnesse).
1721 KEL., p. 277: *Pride requires Ornament, and Laziness Service.
P574 PRIDE but1 profit, wear shoon2 and g0 barefoot
1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia, p. 31: Pride without profit. 1721 KEL.,
p. 277: *Spoken when People have something fine about them, but
the rest Shabby.
[lwithout 2shoes]
P575 PRIDE feels no cold (frost, pain)
1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet II: Wks., p. 196: Pride is neuer with-
out her own paine, though shee will not feele it: be her garments
what they Will, yet she will neuer be too hot, nor too colde. 1631
JONSON New Inn II i 5: Thou must make shift with it. Pride feeles
no pain. 1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight IV vi, p. 114: Some may
plead, Pride never feels pain. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1670
RAY, p. 133. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Pride. 1721 KEL., p. 277:
*Spoken heretofore to young Women, when, in compliance with
the Fashion, they went with their Breasts and Shoulders bare; and
may now be apply’d to Beaus with their open Breasts, and Ladies
with their extravagant Hoops. 1732 FUL., no. 3935: (Frost).
P576 PRIDE goes before and shame (ambition) comes
after
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 1 1: Pryde goyth be fore and after comythe
shame. a1529 SKELTON Agst. Garnesche: W ks., I 131. a1536 HILL
17, p. 128. 1546 HEY. I x, s. C4v. 1567 Trial Treasure, s. C1:
Elation and Pride, no commoditie doth bring, But is often knowen
the forerunner of shame. 1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and Three
Ladies Lond., s. G4v: Shame followes pride, as we a prouerbe haue,
pride goes before, and shame comes after. 1594 Con. York and
Lan., S. A3v: Pride went before, Ambition follows after. 1605
CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho IV ii 163: Nay,
nay, eene let Pride goe afore, Shame wil follow after, I warrant you.
1614 CAM., p. 31 I. 1616 DR., no. 1701: (and shame followeth after).
1623 WOD., p. 506: When Pride marches, Shame followes. 1639
CL., p. 24: Pride goes before, shame goes after. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 9: (and shame follows after). 1664 COD., p. 209: (and
shame followeth after). 1670 RAY, p. 133: Pride goes before,
shame follows after. 1732 F UL., no. 3936: [As in 1670 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. V] I i 180: Pride went before,
ambition follows him.
See ST., no. 955. Cf. P577: Pride in the van, beggary in the
rear; P581: Pride will have a fall; P582: When pride is on the saddle
shame is on the crupper. (I6)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
PRIDE
PRINCE
556

P577 PRIDE in the van, beggary in the rear
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 6. 1735 FRANKLIN, p. 9: If pride leads
the van, beggary brings up the rear.
Cf. P576: Pride goes before and shame (ambition) comes after.
P578 PRIDE is the root of all sin
[1486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature II, s. H4v: The rote of all
syn ys Pryde ye know well. 1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., s. B4v:
The beginning of syn, which doth man from God deuide Scripture
calleth it nothyng els but pride. 1578 WHETSTONE I Promos and
Cass. II ix, s. C3v: Shun pride, and sloth, the rootes of euery vice.
1623 WOD., p. 506: Of all Vice it [pride] is the Roote, as Humble-
nesse is of Vertue the Queene. 1630 T. ADAMS Cosmopolite: Wks.,
p. 690: Pride is radix omnis peccati; the roote of all sinne.
Cf. C746: Covetousness is (Riches are) the root of all evil;
113: Idleness is the mother (nurse, root) of all evil (vice, sin).
P579 PRIDE may lurk under a threadbare cloak
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 3: Pride is oftner seen through a threed-
bare coat then through a silk cloak. 1732 FUL., no. 3947.
Cf. P474: Poor and proud, fie, fie; P572: No pride like an enriched
beggan
P580 The PRIDE of the rich makes the labor of the
poor
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A7): (labours).
rich man makes the laboure of the poore).
P581 PRIDE will have a fall
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 161: The pryde in them at last
sholde haue a fall. [61525—9] 1561 Godly Qu. Hester l. 524, p. 22:
If pryde haue a fall. a1529 SKELTON Agst. Garnesche: Wks., I 131:
I have red, and rede I shall, Inordynate pride wyll haue a falle.
I546 HEY. I x, s. C4v. 61550 REDFORD Wit and Science, p. 7:
Best let them go tyll pryde at hys heyghte Turne and cast them
clowne hedlong agayne. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 70: Honours
do chaunge maners, yet pride will haue a fall. 1580 BARET, A—157.
[a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. B2: (would). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1137.
61600 Birth Hercules I iii, p. 23. [61600] 1657 DAY, DEKKER, AND
HAUGHTON Lust’s Dominion V V, p. 1 82: He will be proud; and pride,
you know, must fall. 1609 W.M. Man in Moon, p. 16: Pride will
procure your fall, when you wot not of it. 1611 GRUT., no. 215.
1614 CAM., p. 311. 1616 DR., no. 1700. [1622] 1647 FLETCHER
Women Pleased I iii, p. 245: But if pride now Should catch a fall
in what I am attempting, ’Tis but a Proverb sound, and a neck
broken. 1639 CL., p.32. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664 COD.,
p. 209: (catch a fall). 1668 R.B., p. 43. 1670 RAY, p. 133. 1721
KEL., p. 276: Pride never left his Master without a Fall. *Proud
People often meet with very humbling Circumstances. I732 FUL.,
no. 3951: Pride seldom leaves its Master without a Fall.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQO Rich. II V V 87: Would he not stumble?
would he not fall down (Since pride must have a fall)?
1639 CL., p. 18: (the
Cf. P576: Pride goes before and shame (ambition) comes after.
(14)
P582 When PRIDE is on the saddle shame is on the
crupper
1573 SANF., f. 20v: This [Louis XI of France] is the same King
that was woonte to saye, when pryde rydeth, damage and shame
go behynde. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: While pride gallops, pov-
erty rideth behind on the crupper. 1673 DARE CounsellorManners,
p. 18: King Lewis the Eleventh was wont to say, When pride rides
in the Saddle, shame and confusion rides in the crupper. I732
FUL., no. 5566.
Cf. M685: Marriage rides upon the saddle and repentance on
the crupper; P576: Pride goes before and shame (ambition) comes
after.
P583 Like PRIEST like people
[Hos. iv 9: And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will
punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings] 1589
NASHE Ret. Pasq.: Wks., I 91: Like people, like Priest begins now


to be verified. 1616 DR., no. 1234. 1670 RAY, p. 114: *Always
taken in the worse sense. 1732 FUL., no. 3233.
Cf. C70: Such as the captain is such is the soldier; K70: Line
king (prince) like people; P53: A mad parish must have a mad priest;
P585: Such as the priest such is the clerk.
P584 No PRIEST no mass
I662 FULLER Worthies Shropshire, II 254: Oh! the case is altered,
quoth Plowden: No Priest, no Mass. 1732 FUL., no. 3618.
P585 Such as the PRIEST such is the clerk
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 1: Such as the abbot is, such is the monk.
I732 FUL., no. 4279.
Cf. P53: A mad parish must have a mad priest; P583: Like priest
like people. '
P586 Such PRIEST such offering
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1190. 1641 FERG., no. 761: Sike priest, sike
offering. I668 R.B., p. 46: Sike Priest, sike offering.
Cf. S32: Such a saint such an olIering (shrine).
P587 To be one’s PRIEST
[To kill a person—an allusion to the priest’s last offices to the dy-
ing.] 61510 Hickscorner, s. A8v: His preest wyll I be by cockes
body. 1560-77 Misogonus I iii 18: If thou hadst not spoke when
thou didst . . thou shouldst haue bene slayne I woulde haue bene
thy preist I make god avowe. 61592 KYD Span. Trag. III iii, s.
E4v: Who first laies hand on me, Ile be his Priest.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I590-I 2 Hen. VI III i 271: And to preserve my
sovereign from his foe, Say but the word, and I will be his priest.
P588 PRIESTs and pigeons (doves) make foul houses
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1129: Preists and dowes maks foul houses.
1611 COT., s.v. Prestre: (For [we say] Priests, and). 1623 WOD.,
p. 502: Who would hold his House very cleane, Ought lodge no
Priest or Pigeon there in. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 8: Who will keep
his house clean, must have neither poultry nor pigeon. 1659 HOW.
Span. Prov., p. 20: Without Priest and pigeon-house thou mayst
keep thy house Clean. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 40: Who intends
to have a clean house, let him keep no pidgeons there. I668 R.B.,
p. 42: (Priests and Doves). 1721 KEL., p. 86: Doves and Domine’s
leave ay a foul House.
P589 He whom a PRINCE hates is as good as dead
I599 MINSHEU Span. Gram. To Rdr., s. 13v: As the saying is, the
anger of a Prince the messenger of death. 1611 COT., s.v. Mort.
P590 Of a new PRINCE new bondage
I596 DEL., s. M7v. 1651 HERB., p. 370.
Cf. L446: New lords (kings) new laws.
P591 A PRINCE overgentle shall not long reign
I596 DEL., s. P7v: A prince too gentle, doth not reigne in security.
1616 DR., no. 849.
P592 To live (fare) like a PRINCE (king)
I546 HEY. II Vii, s. K1v: Than euery daie to fare lyke a duke.
1583 STUBBES Anat. Ahuses I, p. 130: Where thei line like yong
Princes. I585 HIGGINS Nomenclator I, p. 80: To fare like a Prince;
to furnishe the table with the best cheere that may be gotten.
I589 GREENE Span. Masqu., p. 266: The iolly fellowes that once in
England liued like Princes in their Abbeies and Frieries. 1591
LYLY Endim. III iii 102: Thus you See hee shall fare like a King,
though he be but a begger. 1616 DR., no. 717: Fare for a King.
1633 Costly Whore I ii, p. 240: And we shall share the profits, live
like Kings. 1660 PEPYS Diary Nov. 1, I 272: We came to Sir W.
Batten’s, where he lives like a prince. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Ulisse, p. 23 5: To come to Court a sorry Fellow, and afterwards
to live like a Prince. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 218: We’l fare like
Emperours. I672 WALK. 91 , p. 25: To fare like a Prince; feast
like an Emperour.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PRINCES
PROMISES
557
P593 PRINCES (Gentlemen, Rich men) are venison in
heaven
01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 22: I pray God the olde
prouerbe be not found true, that gentlemen and riche men are
venison in Heauen (that is), very rare and daintie to haue them
come thither. 1651 HERB., p. 372. 1659 N.R., p. 87.
P594 PRINCES have no way
I640 HERB., no. 949.
P595 To break PRISCIAN’S head
[01517] c1545 SKELTON Speak Parrot l. 176: Wks., II 9: Prisians
hed broken now handy dandy. 1533 R. LYST (to T. Cromwell)
in Original Let. III 210, II 252: I have harde hym soo often breke
Master Precyens hede. I589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xxii,
p. 251: As when we speake false English . . euery poore scholler
knowes the fault, and cals it the breaking of Priscians head, for he
was among the Latines a principall grammarian. I596 HARING-
TON Metam. Ajax, p. 70: Yet least old Priscian should say, I brake
his head when I neuer came neare him. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G.
Goosecap I iv 131: There is not one woman . . but will speake false
Latine, and breake Priscians head. 1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-
Pot, S. E1 v: That same addition, addes life to the rest, And wipes
poore Priscians head, thats fouly broke. 1633 T. GERARD Part.
Descr. Som., p. 224: They would have made some conscience of
knocking poore Priscian’s pate soe familiarly as in most ancient
evidence they doe. 1642 FULLER Holy State I xiii, p. 42: Throwing
words at randome she never brake Priscian’s head. 1664 S. BUT-
LER Hud. II ii 223, p. 16 5: [They] hold no sin so deeply red, As that
of breaking Priscian’s Head. I
SHAKESPEARE.———1594—5 L.L.L. V i 30: Laus Deo, bone intelligo.
—‘Bone’?—-—‘bone’ for ‘bene.’ Priscian a little scratch’d; ’twill
serve.
Cf. L88: To speak false Latin.
P596 It is an evil (ill) PROCESSION where the devil
bears (carries, holds) the cross (colors, candle)
[1610] 1620 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Philaster IV, p. 117: O
there’s a Rank Regiment where the Devil carries the Colours.
1616 DR., no. 947. Ibid., no. 2204: It is an euill countrey where
the deuill rules, or carieth the Crosse. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus
et vilitatis, p. 70: ’Tis an ill company where the Devil beares the
banner. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (holdeth the candle). Ibid.,
p. 12: ’Tis an evil battle where the Devil carrieth'the colours. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 219: When rogues go in Procession, the Devil
bears the Cross. 1670 RAY, p. 7: It’s an ill battel where the Divel
carries the colours. Ibid., p. 22: (ill and holds the candle).
Cf. D309: Where none else will, the devil himself must bear the
cross.
P597 PROCRUSTES’ bed
1583 FULKE Def. I, p. 97: You play manifestly with us the lewd part
of Procrustes, the thievish host, which would make his guests’
stature equal with his bed’s, either by stretching them out if they
were too short, or by cutting off their legs if they were too long.
See ST., no. 1887.
P598 More PROFIT and less honor
01500 Melusine XXXIV, p. 238: Bettre is to haue more of protut
and lasse honour. 1623 WOD., p. 511: *An Italian Prov[erb].
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 114: Who seeks after honour, shuns gain.
Cf. H569: Honor and profit lie not in one sack; P599: No profit
to honor, no honor to religion.
P599 No PROFIT to1 honor, no honor to1 religion
1640 HERB., no. 75 5. 1664 COD., p. 207. '
Cf. H569: Honor and profit lie not in one sack; P598: More
profit and less honor.
[llike]
P600 The PROFIT 0f the commonwealth Should be
preferred to a private pleasure
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal. , I 127: Preferring . . the profit of the common-
wealth before her own private pleasure. I583 MELBANCKE Philot.,

s. DIv: Prefering a publicke profite before a priuate benefite . . he
was the cause that the whole roote did florish. [01590] 1654
CHAPMAN AND PEELE Alphonsus I ii 126: But private cause must
yield to public good. 1592 LYLY Gall. V iii 70: Preferre not a
priuate grudge before a common griefe. 1597 [BODENHAM] kVit’s
Commonw., f. 158v: Priuate welfare, is not to be preferred before
common-weale. 1614 J. COOKE Greene’s Tu Quoque, s. L3: A
generall good is alwaies to be respected before a particular. [1624]
1654 GLAPTHORNE [AND CHAPMAN] Rev.for Honor III ii 109: How
far a public Regard should be deferr’d before your private Desire
of vengeance! 1671 MILTON Samson Ag. 1. 867, p. 368: To the pub-
lic good Private respects must yield.
Cf. G388: He that puts on a public gown must put off a private
person.
P601 Thou mayst PROLONG it but not escape it
1573 SANF., f. 110: (hir, but not escape hir). 1578 FLOR. First F.
XIX, f. 33v: (Wel mayst thou prolong).
P602 Great PROMISE small performance
I562 HEY. Epig. 10, p. 179. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 227:
Great promises without performance, delight for the tyme, but
yerke euer after. 1611 COT., s.v. Faiseur: Great promisers weake
performers. 1616 DR., no. 1739: Faire promises, and Slacke per-
formance. 1636 MASSINGER Duke Florence II iii, p. 243: Great
men, Till they have gained their ends, are giants in Their promises,
but, those obtained, weak pigmies In their performance. 1639 CL.,
p. 194: Great promises and small performances. 1659 HOW. Br.
Prov., p. 4: (Great promises). 1659 N.R., p. 1 1 1: Those that prom-
ise most perform least. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 219: Who prom-
iseth much, performeth little.
SHAKESPEARE—I604 0. IV ii 184: Your words and performance
are no kin together.
Cf. B488: Great boast (and) small roast; N272: He that promises
too much (all) means nothing; P645: Purposing without performing
is mere fooling; T64: The greatest talkers are the least (not the
greatest) doers; T397: A long tongue is a sign of a short hand; V37:
Full vessels sound least; W820: Not words but deeds.
P603 PROMISE is debt
I477 CAXTON 7ason, p. 183: I haue promised hit and promis is dew.
[01500] a1520 Everyman S, s. D2v: Wyll you breke promyse that is
dette. 01533 DUWES Intro. Fr., p. 1064: I have herd say that prom-
ysse is dette. 1578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. I i, s. G3:
Promise is debt, and I my vowe haue past. [a1594] 1605 K. Leir,
s. G2: Ile clayme A promise of you, which you shall not deny me:
For promise is debt. 1616 DR., no. 1733. 1639 CL., s.v. Magni-
fica promissa, p. 194: Promise is a due debt. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 19: Who promiseth puts himself in debt. 1664 COD.,
p. 226: [As in 1659 How.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 219: Every
promise is a debt.
See ST., no. 200.
(10)
P604 All PROMISES are either broken or kept
1590 DEE Diary, p. 37: There was never promisse made, but it was
broken or kept. 1639 CL., s.v. Magnifica promissa, p. 194. 1641
]. TAYLOR Last Voy.: Wks. Q, II 8: (kept or broken). 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 13: (Ther’s never a promise made, but its either).
1670 RAY, p. 134: *This is a slam or droll, used by them that break
their word. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 355, I 333: All Promises
are either broken or kept . . Here’s a Reproof to all Religious
Cheats and Impostors, that Promise more then they are able to
Perform. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 399: Why, madam, you
know promises are either broken or kept.
P605 PROMISES, like piecrust, are made to be broken
1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens Aug. 16: He makes no more of
breaking Acts of Parliaments, than if they were like Promises and
Pye-crust, made to be broken. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 399:
(Promises and pie-crust).
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V II iii 53: For oaths are straws,
men’s faiths are wafercakes.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
PROMISING
PUDDING
558
P606 Between PROMISING and performing a man may
marry his daughter
1611 COT., s.v. Promettre: Betweene giuing somewhat and promis~
ing much, a man may be honestly rid of a daughter. 1616 DR.,
no. 1740. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 10: ’Twixt promising and giving,
one should marry his daughter. 1664 COD., p. 186. 1670 RAY,
p. 22. 1732 FUL., no. 974.
P607 PROMISING is the eve (vigil) of giving
1573 SANF., f. 104V: (vigile). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29v:
The cue to gene, is to promise. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 60: Promise is
euer the eaue to give. 1616 DR., no. 1734: Promise is Eue to the
giuer. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 106, p. 29: (vigill). 1640 HERB., no.
841. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: A promise is the yeeve of the gift.
1659 N.R., p. 86: (eye [for eve]). 1664 COD., p. 209. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 35, p. 219: (of the gift).
P608 The PROOF of the pudding is in the eating
[1604-17] 1647 FLETCHER Woman’s Prize I i, p. 2: The pudding’s
now i'th’ proof. 1623 CAM., p. 266: (All the proofe of a pudding).
1636 GLAPTHORNE Hollander III, p. 116. 1639 CL., p. 109: (All
the proofof a pudding). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12: (a pudding).
1659 N.R., p. 5: (All the proof a Pudding). Ibid., p. 109. 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 102, p. 100: As they say at the Winding up, or
the proofof the pudding is in the eating. 1678 RAY, p. 193. 1682
N.O. Lutrin III, p. 23: To spight his Foes,yet for all’s Feating, The
proof of th’ Pudding’s seen i’th’ eating. I732 FUL., no. 4723:
(a Pudding). 1
P609 PROOF upon practice
1546 HEY. I vi, 3. B3: Profe vpon practise, must take holde more
sure Than any reasonyng by gesse can procure. 1616 DR., no.
2321.
P610 He that considers in PROSPERITY will be less
afflicted in adversity
01500 Prov. at Lekingfelde in Antiq. Rep., IV 398: In tyme of pros-
perite remember adversite. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 15: He valueth
prosperity best, who provides for adversity. 1732 F UL., no. 2071.
P61 1 PROSPERITY gets friends but adversity tries them
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 147v. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel.
Man V, p. 636: Prosperitie winneth friends, but adversitie proveth
them, as the touch-stone tryeth Gold. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p.
220: Prosperity acquires friends, truth tryes them. 1732 FUL., no.
3962: Prosperity gets Followers; but Adversity distinguishes them.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6II W. T. IV iv 583: Besides, you know Pros-
perity’s the very bond of love.
Cf. P529: Poverty parts fellowship (good company, friends);
R103: The rich have many friends; 51026: Swallows, like false
friends, fly away upon the approach of winter; T301: In time of
prosperity friends will be plenty, in time of adversity not one
among twenty.
P612 PROSPERITY lets go the bridle
1640 HERB., no. 732. 1754 FRANKLIN, p. 30: When Prosperity
was well mounted, she let go the Bridle, and soon came tumbling
out of the Saddle.
Cf. E137: An enemy (Adversity) makes a man to know himself
whereas a friend (prosperity) fiatters a man and deceives him;
E206: Evils have their comfort, good none can support with a
moderate and contented heart.
P613 With PROSPERITY be thou not lifted up and with.
adversity be not cast down
1550 TAV. Flowers Sent., s. A3v. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art .dsleep
Husb., p. 188: Learne in prosperity to be silent, and not transported,
in adversity to be patient, and not dejected; in neither to be dis-
contented.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 H. III ii 70: For thou hast been As one,
in sufi’ring all, that sufifers nothing; A man that Fortune’s buffets
and rewards Hast ta’en with equal thanks.
Cf. P522: Neither be daunted with poverty nor lifted up with
riches.


P614 Too much PROTESTING makes the truth sus-
pected
1611 JONSON Cat. III 434, p. 482: The dignitie of truth is lost, With
much protesting. [01622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Custom
Country V, p. 372: Nay, no more protestations, Too many of them
will call that in question, Which now I doubt not. 1631 JONSON
Staple News V iii 25: Too much protestation Makes that suspected
oft, we would perswade. 1639 CL., s.v. Difi-identiae, p. 90: I dare
not trust him for all his protesting.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I H. III ii 240: The lady doth protest too
much, methinks.
Cf. D384: In too much dispute truth is lost.
P615 PROVENDER pricks him
I546 HEY. I xi, s. D3: When prouander pryckt him a lytle tyne,
He dyd as thou didst. I562 HEY. Epig. 236, p. 164: (His prouen-
der). 1591 DRAYTON Harm. Church I 52: Wks., I 6: That now to
lust thy provender doth pricke. [1613] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Hon.
Man’s Fort. V, p. 266: But—~my Provender scarce pricks me. 1616
DR., s.v. Follie, no. 766. Mid, s.v. Prosperity, no. 1748. 1632 R.
BROME North. Lass V v, p. 92: Well my Lord Innekeepers second
son: Does your Provender prick you? 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
14. 1670 RAY, p. 190.
See ST., no. 369.
P616 PROVIDENCE is better than rent
1640 HERB., no. 250: (a rent). 1659 N.R., p. 87: (a rent). 1664
COD., p. 209. 1670 RAY, p. 22. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Providence.
I732 FUL., no. 3971.
P617 Pompous PROVISION comes not all of gluttony,
but of pride sometime
1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 67: Pompous prouision comth not all,
alway Of glottony, but Of pryde sometyme, some say.
P618 PROVISION in season makes a rich meason1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1141. 1668 R.B., p. 43. I721 KEL., p. 281:
(a rich House). *Because every Thing is gotten at the easiest Rate.
[1house]
P619 Great PUDDER1 to small purpose
1626 D’EWES Autohiog. and Corr., II 179: My Lord Willoughbie’s
counsell, though to little purpose, made a great deale of pudder.
1639 CL., s.v. Vanitas, p. 314.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 M. V v 27: Full Of sound and fury, Sig-
nifying nothing.
[1disturbance]
P620 As fit as a PUDDING for a friar’s mouth
1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. BIv: One as fit for you as a pud-
ding for a friers month. 1578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. III
vi, s. D4v: Your answeare then in sooth, Fyts me as iumpe as a pud-
ding a Friars month. 1593 PEELE Edw. Iii, s. B3v. 1594 LYLY
Mother B. II 1 106: But looke Where Prisius boy comes, as fit as a
pudding for a dogs mouth. [1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s.
H2v: As fit for the purpose as a Pudding for a Fryers month.
1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol. IV, p. 58: ’Tis a verie braue shooe, and as
fit as a pudding. 1623 CAM., p. 266. 1639 CL., p. 285. 1659 N.R.,
p. 4. 1664 COD., p. 185. 1670 RAY, p. 204. 1732 FUL., no. 678:
(As fit as a Fritter for).
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. II ii 22: As fit as . . the nun’s lip to
the friar’s mouth, nay, as the pudding to his skin.
Better some of a PUDDING than none of a pie
I732 FUL., no. 924.
P621
1670 RAY, p. 135.
P622 Cold PUDDING will settle your love
1685 WESLEY Maggots Tobacco Pipe, p. 41: Settle the Wit as Pud-
ding settles Love. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 440.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl. ), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PUDDING
PURSE
559

P623 I love thee like PUDDING, if thou wert pie I’d
eat thee
1678 RAY, p. 349. 1685 WESLEY Maggots To My Gingerbread Mis-
tress, p. 24: I love you so that I could eat ye. 1711 ADDISON Spect.
47, I 184: There is a set of merry Drolls Whom the common People
Of all countries admire and seem to love so well, that they could eat
them, according to the old Proverb. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p.
442: I love him like pie, I’d rather the devil had him than I.
P624 If ever you make a lucky PUDDING I shall eat
the prick1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 846. 1668 R.B., p. 32. 1721 KEL., p. 198:
(a good Pudding). *That is, I am much mistaken if ever you do
00d.
[lskewer]
P625 If you eat a PUDDING1 at home the dog shall have
the skin
1623 CAM., p. 272. 1639 CL., s.v. Domi vivere, p. 102: (dogs).
1732 FUL., no. 2751: (your Dog).
[lsausage]
P626 Not worth a PUDDING
[61530] c1545 H. RHODES Bk. Nurture (1577 ed.) 1. 489 in Bahies
Bk. etc., p. 95: But in the ende his peevishe pryde makes all not
worth a pudding. 1584 R. SCOT Disc. Witchcr. XII xvii, p. 261:
All is not woorth a pudding. 1606 Wily Beguiled xvii, p. 71: Me
thought his law was not worth a pudding. [61633] 1662 R. BAKER
Theatrum Redivivum, p. 17.
P627 PUDDING is no meat with you
1639 CL., s.v. Copiae, p. 74.
P628 There is a PUDDING in the fire and my part lies
therein
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13.
P629 T0 ride post for a PUDDING
1639 CL., s.v. Festinationis, p. 114: Post for puddings.
p. 79. I732 FUL., no. 5219.
P630 To run as swift as a PUDDING would creep
1605 ARMIN Fool upon Fool: Wks., p. 18: They puft and they blowd,
they ranne as swift as a pudding would creepe.
Cf. D491: It would vex a dog (man) to see a pudding creep.
P631 Who is dull let him eat no PUDDING
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20, [p. 288: Who is dull, let him eat no tart.
*Note 86, p. 293: The English speak almost the like of pudding.
P632 You are he that did eat the PUDDING and the bag
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1732 FUL., no. 1826: He claws it as
Clayton claw’d the Pudding, when he eat Bag and all.
1 678 RAY,
P633 PUDDINGs and paramours would be hotly handled
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1151. 1668 R.B., p. 42. 1721 KEL., p. 277:
(should be). *Puddings, when cold, are uneatable, and Love, when
coldrife, is near the breaking off.
P634 To come in PUDDING TIME
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2v: This geare comth euen in puddyng tyme
ryghtly. 1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, S. C2: Philip Fleming
commeth euen in pudding time. 1595 Locrine III iv, 8. F2v:
I you come in pudding time, or else I had drest them. 1604 DEK-
KER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 89: We come in pudding-time, for here’s the
Duke. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 41 : Oft things fall out in pudding time:
But if they fell in, it were a crime. 1616 WITHALS, p. 561: I came
in pudding time. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxxiii, III 252:
That scruple comes in pudding-time. 1639 CL., s.v. Opportunitas,
p. 237: In pudding-time. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: You are
come in pudding-time, viz. Seasonably. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Insalata, p. 83: Just as they are ready to fall too, to come in time;

the English say, in pudding-time; for as Italians begin with the sal-
lad, so the English with the pudding. 1670 RAY, p. 190. 1732
FUL., no. 5145.
(13)
See ST., no. 1618. Cf. N160: In the nick (nick of time).
P635 It is easier to PULL down than build up
1587 BRIDGES Def. Church Govt. VI, p. 518: We may quicklier pull
doune with one hande, than wee can easilie builde againe with both.
1732 FUL., no. 2930.
Cf. H768: A house easier burnt (broken down) than built.
P636 Her PULSE beats matrimony
1678 RAY, p. 265. 1732 FUL., no. 2492.
P637 Like PUNISHMENT and equal pain both key and
keyhole d0 sustain
1586 WITHALS, s. GIV. 1639 CL., p. 239.
maintain).
1670 RAY, p. 135: (do
P638 Many without PUNISHMENT but none without
fault
1616 DR., no. 678. 1664 COD., p. 205.
without punishment, none without sin.
[As in 1670 Ray].
Cf. M116: Every man has (No man is without) his faults.
1670 RAY, p. 17: Many
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Many:
P639 PUNISHMENT is lame but it comes
1640 HERB., no. 245. 1659 N.R., p. 87. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p.
199: (yet it overtakes).
Cf. G182: God comes with leaden (woolen) feet but Strikes with
iron hands; G270: God’s mill grinds Slow but sure; V25: Vengeance
(Divine vengeance) comes slowly but surely.
P640 Win PURPLE and wear purple
1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight IV vi, p. 99: Earned with her industry
(and good reason, Win Purple and wear Purple).
See APP., p. 689. Cf. G294: Win gold and wear gold; W408:
Win it and wear it.
P641 Everyone is witty for his own PURPOSE
1616 DR., no. 834: Euery man for his owne purpose. 1640 HERB.,
no. 750. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 308: (Every
one hath Witty). 1659 N.R., p. 30.
P642 T0 as much PURPOSE as the geese slur1 on the
ice
1670 RAY, p. 190: *Chesh.
[lslide]
P643 To as much PURPOSE as to give a goose hay
1606 BRETON Packet Letters Pt. II: Wks., II 49: Good Goose eate
no more hay. 1670 RAY, p. 190: *Chesh.
Cf. T359: Tittle-tattle, give the goose more hay.
P644 To no more PURPOSE than to beat your heels
against the ground
1670 RAY, p. 190: (ground, or wind). 1732 FUL., no. 5209: (than
’twould be to knock one’s Heels against the Ground).
Cf. H390: To beat his heels against the ground.
P645 PURPOSING without performing is mere fooling
1616 DR., s.v. Vaunting, no. 2218: Purpose without prosecution.
1732 FUL., no. 3979.
Cf. P602: Great promise small performance.
P646 Be it better, be it worse, do after him that bears
the PURSE
a1536 HILL 7, p. 130: (or be it worse). 1546 HEY. I v, S. B2: (be
it wurs, D00 ye after). [a1600] 1612 DELONEY T. Reading 8, p.
244: For it is an old prouerbe, Be it better, or be it worse, Please
you the man that beares the purse. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 384.
1611 GRUT., no. 50: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1614 CAM., p. 304: [As in

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
PURSE
PURSE
560

1546 Hey.]. 1616 DR., no. 1382: (that rules the purse). 1639 CL.,
p. 232: (be rul’d by him). 61640 SMYTH 68, p. 32: Bee the coun-
sell better, bee it worse, ffollow him, that beares the purse. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: (Be it for better or for worse, Follow him).
1670 RAY, p. 135: (or be it worse, he rul’d by him). 1680 DRYDEN
Limherham Il i, p. 38: Hark you Child . . as long as he maintains
you, be rul’d by him that bears the purse.
Cf. M65: As a man must take a wife, for better or for worse.
P647 Better the PURSE starve than the body
1578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. I vii, s. HIv: Better the
purce then body starue of twayne.
See APP., p. 41.
P648 An empty PURSE fills the face with wrinkles
1616 DR., no. 1679: (maketh the face full of wrinkles). 1664 COD.,
p. 185: (filleth the Face full of wrinkles). I670 RAY, p. 22. I705
Pleas. Art, p. 154. 1721 KEL., p. 53: A toom [empty] Purse makes
a thrawn [twisted, ill—tempered] Face. 1732 FUL., no. 5836:
Wrinkled Purses make wrinkled Faces.
P649 An empty PURSE makes one wise, but too late
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 26.
Cf. E192: To be wise after the event; P665: A toom purse makes
a blate merchant; T528: Like the Trojans, we were wise too late.
P650 A full PURSE and a fat bribe command attention
1611 COT., s.v. Oreille: (or fat bribe commaunds attention). 1659
N.R., p. 3: (contention).
P651 A full PURSE makes the mouth to speak
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall II, p. 315: A full purse begetting a
stout stomach [pride]. 1616 DR., no. 275: (will make). 1639 CL.,
p. 99: A good purse makes a man speak boldly. Ihid., p. 219: (the
mouth speake). 1664 COD., p. 184: (will make). 1670 RAY, p. 22.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Purse: (the Mouth speak). I705 Pleas. Art, p.
154. I732 FUL., no. 123: (the Mouth run over).
Cf. P655: A heavy purse makes a light heart.
P652 He has left his PURSE in his other hose (breeches)
I616 WITHALS, p. 584. 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 244. 1664
COD., p. 196. 1670 RAY, p. 22. 1721 KEL., p. 138: He left his
Money in his other Breeks. *A Taunt to him that wants Money
to pay his Reckoning. I732 FUL., no. 1889: (Breeches).
Cf. B564: I have a good how but it is in the castle; H723: In my
(your) t’other hose. .
P653 He that buys and lies shall feel it in his PURSE
1612 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. I, III xi, I 232. 61703 MOTTEUX
Don Quix. I 111 xi, I 180: (finds it). 1732 FUL., no. 2056.
P654 He that shows his PURSE longs to be rid of it
1611 JONSON Cat. II 217, p. 462: And keepe your beautie, within
locks, and barres, here, Like a fooles treasure? ~—-True, shee was
a foole, When, first, shee shew’d it to a thiefe. I616 JONSON Ev.
Man in Hum. III iii 15: Who will not iudge him worthie to be rob’d,
That sets his doores wide open to a thiefe, And shewes the fellon,
where his treasure lies? 1639 CL., p. 176. 1664 COD., p. 196: (He
who). 1670 RAY, p. 135. 1721 KEL., p. 129: He that shews his
Purse, bribes the Thief. *The English say, Longs to be rid of it.
1732 FUL., no. 2299: He that sheweth his Wealth to a Thief, is the
Cause of his own Pillage. Ihid., no. 2301;
Cf. O71: Opportunity makes the thief.
P655 A heavy PURSE makes a light heart
1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. IV, p. 29: When purse is heauy oftetime
the heart is light. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 25: It is golde that
maketh a gladde harte. [61565] 1595 Peddler’s Prop/1., S. F4: An
heauie purse maketh a mans heart light. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon
and Pithias, s. F3: I know for my parte, That a heauy pouch with
goulde makes a light harte. I606 Wily Beguiled i, p. 5. 1631
JONSON New Inn I i 14. 61633 [CLAVELL AND MARMION] Soddered
Citizen III vi, p. 61: A full Purse you knowe, Makes a light heart,


thinke but on that y’are eas’d. 1659 N.R., p. 10. I670 RAY, p_
114. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Light.
See DUR., I, no. 645. Cf. P651: A full purse makes the mouth
to speak; P659: A light purse makes a heavy heart.
P656 His PURSE is his best friend
1623 WOD., p. 501: Our Friends are in our Purse. *SO said of all
vncharitable Worldlings through all Where. 1639 CL., p. 220,
1738 FRANLKIN, p. 13: There are three faithful friends—an old wife,
an old dog, and ready money.
Cf. C560: There is no companion like the penny; P204: The pen-
my in pocket is a good companion; P205: A penny in purse will bid
me drink when all the friends I have will not.
P657 His PURSE is made of a toad’s skin
1678 RAY, p. 90: *A covetous person.
P658 Let your PURSE be your master
1616 WITHALS, p. 564. 1639 CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129.
RAY, p. 135. 1672 WALK. 48, p. 47.
P659 A light PURSE makes a heavy heart
I600 THYNNE Emhl. and Epig., p. 59: For a light purse makes a
heavie harte, wee finde, and heavie purse doth make light hart and
minde. 1721 KEL., p. 50. 1732 FUL., no. v241. I733 FRANKLIN,
p. 5: Light purse, heavy heart.
Cf. P6 5 5: A heavy purse makes a light heart.
P660 Open thy PURSE and then thy sack
I678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 402: Open thy purse (Viz. to receive thy
money) and then thy sack; i.e. then deliver thy goods.
P661 The PURSE is threadbare
1546 HEY. I viii, s. CIV. 1562 HEY. Epig. 269, p. 167: (Thy purse).
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 49: Hauing many times a braue
cloke and a thredbare purse.
P662 That is but an empty PURSE that is full of other
men’s money
1678 RAY, p. 194. 1732 FUL., no. 4352: (other Folks Money).
1670
P663 To give one’s PURSE a purgation
I546 HEY. I xi, s. E2: Ye would, by my purs, gyue me a purgacion.
I562 BULLEIN Bulwark Def. Simples, f. 27v: Can giue his Masters
purse a Purgacion. [61588] 1604 MARLOWE Faustus IV va 3 5:
Mass, Doctor Lopus was never such a Doctor; has given me a pur~
gation, has purged me of forty dollars.
P664 T0 line one’s PURSE (coat, hand)
1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. IV, p. 29: He had a pautner [net bag] with
purses manyfolde, And surely lined with siluer and with golde.
1604 Pasg. 7ests in Shak. 7est-Bks., III 76: Who had her purse well
lyned.
SHAKESPEARE.——I604 O. I i 49: Others there are Who . . throw-
ing but shows of service on their lords, D0 well thrive by them,
and when they have lin’d their coats, Do themselves homage. 1610
Cym. II iii 71 : What IfI do line one of their hands? ’Tis gold Which
buys admittance. '
See SM., p. 528.
P665 A toom1 PURSE makes a blate2 merchant
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 7. 1668 R.B., p. 3. I674 RAY Words Not
Gen. Used, p. 8. I721 KEL., p. 21: *A Man will have little Confi-
dence to buy, when he wants Money to pay for it.
Cf. P649: An empty purse makes one wise, but too late.
[lempty 2bashful]
P666 You cannot make a silk PURSE of a sow’s ear
I611 COT., s.v. Pigeon: (A man cannot make a Cheuerill purse of).
1639 CL., p. 168: (It’s hard to make). 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst.
Love and Eloq., p. 180: [As in 1611 Cot.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 13: (You will never make a Sattin purse of). 1664 COD., p. 216:
(’Tis hard to make). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pruno, p. 158: To
civilize a Country-bumpkin, or Clown and to make him a Gentle-
man; the English say to such a purpose, To go about to make a


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
PURSES 561
P U 'I‘TING

purse of a Sows ear. 1668 R.B., p. 58: (of a sows lug). I670 RAY,
p. 152: (You cannot make velvet of). 1672 WALK. 99, p. 44: You
cannot make a horn of a pigs tail; a silk purse of a sows ear; a schol-
ar of a blockhead. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Velvet: (a Velvet-purse of).
1721 KEL., p. 202: (It is ill to make). *One cannot make fine Work
out of bad Materials.
Cf. H619: You cannot make a horn (pipe, whistle) of a pig’s
(ape’s, tod’s) tail; S265: You can never make a good shaft (arrow)
of a pig’s (sow’s) tail.
P667 Many PURSES hold friends together
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 996: Mony purses holds freinds long together.
1668 R.B., p. 37: (holds). I721 KEL., p. 248: (long together).
*When every Man pays his equal Club, we are not burthensome to
our Friends, and so continue our Friendship.
P668 He is at a forced PUT
1657 STARKEY Nat. Explication III, p. 328: In expectation that
Nature being forced to play a desperate game, and reduced to a
forc’t put, may winne. I678 RAY, p. 79.
P669 Ill PUTTING (Put not) a naked sword in a mad-
man’s hand
1539 TAV., f. 39v: Truely, quoth the kynge [Henry VIII], me
thought that a naked sworde was commytted to the handes of a

madde man. 1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2. 1557 Lover Forsakes Love
1. 22 in Tottel’s Misc., I 256: The madman is vnmete, a naked sword
to gide. 1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorboduc II i, S. C3v: Was
this not wrong . . To giue so mad a man so Sharpe a sworde? 01569
W. WAGER Longer Thou Livest, s. G3v: A madde man hauing a
sword in his hand—For a madde man hauing in his hand edge toole,
Seketh both him selfe and other to kill, So a cunning man without
wisdom is but a foole. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng.for My Aloney,
s. F2v: Then put a Sword into a mad-mans hand: Thou art so hasty
that but crosse thy humor, And thou’t be ready crosse them ore the
pates. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 260: It’s ill putting a weapon in a mad
mans hands. 1611 GRUT., no. 139. 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Madnesse, no. I 339: (He putteth a sword into). 1639 CL., s.v.
Difiidentiae, p. 90: (’Tis ill). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 8: (a sword).
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 13: (Put not a weapon in). 1670 RAY, p.
147: (Put not). *F or they will abuse it to their own and others harm.
I681 COLVILLE Mock Poem I, p. 69: A Sword put in a wood [mad]
mans hand, Bredd meikle trouble to the Land. 1721 KEL., p. 264:
Never put a Sword in a Wood Man’s Hand.
SHAKESPEARE.——1590—1 2 Hen. VI III i 347: You put sharp weap-
ons in a madman’s hands.
Cf. 145: It is ill (no, not good) jesting (meddling) with edged
tools; L156: Learning in the breast of a bad man (a prince) is as a
sword in the hand of a madman; SIO50: Put not a sword in the
hand of a child. (5)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
0
Q9 Every QUESTION requires not an answer
QUANDARY QUICK
Q1 To be in a QUANDARY
01576 Common Cond. l. 1778, s. G2v: I stand in such a quandary
that I would giue my life for two pence. 1577 GRANGE Gold. dphro-
ditis, s. D3v: The captaine . . standeth in a quandare, not knowing
what to doe. 1578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit To Gentlemen Rdrs., p.
182: I was driuen into a quandarie. I591 LODGE Catharos, p. 24:
The Quaile being in a quandarie said: Anguish and trouble is falne
vpon me. 1616 DR., s.v. Perplexity, no. 1610: (He is in). 1616
WITHALS, p. 563: (Hee is in). 1639 CL.,s.v. Dubitandi, p. 102: (I
am in). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 19: (He is in). 1670 RAY, p. 190.
1672 WALK. 8, p. 28: I am unresolved; I am whether for a penny;
I am in a quandary. 1681 ROB., p. 1039: (I am in).
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-1 II ii 61: You have brought her
into such a canaries [for quandary] as ’tis wonderful. The best
courtier ofthem all . . could never have brought her to such a canary.
(31)
Q2 Come and welcome, go by and no QUARREL
1670 RAY, p. 169. 1732 FUL., no. 1120. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv-
II, p. 437: Faith, colonel, come, and welcome: and stay away, and
heartily welcome.
Q3 T0 pick a QUARREL
c1510 SKELTON Bowge Court 1. 314: Wks., I 42: Fyrste pycke a
quarell, and fall oute with hym then. 1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p.
188: He begynneth to pyke or fyndeth a quarel of my wordes.
1530 PALS., p. 657a: I pyke a quarrell, 0r fynde maters to fall out
with one for. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 145: IfI gaue no
cause, why diddest thou picke a quarrell? 1583 MELBANCKE Phi-
lot., s. SI: Good simple soule, would you picke a quarrell with them.
1607 TOPSELL Hist. Four-footed Beasts, p. 738: Tyrants in an euill
grieued estate, do pick quarrels against euery man that is rich for
the spoyle of their goods. 1665 GLANVILL Scepsis Scient. IX, p.
48: Though some should pick a quarrel with the instances I al-
leadged. 1678 RAY, p. 266.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 I Hen. IV III iii 75: You owe me money,
Sir John, and now you pick a quarrel to beguile me of it.
Cf. C579: Some complain to prevent complaint.
(55)
Q4 He’ll be QUARTERMASTER wherever he comes
1678 RAY, p. 266. 1732 FUL., no. 2414: He would be Quarter-Mas-
ter at home, if his Wife would let him.
Q5 Gui),1 QUEAN, sup
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: Walke drab walke. Nay (quoth she) walke
knaue walke. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 1 18: Marry gupp, hore,
gupp, all the day longe. 1573 Twelve Mer. 7ests Edyth 2 in Shak.
Yest-Bks., III 36: Than her Lemman cast her vp, Go Where she
wold: gup queane gup.
Cf. W320: Hop whore, pipe thief.
l‘go up]
Q6 As light as the QUEEN’S groatl
1639 CL., p. 159.
[lfourpence]
Q7 There is no QUENCHING of fire with tow
1616 DR., s.v. Occasion, no. 1517.
Cf. F287: To quench fire with oil.
Q8 We’ll do as they do at QUERN: what we do not
today we must do in the mom
1678 RAY, p. 80.

Q11
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 31, p. 27. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I: An idle
question needs no answer. 1732 FUL., no. 5094: ’Tis not every
Question, that deserves an Answer.
Cf. F442: Answer a fool according to his folly; F510: We must
answer a fool with silence; W759: Every word requires not an an-
swer.
Q10 Like QUESTION like answer
[a1600] 16II Tarlton’s jests in Shak. Yest-Bks., II 243: A foolish
question has a foolish answere. 1616 DR., no. 1786. 1664 COD.,
p. 204. 1721 KEL., p. 3 5: A thraward [perverse] Question Should
a thraward Answer. 1732 FUL., no. 2231: He that makes a Ques-
tion, where there is no Doubt; must take an Answer, where there is
no Reason.
Cf. F442: Answer a fool according to his folly.
To a hasty QUESTION a leisurely answer
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9. 1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor.
Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 32: Hastie questions must have slow
answers.
Q12 QUICK: subst. (=the living)
Q12 We must live by the QUICK (living) and not by
the dead
[ERAS. Adagia, 90F: Vivorum oportet meminisse.] 1552 TAV., f.
I I: (Oure Englysh prouerbe, sayinge: We oughte to lyue by). 1573
SANF., f. I 10v: The liuyng wyth the liuyng, and the deade with the
dead. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal. , I 109: You are to know that we must
live by the living, not by the dead. 1578 FLOR. First. F. XIX, f.
34: Quicke with the quicke, and dead with the dead. 1607 Puritan
I, s. A4v: Women must line by th’ quick, and not by th’ dead.
1615 WEBSTER Char., p. 41: Of all Proverbs, he cannot endure t0
heare that which saies, We ought to live by the quick, not by the
dead. 1616 DR., no. 1588: (A man must). I616 WITHALS, p. 584:
(Wee line by). 1639 CL., p. 231: (We live by). 1658 E. PHILLIPS
Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 178: What is a Sexton? —He is one, that
of all Proverbs cannot abide to hear that of, We live by the quick,
and not by the dead. 1670 RAY, p. 135. 1672 WALK. 14, p. 21:
Let us leave thinking of the dead, and talk of the living. 1694 T.
SOUTHERNE Fatal Marriage IV i, p. 237: We must live by the living,
you know. I721 KEL., p. 359. I732 FUL., no. 5448. I738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. II, p. 456: (living).
Q13 QUICK: subst. (=sensitive part)
Q13 He touches him to the QUICK
[CI517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. E3: As yf a man fortune to touche
you on the quyke, Then feyne yourselfe dyseased and make your-
selfe seke. 1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia I, p. 53: For he. . be-
ynge thus touched on the quicke . . fumed and chafed. 1571 R.
EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, S. A2: In commedies, the greatest
Skyll is this, rightly to touche All thynges to the quicke. 1586
YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 181: A teare doth pricke me to the quicke.
1594 LYLY Mother B. V ii 22: Thou hast toucht mee to the quicke.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 618: He hes touched him in the quick. 1616
DR., s.v. Reproofe, no. 1843. 1616 WITHALS, p. 552: Hee goeth to
the quicke. 1639 CL., p. I I: You touch him on the quicke. 1678
RAY, p. 266: To touch the quick, or to the quick.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. IV iv 36: But, Titus,I have touch’d
thee to the quick. 1592-3 C.E. 11 ii I32: How dearly would it
touch thee to the quick, Shouldst thou but hear I were licentious.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), 01' by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
562
QUICK
QUITTANCE
563

1600—1 H. II ii 625: I’ll tent him to the quick. If he but blench,
I know my course. 1611 Temp. V i 2 5: With their high wrongs I
am struck to th’ quick.
See ST., no. 2631. (35)
Q14 QUICK: adj.
Q14 QUICK and quething
[Alive and able to speak] [ERAS. Adagia, 1020A: Vivus, videns-
que.] 1529 T. MORE Dial. conc. Heresy I x, p. 131: A man and a
woman whyche are yet quicke and quething. 1540 PALSGRAVE
Acolastus V ii, p. 159: She hath lefte me her doughter, nede and
pouertie, being aliue and seinge I peryshe .i. beinge quycke and
quethyng I am vndone.
Q15 QUIETNEss is a great treasure
[3.1521] c1545 HEYWOOD Four PP, S. C1: And sure I thynke that
quietnesse In any man is great rychesse. 1664 COD., p. 209.
Q16 To get (have) one’s QUIETUS
1530 LATIMER Let. 3: Serm. and Rem., p. 309: To have . . your
quietus est sealed with the blood of our Saviour Christ. 1594 R.
CAREW Exam. Men’s Wits XIII, p. 217: That steward . . salued vp
all his reckonings, and got his quietus est. [1613—14] 1623 WEB-
STER Duch. Malfi III ii 223: You had the tricke, in Audit time to
be Sicke, Till I had Sign’d your Quietus. 1650-1 WOOD Life Jan.
16, I 166: Had A. W. continued postmaster a little longer, he had

without doubt receiued his quietus. 1687 LUTTRELL Brief Rel.
State Aflairs Apr. 29, I 401: Sir Francis Withens, a judge of the
kings bench, hath his quietus.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo—1 H. III i 70: For who would bear the
whips and Scorns of time . .When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? 1609 Son. 126, l. 11: Her [nature’s] audit,
though delay’d, answer’d must be, And her quietus is to render
thee. (5)
Q17 T0 piss in the same QUILL
61640 SMYTH 82, p. 32: Things ne’ere goe ill where Jacke and Gill
pisse in one quill. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tomaia, p. 217: To be
one of the same upper leather, viz. one of the same mould, gang, of
the same kidney, to piss thorough a quill. 1678 RAY, p. 26 5. 1689
Royal Resolutions in New Coll. Poems, p. 16 5: I’ll have a Council
shall sit always still, And give me a Licence to do what I will; And
two Secretaries shall piss thro’ a quill. 1732 FUL., no. 5839: You
and he piss both in a Quill.
Q18 I’ll cry QUITTANCE (quits) with you
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. IV v, s. F4v: I’le teache thee a way,
to crye quittance with her before it be long. 1606 Nobody and
Somehody, s. F3: Ile cry quittance with your pride. 1639 FULLER
Holy War III xi, p. 127: This opportunitie was lost by the back-
wardnesse . . of the English, say the French writers. To cry quits
with them, our English authours impute it to the envie of the
French. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 273. (23)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
R
R
R1 R is the dog’s letter
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 182: This man malycious . . Nought
els soundeth but the hoorse letter R . . he none answere hath saue
the dogges letter. I600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will 1. 658: Wks.,
III 254: They arre and barke at night against the Moone. I626
BACON Sylva II 200, p. 47: Snarling of Dogs [hath resemblance]
with the Letter R. 1640 JONSON Eng. Gram. I iv, p. 255: R Is the
dog’s letter, and hurreth [snarls] in the sound.
SHAKESPEARE—61595 R.7. II iv 221: Both with an R.
mocker! that’s the dog’s name.
—-—Ah,
R2 He is like a RABBIT, fat and lean in twenty-four
hours
1678 RAY, p. 288. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 411: (I am like).
R3 Who will change a RABBIT for a rat?
I562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 70: Who the diuell will chaunge a rabet
for a rat?
R4 To lie at RACK and manger
[To live in luxury.] 61550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 128,
p. 110: Keep them bothe at rack and maunger, Aray them well,
and lay them soft. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I i, s. B1v:
You shall not haue her at rack and maunger. 1586 W. WARNER
Alhion’s Eng. VIII xli: Poems, p. 200: A Queane coriuall with a
Queene? Nay, kept at Racke and Manger. 1605 CHAPMAN All
Fools I ii 117: Here’s a simple mean for you To lie at rack and
manger with your wedlock. 1607 Pleas. Cone. Hohson 11 in Shak.
jest-Bk., III 23: And so came they both over into England, where
now this rack and a manger is growne to a proverbe. I624 MAS-
SINGER Bondman II i, p. 79. 1639 CL., s.v. Bonae fortunae, p. 47:
(He is at). 1672 WALK. 23, p. 56: (To live at). *T0 spend as ifit
would never be done; would last alwayes. 1678 RAY, p. 266.
1732 FUL., no. 5198. (8)
R5 He is RADDLED
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk. I694 MOTTEUX Gargantua V
xxxix, III 362: A .. sottish Fellow, continually raddled, and as
drunk as a Wheel-barrow.
R6 Rutland RADDLEMAN
1622 DRAYTON Poly-01h. XXIII 268, p. 474: And little Rutland-
shire is tearmed Raddleman. 1662 FULLER Worthies Rutlandshire,
II 242: *Raddleman . . is a Reddleman, a Trade . . onely in this
County, whence men bring . . a pack of red stones, or Oker, which
they sell . . for the marking of sheep. 1670 RAY, p. 250.
R7 The RAGE of a wild boar is able to spoil more than
one wood
1596 DEL., s. N6v.
p. 371.
R7a To take RAIMENT (clothes) from a naked man
[ERAS. Adagio, 175A: N udo vestimenta detrahere.] 1548 COOPER,
s.v. Nudus: To take raiement from a naked man, prouerbially used
to take or seke a thyng of a man that he hath not. 1611 COT., s.v.
Nud: A naked man cannot be stript of clothes.
Cf. B644: You seek (To beg) a breech of a bare-assed man; M345:
No naked man is sought after to be rifled.
1639 CL., s.v. Potentes, p. 257. 1651 HERB.,
R8 After RAIN (showers) comes fair weather (the sun)
1484 CAXTON Fah. Aesop II 8, p. 43: After the rayne cometh the
fair weder. I576 WHETSTONE Rock Regard, p. 105: That after

RAIN
stormes wee may some sunne shine see. 1578 T. PROCTOR ET AL.
Gorg. Gallery, p. 51: After sharp Showres, the sunne shyneth faire.
1597 C. MIDDLETON Chinon Eng. IV, p. 26: After showers at length
would come a sunne. 1616 DR., s.v. Hope, no. 993: After raine
faire weather. 1657 LEIGH, p. 260. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 14:
After showers Phoebus shines. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov. , p. 2. 1678
RAY, p. 194.
SHAKESPEARE.——1592—3 V.A. l. 799: Love comforteth like sun-
shine after rain.
See DUR., II, no. 251; ST., no. 1919. Cf. C442: After black
clouds clear weather; S908: After a storm comes a calm (fair
weather).
R9 February RAIN fills the barn
I611 COT., s.v. Pluye: Februarie raine is th’husbandmans gaine.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 21: January and February, do fill or empty
the granary. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 86: (February’s).
R10 For a morning RAIN leave not your journey
1640 HERB., no. 969.
Cf. M280: A Man must not leave his way for a little rain; $1022:
He is no good swain that lets his journey for the rain.
R11 If the RAIN comes out of east ’twill rain twice
twenty-four hours at the least
1656-91 AUBREY Nat. Hist. Wilts. I i, p. 16.
See APP., p. 521.
R12 In RAIN and sunshine cuckolds go to heaven
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. IX, p. 143: All cuckolds shall obtaine Paradise.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. I670 RAY, p. 6. I681 OTWAY
Soldier’s Fort. IV, p. 42: For all Cuckolds go to Heaven, that’s most
certain. I699 FARQUHAR Love and Bottle V i, p. 64: ’Tis but reason-
able, since all Marriages are made in Heaven, that all Cuckolds
should go thither.
R13 RAIN, rain, go away, come again on Saturday
1686-7 AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and Yudaism, p. 180.
See APP., p. 522.
R14 RAIN, rain, go to Spain, fair weather, come again
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20.
R15 Small RAIN lays great dust
I670 RAY, p. 135. 1678 RAY, p. 194. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Rain:
(A small Rain). 1732 FUL., no. 4193: (a great Dust).
Cf. R16: Small (Little) rain lays (allays) great winds.
R16 Small (Little) RAIN lays (allays) great winds
61500 Melusine XXXVI, p. 247: A lytel rayne leyeth doun grete
wynd. 61534 BERNERS Huon 14, p. 39: It is sayd that a small
rayne abatyth a grete wynd. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 183:
With one onlie teare proceeding from you, our hot bloud is cooled
. and to signifie this, that Proverbe tooke his beginning, and grew
in use, That a little rain alaieth a great wind. 1596 DEL., s. O7V:
Small raine alayes great Wind. 1611 COT., s.v. Grand: Petite
pluye abat grand vent. I623 WOD., p. 509: A little Raine doth still
a great Wind. *So said dessigning that tyme doth much with
small Force at once. 1639 CL., s.v. Mansuetudo, p. 204. 1653
URQUHART Gargantua I v, I 37: A little raine allayes a great deale
of winde. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 178: A little
rain allays a very great winde. I659 N.R., p. I 5: A small rain
allayes a great wind. 1664 COD., p. 210. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
564
RAIN
RAT
s65

p. 209: A small rain abateth a great wind. *Note 236, p. 227:
Spoken as to tears, which abate fury, or anger. 1670 RAY, p. 13 5:
Small rain, or a little rain lays a great wind. *Gall. 1732 FUL.,
no. 410: A small Rain may allay a great Storm.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VII iv 145: For raging wind blows
up incessant showers, And when the rage allays the rain begins.
1592—3 V .A. l. 457: This ill presage advisedly she marketh. Even
as the wind is hush’d before it raineth. 1593-4 Luc. l. 1788: This
windy tempest, till it blow up rain, Held back his sorrow’s tide, to
make it more. At last it rains, and busy winds give o’er. 1602
T.C. IV iv 55: Where are my tears? Rain, to lay this wind, or my
heart will be blown up by the root.
Cf. R15: Small rain lays great dust.
R17 Some RAIN some rest
1678 RAY, p. 80: *A harvest proverb.
R18 We Shall have RAIN, the fleas bite
1586 WITHALS, s. B8v: They say that fleas biting and stinging sorer
then they were wont, is a token of raine at hande. 1639 CL., s.v.
Prognosticandi, p. 263.
R19 When the RAIN rains and the goose Winks little
wots the gosling What the goose thinks
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 1430: Wks., I 418. 1667 Poor Robin’s
Almanac Sept., quoted in App., p. 522.
Cf. C176: When the cat winks little wots the mouse what the
cat thinks.
R20 The evening RAINBOW portends fair weather
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 13. Ibid. 10, p. 283: The rainbow denotes
fair weather.
Cf. E191: An evening red and morning gray is the Sign of a fair
day; R21: If there be a rainbow in the eve it will rain and leave,
but if there be a rainbow in the morrow it will neither lend nor
borrow.
R21 If there be a RAINBOW in the eve it will rain and
leave, but if there be a rainbow in the morrow
it will neither lend nor borrow
1555 L. DIGGEs Prognostieation, p. 6: If in the morning the rayne-
bow appere, it signifieth moysture . . If in the euening it shew itself,
fayr weather ensueth. 1670 RAY, p. 43.
Cf. R20: The evening rainbow portends fair weather.
R22 AS lean as a RAKE
01485 Early Eng. Misc. 2, p. 8: I waxe as leyne as anny rake. [1503]
c1545 SKELTON Phyllyp Sparrowe l. 913: Wks., I 79: His bones
crake, Leane as a rake. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus V i, p. 154.
1562 HEY. Epig. 42, p. 134: And yet art thou skyn and bone, leane
as a rake. 1567 GOLDING Metam. II 967, p. 60: Hir bodie leane as
any Rake. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. N4: Her body is as leane
as any rakes. 1611 COT., s.v. Maigre: Maigres comme pies. As
leane as Rakes (we say). 1616 WITHALS, p. 568: (Your study
makes you as). 1639 CL., s.v. Insalubritas, p. 173. 1653 UR-
QUHART Gargantua II xiv, I 255. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 18: (a rake, or a shotten herring). 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Prezzemolo, p. 157: The English say, As lean as
arake, or alath. I670 RAY, p. 206. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 46:
(Care makes him as). 1672 WALK. 68, p. 17: I am as lean as a rake;
a very Anatome. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Rake: (He is as).
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. I i 23: Let us revenge this with our
pikes ere we become rakes; for the gods know I speak this in hunger
for bread.
See ST., no. 723. Cf. H447: As lean (lank) as a shotten herring.
R23 He is better with a RAKE than a fork
1630 T. ADAMS Cosmopolite: Wks., p. 685: The sire was all for the
rake, and the sonne is all for the pitchforke. 1630 T. ADAMS
Wisemen’s Oblat.: Wks., p. 163: Most men now-adayes (as it is in
the Prouerbe) are better at the Rake, then at the Pitchforke;
readier to pull in, then giue out. 1639 CL., s.v. Stupidi, p. 297.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 9: They are good with a rake,
but naught with a forke. 1664 COD., p. 196: (than with a Fork).
I670 RAY, p. 190. I732 FUL., no. 2375: He useth the Rake, more
than the Fork.
Cf. R24: Many bring the rake but few the shovel; R25: What the
rake gathers the fork scatters.
R24 Many bring the RAKE but few the shovel
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1033. 1668 R.B., p. 38. 1721 KEL., p. 129:
He comes oftener with the Rake, than the Sho’el. *Spoken of a
poor Friend, whose Business is not to give us, but to get from us.
Cf. R23: He is better with a rake than a fork.
R25 What the RAKE gathers the fork scatters
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 16: Tedding that with a forke in
one yeare, which was not gathered together with a rake, in twentie.
1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 412: He, that seekes to
tedd abroad the Churches goods with a forke, and scratch it to him-
selfe with a rake. 1594 LYLY Mother B. I iii 186: What wee get
together with a rake, they cast abroade with a forke. 01638 H.
GOSSON Gathergood, Scattergood l. 1 18 in Roxb. Bal., I I 34: Great use
he did take And for me did rake, which now with the forke I will
scatter. 1732 FUL., no. 4536: The Fork is commonly the Rake’s
Heir.
Cf. F91: A sparing father and a spending (prodigal) son; G92:
After a great getter comes a great spender; R23: He is better with
a rake than a fork.
R26 It is possible for a RAM to kill a butcher
1664 COD., p. 201. 1670 RAY, p. 22. 1732 FUL., no. 3010: (for
a Sheep to).
R27 While the one milks the RAM (he-goat) the other
holds under the sieve
1641 JONSON Timber, p. 35: The one milks a he-goat, the other
holds under a sieve. [3.1656] 1677 HALES Sacr. Lord’s Sap., p. 40:
(The common Proverb, Whilst).
Cf. B714: To milk a bull (he-goat); W1 1 I: To pour water into a
sieve.
R28 AS right (straight) as a RAM’S horn
[01522] c1545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court 1. 86: Wks., II 29:
Do ryght and do no wronge, As ryght as a rammes home. 1658
MENNIS AND SMITH Wit Restored: Facetiae, I 219: Straight as a
Rams home is thy nose. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 1 1. 1670 RAY,
p. 207.
R29 RAMSEY the rich
1607 Pleas. Conc. Hobson 2 in Shak. fist-Bks., III 2: 1. Ramsay
the rich 2. Bond the stout 3. Beecher the gentleman 4. and
Cooper the loute. This pleasant rime, so sodaynely spoken by
Master Hobson, is to this day accounted for his proverbe in London.
1662 FULLER Worthies Huntingtonshire, I 468: *This was the ..
Croesus, Of all our English Abbies. For, having but sixty Monks to
maintaine therein, the Revenues thereof . . amounted unto seven
thousand pounds a year. 1670 RAY, p. 232.
R30 RANCOR sticks long by the ribs
I616 WITHALS, p. 561: *Ira postremum senescit.
Ira, p. 178. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16.
Cf. A244: Anger dies quickly with a good man; R101: To stick
by the ribs.
R31 I smell a RAT
1553 Respublica I iii, p. 6: We have smelled a ratte. 1563 FOXE
Acts and Monum. IV, II 466: [Emperor] Frederic [II] . . smelling a
rat, alleged divers causes and hindrances. 1598 FLOR., s.v. Trama
ci e, p. 572: Some tricke, plot, or knaverie is in hand, as we say I
smell a rat. 1601 MARSTON jack Drum II, S. DIv: By gor I smell
a rat. I622 MABBE Rogue II 11 ii, III 222: I presently smelt a rat.
1639 CL., s.v. Indeprehensos, p. 161. 1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes
Don Quix. II vi, p. 63: How now Don, I begin to smell a Rat.
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 193, p. 323. I670 RAY, p. 192. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., s.v. Discern, p. 95: I can smell a rat. a1700 B.E.,
s.v. Rat: To smell a Rat, to suspect a Trick.
1639 CL., s.v.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl'.
RAT
REASON
566

SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I H. III iV 23: How now? a rat? Dead for
a ducat, dead! [Kills Polonius.] Ihid. IV i 9: Hearing something
stir, Whips out his rapier, cries ‘A rat, a rat!’
See ST., no. 1423. Cf. S558: I smell him out. (30)
R32 Too late does the RAT repent in the cat’s paws
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 165: Too late repents the ratt, If once
her taile be caught by the catt. 1611 COT., s.v. Repentir: Too late
the Rat cryes had-I-wist when the Cat pawes her. 1623 WOD.,
P: 513-
Cf. B362: A bird cries too late when it is taken; H9: Had I wist
comes too late.
R33 The croaking RAVEN bodes misfortune (death)
[61589] 1633 MARLOWE yew Malta II i 1: Like the sad presaging
raven, that tolls The sick man’s passport in her hollow beak. 1594
NASHE Terrors Night: Wks., I 346: That ill angel the Rauen . . a
Continuall messenger .. Of dole and misfortune. I598 GUILPIN
Skialetheia, s. A4: Like to the fatall ominous Rauen which tolls,
The sicke mans dirge within his hollow beake. 1599 PEELE David
and Beths. iv, 5. D1: Like as the fatall Rauen, that in his voice
Carries the dreadful summons of our deaths. 1616 SS. Hon.
Lawyer V, s. I2vz Oh this black bird tolles like a passing-bell My
owne sad mischiefe and my Vncles knell. [I634] I649 D’AVENANT
Love and Honor I, p. 110: SO ravens croak When they fly o’er the
mansions Of the sick And bode their deaths.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590—I 2Hen. VIIII ii 40: A raven’s note Whose
dismal tune bereft my vital pow’rs. 1591 3 Hen. V] V Vi 45: The
night crow cried, aboding luckless time. 1592 T. dnd. II iii 96:
Here nothing breeds, Unless the nightly owl or fatal raven. 1598-9
M.A. II iii 84: I had as live have heard the night raven, come what
plague could have come after it. 1599 Y.C. I iii 26: And yesterday
the bird of night did sit Even at noonday upon the market place,
Hooting and shrieking . . these prodigies . . are portentous things
Unto the climate that they point upon. 1600-I H. III ii 264: The
croaking raven doth bellow for revenge. I602 T.C. V ii 191: I
would croak like a raven; I would bode, I would bode. 1604 0. IV
i 20: It comes o’er my memory As doth the raven o’er the infected
house. 1605-6 M. I V 39: The raven himselfis hoarse That croaks
the fatal entrance of Duncan Under my battlements. 1613 T.N. K.
I i 19: Nor The boding raven . . May on our bridehouse perch or
Sing.
Cf. G478: The gull comes against a tempest (the rain); H150: A
hare has crossed your way; P483: The porpoise (dolphin) plays
before a storm. (10)
R34 The RAVEN chides blackness
I612 WEBSTER White Devil V iii 88: Did you ever heare the duskie
raven Chide blacknesse? 1732 FUL., no. 4729: The Raven said to
the Rook; stand away, black-Coat.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T. C. II iii 218: A paltry insolent fellowl. .
—The raven chides blackness.
Cf. K21: The kettle calls the pot black ass.
R35 RAWHEAD and bloodybones
1611 FLOR., s.v. Mani, p. 215: Imaginarie ghosts that Nurces fray
their children with to make them leaue crying, as wee say bug-
beares or raw-head and bloody bone. [1622] I647 FLETCHER AND
MASSINGER Prophetess IV V, p. 372: But now I look Like bloody
Bone, and raw head, to fright Children.
R36 As sharp as a RAZOR
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 400: My wodknyfe is as sharpe as a
rasur. 1523-5 BERNERS Chron. Froissart, II 479: Ther Helyot of
Talay . . was stryken in the throte with a javelyn Of Burdeaux, as
sharpe as a rasure. [a1558] I568 Yacoh and Esau IV iV, s. F4:
That worde is to me sharper than a rasers blade. 1560-77 Misogonus
IV i 125. 1678 RAY, p. 288. 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quix. I ii,
p. 16.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. I i 314: These words are razors
to my wounded heart. 1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 256: The tongues of
mocking wenches are as keen AS is the razor’s edge invisible.


R37 The RAZOR may boldly graze on a fool’s beard
I611 COT., s.v. Rasoir: A barbe de fol le rasoir est mol: A Goose
will brooke any ieast, or put vp any abuse; euery harsh thing hath a
gentle touch in his dull conceit. 1659 N.R., p. 110.
R38 READ not before you learn to spell
1600 BRETON Pasquil’s Foo/scap: Wks., I 22: He that will Reade,
before he learne to Spell .. Let him be sure .. Such Madhead
fellowes are but Fooles indeede. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 4,
SHAKESPEARE—61595 R7. II iii 87: She knew well Thy love
did read by rote, that could not spell.
Cf. R208: He may ill run that cannot go.
R39 READING makes a full man, conference a ready
man, and writing an exact man
1597 BACON Essays, p. 253. I738 FRANKLIN, p. 15: Reading makes
a full man—meditation a profound man—discourse a clear man.
R40 Often rues the REALM where children rule and
women govern
1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. III xv, s. O6: Woe be to that
citie where a woman beareth rule. 1548 E. HALL Rich. III:
Chron., f. 9V: I remembred an olde prouerbe worthy of memorye,
that Often ruithe the realme, where chyldren rule, and woman
gouerne.
Cf. W600: Woe to the land (kingdom) whose king is a child.
R41 The more REAPERS the less to reap
1616 DR., s.v. Helpe, or ayd, no. 968.
R42 Hearken t0 REASON or she will be heard
I611 COT., s.V. Mettre. 1640 HERB., no. 74. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 17: (will make her self to be heard). 1659 N.R., p. 40.
1744 FRANKLIN, p. 22: Hear Reason, or she’ll make you feel her.
1753 FRANKLIN, p. 29: When Reason preaches, if you don’t hear
her she’ll box your Ears.
Cf. R43: Let reason rule all your actions.
R43 Let REASON rule all your actions
I602 Liherality and Prod. V iii, 3. E4v: Where reason rules, there is
the golden meane. 1616 DR., s.v. Reason, no. 1818. 1629 CAR-
LELL Deserv. Favorite II 970, p. 101: Reason is the rule By which we
ought to square our actions. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9: Reason
rules all things.
SHAKESPEARE—I595 M.N.D. II ii 115: The will of man is by
his reason sway’d; And reason says you are the worthier maid.
Cf. R42: Hearken to reason or she will be heard.
R44 REASON bound the man
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1154: Reason band the man but the meikl
devil could not bind the wyfe. 1641 F ERG., no. 730: Reason band
the man. 1668 R.B., p. 46: [As in 1641 Ferg.].
R45 REASON lies between the spur and the bridle
I640 HERB., no. 707.
Cf. V80: Virtue is found in the middle (mean).
R46 REASON ought to be in counsel
I573 SANF., f. 109. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33.
Cf. H281: TWO heads (wits) are better than one.
R47 Such a REASON pissed my goose
1639 CL., s.V. Contemptus et vilitatis, p. 70. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 13. [a1660] 1693 URQUHART Gargantua III xxxvi, II 185:
You speak wisely . . if the Moon were Green Cheese; such a Tale
once piss’d my Goose. 1670 RAY, p. 215. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. Non-sense, p. 231. 1732 F UL., no. 4277.
R48 There is a REASON for you with a rag about the
foot of it
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1385: (That is a reason with a). 1721 KEL.,
p. 317: *Spoken when one gives a trifling Reason for what they
have done.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
REASON
RELIGION
567

R49 There is REASON in roasting of eggs
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1670 RAY, p. 136: *Est modus in
rebus. 1672 WALK. 36, p. 37: (in rosting eggs). 1681 ROB., p.
1050. 1732 FUL., no. 4935.
R50 The REASONS of the poor weigh not
1640 HERB., no. 629. 1659 N.R., p. 103. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18,
p. 214: The poor mans reasons are of no weight. 1732 FUL., no.
3897: Poor Men’s Reasons are not heard.
R51 REAVERs1 should not be ruers
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 735. 1668 R.B., p. 46. 1721 KEL., p. 284.
[lrobbers]
R52 The RECEIVER is as bad as the thief
1623 WOD., p. 509: The Concealer, is no lesse guiltie in Treason
then the Theefe. 1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight II iv, p. 105: The
Receiver is bad as a Thief. 1662 FULLER Worthies Nottingham-
Shire, II 206: But, seeing the receiver is as bad as the thief. . the
cheap pennyworths of plundered goods may in fine prove dear
enough to their consciences. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 216, p. 227:
The English say, A Receiver is as bad as a Thief. 1668 SEDLEY
Mulh. Garden IV, p. 59. 1670 RAY, p. 136. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Receiver. 1721 KEL., p. 15: A Receipter is worse than a Thief.
*True! for if there were none to receive Stol’n Goods, Thieves would
be discouraged. 1732 FUL., no. 6162: (as the Thiever).
Cf. R53: Where be no receivers there be no thieves.
R53 Where be no RECEIVERS there be no thieves
1546 HEY. I xii, S. F1. 1562 HEY. Epig. 69, p. 138: Where are no
receiuers, there are no theeues. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1271: Thair
is not a theef Without a resett. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 98: (there will
be no theeues). 1611 GRUT., no. 314. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal
Banquet II: W ks., p. 193: But if there were no receiuer, there would
be no Thiefe. 1614 CAM., p. 314. 1616 RC. Times’ Whistle l.
218, p. 89: For every man this Olde saide saw beleeves, were no
receivers there would be no theeves. 1616 DR., s.v. Theeues, no.
2110: Where there are no receiuers, there are no theeues. 1639
CL., s.v. Occasio, p. 233: The receiver makes the thief. Ihid., s.v.
Societas, p. 290: If there were no receivers there would be no theeves.
1641 FERG., no. 800: There is na thief without a resetter. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: No receivers, no thieves. 1659 N.R., p. 123:
Were there no receivers there would be no thieves. 1668 R.B., p.
50: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 136: N0 receiver no thief.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Receiver: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1732 FUL., no. 3620:
[As in 1670 Ray].
See TAY., p. 92. Cf. R52: The receiver is as bad as the thief.
R54 Even RECKONING makes long friends
1546 HEY. II iv, s. 64v. 1562 HEY. Epig. 216, p. 161.
FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 123: (reckonings).
1611 GRUT., no. 85. 1614 CAM., p. 305. 1616 DR., s.v. Iustice,
no. 1 142. 1639 CL., s.v. Iustitiae, p. 181. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 2. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 13: Make thy bargain more cautiously
with thy friend then a stranger. 1659 N.R., p. 2: A clear bargain,
a dear Friend. Ihid., p. 29: (Even reckonings make). 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 33, p. 195: [As in 1659 N.R., p. 2]. Ibid., note 121, p.
225: (The English say the like, Even). 1670 RAY, p. 136: (keeps
long friends). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Reckoning: [As in 1670 Ray].
1732 FUL., no. 1399: (Even Reckonings keep).
Cf. C706: Oft counting makes good friends; R55: Old reckonings
make new quarrels; R56: Short reckonings make long friends.
1591
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 153.
R55 Old RECKONINGS make new quarrels
1611 COT., s.v. Dispute: Old accompts breed new differences.
FUL., no. 3725.
Cf. R54: Even reckoning makes long friends; R56: Short reckon-
ings make long friends.
1732
R56 Short RECKONINGS make long friends
1673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 146: Short reckonings (we say)
make long friends.
See SM., p. 390; ST., no. 56. Cf. R54: Even reckoning. makes
long friends; R5 5: Old reckonings make new quarrels.

R57 A good REcoRDER sets all in order
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I I. 1670 RAY, p.22. 1732 FUL., no. 6245.
R58 To give one a RECUMBENTIBUS
[To give one a knockdown blow.] 1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 70:
Had you some husband, and snapte at him thus, Iwys he would
geue you a recumbentibus. 1592 LYLY Midas V ii 48: They shalbe
paid him cum recumbentibus. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: les.,
III 167: Which leesing (had I bene let alone) I would haue put to
bed with a recumbentibus. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 1: He gave
his wife a Recumbentibus; viz. He swadled her soundly. 1675
C. COTTON Scofler Scoft, p. 197: Of a good whirret Bebrix gave him
. . Which Recumbendibus he got By being of an Argonaut.
R59 Do not wear RED before a bull nor white before
an elephant
[ERAS. Similia, 575A: Qui ministrant elephantis, non sumunt luci-
dam vestem: qui tauris, purpuream non induunt: nam his coloribus
efi'erantur] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 226: He that com-
meth before an Elephant will not weare bright colors, nor he that com-
meth to a Bul, red. 1608 CHAPMAN Consp. Byron II ii 39: To bulls
we must not show ourselves in red, Nor to the warlike elephant in
white. 1725 N. BAILEY Uneasy Wife: Familiar Colloq., p. 129:
Those that go near elephants wear no garment that is white, nor
those who manage bulls, red; because it is found by experience that
these creatures are made fierce by these colours, just as tigers are
made so raging mad by the sound of a drum.
See SM., p. 265.
R60 There is no REDEMPTION from hell
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 66: As for that scripture ex inferno
nulla redemptio, I haue heard it oft alledged by great Clarkes,
but I thinke it is in the Epistle of S. Paul to the Laodiceans, or in
Nicodemus Gospel: for I neuer yet coulde finde it in the Bible.
1612 J. TAYLOR Merry Voyage: Wks. F., p. 172: From Hell each
man sayes, Lord deliuer me, Because from Hell can no Redemption
be. 1619 Two Wise Men I i, s. B4v: [The land] is so deep. .that
it reacheth to hell, and ther’s no redemption. 1670 RAY, p. 244,
S V. Westminster: *There is a place partly under, partly by the
Exchequer chamber, commonly called Hell,. .formerly appointed
a prison for the Kings debtors, who never were freed from thence,
until they had paid their utmost due. 1672 WALK. 7, p. 56: *No
returne from the grave. 61703 MOTTEUX Don Quix. I 111 xxv, I
246: There is no retention out of hell.
R61 T0 lean upon (trust to) a broken REED
[Is. xxxvi 6: Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed.
ERAS. Adagia, 605D: Scipioni arundineo inniti.] 61594 BACON,
no. 775: To lean to a staer Of reed. 1631 New Song K. Edgarl 3 in
Deloney Garl. Good Will, p. 305: But senseless man, what do I
meane,Vpon a broken reede to lean. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Ramo, p. 164: To fasten amiss, and where there is no good hold, to
lean as it were upon a reed, oft spoken of a Friend, that fails one
in time of need. 1732 FUL., no. 3157: Lean not on a Reed.
Cf. S805: Trust (Lean) not to a broken staff.
R62 The RELAPSE is more dangerous than the disease
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 78: Second falling into Sickness is ever
most dangerous. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 90: I see now
that as the resiluation of an Ague is desperate, and the second open-
ing of a veyne deadly, so the renuing of loue is .. worse than
death. 1592 DEL., p. 42: The falling againe, is almost alwayes
deadly. 1605 SYLVESTER Sonnets on Miraculous Peace 35: Wks.,
II 42: Our sins (I feare) will work worse afterclaps: And there’s
most danger in a re-relapse. [1607] 1631 T. HEYWOOD 1 Fair
Maid West II, p. 287: But ifI finde you fall into relapse, The second’s
farre more dangerous.
Cf. A57: Beware an afterclap; F40: The falling-out of lovers is
a renewing of love.
R63 RELIGION a stalking-horse to shoot other fowl
1604 MARSTON Malcontent IV i 226: A fellow that makes religion
his stalking-horse. 1622 T. SCOTT Belg. Pismire, p. 56: Though
Religion be made the stalking-horse to infatuate and bewitch the

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
RELIGION
568
RENT
minds of men. 1642 D. ROGERs Matr. Honor ii, p. 55: Pretending
that their conscience is the ground, whereas its but a stalking-
horse. I651 HERB., p. 367. a1674 HYDE Contempl. Psalms 89,
p. 618: TOO many Men have . . used religious Discourses as Stalk-
ing-Horses, to attain their own most corrupt Ends. 1678 BUNYAN
Pilg. Prog. I, p. 135: Ifit be unlawful to follow Christ for loaves . .
how much more abominable is it to make Of him and religion a
stalking-horse, to get and enjoy the world. 1686 HORNECK Crue.
Yesus II, p. 16: Who made it [religion] a Stalking-horse to ill Designs
and Purposes. I709 DYKES, p. 42: Religion has been made a mighty
Stalking-Horse to Villany and Murder.
(6)
Cf. S816: To make one a stalking-horse.
R64 RELIGION, credit, and the eye are not to be touched
1630 T. ADAMS Contempl. Herbs: Wks., p. 1043: A mans name; his
faith, and his eye must not be iested withall. I640 HERB., no.
831. I659 I-Iow. Span. Prov., p. 18: (are tender things). 1664
COD., p. 210: (Religion, Reputation, and the Eye, are three things
that ought not). 1742 FRANKLIN, p. 20: You will be careful, if
you are wise, How you touch men’s Religion, or Credit, or Eyes.
Cf. E242: Jest (Bourd) not with the eye or with religion (honor).
R65 RELIGION is the rule of life
1616 BRET., p. 6.
R66 The best REMEDY against an ill man is much
ground between both
1640 HERB., no. 152. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 10: Against an ill
person the onely remedy is to put earth betwixt thee and him.
I659 N.R., p. 112: (is to keep at a distance). I664 C0D., p. 217.
I670 RAY, p. 14: *Hispan.
R67 If there be no REMEDY then welcome Pilvall
I670 RAY, p. 189.
R68 The REMEDY (cure) is worse than the disease
[I610] I620 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Philaster III, p. 110: Oh my
heart; this is a salve worse than the main disease. I611 JONSON
Cat. IV 893, p. 526: And brooke the cures Worse, then the crimes.
I612 BACON Essays, p. 131: Let princes . . not be without some
great person . . of military valour . . for the repressing of seditious
. . But let such military persons be assured, and well reputed of,
rather than . . popular . . or else the remedy is worse than the
disease. 1616 DR., no. 1830. I620 Swetnam, Woman Hater II,
s. B4v: Thou appli’st a balme Worse then the wound it selfe.
I624 MASSINGER Bondman I iii, p. 27: (cure). [I626] I647 MAs-
SINGER ET AL. Love’s Cure III ii, p. 195: I find the medicine worse
than the malady. a1633 H. CARY Hist. K. Edw. II in Harl.
Misc., I 78: In this Distraction, he seeks not by the Advice Of a
grave Council to qualify or prevent it, this Medicine he conceits
is worse than the Disease. 1656 W. SANDERSON Hist. Mary Qu.
Scot. I, p. 51: That the Cure would be far worser than the Disease.
1683 W. KENNETT Pr. Folly, p. 64: This Remedy, my Friends, is
worse i’ th’ main Than the Disease.
Cf. P267a: The physician is more dangerous than the disease.
R69 There is a REMEDY for all things but death
I573 SANF., f. 52: (sauing for death). I587 FLOR. First F. XIX,
f. 27v: Vnto al is remedie, except vnto death. aI598 FERG. MS,
no. 1289: Thair is no remeid for all things but stark deed. I611
COT., s.v. Mort: No medicine against death; no remedie for death.
I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xliii, IV 42: (for every thing but
death). I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 38, p. 27: (for all dolors but death).
I640 MABBE Yea}. Hus.: Exemp. Nov., I 177: (save against death).
I641 FERG., no. 818: (but stark deid). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8:
(except against death). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 109: Every thing
hath its remedy, except death. Ibid. 7, p. 159: A stout man can
find a remedy against anything, but death. I668 R.B., p. 49:
There is remead for all things but stark dead. I721 KEL., p. 317:
(but stark dead). I732 FUL., no. 4919: There is no Remedy for
all Evils but Death.
See DUR., II, no. 458. Cf. G189: God has provided a remedy
for every disease; P107: Patience is a plaster for all sores; R70:
There is a remedy for everything could men find it; S84: There is a
salve for every sore.

R71
i
R70 There is a REMEDY for everything could men
find it
1651 HERB., p. 371. I658 [EDMONDsON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 184,
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: There is fence for all things if one could
find it out. 1659 N.R., p. 94. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 35, p. 235;
There was never a disease, but hath a Receit for’t. laid. 2, p. 237;
There’s a cure for everything, if one can but find it. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4879: (could we but hit upon it).
Cf. G189: God has provided a remedy for every disease; R69:
There is a remedy for all things but death; S84: There is a salve for
every sore.
There is no REMEDY but patience
a1555 N. RIDLEY Conference betw. Ridley and Latimer: Wks., p. I I 5.
I578 FLOR. First F. XIII, f. 12. 01589 Fox Cavendish’s Youn, p.
14: We complayned to Our genessary but pacyenc was our remedy.
1605 Capt. T. Stukeley, s. D2: (remedy now but patience). 1616
DR., no. I 590. I670 RAY, p. 190: NO remedy but patience. 1680
R. L’ESTRANGE Citt and Bumpkin, p. 6: Well, there’s no Remedy
but Patience. I696 CIBBER Love’s Last Shift II, p. 36: [As in 1670
Ray].
Cf. P107: Patience is a plaster for all sores; P108: Patience is a
remedy for every grief (sorrow).
R72 REMEMBER t0 distrust
I664 ]. WILSON rind. Comnenius III iii, p. 165: You forget our
proverb—Remember to distrust! This easy faith Has done more
mischief than it e’er did good.
Cf. F1 3 5: Fear (Suspicion) is one part of prudence.
R73 The REMEMBRANCE of past sorrow (dangers) is
joyful
[ERAS. ddagia, I 1491‘: Jucunda malorum praeteritorum memoria.]
1539 TAV., f. 34v: Labours ones done, be swete . . after paynful
labours and peryls the remembraunce of them is to him ryght
pleasaunt. 1567 G. FENTON Trag. Dis. Ep. Ded., I 4: Remem-
brance Of the paine that is past is sweete. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal.,
I 79: The remembrance of the peril past delighteth. I596 SPENSER
IV ix 4o: Ye will recount to vs in order dew All that aduenture,
which ye did assay For that faire Ladies loue: past perils well apay.
I601 MARSTON j'ack Drum III, s. F1v: Sad sorrow past, delights
to be rehearsed. 1605 I. HALL Medit. II 7, p. 89: Griefe past is
ioyfull. 1605 MARSTON Dutch Courtesan V ii 69: It is much joy to
think on sorrows past. 1616 WITHALS, p. 545: It will be a great
comfort for mee to remember these things hereafter. I631 GOFFE
Raging Turk II vii, s. E2: After an age of woes it proues at last A
sweete content to tell of dangers past. 1639 CL., s.v. Memoria,
p. 206. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 38, p. 194: That which is hard to en-
dure, is sweet to remember. 1725 N. BAILEY Unequal Bang..-
Familiar Colloq., p. 305: And according to the proverb, the remem-
brance of dangers when they are over is very pleasant. I732 FUL.,
no. 4385: That, which was bitter to endure, may be sweet to re-
member. '
SHAKESPEARE—01595 [3.7. III v 52: All these woes shall serve
For sweet discourses in our time to come. .
Cf. L7: Past labor is pleasant; M1010: Once to have been happy
is misery enough (Remembrance Of past pleasures augments present
pains); R89: The revealing of griefs is a renewing of sorrow.
R74 A good RENOWN is better than a golden girdle
I611 COT., s.v. Ceincture: Bonne renommée vaut mieux que ceinc-
tiIre dorée. A good report excells all ornaments. I623 WOD.,
p. 477: (a gold girdle). I657 LEIGH, p. 261. I659 N.R., p. 16.
Cf. N22: A good name is better than riches (gold).
R75 He spent Michaelmas1 RENT in midsummer moon
I623 CAM., p. 270. 1639 CL., s.v. Profusio, p. 262. I659 N.R.,
p. 4.5: (in Midsommer Quarter). 1664 COD., p. 196. 1665 1.
WILSON Projectors II, p. 240: A good honest man’s daughter, that
shall bring him no charge . . One that shall not spend his Michael-
mas rents in Midsummer moon. I670 RAY, p. 186: (To spend his
Michaelmas). I732 FUL., no. 2026.
[ISept. 29]
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
RENT
REVERENCE
569

R76 If you had the RENT of Dee mills you would
spend it
1670 RAY, p. 171: *Chesh.
R77 Late REPENTANCE is seldom true
1552 LATIMER Serm. and Rem. 13, p. 193: It is a common saying,
Poenitentia sera raro vera. 1639 CL., s.v. Poenitentia, p. 255.
1732 FUL., no. 3145.
Cf. M875: It is never too late to mend (repent); R80: Repentance
never comes too late.
R78 REPENTANCE costs dear
1616 DR., no. 1834. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 9: To repent doth
cost dear. 1664 COD., p. 210.
Cf. R81—2: To buy repentance too dear.
R79 REPENTANCE is the laundress of the conscience
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 9: (Repentance the Laundresse). 1664
COD., p. 210.
R80 REPENTANCE never comes too late
[a1591] 1675 H. SMITH Young Man’s Task: Wks., I 221: It is an old
saying, Repentance is never too late. 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady
IV iv 47: Repentance, (if it be true) nere comes too late. 1665
R. BOYLE Occasional Reflections II xii: Wks., II 175: A true re-
pentance cannot come too late. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 200.
Cf. M875: It is never too late to mend (repent); R77: Late
repentance is seldom true.
R81—2 T 0 buy REPENTANCE too dear
[ERAS. Adagia, 38E: Non emo tanti poenitere.] 1508 I. FISHER
Sayings David in Psalms, p. 63: He answered that his lernynge was
not to bye penaunce so clere. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p.
26: Buying that with a pound, which he cannot sell againe for a
penny, repentaunce. I588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 293: She will buy
repentance too cleare. I590 GREENE Mourn. Garm., p. 178: You
will (at last) buy repentance with too deare a price. 1591 FLOR.
Sec. F. XII, p. 165: Buy not repentance too deare. 1602 JONSON
Poetaster V iii 319: They buy repentance too cleare. 1611 T.
HEYWOOD Gold. Age IV, p. 68: Repentance I’d not buy At that
high rate, ten thousand times to dye.
Cf. C689: He that refuses to buy counsel cheap shall buy repent-
ance dear; R78: Repentance costs dear; W546: Bought witis dear.
R83 A false REPORT rides post
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 14.
Cf. N148: Ill news has wings (comes apace); P489: The lame post
brings the truest news.
R84 REPORT has a blister on her tongue
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 21: My tonge would blyster if
I should vtter them. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao Iii 37: (Reporte
hath not alwaies). 1587 GREENE Penelope’s Web, p. 210. 01594
BACON, no. 1541: Bonnes paroles n’ecorcheut pas la langue. I600
NASHE Summer’s Last Will I. 1139: Wks., III 270. 1602 DEKKER
[AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 2544, p. 72: Your tongue you know is full
of blisters with rayling. I612 BACON Essays, p. 260: As we say,
That a blister will rise upon one’s tongue that tells a lie. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 8: Fair words blister not the tongue. 1732
FUL., no. 1 127: Common Fame hath a Blister on its Tongue. I738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 417: I have a blister on my tongue, yet I
don’t remember I told a lie.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 335: A blister on his sweet
tongue with my heart. 1595 RY. III ii 90: Blister’d be thy tongue.
1605-6 M. IV iii 12: This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our
tongues, Was once thought honest. 1605—8 T. Ath. Vi 134: Speak
and be hang’d! For each true word a blister. 1611 W. T. II ii 33:
If I prove honey-mouth’d, let my tongue blister.
Cf. F44: Fame (Report) is a liar; T99: They say so is halfa lie.
R85 A good REPUTATION is a fair estate
[Prov. xv 30: A good report maketh the bones fat.] I611 COT., s.v.
Avoir: A good report is a sufficient portion. 1732 FUL., no. 172.
Cf. N22: A good name is better than riches (gold).
R86 He that RESPECTS not is not respected
1640 HERB., no. 423. 1659 N.R., p. 56.
R87 He often kills that thinks but to hurt that which
is worth the RESTORING
01645 E. BROOKE Commonpl. Bk., p. 27.
R88 In a RETREAT the lame are foremost
1640 HERB., no. 877. 1664 COD., p. 202.
R89 The REVEALING of griefs is a renewing of sorrow
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 151: The remembrance of my passions
would be as it were a renewing of my pain. 1580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 24: The remembraunce where-off, doth nothing
but double my repentaunce. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 87: The
discourse of my fortunes, be the renewing of my sorrowes. I590
SPENSER I vii 41: But griefe (quoth she) does greater grow
displaid. 1591 LYLY Endim. III iv 12: The reuealing of griefes is
as it were a renewing ofsorrow. 01594 BACON, no. 143: It is in vain
to forbear to renew that grief by speech which the want of so great
a comfort must ever renew. 1596 DEL., s. O8v: He that comfortes
a greefe, makes it renew againe.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. I i 30: A heavier task could not
have been impos’d Than I to speak my griefs unspeakable. 1611
W. T. V i 1 19: Prithee, no more! cease! Thou know’st He dies to
me again when talk'd of.
Cf. R73: The remembrance of past sorrow (dangers) is joyful.
R90 REVENGE is sweet
I566 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. I 51, II 35: Vengeance is sweete.
JONSON Epic. IV V 182: O reuenge, how sweet art thou!
N.R., p. 88.
is sweet, and makes amends for leachery.
Sir Antony Love IV, p. 230.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. V iii 44: O, a kiss Long as my exile,
sweet as my revenge!
Cf. W946: To forget a wrong is best revenge.
R91 REVENGE is womanish
1639 CL., p. 320. 1664 COD., p. 210.
Cf. W946: To forget a wrong is best revenge.
1616
1659
1672 WYCHERLEY Love in Wood V, p. 140: Revenge
1691 T. SOUTHERNE
R92 To pardon is a divine REVENGE
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 207: [Queen Elizabeth] thinking
no reuenge more princely, then to spare when she might spill.
1587 T. HUGHES ET AL. Misfort. Arthur I ii, S. A3: A Ladies best
reuenge is to forgiue. [1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi IV i
39: I account it the honorabl’st revenge Where I may kill, to pardon.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 202.
Cf. H170: To be able to do harm and not to do it is noble; I72:
Injuries slighted become none at all; L397: Living well is the best
revenge; P51: Pardons and pleasantness are great revenges of
slanders; P371: It is better to pity than revenge; W946: To forget a
wrong is best revenge.
R93 Saving your REVERENCE
[An apology for any expression thought to be indelicate.] I596
HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 723: There is a noble and learned lady
dowager . . that will not name loue without saue-reuerence. 1607
Puritan [II], s. DIV: A man that would keepe Church s0 duly . . go
vngarterd, vnbuttend, nay sir Reuerence vntrust, to Morning
Prayer. 1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Derby, I 557: A caue or hole
within the ground, called, saving your reverence, The Devils Arse.
1614 J. COOKE Greene’s Tu Quogue, s. H4: You (as the common
trickes is) straight suppose ’Tis Loue (sirreuerenc, which makes the
word more beastly).
SHAKESPEARE.—CI595 R7. I iv 41: If thou art Dun, we’ll draw
thee from the mire Of this sir-reverence love, wherein thou stick’st.
1596 M. V. II ii 26: To run away from the jew, I should be ruled
by the fiend, who (saving your reverence) is the devil himself.
I bid. II ii 138: His master and he (saving your worship’s reverence)
are scarce cater-cousins. 1597 I Hen. IV II iv 515: But that he
is (saving your reverence) a whoremaster, that I utterly deny.
1598-9 M.A. III iv 31: I think you would have me say, ‘saving



In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
REVEREND
RICHES
57o

your reverence, a husband.’ 1604 M.M. II i 91: Sir, she came in
great with child; and longing (saving your honour’s reverence) for
stew’d prunes. 1610 Cym. IV i 5: The rather (saving reverence
of the word) for ’tis said a woman’s fitness comes by fits.
R94 The REVEREND are ever before
1640 HERB., no. 885. I659 N.R., p. 104.
R95 REWARD and punishment are the walls of a city
1639 CL., p. 181.
Cf. M555: Men (Men’s love), not walls, make the city (prince)
safe.
R96 To play Rm
1563 FOXE Acts and Monum. II, I 355: This Theodore, being made
archbishop and metropolitan of Canterbury, began to play the
Rex, placing and displacing the bishops at his pleasure. 1586
W. WARNER Alhion’s Eng. I 6: Poems, p. 519: With these did Her-
cules play rex. 1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 128: Roome
for a roister, that will bore them thorough the noses with a cushion
. that will suffer none to play the Rex, but himselfe. I621
SYLVESTER Weeks II IV iv 410: Ifonce it hap Hee get som Grove, or
thorny Mountain’s top, Then playes he Rex. 1649 G. DANIEL
Trinarch. Rich. II 177, III 181: Being seated once, This Duke in
England might play Rex in France. 1692 J. WASHINGTON Def.
People Pref., p. 8: Consider with your selves . . Who it was, that
but lately began to play Rex in your Country. (14)
R97 More RHUBARB and less diet
1655 MOFFET'I‘ Health’s Improvem. i, p. 8: (These addle proverbs
. . More).
R98 RHYME: subst.
R98 Neither RHYME nor reason
a1529 SKELTON Agst. Garnesche l. 104: Wks., I 123: For reson can I
non fynde Nor good ryme in yower mater. 1540 PALSGRAVE
Acolastus III iv, p. 116: In loue is neyther meane nor mesure, or
neyther ryme nor reason. [a1558] 1568 Yacoh and Esau II iii, s. C4:
Ye Shall heare him chafe beyonde all reason or rime. 1590 R.
WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s. B2v: I would it
were in rime. -—~In rime Wit, why so? —Because it wantes
reason. 1593 PEELE Edw. I ii, 8. C1: He can sing rime with reason.
and rime without reason, And without reason or rime. 1616
WITHALS, p. 572: (It hath neither). 1623 WOD., p. 497: (There is
here neither). 1631 JONSON New Inn I i 12: You haue reason good
mine host. —Sir I haue rime too. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus,
p. 71. 1670 RAY, p. 218: Neither rhythme nor reason. 1678 RAY,
p. 349: Heer’s nor rhythm, nor reason. 1721 KEL., p. 267.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592—3 C.E. II ii 48: Was there ever any man thus
beaten out of season, When in the why and the wherefore is neither
rhyme nor reason? 1599 A.Y. III ii 418: Neither rhyme nor rea-
son can express how much. 1599 Hen. V V ii 164: These fellows of
infinite tongue that can rhyme themselves into ladies’ favours, they
do always reason themselves out again. 1600-1 V v 132:
In despite of the teeth of all rhyme and reason.
See ST., no. 2079. Cf. R99: It may rhyme but it accords not. (7)
R99 RHYME: verb
R99 It may RHYME but it accords not
[61517] I533 SKELTON Magn., s. DI v: It forseth not of the reason so
it kepe ryme. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3v. 1562 HEY. Epig. 265, p.
167. CI594 BACON, no. 649. 1616 DR., s.v. Discord, no. 510: (but
it will not accord).
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G. V. II i 150: Nay, I was rhyming; ’tis
you that have the reason. 1594-5 L.L.L. I i 99: In reason nothing.
——Something then in rhyme. Ihid. I ii 112: A dangerous rhyme,
master, against the reason of white and red.
Cf. R98: Neither rhyme nor reason.
R100 To be so lean that one’s RIBS may be counted
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Trapponto, p. 220: To seem to have been
wrought with hollow stitch, Viz. to be pityfull lean, so as one might
See thorough one, or tell ones ribs.

R101

SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. II ii 113: You may tell every finger
I have with my ribs.
To stick by the RIBS
I670 RAY, p. 194.
Cf. R30: Rancor sticks long by the ribs.
R102 The RICH devour the poor, the strong the weak
1593 MUNDAY Def. Contraries VI, p. 55: The rich eate the poore,
1612 DABORNE Chr. Turned Turk l. 628, p. 209: Tis the custome of
the whole world, the greater theefe preyes vpon the lesse still.
1623 WOD., p. 502: Great ones do eat vp the litle ones. So meant
where the weake are opprest with the Powerfull. 1659 N.R., p.
110.
Cf. F31 I: The great fish eat the small.
R103 The RICH have many friends
[Prov. xix 4: Wealth maketh many friends. ERAS. Adagia, 829D:
Felicitas multos habet amicos.] 16th 6. Old English Proverhs in Re~
liq. Antiq., I 207: As long as I am riche reputed, With solem vyce I
am saluted; But wealthe away once woorne, Not one wyll say good
morne. 1546 HEY. I V, s. B2: And ryches may make Frends many
ways. 1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s Sickness: Wks., p. 474: Riches make
many friends: truly; they are friends to the riches, not to the rich
man. 1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sickness II: Wks., p. 336: The rich
hath many friends, but the poore is separated from his neighbours.
1616 DR., no. 2375. 1616 WITHALS, p. 547: Riches gets friends,
but poore men are despised. 1630 T. ADAMS Cosmopolite: Wks., p.
686: Wealth maketh many friends: they are friends to the wealth,
not to the wealthy. 1639 CL., p. 98: The fortunate hath many
friends. 1672 WALK. 8, p. 14: Money will make friends. 1732
FUL., no. 1030: But help me to Money, and I’ll help my self to
Friends.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 Pass. Pilgr. 20, l. 3 5: Every man will be
thy friend Whilst thou hast wherewith to spend.
See DUR., I, no. 506. Cf. P468: The poor have few friends; P61 1:
Prosperity gets friends but adversity tries them; T301: In time Of
prosperity friends will be plenty, in time of adversity not one among
twenty.
R104 The RICH knows not who is his friend
1640 HERB., no. 859. 1659 N.R., p. 114.
R105 The more that RICHES are honored the more
virtue is despised
1573 SANF., f. 52V: The more that riches is honored, the more is
vertue despised. 1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 2: It is com-
monly seene, where riches are honored, there vertue is despised.
I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 46, p. 27.
R106 RICHES and sin are 0ft married together
[Prov. xxviii 20: He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be inno-
cent.] I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 108: He that desireth
riches, must Stretche the string that will not reach, and practise
all kindes of getting. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man II, p. 111: It is
not possible (saith Plato) that a man should bee good indeed, and
very rich, both at one time. 1611 COT., s.V. Richesse: Where riches
are sinne is. 1639 CL., p. 97.
Cf. C746: Covetousness is (Riches are) the root of all evil; M364:
A rich man is either wicked himself or the heir of a wicked man.
R107 RICHES are but the baggage of fortune
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 15: To bee rich is the gift of For-
tune. 1612 BACON Essays, p. 198: I cannot call Riches better than
the baggage of Virtue. The Roman word is better, impedimenta.
For as the baggage is to an Army, so is riches to Virtue. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 19. I670 RAY, p. 22. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 154.
1732 FUL., no. 4042.
R108 RICHES are gotten with pain, kept with care,
and lost with grief
16th 6. Old English Proverbs in Relig. Antiq., I 208: Riches are gotten
with labor, holden with feare, And lost with greyfe and excessive

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first). or by most important word.
RICHES
RIGHT
57I

0.?—
care. 1616 DR., no. 1880: There is paine in getting, care in keep-
ing, and griefe in losing riches. 1732 FUL., no. 4043.
Cf. G102: To get is the gift of fortune, to keep is the gift of wis-
dom; M363: A rich man and a miserable; P23: Pains to get, care
to keep, fear to lose.
R109 RICHES bring care and fears
1546 HEY. I xii, s. E4v: Riches bryngth ofte harme, and euer feare.
1616 DR., no. 1876.
Cf. C506: Much coin much care; M363: A rich man and a miser-
able; W198: Little wealth (goods) little care.
R110 RICHES got with craft are commonly lost with
shame
1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 2: (Whereby the Prouerb is ver-
ified, That riches got).
R111 RICHES have wings
[Prov. xxiii 5: Riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly
away as an eagle toward heaven] I612 BACON Essays, p. 202:
Riches have wings, and sometimes they fly away of themselves.
1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sickness II: Wks., p. 33 5: For riches cer-
tainely make themselues wings, they flie away like an Eagle toward
heauen. 1659 N.R., p. 88. 1685 Mother Bunch’s Closet, p. 14: In
the first place, be stire thou take one for love, not altogether for
riches, for riches has wings, and flyeth away.
R112 RICHES increase by discretion
1616 WITHALS, p. 550. 1664 COD., p. 210.
R113 RICHES serve a wise man but command a fool
1669 PENN No Cross No Crown XIII, p. 345: Peter Charron (a fa-
mous French Man . . wrote . . ) Riches Serve Wise Men, but Com-
mand a F001. 1732 FUL., no. 4047.
Cf. M1055: Money does either serve as a slave (servant) or com-
mand as a master.
R114 When RICHES increase the body decreases, for
most men grow old before they grow rich
1611 COT., s.v. Bien: When goods encrease the body decreases; most
men ere they grow rich are old. 1664 COD., p. 224: (When goods
increase). 1670 RAY, p. 22. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Riches: When
Riches increase, the Body decreaseth. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 154.
R115 RIDE softly that we may come sooner home
1678 RAY, p. 204. 1732 FUL., no. 4050: Ride softly, that you may
get home the sooner.
Cf. W158: The farthest way about is the nearest way home.
R116 He RIDES sure that never fell
[61470] 1485 MALORY Morte d’Arthur IX xxviii, p. 382: He rydeth
wel that neuer fylle. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 476: He ryds Siker [se-
curely] that fell never. 1668 R.B., p. 21: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
1721 KEL., p. 133: He rode sicker that never fell. *A Man has gone
through the World with a Strange even Hand, that never committed
a Blunder. 1732 FUL., no. 2011: He rode sure indeed, that never
caught a Fall in his Life.
R117 He that never RODE never fell
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 5 50: He that rode never fell never. 1641
FERG., no. 655: Never rade, never fell. 1668 R.B., p. 40: [As in
1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 139: *Eng. Nothing venture, nothing
have.
Cf. N319: Nothing (Nought) venture nothing (nought) have.
R118 Ill for the RIDER good for the abider
1611 COT., s.v. Bon: In a fruitfull ground there is filthie going; in
the best soyle the worst way. 61620 J. SPEED Eng. Wales Scot.
and Ire. Descrihed 11, s. E2v: What is worst for the Rider, is best
for the Abider. 1639 CL., p. 18. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 18: A
fatt soyl good for the Bider, bad for the Rider. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
31, p. 284: Good ground, an ill rode. 1670 RAY, p. 43: The worse
for the rider, the better for the bider. 1673 BLOME Britannia, p.

195: That what is worse for the rider, is best for the abider. 1676
C. COTTON Complete Angler i, II 306: According to the proverb,
there is good land where there is foul way. [a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER
Gen. Rem., II 284: To make good the old Proverb that says . . they
are good for the Dweller, but ill for the Traveller.
Cf. G461: The best ground is the dirtiest.
R119 Good RIDING at two anchors men have told, for
if the one fail the other may hold
[ERAS. Adagia, 1139D: Bonum est duabus niti ancoris.] 1562 HEY.
Dial. II ix, p. 76: (For if the tone faile, the tother maie holde).
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 255: It is safe riding at two ancreS.
1580 BARET, D—1328: *A Prouerbe aptly to be applied to those,
which when they take any thing in hand, are very dilligent, SO that
they can not be disappointed of their enterprise. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 34: Good ryding at two anchors. 1611 GRUT., no. 106. 1614
CAM., p. 306. 1616 DR., no. 1758: It is good riding at two anchors.
1639 CL., p. 43: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8.
1664 COD., p. 193: Good riding at two Anchors, ifone fail the other
will hold. 1670 RAY, p. 151: (For if one break). 1732 FUL., no.
6450: [As in 1670 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.—-1601 T.N. I v 24: Not so, neither; but I am re-
solv’d on two points. —That if one break, the other will hold.
See DUR., II, no. 750. Cf. S937: It is good to have two strings
to one’s bow.
R120 It is good RIDING the forehorse
[a1657] 1693 J. HACKET Mem. Williams I, p. 28: None'ofhis Fellows
had cause to repent, that he rode upon the Fore-Horse. 1664
ETHEREGE Comical Rev. III v 34: I see you ride the Fore-horse,
Gentlemen. 1666 TOR; Prov. Phr., s.v. Prevento, p. 157: To pre-
vent any storm or mischief beforehand; the English say, its good
riding the fore-horse, or to be before-hand in any thing. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 413: Well, miss, you ride the fore-horse to-day.
R121 It is safe RIDING in a good haven (harbor)
[ERAS. Adagia, 47C: In portu navigare.] 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 13. 1732 FUL., no. 5083: ’Tis good riding In
a safe Harbour.
See OTTO, no. 1455.
(harbor).
Cf. H219: To shipwreck in the haven
R122-R124 RIGHT = justice
R122 Extreme RIGHT (justice) is extreme wrong (in-
justice, injury)
[ERAS. Adagia, 374D: Summum jus, summa injuria.] 1508 FISHER Sayings David in Psalms, p. 261: The lawe is [if?] vsed ex-
tremely after the wordes as they be wryten shall be many tymes
grete wronge. 1539 TAV., f. 28: Extreme lawe is extreme wronge.
*Thys is to saye, then moost of all men swarue from ryght and
equitie: Whan they most supersticiously stycke to the letters of
lawes not regardyng thintent of the makers. 1568 GRAFTON Chron.
Hen. VII, II 228: The extremitie ofiustice is extreme iniurie. 1571
R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. D3v: It may be called nojustice,
but extreme injurie. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 214: Ius-
tice without mercie were extreame iniurie. [61589] 1633 MARLOWE
Yew Malta I ii I 54: Your extreme right does me exceeding wrong.
1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 78: Law with extremitie is extreame
wrong. 1607 TOURNEUR Rev. Trag. I ii, p. 85: Your too much
right, dos do vs too much wrong. [61613] 1639 CHAPMAN Chahot
II iii 17: But who knows not that extreme justice iS (By all rul’d
laws) the extreme of injury. 1639 CL., p. 172: Extremity of right
is wrong. Ibid., p. 182: Extremity of law is extremity of wrong.
1672 WALK. 67, p. 31: Rigor is no right; extremity of law is the
greatest injustice. 1680 R. L’ESTRANGE Tully’s Ofiices I, p. 16:
(From whence comes that saying, Extreme Right is). 1732 FUL.,
no. 4055: Rigid Justice, is the greatest Injustice.
Cf. E224: Every extremity (extreme) is a vice (fault).
R123 He that has RIGHT, fears; he that has wrong,
hopes
1640 HERB., no. 425.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
RIGHT
RIVERS
572


R124 No RIGHT at Rome
1639 CL., p. 172.
R125 RIGHT=1egal title, due
R125 Neither bribe nor lose thy RIGHT
1640 HERB., no. 280. I659 N.R., p. 80.
R126-R127 RIGHT = virtuous behavior
R126 He will neither do RIGHT nor suffer wrong
1678 RAY, p. 266. I732 FUL., no. 2426: (He’ll ne’er do).
R127 Little betwixt RIGHT and wrong
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 38.
R128 Better no RING than a ring of a rush
1546 HEY. I iii, 3. A4: I hoppyng without, for a ryng of a rushe.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 257: (nor the ring of a rush). I668 R.B.,
p. 13: (nor the ring of a rash). I721 KEL., p. 71. I732 FUL., no.
918.
R129 Do not wear a tight (strait) RING
[ERAS. Adagio, 17E: Arctum annulum ne gestat0.] 01535 ELYOT
Educ. 14, s. F 2: Weare not to strayte a rynge, beare the so, that
thou kepe the out of bondes. I539 TAV., f. 54: Weare no streyght
rynge. As who shulde saye, caste not thy selfe into bondage or
into suche a kynde oflyfe from whence thou cannest not afterwarde
wynde out thy selfe. 01594 BACON, no 815: [As in Eras.]. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 1: He hath put too narrow a ring on his finger,
viz. he hath tyed himself to too hard a task.
R130 He that hops best (runs fastest) gets the RING
1540 PALSGRAVE flcolastus Prol., p. 19: That bycause they haue
hopped beste, that they be moste worthy to haue the rynge. I546
HEY. I iii, s. A4: Where wooers hoppe in and out, long tyme may
bryng Hym that hoppeth best, at last to haue the ryng.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I594—8 T.S. I i 145: He that runs fastest gets
the ring.
R131 As wise as RINGING of a pig (hog)
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Husa. 16, p. 41 : For rooting of pasture ring
‘ hog you had neede, which being wel ringled the better do feede.
1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III ii 307, p. 326: As wise as Ringing ofa Pig,
That us’d to break up Ground and dig.
R132 RING OF GYGES
1586 LYLY Triumph Trophies 1. 85: Wks., III 430: To walke vnseene,
with Giges ring faine they would. 1662 FULLER Worthies Hereford~
shire, I 447: Civil War .. will trace all corners, except they be
surrounded with Gyges’s Ring. 1709-10 STEELE Tatler, no. 138:
Gyges . . had an inchanted Ring . . making him who wore it visible
or invisible, as he turned it to or from his Body.
R133 Soon RIPE soon rotten
I546 HEY. I x, s. C4v: In youth she was towarde and without euyll:
But soone ripe, sone rotten. I565 Warningfor Wooers in C. Rob-
inson et al. Handf. Pleas. Delights, p. 45: Of ripe commeth rotten.
01570 T. PRESTON Cambyses, s. D3v: The proverbe Olde is verified,
soone ripe and soone rotten. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34v.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. U2v: Soone ripe, soone rotten . . bauin
burnes brighte, but it is but a blaze. 1594 GREENE Friar Bacon, s.
DIv: Timely ripe is rotten too too soone. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
1184. [CI605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. lV/zore, p. 98: Women are like
Medlars (no sooner ripe but rotten). 1611 GRUT., no. 233. 1614
CAM., p. 311. 1616 DR., s.v. Haste, no. 939. 1616 WITHALS, p.
573. 1627 W. HAWKINS dpollo Shroving IV iv, p. 151: Old Gerons
ouer-forward childe . . Is made the prouerbe of these times. And
likened to soone ripe soone rotten fruit. 1639 CL., p. 115. I658
HOOLE Sent. Puer., pp. 26—7: Soone ripe wits do soon decay. 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fongo, p. 64:
TO be .. soon rotten; The English say, soon ripe, soon rotten.
I670 RAY, p. 136. 1683 W. KENNETT Pr. Folly, p. 15: For the

Curbing of too forward Parts we have a disparaging Proverb, Soon
ripe, soon rotten. 1721 KEL., p. 288: *Signifies that they who soon
come to Man’s Stature, Sense, and Wit, will not be long liv’d.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 V.A. l. 527: The mellow plum doth fall,
the green sticks fast. 1596 Rich. II II i 153: The ripest fruit first
falls, and so doth he.
Cf. L384: T00 soon wise to live long; M863: Medlars are never
good till they be rotten; S33: Young saint Old devil.
R134 He that RISES first is first dressed
1640 HERB., no. 198. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
190. 1659 N.R., p. 52.
R135 An early RISER has care of something
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 14. 1664 COD., p. 184.
Cf. S617: He that rises betimes has something in his head.
R136 The RISING of one man is the falling of another
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. C4v: He is but a stranger,
by his fall let others be wise, I care not who fall, so that I may
ryse. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 22: Can one be exalted without
another’s wrack? I604 MARSTON Malcontent V ii 42: The falling
of the one is the rising of the other. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND
MARSTON Eastward Ho I i 44: As for my rising by other mens fall;
God shield me. 1605 JONSON Sejanus III 747, p. 418: We are his
ready engine: and his fall May be our rise. I607 TOURNEUR Rev.
Trag. III i, p. I 15: The falling of one head, lifts vp another. 1616
DR., s.v. Ambition, no. 68. I659 N.R., p. 109: (is the fall of an-
other).
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 Ric/z. II IV i 317: Conveyers are you all,
That rise thus nimbly by a true king’s fall. 1605-6 K.L. III iii
26: The younger rises when the old doth fall.
See OTTO, no. 973. Cf. B695: Like two buckets of a well, if one
go up the other must go down; M337: No man loses (wins) but
another Wins (loses); M614: He lives upon other men’s death;
W897: The world is like a ladder, one goes up, the other down.
R137 Follow the RIVER and you’ll get to the sea
01594 BACON, no. 875: He who does not know the way leading
down to the sea should follow a river. I732 FUL., no. I556.
Cf. R140: All rivers (waters) run into the sea.
R138 In a great RIVER great fish are found but take
heed lest thou be drowned
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
1666 TOR. It.
1640 HERB., no. 167.
21: (In a great River Fish are to be found, but).
Prov. 24, p. 91: In great rivers great fish are taken.
Cf. F336: There is no fishing to the sea nor service to the king.
R139 A RIVER running into many brooks becomes
shallow
[ERAS. Similia, 584D: Ut fluvius in multos diductus rivos, fiuit
tenuis ac languidus: Sic benevolentia in multos distractalanguescit,
et evanescit.] I578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit, p. 255: A fountayne
running into many riuers, is of lesse force, the minde enamoured on
_ two women, is lesse affected with desire, and lesse infected with
despaire. [01589] I601 LYLY Love’s Metam. III i 94: A ryuer run-
ning into diuers brookes becommeth shallow, and a mind diuided
into sundrie affections, in the end will haue none. 1621 R. BURTON
Anat. M. III II v 3, p. 776: A new love thrusteth out the old, or, as
Valesius adviseth, by subdividing to diminish it, [love] as a great
River cut into many channels, runs low at last.
Cf. F257: Fire divided burns with less force.
R140 All RIVERS (waters) run into the sea
CI515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. I, p. IO: Likewise as streames vnto the
sea do glide. 1573 SANF., f. 106v: The water goeth to the sea.
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 85: [As in 1573 Sanf.]. I583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. B1v: All waters runne in to the sea and it no
bigger. 1596 Edw. III, s. I4v: All rivers have recourse vnto the
Sea. I611 COT., s.v. Mer: Les Rivieres retournent en la mer.
*Said when Princes doe squeeze out of their spungie Ofiicers the
moisture which they haue purloyned from them. 1616 DR., s.v.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
RIVERS
ROCK
573

Rich, no. 1872. 1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case II i344: The
greatest Rivers i’th world Are lost in the Sea, and so am 1.. I623
WOD., p. 519: Al Waters go to the Sea. 1639 CL., s.v. D1V1tum
praerogativa, p. 99. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 91: Every great
river pays tribute to the Sea. Ibid. 7, p. 238: Every River returns
unto the Sea. 1732 FUL., no. 541: All Rivers do what they can for
the Sea. .
SHAKESPEARE.—I593-4 Luc. l. 649: ‘. .The petty streams that
pay a daily debt To their salt sovereign with their fresh falls’
haste, Add to his flow, but alter not his taste.’ 1596 M. V. V i 95:
And then his State Empties itself, as doth an inland brook Into the
main of waters.
Cf. R137: Follow the river and you’ll get to the sea; $179: The
sea complains it wants water; $181: The sea refuses no river (is
never full).
RIVERS need a spring
1659 N.R., p. 88.
R141
1640 HERB., no. 596.
R142 If RIVING PIKE do wear a hood be sure that day
will never be good
1670 RAY, p. 236: *A mist on the top of that hill is a Sign of foul
weather.
Cf. H471: When the hill wears a cap it means mischief; R187:
When Roseberry Topping (Wotton Hill) wears a cap let Cleveland
(Horton town) then beware a clap.
R143 As sound (hale) as a ROACH
I655 MOFFETT Health’s Improvem. xix, p. 186: Roches, or Roch-
fishes (called so of St. Roch, that Legendary Aesculapius and giver
of health) are esteemed and thought uncapable of any disease,
according to the old Proverb, AS sound as a Roch. I666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Pesce, p. 142: To be as sound as a fish, as a Roch saith
the English. 1667 DENHAM Direct. Painter in New Coll. Poems,
p. 24: Till some judicious Dolphin might approach, And land him
safe and sound as any Roach. I670 RAY, p. 205: As hail as a roch.
Fish whole. 1697 VANBRUGH Provoked Wife V ii, p. 166: Sound
as a Roche. I719 Wit and Mirth, IV 16: The Coach . . was before
as Sound as a Roach.
See ST., no. 693.
R144 To rule the ROAST (roost)
01500 Debate Carp. Tools 1. 176 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 85: Bot what
so euer ye brage ore bo’ste, My mayster yet shall reule the roste.
I540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 86: There is no man worthy to
beare the bell, or to rule the roste, but I. 1546 HEY. I v, s. B2:
Than shalt thou rule the rost all rounde about. 1553 Respublica
III iii, p. 23: Well, hele roile all the roste alone. I581 PETTIE Civ.
Conv. II, I 235: Yet love so rules the rost. I583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. G3: The Pope is cleped the seruannt of seruannts, yet he
ruleth the rost. I628 EARLE Micro. 25, p. 46: In the Kitchin he
will domineere, and rule the roste, in spight of his Master. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Achaia, p. 1: In that place, it should seem, the
woman rules the roast. a1687 BUCKINGHAM Poems: Wks., II 163:
She who in state is brought to smooth his brow, When he has
rul’d the roast, the Lord knows how.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590-I 2 Hen. VII i 109: The new-made duke
that rules the roast. (123)
R145 He that does not rob makes not a ROBE or a
gown
I573 SANF., f. 103v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: Who steales
not, makes no robe. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 83, p. 28: (or garment).
Cf. M957: Put a miller, a weaver, and a tailor in a bag and shake
them, the first that comes out will be a thief.
R146 AS blithe as a ROBIN
01640 SMYTH 25, p. 29: AS blith as a Robin reddocke: viz., As a
robin redbrest.
R147 ROBIN GOODFELLOW
I531 TYNDALE Expos. john, p. I 39: The scripture . . is become a
maze unto them, in which they wander as in a mist, or (as we say)

led by Robin Goodfellow, that they cannot come to the right way.
I567 HARMAN Caveat III, p. 36: I verely suppose that when they
wer wel waked with cold, they suerly thought that Robin goodfelow
(accordinge to the old saying) had bene with them that night
1584 R. SCOT Disc. Witchcr. VII xv, p. 153: Robin Goodfellowe,
the Spoorne [spectre, phantom], the mare, the man in the Oke.
[1619] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Little Fr. Lawyer III, p.
421: You walk like Robin-good-fellow all the house over, And every
man afraid of you. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 69: Robin
Goodfellow was a strange man.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. II i 33: That shrewd and knavish
sprite Call’d Robin Goodfellow.
R148 Many speak (talk) of ROBIN HOOD that never
shot in his bow
I546 HEY. II vi, s. II: (Bachelers bost, how they wil teche their
wiues good; But many a man speaketh of). [1571] 1633 E. CAM-
PION Hist. Ire. II x, p. 135: Many a good-fellow talkes of Robin
Hoode, that never drew in his Bow. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 200: For there it more delighteth them to talke of Robin
hood, then to shoot in his bowe. I589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng.
Poesy III xxiii, p. 266: Euery man should talke of the things they
haue best skill of, and not in that, their knowledge and learning
serueth them not to do, as we are wont to say, he speaketh of Robin
hood that neuer shot in his bow. I591 HARINGTON Apol. Poet.:
Orl. Fur., f. 8: (As our English proverbe saith, many talke of).
8.1598 FERG. MS, no. 1007: (Mony speaks of good. Robin Hood
that). 1599 SILVER Paradoxes Def., s. C2: (These men speake like
such as talke of). 1611 DAV.‘P7’00., no. 204. 1614 CAM., p. 310.
1616 DR., s.v. Experience, no. 638. I631 [BRATHWAITE] Whimzies
1, p. 13: He cites . . as if they were his familiars, Euclid, Ptolemie
. . But . . many have spoke of Robin Hood, that never shot in his
bow. 1639 CL., p'. 141: (talke). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 6: Many
speak of Orlando who never saw his sword. I659 N.R., p. 77:
Many a man talkes of little John that never did him know. Ibid.,
p. 78. 1664 COD., p. 205: (talk). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 178:
Many speak of Orlando, who never saw his sword. *Note 40,
p. 181: The English say, Many a one talks of Robin Hood, who
never shot in his bow. I668 R.B., p. 37: (which never). I670
RAY, p. 137: (Many talk of and And many talk of little john that
never did him know). I721 KEL., p. 255: (Many one talks of and
And as many of Little John that never did him know). *Many
talk of these Exploits that they know little of. (7)
R149 He makes ROBIN HOOD’S pennyworths
1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc., s. T2: Not vnlyke the running
Lawier, that buyeth Robin hoodes penniworthes, and yet with
some nice forfaitures. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet III: Wks.,
-p. 206: The Deuill . . makes the world beleeue that he sels Robin-
hoods peny-worths; that he hath . . a prodigall hand, and giues all
gratis. I631 WEEVER Anc. Funeral Mon., p. 104: The moueable
goods as they were sold, Robin Hoods peniworths, amounted to
more then one hundred thousand pounds. 1633 T. GERARD Part.
Descr. Som., p. 130: It was vallewed when such lands were vallewed
as I may say at Robinhood’s pennyworths at 489 li. per annum.
I662 FULLER Worthies Nottinghamshire, II 206: To sell Robin
Hood’s penny-worths. *It is spoken of things sold under half their
value; or, if you will, half sold, half given. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Roccrio, p. 170: To part with his Commodities for a bit of
bread, for a song, to make Robin Hoods peny-worths. I670 RAY,
p. 191: *This may be used in a double sence, either he sells things
for half their worth . . or he buys things at what price he pleases.
1672 WALK. 19, p. 56: Robin Hood’s penniworths. 1677 Smith-
field Yockey, p. 2: His chiefest devotion consists in buying Robin-
hoods Pennyworths. (8)
R150 ROCK = distafi
R150 Thus rides the ROCK
I546 HEY. II ix, s. K4v: In all your good husbandry, thus ryd the
rocke. I562 HEY. Epig. 102, p. 143: Thus rideth the rocke, if the
rocke be ridyng, The spinsters thrift, is set a foote slidyng. 1616
DR., s.v. Rumour, no. 1898.

In partial quotations Wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
ROCK
ROME
574

R151 ROCK = stony mass
R151 As fixed (firm) as a ROCK
1558 PHAER Aeneid VII 615, 8. L7: Hee, like a rocke in seas resist-
ing stands, vnmoeued, fast. 1587 HUGHES ET AL. Misfort. Arthur
II iii, S. C2: Like as the craggy rocke, Resists the streames and
flings the waltering waues A loofe, so he reiects and scornes my
words. 1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill,
s. DIV: Thy faith . . I haue found it sollid as the rocke. 1608
G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN Dumh Knt. V, p. 191: Firm constancy
like rocks can never move. 1609 F. GREVILLE Mustapha II iii,
p. 333: Their minds grow Strong against the stormes of Fortune,
And Stand, like rockes, in Winter gusts vnshaken. [61613] 1632
T. HEYWOOD 2 Iron Age IV, p. 410: Fixt as a rocke, still constant,
and vnmoou’d. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess
III iv 101: My faith to thee, like rocks, Shall never move. 1636
W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker I i, p. 10: I know thee firme Fixt as a
Rocke in constancy, and love.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1598 2 Hen. IV IV i 188: Our peace shall stand
as firm as rocky mountains.
R152 T0 sleep without ROCKING
1631 [BRATHWAITE] Whimzies 22, p. 106: Hee Sleepes soundly with-
out rocking. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 468: I’m sure I shall
sleep without rocking.
R153 He has made a ROD (stafi) for his own tail
(head)
61489 CAxTON Sons Aymon III, p. 97: It is often sayd That men
make Often a rodde for theym selfe. I508 STANBRIDGE Vulgaria,
p. 23: He hath ordeyned a Stafle for his owne heed. 1546 HEY. II
i, S. A3: Haste in weddyng som man thynkth his owne auaile Whan
haste proueth a rod made for his owne taile. 1552 TAV., f. 49V:
Uerely many there be whiche make a rod for theyr owne arse.
1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 47: Fencing is growne to such abuse,
that I may wel compare the Scholers of this Schoole to them that
prouide Staues for their owne shoulders. 1580 BARET, B—497:
Bellerophontes literas . . A Prouerbe applied to him which carieth
letters that makes against himself: and as our common speach is,
he bringeth a rodde for his owne tayle. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 746:
He brings a staff to his awin head. 1611 COT., s.V. Chasse: Any
Enterprise, that proues hurtfull to the vndertaker, or deuiser of it;
wee say . . hee hath made a rod for his owne tayle. 1616 DR.,
no. 1885: Beaten with his owne rod. I616 WITHALS, p. 580: (Hee
made). 1639 CL., p. 54: You gather a rod for your owne breach.
1670 RAY, p. 191: [As in 1639 C1.].
SHAKESPEARE-16054 K.L. I iv 189: Thou gav’st them [thy
daughters] the rod, and put’st down thine own breeches.
Cf. L214: Letters of Bellerophon; $802: To be beaten with one’s
own Staff. (11)
R154 The ROD breaks no bones
1616 DR., no. 1891. 1639 CL., p. 75.
Cf. T633: Birchen twigs break no ribs.
R155 Spare the ROD and spoil (spill) the child (He
that spares the rod hates the child)
[Prov. xiii 24: He that spareth his rod hateth his son.] [61517]
I533 SKELTON Magn., s. F2v: Nothynge that more dyspleaseth
god Than from theyr chyldren to spare the rod Of correccyon.
[61550] 1560 Nice Wanton, s. A1 v: The prudent Prince Salomon,
doth say, He that spareth the rod, the chyld doth hate. 1560—77
Misogonus II iii 69: He that spares the rode hates the childe as
Salamon writes.
as by sparing the rod he may seeme to hate his childe. 1605 Capt.
T. Stukeley, s. E3v: (spill). 1611 DAV. Epig., no. 212: To spare
the rodd’s to spill the childe. 1616 DR., no. 1890: (spill). 1639
CL., p. 161. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10: (rodd, spill). 1664 S.
BUTLER Hud. II i 843, p. 154: Love is a boy, by Poets Stil’d, Then
.‘Spare the Rod and spoil the Child. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 16,
p. 32. 1670 RAY, p. 137. 1732 FUL., no. 4238.
Cf. C326: Better children weep than old men; S258: Sometimes
severity is better than gentleness; T633: Birchen twigs break no
ribs.
I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 70: Knowing that”


R156 To kiss the ROD
1598 SIDNEY Arcadia II II, p. 166: Yet he durst not but kisse his
rod, and gladly make of that entertainment. I633 SHIRLEY Witty
Fair One I iii, p. 286: Come, I’ll be a good child, and kiss the rod.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Scopa, p. 185: *Not only to have patience,
but also to thank those by whom one hath been chastis’d, and as it
were to seem to be beholding to them for their correction; taken
from Children, who when they do amiss, and are punish’d, they are
made to vent their vexation no otherwise than by kissing that rod
with which they were punish’d.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. I ii 57: Foolish love, That, like a
testy babe, will scratch the nurse And presently, all humbled, kiss
the rod! 1596 Rich. 1] V i 31: Wilt thou pupil-like Take thy cor-
rection, mildly kiss the rod?
R157 To have RODS in piss (pickle) for one
[To have punishment in Store for someone] I553 Respublica III
V, p. 27: But we have Roddes in pysse for them everye chone.
1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 411: I but he hath . .
arguments that haue been these twentie yeres in pickle. 1597 G,
HARVEY Trim. Nashe, p. 34: They Wit Tom, hath no roddes in pisse
for thee. 1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 2550, p. 72: I
owe thee a whipping still, and Ile pay it: I haue layde roddes in
Pisse and Vineger for thee. 1608 MIDDLETON Family Love V i
39: Satires whet their tooths, and steep rods in piss, epigrams lie in
poetry’s pickle. 1619 Two Wise Men V iv, S. I3v: Heere’s roddes
in pisse for the villaines. 61633 [CLAVELL AND MARMION] Soddered
Citizen II ii, p. 34: There are rodds in Bryne, will yerke for this.
1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 210: There’s rods in pisse for you.
1648 DILLINGHAM (to Montagu, Sept. 21) in MSS Montagu,
p. 63: NO doubt there are many rods in pickle against many great
ones. 1670 RAY, p. 191. 1690 BEHN Widow Ranter III i, p. 264:
Here’s the young rogue that drew upon us too, we have Rods in
Piss for him, i’ faith. (14)
R158 As swift as a ROE (deer)
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I ii, S. B4: Swifter then the Roe.
1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua II i, s. C4v: Thou ran’st like a Hart. 1620
SHELTON Don Quiet. Pt. II, xix, III 144: He is the activest youth
we have . . he runnes like a Deere. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep
Husb., p. 137: AS nimble as the mountaine Roe.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 309: Whip to our tents, as
roes run o’er the land. 1594-8 T.S. Ind. ii 49: The greyhounds
are as swift AS breathed Stags; ay, fieete'r than the roe.
R159 Right, ROGER, your sow is good mutton
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 175. I670 RAY, p. I91.
1721 KEL., p. 284: Right Roger, Sow’s good Mutton. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4054.
R160 A rich ROGUE, two shirts and a rag
1678 RAY, p. 80. 1732 FUL., no. 381. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,
p. 406: (Ay, a rich).
R161 A ROGUE’S wardrobe is harbor for a louse
1639 CL., p. 71. 1670 RAY, p. 137. I732 FUL., no. 383.
Cf. B230: A beggar pays a benefit with a louse; L471: A louse is
a man’s (beggar’s) companion.
R162 He that goes first to ROME sees a bad man, he
that goes the second time meets with him, he
that goes the third time brings him home
1619 BASSE Help Discourse, p. 334. 1673 DARE Counsellor Man-
ners, p. 58: He that goes to Rome once, seeth a wicked man; he
that goes twice learneth to know him; but he that goes thrice thither,
brings him home with him.
R163 ROME was not built in one day
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4: (bylt on a daie). 1552 TAV., f. 25V. 1577
GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. D4V. I596 DEL., s. P3v. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1160: (built upon the first day). 1611 GRUT., no.
219. 1614 CAM., p. 311. 1616 DR., no. 1265. I616 WITHALS,
p. 583: (in a day). 1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, lxxi, IV 252:


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.) , or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
ROME
ROSE
575
(Rome was never). [1622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER
Prophetess I iii, p. 330: You must have patience, Rome was not
built in one day. 1639 CL., s.v. Difl-icultatis, p. 88: (all on a day).
1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. VII xviii, III 326: It crosseth the
Proverb, and Rome might well be built in a day. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 240: (built of a day).
1668 R.B., p. 46: (bigged on the first Day). 1670 RAY, p. 138:
*Gall.- 1721 KEL., p. 283: (big’d in a Day). *Great Attempts
cannot be atchieved in a short time.
See ST., no. 68. Cf. T455: A strong town is not won in an hour.
(I5)
R164 To go (hop) to ROME with a mortar1 on one’s head
[1600] 1659 DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. I2v: I’ll be bound to go to
Rome with a Morter a my head. 1600 KEMP Nine Days’ Wonder,
p. 2: Me thinkes I could flye to Rome (at least hop to Rome, as the
olde Prouerb is) with a morter on my head. 1611 R. COREET To
Coryat: Poems, p. 562: NO more shall man with mortar on his head
Set forwards towards Rome. [1623] 1653 MIDDLETON AND W.
ROWLEY Span. Gypsy II ii 156: I [have] a cousin of mine in Rome,
I go to him with a mortar. [1626] 1647 MASSINGER ET AL. Fair
Maid Inn V, p. 211: He did measure the stars with a false yard,
and may now travail to Rome with morter on’s head to see if he
can recover his money that way. 1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 210:
You’d as good run to Rome with a mortar on your head.
[1dish]
R165 When you are at ROME do as they do at Rome
a1536 HILL 6, p. 130: Whan thou art at Rome, do after the dome;
And whan thou art els Wher, do as they do ther. 1552 TAV., f.
51v: Finally with this laten prouerbe agreeth that which is com-
monly in euery mans mouth in England Whan you art at Rome, do
as they do at Rome. Albeit this Englyshe prouerbe is taken forth
of a verse in latine, whiche is. Cum fueris Romae, Romano
viuito more. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 97: Be Romane ifin Rome
thou bide, For Wisdome failes with winde and tide. 1599 H. POR-
TER Two Women Ah. iv, s. E3v: When a man cloth to Rome come,
he must do as there is done. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 9: Follow the
fashion of the Countrey thou goest in. 1663 N. WAKER Refined
Courtier II, p. 40: ’Tis an old Rule, That when you are at Rome
you must conform to the Roman manners, and when you are else-
where, you must demean your self agreeably. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
4, p. 240: One must live at Rome, after the manner of Rome.
1669 PENN No Cross No Crown IX, p. 332: Her fashions . . Cum
fueris Romae, Romano vivito more. When thou art at Rome,
Thou must do as Rome does. 1676 C. COTTON Complete Angler
II, p. 322: You know the proverb, They who go to Rome must do
as they at Rome do.
See T. 522, p. 259.
R166 You may not sit in ROME and strive with the
Pope
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 850: (I can not). 1641 FERG., no. 901.
1668 R.B., p. 57. 1721 KEL., p. 194: It is hard to sit in Rome, and
strive against the Pope. *It is foolish to strive with our Gover-
nours, Landlords, or those under whose Distress we are.
Cf. M716: He never thrives who with his master Strives.
R167 The sweet ROOD OF CHESTER1
1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. II iv, p. 39: They are as much a kynne
to the Markegrave, as Robyn Fletcher and the sweet Roode of
Chester.
See APP., p. 94.
[See Sugden, p. 115.]
R168 I had rather have your ROOM than your com-
Pany
61579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 27: (as your com-
ponie). 1591 GREENE Fare. to Folly, p. 329: I had as liefe haue
their roome as their companie. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know
Not Me, p. 309: I may chance to make you wish rather my roome
then my company. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. III, p. 59:
Do not you tell him now, you had rather have his room than his
company, and so Show your breeding. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art

Asleep Hush., p. 300: I must tell you, I love your roome more than
your company. 1662 FULLER Worthies Lancashire, I 551: Worth-
ington, perceiving his Room more wellcome than his Company,
embraced the next opportunity of departure. 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. To abhor, detest, p. 1. 1721 KEL., p. 183: I like his
Room, better than his Company. (14)
R169 As fit (meet) as a ROPE for a thief
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 88: An host that shalbe as mete
for him as a rope is for a thefe, or he shall matche him well and fitly.
1546 HEY. I x, 8. C3: A paterne, as mete as a rope for a thefe.
61579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 15: I am euen as
fitt For that purpose as a rope for a theefe. 1616 DR., s.v. Like-
nesse, no. 1249: (As fit a patterne, as).
Cf. T103: AS well worth it as a thief is worth a rope (halter);
T106: It is as meet as a thief for the widdy.
R170 He pulls with a long ROPE that waits for anoth-
er’s death
1640 HERB., no. 25. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17: (He pulls by
a). 1659 N.R., p. 53. 1664 COD., p. 217: They pull with long
ropes, who wait for the deaths of others. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8,
p. 159: He pulls at a long rope, who longs for another bodies death.
Cf. M619: Who waits for dead men’s shoes Shall go long barefoot;
S375: He Should wear iron shoes that bides his neighbor’s dead.
R171 I thought I had given her ROPE enough, said
Pedley when he hanged his mare '
1670 RAY, p. 191: *Yorksh. 1732 FUL., no. 2627: (Petley).
Cf. _G341: I killed her for good will, said Scot when he killed his
neighbor’s mare; T104: Give a thief rope enough and he will hang
himself.
R172 A ROPE and butter, if one slip the other may hold
1678 RAY, p. 267. 1732 FUL., no. 384: (t’other will hold).
R173 Throw the ROPE in after the bucket
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, ix, III 71: Let’s be merry and wise,
and cast not the rope after the bucket. 1631 MABBE Celestina I,
p. 24: The rope will go after the Bucket: and one losse follow anoth-
er. 1732 FUL., no. 5042.
Cf. A41 1: He sends the ax after the helve; B694: Where goes the
bucket there goes the rope; H413: To throw the helve after the
hatchet.
R174 To twist (make) a ROPE of sand
[ERAS. Adagia, 175C: Ex arena funiculum nectis.]
no. 778: (To knytt a). 1608 CHAPMAN Byron’s Trag. V iv 55:
These are but ropes of sand. [1616] I631 JONSON Devil Is Ass
I i 118: Get you e’ne backe, Sir, To making of your rope of sand
againe. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 iv 7, p. 312: Make a rope
of sand. 1633 G. HERBERT Collar I20: Temple, p. 176: Forsake
thy cage, Thy rope of sands Which pettie thoughts have made.
1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 153: Make a rope of sand as soon.
Ihid., p. 229: (It hangs together like a). 1663 S. BUTLER Hud. I i
156, p. 24: For he a Rope of Sand cou’d twist AS tough as Learned
Sorbonist. 1670 RAY, p. 191. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Rope: *T0 at-
tempt an impossible Thing. 1732 FUL., no. 5249.
See DiiR., II, Suppl., no. 406. (8)
R175 To be on the high ROPES
1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua V xviii, III 299: He was upon the High-
Rope, and began to rail at them like mad. a1700 B.E., s.v. Rope:
Upon the High-ropes, Cock-a-hoop. 1707 HEARNE Remarks and
Coll. Feb. 24, I 336: Heil day! What in the High-Rope! A high-
Flyer and a Tantivi! 1711 SWIFT 7our. to Stella 36, Dec. 6, II 423:
The Duke Of Marlborough . . is one day humble, and the next day
on the high ropes.
See ST., no. 2638.
61594 BACON,
Cf. C493: He sets cock on the hoop.
R176 As fresh as a ROSE
1590 SPENSER FAQ. II ix 36: That was right faire and fresh as
morning rose. [a1618] 1656 [RALEIGH] Shep. Woo. Dulcina l. 14

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
ROSE
576
Ross OF POTTERNE
R181
I678 RAY,
in Roxh. Bal., VI 166: Cheeks as fresh as Rose in June.
p. 284: (a rose in June).
Cf. F389: As fresh as flowers in May.
R177 AS red (ruddy) as a ROSE
1477 CAxTON Yason, p. 155: His blood began to chaunge and he
woxc rede as a rose. 01480—1500 Mary Magd. l. 959, p. 91: Rubu
rody as the rose! cr534 BERNERS Huon 146, p. 550: She changed
coloure and blussyd as rudy as a rose. 01565 Bal. Priest in Anc.
Bal., p. 208: With bloud, I hard saye, as red as a rose. 1566 L.
WAGER Mary Magd., s. D4: Your lyps as ruddy as the redde Rose.
01570 T. PRESTON Camhyses, s. F2v: She is a Queene whose goodly
hue, excelles the royall Rose. CI573 I. WHITNEY Sweet Nosegay,
s. BI: Not yet (quoth I,) but you might for[?]e the same whose
face doth staine the colour red as Rose. 01675 True Love 1. 29 in
Roxh. Bal., VI 244: She stept to him, as red as any Rose.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Luc. l. 258: First red as roses . . Then
white as lawn. 1598 2 Hen IVII iv 27: Your color, I warrant you,
is as red as any rose.
R178 As sweet as a ROSE
01460 Wisdom ]. 387, p. 48: Hys laws to pursew, ys swetter to me
than sawoure of the rose. I578 WHETS'I‘ONE J Promos and Cass.
V iv, S. F3v: Here’s water as sweete as a Rose. 1622 T. ADAMS
City of Peace: Wks., p. 1015: Her breath is sweeter then the new
blowen Rose . . and the smell Of her garments is like the smell of
Lebanon.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R._‘7. II ii 43: That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet. 1611 W. T. IV IV 222:
As sweet as damask roses.
R179 Every ROSE grows from prickles
[ERAS. Similia, 606A: Rosa . . de spinis nascitur.] 01569 W.
WAGER Longer Thou Livest, s. A2: A pleasaunt Rose springeth of
a Sharpe Thorne. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 181: Euen of prickles
Roses doe proceede. 1639 CL., s.v. Difiicultatis, p. 88.
See OTTO, no. I 552. Cf. R182: N0 rose without a thorn (prickle).
R180 The fairest ROSE at last (in the end, in three
days) is withered (becomes a hep)
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 105: The fairest and the sweetest Rose,
In time must fade and beauty lose. I596 DEL., s. N7v: (in the
end). 1611 COT., s.v. Rose: The fairest Rose ends in a hep; griefe
sits on pleasures highest step. 1623 CAM., p. 279: (in three dayes).
1636 CAM., p. 307: (in the end). 1639 CL., p. 171. Ihid., s.v.
Vita hominis misera et brevis, p. 323: (in three dayes). 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: The fairest Rose endeth in a hep; viz. all
beauties perish. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 14: The Rose at last
becomes a hep, viz. beauty fades. I659 N.R., p. 113: (in the end).
1670 RAY, p. 138. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Rose: (The finest Rose).
1732 FUL., no. 4515.
I took her for a ROSE but she proved a bur
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4: (but she bredeth a burre). 1616 DR., no.
46 5: The rose prooueth a thorne. 1645 J. HOWELL Let. Suppl. 16,
II 665: She may prove a wolf in Lambs skinn, Instead of a Rose
you will have a Burr. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4.
Cf. N I 3 5: The nettle grows where the rose was expected.
R182 No ROSE without a thorn (prickle)
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 15: Is it not meet that . . he that would
reach the sweet rose should now and then be scratched with the
sharp briars? 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 184: The sweetest
Rose hath his prickel. 1586 WITHALS, s. E4: Do not Sharp thorns [
and prickles grow among roses? 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 63:
Happely she resembleth the rose, that is sweete but full of prickles?
1594 Knack to Know Knave, s. CI: As the Rose hath his prickle . .
so the best wit his wanton will. 1596 DEL., s. O6v: The thornes
will pricke vs, if we will gather any roses. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s
Revels V x I 13: Where thornes lie in garrison about the roses. I611
COT., s.v. Rose: (prickle). 1616 DR., no. 1651. 1620 I. TAYLOR
Trav. to Bohemia: Wks. F., p. 582: Euery Rose hath a prickle. and
euery Bee a sting. [1621] I647 FLETCHER Pilg. I i, p. 155: Yet I
know this fair Rose must have her prickles. I623 WOD., p. 505.


1639 CL., s.v. Voluptas, p. 326. I648 HERRICK Nohle Num.: Poet,
Wks., p. 396: But ne’re the Rose without the Thorn. I666 TOR,
It. Prov. 28, p. 240: A rose is not without thorns. I670 RAY, p,
138. 1732 F UL., no. 3625: (Prickle).
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 V .A. l. 574: What though the rose have
prickles, yet ’tis pluck’d. 1592-4 1 Hen. VIII iv 31: Let him that
is no coward nor no fiatterer . . Pluck a red rose from off this thorn
with me. Ibid. II iv 69: Hath not thy rose a thorn, Plantagenet?
1593-4 Luc. l. 492: I know what thorns the growing rose defends.
I599 A.Y. III ii 117: He that sweetest rose will find Must find
love’s prick, and Rosalinde. I602 A.W. I iii 135: This thorn Doth
to our rose of youth rightly belong. Ihid. IV iv 31: But with the
word the time will bring on summer, When briers shall have leaves
as well as thorns And be as sweet as sharp. 1609 Son. 35, l. 2:
Roses have thorns, and silver fountains mud.
See Dt'IR., I, no. 300; ST., no. 1953. Cf. M839: Sweet meat
must have sour sauce; P420: There is no pleasure without pain;
R179: Every rose grows from prickles; W466: N 0 wine without lees.
R183 Sing old ROSE
I653 WALTON Complete Angler II, p. 44: Lets go to an honest
Aleho[ulse and sing Old Rose, and rejoice all of us together. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Galloria, p. 70: To make cock crowing mirth,
viz. to be merry in company, and sing old Rose.
R184 To pluck a ROSE
1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. H3: And whilst I came to Adonis chappel
to be tost in my mariage blankets with Dorus, I left my little dog
pearl plucking dazies. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt.
Burn. Pestle II i, p. 184: Then up and ride, Or ifit please you, walk
for your repose, Or sit, or if you will, go pluck a Rose. 1637
NABBES Microcosmus III, p. 185: I play the Gardner likewise, and
attend her alwais when shee goes to pluck a Rose. 1678 RAY, p.
88: To gather a rose. *To make water.
See ST., no. 294. Cf. M662: To water the marigolds.
R185 Under the ROSE
1546 DYMOCKE (to Vaughan) in St. Papers Hen. VIII May 26, 935,
Vol. XXI, Pt. i, p. 457: I was asked to answer three questions under
the rose, that is to say to remayen under the bourde and no more to
be rehershed. 1631 JONSON Staple News II iv 117: My sweet Lord
peece! You are my Lord, the rest are cogging Iacks, Vnder the
Rose. 1633 MOUNTFORT Launching Mary 1. 1109, p. 49: Vnder the
rose be yt spoken. 1641 ELIZ. DALLISON (to H. Oxinden, Nov. 18)
in Oxinden Let. 200, p. 234: I find the party much taken with the
toune and her company, which under the Rose is none of the best.
1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. III v, p. 93: What ever thou
and the foule pusse did doe (sub Rosa as they say). 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Zovera, p. 241. 1682 I. EVELYN Diary and Corr. Sept.
19, III 268: But between friends (and under the rose as they say),
to tell you really my thoughts. 1694 ECHARD Fair dndrian II, p.
19: And under the Rose, Sir, I think you’re a little close fisted.
See ST., no. 1956. (26)
R186 If you lie upon ROSES when young you’ll lie
upon thorns when old
1635 F. QUARLES Emblems (1643 ed.) I vii: Wks., III 51: He repents
in thorns, that sleeps in beds of roses. 1732 F UL., no. 2764.
R187 When ROSEBERRY TOPPING (W otton Hill) wears
a cap let Cleveland (Horton town) then be-
ware a clap
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. York., I 721. 01640 SMYTH 97, p. 33:
When Wotton hill doth weare a cap, Let Horton towne beware of
that. 1700 J. BROME Trav., p. 164.
Cf. H471: When the hill wears a cap it means mischief; R142:
If Riving Pike do wear a hood be sure that day will never be good.
R188 He would live as long as old Ross OF POTTERNE,1
who lived till all the world was weary of him
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: (He will live as long as Old Russe of).
1670 RAY, p. 215.
[lnear Devizes, Wilts.]
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most hportant word.
ROT
RULE
577

rf
R189 Mihcaelmas1 ROT comes never in the pot
01640 SMYTH 50, p.
I670 RAY, p. 44.
1639 CL., s.v. Tempestiva, Tempus, p. 307.
31: Michaelmas rott comes short of the pott.
I732 FUL., no. 6215: (A Michelmas-rot).
[Sept. 29]
R190 Everyone cannot dwell at ROTHERAS
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 21: *A delicate seat of the Bodmans in
Herefordshire. 1678 RAY, p. 312: *Herefordshire. 1700 ]. BROME
Trav., p. 19: Every one cannot live at Rotheras, it having formerly
been a place of too profuse hospitality.
A ROUK-TOWN is seldom a good housewife at
home
1670 RAY, p. 52: *This is a Yorkshire Proverb. A Rook-town is a
gossipping house-wife, who loves to go from house to house.
Cf. M16: A gazing and gadding maid seldom proves good house-
Wife.
R191
R192 Wellington ROUNDHEADS
I678 RAY, p. 3 53: *Proverbial in Taunton for a violent fanatick.
R193 Better to rule than be ruled by the ROUT
I546 HEY. I v, S. B2. 1562 HEY. Epig. 100, p. 142: Better rule,
then be rulde. I611 GRUT., no. 65. 1614 CAM., p. 304. 1616 DR.,
s.v. A Ruler, or Gouernor, no. 1893: It is better to gouerne, then to
be ruled by the rout. 1639 CL., s.v. Potentes, p. 256. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 7. I659 N.R., p. 23. I670 RAY, p. 23.
R194 To run at ROVERS
1529 T. MORE Dial. conc. Heresy III xii, p. 228: For so shold they
nede no such titles at al, nor should nede neither ronne at rouers,
nor liue in ley mens houses. 1532 T. MORE Conf. Tyndale IV:
Wks. 1557, p. 554: Therefore are readye like unbrideled coltes to
rune out at rouers. I542 UDALL Apoph., f. 64v: Aristipp’ cast of
his sonne, and leat hym renne at rouers. I546 HEY. II x, s. L3v:
To see the pot bothe skymd for rennyng ouer, And also all the
lykour renne at rouer. I577 GOOGE Four Bks. Husb. I, f. 16: The
Bailiffes wife must alwaies be with him, that She may keepe him
from running at rouers. 1598 BERNARD Heauton. V i, p. 234: I doe
it that I may represse his courage, which now runs at rovers in
ryot and wantonnesse. I611 COT., s.v. Veué: At random, roaming,
at rouers, at large. 1616 WITHALS, p. 552: You runne at randome.
1625 MOUNTAGU Yust Appeal II 29, p. 288: Walk at random and
at rovers in your by-paths if you please. 1639 CL., p. 228: You
run at randome, shoot at rovers.
Cf. T394: Let not your tongue run at rover. ( 5)
R195 To give one a ROWLAND for an Oliver
1548 E. HALL Edw. IV: Chron., f. 7: (To haue a). 1568 GRAFTON
Chron. Hen. VI, I 623: To haue a Rowlande to resist an Oliuer: he
sent solempne Ambassadors to the king of England. 1612 I.
CHAMBERLAIN (to D. Carleton) in Court and Times 7ames I ,I 187:
There is hope you shall have an Oliver for a Rowland. 1639 CL.,
p. 17: A Rowland for an Oliver. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 23: I will
give him a Rowland for his Oliver, as good as he bringeth. 1659 HOWELL Let. Suppl. 16, II 665: She will alwayes have a Rowland
for your Oliver. 1670 RAY, p. 191: *That is, quid pro quo, to be
even with one. 1672 WALK. 26, p. 29: Give him tint for tant; as
good as he brings; a Rowland for an Oliver. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE
Fables 31, I 30: ’Tis allowable in all the Liberties of Conversation
to give a Man a Rowland for his Oliver, and to pay him in his Own
Coin. 1696 T. SOUTHERNE Oroonoko II i, p. 295: I have a Rowland
for her Oliver, and so you may tell her. a1700 B.E., s.v. Rawland:
Rawland-for_an-Oliver, to give as good as he brought. 1700 T.
BROWN Amusements VI, p. 51: She that accuses her Neighbour,
might her self be accused of it in her turn, pursuant to the ancient
and righteous Law of returning a Rowland for an Oliver. 1732
FUL., no. 4881: There is a Rowland for your Oliver.
Cf. C507: To pay one in his own coin; G122: I shall give you
(You shall have) as good as you bring; T352: Tint for taunt; T356:
Tit for tat.
R196 There is the RUB
[That is the obstacle, difiiculty; an expression borrowed from the
game of bowls.] 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet IV: Wks., p. 220:
All runnes smooth, and enclines to the byace ofour owne affections,
till it lights vpon this rub. 1675 W. DUGDALE Baron. Eng., I 416:
Coming at length to this William, and requiring from him the like
Hostages, they found a Rub. I710 PALMER, p. 364: There will be
rubs in the smoothest road.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600—I H. III i 65: To sleep—perchance to
dream: ay, there’s the rub! For in that Sleep ofdeath what dreams
may come When we have shuflied off this mortal coil, Must give
us pause.
See ST., no. 1195.
R197 To pass the RUBICON
1626 Court and Times Chas. I To Rev. Mead, I 180: Queen Dido
did never more importune Aeneas’s stay at Carthage, than his
mother and sister do his continuance here at London . . But now
he is past the Rubicon. 1656 T. BLOUNT Glossographia, p. 562:
Rubicon, The name of a River in Italy over which Julius Caesar
passed in the beginning of his Expedition against Pompey; whence
to pass the Rubicon, is used proverbially, to undertake a great and
dangerous exploit. I671 CARYLL Sir Salomon I, p. 7: Y’ave a
dangerous Rubicon to pass over. 1683 Earl Shaftesbury in Cent.
Broadside Eleg., p. 1591Tl1€ Graves long Rubicon must all pass o’re.
I688 Hist. William Pr. Orange, p. 15: He thought it high time to
pass the Rubicon, and defend by force of Arms, his Honour and his
Life. 1690 CROWNE Eng. Friar V, p. 101: Some Caesar pass’d my
mother’s Rubicon; wou’d I had his commentaries.
R198 RUE: su bst.
R198 RUE and thyme grow both in one garden
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1162. I668 R.B., p.46: (grows). I721 KEL.,
p. 283: (in a Garden). *A Persuasion to repent and give over an
Attempt before it be too late, alluding to the Sound of the two
Herbs here nam’d.
R199 RUE: verb
R199 Better RUE Sit than rue flit
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 245: Better rew sit nor rew flitt. I668 R.B.,
p. 13: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 59: *Signifying that we
know the Inconveniencies of our present Condition, but not the
Consequences of a Change.
R200 He is only fit for RUFFIAN’S HALL
1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 187: And if men wil needs carouse,
conspire, and quarrell, that they may make Rufl-ians hall of Hell.
1605 CHAPMAN,]ONSON,AND MARSTON Eastward HoI i 18:Heyday,
Ruflins hall. Sword, pumps, heers a Racket indeed. [1632] 1659
MASSINGER City Madam I ii, p. 411: Beat down their weapons.
My gate ruflian’s hall! I662 FULLER Worthies London, II 58: *A
Ruffian is the same with a Swaggerer . . West Smith-field . . was
formerly called Ruflian’s Hall, where such men met casually and
otherwise, to try masteries with sword and buckler . . The
Proverb [is] only appliable to quarrelsome people. 1670 RAY, p.
242.
R201 RUIN of one ravine1
I546 HEY. II ix, 5. L1: Ruine of one rauyn, was there none gretter.
1616 DR., s.v. Prodigalitie, no. 1727: The ruine of a rauen.
[lact of rapine]
R202 RULE = authority
R202 He bears no more RULE than a goose turd in
Thames
I546 HEY. II vi, s. I2: (Bearyng no more rule, than).
Prov., no. 207.
I611 DAV.

Cf. G374: I care no more for it than a goose turd for the Thames.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff
578
RUSHBUSH

R203 RULE = measure
R203 By RULE of thumb
1692 HOPE Compl. 1"enc. Master VI, p. 157: What he doth .. he
doth by rule of Thumb, and not by Art. 1721 KEL., p. 257: No
Rule so good as Rule Of Thumb, if it hit. *Spoken when a Thing
falls out to be right, which we did at a Venture.
R204—R206 RULE = precept, law
R204 It is no sure RULE to fish with a crossbow
1640 HERB., no. 289.
R205 There is no general RULE without some excep-
tion
1590 W. SEGAR Bk. Honor and Arms IV i, I 51: For albeit no rule
is so generall or certeine, but sometime receiueth exception. 1599
MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 67: There is no rule so generall which
hath not some exception. 1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 335:
A general concourse of wise men! . . Tarquin, if the general rule
have no exceptions, thou wilt have an empty consistory. 1621 R.
BURTON Anat. M. I 11 ii 3, p. 200: N0 rule is so general, which ad-
mits not some exception. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p.
1 I6: Albeit no Rule so generall, but admits some exception. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 233: Every rule is subject to some ex-
ception. *Note 28, p. 242: And the Latin says again, Exceptio
probat Regulam. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Riva, p. 170: There
is no rule but hath, or may have its Exception. 1670 RAY, p. 138.
1721 KEL., p. 337: (general Rule without Exceptions). 1732 FUL.,
no. 4925: There is no usual Rule without an Exception.
Cf. E213a: The exception proves the rule.
R206 We must walk (live) by RULES (laws) and not
by examples
61577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p 148: It is sayde, Legibus
enim Viuimus, non exemplis; we line by lawes, and not by examples.
1599 RAINOLDS Overthrow Stage Plays, p. 12: You must remember
therefore that wee are to liue by lawes, not by examples. 1616
DR., no. 1892. 1630 T. ADAMS Physicfrom Heaven: kas., p. 300:
Examples are good furtherances, but ex praeceptis viuitur; we must
liue by precepts.
Cf. D394: Do as I say, not as I do; E213: Examples teach more
than precepts; P561: He preaches well that lives well.
R207 RUN: subst.
R207 It is a long RUN (lane) that never turns
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: Every streight thing hath its turning.
I670 RAY, p. 117. 1732 FUL., no. 2863: (Lane).
See DUR., II, no. 10. Cf. R210: He runs far that never turns
again.
R208—R211 RUN: verb
R208 He may ill RUN that cannot go1
[a1415] 1468 Mary’s Betrothment in Coventry Myst., p. 97: He may
evyl go that is ner lame; In sothe I com as fast as I may. 1546
HEY. II ix, s. L1. 1562 HEY. Epig. 114, p. 144. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 280: (They may). 1611 GRUT., no. 115. I613 BEAUMONT
[AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle II, p. 187: Though I can scarcely
go, I needs must run. 1614 CAM., p. 307. 1639 CL., s.v. Difli-
cultatis, p. 87. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. I659 N.R., p. 50.
1664 COD., p. 198. 1670 RAY, p. 138. I721 KEL., p. 130: *In
vain he attempts an uneasy Task, who is not equal to an easy one:
1732 FUL., no. 1994: He must not talk of running, that cannot go.
SHAKESPEARE—I611 Temp. III ii 21: We’ll not run, Monsieur
Monster. -—N0r g0 neither.
Cf. R38: Read not before you learn to spell.
[lwalk]

R211

R209 To RUN amuck
1672 MARVELL Rehear. Transprosed I, p. 45: Like a raging Indian
.. he runs a mucke (as they call it there). 1705 W. WOTTON
Defense Reflections, p. 480: As he grows older he will grow wiser, and
not run a-muck at Men.
R210 He runs far that never turns again
1546 HEY. II ix, 8. K3V. 1552 TAV., f. 28v: As the Englishe
prouerbe sayeth He runneth farre that neuer commeth agayne,
1560—77 Misogonus I i 109: He goeth farr that never tournes agayne
as folke say. 1562 HEY. Epig. 82, p. 139. [61565] 1595 Peddler’s
Proph., s. C3v: (that cannot be amended). 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit, p. 322: (neuer retourneth). 1579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 41:
He runnes farre that neuer turnes; better late than never. 61594
BACON, no. 978: He goes farre that never turneth. 1606 T. HEY-
WOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 329: I haue beene, as a man should
say, stark naught; but he goes far that neuer turns. I611 DAV.
Prov., no. 90: (ne’re returnes). I611 GRUT., no. 118. 1614 CAM.,
p. 307. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., S. A4v): He runnes far that neuer
turnes. 1616 DR., s.v. Amendment, no. 79: He goeth farre who
neuer turneth. 1616 WITHALS, p. 580: Better late than never: He
goes far that never turnes. 1639 CL., p. 84: They goe far that
never turn. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13: (never returns). I662
FULLER Worthies Surrey, II 358: But they go far who turn not
again. 1664 COD., p. 198: (never returns again). 1732 FUL., no.
2012: He runneth far indeed, that never returneth.
Cf. R207: It is a long run (lane) that never turns.
He that RUNS may read
[Hah ii 2: Write the Vision . . that he may run that readeth it.]
1630 T. ADAMS Politic Hunting: Wks., p. 105: It is that great Booke,
of so large a Character, that a man may run and read it. 1649
[LILBURNE] Hunt. Foxes, p. 9: To this temper these Court-Officers
are now a moulding, he that runs may read, and fore-see the intent.
1670 RAY, p. 191. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Manifest, p. 212:
(may read it).
R212 A good RUSER1 was never a good rider
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 59. I668 R.B., p. 3. I721 KEL., p. 36: (A
great ruser). *A Man that boasts much, seldom performs well.
Cf. B489: The greatest boasters (crackers) are not the greatest
doers (the boldest men).
[1boaster]
R213 Strew green RUSHES1 for the stranger
1546 HEY. II iii, s. G2: Grene rushes for this stranger, strewe here
(quoth she). 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 161: I am sory
Euphues that we have no greene Rushes, considering you haue
beene so great a straunger. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao II iv 97:
Straungers haue greene rushes, when daily guests are not worth a
rushe. 61594 BACON, no. 118: Ceremonies and green rushes are for
strangers. [1614] 1647 FLETCHER Trag. Valent. II iv, p. 32:
Rushes as green as Summer for this stranger. 1633 T. HEYWOOD
Eng. Trav. V, p. 88: Methinks, friend, You should expect green
rushes to be strowed After such discontinuance. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Campane, p. 2 5: To cause the bells to ring, viz. to make
Signs of joy at the return of any one, who hath been long absent,
as it were a wonder, strow rushes, the English say. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 382: If we had known of your coming, we Should
have strewn rushes for you.
[1the covering for floors before carpets came into use]
R214 The RUSHBUSH keeps the cow
61554 LINDSAY Compl. SirDavidLindsay l. 407, p. 3 I4: Ihone Vpeland
bene full blyith, I trow, Because the rysche bus kepis his kow.
See New English Dictionary, s.v. Rush-bush; SM., p. 459.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SABBATH
SI N o SABBATH without sun, nor young wench without
love, nor an old body without grief or ache
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 84. 61640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. 2: As no summer is without sunne, no yong and fayre
wench without loue, nor any old body Without griefe or ach, so must
no good minde be voyd of charity.
Sz—S 12 SACK = bag
82 Bind the SACK before it be full
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 241: (or it be full). 1607 ROWLANDS Diog.
Lanthorn, p. 7: Many a Sacke is tyed vp before it be full. 1611
COT., s.v. Sac: A sacke before tis full is well ynough tyed vp; men
While they are kept low are easily kept in. 1612 PARKES Curtain
Drawer World, p. 60: Many a Sacke is knit vp before it be full.
1640 HERB., no. 836: It’s good tying the sack before it be full.
1664 COD., p. 223: ’Tis good making fast the sack before it be too
ful. 1668 R.B., p. 13: (ere it be full). 1721 KEL., p. 35: A Man
may bind a Sack, before it be full. *A Man may be satisfied with
what he has got, though short of what he desired, or expected.
S3 A broken SACK (bag) will hold no corn (meal)
1573 SANF., f. 109v: A broken bagge can hold no mill, mill of milium
is a small graine. 1596 DEL., s. P7v: (cannot holde any corne).
1611 COT., s.v. Sac: A sacke thats torne doth shed it come; a broken
or crackt heart can hold no good thing in it. 1616 DR., s.v. A
Blabbe or blabbing, no. 163. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 114, p. 29: A
broken bag can hold no meale. 1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133.
1659 N.R., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 65: *This iS a French proverb eng-
liShed. 1732 FUL., no. 1022: (Broken Sacks will).
S4 Everyone thinks his SACK (pack) heaviest
1611 COT., s.v. Fardeau: Euerie one finds his owne burthen heauie
enough. 1640 HERB., no. 744. 1732 FUL., no. 1420: Every Horse
thinks his own Pack heaviest.
S5 A full SACK will take a clout on the side
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 124. 1668 R.B., p. 9. 1721 KEL., p. 41: *A
Man may make a shift to eat a little after he has din’d; I have heard
it other ways apply’d.
Cf. S6: It is a bad sack (case) that will abide no clouting.
S6 It is a bad SACK (case) that will abide n0 clouting
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G2v. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 369: (sacke will).
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 23: (sack will). 1732
FUL., no. 2843: (bear no clouting).
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IV IV i 159: We Shall admit no
parley. -—That argues but the shame of your offence. A rotten
case abides no handling.
Cf. S5: A full sack will take a clout on the side; S8: An old sack
asks (craves) much patching (clouting).
S7 Let every SACK stand upon its own bottom
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16.
Cf. T596: Every tub must stand on its own bottom.
SS An old SACK asks (craves) much patching (clout-
mg)
1546 HEY. II ii, s. GIV. 1578 T. LUPTON Allfor Money, 5. E1:
When I was a boye it was an olde saying, That an olde sacke would
lacke much clouting and patching. 1591 LYLY Endim. V ii 28:
Olde Kine will kicke, olde Rats gnawe cheese, and olde sackes will
haue much patching. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 78: (creaves mikil

SACK
cloutting). 1611 GRUT.,no. 42. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., s.v.
Old age, no. 1548: (needeth much clowting). 1639 CL., p. 171.
Ihid., p. 283: (must have much mending). 1659 N.R., p. 1 I. 1668
R.B., p. 4: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 127. 1721 KEL., p.
24: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. *Spoken when an old Utensil goes often
out of Order, and wants repairing. 1732 FUL., no. 3726: Old Sacks
want much patching.
Cf. S6: It is a bad sack (case) that will abide no clouting, 59:
An old sack is aye skailing.
89 An old SACK is aye skailing1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 79. 1668 R.B., p. 6. 1721 KEL., p. 24:
*Spoken of old Men who cannot keep their Water long.
Cf. S8: An old sack asks (craves) much patching (clouting).
[llosing what is put in it]
810 A short SACK has a wide mouth
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. G2v: A Shorte sacke hath a wide mouth,
and yong kids lether will stretch, and well thou knowest, a woman
without a man, is like a ship without a stearne.
See APP., p. 542.
811 To cover oneself with a wet SACK
1561 Calvin’s Four Serm. I, s. A3v: Thinking that he is escaped
when he is couered, as the common saying is, vnder a wette sack.
1579 TOMSON 1 Tim. iv: Serm. Calvin, p. 340: Therefore the Papists
couer them selues with a wet sack. 1611 COT., s.v. Sac: Se couvrir
d’un sac mouillé. *To make a matter the worse by colouring, or
excusrng, 1t.
Cf. 083: The foolish ostrich (woodcock) buries his head in the
sand and thinks he is not seen.
812 More SACKS to the mill
1590 NASHE Pasq. Apol.: Wks., I 123: To the next, to the next,
more sacks to the Myll. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho
IV i, s. FI: What, more Sacks to the Myl, Ile to my old retirement.
61626 Dick Dev. IV iii, p. 81: More sackes to the Mill! come,
another! what, no more? 1661 Hist. Eng. Rehellion in Harl. Misc.,
II 503: Come, Sirs, more Sacks unto the Mill. More Taxes, more
Free-quarter. 1670 RAY, p. 192. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 403:
Now, colonel, come sit down on my lap; more sacks upon the mill.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 81: More sacks to the mill!
0 heavens, I have my Wish!
SI3 SACK = wine
813 To mourn in SACK and claret
1589 Martin’s Month’s Mind, p. 196: Away with silke, for I will
mourne in sack, Martin is dead, our newe sect goes to wrack. 1602
Alarm for London, s. B2: Come, wee’ll mourne in sacke for him.
1618 HARINGTON Epig. III 17, p. 144: Sackcloth and Cinders they
aduise to vse, Sack, Cloues, and Sugar, thou wouldst haue to chuse.
[1621] 1652 FLETCHER Wild Goose Chase V ii, p. 381: You shall find
us i’ th’ Tavern, Lamenting in Sack and Sugar for our losses. I637
SHIRLEY Lady Pleas. I i, p. 15: I will follow you . . and will Repent
in sack and prodigality, To your own heart’s content. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Bocca, p. 16: To bemoan with the mouth, and re-
joyce with the heart, viz. to mourn, as the saying is, in sack and
claret. Ihid., s.v. Matrigna, p. 102: To weep at a Mother in Laws
Funeral, viz. to know how to dissemble, to mourn in sack and claret.
Ihid., s.v. Morto, p. 110: To seem to mourn when a great estate
hath been left one; to mourn in Sack and Clarret, say the English.

579
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
SAD 58o
SAINT

SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVI ii 220: I have check’d him for
it, and the young lion repents-marry, not in ashes and sackcloth,
but in new silk and Old sack.
Cf. E248: To cry (look up) with one eye and laugh (down) with
the other; I..92a: To laugh and cry at once (like rain in sunshine);
067: To weep (It may serve) with an onion.
814 I am SAD because I cannot be glad
[01553] 1566-7 UDALL Roister D. III iii 11: But why speake ye so
faintly, or why are ye so sad? —-Thou knowest the proverbe, by-
cause I can not be had [gladi].
SHAKESPEARE—I594 T.G.V. IV ii 26: Now, my young guest—
methinks you’re allycholly. I pray you, why is it? —Marry, mine
host, because I cannot be merry. 1596 M. V. I i 47: Then let us
say you are sad Because you are not merry.
$15—$19 SADDLE: subst.
SI 5 Better to lose the SADDLE than the horse
1596 SPENSER IV v 22: And little prays’d his labours evill
speed, That, for to winne the saddle, lost the steed. 1616 DR., no.
1288: To recouer the horse, and loose the saddle. 1639 CL., p. 202:
(Better lose). I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sella, p. 188: *Of two
Evils, to chuse the least.
Cf. E207: Of two evils (ills) choose the least; H639: Either win
the horse or lose the saddle.
816 Set (Lay, Put) the SADDLE on the right horse
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho V i, s. G4v: How say you
wenches, haue I set the Sadle on the right horse? 1616 DR., s.v.
Justice, no. 1141: (The right saddle must bee set on). 1621 House
Lords, p. 14: (I must laie the sadle on). [01633] 1662 R. BAKER
Theatrum Redivivum, p. 29: (To lay). 1639 CL., s.v. Iustitiae, p.
182. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12: You putt the saddle on the
wrong horse. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof. III 8, p. 276: God . .
will bring every sinner to the bar . . Then he will set the saddle upon
the back of the right horse. 1670 RAY, p. 138: *This Proverb may
be variously applied; either thus, Let them bear the blame that de-
serve it: or thus, Let them bear the burden that are best able.
I721 KEL., p. 281: (Put). *Spoken when we are blam’d for the Mis-
carriages that were occasioned by others. 1732 FUL., no. 3153:
(Lay the Saddle upon).
817 To have a SADDLE for all horses
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sella, p. 188: *To have fetches and shifts
for any thing that may happen.
Cf. C421: To have a cloak for all waters (I am for any weather).
818 To set one beside the SADDLE
1543 BECON Invective agst. Swearing: Early Wks., p. 368: Yet by
this means have they obtained their purpose and set the other beg-
garly fellow besides the saddle. 1562 HEY. Dial. II xi, p. 78: We
shall I trust (quoth he) laugh againe at last. Although I be ones
out of the saddle cast. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet I: Wks., p.
175: Riot iustles, and the Wit is turned besides the Saddle. 1636
J. TAYLOR Trav. through Signs: Wks. III, s. D2v: Wines Pre-
dominant and Capitall, To set a Horseman quite beside the
Saddle.
Cf. C929: To set one beside the cushion.
819 Where SADDLES lack, better ride on a pad than.
on the horse bareback
I562 HEY. Dial. I x, p. 24.. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 312: (then on the
a horse back). 1611 GRUT., no. 313. 1614 CAM., p. 314. 1616 DR.,
no. 1272: Where the saddle is lacking, it is better to ride on a padde,
then the bare straw. 1639 CL., p. 44. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p.
10: (then on a horses bare back). 1664 COD., p. 225: Where the
Saddle doth pinch, better ride on a Pad. 1670 RAY, p. 139: Where
saddles do lack, better ride on a pad, then the bare horse-back.
1732 FUL., no. 6464: Better ride, when Saddles do lack, On a Pad
than on a bare Horse’s Back.

$21

S20 SADDLE: verb
S20 He SADDLES today and goes tomorrow
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 4. 1732 FUL., no. 5984: You saddle To-
day, and ride out To~morrow.
SADNESS and gladness succeed each other
1596 DEL., s. O4v: Gladnesse and sadnesse, doth rule one after an-
other. 1639 CL., p. 326. 1670 RAY, p. 139. I732 FUL., no. 4063.
Cf. P420: There is no pleasure without pain; S908: After a storm
comes a calm (fair weather).
822 He that would live for aye must eat SAGE in May
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 11, p. 32: As who should say, such is
the vertue of Sage, that if it were possible, it would make a man
immortall. 1635 SWAN Spec. Mundi VI iv, p. 247: Such a desire
hath Sage to make a man immortall. 1678 RAY, p. 36. I732 FUL.,
no. 6253: (Must eat Butter and Sage in May).
S23 Hoist your SAIL when the wind is fair
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. C4v: Yt is well therefore to make hay
while the sunne shines, when winde is at will to hoyse vp saile.
I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, V, III 47: It is not fit that Whilst
good lucke is knocking at our doore, we shut it: let us therefore
saile with this prosperous winde. 1732 FUL., no. 2518.
Cf. F608: Fortune knocks once at least at every man’s door;
H235: Make hay while the sun shines; T312: Take time when time
comes (while time serves); T313: Take time when time comes lest
time steal away.
824 Make not your SAIL too big for the ballast (the
boat)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 3 33: Cary no more saill nor yow hav wind too.
1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. I i 83: Not, that your sayle be big-
ger then your boat. 1632 MASSINGER Emp. East IV iii, p. 255:
You carry too much sail for your small bark. 1641 H. OXINDEN
(to E. Dallison) in Oxinden Let. 226, p. 290: It seemes strange to
mee that men should desire saile soe eagerly to overthrow their ship,
being not sufficiently ballat’d. 1732 FUL., no. 3322.
Cf. S348: A little ship needs not but a little sail.
S25 To set up his SAIL to (To sail with) every wind
1598 SIDNEY Arcadia II Bk. II, p. 177: All men set their sayles with
the fauourable winde, which blew on the fortune of this young
Prince. [1616—24] 1639 FLETCHER ET AL. Bloody Brother IV ii, p.
294: Then he would sail with any wind. 1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng.
T rav. Iii, p. 20: To Saile with all Windes. 1639 CL., s.v. Prudentia,
p. 267: A wise mariner can fit his sayles to every wind. Ihid., s.v.
Servire tempori, p. 282: He can fit his sayles to every wind. I670
RAY, p. 192: *Faire voil a tout vent. I672 WALK. 57, p. 53. 1732
FUL., no. 5228: (a Sail).
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 K.L. I iv 112: An thou canst not smile
as the wind Sits, thou’lt catch cold shortly.
See OTTO, no. 18 5 5. Cf. W439: To turn with the wind (tide).
826 What SAILS are to a ship the passions are to the
spirits
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 5. I730 BAILEY, s.v. Spirit: As Sails
are to a Ship, so are the Passions to the Spirits.
$27 It is not good SAILING in the top of masts
1612 T. ADAMS Gallant’s Burden: Wks., p. 10: But we say, it is not
the safest sailing on the toppe of the Mast. 1616 DR., no. 2232.
$28 Enough to make a SAINT swear
1619 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER King No King IV, p. 202: This
would make a Saint swear like a souldier.
See SM., p. 93.
S29 Every SAINT will have his candle (feast, Shrine)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 87: No Sainte but hath hir
Shrine. 1583 GREENE Mamillia I, p. 89: Euery saint hath his
feast. I591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 125: The priest must liue by the

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SAINT
SAINT GILES
58I

altar, and euerie saint must haue his candle. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov.,
p. 4: The least Saint desires his candle. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p.
35-
830 He looks like a SAINT but the devil he is
1639 CL., s.v. Hypocrisis, p. 140.
S31 A SAINT abroad and a devil at home
[01615] 1633 P. FLETCHER Purple Island VII 36, p. 211: A Saint
abroad, at home a Fiend; and worst a Saint. 1678 BUNYAN Pilg.
Prog. I, p. 122: Thus say the common people that know him, A
saint abroad, and a devil at home.
Cf. A314: An Argus abroad and a mole at home; W702: Women
are in church saints, abroad angels, at home devils.
S32 Such a SAINT such an ofiering (shrine)
1548—50 BALE Eng. Votaries II, f. 105v: These adages myght than
haue bene founde true Suche saynte, suche shryne, suche bere,
suche bottell. 1596 DEL., s. M4v. 1639 CL., p. 46: Like Saint
like offering. I651 HERB., p. 370. I659 N.R., p. 90. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 28, p. 247: Such as the Saint is, Such must the Offering be.
1670 RAY, p. 115: [As in 1639 Cl.].
Cf. P586: Such priest such offering.
S33 Young SAINT old devil
1493 [H. PARKER] Dives and Pauper, f. 34v: It is a common prouerbe
yonge saynt olde deuyll. a1500 Harl. MS 3362, p. 309. 01530
Youth, s. C2: A yonge sainte an olde deuyll. [01535] 1602 LINDSAY
Three Estates 1. 233, p. 384: Sa that ze be nocht ane zoung sanct,
And, syne, ane auld deuill. I546 HEY. I x, s. C4v: In youth she
was towarde and without euyll, But soone ripe sone rotten, yong
seynt olde deuill. 1552 LATIMER Serm. 23, p. 431: The old prov-
erb, Young saints, old devils .. is .. the devil’s own invention;
which would have parents negligent in bringing up their children
in goodness.
vpon such as say, young Saints, olde deuils: it is no doubt a deuil-
lish and damnable saying. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 191: Ane yong
saint is ane old devill. I611 COT., s.v. Diable: De jeune Angelot
vieux diable: We say, a young Saint an Old diuell. I611 DAV.
Prov., no. 101: Young saint, old deuill: That still is not true; For
some were yong deuills that olde saints do grow. I611 GRUT., no.
334. 1614 CAM., p. 315. 1616 DR., no. 2024: A young Heremite,
an olde deuill. 1630 T. ADAMS Politic Hunting: Wks., p. 115: A
young Saint an old Deuill. 1639 CL., p. 83: A young Saint an old
Devil—Viz. when they apostatize, as the Turkish Janisaries.
01640 SMYTH 13, p. 27: A younge saint an old Devill. I655 FULLER
Best Acct. Oblivion: Serm., II 44 5: David began to be good betimes,
a young Saint, and yet crossed that pestilent Proverb, was he old
devill. 1659 How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 8: [As in 01530
Youth]. 1664 COD., p. 1 85: A young Saint may prove an old Devil.
1670 RAY, p. 139: [As in c1530 Youth]. 1697 MER., p. 166: [As in
01530 Youth]. 1721 KEL., p. 52: A young Saint may prove an old
Devil. *It were a thousand pities he should; this is a devilish
Proverb, and Often as devilishly apply’d. I732 FUL., no. 491: [As
in c1530 Youth].
Cf. D311: A young devil an old saint; R133: Soon ripe soon rot-
ten. (14)
S34 Let him alone with the SAINT’S bell and give him
rope enough
I678 RAY, p. 80.
Cf. T104: Give a thief rope enough and he will hang himself.
S35 To follow one like a SAINT ANTHONY’S PIG
01460 Good Wife Would a Pilgr. l. 15, p. 39: And rene thou not fro
hous to house lyke a nantyny gryce [pig]. 1533 J. HEYWOOD fohn,
s. AI: But she wyll go a gaddynge very myche Lyke an Anthony
pyg with an olde wyche. 1593 Pass. Morrice in Tell-Trothes New
Year’s Gift, etc., p. 75: She followed him at heeles like a tantinie
pigge. 1598 STOW Surv. Lond., I 184: Whereupon was raysed a
prouerbe, such a one as it were an Anthonie pig. 1606 CHAPMAN
Gent. Usher IV ii 21 1: I have followed you up and down like a Tan-
talus pig. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 4: He follows me like a tantony
pigg. 1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 56: He will follow him
1592 GREENE Disp. betw. He and She, p. 239: Fie -

like a St. Anthony’s Pig. *St. Anthonie is notoriously known for
the Patron of Hogs, having a Pig for his Page in all pictures. 1670
RAY, p. 209: *It is applicable to such as have servile saleable souls,
who for a small reward will lacquay it.
Cf. P120: Paul’s pigeons.
S36 At SAINT BARNABAS1 the scythe in the meadow
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 21.
[lJune 11]
S37 SAINT BARTHOLOMEW1 brings cold dew
I678 RAY, p. 52: (the cold dew).
[’Aug- 14]
I732 FUL., no. 6210.
S38 SAINT BENEDICT1 sow thy peas or keep them in
thy rick
I678 RAY, p. 52.
Cf. D49: David and Chad sow peas good or bad; S67: On Saint
Valentine’s Day cast beans in clay but on Saint Chad sow good and
bad.
[lMan 21]
S39 Before SAINT CHAD1 every goose lays, both good
and bad
1678 RAY, .p. 51. I732 FUL., no. 6163.
Cf. S67: On Saint Valentine’s Day cast beans in clay but on Saint
Chad sow good and bad.
[lMaIz 2]
Upon SAINT DAVID’S DAY1 put oats and barley in
the clay
I678 RAY, p. 346: *With us it is accounted a little too early to sow
barley, which is a tender grain, in the beginning of March.
[1Mar. 1]
On SAINT DISTAFF’S DAY1 partly work and partly
play
1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 359: Saint DistaIIS Day, Or
The Morrow After Twelfth day. Partly worke and partly play
Ye must on S. Distafl’s day.
See SM., p. 338.
Ham. 7]
S42 Like SAINT GEORGE, who is ever on horseback yet
never rides -
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 260. I592 NASHE Pierce Penn.,
p. 174: These whelpes of the first Litter of Gentilitie . . I knowe not
howe, like Saint George, they are alwaies mounted, but neuer moue.
I600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. II i 131: When he is mounted, he
lookes like the signe of the George. 1606 CHAPMAN Gent. Usher I
ii 94: Like the English sign of great Saint George . . Plague of that
Simile! 1611 FLOR., s.v. Portare a Giorgio, p. 392: To ride as Saint
George. 1615 T. ADAMS Two Sons: Wks., p. 428: Others prepare
and set themselues in a towardnesse: but like the George; booted
and spurr’d, and on horse-backe, yet they stirre not an inch. 1616
DR., s.v. Contempt, no. 325: S. George on Horsebacke. [I636]
I655 STRODE Float. IslandI ii, p. 151: HOW long shall I like to a
painted George Advance my idle sword? 1639 CL., p. 71: [As in
1616 Dr.]. 1639 Con., Clinches, Flashes and Whimsies in Shak.
fest-Bks., III 7: An idle justice of peace is like the picture of Saint
George upon a signe-post with his sword drawne to no purpose.
1647 C. WALKER Myst. Two ffuntos, p. I 3: Like St. George always
in his saddle, never on his way. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 3 59: St.
George on horseback with his launce and sword—all in armour.
1738 FRANKLIN, p. 14: Defer not thy well doing; be not like St.
George, who is always a-horseback, and never rides on.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 K7. II i 288: Saint George that swing’d
the dragon, and e’er since Sits on his horseback at mine hostess’
door. (9)
S40
S41
S43 As lame as SAINT GILES of Cripplegate1
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. After Sec. Sound., I. 71, p. 430: As
lame AS Vulcan, or the founder of Cripple-gate. 1662 FULLER

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
SAINT HUGH’S
582
SAINT THOMAS A WATERINGS

Worthies London, II 60: As lame as St. Giles Criple-gate. *This
Proverb . . is spoken . . ofsuch who for some light hurt lagg behind,
and sometimes is applied to those who out Of lazinesse . . counter-
feit infirmity. 1670 RAY, p. 243.
['See Sugden, p. 138.]
S44 SAINT HUGH’S bones
[Shoemaker’s tools.] 1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 21: Yonders a
brother of the Gentle Craft; ifhee beare not Saint Hughes bones Ile
forfeit my bones. 1637 PRICE Round Boys, Indeed 78 in Pepysian
Garl., p. 445: S. Hughs bones vp we take in hast, both pinsers,
punching alle and last. 1678 RAY, p. 91: *Relating to several
trades. 1688 R. HOLME Acad. Armory III viii, IV 349: Let not
any of . . the Gentle Craft, take it in ill part, that all their Tools
were not set together, seing St. Hughs Bones ought not to be sep—
arated. 61700 E. WARD London Spy VI, p. 139: So many iolly
Crispins in a Garret o’er St. Hugh’s Bones.
S45 Till SAINT JAMES’S DAY1 be come and gone you
may have hops or you may have none
1670 RAY, p. 44: (Till St. James his day and hopes). 1732 FUL.,
no. 6469.
I‘July 251
S46 G0 ride upon SAINT LEONARD’S saddle
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20: *A Speech used to be spoken to a bar-
ren woman; this saddle was kept at Bromley (in Essex).
S47 SAINT LUKE was a saint and a physician and yet
he died
1616 DR., no. 1425. 1640 HERB., no. 1001: (yet is dead).
SHAKESPEARE.—1610 Cym. V V 28: But I consider By med’cine
life may be prolong’d, yet death Will seize the doctor too.
S48 SAINT MARTIN’S ware (rings)
1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 1 1: I doubt whether all be gold
that glistereth, Sith Saint Martins rings be but Copper within.
1598 GUILPIN Skialetheia, s. C6: I had thought the last mask . .
Had . . Taught thee S. Martins stuffe from true gold lace. 1648
C. WALKER Hist. Independ. I, p. 122: These letters may be St.
Martins ware, counterfeit stuff. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. M0-
rano, p. 109: To have Moran jewels, viz. falsejewels, for there they
counterfit the right ones, as the English say, Saint Martins wares.
S49 At SAINT MATTHEW1 (Matthee) shut up the bee
1678 RAY, p. 52: S. Matthee shut up the Bee.
6211: (At St. Matthee).
[1Sept. 21]
1732 FUL., no.
S50 SAINT MATTHIAS1 (Matthie) all the year goes by
1678 RAY, p. 52: (S. Matthie).
[’Feb. 24]
S51 SAINT MATTHIAS1 both leaf and grass
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16.
[’Feb. 24]
S52 SAINT MATTHIAS1 (Matthie) sends sap into the tree
1678 RAY, p. 50: (St. Matthie).
[’FCb. 24]
S53 SAINT MATTHIAS1 (Mattho) take thy hopper2 and
sow
1678 RAY, p. 52: (S. Mattho).
[’F eb. 24 2seed basket]
S54 SAINT NICHOLAS’S clerks
[That is, thieves; St. Nicholas was the patron saint of thieves]
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 153: They are no Churchmen, they are
maisterlesse men, or rather S. Nicolas Clerkes that lacke liuyng.
61605 Ratsey’s Ghost, s. B3v: Hee questioned with him if in his
trauaile . . hee were not crost with Saint Nicholas Clearkes. 1639


CL., s.v. Fucus, p. 131: One of Saint Nicholas clerkes. 1664 J,
WILSON Cheats I i, p. 2: Who should I meet with but our old Gang,
some of St. Nicholas’s Clerks.
SHAKESPEARE.~I597 I Hen. IV II i 67: Sirrah, ifthey meet not
with Saint Nicholas’ clerks, I’ll give thee this neck.
S55 If SAINT PAUL1 be fair and clear then betides a
happy year
a1536 HILL 105d, p. 134: Clara dies Pauli bona tempora denotat
anni. 1580 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 175: [As in a1536 Hill].
1584 SCOT Disc. Witchcr. XI xv, p. 204: Paule th’ apostles daie be
cleare, It dooth foreshew a luckie yeare. 1686-7 AUBREY Rem.
Gentilism and 7udaism, p. 94: The old verse So much observed by
Countrey-people: If Paul’s day be faire and cleare It will betyde a
happy yeare. 1732 FUL., no. 6142.
[lJan. 25]
S56 Give not SAINT PETER so much to leave Saint Paul
nothing
1640 HERB., no. 759. 1664 COD., p. 194: (as to leave).
Cf. P244: He robs Peter to pay Paul.
857 Who praises SAINT PETER does not blame Saint
Paul
1640 HERB., no. 853. I659 N.R., p. 125.
S58 SAINT PETER’S in the Poor,1 where no tavern, ale-
house, or Sign at the door
I662 FULLER Worthies London, II 57. 1670 RAY, p. 241.
[1the church of Peter Le-Poor or St. Peter’s-poor (see Sugden,
P- 406)]
S59 As freely as SAINT ROBERT gave his cow
1670 RAY, p. 208: *This Robert was a Knaresburgh Saint.
S60 To go to SAINT SAVIOR’S
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. Salvaro, p. 177: To go to Saint Salvaro,
viz. to take Sanctuary, to get Protection; the English say at Tables,
when they intend tO save their men, and make no blots, To go to
Saint Saviours.
S61 Blessed be SAINT STEPHEN, there’s no fast on his
even
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 21: (at his Even).
mas night. 1670 RAY, p. 146.
*Because ’tis Christ-
S62 If it rain on SAINT SWITHIN’S DAY1 expect ’twill
do so forty days after more or less
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. I iii 33: O, here, S. Swithins, the
xv day, variable weather, for the most part raine . . Why, it should
raine fortie daies after, now, more or lesse, it was a rule held, afore
I was able to hold a plough. I640 TAYLOR Pt. Summers Travels:
Wks. Q, I 5: Upon Saint Swithins day, I noted well, The wind was
calme, nor any rain then fell, Which faire day (as old Sawes saith)
doth portend, That heav’n to earth, will plenteous harvest send.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1732 FUL., no. 6466: If St. Swithin
weep, that Year, the Proverb says, The Weather will be foul for
forty Days.
[lJuly 1 5]
S63 SAINT THOMAS A WATERINGS
[A place on the Kent road, in Surrey, where horses were watered
and executions took place; dedicated to Thomas a Becket] 61510
Hickscorner, s. C3v: For at saynt thomas of watrynge and they
Styke a sayle. [61525-9] 1561 Godly Qu. Hester l. 542, p. 23: As he
that from steylyng, goth to sent thomas watryng. Ibid. 1. 804,
p. 33: And after that saint thomas watring there to rest a tide.
1627 J. TAYLOR Armado: W ks. F., p. 77: Looking thorow a hempen
Window at St. Thomas waterings. 1631 JONSON New Inn I iii 85:
He may, perhaps, take a degree at Tiburne . . come to read a lec-
ture . . at S. Thomas a Waterings.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SAINT VALENTINE
SALVE
583
S64 SAINT VALENTINE1 set thy hopper2 by mine
1678 RAY, p. 52.
[lFeb. I4 2seed basket]
S65 T0 SAINT VALENTINE1 the spring is a neighbor
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 21.
[lFeb. 14]
S66 On SAINT VALENTINE’S DAY1 all the birds in cou-
ples do join
1477 ELIZABETH BREWS (to John Paston, Feb.) in Paston Let. 896,
V 266: And, Cosyn, uppon Fryday is Sent Volentynes Day, and
every brydde chesyth hym a make. 61600 Charlemagne l. 1741, p.
62: Suer thys, should be the day of valentyne When euerye byrd
dothe coople. [1621] I658 DEKKER, FORD, AND W. ROWLEY Witch
Edmon. I ii, p. 358: Valentine’s day too, all by couples? 1621
FLETCHER ET AL. Thierry and Theo. III, p. 32: When you hear the
birds call for their mates, Ask if it be St. Valentine, their coupling
day. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh I i 1: Now 0’ my faith, old Bishop
Valentine . . your Quiristers, Had need to keepe to their warme
Fether-beds, If they be sped of loves. 61673 Two Valentines l. 17
in Roxh. Bal., VII 114: There is an Old proverb, that Birds of a
feather Upon St. Valentine’s Day will meet all together. 1714
GAY Shepherd’s Week Thursday 1. 37: Poems, I 92: Last Valentine
the day when birds of kind Their paramours with mutual chirpings
find.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. IV i 142: Saint Valentine is past.
Begin these woodbirds but to couple now?
[lFeb. 14]
S67 On SAINT VALENTINE’S DAY1 cast beans in clay
but on Saint Chad1 sow good and bad
61640 SMYTH 89, p. 33.
Cf. S38: Saint Benedict sow thy peas or keep them in thy rick;
S39: Before Saint Chad every goose lays, both good and bad.
[lFeb. 14 2Mar. 2]
S68 Would I were young for your SAKE
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho IV, s. E4: Why Medea!
what spirit! wud I were a young man for thy sake. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. III, p. 463: I wish I were a handsome young lord for your
sake.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 I i 267: Would I were young
for your sake, Mistress Anne!
S69 A good SALAD is the beginning (prologue) of an
ill (bad) supper
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 12. 1659 N.R., p. 19: A good Sallet the be-
ginning of a bad Supper. 1664 COD., p. 184. I670 RAY, p. 139:
(prologue to a bad supper). 1732 FUL., no. 174: (may be the Pro-
logue to a bad Supper).
S70 He picked this SALAD out of more than one garden
1639 CL., s.v. Varietas, p. 315. 1664 COD., p. 195: He picked his
Sallet out of more Gardens than one.
S71 Better good SALE than good ale
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 234. 1668 R.B., p. 12. 1721 KEL., p. 65:
*That is, great Fame may do better than great Feats.
Cf. A105: Good ale makes good sale.
S72 Soking SALE is best
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1194: Soking saill is good saill.
no. 765: (Sokand seall). 1668 R.B., p. 48: (Sokeing). 1721 KEL.,
p. 143: Heal [whole] Sail is good Sail. *It is good merchandising
when we can put off all our Wares in one Bulk. Spoken jocosely
when we take all that is before us.
1641 FERG.,
S73 SALISBURY PLAIN is seldom (never) without a thief
' 0r twain
1656-91 AUBREY Nat. Hist. Wilts. I xiv, p. 69: (Salisbury Plain
Never without). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 255.

S74 SALMON and sermon have their season in Lent
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 21: Salmons and sermons have their seasons
in Lent. 1664 COD., p. 210. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 247: A
sammon and a Sermon come much of a season. 1670 RAY, p. 23:
*Gall.
S75 Better eat SALT with philosophers of Greece than
sugar with courtesans (courtiers) of Italy
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 20: Such answer as was made to Craterus
. . by Diogenes when he sent for him to make his abode with him in
his court, who answered he had rather be fed at Athens with salt,
than live with him in all delicacy. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 241: Better for thee to haue eaten salt with the Philosophers in
Greece, then sugar with the courtiers of Italy. 1589 NASHE Anat.
Ahsurdity: Wks., I 38: Diogenes chose rather to lick dishes at
Athens, than to liue daintily with Alexander. 1732 FUL., no. 892:
(than eat Sugar). 1740 FRANKLIN, p. 18: Thou hadst better eat
salt with the philosophers of Greece, than sugar with the courtiers
of Italy.
Cf. B618: Dry bread at home is better than roast meat abroad;
K55: Better to be king of a molehill than a kaiser’s slave; L360:
A little with honesty is better than a great deal with knavery.
S76 Cast brine SALT into the sea
[ERAS. Adagia, 294D: Salis onus unde venerat, illuc abiit.] 61594
BACON, no. 904: Salt to water whence it came. *Said of the loss of
ill-gotten gains. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 8.
Cf. S77: He carries salt to Dysart; W106: To cast Water into the
sea (Thames).
S77 He carries SALT t0 Dysart
[He sends things to a place where they are already plentiful.]
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 583: (He cals [carries]).
See SM., p. 74. Cf. C466: To carry coals to Newcastle; S76: Cast
brine salt into the sea.
S78 He could eat me without SALT (garlic)
1580 BARET, O—33: A Prouerbe vsed, when a man hateth one euen
with a deadlie hate, and as our phrase of speach is, He could will-
ingly eate his heart with salt. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p.
12: The poor sheep still for an old grudge would eat him without
salt (as they say). 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 71: You must not
think to eat me up Without salt. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Veleno,
p. 227: The English, to express hatred of any person, would say, O,
I could eat him without Salt. 1670 RAY, p. 173: He could eat my
heart with garlick. *That is, he hates me mortally. 1693 D’UR-
FEY Rich. Heiress V v, p. 100: Now could I eat that Satyrical Devil
without Salt for my Breakfast. 1721 KEL., p. 157: (but [without]
Salt). *[This signifies] that the Man hates me vehemently. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 404: Does not miss look as ifshe could eat me
without salt?
S79 If you take away the SALT you may throw the
flesh to the dogs
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 482.
S80 SALT seasons all things
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 53: Salt sauoureth, and seasoneth all
things. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., S. A5): Salt sauers euery thing.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9.
SHAKESPEARE.—16o5-6 M. III iv 141: You lack the season of
all natures, Sleep.
S81 It is a strange SALT FISH that no water can make
fresh
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 97: It is a salt fish that water
cannot make fresh. 1732 FUL., no. 2888.
S82 He has but one SALVE for all sores
[ERAS. Adagia, 1127C: Eodem collyrio mederi omnibus] 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 193: Woulde you haue one potion min-
istred to the burning Feuer, and to the colde Palseye? one playster
to an olde issue and a fresh wounde? one salue for all sores? one
sauce for all meates? 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 9. Ihid., s.v.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
SALVE 584
SATURDAY

Aequalitas, p. 14: He healeth all sores with one salve. I672 WALK.
69, p. 59: TO have one Salve for every sore; one cure for all diseases.
Cf. S84: There is a salve for every sore.
S83 Seek your SALVE where you got your sore
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, 8. HIV: Thou gauest me the sore,
wherefore prouide salue. 1591 LYLY Endim. IV iii 129: In place
where you receiued this maime, you shall finde a medicine. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1193: Seek your sauce wher ye gait your aill. 1641
FERG., no. 764: Seik your sauce where you get your ail. 1668 R.B.,
p. 48: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 292: *Spoken to them
who are sick after Drink, alias, Take a Hair of the Dog that bit
you. 1732 FUL., no. 4090.
See SM., p. 382. Cf. H23: Take a hair of the dog that bit you;
H90: The same hand that gave must heal the wound; 5153: Those
that are stung by the scorpion are healed by the scorpion; S731 : The
spear of Achilles could both wound and heal.
S84 There is a SALVE for every sore
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 401, p. 120: A salue there
is for euery sore. 1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes II i, p. 200: There is
a salue for every sore, and doubt you not, to this mischeefe we shall
find a remedie. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. 12v: For euery
griefe I haue a salue in store. 1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc.,
s. T2v: There is no sore, but hath his salue: no griefe, but hath his
remedie: nor no daunger, but may be forstoode, eyther by prayer
or good indeuoure. 1616 DR., no. 1622. 1630 T. ADAMS Wks.,
p. 248: For euery sore of the body, there is a salue; for euery mala-
die, a remedie. 1639 CL., p. 44. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Piaga,
p. 144: To have a salve for any sore, viz. a shift for any disaster.
I670 RAY, p. 139. 1721 KEL., p. 367: (You have a). *Spoken to
those who are ready at their Answers, Apologies, and Excuses.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI IV vi 87: But let us hence, my
sovereign, to provide A salve for any sore that may betide.
Cf. G189: God has provided a remedy for every disease; M899:
Mercy is a salve for every sore; P107: Patience is a plaster for all
sores; R69: There is a remedy for all things but death; R70: There
is a remedy for everything could men find it; S82: He has but one
salve for all sores. (7)
S85 As strong as SAMPSON
[01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, s. A4v: Though he be stronger then
. . Sampson. 1567 Trial Treasure, s. A4: As mighty as Sampson
the strong. 1623 WOD., p. 509: Stronger then Samson.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. I ii 77: O well-knit Samson!
Strong-jointed Samson!
SS6 SAMPSON was a strong man and Solomon was a
wise man but neither of them both could pay
money before they had it
1659 HOWELL Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 9: Salomon was a
wise man, and Sampson was a strong man, yet neither of them
could pay money till they had it. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 125,
p. 164: (As the English say . . Sampson). 1678 RAY, p. 76: Samson
was a Strong man, yet could he not pay money before he had it.
1732 FUL., no. 4066: Samson was a strong Man, yet could not pay
Money before he had it.
887 He sows the SAND
[01517] c1545 SKELTON Speak Parrot l. 342: Wks., II 17: To sowe
come in the see sande, ther wyll no crope growe. 1568-70 TURBER-
VILLE Author’s Excuse: Epit., Son., p. 404: [They] fruitlesse cleane
to sowe the barrain sand. I576 FLEMING Panoply Epp., p. 194.:
I am in beliefe (I may peraduenture sowe my seede in the sande)
that you will doe nothing unto me, wherby I should be harmed.
1600 BRETON Pasquil’s Foolscap: Wks., I 20: And sows his seede
vpon the barren sand. 1603 SYLVESTER Weeks I 11 20: On thank-
less furrowes of a fruitlesse sand Their seed and labour lose, with
heedless hand. 1604 MARSTON zl/Ialcontent IV i 123: Go sow the
ingrateful sand, and love a woman. 1608 Poet. Rhap. I94, I 268:
If not (Vntrue) farewell, in sand Ile sowe no graine. 1616 DR., s.v.
Vnthankefulnesse, no. 2305: He soweth on the sand.
Cf. H458: He that sows in the highway wearies his oxen and loses
his labor; S89: To plow the sand (shore).

SgI

S88 To build on SAND
[Matt. vii 26: And every one that heareth these sayings of mine,
and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which
built his house upon the sand.] 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort.
II iv, s. D2: He fondly reares his fortresse on the sande. That
buildes his trust vpon a womans troth. 1599 T. HEYWOOD 2 Edw.
IV, p. 140: Thus is her glory builded on the sand. I636 MASSINGER
Duke Florence IV ii, p. 276: Nor can I think His confidence built
on sand. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 234: A wall founded upon sand,
soon falls.
See ST., no. 2627. Cf. P225: He that builds on the people builds
on the mud (dirt).
S89 To plow the SAND (shore)
[ERAS. Adagia, 17OB: Arare littus.] I548 COOPER, s.v. Aro: Arare
littus, a prouerbe signifiyng to labour in vayne. I576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., II 9 5: So that I plough the barren rocks, and set my Share into
the shore of the sea. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D2: We do not
vse to set share in the shore, nor plowe the sea furrowes. I590
GREENE Never Too Late, p. 166: With sweating browes I long haue
plowde the sands. I595 [CHALKHILL] Alcilia, p. 57: He ploughs on
sand, and sowes vpon the wind, That hopes for constant loue in
wemenkinde. a1597 Pilgr. to Parn. Prol., p. 1: If not, wele eare
noe more the barren sande, But let our pen seeke a more fertile
lande. [I615] 1631 P. FLETCHER Sicelides II ii, p. 31: Who sowes
the seas, or plowes the easy Shore? 1647 R. STAPLETON Sat. vii 5 5,
p. 121: Yet still we plow the shoare and sow the sand.
Cf. S87: He sows the sand; S184: To plow the sea; W114: To
write in water (sand); W451: To plow the winds.
890 When the SAND does feed the clay England woe
and well-a-day, but when the clay does feed
the sand then it is well with England
1662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 81: When the sand feeds the
clay, England cryes Well-a-day: But when the clay feeds the sand,
it is merry with England. 1670 RAY, p. 43.
As diflicult as to number the SANDS in the sea
[Rev. xx 8: The number of whom is as the sand of the sea.] 1552
CAIUS Bk. agst. Sweat, f. 27v: [That] were so great almost a busines,
as to numbre the sandes in the sea. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphro-
ditis, s. D1: The shewyng whereof is as easie as the numbring of the
starres in the skies, or the telling of the sandes in the seas. I583
STUBBES Anat. Abuses I, p. 77: I might with more facilitye number
the sands of the Sea, the Starres in the Skye, or the grasse vppon
the Earth. 1596 SPENSER IV xi 53: More eath [easy] it were
for mortall Wight To tell the sands; or count the starres on hye.
1605 Capt. T. Stukeley, s. K4: Puisant Argolets, as numberless as
be these Africks sands. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Formiche, p. 6 5:
To go about impossibilities, to go about to number the sands in the
Sea.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 Rich. II II ii 144: The task he undertakes
Is numb’ring sands and drinking oceans dry.
Cf. 09: To drink the ocean dry.
892 Many SANDS will sink a ship
1615 T. ADAMS Bad Leaven: W ks., p. 708: Many little sands gather’d
to an heape, faile not to swallow a greet vessell. 1621 R. BURTON
Anat. M. I 11 iv 7, p. 318: Many grains and small sands sink a ship.
1639 CL., p. II. 1670 RAY, p. 118: *We must have a care of little
things lest by degrees we fall into great inconveniences. A little
leak neglected, in time will sink a ship.
Cf. L147: A small leak will sink a great ship.
893 There is little SAP in dry pea hulls
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1311. 1668 R.B., p. 52.
894 SATURDAY is the working day and Monday the
holiday of preachers
1662 FULLER Worthies Cambridgeshire, I 16 5: He was wont to say,
that he would crosse the common proverb, which called Saturday
the working day, and Munday the holy-day of Preachers.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SAUCE
SAY
585

895 More SAUCE than meat (pig)
1624 More Sauce than Pig 1799 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 156:
[Title]. 1639 FULLER Holy War III xxv, p. 155: Willingly they
could have wanted such dainties, for the sauce was more than the
meat. I659 N.R., p. 77. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Chiacchiera,
p. 36: To have more chatting than meat, viz. more sawce than meat.
I672 WALK. 25, p. 29: (pig). a1700 B.E., s.v. Saucy: (Pig). *Your
Sauce-Pan runs over, you are exceeding bold. I738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. II, p. 438: I think you are more sauce than pig.
Cf. $100: To eat sauce.
$96 Simondsall SAUCE
01640 SMYTH 34, p. 30: *Vsuall To note a guest bringinge an hungry
appetite to our table: Or when a man eates little, to say hee wants
some of Simondsall sauce.
897 Sweet SAUCE begins to wax sour
1546 HEY. II 1, s. F3v: Whan she sawe swete sauce begyn to waxe
sowre, She waxt as sowre as he.
Cf. M1265: What is sweet in the mouth is oft sour (bitter) in the
maw (Stomach).
898 Though the SAUCE be good yet you need not for-
sake the meat for it
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 160: For it cannot followe in
reason, that bicause the sauce is good which shoulde prouoke myne
appetite, therefore I shoulde for-sake the meate for which it was
made. 1732 FUL., no. 5012.
899 To be served with the same SAUCE
1523-5 BERNERS Chron. Froissart, III 374: If the flemynges had
achyued the prise over them, they had bene served of the same
sauce. I530 PALS., p. 710a: I serve one of the same sauce, whiche
we use in maner of a proverbe. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and
Pithias, s. B3v: If I tarry longe here, of the same sauce shall I tast.
I583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses II, p. 34: For feare lest he be served of
the same sauce, as manie have beene to their great hinderance.
I593 Tell-Trothes Gift in Tell-Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 7:
I will not liue alone in sorrow, but will make thee taste of the same
sauce. [1641—8] 1699 HOLLES Mem., p. 101: Such as remain, if
they be not obedient to them, Shall be serv’d with the same sauce.
1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens Feb. 22: And if poor Bob and
Smug be not serv’d with the same sauce, they’l cross the Proverb.
(8)
8100 To eat SAUCE
01510 SKELTON Bowge Court I. 72: Wks., I 33: She sayde She trowed
that I had eten sause. [01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. D4v: Ye
haue eten sauce I trowe at the taylers Hall.
Cf. $95: More sauce than meat (pig).
8101 To pay SAUCE worth
1624 More Sauce than Pig 1799 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 156:
She fed him with Pig, but he paid for the Sawce. I666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Salsa, p. 177: To pay more for the dressing, than the thing
is worth, or cost; the English say, To pay sawce worth.
8102 What is SAUCE for a goose is sauce for a gander
I670 RAY, p. 98: That that’s good sawce for a goose, is good for a
gander. *This is a womans Proverb. 1704 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables
302, I 272: Sauce for a Goose is Sauce for a Gander. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4070: [As in 1704 R. L’Estrange]. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II,
P- 456-
8103 Better SAUGHT1 with little aught nor care with
many cow
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 230. 1668 R.B., p. 12.
(than Care with many a Cow).
[lagreement]
I721 KEL., p. 64:
8104 Is SAUL also among the prophets?
[1 Sam. x 11.] 01594 BACON, no. 746: Saul is never among the
prophets. 1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag. XIV 385, p. 162: So that yt

was vnto the people into a prouerbe turned what’s Saul also
amongst the prophets?
8105 A good SAVER is a good server
1601 F. GODWIN Cat. Bishops, p. 460: A good sauer makes a well
doer. I678 RAY, p. 350: *Somerset.
8106 Some SAVERS in a house do well
1678 RAY, p. 198. 1732 FUL., no. 4217: Some Save-ails do well in
a House.
S107 Of SAVING comes having
1616 DR., no. 2130.
FUL., no. 6102.
Cf. F776: Frugality and good husbandry is an income (estate);
S712: Sparing is the first gaining (getting).
1639 CL., p. 241. 1670 RAY, p. 139. 1732
8108 He that smells the first SAVOR is the fault’s first
father
01640 SMYTH 64, p. 32: *The proverbe admits many applicacions.
The homlyest is, That hee first smels the fart that lett it.
Cf. F634a: The fox is the finder; N217: He has a good nose to
make a poor man’s sow.
8109 Better SAY here it is than here it was
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 248. I668 R.B., p. 13. I697 MER., p. 164.
I721 KEL., p. 65: *Better be at some Pains to secure a Thing that
is in danger of being lost, or going astray, than to lament the Loss
of it when it is gone. 1732 FUL., no. 931: (Better to say).
SI 10 Do not SAY go, but gaw
01569 FORREST Hist. 70seph I, p. 171: This woorde, Gawe me and
goynge with them too, Dyd six tymes more good then Goo yee
shoulde doo. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 4. Ibid., p. 16: You must
not go, but gawe. 1670 RAY, p. 11: *Go thy self along. I705
Pleas. Art, p. 151. 1721 KEL., p. 265: Never say go, but gang
SIII SAY I told you so
1612 N. FIELD Woman Is Weathercock I ii, p. 28: Remember, a
scorn’d soldier told thee so. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II ii 167: Take
heed . . zay I told you so.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 M.M. II i 256: Ifyou live to see this come
to pass, say Pompey told you so. Ibid. III ii 195: Say that I said
so.
5112 SAY well or be still
01485 Early Eng. Misc. 8, p. 63: Ewyre say wylle, or hold the styl .
01500 SKELTON Agst. Comely Coystrowne l. 64: kas., I 17: A prou-
erbe of old, say well or be styll.
Cf. W760: A good word is as soon said as an ill (a bad).
SI 13 SAY you saw me not
1508 STANBRIDGE Vulgaria, p. 24: Ifony man aske for me saye thou
sawe me not. 1672 WALK. 87, p. 19: Say you saw it not. 1681
ROB., p. 1097.
SI 14 Though I SAY it that should not say it
1560-77 Misogonus III i 190: Though I sait and shoulde not sait,
I was her midwife, I. 1594 LYLY Mother B. V iii 15: Though I say
it that should not, I haue bene a minstrell these thirtie yeeres.
[01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered I ii 48: I do vse as much stale
stuffe, though I say it my selfe, as any man does in that kind I am
sure. I601 MARSTON yack Drum I, s. A2v. 1640 JONSON Tale
Tub II i 10: I thinke there never Marriage was manag’d with a
more avisement, Then was this mariage, though I say’t, that
should not. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Esteem, p. I 15. I721
KEL., p. 316: Though you say it, that should not say it, and must
say it, if it be said. *A Ridicule upon them that commend them-
selves.
SHAKESPEARE.——1596 M. V. II ii 54: His father, though I say’t,
is an honest exceeding poor man, and, God be thanked, well to live.
(5)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
SAYS
586 SCARBOROUGH WARNING
_
8120 SAYING goes good cheap
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 177. 1668 R.B., p. 47. 1721 KEL., p. 300;
*Eng. Talking pays no Toll.
Cf. T65: Talking (Talk) pays no toll.
SI 15 He who SAYS (does) what he would hears what
he would not
[ERAS. Adagia, 36F: Qui quae vult dicit, quae non vult audiet.]
1530 PALS., p. 583b: He that dothe Otherwyse than he ought to do
hereth that we wolde be lothe of. 1539 TAV., f. 2: He that speaketh
what he woll, shall heare what he woll not. 1577 GRANGE Gold.
Aphroditis, s. I3v: But yet (as Terence sayeth) who speaketh what
he liste, muste heare what he listeth not. 1580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 38: Enquire no farther then beseemeth you, least you
8121 SAYING is one thing and doing another
1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne II, II 454. 1620 SHELTON Don
Quix. Pt. II, lxiv, IV 208: You doe prettily facilitate the matter . .
but tis one thing to say, and another to doe. 1721 KEL., p. 297,
heare that which can-not like you. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 H. I iii 24: If he says he loves you, It
72: It is verie true, that he which saieth what pleaseth him, heareth fits your wisdom so far to believe it As he . . May give his saying
that which displeaseth him. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. YIV: deed.
Nay, since they say what they liste, they shall heare what they Cf. D333: There is a great difference between word and deed;
list not. 1586 WITHALS, s. H5v: He that shutteeth not his mouth, S1 19: Saying and doing are two things.
doth often times heere that whiche hee woulde not. 1597 [BODEN-
HAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 140: If thou speake what thou wilt, thou
shalt heare what thou wouldest not. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 484:
He that speaks the thing he should not hears the thing he wold not.
1599 T. HEYWOOD 2 Edw. IV, p. 100: He that will do, my lord,
what he Should not, Must and shall heare of me what he would not.
1611 COT., s.v. Demander: (He that askes what he should not,
heares). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 319: Who says what he lists,
hears what is against his will. 1668 R.B., p. 22: He that speaks
the things he should not, hears the things he would not. 1697
MER., p. 164: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 171: He that
speaks the Thing he Should not, shall hear the Thing he would not.
1732 FUL., no. 6303: [As in 1721 Kel.].
See DUR., II, no. 249; T. 581, p. 283. Cf. D412: He that does
(seeks) that he ought not, that happens to him he thinks not (finds
what he would not); M192: Ifa man live not well he will soon enough
be ill spoken of; S726: He that speaks lavishly shall hear as knav-
ishly. (6)
SI 16 It is sooner (easier, better) SAID than done Cf. D402; It is better to do well than to say well; 5122: Say well
1546 HEY. II V, s. H4V. 1595 Rich. Duke York, s. E2v: Tis better and do well end with one letter, say well is good but do well is bet-
said then done, my gratious Lord. 1639 CL., p. 58. 1659 How. ter-
E .P . . . 666T .It.P . . :I’ ' l . .
"s W , P 3 1 OR ’0” 4’ P 5’ t s “8"” to counse ’ 8124 It WIll prove (breed) a SCAB In the end
than to act. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 90: Sooner said than done.
RAY, 81, 1681 R03,, 4'71; ’Tis more difficult, then you 1546 HEY. I S. A4v: We S8 SlOllth muste IJI'CClti 8. Skab. 1639
CL., p. 109.
think for; Sooner said then done.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI III ii 90: ’Tis better said than
8122 SAY WELL and do well end with one letter, say
well is good but do well is better
1611 COT., s.v. Faict: We haue an Old, and triuiall rime somewhat
to this purpose; Saying, and doing end both with a letter; saying is
good, but doing is better. 1639 CL., s.V. Magnifica promissa, p.
194. 1670 RAY, p. 139. 1721 KEL., p. 291: (with a Letter).
1732 FUL., no. 6447: [As in 1721 Kel].
Cf. D333: There is a great dilIerence between word and deed;
$123: Say well is good but do well is better.
SI23 SAY WELL is good but do well is better
1536 Remedy Sedition in Brit. Bihliog., IV 283: Men say wel that
do wel. 61550 Six Bal. in Lyrical Poems, p. 6. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1212. 1640 R. BROME Asparagus IV xi, p. 201: You zay very
well, Sir; zay well is good, but doe well is better. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 10, p. 71: To say well, is much worth, but to do well, more.
1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: Well done is better than well said.
8125-6 He lay in his SCABBARD, as many a good sword
done.
See OTTO, no. 527. Cf. SI 17: No sooner said than done (So said has (10116
30 donel' a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1628: Ye hav lyen in your skabert as many
good sword dois. 1721 KEL., p. 161: *That is, lay with his Cloaths
8117 No sooner SAID than done (SO said so done) on did not strip and go to Bed
[ERAS. Adagio, 865A: Dictum ac factum.] [61592] 1615 T. HEY-
WOOD Four Prent. Lond., p. 200: So said, so done, braue Lord. 8127 SCANDERBEG’S sword must have Scanderbeg’s
1609 ARMIN Two Maids More., s. I2V: SO said, so done. 1627 W. arm
HAWKINS Apollo Shroving IV V, p. 153: Thinke your command’s
no sooner said then done. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 66: (but done).
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Occhio, p. 121: To do it in the twinkling
of an eye, Viz. no sooner said but done, as soon as may be.
SHAKESPEARE—I594 T.G. V. II iv 29: You have said, sir. —Ay,
sir, and done too, for this time. 1594-8 T.S. I ii 186: SO said, so
done, is well. 1605-6 M. IV i 148: And even now, To crown my
thoughts with acts, be it thought and done!
Cf. $116: It is sooner (easier, better) said than done.
1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 590: None could do such feats
with Scanderberg’s sword as himself. 1732 FUL., no. 4077.
8128 SCARBOROUGH WARNING1
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3: Scarbrough warnyng I had. 61560 Brief
Ballad in Old Bk. Coll. Misc., I 40: This terme, Scarborow warnyng,
grew (some say) By hasty hangyng, for rank robbry theare. 1562
HEY. Epig. 279, p. 169: I gaue him scarborow warnyng. 61572
WALSINGHAM (to Burleigh, July 21) in Digges Compl. Amhass.,
p. 224: He gave me but Scarborough warning, and therefore your
Lordship must bear with these scribled lines. 1589 PU'I‘TENHAM
Art Eng. Poesy III xviii, p. 189: Skarborow warning, for a sodaine
commandement, allowing no respect or delay to bethinke a man
of his busines. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XXXIV xxii, p. 283:
SI 18 That is better SAID nor banned
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1336.
SI 19 SAYING and doing are two things
1562 HEY. Dial. II v, p. 60. 1570 T. WILSON Three Orations, p. 42:'
To say and doe are two things. 1572 T. WILSON Disc. Usury, p.
249: To saye and doe are twoe thynges. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 117.
1611 GRUT., no. 220. 1614 CAM., p. 311. 1616 DR., no. 2495:
(are two mens offices). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664 COD.,
p. 211. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 84: To do, and to say, are two
things. 1670 RAY, p. 139. 1678 BUNYAN Pilg. Prog. I, p. 122:
I see that saying, and doing are two things, and hereafter I Shall
better observe this distinction.
Cf. D333: There is a great difference between word and deed;
121: Saying is one thing and doing another.

They took them to a fort with such small treasure, As in so Scar-
borow warning they had leasure. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1646:
Ye giv me Skairsbrugh warning. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 178:
Scarce haue some letchers Scarburrow warning. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Yorkshire, II 494: *That is, none at all, but a suddain
surprize . . This Proverbe [takes] its Originall . . anno 1557, [when]
a small company, seized on Scarborough Castle (utterly destitute
of provision for resistance). 1670 RAY, p. 255: A Scarborough
warning. 1697 MER., p. 165. (10)
[See Sugden, p. 454.]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SCATHE
SCORN
587

8129 One does the SCATHE and another has the scorn
1611 COT., s.v. Boire: One commits the fault which another is
blamed for. Ihid., s.v. Faire. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 22: He doth the fault though another drinks it
up. 1670 RAY, p. 20. 1678 RAY, p. 186: *One doth the harm and
another bears the blame. Scath signifies loss or harm.
Cf. SI 51: Scorn comes commonly with scathe.
8130 Better two SCATHES1 (seilsl) than one sorrow
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 254: (seilis). 1641 FERG., no. 185: (seils)
1668 R.B., p. 12. 1721 KEL., p. 66: *Losses may be repaired, but
Sorrow will break the Heart, and ruin the Constitution.
[llosses, harms]
8131 A SCEPTER is one thing and a ladle another
1640 HERB., no. 541. 1659 N.R., p. 17. 1664 COD., p. 185.
1670 RAY, p. 23: (thing, a ladle another). 1732 FUL., no. 386:
[As in 1670 Ray].
8132 As good a SCHOLAR as my horse Ball
1639 CL., s.v. Ignoratio, p. 145.
$133 A diligent SCHOLAR and the master’s paid
1640 HERB., no. 179. I659 N.R., p. 4.
8134 He that robs a SCHOLAR robs twenty men
1616 WITHALS, p. 553. 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 243. 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17: (Who robs). 1670 RAY, p. 23: (Who robs).
*For commonly he borrows a cloak of one, a sword of another, a
pair of boots of a third, a hat of a fourth, etc. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
To rob: (twenty more). 1732 FUL., no. 5716: Who robs a Cam-
bridge-Scholar, robs twenty.
S135 A mere SCHOLAR is a mere ass
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 iii 15, p. 261: Because they cannot
ride an horse . . they are . . accounted silly fools . . a mere scholar,
a mere ass. 1639 CL., p. 152. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: A
meer Scholler, a meer Asse. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Lettere, p.
89: To be wise as to learning, and a fool as to reason, to be a meer
pedantical Scholar, and nothing else; the common saying is, a meer
scholar, a meer asse. 1703 CENTLIVRE Stolen Heiress I, p. 337:
A meer scholar is a meer—you know the old proverb, Father.
1732 FUL., no. 322: A mere scholar at Court is an Ass among Apes.
Cf. F458: A fool by nature and wise in writing.
8136 The SCHOLAR may be better than the master by
a time
1631 MABBE Celestina VII, p. 144: Many times, (as it is in the Prov-
erbe) a good Scholler goes beyond his Master. 1721 KEL., p. 310.
8137 A SCHOLAR may be gulled thrice, a soldier owl’d1
but once
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 11.
[lgulled?]
8138 The SCHOLAR teaches his master
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 4.
Cf. G406: Go teach your grandame to get children.
SI39 SCHOOLBOYS are the reasonablest people in the
world, they care not how little they have for
their money
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Scuola, p. 187: As Children, who play
the Truant most willingly and who are said in England to be
Conscientious Persons, they care not how little they have for their
Money, so they may be idle, they care not what Charges their
Parents be at. 1678 RAY, p. 81.
8140 To taste of SCHOOLBUTTER
1604 Pasg. yests Warning for Tale Tellers in Shak. 7est-Bks., III
24: An unhappy boy, willing to have one of his fellowes taste of
such schoole-butter as hee had often broke his fast with. [1618]

1647 FLETCHER Loyal Suhj. V iv, p. 161: He was whipt like a top . .
Court school-butter? Is this their diet? a1700 B.E.: School-
butter, a Whipping.
8141 Much SCIENCE1 much sorrow
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 153v: Much learning, much
sorrow. 1639 CL., s.v. Docilitas, p. 101.
Cf. L161: Too much learning makes men mad.
[llearning]
8142 SCIENCE1 has no enemy but of the ignorant
1574 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 163: A man mai fitly appli the com-
mon saiing, Scientia non habet inimicum nisi ignorantem. I623
WOD., p. 514: *Most so, because the Vertuous Maintaine and
cherish it. [61633] 1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 121:
The Saying is verified of him, Scientia non habet Inimicum praeter
Ignorantem: Verecundia non habet Inimicum praeter Impudentem.
[llearning]
8143 SCIENCE1 is nought worth without conscience
1616 DR., no. 319. 1659 N.R., p. 91.
[llearning]
8144 A SCOFF is the reward of bashfulness
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 150: A scoffe is the reward of shame-
fast and pusillanimous persons. 1732 FUL., no. 387.
8145 Who has a SCOLD has sorrow to his sops
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 23. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Scold: He that hath a Scold has Sorrows enough. 1732 FUL.,
no. 5705.
Cf. S661: To have sorrow to his sops.
SI46 SCOLDS and infants never lin1 bawling
1616 BRET., p. 6.
[1cease]
SI47—SI48 SCORE: subst.
S147 Pay the old SCORE and fetch on the new
1639 CL., p. 246.
8148 T0 cast up old SCORES
1659 How. Eng. Prov., 2: To cast up all old scores.
p. 214. 1732 FUL., no. 6145.
1670 RAY,
SI49 SCORE: verb
SI49 SCORE twice before you cut once
1688 R. HOLME Acad. Armory III Vi, IV 292: The point on the back
of the Shoomakers pareing Knife is to Score or Trace out the Leath-
er before he venture to cut it, according to the saying, Score twice
before you Cut once; else they will cut themselves out of Doors.
Cf. C472: Cut your coat according to your cloth; M807: Measure
thrice what thou buyest and cut it but once.
SI50 SCORN at first makes afterlove the more
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 131: The more they seeme at the
first to 10th, the more they loue at the last. [61589] I601 LYLY
Love’s Metam. III i 78: Disdaine increaseth desire.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. III i 95: For scorn at first makes
after-love the more.
Cf. B515: A broken bone (leg) is the stronger when it is well set.
8151 SCORN comes commonly with scathe
1597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 21 1: Poems, p. 10: AS skorne
cummis commonlie with skaith, Sa I behuifit to byde them baith.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1213: Scorne and skaith comes commonly
together. 1721 KEL., p. 288: *Spoken when one gets a Hurt, and
another laughs at it.
Cf. $129: One does the scathe and another has the scorn.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
SCORNING 58 8
SCYLLA

8152 SCORNING (Mocking) is catching
1670 RAY, p. 140. 1678 RAY, p. 200: *He that scorns any condi-
tion, action or employment, may come to be, nay often is driven
upon it himself. Some word it thus: Hanging’s stretching, mock-
ing’s catching. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Scorning: After Scorning comes
Catching. I709 STEELE Tat/er no. 7: It is sojust an Observation,
That Mocking is Catching. I710 PALMER, p. 319: (Mocking).
I721 KEL., p. 255: (Mocking). *Spoken to discourage People
from mimicking any Man’s Imperfections, lest you contract a
Habit of them. 1732 FUL., no. 4081. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I,
p. 411: Very pretty! one breaks the heart, and the other the belly.
—Have a care; they say, mocking is catching.
Cf. H131: Hanging is stretching, mocking is catching; M1031:
He who mocks shall be mocked.
8153 Those that are stung by the SCORPION are healed
by the scorpion
[ERAS. Similia, 586E: Cantharides et scorpii in se circumferunt
sui veneni remedium.] 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 215: The
Scorpion that stung thee shall heale thee. 1611 COT., s.v. Lezard
Chalcidique: A spotted Lizard which is very venomous, and yet,
taken in drinke, healeth the hurt he did. 1634 T. HERBERT Some
Yrs. Travel II, p. 213: To such as are stung by Scorpions is no such
remedy as by the oyle of Scorpions to be cured. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 6, p. 253: Never did Scorpion bite me, but I cur’d my self
with his oyl. I732 FUL., no. 5024.
Cf. S83: Seek your salve where you got your sore; S731: The
spear of Achilles could both wound and heal.
8154 As false as a SCOT
I670 RAY, p. 204: *I hope that nation generally deserves not such
an imputation; and could wish that we English men were less par-
tial to our selves, and censorious of our neighbours. 1701 DEFOE
True-Born Eng. II, p. 444: False from the Scot, and from the
Norman worse.
8155 As hardhearted as a SCOT of Scotland
1678 RAY, p. 285.
8156 A SCOT on Scot’s bank
I678 RAY, p. 81.
8157 We will not lose a SCOT
I662 FULLER Worthies Northumberland, II 188: *That is, we will
lose nothing, how inconsiderable soever, which we can save, or
recover . . This Proverb began in the English Borders, when . . they
had little esteem of, and less affection for, a Scotch-man. I670
RAY, p. 247.
$158 SCOT’S vessel holds not heap
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1218.
$159 To pay SCOT AND LOT
1596 NASHE Safl'ron-Walden: Wks., III 56: A true subiect, that
paid scot and lot in the Parish where he dwelt. [1600] 1659 J.
DAY Blind Beg. II, s. D3v: You are more in the Kings Books than
he, and pay more scot and lot a fair deal, so ye do. 1616 JONSON
Ev. Man in Hum. III vii II: I haue paid scot, and lot there, any
time this eighteene yeeres. 1656 T. BLOUNT Glossographia, p. 579:
Scot and Lot signifies a customary contribution on all Subjects
after their ability. 1697 VANBRUGH Relapse IV, p. 48: Come, give
an Account of your self; what’s your Name, where do you live?
DO you pay Scott and Lott?
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IVV iv I I3: ’Twas time to counter-
feit, or that hot termagant Scot had paid me scot and lot too.
Cf. S398: To pay the Shot (scot). (15)
8160 Out of all SCOTCH AND NOTCH
I589 [MARPRELATE] Hay Any Work: Marpr. Tracts, p. 215: The
pleasure which you haue done unto me, is out of all scotch and
notch. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. E4: Hee
was as glad as could be; out of all scotch and notch glad, out of all
count glad.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. IV v 197: He scotch’d him and notch’d
him like a carbonado.
8161
8162
$163
8165

The SCOTCH ORDINARY
1678 RAY, p. 81: *The house of office.
SCOTSMEN reckon aye from an ill hour
1668 R.B., p. 46.
He has escaped a SCOURING
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom viii, p. 57: O the passion
of God! I haue escaped a scouring. I583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
S. Z4v: Onelie Ionathas by Gods prouision, scapte the sckowring.
I588 [MARPRELATE] Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. 145: His Grace
shall one day answer me this point, or very narrowly escape me a
scouring. 1609 W.M. Man in Moon, p. 24: His spurres have scaped
a scouring. 1616 DR., s.v. Danger, no. 428. 1639 CL., p. 103.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Forca, p. 65: To miss a hanging very
narrowly, to have been before his twelve Godfathers; The English
say, to have scap’d a scouring. I670 RAY, p. 192: To scape a
scowring. I720 DEFOE Mem. Cavalier X, p. 142: So Aylesbury
escaped a scouring for that time.
8164 It is brave SCRAMELING at a rich man’s dole
1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 39. I670 RAY, p. 136. I732 FUL., no.
5069: (at the).
By SCRATCHING and biting cats and dogs come
together
I546 HEY. II i, s. F4. 1623 CAM., p. 267. 1639 CL., p. 275: (dogs
and cats goe together). 1659 N.R., p. 20: (comes together). 1664
COD., p. 187: (Dogs and Cats come together). 1670 RAY, p. 68:
(By biting and scratching). *Men and maid-servants that wrangle
and quarrel most one with the other, are often observed to marry
together. I672 WALK. 31, p. 30: By biting and scratching dogs
and cats come together.
Cf. B430: Biting and scarting is Scotchmen’s wooing; B431:
Biting and scratching gets the cat with kitling; T166: All things by
Strife engender.
SI66 SCRATCHING and eating wants but a beginning
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 382: (Eating and clawing). 1664 COD., p.
211. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 141: As to eating, or Scratching, all
lyes in the beginning. 1721 KEL., p. 286: *Spoken when People
eat more than they thought they could, or to persuade People of
weak Stomachs to begin. I732 FUL., no. 5158: To eat, and to
scratch, a Man need but begin. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 431:
(They say, eating and scratching).
Cf. A286: Appetite comes with eating; B419: One bit draws down
another; S402; One shoulder of mutton draws (drives) down an-
other.
SI67 Too much SCRATCHING pains, too much talking
plagues
1611 COT., s.v. Grater: Too much scratching hurts the skin, too
much talking the whole bodie. 1657 LEIGH, p. 276: Too much
scratching smarts, too much speaking hurts. 1658 E. PHILLIPS
Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 178: Too much scratching hurts the skin.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: Too much scratching frets, too much
prating hurts. I659 N.R., p. 108: [As in 1657 Leigh]. 1664 COD.,
p. 216. 1670 RAY, p. 26: *Gall.
8168 Who expounds SCRIPTURE upon his own warrant
lays together hot brands with his fingers
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
$169 Between SCYLLA and Charybdis
[ERAS. Adagia, I83A: Evitata Charybdi in Scyllam incidi.] I576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 89: But running from Charybdis he rushed
upon Scilla. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 189: Thou arte heere
amiddest the pykes betweene Scilla and Caribdis. I580 BARET,
E—387: Euitans Charybdim, in Scyllam incido . . A Prouerb aptly
to be applied vnto those, which endeuoring to eschewe a great
daunger, fall strait into an other as daungerous. I609 W.M. Man
in Moon, p. 22: The wicked Woman . . is . . a Sylla to citizens, and
Caribdis to countrie-men. 1639 CL., p. 95: When we think to

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SEA
SEA
589
——
scape one danger, we fall into another. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Lazaro, p. 87: To be betwixt two great dangers, betwixt Scilla and
Charibdis.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 M. V. III v 18: When I shun Scylla, your
father, I fall into Charybdis, your mother.
See OTTO, no. 382; ST., no. 2042. Cf. C455: To escape Clude
and be drowned in Conway; D222: Between the devil and the deep
sea (Dead Sea). (17)
8170 As mad as the troubled SEA
01623 Welsh Ambass. IV, p. 49: Her braines are wilder than a
trobled sea.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-I H. IVi 7: Mad as the sea and wind when
both contend Which is the mightier. 1605—6 K.L. IV iv 1: He
was met even now As mad as the vex’d sea.
5171 Being on the SEA, sail; being on land, settle
I640 HERB., no. 414: (Being on sea). 1664 COD., p. 187. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 143: Who is at sea, sails, and who’s at land,
plows. I670 RAY, p. 23: (on the land settle). I687 MIEGE, s.v.
Sea: (on the Land settle). I732 FUL., no. 5613: When thou art at
Sea, sail; when at Land, settle.
SI72 He complains wrongfully on the SEA that twice
suffers shipwreck
01526 Dicta Sap., s. DIV: Neptunum accusat, qui iterum nau-
fragisi facit. He that hath ones experience, and perillously aduen-
tereth hym selfe agayne, foolysshely than he accuseth Fortune.
1640 HERB., no. 702. 1664 COD., p. 221: They complain wrong-
fully on the Sea, who twice suffer shipwrack. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
2, p. 143: (of the sea, who will twice to sea). I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Nettuno, p. 1 16: To blame Neptune wrongfully, viz. after once
being shipwrack’d, still or again to go to Sea. 1670 RAY, p. 23:
[As in 1664 Cod.].
5173 He that will learn to pray let him go to SEA
I576 GASCOIGNE Steel Glass, p. 170: For towarde shipwracke, many
men can pray. I606 DEKKER Double PP: Non-Dram. Wks., II
I 89: If thou would’st know thy maker, search the Seas. I611 COT.,
s.v. Mer: (goe oft to sea). 1623 WOD., p. 510: Who will learne to
pray let him go Ofte vpon the Sea. 1640 HERB., no. 84. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. I 5: Who goes not to sea knows not how to
pray. 1659 N.R., p. 42. 1664 COD., p. 198: (to pray heartily).
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 143: (Who knows not how to pray).
01669 [ROE] To Nicholas Smyth l. 125 in Donne Poems, p. 375:
Friends, like land-souldiers in a storm at Sea, Not knowing what
to do, for him did pray. 1670 RAY, p. 133: (He that would).
1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III ii 537, p. 333: As carnal seamen, in a
Storm, Turn pious Converts, and reform. I687 MIEGE, s.v. To
pray: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1732 FUL., no. 2368: [AS in 1670 Ray].
Cf. D31: The danger (river) past and God forgotten; SI 8 5: Who
goes not by sea knows not what the fear of God is.
$174 In a calm SEA every man may be a pilot
[ERAS. Adagia, 1047E: Tranquillo quilibet gubernator est.] 1598
GREENE 7ames IV II ii, p. 945: The pilot in the dangerous seas is
knowne; In calmer waues the sillie sailor striues. I611 JONSON
Cat. III 64, p. 470: Each petty hand Can steere a Ship becalm’d;
but . . when her keele ploughs hell, And deck knocks heauen: then,
to manage her, Becomes the name, and office of a pilot. 1639 CL.,
p. 313: (every passenger can be pilot). 1664 COD., p. 201. 1670
RAY, p. 4: (is a pilot). I732 FUL., no. 2808: In a Calm every one
can steer.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. I iii 34: The sea being smooth, How
many shallow bauble boats dare sail Upon her patient breast,
making their way With those of nobler bulk. 1608 C. IV i 6: When
the sea was calm, all boats alike Show’d mastership in floating.
See DiiR., II, no. 673. Cf. S352: The ship which is large on the
river is small on the sea.
8175 It is hard to sail over the SEA in an eggshell
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 5. I670 RAY, p. 139.
2906: (It is as hard a Thing, as to).
Cf. S686: To come sailing in a sow’s ear.
I732 FUL., no.
8176 Let the SEA swell and rise as high as he will,
yet hath God appointed how far he shall go
1528 TYNDALE Obed. Chr. Man, p. 304: *Meaning that the tyrants
shall not do what they would, but that only which God hath ap-
pointed them to do.
8177 Praise (Commend) the SEA but keep on land
(ashore)
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 99: Praise the sea, on shore remaine.
1616 DR., no. 1911: A man must praise the sea, and keepe himselfe
on land. 1639 CL., p. 278. I640 HERB., no. 485. 1659 How.
It. Prov., p. 3: Commend the sea, but keep thee ashoare. 1664
COD., p. 184: [As in 1616 Dr.]. a1666 J. HOWELL Let. Suppl. 16,
II 666: Commend the Sea, but keep thy self ashoar. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Terra, p. 214: As the saying is, Commend the Sea,
but keep thou at Land. 1670 RAY, p. 140.
See DI'iR., II, no. 52. Cf. D34: He that will sail without danger
must never come upon the main sea; H466: Praise a hill but keep
below (on the plain); W56: Wars are good to talk of, not to try.
S178 The SEA and the gallows refuse none
1614 GENTLEMAN Eng.’s Way Wealth, p. 45: (The Sailors Prouerbe:
The Sea and).
Cf. S181: The sea refuses no river (is never full).
$179 The SEA complains it wants water
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 6.
s.v. Sea.
Water.
Cf. R140: All rivers (waters) run into the sea; S181: The sea
refuses no river (is never full); W106: To cast water into the sea
(Thames).
1670 RAY, p. 192. I687 MIEGE,
1732 FUL., no. 4740: The Sea complains for Want of
S180 The SEA has fish for every man
1575 GASCOIGNE Ferd. and Leonora: Posies, p. 452.
Pet. Pal., I 33. 1636 CAM., p. 308. 1659 N.R., p. 101.
no. 850: Be content; the Sea hath Fish enough.
Cf. F336: There is no fishing to the sea nor service to the king.
8181 The SEA refuses no river (is never full)
[01589] 1601 LYLY Love’s Metam. III ii 6: The Sea . . receiueth all
things, and cannot bee filled. 1605 Land. Prod., s. A2v: Brother,
he is one that will borrow of any man. —Why you see so doth the
sea; it borrowes of all the smal Currents in the world, to encrease
himselfe. 1732 FUL., no. 4741.
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. I i 9: O spirit of love . . thy capacity
Receiveth as the sea. Ibid. II iv 103: But mine [love] is all as
hungry as the sea And can digest as much. 1609 Son. 135, l. 9:
The sea, all water, yet receives rain still, And in abundance addeth
to his store. _
Cf. R140: All rivers (waters) run into the sea; 8178: The sea and
the gallows refuse none; $179: The sea complains it wants water.
8182 Send him to the SEA and he will not get water
a1598 FERG. MS, no. I 197. 1668 R.B., p. 48. I697 MER., p. 165.
I721 KEL., p. 287: Send you to the Sea, and you will not get salt
Water. *Spoken when People foolishly come short of their Errand.
Cf. W113: To seek water in the sea.
8183 To lave (empty) the SEA with a nutshell (cockle-
shell, spoon)
1600 DEKKER Old Fort. I i327: If thou can’st dribble out the Sea
by drops, then shalt thou want. [1616] 1631 JONSON Devil Is Ass
V ii 1: Put me To . . lauing The sea dry with a nut-shell. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Absurda, p. 5. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. I 5: Thou wilt empty
the sea with a spoon. I662 FULLER W orthies Northumberland, II
189: Lang or ye cut Falkland-wood with a Penknife. It is spoken
of such who embrace unproportionable and improbable means to
effect the ends propounded to themselves, to as much purpose as to
lave the sea with a cockle-shell. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mare,
p. 99: To undertake to empty the Sea with a spoon. 1682 HOBBES
1576 PETTIE
I732 FUL.,

Ans. Bramhall: Tracts, p. 42: To Iade all the Water out of the Sea

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part Omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
SEA
SECUNDUM USUM SARUM
59o

with a Cockle-shell. 1692 R. BENTLEY Folly Atheism VIII, p. 269:
Is the Sea ever likely . . to be emptied with Buckets?
Cf. F36: Long ere you cut Falkland Wood with a penknife.
$184 To plow the SEA
1578 T. PROCTOR ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 6 5: Forseeing the weede,
and losing from bandcs, The plowing in Sea, and sowing in Sandes.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., 3. D2: We do not . . plowe the sea fur-
rowes that yelde n0 corne. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II
iv, s. D2: He plowghes the seas, and fishes in the lande, And loseth
all the labour of them both. 1588 GREENE Perimedes, p. 73:
Doest thou meane .. to furrow the seas with a plough? 1595
SOUTHWELL Myrtle Wreaths: Poems, p. 81: Plowe not the seas,
sowe not the sands. 1631 JONSON New Inn IV iv 269: I will goe
. . plough the water.
SHAKESPEARE.—16o5-8 T. Ath. V i 53: And plough’st the foam.
Cf. S89: T0 plow the sand (Shore).
8185 Who goes not by SEA knows not what the fear
of God is
1573 SANF., f. 103: (He that hath not ben on the sea). 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 29: (Who saileth not). 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. II, p. 17:
(Yet is it a common saying, that he that goes not by sea, dooth not
knowe). 1623 WOD., p. 230: Hee who trauelleth not by Sea, knew
not what the fear of God was. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 143.
Cf. 8173: He that will learn to pray let him go to sea.
$186 The greatest SEAS have the sorest storms
61515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. III, p. 28: In greatest seas moste sorest
is tempest. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 101: In largest seas are sorest
tempests. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 28.
8187 He promises SEAS and mountains
1573 SANF., f. 104v. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29v. 1611
FLOR., s.v. Romae Toma, p. 450: To promise Gods coape, or
wonders, or as we say Seas and Mountaines. 1611 JONSON Cat.
II 310, p. 46 5: Tut, all your promis’d mountaynes, And seas, I am
so stalely acquainted with. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Monti, p.
108: (To promise). *To promise .. impossibilities.
Cf. M1216: He promises mountains (golden hills) and performs
molehills (dirty dales); M1217: To promise mountains (golden
mountains).
8188 Many SEAMS1 many beans
61640 SMYTH 99, p. 33: *An husbandly proverbe checkinge great
and broad furrowes, too frequent with our hynde servants.
[’furrows]
$189 A SEAMAN, if he carries a millstone, will have a
quart1 out of it
1670 RAY, s.v. Drinking Phrases, p. 218: *Spoken of the common
mariners, if they can come at things that may be eat or drunk.
[Ray 1670 and 1678 editions print quait for quart]
8190 Everything is good in its SEASON
1591 STEP., p. 150: Euery thing in his season, and after pescods
come peason [peas]. 1616 DR., s.v. Season, no. 1916: (in it season).
1639 CL., s.v. Opportunitas, p. 237. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p.
21: Every thing in its season, and Turnips in Autum. 1664 COD.,
p. 191. 1670 RAY, p. 23. 1732 FUL., no. 1467.
Cf. T314: There is a time for all things (everything has its time).
8191 You have not got the first SEAT 0n the midding1
today .
1641 FERG., no. 427: He hes not gotten the first seat of the midding
the day. 1721 KEL., p. 374: *Much to the same purpose when
People are crabbed and we know not for what.
Pdunghflfl
8192 He that tells his SECRET is another’s servant
(slave)
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 71: For according to the saying, He
bringeth him selfe in subjection to another, which telleth his secret


to him who knewe it not. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I i, 5,
B1: He that discloseth to a freend the secrets of his minde: Dooth
rob him selfe of libertie. 1631 MABBE Celestina II, p. 63: For to
whom thou tellest thy secret, to him doest thou give thy liberty.
1640 HERB., no. 508: (a secret). 1647 J. HOWELL Let. II 75, 11
504: I find it now true, That he who discovers his secrets to another,
sells him his Liberty and becomes his Slave. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 10: Who discovers his secret maketh himself a slave. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 3: Tell thy friend thy secret, and he will lay his foot
on thy throat. 1659 N.R., p. 57: (a secret). 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
28, p. 254: Who tells his secret, makes himselfa slave. I721 KEL.,
p. 201: If you will tell your Secret to your Servant, you have made
him your Master. *F or having that hawnk [hold] over yon he will
be saucy. 1732 FUL., no. 5184: To him, that you tell your Secret,
you resign your Liberty. 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: To whom thy
secret thou dost tell, To him thy freedom thou dost sell.
Cf. $195: Thy secret is thy prisoner, if thou let it go thou art a
prisoner to it. (6)
8193 A SECRET is too little for one, enough for two,
too much for three
1611 COT., s.v. Trois: As good let all, as three, men know a thing.
8.1642 MONSON Naval Tracts II, p. 308: It is an old saying, That a
Secret is hard for one to keep, enough for two, and too much for
three. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 28: No secrets but between two.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 9: A secret is good in one, better in two,
ill in three, and worse in four. 1659 N.R., p. 12.
Cf. O56: One is too few, three too many; T257: Three (Two) may
keep counsel if two (one) be away.
8194 A SECRET ought to be hidden
1573 SANF., f. 106V: (to be concealed). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX,
f. 31. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 67: Secrets are hidden: yea so they
ought But beasts still shew them for a thing of nought.
$195 Thy SECRET is thy prisoner, if thou let it go thou
art a prisoner to it
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 409.
Cf. 5192: He that tells his secret is another’s servant (slave).
8196 Trust no SECRET with a woman
1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao III iv 32: Because there was neuer any
thing in the bottom of a womans hart, that commeth not to her
tongs end. 1587 GREENE Penelope’s Weh, p. 214: Womens secrets
0ft hang at the tips of their tungs. 1639 CL., s.V. Foeminae, p. 1 I7.
Cf. N325: Tell nothing to a woman and a pie unless thou wouldst
have all the world to know it; W347a: Do not tell your wife all you
know; W362: He that tells his wife news is but newly married;
W649: A woman conceals what she knows not.
8197 If you would know SECRETS look them in grief
or pleasure
I640 HERB., no. 363. I659 N.R., p. 65. 1664 COD., p. 202. 1670
RAY, p. 23: (Would you know secrets, look them in). 1732 FUL.,
no. 5828: Would you know Secrets? look for them in Grief or
Pleasure.
8198 It is done SECUNDUM USUM SARUM
[a1529] 1542—8 SKELTON Beware Hawk 1. 103: Wks., I 158: Sed non
secundum Sarum. 1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: W ks., III 400:
For the Winter nights the tales shall be told secundum vsum Sarum.
I655 FULLER Church Hist. III i, I 276: Henceforward the most
ignorant parish-priest . . understood the meaning of secundum usum
Sarum, that all service must be ordered according to the course and
custom of Salisbury church. 1656-91 AUBREY Nat. Hist. Wilts. II
V, p. 9 5: The consistorie of this Church (Salisbury) was as eminent
for learning as any in England, and the Choire had the best method:
hence came the saying secundum usum Sarum. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Wiltshire, II 438: *Many Oflices or Forms of Service were
used . . in England . . untill Osmond Bishop of Sarum, about the
year . . 1090, made that . . Office, which was generally received all
over England . . It is now applyed to . . Patterns of unquestionable
Authority. 1670 RAY, p. 254.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SECURITY
SEEM
59I
8199 He that means to pay gives good SECURITY
1611 COT., s.v. Bien: (to pay truly). 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love
and Elog., p. 176. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 184: Who means to
pay honestly, cares not how strong he is bound.
Cf. P131: A good paymaster needs no surety; P132: A good pay-
master starts not at assurances.
8200 Better to be blind than to SEE ill
1640 HERB., no. 126.
S201 I may SEE him need but I’ll not see him bleed
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 580: He wil sie his freind neid quho wil not Sie
him bleed. 1639 CL., p. 42. 1641 FERG., no. 141: (A man may see
his friend need, but he will not). 1670 RAY, p. 187: *Parents will
usually say this of prodigal or undutiful children; meaning, I will be
content to see them suffer a little hardship, but not any great
calamity. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To need.
8202 It is easy to SEE, hard to foresee
1574 B. RICH Dial. hetw. Merc. and Eng. Sold., s. D4v: Xeno sayeth,
to see is but a smal thing, but to forsee is a token of good wit.
1732 FUL., no. 5224: To see may be easy; but to foresee, that is the
fine Thing. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 10.
S203 SEE me and see me not
1546 HEY. II v, S. H2v: If he plaie falsehed in felowshyp, plaie ye
Se me, and se me not, the worst part to fle. 1562 HEY. Epig. 210,
p. 160: Seest me and seest me not, both one thing for soth As good
vnseene as seene whose sight no good doth. 1596 NASHE Saflron-
Walden: Wks., III 129: See him and see him not. 1616 DR., s.v.
Dissimulation, no. 51 8: (He playeth, See me, and). 1618 BELCHIER
Hans Beer-Pot title page: See mee, and see mee not. 1639 CL., p.
289.
S204 To SEE it rain is better than to be in it
1639 CL., s.v. Securitatis, p. 278. 1670 RAY, p. 140.
no. 5223: To see a Storm is better than to feel it.
1732 FUL.,
8205 We SEE sleeping that which we wish for waking
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 145. 1596 SPENSER IV v 43: The
things that day most minds, at night doe most appeare. 1630 T.
ADAMS Way Home: IVks., p. 842: What man desires in the day, he
dreames in the night.
8206 Who so blind as he that will not SEE?
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4: Who is . . so blynde, as is hee, That wilfully
will nother here nor see. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 185. 1616
BRET. (Hunt. frag., S. A4v): None so blind as they that will not see.
—Yes, they that cannot see. 1636 CAM., p. 309: (Who is so).
1659 HEYLIN in Fuller Appeal II, p. 506: Which makes me wonder
. . that, having access to those records . . he should declare himself
unable to decide the doubt . . But none so blind as he that will not
see. 1670 RAY, p. 64. 1671 Westminster Droll. I, p. 20: Ther’s
none so blind As those that will not see. 1732 F UL., no. 6172.
SHAKESPEARE.—1597 Rich. III (Q9) III vi 12: Yet who so blind
but sayes he sees it not?
Cf. H295: Who so deaf as he that will not hear? (9)
8207 I have SEEN as far come as nigh
I546 HEY. I xi, s. D3. 1562 HEY. Epig. 232, p. 164. I584 PEELE
Arr. Paris IV iii, s. D2v: Haue seene as farre to come as neare, for
all her raunging so. 61594 BACON, no. 638. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 7.
8208 Seldom SEEN soon forgotten
a1536 HILL 35, p. 129. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D2. 1599 H. PORTER
Two Women Ah. iii, s. EIV: Forsooth as vse makes perfectnes, so
seldome scene is soone forgotten. 1611 GRUT., no. 222. 1614
CAM., p. 311: (is soone forgotten). 1639 CL., p. 231: (is soone- for-
gotten). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9: (is soon forgotten). 1664
COD., p. 21 I: (and soon forgotten). 1670 RAY, p. 140.
Cf. F596: Long absent soon forgotten; S437: Out of sight out of
languor; S438: Out of sight out of mind.

8209 He that sows good SEED shall reap good corn
61569 W. WAGER Longer Thou Livest, S. A2: But commonly of good
Seed procedeth good Corne. 1616 DR., s.v. Beginning, no. 117.
1659 N.R., p. 48. 1700 TRYON Let. 1, p. 3: If the Seed he Sowes be
good . . his Crop is according . . if he Sows Tares . . will he expect
Wheat?
Cf. G405: Of evil grain no good seed can come; S210: Such seed
such harvest.
S210 Such SEED such harvest
[Gal. vi 7: Whatsoever a man soweth, that Shall he also reap.] 1573
TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 56, p. 126: Such seede as ye sowe, such
reape or else mowe. 1611 COT., s.v. Semence: Looke how you sow
so shall you reape. 1623 WOD., p. 516.
Cf. S209: He that sows good seed shall reap good corn.
8211 Of little SEEDS grow great cedars (trees)
[ERAS. Similia, 619A: Cupressi semina adeo minuta sunt.] 1576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 171: (trees). 1578 FLOR. First F., p. 16: Smal
is the seede, whence Cedar trees doo spring. 1579 GOSSON Sch.
Ahuse, p. 38: But tal Cedars, from little graynes shoote high. 1592
LYLY Gall. III iv 25: Of all Trees the Cedar is greatest, and hath the
smallest seedes.
Cf. A22: From acorns come oaks.
5212 SEEING is believing
[1621] 1662 MIDDLETON Anything Quiet Life IV ii 113: Why,
here is news that no man will believe but he that sees. 1639
CL., s.v. Diflidentiae, p. 90. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 175: Who
sees with his eye, believes with his heart. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Tomaso, p. 217: To be a-kin to Saint Thomas, Viz. who believes
not unless he toucheth; but the English usually say, Seeing is
believing. 1670 RAY, p. 140. 1712 J. ARBUTHNOT Law Bot. Pit
IV iv: Hist. 7ohn Bull, p. 237: There is nothing like Matter of Fact;
Seeing is Believing. 1721 KEL., p. 298: Seeing is believing all the
World over. 1732 FUL., no. 4087: Seeing’s Believing, but Feeling’s
the Truth.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1594-8 T.S. Ind. ii 70: Am I a 10rd? . . I see, I
hear, I speak; I smell sweet savours and I feel soft things. Upon
my life, I am a lord indeed. 1597 I Hen. IV V iv 139: I prithee
speak. We will not trust our eyes Without our ears. 1599 A.Y.
V iv 125: If there be truth in Shape, you are my Rosalind. 1601
T.N. IV iii 2: This pearl she gave me, I do feel’t and see’t; And
though ’tis wonder that enwraps me thus, Yet ’tis not madness.
Cf. B267: I cannot believe it though I saw it myself; B268: I
will believe it when I see it; M70: AS if a man that is killed should
come home upon his feet; T446: As true as touch.
S213 He that SEEKS finds
[Matt. vii 8: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that
seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.]
1534 J. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. C2: The olde seyng seyth he that
seketh shall fynde. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. HI: As thou
seekest so shalte thou finde. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34: Who
seeketh, fyndeth. 1581 B. RICH Fare. Mil. Prof., p. 127: As the
proverbe is, he that sekes shall finde. 1605 Trial Chivalry, s. KIV:
Then the old saying is verified, He that seeks, shall find. 1616 DR.,
no. 1924.
Cf. L455: It is lost that is unsought; N315: Nothing seek noth-
ing find.
S214 Be what thou would SEEM to be
[ERAS. Adagia, 990A: Cura esse, quod audis.] 1539 TAV., f. 49v:
Se thou be that thou arte reported and borne“ in hande to be.
1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. III vi, p. 59: Yet inward stuffe, (of
vertue) doth excell . . It loves to be, much better then to seeme.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 155: A man ought to indevour to bee
suche a one, as hee desireth to seeme to bee. 1590 SPENSER F92.
III vii 29: But rather ioyd to bee then seemen sich. 1592 LYLY
Gall. II i 4: O woulde the gods had made mee as I seeme to be [a
boy], or that I might safelie be what I seeme not. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 264: Be the same thing thow wold be called. 1612 CHAP-
MAN Widow’s Tears IV ii 50: Thou seem’st an honest soldier; pray
thee then, Be as thou seem’st. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II 111

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
SEGGING 592 SERVANT


vii, p. 556: Seem not greater than thou art. 1640 HERB., no. 720. $223 SEND and fetch
I641 FERG., no. 195: Be the same thing that thou wald be cald.
1659 N.R., p. 23. 1664 COD., p. 188. 1666 Tea. 11. Prov. 35. p. 3115538: 5,11,21,10 120" 1668 R'B" 1" 46' 172‘ KE'" 1" ’88=
188: (One ought to be such, as one would). I668 R.B., p. 14: [As ’ P '
in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 68: Be what you seem, and Seem 8224 SEPTEMBER, blow soft till the fruit is in the loft
what on are. 1732 FUL., no. 849: (Be as you would). I744 _ _ _ .
FRANRYLIN p. 21: What you would seem to be, be really. 1573 TUSSER 500 Pom“ Hush 16> P- 34‘ (T111 frulte be "1 10ft)-
, 1732 FUL., no. 6214.
SHAKESPEARE—I604 M.M. III ii 40: That we were all, as some
would seem to be, Free from our faults, as from faults seeming free!
1604 0. III iii 126: Men should be what they seem; Or those that 8225 Wh1t6d SEPULCHERS (Women are Whited Sepul-
be not, would they might seem none! —Certain, men should be Chefs)
What they 566m- 1608 C- III i 2131 Be that You seem, tI'UIY Your [Matt. xxiii 27: For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed
country's friend' appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones,
Ch 0681 Opinion sways the WOT 1d; 5408: More Show than Shh“ and of all uncleanness.] 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 80: In goodly
Stance; T1991 Things 211' e net as they seem: sumptuous sepulchres rotten bones are rife, so fairest words are ever
1 . 2 fullest of falsehood. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 202: Doth not
8215 SEGGINF’ ls good coPe . experience teach vs that in the most curious Sepulchre are enclosed
1546 HEY. 11 1X, 8- L1! The douehe [German] man salethi that rotten bones? 1584 LYLY Camp. II ii 56: Sepulchres [have] fresh
Seggyngls geed eOPe- 1.613 ROBARTES Revenue GOJPeZXIH’P' 104‘ colours, but rotten bones; women faire faces, but false heartes.
Alasse, _ala$$e> Seggmg 13 no geed eerg: thou muse Shewe and 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 173: [Women are] white but sepulchers.
prooue 1t. _ 1593 GREENE Mamillia II, p. 26: Rotten bones out of a paynted
[‘sedgc ’covermgl Sepulchre. I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 26v: A faire
8216 SEILI comes not while (till) son-0w be gone woman with foule conditions, is like a sumptuous sepulcher full of
rotten bones. 1600 R. CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 458: A painted
(over) Sepulcher, faire without, but within full of mortal infection and
a1598 FERG- MS, no- 11861 (tilli- I64I FERG‘, ho- 757- 1668 stench. [1602] I631 CHETTLE Hofl'man II, s. D4v: Shee is as
R-B-, P- 47- I721 KEL» P. 9-941 (’till SOI'I‘OW he OVCFI- *Eng- harlots, faire, like guilded tombs Goodly without; within all rot-
When Bale is highest Boot is next. tennes,
Cf. B 59: When bale is highest boot is next. SHAKESPEARE—I592 T. And. IV ii 97: What, what, ye sanguine,
[’happiness] shallow-hearted boys! Ye white-lim’d walls! 1596 M. V. II vii 69:
Gilded tombs do worms infold.
8217 SELF d0 Self have Cf. F29: Fair without but foul within.
a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 37: Who so self do, self haue. 1546 HEY.
I viii, s. CI. [9.1550] 1630 Mer. Tales Madmen Gotham 12 In Shak. $226 A SERGEANT is the spawn of some decayed shop-
Yest-Bks., III 16. I579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 46. 1593 Tell- keeper
Trothe's Gift in Tell-Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc. p. 7. 1605
CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho V,i 123, 1621 I615 OVERBURY Characters P. Sgt., p. 88: The spawne ofadecayed
R. BURTON Anat. M. II 111 vii, p. 549: Self do, self have, as the Shop keeper begets this fry [a sergeantl- I659 HOW- Eng- Prov-s
saying is. 1641 FERG., no. 754: Self deed, self fa [come to your P- 10-
share]. 1664 COD., p. 21 I. 1668 R.B., p. 48. 1721 KEL., p. 300: , _ _
Self deed, self fa. *That is, as you do to others, so it will befall 8227 He that has been bltten by a SERPENT 15 afrald
you. 1732 FUL., no. 4091. Of a rope
Cf- $997= Hot suP hot Swallow- 1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 407.
_ . - , Cf. A33: Whom an adder bites dreads a lizard; C163: A scalded
8218 SELF LOVE IS a mOte m every man S eye cat (dog) fears cold water; C297: The burnt child dreads the fire.
I616 WITHALS, p. 564. 1639 CL., p. 2 54. 1670 RAY, p. 141. 1732
F U1... no- 4093- , , , 8228 A SERPENT must eat another serpent before he
Cf. M540: Men are bhnd In their own cause. can become a dragon
8219 SELF-PRESERVATION iS nature’s fiISt law [ERAS. Adagia, 796C: Serpens ni edat serpentem, draco non fiet.]
[1602-9] 1644 DONNE Biathanatos I 11 ii, p. 44: It is onely upon this I59.8 BARCKLEY Fel- Ma” V: P- 396* There hath beene a common
reason, that selfe-preservation is of Natural! Law. 1643 DIGGES saymgi serpenss n1 Seljpsntem edat, draeo non fiet- vnhappy 311' e
Unlawfulne“ firm, IV, p_ 137, self Preservation is justifiable by they that make the m1ser1es of others riches to themselues. 1611
the law of nature. 1675 [MARVELL] Hodge’s Vision 1. 146: Wks., IOI‘ISON caf- HI 523s P- 485: A serpent: ere he eemes to be a dragon,
I 439: Self-preservation, nature’s first great law. 1681 DRYDEN De 5 eate a bat: 1612 BACON EJJay5> P- ale: No man Prospers $10
Span. Friar IV ii, p. 485: Self-preservation is the first of laws. suddenly, as by Others errours~ serpens nlSlserPenten,1 eemedent
[a1691] 1701 FLAVEL Sea Deliv., p. 70: The Principle of Self-preser- non fit draco: [1613] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL- Hon- Man 3_ F071- 111,
vation, will make every Man carve first for himself. I732 FUL., P- 244: The Shake that would be a Dragon, and have Wings) must
eat. I659 N.R., p. 88: Rich men are like Whales, for they grow
nob??9c41' 10: To be om’s own carven great by the mine of others. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 257: If a
snake did not eat a snake, there would be no dragon. 1679 DRY-
S220 Rather SELL than be poor DEN AND LEE Oedipus III, p. 174: A serpent n’er becomes a flying
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 400. 1732 FUL., no. 941: Better sell, dragon, Tin he has eat a serpents
than livg Poorly b Cf. F3111} Till-[e great fish eat gig smrqll; L354:lc'lTlhe little cannot
e reat un ess e evours man ; : ere wou e no reat ones
8221 Better SOLD than bought if there were no little ones. y 3 g
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4v. 1639 CL., p. 168: He’s now better to be _ o .
sold, then he was before to be given. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 17: 8229 When the SERPENT IS dead the POISOD W111 110i
Better sell then buy by far. hurt
Cf, B151; Better a. beast sold than bought. 1616 DR., no. 440. 1639 CL., p. 216: (the poyson hurts not).
8222 The SELVAGE Shows the cloth S ' Ch f th S h h d
1611 COT., s.v Maistre: We say, the seluidge makes shew of the 230 0086 none or y ERVANT w 0 as serve
cloth. I670 RAY, p. 141: The self-edge makes shew of the cloth. thy betters
I732 FUL., no. 4744. I640 HERB., no. 1007: (who have). 1659 N.R., p. 26.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SERVANT
SERVICE
593

rf
8231 A common SERVANT is no man’s servant
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 85, p. 28.
Cf. P226: He that serves the people (commonalty) serves nothing;
S244: He that serves everybody is paid by nobody.
8232 A good SERVANT must come when you call him,
go when you bid him, and shut the door after
him
1628 J. HOWELL Let. I v 13, I 264: (will come). I738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 422: (Remember, that a good servant must always come
when he’s called, do what he’s bid, and).
Cf. S723: Speak when you are spoken to, come when you are
called.
8233 A good SERVANT should have the back of an ass,
the tongue of a Sheep, and the snout of a swine
01503 A. BARCLAY Castle Labor, 3. D4: If that thou wolt thy mays-
ter please Thou must haue these thre propertees Fyrst must thou
haue an asses eares Wyth an hertes fete in all degrees An hogges
snout. 1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 18v: The property of a
good Servant. It is required in a good seruant, to haue the backe of
an Asse, to beare all things patiently, the tongue of a sheep, to keep
silence gently, and the snout of a Swine, to feede on all things
heartily. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 258: A hogs snout, an asses
back, and a harts legs, a good servant ought to have. *Note 123,
p. 276: To eat any thing, and endure any thing, and run of errants,
spoken of the inferiour frie of servants.
8234 He that has one SERVANT has two, he that has
two has but half a one, and he that has three
has none at all
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 45. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
9, p. 2 58: Who sets one servant about work, hath him wholly, who
two, hath half a one, and who three, never a one.
8235 An ill SERVANT will never be a good master
a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 97. I623 WOD., p. 479: Hee can not be a good
Maister that hath not bene a good Seruant. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
28, p. 183: He can hardly prove a good master, who never was a
good servant. I668 R.B., p. 7. I697 MER., p. 163. 1721 KEL.,
p. 50: An ill Servant never proved a good Master.
Cf. M714: He can ill be master that never was scholar; S237:
One must be a servant before he can be a master.
8236 Never keep a SERVANT against his will, nor kins-
man, nor friend, if you intend to be well served
1640 HERB., no. 789: A kinsman, a friend, or whom you intreate,
take not to serve you, if you wil be served neately. I658 [EDMOND-
SON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 239: A Kinsman or a Friend will look for
more, and do lesse then a Servant. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 1:
Neither take too young a boy, nor kinsman, nor one that is intreated
for thy servant. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 257.
See DUR., II, no. 748.
8237 One must be a SERVANT before he can be a mas-
ter
1596 DEL., s. O7v: In seruing well, and being faithfull, one may
become of a good seruant, a good master. 1616 DR., no. 1941:
(before that hee). I659 N.R., p. 82.
Cf. M714: He can ill be master that never was scholar; S235:
An ill servant will never be a good master; S246: He that has not
served knows not how to command.
8238 A SERVANT is known in the absence of his master
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 16. 1732
FUL., no. 390: (by his Master’s Absence).
8239 The SERVANT of a king is a king
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 402.
Cf. S251: No service to the king’s.
8240 A SERVANT that is diligent, honest, and good
must sing at his work like a bird in the wood
I590 GREENE Royal Exch., p. 311: (An olde Englishe disticke. A
servant). [01597] I637 DELONEY Gentle Craft I, p. 60: It is an old
prouerbe. They proue servants kind and good That sing at their
businesse like birds in the wood.
8241 To the SERVANT the bit of good manners
I6II COT., s.v. Morceau: The last morsell in the dish is the seruants
fee (some holding it but a rude part to leaue a dish emptie). 1659
HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 11: *The last bit.
8242 So many SERVANTS so many enemies (foes)
[ERAS. Adagia, 493D: Quot servos habemus, totidem habemus
hostes.] I539 TAV., f. 34: Loke how many bondmen we haue and so
many enemyes we haue. Euery man naturally desyreth to be at
lybertie, and therfore he can not but hate in his harte, those that
kepe hym in bondage. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 101: Ac-
cording to the saying, We have so many enemies as we have ser-
vantes. 1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne II, II 78: (Old Cato was
wont to say, So many). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 257: (foes).
Cf. M515: Feared men be fearful.
8243 He is not free that SERVES others
1616 DR., no. 1936. 1631 MABBE Celestina IX, p. 158: He that
serves another, is not his own man.
Cf. C213: He is not free that draws his chain.
8244 He that SERVES everybody is paid by nobody
[ERAS. Adagia, 932E: Ingratitudo vulgi.] I611 COT., s.v. Abbayer:
He that serues a Communaltie is controlled by euery one, rewarded
by none. Ibid., s.v. Commun: The seruice clone to a people no man
rewards, the disseruices euery man railes at. 1732 F UL., no. 2295.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6o6-7 A. C. I ii 192: Our slippery people, Whose
love is never link’d to the deserver Till his deserts are past.
Cf. P226: He that serves the people (commonalty) serves
nothing; S231: A common servant is no man’s servant; W843:
Everybody’s work is nobody’s work.
8245 He that SERVES must serve
1640 HERB., no. 781.
8246 He that has not SERVED knows not how to com-
mand
[ERAS. Adagia, 25E: Non bene imperat, nisi qui paruerit im-
perio.] I539 TAV., f. 2: N 0 man can be a good ruler, onles he hath
bene fyrste ruled. I573 SANF., f. 103. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX,
f. 28V: Who hath not serued, can not commaund. I629 Bk. Mer.
Rid. 81, p. 28. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 296: Who knows not how to
command, knows not how to obey. I734 FRANKLIN, p. 8: He that
cannot obey, cannot command.
Cf. S237: One must be a servant before he can be a master.
8247 He that will be SERVED must be patient
I640 HERB., no. 350. I659 N.R., p. 55.
8248 If you would be well SERVED serve yourself
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 13: (If thou wilt be). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 5, p. 258: Hast a mind to be well serv’d, even serve thy own
self. I737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: If you’d have a servant that you like ,
serve yourself.
Cf. D401: For that which thou canst do thyself rely not on
another; M84: Command your man and do it yourself.
8249 The first SERVICE a child does his father is to
make him foolish
1640 HERB., no. 459. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
236: (doth to his Father). I659 N.R., p. 101: (doth a Father).
1664 COD., p. 219.
8250 Good SERVICE is a great enchantment
1616 DR., no. 1933: No such enchantment as a good seruice.
HERB., no. 287.
1640

1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 237:

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
SERVICE
SHAFT
594

(_A good). 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 2: There is not such an en-
chantment as good service. 1659 N.R., p. 38.
8251 No SERVICE to the king’s
1484 CAXTON Curial, p. 19: Ne seruyse, lyke to the kyng souerayn.
1611 COT., s.V. Maistre: (the King). 1616 DR., no. 1928: (the
King). 1639 CL., p. 105.
Cf. F336: There is no fishing to the sea nor service to the king;
S239: The servant ofa king is a king.
8252 Proffered SERVICE (ware) stinks
[ERAS. Adagia, 353E: Merx ultronea putet.] 1508 STANBRIDGE
Vulgaria, p. 15. 1539 TAV., f. 27v: [AS in Eras.]. Profered ware
stynketh. *Seruice that is wyllyngly offered is for most parte to be
suspected. 1546 HEY. II iv, 5. G2V. I562 HEY. Epig. 198, p. 159:
Proferde seruice stinketh, thou art deceiued else, Thy proferde
seruice stinkth not: thou stinkst thy selfe. 1581-90 Timon I iv,
p. 13: Foh, how this proffered seruice stinks. 1601 MARSTON
_‘7ack Drum I, S. CIV: Toh [for foh], phi, phi, your proffer[ed] ware
stink. 1611 COT., s.v. Vendu: Ware that is offered yeelds but halfe
a price; we say, proIIered ware stinkes. 1611 GRUT., no. 216.
1614 CAM., p. 311. 1616 DR., no. 1943. 1616 WITHALS, p. 564:
(ware). 1633 W. ROWLEY All’s Lost hy Lust II ii 56: What?
proffer’d ware? foh! 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 71: (ware).
Ibid., p. 233. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 209.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 176: Who proerreth himself, abaseth
himself. *Note 27, p. 181: The English say, Offered Ware stinks.
1670 RAY, p. 134: Proffer’d service (and so ware) stinks. 1732
FUL., no. 3954.
See DUR., I, no. 86. Cf. G52: Boden gear stinks; T94: He is
more busy than he has thanks for his labor. (10)
S253 SERVICE is no inheritance (heritage)
15th 6. Sloane MS 381 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 255: For seruyse is
non erytage. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 106: Thus worldly
seruyce is no sure herytage. 61553 BECON jewel 70y: Cat., p. 442:
(heritage). 1599 T. HEYWOOD I Edw. IV, p. 50: (heritage).
[61600] 1706 George a Greene 2 in Early Eng. Prose Rom., II 167:
Service was no herritage. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. E4v: (heritage).
1616 DR., no. 1935: (heritage). 1640 HERB., no. 787. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 13. 1659 N.R., p. 89. 1664 COD., p. 211. 1670
RAY, p. 141. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Service. 1721 KEL., p. 298: *An
Argument for Servants to seek out for some Settlement.
SHAKESPEARE.—I602 A.W. I iii 19: But, ifI may have your
ladyship’s good will to go to the world, Isbel the woman and I
will do as we may . . Service is no heritage.
See DUR., I, no. 720. Cf. B171: Beauty is no heritage (in-
heritance); K81: A king’s favor is no inheritance; L253: Life is no
sure inheritance.
8254 SERVICE without reward is punishment
1616 DR., no. 1942: Service vnrewarded is a punishment. 1640
HERB., no. 1008. 1659 N.R., p. 92.
8255 An old SERVINGMAN a young beggar
1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, S. C4: (I holde it an infallible rule,
An olde). [61605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 137: Is this your
man, Matheo? An old Seruing-man. —You may give me t’other
halfe too, sir: That’s the Begger. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER
North. Ho III, S. E2: An old Seruing-man turnes to a young beggar,
whereas a young Prentise may turne to an old Alderman. [61637]
1659 R. BROME Eng. Moor III iii, p. 46:1 am too old to seek out a
new Master. I will not beg, because Ile crosse the proverb That
runs upon old serving creatures. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 I iii 17: An old cloak makes a
new jerkin; a wither’d servingman a fresh tapster.
Cf. A278: A broken apothecary a new doctor; C737: A young
courtier an old beggar; S256: A young servingman an old beggar.
8256 A young SERVINGMAN an old beggar
1616 DR., no. 1945. 1636 CAM., p. 291. 1639 CL., p. 124. 1642
FULLER Holy State I vii, p. 18: It is as usuall to see a young serving-
man an old beggar, as to see a light-horse first from the great
saddle of a Nobleman to come to the hackney-coach, and at last die
S263


in drawing a carre. 1659 How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p,
7b. 1659 N.R., p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 160. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Young.
Cf. C737: A young courtier an Old beggar; S255: An old serving-
man a young beggar.
8257 SEVEN at a feast, nine at a fray
[ERAS. Adagia, 149C: Septem convivium, novem convicium.] 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 248: The feast alwayes ought to begin at
the graces, and end at the muses: that is, that the number of the
guests be not under three, nor above nine. 1613 STEPHENS
Cynthia’s Rev. II ii, s. FIV: Three to a banquet, foure beget a
braule Sayes our instructiue adage. 1630 BRATHWAITE Eng,
Gentlem. Moderation, p. 318: Which use was occasion of that
adage, Septem convivium, novem convitium faciunt; Seven make a
banquet, nine a riot. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 131. 1681 ROB.,
p. 598. 1732 FUL., no. 4113: Seven may be Company, but nine
are Confusion.
8258 Sometimes SEVERITY is better than gentleness
1616 DR., no. 1947. 1664 COD., p. 210.
Cf. R155: Spare the rod and spoil (spill) the Child (He that
spares the rod hates the child).
8259 You may as soon sip up the SEVERN and swallow
Mavern1
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 20. 1670 RAY, p. 258: You may sip up
the Severn and swallow Mavern as soon.
Cf. O9: To drink the ocean dry.
[1the Malvern hills]
S260 The SEXTON is a fatal musician
1639 CL., s.v. Mori, p. 214.
8261 To be afraid of his own (a) SHADOW
[ERAS. Adagia, 208C: Umbram suam metuere.] 1550 CROWLEY
Way to Wealth l. 653: Wks., p. 149: They should be feared wyth
Shadowes! 1567 G. FENTON Trag. Dis. 13, II 285: He retorned
with more fear Of his shadow then true reaporte of that he had in
Charge. 1580 BARET, V—93: Vmbram suam metuere . . As our
English Prouerbe is, He is afraid of his owne shadowe. 1616 DR.,
no. 708: He feareth his owne shadow. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Ombra, p. 122: (of a shadow). 1670 RAY, p. 161: Afraid of his own
shadow. 1672 WALK. 64, p. 53.
$262 To fight with one’s own SHADOW
[ERAS. Adagia, 1087c: Cum umbra pugnare.] I570 DEE Pref. in
Billingsley Elem. Geom., s. A4: I will not fight against myne owne
shadowe. 1579 FULKE Heskins et al. Overthr., p. 377: In which
argument he fighteth with his owne shadowe. 1623 WOD., p. 505:
It is in vaine to fight with his Shadow. 1639 CL., p. 229: You
fight with your own shadow. 1659 FULLER Appeal III, p. 592: To
fight with a shadow, (whether one’s own or another’s), passeth for
the proverbial expression of a vain and uselessact. 1670 RAY,
p. 175: *To be afraid of his own fancies, imagining danger or ene-
mies, where there are none.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 214. V. I ii 66: He will fence with his own
Shadow.
To follow one like his SHADOW
1551 T. WILSON Rule Reason, f. 41v: Praise followeth vertue, as
the shadowe doeth the bodie. 1566-8 WILMOT ET AL. Gismond IV
ii 11 1: To wayt on me, as shadow in the shining day. 1580 BARET,
V—26: Like the shadowe which followeth the bodie. 1623 WEBSTER
Devil’s Law-Case V i 5 5: I like your shade pursue you.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. II vi 34: By him, like a shadow,
I’ll ever dwell.
See Otto, no. 1818; T. 547, p. 270.
8264 To make a SHAFT (bolt) or a bolt (shaft) of it
1594 NASHE Terrors Night: Wks., I 368: To make a shaft or a bolt
of this drumbling subiect of dreames. 1608 MIDDLETON Trick to
Catch Old One II i 402: I’ll quickly make a bolt or a shaft on’t.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite Verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SHAFT
SHAME
595

1616 DR., s.v. Venturing, no. 2230: (He will make). 1623 HOWELL Let. I iii 24, I 182: The Prince is preparing for hisjourney;
I shall to it again closely when he is gone, or make a Shaft or a bolt of
it. 1639 CL., p. 110: I’le make either bolt or Shaft of it. 1659
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17: (Ile quickly make). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Cappa, p. 29: To come of? one way or other, by hook or by
crook, to make a shot or a bolt on’t. 1670 RAY, p. 165: To make a
bolt or a Shaft of a thing. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To venture,
p. 345: I’le make either a bolt or shaft of it. 1694 ECHARD Fair
Andrian II, p. 12: Since my Life’s at stake, I’m resolv’d to make a
Bolt or a Shaft on’t.
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo-1 III iv 24: I’ll make a shaft or a
bolt on’t. ’Slid, ’tis but venturing!
8265 You can never made a good SHAFT (arrow) of a
pig’s (sow’s) tail
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: Of a pigges taile you can neuer
make a good shaft. *Bray a foole in a morter you cannot make him
leaue his follie: a clowne will neuer be made a king. 61640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 44: Naturall cowardise will neuer bee
reduced to true fortitude: for of a pigges tayle can neuer be made a
good shaft. 1651 HERB., p. 369: Of a pig’s taile you can never
make a good shaft. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 1: One can never
make a streight Arrow of a Sowes tayl. 1664 COD., p. 208: [AS in
1659 How.]. 1732 FUL., no. 5872.
Cf. F447: Bray a fool in a mortar, you cannot make him leave
his folly; H619: You cannot make a horn (pipe, whistle) of a pig’s
(ape’s, tod’s) tail; P666: You cannot make a Silk purse of a Sow’s ear.
Sz66—S281 SHAME: su bst.
8266 He that borrows must pay again with SHAME or
loss
1639 CL., p. 246: He that will borrow must pay. 1670 RAY, p. 104:
*Shame if he returns not as much as he borrowed, loss if more.
8267 He that deceives me once SHAME fall him, if he
deceives me twice shame fall me
1595 COPLEY Wits, Fits I, p. 45: A Politician wonted to say: Who
SO deceiues me once, God forgiue him, If twise, God forgiue him,
and God forgiue me; But if thrise, Still God forgiue him, but ner’e
forgiue me. [a1600] I61 1 Tarlton’s jests in Shak. 7est-Bks., II
201: Who deceives me once, God forgive him! if twice, God forgive
him! but if thrice, God forgive him! but not me. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
II, p. 82: Who ever plays me one trick, shall never play me two.
1721 KEL., p. 134: *It is my own Blame ifI trust a Man again, that
has deceived me once. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Deceive: If a man de-
ceive me once, Shame on him; but if he deceive me twice, Shame
on me.
Cf. F121: The first faults are theirs that commit them, the second
theirs that permit them; M424: The wise man is deceived but once,
the fool twice.
8268 He that wants SHAME shall never much credit
win
1611 COT., s.v. Honneur.
p. 178: (never win credit).
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Elog.,
$269 It is a SHAME to steal (to steal a horse) but a
worse to carry (bring him) home
61570 Marr. Wit and Science IV i, s. C3v: You must aduenture both,
spare to speake, spare to speede, What tell you me of shame, it is
shame to steale a horse. 1639 CL., p. 190: (but a greater shame to
bring again). Ihid., s.v. Pudor, p. 268: ’Tis a shame to steale a
horse, but a worse shame to bring him home. 1659 N.R., p. 62.
1670 RAY, p. 141. 1732 FUL., no. 2875.
Cf. H693: Steal the horse and carry home the bridle.
8270 N0 greater SHAME to a man than to be a cuckold
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A7). 1639 CL., p. 328: (There’s no
greater shame than).

8271 Past SHAME past amendment (Shame once
found is lost)
61550 REDFORD Wit and Science, p. 45: AS the sayeng is and daylye
seene, Past shame once, and past all amendment. 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., II 31: They that have once passed the bounds of shame-
fastness, may ever after lawfully be impudent. 1605 CHAPMAN
All Fools III i 62: No, I’ll not see’t: For shame once found, is lost.
1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears III i 159: Shame once found is lost.
See T. 548, p. 270. Cf. W662: A woman that has lost her shame
has lost her respect and her good name.
$272 SHAME fall the couple, quoth the crow to her feet
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1217. 1721 KEL., p. 291: *A Word of Con_
tempt, when two joyn in one Fault.
S273 SHAME in a kindred cannot be avoided
1636 CAM., p. 305. 1659 N.R., p. 89. 1664 COD., p. 211.
Cf. F49: It is a poor family (kin) which has neither a whore nor
a thief in it; F557: Who has neither fools nor beggars nor whores
among his kindred was born of a stroke of thunder.
8274 SHAME is as it is taken
1546 HEY. I ix, s. C2.
Cf. S277: Shame take (Evil to) him that shame (evil) thinks.
8275 SHAME is past the shed of your hair
[You have lost all sense of shame] 1578 ROLLAND Seven Sages l.
1 188, p. 44: Schame is past the sched of thair hair, as weill we knaw.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1196. 1668 R.B., p. 48. 1721 KEL., p. 288:
*Spoken to People impudent, and past blushing.
S276 SHAME shall fall them that shame think to do
themselves a good turn
a1598 FERG. MS, no. I 185: Shame fall them who thinks Shaime to
do themselfs ane good turne. 1641 FERG., no. 755. 1668 R.B.,
p. 48. 1721 KEL., p. 292: (Shame fall). *Spoken to them that
quarrel with us for doing a Business that tends to our Advantage,
or to them who are asham’d to do so.
Cf. A342: He that is ashamed to eat is ashamed to live.
8277 SHAME take (Evil to) him that shame (evil)
thinks
1484 CAXTON Fah. Aesop V 12, p. 207: Now the euyl which men
wysshe to other cometh to hym whiche wyssheth hit. 1546 HEY.
I ix, s. C2. 1562 HEY. Epig. 46, p. 134. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par.
Dainty Dev., p. [68], ballad title: Euill to hym that euill thinketh.
1590 W. SEGAR Bk. Honor and Arms V vii, II 15: Hony soyt qui mal
y pence [motto of the Order of the Garter]. Which may bee thus
in English: Euill come to him, that euill thinketh. 1594 PEELE
Battle Alcazar V i, S. E4v: Ill be to him that so much ill bethinkes.
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 8 5: Wherefore shame to them
that shame thinke. 1596 SPENSER IV vi 6: Shame be his
meede (quoth he) that meaneth shame. 1611 GRUT., no. 224.
1614 CAM., p. 311. 1615 W. SMITH Hector Germ. IV ii, p. 112:
Euill bee to him that euill thinkes. 1616 DR., no. 1953: Shame be
to him that ill thinketh. 1639 CL., p. 269. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 19. 1659 N.R., p. 92. 1664 COD., p. 211. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
II, p. 200: To who thinks evil, evil befalls him.
SHAKESPEARE.——16oo-I V v 73: Honi soit qui mal y
pense write In em’rald tufts, flow’rs purple, blue, and white.
Cf. S274: Shame is as it is taken; S282: He that Shames shall be
Shent.
8278 Single long, SHAME at length
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 21.
8279 Some thinking to redeem their SHAME redouble
it
61500 Melusine XIX, p. 93: Such weneth to auenge his shame that
encreasseth it. 1611 COT., s.v. Accroistre. 1664 COD., p. 210.

In partial quotations wordng (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5'.
SHAME
SHEEP
596

8280 To have eaten SHAME and drunk after it
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vergogna, p. 228: To be impudent and
brazen fac’d; the English sayes, To have eaten shame, and drank
after it.
8281 Where no SHAME is there is no fear
1641 MILTON Reas. Church Govt. II iii: Wks., Pt. I, III 259: Where
shame is there is fear, but where fear is there is not presently shame.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 39, p. 301.
S282 SHAME: verb
S282 He that SHAMES shall be shent1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 519. 1668 R.B., p. 25. 1721 KEL., p. 159:
(let him be shent). *An Old Scottish Proverb not now used,
scarcely understood; a Wish that he who exposes his Neighbour,
may come to shame himself.
Cf. S277: Shame take (Evil to) him that shame (evil) thinks.
[1put to shame]
8283 The SHAPE of a good greyhound: a head like a
snake, a neck like a drake, a back like a beam,
a belly like a bream, a foot like a cat, a tail
like a rat
1486 J. BERNERS Bk. Hawking, s. F4v: The propreteis of a goode
Grehound. A Grehounde shulde be heded like a Snake, and
necked like a Drake. Foted like a Kat. Tayled like a Rat.
Syded lyke a Ferne. Chyned like a Berne. 1615 G. MARKHAM
Husbandm. Recr. vi, p. 48: An old Rime, left by our forefathers,
from which you shall understand the true shapes of a perfect Grey-
hound, and this it is. If you will have a good tike, Of which there
are few like, He must be headed like a Snake, Neckt like a Drake.
Backt like a beame. Sided like a Breame. Tailed like a Ratt.
And footed like a Cat. 1670 RAY, p. 212.
8284 To lick into SHAPE
1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears II iii 69: He has not licked his Whelp
into full shape yet. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. Democ. to Rdr.,
p. 24: Enforced, as a bear doth her whelps, to bring forth this con-
fused lump, I had not time to lick it into form.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI III ii 161: Like to a chaos, or an
unlick’d bear-whelp.
See SM., p. 527.
8285 As many SHAPES as Proteus
1589 T. COOPER Admon. People Eng., p. 26: Such a subtile Protheus
he is, that he can turne himselfe into all maner of shapes. 1600
Sir 7. Oldcastle, s. B3v: I haue as many shapes as Proteus had.
1620 T. GRANGER Syntagma Log. I 41, p. 137: More mutable then
I Proteus.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI III ii 191: I can
shapes with Proteus for advantages.
8286 SHARE and share alike
1611 COT., s.v. Escot: Whereat euerie guest payes his part, or,
share and share like. 1616 WITHALS, p. 562: Share and share like,
some all, some neuer a whit. 1635 Art Thriving in Somers Tracts,
VII 191: Not share and Share alike, but to every each one the more
according to their defects. 1639 CL., s.v. Inaequalis pensatio, p.
156: [As in 1616 Withals]. Ibid., p. 240. 1670 RAY, p. 218:
[As in 1616 Withals].
Cf. S578: To go snacks.
. . Change
8287 It is ill SHAVING against the wool
1576 PETERSON Galateo, p. 33: For, Fromewarde [froward], sig-
nifieth asmuche, as Shorne against the wooll. I604 Wit Woman,
s. F4: To counterfeit the young matron, it goes against the woll
howsoeuer wee weare the cloth. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 26: Marcus
is shauin against the wool. 1636 CAM., p. 300: It is shaven against
the wooll. 1659 N.R., p. 66. [8.1660] 1693 URQUHART Gargantua
III xxxvi, II 186: Let us turn the clean contrary way, and brush
our former Words against the Wool. 1670 RAY, p. 141.
Cf. F14: Thy face is shorn against the wool; H18: It goes against
the hair.


8288 I have taken the SHEAF from the mare
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1374: Tak the scheafi" fra the mear. 1721
KEL., p. 210: *That is, I have Stop’d my intended Journey. A
Man going a Journey, gave his Mare a Sheafoants, that she might
perform the better: But altering his Mind, he ordered the Sheaf
to be taken from her.
8289 I will take as falls in the SHEAF wherever it fall
1562 HEY. Epig. 217, p. 161. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (I will
take it [for as] falth).
S290 An ill SHEARER never got a good hook
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 69: Ane evill sheirer got never a good hooke.
I668 R.B., p. 6: (gat never). 1721 KEL., p. 12: *Spoken to those
who complain of the Tool that they are working with, alledging
that they may rather blame their own unskilfulness.
Cf. W857: An ill workman quarrels with his tools; W858: Never
had ill workman good tools.
8291 To be proud (To make much) of one’s painted
SHEATH
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 105: He is not a lytle proude of his
paynted sheythe and loketh of a heyght. 1546 HEY. I x, s. C4:
She maketh so muche of her paynted shethe. I562 HEY. Epig. 71,
p. 138: Thou makst much of thy peynted Sheathe, and wylt do,
It hauynge not one good knyfe longyng therto. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 737: He maks meikl of his painted sheets. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 96: Phryne makes much but of her painted Sheath. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Nugalia, p. 229: Proud of a painted sheath.
Cf. $1048: A leaden (wooden) sword (dagger) in an ivory
(golden, painted) sheath (scabbard).
S292 As savage as a SHE-BEAR when she is robbed of
her whelps
01569 W. WAGER Longer Thou Livest, 3. E2: Better it is to meete a
she Beare, When she is robbed of her whelpes. 1610-25 Stony~
hurst Pag. XV 270, p. 21 I: And as a sauage beare when her whelps
taken are would rage.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 M. V. II i 27: I would . . Outbrave the
heart most daring on the earth, Pluck the young sucking cubs from
the she-bear.
8293 As good be hanged for an old SHEEP as a young
lamb
1678 RAY, p. 350: *Somerset. 1721 KEL., p. 46: *This Proverb
seems to have an ill Aspect; but it is for the most part used at a
Game at Tables, when I venture high in order to recover my Game
which otherwise would be lost, and exactly answers to the English,
Over Shoes, over Boots. 1732 FUL., no. 683: (for a Sheep as a
Lamb).
Cf. $379: Over shoes over boots.
8294 As hasty as a SHEEP
1670 RAY, p. 205: *So soon as the tail is up, the turd is out.
8295 As rich as a new-shom SHEEP
01510 Cock Lorell’s Boat, p. 1: The nexte that came was a Coryar
And a cobeler, his brother, As ryche as a newe shorne shepe. 1546
Hey. I xi, s. E2v: (Ye be as). 01570 Marr. Wit and Science II i,
s. B1. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D3: And wander wher thou
wylt like a new shorne sheepe. I595 CHURCHYARD Charity, p. 2:
As rich as new shorne sheepe. [a1600] c1647 Edm. Ironside l. I 551,
p. 68: You remaine as rich as new shorne sheepe. I602 BRETON
Packet Letters Pt. I: Wks., II II. 1602 Liberality and Prod. IV i,
s. D3v: But glad to runne away like a new shorne sheepe. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 244: (He is as). 1616 DR., no. 1483. I631
[BRATHWAITE] Whimzies 12, p. 62: His speculation in time will
make him as rich as a new Shorne-sheepe. 1639 CL., s.v. Pauper-
tas, p. 245. a1640 J. DAY Peregr. XVI, p. 69: Necessitie had lefte
him as rich as a new~shorne sheepe. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3:
(He is as). 1670 RAY, p. 207. 1681 ROB., p. 1077.
Cf. B375: If every bird had (should take) his own feathers he
should be as rich as a new-Shorn sheep (you would be naked);
S299: He is as bare as a new-Shorn sheep.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SHEEP
SHEEP
597

8296 A black SHEEP is a biting (perilous) beast
01550 Christmas Carol 474 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 319: A shepe is
a peryllous beste. 01550 Six Bal. in Lyrical Poems, p. 4: The blake
shepe is a perylous beast. I591 LYLY Endim. II ii 154: Indeede a
blacke sheepe is a perrilous beast. 1598 BASTARD Epig. IV, p. 49:
Till now I thought the prouerbe did but iest, which said a blacke
Sheepe was a biting beast. I607 TOPSELL Hist. Four-footed Beasts,
p. 626.
8297 A bleating SHEEP loses her bit
I623 WOD., p. 477: The Yewe that doth bleete, doth loose the most
of her Meate. *So meant of a Man that speaketh when he should
eate, and also to be diligent in Effect without Words. 1659 HOW.
Span. Prov., p. 7. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 23: The Sheep that
bleats, loseth it’s pasture. Ibid. 6, p. 28: The sheep, for offering to
bleat, loseth her bit. I732 FUL., no. 1471: Every time the Sheep
bleats, it loseth a mouthful.
Cf. A359: The ass that brays most eats least.
8298 The glorious SHEEP said to the goat, Give me
some of your wool
1616 DR., s.v. Vaunting, no. 2215. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 4:
The wanton Sheep said to the Goat, give me wooll.
8299 He is as bare as a new-Shorn SHEEP
1616 DR., no. 1685. I654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. III iv,
p. 88: As naked and bare as a shorne Sheep, as we say in our English
Proverbe.
Cf. B375: If every bird had (Should take) his own feathers he
should be as rich as a new-shorn sheep (you would be naked);
S295: As rich as a new-shorn sheep.
8300 He that makes himself a SHEEP Shall be eaten
by the wolf
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Bb4v: He . . that will needes be a
sheepe, cannot greatly grudge to be bitten with a Fox. 1593 G.
HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 38: It was wont to be said by way of a
Prouerbe; Hee that will be made a sheepe, shall find wolues inough.
I596 DEL., s. PIV. I611 COT., s.v. Loup: (will be vsed as a sheepe).
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 55: If men become sheepe the wolfe will
deuoure them. 1616 DR., no. 1983: If a man make himselfe a
sheepe, the wolfe will deuoure him. I617 MORYSON Itinerary III
I ii, III 400: The man who makes himself a sheep, The wolf will
eat, whilst he doth sleep. 1623 CAM., p. 271: (a sheepe, the woolfe
will catch him). 1639 CL., s.v. Timiditas, p. 310: (eaten of the
wolfe). I651 HERB., p. 369. 1664 COD., p. 196: (a Sheep, the
Wolf will eat him). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 132: Who makes
himself a sheep, the woolf will worry him. I670 RAY, p. 141: *He
that is gentle, and puts up affronts and injuries shall be sure to be
loaden.
(8)
See DI'iR., II, no. 70.
If SHEEP run willfully among wolves they shall
lose either life or fell
1548 E. HALL Hen. V: Chron., f. 45: (The old prouerbe . . Which
sayth: If).
8302 If you cannot tell,1 you are nought to keep SHEEP
I592 LYLY Gall. II i 52: My mother said I could be no ladde til
I was twentie yeere olde, nor keepe sheepe till I coulde tell them.
1592 LYLY Midas IV ii 6: Therefore for vs that keep Sheepe, it is
wisedome enough to tell Sheepe. 1607 G. WILKINS Miseries Enf.
Marr., s. A4v: And if you cannot tell, Beauty I take the Addage for
my reply: You are nought to keepe sheepe. I666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 30, p. 172: (The English [say], If you).
[lcount]
8303 It is a foolish SHEEP that makes the wolf her
confessor
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 12. 1664 COD., p. 222. I670 RAY, p. 23:
(his confessor). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Sheep. I732 FUL., no. 4349:
That is a woeful silly Sheep, that goes to the Wolf to confess.
Cf. G358: It is a blind goose that comes to a fox’s sermon.
S301

S304 It is a SHEEP of Berry, it is marked on the nose
I6II COT., s.v. Mouton: C’est vn mouton de Berry, il est marqué
sur le nez. He hath gotten a rap ouer the nose. *Whereon the
Shepheards of Berry marke their Sheepe. 1623 WOD., p. 504: This
Sheepe of Bery. 80 said to any Follow marked ouer the Nose as
(commonly) they bee. I651 HERB., p. 366: *Applyed to those that
have a blow. I657 LEIGH, p. 262.
8305 Let the black SHEEP keep the white
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 69.
8306 The lone SHEEP is in danger of the wolf
I596 DEL., s. N6v: (The sheepe alone is). 1639 CL., p. 270. 1664
COD., p. 213: (The Sheep without the Shepherd is). 1670 RAY,
P- 53-
See DI'J'R., II, no. 290. Cf. M213: The lone man is wolves’
meat; S312: A sheep often Strays if the shepherd is away.
8307 Now I have a SHEEP and a cow everybody bids
me good morrow
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 10: (Now that I have a Sheep and an
Ass every one bids). 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 10.
8308 One scabbed SHEEP mars (infects) a whole flock
I520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 116: (One scabbed shepe [as they
saye]). a1536 HILL 49, p. 129: (infectith all the folde). 01568
Mony Man Makis Ryme l. 35 in Bannatyne MS, III 9: (infeckis
all the haill flok). I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31': (wyl marre).
1586 WITHALS, s. C1v: (infects). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 25: (fylis
all the flock). I611 DAV. Prov., no. 68: (will marre). 1614 CAM.,
p. 311: (will marre). I616 BRET., p. 6: (One rotten sheepe will
marre). 1616 DR., no. 290: (marreth all the folde). Ibid., s.v.
Infection, no. 1107: (infecteth all the flocke). 1630 T. ADAMS
Generat. Serpents: W ks., p. 893: They report, that once one scabbed
sheepe from Spaine rotted all the Sheepe of England. 1639 CL.,
p. 217. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: (spoils the whole flock).
1668 R.B., p. 5: (fyles all the flock). 1670 RAY, p. 139: (will marr).
I721 KEL., p. 269: (will Smite [infect] all the Flock). *And one
facetious Fellow will mislead a whole Community. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3792: One scabby Sheep is enough to infect the whole Flock.
See DI'J'R., I, no. 366. Cf. A294: One rotten apple corrupts all
those apples that lie near it. (I 1)
8309 One SHEEP follows another
1599' T. HEYWOOD I Edw. IV, p. 20: Muddy Clownes, Whose cour-
age but consists in multitude, Like sheepe and neat that follow one
another. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. A3: Why doost thinke thy
audience like a flock of sheepe, that One cannot leape ouer a hedge,
but all the rest will follow. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 38: Goats,
where one leaps, they all leap. *Note 45, p. 58: The same is spoken
of sheep in England, by way of Proverb. I678 RAY Adagia Hebr.,
p. 405. I721 KEL., p. 179: If one Sheep loup o’er the Dike, all
the rest will follow. *Shewing the Influence of evil Example.
See DUR., I, Suppl., no. 398. Cf. S314: They are but sheep that
flock together. .
S310 Shear SHEEP that has them
1678 RAY, p. 201. 1732 FUL., no. 4259: Stay till you have Sheep,
before you shear them.
Cf. C292: You count (reckon) your chickens before they be
hatched.
S311 Shear your SHEEP in May and shear them all
away .
1670 RAY, p. 41. I732 FUL., no. 6195: (in May, And clear them
all away).
8312 A SHEEP often strays if the Shepherd is away
1539 TAV., f. 45v: Ouium nullus vsus, si pastor absit. There is
no goodnes of shepe, yf the shepherde be awaye. Seruauntes do
nothynge wel, where the mayster is absente. Scholers do no good,
when the teacher is gone. I596 DEL., s. O5v: An ill shepheard
doth often feede the woolfe.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5. I
SHEEP
SHERIFF
598
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. I i 74: Indeed a Sheep doth very
often Stray An if the shepherd be awhile away.
See JENTE 278, p. 432. Cf. S306: The lone sheep is in danger
of the wolf.
S313 Some good, some bad, as SHEEP come to the fold
I678 RAY, p. 247.
S314 They are but SHEEP that flock together
1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. I ix, I 56: (Sheepe, which alwaies heard
together). 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 154v: (alwayes
flocke together). 1611 COT., s.V. Pareil: Euerie Sheepe her mate
doth seeke; fooles take no comfort but in companie. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Solitudo, p. 291.
Cf. E7: Eagles fly alone; S309: One Sheep follows another.
S315 To a close-shorn SHEEP God gives wind by
measure
1640 HERB., no. 861. I659 N.R., p. 114. 1768 STERNE Sent.
70ur., II 206: But God tempers the wind, said Maria, to the shorn
lamb.
S316 To know one from a black SHEEP
1616 WITHALS, p. 557: (He is knowne from). 1639 CL., s.v. Im-
probi, p. 150: (Ile know him from). 1670 RAY, p. 183. 1721 KEL.,
p. 203: I’ll ken him, by a black Sheep, hereafter. *Spoken with
Indignation, of one that has deceived me, and whom I will not
trust again.
S317 To run at (after) SHEEP
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. Banchi, p. 10: To hunt after Bawdy-
houses .. The English to this purpose say, to run after sheep.
1678 RAY, p. 89: He’ll run at Sheep. *A wencher.
8318 To seek in a SHEEP five feet where there is but
four
I596 DEL., s. M5v. I651 HERB., p. 370.
8319 To steal a SHEEP and give away the trotters for
God’s sake
1601 R. JOHNSON King. and Commonw. II, p. 104: He steales the
Sheepe and giues the Tratters for Gods sake. 1604 [DALLINGTON]
View France, s. R2: [As in 1601 R. Johnson]. 1649 C. WALKER
Hist. Independ. II, p. 196. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. VI iV, II
252: The expression of a late bishop of Norwich is complained of. .
that king Henry took away the sheep from that cathedral, and did
not restore so much as the trotters unto it.
Cf. G364: To steal a goose and give the giblets in alms.
S320 Where SHEEP are wool is
61534 Bk. Merchants, s. D5v: That is to say, where as shepe is ther
is wolle, whyche truely they can well sheare and gather. 1611
COT., s.v. Brebis. 1616 DR., s.v. Gaine, no. 825: Where are
Sheepe, there is wooll.
Whoso keeps well SHEEP and bees, sleep or
wake their thrift comes in
1523 A. FITzHERBERT Husb., p. 74: For it is an olde sayinge: he
that hath both shepe, swyne, and bees, Slepe he, wake he, he maye
thryue. 1609 C. BUTLER Fem. Monarchy, p. 139: (The Proverb
. . W0 SO keep).
S321
Cf. F331 : Who Sleeps catches no fish; N128: The net of the sleeper '
catches fish.
S322 You have no more SHEEP to shear
1678 RAY, p. 344: *Somerset.
S323 He casts a SHEEP’S EYE at her
a1529 SKELTON Agst. Garnesche l. 54: Wks., I 120: When ye kyst a
Shepys ie. [61553] 1566—7 UDA LL Roister D. IV vi 29: Hither will he
repaire with a sheepes looke full grim. I562 HEY. Epig. 99, p. 142.
[a1563] 1661 Tom Tyler and His Wife ]. 124, p. 4: If he look but


awry: or cast a sheeps eye. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. DI:
On whome he many a Sheepish eye did cast. 1590 GREENE
Francesco’s Fortunes, p. 191: Casting a sheepes eye at hir, away he
goes. 1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 65: Look not, leare not, Ile
firke you, for thy head now, one glance, one sheepes eye, any thing
at her. 1600 T. HEYWOOD 1 Edw. IV, p. 51: No more sheep’s
eyes: ye may be caught, I tell ye: these be liquorish lads. 1608
T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 196: But to say that ever I flung any
sheeps eyes in her face how say you mistris Mirable did I ever offer
it? [1614] 1631 JONSON Barth. FairV iv 125: Cast at him, from the
boat, a Sheepes eye, and a halfe. 1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II,
V, III 46: I know, he casts a Sheepes eye upon the wench. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. [1663] I673 D’AVENANT Playhouse V, p. 95;
On Cleopatra he has cast a sheep’s—eye. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Occhietto, p. 121: To court or look amorously upon any woman,
to cast a sheep’s eye. 1670 RAY, p. 192: To cast a sheeps eye at one.
1672 WYCHERLEY Gent. Dancing-Master IV, p. 212: I’le be sworn
I saw her just now give him the languishing Eye, as they call it,
that is Whiting’s-Eye, of old called the Sheeps Eye.
S324 I will gar1 you girn2 like a SHEEPSHEAD on a tongs
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 187: A sheip heid and ane pair of tongs.
I721 KEL., p. 397.
[lmake 2grin]
S325 When SHEFFIELD PARK is plowed and sown then
little England hold thine own
1678 RAY, p. 340.
8326 It is good to have a SHELTER against every storm
1665 R. HOWARD Committee I, p. 65: (There’s a wise saying, ’Tis
good).
Cf. D89: Lay up for a rainy day.
S327 It is good SHELTERING under an old hedge
1678 RAY, p. 351. 1732 FUL., no. 2939.
Cf. H358: Better shelter under an old hedge than a young furze
bush.
S328 AS the SHEPHERD is such is the flock (sheep)
1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Sept., 1. 141, p. 41: Sike as the shepheards,
Sike bene her Sheepe. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 194.
Cf. K70: Like king (prince) like people.
S329 A good SHEPHERD must fleece his sheep but not
flay them
[ERAS. Adagia, 886D: Boni pastoris est, tondere pecus, non deglu-
bere.] 1539 TAV., f. 48v: [As in Eras.]. Itis the partes ofa good
shepherde or pastor to sheare the shepe and not to plucke of theyr
skinnes. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. L2: Boni est Pastoris
tondere pecus non diglubere. 1615 SYLVESTER Hymn St. Lewis:
Wks., II 235: Ill shepheards sheare not but even flay your fold.
1616 DR., s.v. Oppression, no. 1564. 1616 WITHALS, p. 553: A
good shepheard must take the fleece, and not the fell. 1641 JON-
SON Timber, p. 41: A prince is the pastor of the people. He ought
to shear, not to flay his sheep; to take their fleeces, not their fells.
I648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 261 : Kings ought to sheare, not
skin their Sheepe. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9: The good Shepard
sheareth, he doth not flay his sheep.
S330 When the SHEPHERD is angry with his sheep he
sends them a blind guide
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 403.
A SHERIFF had he been and a countor,1 was no-
where such a vavasor2
1614 SELDEN Titles Honor II v 4, p. 627: A Sherife had he beene
and a Coronour was no where such a worthyVauasour . . Others
haue Countour for Coronour. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 21: *An
old said saw of that family.
[lsergeant-at-law 2a feudal tenant below baron in rank]
S331

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SHIELD
SHIP
599

S332 Cover yourself with your SHIELD and care not
for cries
1640 HERB., no. 161. 1659 N.R., p. 26.
S333 A good SHIFT may serve long but it will not serve
ever
1678 RAY, p. 201.
1732 FUL., no. 177: (but cannot serve for ever).
S334 He went out with SHIFT and came home with
shame
1585 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [127], l. 16: For got with
Shiftes, are spent with shame. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man II, p. 1 1 1:
Those goods that are gotten by Shift, are (for the most part) lost
with shame. 1601 CHETTLE AND MUNDAY Downfall Roht. Earl
Hunt., s. D3v: And as yee liv’d by shifts, shall die with shame.
1639 CL., p. 123.
Cf. G90: Evil (Ill) gotten evil (ill) spent.
S335 Hang him that has no SHIFTS
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 599: Hang him that can not lie. 1606 Wily
Beguiled viii, p. 32. 1616 WITHALS, p. 584. 1639 CL., s.v. Fraus,
p. 127. 1670 RAY, p. 141.
Cf. S336: Hang him that has no shifts and hang him that has
too many.
S336 Hang him that has no SHIFTS and hang him that
has too many
1678 RAY, p. 346: (Shift, and him that hath one too many). 1721
KEL., p. 128: *He that has no Shift, is not worth hanging; and he
that has too many, may be hang’d in time. 1732 FUL., no. 1785:
(that has one too many). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 419: Well,
hang him, say I, that has no Shift. —Ay, and hang him that has
one too many.
Cf. S335: Hang him that has no shifts.
S337 He is put to his SHIFTS
1616 DR., no. 1962. 1639 CL., s.v. Fames, p. 113: Heele make a
shift for his victuals.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. IV ii 176: Puts us to our shifts.
S338 Better give a SHILLING (penny) than lend and
lose half a crown
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 14: Better give a peny then lend twenty.
1659 N.R., p. 62: It is better to give one Shilling away then lend
twenty. 1732 FUL., no. 895.
S339 You will follow him long ere five SHILLINGS fall
from him
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1633. 1721 KEL., p. 378: (You’ll long follow
him ere). *Discouraging from paying Court and Attendance upon
those by whom you will never be bettered. 1732 FUL., no. 5944:
You may follow him long, e’re a Shilling drop from him.
S340 Shropshire sharp SHINS
15th 6. Characteristics Counties in Relig. Antig., I 269: Schropschir,
my schinnes ben scharpe. 1622 DRAYTON Poly-Olh. XXIII 272,
p. 474: And Shropshire saith in her, That Shinnes be ever Sharpe.
S341 Swear by your burnt SHINS
I641 FERG., no. 774. 1668 R.B., p. 47. 1721 KEL., p. 293:
*Spoken with Contempt to them that swear they will do such or
such a Mischief.
S342 That goes against the SHINS
1678 RAY, p. 81: *It’s to my prejudice, I do it not willingly.
S343 He is only bright that SHINEs by himself
1640 HERB., no. 703.
S344 As broken a SHIP has come to land
1641 FERG., no. 139. 1668 R.B., p. 10: (A broken Ship has). 1721
KEL., p. 4: *A thing has been in as great Danger, and escap’d: Or,

as unlikely a thing has come to pass. 1732 FUL., no. 668: (AS
broken a Ship as this has).
S345 A dear SHIP stands long in the haven
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 14: (longer into the heaven).
no. 14. 1721 KEL., p. 50: (stays long in the Harbour).
often to nice Maids.
See ST., no. 1987.
1641 FERG.,
*APPIY’d
S346 A great SHIP asks deep waters
1640 HERB., no. 445. 1659 N.R., p. 19. 1664 COD., p. 186: (doth
ask). 1670 RAY, p. 24: (doth ask). 1732 FUL., no. 1766: Great
Ships ask deep Waters.
S347 Like a SHIP without a helm (stern, steersman,
ballast)
1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorhoduc V ii, s. H1: The people and
the land, Which now remaine as ship without a Sterne. 1583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. G2v: A woman Without a man, is like a Ship
without a stearne. 1632 D. LUPTON Land. and Country 19 in Bks.
Char., p. 294: The men are al like a Shippe that either wants a
Sterne, or a Steresman, or Ballast. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep
Hush., p. 111.
S348 A little SHIP needs not but a little sail
1677 E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 28:
Little ship, little sail. 1732 FUL., no. 248.
Cf. S24: Make not your sail too big for the ballast (the boat).
S349 A SHIP, a man, a bird, and a snake go an un-
certain way
[Prov. xxx 18: There be three things which are too wonderful for
me, yea, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air;
the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of
the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.] 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
17, P- 34.
S350 A SHIP and a woman are ever repairing
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30: Who wil trouble hym selfe all dayes
of his life, Let hym mary a woman, or buy hym a shyp. 1601
J. MANNINGHAM Diary Jan., p. 12: To furnishe a shipp requireth
much trouble, But to furnishe a woman the charges are double.
1619 BASSE Help Discourse, p. 76: There are two things that cannot
be too much trimmed, and what are they? A Ship and a Woman.
1640 HERB., no. 775. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
232. 1659 N.R., p. 4. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 156: To a mill, and
a ship, and a bride, alwaies there’s something to do. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Papa, p. 132: To be over-long a dressing one: As
long as a ship a rigging. 1670 RAY, p. 49. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Woman. 1732 FUL., no. 394: A Ship, a Mill, and a Woman, are
always repairing. ’
Cf. M951: Mills and wives are ever wanting; W658: A woman,
like a German clock, is still repairing (never goes true).
S351 A SHIP under sail, a man in complete armor, a
woman with a great belly are three of the
handsomest sights
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: *Whereunto the Spaniard addeth two
more; viz. A Bishop in a Pulpit, and a theif on the gallowes.
S352 The SHIP which is large on the river is small on
the sea
[ERAS Similia, 592E: Navis in fluvio magna, in mari parva est.]
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 221: One saide . . some ships seeme
great uppon the ryver, whiche shewe very little uppon the Sea.
1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 452: The ship lying in the Hauen or
ryuer, seemeth huge and great, but beeing in the maine Sea, it
sheweth both slender and small. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil V i
1 16: As shippes seeme verie great upon the river, which shew verie
little upon the Seas: So some men i’th Court seeme Colossusses in
a chamber, who . . [in] the feild would appeare pittiful Pigmies.
1751 FRANKLIN, p. 28: Great Estates may venture more; Little
Boats must keep near Shore.
Cf. S174: In a calm sea every man may be a pilot.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
SHIP
SHOE
600
S3 53 To a crazy (broken) SHIP all winds are contrary(ill)
1616 DR., s.v. Provokement, no. 1780: Euery winde ill to a broken
ship. 1639 CL., s.v. Metus ex conscientia, p. 208: Every winde is
ill to a broken ship. 1640 HERB., no. 391. 1659 N.R., p. 99.
1664 COD., p. 219. 1670 RAY, p. 6. I732 FUL., no. 5126.
S354 SHIPS fear fire more than water
1640 HERB., no. 903. I659 N.R., p.92. 1664 COD., p. 21 I. 1670
RAY, p. 24. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Ship: (A Ship fears). 1732 FUL.,
no. 4I 53.
S355 Let another’s SHIPWRECK be your seamark
1640 F. QUARLES Enchyridion II: Wks., I 22: Let the Shipwracke
of his Understanding be a Sea marke to thy Passion. 1642 FULLER
Holy State II vii, p. 74: This directs him in his life, so that he
makes the shipwracks ofothers sea-marks to himself. I662 FULLER
Worthies Derbyshire, I 257: Seeing Nocumenta, Documenta; and
that the Ship-wrecks of some are Sea-marks to others; even this
Knight’s miscarriage proved a direction to others.' 1672 DRYDEN
I Cong. Gran. III i, p. 60: I am your sea-mark; and, though wrecked
and lost, My ruin stands to warn you from the coast.
Cf. M612: Happy is he whom other men’s harms make beware.
S356 Close fits (sits) my SHIRT (coat) but closer my
skin
1596 LODGE Marg. America, p. 69: My shirt is neare me, my Lord,
but, my skin is nearest. 1614 CAM., p. 305: Close sitteth my
Shirt, but closer my skinne. 1616 BRET., p. 6: Neerer is my skin
then my shirt. 1639 CL., p. 254: Close sits my shirt, but closer is
my skin. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 189: (Clos
is). 1670 RAY, p. 71. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Near: Near is my coat,
but nearer is my skin. 1721 KEL., p. 257: Near my Sark [shirt];
but nearer my Skin. 1732 FUL., no. 3513: Near is my Shirt, but
nearer is my Skin.
See ST., no. 895. Cf. P250: Near is my petticoat (kirtle, coat)
but nearer is my smock (sark); S505: As near to one as one’s skin;
T426: My teeth are nearer to me than my kindred. (I 5)
S357 If my SHIRT knew my secrets I would burn it
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. H2: One askinge Hannibal, what his
purpose was to do the next daye, when he remoued camp, had this
aunswere, that if the cote on his owne backe knewe his intent,
he woulde disrobe himselfe and burne it. 1596 DEL., s. P3v: If
our shirt know our secrets, it were to be burned. 1616 DR., s.v.
Secrets, no. 1919: If our shirt knew our secrecie, it were to be burnt.
1639 CL., s.v. Taciturnitas, p. 302. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub I i 66:
My Cassock Sha’ not know it; If I thought it did, Ile burne it.
1654 W. CLARKE Papers, III 12: The designe is secrett, knowne to
the designer onely, whoe saith if hee thought his shirt knew it hee
would burne it. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 255: Let not thy own
Shirt know thy secret. 1732 FUL., no. 2695: (knew my Design).
Cf. I69: An injury which thou dost intend to revenge never
divulge.
S358 SHITTEN COME SHITES is the beginning of love
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6.
S359 A SHIVE1 of my own loaf
I670 RAY, p. 188.
Cf. S360: To cut a large shive of another man’s loaf.
[1slice] ’
S360 To cut a large SHIVE1 of another man’s loaf
I630 Tinker Turvey, p. 30: By this, the prior perceived that the
scull [scullion] had cut a shive on his loafe. 1639 CL., s.v. Tenaci-
tas, p. 309. 1670 RAY, p. 162: (To cut large shives of).
Cf. S359: A shive of my own loaf; T34: It is safe taking a shive
of a cut loaf.
[lslice]
S361 G0 fiddle for SHIVES1 among goodwives (old
wives)
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 68.
[lslices of bread]
I670 RAY, p. 175: (old).

S362 The SHOATSl overgo2 the old swine
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1323. I668 R.B., p. 54.
[’young weaned pigs 2surpass]
8363 A black SHOE makes a blithe (merry) heart
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 18. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: (merry).
I668 R.B., p. 2. I670 RAY, p. 216: (merry). 1721 KEL., p. 22:
*When a Man’s Shoe is blackned and bedawb’d with Industry, it
will procure him such a Supply as will make him chearful.
Cf. P441: The higher the plum tree the riper the plum, the richer
the cobbler the blacker his thumb.
S364 Every (One) SHOE fits not every foot
[ERAS. Adagia, 1038B: Eundem calceum omni pedi inducere.] 1616
B. RICH Ladies’ Looking Glass, p. 21: As euery shooe is not fit for
euery foote. 1639 CL., s.v. Decorum, p. 82: (The finest shooe).
Ibid., s.v. DilTerentiae, p. 89: Every shooe is not for every mans
feet. 1670 RAY, p. 142. 1672 WALK. 56, p. 47: To make one shoe
serve for all feet. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Shoo. a1700 B.E., s.v. Shoe-
makers-stocks: One Shoe will not fit all Feet. 1721 KEL., p. 96:
*Every Condition of Life, every Behaviour, every Speech and Ges-
ture becomes not every Body; that will be decent in one, which will
be ridiculous in another. 1732 FUL., no. 1460.
See ST., no. I 3 54. Cf. S366: Av great (Hercules’) shoe will not
fit a little (a child's) foot.
S365 The finest SHOE often hurts the foot
1596 DEL., s. O2v: The fairest shooes doe often hurt the foote.
1611 COT., s.v. Soulier: The goodlie shooe doth often hurt the foot.
1639 CL., p. 119. I670 RAY, p. 90. I732 FUL., no. 4514: The
fairest-looking Shoe may pinch the Foot.
S366 A great (Hercules’) SHOE will not fit a little
(a child’s) foot
[ERAS. Adagia, 566D: Neque major pede sit calceus. Ibid., 861C:
Herculis cothurnos aptare infanti.] 1548 COOPER, s.v. Herculis
Cothurnos: Herculis cothurnos, was vsed for a prouerbe, wherein a
thynge of lyttelle importaunce was set foorthe with great eloquence
or other thynge, solemne, more apte for a greatter mattier. 1579
GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 21: You will smile . . to see how this moral!
Philosopher toyles too draw the Lyons skin vpon Aesops Asse.
Hercules shoes on a childes feete. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 41: Time were but lost, in pullyng Hercules shooe vppon an In-
fants foot. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 133: Agesilaus finding
fault with [overemphasis of small matters], saide hee liked not of
that Shoomaker, which made a great shooe for a little foote. I584
LYLY Sapho and Phao I iii 20: Pulling on . . a great shooe vpon a
litle foote. I587 GREENE Penelope’s Web, p. 208: I will not make
a long haruest for a small crop, nor goe about to pull a Hercules
Shoo on Achilles foote. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. A3: You must ha
Swelling comparisons, and bumbast Epithites, which are as fit for
the body of a Comedie, as Hercules shooe for the foote of a Pygmey.
1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 21. 1639 CL., s.v. Modus, p. 213:
(a little man). 1684 CREECH Disc. Pastorals II: Idylliums, p. 62:
For in small matters . . to make a great deal of adoe, is as unseemly,
as to put Hercules’s Vizard and Buskins on an Infant.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 KJ‘. II i 143: It [a lion’s robe] lies
as sightly on the back of him As great Alcides’ shows upon an
ass.
Cf. H184: A long harvest of a little corn; S364: Every (One) shoe
fits not every foot. '
S367 He knows not whether his SHOE goes awry
1678 RAY, p. 81.
Cf. S373: To tread one’s shoe awry.
S368 He that makes the SHOE cannot tan the leather
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng. To Gentlemen Rdrs., p. 11: If in
euery part it seeme not alyke, you know that it is not for him that
fashioneth the shoe, to make the graine of the leather. I732 FUL.,
no. 223 5.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SHOE 601
SHOE (SHOES)

8369 If it will not be a good SHOE let it go down in the
heel
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1344: That quhilk wil not be ane good shoe
let it go doun in the heels. I721 KEL., p. 185: *If a Thing would
not do as you would have it, do the next best with it.
8370 , Like SHOE like soles (last)
1611 COT., s.v. Soulier: Such as the shooe such is the last. 1616
DR., no. 1238. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p. 92: As the last is, so is
the shooe.
8371 The SHOE will hold with the sole
I546 HEY. II v, s. HIV: (Folk say of olde: the shooe wyll). 1562
HEY. Epig. 144, p. 150. [01565] 1595 Peddler’s Proph., 5. C4: Who
should hold with the shoe but the sole? I580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 83: I wil sticke as close to thee, as the soale doth to
the shoe. 1611 GRUT., no. 277. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Societas, p. 290. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1664 COD.,
p. 214. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Scarpa, p. 182: For the sole to
keep with the shoe, viz. to agree and keep Close together, tooth and
nail. I670 RAY, p. 142. I732 FUL., no. 4759: The Sole holdeth
with the upper Leather.
8372 To cast an old SHOE after one for luck
1546 HEY. I ix, s. C2: Nowe, for good lucke, cast an olde shoe after
mee. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iii, s. EIv: Shall I fling an
olde shooe after ye? . . I meane for good lucke. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 402: Cast an olde shooe after Luscus for luck. [1621] I652
FLETCHER Wild Goose Chase II i, p. 331: Farewel, and fling an old
shooe. 1633 MARMION Fine Companion IV iv, p. 175: Well, mis-
tress, pray throw an old shoe after us! 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.
15: Cast an old shooe after him. 1665 R. HOWARD Surprisal III
vii, p. 29: I shall need nothing now but an old Shoe cast after me.
1670 RAY, p. 192: To cast an old shooe after one. ' 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., p. 121: Throw an old shooe after him. All ill luck go with it.
a1700 B.E., s.v. Shoe-makers-stocks: To throw an Old Shoe after
one, or wish them good Luck in their Business. (16)
8373 To tread one’s SHOE awry
[To fall from virtue.] 3.1542 WYATT Complaint of Falseness: W ks.,
p. 96: Farewell all my welfare! My shoe is trod awry. 1560 DAUS ~
Chron. 14, f. 187: Where the King had married her for a mayde, he
founde that she had troden her showe awrye. I562 HEY. Epig. 21 ,
p. 204: My wife doth euer tread hir shooe a wry. 01565 Bugbears
II ii 107: She hath troade her shoe awrye. I590 Tarlton’s News
out Purgatory, p. 75: A faire wife, that . . could not treade right, yet
wrincht hir shoe inward . . as secret as She was false. 1599 T. HEY-
WOOD 2 Edw. IV, p. I 39: Pity that ere awry she trod her shoe!
I616 R.C. Times’ Whistle l. 2542, p. 81: And though due pennance
thou deservst to doe For tredding thus awry thy slippery shoe.
[a1660] 1693 URQUHART Gargantua III xxviii, XXV I 52: His Wife
did tread her Shooe awry. 1693 D’URFEY Rich. Heiress II ii, p.
34: A foolish Female nice and shy, That never yet trod Shooe awry.
Cf. S367: He knows not whether his shoe goes awry. (10)
8374 He is over SHOES at first step
I616 WITHALS, p. 560: (the shooes at the first step). 1639 CL., p.
171. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15: (He was ore shooes).
Cf. S379: Over shoes over boots; S380: To be over shoes.
8375 He should wear iron SHOES that bides his neigh-
bor’s dead1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 542: (He should hav Iron shoon quho).
FERG., no. 371: (iron shone that bydes his neighbours deed).
R.B., p. 25: [As in 1641 Ferg.].
Cf. M619: Who waits for dead men’s shoes shall go long barefoot;
R170: He pulls with a long rope that waits for another’s death.
[lScotch form of “death”]
1641
1668
8376 His SHOES are made of running leather
I575 CHURCHYARD Chips, p. 130: My minde could never rest at
hoem, My Shoes wear maed of running leather suer. [01608] 1638
W. ROWLEY A Shoe. a Gent. IV ii 241: He shall forfeit a Gallon of

S381
wine, and be counted a Colt as long as his shooes are made of run-
ning lether. 1611 COT., s.v. Divague: Straying, raunging . . wan-
dering vp and downe, whose shooes are made of running leather.
1616 DR., no. 2329: (His shooes be made). 1639 CL., s.v. Incon-
stantiae, p. 159: (His shooes be made). 1678 RAY, p. 268. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Leather. I732 FUL., no. 2514.
S377 Meddle with your old SHOES
01547 BALE Three Laws IV, s. E7: Go meddle thu with olde shone.
1560—77 Misogonus II v 9: What, are yow his spoksman meddle
yow with your old showes. 1616 WITHALS, p. 569. 1639 CL., p.
21: (Goe fiddle—medle with). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (Go
meddle with). 1670 RAY, p. 186. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 42.
1681 ROB., p. 877. (5)
8378 Not worthy to wipe his SHOES
1581-90 Timon V v, p. 90: Thou art not worthy to see Timons
face. —No, nor to wipe his Shoes. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt.
II, iii, III 35: I have seene . . of your Governours . . that are not
worthy to wipe my shooes. 1662 N. ROGERS Rich Fool, p. 199:
Andjudg them scarce good enough to wipe their shoos. I670 RAY,
p. 200. I672 WALK. 72, p. 54.
See ST., no. 2013. Cf. B533: Not worthy to carry his books
after him; L84: Not worthy to loose the latchet of his shoes.
8379 Over SHOES over boots
I607 SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. II, p. 29: Ouer shooes ouer bootes,
since yee haue waded to the bellie in sinne, nay now goe deeper euen
to the breast and heart. 1615 J. TAYLOR Revenge: Wks. F., p. 307:
For where true courage roots, The Prouerb sayes, Once ouer shooes,
o’r boots. I616 BRET., p. 6. I622 MABBE Rogue II 111 iii, IV 152:
If a man cannot get out of this bogg, when he is a but over shooes,
how shall he doe, when he is over boots? 01623 Welsh Ambass. II,
p. 20: Ouer shoes, ouer bootes, anie thinge, anie more throates to
Cutt. 1639 CL., s.v. Internecio, p. 176. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 9. [a1662] 1686 R. SANDERSON Ad Aulam xvii: Serm., II 391:
Over Shoes, over boots, I know God will never forgive me, and there-
fore I will never trouble myself to seek his favour . . this is properly
the sin of despair. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Manico, p. 97: To
venture all, over shooes, over boots. I670 RAY, p. 188. I707
FILMER Def. Plays, p. 127: Over Shoes, over Boots, as the good old
Proverb has it. 1732 FUL., no. 3815.
SHAKESPEARE—I594 T.G.V. I i 24: For he was more than over
shoes in love. —’Tis true; for you are over boots in love.
Cf. H413: To throw the helve after the hatchet; P196: In for a
penny in for a pound; S293: As good be hanged for an old sheep as
a young lamb; S374: He is over shoes at first step; S3 80: To be over
shoes. (16)
8380 To be over SHOES
[To be deeply immersed in something] I578 WHETSTONE 2 Pro-
mos and Cass. I iii, s. G4: Ouer the shooes . . yn loue. I589 GREENE
Menaphon, p. 71: The Countrey maides . . could not blame Mena-
phon for being ouer the shooes with such a beautifull creature.
1592 GREENE Vision, p. 225: Ouer the shooes forsooth in loue.
1599 H. PORTER Two Woman Ab. iv, s. E3: I know youle put a man
ouer the shooes, and if you can. 1601 MARSTON 7ack Drum I, s.
B2: Hee’s ouer the shooes, yet heele hold out water, for I haue
liquor’d him soundly. I606 Wily Beguiled iv, p. 17: And then I will
tell her plainely, that I am in loue with her, ouer my high shooes.
1615 SWETNAM Arraign. Women, p. xi: I will not wade so farre ouer
the shooes, but that I may returne dry. [1622] 16 57 MIDDLETON
More Dissemblers Vi 239: We are sure to lose Many a good waiting-
woman that’s now o’er shoes.
SHAKESPEARE.—-I592—3 C.E. III ii 105: She sweats a man may
go over shoes in the grime of it. 1595 M.N.D. III ii 47: If thou
hast slain Lysander in his sleep, Being o’er shoes in blood, plunge
in the deep, And kill me too. 1597 Rich. III V iii 326: A milksop,
one that never in his life Felt SO much cold as over shoes in snow?
Cf. S374: He is over shoes at first step; S379: Over shoes over
boots. (8)
To die in one’s SHOES
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Piedi, p. 147: To dye with ones feet in
ones shooes, viz. to dye a sudden death. I694 MOTTEUX Gargantua

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
SHOE BUCKLES
SHORT-HEELED
602

IV xIV, III 171: To die in one’s shoes—to be hung. Whoever re-
fus’d to do this, should presently swing for’t, and die in his Shoes.
1712 HEARNE Remarks and Call. Apr. 26, III 341 : They add that he
dy’d in his Shoes; his Domesticks say of an Apoplexie. I725 GAY
Newgate’s Garland 1. 4: Poems, II 271: Ye honester poor rogues, who
die in your shoes, Attend.
S382 Not worth SHOE BUCKLES
1670 RAY, p. 192.
S383 We play not for SHOE BUCKLES
1616 WITHALS, p. 558. 1639 CL., p. 195. 1678 RAY, p. 347: I’ll
not play with you for shooe-buckles.
S384 Though SHOEING-HORNS be out of date yet horns
are as plentiful as ever
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 221: (yet horns be).
S385 In the SHOEMAKER’S stocks
[61602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King III, p. 44: Come bare-foot
to a Shooemaker, tho’ he be a Constable, he will not put us into
his Stocks. 1678 RAY, p. 347. a1700 B.E.: Shoe-makers-stocks,
pincht with strait Shoes.
S386 A SHOEMAKER’S son is a prince born
[61597] I637 DELONEY Gentle Craft I, p. I: Declaring .. how the
Proverb first grew. A Shoomaker’s Son is a Prince born. Ibid. I,
p. 56: Then answered Ursula, My Royall Father, a shoomaker’s
son is a prince born. 1637 PRICE Round, Boys, Indeed 78 in Pepysi-
an Garl., p. 445: Shoemakers sonnes were princes borne.
S387 Who is worse shod than the SHOEMAKER’S wife
(the shoemaker’s wife and the smith’s mare)?
1546 HEY. I xi, 5. E1 V. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. I 19. 1593 Pass.
Morrice in Tell-Trothes New Year’s Gift, etc., p. 69: Who goes ..
worse shod then the Shoemakers childe? a1598 F ERG. MS, no.
1261: The sowters wyfe is worst shoed. 1603 F LORIo Essays Mon-
taigne I, I 144: When we see a man ill shod, if he chance to be a
Shoomaker, wee say . . commonly none goes worse shod than they.
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 168. 1611 GRUT., no. 320. 1614 CAM., p.
314. 1616 DR., s.v. Niggardlinesse, no. 1503. 1639 CL., s.V.
Absurda, p. 6: (Who so ill shod as). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2:
(Who goeth worse shodd then). 1668 R.B., p. 52: [As in a1598
F erg.]. 1678 RAY, p. 202: Who goes worse shod then the shooe-
maker’s wife? or Who goes more bare then the Shooemakers wife
and the smiths mare. [a168o] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., II 165:
No Man goes worse shod than the Shoemaker. a1700 B.E., s.v.
Shoemakers—stocks: (Who goes worse Shod than). 1721 KEL., p.
2 58: None worse Sho’d than the Shoemaker’s Wife, and the Smith’s
Mare. *Spoken when People are scarce of what they might have
Plenty of, if they pleased. 1732 FUL., no. 6448: Who goes more
bare, Than the Shoemaker’s Wife; and the Smith’s Mare!
Cf. H637: The common horse is worst shod; T21: The tailor’s
wife (child) is worst clad.
S388 He that’s always SHOOTING must sometime hit
1551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia I, p. 52: That he made the prouerbe
true, which saieth: he that shoteth oft, at the last shal hit the mark.
1732 FUL., no. 2276.
S389 Far SHOOTING never killed bird
I640 HERB., no. 401. 1659 N.R., p. 33.
Cf. S390: Short shooting loses the game.
1664 COD., p. 193.
S390 Short SHOOTING loses the game
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2vz (your game, ye maie see). 1570 G. HAR-
VEY Marginalia, p. 147: Lett not short shooting loose your game.
aime straight, draw home. 1573-80 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 172:
A certain exceeding feare, lest short shooting shuld loose mi game,
maketh me thus unseemely to overshoot mi self. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 42: (looseth the set). 1616 DR., no. 469. 1623 CAM., p. 276.
1639 CL., s.v. Audacia, p. 40. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4. 1659
N.R., p. 90. 1670 RAY, p. 142. 1732 FUL., no. 4157.
Cf. M1115: He will shoot higher that shoots at the moon (sun)
than he who aims at the tree; S389: Far shooting never killed bird.

fi
S391 He that keeps SHOP must speak to everyone
1611 COT., s.v. Boutique: Shopkeepers must be courteous; or, such
as haue ware to sell must haue words at will. Ihid., s.v. Parler.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 22: Shopkeepers are
Courtiers. They that have wares to sell have words at will.
S392 Keep thy SHOP and thy shop will keep thee
1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho I i 47: I . .
garnished my shop . . with . . thriftie sentences; As, Touchstone,
keepe thy Shopp, and thy Shoppe will keepe thee. 1642 D. ROGERS
Matr. Honor xi, p. 224: He that keepes his shop, his shop will keep
him. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 23. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bottega, p. 19: (As
the saying is, keep). 1670 RAY, p. 142. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p.
91: If he keep not his shop, his shop will not keep him. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3122. I735 FRANKLIN, p. 9.
S393 Let him Set up SHOP on Goodwin’s Sands1
1562 HEY. Dial. II ix, p. 76: But you leaue all anker holde, on seas or
lands. And so set vp shop vpon Goodwins sands. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 215. 1678 RAY, p. 72: *This is a
piece of Countrey wit; there being an aequivoq; in the word Good-
win, which is a surname, and also signifies gaining wealth. 1732
FUL., no. 3181: (a Shop upon Goodwin’s Sands).
[’See Sugden, p. 227.]
S394 He has shut up SHOPWINDows
1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. IV, p. 33: Then sayI .. Shet the shop-
windowes for lacke of marchaundice. 1678 RAY, p. 89: *A bank-
rupt.
Cf. C802: He that has not the craft let him shut up shop; W68:
When the wares be gone shut up the shopwindows (shop).
S395 Ye lean to the wrong SHORE
1546 HEY. II ii, s. GI.
S396 SHORT and sweet
1552 TAV., f. 68: Shortnes is acceptable . . The englysh prouerbe is
thus pronounced. Short and swete. 61580 LODGE Reply to Gosson,
p. 43: Shorte and sweete if I were iudge, a peece surely worthy
prayse. 1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy I xxvii, p. 54: The poet
deuised a prety fashioned poeme short and sweete (as we are wont
to say) and called it Epigramma. 1616 DR., no. 1973. 1616
WITHALS, p. 558. [1623] 1653 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Span.
Gypsy IV iii 8: Both short and sweet some say is best. 1630 D’AVE-
NANT Cruel Brother III, p. 154: ’Tis short, pray heaven it be sweet.
1639 CL., p. 51. a164o J. DAY Peregr. XVII, p. 72: Returnd him
this short, but nothing sweete answere. 1670 RAY, p. 142. 1687
SMITH (to Hough, Sept. 4) in Magd. College 104, p. 87: This is short,
but not very sweet. 1721 KEL., p. 59: Better Short and sweet, than
long and lax. *Apply’d to Discourses, Speeches, Sermons, and the
like. 1732 FUL., no. 4154.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II V iii 117: The word is short, but
not so short as sweet. (I 1)
S397 She is SHORT-HEELED
[a1521] 61545 J. HEYWOOD Four PP, s. DI: But her hed so gydy and
her helys so shorte. 61550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse W om. l. 564,
p. I 27: So short of heel they be ouer all, That if ye blowe they must
needs fall. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I i, s. BIv: I haue no
fault but one, I am somewhat short in the heele. 1591 NASHE
Wonderful Astrol. Prognost.: Wks., III 384: Some shalbe so short
heeld and so quesie stomackt that they shal ly in their beds while
noon. 1592 LYLY Midas III iii 33: Hie she was in the instep, but
short in the heele. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. iii, s. D3:
Mistresse fiurt, you foule strumpet, Light aloue, shorte heeles, mis-
tresse Gourfey. 1601 CHESTER Love’s Martyr, p. 91: Be not short-
heeld with euery wind to fall. 1611 Sec. Maiden’s Trag. IV i, p. 48:
Are ye so short heeld? 61629 F.D. Excell. Medley l. 21 in Roxh.
Bal., I 57: Take heed you play not at Tray-trip, Shorte heeles for-
sooth will quickly slip. 1732 FUL., no. 4290: Surely she wears low-
heel’d Shoes, she’s apt to fall backwards.
Cf. I84: To be high in the instep; $912: To be strait-laced.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SHOT
SHREw
603

S398 To pay the SHOT (scot)
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 241: He loueth well to be at good fare:
but he wyll pay no scotte. 61534 BERNERS Huon 176, p. 704: Yf
it may please you to let me eat and drynke with you I wyll pay for
my scot. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. E4: The recknyng reckned, he needs
wold pay the shot. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Ahuses I, p. 112: At the
last the deuill their hoste, tolde them, that thei must needes paie the
shotte, whereat their hartes waxed cold. 1607 DEKKER AND WEB-
STER North. Ho II, s. D4: Did thy father pay the shot? 1611 COT.,
s.v. Escotter: Euery one to pay his shot, or to contribute somewhat
towards it. 1640 FULLER 70seph’s Coat' Serm., I 131: Those that
have not wealth and substance to pay the shot. a1700 B.E., s.v.
Shot: To Pay one’s Shot, to Pay one’s Club or Proportion.
(IQ)
Cf. SI 59: To pay scot and lot.
S399 As fit as a SHOULDER of mutton for a sick horse
1546 HEY. II vii, 5. K1: (As holsome a morsell for my comely cors,
As a). 61550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 95, p. 59: (As hol-
some for a man is a woman’s corse, As a). 1616 WITHALS, p. 554:
(You give him that which is as fit for him as a). 1639 CL., s.v.
Absurda, p. 4: (As fit for him as a). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18:
Give a shoulder of mutton to a sick horse. 1670 RAY, p. 204.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Preposterous, p. 264: You give a shoul-
der of mutton to a sick horse.
Cf. C680: Counsel is as good for him as a shoulder of mutton for
a sick horse.
S400 He could have sung well before he broke his left
SHOULDER with whistling
1678 RAY, p. 82.
In a SHOULDER of veal there are twenty and two
good bits
1678 RAY, p. 83: *This is a piece of country wit. They mean by it,
There are twenty (others say forty) bits in a shoulder of veal, and
but two good ones. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p 431: They say
there are thirty and two good bits in a shoulder of veal. —Ay,
colonel, thirty bad bits and two good ones.
S401
S402 One SHOULDER of mutton draws (drives) down
another
1611 COT., s.v. Appetit. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 192: Words are
like cherries, one draws another. *Note 86, p. 224: The English
say, One shoulder of mutton draws down another. 1670 RAY, p.
128. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Shoulder. 1700 T. BROWN Amusements
VII, p. 62: As two Shoulders of Mutton drive down one another, so
two powerful Griefs destroy one another. 1732 FUL., no. 3793:
(drives). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 439: I think the more I eat
the hungrier I am. —Why, colonel, they say, one shoulder of mut-
ton drives down another.
Cf. A286: Appetite comes with eating; B419: One bit draws down
another; 5166: Scratching and eating wants but a beginning.
S403 Put your SHOULDER to the wheel
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II I ii, p. 384: Like him in lEsop, that,
when his cart was stalled, lay flat on his back, and cried aloud, Help,
Hercules! but that was to little purpose, except, as his friend advised
him . . he whipt his horses withal, and put his shoulder to the wheel.
1677 MARVELL Growth Popery, p. 372: If it had hitherto seemed to
go up-hill, there was a greater cause to put the whole shoulder to it.
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 246, I 221: Lay your Shoulder to the
Wheel, and Prick your Oxen.
S404 SHOULDER of mutton and English beer make the
Flemings tarry here
1617 MORYSON Itinerary III 11 xcix, IV 62: They [the Dutch] greatly
esteeme English Beere . . So in the Sea townes of England they sing
this English rime; Shoulder of mutton and English Beere, make the
Flemmings tarry here.
S405 To get over the left SHOULDER
1611 COT., s.v. Espaule: Over the shoulder, or the wrong way.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: I have gott it ore the left shoulder.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rifiesso, p. 168: To gain by sinister
means; also instead of getting, to lose by any bargain; the English
say, To get over the left shoulder. 1670 RAY, p. 177: To get over
the shoulders. 1681 ROB., p. 655: He gains over the left shoulder;
i.e. his gain is mischief. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 338, I 304:
This Good Oflice over the Left Shoulder, is the Civility that he
Values himself upon. He gives her his Good Word (as we call it)
to the very End, that she may be Eaten.
Cf. L578: Left-handed luck is ill luck; T154: To get by a thing,
as Dickson did by his distress.
S406 When the SHOULDER of mutton is going it is good
to take a Slice
1678 RAY, p. 350. 1732 FUL., no. 5598: (When the Mutton’s go-
ing).
Cf. P308: When the pig is profi'ered (offered) hold up (open) the
poke.
S407 To have good broad SHOULDERS
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Spalle, p. 198: To have good Shoulders.
*To be able to bear and carry; spoken often as to jeasts and fiouts.
1721 KEL., p. 196: (I have). *I can bear all the Calumnies that
you can load me with.
S408 More SHow than substance
1616 WITHALS, p. 541: There are some rather men in shewe, than in
substance. 1639 CL., p. 143: He makes a great Show, but’s not
worth a great. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 20: Fair in shew, but full of
shame. 1677 Smithfield Yockey, p. 2: So he frequently shews fairer,
then the true substance. 1721 KEL., p. 255.
SHAKESPEARE—61595 Ry. III ii 77: Despised substance of
divineSt Show! 1609 Son. 5, l. 13: But flowers distill’d .. Leese
but their Show—their substance Still lives sweet.
Cf. S214: Be what thou would seem to be.
S409 To make a fair Snow in a country church
1670 RAY, p. 192. 1721 KEL., p. 207: It will make a bra [fine]
Show, in a Landward [country] Kirk. *A Jest upon a Girl when
we see her fond of a new Suit. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 430:
Your ladyship has a very fine scarf. —~Yes, my lord; it will make
a flaming figure in a country church.
S410 He is like an April SHOWER, that wets the stone
nine times in an hour
61640 SMYTH 23, p. 26: *Applyed to an vnconstant man.
S411 April SHOWERS bring May flowers
61555 Songs and Bal. Philip and Mary 76, p. 213: When Aprell
sylver showers so sweet Can make May flowers to sprynge. 1557
TUSSER 100 Points Hush. 48, p. 103: Sweete April showers D00
spring Maie flowers. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 34: But I trust
April showers shal bring forth Mai flowers: and after thes turbulent
raging tempests I hope verrely for caulm and faier wether. 1580
GIFFORD Pleasant jest: Gilloflowers, p. 109: When Aprill showres,
that brings May flowers, Made spring time bud and sprout. 1611
L. BARRY Ram-Alley V, s. Iv: (spring May flowers). 1611 COT.,
s.v. Fevrier: We say, Aprill showres bring in May flowers. 1623
CAM., p. 265: (doe spring May flowers). 1639 CL., p. 307: (make
May flowers). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12: (bring forth May
flowers). 1670 RAY, p. 41: (bring forth May flowers). 1721 KEL.,
p. 52: (make May Flowers). 1732 FUL., no. 6126.
SHAKESPEARE—16o6-7 A.C. III ii 43: The April’s in her eyes.
It is love’s spring, And these the showers to bring it on.
Cf. M644: A windy March and a rainy April make a beautiful
MaY- (5)
S412 It is better to be a SHREw than a sheep
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 67, p. 157: Now be she lambe or be
she eaw, Giue me the sheepe, take thou the shreaw. 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 223: Wher-by they noted, that although the
virgin were somwhat shrewishe at the first, yet in time shee myght
become a sheepe. [a1600] 1662 I.T. Grim Collier Croydon II i, s.

H6: ’Tis better be a Shrew, sir, then a Sheep. 1611 GRUT., no. 150.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi E.
SHREW
SmE
604

1614 CAM., p. 308. 1624 TAYLOR Taylor’s Pastoral: Wks. F.,
p. 543: A Shrew is better then a Sheepe. I625 HOWELL Let. I iv
9, I 221: It is better to marry a Shrew than a Sheep; for tho’ silence
be the dumb Orator of Beauty . . yet a phlegmatic dull Wife is ful-
some and fastidious. 1639 CL., p. 118: (Tis better being a). 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 201. 1670 RAY, p. 50: Better
be a shrew then a sheep. *For commonly shrews are good house-
wives. 1732 FUL., no. 873: Better be a Shrew than a Sheep.
Cf. F494: It is better to marry a quiet'fool than a witty scold;
S413: One shrew is worth two sheep. (6)
S413 One SHREW is worth two sheep
1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. III i, p. 44: (It is an olde Saying, one).
Cf. S412: It is better to be a shrew than a sheep.
S414 A SHREW profitable may serve a man reasonable
I616 BRET., p. 5: (is good for a man reasonable). 1623 CAM., p.
265. I659 N.R., p. 9. 1662 FULLER Worthies Shropshire, II 254:
A profitable Shrew may well content a reasonable man, the Poets
faining Juno chaste and thrifty, qualities which commonly attend
a shrewd nature. 1732 FUL., no. 398.
S415 He has been at SHRIET
1528 TYNDALE Obed. Chr. Man, p. 304: Of him that is betrayed,
and wotteth not how, we say, He hath been at shrift.
S416 At SHROVETIDE it will be known who has the fat
hen
1573 TUSSER 500 Points H usb. 90, p. 180: At Shroftide to Shrouing,
go thresh the fat hen. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1.
S417 To give one the Neapolitan SHRUG
1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 298: It is growen to a common prou-
erbe, Ile giue him the Neapolitan shrug, when one intends to play
the villaine and make no boast of it.
S418 SICHEM marries the wife and Mifgaeus is cir-
cumcised
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 398.
S419 Seldom SICK sore sick
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1238.
S420 Put not thy SICKLE in another man’s corn (har-
vest)
1576 LAMBARDE Peramb. Kent, p. 504: Least I be blamed for thrust-
ing my sicle into another mans harvest. 1602 R. CAREW Surv.
Cornwall I, p. 211: I have thrust my sickle overfar into another’s
harvest. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I 1: To put his sickle in anothers
harvest. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9. I681 ROB., p. 291: YOu have
no business to do there; Put not your sickle into your Neighbours
Corn. I732 FUL., no. 5218: (To put our Sickle into).
Cf. O4: He will have an oar in every man’s boat.
The SICKLE and the scythe, that love I not to see,
but the good ale tankard, happy might it be
1639 CL., s.v. Bibacitas, p. 47.
S421
S422 Who marries between the SICKLE and the scythe
will never thrive
1678 RAY, p. 352.
Cf. J102: June, July, and August, wife, I know thee not.
S423 The SICKNESS 0f the body is the health of the
soul
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 119.
S424 SICKNESS soaks the purse
I616 BRET., p. 6. 1639 CL., p. 205.
S425 He knows on which SIDE his bread is buttered
1546 HEY. II vii, s. K1 v: For all those wyse words vttred, I knowe
on whiche syde my breade is buttred. I564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever,


p. 112: He knoweth vpon whiche side his breade is buttered well
enough. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 221 : One that could quick-
ly perceiue on which side my bread was buttered. I616 R.C. Times’
Whistle l. 1987, p. 64: Knewe for all on which side of his bread The
sweetnesse of the butter was yspread. 1616 DR., s.v. Commoditie
or profite, no. 278: (on what side). 1636 CAM., p. 297: (is buttered
on). 1639 CL., p. 219. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: He knows
well enough what side his bread is butterd upon. I666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Oca, p. I 19: To understand, to know which side his
bread’s butter’d on. 1670 RAY, p. 165: He knows which side his
bread is butter’d on. 1672 WALK. 84, p. 25: *What is good for
himself. I721 KEL., p. 135: He knows what Side his Bread is but.
tered on. *That is, he knows well where his Interest lyes. 1732
FUL., no. 1961: He knows which Side of his Bread is butter’d.
See DL'IR., II, no. 666. Cf. K178: To know what is what. (5)
S426 He rose on his right (wrong, left) SIDE
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 90: Or howe happily rose I on
my ryght syde to day, or blessed me well . . this happye or lucky
day. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3v: You rose on your right syde here
ryght. [01552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle II i, s. B2v:
This day, the truth to tel, Thou rose not on thy right syde . . or els
blest thee not wel. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. D3: If the
Muses . . fauoured his tong, as well as Phoebus and Calliope the
direction of his penne, his rising shoulde be on the right side on that
day. CI579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom iii, p. 30: I rose on
my lift side to day. 1608 G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN Dumb Knt.
IV, p. 182: Sure, I said my prayers, ris’d on my right side, Wash’d
hands and eyes, put on my girdle last. 1616 DR., s.v. Successe,
no. 2058: He arose on the right side. 1627 W. HAWKINS Apollo
Shroving III iv, p. 135: I think I rose not on the right side to day.
1639 CL., s.v. Fortunatus, p. 125. I670 RAY, p. 191. I677 BEHN
Town Fop V i, p. 72: Sure I rose the wrong way to day. I have had
such damn’d ill luck.
Cf. N132: He has pissed on a nettle. (11)
S427 I will not take frOm my left SIDE (hand) to give to
my right
1639 CL., s.v. Iustitiae, p. 182. 1664 COD., p. 201. I670 RAY, p.
195: To take from ones right side, to give to ones left. 1732 FUL.,
no. 5241: To take from the right Hand, and give to the Left.
Cf. H100: To refuse with the right hand and take with the left;
P244: He robs Peter to pay Paul.
S428 To be on the safer (better) SmE of the hedge
I600 HOLLAND Livy lxix Epit. 1246, quoted from New English
Dictionary, s.v. Hedge: One who ever loved to be on the better
side of the hedge. 1630 T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: Wks., p. 1088:
And temporary faith that will alwayes keepe the warme side of the
hedge, neuer windward. 1653 BAXTER W are. Petit. Def. 24, quoted
from New English Dictionary, s.v. Hedge: If you say, We have too
much in any of these particulars; then we are on the safer side of the
hedge.
S429 To have a blind SIDE
1576 GASCOIGNE Steel Glass, p. 161: He comes, I thinke, upon the
blinde side stil. I606 CHAPMAN Gent. Usher I i 128: We’ll follow
the blind side of him. 1607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amb. III ii 295: I
have the blind side of one of them. 1608 CHAPMAN Byron’s Trag.
V ii 168: What man is he .. So roundly sighted, but he may be
found To have a blind side. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p.
27: The imperfect knowledge Saints have here is Satan’s advantage
against them; He often takes them on the blind side. 1681 BEHN 2
RoverI i, p. 122: The Rascals have a blind side as all conceited Cox-
combs have. a1700 B.E.: Blind side, every Man’s weak Part.
S430 To laugh but of one SIDE (on the other side, on
the wrong side) of the mouth ~
1606 Wily Beguiled xiii, p. 49: Ile haue a rumpe of beefe for thee,
shal make thy mouth stand oth tother side. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.,
note 34, p. 173: The English say, when one hath conveniently re-
veng’d ones self on another. Now you can laugh but on one side of
your mouth, friend. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rider, p. 168: (To

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl .), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SIDE
SILENCE
605

laugh with a counterfeit laugh; the English express it, To laugh
but). 1714 LUCAS Gamesters, p. I 56: But tho’ he laugh’d, ’twas on
the wrong side of his mouth.
8431 To set the fair (best) SIDE forward (outward)
1639 CL., p. 131: He sets the faire Side forward. I663 PEPYS
Diary Nov. 9, III 338: He was always a conceited man, and one
that would put the best Side outward. 1670 C. COTTON Life Esper-
non II viii, p. 364: The Duke of Espernon . . endeavour’d neverthe-
less all he could to turn the best Side outward.
Cf. F570: To set the best (better) foot (leg) foreward (before).
8432 You make the better SIDE the worse
1678 RAY, p. 355: *Som.
8433 Both SIDES are losers
1616 DR., s.v. Falsenesse, no. 668: He is lacke on both sides.
CL., p. 82: Both sides cometo th’ losse. Ibid., p. 318.
1639
8434 AS much sibbed1 as SIEVE2 and ridder3 that grew
both in a wood together
I508 DUNBAR Test. A. Kennedy 1. 55: Poems, II 56: We were als
sib as seue and riddill, in vna silua que creuerunt. I670 RAY, p.-
207. I674 RAY Words Not Gen. Used, p. 62: No more sib’d than
Sieve and Riddle. *Chesh. 1721 KEL., p. 31: As sub as Siveand
Riddle that grew both in one Wood. *Spoken to them who ground-
lesly pretend Kindred to great Persons.
[Irelated 2a fine sieve 3a coarse sieve]
8435 To be like a SIEVE
[01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 106: IS she poore? . . Then
she’s a right Strumpet .. Siues can hold no water, nor Harlots
hoord vp money. 1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133: He holds like a
riddle [sieve]. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 96: But for
her especially, he never meant to make her his She-Confessor, who.
was as open as a Sieve,,.that could not hold water. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Vaglio, p. 224: To be, like a Sive, viz. which doth not
retain, but all goes through.
S436 SIGH not but send, he will come if he be un-
hanged
1678 RAY, p. 81. Ibid., p. 348: Never sigh but send. 1721 KEL., p.
89: Do no[t] sigh for him, but send for him; if he be unhang’d he’ll
come. *Spoken when a young Maid sighs, alledging that it is for a
Sweetheart. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 396: Come, miss, never
sigh, but send for him. If he be hanged he’ll come hopping; and
if he be drowned he’ll come dropping.
8437 Out of SIGHT out of languor1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1105. I668 R.B., p. 42. 1721 KEL., p. 269.
Cf. S208: Seldom seen soon forgotten; S438: Out of sight out of
mind.
[Idesire]
8438 Out of SIGHT out of mind
I477 CAXTON fason, p. 83: Men saye communely That ferre ys
from the eye. IS ferre from the herte. 01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog.
II, p. 16: Once out of sight and shortly out of minde. 1546 HEY.
I iii, s. A4. 1552 TAV., f. 30: Multas amicitias silentium dirimit.
Silence bredeth [sic] many frendshyps. This adage monysheth vs
that with Ofte accompanyenge, and frequent speakinges vnto, fren-
ships be both gotten and maynteyned, and agayne with absence
and leauynge of, they be commonly broken. 01558 Wealth and
Health I. 199, S.- B1: Loe, out of syght out of remembryng Absence
is cause of straungnes. I562 BROOKE Romeus and j‘ul. l. 206, p.
120: The proverbe saith, unminded oft are they that are unseene.
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I ii, s. B4v: And absence put me out
of minde, that shut me out of sight. I586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II
125: I will put the trueth in trial of this Proverbe, Out of sight out of
minde. 1591 STEP., p. 148. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 113: Out of sight
out of minde: this lye they marke, That lye with their drabbs all
night in the clarke. -I6II GRUT., no. 212. 1614 CAM., p. 310.
1616 DR., no. 1696. 1623 WOD., p. 487. 1639 CL., p. 231: (and

out of mind). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
2 5, p. 175: Far from the eye, far from the heart. 1670 RAY, p. 142.
1672 WALK. 59, p. 48.
See ST., no. 1691. Cf. F596: Long absent soon forgotten; S208:
Seldom seen soon forgotten; S437: Out of sight out of languor;
V100: Long voyages depart friendship. (36)
8439 The SIGHT of a man has the force of a lion
I640 HERB., no. 613. 1664 COD., p. 220.
8440 To play least in SIGHT
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. I670 RAY, p. 214.. 1721 KEL., p.
173: He plays least in sight. *Taken from a Game at Cards so
call’d, that is he keeps himself conceal’d.
8441 He lives under the SIGN of the cat’s foot
1678 RAY, p. 68: *He is hen-peckt, his wife scratches him.
8442 It is an ill SIGN to see a fox lick a lamb
1678 RAY, p. 142. I732 FUL., no. 2903.
S443 Ecce SIGNUM
[01588] 1604 MARLOWE Faustus III iii—A 2: Ec'ce, signum! here’s a
simple purchase for horse-keepers: our horses shall eat no hay as
long as this lasts. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iv, s. E3: Ecce
signum, heere it is. 1608 MIDDLETON Family Love IV iii 48: Ecce
signum! here’s the cross and the sword of justice in good pewter.
SHAKESPEARE.'—.—_1597 I Hen. IVII iv 186: My sword hack’d like
a handsawmecce signum! I neverdealt better since I was a man.
S444 No SILENCE was ever written
1573 SANF., f. 108. '
S445 SILENCE does Seldom harm
1639 CL., p. 284: Silence never did man harme. 1664 COD., p.
210. 1670 RAY, p. 24. 1672 WALK. 10, p. 39: Silenceseldome
doth harm; little said soon amended. 1732 FUL., no. 4170: Silence
seldom hurts. ' .
Cf. L358: Little (Nothing) said, soon amended; P407: No plea is
best.
8446 SILENCE is (gives) consent
01475 Partonope l. 1 1783, p. 467: This proverbe was seide full longe
ago: Who so holdeth hym still dothe assent. 01550 LUMLEY I phig.
at Aul., f. 87: You your selfe haue partelie confessed it in holdinge
your peace. I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 1.80: I seemed to
consent bymy silence. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Abuses II, p. 67: He
that concealeth the truth, seemeth to consent to errors. I591
LYLY Endim. V iii 211: Silence, Madame, consents: that is most
true. 1608 DAY Hum. out Breath IV iii, p. 64: Or shall I take
your Silence for consent? 1611 COT., s.v. Consentir: He consents
enough that sayes nothing. [01613] 1632 T. HEYWOOD 1 Iron Age,
p. 283: It may be Shee meanes by silence to accord with me. 1616
JONSON Epic. II iii 135: She says nothing, but consentire videtur.
01616-30 Partial Law V iv, p. 112: I will nothing say. —Then
, silence gives consent. 1639 CL., p. 302. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 12: Who holds his peace, consents. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p.
279: Who is silent, gives consent. 1670 RAY, p. 142. I672 WALK.
60, p. 48: (gives). 1721 KEL., p. 299: (gives). I732 FUL., no.
4165: (gives). 7
SHAKESPEARE—I597 Rich. III III vii 144: Ifnot to answer, you
might haply think Tongue-tied ambition, not replying, yielded.
I610 Cym. II iii 99: But that you shall not say I yield being silent,
I would not speak.
See ST., no. 2688.
nothing.
Cf. E160—1: He grants enough that says
(11)
S447 SILENCE is the best ornament of a woman
[ERAS. Adagia, 991A: Mulierem ornat silentium.] I539 TAV., f. 50:
[As in Eras.]. Silence garnysheth a woman. 01569 J. PHILLIP
Patient Grissell l. 315, s. C1v: For a Damsell to haue manie wordes
it is vnfyttie. I586 WITHALS, s. H8v: Mylde and fewe wordes be-
seeme a woman. I607 JONSON Volp. III iv 76: The Poet, As old
in time, as Plato, and as knowing, Say’s, that your highest female

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
SILENT
SIMPLES
606

grace is silence. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: (Silence the best).
1670 RAY, p. 24. 1732 FUL., no. 4166: Silence is a fine Jewel for a
Woman; but it’s little worn.
SHAKESPEARE.—1608 C. II i 192: But O, thy wife! —-My gracious
silence, hail!
Cf. M45: Maidens should be seen and not heard.
8448 Better SILENT than saucy
1591 LYLY Endim. IV iii 66: As good be silent as saucie.
S.V. Parler: Better a silent, then a sencelesse, tongue.
Br. Prov., p. 17.
I611 COT.,
1659 How.
S449 As soft as SILK
[61486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature 1, S. D2: A Shyrt as soft as
sylk. [1503] c1545 SKELTON Phyllyp Sparrowe I. 119: Wks., I 85:
And handes soft as sylke. 1509 HAWES Past. Pleas. 16, p. 63: By
her propre hande, soft as any sylke. 1520-4o Songs in Rawl. MS
C813 XIII, p. 335: By hur proper hande, as softe as any sylke, with
due obeysance I dyd hur then take. 1584 LYLY Camp. II ii 66:
A skin as soft as silk, and as smooth as iet. 1606 SYLVESTER Weeks
II III i 162. 1639 CL., p. 288. 1670 RAY, p. 203.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. I ix 45: Soft as the parasite’s silk.
S450 The fairest SILK is soonest soiled
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 189. 1616 DR., s.v. Faults, no. 689:
(will soonest be soiled). 1639 CL., p. 83. 1670 RAY, p. 88: (is
soonest stained). *This may be applied to women. The hand-
somest women are soonest corrupted because they are most tempt-
ed. It may also be applied to good natures, which are more easily
drawn away by evil company. 1732 FUL., no. 4516: (is the soonest
stained).
Cf. C56: The canker soonest eats the fairest rose (flowers); L120:
The finest lawn (cloth) will be the soonest stained.
S451 SILK and satin (Fine clothes) make not a gen-
tleman
1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. V, p. 43: It is not Clothing can make a man
be good. 1616 DR., no. 839. 1639 CL., p. 226. I732 FUL., no.
3455: More goes to the making of a fine Gentleman than fine
Clothes. Ibid., no. 3567: No fine Clothes can hide the Fool, or
Clown.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594-8 T.S. III ii 114: See not your bride in
these unreverent robes . ——To me She’s married, not unto my
clothes. 1608 C. IV v I 56: Yet my mind gave me his clothes made
a false report of him. 1611 W. T. V ii 142: See you these clothes?
Say you see them not and think me still no gentleman born. You
were best say these robes are not gentlemen born.
Cf. A283: Apparel makes (Clothes make) the man; C474: It is
not the gay coat that makes the gentleman.
S452 SILKS and satins put out the fire in the chimney
(kitchen)
1640 HERB., no. 906. 1651 HERB., p. 366: Silke doth quench the
fire in the kitchin. 1657 LEIGH, p. 268: Silk doth quench the fire
of this Kitchin. *Sumptuousnesse of apparel destroyes Hospitality
and good House-keeping. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via,
p. 231. 1659 N.R., p. 90: [As in 1651 Herb.]. Ibid., p. 91. 1664
COD., p. 21 I. 1670 RAY, p. 24: (kitchin). 1721 KEL., p. 293: (put
out the Kitchin Fire). *Commonly spoken by Servants, when they
think that their Masters and Mistresses extravagant Cloaths make
their Meat and Drink something scarcer. 1732 FUL., no. 4171: (put
out the Kitchen-Fire). 1746 FRANKLIN, p. 23: [As in 1732 Ful.].
S453 As bright (white) as SILVER
[61552] I575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle II i, s. B2v: As bright
as any syller. 61586 Bk. Pretty Conceits, s. A6: And then it will be
as bright as any siluer. 1589 R. ROBINSON Etymology Names:
Gold. Mirr., p. 3: Upon the sodden presently there came, A valiant
hounde, as white as siluer is. 1622 G. MARKHAM AND SAMPSON
Herod and Antipater III, s. G2: A Face more black then any Aethi-
ope, He scoure as white as Siluer.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 905: All silver-white.
S454 Bonny SILVER is soon spent
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 271. I668 R.B., p. 15.

fl
S455 He that has no SILVER (money) in his purse
should have silver (Silk, honey) on his tongue
1611 COT., s.v. Avoir: Qui n’a argent en bourse ait du moins du miel
ou bouche. *Let him that cannot spend freely speake faire. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 5: Who hath not money in his purse, let him have
honey in his mouth. 1721 KEL., p. 143: He that has not Silver in
his Purse, should have Silk on his Tongue. *He that cannot pay
his Debts Should at least give good Words. 1732 FUL., no. 2149,
Ibid., no. 6330: He that has in his Purse no Money, Had need have
in his Mouth Honey.
Cf. H550: He that has no honey in his pot let him have it in his
mouth.
S456 N o SILVER no servant
1616 DR., no. 1861. 1639 CL., p. 243. 1664 COD., p. 206. 1670
RAY, p. 143. 1732 FUL., no. 3629: (no Service).
Cf. M1089: No money no Swiss.
S457 No SILVER (gold) without his dross
1611 COT., s.v. Or: No Gold without some drosse. 1616 DR., s.v.
Faults, no. 680. 1639 CL., p. 80.
S458 SILVER has a silver sound
1616 DR., s.v. Words, no. 2488: (will haue).
dia, p. I 12.
SHAKES PEARE.—61595 R._‘7. IV V 1 3 3: Silver hath a sweet sound.
S459 White SILVER draws black lines
[ERAS. Similia, 602A: Argentum cum sit candidum, nigras tamen
ducit lineas, ut stannum.] 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 23: Whyte
siluer, drawes a blacke lyne. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p.
1 67: Beautie, though it bee amiable, worketh many things contrarye
to hir fayre shewe, not vnlyke vnto Syluer, which beeing white,
draweth blacke lynes. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao II iv 125:
White siluer draweth blacke lines, and sweete wordes will breede
sharpe tormentes. 1617 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Fair Quar-
rel III ii 74: Silver, though white, Yet it draws black lines. 1639
CL., s.V. Ingratitudo, p. 170. 1670 RAY, p. 142.
1639 CL., s.V. Facun-
S460 N o SIMILITUDE (metaphor) walks (runs) upon all
four (on four wheels)
1630 T. ADAMS Physic from Heav.: Wks., p. 286: No Metaphore
should of necessitie runne like a Coach on foure wheeles. 1697
R. BENTLEY Diss. upon Epp. Phalaris Pref. , p. lxxvi: Similitudes . .
do not walk upon All Four.
See SM., p. 323.
S461 Sup, SIMON, the best is at the bottom (here is
good broth)
1607 Puritan III, s. F1 : Sup, Simon, now! eate Porridge for a month.
1639 CL., s.V. Bibacitas, p. 46: (here’s good broth). Ibid.: (’tis best
i’ th bottome). 1670 RAY, p. 217. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p.
437: Sup, Simon; very good broth.
S462 SIMPER DE COCKET
[An aercted, coquettish air; a woman Characterized by such airs;
a flirt.] [a1529] 1542—8 SKELTON Elynour Rum. l. 53: Wks., I 96:
In her furred fiocket, And gray russet rocket, With symper the cock-
et. 1533 HEYWOOD Play Weather, s. D1: I saw you dally wyth
your symper de cokket. 1546 HEY. II i, s. F2v: Vpryght as a can-
dell standeth in a soket, Stoode she that daie, so sympre de coket.
1607 R. CAREW World Wonders 28, p. 238: There are another sort
of simper-de-cockets, who counterfet puppets, in speaking so finely
that they wil scarce open their mouthes. [1621] 1640 JONSON Gyp-
sies Metam. l. 190: Masques at Court, p. 571: Lay by your wimbles,
Your boringe for thimbles, Or vsing your nimbles In dining the
pockette And sounding the socketts Of Simper-the-Cocketts.
S463 To be cut for (of) the SIMPLES
1650 Wits in St. Paul’s, p. 148: The Witts of Pauls, Or a Catalogue
of those Book-sellers Apprentices . . which are to be cut of the Sim-
ples this next Spring. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Capogirlo, p. 29: To

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SIMPLES 607
SINS
pull out the whims out of ones head, viz. to unworm one, or to cut
one of the simples. a1700 B.E., S. v. Simples: He must be cut of the
Simples, Care must be taken to cure him of his Folly. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 386: Indeed, Mr. Neverout, you Should be cut for
the simples.
Cf. K166: He got a knock in the cradle; P376—7: To have a soft
place in one’s head.
S464 To be sick of the SIMPLES
1670 WALKER Idiom. Ang.-Lat., p. 416.
S465 As ugly as SIN
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Peccato, p. 137: To be uglier than sin,
viz. most ugly.
See SM., p. 55.
S466 Dissembled SIN is double wickedness
1732 FUL., no. 1299.
Cf. H525: Pretended holiness is double iniquity.
S467 Every SIN brings its punishment with it
1616 DR., no. 1782: As a man Sinneth, so is his punishment.
HERB., no. 756.
S468 He shall sink in his own SIN
1546 HEY. I x, s. D1: Thou shalte sure synke in thyne owne syn for
vs. 1562 HEY. Epig. 240, p. 165. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15.
1640
S469 It is a SIN against hospitality to open your doors
and shut up your countenance
1605 BACON Adv. Learning II, p. 348: Saith Cicero . . Nil interest
habere ostium apertum, vultum clausum; it is nothing won to ad-
mit men with an open door, and to receive them with a shut and
reserved countenance. 1732 FUL., no. 2883. 1746 FRANKLIN, p.
23: Half Hospitality opens his Door and shuts up his Countenance.
S470 It is a SIN to belie the devil
1548 E. HALL Edw. I: Chron., f. 16v: It were synne to lye on the
deuil. 111555 N. RIDLEY Declaration Lord’s Supper: Wks., p. 10:
It is also a true common proverb, that it is even sin to lie upon the
devil. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 789: (to lie on the devill). 1607
, DEKKER Knight’s Conjuring II, p. 21: (’Tis sinne). 1668 R.B., p.
28: (to lye on the Devil). 1678 RAY, p. 125. 61703 MOTTEUX
Don Quix. I 111 xi, I 180. 1721 KEL., p. 197: (to lye on). *It is
wrong to call bad People worse than they are. 1732 FUL., no.
2884: (to belie even the Devil himself).
Cf. D273: Give the devil his due.
S471 Old SIN breeds (makes) new shame (repent-
ance)
61500 Melusine XIX, p. 79: The prouerbe that is said commonly
is trew that is that old synne reneweth shame. 1573 SANF., f. 51v:
Olde sinne, newe repentaunce. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v:
Old sinne, and new penance. a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 105: Auld sine
new sheame. 1611 COT., s.v. Nouveau. 1623 WOD., p. 522:
(makes). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 24, p. 27: [As in 1573 Sanf.]. 1659
HOW. Br. Prov., p. 18: Old sin renews the shame. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 8: Old Sins new repentance. 1664 COD., p. 207:
Old sinnes breed new shame. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 197: An
old Sin, new repentance. *Note 140, p. 22 5: Oft spoken in drollery
to a friend, as the English say, Ah! The sins of ones youth, etc.
1668 R.B., p. 8: [AS in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 269: [AS in
1664 Cod.]. (5)
S472 A SIN unseen is half pardoned
1567 G. FENTON Trag. Disc. 10, II 149: Me thinkes a falte don in
secrett is halfe perdoned. 1573 SANF., f. 51v: Sinne that is hidden,
is halfe forgiuen. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v: A hydden
fault, is halfe pardoned. 1584 GREENE Mirror Mod., p. 19: That
Sin which is secretlie committed is alwaies halfe pardoned. 1590
GREENE Never Too Late, p. 87: Sins vnseene are halfe pardoned;
and Loue requires not Chastitie but that her souldiours be charie.
1596 LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 39: A sin vnseene is halfe quitted [a

bawd’s argument]: a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1245: Sinnes unseen ar
half pardoned. 1598 HALL Satires Postscr., p. 125: Since that
which is unseen is almost undone. [1607] 1631 T. HEYWOOD 1
Fair Maid West II, p. 287: For a disgrace not seene, is held no
shame. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess IV ii 70:
Her faults were none, until thou madest ’em known. 1629 Bk.
Mer. Rid. 25, p. 27: [AS in 1573 Sanf.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p.
197: Sin conceal’d, half pardoned. *Note 139, p. 225: Scandalous
and publick Sins are the worst, and least capable of pardon.
Cf. B471: A blot is no blot unless it be hit; L381: Live charily
if not chastely.
S473 Successful (Prosperous) SIN passes for virtue
61594 BACON, no. 451: Prosperum et felix scelus Virtus vocatur.
61600 Charlemagne l. 355, p. 13: A prosperous synne is nowe a ver-
tuous acte. 1604 MARSTON Malcontent V ii 268: Mischief that
prospers, men do virtue call. 1605 JONSON Sejanus III 717, p.
417: A princes power makes all his actions vertue. 1606 MARSTON
Sophon. II i 347: Pish! prosprous successe gives blackest actions
glorie. 1608 CHAPMAN Consp. Byron II i 173: So worst works are
made good with good success. 1612 CHAPMAN W idow’s Tears III
i 91: Happy events make good the worst attempts. [1616-24] 1639
FLETCHER ET AL. Bloody Brother IV i, p. 288: ’Tis no cruelty
That hath a specious end; for Soveraignty Break all the Laws of
kind; if it succeed, An honest, noble, and praise-worthy deed.
[61620] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER False One V ii, p. 359: If
we prosper ’Twill be stil’d lawfull, and we shall give laws To those
that now command us. 1623 MASSINGER Duke Milan I i, p. 8:
For the success Concludes the victor innocent, and the vanquished
Most miserably guilty. 1732 FUL., no. 4273: Success is never
blamed.
S474 Who swims in SIN (vice) shall drown in it (in
vanity)
1563 GOOGE Eclog. Epit. and Sonn., p. 67: The wretched man . .
Whom Deth hymself flyngs ouer bord, amyd the Seas of syn, The
place wher late, he swetly swam, now lyes he drowned in. 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 312: They that couet to swimme in vice,
shall sinke in vanitie.
S475 Compelled SINS are no Sins
1578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. III iv, s. D2v: Nay Cassan-
dra, if thou thy selfe submyt, To saue my life, to Promos fleashly
wyll, Iustice wyll say, thou dost no cryme commit; For in forst,
faultes is no intent of yll. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man I, p. 42: Ad-
vising her [Lucrecia] not to take the matter so grievously, seeing
there was no fault Where the heart consented not. [61618] I647
FLETCHER ET AL. Qu. Corinth III ii, p. 45: Take comfort gentle
Madam; you know well Even actual sins committed without will,
Are neither sins nor shame, much more compell’d. [61622] 1647
FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Douhle Marr. IV, p. 380: Quod invitus
facis, non est scelus. ’Tis an axiome.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 M.M. II iv 57: Our compell’d sins Stand
more for number than for accompt.
S476 Our SINS and our debts (years) are often more
than we think
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 23: Sins and debts are
alwaies more then one takes them to be. 1659 CRADOCK Know.
and Prac. II i, p. 133: Few people do reckon up one sin often that
they are guilty of. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 1: (are alwayes more
then we take them to be). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 197: Years,
and sins, are ever more than they are reported to be. Ihid. 22, p.
197: Sins, and debts, are ever more than a body believes them to be.
1721 KEL., p. 273: *We are too apt to have too good an Opinion of
our Condition both in reference to this World, and another. 1732
F UL., no. 4179: Sins and Debts are always more than we think them
to be.
S477 SINS are not known till they be acted
1640 HERB., no. 936. 1659 N.R., p. 91: (are acted).
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. 527: The fault unknown is as a
thought unacted.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
SINS
SITTING
608

S478 The SINS of the offenders are the strength of the
tyrants
1616 DR., no. 2200. 1664 COD., p. 214: The sins of offenders are
the strength of tyrants.
S479 When all SINS grow old covetousness grows
young
I560 BECON Cot. VI, p. 373: Covetousness is a vice appropriated . .
to old men, according to this old saying: . . When all vices wax old,
covetousness alone waxeth young. 01567 W. FERING New Years
Gift in Bol. and Broadsides 46, p. 130: When many sinnes are waxen
olde, Then Couetousnesse will seeme most yonge. 1611 COT., s.v.
Avarice: The loue of wealth continues yong when all sinnes else
grow old. Ibid., s.v. Peché: When all sinnes else be old is auarice
young. I640 HERB., no. 18: (is young). 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. I: (growes younger). 1659 N.R., p. 117. 1664 COD., p. 226.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 17: When all sins are old, covetousness is
still youthfull.
Cf. M568: Old men are covetous by nature.
S480 Today we SING tomorrow we weep
1616 DR., no. 608.
in Teares.
Cf. M1176: Some laugh in the morning that weep at night.
S481 Many a one SINGS that is full sorry
[01525—9] I561 Godly Qu. Hester l. 340, p. 15: With their mouth thei
sing. Though thei wepe in their hart. 1611 COT., s.v. Chanter:
*Those that, against their wils, ride vp Holborne, oft verifie this
Prouerbe. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 176: (There’s
many a one). *This Proverb is verified by those that sing upon
the Gallows.
Cf. E248: To cry (look up) with one eye and laugh (down) with
the other; L92a: To laugh and cry at once (like rain in sunshine).
I623 WOD., p. 476: To day in flower, to morrow
S482 All good SINGERS have colds
[ERAS. Adagio, 673C: Haesitantia cantoris tussis.]
Cheats II iv, p. 26: A good voice is never without an excuse.
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 387: (They say all).
SHAKESPEARE—I598-9 M.A. II iii 46: O, good my lord, tax not
SO bad a voice To Slander music any more than once. I599 A.Y.
II v 15: My voice is ragged. I kdowI cannot please you. Ibid.
V iii I I: Shall we clap into’t roundly, without hawking or spitting
or saying we are hoarse, which are the only prologues to a bad
voice?
1664 J. WILSON
1738
S483 February SINGING never stints stinging
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 10.
See APP., p. 208.
S484 Better be still SINGLE than ill married
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 5. 1664 COD., p. 187: (Better to be).
S485 SINK or swim
[01517] I533 SKELTON hIagn., 3. “A4: Here is none forsyth whether
you flete or synke. 211529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II
438: But some shall go astraye, And lerne to swyme or sinke.
01538 T. STARKEY Dialogue I iii 586: Eng. in Reign Hen. VIII II,
p. 85: They care not (as hyt ys commynly sayd) whether they synke
or swyme. 1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4v: Feelde ware might synke or
swym while ye had eny. [a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. H3v: I turn’d
her from me to go sinke or swym. 1616 WITHALS, p. 571: I haue.
1639 CL., s.v.
1670
nothing to do with that, let it sinke or swimme.
Desperatio, p. 86: He cares not Whether he sink or swim.
RAY, p. 192.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 1 Hen. IVI iii 194: Ifhe fall in, good night,
or sink or swim!
See ST., no. 379. Cf. B12: Fall back fall edge; W877: In the
world who knows not to swim goes (The world is round and he
that cannot swim sinks) to the bottom. (24)
S486 To call one SIR and something else
I678 RAY, p. 269: *Sirrah.

S487 SIR JOHN BARLEYCORN is nobody with him
1639 CL., s.v. Temperantia, p. 306.
S488 SIR JOHN BARLEYCORN is the strongest knight
I670 RAY, p. 59.
S489 She is a SISTER of the charterhouse1
1528 TYNDALE Obed. Chr. Man, p. 305: Of her that answereth her
husband six words for one, we say, She is a Sister of the Charter-
house: as who should say, She thinketh that she is not bound to
keep Silence; their silence shall be a satisfaction for her.
See SM., p. 388.
[1a Carthusian monastery whose members were bound to perpet-
ual silence]
S490 The three SISTERS
[The Fates, or Parcae.] 01566 Painful Plight Lover in C. Robinson
et al. Handf. Pleas. Delights, p. 61: And sisters three did full agree,
my fatall threed to share. _
SHAKESPEARE.—1595 M.N.D. V i 343: O Sisters Three, Come,
come to me. 1596 M.V. II ii 64: The young gentleman, according
to Fates and Destinies and such odd sayings, the Sisters Three and
such branches of learning, is indeed deceased. 1598 2 Hen. IV II
iv 212: Why then, let grievous, ghastly, gaping wounds Untwine
the Sisters Three!
See SM., p. 490.
S491 Better (AS good) SIT still than (as) rise and fall
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2: (Folke saie, better). 1562 HEY. Epig. 204,
p. 160. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 178: Better to sit on the
ground with little ease, then to ryse and fall with great daunger.
1586 W. WARNER Albion’s Eng. VII 37: Poems, p. 593: And rather
sit thou safely still, Then for a fall to rise. 01592 Soliman, s. A3v:
(then rise and ouertane). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 259: (and gait a
fall). 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 191: Better to sit still, than
rise, and after fall. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 10: (It’s better sit).
I611 GRUT., no. 61. 1614 CAM., p.304. 1616 DR., s.v. Content_
ment, no. 354: (It is better to sit). 1618 BRETON Court. and Coun-
trym.: Wks., II 9: I haue heard my father say, that it is better to
sit fast, then to rise and fall. 1623 CAM., p. 266: As good sit still,
as rise vp and fall. Ibid., p. 273: Its better sit still, then rise vp
and fall. . 1639 CL., p. 205. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1664
COD., p. 212: ’Tis better to Sit still than rise to fall. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 12, p. 88: It’s better to stand Still, than to rise, and
then fall. 1668 R.B., p. 14: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p.
142: [As in 1623 Cam., p. 266]. 1721 KEL., p. 66: [As in a1598
Ferg.]. *Better continue in a low Condition than be promoted,
and afterwards disgrac’d. 1732 FUL., no. 4181: Sit still, rather
than rise and fall down. i ‘
See T. 563, p. 275. (5)
S492 Poorly (Lowly) SIT richly warm
1639 CL., s.v. Mediocria tuta, p. 205: (and richly warme). 01640
SMYTH 37, p. 30: *Wee hundredors somtimes metaphorize this
proverbe into a prudent counsell, directinge our worldly afIaires.
I670 RAY, p. 1 17: (Lowly). *A mean condition is both more safe
and more comfortable, then a high estate. I721 KEL., p. 280:
Poorly sits richly warms. *Spoken when People sit on a low Stool
before the Fire.
S493 He SITS not sure that Sits too high
1611 COT., s.v. Asseuré. I659 N.R., p. 40.
Cf. P375: Sit in your place and none can make you rise.
S494 He that SITS well thinks ill _
I573 SANF., f. 50v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 26: Who sitteth
wel thinketh yl. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 230: Who sitts too well
thinks ill too oft. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 10, p. 27.
S495 It is as cheap SITTING as. standing
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 204, p. 277: (The English say, It is). 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 382: Well, but sit while you stay, ’tis as
cheap sitting as standing.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and p1. ), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SIZE CINQUE
SKIPS
609

8496 If SIZE CINQUE will not and deuce ace cannot,
then quatre trey must
I602 MANNINGHAM Diary Nov. 10, p. 81: Size ace will not, deux
ace cannot, quater tree must, quothe Blackborne, when he sent for
wine; a common phrase of subsidies and such taxes, the greate ones
will not, the little ones cannot, the meane men must pay for all.
1678 RAY, p. 348: *The middle sort bear publick burthens Taxes,
etc. most. Deux ace non possunt et size cinque solvere nolunt:
Est igitur notum quatre trey solvere totum.
8497 If SKIDDAW has a cap Scruffel wots full well of
that
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Cumberland, I 767. I662 FULLER Worthies
Cumberland,I 234: *These are two neighbour hills . . If the former
be capp’d with clouds and foggy mists, it will not be long before
rain falls on the other. 1670 RAY, p. 224: *It is spoken of such who
must expect to sympathize in their sufferings by reason of the
vicinity of their habitations. I708 DEFOE Union Prov., p. I:
(When Skiddaw).
See SM., p. 208. Cf. B336: If Bever has a cap you churls of the
vale look to that; H471: When the hill wears a cap it means mis-
chief.
S498 SKIDDAW, Lauvelh'n, and Casticand are the high-
est hills in all England
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Cumberland, I 767: (Like as there goes also
this usual byword . . Skiddaw). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 21.
1670 RAY, p. 224.
8499 He hath good SKILL in horseflesh, to buy a goose
to ride on
1670 RAY, p. 181. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 413: Is it possible
she could take that booby, Tom Blunder, for love? —-—She had good
skill in horse flesh, that could choose a goose to ride on.
8500 SKILL and confidence are an unconquered army
1640 HERB., no. 622. I659 N.R., p.90.
8501 Try your SKILL in gilt first and then in’ gold
1639 CL., s.v. Conatus, p. 60. 1670 RAY, p. 95: *Practise new and
doubtful experiments in cheap commodities, or upon things of small
value. 1672 WALK. 82, p. 43.
8502 You have good SKILL of roasted wool, when it
stinks it is enough
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1545. I641 FERG., no. 458: (He hes good).
1721 KEL., p. 366: (of roasted Wool, it Stinks when it is enough).
*Spoken to those that pretend Skill where they have none.
8503 The SKILLFULEST wanting money is scorned
1670 RAY, p. 18.
Cf. G68: A gentleman Without money (living) is like a pudding
without suet; M305: A man without money is a body without the
soul.
8504 To ride SKIMMINGTON
[A Skimmington was an exhibition designed to ridicule a man with
an unfaithful wife.] 1609 C. BUTLER Fem. Monarchy IV, p. 64:
Yet when they have it, let them use poore Skimmington as gently
as they may; especially in publik, to hide his shame. 01707 W.
KING Monarch: Misc. Poems, p. 2 56: When the young people ride
the Skimmington, There is a general trembling in a town.
See APP., p. 576.
8505 As near to one as one’s SKIN
1592 NASHE Strange News: Wks., I 330: Am I to plead for'him, as
though I were as neere him as his owne skinne. I653 WHITELOCKE
Swed. Embassy Sept. 13, I 34: I will stick as close to you as your
skin is to your flesh. I692 D’URFEY Marriage Hater II ii, p. 21:
I have watch’d and stuck as close to ’em as their Skins.
Cf. H88: Put not your hand between the bark and the tree;
S356: Close fits (sits) my Shirt (coat) but closer my skin.

8506 As true (honest) as the SKIN between your brows
[01552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle V ii, s. EIv: I am as
true, I wold thou knew, as skin betwene thy browes. 1598 MAR-
LOWE Hero and Leander IV 325, p. 105: Who knows not Venus
would seem as far from any spot Of light demeanour, as the very
skin ’Twixt Cynthia’s brows? 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab.
iv, s. E3: Nicholas I thinke your name is. —True as the skin be-
tweene your browes. I600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. II ii 51: Is
he magnanimous? —As the skin betweene your browes, sir. 1605
Land. Prod, s. G2v: She is my wiues chamber maid, and as true as
the Skin between any mans browes here. [1614] 1631 JONSON
Barth. Fair IV V 47: Tou shalt be as honesht as the skinne betweene
his hornsh, la! [01634] 1651 W. CARTWRIGHT Ordinary V iv, p.
83: I am as honest as the skin that is Between thy brows. I696
D’URFEY 3 Don Quix. I i, p. 222: I warrant she’s as Virtuous as
the Skin between her Brows.
SHAKESPEARE.—I598-9 M.A. III v 13: Honest as the skin be-
tween his brows.
8507 He is ready to leap out of his SKIN for joy
1584 B. RICH Hist. Herodotus I, p. 79: As one ready to leape out of
hys skynne forjoy. I606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap I iv 87: Now,
I prithee, let me leap out of my skin for joy. I616 R.C. Times’
Whistle l. 2975, p. 94: The marchant, if his gaines doe safe come in,
Is with ioy ready to leape out on’s skinne. 1616 DR., s.v. Wrath.
full, or furious, no. 2514: He is ready to leape out of his skinne.
I622 MABBE Rogue I 11 viii, II 83: I had much adoe (as they say)
to keepe my selfe from leaping out of mine owne‘skinne. Ibid. I
111 x, II 274: But much more he, who was ready to leape out of his
skinne forjoy. I630 MASSINGER Picture III i, p. 168: Though a
poor snake, I will leap Out of my skin for joy. I666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Pelle, p. 139: To be over-joy’d, to be ready to leap out of
ones skin for joy. 1668 H. MORE Div. Dial. III xxxvi, p. 550:
HOW transported are my Spirits, how triumphant and tripudiant,
that I am ready even to skip out of my skin for Joy!
SHAKESPEARE—I611 W.T. V ii 54: Our king, being ready to
leap out of himself for joy of his found daughter.
See ST., no. 2345.
8508 It will be long enough ere yOu wish your SKIN
full of holes (eyelet holes)
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. xii, s. L4v: Twill be a good while,
ere you wish your skin full of Ilet holes. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Vaglio, p. 224: To take ones utmost revenge upon him; the
English use such Hyperboles likewise, Threatning to make his
[enemy’s] .. Skin full of Eyelet-holes. I678 RAY, p. 219. I732
FUL., no. 3046: (Oilet-Holes). I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 400:
You’ll be long enough before you wish your skin full of eyelet
holes.
S509 Pull ofi the SKIN in the streets and receive thy
wages
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 410.
8510 To escape with the SKIN of one’s teeth
[1560 Geneva Bible 70b xix 20, f. 2 54: I haue escaped with the skin
of my teeth.] a1674 CLARENDON Contempl. Psalms David 55, p.
510: He reckoned himself only escaped with the Skin of his Teeth,
that he had nothing left.
Ware SKINS (shins), quoth Grubber when he
flung the louse into the fire
I678 RAY, p. 257. 1732 FUL., no. 5420: Ware Shins, quoth Grub,
when he flung a Louse in the Fire.
8511
8512 Not worth three SKIPS of a louse (piel)
[a1529] 1542—8 SKELTON Agst. Scots l. 100: Wks., I 185: (pye).
01624 Marvelous Medicine in Roxb. Bal., VIII 426: And temper it
with three leaps of a lowse. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II i 64: I care
not I, sir, not three Skips of a Lowse for you. 1700 SWIFT Mrs.
Harris’s Petition: Misc. Poems, p. 53: ’Tis not that I value the
money three skips of a louse.
[1magpie]
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fI.
SKIRTS
SLEEP
610

S513 I will sit on your SKIRTS
[That is, I will deal sternly with you, I will punish you severely]
I546 HEY. I V, 8. B2: And also I shall to reuenge former hurts,
Hold their noses to grinstone, and sit on their skurts, That erst sat
on myne. 1577 STANYHURST Descr. Ireland III in Holinshed
Chron., VI 32: They would not . . forget nor forgiue SO horrible a
murther, but were fullie resolued . . to Sit in their Skirts. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 834: I shall sit on his skirt. 1639 CL., p. 324. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1668 R.B., p. 31: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
1670 RAY, p. 192: To Sit upon ones skirts. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.V. Threaten, p.335: Sit on your skirts for this.
Cf. N218: He holds his nose to the grindstone. (16)
S514 Who has SKIRTS of straw needs fear the fire
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17: Who hath his skirts of Straw fears
the fire. 1664 COD., p. 226. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 184: Who
hath his tail of straw is afraid of fire. 1670 RAY, p. 25: *Hisp.
Cf. H249: He that has a head of wax must not walk in the sun.
S515 A red SKY in the evening is a Sign of a fair day
1584 R. SCOT Disc. Witchcr. XI xv, p. 205: The Skie being red at
euening, Forshewes a faire and cleare morning. 1640 MENNIS
AND SMITH Wit’s Recreations: Facetiae, II 59: When red the Sun
goes down, we use to say It is a signe, we shall have a faire day.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 40, p. 240: Red in the evening, brings fair
weather.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. II] V iii 19: The weary sun hath
made a golden set And by the bright tract of his fiery car Gives
token of a goodly day to-morrow.
Cf. E191: An evening red and morning gray is the Sign of a fair
day; M1175: A red morning foretells a stormy day.
S516 What if the SKY fall?
1581-90 Timon II v, p. 39: Take heede leaste thou fall. What, if
the skie fall? 1616 DR., s.v. Feare, or Fearefulnesse, no. 701.
8517 When (If) the SKY (heaven) falls we shall have
(catch) larks
a1536 HILL 7, p. 128: And hewin fall, we shall hawe mani larkis.
1546 HEY. I iv, s. BIV. 1575 RB. Apius and Virg., s. B3v: Ifhap
the skie fall, we hap may haue Larkes. 1597 LYLY Woman in
Moon IV i 290: When I forsake thee, then heauen it selfe shal fall.
-—No, God forbid, then perhaps we should haue Larkes. 1606
J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. H4v: (You know the prouerbe when the skie).
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 294: We shall haue larks when the skie doth
fall. 1611 GRUT., no. 306. 1614 CAM., p. 314. [1614-33] 1637
FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Elder Brother I ii, p. 5: He eats and
digests more Volumes at a meal, than there would be Larks (though
the Sky should fall). 1616 JONSON Epig. 101, p. 247: And though
fowl now be scarce, yet there are clerks, The sky not falling, think
we may have larks. 1616 WITHALS, p. 578: (If the sky fall we).
1633 SHIRLEY Bird in Cage I i, p. 382: The sky may fall, And
aldermen cry larks about the city. 1639 CL., p. 295: If the sky
fall not we shall catch larks. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: (catch).
1670 RAY, p. 143: If the sky falls we shall catch larks. 1721 KEL.,
p. 343: What if the Lift [heavens] fall, you may gather Laverocks.
*Spoken when People make silly, frivolous Excuses and Objections.
1732 FUL., no. 2713: If the Sky fall, we shall catch Larks.
See DUR., I, no. 735.
S518 To praise (extol) one to the SKIES
1568 GRAFTON Chron. Rich. III, II 120: They extolled and praysed
him farre aboue the starres.
Italians . . alwaies extoll their owne things to the Skie. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.V. Mano, p. 98: To protect, prefer, and exalt one to
the skies as it were, to cry one up. 1670 G.H. Hist. Card. II iii,
p. 191: Those of any Piety or Religion, commended it to the Skyes
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 261: He extolls you to the skies. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 410: You were extoll’d to the skies, I assure
you.
S519 Thou wilt strip it as SLACK stripped the cat when
he pulled her out of the churn
1678 RAY, p. 289.
(43)
1617 MORYSON Itinerary I 11 i, I 222: ,

S520 It may be a SLANDER but it is no lie
1546 HEY. II Vii, s. K1. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. N3: But I
had better slaunder them trulye, which is no Slaunder indeede,
then flatter them falsely as thou doest. 1678 RAY, p. 269: To
Slander one with a matter of truth.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 Hen. VIII II i 153: But that Slander, Sir,
Is found a truth now.
S521
1640 HERB., no. 135b.
SLANDER is a shipwreck by a dry tempest
I659 N.R., p. 93.
S522 SLANDER leaves a score1 (scar) behind it
1616 DR., no. 1990: Slander leaueth a skarre. 1639 CL., p. 53:
Slander leaves a scarre behind. 1664 COD., p. 210. I670 RAY,
p. 24. 1672 WALK. II, p. 39: (scar). 1681 ROB., p. 1136: [As in
1639 CL]. 1721 KEL., p. 286: Slander always leaves a Slur. I732
FUL., no. 4184: Slander leaves a Score behind.
[lmark]
S523 Base is the SLAVE that pays (is commanded)
[1619] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Little Fr. Lawyer IV, p. 434:
Base is the slave commanded: come to me. 1631 T. HEYWOOD
2 Fair Maid West V, p. 416: My Motto Shall be, Base is the man
that paies.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V II i 98: You’ll pay me the eight
Shillings I won of you at betting? —Base is the slave that pays.
S524 Give a SLAVE a rod and he’ll beat his master
1639 CL., s.v. Magistratus, p. 193.
S525 He that SLAYS shall be Slain
[Gen. ix 6: Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood
be shed.] a1598 FERG. MS, no. 511. 1668 R.B., p. 24.
Cf. B458: Blood will have blood.
S526-S528 SLEEP: subst.
S526 SLEEP is the brother (kinsman, cousin) of death
1558 PHAER Aeneid VI 294, s. Q1v: Than Death himself; whose
neighbor next Was Slepe that kinsman is to Death. 1563 I nduc-
tion in Mirrorfor Magistrates III, Pt. I, II 320: By him lay heauy
Sleepe, the cosin of Death. 1573 SANF., f. 53v: (The opinion of
Homer, that sleepe is). 1595 SOUTHWELL Triumphs over Death, p.
15: Some haue intitled sleep the eldest brother of death. 1607
[TOMKIS] Lingua V vii, s. M2: In my conceit the elder brother of
death has kist them. 1611 T. HEYWOOD Gold. Age IV, p. 68:
Charming sleepe deaths yonger brother. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24,
p. 263: Sleep, a kinsman of death. *Note 161, p. 277: The Latin
says, Simillima Mortis imago.
See SM., p. 394; TAY., p. 59. Cf. M377: A sleeping man is no
better than a dead man; S527: Sleep is the image of death.
S527 SLEEP is the image of death
1607 T. WALKINGTON Optic Glass IV, p. 57: This image of death
[sleep] buries a man quick. 1615 WELDE 7anua Ling. 751, p. 50.
1616 DR., no. 1997. 1620 J.C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids V i, s. O4vz
Because sleepe Being accounted as some vse to call it, Deaths image,
other some his elder brother. 1633 DONNE Woman’s Constancy l.
9: Poems, p. 9: Lovers contracts .. Binde but till Sleep, deaths
image, them unloose. 1639 CL., p. 322. 61640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 32: (true image of death).
SHAKESPEARE.——1595 M.N.D. III ii 364: Till o’er their brows
death-counterfeiting sleep . . doth creep. 1605-6 M. II ii 53: The
sleeping and the dead Are but as pictures. Ibid. II iii 81: Shake OII
this downy Sleep, death’s counterfeit. 1610 Cym. II ii 31: O sleep,
thou ape ofdeath, lie dull upon her! 1611 W. T. V iii 18: Prepare To
see the life as lively mock’d as ever Still sleep mock’d death.
Cf. M377: A sleeping man is no better than a dead man; S526:
Sleep is the brother (kinsman, cousin) of death.
S528 SLEEP lasts half a man’s life
1616 DR., s.v. Sleepe, no. 1999.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SLEEPING
SLow

S529 SLEEP: verb
8529 She is never quiet but when she is SLEEPING
1631 [BRATHWAITE] Whimzies 22, p. I04: She is never quiet, but
when She is at rest, nor at rest, but when she is sleeping. I678
[WINSTANLEY] Poor Rohin’s Scold, p. 4: She is never less at ease,
than when she is quiet; never quiet, but when She is sleeping.
S530 It is good SLEEPING in a whole skin
1543 BECON Invective agst. Swearing: Early Wks., p. 354.
HEY. II v, s. H2v. 1566-7 Mer. Tales Skelton 12 in Shak. 7est-Bks.,
II 21: (to slepe). 1567 J. PICKERING Horestes, s. A3v: It is best to
be styll, Good slepinge in a hole skynne, ould foulkes do saye.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 823. 1599 [GREENE] George a Greene, s. F2v:
Sirs, we are men of peace, and loue to sleepe In our whole skins, and
therefore quietnes is best. [61608] 1638 W. ROWLEY A Shoe. a
Gent. III ii 90: Ifit be good Sleeping in a whole skinne, it must needs
be bad Sleeping in a broken one. 1611 GRUT., no. 156. 1612 N.
FIELD Woman Is Weathercock II i, p. 41 : For the old proverb’s good,
which long ha been, Says safest ’tis sleeping in a whole Skin. 1614
CAM., p. 308. 1616 DR., s.v. Quietnesse, no. 1796: (to sleepe).
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xli, IV 24: ’Tis good Sleeping in a
whole skinne, I meane, I am very well at home in this house. 1639
CL., s.v. Securitatis, p. 277. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 160, p. 226: Every one willingly would Sleep in a
whole skin, say the English. 1668 R.B., p. 31. I670 RAY, p. 143:
Good to sleep in a whole Skin. 1721 KEL., p. 220: (in a sound Skin).
*An Apology of, or a Reflection upon, him that shuns Dangers.
1732 FUL., no. 2944: (to sleep).
1546
See DUR., I, no. 650. (28)
S531 A broken SLEEVE holds the arm back
a1536 HILL 51, p. 132: For my brokyn sleve, men me refuce. 61550
Parl. Birds 1. 163 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 175: It is a terme with
John and Jacke, Broken sleue draweth arme a backe. 1562 HEY.
Dial. I ix, p. 17: I am cast at carts ars, some folke in lacke Can not
prease, A broken sleeue holdth tharme backe. 1577-87 W. HAR-
RISON Descr. Eng. II ix, I 207: The broken sleeue dooth hold the
elbow backe. 1611 GRUT., no. 2. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1631 JON-
SON Staple News I ii 120: And therefore you’haue another answering
prouerbe: A broken sleeue keepes the arme backe. 1639 CL., s.v.
Paupertas, p. 244. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1670 RAY, p. 66.
Cf. B649: He Sits full still that has a riven breek.
S532 They had thought to have put others into a
SLEEVE and they are put in themselves
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 402.
Cf. M89: The deceitful man falls oft into the snares of deceit.
S533 To hang on one’s SLEEVE
1546 HEY. II v, 5. H1: Flattryng knaues and queans a sort, beyond
the mark Hang on his sleue. 1548 E. HALL Hen. VIII: Chron., f.
69: [He was] saying: that he would none of his seruauntes should
hang on another mannes sleue, and that he was aswel able to main-
tein him as the duke of Buckyngham. 1560 DAUS Chron. 7, f.
238v: I lyke it righte well .. that you saye howe Themperoure
hangeth not of the Bisshop his sleue. 1611 HIERON Spirit. Sonship:
W ks., I 369: You shall see . . a third hanging vpon some Lawyers
sleeue, to plot and deuise how to perpetuate his estate.
Cf. F32: He pins his faith on another man’s sleeve.
S534 To have in one’s SLEEVE
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 77: The father hath not alwayes his
sonne in lawe in his sleeve, marriages (as they saie) are made in
heaven, and are guided by destiny. 1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng.
Poesy III xxv, p. 300: Whereby the better to winne his purposes and
good aduantages, as now and then to haue a iourney or sicknesse in
his sleeue, thereby to shake of other importunities of greater conse-
quence.
See ST., no. 1565.
S535 To laugh in one’s SLEEVE
1546 HEY. II v, S. H3: To that I saied nought, but laught in my
sleeue. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. E4: I smiled in

my sleue. 1571 GOLDING Psalms xxxv 12, I 134: They laugh in
their Sleeve, which content themselves with the secret and inward
feeling of their owne joy. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Ahuses I, p. 118:
They laugh in their sleeues to see how pretily they fetch in such
sommes ofmoney. 1603 DEKKER Batch. Banq. I: Non-Dram. les.,
I 163: She . . doth not a litle reioyce and smile in her sleeue to see
it. 1611 DAV. Prov., no 15: Luke laughs in his sleeue. 1616
WITHALS, p. 561: (his sleeue). 1639 CL., p. 185: To laugh in’s
sleeve. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7: I laught in my sleeve. 1670
RAY, p. 184. 3.1700 B.E., s.v. Sleeveless-Story: To laugh in one’s
Sleeves, inwardly slyly.
See ST., no. 2489. (38)
S536 You spit on your own SLEEVE
1611 COT., s.v. Manche: C’estoit du temps qu’on se mouchoit encor
a la manche. It was in the days of simplicity or ignorance; it was
at a time when people either knew not or cared not for good man-
ners. 1639 CL., s.v. Carpentis seipsum, p. 54.
Cf. B447: He spits on his own blanket; N243: To wipe one’s nose
on one’s sleeve.
S537 SLIP = counterfeit coin
S537 Three SLIPS for a tester
[Three counterfeit twopenny coins for a sixpence.] 61627 F. GROVE
Three Slips for a Teston 2629 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 227:
[Title]. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Salti, p. 177: To run away and
leave his Creditor in the lurch; as the English say, with three slips
for a Tester. 1675 Forlorn Lover in Roxh. Bal., VI 233, ballad title:
The Forlorn Lover; Declaring how a Lass gave her Lover three slips
for a Tester. And married another a Week before Easter. 1678
RAY, p. 82: (Two slips).
S538 SLIP =mistake
S538 A SLIP of the tongue is wont to tell the truth
[ERAS. Adagia, 268B: Verum solet prolapsa lingua dicere.] 1616
JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. III vi 32: Cob, which of them waS’t, that
first kist my wife? (My Sister, I should say).
Cf. H321: Nearest the heart nearest the mouth.
S539 As black as a SLOE1
1565 GOLDING Metam. II 315, p. 47: His waves as blacke as any S10.
1589 GREENE Menaphon, p. 137: Here are cubbs for kings, Slowes
blacke as ieat, or like my Christmas shooes. 61685 Comhat hetw.
Moor and Dragon in Roxh. Bal., VIII 418: Hair black as a Sloe.
1727 GAY Fahles I 3, p. 56: The mother’s eyes as black as Sloes.
[lfruit of the blackthorn, which was black or dark purple]
S540 When the SLOETREE is as white as a sheet sow
your barley whether it be dry or wet
1678 RAY, p. 49. 1732 FUL., no. 6482.
S541 SLOTH (Idleness) breeds a scab
1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4v: We se slouth muste brede a skab. 1600
BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 131: Idlenes is the canker of the mind.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 303. 1616 DR., no. 1045: (Idlenesse). 1659
HOW. New Sayings, p. 3: Sloth breeds the Scurvy.
Cf. 113: Idleness is the mother (nurse, root) of all evil (vice, sin);
114: Idleness turns the edge of wit (makes the wit rust).
S542 SLOTH turns the edge of wit
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 263. 1616 DR., no. 1046.
COD., p. 211: (of the wit). 1670 RAY, p. 24.
Cf. 114: Idleness turns the edge of wit (makes the wit rust).
1664
8543 The SLOTHFUL is the servant of the counters1
1640 HERB., no. 606. 1659 N.R., p. 102: (of a Prison). 1664 COD.,
p. 220: (companion of the Counters).
[ldebtors’ prison]
S544 SLOW but sure
[1607—16] 1652 MIDDLETON ET AL. Widow II ii 118: We ride slow
—But we ride sure, Sir; Your hasty riders often come short home

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
SLUGGARD
SMITH (SMITH’s)
612

1616 DR., no. 2015. 1639 CL., p. 325. 1639 FULLER Holy War III
v, p. 117: These, though slow, were sure. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Picdi, p. 146: To be slow, but sure. 1670 RAY, p. 192: Slow and
sure.
Cf. G270: God’s mill grinds slow but sure; N172: He that will be
rich before night may be hanged before noon; 0108: The ox when he
is weary treads surest; S581: The snail in time climbs up the castle’s
tower; V25: Vengeance (Divine vengeance) comes slowly but surely.
S545 The SLUGGARD loves alife1 things done to his
hands
1611 COT., s.v. Aimer.
[‘dearly]
S546 The SLUGGARD must be clad in rags
1636 CAM., p. 307. 1659 N.R., p. 112. 1664 COD., p. 212: The
sluggard is cloathed in raggs.
I659 N.R., p. 96: (hand).
8547 The SLUGGARD’S guise, loath to go to bed and
loath to rise
[Prov. vi 9: How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?] 1639 CL.,
p. 292: (Ever Sick of th’ slouthfull guise, Loath to bed and).
01640 SMYTH 65, p. 32: Hee is tainted with an evill guise, Loth to
bed, and lother to rise. I670 RAY, p. 143. I687 MIEGE, s.v.
Sluggard: (’Tis the Sluggard's wise). 1732 FUL., no. 6368: (Slug-
gards guise).
Cf. B192: Loath to bed loath out of it.
S548 With SLUGGARDS every day is holiday
1539 TAV., f. 40: With Sluggers or unhardy persons, it is alwayes
holydaye. I542 UDALL Apoph., f. 155: To this mater he wrested
the prouerbe in whiche it is saied: that with the slouthfull and idle
lubbers that loue not to dooe any werke, euery daye is a holydaye.
1611 DAV. Epig., no. 142. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 9: In the slug-
gards house every day is festival.
S549 One SLUMEER (sleep) invites another
1605 FRONDELLE Fr. Garden, p. 60: The more I Sleep, the more I
would sleep. 1611 COT., s.v. Attraire: One sleepe draws on another.
Ibid., s.v. Dormir: The more a man sleepes, the more he may.
1623 WOD., p. 523: (brings on an other). 1640 HERB., no. 524:
(finds another). 1659 N.R., p. 83: (finds anOther). 1664 COD., p.
208. I670 RAY, p. 20.
Cf. B419: One bit draws down another.
S550 A foul SLUT under a black hat seems somewhat
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 213.
S551 A SLUT will poison thy gut
1685 Mother Bunch’s Closet, p. 14: (The old saying is, A slut).
S552 There was never a SLUT but had a slit, there was
never a daw but had twa
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1415: Ther was never a slut but sho had a slit.
I721 KEL., p. 325: *Spoken to young Women when they have a
Rent about them, which, if they were not Sluts, they would sow up.
S553 SLUTS are good enough to make slovens’ pot-
tage (porridge)
01623 Y. Man’s Careless Wooing in Roxb. Bal., VIII 869: A Slut’s
good enough to make Sloven’s porridge. 1639 CL., p. 287: A slut is
good enough to make a sloven porridge. 1670 RAY, p. 143.
Cf. H801: A liquorish housewife seldom makes thick pottage. _
S554 Many SMALLS make a great
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4: Ye maie geat Here some, and there some:
many small make a great. 1553 Respublica I i, p. 4: Manye a smale
makith a greate. I562 HEY. Epig. 233, p. 164: (smaul). a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1005: Mony smals maks a great. 1601 MARSTON
7ock Drum I, s. A4: (Many a small). 1602 R. CAREW Surv.
Cornwall I, p. 187: Upon which holidays the neighbours meet at
the churchhouse, and there merrily feed on their own victuals, con-
tributing some petty portion to the stock, which by many smalls,
groweth to a meetly greatness. 1611 GRUT., no. 188: (smale).

1614 CAM., p. 310: (small). 1616 DR., no. 1275: Many smals make
a great deale. 1668 R.B., p. 36: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
Cf. D617: Many (Small) drops make a shower (flood); L362;
Many a little (Every little) makes a mickle (a great); S847: Step
after step goes far.
S555—S557 SMELL: subst.
S555 The best SMELL is bread, the best savor salt,
the best love that of children
1578 FLOR. First F. XXXIX, f. 90v: It is an auncient prouerbe, that
the odour of odours, is the bread: the sauour of sauours, is the salt,
and the lone of loues, is chyldren. 1640 HERB., no. 737. 1664
COD., p. 221. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 187: Above all sents, that
of bread, above all savours, that of salt, and above all loves, that of
ones children.
Cf. G172: Above God there is no lord, above black there is no
color, and above salt there is no savor; S557: Of all smells bread, of
all tastes salt.
S556 The SMELL of garlic takes away the stink of
dunghills
1609 J. MELTON Six-Fold Pol., p. 3 5: (According to the prouerbe:
the smel).
S557 Of all SMELLS bread, of all tastes salt
1640 HERB., no. 166. 1659 N.R., p. 82.
Cf. G172: Above God there is no lord, above black there is no
color, and above salt there is no savor; S555: The best smell is
bread, the best savor salt, the best love that of children.
S558 SMELL: verb
S558 I SMELL him out
1546 HEY. I xi, s. EIV: I smelde hir out, and had her streight in the
wynde. 1562 HEY. Epig. 296, p. 171: I smeld him out, furder then
he myght smell thee. 1616 DR., s.v. Knowledge, no. 1173. 1663
CLARK Marciano III i, p. 31: The devil! himself shall never smell
him out.
SHAKESPEARE.——1598-9 M.A. III ii 50: Can you smell him out by
that? 1605-6 K.L. I v 23: What a man cannot smell out, ’a may
spy into.
See ST., no. 1423. Cf. R31: I smell a rat. (8)
S559 To go westward for SMELTS
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho II ii, s. D2v: But wenches,
with what pullies shall wee slide with some clenly excuse, out of our
husbandes suspition, being gone Westward for sm’elts all night.
1608 Great Frost in Eng. Garn., I 8 5: Say, have none gone westward
for smelts, as our proverbial phrase is? 1620 Westw. for Smelts:
[Title].
S560 Better is the last SMILE than the first laughter
I562 HEY. Dial. II ix, p. 78. 01594 BACON, no. 501. 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 266. 1616 DR., no. 582. 1639 CL., p. 247. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1664 COD., p. 186: (Better the last). 1670 RAY,
p. 24: (Better the last). 1732 FUL., no. 929.
See ST., no. 1316. Cf. L93: He laughs that wins.
S561 The SMITH and his penny both are black
1640 HERB., no. 191. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 361:
(The smith, we say, and). 1659 N.R., p. 110. 1664 COD., p. 217.
1670 RAY, p. 24: (are both black).
S562 The SMITH has always a spark in his throat
1678 RAY, p. 90: *Relating to several trades. 1721 KEL., p. 334:
The Smith has ay a Spark in his Haise [throat]. *And they often
take pains to quench it, but to no purpose. I732 FUL., no. 4754.
S563 Like the SMITH’S dog, that sleeps at the noise of
the hammers and wakes at the crashing of
teeth
1595 COPLEY Wits, Fits I, p. 15: Sir, you are welcome, though re-
sembling the Smithes dog, euermore awake at meale, and asleepe at

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), 01 by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SMITHFIELD BARGAIN
SMOKE
613

the Anuill. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 36: The Smith’s dog falls
asleep at the strokes of the hammer. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables
I 17, I 1 10: A Blacksmith took Notice of a Cur he had, that would be
perpetually Sleeping, so long as his Master was at his Hammer; but
whenever he went to Dinner, the Dog would be sure to make One.
1732 FUL., no. 3236.
S564 A SMITHFIELD BARGAIN1
[A marriage of interest, not love.] 1664 WILSON Cheats V v, p.
80: Your Daughter has marry’d a Gentleman:—Is not this better,
than a Smithfield bargain? I703 DUNTON Athen. Oracle, II 346:
Marriages thus made [for money] may be properly stiled Smithfield-
Bargains. 1704 T. BAKER Act at Oxford III, p. 32: Our Marriage is
a perfect Smithfield bargain, when the old Folks have adjusted the
point, the young ones are oblig’d to break a Pipkin. 1710 British
Apollo 77, Sept. 22, Vol. III: Sure Apollo, will not encourage Smith-
field bargains.
[lSee Sugden, pp. 471—2.]
S565 The little SMITH OF NOTTINGHAM, who does the
work that no man can
1609 C. BUTLER Fem. Monarchy, p. 17: (Which doth).
LER Worthies Nottinghamshire, II 206.
I662 FUL-
1670 RAY, p. 249.
8566 You been like SMITHWICK, either clemmed1 or
borsten2
I678 RAY, p. 291: *Chesh.
[Istarved 2bursting]
8567 He that has more SMOCKS than shirts in a buck-
ing1 had need be a man of good forelooking
1678 RAY, p. 353: *Chaucer. I732 FUL., no. 6427: (of a good fore-
looking).
[lwashing]
8568-8576 SMOKE: subst.
8568 Much SMOKE little fire
I596 DEL., s. O7v: A small fire makes often a great smoke.
SMYTH 84, p. 32: *Much adoe about nothinge.
Cf. A38: Much ado about nothing; F282: There is no fire without
some smoke; S569: No smoke Without some fire.
8569 N o SMOKE without some fire
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 37: There is no smoke but where there is
some fire. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31: (There is no). 1578
LYLY Euph. [Anat. Wit, p. 28 5: There can no greate smoke aryse but
there must be some fire, no great reporte without great suspition.
1596 DEL., S. 06v: (without fire). 1599 H. PORTER Two Women
Ab. xii, s. LIV; But I would know whence this same rage should
come, Whers smoke, theres fier. 1616 DR., s.v. Fame, no. 670.
1623 CAM., p. 274: (without fire). 1630 T. ADAMS Fire Content..-
Wks., p. 797: When we see smoke, we conclude there is fire. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: (without fire). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p.
96: There’s no smoke without fire. I670 RAY, p. 143: *There is no
strong rumour without some ground for it. 1732 FUL., no. 3628.
See DiiR., I, no. 888. Cf. F282: There is no fire without some
smoke; S568: Much smoke little fire. (1 8)
S570 Shunning the SMOKE he fell into the fire
[ERAS. Adagia, 1840: Fumum fugiens, in ignem incidi. Ibid.,
1106D: De fumo ad flammam.] I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 89:
Thinking to quench the coals of his desire, he fell into hot flames of
burning fire. 1584 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 70: There is an olde
sayed saw, that a man entending to auoide the smoke, falleth into
the fyre. 1609 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Ammian XIV x, p. 25:
And so departing out of Antioch in an ill houre . . went just as the
old proverbe saith, out of the smoke into the light fire. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Periculi, p. 250. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 96: Many an one
flies the smoke, who afterward falls into fire.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 A.Y. I ii 298: Thus must I from the smoke
into the smother.
See DUR., I, no. 133. Cf. F784: Out of (To leap like the flounder
out of) the frying pan (pan) into the fire.
01640 ‘

8571 The SMOKE follows the fair
01640 SMYTH 51, p. 31 : Smoke will to the smicker: meaning, Ifmany
gossips sit against a smokey chimney the smoke will bend to the
fairest. 1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. V xxii, III 144: That smoak
doth follow the fairest, is an usual saying with us . . yet is it the con-
tinuation of a very ancient opinion, as Petras Victorius and Casau-
bon have observed, from a passage in Athenaeus. 1651 CLEVE-
LAND Fair Nymph Scorn. l. 1: Poems, p. 85: Stand off, and let me
take the air. Why should the smoke pursue the fair? 1670 RAY, p.
143. 1686-7 AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and fudaism, p. 111: That
Smoak doth follow the fairest iS ancient opinion, as is to be observed
in Anthanaeus. I721 KEL., p. 314: The Reek [smoke] follows the
fairest, take witness by the Crook. I732 FUL., no. 4755. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 389: They say smoke always pursues the fair,
and your ladyship sat nearest.
Cf. V30a: Venus always leaves an exquisite perfume behind
her.
8572 The SMOKE of a man’s own house (country) is
better than the fire of another’s
[ERAS. Adagia, 76c: Patriae fumus, igni alieno luculentior.] I539
TAV., f. 6V: [As in Eras.]. The smoke of a mans owne countrey, is
much clearer than the fyer in a straunge countrey. I580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 25: What did Vlysses wish in the middest
of his trauailing, but onely to see the smoake of his owne Chymnie?
I 588 GREENE Perimedes, p. 8 3: With Ulysses he counted the smoake
ofIthaca sweeter than the fiers ofTroie. 1592 NASHE Pierce Penn.,
p. 171: Theres no man loues the smooke of his owne Countrey, that
hath not beene syngde in the flame of an other soyle. I613 STEPHENS Cynthia’s Rev. II vii, s. G2: A houshold smoake out-
warmes my neighbours fire. 1616 DR., s.v. Hospitality, no. 1013:
(of another). 1630 MASSINGER Picture II ii, p. 161: I am . . forced
to prefer My country’s smoke, before the glorious fire With which
your bounties warm me. [1632] 1659 MASSINGER City Madam V
i, p. 483: We desire A competence. -—And prefer our country’s
smoke Before outlandish fire. 1639 CL., s.v. Philautia, p. 255:
[As in Eras.]. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 5: The smoak of my own
house is better then the fire of another. 1664 COD., p. 215. I670
RAY, p. 20: *Hispan. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 154. 1721 KEL., p. 307:
(The Reek [smoke] of my own House). 1732 FUL., no. 4756: (The
smoke of one’s own House and at another’s).
See DI'iR., I, no. 217; ST., no. 765.
S573 SMOKE of Charren
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 21: *A Proverb relating to a wife who had
beat her husband, and he going out weeping, said it was for the
smoake that his eyes watered.
S574 SMOKE,-rain, and a very curst wife make a man
weary of house and life
1585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. M3: Three thinges makes a man
weary of his house, and often of his life. Smoke. Raine. A curst
Wife. 1616 DR., no. 2404: A scolding wife, and a smokie house
marreth a mans eyes. I619 BASSE Help Discourse, p. 80: A smoke,
a storm, and a contentious wife: Three ils are found, that tire a
husbands life. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 18. 1697
MER., p. 164: A reeking house and a scawding wife will mack yan
weary of his life.
SHAKESPEARE.—1597 1 Hen. IV III i 159: O, he is as tedious As
a tired horse, a railing wife; Worse than a smoky house.
See DI'IR., I, no. 303. Cf. H767: A house dry overhead is happy;
H781: A smoking house and a chiding wife make a man run out
of doors (Smoke, rain, and a cursed Wife drive a man out of his
house).
8575 To feed oneself with SMOKE
1614 B. RICH Honesty This Age, p. 38: The smoake of fayre words
. . will serve to feede fooles. [I617] I630 TOMKIS Pat/20m. III ii, p.
29: Feed me no longer with emptie smoake, for the plot is desper-
ate. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Speranza, p. 199: *TO be deceiv’d.
I670 G.H. Hist. Card. I i, p. 20: I . . took my leave, as perceiving
him fuller of smoak than of meat.
Cf. W794: Fair words (promises) make fools fain.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
SMOKE
SNAPPING
614

S576 To sell (buy) SMOKE
[ERAS. Adagia, 128E: Fumos vendere.] 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
9. Fl V: He that soulde smoake, is smouldered with smoacke. 1599
BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, s. P3V: Who smoke selleth, with smoke
be don to dy. 1599 GREENE Orpharion, p. 10: Theyr pilgrimage
was to buy smoake. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 225: That
for your selling smoake you may be Courtiers. 1679 W. HOWELL
Ant. and Pres. State Eng., p. 13: He . . caused . . a Courtier . . to
be put to Death by Smoke, one in the mean while proclaiming,
That he had sold Smoak, therefore with Smoke should die.
Cf. G334: To brag of many good morrows. (5)
S577 SMOKE: verb
S577 I will SMOKE you
1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. IV x 30: I faith (I am glad) I have
smokt you yet at last! [1632] I659 MASSINGER City Madam III i,
p. 442: You for the purse you cut in Paul’s at a sermon; I have
smoked you, ha! 1639 CL., p. 76. 1679 F. SMITH Clod-Pate’s
Ghost, p. 9: They smoak’t him. 1693 CONGREVE Old Bachelor III,
p. 190: Oh! I begin to smoak ye.
SHAKESPEARE.—1602 A.W. IV i 30: They begin to smoke me.
S578 To go SNACKS
1697 P1x Innocent Mistress III, p. 19: In hopes to go snacks With
the Gold. a1700 B.E., s.V. Snack: Share or part, to go Snacks, to
go halves. 1701 FARQUHAR Sir H. Wildair IV ii, p. 292: Well,
monsieur! ’tis about a thousand pounds; we go snacks.
Cf. S286: Share and share alike. (6)
S579 As slow as a SNAIL
1565 T. COOPER Thesaurus, s.v. Cochlea: Slower then a snayle.
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, 8. A2: I may (wanting feete to runne)
creepe, though as slowe as doth the Snayle. 1599 H. PORTER Two
Women Ab. x, s. I4: What, a man may bee as slowe as a Snaile, but
as fierce as a Lyon and hee bee mooued. [1616] I631 JONSON Devil
Is Ass IV 1 3: Your Courtiers moue so Snaile-like i’ your Businesse.
1617 MORYSON Itinerary I 111 iii, II 73: [I] went forward'like a
snaile. [1641] 1652 R. BROME Yovial Crew IV i, p. 416: When he
comes he comes apace He’s no Snayle, I assure you.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-3 C.E. II ii 196: Thou drone, thou snail,
thou slug, thou sot! 1596 M. V. II v 47: Snail-slow in profit. 1597
Rich. III IV iii 53: Delay leads impotent and snail-pac’d beggary.
1599 A.Y. II vii 146: Creeping like snail Unwillingly to school.
1602 T.C. V V 18: And bid the snail-pac’d Ajax arm for Shame.
See OTTO, no. 401. Cf. S583: To go a snail’s gallop.
S580 Like a SNAIL, he keeps his house on his back
(head)
[a1535] 1553 T. MORE Dial. Comf. III xxiii: Wks. 1557, p. 1250:
Jupiter waxed so angry, that he said, Sith she (snayle) loued her
house so well, she should neuer after goe from home, but should
alway after beare her house uppon her backe wheresoever she went.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., S. DdI: Neither can I allot thee any res-
idence, bycause like a snayle I haue euer kept my home. [61605]
I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 140: I am a Snaile, sir, seldome
leaue my house. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 34, p. 14: That is a Snaile,
which wheresoever he goeth caryeth his house on his backe. a164o
J. DAY Peregr. XIII, p. 62: And he (like a snaile) carries his bed
allwais on his backe. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 275:
They continued Widdowes in the Absence of their Husbands, Re-
sembling Snayles in the carriage of their houses. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Chioccola, p. 37: To be like a snail, viz. which carries on
its back, all it hath. 1671 H.M. Colloq., p. 12: But methinks thou
livest like a snail—Because thou lurkest continually at home.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. IV i 52: I had as lief be woo’d of a
snail . . for though he comes slowly, he carries his house on his head.
1605-6 K.L. I V 29: I can tell why a snail has a house. —Why?
—Why, to put’s head in; not to give it away to his daughters, and
leave his horns without a case. (6)
8581 The SNAIL in time climbs up the castle’s tower
1557 Where Good Will Is 1. 20 in Tottel’s Misc., I 146: The snailes
do clime the highest towers. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p.
S583


178: The slow Snaile clymeth the tower at last, though the swift
Swallowe mount it. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ff2v: Can the
sluggish snayle with creeping pace euer reache the Castles tower?
1589 GREENE Menaphon, p. 63: Affection is like the Snayle, which
stealeth to the top ofthe lance by minutes. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde,
p. 123: Love . . creeps with the snail, and yet at last attains to the
top. 1595 [W.S.] Locrine II ii, s. C2v: At length the snaile doth
clime the highest tops, Ascending vp the stately castle walls. 1631
KNEVET Rhodon and Iris I iv, s. C4v: But the slow snayle
without or harme, or perill, In time ascends unto the mountaines
top. 1732 FUL., no. 4757: The Snail slides up the Tower at last,
tho’ the Swallow mounteth it sooner.
Cf. S544: Slow but sure.
S582 You drive a SNAIL to Rome
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1538. 1668 R.B., p. 57.
To go a SNAIL’S gallop
1533 HEYWOOD Yohn, s. BIv: Go and hye the as fast as a snayle.
1546 HEY. I ix, s. C2: I will . . thyther ward hie me in haste like a
snaile. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. Lumaca, p. 93: To run the snails
post, Viz. to go softly, the snails gallop. 1670 RAY, p. 193: To drive
snails; A snails gallop. 1672 WALK. 17, p. 20: To go a snails gallop;
creep like a snail. 1681 ROB., p. 672: Ye go a snails gallop.
Cf. S579: As Slow as a snail.
S584 He has eaten a SNAKE
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 50: Thou hast eate an edders skyn.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 134: Therfore hath it growen
to a Prouerb in Italy, when one see-eth a woman striken in age to
look amiable, he saith she hath eaten a Snake. [1599] 1656 MID-
DLETON, W. ROWLEY, AND MASSINGER Old Law V i, p. 435: He hath
left Off 0’ late to feed on snakes; His beard’s turn’d white again.
[61605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 103: Scarce can I read the
wrinkles on your brow Which age has writ there; you look youthful
still. —I eat snakes my Lord, I eat snakes. [1614—33] 1637
FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Elder Brother IV iv, p. 47: Here’s your
loving Brother, Sir, and will tell no body but all he meets, that you
have eat a Snake, And are grown young, gamesome, and rampant.
1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker I iv, p. 21: Feede him with Vipers
flesh that will make his white heade blacke! 1639 CL., s.v. Infor-
tunii sive exitii, p. 166. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.V. Serpi, p. 190:
To look as if one had eaten Snakes, viz. to look young again.
Cf. H1 59: Who eats a hare laughs seven days after (will look fair).
S585 SNAKE in the grass
a1529 SKELTON Divers Ballads and Ditties: W ks., I 27: Ware of the
lesard lyeth lurkyng in the gras. 1533 ELYOT Of Know. IV, p. 60:
In the grene banke lyeth the serpente hidde. 1562 BROOKE Romeus
and iful. l. 386, p. 130: And so the snake that lurkes in grasse, thy
tender hart hath stong? 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. E1: The ser-
pent lurkes in the grene grasse. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XI, p. 171:
Serpents hidden lie, where gras and fiowrs are hie. 1601 BRETON
No Whip. nor Trip., s. D3: The Adder in the grasse doth lurke.
61606 Caesar and Pompey III Vi, s. F4: There lurkes an adder in
the greenest grasse. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 291:
You can play the Snakes, shrowding your selves under the freshest
and fragrant’st flowers. ' 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 2 57: A snake lyes
amongst flowers and the grass. *Note 114, p. 276: The Latin says,
Latet anguis in herba, there’s mischief a hatching. 1678 RAY, p.
171: Snakes among sweet flowers do creep.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-I 2 Hen. VI III i 228: Or as the snake,
roll’d in a flow’ring bank . . doth sting a child. 61595 Rf. III ii
73: O serpent heart, hid with a fiow’ring face! 1596 Rich. II III ii
19: And when they from thy bosom pluck a flower, Guard it, I pray
thee, with a lurking adder. 1605-6 M. I V 66: Look like the inno-
cent flower, But be the serpent under’t.
See ST., no. 51; T. 570, p. 278. Cf. B50: The bait hides the hook;
P9: There is a pad in the straw. (35)
S586 SNAPPING so short makes you look so lean
61649 There I Mumpt You 41 in Cav. and Pur., p. 299: Alas, good
Sir, your snapping short do’s make you look SO lean. 1678 RAY,
p. 345. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 427: Snap short makes you
look so lean, miss.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SNATCH
SOAP
615
S587 A SNATCH and away S593 SNOW is white and lies in the dike and every man
1547 BALE Three Laws IV, s. E1: Yea, poore marryed men, haue
very moch a do, I counte hym wysest, that can take a snatche and
to go. 61584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 93. 1585 HIGGINS No-
menclator I, p. [79]: A Standing dinner . . eaten in haste: a snatch
and away. [61602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King III, p. 51: Why
Sir, shall I haue no sport for my money, but even a snatch and away?
1605 RF. Sch. Slov. To Rdr., p. 2: Many a man . . may take a
snatch and away. 1605 T. HEYWOOD I If You Know Not Me, p.
311: BoneS-a-me, cannot a snatch and away serue your turn, but
you must lie at racke and manger? 1611 FLOR., s.v. A cauallo a
cauallo, p. 4: In post-hast, a snatch and away. 1616 WITHALS, p.
584. 1681 ROB., p. 474: A Starting dinner, a snatch and away.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. II i 95: Why, then it seems some
certain snatch or so Would serve your turns.
S588 The SNITE1 need not the Woodcock betwit2
1581 BELL Agst. Osorius III, p. 373: Ill may the Snight the Wood-
cock twight for his long bill. 1678 RAY, p. 344: *Som.
[lsnipe 2upbraid]
S589 To throw SNOT about
1678 RAY, p. 82: *To weep.
S590 As seasonable (welcome) as SNOW in summer
(harvest)
[61565] 1 59 5 Peddler’s Proph., s. B1: A good sentence is not worth a
couple of egs, But is as profitable as is snow in haruest. 61569 W.
WAGER Longer Thou Livest, S. F3v: As snow in haruest is vntimelie
So is it a plague where a foole is regent. 1600 [LYLY] Maid’s Metam.
IV i 163: This hangs wel together: Like snow in haruest, sun-Shine
and foule weather. 1636 CAM., p. 310: (You are as). 1641 F ERG.,
no. 451: He is as welcome as snaw in harvest. 1670 RAY, p. 202.
1732 FUL., no. 5869: (You came as seasonably as).
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III I iv 246: He is kind.
As snow in harvest.
Cf. M642: March in Janiveer, Janiveer in March I fear; S785:
When there is a spring in Winter and a winter in spring the year is
never good.
S591 As white as the driven SNow
61534 BERNERS Huon 70, p. 239: He chaunged coloure and waxed
as whyte as snowe. 1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II ii, p. 74: A Stone
as whyte as snowe. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 232: The fish
Scolopidus . . is as white as the driuen snow. 1599 H. PORTER Two
Women Ah. ii, s. C3v: His woolen hose, as white as the driuen snowe.
1601 YARINGTON Two Lam. Trag., s. K2: To make my purple sinne
as white as Snowe. 1608 G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN Dumh Kn.
III, p. 153: Now innocence must die, As white as untrod snow or
culver down. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 53, p. 17: What is that is white
as snow, and yet as blacke as any crow? 1631 KNEVET Rhodon
and Iris I iii, s. C1: With a yong Kid, than new falne snow more
white. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Neve, p. 116: Anything that is white, extraordinary, as white as
the driven Snow. 1670 RAY, p. 208.
SHAKESPEARE.——61595 R]. III ii 1 9: Whiter than new snow upon
a raven’s back. 1600-1 H. III iii 45: Is there not rain enough in
the sweet heavens To wash it white as snow? I hid. IV v 3 5: White
his shroud as the mountain snow. Ihid. IV v 195: His beard was
as white as snow, All flaxen was his poll. 1604 O. V ii 4: That
whiter skin of hers than snow, And smooth as monumental alablas-
ter. 1605-6 M. IV iii 52: Black Macbeth Will seem as pure as snow.
1611 W. T. IV iv 22o: Lawn as white as driven snow. Ihid. IV iv
374: As white as . . the fann’d snow that’s bolted By th’ northern
blasts twice o’er. 1613 T.N.K. V i 137: O . . constant queen . . as
chaste, and pure As wind-fann’d snow.
See PF., no. 308; ST., no. 212; TAY., p. 67.
—Right,
S592 The SNOW for eight days is a mother to the
earth, but after a stepmother
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 14. 1659 N.R., p. 96: (is a mother[,] after
a step~mother). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 168: (after that, a step-
mother).
lets it lie; pepper is black and has a good
smack and every man does it buy
1508 STANBRIDGE Vulgaria, p. 23: Though peper be blacke it hathe
a good smacke. a1536 HILL 17, p. 130: [As in 1508 Stanbridge].
1546 HEY. II iv, 5. G3v. 1586 WITHALS, s. E4: Pepper is blacke
and hath a good smacke, and euery man doth it buy, Snowe is white,
and meltes in the dike, and euery man lets it lye. 1594 LODGE
Wounds Civil War IV ii, s. G3v: First [before I betray my master]
shal the snow be black, and pepper lose his smack. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 3. I670 RAY, p. 210. 1672 WALK. IO and I I, p. 56:
Pepper is black yet it hath a good smack. Snow is white, yet it lies
in the dike. 1681 ROB., pp. 983 and 1142: Pepper is black, yet it
hath a good smack. Snow is white, yet it lyes on the dike. 1721
KEL., p. 296: Snow is white, and lies on the Dike, And every one
lets it lye; Spice is black, and has a sweet Smack, And every one
does it buy. *An Apology for black People.
Cf. P233: Pepper is black and snow white.
S594 Whether you boil SNOW or pound it you can have
but water of it
1640 HERB., no. 176. 1659 N.R., p. 123.
(Whether you do boyl Snow, or do pound it). 1670 RAY, p. 24:
(Whether you do boil). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Snow. 1732 FUL., no.
5687: (Whether you boil or bake Snow you).
1664 COD., p. 227:
S595 Like a SNOWBALL, that rolling becomes bigger
1643 BAKER AND PHILLIPS Chron. Kings Eng. Rich. II, p. 150: No
(snow-ball) ever gathered greatness so fast by rolling, as his Forces
increased by marching forward. 1657 MORICE New I nclosures, p.
5: Like a Snowbal to gather somewhat by rolling. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov., note 7, p. 98: (Like unto a snowball, that).
Cf. N150: News, like a snowball, is more by telling.
S596 Cease your SNOWBALLS casting
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 314. 1668 R.B., p. 16. 1721 KEL., p. 81:
*Spoken to them who are throwing their Taunts about.
S597 SNOWDON (Eriry) will yield suflicient pasture for
all the cattle of Wales put together
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Caernarvon, I 667: It is a very common
speech among the Welsh That the mountaines Eriry will yield in
case of necessity sufficient pasture for all the cattails in Wales if
they were put upon them together. 1662 FULLER W orthies
Caernarvonshire, II 584: Craig Eriry, or Snow-don, will yield suf-
ficient pasture for all the cattell of Wales put together . . importing,
by help of an hyperbole, the extraordinary fruitfulness of this place.
S598 To take in SNUFF
1560 DAUS Chron. 26, f. 463: A brute [report] went that the Pope
toke it in snuffe that this truce was made. 1583 MELBANCKE Phi-
lot., S. S2v: He that hath his beard most curiously washed in the
Barbers Shop, wil take no snuffe to haue it cast out into the open
streets. 1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 76: Boyes, fooles, and
knaues, take all in snuffe. 1610 ROWLANDS Martin Mark-All, p.
34: And not by any means to crosse them, least they take snuffe in
the nose, and so fall together by the cares. 1617 MORYSON Itin-
erary III 1 ii, III 406: Englishmen, especially being young and un-
experienced, are apt to take all things in snuffe. 1670 RAY, p. 193.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Anger, p. 19: He took it in snuff. 1681
ROB., p. 97: He took it in snuff, viz. in anger. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE
Fahles 1 85, I 164: Jupiter took Snuff at the Contempt, and Punish’d
him for’t.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 22: You’ll mar the light by
taking it in snuff. 1595 M.N.D. V i 253: He dares not come there
for the candle; for, you see, it is already in snuff. 1597 I Hen. IV
I iii 40: Who therewith angry, when it next came there, Took it in
snuff. 1605-6 K.L. III i 25: What hath been seen, Either in snqus
and packings of the Dukes. (50)
S599 It works like SOAP (wax) in a sow’s tail (ear)
1594 LYLY Mother B. IV i 81: This cottons, and workes like waxe
in a sowes eare. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 193.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
SOBERNESS
SOMETHING
616

1678 RAY, p. 67: It melts like butter in a Sows tail: or, works like
sope etc. 1721 KEL., p. 208: It begins to work like Soap on a Sow’s
Arse. *Spoken tauntingly when a Business grows more involv’d,
intricate, and troublesome.
S600 What SOBERNESS conceals drunkenness reveals
1616 WITHALS, p. 578: (that drunkennesse reveales). 1639 CL., p.
47. Ibid., p. 290: Sober men conceale what drunken men reveale.
1664 COD., p. 224: (What sobriety). 1670 RAY, p. 83. 1672 WALK.
65, p. 42. 1681 ROB., p. 508. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Drunkenness.
1721 KEL., p. 134: He speaks in his Drink, what he thought in his
Drouth. 1732 FUL., no. 6117.
See DUR., II, no. 486. Cf. H333: What is in the heart of the
sober man is in the tongue (mouth) of the drunkard; W490: Wine
wears no breeches.
S601 SOFT AND FAIR goes far
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 257: The prouerbe, spede the fair and softely,
is a lesson of counsaill. 01570 Morr. Wit and Science IV i, s. C2v:
Their talke is nothing but soft and fayre and tary. 1573 GAS-
COIGNE Supposes V v, p. 233: What softe and faire sir. 1578 FLOR.
First F. XIV, f. 14: Who goeth softly, goeth wel. 1583 GREENE
Mamillia I, p. 28: Goe as the snaile faire and softly. [a1600] I662
I.T. Grim Collier Croydon, s. HI: I, but Jone, bear old Proverbs in
your memory; soft and fair. 1611 COT., s.v. Petit: Faire and softly
goeth farre. 1616 WITHALS, p. 581: Fayre and softly. 1639 CL.,
p. 3: (far in a day). 1640 HERB., no. 768. 1657 CAM., p. 293:
Fare on softly goes far. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12: Fair and
soft goes farr. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: Who goeth soft and faire,
goeth far and safe. 1664 COD., p. 211. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17,
p. 205: Softly, softly, goes sure, and far. 1668 DRYDEN Martin
Mar-All 11 ii, p. 27. 1670 RAY, p. 87: Fair and softly goes far in a
day. 1721 KEL., p. 125: Hooly [softly, quietly] and fair, goes far
in a Day. *Working constantly, though soberly, will dispatch a
great deal of Business. 1732 FUL., no. 1489: [As in 1670 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. V iv 72: To the chapel let us pres-
ently. —Soft and fair, friar.
Cf. G165: He that goes softly goes safely; H192: Make haste
slowly; H201: No haste to hang true men; M530: Hooly and fair,
men ride far journeys; P3: Soft pace goes far. (12)
S602 It is a bad SOIL (ground) where no flowers will
grow
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 316: (grounde and flower). 1732
FUL., no. 2844.
S603 An excellent SOLDIER, he lacks nothing but a
heart and a feather
1639 CL., s.v. Timiditas, p. 310.
S604 A SOLDIER in a pair of sheets
1616 DR., s.v. Cowardise, dastardlinesse, no. 398.
Timiditas, p. 311: (A brave souldier).
8605 SOLDIERS in peace are like chimneys in summer
[a1600] I61 1 Torlton’s yests in Shak. Yest-Bks., II 201: There was a
nobleman that asked Tarlton what hee thought of Souldiers in
time of peace. Marry quoth he they are like chimnies in summer.
01600 Complete Statesman in Desideroto Cur. I, I 48. 1651 HERB.,
p. 373. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1659 N.R., p. 91. 1664
COD., p. 21 I. 1670 RAY, p. 24. I732 FUL., no. 4207: (are Chim-
neys in Summer).
S606 SOLENESS brings sadness , ‘
1612 DAVIES Rights Living and Dead in Muse’s Sacrifi, p. 68: Sole-
nesse, brings sadnesse; Company, but strife. 1616 DR., s.v. Soli-
tarinesse, no. 2018.
Cf. W598: Woe to him that is alone.
1639 CL., s.v.
S607 To make one sing SOL-FA
1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes IV ii, p. 219: I will teache you to Sing
sol fa. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Solfa, p. 195: To make one to
sing the Solfa, viz. to rattle one up soundly, to give one a severe
check; spoken because in Musick, there is a Beating with the hand
upon the Book, for the better keeping of Time.


S608 She is chaste whom no one has SOLICITED (who
has withstood temptation)
01594 BACON, no. 1124. 01599 MARLOWE Eleg. I viii 43, p. 16I;
Fair women play: She’s chaste whom none will have. 1612 SHEL.
TON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV vi, II 65: For I am of opinion . . that a
woman is of no more worth or vertue, then that which is in her, after
she hath bene solicited, and that she alone is strong, who cannot
be bowed by the promises, gifts. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil III
ii 206: Grant I was tempted, Temptation to lust proves not the
act—Casta est quam nemo rogavit. 1613 MARSTON AND BARK_
STEAD Insat. Countess I i 58: (whom none will have). 1615 W.
SMITH Hector Germ. V iv, p. 134: And thinke none chast, but her
whom none did wooe. I620 J.C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids III ii, s.
K1: It hath bin still a maxime, she’s not chast That hath not bin
attempted, but she who hath stood temptation. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 34, p. 41: Every woman is chast, if she have nobody to sollicit
her. 1695 CONGREVE Lovefor Love III, p. 128: She is chaste, who
was never ask’d the Question.
S609 As wise as SOLOMON
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 96: And some dotynge Johnn
Beynge dronke thynketh hym as wyse as Salomon. I605 DAVIES
Civ. Wars in Humor’s Heaven, p. 40: Who for him self’s not wise
alone, is vainely wise though wise as Salomon. 1672 WALK. 85, p.
18.
$610 Says SOLOMON the wise, A good wife’s a goodly
prize
1‘678 RAY, p. 58.
S611 Here SOME and there some
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4. 1562 HEY. Epig. 237, p. 164.
S612 SOME are wise and some are otherwise
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Foc. in Via, p. 308. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. I. 1670 RAY, p. 157. 1682 HICKERINGILL Hist. Whig-
gism: W ks., I 20: Scholars are like other Men, some are wise, and
some are otherwise. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 390: Some people
take him for a Wise man. —Ay, ay; some are wise, and some are
otherwise.
S613 SOME wiser than some
1602 JONSON Poetaster III iv 23: Nay, soft, sir: Some wiser then
some. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap V ii 329: Though my rare
niece hath chose for virtue only, Yet some, more wise than some,
they choose for both, Virtue and wealth. 1612 N. FIELD Woman
Is Weathercock IV ii, p. 68: Give me thy sword, or I will kill thee.
——Some wiser than some! I love my reputation well . . but I love
my life better. There’s my sword. 01626 Dick Dev. I iii, p. 18:
Ile be hangd first; some wiser then some. 1632 HAUSTED Rival
Friends V i, s. K4V: But peace and catch a mouse cry I, some wiser
then some. 1632 SHIRLEY Love in Maze I i, p. 278: It argues your
discretion. ——I think so; some wiser than some, faith. I633
SHIRLEY Bird in Cage II i, p. 394: Thou art great with wit, let us
deliver thee; what is it? —Some wiser than some.
S614 SOME AND SOME is honest play
1575 GASCOIGNE Gardenings: Posies, p. 353: But recompence the
lyke agayne: For some and some is honest playe. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. T1: Thinke some and some is honest play.
8615 A SOMERTON ENDING
1678 RAY, p. 347: *When the difference between two is divided.
Somers. I787 GROSE Prov. Gloss., s.v. Somerset.
S616 Give SOMETHING of thine own to the devil and
turn him away
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592—3 C.E. IV iii 72: Some devils ask but the
parings of one’s nail, A rush, a hair, a drop of blood, a pin.
S617 He that rises betimes has SOMETHING in his head
I640 HERB., no. 231. 1659 N.R., p. 57.
Cf. R135: An early riser has care of something.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SOMETHING
SONG
617

S618 It is good to be doing SOMETHING
1616 DR., s.v. Exercise, no. 628. 1639 CL., s.v. Labor, p. 183:
Alwayes be doing. Ibid., s.v. Occupatio, p. 23 5: (’Tis good alwayes
to).
8619 Save SOMETHING for the man that rides on the
white horse
1639 CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129.
wherein the head grows white. 1721 KEL., p. 226: Keep some-
thing for the sore Foot. *Preserve something for Age, Distress,
and Necessity. I732 FUL., no. 4068.
Cf. D89: Lay up for a rainy day.
1670 RAY, p. 139: *For old age,
S620 SOMETHING (Somewhat) has some savor
1585 DYER Praise Nothing, p. 87: (Somewhat). 1606 T. HEYWOOD
2 If You Know Not Me, p. 305: Giue it to me; somewhat hath some
sauour. 1611 COT., s.v. Queue: Something, though meane, hath
sauor, nothing none. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 91. 1615 BEAUMONT
AND FLETCHER Cupid’s Rev. I, p. 225: Would I were married, some_
what has some favour [for savor]. 1616 DR., s.v. Little, no. 1268.
Ibid., s.v. Reward, no. 1867: (Somewhat). I616 WITHALS, p. 563:
Somewhat hath some savour, so we get the chincke, we Will beare
with the stinke. 1639 CL., s.v. Munus aptum, p. 221: In some
thing is some savour. I655 MENNIS AND SMITH Musarum Deliciae:
Facetiae, I 31: Something you know, will have some savour. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tale, p. 210: Better so and so, than nothing
at all, viz. something hath some savour. I670 RAY, p. 144. I732
FUL., no. 4223. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 425: Has he got a good
fortune with his lady? for they say, something has some savour, but
nothing has no flavour.
Cf. L468: Better a louse (mouse) in the pot than no flesh at all;
N 290: Nothing has no savOr.
8621 There is SOMETHING (somewhat) in the wind
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, S. B3v: (sumwhat). 1585
[MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II V, s. D3v: Somewhat hanges in the
winde, that makes her to lower. [01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is
Altered IV ii 44: Thers somewhat in the wind, I see. 1681 DRYDEN
Span. Friar III i, p. 456: There’s something in the wind, I’m sure.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-3 C.E. III i 69: There is something in the
wind, that we cannot get in.
See ST., no. 1438. Cf. N232: To hold up one’s nose at anything;
W434: To have one in the wind.
8622 Where SOMETHING is found, there look again
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Seek, p. 303: Where Should we seek but
where ’tis to be found (or had)? 1732 FUL., no. 5658.
S623 SOMEWHAT (Something) is better than nothing
1546 HEY. I x, s. D1: And by this prouerbe appereth this 0 thyng,
That alwaie somewhat is better than nothyng. I562 HEY. Epig.
29, p. 132: Some thyng is better then nothyng. In some thyng I
graunt this othyng. 01594 BACON, no. 953. 1600 NASHE Sum-
mer’s Last. Will: Wks., III 266. 1611 GRUT., no. 230: (Somewath).
1614 CAM., p. 311. 1616 DR., no. 1267: (Something). Ibid., no.
1868. I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, I, IV 98: I could wish they
had beene Oriental! Pearles; but something is better than nothing.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. '
Cf. L468: Better a louse (mouse) in the pot than no flesh at all.
8624 Everyone is the SON of his own works
1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, I iv, I 46: And what is more, every
one is sonne of his workes. Ibid. Pt. I, IV xx, II 238. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 5: (work). 1732 FUL., no. 1431: (Every Man is).
862 5 I am not sorry that my SON loses at play but that
he will have a revenge
I599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 25: It greeues me not that my sonne
is a gamester, but that he will goe to quit himselfe. 1659 HOW.
Span. Prov., p. 29: *’Tis meant of those that are habituated to
gaming, and obstinate. I732 FUL., no. 2585: (will seek his Re-
venge).

8626 Marry your SON when you will, your daughter
when you can
1640 HERB., no. 149. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
237. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 9: Marry thy Daughter when
thou mayst, and thy Son when thou pleasest. I659 N.R., p. 77.
1664 COD., p. 206: (but your Daughter). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 13,
p. I: (and thy Daughter). 1670 RAY, p. 47: (Sons and Daughters).
1687 MIEGE, s.v. To marry: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1696 D’URFEY
3 Don Quix. I i, p. 219. I734 FRANKLIN, p. 8: [As in 1664 Cod.].
See Dt‘IR., II, no. 529. Cf. D47: Marry your daughters betimes
lest they marry themselves.
8627 My SON, buy no stocks
[That is, “Don’t draw from the pack ofcards.”] I678 RAY, p. 348:
*Good counsel at Gleek.
8628 My SON is my son till he has got him a wife, but
my daughter’s my daughter all the days of her
life 4
I670 RAY, p. 53: (all days of her life). 1721 KEL., p. 244: My
Daughter is my Daughter all the Days of her Life, My Son is my
Son ’till he get him a Wife. *A Mother has seldom so good Treat-
ment from a Daughter in Law, as from a Son in Law. 1732 FUL.,
no. 6076: (till he have).
8629 The SON full and tattered, the daughter empty
and fine
1640 HERB., no. 210. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: Thy Son well fed,
and ill cloth’d, but thy daughter well cloth’d, and ill fed; a rule in
breeding children. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 29: Let thy son be
well fed, and raggedly cloth’d, thy daughter less fed, but well
cloth’d. ’Tis a good rule for governing a house, because the son
must help the father in his labour. 1659 N.R., p. 114.
8630 The SON of a bachelor
I678 RAY, p. 66: *A bastard. I732 FUL., no. 1949: (He is the).
8631 A SON of a whore never did well
1611 COT., s.v. Putain: Neuer did sonne of a whore doe well. 1659
N.R., p. 7.
8632 A SON of the white hen
[ERAS. Adagia, 58B: Albae gallinae filius.] 1540 PALSGRAVE
Acolastus II iii, p. 80: What may not I by ryghte be estemed the
sonne of a whyte henne and maye not men . . thinke, that I was
borne in a good howre. I548 COOPER, s.v. Albus: *A prouerbe
spoken of one, whome fortune fauoreth in all his dooynges. I631
JONSON New Inn I iii 100: Yet all, Sir, are not sonnes o’the white
Hen; Nor can we . . all . . be wrapt . . in fortunes smock. 1638
T. RANDOLPH Muses’ Look. Glass II iv, p. 213: The chicken of the
white hen. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Oca, p. 119: To be the Son
of a white Goose, viz. the favorite or minion.
See OTTO, no. 749. 'Cf. H738: He is born in a good hour who
gets a good name; M1203: He was lapped (wrapped) in his mother’s
smock.
8633 His evening SONG and morning song are not
(are) both alike
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 716: (ar not both one). 1639 CL., s.v. Itera-
tus error, p. 179: Even-song and morne-song all in one tune. 1641
FERG., no. 432. I721 KEL., p. 362: Your Morning Song, and your
Evening Song are Still alike. _
See S. MEECH, “A Collection of Proverbs in Rawlinson MS
D 328,” Modern Philology, XXXVIII, 2 (Nov., 1940), p. 123. Cf.
G384: You breed of the gouk, you have aye but one rhyme (song);
M9: As proper as the Magnificat in the morning (at matins);
W787: Evening words are not like to morning.
8634—5 Let him that begins the SONG make an end
1616 DR., no. 120.
8636 To sell (buy) it for a SONG
I622 MABBE Rogue II 111 v, IV 256: Selling him that for a song,
which I have bought with so many affronts, and scraped together

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
SONG
SOREs
618

with such a deale of toyle. 1632 R. BROME North. L455 IV iv, p.
79: She means he shall marrie her for a Song. 1640 WHATELY
Prototype: 26, p. 25: To have so little esteem of the outward meanes
of salvation, as to part with them for a song as we say. 1659 T.
BURTON Diary, III 239: He is so wise as not to tell you for what.
Haply he compounded for an old song. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Roccrio, p. 170: To part with his Commodities for a bit of
bread, for a song. 1694 CROWNE Regulus II, p. 148: I bought it
for a song.
SHAKESPEARE.—I602 A.W. III ii 8: I know a man that had this
trick of melancholy sold a goodly manor for a song. (7)
S637 To sing another SONG
[01500] a152o Everyman S, s. B2v: Nay everyman I synge a nother
songe. 1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 89: My mayster . . hathe
thaught me to synge a newe songe to daye. 01563 Yack Yuggler,
s. CIv: I woll make the chaung that song, ere wee pas this place.
61565 Bugbears IV ii 61: At there returninge hither they will sing
an other song. a1579 N. BACON Agst. Inconstancy: Recr. Age,
p. 11: The wyfe singes an other songe. 1588 J. UDALL State Church,
p. 18: If they had euen my experience, they would sing another
song. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. F1: Theyle
change their note, and sing an other song. 1605 T. HEYWOOD I
If You Know Not Me, p. 207: Madame, The Queen must heare you
sing another song. 1615 Exchange Ware at Second Hand in Con-
trih. to Early Eng. Lit., p. 31: You shall at Tiburne, sing another
song to a sorrowful tune. I631 SHIRLEY Love Tricks V iii, p. 95:
Oh, sir, you sung another song, in my mother’s dairy. 1639 CL.,
p. 222: To sing a new song.
See ST., no. 2276. Cf. N248: To change one’s note; S638: To
sing the same (one) song; $934: Harp no more on that string;
$936: To harp upon one (the same) string. (9)
S638 To sing the same (one) SONG
[ERAS. Adagia, 5740-. Cantilenam eandem canis.] [01550] 1560 Nice
Wanton, 3. A2: What ye dolt ye be euer in one songe. 1569 E.
FENTON Certain Secret Won. Nat., f. 78v: Without singing so often
one song. 1580 BARET, E—2: They harpe alwaie vpon one string, or
They are alwaie in one song. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. III
ii, s. EIv: It is too Cuckolike they say, one song continually to
sing. 1611 L. BARRY Ram-Alley I, s. A3: You know my businesse
well, I sing one song. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 8: (the old song).
1670 RAY, p. 192: *Nothing more troublesom and ungrateful then
the same thing over and over. 1672 WALK. 91, p. 33: You’r in
th' old tune yet; you sing the old song.
See ST., no. 1391. Cf. C894: You are like the cuckoo, you have
but one song; G384: You breed of the gouk, you have aye but one
rhyme (song); M1324: He is a bad musician that can sing but one
song; S637: To sing another song; $936: To harp upon one (the
same) string. (6)
S639 He makes two SONS—IN-LAW of one daughter
[ERAS. Adagia, 263C: Unica filia duos parare generos.] 1639 CL.,
s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 15: (with one daugh-
ter). *He promiseth much.
Cf. G3o: To stop two gaps with one bush; M912: Make not two
mews of one daughter.
S640 Soon enough if well enough
[ERAS. Adagia, 4073: Sat cito, si sat bene.] 1545 ASOHAM Tox., p.
114: *Men whiche labour more spedily to make manye bowes . .
than they woorke dilligently to make good bowes . . not layinge
before theyr eyes, thys wyse prouerbe. 1573 SANF., f. 52: That
which is done wel, is done soon inough. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX,
f. 27v: That thing is quickly done, that is done wel. 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 151: It skilled not how long things were a
doing, but how well they were done. I595 SYLVESTER Weeks I 1
489: What is well done, is done soon enough. 1596 DEL., s. M5v:
We do it soone enough, if what we do be well. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1468: Weil don soon done. 1598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 259v:
(With this Impresa, Sone). 1616 DR., s.v. Leisure, no. 1213:
Soone enough done, if well done. 1623 WOD., p. 519: It is soone
done which is wel done. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 37, p. 27: That is well
done that is done soone enough. 1639 CL., p. 304. 1651 HERB.,
S641


p. 370: We do it soon enough if that we do be well. 1659 How,
It. Prov., p. 10: What’s well done is done soon enough. 1659 N.R.,
p. 126: [As in 1651 Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 211: (is well enough),
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 82: That is done soon enough, which is well
done. 1668 R.B., p. 55: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I694 Court. Oracle
57, p. 54: We examine not how long one has been doing of a work,
but if it be well done. 1721 KEL., p. 299.
Cf. D396: Do it well or do it again; G31 1: Good and quickly sel-
dom meet; T149: The thing done has an end (is not to do).
The SOONER the better
01475 Mankind l. 254, p. 10: The sonner the leuer. [01560] 1581
WOODES Confl. Cons. IV iii, s. G1: The sooner the better in ende
you will say. 1605 Fair Maid Bristow, s. C1: I sweet hart, name
you the time, The sooner the better.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1590-I 2 Hen. VI I iv 17: To this gear, the
sooner the better.
Cf. H745: Better be two hours before time than three behind it,
S642 As black as 8001
1678 RAY, p. 281.
S643 To give a SOP to Cerberus
[1513] 1553 DOUGLAS Aeneid VI vi, III 36: Cerberus, the hidduus
hund . . Quham till the prophetes . . A sop stepit intill hunny. .
gan cast. 1604 W. BARLOW Sum and Suhst. I, p. 5: His purpose
therefore was . . to take knowledge of them, thereby to cast a sop
unto Cerberus his mouth, that hee may never barke againe. [cr633]
1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 68: But will it not be a Sop
to stop Cerberus his mouth. [a1657] 1693 ]. HACKET Mem. Wil-
liams II, p. 216: Give this Sop to Cerberus, give them a Blank,
and we shall bleed fewer ounces of Wealth and Honour. 1695 CON-
GREVE Love for Love I, p. 103: If I can give that Cerberus a sop, I
shall be at rest for one Day.
S644-5 Good SOPs may be made in an old pot
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 9, p. 111.
S646 A small SORE wants not a great plaster
1567 G. FENTON Trag. Dis. 5, I 222: Like as, sayth he, small soares
require slender medecins. 1616 DR., no. 1616: The plaster must
not bee greater then the wound. 1732 FUL., no. 412.
Cf. D3 57: A desperate disease must have a desperate cure.
S647 SORE upon sore is not a salve
1596 DEL., s. 05v. 1639 CL., p. 197.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 KY. V ii 12.: I am not glad that such a
sore of time Should seek a plaster by contemn’d revolt And heal
the inveterate canker of one wound By making many.
S648 Where the SORE is there is the hand
[ERAS. Adagia, 462D: Ubi quis dolet, ibidem et manum habet.]
1566 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 137: Vbi vlcus, ibi manus. 1623
WOD., p. 507: Wee hold willingly our Hands where the Sore is.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 20: Where the pain is, the finger points.
Cf. T404: The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth.
S649 To rip up (rub) old SOREs
[ERAS. Adagia, 253A: Refricare cicatricem.] 1559 COOPER, s.v.
Cicatrix: Refricare cicatricem, to rubbe or make sore that, which
was almoste whole, spoken prouerbyally, of renewynge and styr-
rnge vp agayne, a daungerous matter. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk.,
p. 18: Besides sutch ripping up of ould matters . . as I suppose
there have sildum been seen the like. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p.
87: The rubbing of the scar, will open a fresh wound. 1616 JON-
SON Epic. IV iv 26: Alas, doe not rub those wounds, master Trve-
wit, to bloud againe. 1616 WITHALS, p. 570: Doe not rippe vp old
soares. 1639 CL., p. 303: Rip not up old sores. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Piaga, p. 144: To exasperate any business, and make it
worse than it was; the English say, To rip up old sores. 1670 RAY,
p. 188. 1672 WALK. 42, p. 58: [As in 1639 CL]. 1694 ECHARD
Phormio IV, p. 236: What occasion had you to rip up th’ old sore?
1732 FUL., no. 6145: (old Sores, and cast up old Scores).
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SORROW
SORTS
619

SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVI ii 167: Well, I am loath to gall
a new-heal’d wound. 1611 Temp. II i 137: The truth you speak
doth lack some gentleness, And time to speak it in. You rub the
sore When you should bring the plaster.
Cf. G12: To rub one on the gall. (5)
S650 Fat SORROW is better than lean sorrow
1662 N. ROGERS Rich Fool, p. 253: But as some women say that
covet rich Husbands, Better a fat Sorrow, then a leane. 1678 RAY,
p. 137: *Better have a rich husband and a sorrowfull life then a
poor husband and a sorrowfull life with him, spoken to encourage
a maid to marry a rich man, though ill conditioned. 1732 F UL.,
no. 1507.
S651 He is well worth SORROW that buys it with his
silver
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 804: It is weil wared [deserved] they hav
sorow quho buyes it with ther Silver. 1668 R.B., p. 29: It is weil
warit they have sorrow, that buyes it with their silver. 1721 KEL.,
p. 130: *Spoken to them that have been at some Pains, to incon-
vene themselves.
S652 SORRow and an evil life make soon an old wife
1602 [COOKE] How Man May Choose, s. B2: (maketh). 1639 CL.,
p. 279: (Maketh). 1670 RAY, p. 144: (maketh). 1721 KEL., p.
286: (ill Life, makes). 1732 FUL., no. 6366: (Maketh).
S653 SORROW be in the house that you’re beguiled in
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1215: Sorrow be in that house he is beguyld
in. 1721 KEL., p. 298: *Spoken to Sharp expert People who have
their Interest in their Eye.
S654 SORROW comes unsent for
1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. May, 1. 152, p. 25: Sorrowe ne neede be
hastened on: For he will come, without calling, anone. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Dolor, p. 101. 1670 RAY, p. 144. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Sorrow.
1732 FUL., no. 4230.
Cf. N146: Ill news comes unsent for; S659: Sorrow is soon enough
when it comes; W219: Like ill weather, you come (sorrow comes)
unsent for.
S655 SORROW gars1 websters spin
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1181.
Cf. N77: Need makes the naked man run and sorrow makes web-
sters spin.
[lmakes]
S656 SORROW is dry
1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 2446, p. 124: I woulde I were now, at Rome,
at the sygne of the cuppe For heauynesse is drye. [a1600] I639
DELONEY Gentle Craft II, p. 39: Sorrow, they say, is dry and I find
it to be true. 1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 16: The third [twopence]
shall wash our souls at parting, for sorrow is dry. 1611 COT., s.v.
Dueil: Sorrow is dry, say we. 1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER
Scornful Lady II, p. 251: Off with thy drink, thou hast a spice of
sorrow makes thee dry. 1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case V iv 39:
That’s scurvy-anger will make me very dry. “You mistake sir,
tis sorrow that is very dry. 1630 MASSINGER Picture III i, p. 167:
But sorrow’s dry, And I must drink howsoever. a1645 W. BROWNE
Lidford Yourney: W ks., II 354: The prouerbe says, Sorrow is dry;
So was I at this matter. 1659 N.R., p. 89: (alwaies dry). 1670
RAY, p. 144: (always dry). 1721 KEL., p. 39: A sorrowful Heart
is ay dry. *Spoken when Widows or Widowers drink liberally, al-
ledging it was to quench their Sorrow.
SHAKESPEARE—61595 R]. III v 57: Either my eyesight fails,
or thou look’st pale. ——And trust me, love, in my eye so do you.
Dry sorrow drinks our blood. (7)
S657 SORROW is good for nothing but sin
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 194. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 18. 1670 RAY, p. 24. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Sorrow. 1721
KEL., p. 242: Let never Sorrow come so near your Heart, unless
for Sin. *Spoken heartily when we have made our Friend drink.
1732 FUL., no. 4232. 1750 FRANKLIN, p. 26.

S658 SORRow is laughter’s daughter
1639 CL., s.v. Risus, p. 274.
S659 SORROW is soon enough when it comes
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 70: Every evil bringeth griefenough with
it when it cometh. 1721 KEL., p. 291: *Spoken to them who vex
themselves with future dismal Expectations.
Cf. G215: God send you joy, for sorrow will come fast enough;
S6 54: Sorrow comes unsent for.
S660 SORROW will pay no debt
1670 RAY, p. 144. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Sorrow: Sorrow pays no Debt.
1730 BAILEY, s.v. Sorrow.
See DUR., II, no. 366. Cf. C921: Past cure past care; P518: A
pound of care will not pay an ounce of debt.
S661 To have SORROW to his sops
1546 HEY. II vii, s. K2: I had sorrowe to my sops ynough, be sure!
[61620] 1654 WEBSTER [AND T. HEYWOOD] Appius and Virg. III iv
67: For instead of a new Role, I purpose to break my Fast with
sops of sorrow. 1670 RAY, p. 218.
Cf. SI45: Who has a scold has sorrow to his sops.
S662 When SORROW is asleep wake it not
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 24. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Sorrow. 1732 FUL., no. 5569.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. III ii 84: So sorrow’s heaviness
doth heavier grow For debt that bankrout Sleep doth sorrow owe;
Which now in some Slight measure it will pay, If for his tender here
I make some stay [Lies down and sleeps]. Ihid. III ii 43 5: And Sleep,
that sometimes shuts up sorrow’s eye, Steal me awhile from mine
own company.
Cf. L317: Wake not a sleeping lion; W8: It is not good waking
of care when it is asleep.
S663 Make not two SORRows of one
1546 HEY. II v, s. H4: (And reason saieth make not). 1560-77
Misogonus II v 101. 1562 HEY. Epig. 41, p. 134. 61594 BACON,
no. 967. 61595 W. SPELMAN Dial., p. 4: As the oulde sainge is; yt
is a meere ffollye to make two Sorowes of one. [61597] 1609 JON-
SON Case Is Altered I ix 11: Pass[i]ons duld eye can make two
grieues of one. 1616 DR., no. 2030: He maketh two sorrowes of
one. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5.
Cf. W36: I will not want when I have and when I have not too.
S664 Small SORRows (griefs) speak, great ones are si-
lent
1587 HUGHES ET AL. Misfort. Arthur IV ii, s. E1v: Small griefs can
speake: the great astonisht stand. 1590 SPENSER I vii 41:
Great griefe will not be tould, And can more easily be thought then
said. 1592 DAN1EL Compl. Rosamund l. 798, p. 109: Mightie
griefes are dombe. 61592 KYD Span. Trag. I iii, s. B2: Then rest
we heere a while in our vnrest. And feed our sorrowes with some in-
ward sighes, For deepest cares break neuer into teares. 1600 B0-
DENHAM Belvedere, p. 171: Sorrow makes Silence her best Oratour.
1600 DEKKER Old Fort. II ii 408: True griefis dumb, though it hath
open cars. 1607 TOURNEUR Rev. Trag. I iv, p. 317: Light cares
speak, but great cares find no tongue. 1607 Trag. Nero, s. 14,: Too
much my Sonne, great sorrow still is dumbe. 1612 WEBSTER White
Devil II i 279: Those are the killing greifes which dare not speake.
[1614] 1647 FLETCHER Trag. Valent. IV iv, p. 72: Think not the
worse my friends, I shed not tears, Great griefs lament within.
1633 MARMION Fine Companion II i, p. 126: Great griefs are silent.
Cf. W130: Shallow waters make the greatest sound. (9)
S665 Who sings does scare away his SORRows
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3: (Who sings scares).
227.
S666 There must be all SORTS in the world
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, vi, III 51: In the world there must
bee of all sorts.
See SM., p. 243.
1664 COD., p.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6'.
SOUL
Sow
62o

8667 She dares not say her SOUL is her own
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 215: One who is .. so
sheepish, as shee dare not say her soule is her owne.
S668 The SOUL needs few things, the body many
1640 HERB., no. 636. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. I: The soul hath
need of few things, the body of many. I659 N.R., p. 103.
S669 You put a silly SOUL to be a keeper for the devil’s
good grace
IOIO WITHALS, p. 572: *You put the charge into hucksters handling.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16.
S670 A SOULCAKE,1 a soulcake, have mercy on all
Christian souls for a soulcake
1686-7 AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and Yudaism, p. 23: (There is an
old Rhythm or saying A Soule-cake).
[1a special cake eaten on All Souls’ Day]
SO71 He was born within the SOUND of Bow bell
1662 FULLER Worthies London, II 57: *This is the periphrasis of a
Londoner at large, born within the Suburbs thereof; the sound of
this Be]! exceeding the extent of the Lord Maior’s Mace. It is
called Bow-bell, because hanging in the Steeple of Bow-Church;
and Bow-Church because built on Bows or Arches. 1670 RAY,
p. 241. 1732 FUL., no. 2377. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 437:
You were born within the sound of Bow-bell, and don’t care to stir
so far from London.
8672-8686 Sow: subst.
S672 As meet as a Sow to bear a saddle
1546 HEY. II i, s. F3: (She is now, To become a bryde, as meete as).
01550 BECKE Two Dial., p. 7: This is a dogge in a doblet, a sowe
with a sadle. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. F1: As seemely as
a cowe in a Cage, a dogge in a dublet, or a sowe with a saddle.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 840: It is als meit for him as ane sow for ane
sadle. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 20. 1631 JONSON New Inn
Vii 5: How did they shew on good’y Taylors back! Like a Caparison
for a Sow, God saue vs! 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, indecora, p. 7: A
sowe weares a sadle. Ibid., s.v. Dissimilitudinis, p. 96: A sow to a
saddle. 1641 FERG., no. 537: (It is as meit as). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 3: (a Sow for a saddle). Ibid., p. 15. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Asino, p. 8: To become him as a saddle doth become an
asse; The English say, as a sow doth asaddle. 1668 R.B., p. 32:
(It is as meet as). 1670 RAY, p. 204: As fit as a saddle for a sow.
1681 COLVILLE Mock Poem I, p. 39: Which them becomes, as all
avow, AS well as Saddle cloth a Sow. I732 FUL., no. 1972: He
looks like a Sow saddled. Ibid., no. 2834: It becomes her, as a
Pack-saddle would a Sow. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 441: It
became him, as a saddle becomes a sow.
Cf. C30: It becomes him as well as it becomes a camel to dance;
C758: It becomes him as well as a cow does a cart saddle; D452:
A dog in a doublet.
S673 As necessary as a Sow among young children
1678 RAY, p. 287. 1732 FUL., no. 717: (an old Sow).
S674 As the Sow fills, the drafi sours
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 53. 1639 CL., p. 113. 1668 R.B., p. 3.
1697 MER., p. 163. I721 KEL., p. 37: *When Peoples Stomachs
begin to fill, their Meat insensibly loses its Relish. .
S675 Every Sow to her own trough
1678 RAY, p. 204. 01703 MOTTEUX Don Quix. II xix, II 120.
SO76 Little knows the fat Sow (man) what the lean
does mean
01480 Little Children’s Bk. 1. 17 in Babies Bk. etc., p. 16: For the
fulle wombe without [any faylys] Wot fulle lytyl [what the hungery
aylys]. 1546 HEY. I x, s. DIv. I550 BECON Fortr. Faithful Prol.:
Cot., p. 583: According to the common prouerb, Little wot the full


sow, that is in the sty, What the hungry sow aileth, that goeth by,
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 969: Little wats the ful sow that lyes in the
sty how hungry sho is that goes by. 1611 GRUT., no. 175. 1614
CAM., p. 309. 1616 DR., no. 1634: Full little knoweth the fat Cow,
what the leane Cow meaneth. 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 244;
(the leane one meanes). I640 HERB., no. 601: The fatt man know-
eth not what the leane thinketh. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 24: The
full sow regards not what the empty saith. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 16: (the lean thinketh). 1664 COD., p. 220: [AS in 1640 Herb.].
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 108: Who is fat, knows not what a lean
body thinks. 1670 RAY, p. 89: (the lean one means).
Cf. A189: He that is warm thinks all so; B296: He whose belly
is full believes not him that is fasting (empty); F787: In fullness
there is forgetfulness.
SO77 A Sow does sooner than a cow bring an ox to
the plow
01640 SMYTH 61, p. 31: *More profit doth arise to the husbandman
by a sowe then a cowe.
SO78 A Sow in a feather bed
1616 WITHALS, p. 553: *Bos in civitate.
indigno habitus, p. 137.
S679 A Sow A a fiddle
1616 WITHALS, p. 5 52: *Asinus ad lyram.
indecora, p. 5. 1670 RAY, p. 193. 1672 WALK. 59, p. 53.
MIEGE, s.v. Sow: This is a'meer Sow to a Fiddle.
Cf. A366: To see an ass play on a harp; J38: The jay is unmeet
for a fiddle; P306: A pig plays on the organs.
1639 CL., s.v. Honos
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda,
1687
SO80 A Sow (swine) to teach Minerva
[ERAS. Adagio, 43A: Sus Minervam.] 1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 342v:
A swyne to teache Miuerna, was a prouerbe against suche, as ..
beeyng theimselfes of no knowlage .. wil take vpon theim, to
teache persones that are excellentely skilled. 1559 COOPER, s.v.
Sus: [As in Eras.]. *A prouerbe applied vnto him, whiche pre-
sumeth to teache or correcte one, of whom he rather ought to be
taught or corrected. I567 MAPLET Green Forest To Rdr., p. 8:
Not to teach or shew the learned, howe in this point Nature hath
wrought (for that were as the prouerb is, the Sow to Minerua).
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. F1: Though his innocencie were
such, as to choose for Minerua a Sowe, (as the prouerbe goeth) and
yet thinketh hir to be as comely in'personage as Aegeria. 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 226: I should thinke I should commit a
fault if I should speake any thing of that, for that it were according
too the Proverb to instruct Minerva. 1623 WOD., p. 489: Wee
should never teach Minerva her duetie.
Cf. G407: Teach your grandame (grannam) to grope her ducks;
G408: Teach your grandame to spin; M10: Some correct Magnif-
icat that know not Te Deum (Quid significat).
SO81 The stillSow eats up all the drafi
I546 HEY. I x, s. C4v. [a1563] 1661 Tom Tyler ondHis Wifel. 521,
p. 15. 1591 STEP., p. 154: (A still sowe). a1598 FERG. MS, no. 48:
Ane still sow eatis all the drafi'. 1598 GUILPIN Skialetheia, s. B7:
Then my quick-sprighted lasse can speake: for who Knowes not the
old said saw of the Still'Sow. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know
Not Me, p. 271: The still sow eates all the draffe; and no question
the most smoother tovngued fellow, the more arrant knaue. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 140: Still sowes eat all the draft". 1611 FLOR., s.v.
Acqua queta, p. 8: A close, slie, lurking knaue, a stil sow as we say.
1611 GRUT., no. 278. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 DR., s.v. Slienesse,
no. 2006. 1623 CAM., p. 277: Still sow eates all the draffe. 1639
CL., s.v. Taciturnitas, p. 301: (eates all the draff). I640 JONSON
Tale Tub III ix 49: Ile nere trust smooth’fac’d Tile-man for his sake.
—Mother, the still Sow eates up all the draer. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Poco, p. 151: To pretend one thing, and do another, to
dissemble; the English usually say, The still Sow eats up all the
Draugh. Ibid., s.v. Schifail poco, p. 184: The English say, To play
the Still Sow. 1668 R.B., p. 2: [AS in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY,
p. 146. 1697 MER., p. 164: (eats all the draff). I721 KEL., p. 313:
*Spoken to Persons who look demurely, but are roguish. I732
FUL., no. 4767: (Draft).

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Sow
Sow (SOWN)
621
SHAKESPEARE.——16oo-1 IV ii 109: ’Tis old but true,
Still Swine eats all the draff.
See DiiR., II, no. 316. Cf. L35: The humble (meek) lamb sucks
its own dam and others also. (12)
S682 To grease a fat Sow in the tail
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 32: Should we (quoth I) grease the fat sow
in thars. I580 BARET, S—411: It is as well bestowed vpon him, as
to grease a fatte Sow in the arse. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. F1 v:
As fulsum huswiues greasing the fatt sowe in the tayle to make
better bacon, so they bribed him that was abundaunt in all pos-
sessions. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1200: Smeir the fat sowes ars.
1611 COT., s.v. Oindre: (We must not grease the). 1611 DAY.
Prov., no. 18: (All men to grease the). 1616 WITHALS, p. 582: (in
the arse). 1639 CL., p. 10. I641 FERG., no. 254: Everie man
flames the fat sowes arse. 1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 22:
The fattest Hogs we grease the more with Lard. 1659 HOW. S pan.
Prov., p. 8. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Acqua, p. 1: The English
say, to grease a fat sow in the arse, also, to carry coles to New-
Castle, Owls to Athens, and Pots to Samos. 1668 R.B., p. 18:
[As in 164.1 Ferg.]. I672 WALK. 85, p. 32: (They grease the).
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Sow: To grease the fat Sow in the arse, or in the
tail, that is to give to those that do not want it, or that have more
than enough. 1732 FUL., no. 5178: To grease a fat Sow.
Cf. C386: Claw a churl by (Grease a fat sow in) the tail and he
(she) will beray your hand; C466: To carry coals to Newcastle;
H487: Everyone bastes the fat hog, while the lean one burns;
M397: To grease a man in the fist; 097: You bring owls to Athens.
S683 A yeld1 Sow was never good to grices2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 75. 1668 R.B., p. 5. 1721 KEL., p. 1:
*Spoken to those, who having no Children of their own, deal harshly
by other peoples.
Cf. C748: A barren cow never loves calf.
[1barren 2young, sucking pigs]
S684 You have the Sow by the right (wrong) ear
I605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho II ii 278.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Difi-icult, p. 90: I am afraid I have the
sow by the wrong ear. Ibid., s.v. True, p. 340.
Cf. S68 5: You take the wrong sow by the ear.
8685 You take the wrong Sow by the ear
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4: Ye maie see, ye tooke The wrong waie to
wood and the wrong sow by theare. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
D4v: I hope custome will graunte a pardon, if I happe not to haue
the righte sowe by the care. 1599 CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth vi
99, p. 66: Have you not got a wrong sow by the car? [1603] I635
BRETON Mad World: Wks., II 12: Such a one may hap to take a
wrong sow by the eare. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. II i 78:
He has the wrong sow by the eare. 1629 I. TAYLOR W' it and Mirth
14: Wks. F., p. 180: I knew when he first medled With your Lady-
ship, that hee had a wrong Sow by the care. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 12: (Who goeth to Law with your Ladiship, taketh a).
1664 S. BUTLER Hud. 11 iii 579, p. 206: But if it be, ’tis ne’er the
near, You have a wrong Sow by the Ear. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Coltello, p. 43: To take a knife by the edge, or point, viz. to
manage his business preposterously, to have a rong sow by the ear.
1670 RAY, p. 193: (To take a). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Sow: To take a
wrong Sow by the Ear, that is, to mistake the Person, to take one
that will hold harder to it than we imagined. 1690 D’URFEY
Collin’s Walk iv, p. 168: Thought, Strumpt, since the Wind sits
there, I’le take the right Sow by the Ear. 1697 VANBRUGH .desop
Pt. I, II, p. 27: He that go’s to a Courtier in hope to get fairly rid
of 'em, may be said (in aur Country Dialect) to take the wrong
Saw by the Ear. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 406: (You have the).
Cf. L98: He that goes to law holds a wolf by the ear; S684: You
have the sow by the right (wrong) ear. ( 5)
S686 To come sailing in a Sow’s ear
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 13: So we ware both
put into a mussellbote, and came saling in a sowes yeare over sea
into Kent. [1615] 1631 P. FLETCHER Sieelides II vi, p. 42: We had
S691

neere taken a iourney in such a fiy-boate, such a sow’s-eare, such
an egge-shell. 1670 RAY, p. 192. 1732 FUL., no. 5146.
Cf. $175: It is hard to sail over the sea in an eggshell.
S687-S692 SOw: verb
S687 As they Sow so let them reap
[Ga]. vi 7: Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
ERAS. Adagia, 3251": Ut sementem feceris, ita et metes.] 01570
INGELEND Disoh. Child, s. D4: But my Sonne . . Shall reape in such
wyse as he dyd sowe. 1573 SANF., f. 21: AccOrding as thou sowest
. thou shalt reape. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 62: Such as he
sowed, he reaped. 01600 I Ret.from Parn. I, p. 28: As they have
sowne soe let them reape for mee. 1609 DEKKER Raven’s Alman;
Non-Dram. Wks., IV 219: I haue made the olde saying true, who
sowes shall reape. 1616 DR., no. 1 17: He that soweth good seede,
shall reape good corne. 1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends III vi, s. G4:
As you sowed, so reape for mee. 1664 S. BUTLER Had. II ii 9,
p. 173: And look before you. e’er you leap; For as you Sow, y’are
like to Reap. I670 WALKER Idiom. .dng.-Lat., p. 307: What you
sow, that you must mow. 1672 WALK. 13, p. 56: What a man
sowes, that shall he also reap. 1678 RAY, p. 270. 1732 FUL.,
4389: That, which you sow, you must reap.
See Dt'iR., II, no. 649: ST., no. 2612. Cf. B52: As you bake so
shall you brew (eat); B654: As one brews so let him bake (drink);
S690: Sow thin (little) mow thin (little); T228: He that sows
thistles shall reap thorns (prickles). (1 1)
S688 Early Sow early mow
1639 CL., s.v. Oceasio, p. 233. 1670 RAY, p. 84. 1721 KEL., p. 96:
*The sooner a Man sets about a Business, the sooner he finds the
Effects of it. 1732 FUL., no. 6107.
Cf. S693: The rath (early) sower never borrows of the late.
S689 Sow dry and set wet
I678 RAY, p. 49: This rule in gardening never forget, To sow dry,
and to set wet. 1732 FUL., no. 6481: This Rule in Gardening
never forget, To sow dry, and set wet.
S690 Sow thin (little) mow thin (little)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1183: (and mow thinne). 1611 COT., s.v.
Semer: Little sow little mow. I668 R.B., p. 47: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
1721 KEL., p. 299. 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 7: Jack Little sow’d little,
and little he’ll reap.
Cf. S687: As they sow so let them reap; S692: Thick sown and
(but) thin comes up.
One Sows, another reaps
[Yo/m iv 37: And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and
another reapeth. ERAS. Adagio, 193E: Alii sementem faciunt, alii
metent.] 1577 HOLINSHED Chron. Hen. I, 1 109, II 61: One soweth,
but another reapeth. 1578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit, p. 234: As
thou hast reaped where an other hath sowen, so an other may
thresh that which thou hast reaped. 1582 G. MARTIN New Test.
Matt. xxv 26: And his lord answering, said to him: Naughtie and
sloughtful seruant, thou didst know that I reape where I sow not,
and gather where I strawed not. 1596 DEL., s. P4v: One soweth,
that reapeth not. 01605 DEKKER I Hon. Whore, p. 40: When she
has reapt what I have sowne, She’ll say, one graine tastes better of
her owne, Then whole sheaves gather’d from anothers land. 1623
WOD., p. 501: The one sowe, and the other reape. *So said of
thriftie folkes. 1709 DYKEs Pref., p. ii: One sows, and another
reaps.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VI III i 380: From Ireland come
I with my strength And reap the harvest which that rascal sow’d.
See DtiR., I, no. 346.
S692 Thick SOWN and (but) thin comes up
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 134: Faire women are set thieke,
but they come vp thinne. 1590 SPENSER HQ. I ix 16: True Loues
are often sown, but seldom grow on grownd. 1593 G. HARVEY
Pieree’s Super., p. 95: The bounteous graces of God are sowen
thieke, but come vp thin. 1616 DR., s.v. Rare, or scarce, no. 1805.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
SOWER 622 SPARE


1639 CL., s.v. Raritas, p. 271. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub III vi 43: S703 Talk much and err much, says the SPANIARI)
EUSbalggss they 13:)6 grow thick} bill: thin 2"; Sotnahitlfiirra: 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., P- 3I: Prating and lYing is neere of
"I". '1’. s-V- osca, P: “0' 0 ,6 rarer an ’ . ’ kinne. 1640 HERB., no. 645. 1659 N.R., p. 103. 1664 COD., p,
to be rare indeed, and usually apply d to honest men; the English 220. I670 RAY, p. 25. I732 FUL., no. 4318, Talk much and en,
would say to such a purpose, They are thick sown, but they come much. ,
thin up. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Seldome, p. 304: Such men Cfi M916: Mickle Spoken, part must Spill; 5728, He that Speaks
come up thin. much is much mistaken; S729: Who speaks not errs not.
Cf. S690: Sow thin (little) mow thin (little).
S693 The rath1 (early) SOWER never borrows of the late
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 22. 1732 FUL., no.
4492: (early).
Cf. S688: Early sow early mow.
S704 As flattering (fawning) as a SPANIEL
[01589] 1633 MARLOWE 7ew Malta II iii 20: We Jews can fawn like
spaniels when we please. 1609 W.M. Man in Moon, p. 33: The
Parasite . . will fawne on you like a spaniell. I611 DEKKER AND
MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, s. K3v: He hath bene brought vp in the
1
[early] . Ile of dogges, and can both fawne like a Spaniell, and bite like a
S694 Forbear not SOWING because Of bll'dS Mastiue, as hee finds occasion. 1616 WITHALS, p. 553. 1639 CL.,
1581 PETTiE Civ. Conv. I, I 21: It is not amisse to call to minde that P: 285- 167° RAY: P- 204‘
common proverbe amongst contrie men, That wee must not leave SHAKESPEARE-*I599 I-C' HI i 42: That WhiCh melteth f°°ls_I
to sowe come for feare least the byrdes Bate it up. 1591 FLOR. mean, sweet words, Low-crooked curtsies, and base spaniel fawning.
Sec. F. XII, p. 197: Cease not sir for all the birds to sow your I_6°6"7 46' IV X“ 20‘ The he??? That Spanlel d me at heels - - do
come_ I640 HERB” no_ 666_ I659 N_R_, p_ 35_ I666 TOR. [L discandy. 1613.Hen. VIII V 111 126: You play the spanlel And
Prov. 19, p. 296: One ought not to forbear sowing of corn, for fear thmk WIth waggmg Of Your tongue to Wm me-
of the birds. Cf. S705: The spaniel, that fawns when he is beaten, will never
Cf. C662: Who sows his corn in the field (He that sows) trusts forsakfi his maSter'
icrlligpglle: She that Wlll not venture her eggs shall never have S705 The SPANIEL’ that fawns when he is beaten,
' . _ _ will never forsake his master
8695-6 It IS gOOd SOWING In a £1111th1 ground 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 249: The kinde Spaniell, which the
1616 DR., s.v. Thankefulrlfisse, n0- 11 18- more he is beaten the fonder he is. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 155. 1699 Feigned Friendship II, p. 16: But ’tis a mistake to
8697—8 In SPACE comes grace think Lovers are like our Dogs, the fonder for beating. I732 FUL.,
I54I COVERDALE Chr- Sid/6’ Mam XVII, f- 53": I546 HEY- I iv) 3- no. 4236: Spaniels, that fawn when beaten, will never forsake their
B1: In space comth grace, and this further amendyng. [01553] Masters. Ibid.,no, 4764_
1566-7 UDALL Roister D- III iii 104- 1559 POWER. s.v- Exu1= SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. 1v ii 14= Spaniel-like, the more she
Euen banished men haue hope ones to returne into theyr countrey spurns my love, The more it grows, and fawneth on he,- Still 1595
: ' for in Space cometh gra¢¢- I56°"'77 Mi-mgonw H iii 39‘ H6116 M.N.D. II i 203: I am your spaniel; and, Demetrius, The more you
shortlye make the singe the cuccolds notes thy Wife loues him well beat me, I Will fawn on you_
in Space commeth grace- a1598 FERG- MS, no- 785- I611 DAV- See T. 578, p. 282. Cf. 8704,: As flattering (fawning) as a spaniel;
Prov» n°~ 118- 1611 GRUT') no- 142- I614 CAM-a P- 308- 1616 W644: A woman, a spaniel (an ass), and a walnut tree (nut), the
DR» S-"- Time: no- 2151- 1639 CL» P: 308- I659 HOW- Eng- more they’re beaten the better they be.
Prov., p. 5. 1668 R.B., p. 28. 1670 RAY, p. 144. 1732 FUL., no.
6167. (7) S706 Ever SPARE and ever bare
1546 HEY. II v, s. HI. 01594 BACON, no. 488. 1611 COT., s.v.
S699 To earn a SPAPE 3' Spade? _ Despendre. 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 149. 1616 DR., s.v. Sparing,
[ERAS- Adagm> {855‘ Flcus ficusa llgonem 1180mm vocat-l 1539 or nigardlinesse, no. 2039: (and neuer bare). 1623 CAM., p. 268.
TAV') f- 14": Flame and homely men can a fygge> a fyggei and a Ibid., p. 277: Spare, and euer bare. 1639 CL., s.v._Parsimonia, p.
spade a spade. 1580 H. GIFFORD Delectable Dream: Gilloflowers, 241: (and never bare) 1659 N_R_, p, 30, Ihid., p. 91: Spare and
p. I 13: I cannot say the crow is white But needes must call a spade ever bare_ 1664 COD” p_ 191. I687 MIEGE S_V_ Bug 1732
a spade. 1588 [MARPRELATE] Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. 1 18: I am Fm“, no_ 6168_ ,
plain; I must needs call a spade a spade. 1602 JONSON Poetaster Cl: 6247, Spend and God will send; S707: Spare and spend; 3741,
V m 275: Be not retrograde: But boldly nommate a spade, a spade. Better Spent than spared.
[01616] I630 Pathomachia IV ii, p. 39: I am a plaine Macedonian,
I must need call a Spade a Spade. 1668 T. SHADWELL Sullen S707 SPARE and Spend
Love” IV’ p' 68: we can a Spade a Spade" I670 RAY’ p‘ 193‘ 1541 COVERDALE Chr. State Matr. XIX, f. 64v: To spare that thou
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 463: I love to call a spade a spade. mayest haue to Spend. 01600 How ,0 Rule 0778.5 Self in B1“. on
iHégEsfPEiiRE'EI6F8bC' Ifllll 207: we can a nettle but a nettle Courtesy, p. 71: Spare in tyme, and spend in tyme. I620 SHELTON
an e a“ ts O 00 s at 0 3" Don Quix. Pt. II, xliii, IV 41: I-Iisjudgement’s rare, that can spend
See ST., no. 1142. Cf. D508: To call a dog a dog; T382: He and S are 16 GORE W to WCZLD in 26_ A 0d 8 arer
(Time) is Tom Telltruth. (Q3) makega g-Ood finder. fly 0 g, P- - so P
S700 Would you make me trow that SPADE SHAFTS See SM., p. 401. Cf. S706: Ever spare and ever bare; S710: He
bear plums? that spares when he 18 young may the better spend when he 1s Old.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 693: He wold gar ane trow that spaid shafts S708 SPARE not 120 SPBIId but spare to go thither
bears honey plowmes. I721 KEL., p. 342: (bears). 1659 HOW. Eng Prom p_ IL
S701 He that trusts much obliges much, says the
SPANIARD S709 SPARE to speak spare to speed
1509 HAWEs Past. Pleas. 16, p. 74: Who spareth to speke he
I65I HERB-s P' 366' spareth to spede. 01510 SKELTON Bowge Court 1. 91: Wks., I 33:
$702 The SPANIARD is a bad servant but a worse mas_ Who spareth to speke, in fayth he spareth to spede. a1536 HILL
ter 47, p. 132: He that spareth to speke, Ofte spareth to spede. 1546
HEY. I X1, s. E1: Noght venter noght haue spare to speke spare to
1616 T. ADAMS Sacrif. Thankfuln.: Wks., p. 8 5: He that serues the spede. 01547 BALE Three Laws IV, s. E8: Who first speake first
Flesh, serues his fellow . . We may say of him, as of the Spaniard, spede. 1552 TAV., f. 26v: (and spare to spede). *This prouerbe
He is a bad Seruant, but a worse Master. admonisheth vs, to cast awaye bashfulnes, where nede constrayneth.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SPARES
SPEAK
623

a1598 FERG. MS, no. 480: He that spaires to speak spaires to Speed.
1609 W. ROWLEY Search for Money, p. 24: (and spare to speed).
1611 GRUT., no. 234. 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1616 DR., no. 40. 1616
WITHALS, p. 583: (and spare to speed). 1639 CL., p. 268: (and
spare to speed). 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 13: Ill speak, ill speed.
1659 How. Eng. Prov, p. 3. 1664 COD., p. 21 I : (and spare to speed).
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 256, p. 227: (The English say, Spare to).
1668 R.B., p. 22: He that spares to speak, spares to speed. 1670
RAY, p. 144: (and spare to speed). 1697 MER., p. 164: [AS in 1668
R.B.]. 1721 KEL., p. 5: (and spare to speed). *Unless a Man
make Interest, and importune, he will not readily come to Profit,
Honour, or Advancement.
Cf. F418: Dumb folks get no lands. (5)
S710 He that SPARES when he is young may the bet-
ter spend when he is old
1541 COVERDALE Chr. State Matr. XIX, f. I 3v: Spare for thyne age.
1611 COT., s.v. Souper: (while he’s young). 1616 DR., no. 2530:
Spare in youth to maintaine thee in age. 61640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 30: Spare in youth, for thou must spend in age.
1670 RAY, p. 79. 1721 KEL., p. 297: Spare when you’re young,
and spend when you’re old. *Eng. He that saveth his Dinner will
have the more for his Supper.
Cf. D342: He that saves his dinner will have the more for his
supper; S707: Spare and spend; Y39: If youth knew what age
would crave it would both get and save.
S711 Better SPARED than ill spent
1616 DR., s.v. Sparing, or niggardlinesse, no. 2040: (It is better)-
1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 242. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 16:
Better sorrowful sparing, then shameful spending. 1670 RAY, p.
144. 1721 KEL., p. 69: *Spoken against Luxury and Riot, inti-
mating that the Money that they squander in ruining Soul, Body,
and Estate, were better for more worthy Occasions.
Cf. S741: Better spent than spared.
S712 SPARING is the first gaining (getting)
1573 SANF., f. 105. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29v: The first
gaine or profite, is to spare. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 16:
Sparing, is good getting. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 103: Sparing,
is chiefe gaining. [61597] I609 JONSON Case Is Altered II i 66: The
more we spare my child, the more we gaine. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid.
108, p. 29. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1: (first gain). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 24, p. 265: Saving is the first getting. 1732 FUL., no. 4069:
Saving is getting.
See DUR., II, no. 372. Cf. F776: Frugality and good husbandry
is an income (estate); P207: A penny spared (saved) is twice (two-
pence) got; 5107: Of saving comes having.
S713 Any small SPARK shines in the dark
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 86.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 M.V. Vi 90: How far that little candle
throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.
S714 Of a little SPARK a great fire
[ERAS. Adagia, 911F: Ex minutissima scintillula gravissimum in-
cendium.] 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 194: A small sparcle
often tyme doth augment It selfe: and groweth to flames peryllous.
a1536 HILL 15, p. 131: Of a lytill sparkyll, commeth a gret fyre.
1557 Love Determined to Die 1. 26 in Tottel’s Misc., I 1 87: As smallest
sparckes vncared for, To greatest flames dothe sonest growe. 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 249: The least sparke, if it bee not
quenched will burst into a flame. 1591—2 WILMOT Tancred and
Gism. III i, s. C4: Of little sparkes arise a blazing flame. 1593 Life
and Death Straw I, s. B4: A litle sparke hath kindled all this fire.
1594 DANIEL Cleopatra III i, p. 5 3: Tis best to quench a sparke be-
fore it flame. 1596 DEL., s. 08v: A little flame may increase to a
great fier. 1600 Sir 7. Oldcastle, s. B2v: Such little sparkes neg-
lected, may in time Grow to a mighty flame. 1607 DEKKER AND
WEBSTER North. Ho I, s. D4v: ’Tis a small sparke, giues fire to a
beautifull womans discredit. 1616 DR., no. 1252. 1631 Rule
Health, s. A6v: A small sparke not looked vnto may kindle too great
a fire. 1633 GOFFE Orestes III ii, s. D2v: From smallest sparks
great flames may one day rise. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. III ii, I

3 12: What a great fire cloth a small spark kindle! 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. I I: From a small spark a huge fire. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. I 1,
p. 97: Of a small spark oft cometh a great fire.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI IV viii 7: A little fire is quickly
trodden out, Which, being sufl’er’d, rivers cannot quench.
See DUR., I, no. 273; OTTO, no. 1604. Cf. A22: From acorns come
oaks; T442: A great torch may be lighted at a little candle. (20)
S715 As lustful as SPARRows
a164o DAY Peregr. V, p. 52: In theise two of amorous behaviour,
that like hot sparrows or Barbarie pidgeons, consume and melt
away in dalliance, the goates blood is predominante. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Passere, p. 13 5: To prove more lustfull than spar-
rows, viz. exceeding lustfull.
SHAKESPEARE.—1604 M.M. III ii 185: Sparrows must not build
in his house-eaves, because they are lecherous.
S716 Old SPARRows are ill to tame
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 187: The Sparrowe is taught to come
when hee is younge. 1737 RAMSAY Scot. Prov., p. 348.
See T. 743, p. 349. Cf. D500: An old dog will learn no tricks.
S717 Two SPARRows on one ear of corn cannot agree
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 83: (of come make an ill agreement).
61640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 2: Competitors in kingdomes
are seldome charitable, for two sparrowes on one care of come, ill
agree. 1651 HERB., p. 368: [As in 1599 Minsheu]: 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 10: Two sparrows agree but ill at one ear of corn.
1732 FUL., no. 5334: (of Wheat).
Cf. B741: One bush (grove) cannot harbor two robin redbreasts;
F555: Two fools in a house are too many; W325: Two whores in a
house will never agree.
S718 Many SPEAK much who cannot speak well
1616 DR., no. 106. 1659 N.R., p. 76. 1664 COD., p. 206. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 190: Much, and well speaking, are hard to be
found. 1670 RAY, p. 17. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Many.
Cf. M1293: To speak much and to the matter is two men’s labor;
T63: The greatest talkers are not always the wisest men.
S719 SPEAK and speed, ask and have
1639 CL., s.v. Audacia, p. 40.
Cf. A343: Ask and have; W2: He who serves well needs not be
afraid to ask his wages.
S720 SPEAK fair and think what you will
1611 GRUT., no. 235. 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1639 CL., p. 204. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 19. 1659 N.R., p. 91. 1664 COD., p. 211.
1670 RAY, p. 144. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To speak.
Cf. T244: Thought is free.
S721 SPEAK fitly or belsilent wisely
1611 COT., s.v. Taire: Better no words then words vnfitly placed.
I640 HERB., no. 621. 1659 N.R., p. 91.
Cf. N250: Better say nothing than nothing to the purpose (To
speak to no purpose).
S722 SPEAK of what you understand
1639 CL., p. 11.
S723 SPEAK when you are spoken to, come when you
are called
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. iii, s. EIV: Who speaks to you?
you may speak when ye are spoken to. 1639 CL., p. 20: Speak
when you are spoken to. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 16: Go when
thou art sent, come when thou art called. 1670 RAY, p. 145:
(spoke). 1672 WALK. 73, p. 59: [AS in 1639 Cl.]. 1721 KEL., p.
293: Speak when you’re spoken to, do what you’re bidden. Come
when you’re call’d, and you’ll not be chidden. *A Cant of Mis-
tresses to their Maid Servants. 1732 FUL., no. 4244: (spoke).
Cf. S232: A good servant must come when you call him, go when
you bid him, and shut the door after him.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
SPEAK
SPEND
624

S724 To SPEAK as one finds
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 115, p. 294: The English say, Let every one
speak as he finds.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594-8 T.S. II i 66: Mistake me not; I speak but
as I find.
Cf. S725: To speak (Not to speak) as one thinks.
8725 To SPEAK (Not to speak) as one thinks
[ERAS. Adagio, 381B: Ex animo loqui.] 1559 COOPER, s.v. Sentio:
Aliud sentire, aliud loqui, to speake one thynge, and thynke
another: to beare two faces in one hoode: to speake othewise than he
thinketh. [01570] I 599 Clyomon and Clamydes xv, s. F1: I thinke as
I speake. 01570 Marr. Wit and Science V i, 3. E1 v: You speake not
as you thinke. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. B2: I
speak as I think, believe me. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 83:
And yet that I speake as I thinke, thou neuer beleeust. 1585
[MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II v, s. D4: Doe you speake as you thinke?
1589 NASHE Anat. Absurdity: Wks., I 46: That which we thinke
let vs speake, and that which we speake let us thinke; let our speeche
accorde with our life. 01600 Birth Hercules III ii, p. 54: I spake not
as I thought, I did but this to trie the. 1623 WOD., p. 491: Hee
sayeth one Thing, and thinkes another. *So said yet of a double
follow [sic]. Ibid., p. 494: Hee is far from that hee thinkes. 1631
JONSON New Inn I vi 63: Their tongues and thoughts, oft times he
far asunder. [01633] 1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 117:
He speaks as he thinks. 1687 PRYME Diary, p. I 1 : Is it not an abuse
to God to say one thing and think another, for no one scarce be-
lieves that she is realy with barn. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 422:
Faith, miss, ifyou speak as you think, I’ll give you my mother for a
maid.
SHAKESPEARE.——I590-I 2 Hen. VI III i 247: Say as you think
and speak it from your souls. 1592-4 1 Hen. VI V iii 141: Speaks
Suffolk as he thinks? 1595 M.N.D. III ii 191: You speak not as
you think.
Cf. S724: To speak as one finds.
S726 He that SPEAKS lavishly shall hear as knavishly
1616 WITHALS, p. 577: (must heare as knavishly).
Calumnia, p. 53. 1670 RAY, p. 144.
FUL., no. 6367.
Cf. 5115: He who says (does) what he would hears what he would
not.
1639 CL., s.v.
1672 WALK. 16, p. 29. 1732
S727 He that SPEAKS me fair and loves me not, I’ll
speak him fair and trust him not
1616 DR., s.v. Flatterie, no. 733.
. 24.
Cf. A1 1 2: All are not friends that speak us fair; U26: Who uses me
better than he was used (was wont), by him I am or shall be abused
(betrayed).
1664 COD., p. 195. 1670 RAY,
S728 He that SPEAKS much is much mistaken
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 8: Who speaketh oft, is oft mistaken.
FRANKLIN, p. 1 1.
Cf. M916: Mickle spoken, part must spill; M1 293: To speak much
and to the matter is two men’s labor; S703: Talk much and err
much, says the Spaniard; S729: Who speaks not errs not.
1736
S729 Who SPEAKS not errs not
1611 COT., s.v. Parler: (He that). 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. I1. .
Cf. L358: Little (Nothing) said, soon amended; M916: Mickle
spoken, part must spill; S703: Talk much and err much, says the
Spaniard; S728: He that speaks much is much mistaken.
1623 WOD., p. 507.
S730 That is well SPOKEN (There is nothing ill said)
that is well taken
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1417: Ther is nothing ill spoken but that is
evil taken. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. i, s. B1v: Things are
well spoken, if they be well taken. 1601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels
IV iii I51: Whatsoeuer they speake, is well taken; and whatsoeuer is


well taken, is well-spoken. 1623 WOD., p. 513: (There is nothing
ill said). 1639 CL., p. I I I. 1662 FULLER Worthies Somersetshire,
II 28 5: Words well spoken because well taken. 1670 RAY, p. 145_
Cf. G339: The good will is all; M761: It is not the matter (words)
but the mind; T31: Everything is as it is taken; W393: To take the
will for the deed.
The SPEAR of Achilles could both wound and
heal
[ERAS. Similia, 579E: Telephi vulnus eadem hasta sanatum est,
quae vulnus infiixerat] 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 247;
Achilles speare could as well heale as hurte. 1581 PETTIE Civ.
Conv. I, I 17: You have in your hands the weapons of Achilles,
with the which you both wound and heale. I596 Edw. III, s.
DIv: Great Achilles speare, Could heale the wound it made. 1621
R. BURTON Anat. M. III 11 v 4, p. 796: Which as a wound with a
spear of Achilles, is so made and caused, must so be cured. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Achille, p. I: To do as Achilles his lance, viz.
to wound and heal both at once.
SHAKESPEARE.——1590-1 2 Hen. VI V i 100: Whose smile and
frown, like to Achilles’ spear, Is able . . to kill and cure.
Cf. H90: The same hand that gave must heal the wound; S83:
Seek your salve where you got your sore; 5153: Those that are
stung by the scorpion are healed by the scorpion.
S731
S732 Who has a good SPEAR let him prove it against
a wall
1573 SANF., f. 103: He that hath a good spear, proueth him against
the wall. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28v. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid.
74, p. 28: He that hath a good speare, let him try it.
Cf. S1052: The sword is tried on the anvil.
S733 SPECTACLES are death’s arquebus
1640 HERB., no. 943. 1659 N.R., p. 92.
Cf. H31: Gray hairs are death’s blossoms.
S734 He is but daft that has to do and spares for every
SPEECH
1597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 369: Poems, p. I 5: (that hes
ado). I721 KEL., p. 167: *Taken out of an ingenious Scottish
Book, call’d The Cherry and the Slae; a Book so commonly known
to Scottish Men, that a great Share of it passes for Proverbs.
S735 SPEECH is the picture (index) of the mind
I573 SANF., f. 56: A Mans wordes are the image of his mynde.
1607 WALKINGTON Optic Glass III, p. 35: But our usuall saying is,
that the tongue is the herauld of the mind, the touchstone of the
heart. 1616 DR., no. 2042: (The speech). 1630 BRATHWAITE
Eng. Gentlem. Education, p. 89: Speech is termed the Index of the
Minde. 1639 CL., p. 238: Speech showes what a man is. Oratio
est animi index. 1663 N. WAKER Refined Courtier VIII, p. 209:
Words are the pledges and pictures of our thoughts. 1664 COD.,
p. 213: (The Speech). 1670 RAY, p. 24.
Cf. A401: Like author like book; B273: A bell is known by the
sound; B274: A cracked bell can never sound well; B36 5: A bird is
known by its note and a man by his talk; F1: The face is the index
of the heart (mind); M75: As the man is so is his talk.
S736 All the SPEED is in the spurs
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 56. 1668 R.B., p. 6. 1721 KEL., p. 24:
*Spoken when a Man rides a lazy Horse, or when a Man must ride
hard or lose his Business.
Cf. S789: He is all on the spur.
S737 They are as wise that SPEER1 not
1641 FERG., no. 863. 1668 R.B., p. 54: (as speir not).
[lask]
S738 SPEND as you get
1639 CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word .
SPEND
SPINNER
625
S739 SPEND not where you may save, spare not where
you must spend
I678 RAY, p. 348.
Cf. K176: Know when to spend and when to spare and you need
not be busy, you’ll ne’er be bare; P209: Sometime a penny well
spent is better than a penny ill spared; T315: There is a time to
spare and a time to spend.
S740 Who SPENDs before he thrives will beg before
he thinks
I647 Countrym. New Commonw., 35, quoted in App-, P-
I732
FUL., no. 5720.
S741 Better SPENT than spared
I530 PALS., p. 726b: Yt is better somtyme to spende than to spaare.
I732 FUL., no. 926.
Cf. S706: Ever spare and ever bare; S71 1: Better Spared than ill
spent.
S742 What we SPENT we had, what we gave we have,
what we lent we lost
I669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 17 .
9
SHAKESPEARE.—I6o5-6 M. III ii 4: Naught’s had, all’s spent,
Where our desire is got without content.
S743 To a good SPENDER God is the treasurer
1640 HERB., no. 526. 1664 COD., p. 220. 1670 RAY, p. 24.
FUL., no. 5127: (a Treasurer).
Cf. C248: The charitable gives out at door and God puts in at
the window; G247: Spend and God will send.
S744 Great SPENDERs are bad lenders
1639 CL., p. 262. 1670 RAY, p. 145.
FRANKLIN, p. 2'2.
I732
I732 FUL., no. 6169. 1745
S745 In SPENDING lies the advantage
I640 HERB., no. 85. 1659 N.R., p. 63.
S746 If you beat (pound) SPICE it will smell the
sweeter
[ERAS. Similia, 622B: Ut aromata tum vehementius fragrant, cum
moventur ac teruntur frangunturve: Ita Virtutis fama latius
spargitur cum exercetur negociis et rebus adversis.] 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., I 36: As spices the more they are beaten the sweeter
scent they send forth. Ibid., 11 132: True friends . . like spices,
which the more they are pounded the sweeter they are. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 191: Nature may . . be altered by education . .
if you pownde spices they smell the sweeter. 1584 GREENE Card
Fancy, p. 183: The fine spice Castania, the more it is pounded, the
sweeter smel it yeelds. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 20: As spices
in their bruising sauor most, So vertue in afiiiction best is seene.
I600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 6: Spice if it be pounded and beaten,
smelleth the sweeter. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil I i 47: Perfumes
the more they are chaf’d the more they render Their pleasing sents.
[1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Duch. Malfi III v 89: Man (like to Cassia)
is prov’d best, being bruiz’d. I625 BACON Apothegms: Wks., XIII
38o: Virtuous men were like some herbs and spices, that give not
out their sweet smell, till they be broken or crushed. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2 41.
Cf. F66 5: Frankincense is burned before it smells.
S747 Who has SPICE enough may season his meat
as he pleases
1640 HERB., no. 420: He that hath the spice may season as he list.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 19: He that hath the spice
may season as he please. 1659 N.R., p. 44: He that hath spice may
season as he list. 1664 COD., p. 228. 1670 RAY, p. 2 5. I705
Pleas. Art, p. 154: (He that hath). I732 FUL., no. 4140: She, that
hath Spice enough, may season as she likes.
S748 SPICK-AND-SPAN-NEW (Spick-and-span)
[Formerly “span-new.”] 1579 T. NORTH Lives, II 217: They made
all in goodly gilt armours, and brave purple cassocks apon them,

spicke, and spanne newe. 1616 WITHALS, p. 579. I629 ]. FORD
Lover’s lVIel. II, p. 19: ’Tis a fashion of the newest edition, spick
and span new, without example. 1639 CL., p. 228. I640 JONSON
Magn. Lady III iv 8: [He has] bespatter’d My spick and span Silke
Stockings. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: Spik and span new, viz.
From Spica an ear of Corn, and the spawn of a fresh fish. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zecca, p. 239: To be Mint-new, viz. just newly
coyn’d; the English say, Bran-new or spick and span new. 1670
RAY, p. 193. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens Feb. 8: That’s a
spick and span new Jest.
See ST., no. 2128. Cf. M985: New out of the mint.
S749 He has swallowed a SPIDER
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: *He hath plaid the bankrupt. 1659
HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 22: To break, to swallow a spider, or play the
bankrupt. I670 RAY, p. I94: *Plaid the bankrupt. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. To swallow.
S750 Spare at the SPIGOT and let it out at the bung-
hole
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cocchiume, p. 41: To hold in at the
spiget, and let out at the bung-hole, viz. to be sparing in trifies,
and lavish in the main. 1670 RAY, p. 193: *Ital. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. To spare: To Spare at the Spigot, and let it run out at the Bung-
hole. 1721 KEL., p. 299: (and let out at the Bung Hole). *Spoken
to them who are careful and penurious in some trifling Things, but
neglective in the main Chance. 1732 FUL., no. 5232: To spare at
the Spiggot, and let run out at the Bung-hole.
Cf. P218: Penny-wise and pound-foolish.
S751 He SPILLs unspoken to
211598 FERG. MS, no. 739. I721 KEL., p. 372: You spill unspoken
to. *That is, because you are not check’d you grow insolent.
S752 To go to SPILSBY
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Scivola, p. 185: The English at Tables
have a Phrase, when their men are losing, they say, To go to Spilsby
from the verb, Spilling.
S753 Get thy SPINDLE and distafi ready and God will
send thee flax
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 193. 1670 RAY,
p. 11: (thy distafi'). I705 Pleas. Art, p. 151: (thy Distaff). *Let
us do our Duty, and refer the rest to God’s Providence. 1721
KEL., p. 119: Get your Spindle and Roke [distal-f] ready, and God
will send you Tow. *Use proper Means, and depend upon God
for the Blessing.
Cf. G236: Help thyself and God will help thee.
S754 The SPINDLE is miserable when a beard1 is not
above it
1631 MABBE Celestina IV, p. 88: For ill does the spindle moove,
when the beard does not wagge above. 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 13.
[10f flax]
S755 That which will not be spun let it not come be-
tween the SPINDLE and the distafi
I640 HERB., no. 661. 1664 COD., p. 220. I670 RAY, p. 25. I732
FUL., no. 2726: If ’twill not be spun, bring it not to the Distaff.
S756 To make a SPINDLE of a spar (spear)
[c1517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. C4v: Of a spyndell I wyll make a
sparre. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IX, p. 143: He ouercome with debts,
hath brought a noble to nine pence, and hath made a spindle of a
speare, and in the end is put in prison.
Cf. M964: To have thwitten a millpost to a pudding-prick;
N194: To bring a noble (shilling) to ninepence.
S757 The diligent SPINNER has a large shift
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11: Who spins well hath a large frock.
1756 FRANKLIN, p. 33.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
SPINNING
SPOONFUL
626
S758 SPINNING out of time never made good cloth
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 7. 1660 HOWELL Parley Beasts V,
p. 80: (For ’tis a tru as well as a trite proverb, that Spinning).
8759 A poor SPIRIT is poorer than a poor purse
I611 TOURNEUR Ath. Trag. II v, p. 206. I732 FUL., no. 358.
S760 The SPIRIT is willing but the flesh is weak
[Matt. xxvi 41: The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.]
1608 ARMIN Nest Ninnies: Wks., p. 54: I am Willing, but flesh is
weake. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 268: The spirit is ready, but the
body is lame.
See ST., no. 619. Cf. F363: Flesh is frail.
S761 The SPIRIT of building is come upon him
1678 RAY, p. 67.
S762 Well-bred SPIRITS seldom degenerate
1611 COT., s.v. Abeille: Good, or well-bred, spirits neuer degenerat.
1659 N.R., p. 117.
S763 A SPIT and a stride
[I621] I647 FLETCHER Pilgr. II ii, p. 176: Wilt thou take a spit and
a stride, and see if thou canst outrun us? 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Trotto, p. 223: A small distance, the English say, A Spit and
a Stride, not far.
S764 In SPITE of one’s teeth (nose, heart)
c1489 CAX'I‘ON Sons Aymon III, p. 109: Reynawde toke Alarde oute
ofhis enemyes handes, mawgre theyr teeth. 1538 ABBEss or GAS-
TON (to Cromwell) in Let. Suppress. Monast. 112, p. 230: Sayeng
that he hathe the kynges commyssyon to suppres the house spyte
of my tethe. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. F2v: In de-
spite of the teeth of them. 1602 WATSON Decacordon I, p. 10:
Satisfaction and restitution will be demaunded .. spite of their
teeths. 1627 R. SANDERSON Ad Magistratum i: Serm., I 265: And,
in the spite ofhis heart, pluck the spoil out of his teeth. I650 BUR-
ROUGHES Gospel Worship VI, p. 98: In spight of thy heart thou
canst not cover any thing from the Lords eyes. 1665 C. COTTON
Scarron. IV, p. 114: He would go ’spite of all their Noses. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Voglia, p. 236: In spight of his teeth, to make
him leave of such a humour. 1670 C. COTTON Life Espernon II v,
p. 241: And to reduce the King in spite ofhis heart to the necessity
of a Civil War. 1688 T. BROWN Bays’ Chang. Rel. I: Bays’ Rea-
sons, p. 16: I make him, in spight of his Teeth, to continue in his
old Pagan perswasion.
See ST., no. 2579. (37)
S765 I will not be your SPITTING-PLAOE
1639 CL., s.v. Maledicentia, p. 195.
S766 To rob the SPITTLE1
1632 F QUARLES Divine Fancies I: Wks., II 212: Of all men, Vs’-
rers are not least accurst; They robb the Spittle; pinch th’ Afflicted
worst. 1639 CL., s.v. Indecora, p. 6. 1640 F. QUARLES Enchyri-
dion III: Wks., I 31: Hee that puts to pious uses, what he hath got
by impious Usury, robbes the Spittle to raise an Hospital]. 1670
RAY, p. 191. I709 DYKEs, p. 79: I am not to sacrifice my own Peace,
ruin a Family, or rob the Spittle, to redress his Grievances.
[lhospital]
S767 You must SPOIL before you spin
1639 CL., s.v. Experientiae, p. 1 10. 1670 RAY, p. 145. 1732 Fun,
no. 5970: (spin well).
S768 The highest SPOKE in fortune’s wheel may soon
turn lowest
1484 CAXTON Fah. Aesop III 3, p. 67: He that is . . atte vpperest of
the whele of fortune may wel falle doune. I630 HALL Occasional
Medit., p. 379: Those spokes of the wheel that are now up, are
sooner than sight or thought, whirled down. 1647 C. WALKER
Myst. Two Yuntos, p. 17: The declining spoak of the wheele will rise
again. 1732 FUL., no. 4595.
Cf. F617: Fortune’s wheel is ever turning.

i
S769 T 0 set (put) a SPOKE in one’s cart (wheel)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 173: Camilla not thinking to be
silent, put in hir spoke . . into the best wheele. I583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. GIV: I Will sett a spoke to your cogge. 1602 JONSON
Poetaster II i 47: You would haue your spoke in my cart? 1616
DR., s.v. Hinderances, no. 974: A spoke in a mans cart. 1622
MABBE Rogue I] III iv, IV 220: O how often doth God put a spoake
in our wheele! 1656 W. SANDERSON Hist. Mary Qu. Scot. I, p. 217:
And when he had put his Spoke into the Wheel slipt aside. 1661
Mer. Droll. II, p. 224: But the Divel did set a spoke in his Cart.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Osso, p. I 2 5: To hinder his fellows business,
to put a spoke in his wheel. 1678 RAY, p.233. 1682 BEHN Round.
heads V ii, p. 410: She speaks as she were Queen, but I shall put 3.
spoke in her rising Wheel of Fortune. 1732 FUL., no. 2651: I will
set a Spoke in your Cart for you.
See ST., no. 2108. Cf. B454: To lay (throw, cast) a block in
another’s way. (8)
S770 The worst SPOKE in a cart breaks first
1678 RAY, p. 205. 1732 FUL., no. 4851.
Cf. W287: The worst Wheel of the cart makes most noise.
S771 He must have a long SPOON that will eat with
the devil
I546 HEY. II v, s. H3v: (spoone, shal eate with the deuyl). I552
TAV., f. 9v: He had nede to haue a longe spone that shuld eate with
the deuyl, meanynge, that he which must haue to do with craftye
persons oughte hym selfe t0 knowe crafte. I575 R.B. Apius and
V irg., s. A4v: Who dippes with the Diuel, he had neede haue a long
spoone, Or els full smale will be his fare. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele
and Fort. V iv, 8. G4: He that cats with the devil without a long
spoone, his fare wil be ill. 1586 WITHALS, s. G6v: (that eates with
the Diuell). [01589] I633 MARLOWE Yew Malta III iv 54: He that
eats with the devil had need of a long spoon. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
521: He Should hav ane long shafted spoone that sups caill with the
devill. 1616 DR., s.v. Foxes, no. 793. 1616 WITHALS, p. 554.
1623 CAM., p. 271: He had need of a long spoone, that should eate
with the deuill. 1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case IV ii 412: Here’s
a Latin spoone, and a long one, to feed with the Devill. 1630 T.
ADAMS Good Politic. Direct.: W ks., p. 836: They are the fire-brands
and bustuaries of kingdomes . . in a word, long spoones for tray_
tours to feed with the Deuill. 1639 CL., s.v. Fraus, p. 127. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1659 N.R., p. 49: He had need have a long
spoon that eat[s] with the Devil. 1668 R.B., p. 26: [As in a1598
Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 80: [As in 1659 NR]. 1697 MER., p. 165:
He mun have a lang shafted speaun that sups kail with the devil.
1721 KEL., p. 147: He had need of a long Spoon that sups Kail with
the Dee’l. *He that has to do with wicked and false Men, had need
to be cautious, and on his Guard. I732 FUL., no. 1853: He had
need of a long Spoon, that sups with the Devil.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. IV iii 64: Marry, he must have a
long spoon that must eat with the devil. 1611 Temp. II ii 102: This
is a devil, and no monster. I Will leave him; I have no long spoon.
(7)
S772 He was born with a silver SPOON (a penny) in
his mouth
1639 CL., s.v. Avaritia, p. 39: (a penny). c1703 MOTTEUX Don.
Quix. II lxxiii, I 468: Every man was not born with a silver spoon
in his mouth. 1721 KEL., p. 101: (Every man is nolt] born with).
*Every Man is not born to an Estate, but must Labour for his Sup-
port. 1732 FUL., no. 1430: (Every Man is not born with).
Cf. C197: He was born with a caul; C539: He came in hosed and
shod; M1203: He was lapped (wrapped) in his mother’s smock.
S773 T0 feed with a SPOON
I616 WITHALS, p. 575. 1639 CL., s.v. Docilitas, Doctrina, p. 100.
S774 A SPOONFUL of skitter1 will spill2 a potful of
Skink3
[Eccl. x 1: Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send
forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputa-
tion for wisdom and honour.] I667 TWEEDDA LE (to Lauderdale, Sept.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SPORT
SPUR (SPURS)
627

7) in Lauderdale Papers, II 45: This was to me lik the spoonful that
spoils the pote. 1668 R.B., p. 11: (spills a pot full of skins). 1721
KEL., p. 16: *An ill Mixture will spoil a good Composition.
Cf. A294: One rotten apple corrupts all those apples that lie near
it; C585: One ill condition mars all the good; W240: One ill weed
(turd) mars a whole pot of pottage (porridge).
[lliquid excrement 2spoil 3Strong broth]
S775 He that cannot make SPORT should mar none
1664 WILSON Cheats II ii, p. 20: HI can make no sport, I’ll marr
none. I721 KEL., p. 143.
S776 It is a poor SPORT (play) that is not worth the
candle
1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne II, II 378: The horror of a fall doth
more hurt me, than the blow. The play is not worth the candle.
1640 HERB., no. 748. 1664 COD., p. 202: (a Candle). 1668 Cow-
LEY Essays 10: Essays, Plays, p. 453: When the light of life is so
near going out, and ought to be so precious . . The play is not worth
the expense ofthe Candle. 1670 RAY, p. 25. 1732 FUL., no. 3009:
(It iS poor Play, that).
S777 N o SPORT no pie
[1604-17] 1647 FLETCHER Women’s Prize I iii, p. 20: I’ll bring it to
the old Proverb, no sport no pie. 1670 RAY, p. 147.
S778 Some SPORT is sauce to pains
1639 CL., p. 191.
S779 SPORT is sweetest when there be no spectators
1639 CL., s.v. Voluptas, p. 326. 1670 RAY, p. 145: (when no spec-
tatours).
Cf. B626: Stolen bread is ever sweetest; P423: Stolen pleasures
are sweetest.
S780 In SPORTS and journeys men are known
1640 HERB., no. 395.
S781 A SPOT is most seen upon the finest 610th
1600 THYNNE Emhl. and Epig., p. 1 9: Since finest white doth soonest
take all staines, and finest witts are ficklest of their braines. 1732
FUL., no. 421.
Cf. L120: The finest lawn (cloth) will be the soonest stained.
S782 There are SPOTS even on the sun
1665 R. BOYLE Occasional Reflections IV xi: Wks., II 196: Our late
astronomers, being assisted with good glasses, are allowed to tell us,
that they discern spots even in the sun it self. 1732 FUL., no. 4434:
The brightest of all Things, the Sun, hath its Spots.
Cf. V31 : Venus was choice, yet a wart (mole) on her cheek.
S783 Yellow SPOTS on the hand (nails) presage death
1599 Warningfor Fair Women, s. C3: Why by these yellow spots
vpon my fingers, They neuer come to me, but I am sure To heare of
anger ere I goe to bed. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil V iv 80: When
yellow spots doe on your handes appeare, Bee certaine then you of a
Course Shall heare. 1616 SS. Hon. Lawyer IV, s. G4: Let me see
your hand . . Oh the case is cleare. A yellow spot doth in your
hand appeare. 1620 MELTON Astrolog., p. 45: That to haue yellow
speckles on the nailes of ones hand is a great signe of death. 1646
T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. V xxiv, III 152: That temperamental
dignotions, and conjecture of prevalent humours, may be collected
from spots in our nails, we are not averse to concede . . That white
specks presage our felicity, blew ones our misfortunes.
S784-S785 SPRING = spring season
S784 That which doth blossom in the SPRING will
bring forth fruit in the autumn
1616 DR., no. 128: (That doeth blossome and that will bring).
1664 COD., p. 214: (bring fruit in the Autumn). 1670 RAY, p. 3.
1732 F UL., no. 3544: No Autumn-Fruit, without Spring-Blossoms.
S785 When there is a SPRING in winter and a winter
in spring the year is never good
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 22. 1664 COD., p. 230.
Cf. M642: March in Janiveer, Janiveer in March I fear; S590:
As seasonable (welcome) as snow in summer (harvest).
S786 SPRING = springiness, buoyancy
S786 He has a SPRING at his elbow
1678 RAY, p. 351: *Spoken of a Gamester.
S787 SPRING = tune
S787 Old SPRINGS give no price
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1124. 1721 KEL., p. 273: *Spoken when old
People, or Things are despised.
S788 A SPRINGE1 to catch a woodcock2
1579 GOSSON Apol. Sch. Ahuse, p. 72: Cupide sets vpp a Springe
for Woodcockes. 1604 BRETON Grimellos Fort.: W ks., II 5: Why
sir, I set no springs for Woodcocks. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, S. H4v:
Why then we have once springed a couple of woodcockes. 1607
DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho V, s. H4: The woodcocks ith
Sprindge. 1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, s. G3:
Here’s the sprindge I ha set to catch this woodcocke in. 1612 N.
FIELD Woman Is Weathercock IV ii, p. 69: They say every woman
has a springe to catch a woodcock. '
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-1 H. I iii 1 I 5: Springes to catch woodcocks!
Cf. W746: As wise as a woodcock.
[1snare for catching birds 2i.e., a fool]
S789 He is all on the SPUR
1616 DR., no. 935: All on the spurre. 1639 CL., p. 1 16.
Cf. S736: All the speed is in the spurs.
S790 A SPUR and a whip for a dull horse
1580 BARET, O—202: Slouthfull and idle people, that will endeuour
nothing, but that which they are inforced vnto: as a dull horse
that will go no longer than he is spurred. 1616 DR., no. 1005: To a
lazie horse a good spurre. Ihid., no. 1882. 1639 CL., p. 76.
Cf. B602: To beat (cudgel) one’s brains; W644: A woman, a
spaniel (an ass), and a walnut tree (nut), the more they’re beaten
the better they be.
S791 A SPUR in the head is worth two in the heel
1668 SKIPPON Diary, p. 162: A sparre in the head is as good as two
in the heele. 1670 RAY, p. 218. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua IV lxv,
III 228: The Horses will perform the better, and that a Spur in the
Head, is worth two in Flank; or in the same Horse Dialect, Take a
Cup in the Pate IS a Mile in the Gate. 1721 KEL., p. 49: *A Man
when drunk rides hard; because, not being able to Sit streight, his
Heels stick in his Horse’s side. 1732 FUL., no. 422: (in the Heels).
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 452: Stay till this bottle’s out . . a cup in
the pate is a mile in the gate; and a spur in the head is worth two
in the heel.
Cf. C904: A cup in the pate is a mile in the gait (gate).
S792 He has won his SPURS
1539 M. PARKER Corr. IO, Nov. 23, p. 13: The one to labour to win
sporis of the other, and to allure the people’s minds. [a1558] 1568
Yacoh and Esau V iii, s. F3: I trow I haue now wonne my spurres for
euer. 1593 PEELE Edw. I i, s. A3v: Hath wonne his crowne, his
collar and his spurs. 1639 CL., s.v. Approbandi, p. 31. Ihid., s.v.
Laudandi, p. 186: Not onely but also—or he hath won the spurres.
1642 D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 79: I doe not accuse you as ifye sought
to winne the spurres by your parts.
See ST., no. 2137.
S793 Seldom rides tines1 the SPURS
a1598 FERG. MS, no. I 172: Seldom ryders tynes ther spures. 1641
FERG., no. 739. 1668 R.B., p. 47. 1721 KEL., p. 292: Sindle [sel-


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
SPURRING
STAKE
628

dom] ride, tine the Spurs. *They who are not used to such a Bus-
iness, go about it awkwardly.
['loses]
S794 Untimeous1 Spunnme spills2 the steed
1597 Mou'moMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 396: Poems, p. 16: Quod
Danger, Hulie [softly], friend, tak heid; Vntymous spurring spillis
the steid. 1721 KEL., p. 343: *That is, too much haste spoils Bus-
mess.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1596 Rich. I] II i 36: He tires betimes that
spurs too fast betimes.
[luntimely 2spoils]
S795 SPIES are the ears and eyes of princes
1651 HERB., p. 367.
S796 To play upon the SQUARE
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Gioco, p. 74: To play fair, and upon the
square, to deal fairly, and honestly with one. 1672 WYCHERLEY
Love in Wood IV, p. 124: Your Rooks play on the square, rather
then not play at all. 1676 T. SHADWELL Libertine II, p. 40: You
women always took in love, you’ll never play upon the square with
us. 1697 D’URFEY Cinthia V i, p. 36: If you’ll do any thing upon
the square, say but the word. 1709 STEELE Tat/er no. 39: They
us’d Seconds, who were to see that all was upon the Square. (17)
S797 As nimble as a SQUIRREL
1631 DRUE Duch. Sufl'olk II, s. C4: I will run vp, and Come downe
my Ladder as nimble as a Squerrill. 1633 MARMION Fine Com-
panion V ii, p. 194: He has learnt already to run upstairs and down
stairs, as nimble as a squirrel. 1673 HEAD Cant. Acad., p. 74: As
nimble as a Squirrel in a Bell-Cage.
S798 Cast your STAFF into the air and it will fall upon
its root or heavy end
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 401.
S799 He is come to the STAFF and the wallet
I546 HEY. II v, 3. H1: What sendth he (saie I) a staffe and a wallet.
1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 243.
S800 He that has a STAFF may beat away a knave
1616 DR., s.v. Armour, no. 102. 1639 CL., p. 266.
8801 If the STAFF be crooked the shadow cannot be
straight
1640 HERB., no. 579. 1659 N.R., p. 66.
S802 To be beaten with one’s own STAFF
1484 CAXTON Bk. La Tour-Landry 15, p. 21: She had bete her selff
with her owne staffe; that is to saie, by her tonge and her speche.
1508 DUNBAR Tua Mariit Wemen l. 384: Poems, II 42: And maid
a stalwart staff to strik him selfe doune.
Cf. R153: He has made a rod (staff) for his own tail (head); W26:
Let his own wand ding him.
S803 To be not sure of his STAFF
1579 TOMSON 1st Ep. Paul to Tim. iii: Serm. Calvin, p. 268: What
is it, if a man haue onely a little taste, and be not sure of his staffe,
as the prouerbe is?
S804 T 0 set up one’s STAFF
1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 4: He hath set down his staf, and made
his reckning. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 232: Here I was in
good hope to set vp my stalfe for some reasonable time. [1613]
1647 BODLEY Life: Tree. B0dl., p. 19: I concluded at the last, to set
vp my Staffe at the Librarie-dore in Oxon. 1670 RAY, p. 192: *To
resolve to abide in any place. 1672 WALK. 29, p. 57: I have set up
my staff; I have ta’ne my resolution; there is no going back.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. III i 51: Have at you with a prov-
erb: Shall I set in my staff?


S805 Trust (Lean) not to a broken STAFF
1580 H. GIFFORD Instability Fortune: Gilloflowers, p. 92: To trust
her [Fortune’s] lookes . . Is nothing els but trust a broken staffe,
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. 53v: Yet take you heede you leane not
to harde on a broken staffe. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North.
Ho II, s. DI: And there-vpon the Cittizens Prouerbe rises, when
hee sayes; he trusts to a broken staffe. 1616 WITHALS, p. 561;
(You trust to). 1622 E. CULTER Back’s Compl. 27 in Pepsian Garl.,
p. 167: 'Tis bad to trust a broaken staffe. 1623 CAM., p. 273;
(Leane not to). 1639 CL., s.v. Fraus ab amico, p. 128: To trust to
a broken staff, or bow. Ihid., s.v. Frustrata spes, p. 131: (To leane
upon). 1659 N.R., p. 74: (Lean not to). 1732 FUL., no. 5290.
Cf. R61: To lean upon (trust to) a broken reed.
8806 Your STAFF stands next to the door
[Your turn is next.] 1548 E. HALL Hen. VII: Chron., f. 13: The
Prouerbe . . sayth, when thy neighboures house is a fyer, thy staffe
standeth nexte the dore. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 162.
S807 To hold one at STAFF’s (stave’s) end
1596 LODGE W it’s Misery, p. 8 3: The most chollericke and trouble-
some woman liuing vpon the earth, shee was alwaies at the staffes
end with my father. I601 DENT Pathway to Heaven, p. 137: So
shall wee both keep Satan at the Stave’s End, and also much Sin
out of our Souls. I603 DEKKER Wonderful Year: Non-Dram. W ks.,
I 142: Barricadoing their doores and windowes with fir brushes,
ferne, and bundels of straw to keepe out the pestilence at the staues
end. 1618 N. FIELD flmendsfor Ladies IV ii, p. 149: Wouldst thou
be held out at stave’s end with words? [1621] 1652 FLETCHER Wild
Goose Chase V iii, p. 382: Must I still hold him at the staves end?
1639 CL., s.v. Repellentis, p. 273: Keep him at staves end. 1680
BUNYAN Mr. Badman: Wks., III 616: I would have held him a little
at staves-end, till I had far better proof of his manners to be good.
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. V i 291: He holds Belzebub at the
stave’s end.
Cf. A317: To keep (hold) one at arm’s end; W904: The world
still he keeps at his staff’s end that needs not to borrow and never
will lend. '
$808 STAFFORD1 LAW
[Club law.] [1525-40] 1 5 57 Merry Dial., p. 72: Yf that she woulde
not be rewled by wordes (a goddes name take Stafi'orde lawe) she
was his owne. [01565] 1595 Peddler’s Proph, s. A3v: Iupiter could
not pacifie the cause, Then Mars eased them with stafford lawes.
1589 [MARPRELATE] Hay Any Work: Marpr. Tracts, p. 217: I
threatened him with blows, and to deal by StafTord-law. I597 BRE-
TON Scholar and Soldier in Will Wit (1599 ed.): Wks., II 29: And
among souldiours, Stafford law, martiall law, killing or hanging is
soone learned. 1615 I. TAYLOR Cast over Water: W ks. F., p. 318:
If it were lawfull for me to examine thee at Staffords Law, I would
make thee confesse the receit of ten shillings. 1624 T. HEYWOOD
Captives III ii 12 5: This Stafford law, Which I till nowe heard never
nam’d in France. '
[1a pun on “staff” (see Sugden, p. 484)]
S809—S814 STAKE=staff or post
S809 As stiff (still) as a STAKE (staff)
1566 dlhion Kn, p. 124. 1567 J. PICKERING Horestes, s. A3: As
still as a stake He standith. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1631: Ye ar als
stiff as a staff or a trie. 1697 DILKE City Lady III, p. 32: When
he wakes in the Morning he may find himself as cold as a Stone,
and as stiff as a Stake. -
S810 He has eaten (swallowed) a STAKE
I530 PALS., p. 461a: Haste thou eaten a stake, I shall make the[e]
bowe. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. D3v: It semth the gentyll man hath eaten
a stake. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 339: Some lasses haue eaten a stake.
[1613-34] 1640 JONSON Underwoods 9, p. 283: You still for man
should take him, And not think h’ had eat a stake, Or were set up
in a brake. 1616 DR., s.v. Vnmannerly, no. 2292. 1667 R. L’Es-
TRANCE Visions 4, p. 214: He sat stiff and upright, as if he had
swallowed a stake. I678 RAY, p. 271: He hath swallowed a stake,
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
STAKE
STANDING
629

he cannot stoop.
he cannot bow.
S811
1732 FUL., no. 1901: He hath swallow’d a Stake;
An ill (poor) STAKE that cannot stand one year
in a hedge (the ground)
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G2v: (An yll stake, I haue herde amonge, That).
1562 HEY. Epig. 213, p. 161. 1616 DR., s.v. Olde age, no. 1552.
1639 CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129: It’s a bad stake that will not stand
one yeare i’th hedge. 1640 HERB., no. 549: It’s a poor stake that
cannot stand one yeare in the ground. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2:
It’s a sory stake, that stands not the first year. 1664 COD., p. 202:
[As in 1640 Herb.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 185: That is an ill
stake, that cannot keep one year in the ground. 1670 RAY, p. 145:
It’s a bad stake, will not stand one year in the hedge. 1732 F11 L.,
no. 2845: It is a bad Stake, that will not stand in the Hedge one
Year.
Cf. S812: The loath (ill, loose) stake stands long (longest).
S812 The loath (ill, loose) STAKE stands long (longest)
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G2v. 1562 HEY. Epig. 271, p. 168. CI594 BA-
CON, no. 485. 1611 DAY. Epig., no. 370: They say that the lothe
stake standeth most long. 1616 DR., s.v. Perseverance, no. 1614.
1639 CL., s.v. Auxilium infirmum, p. 44: A loose stake may stand
long. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: An ill stake standeth longest.
Ibid., p. 15. I670 RAY, p. 14: [As in 1659 How., p. 3].
Cf. S811: An ill (poor) stake that cannot stand one year in a
hedge (the ground).
S813 The low STAKE stands long
1611 GRUT., no. 266. 1614 CAM., p. 313.
p. 212. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.
COD., p. 212: (standeth the longest).
low Stakes stand long.
1639 CL., s.v. Modestia,
1659 N.R., p. 114. 1664
1732 FUL., no. 4637: The
S814 To water a STAKE (post)
1622 S. WARD Balm from Gilead: Coll. Serm., p. 60: Who waters a
dry stake with any heart! 1639 CL., s.v. Inanis opera, p. I 53: You
bestow water on a gate-post. 1678 RAY, p. 344. 1681 ROB., p.
51 1: Why do I thus water a dull and doltish post? 1732 FUL., no.
5897: You do but water a dead Stake.
SS 15 STAKE = wager
S815 Small STAKES make cold play
8.1612 HARINGTON Treat. Play, p. 176: I know the saying. . small
stakes makes colde play.
8816 To make one a STALKING-HORSE
1612 WEBSTER White Devil III i 34: You ’tis said, Were made his
engine, and his stauking horse To undo my sister. 1639 CL., s.v.
Hypocrisis, p. 140: The other’s but his stalking horse. 1670 RAY,
p. 194. 1694 CONGREVE Double Dealer II, p. 32: Do you think her
fit for nothing but to be a stalking horse to stand before you, while
you take aim at my wife?
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. V iv 111: He uses his folly like a
stalking horse.
Cf. R63: Religion a stalking-horse to shoot other fowl. (8)
S817 STAND: subst.
8817 He is at a STAND
1616 DR., s.v. Doubting, no. 548. 1639 CL., s.v. Perplexus, p. 248.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bocca, p. 17: In discourse to be at a stand,
or non-pluss, not to have a word to say more, to be out of counte-
nance. Ihid., s.v. Stare, p. 203: To be too hard, or too many for him,
to worst him, to put him to a stand. I672 WALK. 57, p. I I: To lie
in the dirt; to be at a stand; not to be able to get out.
8818—8820 STAND: verb
8818 As true as you STAND there
[c1497] a1520 MEDWALL Fulgens, s. C2: But it is as true as ye stond
there And I shall tell you a reson why.

SHAKESPEARE—16054 M. 111 iv 74: Ifl stand here, I saw him
[Banquo’s ghost].
See L., II 885. Cf. $1008: I am here as sure as you are there.
8819 To STAND buff
[To stand firm.] 1693 D’URFEY Rich. Heiress I i, p. 5: I have only
hedg’d him into this Business to stand Buff with his Purse upon oc-
casion. 1708 CIBBER Lady’s Last Stake III, p. 242: She . . stands
buff at the Head of the Mode, without the least Tincture of Virtue
to put her out of Countenance.
S820 He STANDS not surely that never slips
1611 COT., s.v. Mescheoir: (that did neuer slip). 1640 HERB., no.
68. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 11: He is not safe who never had a
mishap. 1659 N.R., p. 48: (slipt).
Cf. H663: A horse may stumble (snapper) on four feet.
8821 Long STANDERs are but short doers
[I600] 1659 ]. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. H2v: (’Tis an old saying in
our Country [Norfolk], Long).
S822 STANDERs-BY (Lookers-on) see more than game-
sters (players)
1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [94], l. 13: The lookers on
finde surest grounde, Thei haue the fruite, yet free from blame.
1597 BACON Essays, p. 249: (For lookers-on many times see). 1613
WITHER Abuses Intro., I 47: Which though the simple Gamster
ne’er perceiue Another may the Cheaters craft espie That is no
player, but a stander by. 1616 DR., s.v. Partiality, no. 1582: The
lookers on and the standers by, may see more oftentimes then they
that fight. [CI622] I647 [BEAUMONT AND] FLETCHER Love’s Pilgr.
III ii, p. 279: They that look on See more than we that play. 1635
I. HOWELL Let. II 15, II 405: There is a true saying, that the Spec-
tator oft-times sees more than the Gamester. 1639 CL., s.v. Per-
spicacitas, p. 252: A looker on may see more than a gamster. 1640
R. BROME Asparagus Epil., p. 223: For we Know lookers on more
then the Gamesters see. 1660 T. SALUSBURY Learned Man II, p.
401: One eye of a by-stander sees more into anothers matters than
two of his own. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 34, p. 111: As the Eng-
lish say, The stander by sees more than he who plays. 1670 RAY,
p. 145. 1672 WALK. 65, p. 48. 1721 KEL., p. 299: (the Game-
sters). 1732 FUL., no. 4256: (the Gamesters).
S823 The higher STANDING (up) the lower (greater) fall
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 164: A thynge of the hyest thus
nedes moste descende. 1549 Complaint Scotland XX, p. 170: The
mair eleuat that ane person be in superfleu digniteis, his fal and
ruuyn sal be the hauyar. a1598 FERG. MS, no. I 309: (up and
gritter). 1639 CL., s.v. Ambitionis, p. 24: (greater). 1668 R.B.,
p. 52: (up and greater). 1670 RAY, p. 102. I672 WALK. 93, p. 44.
1709 DYKEs, p. 248: The highest Standing, the lowest fall. 1721
KEL., p. 319: (up).
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. HI I iii 259: They that stand high
. . if they fall, they dash themselves to pieces.
See ST., no. 954; T. 338, p. 189. Cf. C414: The highest climbers
have the greatest falls (The higher he climbs the greater his fall);
F131: Climb not too high for fear of falling; F380: There is not so
great a flood but there is as low an ebb; H456: Over high over low;
M1211: He that mounts (climbs) higher than he ought falls lower
than he would; M1212: The higher mountain the greater descent;
T489: The highest tree has the greatest fall. (22)
8824 Long STANDING and small (little) ofiering makes
poor parsons (priests, a poor price)
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L3. 1562 HEY. Epig. 281, p. 170. c1594 BA-
CON, no. 504: Long standing and small offering. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 938: (little offering maks soone ane poor preist). 1616 DR., s.v.
Expectation, no. 630: (Long waiting and Priests). I641 FERG., no.
57 5: Lang standing, and little offering makes apoore prise [perhaps
for “priest,” as in 1716 Ferg., although I692 Ferg. gives “price”].
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14: (Priests). 1668 R.B., p. 35: (little
offering, makes a poor price). 1721 KEL., p. 23 5: (little offering,
makes a poor Priest). *Spoken by Hucksters, Pedlars, and the like,
when they have an ill Market.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original.
STAR
STEED
630

S825 One may point (look) at a STAR but not pull
(reach) at it
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 46: For as young as I am, this
haue I learned, that one maye poynt at a Starre, but not pull at
it, and see a Prince but not search him. Ibid., p. 108: Things aboue
thy height, are to be looked at, not reached at. 1584 LYLY Camp.
III v 37: Starres are to be looked at, not reched at: princes to bee
yeeldcd vnto, not contended with. 1588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 285:
Starres are to be looked at with the eye, not reacht at with the
hande. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 63: Ah shepheard, I haue reacht
at a star, my desires haue mounted aboue my degree, and my
thoughts aboue my fortunes. 1609 ARMIN Two Maids More., 5.
AW: Good reach at starres. I612 DEKKER If It Be Not Good, p.
269: Least his youthfull browes Reach at Stars only, wey down his
loftiest boughes. I732 FUL., no. 3778. Ibid., no. 4990: Things
above thy Heighth, are to be look’d at, not reach’d at.
SHAKESPEARE.——1590-I 2 Hen. VI III i 158: Dogged York, that
reaches at the moon. I594 T.C. V. III i 156: Wilt thou reach stars,
because they shine on thee? I602 A.W. I i 96: ’Twere all one That
I should love a bright particular star And think to wed it, he is so
above me.
Cf. T206: The things that are above us are nothing to us.
8826 STARS are not seen by sunshine (at midday)
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 109: When the sun shineth, the light of
the stars is not seen. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. III, p. 45: You will make
me see the Starres at high noone. I611 COT., s.v. Estoille: At mid
day no starre shines. *Euerie thing hath it season; and, he that
looks for night at noone-dayes may well be tearmed mad, or blind.
1623 WOD., p. 503: The Starres do not Shine at Mid-day. *So said
of him that takes not the right way in Things. 1732 FUL., no.
49. 8.
SHAKESPEARE—I592—3 V.A. l. 1032: Like stars asham’d ofday.
Cf. M1120: The moon is not seen Where the sun shines; S988: To
set forth the sun with a candle (lantern, taper).
S827 To look at the STARS and fall into a ditch
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y4v: Whilest you studie on the starres
with loftie lookes . . [you] diue in the ditche, where I feare you sticke
faste. 1587 GREENE Penelope’s Web, p. 190: They which gaze at a
Starre stumble at a stone. 1588 GREENE Pandosto, p. 308: They
which stare at the skie, fall Ofte into deepe pits. 1592 LYLY Gall.
V i 6: He told me a long tale . . of the Coniunctions and Planets,
and in the meane-time he fell backwarde himselfe into a ponde.
1603 BRETON Dial. Full Pith: Wks., II 7: I loue not, with following
the Moone to fall into a ditch.
Cf. L431: Look high and fall low.
S828 He has gotten the START of him
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 178: Those, who hauing gotten
the Startte in a race, thinke none to bee neere their heeles, bicause
they be formost. 1616 DR., s.v. Excellencie, no. 616.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 ?.C. I ii 128: It doth amaze me A man of
such a feeble temper should So get the start of the majestic world.
1600—I M.IV.W. V v 170: You have the start of me. (11)
8829-883 I STATE = eminence
S829 The greater STATE the more wisdom
a1536 HILL 13, p. 130.
S830 The greatest STATE is the less sure .
1616 DR., s.v. Ambition, no. 60. I659 N.R., p. 96: The greatest
state the lesse sure.
8831 He takes STATE on him
1608 DOD AND CLEAVER Expos. Prov., p. 37: [And yet] she goeth
not as an ordinarie strumpet, or a vagabond, but taketh State vpon
her like a courtizan. 1616 DR., s.v. Pride, no. 1707. I660 BROOKE
World Surveyed I IO, p. 29: We lodged with a Portuguais, who
took state upon him, his man still carrying after him a guilt
Sword.

fl
S832 STATE =political division
S832 STATES have their conversions and periods as
well as natural bodies
1651 HERB., p. 373. I659 N.R., p. 92: States have their Periods
as well as bodies.
S833 Talk not too much of STATE AFFAIRS
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
Cf. A86: One can take no aim (One cannot take true aim) at
things too high; T206: The things that are above us are nothing to
us.
8834 As mute as a STATUE
I607 WALKINGTON Optic Glass Ep. Ded., f. 1v: Sealing up his lippes
with his fore-finger, as mute as marble Niobe. [I622] 1653 M11).
DLETON AND W. ROWLEY Changeling III iii 253: Be silent, mute,
Mute as a statue. 1675 Ape-Gentlew., p. 3: The good folks are fain
to lye as quiet in Bed as Statues on tomb stones.
Cf. S879: As still as a stone.
S835 He that can STAY obtains
1611 COT., s.v. Attendre: He that can stay his time, shall compasse
any thing. 1640 HERB., no. 846. 1659 N.R., p. 58.
Cf. P102: He that can have patience can have what he will.
8836 It stands one in as much STEAD as a looking
glass does a blind man
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 191: And it is a common saying, That
gentry standeth the evill in as much steed, as a looking glasse cloth
to a blind man. 1732 FUL., no. 18: A blind Man will not thank
you for a Looking~Glass.
See APP., p. 54. Cf. M446: The blind man’s wife needs no paint-
ing.
$837 It is ill (hard) STEALING from a thief
1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. V, p. 46. 3.1598 FERG. MS, no. 887: (be-
syd a theef). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 25: A hard thing to steal of
a thief.
Cf. H60: It is hard (ill) halting before a cripple.
S838 When the STEED (horse) is stolen shut the stable
door
1484 CAXTON Fah. Avian 24, p. 245: It was not tyme to shette the
stable whan the horses ben loste and gone. 01500 Melusine XIX,
p. 97: Good it is to shette the stable before the hors be lost. 1509
A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 76: He is vnwyse . . when the stede is
stolyn to Shyt the stable dore. 1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l.
1435: Wks., I 418: (spar the stable dur). a1536 HILL 23, p. 128.
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4. 1557 T. NORTH Dial Princes II xiv, p. 221:
And then it is to late (as they say) to shutte the Stable doore, when
the Steede is stolne. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Machina: (stollen thou
Steakest the stable doore). 1567 ]. PICKERING Horestes, S. D1v:
It is to late. When stede is stollen for you in south, to shut the
Stable gate. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 175: It is too late to Shut the
Stable door when the steed is stolen. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1444:
(steik the Stabl dore). I611 COT., s.v. Medecin: (When steed).
1611 GRUT., no. 307. I614 CAM.,p. 314. 1616 DR., s.v. Latenesse,
no. 1187: (horse). 1616 WITHALS, p. 580: (then shut). 1639 CL.,
p. 281: (stolne ’tis too late to shut the stable doore). 1659 How.
Br. Prov., p. 39: Shut the gate when the horse is gone, (or) Shut the
door when the thief hath done. 1668 R.B., p. 44: [As in a1598
Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 145: (stoln, the stable door shall be shut).
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To Labour in vain, p. 188: Too late, to
Shut the stable-door now. 1721 KEL., p. 28 5: Stook the Stable
Door when the Steed is stoln. *Spoken when People shew that
Care and Concern after the Loss of a Thing, which had been better
laid out before. 1732 FUL., no. 5606: (stole, you Shut the Stable-
Door).
See ST., no. 1058. Cf. D46: When the daughter is Stolen shut
Peppergate; M809: After meat comes mustard; T305: It is no time
to stoop when the head is OH". (29)

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl ), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
STEEL 6 3 I STICK (STICKS)

S839 As hard (stifi, strong, tough) as STEEL S843 STEEL cuts steel
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 4: For yf I had tunges an hundreth:
and wyt to fele Al thinges natural and supernaturall A thousand
mouthes: and voyce as harde as stele. 1558 PHAER deneid VI 661,
s. Rav: Not if I had a hundred mouthes, a hundred tonges to spend.
And voyce as strong as steele. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort.
I ii, s. B4: Stiffer then Steele. 1595 DRAYTON Endim. and Ph. 1.
596: Wks., I 144: But she more deafe and hard then steele or stone.
I615 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Cupid’s Rev. IV, p. 273: He’s as
tough as steel.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI II i 201: Then, Clifford, were
thy heart as hard as steel, As thou hast shownitflinty by thy deeds.
1592-3 V.A. l. 199: Art thou obdurate, fiinty, hard as steel? 1594
T.G.V. I i 149: She’s as hard as steel. 1596 Riclz. II III ii 110:
Covering your fearful land With hard bright steel, and hearts
harder than steel.
8840 As true (trusty, sure) as STEEL
01480—1500 Mary Magd. l. 1637, p. 116: Now, as thou hast byn
trew as stylle. [3.1558] 1568 yacob and Esau IV iv, s. E3: As true
as any stele. I585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Part. I i, s. BIv: As
trusty as steele. [1598] I6I6 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s.
D1v: And wee I warrant you, are as sure as Steele. 1616 DR., s.v.
Trustie, faithfull, no. 2183. 1639 CL., p. 286. I678 RAY, p. 290.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. II i 196: My heart Is true as steel.
CI595 Rf. II iv 209: My man’s as true as steel. I602 T.C. III
ii 181: When their rhymes . . want similes, truth tir’d with itera-
tion—‘As true as steel.’
Cf. G480: As sure (right, true) as a gun; S841: As true steel as
Ripon rowels. (15)
S841 As true STEEL as Ripon rowels
I631 JONSON Staple News I iii 52: If my Spurres Be not right Rip-
pon. I662 FULLER W orthies Yorkshire, II 494. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 24, p. 234: Spurs of Rezzo. *Note 32, p. 242: As the English
say the like of Rippon in Yorkshire. I670 RAY, p. 256: *It is said
of trusty persons, men of metal, faithful in their employments.
Rippon in this County is a Town famous for the best spurs of
England, whose rowels may be enforced to strike through a shilling,
and will break sooner then bow. I697 MER., p. 16 5.
Cf. S840: As true (trusty, sure) as steel; S842: He is steel (metal)
to the back.
S842 He is STEEL (metal) to the back
1578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit, p. 247: I knowe Curio to be steele to
the backe, standerd bearer in Venus campe, sworne to the crewe,
true to the crowne. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1599: (Ye ar). I600
DEKKER S/zoe. Hol., p. 64: Shoomakers are steele to the backe,
men every inch of them, all spirit. I603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND
HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. CIv: Hee’s Steele to the backe you
see, for he writes Challenges. I606 BRETON Choice, p. 69: He that
is moulded of a noble mind, Purified mettall, steele vnto the backe.
1615 Exchange Ware at Second Hand in Contrib. to Early Eng. Lit.,
p. 12: Pic make you know Rque is steeled to the back. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Heart, or courage, no. 955: All steele to the backe. I630
MASSINGER Picture IV ii, p. 202: I am sound as a bell, a tough Old
blade, and steel to the back, as you shall find me In the trial on
your anvil. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Schiena, p. 184: To be of a
hard back, viz. to have a back for an oar and labour, also strong
for Copulation, a back ofsteel, all metal. I678 RAY, p. 76: (metal).
*A metaphor taken from knives and swords. Ibid., p. 346. 1687
T. BROWN Saints in Uproar: Wks., I 82: A notable Fellow of his
Inches, and Metal to the Back. I721 KEL., p. 175: He’s no Steel
to the Back. *An Allusion to Iron Tools, and signifies either that
he is not throughly honest in his Behaviour, or not firm in his
Health.
SHAKESPEARE—I592 T. And. IV iii 46: No big-bon’d men [we] . .
But metal, Marcus, steel to the very back. 1606-7 .4. C. IV iv 32:
I’ll leave thee Now like a man ofsteel. You that will fight, Follow
me close.
Cf. B272: As sound as a bell; H309: He is heart of oak; MI6I:
He is a man, every inch of him; M545: Men are not made of steel;
8841: As true steel as Ripon rowels. (5)
S851

1586 WITHALS, s. H7v: Steele ouercummeth steele, in stryking
one wedge driueth out another. 1604 MARSTON Malcontent IV i
240: Steel cuts steel alone.
Cf. D323: Diamonds cut diamonds.
S844 There is STEEL in my needle’s eye though there
be little of it
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1404: Ther is good steel in my need! ey.
I721 KEL., p. 321: *Spoken when a Thing, commendable for its
Kind, is found Fault with for its Quantity.
8845 With a little STEEL a little man’s armed
I6II DAV. Prov., no. 50.
S846 The greatest (hardest) STEP is that out of doors
(over the threshold)
1639 CL., s.v. Initium laudatum, p. 171: The first step is as good as
halfe over. 1640 HERB., no. 457. 1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in
flrmor, p. 146: The greatest step to heaven, is out our own doors,
over our own threshold. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 7: The hardest
step is that over the threshold, viz. the beginning. 1659 N.R.,
p. 110: The worst step is that over the threshold. 1664 COD., p.
219. I668 COWLEY Essays IO: Essays, Plays, p. 452: Begin; the
getting out of doors is the greatest part of the Journey. Varro
teaches us that Latin Proverb, Portam itineri longissimam esse.
See OTTO, no. 1453. Cf. B154: Well begun is half done; B256:
Every beginning is hard.
S847 STEP after step goes far
1611 COT., s.v. Pas. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 193: Step after
step, one goes a great way.
Cf. S554: Many smalls make a great; S848: Step after step the
ladder is ascended.
8848 STEP after step the ladder is ascended
I640 HERB., no. 389. I659 N.R., p. 89. 1664 COD., p. 21 I. 1667
R. BAXTER Reasons C/zr. ReZ. II vi, p. 273: For there is no coming
to the highest step of the Ladder, without beginning at the lowest.
I670 RAY, p. 25. I732 FUL., no. 4260.
SHAKESPEARE.—I602 T.C. I iii 101: When degree is shak’d,
Which is the ladder to all high designs.
Cf. S847: Step after step goes far.
8849-8852 STICK: subst.
8849 Dress up a STICK and it does not seem to be a
stick
I620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, li, IV 108: Goe well clad, for a
Stake well dressed, seemes not to be so. 1640 HERB., no. 101:
Presse [DressP] a stick and it seemes a youth. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
21, p. 187: Clothes set forth poles, and cloth[e] but a pillar, and it
shall look like a lady.
Cf. A284: Handsome apparel makes fools pass for wise men
(hides much deformity); H367: Trim up a hedgehog and he will
look like a lord.
8850 A straight STICK is crooked in the water
1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne I, I 294: Tojudge of high and great
matters, a high and great minde is required . . A straight oare
being under water seemeth to be crooked. I658 SPENCER Frag.
in Fuller Serm., I 546: Take a streight stick and put it into the wa-
ter; then it will seem crooked. Why? Because we look upon it
through two mediums, air and water. 1732 FUL., no. 425.
Little STICKs kindle the fire but great ones put
it out
1640 HERB., no. 319: (the fire, great ones).
1664 Con., p. 204.
I670 RAY, p. 16.
I732 FUL., no. 3261: (a Fire).
8852 Two dry STICKs will kindle a green one
1678 RAY, p. 213. I732 FUL., no. 5325.
I755 FRANKLIN, p. 31:
(will burn a green One).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a. comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
STICK 632
STOCKFISH

S853 STICK: verb
S853 He that is truly hungry will not STICK to eat any-
thing
1659 N.R., p. 54.
S854 STICKINo1 goes not by strength but by guiding
of the gully2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1230: Stiking goes not be strenth. 1721 KEL.,
p. 292: *Matters are carried on rather by Art than Strength.
Cf. P462: Policy goes beyond strength.
['stabbing 2knife]
S855 He that will not go over the STILE must be thrust
through the gate
1678 RAY, p. 206.
8856 You would be (leap) over the STILE before you
come at it
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L2v: (or ye come at it). 1580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 51: But he so eger of an end, as one leaping ouer a
stile before hee come to it, desired few parentheses. I583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. E1v: We must. . not leape ouer the stile, before
we come at it. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. iii, s. D4v:
O maister Philip forbeare, you must not leape ouer the stile before
you come at it. 1601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. I ii 55: Here is a
style indeed, for a mans sences to leape ouer, e’re they come at it.
1616 DR., s.v. Rare, or Scarce, no. 1812: He leapeth ouer a style,
before that he come at it. 1616 WITHALS, p. 555. 1639 CL., s.v.
Praepostera, p. 257: You’d leape ’ore, the style ere you be neare the
hedge. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (leap and come near it).
See DI'JR., I, no. 233. Cf. H363: To leap over the hedge before
you come at the stile.
S857 Essex STILEs, Kentish miles, Norfolk wiles,
many men beguiles
16th 0. Characteristics Counties in Relig. dntiq., I269: Suffolk,
full of wiles; Norffolk, full Of giles. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points
Hush. 113, p. 209: For Norfolke wiles, so full of giles, Haue
caught my toe. I585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. MIv: Three things
many a man beguiles. Essex Miles. Kentish stiles. North-
folke wiles. 1617 MORYSON Itinerary III 11 iii, III 463: Norfolke
wyles (for crafty litigiousnes): Essex stiles (so many as make walk-
ing tedious), Kentish miles (of the length). 1622 DRAYTON Poly-
Olh. XXIII 253, p. 474: As Essex hath of old beene named, Calves
and Stiles . . Norfolke Many Wyles. 1623 CAM., p. 268: (and
Norfolke wiles). 1639 CL., p. 258. 1659 N.R., p. 30. 1662
FULLER Worthies Suffolk, II 326: Suffolk stiles. It is a measuring
cast, whether this Proverb pertaineth to Essex or this County . .
both . . abound with high Stiles, troublesome to be clambred over.
1664 Con., p. 191. I670 RAY, p. 86. I732 FUL., no. 6175.
S858 The STING is in the tail
[Rev. ix 10: They had tails like unto scorpions, and there were
stings in their tails.] 1623 WOD., p. 514: A Scorpoins Taile is
Venim. SO said of him that begins faire, and ends falsly.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. II i 214: Who knows not where a
wasp does wear his sting? In his tail. 1602 T.C. V x 42: Full
merrily the humblebee doth sing Till he hath lost his honey and
his sting; And being once subdu’d in armed tail, Sweet honey and-
sweet notes together fail.
8859 There is a STING in the tail of all unlawful pleas-
ures
I650 TAYLOR Holy Living II i, p. 44: All the instances of pleasure
have a sting in the tail. 1693 CONGREVE Old Bachelor Epil., p. 225:
To think oth’ Sting, that’s in the tail OfPleasure. 1709 DYKES, p.
172.
Cf. Bug: The end of passion is the beginning of repentance;
E128: Think on the end before you begin.

S861
_
$860 STIR: subst.
S860 He keeps a STIR1 but is no constable
1639 CL., p. 20. 1664 COD., p. 196.
[1commotion orjail]
8861—8862 STIR: verb
I would I might never STIR else
I601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels V ii 81: Would I might neuer stirre,
but ’t is strange. 1639 CL., s.v. Execrandi, p. 106. 1640 JONSON
Tale Tub II ii 173: Would I might never stirre i’ my new shoes, If
ever I would doe so voule a fact.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 K]. I i 145: Would I might never stir
from off this place. 1600—1 V v 197: If I did not thinkit
had been Anne Page, would I might never stir!
S862 The more you STIR the more (worse) you stink
1616 WITHALS, p. 565: You stirre till you stinke. I633 MOUNT-
FORT Launching Mary 1. 1059, p. 48: Leaue of this Ierkinge one of
another, theres two of you the more you striue, the more you stinke.
1639 CL., s.v. Vilitas, p. 319: [As in 1616 Withals]. 1659 N.R., p.
102. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 84: Who is fallen in the dirt, the
more he stirs, the more he is defiled. 1670 RAY, p. 194: (worse).
*Plus foetent stercora mota. 1721 KEL., p. 316: (worse).
Cf. T602: He that wrestles with a turd, fall he undermost or
uppermost, he shall be sure to be bedirten; T603: The more you
stir a turd (it) the more (worse) it stinks.
S863 There is great STIRRING in the North when old
wives ride scout
1678 RAY, p. 341: *Yorkshire.
8864 As good holds the STIRRUP as he that loups1 on
211598 FERG. MS, no. 132. 1668 R.B., p. 9. 1721 KEL., p. 17:
*That is, the Servant may be as good a Man as the Master some-
times; but often spoken when our Friend holds our Stirrup, when
we mount our Horse.
[lleaps]
8865 To have (take) a STITOEI1 against someone
a1591 H. SMITH Serm., p. 224: Therefore his Maiestie hath a stitch
against her, as Salomon had to Shemei. 1621 HEYLIN Cosmography
Intro., p. 16: The Princes of Italy, and the F Iorentines, have a stich
at Venice. 1625 MOUNTAGU Yust AppealI 2, p. 121: Their whole
stitch is against the Church Representative in a Generall Councell.
1640 WHATELY Prototypes 30, p. 100: We sometimes take such a
stitch and spleene against those whom nature hath tyed to us.
[1grudge, dislike]
8866 Who lacks a STOCK his gain is not worth a chip
I546 HEY. II ix, s. L1v. 1611 GRUT., no. 321. 1614 CAM., p. 314.
1639 CL., s.v. Diligentia, p. 92: (Who so lacketh). 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. to. 1659 N.R., p. 124. 1664 COD., p. 225. 1670
RAY, p. 146: [As in 1639 CL]. 1732 FUL., no. 5731: [As in 1639
CL].
S867 To beat one like a STOOKFIsII1
1552 HULOET dhced., s. CI: Beate often as a stockfyshe is beaten.
1560 BECON Cat. VI, p. 355: Those parents . . which furiously rage
against their children, and beat them as stockfish. [01570] I599
Clyomon and Clamydes xvi, s. F2v: Ile beate thee like a stocke.
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho V i, s. H4: Haue you stock-
fish in hand that you beat so hard? [1619] I647 FLETCHER Hum.
Lieut. II iv, p. 305: I have tumbl’d with this Old Body, beaten like a
Stock-fish. 1639 CL., s.v. Correctio dicti aut facti, p. 75: Beaten
like stock fish. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 19: I will beat thee like a
stockfish.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. III ii 78: I’ll turn my mercy out 0’
doors and make a stockfish of thee.
[1cod beaten flat and dry with clubs and stocks]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
STOCKINGS
STONE
633

8868 To wear yellow STOCKINGS and cross garters
1584 PEELE Arr. Paris I iii, s. A3v: A rare deuice; and Flora well
perdie, Did painte her yellow for her iellozie. [01605] I 630 DEKKER
2 Hon. Whore, p. 99: What stockings haue you put on this morning,
Madam? if they be not yellow, change them; that paper is a Letter
from some Wench to your Husband. [1619] 1632 N. FIELD AND
MASSINGER Fatal Dowry III, p. 135: If my lord Be now grown
yellow, and has chose out you To serue his jealousy this way, tell
him this. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Giallo, p. 73: To take the
yellow, viz. to grow angry and fret; the English say out of jealousie,
to that purpose, to wear yellow stockings, and cross garters. I hid.,
s.v. Martello, p. 100: To have a hammer in the head, viz. to be
jealouse; the English phrase to that purpose is, to wear yellow
stockings, and cross garters.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. II v 180: My lady loves me. She
did commend my yellow stockings of late, she did praise my leg
being cross-garter’d.
S869 A full STOMACH is a windmill
1616 DR., s.v. Gluttony, no. 873.
S870 A good STOMACH (appetite) is the best sauce
(needs no sauce)
[a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. H2v: Theres no sauce to a good stomake.
1596 DEL., s. N4v: (best sauce that one can haue). 1616 DR., no.
1031: A good appetite needeth no sauce. 1623 WOD., p. 492.
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 5: There’s no sawce to [like] appetite.
1659 N.R., p. 12. Mid, p. 38: Good stomack needs no sauce.
Cf. H819: Hunger is the best sauce; S871: An ill stomach makes
all the meat bitter.
S871 An ill STOMACH makes all the meat bitter
1616 DR., s.v. Malice, no. 1344. I732 FUL., no. 4218: Some
Stomachs nauseate even sweet Meats.
Cf. S870: A good stomach (appetite) is the best sauce (needs no
sauce); T75: To him that has lost his taste sweet is sour.
S872 My STOMACH (belly) has struck twelve (rung
noon)
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. C1v: It is hie dinner time,
I know by my belly. [01620] 1654 WEBSTER [AND T. HEYWOOD]
Appius and Virg. IV ii 11: How goes the day? e—My stomack
has struck twelve. 1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. I i, p. 13: And
to supper too sir, I know not how the day goes with you, but my
stomacke hath strucke twelue, I can assure you that. 1634 R.
BROME AND T. HEYWOOD Lanc. Witches I, p. 175: I know not how
the day goes with you, but for mine owne part, my stomacke is
now much upon 12. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Stafletta, p. 203:
To be main hungry that one would eat Iron it selfe; the English,
For ones belly to ring all in, to ring Noon, or Dinner time. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 169: My empty stomach rang to dinner.
1672 WALK. 81, p. 25: My guts chime twelve. 1678 RAY, p. 66:
Your belly chimes, it’s time to go to dinner.
SHAKESPEARE.—-I592—3 C.E. I ii 44: The capon burns, the pig
falls from the spit; The clock hath strucken twelve upon the bell.
Cf. B287a: The belly is the truest clock; B301: My belly cries
cupboard.
8873 A sharp STOMACH makes short devotion
1639 CL., s.v. Fames, p. 112. 1670 RAY, p. 142. I687 MIEGE,
s.v. Sharp. 1721 KEL., p. 293: Sharp Stomachs make short Graces.
1732 F UL., no. 41 18: Sharp Stomachs make short Devotion.
S874 To go against one’s STOMACH
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 180: Nothing in Fraunce . . went more
against my stomacke, then to see the Secretaries of noble men in so
litle credite and reputation. I596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p.
38: It went against my stomacke once or twice. 01605 DEKKER
1 Hon. Whore, p. 27: Give the fresh Salmon line now . . hee shall
serve for my breakefast, tho he go against my stomacke. 1610 P.
HOLLAND Brit. Sussex, I 313: These matters, I assure you, it goes
against my stomacke to relate. 1656 EARL OF MONMOUTH Advt.
from Parn. I I, p. 3: [These things] go absolutely against the

stomachs of good men. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 17: That goes
much against my stomack.
See ST., nos. 321, 903.
S875 To have a STOMACH and lack meat, to have meat
and lack a stomach, to lie in bed and cannot
rest are great miseries
1636 CAM., p. 307.
Cf. B194: To look for and not to come, to be in bed and not to
sleep, to serve and not to be accepted are three deadly things.
S876 As cold as a STONE (Whetstone)
01503 A. BARCLAY Castle Lahor, s. A7: My herte was colde as any
stone. 1562 BROOKE Romeus and Yul. l. 2731, p. 236: A thousand
times she kist his mouth as cold as stone. 1589 R. ROBINSON Gold.
Mirr., p. 10: My limmes be numde, as cold as any stone. [a1600]
I662 I.T. Grim Collier Croydon I iv, s. G9V: I find my self stark
naked and as cold as a stone. 1606 DEKKER Newsfrom Hell: Non-
Dram. Wks., II 99: Some pittiful fellowes (that haue .. wittes
colde as Whetstone). 1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag. XIV 1272, p. 192:
His hearte as could grew as a stone. 1634 R. BROME AND T.
HEYWOOD Lanc. Witches III, p. 206: ’Twere hot eene now, but now
its caw’d as a steane.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V II iii 24: His feet .
as any stone.
. were as cold
S877 As deaf as a STONE
1520-40 Songs in Raw]. MS C813 X, p. 326: A wretched prest as
deeffe nere as a stoune. 01615 Pepys Bal. 10, I 69: Deafe he is
likewise as any stone.
S878 As hard as a STONE (flint, rock)
[1513] 1553 DOUGLAS Aeneid X vii, III 310: He on cace was fleand
fers as flynt. 1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 18: Thy bread is .
harde as a flint. 1566 Alhion Kn., p. 127: Their heads . . be as
hard as rock or stone. [01589] I601 LYLY Love’s Metam. IV i 80:
What punishment doe you desire .. —Mine being so hard as
stone, would I haue turned to stone. [01600] 1657 DAY, DEKKER,
AND HAUGHTON Lust’s Dominion V iii, p. 177: Were you as hard
as flint, O, You should yield. 1602 JONSON Poetaster III i 110:
And haue slung iests As hard as stones. 1665 Char. Coflee House,
p. 3: There sitteth one whose Droptick belly Was hard as flint, now’s
soft as jelly. 1678 HEXHAM Dict., s.v. Steen-hardt: Stone-hard, or
as Hard as a Stone.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1592 T. And. III i 45: A stone is soft as wax,
tribunes more hard than stones. 1592—3 C.E. II i 92: If voluble
and sharp discourse be marr’d, Unkindness blunts it, more than
marble hard. 1605-6 K.L. III ii 63: This hard house (More harder
than the stones whereof ’tis rais’d . . ). 1613 Hen. VII] I i 157:
To th’ King I’ll say’t and make my vouch as strong As shore of
rock.
See OTTO, no. 1593. Cf. H311: A heart as hard as a stone (flint,
marble).
S879 As still as a STONE
01475 Partonope l. 1282, p. 34: But lyethe as stylle as any stone.
[01552] 1575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle I ii, s. A3: As still as
stones in the streite. [a1558] I568 7acoh and Esau IV vi, s. E3v:
See thou bee a stone . . I ment thou Shouldest nothing saye.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. I730: Stone-still . . Stood Colla-
tine and all his lordly crew. 1596 K7. IV i 77: I will stand stone-
still.
Cf. S834: As mute as a statue.
S880 He has not a STONE (bone) to cast (throw) at a
dog
1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 216: [He] complained he was old and
striken in yeres, and had neuer an heire to cast at a dogge. [1600]
1659 1. DAY Blind Beg. III, 8. F1: I have not a horse to cast at a
dog man not I. 1624 T. HEYWOOD Captives III ii 146: Weare there
no skattered stones lye in the streete To have beate his braynes
out? —Not a stone to throwe att a dogg. [01625] 1647 FLETCHER
ET AL. Nice Valor III, p. 163: I shall not have a bone to throw At

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
STONE
STONES
634
a dog. 1639 CL., s.v. Ultio malefacti, p. 325: Carry a stone in your
pocket to throw at a dog.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-'I I iv 118: By gar, he shall not
have a stone to trow at his dog.
Cf. T139: It is an easy thing to find a stone to throw at a dog;
W762: He has not a word to cast at a dog.
S881 He is twice fain1 that sits on a STONE
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 535: (upon a ston). 1641 FERG., no. 364.
1668 R.B., p. 25. I721 KEL., p. 148: He that sits on a Stane, is
twice fain. *That is, glad to sit down, because he is weary, and
glad to rise, because the Stone is hard.
[lglad]
S882 He that stumbles twice at the same STONE de-
serves to have his Shins broke
I552 TAV., f. 39: He that wyse is, wyll not the seconde tyme
stomble at the same stone. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 92:
A burnt childe dreadeth the fire, he that stumbleth twice at one
stone is worthy to breake his shins. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 12:
Who stumbles twice at one stone deserves to have a broken face.
I732 FUL., no. 2317.
See DiiR., I, no. 399. Cf. F316: It is a silly fish that is caught
twice with the same bait (The fish once caught bewares the hook).
S883 If I had not lifted up the STONE you had not
found the jewel
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 399: *It is used when one man reaps the
fruit of the labours of another. 1732 FUL., no. 2686.
8884 A little STONE in the way overturns a great wain
1622 MABBE Rogue II II ix, IV 5.
See APP., p. 373.
S885 A rolling STONE gathers no moss
[ERAS. Adagia, 821A: Saxum volutum non obducitur musco.]
1536-7 WYATT Satires 3 l. 3: Poems, I 147: And on the stone that
doth turne about, There groweth no mosse. 1546 HEY. I xi, s.
D2: The rollyng stone neuer gatherth mosse. 1579 GOSSON
Ephemerides, f. 5v: A rowling Stone gathers no mosse, and a running
hed wil neuer thriue. 61579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom
v, p. 46: The rowling stone we se Doth neuer gather mosse. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1420: The rowlling stone gathereth littil mosse.
1598 GREENE 7ames IV II ii, p. 116: Then seek not mosse upon a
rowling stone. 1608 MIDDLETON Mad World V i 66: Thou rollest
too fast to gather so much moss as thy fellow there. I611 GRUT.,
no. 275: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s Sickness: Wks.,
p. 450: He Should gather mosse, for he’s no rolling stone. 1614
CAM., p. 313: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1616 DR., s.v. Wandering, no.
2324. 1616 WITHALS, p. 563: (The rowling stone). 1639 CL., p.
159: (The rowling stone). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 35: On a
rowling stone no moss Will Stand. 1670 RAY, p. 137. 1721 KEL.,
p. 49: A tumbling Stone never gathers Fog [moss]. *A Man that
often removes seldom grows rich. I732 FUL., no. 4057: Rolling
Stones gather no Moss.
See DUR., II, no. 390. Cf. G421: To let no grass (moss) grow
on one's heel. (46)
8886 A rugged STONE grows smooth from hand to
hand
1640 HERB., no. 312. 1664 COD., p. 186. 1670 RAY, p. 23.
Cf. D618: Constant dropping will wear the stone; 192: Iron
(Gold) with often handling is worn to nothing.
S887 Spit on a STONE and it will be wet at last
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1179: Spit on the stone it wil be weit at the
last. 1668 R.B., p. 47: (the Stane and the last). 1721 KEL., p.
300: *Constant and perpetual doing, though slow, yet may at last
eerct great Things.
See DUR., II, no. 480. Cf. D618: Constant dropping will wear
the Stone; 8941: Many (Little) strokes fell great oaks.
S888 A STONE in a well is not lost
1640 HERB., no. 839.


S889 The STONE you throw will fall on your own head
1548 E. HALL Hen. VII: Chron., f. 10: He might remembre that
the stone often tymes falleth on the head of hym that castethe it
into ye ayer. 1639 CL., p. 196: (The stone you strow). 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 20: Who hurleth stones at Heaven, they fall
upon his head. *Who resisteth the good will of God, his businesses
goe from bad to worse. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 207: Who
throws a stone against the Skye it falls doun again upon his head.
SHAKESPEARE.—I613 Hen. VIII V iii 103: I told ye all, When
we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling, ’Twould fall upon our-
selves.
Cf. H3 56: Who spits against heaven, it falls in his face.
S890 To leave no STONE unturned
[ERAS. Adagia, I610: Omnem movere lapidem.] c1548 LATIMER
Let. 49: Serm. and Rem., p. 427: I will leave no one stone unmoved
to have both you and your brother saved. 1569 UNDERDOWNE
Aethiop. Hist. VIII, p. 214: Cibele now turne every stone, devise al
manner of meanes. 1600 P. HOLLAND Roman Hist. Livy XXIII,
p. 565: Because hee would leave no stone unrolled, but trie all
waies that could be devised; he commaunded certain revolts from
the Saracasian. 1650 NICHOLAS Corr. Mar. 2, I 170: Wee leave
no stone unturned in endeavouring to procure some reliefe for our
master. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. XI ii, III 418: They did what-
soever . . wise men would do in their condition, leaving no stone
unturned which might advantage them herein. 1664 S. BUTLER
Hud. II ii 777, p. 182: Women, that left no Stone unturn’d In
which the Cause might be concern’d. 1732 FUL., no. 5196. (16)
S891 To mark with a white STONE
[A white stone among the ancients was a memorial of a fortunate
event.] 1548 E. HALL Hen. IV: Chron., f. 6: This thinge is worthy
to be noted with a whitestone. 1632 MASSINGER Emp. East Prol.,
p. 240: And, with the whiter stone, To be mark’d in your fair
censures. 01645 J. HOWELL Let. I i 13, I 38: You are the one . .
whose Name I haue mark’d with the Whitest Stone. 1693 DRYDEN
Persius ii, 1. I, p. 226: Let this auspicious morning be exprest With
a white stone.
$892 To roast a STONE
[c1522] c1545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court I. 108: Wks., II 30:
Or pescoddes they may shyll, Or elles go rost a Stone. 01548 W.
THOMAS in Strype Eccles. Mem. II, Vol. II, Pt. ii, p. 316: Or els he
washeth a stone, that is to say, he laboureth in vayne. 1611 DAv.
Prov., no. 3 53: Fvscus his old wife now lies alone, When he lyes
with her he roasts but a Stone.
Cf. S895: You cannot flay a stone.
S893 To swim no more than a STONE
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vomero, p. 237: Not to swim in the least;
spoken Ironically, the English say, To swim no more than a stone.
S894 Under every STONE sleeps a scorpion
[ERAS. Adagia, 163E: Sub omni lapide scorpius dormit.] 1552
TAV., f. 5 5: *This prouerbe admonysheth vs that we speake not
rashely and vnaduisedly amonges captiouse and calumnious per-
sons. 1732 FUL., no. 5444: We know not which Stone the Scorpion
lurks under.
S895 You cannot flay a STONE
1640 HERB., no. 760. I659 N.R., p. 127.
1670 R.AY, p. 9: No man can flay a stone.
flea: No man can flea a stone.
Cf. F373: To flay (skin) a flint; S892: To roast a stone.
1664 COD., p. 231.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. To
S896 To throw STONES against the wind
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 621, p. 128: A man were as
good, throw stones at the winde. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis,
s. G3: I see I swimme agaynst the streame, I kicke against a gode,
I caste a stone against the winde.
Cf. F433: Folly it is to spurn (kick) against a prick; H355: To
spit against heaven (in heaven’s face); S927: It is hard (folly, in
vain) to strive against the stream.
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
STONEs
STRAIT—LACED
635

8897 Who remove STONES bruise their fingers
1611 COT. , s.v. Doigt: He that remoueth stones crusheth his fingers;
harsh things are seldome stirred without harme. 1640 HERB., no.
40. 1659 N.R., p. 122: (Who removes). 1664 COD., p. 226. 1670
RAY, p. 2 5. I732 FUL., no. 5715: Who removeth Land-Mark
Stones, bruiseth his Fingers.
$898 STONE-DEAD has no fellow
01633 [CLAVELL AND MARMION] Soddered Citizen V iv, p. 103: Is
your ffather dead? —Laid with both Leggs Sir, in one lynnen
bootehose That has noe fellowe, stone dead. a1674 CLARENDON
Hist. Rehel. III, I 395.
Cf. F175: Feeling has no fellow.
S899 Put a STOOL in the sun, when one knave rises
another comes
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: *To places of preferment. 1670 RAY,
p. 146. I732 FUL., no. 4105: (Set a Stool in).
8900 Between two STOOLs the tail (ass) goes (comes)
to ground
a1536 HILL 31, p. 129: (ars). 1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4: (my taile go
to grounde). 1559 COOPER, s.v. Lepus: I fyshe after two thynges
atones, and am lyke t0 lese both: betweene two stooles my tayle is
lyke t0 goe to the ground. I596 DEL., s. M7v: Betwixt two broken
stooles, to fall flat to the ground. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 256: Be-
tuix tuo stuilis the airs falis doune. [01604] 1638 T. HEYWOOD
Wise Woman H. V, p. 3 50: (Heeres even the proverbe verifi’d—
betweene two). 1611 COT., s.v. Negligemment: While one another
trusts, the worke is left vndone; (and so between two stooles the
taile goes to the ground). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 141: (the taile to
ground doth go). 1611 GRUT., no. 67. 1614 CAM., p. 304: (to the
ground). 1616 DR., s.v. Vncertainty, no. 2256: (the taile falleth
often to the ground). 1616 WITHALS, p. 578: (a mans tayle
commeth to the ground). 1623 WOD., p. 48 3: Betwixt two Stooles
Arse to the Ground. *So said of those that would do as the Dog
take two Things, and loose both. 1639 CL., s.v. Curiositas, p. 78:
(comes to the ground.) 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 31: (the taile
tumbles). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11: (the tail goes down).
1664 COD., p. 188: (we fall to the Ground). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Culo, p. 49: To have ones breech upon two stools, viz. to be
ill plac’d; The English say, between two stools the arse falls to the
ground. I668 R.B., p. 12: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 151:
(the breech cometh to the ground). 1721 KEL., p. 58: (Arses falls
down). *Commonly he that depends upon two contrary Parties,
will be disappointed by both.
See ST., no. 2178. Cf. $951: Lose not the substance for the
shadow. (21)
8901 STOPFORD LAW, no stake no draw
1678 RAY, p. 301: *Chesh.
8902 He that has STORE of bread may beg his milk
merrily
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 5.
8903 STORE is no sore
1546 HEY. I v, s. B2: And gredynesse . . Saieth . . store is no sore.
1553 Respuhlica I i, p. 4: Store (thei saie) is no sore. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 59, p. 136. 1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. IV v, p. 66: Store
is no sore as the proverbe saith. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. C4v:
For store is no sore, vnlesse it be of sores. 1611 DAv. Prov., no.
103: Store is no sore: Yes if they be scabs Giuen by haksters, or
gotten by drabbs. 1611 GRUT., no. 237. 1614 CAM., p. 312.
1616 DR., no. 1658: Plentie is no sore. 1639 CL., p. 74. 1640
JONSON Magn. Lady II 1 3: Store is no sore, young Mistris, My
mother is wont to say. 01640 SMYTH 58, p. 31: Store is noe sore;
Plenty never rings it’s master by the care. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 9. 1670 RAY, p. 146. 1732 FUL., no. 6174.
SHAKESPEARE.—I613 T.N.K. I iii 3: Yet I wish him Excess and
overflow of power, an’t might be, To dure ill-dealing fortune.
Speed to him; Store never hurts good governors.
Cf. M1153: The more the merrier, the fewer the better cheer
(fare). (I8)

S904 They that have good STORE of butter (much but—
ter) may lay it thick on their bread
1639 CL., p. 49. Ihid., p. 98: He that hath flesh good store may
put the more i’th pot. Ihid., s.v. Profusio, p. 262: (much butter).
1670 RAY, p. 66: (on their bread, or put some in their shooes).
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Wealth, p. 362: (They that have butter
enough may). 1672 WALK. 40, p. 41. I681 ROB., p. 1302. 1721
KEL., p. 336: (much Butter). *They that have much may spend the
more magnificently. 1732 FUL., no. 4980: (may lay it on thick).
8905 To review one’s STORE is to mow twice
I640 HERB., no. 1000. 1659 N.R., p. 93.
8906 Where there is STORE of oatmeal you may put
enough in the crock
1678 RAY, p. 352: *Somerset.
$907 The worst STORE, a maid unbestowed
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 15.
8908 After a STORM comes a calm (fair weather)
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 45: After sorest stormes
moste clerest ayre we see. 01527 RASTELL Calisto and Mel., s.
CIv: Fayre wether comyth after stormys tempestyous. 61538
WYATT After Storms l. 1: Poems, I 157: After great stormes the
cawme retornis, And plesanter it is thereby. 01550 REDFORD Wit
and Science, p. 45: After stormy clowdes cumth wether clere. 1566
HOL., p. 261. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 392: Every storme hath his
calme. CI600 Charlemagne l. 220, p. 8: As wellcome as a gentyll
callme To a long daungerd seaman in a storme. [CI602] 1637 T.
HEYWOOD Royal King II, p. 28: After great tempests we a calme
have found. 1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, s. F4v:
After a storme the face of heauen looks sleeke. 1614 CAM., p. 303.
I616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A6v): (faire weather). 1616 DR., s.v.
Comfort, no. 270. 1630 D’AVENANT Cruel Brother III, p. 160:
Each storm is usher to a gentle calm. 1639 CL., p. 294. 1655
FULLER Church Hist. IX viii, III 152: After a storm comes a calm.
Wearied with a former blustering, they began now to repose them-
selves in a sad silence. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1670 RAY,
p. 146. 1732 FUL., no. 771: After Clouds, calm Weather.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 0. II i 187: If after every tempest come
such calms, May the winds blow till they have waken’d death!
See ST., no. 1919. Cf. C442: After black clouds clear weather;
P408: After pleasure (joy) comes pain (sorrow); R8: After rain
(showers) comes fair weather (the sun); S21: Sadness and gladness
succeed each other. (30)
8909 As welcome as a STORM
1642 FULLER Holy State V xiv, p. 415: At last he is as welcome as a
storm. 1732 FUL., no. 746.
$910 A cock-and-bull STORY (tale)
1608 DAY Law Tricks IV ii, p. 66: What a tale of a Cock and a
Bull he tolde my father. 1621 R. BURTON dnat. M. II 11 iv, p.
449: Some men’s whole delight is to . . talk of a Cock and Bull over
a pot. [I625] I647 FLETCHER Chances II iii, p. 206: Thou talk’st
of Cocks and Bulls. 1635 J. JONES fldrasta III, s. 14v: Captaine,
you stand talking here of a Cock and a Bull, while our rich fare is
gone another way. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 19: Frivolous tales of
a cock and a bull. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. BeHana, p. 12: Tales
ofa cock and a bull, tales Of a tub, with the bottom on’t out. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Boast, p. 38: He talkt of nothing but cocks
and bulls. a1700 B.E., s.v. Sleeveless-story: A Tale Of a Tub, or of
a Cock and a Bull.
See ST., no. 1733. Cf. T45: A tale of a tub.
$911 No STORY without sticklers
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3 5.
S912 To be STRAIT—LACED
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4v: He is so hye in thynstep, and so streight
laste. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 202: Ifthey be adorned with
beautie, they be so straight laced, and made so high in the insteppe,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
STRAND ON THE GREEN
STRAW
636

that they disdaine them most that most desyre them. 1592 LYLY
Midas Ill iii 33: She was . . strait laced, but loose bodied. I606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. D4: Be not so straight laced to him. 1608
MIDDLETON Family Love V iii 192: Strait-laced, yet loose-bodied
dames. [1614] 1631 JONSON Barth. Fair I v 160: I can be Hypo-
crite enough, though I were neuer so straight lac’d. 1659 How.
It. Prov., p. 7: He is streight in the waste. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Giornea, p. 74: The English say, to be precise, or straight lac’d.
Cf. 184: To be high in the instep; S397: She is short-heeled.
8913 STRAND ON THE GREEN, thirteen houses, fourteen
cuckolds, and never a house between
1602 R. CAREW Surv. Cornwall II, p. 256: Crafthole . . is peopled
with twelve dwellings, and thirteen cuckolds; for as the dwellings
are more than doubled, so (I hope) the cuckolds are less than
singled. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12: *For the father and the
son lay in one house.
8914 It is no more STRANGE than true
1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. G4v: O miserable and strange
language, and not so strange as true. 1620 ].C. Two Mer. Milk-
Maids IV i, s. L3: But not so strange as true. 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. Incredible, p. 178: Strange, if true. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Strange.
SHAKESPEARE.—1595 M.N.D. V i 2: More strange than true.
1604 M.M. V i 44: This is all as true as it is strange. Nay, it is
ten times true.
8915 As weak as a STRAW
1623 WOD., p. 509: More weake then a Strawe. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Paglia, p. 126: *Very weak, not to be able to stand up-
right.
Cf. W23: As small as a wand.
$916 It is unlawful to tread upon a STRAw lying across
1561 T. NORTON Inst. Chr. Rel. (1st ed.) III, f. 210: He wil come to
this point, to thinke it unlawfull (as the common sayinge is) to
treade uppon a strawe lying a crosse.
8917 Not to care (give) a STRAW (rush)
[01500] 1522 World and Child, s. C2v: I wolde not gyue a strawe
for his techynge. 01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 18: A strawe for
thy Wisdome and artes liberall. [01521] 1533 HEYWOOD Pard.
and Friar, s. B1: I care mat for the an Olde straw. [01535] 1602
LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 1729, p. 440: As for this king, I cure him
nocht twa strais. 61550 REDFORD Wit and Science, p. 2: Strawe
for the patches Of worldly mucke! [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister
D. IV iii 93: Then a strawe for hir. I562 HEY. Dial. II ix, p. 78:
For stoppyng of gaps (quoth he) care not a rushe. I575 ROLLAND
Court Venus IV 391, p. 123: I wald not cuir twa strayis. 1584 R.
WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. D1: I care not twoo strawes. 1601
JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. I i 39: Ile not giue a rush for him. 1602
J. MANNINGHAM Diary Dec. 19, p. 106: I will not give two strawes
for it. 1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag. XII 215, p. 142: He’l not care for
vs all a straw. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72: A rush for him
that cares a straw for me. 1651 WITTIE Pop. Errors IV L, p. 456:
I will not give a straw for his opinion. 1672 WALK. 15, p. 20: To
set lightly by; make little reckoning of; not value a rush. I686
CHARDIN Trav., p. 45: As for the Letter from the Prime Minister
of France, the grand Vizier car’d not a Straw to look upon it.
SHAKESPEARE.—-—1611 W.T. III ii 110: For life, I prize it not a
straw.
Cf. 5918: Not worth a straw (rush).
8918 Not worth a STRAW (rush)
01489 CAXTON Sons Aymon IV, p. 124: Ye ben not worthe a strawe.
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 99: Though that his brayne be
skarsly worth a strawe. 01525 RASTELL Nat. Four Elem., s. E1:
That is not worth iii. strawes. 01537 BALE Yohn Baptist, p. 140:
Thy news are not worth two straws. a1547 Doctor Douhle Ale 1. IO
in Early Pop. Poetry, III 303: Popish lawes; That are not worth
two strawes, Except it be with dawes. 1568 GRAFTON Chron.
Hen. VII, II 164: She knew it to be but a feyned and poynted
matter and not woorth two strawes. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
(41.)

$921

E3: But all his statly style were not woorth a strawe. 1594
[WILLOUOHBY] Avisa 35, p. 97: Yet this is all not worth a rush,
1630 DRAYTON Muses Elys. II 165, p. 261: His sparrowes are not
worth a rush. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 137: But all
her Fortunes are not worth a stroe. 1670 WALKER Idiom. Ang,
Lat., p. 386: He will not be worth a rush.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. 1021: For me, I force not argu_
ment a straw, Since that my case is past the help Of law.
Cf. 5917: Not to care (give) a straw (rush). (44)
8919 There lay a STRAW
[01514] 1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. V, p. 47: Haue done nowe Faustus,
lay here a straw. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: And best we laie a
strawe here, and euen there who. 1560 I mpat. Poverty, s. E1v:
Naye there stoppe and laye a strawe. [61560] I 581 WOODES Confl_
Cons. III iv, s. E1v: But lay there a strawe I began to be wery.
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 14: What, Mr.
Idlenes! lay a straw vnder your feete. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele
and Fort. I ii, s. B2: What is your name, and where doo you dwell?
—Softe, there lay a strawe, that will I not tell. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F.
XII, p. 167: There lay a straw, for you shoote wide, hold your hand
a while. [a1600] 1639 DELONEY Gentle Craft II, p. 28: Nay, soft,
there lay a straw for feare Of stumbling. 1627 W. HAWKINS Apollo
Shroving III iii, p. 134: Lay another straw there, Lauriger, at his
straw Mattresse. (8)
$920 To be in the STRAW
[To be in childbed.] 1661 R. BOYLE Style Holy Scrip.: Wks., II 96:
It is fit we should remember the lady in the straw. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Lincolnshire, II 3: Our English plain Proverb, de Puer-
peris, they are in the Straw, shows Feather-beds to be of no ancient
use amongst the common sort of our Nation. 1696 DILKE Lover’s
Luck I, p. 7: My good Woman is in the Straw, and his gone to the
Funeral of a Relation in the Countrey. 1711 STEELE Spect. 54, I
211: Every time any old Woman’s Cat is in the Straw.
To step over a STRAW
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2v: Where thou wilt not step ouer a strawe, I
thynke, To wyn me the worth of one draught of drynke. 1672
MARVELL Rehear. Transprosed I, p. 27: We could not, or would not
step over a straw, though for the perpetual settlement and security
of our Church and Nation.
8922 To stumble at a STRAW and leap over a block
01525 Hundred Mer. Tales 14 in Shak. 7est-Bks., I 30: (As the
common prouerbe is, they stumble at). 1530 PALS., p. 736b: Thou
lepest over a bloke and stomblest at a strawe. I546 HEY. II ix, 3.
K4v: (Ye stumbled and lept). I547 Homilies I, s. D4: They were
of so blynde iudgemente, that they stumbled at a strawe, and
leped ouer a blocke. I562 HEY. Epig. 143, p. 150: (Stumble at).
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y4v: Whilest you studie on the starres
with loftie lookes, and scale the skies with taratant tearms, you
stumble at a straw for want of good footing, and diue in the ditche,
where I feare you sticke faste. I586 WITHALS, s. DIv: (He
stumbles and leapes). 01594 BACON, no. 677: (To stumble over).
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 769: He stumbles at ane strae and loups over
ane brae. 1611 COT., s.v. Avaller. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 35: Some
stumble ouer strawes and leape ouer blockes. 1611 GRUT., no.
189: (Many stumble). 1614 CAM., p. 314: (Many stumble). 1616
DR., s.v. Scrupulositie, no. 1912: (Hee stumbleth and leapeth).
1623 CAM., p. 277: (Some stumble). 1636 CAM., p. 305: (Stumble
at). 1639 CL., p. 5: (He stumbles and leapes). 1641 FERG., no.
453: He stumbles at a strea and loupes at a brea. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 2. Ihid., p. 14: (and jump over a stile). 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Collo, p. 42: (To break ones neck at a straw; The
English say, to stumble at). 1670 RAY, p. 194. 1681 E. RAWLINS
Heraclitus Ridens Apr. 12: Whether they who stumble at a straw,
and leap over a block are not like those Beggars who halt before
they are Cripples. I721 KEL., p. 151: He stumbled at a Straw,
and leap’d o’er a Bink [bench]. *Spoken of them who are scrupu-
lously doubtful about a small Thing; and yet have large Consciences
in Things of a higher Nature. 1732 FUL., no. 4270: (Stumble at).
See ST., no. 2202. (13)

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
STRAWS
STRETCHING
637

8923 Go peel STRAWS
[01522] c1545 SKELTON Why Come Not to Court: Wks., II 35: They
make vs to pyll [peel] strawes. 1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 70.
1672 WALK. 10, p. 21: To sit still and pill straws.
$924 STRAWS show which way the wind blows
[a1654] 1689 SELDEN Table Talk, p. 67: Take a straw and throw it
up into the Air, you shall see by that which way the Wind is .
More solid things do not show the Complexion of the times so well,
as Ballads and Libels.
See APP., p. 605. Cf. G422: To pluck the grass to know where
the wind sits; W144: To know which way the wind blows.
8925 T0 pick STRAWS
1538 BALE K. 7011th l. 463, p. 22: Ye wold make VS pycke strawes.
1553 Respuhlica I iii, p. 11: Poore I maie picke strawes these
hungri dogges will snatch all. 01558 Wealth and Health 1. 211,
s. BI: Then I may Goe pyke strawes and take me rest. 1598 ].
HALL Satires IV iii, p. 71: And, if thou canst in picking strawes
engage In one half day thy father’s heritage. 01605 DEKKER 1
Hon. Whore, p. 79: Here they sit and pick the strawes. 1605
Trial Chivalry, s. D4v: I brought Thomasin to her Ladies Tent,
leauing her new-come Louer to picke strawes.
See ST., no. 2432.
8926 It is easy to wade the STREAM where the ford is
at lowest
I615 BRATHWAITE Strap. for Devil, p. 222: (Its easie saies the
Prouerb to wade).
See SM., p. 82.
soonest over.
Cf. H364: Where the hedge is lowest men may
8927 It is hard (folly, in vain) to strive against the
STREAM
[ERAS. Adagia, 748A: Contra torrentem niti.] CI460 Wisdom l.
491, p. 51: I woll no more row a-geyn the floode. 1509 A. BARCLAY
Ship Fools, II 32: I fynde it moste for mannys auauntage . . nat . .
To stryue agaynst the streme. 1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 1432:
Wks., I 418: He is not wyse ageyne the streme that stryuith. 1539
TAV., f. 14: It is euyll stryuyng against the streme, that is to saye,
It is great folye to struggle agaynste such thinges as thou canst not
ouercome. 1546 HEY. II V, s. H2: (Foly it is . . To). 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., I 27: To .. strike against the stream, hath ever been
counted extreme folly. 1586 WITHALS, s. B2v: It is hard swimming
against the streame. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1655: Yow stryv
against the stream. 1611 GRUT., no. 160: It is hard strivinge
against the streame. 1614 CAM., p. 308: [As in 1611 Grut.].
1615 W. SMITH Hector Germ. III iii, p. 105: And wise men will not
striue against the streame. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A5v): (It
is in vaine to). 1616 DR., s.v. Impossibility, no. 1098: He striueth
against the streame. I629 MASSINGER Roman ActorI i, p. 9: For
my part, I will obey the time; it is in vain To strive against the
torrent. 1639 CL., p. 53: Strive not against the streame. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: There is no striving against the stream.
1668 R.B., p. 57: Ye strive against the stream. 1670 RAY, p. 146:
No striving against the stream. 1688 R. HOLME Acad. Armory II
ii, I 29. 1721 KEL., p. 220: (It is ill to). 1732 FUL., no. 4268:
Strive not against the Stream.
SHAKESPEARE.——1592-3 V.A. l. 772: All in vain you strive against
the stream. 1605-8 T. Ath. IV i 25: Lust and liberty Creep in the
minds and marrows of our youth, That ’gainst the stream of virtue
they may strive, And drown themselves in riot!
See ST., no. 2204. Cf. F433: Folly it is to spurn (kick)
against a prick; H469: To hop against the hill; S896: To throw
stones against the wind; $930: To go (swim) with the stream.
(57)
$928 A little STREAM drives a light mill
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 153: (Ailittle streame serueth
to dryue). 1639 CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129. 1670 RAY, p. 116.
1732 FUL., no. 250: (will drive).

$929 The STREAM (current, tide) stopped swells the
higher
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 98: As the swift running stream ifit be not
stopped runneth smoothly away without noise, but if there be any
darn . . to stay the course thereof, it rageth and roareth and swelleth
above the banks. I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 209: Hast thou
not redde Euphues, that . . hee that stoppeth the streame forceth
it to swell higher? 1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 103: I have
read sweete Love, in the Aphorismes ofthe Philosophers, that heate
suppressed is more violent, the streame stopt makes the greater
Deluge, and passions concealed, procure the deeper sorrowes. 1590
SPENSER F..Q. II iv 11: The bankes are ouerflowen, when stopped
is the flood. [a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. A3: Do not force loue, where
fancy cannot dwell, Lest streames being stopt aboue the banks do
swell. I596 DEL., s. P6v: Loue doth increase when it is withstood.
I598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 158: As . . the stream stopt makes the
greater deluge: so passions concealed, procure the deeper sorrows.
[1636] I655 STRODE Float. Island I ii, p. 151: Water it selfe if
bounded in too streight, Will foame and swell and breake thick
bonds of Rock.
SHAKESPEAREr—ISQZ-s V.A. l. 331: An oven that is stopp’d, or
river stay’d, Burneth more hotly, swelleth with more rage. I593-4
Luc. l. 645: My uncontrolled tide Turns not, but swells the higher by
this let. Ihid. l. 1118: Deep woes roll forward like a gentle flood,
Who, being stopp’d, the bounding banks o’erflows. 1594 T.G. V.
II vii 25: The current that with gentle murmur glides .. being
Stopp’d, impatiently doth rage. 1596 K}. II i 335: Say, shall the
current of our right run on? Whose passage, vex’d with thy
impediment, Shall leave his native channel and o’erswell With
course disturb’d even thy confining shores, Unless thou let his
silver water keep A peaceful progress to the ocean. 1604 M.M.
III i 249: His unjust unkindness, that in all reason should have
quenched her love, hath, like an impediment in the current, made
it more Violent and unruly. 1605-8 T. Ath. I i 24: Like the current
flies Each bound it chafes. 1608 C. III i 249: Like interrupted
waters, and o’erbear What they us’d to bear.
Cf. F265: Fire that’s closest kept burns most of all; G449:
Grief pent up will break the heart.
$930 To go (swim) with the STREAM
1579 TOMSON 1 Tim. i: Serm. Calvin, p. 54: Yet suffer we all these
things to passe, and goe with the streame. I593 NASHE Christ’s
Tears: Wks., II 117: Because the multitude fauours Religion, he
runnes with the streame, and fauours Religion. 1611 FLOR., s.v.
Andar a seconda, p. 27: To follow the tyde, to second or sooth one.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Piena, p. 147: To go by the tide, viz. to
keep the main road, to do as others do. Ibid., s.v. Seconda, p. 1 88:
*To humour, and sooth any one, to say as he says, without opposi-
tion in the least. 1672 WALK. 35, p. 9: To go with the stream. To
sail with the tide.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. I ii 7: For not to swim 1’ th’ aid 0’
th’ current were almost to sink.
Cf. 5927: It is hard (folly, in vain) to strive against the stream;
W429: Sail with the wind and tide. (10)
$931 STREAMS back to their springs do never run
1578 T. PROCTOR ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 12: Beleeue this to bee
true, that streames shall soner turne, Or frosen Ice to fier coales, on
blasing flame to burne. 1598 S. BRANDON Vir. Octavia II, s. B8v:
And Tyber should his flowing streames recall: Before his loue should
euer thinke on change. 1609 F. GREVILLE Mustapha II iii, p. 337.
[1634] I655 MASSINGER Very Woman Epil., p. 390: All that I can
say Will never turn the stream the other way.
See OTTO, no. 678.
S932 STRETCHING and yawning lead to bed
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 14: When a
woman doth yawn and stretch, who understands not her meaning
is a silly wretch. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 250: Yawning cannot
lye, either he is sleepy, or would fain rest, or something ails him,
which he cannot utter. 1670 RAY, p. 216.
Cf. G48: Gaunting bodes wanting; M797: One may know your
meaning by your gaping (mumping). I

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
STRETTON IN THE STREET
STUDY
638

8933 STRETTON IN THE STREET, where shrews meet
I678 RAY, p. 333: *Rutlandshire.
8934 Harp no more on that STRING
1543 T. MORE Hist. Rich. III: Wks., I 49: (vpon). 1562 HEY.
Epig. 97, p. 141. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 135: On that stringe harpe
no more. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1663 CLARK Marciano I iv,
p. 5: Well . . no more of that string.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQ7 Rich. III IV iv 364: Harp not on that
string, madam; that is past. 1604 M.M. V i 63: O gracious Duke,
Harp not on that!
Cf. N248: To change one’s note; S637: To Sing another song;
5935: He harps on that string that gives no melody (makes no
good music); 5936: To harp upon one (the same) string.
8935 He harps on that STRING that gives no melody
(makes no good music)
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: (Ye harpe on the stryng, that). 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 151: Thou harpest on that string,
which long since was out of tune, but now is broken. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Unthankefulnesse, no. 231 1: (that will make no good musicke).
1639 CL., p. 179: (that makes no good musick). 1664 COD., p.
196: (which will make no good musick).
Cf. $934: Harp no more on that string.
8936 To harp upon one (the same) STRING
[ERAS. Adagia, 185E: Ridetur, chorda qui semper Oberrat eadem.]
01538 T. S'I‘ARKEY Dialogue I iv, 923: Eng. in Reign Hen. VIII II,
p. 126: You harpe apon one stryng contynually. 1546 HEY. II ix,
s. L2: But forthwith dyd fall, From harpi[n]g on that stryng to
fayre flattring spech. 1560-77 Misogonus IV iv 17: You harpe all
ofone stringe. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 6: Stil he harpid uppon
that string, that I culd not aford ani a gud word. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 272: He shoulde more ouer talke of manye
matters, not alwayes harp vpon one String. I580 BARET, E—2: A
Prouerbe to be applied vnto those, which reuolue oftentimes one
thing: and as we vse to saie of such, They harpe alwaie vpon one
string, or They are alwaie in one song. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 698:
He hairpes ay on ane string. 1616 DR., s.v. Tedious, no. 2106: He
harpeth alwayes on one string. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: You
harp still on one string. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tirare, p. 216:
To be harping alwaies upon one string, alwaies speaking of one and
the same Subject. 1670 RAY, p. 180: To harp upon the same
string. 1683 DA. Whole Art Converse I xiii, p. 54: Remember not
to touch alwaies upon the same string.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-1 H. II ii 188: How say you by that? Still
harping on my daughter. 1606—7 A. C. III xiii 141: He seems Proud
and disdainful, harping on what I am, Not what he knew I was.
1608 C. II iii 259: Say you ne’er had done’t (Harp on that Still) but
by our putting on.
Cf. C894: You are like the cuckoo, you have but one song;
M1324: He is a bad musician that can sing but one song; N248:
To change one’s note; S637: To Sing another song; S638: To sing
the same (one) song; $934: Harp no more on that String. (35)
8937 It is good to have two STRINGS to one’s bow
I477 CAX'I‘ON yason, p. 57: I wil wel that eueryman be amerous and
loue but that, he haue ii strenges on his bowe. I546 HEY. I xi, s.
D4: Ye haue many stryngs to the bowe. 01565 Bugbears I i 46:
(Allwaies it is good to). 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 255: My
counsayle is that thou haue more strings to thy bow then one.
1588 [MARPRELATE] Epistle: Marpr. Tracts, p. 45: Do you not think
that I have two strings to my bow? 1607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amh.
II ii 15: Archers euer Have two strings to a bow; and shall great
Cupid . . Be worse provided than a common archer? 1616 DR.,
s.v. Prouidence, no. 1757: (to his bowe). 1624 E. PETTIT (to H.
Pettit, Nov. 1) in Oxinden Letters 11, p. 17: Which adds a second
string to the bowe and maks a double indissoluble knott. 1639 CL.,
p. 42: Good to have two stringes to one bow. 1670 RAY, p. 197:
To have two strings to ones bow. 1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III i 3,
p. 237: As he that has two Strings t’ his Bow, And burns for Love
and Money too. 1721 KEL., p. 178. 1732 FUL., no. 2942.
See ST., no. 297. Cf. E184: Estate in two parishes is bread in
two wallets; M1236: The mouse that has but one hole is quickly
8941


taken; R119: Good riding at two anchors men have told, for if the
one fail the other may hold. (37)
8938 Nay, stay, quoth STRINGER when his neck was
in the halter
1678 RAY, p. 82. I732 FUL., no. 3512.
8939 It is good STRIVING to be the best
1639 CL., p. 319: (to be best). 1664 COD., p. 201.
8940 Great STROKES make not sweet music
[ERAS. Similia, 56113: Musici levi chordarum tactu demulcent, non
gravi pulsu.] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 224: Gentle words
in euery place . . maketh them [curst Wives] more quyet. Instru-
ments sound sweetest, when they be touched softest. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Grand: Hard Stroakes yeeld but harsh Musicke. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Mansuetudo, p. 204: (best musick). 1640 HERB., no. 26.
1659 N.R., p. 36: (makes not). 1664 COD., p. 217: The greatest
stroak makes not the sweetest musick. I670 RAY, p. 12: The
greatest strokes make not the best musick. 1721 KEL., p. 4: The
greatest Strokes make not the finest Musick. *Ofl'er’d in excuse for
a Man who may be useful in his Art or Profession, though there are
many better.
Many (Little) STROKES fell great oaks
[ERAS. Adagia, 331E: Multis ictibus dejicitur quercus.] 1539 TAV.,
f. 26v: Wyth many strokes is an oke ouerthrowen. *Nothyng is so
stronge but by lyttell and lyttell maye be brought downe. Where-
fore yonge men ought not to be discouraged by the greatnesse of
an enterpryse. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 22 5: Many Strokes
ouerthrow the tallest Oke. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 108:
Great Oakes [are] hewen downe with many blowes. I602 Alarm
for London, S. E4: Many strokes (at last) Cut downe the strongest
Oake, much more, the tree Hath but a few yeares growth. 1607
1. DAY, W. ROWLEY, AND WILKINS Trav. Three Eng. Bros., p. 69:
By many strokes the tallest okes are shaken. I616 WITHALS, p.
564: (fell downe Oakes). 1639 CL., s.v. Industriae, p. 163. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (fell down strong Oaks). 1664 COD., p.
206: (fell down an Oak). I670 RAY, p. 115: (Little). 1732 FUL.,
no. 3357: (fell the Oak). Ibid., no. 6319: (Little).
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI II i 54: And many Strokes,
though with a little axe, Hews down and fells the hardest-timber’d
oak.
See DI'IR., II, no. 560. Cf. S887: Spit on a stone and it will be
wet at last. '
8942 Never was STRUMPET fair
I640 HERB., no. 427. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
234.
8943 He seeks for STUBBLE in a fallow field
01640 SMYTH 4, p. 27: *Hee looseth his labour. Or, as wee other-
wise speake, seekes for a Needle in a bottle [bundle] of hay.
Cf. N97: To seek a needle in a bottle of hay.
$944 They thrive as New College STUDENTS,1 who are
golden scholars, Silver bachelors, and leaden
masters
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 20.
[lrich students of Oxford University]
8945 To be in a brown STUDY
01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 13: I must be firme
to bring him out of his Broune stodie on this fashion. 1580 G.
WALKER Detection Dice Play, p. 6: Lack of company will soon lead
a man into a brown study. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao III ii 1:
What browne studie art thou in Molus? no mirth? no life?
1591 GREENE Disc. Coz., p. 17: Halfe in browne study at this strange
salutation. [01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is AlteredIV ii 45: Faith this
browne study suites not with your blacke. 1602 DEKKER [AND
MARSTON] Satiro. l. 730, p. 25: I am in a browne study, my deare,
if loue should bee turned into a beast, what beast hee were fit to bee
turned into. 1622 MABBE Rogue II 11 vi, III 298: Is that which
thou musest upon (for I see thou art in a browne studie) some rare

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
STUMPS
Sun
639

plot? 1646 QUARLES Shep. Oracles XI: Wks., III 235: In a broune
studie? . . Speechlesse? 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Si, p. 192: In a
doubt and suspence what one should do; as the English usually say,
In a brown study, and at, Shall I? 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ri-
dens March 15: What’s the matter, man, in a brown study? —No,
I assure you, it is a very black one. a1700 B.E., s.v. Study:
In a brown Study, musing, pensive, careful. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 390: You are in a brown study.
Cf. C613: To put on one’s considering cap; L437: He looks as if
he had neither won nor lost. (14)
8946 To bestir (stir) one’s STUMPS
1559 Yack Cade in Mirrorfor Magistrates III, Pt. I, II 163: But hope
of money made him stur his stumps, And to assault mee valiauntly
and bolde. 1579 GOSSON Sch. dhuse, p. 51: It be the dutie of euery
man in a common wealth, one way or other to bestirre his stumpes.
I590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 8: HI stirre my stumpes with Vul-
can, though it be lamely done, yet thinke it is a daunce. I606 Wily
Beguiled xvii, p. 72: Come Pegge, bestirre' your stumpes: make thy
selfe smugge, wench; thou must be married to morrow. [1611]
I630 MIDDLETON Chaste Maid in Cheaps. V iii 2: I think I have be-
stirr’d my stumps, i’faith. 1622 MARKHAM AND SAMPSON Herod and
dntipater III, s. H2v: I bestir’d my stumps ere this worke was
brought to passe. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Haste, p. I 5 5: Bestir
your stumps. a1700 B.E., s.v. Bustle: Bustle about, to be very
Stirring, or bestir one’s Stumps. (I7)
8947 A Huntington1 STURGEON
1667 PEPYs Diary May 22, VI 334: This day coming from West-
minster . . we saw at White Hall stairs a fisher~boat, with a sturgeon
that he had newly catched in the River; which I saw, but it was but
a little one; but big enough my mistake (of) that for a colt, if I ever
become Mayor of Huntingdon. 1670 RAY, p. 312.
[1a small inland town]
8948 STURT1 pays no debt
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1182. I668 R.B., p. 48. 1721 KEL., p. 292:
*Spoken with Resentment, to them who storm when we crave of
them our just Debts.
[lhaughtiness]
S949 A STYLE1 toward and a wife forward are uneasy
companions
01640 SMYTH 86, p. 32.
[lstile?]
8950 He that is hated of his SUBJECTS cannot be
counted a king
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 544. 1668 R.B., p. 26.
$951 Lose not the SUBSTANCE for the shadow
1578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit, p. 201: In arguing of the shadowe, we
forgoe the substance. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 135: With
Esopes Dogge, letteth fall the fleshe, to catche the shadow. I583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. CIV: They scatter the meate they haue in
their mouthes, while they scratch for the shadowe which deludes
them with shew. 1613 T. ADAMs White Devil: Wks., p. 47: Thinke
not you fadome the substance, when you embrace the shadow.
1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends IV iv, s. II: Whil’st wee striue about
the shaddow Wee haue the substance ravish’d from vs. 1633 T.
HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. III i, p. 57: You doate vpon the shadow, But
another he beares away the substance. 1636 T. HEYWOOD Chall.
for Beauty I, p. 13: Play not Esops cur, lose not the substance in ex-
pectation of the shadow. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 40: Sometimes
the flesh is left for the shadow. *Note 61, p. 59: Alluding to the
fable in lEsop. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sostanza, p. 197: The
English say . . To send good Mony after bad, to lose the Substance,
for the Shaddow.
See T. 196, p. 138. Cf. MI 100: To send good money after bad;
8900: Between two stools the tail (ass) goes (comes) to ground.
S952 SUBTLETY is better than force
1616 DR., no. 2435. 1664 COD., p. 210.
Cf. P462: Policy goes beyond strength.

$953 To leave one (To lie, To be) in the SUDs (sands)
1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War: Posies, p. 161: He . . sought with vict-
uall t0 supplie Poore Myddleburgh which then in suddes did lie.
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 8: Scilla, who before kept other in hands,
was now herselfset in the sands. 01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p.
87: Lett not any necessary, or expedient action lye jn the suddes.
[1614] 1631]0Ns0N Barth. Fair IV iv 10'. Why, where are you, zurs?
doe youvlinch, and leave vs i’ the zuds, now? 1616 DR., no. 418:
Hee is in the suds. Ihid., s.v. Perplexity, no. 1609: Gravelled in the
suddes, or sands. 1616 SS. Hon. Lawyer IV, s. H4v: Ile to Vir-
ginia, like some cheating Bankrout, and leaue my Creditour ith’
suddes. [1621] I652 FLETCHER Wild Goose Chase II iii, p. 342: Will
ye forsake me now and leave me i’th’ suds? 01626 Dick Dev. II i, p.
29: We may hap to be in the suddes ourselves. 1631 MABBE Ce-
lestina XXI, p. 280: Out alas! . . Our solace is in the suds. I641
MILTON flnimadv. upon Remons. Def.: Wks., Pt. I, III 173: They
may all for holinesse lie together in the suds. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Scantonata, p. 182: To leave one in the lurch, or suds.
See ST., no. 1915. Cf. L72: To leave one in the lash; L588: To
leave one (To lie) in the lurch. (28)
$954 SUFFER and expect
1640 HERB., no. 698.
8955 Of SUFFERANCE comes ease
1477 BURCH Cato’s Dist., s. B2v: Sufl'erance doth ease was seyd
longe agoo. 1546 HEY. I ix, 5. C2. 1562 HEY. Epig. 43, p. 134.
[01570] I599 Clyomon and Clamydes xxii, s. G3. 1576 R. EDWARDS
Par. Dainty Dev., p. [38], ballad title. [01589] 1633 MARLOWE Yew
Malta I ii 239: Be silent, daughter; sufferance breeds ease. 1607
MARSTON What You Will Prol., p. 328: I’ll give a proverb,—Suf-
ferance giveth ease. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 404. 1611 GRUT., no.
206. 1614 CAM., p. 310. 1616 DR., s.v. Patience, no. 1596. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1678 RAY, p. 207.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IV V iv 27: That right should thus
overcome might! Well, of sufferance comes ease. (7)
8956 It is not the SUFFERING but the cause and the
patience that makes a martyr
1644 TORSHELL Hypocrite Disc. I xii, p. 44: That saying which hath
gone current through all Antiquity, That it is not the suffering but
the cause which makes a Martyr, will hold good still. 1655 F UL-
LER Church Hist. X iv, III 254: To Smithfield he was brought to be
burned . . It is neither the pain, nor the place, but only the cause
makes a martyr. 1732 FUL., no. 5107.
8957 That which SUFFICES is not little
1640 HERB., no. 870.
8958 For fair SUGAR fair ratsbane
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I 3v: (For fyne suger).
fulnesse, no. 2310.
1616 DR., s.v. Vnthanke-
Sg59-Sg60 SUIT=apparel
S959 One SUIT of good apparel is worth two of bad
1616 DR., s.v. Rare, or scarce, no. 1802.
8960 That SUIT is best that best fits me
1639 CL., p. 16. I670 RAY, p. 146.
896 1-8962 SUIT = lawsuit
$961 A SUIT of law and a urinal bring a man to the
hospital
1616 DR., no. 1203: Suites in Law, and oft taking of physicke vn-
doeth many. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 5: Law, the Taverne, and an
Urinall, send a man to the Hospitall. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. I:
(A suit in Law, and). 1664 COD., p. 184: (A Suit in Law and).
1670 RAY, p. 15: *Hispan. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Law. 1705 Pleas.
drt, p. 152. 1732 FUL., no. 6238: (A Suit at Law, and).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
SUITS 640
SUN

8962 SUITS hang half a year in Westminster Hall, at
Tyburn half an hour’s hanging ends all
1562 HEY. Epig. 11, p. 180.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 //en. IV I ii 75: Thou shalt .. become a
rare hangman . . —ltjumps with my humour as well as waiting
in the court, I can tell you. —For obtaining of suits? —Yea, for
obtaining of suits, whereof the hangman hath no lean wardrobe.
S963 The last SUITOR wins the maid
I611 COT., s.v. Aime: Hee is best thought of that comes last; a new
friend makes the old forgotten; the last Suiter wins the wench.
1664 COD., p. 215. 1670 RAY, p. 15. 1732 FUL., no. 4624.
8964 To be sick of the SULLENs
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 63: She was solitaryly walking,
with hir frowning cloth, as sick lately of the solens. 1596 LODGE
Wit’s Misery, p. 101: Rather die sicke of the sullens then tell his
griefe. 1615 R. COCKS Diary Aug. 21, I44: He could not Com, be-
ing sick of the sullens, because I would not lend hym money. 1632
MASSINGER Emp. East III iv, p. 252: If she be not sick of the sul-
lens, I see not The least infirmity in her. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. Sad, p. 288: Sick of the sullens.
SHAKESI’EARE.—I606—7 A.C. I iii 13: I am sick and sullen.
Cf. M 1307: Sick of the mulligrubs with eating chopped hay. (20)
8965 A small SUM will serve to pay a short reckoning
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 153. 1639 CL., s.v. Frugali-
tas, p. 128. 1670 RAY, p. 143. 1696 D’URFEY3 Don Quix. V i, p.
287: A small Sum, look ’ee, will pay a short Reckoning. 1732 FUL.,
no. 413: (may serve for a small Reckoning).
8966 You dream of a dry SUMMER
1642 D. ROGERS Matr. Honor ix,
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
1639 CL., s.v. Conjecturae, p. 64.
p. 194: (Youth . . makes them dreame of).
p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 172: (To dream of).
S967 As good as one shall see in a SUMMER’s day
1594 LYLY Mother B. I iii 44: He is as goodly a youth as one shall see
in a Summers daie. [1600] 1659 DAY Blind Beg. V, s. K2: As fair
milch kine . . as a man sho’d need to see on a Summers day. 1602
DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 810, p. 27: As hard-fauourd a
fellow as your maiestie has scene in a sommers day. 1605 Lond.
Prod., 3. E4: As pretty a dowssabell, as ani chould chance to see In a
Sommers day. 1606 Wily Beguiled iv, p. 16: Hees as fine a man as
a wench can see in a sommer’s day. 1634 T. HEYWOOD Maidenhead
l/Vell Lost II, p. 121: As goodly a large place to statue in, as your
Ladiship can desire to see in a Summers day.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. I ii 88: A proper man as one shall
see in a summer’s day. 1599 Hen. V III vi 66: I’ll assure you ’a
utt’red as prave words at the pridge as you shall see in a summer’s
day. Ibid. IV viii 21: Here is (praised be God for it!) a most con-
tagious treason come to light, look you, as you shall desire in a
summer’s day.
8968 Although the SUN shines leave not your cloak at
home
1640 HERB., no. 322: (shine, leave not thy cloake at home). 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 8: Though the Sun shines yet leave not thy
cloak at home. 1659 N.R., p. 107: Though the Sun shine leave not
thy cloak at home. 1664 COD., p. 186: (shine, yet leave not).
1670 RAY, p. 25: (Though). *Hispan. 1732 FUL., no. 5014: Tho’
the Sun shines, take your Cloak. 1734 FRANKLIN, p. 8: When ’tis
fair, be sure to take your great coat with you.
Cf. C417: A cloak for the rain.
8969 As clear as the SUN
1539 TAV., f. 56v: The thyng that is apparant, and whiche noman
denyeth, we cal as cleare as the sonne. [01560] 1581 WOODES Confl.
Cons. IV iv, s. G2v: Oh cristall cleare as sun. 1579 G. HARVEY Let.
Bk., p. 66: Is it not cleerer then the sonne at noonedayes? 1639
CL., s.v. Perspicuitas, p. 252: (the Sunne at noone). 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 18: (the Sun at noon-tide). I670 RAY, p. 203. 1688

8971

BUNYAN 7erusalem Sinner Saved: Wks., I 70: The text is as clear as
the sun.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. VI ii 86: So that, as clear as is the
summer’s sun, King Pepin’s title.
8970 He has been in the SUN
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Ofone drunk. 1732 FUL., no. 1 883: He hath been
in the Sun tO-day; his Face looks roasted.
He has the SUN on his face and the wind on his
back
1639 CL., s.v. Auxilium et citra auxilium, p. 42.
8972 He that walks much in the SUN will be tanned at
last
1553 T. WILSON Rhet. Prol., s. A5: Who that toucheth Pitch shall
be filed with it, and he that goeth in the Sunne shall bee Sunne
burnt, although he thinke not of it. SO they that wil reade this or
such like bookes, shall in the ende be as the bookes are. 1579
GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 59: We walke in the Sun many times for
pleasure, but our faces are tanned before we returne: though you go
to theaters to se sport, Cupid may catche you ere you departe.
1579 E.K. Ded. in Spenser Shep. Cal., p. 5: How could it be . . but
that walking in the sonne . . he mought be sunburnt; and, having
the sound of those auncient Poetes still ringing in his eares, he
mought . . hit out some Of theyr tunes. 1639 CL., s.v. Assiduitas,
p. 35. 1670 RAY, p. 146: (They that walk much i’th’ sun). 1732
FUL., no. 4986: They that walk in the Sun, must be content to be
tan’d.
Cf. P358: He that touches pitch shall be defiled; S991: Where the
sun shines there resort.
8973 If it rains when the SUN is shining the devil is
beating his wife
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 47, p. 79: When it rains, and the Sun shines
both at one and the same time; the French say . . the Devil is beat-
ing Of his wife. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 384: It rained, and the
sun shone at the same time. —Why, then the devil was beating his
wife behind the door with a shoulder of mutton.
$974 The March SUN causes dust and the wind blows
it about
1664 COD., p. 220. 1670 RAY, p. 17.
8975 The March SUN raises but dissolves not
1640 HERB., no. 610. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 14: Like March Sun,
which heats but doth not melt.
8976 March SUN sticks like a lock of wool
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 22.
S977 A morning SUN and a wine-bred child and a
Latin-bred woman seldom end well
1611 COT., s.v. Soleil: A glaring morne, a woman Latinist, and wine-
fed child, make men crie had I wist. I640 HERB., no. 860. 1659
HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 8: A Sun glittering in the morning, a Latin
woman, and a child nurs’d with wine, seldome come to a good end.
1659 N.R., p. 108: The Sun that shineth early in the morning, a
Woman that speaketh lattin, and a Child that drinketh Wine, sel-
dom make good end.
Cf. H375: Take heed of a young wench, a prophetess, and a Latin
woman; $978: The morning sun never lasts a day.
8978 The morning SUN never lasts a day
1640 HERB., no. 371. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 22: Too early a
Sun lasts not a whole day. 1659 N.R., p. 99. 1664 COD., p. 219:
(The mornings Sun). 1670 RAY, p. 18. 1754 FRANKLIN, p. 31:
For Age and Want save while you may; NO morning Sun lasts a
whole Day.
SHAKESPEARE—I609 Son. 18, l. 5: Sometime too hot the eye
of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimm’d.
Cf. $977: A morning sun and a wine-bred child and a Latin-bred
woman seldom end well.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SUN
SUN
641

8979 The rising, not the setting, SUN is worshiped by
most men
[ERAS. Adagia, 786B: Plures adorant solem orientem, quam occi-
dentem.] 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 67: All men commonly more
reioyce in the Sunne rising, then they doe in the Sunne setting.
1584 LYLY Camp. I i 19: I perceiue you are borne in the East, and
neuer laugh but at the sunne rising. [I590] I654 CHAPMAN AND
PEELE Alphonsus I i 68: Men rather honour the sun rising than the
sun going down. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward
Ho Prol., l. 10: Honour the Sunnes faire rising not his setting. Ihid.
I i 108: Looke not Westward to the fall of Don Phoebus, but to the
East. 01606 Caesar and Pomp. II iv, s. D3: The Rising Sunne, not
Setting, doth men please. 1620 J.C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids I iii, s.
C4v: Wrong’d you the Light, That came but as the Egyptians, to
adore The rising Sunne, and to fall downe before it. 1620 or 1630
T.D. Bloody Bang. I i, s. A4: I am not worth the Old and at set,
honour the rising Sunne. 1634 J. FORD Perkin War. IV, p. 221:
Was any Nation read of, so besotted In reason, as to adore the set-
ting Sunne. [1635] 1655 MASSINGER Bashful Lover I i, p. 393: The
rising sun with joyful superstition, I could fall down and worship.
1639 CL., s.v. Adulatio, p. 12: Men use to worship the rising sunne.
1656 W. SANDERSON Hist. Mary Qu. Scot. I, p. 5: People most usu-
ally, upon dislike of present things, look up after the rising sun and
forsake the setting. I670 RAY, p. 137: *They that are young and
rising have more followers, then they that are old and decaying.
This consideration, it is thought, withheld Queen Elizabeth a pru-
dent Princess from declaring her successour. 1732 FUL., no. 3470:
Most Men worship the rising Sun.
SHAKESPEARE.—16o5-8 T. Ath. I ii 150: Men shut their doors
against a setting sun. 1609 Son. 7,]. 1: L0, in the Orient when the
gracious light Lifts up his burning head, each under eye Doth
homage to his new-appearing sight.
See ST., no. 2658. Cf. M1147: More favor lusty youth than
crooked age. (6)
8980 The same SUN softens (melts) wax and hardens
clay
[ERAS. Similia, 608A: Ut idem sol ceram liquefacit, et lutum indu-
rat: Ita eadem oratio alios reddet meliores.] 1579 GASCOIGNE
Hemetis: Wks., II 476: We see that one self same soonshyne doth
both harden the clay, and dissolve the wax. I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s
Commonw., f. 216: The sun melteth waxe, and hardneth clay. 1600
CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 23: As one and the same Sunne hardeneth
myre, and yet melteth wax. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep H ush.,
p. 112: You see, how the same Sunne works severall effects upon
Waxe and Clay; for it softneth the one, and hardneth the other.
1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof. I I, p. 25: The same heat that melts the
wax, will harden the clay.
8981 The SUN is comfortable
1639 CL., s.v. Iustitiae, p. 182.
8982 The SUN is never the worse for shining on a
dunghill
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 193: The Sun shineth vppon the
dungehill, and is not corrupted. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 39: A bright Sunne shineth in euery corner, which maketh not
the beames worse, but the place better. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I
52: The Sunne (sayth hee [Diogenes]) shyneth and spreadeth its
beames on uncleane places, and yet never defileth it selfe. 1595
SOUTHWELL St. Peter’s Comp. (1596 ed.) 56: Poems, p. 25: But those
vnspotted eyes [of Christ] encountred mine, As spotlesse sunne doth
on the dunghill shine. 1605 BACON Adv. Learning II, p. 12: Of the
nature of the sun, which passeth through pollutions and itself re-
mains as pure as before. 1633 PRYNNE Histrio-M. Pt. II, IV ii, p.
961: If any here reply . . That the Sunne shines on a dung-hill, and
yet its beames are not defiled by it . . for unto the pure all things are
pure. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 262: The sun is never defiled.
1732 FUL., no. 4776.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I I iii 68: Sometimes the beam of
her view gilded my foot, sometimes my portly belly. —Then did
the sun on dunghill shine.
Cf. F2I9: To the filthy all things taste filthy.

8983 The SUN never sets on the Spanish dominion
[A saying applied to the Spanish dominions in the seventeenth
century, and later to the British Empire.] 1623 HOWELL Let. I
iii 32, I 198: [The Spanish monarch] hath Dominions in all parts of
the World . . So the Sun shines all the four-and-twenty hours of the
natural day upon some part or other of his Countries. 1631 J.
SMITH Advert. Planters XV, p. 61: Why should the brave Spanish
Souldiers brag, The Sunne never sets in the Spanish dominions, but
ever shineth on one part or other. 1640 HOWELL Dodona’s
Grove, p. 10: Vast and very spacious are the Dominions of Elayana
[Spain], and ofsuch a latitude that the sun never forsakes her quite.
1648 GAGE Surv. W. Indies To Rdr. : Our Neighbours the Hollanders
. . have conquered so much Land in the East and West-Indies, that
it may be said of them, as of the Spaniards. That the Sun never
sets upon their Dominions.
8984 The SUN sees all things and discovers all things
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 310: Accordyng to the prouerbe, Sol omnia
uidet ac revelat, The soonne seeth all thynges and discouereth all
thynges.
Cf. T333: Time reveals (discloses) all things.
8985 The SUN shines upon all alike
[Matt. v 45: He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good.
ERAS. Similia, 607E: Sol non alius est pauperi, alius diviti, sed om-
nibus communis.] I552 LATIMER Serm. 19, p. 363: He letteth his
sun shine as well over the wicked as over the good. 1553 T. WILSON
Rhet., p. 32: The Sunne shineth indifferently ouer all. 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 199: The Sunne when he is at his hight shin-
eth aswel vpon course carsie [homespun], as cloth of tissue. 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 106: Like unto the Sunne, hee woulde spread
the beames of his bountie uppon all sortes of persons. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. Ff2v: Phoebus for all his heauenly throne vouch
safes to lende his comfortable lighte, as well to the valleys as to the
mountaines. 01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 99: The Sunn grati-
fieth good and badd. 1596 Edw. III, s. C2: Bid her be free and
generall as the sunne, Who smiles vpon the basest weed that growes,
As louinglie as on the fragrant rose. 1616 BRET., p. 5: The sunne
Shines through all the world. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xlix,
IV 85: When the Sunne shines, he shines upon all. 1629 D’AVE-
NANT Alhovine III, p. 50: He’s royal As his blood, and liberal as the
sun That shines on all. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3: The Sergeant
and the Sun are every where. 1666 S. PARKER Free Cens. Plat.
Philos., p. 24: And like his own Sun, shines upon the Just and Unjust.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II I iii 144: This must my comfort
be—That sun that warms you here shall shine on me. 1599 Hen. V
IV Prol. 43: The sun His liberal eye doth give to every one, Thawing
cold fear. 1601 T.N. III i 43: Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb
like the sun; it Shines everywhere. 1602 T. C. I iii 89: The glorious
planet Sol . . whose med’cinable eye . . posts, like the command-
ment ofa king, Sans check, to good and bad. 1610 Cym. III iv 139:
Hath Britain all the sun that shines? 1611 W. T. IV iv 455: The
selfsame sun that shines upon his court Hides not his visage from
our cottage, but Looks on alike. (8)
8986 The SUN together with man generates man
1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 7: The Sun and Man begett Man, the
Prince and Parlement begett Lawes. I664 HAVERS Disc. Virtuosi
France 3, p. 12: As the Sun, which together with Man generates
Man.
8987 To get the SUN of one
1596 Edw. III, s. D3: Ah but alas she winnes the sunne of me.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 263: The sun in ones eyes, a sad battel.
*Note I 56, p. 276: Armies are mightily disadvantag’d by the Sun, if
it strike in their eyes. 1673 D’AVENANT News V, p. 193: Believe
the opposition of the sun Unto your face is your impediment, You
may remove, and wear him on your back.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594—5 L.L.L. IV iii 368: Be first advis’d, In
conflict that you get the sun of them.
8988 To set forth the SUN with a candle (lantern, taper)
1540 PALSGRAVE
seme here to be
[ERAS. Adagia, 284D: Lumen soli mutuum das.]
Acolastus Ep., p. 11: What meane I . . which . .

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
SUN 642
SUPERNAGULUM

thus farre abused, as to be aboute to shewe lyght vnto the bryght
shynynge sonne? I551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia I, p. 27: They
need not . . of me to bee praysed, vnlesse I woulde seeme to shew,
and set-furth the brightnes of the sonne with a candell, as the Prou-
erbe saieth. 1557 T. NORTH Dial Princes Ep. Ded.: It were as
lost labour, as to hold a burning Taper in the bright Sunne at Noone-
day. 1581 LAMEARDE Eiren. IV Proem, p. 358: In being too busie
with that which belongeth thereto, I shal as the saying is, but set a
Candle in the Sunne-shine, and rather bewray want in my selfe,
then bringe help or light unto them. 1586 G. WHITNEY Choice
Emblems II, p. 107: Bicause, it is in vaine, to set a candell in the
Sonne. c1594 BACON, no. 688: To help the sunne with lantornes.
[01602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King V, p. 77: Alas, my deeds Con-
ferr’d With his, are like a Candles light TO'out-shine the mid-dayes
glory. 1606 DANIEL Arcadia Ded., p. 214: T’haue show’d A
Counterfeit of state, had beene to light A candle to the Sunne.
1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua II i, s. DI: But what Should I light a Candle
to the bright Sunneshine of my glorious renowne. 1615 T. ADAMS
Mystical Bedlam: W ks., p. 48 3: [It] doth as much good, as a candle
in a Sunshine. 1665 DRYDEN Ind. Emperor V ii, p. 398: For what’s
more vain than public light to shun, And set up tapers, while we see
the sun?
SHAKESPEARE.—01595 R._'7. II ii 19: The brightness of her cheek
would shame those stars As daylight doth a lamp. 1596 K]. IV ii
14: Or with taper light To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to gar-
nish, Is wasteful and ridiculous excess. 1596 M.V. V i 92: When
the moon shone, we did not see the candle. —So doth the greater
glory dim the less.
Cf. M1120: The moon is not seen Where the sun shines; S826:
Stars are not seen by sunshine (at midday). (5)
$989 When the SUN is highest he casts the least
shadow
[ERAS. Similia, 610B: Sicuti quo directius nos ferit sol radiis suis,
hoc minor est umbra nostri.] 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s.
E4v: The higher the Sun, the lesser our shadowes are. 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 179: When the Sunne is at the highest . .
then is my shadowe at the shortest. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., 3.
U4: The Sun in the highest delighteth in the shadowe which is
shortest. 1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 33: As the more directly
that the Sunne lieth vpon vs, the lesse is the shadowe of our bodie.
1608 CHAPMAN Byron’s Trag. V i 140: As the sun At height and
passive o’er the crowns of men . . Cast but a little or no shade at all.
1732 FUL., no. 5607.
SHAKESPEARE—I608 C. I i 263: Such anature,Tickled with good
success, disdains the shadow Which he treads on at noon.
8990 When the SUN rises the disease will abate
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 400.
Cf. A93: Fresh air is ill for the diseased or wounded man.
8991 Where the SUN shines there resort
1616 DR., no. 1755.
Cf. G272: Out of God’s blessing into the warm sun; 5972: He
that walks much in the sun will be tanned at last.
8992 Two SUNS cannot Shine in one sphere
[ERAS. Similia, 608B: Ut plures apparere Soles prodigium est: Ita
plures esse Monarchas, aut Imperatores.] 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv.
IV, II 171: Two kinges in one kingdome doe not agree well together.
1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 17 5: The firmament can brooke
but one Sunne, and for my part I must not shine. [01613] 1632 T.
HEYWOOD 2 Iron Age, p. 429: Two Sunnes cannot shine Within one
spheare. [c1613] 1639 CHAPMAN ChahotI i 224: Two Stars so lucid
cannot shine at once In such a firmament.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1592 T. And. V iii 17: What, hath the firmament
moe suns than one? 1597 I Hen. IV V iv 65: Two stars keep not
their motion in one sphere.
Cf. L495: Love and lordship like no fellowship.
8993 He that hangs himself on SUNDAY shall hang
still uncut down on Monday
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D3: Well, he that hangth hym selfe a sondaie
(saied he) Shall hang styll vncut downe a mondaie for me.

_
8994 When SUNDAY comes it will be holy day
1616 BRET., p. 9: (a holy-day). 1639 CL., p. 19.
$995 When two SUNDAYS come together
[I598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. D2: But Matt, art
thou so mad as to turne French? —Yes marry when two Sun-
dayes come together. 1639 CL., s.v. Nunquam nusquam, p. 229:
(fall together). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Nimbo, p. 117: (To be
on such a time as when). Ibid., s.v. Venerdi, p. 227: To make one
believe one thing for another, that two Sundaies may come to-
gether, or that the Moon is made of green Cheese. I670 RAY,
p. 194: When two Sundays meet. *Ad Graecas calendas. 1672
WALK. 43, p. 52: At latter Lammass; at Nevermass; when two
sundays come together. 1677 COLES Eng. Lat. Dict., s. XXI. 1681
ROB., p. 1189. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Sunday: When two Sundays
meet, that is never.
Cf. G441: At the Greek calends; L29: When Our Lady shall have
a new son; L90: At latter Lammas; M1116: He would make him
believe that the moon iS made of green cheese; N136: At Never-,
mass.
8996 No SUNSHINE but has some shadow
I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 216v: Euery light hath his
shadow. 1639 CL., p. 211. Ibid., s.v. Voluptas, p. 326: No sun
without a shadow. 1658 FRANCK North. Mem., p. 36: No sun shines
without some cloud. 1670 RAY, p. 146. 1732 F UL., no. 3631.
Cf. J8 5: No joy without annoy.
8997 Hot SUP hot swallow
1559 COOPER, s.v. Intero: Selfe doe, selfe haue, hote suppe, hote
swallow. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 153. 1639 CL.,
p. 200. 1670 RAY, p. 106. 1732 FUL., no. 2551.
Cf. S217: Self do self have.
8998 It is impossible to SUP and blow together (with
one breath)
1548 ELYOT, s.v. Flo: Simul flare et forbere, a prouerbe signifiyng
to dooe two contrary thynges together. 1597 BRETON W it’s
Trenchmour: W ks., II II: Contraries cannot at one time be in one
subiect: which we see otherwise doe fall out in a man, that warmes
his hands, and cooles his pottage, and all with one breath. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 901: I can not both sup and blow. I615 WELDE
Yanua Ling. 259, p. 16: (to blowe and sup both at once). 1623
WOD., p. 490. 1641 FERG., no. 646. I668 R.B., p. 40: Na man
can both sup and blow together. 1672 WALK. 26, p. 8: ’Tis hard
to sup and blow both with a wind. I681 ROB., p. 1190: It is hard
to sup and blow with one breath. 1721 KEL., p. 3 59: We cannot
both sup and blow.
Cf. B476: Blow first and sip afterwards; M227: A man cannot
spin and reel at the same time; M782: He can hold meal in his
mouth and blow; T294: I cannot run and sit still at the same time.
8999 Who SUPS well sleeps well
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 44.
Cf. B183: Better to go to bed supperless than to rise in debt;
B196: Who goes to bed supperless all night tumbles and tosses.
81000 To drink SUPERNACULUM
[To drink to the last drop.] 1581-90 Timon II v, p. 38: I drinke
this to thee super naculum. 1592 NASHE Pierce Penn., p. 205:
Drinking super nagulum, a deuise of drinking new come out of
Fraunce; which is, after a man hath turnd vp the bottom of the
cup, to drop it on his naile, and make a pearle with that is left;
which, if it shed, and he cannot make stand on, by reason thers too
much, he must drinke againe for his pennance. [c1600] 1706
George a Greene 4 in Early Eng. Prose Rom., II 178: Feeling the wax
still sticking in his throat, [he] drank it off Supernaculum. 1617
T. YOUNG Eng. Bane, p. 331: He is a man of no fashion that cannot
drinke supernaculum. 1675 [DRYDEN] Mistaken Hus. IV vi, p. 62 5:
Pledge the gentleman—Super naculum.
Cf. P164: Make a pearl on your nail.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), 01' by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SUPPER 643 SUSPICION

$1001 I never fared worse than when I wished for 81011 Every SURFEIT foreruns a fast
my SUPPER 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Q4v.
1623 CAM“ p_ 272. I639 CI“, s_v_ Fames, p_ IMP I670 RAY, SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IV III ii 71: They surfeited with
p. 157. I732 FUL., no. 2622: (wish’d for Supper).
51002 If I were abed I would not rise for my SUPPER
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 127: A warm bed oft makes pottage cold.
*Note 41, p. 1 3 3: As the English say, almost to the same purpose,
If I were abed, I would not rise for my supper.
$1003 Light SUPPER makes long life
16th c. Old English Proverhs in Relig. 1177"?“ I 208: A little in the
morninge, nothing at noone, And a light supper doth make to live
longe. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 941: Light supper long lyf gait airly
up and dyne. I641 FERG., no. 578. 1668 R.B., p. 35. 1721 KEL.,
p. 242: Light Suppers, long life Days.
Cf. G148: Gluttony (Surfeit) kills more than the sword.
81003a To sing for one’s SUPPER
1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle II i, p. 180:
Let thy Father . . stay at home and sing for his supper.
See APP., p. 452.
81004 By SUPPERs more have been killed than Galen
(Avicen) ever cured
1640 HERB., no. 268. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 22: Suppers killed
more then Avicen ever cured. 1659 N.R., p. 21. 1664 COD., p.
187: (By Suppers and Surfets more).
Cf. G148: Gluttony (Surfeit) kills more than the sword.
81005 Light SUPPERS make clean sheets
1616 BRET., p. 8: A light supper makes cleane sheets. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Temperantia, p. 306: A light supper keeps cleane sheets. 1670
RAY, p. 36. 1732 FUL., no. 3216.
81006 Sleep without SUPPING and wake without owing
1640 HERB., no. 93. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 24.
1659 N.R., p. 90: Sleep without Supper wake without owing. 1705
Pleas. Art, p. I 56. 1757 FRANKLIN, p. 34: Sleep Without Supping,
and you’ll rise without owing for it.
Cf. B183: Better to go to bed supperless than to rise in debt.
SIoo7 SURE: subst.
81007 SURE and unsure are not all one
1639 CL., p. 29.
81008 SURE: adv.
81008 I am here as SURE as you are there
01596 MUNDAY ET AL. Sir T. More I ii 173: Are ye sure Ye had a
pursse about ye? ——-Sure, M(aiste)r Shreeue! as sure as you are
there. 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. G4: Bos art there?
—As sure as you are there Signior. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 381:
O! colonel, are you here? —As sure as you’re there, madam.
Cf. C470: As sure as the coat is on one’s back; S818: As true as
you stand there.
81009 He that will be a SURETY shall pay
[Prov. xi 15: He that hateth suretiship is sure.] 1539 TAV., f. 20v:
Be suretie for an other and harme is at hande. 1596 DEL., s. PW.
1616 DR., no. 2082: He that is surety for another must pay. 1651
HERB., p. 369: (be surety). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via,
p. 23: (be surety). 1721 KEL., p. 272: Oft times the Cautioner
[surety] pays the Debt. *Not only a Caution against Suretiship,
but often a Return to them who say they’ll be Caution (that is,
Bail) that we will come to some ill Accident. In the first Sense it
answers the English, He that would be Master of his own must not
be bound for another.
81010 Your SURETY wants a surety
1678 RAY ddagia Hehr., p. 404.

honey and began To loathe the taste of sweetness. 1604 M.M.
I ii 130: Surfeit is the father of much fast.
Cf. B289: The belly that is full may well fast.
$1012 The best SURGEON is he that has been well
hacked (slashed) himself
1591 STEP., p. 150: There is no better chirurgian then he that hath
bene often wounded. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7: There is not a
better Surgeon then he who hath been slashed. 1732 FUL., no.
4419.
Cf. $1015: Surgeons ought not to be full of sores themselves.
$1013 A good SURGEON (chirurgeon) must have an
eagle’s eye, a lion’s heart, and a lady’s hand
1585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. M2v: Three things very requisite in
a Chirurgion. A haukes eye. A lions heart. A ladies hand.
1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 19: And other three [properties
required] in a good Chirurgian, a Hawkes eye, a Lyons heart, and
a Ladies hand. 1611 DAVIES To Worthy Persons: Scourge Folly,
p. 51: Then with a ladies hand sith thou wouldst cure, The sore’s
too sore that cannot that endure. 1617 T. ADAMS Soldier’s Honor:
Wks., p. 1080: We say of the Chirurgion, that he should haue a
Ladies hand, and a Lyons heart. 1619 BASSE Help Discourse,
p. 100: How many things are chiefly required in a good Chirurgion?
These three properties: A Hawks eye. A Lions heart. A Ladies
hand. 1639 CL., p. 205: (must have a Ladies hand, and a Lyons
heart). I654 WHITLOCK Zootomia, p. 392: We must . . have (like
the Chirurgion) the Ladies hand for compassionate tendernesse,
and Lions heart for bold Impartiality. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p.
47: A Chirurgeon requires three things, the heart of a Lion, the
hand of a Lady, and a Hawks eye. 1670 RAY, p. 36: (Chirurgion).
01671 Val. Virgin l. 28 in Roxh. Bal., VII 546: This Maid with
Ingenuity had every Surgeon’s part, A Ladie’s hand, an Eagle’s
eye, but yet a Lyon’s heart.
81014 An ill SURGEON without store of plasters
1546 HEY. I ix, s. C1v: I am like thyll surgeon (saied I) without
store Of good plasters. 1616 DR., no. 2086.
81015 SURGEONS ought not to be full of sores them-
selves
1639 FULLER Holy War V xvii, p. 257: Like a deceitfull Chirurgeon
who hath more corruption in himself then the sore he dresseth.
1732 FUL., no. 4294.
Cf. $1012: The best surgeon is he that has been well hacked
(slashed) himself.
$1016 SURLY and sour
1616 DR., s.v. Iesting, no. 1070.
morositas, p. 3 5.
1639 CL., s.v. Asperitas et
81017 SUSPICION has double eyes
01680 Reformed Drinker in Roxh. Bal., VI 317: (It is a proverb of
old, Suspicion). I719 Wit and Mirth, IV 47.
SHAKESPEARE.—1597 I Hen. IV V ii 8: Suspicion all our lives
shall be stuck full of eyes.
Cf. F134: Fear has a quick ear.
81018 SUSPICION is a virtue where a man holds his
enemy in his bosom
I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 32.
hideth an enemie in his bosom).
Cf. F135: Fear (Suspicion) is one part of prudence.
1616 DR., no. 2093: (when a man
$1019 SUSPICION (Accusation) is no proof
1546 HEY. II vii, s. 12v: But my dame takyng suspicion for full
preefe, Reporteth it for trouth, to the moste mischeefe. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Suspicion, no. 2089: Much suspected but little proued. 1629
MASSINGER Roman dctor I iii 15: Mere accusations are not proofs,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
SUSPICION 644
SWAN
my Lord: In what are we delinquents? 1639 CL., p. 181: Jelousie
is no judge—nor suspicion proofe.
SHAKESI’EARE.—1604 0. I iii 106: To vouch this is no proof,
Without more certain and more overt test.
81020 SUSPICION makes many to sin
1557 T. NORTH Dial Princes II xvi, p. 232: When the woman
thinketh that her husband taketh her for euell, it is a great occasion
to make her to be worse. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 105: The ex-
perience is too common that suspicion and slander maketh many
to be that which they never meant to be. 1584 LYLY Sapho and
Phao I iii 26: Where we suspect, we vndermine. 1597 [BODENHAM]
Wit’s Commonw., f. 34: Causeless suspition, is the next Way to
make him doe euill, which alwaies before did carry a constant
meaning. 1648 HERRICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 175: He that doth
suspect, do’s haste A gentle mind to be unchaste.
SUTTON WALL and Kenchester Hill are able to
buy London were it to sell
1678 RAY, p. 670: *Herefordshire.
81021
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
Two fruitfull countries.
Cf. W69: Ware and Wadesmill are worth all London.
$1022 He is no good SWAIN that lets1 his journey for
the rain
a1536 HILL 27, p. 131. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 776: He is not worth
ane swayn that letis his labour for the rain.
Cf. M280: A man must not leave his way for a little rain; R10:
For a morning rain leave not yourjourney.
[‘gives up]
81023 As swift as a SWALLOW
1551 T. WILSON Rule Reason, f. 74: Wee use to saie, he is as swift
as a Swallowe, he flieth like an arrowe out of a bowe. 1593 PEELE
Edw. I ix, s. F3v: Then hie away as swift as swallow flies. 1636
W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker IV ii, p. 60: Wee’le through as swift as
Swallowes in recourse. 1672 WALK. 44, p. 16.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. IV ii 172: Now to the Goths, as
swift as swallow flies.
$1024 Fly and you will catch the SWALLOW
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13.
81025 One SWALLOW makes not summer
[ERAS. Adagia, 299D: Una hirundo non facit ver . . unus dies non
sat est ad parandam Virtutem aut eruditionem.] I539 TAV., f. 25:
[As in Eras.]. It is not one swalowe that bryngeth in somer. It is
not one good qualitie that maketh a man good. 1546 HEY. II v,
s. H3. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 138: But as one swallow makes not
summer, so one particularity concludeth no generality. I580 BARET,
V—95: [As in Eras.]. *A Prouerbe teaching that a man must not
despaire, although euerie thing do not happen at the first as he
would: for as we saie, One daie is not sufficient to attaine to learn-
ing. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 95: (not spring tyme). 1611 DAV.
Prov., no. 203: One swallow (they say) no sommer doth make.
1611 GRUT., no. 211. 1614 CAM., p. 310. c1626 Dick Dev. I i,
p. 10: One Swallow makes not Summer: because once Our City was
their prize, is’t of necessity It must be so againe? I631 MABBE
Celestina VII, p. 140: One Swallow makes not a Summer; one wit-
nesse alone is of no validitie in Law. 1639 CL., p. 64. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 11: One Swallow doth not make a Summer. 1664
COD., p. 208: (no summer). 1668 R.B., p. 7: (no summer). 1690
D’URFEY Collin’s Walk iii, p. 101: One Swallow makes (’tis true)
no Summer, Yet one Tongue may create a Rumour. I721 KEL.,.
p. 275: (no Summer). 1732 FUL., no. 3795: (no Summer).
See DUR., I, no. 377; ST., no. 1265. Cf. F388: One flower makes
no garland; M334: No man is his craft’s master the first day; P81:
One particularity concludes no generality; W747: One woodcock
does not make a winter. (30)
81026 SWALLows, like false friends, fly away upon the
approach of winter
[ERAS. Adagio, 22A: Hirundinem sub eodem tecto ne habeas.]
1539 TAV., f. 56v: Kepe no swalowes vnder the same roufe of thy

i
house. *That is, Brynge not vp, neyther kepe thou company with
such as in thy prosperite seke thy frendship, but in aduersitie 01-
when they haue their desyre, forsake the. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat.
Wit, p. 234: But thou Euphues, dost rather resemble the Swallow
which in the Summer creepeth vnder the cues of euery house, and
in the Winter leaueth nothing but durte behinde hir. I584 LYLY
Sapho and Phao II i 134: Nourishe no comics in thy vaultes, nor
swallowes in thine eues. 1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks.,
III 403: Swallowes and Martins . . hauing fledgde their young ones,
leaue nothing behind them but durt. Vnworthie . . to be nourished
vnder anie good mans eues. [01602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King
IV, p. 60: Your Lordship must be gon. You are my Summer-friend.
[01614] 1639 FLETCHER Wit without Money III, p. 179: My friends
are flown like Swallows after Summer. [a1635] 16 51 T. RANDOLPH
Hey for Honesty III iii, p. 446: These springtide friends, These
swarming flies, bred by the summer’s heat: Should but adversity’s
black cloud appear . . Farewell my summer’s swallows. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 31, p. 7: Friends in Summer appear, in the Winter, they
vanish.
SHAKESPEARE.——-16o5-8 T. Ath. I i 100: I am not of that feather
to shake off My friend when he most needs me. Ihid. III vi 31:
The swallow follows not summer more willing than we your lord-
ship. —-Nor more willingly leaves winter; such summer birds are
men.
Cf. P611: Prosperity gets friends but adversity tries them; T301:
In time of prosperity friends will be plenty, in time of adversity not
one among twenty.
81027 As rare as a black SWAN
[ERAS. Adagia, 414E: Rara avis in terris, nigroque simillima
Cycno.] I553 Respuhlica I iii, p. 6: Youe the-Crowe-is-white youe,
youe the-swanne-is-blacke youe. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 89: As
rare as the black swan, the other as common as the black crow.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 16: It is as rare to see a rich
Surety, as a black Swan. I591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. I 85: To say the
Swanne is black, is as great an vntruth as the crow is white. 1599
H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. I3vz Hee is gone to seeke . . a
Needle in a Bottle of Haye, which is sildome scene as a blacke Swan.
1616 DR., s.v. Excellencie, no. 615: A blacke Swan. 1636 T. HEY-
WOOD Chall. for Beauty II, p. 29: Thou art forc’d to wander through
the world, To finde out a blacke Swan to rival] us? 1639 CL., s.v.
Raritas, p. 271: A black swan. I662 FULLER Worthies Wales, II
559: His book called Carmina Sententiosa, much commended (Ital-
ian praise of British Poetry is a black Swan) by Lilius Giraldus, an
Italian. 1732 FUL., no. 4946: There were such black Swan’s
formerly, as Truth and Honesty.
See OTTO, no. 232; ST., no. 1907. Cf. C859: A white crow
(raven). (9)
81028 Like a SWAN, he sings before his death
[ERAS. Adagia, 91F: Cantator cygnus funeris ipse sui.] 01489
CAXTON Sons Aymon IX, p. 225: They were as the swan that syng-
eth that yere that he shal deye. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Cygneus: A
songe of a swanne. A prouerbe applied vnto theim, that in their
later daies, dispute, reason or wryte most eloquently and pleasantly.
I576 GASCOIGNE Grief 70y IV: Wks., II 552: And lyke the Swanne,
he soong before his deathe. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. T4v:
Euen as the snowish swan dooth singe before she dye. I592
GREENE Groatsworth, p. 101: The Swan sings melodiously before
death that in all his life time vseth but a iarring sound. I611 COT.,
s.v. Cigne: Chanter l’hymne du cigne. To sing his last. [1611]
I630 MIDDLETON Chaste Maid in Cheaps. V ii 46: She plays the
swan, And sings herself to death. 1613 ]. STEPHENS Cynthia’s Rev.
I xi, s. D3v: And faire-plum’d swans sing sweetest when they dye.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 47: A swan sings at its death. 1681
OTWAY Soldier’s Fort. V, p. 68: I’l sing a Song like a dying Swan.
1732 FUL., no. 4779: The Swan sings, when Death comes.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. 1611: And now this pale swan in
her wat’ry nest Begins the sad dirge of her certain ending. 1596
Kj’. V Vii 21: I am the cygnet to this pale faint swan Who chants a
doleful hymn to his own death. 1596 M.V. III ii 43: Let music
sound while he doth make his choice; Then, if he lose, he makes a
swanlike end, Fading in music. 1601 Phoenix and Turtle l. I 3:
Let the priest in surplice white That defunctive music can, Be the

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SWARM
645
SWINE

death-divining swan. 1604 O. V ii 247: I will play the swan, And
die in music.
See OTTO, no. 497; ST., no. 2681.
(lightning) before death.
Cf. L277: A lightening
(16)
81029 A SWARM of bees in May is worth a load of hay
but a swarm in July is not worth a fly
1617 G. MARKHAM Country Housew. Gard. X, p. 100: A Mayes
swarme is worth a Mares Foale. 1655 HARTLIB Reform. Com-
monw. Bees, p. 26: It being a Proverb, that a Swarm of Bees in
May is worth a Cow and a Bottle of Hay, whereas a Swarm in
July is not worth a Fly. 1670 RAY, p. 41. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. May.
1732 FUL., no. 6196.
$1030 He that will SWEAR will lie
1629 J. TAYLOR Wit and Mirth 71: Wks. F., p. 351: (The prouerbe
saies, hee). 1650 HEATH Clarastella I, p. 24. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
To swear: He that will swear will lie, he that will lie will steal, and
he that doth all these will do any Thing. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE
Fahles 427, I 398: Come Wife, says he, They that will Swear, will
Lye.
$1031 -SIO32 SWEAT: subst.
51031 To live by the SWEAT of one’s brews
[Gen. iii 19: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread] 1553
T. WILSON Rhet. Pref., s. A7v: Who would trauaile and toile with
the sweat of his browes? 1576-7 HANMER Anc. Eccles. Hist.
Socrates I viii, p. 232: Spyridion . . exhorted them earnestly to get
their liuing . . with the sweat of their own brows. 01577 NORTH-
BROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 77: Euery man (in his calling) ought
to labour and get his liuing in the feare of God, and sweate of his
browes. 1594 H. SMITH Yonah Punishment 2: W ks., II 257: Thou
takest another man’s goods for nothing, whereas God hath ap-
pointed thee to get thy living with the sweat of thy brows. 1622
T. SCOTT Belg. Pismire, p. 4: In the sweat of thy browes thou shalt
eate both thy temporall and spirituall bread. 1732 FUL., no. 4780:
The Sweat 0f Adam’s Brow hath stream’d down ours ever since.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. II i 159: All things in common na-
ture should produce Without sweat or endeavour.
See ST., no. 2686. Cf. 51032: To live by the sweat of other men’s
brows. (10)
81032 To live by the SWEAT of other men’s brows
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 138: You . . live . . by the sweet of other
men’s sweat. 1580 FULKE Stapleton and Martial] Confuted, p. 18:
These lived of the sweat of other men’s brows. 1600 DEKKER
Old Fort. V ii 9: I’ll teach you to live by the sweat of other men’s
brows. 1616 DR., no. 1050: He liueth on the sweate ofother mens
hands. 1621 BRATHWAITE Sat. II: Nat. Emhassy, p. 136: Live on
the sweat of others browes.
Cf. 81031: To live by the sweat of ones brows; $1036: No sweet
without some sweat.
81033 SWEAT: verb
$1033 He never SWEAT for what he has
1639 CL., s.v. Lucrum ex scelere, p. 190.
81034 To go into SWEATLAND, or into Cornelius’ tub
01565 Bughears I iii 11: I doubt your younge wife Will mark you
I wott how With Saint Cornelius badge. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 1:
He is no compleat gentleman who hath not made five voyages to
Swetland, viz. to Cornelius tub. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sal-
sapariglia, p. 177: To take Physick for the French Pox; the French
say . . to go into Sweat-land, gingling with Sweathland, or into Cor-
nelius his Tub.
$1035 He deserves not the SWEET that will not taste
of the sour
[ERAS. Adagia, 2471‘: N eque mel,neque apes.] I535 Dial. Creatures
11, s. D1: Who that desyryth the swete to Assaye, He muste taste
byttyr. 1552 TAV., f. 59: I haue neyther hony, nor bees . . He
$1041
hathe not deserued the swete, whiche hath not tasted the sowre.
1562 BROOKE Romeus and Yul. l. 1464, p. 178: He [is] unworthy of
the sweete, that tasteth not the sowre. 01573 I. WHITNEY Sweet
Nosegay, s. EIv: For he doth yll deserue the sweet, that tasteth
not the tarte. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 78: He is not worthy to
suck the sweet who hath not first savoured the sour. 1586 WITH-
ALS, s. G5v: (the sweete which tastes not the sowre). 1596 DEL.,
s. O8v: He that hath not tasted of the sowre, deserueth not the
sweete. 1611 CORYATE Crudities, I 109: For he no sweet hath
merited (they say) That hath not tasted of the sower by th’ way.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1670 RAY, p. 25. 1732 FUL., no.
1834: He deserves not Sweet, that will not taste of Sour.
Cf. H556: No honey without gall; SIO36: No sweet without some
sweat; $1038: Take (Mingle) the sweet with the sour. (6)
81036 No SWEET without some sweat
1639 CL., s.v. Difl-icultatis, p. 87: (without sweat). Ibid., p. 144.
1670 RAY, p. 146. 1671 FLAVEL Saint Indeed, p. 36: He that will
not haue the Sweat, must not expect the Sweet of Religion. 1672
WALK. 21, p. 36: No sweet without its sweat; no pains no gains.
1681 ROB., p. 1196: (without sweat). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Sweet.
1732 FUL., no. 3632.
Cf. H556: No honey without gall; M839: Sweet meat must have
sour sauce; M948: No mill no meal; 51032: To live by the sweat of
other men’s brows; $1035: He deserves not the sweet that will not
taste of the sour; $1038: Take (Mingle) the sweet with the sour.
$1037 SWEET appears sour when we pay ,
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 21.
81038 Take (Mingle) the SWEET with the sour
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3v. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 4: Both can
and will ever, mingle sweete among the sower, be he Preacher,
Lawyer, yea, or Cooke. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. A2v:
Mingling the sweete with the soure. 1604 ALEXANDER Aurora
79: Wks., II 502: All greatest sweetes were sugred first with sowres.
1639 CL., p. 318: Sweet and sowre are mixt together.
SHAKESPEARE.—01595 R7. II v 23: Thou shamest the music
of sweet news By playing it to me with so sour a face.
Cf. B176: Sweet beauty with sour beggary; M839: Sweet meat
must have sour sauce; $1035: He deserves not the sweet that will
not taste of the sour; $1036: No sweet without some sweat.
81039 SWEETHEART and bag pudding
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I i, s. B2: Sweet hart and bag
pudding goe you so swiftly? [01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered
IV vii 43: Sweet hart, sweet hart? —And bag pudding, ha, ha, ha?
I608 DAY Hum. out Breath II i, p. 25: Farewell, sweet heart.
—-God a mercy, bagpudding. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1670
RAY, p. 214.
81040 SWEETHEART and honey bird keeps no house
1678 RAY, p. 57. I732 FUL., no. 4297.
Good SWIMMERS at length are drowned
1585 ROBSON Choice Change, 3. LIV: We may take example by 3
sorts of men which hazard themselues in daunger, and often perish.
The best swimmers are drowned. The best climbers do fall. The
best fencers are wounded. 1611 COT., s.v. Nageur: Good swimmers
at the length feed Haddocks. 1623 WOD., p. 478: A good Swimmer
is of drowning not the surer. 1640 HERB., no. 796. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 10, p. 172: The bravest swimmers are the soonest drowned,
and the bravest fencers, the soonest run thorough.- 1732 FUL.,
no. 1729: (are oftnest drowned).
81042 As drunk as a SWINE (sow, David’s sow)
01500 Blowhols Test. 1. 162 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 100: To be as
dronke as any swyne. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools I 96: Some
sowe dronke, swaluynge mete without mesure. [01535] I602
LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 1313, p. 425: He will be drunkin lyke ane
sow. 1583 STUEBES Anat. Ahuses I, p. 151: Swilling and gulling,
night and day, till they be as drunk as Apes. 1592 NASHE Pierce
Penn., p. 207: The third [Stage] is Swine drunke, heauy, lumpish,
and sleepie, and cries for a little more drinke. 1600 JONSON Ev.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
.An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl. 1'
SWINE
SWORD
646

Mon out llurn. V v 67: As drunke as a sow. 1610—25 Stonyhurst
Pag. XVIII 797, p. 289. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vino, p. 233:
To stink of wine like an Owl, viz. to be stark drunk, as drunk as a
Swine. 1672 T. SHADWELL Miser IV, p. 67: I am as drunk . . as
David's Sow, as the saying is. 1678 RAY, p. 87: He is as drunk as
Davids sow. c1700 E. WARD London Spy XI, p. 264: Both were
as Drunk as a Swine.
$1043 A SWINE overfat is cause of his own bane
1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 67. 1611 GRUT., no. 30. 1614 CAM.,
p. 303. 1616 DR., s.v. Wealth, no. 2371: (his owne ruine). 1639
CL., p. 200: A swine too fat is cause of his own death. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 7: (is the cause). 1659 How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It.
Span., p. 7: A fat Sow causeth her own bane. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
3, p. 213: A hog over-fat, is the cause ofits own death. 1732 FUL.,
no. 428: A Swine fatted hath eat its own Bane.
SIO44 SWINE, women, and bees cannot be turned
1678 RAY, p. 212. 1732 FUL., no. 4299: (Swine, Bees, and Women).
81045 To have one’s full SWING
1582 T. BENTLEY Monument Matrons II, p. 64: Suffering the con-
cupiscence carnalities of the flesh to haue his full swinge. 1642 H.
MORE Antipsychoponnychia III iii: Platonic Song, p. 114: Here
Satanas Hath his full swing to torture every houre The grisly
ghosts of men. 1697 DRYDEN Georgics Ded., p. 2: He had, (ac-
cording to our homely Saying) his full swing at this Poem. 1712
STEELE Spect. 503, VII 116: This Creature came among us only to
give herself Airs, and enjoy her full Swing in being admir’d.
See ST., no. 2682. (9)
81046 SWITCH and spur
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho IV, s. F2v: Come, Switts
and Spurres! let’s mount our cheualls. 1639 CL., s.v. Festinationis,
p. 114. 1659 T. BURTON Diary, IV 297: Why we should go to it
so switched and spurred, I know not. I would have it brought in
to-morrow. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Spron, p. 202: Full speed,
with the reins loose, switch and spur. 1681 ROB., p. 706: Haste,
spare not horse-flesh, switch and spur.
SHAKESPEARE.—-CI595 R.7. II iv 73: Swits and spurs, swits and
spurs! or I’ll cry a match.
81047 He that strikes with the SWORD shall be beaten
(stricken) with the scabbard
1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. V, p. 41: All suche as with the sworde do
strike Feare to be serued with the scaberd like. 1546 HEY. II vii,
s. 12v: (striken). 1579 GOSSON Apol. Sch. Ahuse, p. 67. 1581
B. RICH Fare. Mil. Prof., p. 160: If she were in her case, and had a
houseband that would strike with the sworde, she would undoubt~
edly requite hym, and strike with the scabberde. 1591 FLOR. Sec.
F. II, p. 19: If he beats me with the sword, I will beate him againe
with the scabbard. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 605: He that dings with
the sword wil be payd home with the scabbard. 1608 MIDDLETON
Family Love V i 53: Faith, since he has strook with the sword,
strike you with the scabbard; in plain terms, cuckold him. 1611
DAv. Prov., no. 208: (the sword, with the scabberd shall be strook).
1611 GRUT., no. 126: (striken). 1614 CAM., p.307. 1616 DR.,
no. 1443: (He that killeth with). 1639 CL., p. 200. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1659 N.R., p. 53. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p.
26 5: Who Strikes with his sword, Shall be struck with the scabbard.
1670 RAY, p. 147. (5)
$1048 A leaden (wooden) SWORD (dagger) in an ivory
(golden, painted) sheath (scabbard)
[ERAS. Adagio, 2720: In eburna vagina plumbeus gladius.] 1542
UDALL Apoph., f. 145v: Hearyng a young striepleyng of a veraye
wel fauoured and honest face, vsyng vnhonest communicacion,
art thou not ashamed, quoth he, to drawe a sweord of lead out of
an ieuorie sheathe? 1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. III xxi,
s. P3v: He whiche is bewtyful, and speaketh vnseemely thynges,
draweth a swearde of leade, out of an yuory skabarde. 1550
TAv. Flowers Sent. , S. B1: A goodlye person that speaketh vngood-


lye wordes, draweth forth a leaden swerde out of an Iuery skaberd.
1568 F ULWOOD Enemy Idleness, f. 137: Drawe not (as the prouerbe
sayth) a leaden sworde out of a golden skabberde. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 215: Heere you may see . . the painted sheth
with the leaden dagger, the faire woords that make fooles faine.
1592 LYLY Midas I ii 41: Thats a leaden dagger in a veluette
sheath, to haue a black tongue in a faire mouth. 1611 COT., s.v_
Gaine: A leaden sword in a golden Sheath; a godlesse heart in a
goodlie bodie. I616 WITHALS, p. 560: A wooden dagger in a
painted sheath. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 6: [As in 1616 Withals].
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Guaina, p. 80: To have in a golden sheath,
a leaden knife, viz. in a handsome body, an ugly soul, all out-side,
and no in-side. I673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 5: Know thou
art but a wooden Dagger, put into a gaudy sheath. 1732 FUL.,
no. 238: (Scabbard).
Cf. D4: I will not wear the wooden dagger; S291: To be proud
(To make much) of one’s painted sheath; 51054: To slay (cut one’s
throat) with a leaden sword.
81049 One SWORD keeps another in the sheath (scab-
bard)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 173: A sword holds ane uther in the scaberd.
1625 PURCHAS Pilgrims II ix 20, XIX 254: Prudence . . armeth
herselfe again'st feares of War, forewarning and forearming men by
the Sword drawne to prevent the drawing of Swords. 1640 HERB.,
no. 719. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: (scabbard). 1659 N.R., p. 84.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 265: (scabbard).
Cf. P151: A disarmed peace is weak; P153: To make peace with
a sword in his hand.
$1050 Put not a SWORD in the hand of a child
[ERAS. Adagio, 559B: Ne puero gladium.] 1539 TAV., f. 38v:
Commytte not a swearde to a chylde. Who so euer putteth a
chylde, or a foolyshe and ignoraunt person . . in authoritie and
oflice, commytteth a swerde to a chylde. 01569 W. WAGER Longer
Thou Livest, s. D1: It is a prouerbe wise and auncient, Beware how
you geue any edge toole, Vnto mad men that be insipient. Vnto
a yonge childe, and vnto a foole. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
EIV: A sword must not be giuen into a childes hand, least he hurte
himselfe. 1697 R. BENTLEY Diss. upon Epp. Pholoris Pref., p.
v: Not to enquire into the Truth of a thing, before they ventur’d
to Print, which is Sword in the Hand of a Child.
Cf. P669: Ill putting (Put not) a naked sword in a madman’s
hand; W600: Woe to the land (kingdom) whose king is a child.
81051 The rusty SWORD and empty purse plead per-
formance of covenants
1664 COD., p. 216: (and the empty purse, do plead).
p. 23.
81052 The SWORD is tried on the anvil
1636 MASSINGER Duke Florence II iii, p. 240: Allegiance Tempted
too far is like the trial of A good sword on an anvil. 1664 S.
BUTLER Hud. II i 249, p. 135: The beaten Soldier proves most man-
ful, That, like, his Sword, endures the Anvil.
SHAKESPEARE—1608 C. IV v 1 14: Here I cleep The anvil of my
sword.
Cf. S732: Who has a good spear let him prove it against a wall.
1670 RAY,
81053 There is no SWORD made of steel but has iron
1580 LYLY Euph. andHis Eng., p. 100. Ibid., p. 176: IfI shoulde
aske you whether in the making of a good sworde, yron were more
to bee required, or steele, sure I am you woulde aunswere that both
were necessarie. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 107: The best met-
tal’d blade hath iron commixt.
81054 To Slay (cut one’s throat) with a leaden SWORD
[ERAS. Adagio, 557C: Plumbeo jugulare gladio.] 1559 COOPER,
s.v. Plumbeus: To cut ones throte with a leaden swoorde: by trans-
lation to conuince with a weake argument. 1580 BARET, P—527:
Plumbeo iugulare gladio . . A Prouerbe aptlie to be vsed to those
which are ouercome with an easie argument.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
SWORD 647 SYMPATHY

SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 480: There’s an eye Wounds common old adage, that he who hath drawn his sword against his
like a leaden sword. prince, ought to throw away the scabbard, never to think of sheath-
Cf. D4: I will not wear the wooden dagger; M398: To kill a man ing it again, hath never been received. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Prince:
with a cushion; N239: To run him through the nose with a cushion; (Whosoever). 1721 KEL., p. 19 5: (He that). 1732 FUL., no. 5698.
$1048: A leaden (wooden) sword (da er) in an ivory (golden, _ , _
painted) sheath (scabbard), gg 81056 SYMPATHY (Simihtude) of manners makes the
conjunction of minds
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. B2: They say, Morum
similitudo consultat amicitias. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 137: I
51055 Who draws his SWORD against his prince must
throw away the scabbard
1604 [DALLINGTON] View France, s. F3v: A man must neuer trust think love chiefly to be grounded upon the similitude of manners.
a reconciled enemy, especially his King, against whom when yee 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 197: Doth not the sympathy of
drawe the sword, ye must throw the scabberd into the riuer. 1659 manners, make the coniunction of mindes? Ibid., p. 235: The
How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 265: A rebellious friendshippe betweene man and man . . proceedeth of the similitude
subject, when he hath drawn his Sword, flings away the scabbard. of manners. 1732 FUL., no. 4300: (maketh Conjunction of Minds).
1670 RAY, p. 21. a1674 CLARENDON Hist. Rehel. X, V 521: The Cf. L286: Like will to like.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ii.
TABLE
T1 At a round TABLE there is no dispute of place
1611 COT., s.v. Table: Round tables take away contention; one
being as neere his meat as another. 1623 WOD., p. 483: A round
Table yealds no Debate, where each one may haue Hand in Plate.
1659 N.R., p. 7. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 132: (dispute about the
place). 1670 RAY, p. 136. 1732 FUL., no. 824: At a round Table
the Herald’s useless.
T2 Spread the TABLE and contention will cease
I678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 413.
Cf. GI55: If thou be hungry I am angry, let us go fight; M187:
A hungry man an angry man.
T3 The TABLE robs more than a thief
1640 HERB., no. 632. 1659 N.R., p. 96. 1664 COD., p. 220: (than
the thief). 1670 RAY, p. 25: [As in 1664 Cod.]. 1705 Pleas. Art,
p. 155: [As in 1664 Cod.].
great Robber.
1732 FUL., no. 4782: The Table is a
T4 T 0 turn the TABLES
1627 R. SANDERSEN Ad Magistratum iii: Serm., II 455: Whosoever
thou art that doest another wrong, do but turn the tables; imagine
thy neighbor were now playing thy game, and thou his. 1701
COLLIER Antoninus’ Conv. VI xxxi, p. 201: And when you are well
awaken, turn the Tables, and carry the Contemplation thro’ Life.
1710 PALMER, p. 334: The tables are turn’d, and their own engine is
play’d upon ’em.
See ST., no. 887.
T5 TABLE TALK is an excellent schoolmaster
1611 COT., s.v. Escole. 1732 FUL., no. 823: At a good Table, we
may go to School.
T6 TACE is Latin1 for a candle
1676 T. SHADWELL Virtuoso I, p. 108: I took him up with my old
repartee; Peace, said I, Tace is Latine for a Candle. 8.1697
DAMPIER New Voy. XIII, p. 360: Trust none of them, for they are
all Thieves, but Tace is Latin for a Candle. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
Cf. B605: Brandy is Latin for a goose.
[‘i.e., slang]
T7 T0 stand to one’s TACKLING
1562 HEY. Epig. 86, p. 214: Art thou in Newgate to stand to thy
tacklyng? 01576 Common Cond. l. 993, s. D3v: I must stand to
my tackling hap good or il. 01579 [MERBURY] .Marr. Wit and Wis-
dom i, p. 11: Stand to thy tackling Stout. 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. H4v: And custome . . may be a cordiall to a fresh water
souliour to stand to his tackle. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 226:
What did I now but. . to try how they would stand to their tackling.
1601 CHETTLE AND MUNDAY DownfallRoht. Earl Hunt, S. K3vz Nay
yonker, to your tackling stand.
ER] Knt. Burn. Pestle V i, p. 226: Stand to your tacklings lads,
and shew to the world, you can as well brandish a sword, as shake
an Apron. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess I i 444:
Look your ladder of ropes be strong, For I shall tie you to your
tackling. 1633 J. FORD ’Tis Pity I, p. 89: Come sir, stand to your
tackling, if you prove Crauen, I’le make you run quickly. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 91: Look well to your Office you undertake.
Stand to your tacklings.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6I3 T.N.K. II iii 55: We’ll see the sports; then
every man to’s tackle!
(9)
Cf. G467: Stand to thy ground, Old Harry.
1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCH-.
T

T11
TAIL
T8 He frets like gummed TAFFETY (grogram, velvet)
[Velvet and taffeta, being stiffened with gum, quickly rub and fret
themselves out.] 1604 DEKKER News from Gravesend: Plague
Pamph., p. 67: But this made me fret out worse than gumd Taffaty.
1604 MARSTON Malcontent I i 22: I’ll come among you . . as gum
into taffata, to fret, to fret. 1607 SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. IV,
p. 48: For if hee miste vs, heele fret like a grogram I, and fume like
a stuepot. 1630 T. ADAMS Seed-Time and Harvest: Wks., p. 638:
Shall the blacke coate carry away the Tith-shocke? The gumm’d
Taffeta gentleman would fret out at this. 1633 J. FORD Love’s
Sacr. I, p. 107: Goe, thou art as fretting as an old Grogrum.
I640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 76: And fretting like
gumm’d grogran. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Freno, p. 67: To
bite the bit, viz. to vex and fret like gumb’d talfety. Ihid., s.v.
Rabbia, p. 163: To be vex’d beyond measure, to fret and fume
like gumm’d-Taffety. I678 RAY, p. 346. 1732 FUL., no. 1846.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 451: You have made her fret like gum
taffeta.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IVII ii I: I have remov’d Falstaff’s
horse, and he frets like a gumm'd velvet.
Cf. B670: To bite upon the bridle.
T9 TAG and rag, cut and longtail
I603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND
1639 CL., s.v. Omnia, p. 236:
1671 CL. Phras.
I579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 45.
HAUGHTON Patient Grissill, s. H4.
(and long tayle every one that can eat an egge).
Puer., p. I 3: Tag, rag, and long tail.
Cf. C938: Come cut and longtail; T10: Tag, rag, and bobtail
(Tag and rag).
T10 TAG, rag, and bobtail (Tag and rag)
1553 BALE Vocation in Harl. Misc., VI 423: Than was all the Rable
of the Shippe, hag, tag, and rag, called to the Reckeninge. I578
WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. IV i, s. K3V: As lewde personnes,
tagge, and ragge. 1593 Life and Death Straw I, 5. B1: Tag and
rag thou needst not doubt. 1616 WITHALS, p. 570: Bee not . .
fellow and fellowe-like with tag and ragge. 1659—60 PEPYS Diary
Mar. 6, I 82: The dining-room was full of tag, rag, and bobtail,
dancing, singing, and drinking. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pesci,
p. 143: For a thing to be generally known, to the inferior fry 0
people, Tag Rag and Bobtail. I670 Mod. Acct. Scotland in Harl.
Misc., VI 125: The young Couple, being attended with Tagrag and
Bobtail, gang to kirk. I694 MOTTEUX Gargantua IV xxxiii, III
142: It will swallow us all, Ships and Men, Shag, Rag, and Bobtail,
like a Dose of Pills.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 fC. I ii 260: If the tag-rag people did not
clap him and hiss him. 1608 C. III i 247: Will you hence Before
the tag return?
Cf. C938: Come cut and longtail; T9: Tag and rag, cut and long-
tail.
Better be the TAIL of a horse (of lions) than the
head of an ass (of foxes)
1639 CL., p. 91. I670 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 486: Choose rather to
be the taile of Lions then the head of Foxes.
Cf. H238: Better be the head of a lizard (mouse) than the tail of
a lion; H239: Better be the head of an ass than the tail of a horse;
H240: Better be the head of the yeomanry than the tail Of the gen-
try.
T12 His TAIL will catch the kinkcough1
1678 RAY, p. 82: *Spoken of one that sits on the ground.
[lwhooping cough]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
648
TAIL
TAKE
649

T13 Learn to lick betimes, you know not whose TAIL
you may go by
1670 RAY, p. 117.
T14 Make not thy TAIL broader than thy wings
1597 BACON Essays, p. 247: Costly followers are not to be liked,
least while a man maketh his traine longer, hee make his wings
shorter. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: *Keep not too many at-
tendants. I670 RAY, p. 147. I732 FUL., no. 3323.
See DiiR., II, no. 320.
T15 The TAIL does often catch the fox
1573 SANF., f. 106: The tayle condemneth many times the Foxe to
die, for beeing ouer-long. 1576 LAMBARDE Peramh. Kent, p. 401:
For (as the Prouerbe is) . . the taile is ynough to bewray the foxe.
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31v: The tayle often condemnes the
Foxe to death, because it is too long. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 70.
1616 DR., no. 790. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 47: [As in 1578 Flor.].
T16 To turn TAIL
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 100: Wee will . . turne taile as
they say. 1616 WITHALS, p. 575: To turne taile, to cry creake.
1639 CL., p. 54: To turne tale and cry creake. 1670 WALKER
Idiom. Ang.-Lat., p. 493: They . . turned tail on my friendship.
01692 Victory over Fr. Fleet in Naval Songs and Bal., p. 123: And
with their own canon we made ’em turn tale.
Cf. C810: He cries creak. (20)
T17 The TAILOR makes the man
1612 JONSON Alch. I i 9: I shall marre All that the taylor has made,
if you approch. 1614 T. ADAMS Soul’s Sickness: Wks., p. 457:
Now the Taylor (scarce a man himselfe) must make him a man
againe. [1616—24] 1639 FLETCHER ET AL. Bloody Brother III ii,
p. 286: For though he [the tailor] makes the Man, the Cook yet
makes the Dishes. 1619 TAYLOR Kick. Win. 7: Wks. F., p. 198:
[These coxcombs] are things that by their Taylors are created.
1631JONSON Staple News I ii 1 10: (And thence comes your prouerbe;
The Taylor). 1632 BROME North. Lass IV i, p. 70: Which if he be
a Tahlor'. . he is thereby made a man in spight of the Proverb.
1640 JONSON Tale Tuh I vii 25: I would have him, The bravest,
richest, and the properest man A Taylor could make up.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. II V 17: Pray you, sir, who’s his
tailor? —Sir? —O, I know him well, I, sir. He, sir, ’s a good
workman, a very good tailor. 1605-6 K.L. II ii 60: A tailor made
thee. —Thou art a strange fellow. A tailor make a man? 1610
Cym. IV ii 81: Know’st me not by my clothes? —No, nor thy
tailor, rascal, Who is thy grandfather. He made those clothes,
Which, as it seems, make thee.
Cf. A283: Apparel makes (Clothes make) the man; T23: Nine
(Three) tailors make a man. (5)
T18 The TAILOR must cut three sleeves for every
woman’s gown
1612 W. TURNER Turner’s Dish 5 in Pepysian Garl., p. 32: For it is
a common prouerbe throughout all the towne, The Taylor he must
cut three sleeues for euery womans gowne. 1632 PARKER Knavery
in All Trades 72 in Pepysian Garl., p. 412: A Taylor that will liue
in grace, cuts out of one gowne three sleeues.
Cf. T25: When tailors are true there is little good to shew (sew).
T19 Whip, says the TAILOR, whir, says the shears, take
a true tailor and cut off his ears
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15.
T20 A TAILOR’s shreds are worth the cutting
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72. 1670 RAY, p. 147.
no. 4302: Tailors Shreds are worth cutting.
T21 The TAILOR’S wife (child) is worst clad
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 6: Who goeth more tatterd then the
Taylors child? 1668 R.B., p. 52.
Cf. S387: Who is worse shod than the shoemaker’s wife (the
shoemaker’s wife and the smith’s mare)?
1732 FUL.,

T22 A hundred TAILORS, a hundred millers, and a
hundred weavers make three hundred thieves
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11. 1664 COD., p. 184. 1732 FUL.,
no. 615: (An hundred Traytors, Ioo Weavers, and 100 Millers,
make).
Cf. K152: There is knavery in all trades; M957: Put a miller, a
weaver, and a tailor in a bag and shake them, the first that comes
out will be a thief.
T23 Nine (Three) TAILORS make a man
[a1600] 1611 Tarlton’s jests in Shak. Yat-Bks., II 214: For two
tailors goe to a man. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho II,
s. B4v: They say three Taylors go to the making vp of a man.
1620 TAYLOR Pr. Hemp-seed: Wks. F., p. 557: Some foolish knaue
(I thinke) at first began The slander that three Taylers are one man.
1640 CLEVELAND Smectym. l. 42: Poems, p. 124: Like to 9 taylors,
who, if rightly spelled, Into one man are monosyllabled. 1663 S.
BUTLER Had. I ii 21, p. 57: Compos’d of many Ingredient Valours,
Just like the Manhood ofnine Taylors. I672 BUCKINGHAM Rehear.
III i, p. 30: Nine Taylors make but one man. 1678 RAY, p. 90.
Cf. A283: Apparel makes (Clothes make) the man; T17: The
tailor makes the man.
T24 TAILORS and writers must mind the fashion
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit To Gentlemen Rdrs., p. 182: In my
mynde Printers and Taylors are bound chiefely to pray for Gentle-
men, the one hath so many fantasies to print, the other such diuers
fashions to make . . a fashion is but a dayes wearing, and a booke
but an howres reading. 1732 FUL., no. 4301.
T25 When TAILORS are true there is little good to
shew (sew)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1457. 1668 R.B., p. 45.
Little to sew, when Taylors are true.
Cf. T18: The tailor must cut three sleeves for every woman’s
gown.
I72I KEL., p. 235:
T26 If you will not TAKE what I will give you take What
you brought with you
1599 [GREENE] George a Greene, s. FIv: If this like you not, Take
that you finde, or that you bring for me. 1721 KEL., p. 176: *You
brought nothing with you, so take what I give you, or want.
T27 TAKE it as you will (list, please)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 94: And this my flat and friendly
deling if thou wilt not take as I meane, take as thou wilt. 01592
[GREENE] Vision, p. 265: And to bee short, take it as you please,
I hould your goulde in scorne, and your selfe (unlesse you were
more honest) in disdaine. 1594 LYLY Mother B. IV ii 51: Take it
as you list, you are in your owne clothes. [1600] I659 DAY
Blind Beg. I, s. B2v: I’ll venture upon him, let him take it as he will.
1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. I i 54: You are a prodigall absurd
cocks-combe: Goe to . . Tak’t as you will sir, I’ll not flatter you.
1619 J. TAYLOR Kick. Win. 7: Wks. F., p. 40: A Kicksey Winsey
And therefore let them take it as they will, I’ll canuase them alittle
with my quill. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 411: Take it as you
please; but, I swear, you are a saucy Jack, to use such expressions.
SHAKESPEARE—I595 M.N.D. V i 198: Think what thou wilt, I
am thy lover’s grace. 01595 R._7. I i 46: I will frown as I pass by,
and let them take it as they list. 1596 Rich. II II i 209: Think
what you will, we seize into our hands His plate, his goods, his
money, and his lands. I601 T.N. II iii 204: IfI do not, never
trust me, take it how you will. 1605-8 T. Ath. V i 180: I cannot
choose but tell him that I care not, And let him take’t at worst.
1611 Temp. III ii 138: If thou beest a devil, take’t as thou list.
T28 TAKE it or leave it
1603 KNOLLES Hist. Turks, p. 893: He .. made himselfe able at
his own choice and pleasure to leaue or take, to Fight or not.
1607 JONSON Volp. II ii 176: Lesse . . I know you cannot oflfer me:
take it, or leaue it, howsoeuer, both it, and I, am at your seruice.
1664 T. KILLIGREW 1 Thomaso IV ii, p. 361: That is the price,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl'.
TAKE 650 TALE
i
T37 An excellent TALE and it were told in Greek
1639 CL., s.v. Obscuritas, p. 231.
Cf. G439: It is Greek to me.
T38 A good TALE ill told is marred in the telling
I562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 67: (yll tolde, in the tellyng is marde).
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 167: A good teal may be spilt [spoiled] in the
telling. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 246. 1611 GRUT., no. 9: [As in
1562 Hey.]. 1614 CAM., p. 302: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1616 DR., s.v.
Tale, no. 2104: He hath marred the matter in handling. 1639 CL.,
p. 149. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1664
COD., p. 183. I670 RAY, p. 147. I672 WALK. 94, p. 33: One may
make a good tale bad by ill telling. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Tale. 1721
T30 YOU TAKE me up before I am down KEL., p. 244: Many a good Tale is spoil’d in the telling. *Apply’d
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. L1: Thou louest me well, that takest Often When a 800d Sermon is in delivered, to my certain KROWI-
me vp before I fall. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. III viii, I 413: The edge. I732 FULG no- 178: (Ill told, 19 a bad one)- .
pope . . took up churches before they fell, yea, before they ever _ SHAKESPEARE-~1605-6 K-L- I IV 341 I can - - mm“ a 60110118 tale
stumbled. I678 RAY, p. 272: To take one up before he is down. In telllng 1t:
1721 KEL., p. 336: Take me not up before I fall. *Do not so far
mistake me, as to give an Answer to my Discourse, before you hear
me out. 1732 FUL., no. 6003. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 381.
Cf. M400: To take a man up as short as a dog in a halter.
and less I know, in curtesie you cannot offer me; take it, or leave
it. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 447: Take it, or let it alone.
SHAKESPEARE—16054 K.L. I i 205: Will you . . Take her, or
leave her?
T29 To TAKE one as we find him
1559 Northumherlond in Mirrorfor Magistrates III, Pt. I, II 82: And
when I had for greater succour gapt . . And could get none, I tooke
such as I fand. 1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 19: And becaus
as the saying is, loquendum cum vulgo, wee must nowe take him
as we finde him, with all his faults.
Cf. T196: Take all things as they come and be content.
T39 A good TALE is none the worse to be twice told
1681 COLVILLE Mock Poem II, p. 42: It’s not superfluous and vain
To tell a good tale ov’r again. 1721 KEL., p. 33: (no the worse to).
*An Apology for them that say Grace twice, unawares.
Cf. C51 1: Coleworts (Cabbage) twice sodden; T130: A good
thing cannot be too often spoken.
T31 Everything is as it is TAKEN
01525 J. RASTELL Not. Four Elem., s. A2v: For wysedome and foly
is as it is takyn For that one callyth wysedome another callyth
foly. I552 LATIMER Serm. and Rem. 38, p. 150: (We have a com-
mon saying amongst us, Every thing). 1589 LYLY Pappe with
Hatchet: Wks., III 401: Alls as it is taken. 1611 COT., s.v. Rien:
Euerie thing is as it is taken; or, conceit sets rates vpon all earthlie T41
things. 1616 BRET., p. 6. 1616 DR., s.V. Esteeme, or account,
T40 I tell you my TALE and my tale’s author
a1700 B.E., s.v. Tale-tellers: (and my Tales-man, or Author).
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 399.
Must I tell you a TALE and find you ears?
I546 HEY. II ix, s. K3v: (He must bothe tell). CI594 BACON, no.
no. 597: Euery thing is as it is esteemed. Ihid., s.v. Meaning,
no. 1367. 1639 CL., p. 180. Ibid., p. 214: Things are as they be
taken. 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady III iv 87: All Counsell’s as it’s
673: A man must tell you tales and find your ears. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 844: I can not find yow both teals and cars. 1616 DR.,
no. 2105: He telleth him a tale, and is faine to find him eares. 1616
taken
' . . . ' . . WITHALS, p. 582: (I must tell). 1639 CL., p. 297: (Must a man
Cf- 6339' The g°°d “11‘? an: M76" 1‘18 1“” the matter lw°r€lsl tell). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1668 R.B., p. 32: 1 cannot
but the mind; S730: That 1s well spoken (there IS nothlng 111 said) .
h . n t k 0 W _ T t k th w.“ for the deed find you both tails and cars. 1670 RAY, p. 195: (Tell you). 1721
t at ’S we a en’ 393' O a e e I ' KEL., p. 211: I cannot find you both Tale and Ears. *Spoken,
with Resentment, to those that will not listen to us. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 401: (a story).
T42 One TALE is good until another be told (heard)
1593 GREENE Mamillia II, p. 222: Tush syr quoth the Marquesse,
one tale is always good vntil another is heard. 1616 DR., no. 2100:
(heard). 1627 R. SANDERSON Ad Magistrotum i: Serm., I 260:
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2v: (a fayre thyng). 1593 G. HARVEY (We say commonly, one tale is good till). 1639 CI», P- 90- I640
Pign-g’y Supflg, p, 165; (a fayre thing) 1599 PQRTER Two JONSON Tale Tuh I A fine dfiViCCl _YCS, W6 heare a
Women Ah. viii, s. HIV: I could haue said to you syr, take heede is finer- 1659 HOW- Eng- Prov-a P- 121 (tlll the Other be mm). 1666
a good reede. I608 ARMIN Nest Ninnies: Wks., p. 22: (a fayre TOR. It. Prov., note 92, p. 224: One’s tale is good till another’s be
thing). 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1639 CL., p. 305. 1659 How. Eng. heard. 1670 RAY, p. 147: (till another 1s told). I672_WALK. 58,
Prov., p. 9. 1659 N.R., p. II 5: (is good need). 1670 RAY, p. 102, p. 58: One tales good, t1ll another be told; hear .both Sides speak.
I672 WALK. 91, p. 44: (Good heed is). 1721 KEL., p. 45: (is good Cf. M299: A man should hear all parts ere he Judge any.
read). 1732 FUL., no. 6315.
Cf. T32: Good take heed does surely Speed.
[ladvice]
T32 Good TAKE HEED does surely speed
1639 CL., s.v. Prudentia, p. 266. I670 RAY, p. 147. 1732 F UL.,
no. 6093.
Cf. T33: Take heed is a good rede (a fair thing).
T33 TAKE HEED is a good rede1 (a fair thing)
T43 A TALE never loses in the telling (carrying)
1616 DR., no. 1836: A tale in the carying is made more. 1710
PALMER, p. 177: A story never loses by Carrying. 1721 KEL.,
p. 5 5: *The Fame or Report of a matter of Fact, good or ill, com-
monly receives an Addition as it goes from Hand to Hand.
Cf. N332: To lose nothing by telling.
T34 It is safe TAKING a shive‘ of a cut loaf
1639 CL., s.v. Foeminae, p. 118. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fetta,
p. 61: A slice ofa cut loafis not mist. Ibid., s.v. Maglia, p. 95: To
have to do with a woman already broken up, to take a Slice of a
cut-loaf. 1670 RAY, p. 52. 1732 FUL., no. 3012: (a slice off a Cut
Loaf). -
SHAKESPEARE.—1592 T. And. II i 86: Easy it is Of a cut loaf to
steal a shive.
Cf. S360: To cut a large shive of another man’s loaf.
[lpiece]
T35 Not worth TAKING the wall of a dog
1639 CL., s.v. Nugalia, p. 228.
T44 A TALE of a roasted horse
[A nonsensical story.] 01570 Marr. Wit and Science IV i, s. C2v:
You tell vs a tale of a rosted horse. 1575 GASCOIGNE Cert. Notes
I nstr.: Posies, p. 470: The verse that is to easie is like a tale of a
rosted horse. I597 BRETON Miseries Mavillio in Will Wit (1599
ed.): Wks., II 39: He would . . tell mee a tale of a rosted horse,
onely to make me merrie withall. 1598 GUILPIN Skioletheia, s.
A6v: Procus . . To entertaine his Mistris eares withall, Tells her a
long tale of a rosted horse. 1605 TOURNEUR Laugh and Lie Down,
p. 287: And then a Tale of a roasted horse, to make an asse laugh,
for lacke of witte. 1611 COT., s.v. Cicogne: Idle histories; vaine
relations; tales of a tub, or, of a rosted horse. 1616 BEAUMONT AND
FLETCHER Scornful Lady III, p. 266: Since you are angrie Sir, I am
T36 Too much TAKING HEED is loss
1640 HERB., no. 883. I659 N.R., p. 104. 1664 COD., p. 222.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TALE
TALETELLER
651
hold to tell you that I am a woman, and a rib. —Of a roasted
horse. 1618 HARINGTON Epig. I 24, p. 62, title of epigram: A tale
of a Rosted Horse. 1732 FUL., no. 2833: It amounts to no more
than the Tail of a roasted Horse.
Cf. T45: A tale of a tub.
T45 A TALE of a tub
1546 HEY. II ix, s. LIV: A tale of a tub, your tale no truthe auowth.
01547 BALE Three Laws II, s. A8: Ye saye they folowe your lawe,
And varyee not a strawe, Whych is a tale of a tubbe. 01570 Marr.
Wit and Science II i, s. BI: And kepe her a great whyle with a tale
ofa tubbe. 1611 COT., s.v. Cicogne: Idle histories; vaine relations;
tales of a tub, or, of a rosted horse. 1616 DR., no. 2101. 1616
WITHALS, p. 580: *Sine capite fabula. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 8:
You tell us A tale of a Tub. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh I iv 25: A
meere tale of a Tub. Lend it no care I pray you. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 5. 1661 Mer. Droll. II, p. 255: For I think I have
told you a Tale of a Tub. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pastinaca, p.
135: Spoken of any impertinent discourse or story; the English
say to that purpose, A tale of a tub with the bottom out on’t.
1670 RAY, p. 195.
Cf. $910: A cock-and-bull story (tale); T44: A tale of a roasted
III i 194: What dost tak tale out of my mouth? 1581 PETTIE Civ.
Conv. II, I 150: Divers persons . . taking the word as it were out of
his mouth will make a shew that they are better learned. 1618
BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, s. D3v: Is that good manners for to take
my tale, Out of my mouth, before I make an end? 1640 JONSON
Tale Tuh III v 40: Dame, let me take this rump out of your mouth.
—What meane you by that Sir? —Rumpe, and taile’s all one.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bocca, p. 17: To interrupt one in his
discourse, and take the word out of his mouth.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQQ Hen. V IV vii 44: It is not well done, mark
you now, to take the tales out of my mouth.
T51 You tell a TALE to a deaf man
[ERAS. Adagia, I78C: Surdo canis. Surdo fabulam narras.] 01538
T. STARKEY Dialogue II iii, 575: Eng. in Reign Hen. VIII II, p. 212:
Hyt ys as you wold tel a tale to a deife man. 1576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., II 4: But he told this tale to one that had no cars to hear.
1605 T. HEYWOOD I If You Know Not Me, p. 217: You preach well
to deaf men. 1672 WALK. 36, p. 52.
See ST., no. 462. Cf. E11: He cannot hear on that ear (side).
T52 Believe no TALES from an enemy’s tongue
horse; T597: To throw out a tub to the whale. (25) 1659 HOW Br_ Prom, p_ 32.
T46 A TALE 0f Tom Thumb T53 TALES of Robin Hood are good for fools
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14.
T47 Tell a TALE to a mare and she will let a fart
1567 J. PICKERING Horestes, s. A3: Tell a mare a tall, and shyell
gerd out a fart. [1621] 1640 JONSON Gypsies Metam. l. 778:
Masques at Court, p. 591: Whistle to a Iade, and heel pay you with
a fart. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 5: (and she will kick
thee). 1652 TATHAM Scotch Figgaries III, p. 151: (and ’twill let a
fart). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 26. 1721 KEL.,
p. 301: *Spoken when heedless Blockheads mind not what we say.
1732 FUL., no. 4325.
T48 Thereby hangs a TALE
a1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 1200: Wks., I 409: Yet, thoughe I
say it, thereby lyith a tale. 1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes V Vii, p.
240: Why therby lies another tale. 1611 L. BARRY Ram-filley III,
s. D3v: By her-there hangs a Tale. [01622] 1647 FLETCHER AND
MASSINGER Douhle Marr. V, p. 394: For thereby hangs a tail.
1631 JONSON New Inn I vi 118: O thereon hangs a history, mine
host. 1634 T. HEYWOOD Maidenhead Well Lost III, p. 143: But
whether you haue seru’d him well, or no, there hangs a Tale. 1646
SUCKLING Ballad upon Wedding: Poems, p. 46: The maid (and
thereby hangs a tale). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 413: They say
thereby hangs a tale.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. IV i 60: Out of their saddles into
the dirt, and thereby hangs a tale. 1599 A.Y. II vii 27: And then,
from hour to hour, we rot and rot; And thereby hangs a tale.
1600-I I iv 156: Have not your worship a wart above
your eye? . . Well, thereby hangs a tale. 1604 0. III i 8: O, there-
by hangs a tail . . —Marry, sir, by many a wind instrument that
I know. 1613 T.N.K. III iii 39: There was a time When young
men went a-hunting . . and thereby hangs a tale.
T49 To make one tell another TALE
1481 CAXTON Reynard 32, p. 94: I shal telle hym a nother tale.
1530 PALS., p. 596a: And I catche you, I wyll make you tell me
another tale. 01570 Marr. Wit and Science IV iv, s. E1: But or we
leaue him, tell me an other tale. 01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst.
Dicing, p. 159: Marke the effects thereof, and then you shall tell
me another tale. 1678 RAY, p. 348: You will tell another tale when
you are tryed.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. I ii 90: You shall tell me another
tale when th’ other’s come to’t. 1600-1 M.W.W. I i 77: And here
[is] young Master Slender, that peradventures shall tell you another
tale, if matters grow to your liking. 1604 O. V i 125: Come,
mistress, you must tell’s another tale.
T50 To take the TALE (word) out of one’s mouth
1530 PALS., p. 751a: It is no good maner to take the worde out of
my mouthe, or I have made en ende of my tale. 1560-77 Misogonus

1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 155: All of fables and Iestis of
Robyn hode. 1542 UDALL Apoph., f. **iv: Old wiues foolyshe
tales of Robyn Hoode. 1546 HEY. II ix, s. LIV: (among fooles).
I566 HOL., p. 263: Wee leape to the taile of robin hoode: folow
your talke. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. B4v: Telling a
tale of Robin hoode. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XLV cv, p. 391:
This is a Tale indeed of Robinhood, Which to beleeue, might show
my wits but weake. 1600 BRETON Pasquil’s Pass: Wks., I 8:
From . . louing idle tales of Robin Hood . . The blessed Lord of
heau’n deliuer me. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Buccisofliola, p. 70: A flim
flam tale whether true or false, to make one feare or suspect shame
or losse, as we say a tale of Robin hood. 1611 GRUT., no. 245.
1614 CAM., p. 312. 1616 DR., s.v. Folly, no. 757: (good enough
for fooles). Ihid., no. 2102: A tale ofRobin Hood. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 580: Robinhoodes tales. [1633] I640 JONSON King’s Enter. at
W elheck l. 106: Later Entertainments, VII 795: He can flie o’re hills,
and dales, And report you more odde tales Of our Outlaw Robin-
Hood. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 8. Ihid., s.v. Vanitas, p. 314:
Tales of Robin Hood. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9. Ibid., p. 14:
A tale of Robin Hood. 1670 RAY, p. 137: (good enough for fools).
1681 ROB., p. 1258: Nifles and trifles; vain tales of Robin Hood.
1732 FUL., no. 4316: (good enough for Fools).
Cf. C59: A Canterbury tale.
T54 To tell TALES out of school
1530 TYNDALE Pract. Prelates, p. 249: So that what cometh once
in may never out, for fear of telling tales out of school. 1562 HEY.
Dial. I iv, p. 19: To tell tales out of schoole, that is hir great lust.
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. N1: Will you be a tel-tale, and
carry tales out of the schoole? 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. N2:
It was not his dutie to tel Schoole tales. 1608 ]. DAY Hum. out
Breath III i, p. 32: Ifit be no forfeit to tell tales out of Cupids free
schoole. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 379: Marcus (they say) doth tell
tales out of schooles. 1616 DR., s.v. A Blabbe, no. 162: (He
telleth). 1616 WITHALS, p. 573: You must not tel tales out of the
Taverne. 1630 SHIRLEY Grateful Serv. III iv, p. 59: You are then
a novice in the art of Venus, and will tell tales out of the school.
1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133: [As in 1616 Withals]. Ihid., s.v.
Secretum, p. 277: Tell no tales out of the schoole. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 15: (You tell). 1670 RAY, p. 195. 1721 KEL., p. 303:
Tell no School Tales. *Do not blab abroad what is said in drink,
or among Companions.
See ST., no. 2014. Cf. P509: I hate a pot companion with a good
memory. (12)
T55 A TALETELLER (tratlerl) is worse than a thief
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 27. 1641 FERG., no. 28: (tratler). 1668
R.B., p. 6: (tratler). I721 KEL., p. 37: *The one steals my Goods,
but the other my good Name, and sometimes my Peace and Quiet;

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
TALK
TASTE
652

but it is often used as a facetious Answer of Children when their
Companions bid them tell a Tale. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Tale-Bearer:
(A tale-bearer).
Cf. L218: A liar is worse than a thief.
['gossip]
T56-T60 TALK: subst.
T56 For foolish (dirty) TALK deaf ears
01594 BACON, no. 1564: A paroles lourdes aureilles sourdes. 1611
COT., s.v. Parole: Let th’ eares be deafe when words grow rude.
1616 DR., no. 753. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: Deaf ears to dirty
speeches. 1732 FUL., no. 1593: For mad Words, deaf Ears. Ihid.,
no. 3694: Obscene Words must have a deaf Ear.
T57 Here is TALK of the Turk and the Pope but it’s
my next neighbor does me the harm
1651 HERB., p. 373: Here is a talk of the Turk and the pope, but
my next neighbour doth me more harm then either of them both.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 192: Here is a talk of the
Turk, and of the Pope, but my next Neighbour does me more harm
than either of them both. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: (the hurt).
I659 N.R., p. 54: (but my next neighbour doth me more harm then
either). 1670 RAY, p. 125: (and Pope). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Neigh-
bour: (There is a talk of). 1732 FUL., no. 2497: (and Pope, but its
my next Neighbour that does).
T58 Least TALK most work
1611 COT., s.v. Besongner: The most work’s done with fewest
words; or, the fewer words the more worke. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
24, p. 189: Where there is least talk, there is most work.
Cf. T64: The greatest talkers are the least (not the greatest) doers;
W797: Few words and many deeds; W820: Not words but deeds.
T59 TALK (Prate) is but talk (prate), but it is money
buys land
[1619] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Little Fr. Lawyer I, p. 376:
Words are but words. 1620 J.C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids II ii, s.
F3: But talke’s but talke, therefore I vse it not. 1639' SHIRLEY
Ball V i, p. 78: You may hear talk; but give me the man that has
measured ’em: talk’s but talk. I678 RAY, p. 177: (Prate is but
prate, it’s). Ihid., p. 346: (lands). 1681 ROB., p. 1203: (but
money buys land). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Talk: (but Mony buys Land).
Cf. P550: Prate is prate but it is the duck that lays the eggs.
T60 There is more TALK than trouble
1640 HERB., no. 261. 1659 N.R., p. 98. 1664 COD., p. 218.
T61-T62 TALK: verb
T61 To TALK post
1630 TAYLOR Great Eater Kent: Wks. F., p. 153: Some haue the
agility to ride Poast, some the facility to runne Poast; some the
dexterity to write Post, and some the ability to speake, poast.
I632 SHIRLEY Love in Maze I i, p. 278: ’Twere no good manners to
speak hastily to a gentlewoman, to talk post (as they say) to his
mistress.
T62 He is here you TALKED on
1639 CL., s.v. Subiti interventus, p. 299. 1672 WALK. 78, p. 32:
He is good to talk of; here’s the man himself, we were speaking Of.
T63 The greatest TALKERS are not always the wisest
men
1639 CL., p. 51.
Cf. B488: Great boast (and) small roast; S718: Many speak
much who cannot speak well.
T64 The greatest TALKERS are the least (not the
greatest) doers
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 76: The greatest
crakers are not the boldest men. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and
Pithias, s. E4v: Ne yet great crackers were euer great fighters.


a1598 FERG. MS, no. 348: Daft talk dow noght. 1602 MIDDLETON
Blurt I i 35: No, no, these great talkers are never great doers. 1611
GRUT., no. 258. 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1616 DR., no. 185: He that
talketh most, fighteth lest. 1639 CL., p. 142: (not the greatest).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 52, p. 134;
(not the greatest). 1670 RAY, p. 147: (are always the least doers).
SHAKESPEARE—1592 Rich. III I iii 350: Tut, tut, my lord! we
will not stand to prate; Talkers are no good doers. Be assur’d We
go to use our hands, and not our tongues.
Cf. B488: Great boast (and) small roast; P602: Great promise
small performance; T58: Least talk most work; W797: Few words
and many deeds; W820: Not words but deeds.
T65 TALKING (Talk) pays no toll
1659 N.R., p. 100: (Talk). 1664 COD., p.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Talking. I732 FUL.,
1640 HERB., no. 481.
219. 1670 RAY, p. 26.
no. 4317.
Cf. SI20: Saying goes good cheap.
T66 He has pissed his TALLOW
1678 RAY, p. 78: *This is spoken of bucks who grow lean after
rutting time, and may be applied to men. 1694 MOTTEUX Gar-
gantua V xxviii, III 338: He’s nothing but Skin and Bones; he has
piss’d his Tallow.
SHAKESPEARE.——1600-I V v 14: For me, I am here a
Windsor stag . . Send me a cool rut-time, Jove, or who can blame
me to piss my tallow?
T67 But the good ale TANKARD, happy might it be
1639 CL., s.v. Bibacitas, p. 47.
Cf. B450: Blessing of your heart, you brew good ale.
T68 Run TAP run tapster
1678 RAY, p. 86: *This is said of a tapster that drinks so much
himself, and is so free of his drink to others that he is fain to run
away.-
T69 Take TAP under lap and turn back again
1639 CL., s.v. Inconstantiae, p. 158.
T70 The TAP is a thief
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17.
T71 The TAPSTER is undone by chalk
[Accounts were chalked up at the taverns, and the saying according-
ly meant that the tapster was ruined by bad debts] 01630
PARKER Exc. New Med. 1. 81 in Roxh. Bal., I 55. I639 MAYNE
City-Match IV vii, p. 287: You do offend 0’ th’ score, and sin in
chalk.
T72 Long TARRYING takes all the thanks away
01500 Melusine XX, p. 387: Long taryeng quenchith moch the
vertu of the yefte. 01526 Dicta Sap., s. B2: A benyfyte gote with
great sekyng loseth a great part of the thanke. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 930. [1613-34] 1640 JONSON Underwoods 30, p. 299: Gifts
stink from some, They are so long a coming, and so hard. 1668
R.B., p. 34. 1721 KEL., p. 232.
Cf. G98: A gift much expected is paid, not given; T95: He loses
his thanks that promises and delays.
T73 To catch a TARTAR
1663 S. BUTLER Had. I iii 865, p. 125: Now thou hast got me for a
Tartar: To make me ’gainst my Will take Quarter. 1680 DRYDEN
Limherham V i, p. 112: What a Tartar have I caught! 1690 MACKENZIE Narr. Siege, p. 39: But as it happily fell out, they
Catcht a Tartar. a1700 B.E., s.v. Tartar: To catch a Tartar, in
stead of catching, to be catcht in a Trap. 1732 FUL., no. 5143.
(13)
T74 The TASTE 0f the kitchen is better than the smell
1616 DR., s.v. Deeds, no. 462.
p. 194. 1664 COD., p. 214: (than the smell of it).
26. I732 FUL., no. 4784.
1639 CL., s.v. Magnifica promissa,
I670 RAY, p.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TASTE 653
TEN

T75 To him that has lost his TASTE sweet is sour
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 172: The sight of meat is very loathsome
to him whose stomach is ill, or hath already eaten his fill. 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 194: To the stomacke quatted with
daynties, all delycates seeme queasie. 1616 DR., no. 320. 1639
CL., s.v. Iudicandi recte, p. 180. 1659 N.R., p. 115. 1664 COD.,
p. 215. 1670 RAY, p. 26. 1732 FUL., no. 5182: To him, that has
a bad Taste, sweet is bitter.
See DUR., II, no. 280. Cf. S871: An ill stomach makes all the
meat bitter.
T76 With never a TATTER (rag) to his tail
01580 Wife in Morel’s Skin 1. 691 in Early Pop. Poetry, IV 208:
A rag on thine [ass] thou Shouldest not haue, Excepte my friendes
had geuen it thee. 1595 PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 610, s. DIV:
We shall haue you turnd out of the parish one of these dayes,
with neuer a tatter to your arse. 1672 WALK. 80, p. 18: Poor
beggarly fellows. They have not a good tatter to their tails.
T77 Where should I be born else than in TAUNTON
DEAN?
1662 FULLER Worthies Somersetshire, II 279: *This is a parcel of
Ground, round about Tonton, very pleasant and populous . . The
Peasantry therein . . conceive it a disparagement to be born in any
other place. 1670 RAY, p. 251: ’Ch was bore at Taunton Dean,
where should I be bore else.
T78 He that is in a TAVERN thinks he is in a vine
garden
I640 HERB., no. 982. 1659 N.R., p. 60.
T79 T0 swallow a TAVERN TOKEN
1604 Meeting Gallants, p. 17: Indeed he had swallowed downe many
Tauerne-tokens, and was infected much with the plague of drunk-
ennes. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. I iv 54: Drunke, sir? ..
Perhaps, hee swallow’d a tauerne-token, or some such deuice.
1745 FRANKLIN Drinker’s Dict.: Wks., II 138: (He’s swallowed).
T80 We learn by TEACHING
1596 DEL., s. M7v: To teach the vnlearned, is the true waye to
learne. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 7. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 121:
By teaching one learneth. 1732 FUL., no. 4323: Teaching ofothers,
teacheth the Teacher.
T81 Care not for the TEARS of a whore or the brava-
does of a rufiian
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 7. 1732 FUL., no. 4787: The Tears of a
Whore, and the Oaths of a Bully, may be put in the same Bottle.
Cf. W638: Trust not a woman when she weeps.
T82 From thence came these TEARS
[ERAS. Adagia, I38F: Hinc illae lachrymae.] 1573 GASCOIGNE
Fruits War 177: Posies, p. 176: [As in Eras.]. 1576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., II 71: Yea, marry, said Procris, from hence come those tears;
hereof proceeded your former fetch! I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
Ff2v: Hinc illae lachrimae, from thence came these miseries. 1589
Rare Triumphs Love and Fortune I 107, S. A3v: But hence this hot
dispight, Hinc illae lacrimae. I640 JONSON Magn. Lady I iii 5:Hinc
illae lachrymae; Thence flowes the cause 0’ the maine grievance.
See OTTO, no. 904.
T83 TEARS in the eyes, ruth in the heart
1611 COT., s.v. Coeur. 1615 T. ADAMS Bad Leaven: Wks., p. 711:
Anima est tota in toto: so that if the toe akes, the head feeles, the
eye lets fall a teare, the very heart mournes. 1659 N.R., p. 108:
Teares in the eyes have sorrow in the heart.
Cf. H275: When the head aches all the body is the worse.
T84 The TEARS of age are lamentable
I616 BRET., p. 8. 1639 CL., p. 203.
T88 When?

T85 The TEARS 0f the tankard
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Todesca, p. 216: To make one weep after
the Suisse fashion, viz. to drink till the tears trickle down ones eyes;
which tears the English call, The drops of the Tankard; spoken by
way of disparagement. 1678 RAY, p. 82. a1700 B.E., s.v. Tears
of the Tankard: Mawdlin, weepingly Drunk, as we say the Tears of
the Tankard.
T86 TELL me it snows
I585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. IV iii, s. F1: Tush, holde your
peace, I had as line you told me that it snew. 1594 LYLY Mother B.
IV ii 56: I had as liefe you should tell them it snowd. 1639 CL., s.v.
Absurda, p. 8: Fiddle faddle, tell me it snowes. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 193. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,s.v. Incred-
ible, p. 178. 1672 WALK. 68, p. 59: Tell me it snows. You teach
one that is wiser than your self. I681 ROB., p. I 142: *Piscem na-
tare doces. 1732 FUL., no. 4327.
Cf. F323: Teach fish to swim.
T87 TELL me with whom thou goest and I will tell
thee what thou dost (who thou art)
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 57: Which this common Proverb Shew-
eth, Tel me with whom thou doest goe, and I shall know what thou
doest. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: (what thou art). 1616
DR., no. 285. 1639 CL., p.291. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw.,
p. 44: (what thou art). 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 11: (who thou
art). 1664 COD., p. 215. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 295. 1667
R. L’ESTRANGE Visions 3, p. 166: This minded me ofthe old saying,
Tell me thy company, and I’ll tell thee thy manners. I670 RAY, p.
97. I672 WALK. 85, p. 43. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Whom.
Cf. M248: A man is known by the company he keeps; M382:
Such a man as thou would be draw thee to such company.
Can you TELL?
[01588] 1604 MARLOWE Faustus III iiib 27: Come, give it me again.
—Ay much; when? can you tell? 1594 MARLOWE Edw. II II v
59: He .. will but talk with him and send him back. —When,
can you tell? [01597] 1609 JONSON Case Is Altered V iii 17: You
wait for Rachel to, when can you tell? 1600 [LYLY] Maid’s Metam.
IV i 137: Tis sure, my maister shall finde her, if he could tell when.
1608 DAY Law Tricks III i, p. 36.
SHAKESPEARE—1592-3 C.E. III i 52: Have at you with another;
that’s—When? can you tell? 1597 1 Hen. IVII i 42:1 pray thee
lend me thine. —Ay, when? canst tell?
T89 So you TOLD me
1606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. EIV: Ide loue you, sweet. —Sowre, so I
heard you say. [1614] I631 JONSON Barth. Fair III v 53: Yet these
will serue to picke the pictures out 0’ your pockets .. —So, I
heard ’hem say. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh II iii 67: He is in love with
you: and more, he’s mad for you. —I, so he told me. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: *Spoken ironically. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 387: Miss, give me a blow, and I’ll beat him. —So she
prayed me to tell you. Ihid. I, p.401: Madam, I find you live by ill
neighbours, when you are forced to praise yourself. —SO they
pray’d me to tell you.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I594-5 L.L.L. I ii 146: I love thee. “So I
heard you say. 1594—8 T.S. IV ii 53: Ay, and he’ll tame her.
—He says so, Tranio.
T90 No TEMPEST, good Julie (July), lest corn look
ruely
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 55, p. 122: (lookes rulie). 1732
FUL., no. 6208: No Tempest, good July; Lest Corn come off bluely.
Tgoa He can tell1 TEN (the fingers in his hand)
[01609] I647 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Coxcomh II, p. 327: He can-
not be so innocent a Coxcombe, he can tell ten sure. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Deta, p. 52: Not to know how many fingers are in a
hand, Viz. to be an errant fool, and idiot.
See U. R. BURKE, Spanish Salt (1877), p. 25. Cf. 010: To know
what it is o’clock.
[’count]

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
TENTERDEN STEEPLE
THIEF
654

T91 TENTERDEN STEEPLE was the cause of Goodwin
Sands
1529 T. MORE Dial. Diverse Mat. IV: Wks. 1557, p. 278: What hath
hurt it . . By my fayth maisters quod he, yonder same tenterden
steeple and nothyng els. 1550 LATIMER Serm. 14, p. 251: Forsooth,
sir, quoth he, I am an old man; I think that Tenterton steeple is
the cause of Goodwin sands. 1567 Prizes Drown in Lottery in
Loscley MSS 40,884, p. 211: Of many people it hath ben said,
That Tenterden steeple Sandwich haven hath decayed. 1584 R.
SCOT Disc. Witchcr. XI xvii, p. 207: The building of Tenderden
steeple was the cause of Goodwine sands. 1639 CL., s.v. Aliena
a re, p. 18: (As Tententons Steeple, was cause). 1642 DERING
Coll. Speeches Relig. XVI, p. 130: But their Syllogisme is as true
Logick . . as our Kentish Proverb, that Tenterden Steeple is the
cause of Goodwin sands. 1644 J. TAYLOR Crop-Ear Cur.: Wks. Q,
II C2v: Here is an excellent proofe. Weaker then that of Tenter-
den Steeple being the cause of Goodwine Sands. 1662 FULLER
Worthies Kent, I 487: Tenterden’s Steeple is the Cause of the Breach
in Goodwyn Sands. *It is used commonly in derision of such who,
being demanded to render a reason of some important accident,
assign . . a ridiculous and improbable cause thereof . . But . . I met
since with a supplement therunto . . Because the Sea had been very
quiet for many years . . [the Bishop of Rochester] commuted that
money [collected to fence the East Bancks] to the building of a
Steeple . . And now the old man had told a rational tale, had he
found but the due favour to finish it. 1670 RAY, p. 195: (Steeple’s
and Goodwins sands). 1689 J. MATHER Pres. State New-Eng.
Afl'airs in Andros Tracts, I I 50: To lay upon the late Revolution all
the disasters which afterwards hapned . . is to tell us that the fall of
Tenterden steeple was the cause of Godwin-sands. 1732 FUL., no.
4332: (Goodwin’s).
T92 TESTONS are gone to Oxford to study in Brazen—
nose
1562 HEY. Epig., p. 189: Of testons. Testons be gone to Oxforde,
god be their speede: To studie in Brazennose there to proceede.
Of redde Testons. These Testons looke redde . . they blushe for
shame. 1662 FULLER Worthies Oxfordshire, II 221. 1670 RAY,
p. 250: *This began about the end of the reign of King Henry the
eighth at such time as he debased the coin, allaying of it with copper,
which common people confound with brass.
T93-T97 THANK: su bst.
T93 I con him no THANK for his labor
9.1568 MOFAT Wife Auchtir. l. 73 in Bonnatyne MS, II 322: Then,
ben thair come ane gredy sow I trow he cund, hir littill thank.
1616 DR., no. 2299. 1639 CL., p. 45.: Doc the bestI can I am con’d
no thanke.
T94 He is more busy than he has THANKS for his labor
1616 DR., s.v. Basic, or medling, no. 215. 1659 N.R., p. 52. 1732
FUL., no. 5407: Unseasonable Kindness gets no Thanks.
Cf. C621: To be too busy gets contempt; F546: Fools will be
meddling; S252: Proflered service (ware) stinks.
T95 He loses his THANKS that promises and delays
1616 DR., no. 473. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 8: He
that refuses to doe good when hee may, knowes not whether hee
shall bee able when hee would, therefore giue willingly, and speedily,
for a delayed gift is not worth so much thankes. 1664 COD., p. 195.
1670 RAY, p. 7: (who promiseth and delayeth). *Gratia ab oflicio,
quod mora tardat, abest. I672 WALK. 6, p. 39: [As in 1670 Ray].
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Delay: He that promises and delays loses his
Thanks. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 150: (that delayeth to perform his
Promise). 1732 FUL., no. 1977: (He loseth Thanks, that).
Cf. G98: A gift much expected is paid, not given; P416: A pleasure
long expected is dear enough sold (bought); T72: Long tarrying
takes all the thanks away.
T96 Keep your THANKS to feed your chickens
1681 ROB., p. 784. 1709 DYKES Pref., p. iii: Let ’em keep their
Thanks to feed their Chickens. I730 BAILEY, s.v. Keep: *A cold
answer to those who offer bare thanks for favours received.
T101

fl
T97 THANKS will buy nothing in the market
[ERAS. Adagio, 588B: Ne verba pro farina.] 1616 DR., no. 1413.
1708 T. BROWN Let. Fr. Authors: Wks., I 345: Nothing is to be
bought in the Market, Without a Penny.
Cf. H573: Honor will buy no beef.
T98 THANK: verb
T98 We may THANK ourselves
1639 CL., s.v. Sera poenitentia, p. 281.
T99 THEY SAY so is half a lie
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 30: To have heard say, is halfa lye. 1710
PALMER, p. 261: They say is half a lie. I732 FUL., no. 4970.
Cf. F44: Fame (Report) is a liar; R84: Report has a blister on her
tongue.
T100 THICK and threefold
1548 E. HALL Hen. VIII: Chron., f. 186: Afterward, when mo new
Testamentes were imprinted, they came thicke and threfold into
England. 1560 DAUS Chron. 10, f. 134: There dwell deuylles
thycke and threfolde. 1583 STUBBES Anat. Ahuses I, p. 180: Thei
flock, thick and three fold, to the cock-feights. 1611 FLOR., s.v.
Vermiculare, p. 59 5: To runne thicke and three-fold as Emmets doe.
1627 SCLATER Expos. 2 Thess., p. 295: A brief exposition . . upon
the 2 Ep. to the Tessalonians Paul . . growes towards his close; so
thicke and threefold he falls vpon his deuotion. 1650 FULLER
Pisgah-Sight II ix, p. 199: No notorious or eminent disaster befell
his Family, which afterwards fell thick and threefold upon it.
1711 WERENFELS Disc. Logom. I, p. 3: Scofl's and Reproaches come
thick and threefold. (15)
To run through THICK AND THIN
c1475 Partonope l. 545, p. 15: Alle the day they spare noughte Hym
to hunte thorowe thyke and thynne. 1543 GRAFTON Continuation
Chron. Harding, p. 544: Kyng Richard . . purposed to goo thorow
thicke and thinne in this mater. 1565 GOLDING Metam. III 273,
p. 68: Through thick and thin and craggie clifl'es where was no way
to go, He flyes. 1589 R. ROBINSON Last Dream Morpheus Showed:
Gold. Mirr., p. 51: Through thicke and thin I ran, to see the same.
1590 SPENSER III i 17: His tyreling iade he fiercely forth did
pusth, Through thicke and thin, both ouer banke and bush. 1616
DR., no. 2236: A man must runne through thick and thinne. 1629
RM. Micrologio 12, s. D1v: Hee circumuents Smithfield with Cur-
uets, and leaps madly through thicke and thinne, seeming in his full
careere, ready to outstrip Pegasus. 1670 RAY, p. 191.
See ST., no. 427. (13)
T102 As safe as a THIEF in a mill
1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. C3v: Are our daughters safe? —As a
thiefe in a mill father, we thanke our redeemers. I622 TAYLOR
Brood Cormorants: W ks. F., p. 491: As sure and safe as theeues are
in a Mill. [1623] 1647 FLETCHER AND W. ROWLEY Maid in Mill
II i, p. 18: The thief is as safe as in his Mill. 1664 J. WILSON
Cheats I ii, p. 3: As safe in the Constable’s house, As a Thief in a
Mill. 1670 RAY, p. 207. 1673 Vinegar and Mustard in Old Bk.
Coll. Misc. III 20: You are as safe as so many thieves in a mill.
01689 Pepys Bal. 181, IV 77. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 399:
(You’ll be as).
Cf. M1223: As safe as a mouse in a mill.
T103 As well worth it as a THIEF is worth a rope (hal-
ter)
1596 LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 37: A rope is well bestowed to hang
a theef. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. iii, S. E1: As wel worth a
shilling as a theefe woorth a halter. [1622] 1647 FLETCHER Women
Pleased III iv, p. 277: AS fit for him as a Thief for a halter. 1639
CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 70. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pane, p.
130: The English say, As a peny-loaf is worth a peny, or as a Thief
is worth a halter, or as one peny is worth another. 1670 RAY, p.
208.
Cf. P200: One penny is worth another; R169: As fit (meet) as a
rope for a thief; T106: It is as meet as a thief for the Widdy.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), Or by most important Word.
THIEF 65 5
THIEF

T104 Give a THIEF rope enough and he will hang
himself
1639 FULLER Holy War V vii, p. 239: They were suffered to have
rope enough, till they had haltered themselves in a Praemunire.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 1. 1664 COD., p. 195: Give a scolding
Wife Rope enough. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 262, p. 227: (Give
him). 1670 RAY, p. 148. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Rope: (Give him).
*That is, let him do, and he will contrive his own Ruin. 1732 FUL.,
no. 1657: (Give him but Rope enough).
Cf. R171: I thought I had given her rope enough, said Pedley
when he hanged his mare; S34: Let him alone with the saint’s bell
and give him rope enough.
T105 He that trusts a THIEF is a fool
01534 BERNERS Huon 176, p. 706: It is sayd in a comen prouerbe
that a man is taken for a foole that putteth his trust in a thefe.
T106 It is as meet as a THIEF for the widdy1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 841: (It is als meit for him as). 1641 FERG.,
no. 538. I668 R.B., p. 32. I721 KEL., p. 352: When every Man
gets his own, the Thief will get the Widdie.
Cf. R169: As fit (meet) as a rope for a thief; T103: As well worth
it as a thief is worth a rope (halter).
[lgallows]
T107 An old THIEF desires (deserves) a new halter
1623 CAM., p. 26 5: (deserues). 1639 CL., p. 299. 1670 RAY, p. 127.
T108 One THIEF (merchant) robs (accuses) another
1539 TAV., f. 9: One false merchaunte deceyueth an other. 1600
Sir Oldcastle, s. F2: Wel, if thou wilt needs haue it, there tis: iust
the prouerb, one thiefe robs another. 1611 COT., s.v. Larron: He is a
cunning theefe that robs a theefe. 1616 WITHALS, p. 5 5 5: He hath
deceived as craftie a Marchant as himselfe. 1672 WALK. 8, p. 45:
One thief accuseth another. 1681 ROB., p. 1219: [Asin I672Wa1k.].
Cf. T110: Set a thief (fool) to catch a thief (fool); T115: A thief
knows a thief and a wolf knows a wolf.
T109 Save a THIEF from the gallows and he will cut
your throat
1484 CAXTON Fah. Aesop I 10, p. 15: Yf ye kepe a man fro the gal-
hows he shalle neuer loue yow after. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
X4v: True is the Prouerbe, saue a Thiefe from the gallowes and he
will be the firste shall doe thee a mischiefe. 1593 NASHE Christ’s
Tears: W ks., II 180: (and hee’le be the first shall shew thee the way
to Saint Gilesesse). 1614 CAM., p. 31 I. 1616 DR., no. 2108: (and
he will be the first that will rob thee). 1616 WITHALS, p. 576: (and
hee will be the first that shall cut your throat). 1622 DEKKER
AND MASSINGER Virgin Martyr II, p. 32: She saved us from the gal-
lows, and, only to keep one proverb from breaking his neck, we’ll
hang her. 1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 170. 1659 N.R., p. 89.
1664 COD., p. 210. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 2, p. 123: As the Eng-
lish say, Save a Thief from the Gallows, and he’l hang thee if he can.
1670 RAY, p. 148: (and he’ll be the first shall cut your throat).
1721 KEL., p. 61: Buy a Thief from the Gallows, and he’ll help to
hang your self.
See DUR., I, no. 538. (I3)
T110 Set a THIEF (fool) to catch a thief (fool)
1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quint. IV ii, p. 178: As they say, set
a fool to catch a fool; a Proverb not of that gravity (as the Span-
iards are), but very usefull and proper. 1655 FULLER Church Hist.
IX iii, II 525: Many were his lime-twigs to this purpose . . Always
set a to catch a ; and the greatest deer-stealers make the
best park-keepers. 1659 N.R., p. 89: Set a Knave to catch a
Knave. 1665 R. HOWARD Committee I, p. 60: According to the old
saying, Set a Thief to catch a Thief. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 102,
p. 293: The English say, Ever while you live, Set a Thief to catch a
Thief. 1670 RAY, p. 148: (to take a thief). 1672 WALK. 83, p. 54.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Thief: They set a thief to take a thief.
See DUR., I, no. 522; ST., no. 2478. Cf. D191: The greatest
deer-stealers make the best park-keepers; T108 : One thief (merchant)
robs (accuses) another; T115: A thief knows a thief and a wolf
knows a wolf; W615: The wolf knows what the ill beast thinks.


T111

A THIEF (knave) and a whore are never far
asunder
1616 SS. Hon. Lawyer II, s. DI: A theefe and bawdy house are
ne’re farre asunder. [01620] 1662 Birth Merlin II, s. B3v: A man
cannot so soon name a whore but a knave comes presently. 1631
DEKKER Match Me in Land. I, p. 136: Why didst thou cry Theeues
then? —Because you cry’d Whores; I knew a Theefe was alwayes
within a stones cast of a Whore.
T112 The THIEF does fear each bush an officer
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y2: Tush, thou art like a Thiefe, that
thinkes euerye Tree a true-man. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p.
319: A theefe, they saie, mistakes euerie bush for a true man. 1611
COT., s.v. Larron: A theefe imagines euerie one bids, stand. 1616
RC. Times’ Whistle l. 3485, p. 109: [He] takes every bush to be a
constable. [1625] I661 WEBSTER Curefor Cuckold II iv 101: It is
the tremblingst trade to be a Thief, H’ad need have all the world
bound to the peace; Besides the bushes, and the phanes of houses,
Every thing that moves he goes in fear of’s life on.
SHAKESPEARE—15913 Hen. V] V vi I I : Suspicion always haunts
the guilty mind; The thief doth fear each bush an officer. 1597
1 Hen. [VII ii 1 14: Each [thief] takes his fellow for an officer.
Cf. B738: He thinks every bush a bugbear (bear); C597: A clear
conscience laughs at (fears not) false accusations; C606: A guilty
conscience is a self~accuser (feels continual fear); F117: Who is in
fault (guilty) suspects everybody; F139: He that lives ill, fear fol-
lows him; W3 3 3: The wicked flee when no man pursues.
T113 A THIEF hides himself in a bush
1616 DR., s.v. Conscience, no. 312. 1639 CL., s.v. Metus ex con-
scientia, p. 207.
Cf. B739: Here if you beat a bush it’s Odds you’ll start a thief.
T114 A THIEF in a candle
[A piece of burning candlewick that, falling down onto the grease,
causes it to melt.] 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho V i, s.
G3v: I know what one of em buz’d in mine eare, till like a Theefe in
a Candle, he made mine eares burne. [01614] 1640 FLETCHER
Nightwalker II, p. 329: Methinks the light burns blew, I prethee
snuff it, There’s a thief in’t I think. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in
Land. 1, p. 136: What Theefe see st thou? —-That ilfavor’d Theefe
in your Candle sir, none else. 1642 J. HOWELL For. Trav. XVIII,
p. 119: If there be a theefe in the Candle (as wee use to say com-
monly) there is a way to pull it out. 1665 R. BOYLE Occasional
Reflections II x: W ks., II 172: But I quickly found, that ’twas from
a thief (as they call it) in the candle. 1683 JANE LEAD Prey'. in
Pordage Theol. Myst., p. 44: But when Glossed upon by Tallow-
chandler, mai not one truly sai that there is a Thief in the Candle?
T115 A THIEF knows a thief and a wolf knows a wolf
[ERAS. Adagia, 510A: Furemque fur cognoscit, et lupum lupus.]
I539 TAV., f. 3 5: The thefe knoweth the thefe, and the wolfe the
wolfe, One false harlot sonest knoweth an other. 1616 DR., no.
I 160: One thiefe knoweth another. 1732 FUL., no. 430: (as a Wolf
knows a Wolf).
Cf. T108: One thief (merchant) robs (accuses) another; T110:
Set a thief (fool) to catch a thief (fool); W757: A wool seller knows
a wool buyer.
T116 The THIEF thinks all are of his condition
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 39: Well thinkes the theefe, that all
are as himselfe. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84: (The theefe
thinketh that). 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 37: The
thiefe thinketh all are of his condition, and euery man iudgeth an-
other by himselfe. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8: The thief thinks
that every one is of his gang. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 124: A
Thief thinks all people like himself.
Cf. D432: Ill doers are ill deemers.
T117 The THIEF will be found out at last
1611 COT., s.v. Lard: A theefe, how cunning soeuer, will at the
length be discouered. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Thief.
Cf. M1315: Murder will out.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
THIEF
THmG
656
T118 When it thunders the THIEF becomes honest
I640 HERB., no. 686. 1664 COD., p. 229. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18,
p. 124: When it thunders, then a Thief become honest. *Note 8,
p. 133: That is, thunder, or indeed, any little noise strikes a terror Of
conscience into him. 1670 RAY, p. 26. 1732 FUL., no. 5691:
Whilst it thunders, the Thief turns honest.
Cf. C609: A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder.
T119 The great THIEVES hang the little ones
1611 COT., s.v. Larron: Les gros larrons pendent les petits. *Ap-
plyable to such as being themselues guiltie of great faults, con-
demne, or punish, little ones in others. 1616 DR., no. 2116: The
greater thiefe leadeth the lesser to the gallous. 1623 WOD., p. 499:
The great Theeues lead the litle-ones to be hang’d. 1660 SECKER
Nonsuch Prof. III 8, p. 276: It was formely the complaint of a cer-
tain person, That the greatest thieves did execution upon the least.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. I 5, p. 124: Great Thieves cause small ones to be
hang’d. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Thief. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 98,
I 93: It may seem somewhat a hard Case for the Greater Thieves to
Punish the Less, and to see . . Oppressors sit in Triumph upon the
Lives of the Little Ones that go to the Gallows. 1732 FUL., no.
4565: (punish the little ones).
SHAKESPEARE-1597 1 Hen. IVI ii 69: Do not thou, when thou art
king, hang a thief. —No; thou [Falstaff] shalt . . Thou shalt have
the hanging of the thieves. 1604 M.M. II i 19: Thejury, passing on
the prisoner’s life, May in the sworn twelve have a thief or two
Guiltier than him they try. Ibid. II ii 176: Thieves for their rob-
bery have authority When judges steal themselves.
See ST., no. 418. Cf. H692: Some may better steal a horse than
others look on (look over the hedge).
T120 THIEVES and rogues have the best luck, if they
do but escape hanging
1670 RAY, p. 118: (but scape hanging). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Luck.
T121 THIEvEs and whores meet at the gallows
1639 CL., p. 207.
T121a THIEVES are never rogues among themselves
01633 [CLAVELL AND MARMION] Soddered Citizen I iv, p. 16: I doe
belieue thee . . Theeues haue betweene themselues, a truth, And
faith which they keepe firme. 01703 MOTTEUX Don Quix. II lx,
II 397: (The old proverb still holds good, Thieves).
SHAKESPEARE.~—I597 1 Hen. [V II ii 29: A plague upon it when
thieves cannot be true one to another.
Cf. F177: Ask my fellow (companion) ifI be a thief.
T122 When THIEVES fall out true men come by their
goods (to their own)
1546 HEY. II ix, s. LI: (come to their good). 1580 BARET, L—78.
1591 STEP., p. 156: (When theeues fall out, then true men). a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1448: When theeves rekons leel men coms to ther
geir. [1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. G2v: Here’s the old
Proverb right, when false Theeves fall out, true men come to their
own. 1611 GRUT., no. 310: (come tho their goodes). 1614 CAM.,
p. 314: (come to their goods). 1616 BRET., no. 8. 1616 DR., no.
2111: (When theeues peach). I616 WITHALS, p. 577. 1639 CL.,
p. 198. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 31: By thieues falling
out, true men come by their goods, vnlesse Tyburne preuent them.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10: (true folks come to their own). 1666
TOR. It. Prov., note 9, p. 133: The English have it . . when thieves
fall out, then true men come to their goods again. 1670 RAY, p.
I I I: (When knaves). 1681 COLVILLE Mock Poem II, p. 53: When-
thieves reekon, it’s oft-times known That honest people get their
own.
See DI'IR., I, no. 297. (7)
T123 The best or worst THING to man for this life is
good or ill choosing his good or ill wife
1546 HEY. I ii, s. A3. 1721 KEL., p. 331: The good or ill Hap of a
good or ill Life, Is the good or ill Choice, of a good or ill Wife.
Cf. C362: In choosing a wife and buying a sword we ought not to
trust another; M679: An ill marriage is a spring ofill fortune.

_
T124 Better to have than to hear of a good THING
1639 CL., p. 256.
T125 Borrowed THING will home again
[15th 0.] 1597 How Good Wife 1. 165 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 191;
Borowed thinge wole home. 31500 Prov. Wisdom l. 32. 01550
Parl. Birds 1. 224 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 179: (Borrowed ware wyll).
T126 The dainty THING would have a dainty dish (bit)
1672 WALK. 25, p. 29: (bit). I681 ROB., p. 418.
T127 For a tint1 (lost) THING care not
1484 CAXTON Fab. Alfonso 6, p. 270: The thyrd [doctrine] is that
thow take no sorowe of the thynge lost whiche may not be recou-
ered. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 398: (For tint thing). [1613-14] 1623
WEBSTER Duch. Malfi IV i 70: Hereafter you may (wisely) cease to
grieve For that which cannot be recovered. I668 R.B., p. 19.
1678 RAY, p. 366: (lost).
Cf. M939: To cry for spilt milk.
[llost]
T128 Give a THING and take a thing, that is the devil’s
gold ring
1611 COT., s.v. Retirer: To give a thing and take a thing; to weare
the diuells gold-ring. 1624 T. ADAMS Temple: Wks., p. 972: It is
. a Prouerbe among our children, To giue a thing, and take a thing,
is fit for the Deuils darling. 1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends II ii,
s. D4v. 1642 FULLER Holy State III xxv, p. 231: Plato saith that
in his time it was a Proverb amongst Children . . Things that are
truly given must not be taken away again. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 5. 1664 T. KILLIGREW Parson’s Wed. III v, p. 116. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov., note 70, p. 79: (As the English say, to give a thing, and
take it again, is). 1670 RAY, p. 96: Give a thing and take a thing,
etc. 1721 KEL., p. 120: Give a Thing, and take a Thing, Is the ill
Man’s Goud Ring. *A Cant among Children, when they demand
a Thing again, which they had bestowed.
Cf. T129: Give a thing and take again and you shall ride in hell’s
wain.
T129 Give a THING and take again and you shall ride
in hell’s wain
I678 RAY, p. 146.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. V i 7: This is to give a dog, and in
recompense desire my dog again.
Cf. T128: Give a thing and take a thing, that is the devil’s gold
ring.
T130 A good THING cannot be too often spoken
[I598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My Money, s. I4v. 1599 CHAP-
MAN Hum. Day’s Mirth xiv 219, p. 95: ’Tis so good we cannot hear
it too oft. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 413: We can’t say a good
thing too often.
Cf. T39: A good tale is none the worse to be twice told; T144:
One thing said twice deserves a trudge.
T131 A good THING is soon snatched up
1611 COT., s.v. Beau: A goodly thing is quickly snatched vp. 1664
COD., p. 184. 1670 RAY, p. 12. 1732 FUL., no. 181: (soon caught
up).
T132 He shall never have a THING good cheap that is
afraid to ask the price
1611 COT., s.v. Demander: Let no man thinke to haue, that asks
not, things good cheape. 1616 DR., no. 38. 1639 CL., s.v. Auda-
cia, p. 41: (He’st ne’r have thing good cheape). 1659 N.R., p. 46.
1664 COD., p. 198: (He shall never buy what is good, who). 1670
RAY, p. 56: [As in 1639 CL]. *Gall. 1732 FUL., no. 2427: He’ll
ne’er get a Pennyworth, that is afraid to ask a Price.
T133 He that makes a THING too fine breaks it
1640 HERB., no. 436. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
183. 1664 COD., p. 199: (doth break it). 1732 FUL., no. 1530:
Few things in the World will bear too much refining.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
THING
THING
657

T134 He that never did one THING ill can never do it
well
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 61 I.
T135 I seek for a THING, wife, that I would not
find
1546 HEY. II V, s. H3v: She se‘med to me fixed in mynde, Rather to
seke for that she was lothe to fynde, Then leue that sekyng. 1562
HEY. Epig. 182, p. 156. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XLIII, notes,
p. 373: It is no wisdome to search for that a man would not find.
1616 WITHALS, p. 551: If you sift out the truth, it disgraceth your
wife. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Topo, p. 218: To seek after, that which one would be loth to find, to
be nice and troublesome to no purpose.
Cf. D39: He that gropes in the dark finds that he would not;
D412: He that does (seeks) that he ought not, that happens to him
he thinks not (finds what he would not); F222: He finds that seeks;
H385: Take heed you find not that you do not seek.
T136 It is a rare THING to do good (to be honest)
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1721 KEL., p. 224: It’s a bra Thing to
be honest. *Commonly a Preface to the telling of some thievish,
or knavish Action.
T137 It is a wicked THING to make a dearth one’s
garner
I640 HERB., no. 892. 1659 N.R., p. 70. 1664 COD., p. 202. 1670
RAY, p. 6. 1732 FUL., no. 2890.
T138 It is an easy THING to find a staff to beat a dog
1564 BECON Pref: Early Wks., p. 28: How easy a thing it is to find
a Staff, if a man be minded to beat a dog. 1585 ROBSON Choice
Change, S. NIV: (An easie thyng). 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II
120: It is an olde proverbe, A staff is sone found to beate a Dogge.
1594 Con. York and Lan., s. D4v: A staffe is quickly found to beate
a dog. 1596 DEL., s. 08v: He that will beat his dogge can finde
cudgels ynow. 1611 COT., s.v. Batre: Tis an easie matter to find a
staffe to beat a dog withall. I616 BRET., p. 6: A Staife is soone
found to beat a dogge withall. 1616 DR., no. 534: (A man may
easily finde). 1636 CAM., p. 300. 1639 CL., p. 80: (’Tis easie to).
1659 N.R., p. 83: (One may easily find). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18,
p. 22: It’s an easie matter to find a stick to beat a dog with. 1670
RAY, p. 82. I672 WALK. 62, p. 42. I721 KEL., p. 161: He that
has a mind to strike a Dog, will never want a Stick. *If a Man re-
solves to do his Neighbour a Mischief, he will never want Means to
eHect it.
SHAKESPEARE.——I590—I 2 Hen. VIIII i 170: The ancient proverb
will be well eifected——‘A staff is quickly found to beat a dog.’
See ST., no. 932. Cf. T139: It is an easy thing to find a stone to
throw at a dog.
T139 It is an easy THING to find a stone to throw at a
dog
1639 CL., p. 80: (’Tis easie to find).
62, p. 42.
Cf. S880: He has not a stone (bone) to cast (throw) at a dog;
T138: It is an easy thing to find a staff to beat a dog.
I670 RAY, p. 82. 1672 WALK.
T140 It is an ill THING to be wicked (wretched) but a
worse to be known so (to boast of it)
1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me, p. 275: It is bad to do
euil, but worst to boast ofit. 1611 COT., s.v. Recognoistre: To doe
euill, and then brag of it, is a double wickednesse. I637 SHIRLEY
Gamester II i, p. 205: You know ’tis ill to do a thing that’s wicked;
But ’twere a double sin to talk on’t too. 1640 HERB., no. 573: (’Tis
hard to be wretched, but worse). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13: (thing
to be bad, but ’tis worse). 1659 N.R., p. 100: [As in 1640 Herb.].
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 42: (to be known to be so).
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. III ii 9: Let not my sister read it in
your eye; Be not thy tongue thy own Shame’s orator. 1609 Son.
121, l. I: ’Tis better to be Vile than Vile esteemed.

Keep a THING seven years and you will find a
use for it
1664 T. KILLIGREW Parson’s lVea’. II vii, p. 100: According to the
proverb, keep a thing seven years, and then if thou has no use on’t,
throw’t away. 1732 FUL., no. 3 I 54: Lay Things by; they may come
to Use.
T141
T142 The more common a good THING is the better
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 89: Of good things I think the more com-
mon the more commendable. 1596 LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 11:
[He] held the axiome of Aristotle in a Sinister sence, Bonum quo
communius eo melius. I605 MARSTON Dutch Courtesan I i 149:
Since then beauty, love, and woman are good, how can the love of
woman’s beauty be bad? and, Bonum, quo communius eo melius.
1611 COT., s.v. Manger: A man may take too much of a good thing.
1656 CULPEPER C0ncl.: Aurum Pot., s. O3v: Wee confesSe it’s an old
saying, That better is the good the more common it is.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. IVi 123: Can one desire too much
of a good thing?
Cf. T158: Too much of one thing is good for nothing.
T143 Of a little THING a little displeases
I640 HERB., no. 809. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
182.
T144 One THING said twice deserves a trudgeI
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 272: It is varietie that moueth the
minde of all men, and one thing sayd twice (as wee say commonly)
deserueth a trudge.
Cf. T130: A good thing cannot be too often spoken.
[1a command to be off]
T145 That THING which is rare is dear
1606 FORD Honor Triumphant, p. 24: Rara praeclara; according
to the proverbe, that the fairest are the fairest, that is, the best and
best to be estemed. 1659 How. Br. Prov. , p. 17: Rare and precious,
richly prized. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 13, p. 55. I670 COMENIUS
7anua Ling. Triling. 85, p. 218: That which is rare is dear, and
that which is dear is choice.
Cf. D10: Dainty makes dearth; D12: Dear bought and far
fetched are dainties for ladies; D213: Desires are nourished by de-
lay; F47: Too much familiarity breeds contempt; M638: Too many
to be good.
T146 There is a THING in it, quoth the fellow when he
drank the dishclout
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 8. 1670 RAY, p. 196. 1732 FUL., no.
4884: There is something in it, quoth the Fellow, when he drunk
Dish-clout and all.
T147 There is no new THING under the sun
[Eccl. i 9.] 1596 DEL., s. M6v: And vnder the large Cope of heau-
en, we see not a new thing. 1662 FULLER Worthies Northumber-
land, II 196: (According to Solomon’s observation, There is no).
SHAKESPEARE—1609 Son. 59, l. I: If there be nothing new, but
that which is Hath been before, how are our brains beguil’d.
See SK., no. 222; ST., no. 1635. Cf. N284a: Nothing can be
said that has not been said before.
T148 A THING done by force is not worth a rush (nut-
sheH)
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: (nutshel). 1659 N.R., p. 14.
T149 The THING done has an end (is not to do)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1362: The thing that is don is not to do.
1640 JONSON Tale Tuh II i 1: Cheare up, the better leg avore: This
is a veat is once done, and no more. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 55.
SHAKESPEARE.——I6o5—6 M. I vii I: Ifit were done when ’tis done,
then ’twere well It were done quickly.
Cf. S640: Soon enough if well enough; T200: Things done cannot
be undone.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
THING
THINGS
658
T150 The THING that is fristed1 is not forgiven
I641 FERG., no. 782. 1668 R.B., p. 51. I721 KEL., p. 305: (is no
forgiven).
Cf. F584: Forbearance (Omittance, Sufferance) is no quittance
(acquittance).
[‘sold on credit]
The THING that we first learn we best can
1721 KEL., p. 340: (What we first).
T151
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1363.
T152 A THING there was, and done it was, and wise
was he that hid it; let no man know who knows
it not, nor do so no more that did it
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: *Of one who mistook his neighbours
wife for his own.
T153 A THING well done is twice done (is ever done)
I530 PALS., p. 648b: (The thynge that is well doone). 1606 J. DAY
Isle Gulls, s. HIv: I loue to haue a thing wel done, for, saies my
mother, a thinge once we] done, is twice done. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 19: What’s well done is ever done. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.
into Fr. It. Span., p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 184: A thing being once well
done, what needs addition? 1670 RAY, p. 154: (That that is well
done). 1732 FUL., no. 4381: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1741 FRANKLIN, p.
19: Well done, is twice done.
Cf. W851: A work ill done must be twice done.
T154 To get by a THING, as Dickson did by his distress
1639 CL., s.v. Damni, p. 82: He gets by that, as Dickons did by’s
distres. I670 RAY, p. 171: *That is, over the shoulders, as the vul-
gar usually say.
Cf. S405: To get over the left shoulder.
T155 To lay (cast) a THING in one’s dish
1551 T. WILSON Rule Reason, f. 62v: When wee charge hym with a
like fault, and laye some greater matter in his dishe. 1559 BECON
Ld.’s Supper: Prayers, p. 390: Let no man object and lay in my
dish old custom. 01570 Morr. Wit and Science IV iii, s. D3v: But
yet this repulse of myne, they wyll lay in my dishe. . 1596 HARING-
TON Metam. Ajax, p. 57: Claudius was so farre from laying his crime
in his dish, that he said, bee of good cheare man. 1609 Man in
Moon in Bks. Char., p. 96: Your former follies shall be laide in your
dish. 1615 SWETNAM Arraign. Women, p. xviii: Hir dowrie will be
often cast in thy dish if shee doe bring wealth with her. 1665
BRATHWAITE Com. on Chaucer, p. 93: You still cast in my Dish,
mine Age and Deformity. 1670 RAY, p. 171. 1672 WALK. 13,
p. 50. 1681 ROB., p. 806: To lay in ones dish.
See ST., no. 366. (16)
T156 To make a bad THING worse
1639 CL., s.v. Intempestiva, p. 176.
T157 To scorn a THING as a dog scoms a tripe
1670 RAY, p. 207.
T158 Too much of one THING is good for nothing
[ERAS. Adagio, 259E: Ne quid nimis.] 01500 Prov. at Wressil in
Antig. Rep., IV 414: To muche ys nought of any maner of thynge.
01530 Youth, s. B2v: Ouer muche of one thinge is nought. I546
HEY. II iv, s. G4v: (is not good). 1552 TAV., f. 2ov: [As in Eras.].
Nothynge to muche. Or (as we commenly say in Englysh: To
much of nothynge is [not] good. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34:
(is nought). 1596 DEL., s. P6v: Too much is starke naught.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. I 118: (Over meikle of). 1611 DAV. Prov., no.
330: (for nought). 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 BRET., p. 8: (of any-
thing). 1616 DR., no. 2107: (is naught). 1616 WITHALS, p. 569.
1639 CL., p. 213. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 24: [As in 1596 Del.].
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1668 R.B., p. 41: (Over meikle of any
thing). 1670 RAY, p. 149. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 158. I721 KEL.,
p. 269: (O’er mickle of yee [one] Thing). 1732 FUL., no. 5265.
See DI'IR., I, no. 37. Cf. E158: Enough iS as good as a feast;
H560: Too much honey cloys the stomach; 091: All overs are ill but
over the water (ferry); T142: The more common a good thing is the
better. (19)

T159 When a THING is done advice comes too late
1611 COT., s.v. Chose. 1664 COD., p. 224. 1670 RAY, p. I. 1732
FUL., no. 5542.
T160 You want the THING you have
1573 SANF., f. 1 10V. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 130, p. 29.
Cf. W36: I will not want when I have and when I have not too.
T161 All green (new) THINGS are gay (fair)
[01517] 1533 SKELTON .Mogn., s. C4: Eche thynge is fayre when it is
yonge. 1546 HEY. II i, s. F3v: Al thyng is gay that is greene.
1596 DEL., s. M7v: All new things seemes commonly to be faire.
1611 COT., s.v. Nouveau: Euerie new thing lookes faire. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 321. 1616 DR., no. 1491: New things are gay.
I651 HERB., p. 370: New things are fair. 1732 FUL., no. 3537: New
Things are most look’d at.
Cf. T188: Little things are pretty.
T162 All THINGS are good unseyed1
1641 FERG., no. 144: All things is good unseyit.
[luntried]
T163 All THINGS are obedient to money
[ERAS. Adagio, 144D: Pecuniae obediunt omnia.] 1529 HYRDE
Instr. Chr. W om. XVI, p. 1 14: Money ruleth and ordereth all things.
1539 TAV., f. 15v: [As in Eras.]. Unto money be all thynges obe-
dient. 1542 BECON Nosegay: Early Wks., p. 222. I611 COT., s.v.
Argent: All (earthly) things are commanded, and compassed, by it.
1611 DAV. Epig., no. 132: To money all things still obedient bee.
1613 T. ADAMS thite Devil: W ks., p. 57: All things make obeysance
to money. 1623 WOD., p. 519: So all Things obey for Mony. 1678
Loyal Garland 38, p. 42: This masters money, though money mas-
ters all things.
See OTTO, no. 1369. Cf. M1058: Money is a great master in
a market; M1075: Money makes masteries (masters); M1102:
What will not (cannot) money (gold) do? T164: All things are
sold for money at Rome.
1668 R.B., p. 10.
T164 All THINGS are sold for money at ROME
1549 LATIMER Serm. 1 1, p. 185: (For then we have the old proverb,
Omnia venalia Romae. All things are). 1578 T. LUPTON All
for Money Prol., s. A2v: You may pe[r]ceyue, All thing is for mon-
ey: For Omnia pecunia eflici possunt, as in Tullies sentence is said.
Cf. T163: All things are obedient to money.
T165 All THINGS are turned topsy-turvy (upside down)
01523 A. BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 63: For time, place, age,
oflice, rourne and condition, Deuideth and varieth all thinges vp
set downe. 1528 ROY Read Me and Be Not Wroth, p. 51: He tourn-
eth all thynge topsy tervy. 01540 Eng. Hist., VIII 283: The deaths
of Canutus didd noe lesse turne all thinges topsie-turvie in Den-
marcke. 1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 82v: All thynges should so bee
turned vp side down. 1548 E. HALL Hen. VI: Chron., f. 85: They
studied, sodainly to change al thinges, and to turne the worlde up-
setdoune. 1579 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 73: Your delicacy would
haply have delighted your self in overturning the proverbe upsye-
downe. 1616 DR., s.v. The World, no. 2501. 1620 SHELTON Don
Quix. Pt. II, viii, III 65: My credit is turned topsie turvy, and (as
they say) goes a begging. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 20: Topsie
turvie. I670 RAY, p. 196: Topsie turvie. 1670 WALKER Idiom.
Ang.-Lot., p. 494: He hath turned all things upside down, topsie
turvy. I671 DRYDEN Evening’s Love III i, p. 282: Let the order of
all things be turned topsy-turvy. 1672 WALK. 89, p. 5 5: To turn
all topsie turvy; upside down. 1681 ROB., p. 1016: All turn’d top-
sie turvie.
SHAKESPEARE.—1597 I Hen. IV IV i 82: We shall o’erturn it [a
kingdom] topsy-turvy down.
Cf. W903: The world may be topsy-turvy in an hour. (23)
T166 All THINGS by strife engender
I612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears I iii 34: Have not you heard this
principle, All things by strife engender? [01613] 1639 CHAPMAN

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
THINGS
THINGS
659

Chahot V ii 14: It hath been said, and will be said again, and may
truly be justified, omnia ex lite fieri.
Cf. $165: By scratching and biting cats and dogs come together.
T167 All THINGS fit not all persons
[ERAS. ddagia, 527D: Nec omnia, nec passim, nec ab omnibus]
1539 TAV., f. 36v: [AS in Eras.]. Nether all thynges, nor in all
places, nor of al men. *Thys prouerbe teacheth vs, that in takynge
of rewardes, we shewe oure selues not only shamefast, but also ware
and circumspecte. 1639 CL., s.v. Decorum, p. 82: (not all men).
Ihid., s.v. Differentiae, p. 89: *Omnia non decent omnes.
T168 All THINGS grow worse and worse
1607 ALEXANDER dlex. Trag. IV ii 2527: But from the best to
worst all things do weare. 1616 DR., no. 2504.
Cf. B27: To go from bad to worse.
T169 All THINGS have their place, knew we how to
place them
1640 HERB., no. 375. 1664 COD., p. 186.
T170 All THINGS in their being are good for something
1640 HERB., no. 516. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 55: (Everything
in its kind is). 1681 DRYDEN Span. Friar III ii, p. 461: They say
everything in the world is good for something . . but I never knew
what a friar was good for, till your pimping showed me.
See OTTO, no. 1021. Cf. N327: There is nothing but is good for
something; N328: There is nothing so bad in which there is not
something of good.
T171 All THINGS may be sufl'ered saving wealth
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3. 1611 COT., s.v. Aise: L’on endure tout fors
que trop d’aise: Wee say, all things may he suffered sauing wealth.
T172 All THINGS may come soon enough if we can
have the patience to stay for them
1596 DEL., s. P5v: All things may come time inough if we can haue
the pacience to stay. 1616 DR., no. 1597. 1616 WITHALS, p. 545:
All things are to be overcome with patience. 1623 WOD., p. 519:
All Things come to passe who can stay for them.
Cf. P102: He that can have patience can have what he will;
P1 14: Patience, time, and money accommodate all things.
T173 All THINGS require skill but an appetite
1640 HERB., no. 374.
T174 All THINGS that breed in the mud are not efts1
(eels)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 89: (are not Euets).
no. 549: All that breed in the Mud are not Eels.
[1newts]
T175 All THINGS thrive at thrice (There are three
things of all things)
[ERAS. .ddagia, 10391": Tria saluberrima.] a1598 FERG. MS, no.
104: (thryves but thrys). 1668 R.B., p. 8: (but thrice). 1721
KEL., p. 26: *An Encouragement to those who have miscarried in
their Attempts once and again, to try the third time. They will
say the third’s a Charm, or, there are three things of all things.
Ihid., p. 331: There is three things of all things.
Cf. L582: There is luck in odd numbers; T319: The third time
pays for all.
1732 FUL.,
T176 A11 THINGS wites1 that no well fares
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 103: (that weill not fairis). 1668 R.B., p. 8:
[As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 26: *A Man who miscarries in
his Business will lay the blame on any thing, rather than take it to
himself.
[lare blamed]
T177 All worldly THINGS are transitory
[1560 Geneva Bible Eccl. ii 11: I looked on all my workes . . all is
vanitie and vexation of the spirit: and there is no profite vnder the

sunne.] 1520-4o Songs in Rawl. MS C813 23, p. 355: All thyng
endes. 1553 Respuhlica I iv, p. 15: What yearethlye thinge is
permanent or stable. 1583 STUBBES .dnat. Ahuses I, p. 191: As
the Wyse King Salomon said, all things are vaine and transitorie,
and nothing is permanent vnder the Sonne. 1590 SPENSER FAQ.
III vi 40: For all that lines, is subiect to that law: All things decay
in time, and to their end do draw. 1616 DR., no. 1430. 1631
Rule Health, s. A3v: All sublunarie things are perishable. 1682
DRYDEN Mac Flecknoe l. 1, p. 436: All humane things are subject
to decay.
T178 The best THINGS are worst to come by
01570 Marr. Wit and Science I i, s. A3v: The worthiest things ar
wonne with pain in tract of time alwaies. 1635 SWAN Spec. Mundi
IX i, p. 465: Excellent things are hard to come by. 1639 CL., p. 87.
1670 RAY, p. 61. I672 WALK. 31, p. 41. 1732 FUL., no. 4420:
(are hard to come by).
Cf. T181: Good things are difficult; T201: Things hardly at-
tained are long retained (highly deemed).
T179 From three THINGS God keep us: from powdered
beef without mustard, from a servant that
views himself, a wife that is painted
1659 N.R., p. 34.
See Dt'iR., I, no. 791.
T180 Give, take, seek all THINGS, few things, nothing
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Z2: (Put in practice this old delectorie,
Giue). 1630 T. ADAMS Love’s Copy: Wks., p. 813: Hee that would
bee Of worldly men well thought: Must always Giue, Take, Begge,
Much, Little, Nought.
T181 Good THINGS are difficult
[ERAS. ddagia, 410C: Difficilia quae pulchra.] 01535 ELYOT Educ.
6, s. C3v: For it is said in a prouerbe: Good thinges are diflicile.
1539 TAV., f. 29v: Harde or diflicile be those thynges that be goodly
0r honeste. This sentence of the wyse man Solon declarethe vnto
vs that the waye of honestie, of vertue, of renown, is vneasye,
paynful, iepardouse, harde. 1616 WITHALS, p. 542: The rarest
things are most diflicult.
Cf. T178: The best things are worst to come by.
T182 He finds THINGS before they are lost
1537 LATIMER Serm. 5, p. 51: This is not found, for it was never
lost. I546 HEY. I xi, s. D3: If ye seke to fynde thynges er they be
lost, Ye shall fynde one daie you come to your cost. 01605
Ratsey’s Ghost, s. B3v: If hee mette not with good fellowes sometime
that will finde a purse before it bee lost. 1609 ARMIN Two Maids
More., s. A4v: How can ye find the gloue was neuer lost? 1616
DR., s.v. Theeues, no. 21 14. 1732 FUL., no. 5918: You have found,
What was never lost.
T183 He lives unsafely that looks too near on THINGS
1611 COT., s.v. Esplucher: (too neerely to matters). 1640 HERB.,
no. 43. 1732 FUL., no. 2226: He that looks too nicely into things,
never lives easy.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-1 H. IV iv 40: Some craven scruple Of
thinking too precisely on th’ event.
Cf. T206: The things that are above us are nothing to us.
T184 He seems wise with Whom all THINGS thrive
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 308: He is wise with whom
all things go well. 1732 FUL., no. 2016.
Cf. W869: He that has the world at will seems wise (To have the
world at will).
T185 'If THINGS were to be done twice all would be
wise
1640 HERB., no. 696.
p. 63. 1664 COD., p. 202.
MIEGE, s.v. Twice. 1721 KEL., p. 221.
Cf. E192: To be wise after the event.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18. 1659 N.R.,
1670 RAY, p. 27: *Hispan. 1687
1732 FUL., no. 6086.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
THINGS 660
THINGS

T186 In three THINGS a man may be deceived: in a
man till known, in a tree till down, in the day
till done
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 1: Three things are hard to be known,
a man, an oke, and a day. Ibid., p. 39. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Three:
(maybe easily deceiv’d, viz. In a Man, till known, a Tree till down,
and the Day till done).
T187 It is better to lose some THINGS than all
1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Sept., 1. 134, p. 41: Yet better leave off
with a little losse, Then by much wrestling to leese the grosse.
1616 DR., no. 1287.
T188 Little THINGS are pretty
1539 TAV., f. 50v: Unto lyttel thynges is a certayne grace annexed.
1607 JONSON Volp. III iii 9: First, for your dwarfe, hee’s little, and
wittie, And euery thing, as it is little, is prittie. 1616 DR., no.
1273: Euery little thing is prettie. 1639 CL., p. 183: Any young
thing is pretty. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 211: That which is good,
is ever little. 1678 RAY, p. 169.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-S L.L.L. I ii 22: Thou pretty, because
little. —I..ittle pretty, because little. 1597 Rich. III IV i 101:
Rough cradle for such little pretty ones!
See DUR., I, no. 923. Cf. T161: All green (new) things are gay
(fair).
T189 Little THINGS catch light minds (please fools)
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 33: They know a little thing pleaseth a
fool. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao II iv 60: Litle things catch light
mindes.
Cf. F530: Fools are fain of nothing (right nought).
T190 Many THINGS grow in the garden which were
never sowed
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6. 1664 COD., p. 205.
(in the garden were never sown there). *Hispan.
no. 3363: (that were never sow’d there).
1670 RAY, p. 12:
1732 FUL.,
T191 Many THINGS happen (fall) between the cup and
the lip
[ERAS. Adagia, I81A: Multa cadunt inter calicem supremaque la-
bra.] 1539 TAV., f. 15: [As in Eras.]. Many thynges fall betwene
the cuppe and the mouth. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 44: (Many
things, as the saying is, happen between). 1580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 223: (fall). 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. I4v: (Where-
upon this prouerbiall adage is grounded, many thinges ar betwene).
1596 DEL., s. M8v: Between the lippe and the cup, often the wine
is spilt. 1607 MARSTON What You Will IV i 107: But much falls
betwixt the cup and lip. 1611 COT., s.v. Bouche: Betweene the
cup and the lip (say we, with the Latine Poet) many mischances
happen. 1616 DR., s.v. Vncertainty, no. 2255: Many things chance
betweene the cup, and the vpper lip. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub III
vii 16: Many things fall betweene the cup, and lip. 1659 N.R.,
p. 20: Between the hand and the lip the morsell is lost. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Spina, p. 200: For many strange Accidents to
happen in a small distance of Time, Twixt the Cup and the Lip.
I670 RAY, p. 76: (fall). 1721 KEL., p. 254: (Mickle may fall).
*Greek. 1732 FUL., no. 3362: (Many Things fall out between).
See DI'IR., I, no. 676; OTTO, no. 1311. (I6)
T192 Many THINGS happen unlooked for
1596 DEL., s. N2v: Oft some good happeneth to vs, when we least
looke for it. 1639 CL., p. 123.
Cf. H741: It happens in one hour that happens not in seven
years; K180: You know not what may happen to you; M320: NO
man can make his own hap.
T193 Most THINGS have two handles
1650 TAYLOR Holy Living II vi, p. 88: There is nothing but hath a
double handle, or at least we have two hands to apprehend it.
1732 FUL., no. 3472: (two Handles; and a wise Man takes hold of
the best).
Cf. E9: Everything has an ear and a pitcher has two.


T194 Of fair THINGS the autumn (the month of May)
is fair
1640 HERB., no. 572.
Moneth Of May).
1659 N.R., p. 85. 1664 COD., p. 208: (the
T195 Some good THINGS I do not love: a good long
mile, good small beer, and a good old woman
1678 RAY, p. 148. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 438: They say,
there is no such thing as good small beer, good brown bread, or a
good Old woman.
T196 Take all THINGS as they come and be content
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 319: That man folowes hye wys-
dome Whiche takys all thynges lyke as they come. 1546 HEY. I
iv, 5. B1v: To take all thyng as it comthe, and be content. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 296.
Cf. T29: To take one as we find him.
T197 Taste not of THINGS that have black tails
[ERAS. Adagia, 15D: Ne gustaris quibus nigra est cauda.] 01535
ELYOT Educ. 12, 3. F2: Taste nothynge that hath a blacke tayle,
That is to saye, company with no persone, whose maners be
spotted with vice. I539 TAV., f. 53v: [AS in Eras.]. Taste not
(sayd Pythagoras) of thynges that haue blacke tayles, that is to
say, medle not with naughtye felowes and such as haue blacke and
diffamed maners. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 281: First . . one
should absteine from the tast of those thinges that haue blacke
tayles. That is, we must not vse the companye of those whose
corrupt manners doo as it were make their lyfe blacke.
T198 There are many fair THINGS full false
[a1511] I570 HENRYSON Paddock and Mouse: Fab., p. 210: That
prouerb is nocht trew; For fair thingis oft tymes ar fowll fakin.
1546 HEY. II ix, s. LIV; In pure peynted processe, as false as fayre.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1272. 1641 FERG., no. 801: There is many
fair thing full false. I668 R.B., p. 50: There is many a fair thing
full false.
T199 THINGS are not as they seem
1573 New Custom Prol., s. A2: All thinges be not soe as in sight
they doe seeme. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [38], l. 29:
This olde trothe, things proue not as they seeme. 1578 T. PROC-
TOR ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 69: Without respect to this olde troth:
things proue not as they seeme. 1605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND
MARSTON Eastward Ho III iii 177: All are not Cuckolds that seeme
so, nor all seeme not that are so. 1607 B. BARNES Devil’s CharterI iv,
s. B4: Beleeue me Candy things are as they seeme, Not what they
be themselues; all is opinion.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Luv. 1. 600: Thou art not what thou
seem’st; and if the same, Thou seem’st not what thou art, a god,
a king.
Cf. A285: Appearances are deceitful; S214: Be what thou would
seem to be.
T200 THINGS done cannot be undone
1539 TAV., f. 3 5: Quod factum est, infectum fieri non potest. The
thynge that is done can not be vndone. 1546 HEY. I x, s. C4.
[a1558] I 568 Yacob and Esau V iv, s. F4. 1592 LYLY Gall. III iv
86: (What I haue doone). 1601 YARINGTON Two Lam. T rag.,
s. B4v: (Whats done already). 1609 W.M. Man in Moon, p. 41:
(That which is done). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 214: Things vndone
can neuer be. 1631 MABBE Celestina XIV, p. 226: When a thing
is done, it cannot be undone. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep H usb.,
p. 51: His wife . . tells her amazed Husband, that what was done
could not be undone. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 86: To what is done,
there is no remedy.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. IV ii 73: Villain, what hast thou
done? —That which thou canst not undo. 1597 Rich. III IViv291:
Look, what is done cannot be now amended. 1599 1C. IV ii 6:
Your master . . Hath given me some worthy cause to wish Things
done undone. I602 (Q) V v 144: Tis done sir now, and
cannot be undone. 1605—6 M. V i 75: What’s done cannot be un-
done. 1608 P. IV iii 1: Why are you foolish? Can it be undone? . .

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
THINGS
THINGS
661

—Were I chief lord of all this spacious world, I’d give it to undo the
deed.
See OTTO, no. 627; ST., no. 2621. Cf. T149: The thing done has
an end (is not to do); T203: Things past cannot be recalled; W777:
A word and a Stone let go (A word spoken) cannot be called back;
Y31: It is too late to call again yesterday. (13)
T201 THINGS hardly attained are long retained .(highly
deemed)
1596 SPENSER IV x 28: Much dearer be the things, which come
through hard distresse. 1596 SPENSER Hymn Hon. Love 1. 168 in
Four Hymns: Wks., p. 744: For things hard gotten men more
dearely deeme. 1607 DEKKER Whore Bah, p. 231: Conquests hard
got are sweet and glorious. 1614 J. COOKE Greene’s Tu Quoque,
s. C4v: Things hardly got, are alwayes highest deem’d. 1616 DR.,
no. 1799: Hardly gotten, the more esteemed. 1618 T. ADAMS
Happiness Church: Wks., p. 575: Benefits common to all . . are
little regarded: but quae rarissima carissima, things hard to come
by, are much set by. 1623 WOD., p. 481 : A thing longed for is much
liked off. 1639 CL.,p. 101. 1664 COD., p. 213. 1670 RAY, p. 12.
1705 Pleas. Art, p. 151. 1732 FUL., no. 4991.
Cf. C533: Lightly come lightly go; T178: The best things are
worst to come by.
T202 THINGS must be as they may
1595 G. PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 66, S. A4: For your further inter-
tainment, it shall be as it may be, so and so. 1609 Every Woman
in Her Hum., s. EIv: Well, things must be as they may, fils the
other quart.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. VII i 22: Things must be as they may.
Ihid. II i 25: It must be as it may. Though patience be a tired
mare, yet She will plod. 1608 P. II i 1 19: O, sir, things must be as
they may.
Cf. B65: Be as be may is no banning (Be as be may); M1331:
What must (Shall, will) be must (shall, will) be.
T203 THINGS past cannot be recalled
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4: Things past my hands, I can not call agein.
1551 RALPH ROBINSON Edw. V, p. 208: (be called againe). I568
GRAFTON Chron. Edw. V, II 83: (be called agayne). 1580 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 188: But thinges past, are paste callinge
agayne. 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. E3: What’s done is
past recall. 1667 MILTON Par. Lost IX 926, p. 293: But past who
can recall or don undoe? Not God Omnipotent, nor Fate. 1680
R. L’ESTRANGE Citt and Bumpkin, p. 10: Well there’s no recalling
ofwhat’s past. 1681 DRYDEN Span. Friar III iii, p. 471: ’Tis done,
and, since ’tis clone, ’tis past recall.
See OTTO, no. 1466. Cf. C921: Past cure past care; M939: To
cry for spilt milk; T200: Things done cannot be undone; T204:
Things past cannot be recalled but may be repented; T332: Time
lost (past) we cannot win (recall); Y31: It is too late to call again
yesterday. (8)
T204 THINGS past cannot be recalled but may be re-
pented
[1588] I617 GREENE Alcida, p. 95: Time past cannot be recalled,
nor actions performed reuoked, but repented. 1591 LYLY Endim.
V iii 39: Madam, thinges past may be repented, not recalled. 1592
LYLY Midas II i 43: (but repented). 1594 LYLY Mother B. V iii
367: Thinges done in drinke may be repented in sobernes, but not
remedyed. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 2ogv: Things
past may be repented, but not recalled. 1613 T. HEYWOOD Brazen
Age II ii, p. 196: Rash deeds executed May be lamented, never be
recal’d. [1621] 1658 DEKKER, FORD, AND W. ROWLEY Witch Ed-
mon. V i, p. 427: Harms past may be lamented, not redrest.
Cf. A231: What cannot be altered must be borne not blamed;
M939: To cry for spilt milk; T203: Things past cannot be recalled.
T205 THINGS present are judged by things past
1573 SANF., f. 52. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 30: By things
passed, things present are iudged. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 36, p. 27.
T206 The THINGS that are above us are nothing to us
[ERAS. Adagia, 250A: Quae supra nos, nihil ad nos.] 1539 TAV., f.
19v: The thynges that be aboue vs, belonge nothynge vnto VS. This

was the saying of Socrates. 1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. lllor. Phil.
III xxi, s. P3v: Suche thynges as are aboue vs, pertayne not vnto vs.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 41: Things aboue vs, are not for
vs. 1583 STUEBES Anat. Ahuses II, p. 56: It is an olde saieng, and
verie true. . Those things that are aboue our reach, conserne vs
not. 1590 GREENE Mourn. Garm., p. 185: His Aphorismes are too
farre fetcht for me, and therefore, Quae supra nos, nihil ad nos.
1594 GREENE Friar Bacon, 3. Bv: That which is aboue vs pertains
nothing to vs. 1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. I3v: Quod supra
nos, nihil ad nos, What hath Joan to do with my Lady, or I with
execution of Lawes? 1607 G. WILKINS Miseries Enf. Marr., s. C2:
Because as the learned haue very well instructed me, Qui supra nos,
nihil ad nos. 1623 MASSINGER Duke Milan IV ii, p. 69: They are
things above us, And so no way concern us.
See SM., p. 465; T. 587, p. 286. Cf. A86: One can take no aim
(One cannot take true aim) at things too high; K86: Kings are out
of play; S825: One may point (look) at a Star but not pull (reach)
at it; S833: Talk not too much of state affairs; T183: He lives un-
safely that looks too near on things.
T207 THINGS well fitted abide
1640 HERB., no. 479. I659 N.R., p. 100.
1664 COD., p. 219: (con-
tinue long).
T208 Three THINGS always bring cost: the fawning of
a dog, the love of a Whore, and the invitation
of a host
1659 N.R., p. 105.
T209 Three THINGS are ill handled: birds in boys’
hands, young men in old men’s hands, and
wine in Germans’ hands
I586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 139: (Do you not know the proverbe:
Three things). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 236:
Three things are ill handled, Wine in the hand of a Dutchman, a
Bird in the hand of a childe, and a childe in the hand of a Grand-
father.
T210 Three THINGS there be which never decay whiles
the world lasts: to bake, to brew, and to powl1
or shear
I586 WITHALS, S. E4v: (or Sheare, saye the people, or common
Prouerbe).
[lpoll]
T211 To seek these THINGS is lost labor: geese in an
oil pot, fat hogs among Jews, and wine in a
fishing net
1651 HERB., p. 372.
T212 To take THINGS in dudgeon or wear a dudgeon
dagger by his side
1670 RAY, p. 172.
T213 Two good THINGS (shirts) are better than one
1639 CL., p. 104. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6: Two shirts is bet-
ter then one. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 180: Two eggs feed an owl
' better than one. *Note 58, p. 182: AS the English say . . Two Shirts
are warmer than one. 1678 RAY, p. 21 2.
Cf. T642: Two are better than one.
T214 Two THINGS do prolong your life, a quiet heart
and a loving wife
1602 DELONEY Strange Hist. XV, p. 70: (Two things doth prolong
thy lyfe: A quiet heart, and).
T215 What pretty THINGS are made for money, quoth
the woman when She saw a monkey (squirrel)
1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 19: He spide a Iacke an apes,
in a gaie cote . . Good Lord what knacks are made for money, now
adaies? 1591 LYLY Endim. II ii 139: Why it is a Squirrill. —A

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
THINGS
THIs'rLEs
662


Squirrill? O Gods what things are made for money. 1595 COPLEY
Wits, Fit: V, p. 140: A Cockney seeing a Squirrell in a shop, greatly
admir’d it, and said. Iesu God, what pretie things are made for
money! 1604 Yack Dover, p. 31: A jack an apes! quoth she: now,
Jesus, what these Fleminges can make for money, thinking verily
it had been a thing made by mens hand. 1732 FUL., no. 5503:
(What pretty Things Men will make for Money, quoth the old Wom-
an, when).
See TAY., p. 209.
T216 When THINGS are at the worst they will mend
1582 WHETSTONE Hept. Civil Disc. s. U3: Let this comfort you: that
thinges when they are at the worst, begin again to amend. The
Feauer giueth place to health, when he hath brought the pacyent
to deathes doore. 61594 BACON, no. 1456: When things are at the
periode of yll they turne agayne. 1600 Sir 7. Oldcastle, s. HIV:
Patience good madame, things at worst will mend. 1607 G. WIL-
KINS Miseries Enf. Marr., s. D3: (worst, tis hopt theyle mend).
[1613-14] 1623 WEBSTER Due/z. Malfi IV i 92: Things being at the
worst, begin to mend. 1618 N. FIELD Amend: for Ladies I i, p.
103: When our days are at worst, they will mend in spite of the
frowning destinies. I629 MAssINOER Roman Actor I i, p. 9: The
state, sicke . . Though at the worst will now begin to mend. I661
Mer. Droll. I, p. 56: Things, When they are at worst, will mend.
SHAKESPEARE.——16o5-6 M. IV ii 24: Things at the worst will
cease, or else climb upward To what they were before.
Cf. A237: Some do amend when they cannot appair (grow worse);
B59: When bale is highest boot is next; E124: In the end things will
mend; W892: When the world is at the worst it will mend.
T217 Who begins many THINGS finishes but few
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 35, p. 48.
Cf. 1100: He that has many irons in the fire, some will cool (burn).
T2 18 Who meddles in all THINGS may shoe the goslings
1546 HEY. II iii, s. G2: (thyng, maie shoe the goslyng). 1562 HEY.
Epig. 199, p. 159: He that medleth with all thyng, may shooe the
goslyng. 01594 BACON, no. 656: (gosling). 1611 DAv. Prov., no.
352: Who medles with all things, the gosling may shoo. I611
GRUT., no. 322. 1614 CAM., p. 314. 1616 DR., s.v. Busie, or med-
ling, no. 217: Hee that will meddle with all things, may goe shoe the
goose. 1639 CL., s.v. Curiositas, p. 78: He that medleth with all
things may goe shooe the goslings. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. IO.
1659 N.R., p. 51: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1664 COD., p. 225: (Gosling).
1670 RAY, p. 120: He that will meddle with all things, may go shooe
the goslings. 1732 FUL., no. 6445: [As in 1670 Ray].
Cf. G3 54: He may shoe the goose.
T219 First THINK and then speak
1616 DR., no. 2045: (A man must first). 1639 CL., p. 133. 1640
BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 277: You thinke twice before you
speake, and may be demanded twice before you answer.
SHAKES PEARE.—1600-1 H. I iii 59: Give thy thoughts no tongue,
Nor any unproportion’d thought his act.
Cf. L429: Look ere (before) you leap; M283: A man must not
shape an answer before that he know the question (errand); M807:
Measure thrice what thou buyest and cut it but once; T224: He
thinks not well that thinks not twice; U6: Who understands ill an-
swers ill; W948: Wrong hears, wrong answer gives.
T220 One may THINK that dares not speak
1639 CL., p. 64. 1659
1616 DR., no. 239: (who dareth not speak).
1670 RAY,
N.R., p. 81: One may think what he dares not speak.
p. 148. 1721 KEL., p. 272. 1732 FUL., no. 3783.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 .M. V i 87: I think, but dare not speak.
Cf. L367: Though he said little he thought the more; T244:
Thought is free.
They that THINK none ill are soonest beguiled
(They that do no harm suspect none)
1546 HEY. II v, s. H4V. 1590 SPENSER III ii 54: Who meanes
no guile, beguiled soonest shall. I611 CHAPMAN May Day II i 431:
The honester mind, the sooner overcome. I611 COT., s.v. Deceu:
He that thinkes no hurt is soone deceiued; the harmelesse man is
T221

quickly ouer-raught. loid., s.v. Mal: He that thinkes no harme is
soone beguiled. 1612 CHAPMAN W idow’: Tear: IV i 681He doubted
nought (as innocency ever Is free from doubting ill). 1613 CHAP-
MAN Rev. Bussy D’Amb. IV iii 81: Your noblest natures are most
credulous. 1616 DR., no. 1981: The simple man is soone deceiued.
[1626] 1639 SHIRLEY Maid’: Rev. II iii, p. 124: To see how a good
nature Free from dishonour in itself, is backward To think another
guilty. 1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. IV i, p. 83: Best Natures,
are soonest wrought on. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 6: He is easily
deceived who thinks no hurt. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 119: He
is soon deceived, who thinks no harm. laid. 23, p. I 37: Who think-
eth the least mischief, is the soonest affronted. 1732 FUL., no.
5727: Whoso doth no Evil, is apt to suspect none.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I H. IV vii I3 5: He, being remiss, Most
generous, and free from all contriving, Will not peruse the foils; so
that . . you may choose A sword unbated, and, in a pass of practice,
Requite him for your father. 1604 O. I iii 405: The Moor is of a
free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be
so. 1605-6 K.L. I ii I 9 5: A brother noble, Whose nature is so far
from doing harms That he suspects none.
Cf. H342: Kind hearts are soonest wronged.
T222 He that THINKs amiss concludes worse
1651 HERB., p. 366.
T223 He that THINKs himself surest is often deceived
1603 DRAYTON Barons’ War: VI xliv 351, p. I 14: When Men thinke
they most in Safetie stand, Their greatest Perill Often is at hand.
1616 DR., no. 2254. 1639 CL., p. 130: (may be deceived). 1659
N.R., p. 17: A man may be deceived when he thinks himself most
sure.
Cf. M344: No man so wise but he may be deceived; N314: Noth-
ing secure unless suspected; W152: The way to be safe is never to
be secure (He that is secure is not safe).
T224 He THINKs not well that thinks not twice
I611 COT., s.v. Penser: (that thinks of all at once; or thinks not
more then once). 1640 HERB., no. 830: (that thinkes not againe).
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8: (He thinks ill who). 1659 N.R., p. 44:
[As in 1640 Herb.]. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Think: [As in 1659 How.].
Cf. L429: Look ere (before) you leap; T219: First think and then
speak; T247: Second thoughts are best.
T225 I had THOUGHT to have asked you
[A mocking retort.] 1594 LYLY Mother B. II iii 64: (to aske you).
Ibid. IV ii 36.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. III i 55: I thought to have ask’d
you.
T226 The THIRD of November the Duke of Vandosm
was under water, the fourth of November the
Queen was delivered of a daughter, the fifth
of November we were like to have a great
slaughter, and the sixth of November was the
next after
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1670 RAY, p. 21 1: (past the water and
the Queen had a daughter and we scap’t a great slaughter).
T227 THIRTEEN to the dozen
1588 [MARPRELATE] Epistle: Marpr. Tracts, p. 79: And pay it you
with aduantage, at least thirteen to the dozen. I656 Trepan, p.
31: Here is a Stanza of thirteen to the dozen. [a1660] 1693 UR-
QUHART Gargantua III xxiv, III 126: That is a prettyjolly Vow of
Thirteen to a Dozen. 1721 KEL., p. 323: Thirteen of you may go to
the Dozen well enough. *Spoken to worthless Fellows.
T228 He that sows THISTLES shall reap thorns (prick-
les)
1611 COT., s.v. Chardon: (reapes). 1616 DR., no. 132. 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 4: Who sowes thistles, gathers prickles. 1659 How.
S pan. Prov., p. 19: Who sowes thistles, reaps prickles. 1732 F UL.,
no. 2307: (Prickles).
SHAKESPEARE.-—1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 38 3: Sow’d cockle reap’d no
corn, And justice always whirls in equal measure. 1608 C. IIIai

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
THONGS 663 THOUGHT

70: The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition, Which we ourselves and honestie. 1666 TOR. I t. Prov. 4, p. 268: Of a thorn, springs not
have plough’d for, sow’d, and scatter’d. a rose, nor of a stinking herb, a lilly.
Cf. B52: As you bake so shall you brew (eat); B654: As one brews See Dt'IR., I, no. 298.
so let him bake (drink); S687: As they sow so let them reap.
T234 The THORN comes forth with his point forwards
1640 HERB., no. 234. 1664 COD., p. 217. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2,
p. 268: At its springing, a thorn bears a Prickle on the top. *Note
188, p. 277: Usually spoken when any Prince is born with teeth,
T229 He cuts large THONGS of other men’s leather
[ERAS. Adagia, 479E: Ex alieno tergore lata secari lora.] 1484
CAXTON Fah. Avian 4, p. 220: Ne also it is not honeste to make
large thonges of other mennes leder. a1536 HILL 44, p. 132: Of as portending strange things_ I670 RAY, p, 26_
an-other mannes ledder we cut a longe thonge. 1562 HEY. Dial. SHAKESPEARE__1597 Ric/L [I] IV iv 47, From forth the kennel
H V, P- 541 (They cm)- 1566 H01“, P- 2611 He Cutteth a large of thy womb hath crept . . That dog, that had his teeth before his
thonge of an other mans leather. 1586 WITHALS, s. F8: (To cutte). eyes, To worry lambs and lap their gentle blood,
1596 DEL-r 3- N4v: we Inn“ 110’: mt a large thong 0f an°ther mans Cf. T232: It early pricks (It pricks betimes) that will be a thorn.
leather. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1106: Of other mens lether men
takes long thongues. 1605 CHAPMAN All Fools IV i 147: O, puis-
W
sant wag, what huge large thongs he cuts Out of his friendFortunio’s T235 He that goes barefOOt (so S thorns) mUSt not
stretching leather. 1616 DR., s.v. Liberality, no. 1218: (of another plant THORNS (g0 barefOOt)
mans hide). 1623 WOD., p. 481: Of other Mens Leather large 1611 COT.,s.v. Pied:He that will bare-footgoemustplantno thornes.
Thongs. *Hee is liberall of that which is not his. 1639 CL., p. 1640 HERB-a no- 82- 1659 HOW- SPfln- Prov-s P- 121 Who SOWCS
309. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3: A large thong of another mans thorns hit him nOt g0 barefoot I659 N-R-> P. 53~ I666 TOR- 11-
leather. 1666 ToR. It. Prov. 31, p, 53:0116 may make large thongs, Prov. II, p. 268: Who sowes thorns, must not go barefoot. 1732
of other fo[l]ks lether. 1668 R.B., p. 41: Of other mens leather, FUL., no. 2289: He that scattereth Thorns, must not go Barefoot.
men takes large whangs [thongs]. 1721 KEL., p. 393: You cut long 1736 FRANKLIN, p. I 1: He that scatters thorns, let him not go bare-
Whangs in other Mens Leather. 1732 F UL., no. 5893: You cut foot. 1742 FRANKLIN, p. 20: He that sows thorns, should not go
large Thongs out of another’s Hide. barefoot.
See DUR., I, no. 92; OTTO, no. 432. (19) Cf. H789: Whose house (head) is of glass must not throw stones
at another; M507: Barefooted men need not tread on thorns.
T230 As sharp as a THORN
01485 Early Eng. Misc. 4, p. 33: And al here eyrus wer scharpe as T236 He that handles THORNS shall prick 'hiS fingers
any thornus. 1616 DR., s.v. Anger no. 91: (He is as). 1648 HER- I616 BRET 6, -l - - - -
3 ., p. . (Wil pricke his fingers). 1639 CL., s.v. V18 1n-
RICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 165: He s Sharpe as thorn. 1659 HOW. justa, p_ 32L I670 RAY, p. I48_ I694 DsURFEY I Don Qua. HI
Eng. Prov., p. 19: As loud as a horn, And as sharp as a thorn. 1659 ii p_ 51. I732 FUL“ no. 2128, (shall smart for it).
N.R., p. 52: (He is as). 1670 RAY, p. 207. ’
Cf.N :chth d1 1 dl' tt -
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II IV i 322: The children yet unborn P358: H2331“ foucgcs gtchezhzllngitgeggdfr y 18 scones S ung’
Shall feel this day as sharp to them as thorn.
T237 THORNS1 whiten yet do nothing
1640 HERB., no. 937.
[lhawthorns]
T231 I will not pull the THORN out of your foot and
put it into my own
1618 DYKE Philemon, p. 279: When thou . . becommest surety for
another, let it be for no more then thou art willing and well able to T238 To go shod among THORNS
part withall. A man is not bound to plucke a thorne out of another
mans foot, to put it into his owne. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 24:
I’le never thorn draw from others foot, and having pulld it in mine
own put. 1678 RAY, p. 273. 1732 FUL., no. 2648: (to put it into
mine).
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 52: And to walke amongst them (as the
saying is) shood amongest the thornes. 1605 DANIEL Philotas I i,
p. 109: Men must be shod that goe amongst the thornes. 1607
ROWLANDS Diog. Lanthorn, p. 41: Who-euer walkes amongst sharp
thornes, Had need to goe well shodde. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
T232 It early pricks (It pricks betimes) that will be a Spine, p. 201: (among thorns, viz. to be well provided against dan-
THORN ger). 1678 RAY Adagza Hehr., p. 404: While thy shooe Is on thy
_ foot tread upon the thornes.
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel 1. I37: Wks., I 418: It Is sone aspyed
where the thorne prikkith. a1536 HILL 3, p. 128: Sone hit sharpith, T2 To Sit Stand u on THORNS
that thorn will be. 1546 HEY. II ix, s. LI:It pricketh betymes that 39 T M ( _ l ) pH In . _ I l b
will be a good thorne. [01550] 1560 Nice Wanton, s. A1: Early I529 ‘ ORE D’a ' can“ "my X’V’ p' 234‘ ong. y .my
Sharpe that wle be thornc_ 1556 J. HEYWOOD Spider and Fly v, trouth quod he, and euen syt on thornes, tyll I see that constituCIon.
- PALSGRAVE Acolastus I iii . 2: I se how thou standest v on
. 4 : Thornes ricke on e, that shalbe shar e. 1 1 LYLY En- 154° ’ P 5 , _ , p
Zimf’m i 37: (5nd yoinggit pricks, a1598 12m, 1538an 1,43, thornes. 1546 HEY. I x, S. C4v: While she was In thls house she
Soone pakis the trie that wil prove a thorne. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. sat vpon thornes' 156° Impat' POL’efl-y’ 8' DIV,’ ,1 syt on thornes
223, (Early it pricks)_ I6II GRUT., no. I68: [AS in 1546 Heyl tyll I come ther. I577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. B2v: Who,
- fearin lest the Gods themselues with lone should be inflamde
1614 CAM., . 0 = [AS m 1 6 He .1. 1616 DR., no. 116. 1636 g . .. :
CAM” pl 2958(ga21y prickesgf’ 163; CI“, p. 171: ,Tls soone Sharpe Set all on thorne tIIIOShC was gone. 1594 LYLY Mother B. II 11 19:
Will be a thorne_ 61640 SMYTH 13, p_ 27: Quicklye prickes the tree, I stand on thornes tIll I heare what he hath done. 1607 DEKKER
that a Sharpe thorns will b6e. 1659 HOW Eng. Prov., p. 5: That AND WEBSTER North. Ho IV, s. F2: I stand vpon thornes, telI shake
which will be a sharp thorn pricks betimes. *This is meant of the him blth homes‘ 1616 DR“ 8"" HaSte> or ouermuc” speede> 110'
disposition of children. 1670 RAY, p. 84. 1721 KEL., p. 97: 940’ Hf? Standeth on thorPes- 1639 CL" p' 186: I Stand upon
(Early pricks). I732 FUL, no. 3043: [AS in 1546 Hey.]. thorns. .Ihid., p. 187: He sits upon thorns. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
SHAKESPEARE__15913 Hen VIV v 13, What? can so young a s.v. RaSOI, p. 165: The English say, To tread upon thorns, but then
thorn begin to prick; it signifies, or implyes haste, not rashness. 1670 RAY, p. 196:
See Dt'IR., II, no. 173. Cf. T234: The thorn comes forth with (Stand)- I732 FUL., 110' 59981 YlOu Sltllllpon Thfornsf. 11 h
his point forwards; T493: Soon (Timely) crooks the tree that good , SHAKESPEARE—1609 5"?"- 99’ ' 8: T e roses ear u y on t Omsl
Gammock (gambrel) will be_ (I I) did stand. 1611 W. T. IV IV 596: But, O, the thorns we stand upon.
See ST., no. 1236. (11)
T233 Of a THORN springs not a rose
[ERAS. Adagia, 520B: E squilla non nascitur rosa.] 1580 BARET, T240 AS SWifi as THOUGHT
E—339: [As in Eras.]. *A Prouerbe vsed, when an honest man be- 1594 Zepheria 16 in Eliz. Sonnets, II 170: But now, Old Man! fly
getteth a child, which doth much resemble his father in all goodnes on, as swift as thought! [1602] 1631 CHETTLE Hoflman I, s. BI:


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
THOUGHT
THREAD
664

The dead remembrance of my living father And with a hart as aire,
swift as thought. 1606 Wily Beguiled Prol., p. 2: Ile make him fly
swifter then meditation. 1607 DEKKER Whore Bab., p. 275:
Quicke as thought You shall flie hence vpon my actiue winges.
1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess III ii 71: As swift
as thought fly I to wish thee aid. 1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot,
s. C3v: Swifter then thought, your errand shal be done.
SHAKESPEARE.——1593-4 Lac. 1. 1216: For swift~wing’d duty with
thought’s feathers flies. 1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 327: Love . . Courses
as swift as thought in every power. Ibid. V ii 261: Fleeter than
arrows, bullets, wind, thought. 1596 K7. IV ii 174: Set feathers
to thy heels, And fly (like thought) from them to me again. 1597
I Hen. IVII iv 241: And with a thought seven of the eleven I paid.
1598 2 Hen. IV IV iii 36: Have I in my poor and old motion the ex-
pedition of thought? 1599 A. Y. IVi 141: A woman’s thought runs
before her actions. —So do all thoughts; they are wing’d. 1599
Hen. V III Prol. 1: Our swift scene flies, In motion Of no less celerity
Than that of thought. Ibid. V Prol. 15: SO swift a pace hath
thought that even now You may imagine him upon Blackheath.
1599 C. V iii 19: I will be here again even with a thought. 1600—1
H. I v 29: I, with wings as swift As meditation or the thoughts of
love, May sweep to my revenge. 1602 T.C. IV ii I 1: Night . . flies
the grasps of love With wings more momentary-swift than thought.
1611 Temp. IV i 164: Come with a thought! I thank thee, Ariel.
Come. 1611 W. T. IV iv 565: Faster than thought or time.
(19)
See APP., p. 518; PR, no. 448.
I had no THOUGHT of catching you when I fished
for another
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 173: (I had not thought to haue
catched you, when). 1732 FUL., no. 2596.
T241
T242 THOUGHT breaks the heart
I616 BRET., p. 6: Nothing breakes the heart more then thought.
1639 CL., p. 292.
T243 The THOUGHT has good legs and the quill a good
tongue
I640 HERB., no. 608. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 4: The thought hath
good legs. 1664 COD., p. 220. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 35, p. 200:
Thought is free, and has good legs. I670 RAY, p. 26: *Ital.
FUL., no. 4790: (The Thought has good Wings, and).
1732
T244 THOUGHT is free
01475 Partonope 1. 10884, p. 440: Therefore this proverbe is seide
full truly: Thought to a man is euer ffre. [1503] c1545 SKELTON
Phyllyp Sparrowe l. 1201: Wks., I 88: Thought is franke and fro.
1546 HEY. II ii, s. GI. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. I3v:
Thought is free, and wordes are but winde. 1580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 60: Why then quoth he, doest thou thinke me a foole,
thought is free my Lord quoth she. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women
Ab. x, s. I4. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 350. 1615 T. ADAMS Bad Leav-
en: ths., p. 706: Men haue brought that opinion into a prouerbe,
Thought is free. 1636 CAM., p. 307: Thoughts be free from toll.
1639 CL., p. 63. 1659 N.R., p. 106: [As in 1636 Cam.]. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov., note 2, p. 292: The English say, I hope I may pay it with
thinking, Thought is free. 1670 RAY, p. 148: Thoughts are free.
*Humane laws can take no cognizance of thoughts, unless they dis-
cover themselves by some overt actions. 1690 DRYDEN Amphit.
II i, p. 38: I dare say nothing, but thought is free. 1721 KEL., p.
336: Thoughts are free. 1732 FUL., no. 2562: Humane Laws reach
not Thoughts.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III II i 104: My brother kill’d no
man: his fault was thought, And yet his punishment was bitter
death. I601 T.N. I iii 72: Now, sir, thought is free. 1604 M.M.
V i 458: Thoughts are no subjects, Intents but merely thoughts.
1604 0. III iii 134: Though I am bound to every act of duty, I am
not bound to that all slaves are free to. Utter my thoughts? 1605-6
K.L. IV vi 80: Bear free and patient thoughts. 1611 Temp.
III ii 130: Flout ’em and scout ’em And scout ’em and flout ’em!
Thought is free.
See OTTO, no. 405; ST., no. 616. Cf. S720: Speak fair and think
what you will; T220: One may think that dares not speak. (15)

fl
Green THOUGHTS and great minds
1639 CL., p. 142.
T245
1616 DR., s.v. Boasting or bragging, no. 184.
T246 I know your THOUGHTS (know you) as well as if
I were within you (in your belly)
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s. I3v: (I know your minde as
well as though I). 1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON Roaring Girl, 5.
F2: I knew you by your wide straddle, as well as if I had bene in
your belly. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub IV i 63: I doe know hun As well
az I waz i’ their bellies, and brought up there. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. III, p. 459: (Madam, I fancy I know your).
Cf. B234: I know him as well as the beggar knows his dish; K171:
I know him well (as well as if I had gone through him with a lighted
link).
T247 Second THOUGHTS are best
1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 18: After-wittes are euer best. 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 58: Whereby I finde verified the Proverbe,
That the second thoughtes are ever the best. [01590] 16 54 CHAP-
MAN AND PEELE Alphonsus I ii 133: Our later thoughts are purer
than our first. 1612 BACON Essays, p. 223: Generally, youth is like
the first cogitations, not so wise as the second. 1622 T. MAY Heir
II, p. 528:The second thoughts, our wise men say, are best. [1640-4]
1692 CHARLES I Mess. to Parl. in Rushworth Hist. Coll. III i,
IV 545: Tis possible that second thoughts may present something
to your consideration, which escaped you before. 1721 KEL., p.
300: *For a Man at first cannot see all the Conveniences, and In-
conveniences, of what is offered, but by after Consideration may
mend his first Apprehensions. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 442.
See OTTO, no. 404. Cf. F595: One good forewit is worth two
afterwits; T224: He thinks not well that thinks not twice.
T248 Your THOUGHTS close and your countenance
loose
I651 HERB., p. 374. I659 N.R., p. 127.
T249 His THREAD is spun
1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 13: My thrid is sponne, and my foote is
in the graue. 1596 DEL., s. OIV: The threed teacheth vs, how
weake and frayle is this poore life. 1622 DEKKER AND MASSINGER
Virgin Martyr IV,'p. 71: It is decreed That I must die with her, our
clue of life Was spun together. 1635 HAMMOND Survey West.
Counties, p. 73: Poore Delinquents who vnfortunately spin out the
thread of their Liues at that fearefull, spacious, and Strong Tree.
01681 R. GIBBS Fitzharris l. 30 in Roxb. Bal., V 45: Give them what
they deserve, their Thread is spun.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590-I 2 Hen. VI IV ii 31: Argo, their thread
oflife is spun. 1592—4 I Hen. VII i 33: Had not churchmen pray’d,
His thread of life had not so soon decay’d. I599 Hen. V III vi 49:
Let not Bardolph’s vital thread be cut With edge of penny cord.
1604 O. V ii 205: Pure grief Shore his old thread atwain. 1608 P.
I ii 107: Till the Destinies do cut his thread of life.
See ST., no. 1374. Cf. M346: An old man has one foot in the
grave.
T250 It hangs by a THREAD (hair)
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 205: Of which fault it followeth, that
he [the prince] living alwayes miserable, full of suspicion and feare,
with a sword still hanging by a heare over his head. 1586 WITH-
ALS, s. F6: W0 is me, for a sworde hangeth ouer my bed by a horse
hayre. 1594 Selimus x, s. D3: Too true that tyrant Dionysius Did
picture out the image of a King, When Damocles was placed in his
throne, And ore his head a threatning sword did hang, Fastned vp
only by a horses haire. 1616 WITHALS, p, 555: *De pilo pendet.
1639 CL., p. 249. Ibid., p. 251: All hangs on a twinethread.
See ST., nos. 481, 2675.
T251 The THREAD breaks where it is weakest
I640 HERB., no. 592. 1659 N.R., p. 102. 1664 COD., p. 229:
Where it is weakest, there the thread breaketh. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. II, p. 90. I670 RAY, p. 28: [As in 1664 Cod.]. 1732 FUL.,
no. 5647: [As in 1664 Cod.].

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
THREAD
THRIVE
665

T252 You have spun a fine (fair) THREAD
1546 HEY. II' V, S. H2: In beyng your owne foe you spyn a fayre
threede. [a1558] 1568 7acoh and Esau II ii, s. C3: Forsoth then
were it a faire threede that I had spOnne. 1571 R. EDWARDS Da~
mon and Pithias, s. Blvz- The Courte is changed, a good thread had
bin sponne Of Dogges woll heretofore. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 8: A
faire threed, Captaine Porcupine hath spunne: For he his threed of
life hath quite vndone. 1619 DRAYTON Idea 59: Wks., II 340: You
haue spunne a faire Thred, he replyes in scorne. [1625] I647
FLETCHER Chances III iv, p. 221: Ye have spun your self a fair
thread now. 1639 CL., p. 247: (faire). 1645 D. FEATLEY Dippers,
p. 69: Thus Mr. Cornwell hath spun a fair thred, of which a strong
cord may be made to strangle his own assertion. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 5: (a fair threed, you have brought your hogs to a fair
market). *Spoken in derision when a business hath sped ill. 1670
RAY, p. 214: To spin a fair thread. 1691 J. WILSON Belphegor I
iii, p. 12: And ifI lose my Place by the Bargain, I have spun a fine
Thread.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. I iii 188: Ifit be so, you have wound
a goodly clew.
See ST., no. 2653.
to a fair (fine, wrong) market.
Cf. H 503: You have brought your hogs (eggs)
(11)
T253 THREATS without power are- like powder without
ball
1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 6: (are like Pistolls charg’d only with
powder). 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Threats.
T254 He that THREATENS and smites not is afraid
1586 WITHALS, s. N1: Not euerye one that threatneth stout, Doth
manfully fight and hold it out. 1596 DEL., S. P5V: Some man is
greatly afraid, that somtime doth threaten. 1611 COT., s.v. Peur:
Some threaten highly that are ill afraid. 1616 DR., no. 2120.
1623 WOD., p. 517: Such doth threaten that is affeared.
See DiiR., I, no. 307. Cf. AI 28: All cracks all bears.
T255 He THREATENS many that hurts any
01584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 101. 1605 JONSON Sejanus II
476, p. 391: (that hath iniur’d one). 1732 FUL., no. 2372: (that
is injurious to one).
T256 THREE helping one another bear the burden of
six
1640 HERB., no. 135.
T257 THREE (Two) may keep counsel if two (one) be
away
1546 HEY. II V, s. G4v: (a counsell). 1562 HEY. Epig. 273, p. 168:
(if twayne be away). 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 213: (Two
and one). 1594 LYLY Mother B. II i 41: Two they saie may keep
counsell if one be awaie. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1296. 1599 T.
HEYWOOD 1 Edw. IV, p. 45: Thats counsel, and two may keepe it,
if one be away. 1611 COT., s.v. Secret: We onely say, that three
may keep counsell when two are away. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 331 .
1611 GRUT., no. 287. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 BRET., p. 5: Two
may keepe counsaile if the third be away. 1639 CL., p. 90. I640
HERB., no. 710: (Three can hold their peace if). 1658 [EDMOND-
SON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 192: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 2. 1664 COD., p. 212. 1668 R.B., p. 53. 1670 RAY,
p. 148. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fahles 427, I 399: (when Two are
away). 1721 KEL., p. 301: *No Man is sure that what he imparts
to any will not be reveal’d. 1732 FUL., no. 5038. I735 FRANK-
LIN, p. 9: Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. IV ii 144: Two may keep counsel
when the third’s away. 01595 R7. II iV 207: Is your man secret?
Did you ne’er hear say, Two may keep counsel, putting one away?
See DUR., I, no. 305. Cf. $193: A secret is too little for one,
enough for two, too much for three. (16)
I659 N.R., p. 113.
T258 THREE to one may put a straw in one’s ass
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 19. 1664 COD., p. 212: Three to one
may put a Straw in a mans arse or backside, or do any base thing
to him.
Cf. H436: Hercules himself cannot deal with two.

T259 To stumble at the THRESHOLD
[ERAS. Adagia, 21 IE: In limine deficere, aut offendere.] I595
PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 71, S. A4: Come take heed for stumbling
on the threshold. 1615 T. ADAMS Wolf Worrying Lamhs: Wks., p.
381: To Stumble at the threshold, is a bad heed, and a worse signe.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Soglia, p. 193: To stumble at the Thresh-
old, Viz. to be out, or to mistake in the very beginning or onset of
anything; the Latin, In ipso limine offendere. 1687 Land. Gaz.
March 19—22, 2331, col. 3: We hear that the Dyet at Grodno is
broken up, the Deputies having stumbled at the Threshold about
the Choice of a Marshal.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI IV vii 10: I like not this! For
many men that stumble at the threshold Are well foretold that dan-
ger lurks within. 1597 Rich. III III iV 83: Three times to-day my
footcloth horse did stumble . . O Margaret, Margaret, now thy
heavy curse Is lighted on poor Hastings’ wretched head!
Cf. T541: To stumble at the truckle bed.
T260 Their THRIFT waxes thin that spend more than
they win
[15th 0.] 1597 How Good Wife 1. 100 in Early Pop. Poetry, I 187: His
thrifte waxithe thynne, that spendithe more than [he doth] wynne.
1597 North. Mother’s Bless. in Hist. Plasidas, etc., p. 167.
T261 THRIFT and he are at a fray
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3: Howe be it whan thrift and you fell fyrst at
a fray. 1562 HEY. Epig. 72, p. 191: Thrift and thou, art 0d. 1616
DR., s.v. Prodigalitie, no. 1730: (He and thrift are). 1639 CL., s.v.
Profusio, p. 261. 1670 RAY, p. 196.
T262 When THRIFT is in the field (town) he’s in the
town (field)
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4: Whan thrift is in the towne, ye be in the
feelde. 01594 BACON, no. 675. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 37: When
thrifts in the towne, then some are in the field. 1616 DR., s.v. Prod-
igalitie, no. 1731: He is in the field, when thrift is in the towne.
1619 Two Wise Men VI iv, s. L4: When thrift is in the market you
are ever in the way. 1639 CL., s.v. Profusio, p. 262: (in towne and
the field). Ibid., s.v. In Stupidos, p. 296: When thrift’s i’th field
then he’si’th towne. 1670 RAY, p. 196: (he’sin town). 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Thrift: (he is in Town).
T263 Better late THRIVE than never
1566 HOL., p. 261. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 225. 1668 R.B., p. 11.
1672 WALK. 9, p. 45. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 157: Better thrive late,
than never. 1721 KEL., p. 55: Better late thrive, as never do well.
Cf. L85: Better late than never.
T264 First THRIVE and then wive
1639 CL., p. 230.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594—8 T.S. I ii 55: And I have thrust myself
into this maze, Happily to wive and thrive as best I may. 1608
P. V ii 9: So he thrived That he is promis’d to be wived.
Cf. H749: Before thou marry be sure of a house wherein to tarry;
W229: Who weds (marries) ere he be wise shall die ere he thrive;
Y12: It is hard to wive and thrive both in a year.
He that will THRIVE must rise at five, he that
has thrived may lie till seven, he that will
never thrive may lie till eleven
a1584 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 102. 1639 CL., p. 93: He that
will thrive must rise at five. He that hath thriven may lye till seven.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 17: (He that hopes to thriue
and But he that will neuer thriue). 01640 SMYTH 63, p. 31: Hee
that will thrive must rise at five: But hee that hath thriven may
lye till seaven. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (He who will and He
who hath thriven, may sleep till seven; Who will not thrive at all
may sleep till eleven). 1670 RAY, p. 148: [As in 1639 CL]. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. To thrive: [As in 1639 Cl.]. 1732 FUL., no. 6094: He
that would thrive, Must rise by Five; He that hath thriven, May
lie till Seven.
T265

, In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi II.
THROAT
TIDE
666

T266 That sticks in his THROAT
1678 RAY, p. 89: *A great lie.
T267 Tickle my THROAT with a feather and make a
fool of my stomach
I678 RAY, p. 210.
T268 T0 lie in one’s THROAT
1590 W. SEGAR Bk. Honor and Arms I ix, I 10: If thou wilt not say
I am an honest man, thou liest in thy throate. 1601 JONSON Ev.
Man in Hum. III v 9: Swoundes Tib you are a whore: —-S’hart
you lie in your throte. 1649 E. HERBERT Hen. VII], p. 227: We
say unto you, that you have Lyed in your throat. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Gola, p. 76: To lye in ones throat, to tell gross lyes.
SHAKESPEARE.—-—1594—5 L.L.L. IV iii 12: Well, I do nothing in
the world but lie, and lie in my throat. 1594-8 T.S. IV iii 133: The
note lies in ’s throat if he say I said so. 1596 Rich. 1] I i 125:
Through the false passage of thy throat, thou liest! 1597 Rich. HI
I ii 93: In thy foul throat thou liest! 1598 2 Hen. [VI ii 93:
Setting my knighthood and my soldiership aside, I had lied in my
throat ifI had said so. 1599 Hen. V IV viii 17: That’s a lie in thy
throat. 1600-1 H. II ii 599: Who . . gives me the lie i’ th’ throat
As deep as to the lungs? 1601 T.N. III iv 171: But thou liest in
thy throat. 1604 O. V ii 156: He lies to th’ heart. 1605-6 M. II
iii 41: I believe drink gave thee the lie last night. —That it did,
sir, i’ the very throat on me.
T269 He that is THROWN would ever wrestle
I640 HERB., no. 792. 1664 COD., p. 200. 1670 RAY, p. 26. 1732
FUL., no. 2196.
T270 The THRUSH (foolish bird) limes herself with
that which grew from her own excretion
1612-26 HALL Contempl. I ix, II 99: The Sheckemites . . raised
[Abimelech] unjustly to the Throne, they are the first that feel the
weight of his Scepter. The foolish Bird limes her self with that
which grew from her own Excretion. 1635 SWAN Spec. Mandi
(I665) 246, quoted in Sm., p. 465: The berries . . voided out again
in her excrements, grow into a bush, the bush bringeth forth berries,
and 0f the berries the fowler maketh birdlime, wherewith after he
taketh the thrush: and thus, Turdus sibi cacat malum.
See SM., p. 465.
T271 Thy THUMB is under my belt
a1598 FERO. MS, no. 1317. 1668 R.B., p. 54.
Cf. H248: He has thy head under his girdle.
1670 RAY, p. 295.
T272 T0 stand with one’s THUMB under one’s girdle
1607 WALKINGTON Optic Glass XII, p. 130: Of all men wee count a
melancholicke man the very sponge Of all sad humours, the Aqua
fortis 0f merry company, a thumbe under the girdle, the contem-
plative slumberer. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cintola, p. 40: To
stand with ones hands at ones girdle, viz. to be idle; the English say,
with ones thumbs under ones girdle. Ibid., s.v. Maniscintola, p.
97: To be a lazy companyon, viz. one who stands with thumb, or
hands under his girdle.
T273 To bite his THUMBS
1573 I. DAVIDSON Dial. betw. Clerk and Courtier l. 266 in Sat. Poems
Reform, I 304: The Clerk was like to byte his thowmis. 1596
LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 23: Giuing mee the Fico with this thombe
in his mouth. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER Nort/z. Ho V, s. HIv:
Do not bite your thumbe’s sir. I611 COT., s.v. Nique: Faire la
nique. To mocke by nodding, 0r lifting vp of the chinne; or more
properly, to threaten or defie, by putting the thumbe naile into the
mouth, and with a ierke (from th’ vpper teeth) make it to knacke.
1638 T. RANDOLPH Muses’ Look. Class III iii, p. 226: For very
anger I could eat my knuckles. ——You may—0r bite your thumb,
all’s one to me. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.‘Castagna, p. 32: To
make a chestnut upon one, viz. to abuse and mock one, by putting
ones thumb between ones fingers, and exposing ones hand to
anothers face fiurtingly; the French say, faire la nicque, ou figue.


1670 G.H. Hist. Card. II ii, p. 158: The Spaniards were nettled, and
bit their thumbs (as the Italians use to do) in private.
SHAKESPEARE—c1595 R]. I i 51: Do you bite your thumb at
us, sir? —I do bite my thumb, sir.
Cf. F210: A fig for him (it).
T274 To hit over the THUMBS
1540 PALSGRAVE flea/astus Prol., p. 20: Haue men hytte the vpon
the thombes. 1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: Mark ye, how she hitteth me
on the thumbs. 1548 E. HALL Hen. VI]: Chron., f. 33: In the lat-
ter ende of hys oracion, he a litle rebuked the lady Margaret and
hyt her on the thombes. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 3: The Philos-
opher . . did hit a yong man ouer the Thumbes verie handsomely,
for vsyng ouer old, and ouer straunge woordes. I588 [MARPRELATE]
Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. 49: There he hit my Lord over the
thumbs. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho Vi, s. G2v: And
he bristling up his beard to mile at her too, I cut hym ouer the
thumbs thus. 1678 RAY, p. 349.
T275 After THUNDER (wind) comes rain
1548 E. HALL Hen. IV: Chron., f. 16: As the old prouerbe saith,
after wynde commeth rayn. 01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom.
l. 430, p. 121: And true it is that all men fain, That after thunder
commeth rain. 1568 GRAFTON Clzron. Hen. IV, I 484: The old
prouerbe sayth, after winde commeth raine, and after one euill
commonly ensueth another. 1573 SANF., f. 109: When it hath well
thundred, it must needes raine. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33:
[As in 1573 Sanf.]. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1355: This wind wil hav
weit. I598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man V, p. 446: I thought (quoth he
[Socrates]) after so great thunder we should haue rain. I611 COT.,
s.v. Tonner: SO much it thunders that at length raine falls. Nid.,
s.v. Venter: This wind will haue raine; bloud-wipes often follow
big words. 1623 WOD., p. 516: It thunders and blowes so long til
the Raine come along. Privy Dispute betwene two, &c. I kid. , p.
518: After great Thunder fals great Water on the Earth. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 209: Seldome doth it thunder, but it rains.
1672 WALK. 2, p. 55: After thunder then comes rain.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. V] I iv 146: And when the rage
allays the rain begins. Ibid. II v 8 5: See, see what show’rs arise,
Blown with the windy tempest of my heart. 1592-4 1 Hen. V I
III ii 59: If Talbot do but thunder, rain will follow.
T276 I escaped the THUNDER and fell into the light-
ning
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 80. 1651 HERB., p. 368. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 3: I scap’d from the thunder and fell into the
lightning, viz. from bad to worse.
Cf. F784: Out of (To leap like the flounder out of) the frying pan
(pan) into the fire.
T277 Winter THUNDER is old men’s wonder
1639 CL., s.v. Prognosticandi, p. 263.
Cf. W515: Winter’s thunder is (makes) summer’s wonder.
T278 The THUNDERBOLT has but his clap
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 209: The ratling thunderbolte hath
but his clappe, the lyghteninge but his flash. 1616 DR., no. 2251.
1639 CL., p. 166. 1670 RAY, p. 148. 1732 FUL., no. 4793: The
Thunder hath but its Clap.
T279 THURSDAY come and the week has gone
1640 HERB., no. 583. 1659 N.R., p. 115: (and the week gone).
1664 COD., p. 220. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 103: The Thursday
come, the week lost.
T280 He struck at TIB but down fell Tom
1670 RAY, p. 196. 1672 WALK. 66,
I732 FUL., no. 2029: (fell Tim).
1639 CL., s.v. Aberrandi, p. I.
p. 59: (and down fell Tom).
T281 As full as a TIcK
1678 RAY, p. 284.
T282 The TIDE keeps its course
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TIDE
TIME
667

T283 The TIDE must be taken when it comes
1559 COOPER, s.v. Occasio: Occasio praemenda, a prouerbe, when
the sunne shinneth make hay: the tide muste be taken when it
commeth.
SHAKESPEARE.——1599 j'.C. IV iii 218: There is a tide in the affairs
of men Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.
Cf. F615: When fortune smiles upon thee take the advantage of
it; T312: Take time when time comes (while time serves); T313:
Take time when time comes lest time steal away; T323: Time and
tide (The tide) tarries (stays for) no man; T334: Time stays for no
man.
T284 The TIDE will fetch away what the ebb brings
1587 Wolsey in MirrorforMagistrates III, Pt. I, II 501 : This weltring
world both flowes and ebs like seas. 1611 COT., s.v. Ebe: (brings
in). 1664 COD., p. 216. 1670 RAY, p. 26. 1732 FUL., no. 4495:
The Ebb will fetch off, what the Tide brings in.
Cf. E56: He that is at a low ebb at Newgate may soon be afloat at
Tyburn; F378: After a flood (ebb) there comes an ebb (flood).
T285 TIDINGS make either glad or sad
1639 CL., p. 229. I670 RAY, p. 148.
T286 TIE: subst.
T286 No TIE can oblige the perfidious
I651 HERB., p. 367.
T287 TIE : verb
T287 Tie it well and let it go
1640 HERB., no. 638.
186.
T288 Lack a TILE lack a sheaf
1639 CL., s.v. Accessio pusilla, p. 10.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p-
T289 To wash a TILE (wall of loam)
[ERAS. Adagia, I690: Laterem lavas.] 1548 COOPER, s.v. Later:
Thou wasshest a tyle. *A prouerbe, signifiyng, thou labourest in
vayne. [a1600] 1612 R. HOOKER Dis. fastification, p. 504: But we
wash a wall of loam; we labour in vain.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. III v 40: We have, as learned au-
thors utter, wash’d a tile; We have been fatuus, and laboured
vainly.
T290 He does not desire to die before his TIME
[ERAS. Adagia, 104C: Qui mori nolit ante tempus.] 1640 JONSON
Tale Tuh IV vi 50: Come, goe with me: Ile lead. Why stand’st
thou man? —Cocks pretious Master, you are not mad indeed?
You will not goe to hell before your time?
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. I V Vi 127: Thou owest God a death.
—’Tis not due yet. I would be loath to pay him before his day.
T291 He is wise that is ware (wary) in TIME
a1536 HILL 109, p. 139: He ys wyse that ys ware or he harm fele.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 497: (quho is war in tyme). 1668 R.B., p. 23.
1721 KEL., p. 156: (wary). *That is, who foresees Harm before it
come, and provides against it.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-1 II iii 8: He is dead already if
he be come. —He is wise, sir. He knew your worship would kill him
if he came.
Cf. M612: Happy is he whom other men’s harms make beware.
T292 He that has TIME and looks for time loses time
1573 SANF., f. 103: He that hath tyme, looketh not for tyme. 1578
FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28v: (Who hath tyme, and tarieth for).
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 99: Who hauing time, doth look for time,
his time doth lose in vain. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 84: He
that hath time, and lookes for better time, Time comes that he re-
pent himselfe of time. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 234: Who hath time
and staies for it, Often so, hee loseth it. 1636 CAM., p. 297. 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 14: For he that hath time, and lookes

for a better time, the time comes that he repents himselfe of time.
1651 HERB., p. 369: He that hath time and looks for better time,
time comes that he repents himself of time. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 12: Who hath time and waits for time, the time will come
he will repent. 1659 N.R., p. 46: (He that hath times). 1664
COD., p. 198. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 282: (Who hath). 1732
FUL., no. 2162: (for a better Time, loseth Time). 1737 FRANKLIN,
p. 13: If you have time, don’t wait for time.
T293 He that has TIME has life
1573 SANF., f. 50v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. [28]: Who hath
tyme, hath life. 1596 NASHE Saflron-Walden: Wks., III 48. 1629
Bk. Mer. Rid. 14, p. 27.
Cf. L269: While there’s life there’s hope.
T294 I cannot run and sit still at the same TIME
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 861: I can not both rim and spin and pisse and
gather spails [chips]. 1721 KEL., p. 184: I cannot sit, and run, and
pish, and gather Speals. *Spoken when we are bid to do many
Things at once. 1732 FUL., no. 2590.
Cf. D606: One cannot drink and whistle at once; M227: A man
cannot spin and reel at the same time; S998: It is impossible to sup
and blow together (with one breath).
T295 If you lose your TIME you cannot get money or
gain
1616 DR., no. 2148: In loosing time, a man getteth no money.
HERB., no. 316: (nor).
cannot get money.
Cf. T329: Time is money.
1640
1659 N.R., p. 68: Ifyou loose your time you
T296 In a good TIME I speak it, in a better I leave it
1641 FERG., no. 545: (In a good time I say it). 1668 R.B., p. 33.
T297 In the TIME of affliction a vow, in the time of
prosperity an inundation
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 403: *Or a greater increase of wicked-
IICSS.
T298 In TIME all haggard hawks will stoop to lure
1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [27], l. 22: Hard hagard
Haukes stope to the lure. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal. , I 151: There is no
hawk soareth so high, but she will stoop to some prey. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 185: The highest soaring Hawke trayneth to
the lure. 1582 T. WATSON Hekatompathia 47: Poems, p. 83: (stoope
the Lures). 01592 KYD Span. Trag. II i, s. C2. 1594 Tam.
Shrew, s. D3v: Hungry hawkes do fly unto their lure.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. IV i 193 ff.: [A soliloquy on the
theme].
Cf. T303: In time the 0x (bull) will bear the yoke.
T299 In TIME comes he whom God sends
1640 HERB., no. 393: (In times). 1659 N.R., p. 64: (In time comes
she). 1664 COD., p. 202: (whom God doth send). 1670 RAY, p.
51: [As in 1659 N.R.]. 1721 FUL., no. 2831.
T300 In TIME of peace prepare (provide) for war
[01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 2557, p. 474: Now, into
peace, ye sould provyde for weirs. 1548 E. HALL Edw. IV: Chron.,
f. 20: He forgot the old adage, saiynge, in the tyme of peace
prouyde for warre, in the time of war prouide for peace. 1577
HOOKER Conquest Ireland in Holinshed Chron., VI 231: Let them
which be wise looke well, that in time of peace they doo prepare for
the warres.
See OTTO, no. 245.
peace.
Cf. W40: Clothe thee in war, arm thee in
T301 In TIME of prosperity friends will be plenty, in
time of adversity not one among twenty
[01500] a152o Everyman S, s. A6v: It is sayd in prosperyte men
frendes may fynde Whiche in aduersytye be full vnkynde. 1531
ELYOT Governor II xii, II 164: Whiles fortune the fauoureth frendes
thou hast plentie, The tyme beinge troublous thou arte all alone.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
TIME 668
TIME
1630 T. ADAMS Cosmopolite: Wks., p. 688: For though riches gather
many friends, the poore is separated from his neighbours. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 20. 1670 RAY, p. I I. 1671 MILTON Samson
Ag. 1. 191, p. 343: In prosperous days They [friends] swarm, but in
adverse withdraw their head Not to be found, though sought.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Friend: In time of Prosperity our Friends are al-
ways about us, but in time of Adversity they presently leave us in
the lurch. 1732 FUL., no. 6394: (not one in twenty).
SHAKESPEARE.——16OO-1 H III ii 217: For who not needs shall
never lack a friend, And who in want a hollow friend doth try,
Directly seasons him his enemy.
See DUR., I, no. 503. Cf. P531: When poverty comes in at the
doors love leaps out at the windows; P61 1: Prosperity gets friends
but adversity tries them; R103: The rich have many friends; $1026:
Swallows, like false friends, fly away upon the approach of winter.
T302 In TIME one gets experience
1611 COT., s.v. Sage. 1659 N.R., p. 69: In time men get experience.
T303 In TIME the 0x (bull) will bear the yoke
1557 NORTH Dial Princes App. vii, p. 748: Bee the beasts never so
wilde, at length . . the Oxe contented to yeelde to the yoake: onelie
a woman is a beast, which will neuer bee tamed. 1576 R. EDWARDS
Par. Dainty Dev., p. [23], l. 21: The Oxe dooth yeelde vnto the yoke.
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 254: But at the firste the Oxe weild-
eth not the yoke, nor the Colte the snaffle . . yet time causeth the
one to bende his necke, the other to open his mouth. 1582 T.
WATSON Hekatompathia 47: Poems, p. 83: In time the Bull is
brought to weare the yoake; in time all haggred Haukes will stoope
the Lures. 01592 KYD Span. Trag. II i, 3. C2: In time the sauage
Bull sustaines the yoake, In time all haggard Hawkes will stoope to
lure. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub III vii 21: In time the stately Oxe,
CtC.
SHAKESPEARE.———I598-9 M.A. I i 262: Well, as time shall try.
‘In time the savage bull doth bear the yoke.’ 1599 A.Y. III iii 80:
As the ox hath his bow, sir, the horse his curb, and the falcon her
bells, so man hath his desires; and as pigeons bill, so wedlock would
be nibbling.
See T. 62, p. 86. Cf. T298: In time all haggard hawks will stoop
to lure; T304: In time the sturdy oak will bend and bow.
T304 In TIME the sturdy oak will bend and bow
I616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady II, p. 251: You may
be brought in time to love a wench too. —In time the sturdie Oak
Sir. 1641 H. OXINDEN (to Margaret) in Oxinden Letters 199, p.
232: Yet everie body knowes that in time the sturdie oake will bend
and bowe.
Cf. T303: In time the ox (bull) will bear the yoke; T339: Time
undermines us.
T305 It is no TIME to stoop when the head is off
[aI5II] I570 HENRYSON Swallow: Fab., p. 130: The nek to stoup,
quhen it the straik sall get is some aneuch. a1598 FERG. MS, no.
792. I668 R.B., p. 28. 1721 KEL., p. 197: *That is, Care, Wari-
ness, and Saving, is to no purpose when all is gone.
Cf. $838: When the steed (horse) is stolen shut the stable door.
T306 It is TIME to set in when the oven comes to the
, dough
1678 RAY, p. 186: *Time to marry when the maid woes the man:
parallel to that Cheshire Prov. It’s time to yoke when the cart
comes to the caples, i.e. horses. 1732 FUL., no. 3020: (to the
Bread).
Cf. T308: It is time to yoke when the cart comes to the caples.
T307 It is TIME to stir when others stink
1639 CL., p. 202.
T308 It is TIME to yoke when the cart comes to the
caples1
1670 RAY, p. 48: *It’s time to marry when the woman woes the man.
Chesh.
Cf. T306: It is time to set in when the oven comes to the dough.
[lhorses]

T311
a
T309 Love as in TIME to come you should hate and
hate as you should in time to come love
[ERAS. Adagia, 434A: Ama tanquam osurus, oderis tanquam ama-
turus.] I481 CAXTON Reynard 29, p. 75: A man shal loue his frende
by mesure and not his enemye hate ouermoche. 1539 TAV., f. 30v,
1550 TAV. Flowers Sent., s. A7: Loue as thoughe thou shuldest in
tyme commynge hate, and hate as thoughe thou shuldest in tyme
commynge loue. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 152: None
ought at any time so to loue, that he should finde in his heart, at any
time to hate. 1596 DEL., s. N3v: We must loue, as looking one day
to hate. We must hate as looking one day to loue. 1597 [BODEN-
HAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 116: So loue as thou maist hate, so hate as
thou maist love. 1605 BACON Adv. Learning II, p. 383: That an-
cient precept of Bias, construed not to any point of perfidiousness
but only to caution and moderation, Et ama tanquam inimicus
futurus, et odi tanquam amaturus. 1651 HERB., p. 370: We must
love, as looking one day to hate. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 8:
Converse with thy friend, as if he might one day become thine
enemy.
Cf. F721: Trust no friend with that you need fear him if he were
your enemy.
T310 N0 TIME like the present
1696 MANLEY Lost Lover IV i, p. 23.
See SM., p. 324.
Take TIME (occasion) by the forelock, for she
is bald behind
1539 TAV., f. 24v: They made her [Time] agoddesse . . beynge on the
former parte of her hed all heavy and on the hynder parte balde, so
that by the fore parte she may easely be caughte, but by the hynder
parte, not so. 1553 Respublica III vi, p. 30: The goddesse occasyon
. . weareth a greate long tuffet Of heare beefore, and behinde hathe
not one heare. I559 COOPER, s.v. Occasio: Post haec occasio calua,
a prouerbe, take occasion when it commeth. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal.,
II 1 85: Let not sluppe occasion, for it is bauld behynde, it cannot be
pulled back agayne by the hayre. I586 WITHALS, s. N6v: Tyme
is all hayry lockt before, But balde behinnd, take tyme therefore.
1590 MARLOWE 2 Tamburlaine V iii 238: The nature of these proud
rebelling jades Will take occasion by the slenderest hair. 1590
SPENSER II iv 4: But all behind [Occasion’s head] was bald,
and worne away, That none thereof could euer taken hold. 1595
SPENSER Amoretti 70: Wks., p. 731: The joyous time wil not be
staid, Unlesse She doe him by the forelock take. 1604 DEKKER
1 Hon. Whore, p. 77: Talke not of happinesse till your clos’d hand
Have her by’th forehead, like the lock of Time. [01619] I639
MASSINGER Unnat. Combat V i, p. 44: I’ll take occasion by the fore-
lock, And make use of my fortune. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Mestola, p. 104: To have fortune by the foretop. I671 MILTON
Par. Regained III 173, p. 448: Zeal and Duty are not slow; But on
Occasions forelock watchful wait.
SHAKESPEARE.——1592—3 C.E. II ii 70: The plain bald pate of
Father Time himself. Ibid. II ii 107: Time himself is bald. 1596
K._‘)‘. III i 324: Old Time the clock-setter, that bald sexton. 1598-9
M.A. I ii 15: He meant to take the present time by the top and in-
stantly break with you of it. 1602 A.W. V iii 39: Let’s take the
instant by the forward top. 1604 0. III i 52: To take the safest
occasion by the front To bring you in again.
See DI‘IR., I, no. 573; OTTO, no. 1262; ST., no. 648; T. 468, p. 238.
Cf. F615: When fortune smiles upon thee take the advantage of it;
P308: When the pig is proffered (offered) hold up (open) the poke;
T312: Take time when time comes (while time serves); T313: Take
time when time comes lest time steal away. (39)
T3 12 Take TIME when time comes (while time serves)
[01535] I602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 71 I, p. 401: Till tak our tyme,
quhill wee may get it. 1562 HEY. Epig. 285, p. 170. 01570
INGELEND Disob. Child, s. D3: There is no remedy But to take tyme,
as it doth fall. 1576 WAPULL Tide Tarries No Man, s. C2v: Now
is the time of hap good or ill: Venture it therefore while it is hote.
I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. DIv: Then take time while thou hast
it, the haucke may checke that now coms faire t0 fyst. 1585
[MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. II V, s. D4: And therefore while time
serues me to take the same I were best. 1596 DEL., s. N7v: The

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TIME
TIME
669
wise and discreet man takes the time as it comes. 1616 DR., no.
2144: (whiles time serueth). [CI622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MAS-
SINGER Custom Country II, p. 326: There is an hour in each mans
life appointed To make his happiness if then he seize it. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1664 COD., p. 21 I: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Festa, p. 61: To make a prudent use Of 01168
time, to take time when time is.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. V iii 31: Take the present time.
Cf. S23: Hoist your sail when the wind is fair; T2831 The tide
must be taken when it comes; T311: Take time (006381011) by the
forelock, for she is bald behind; T313: Take time when time comes
lest time steal away. (6)
T313 Take TIME when time comes lest time steal
away
[a1529] I545 SKELTON On Time l. 7: Wks., I 137: Take tyme when
tyme is, for tyme is ay mutable. 1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4. 1568
FULWELL Like Will to Like, S. E1 v: Take time while time is for time
dooth flee. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1266: Tak tyme quhen tym is for
tym wil away. 1611 GRUT., no. 244. 1614 CAM., p. 312. 1616
DR., no. 2142: Take time, for time will away. 1639 CL., s.v. Oc~
casio, p. 233: Take time while time is, for time will away. 1641
FERG., no. 795: [As in 1639 Cl.]. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9.
1659 N.R., p. 115. 1668 R.B., p. 49: [As in 1639 CL]. 1670 RAY,
p. 149: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 301: Take time in time,
e’er time be tint [lost]. 1732 FUL., no. 4313: [As in 1639 Cl.].
SHAKESPEARE.——1611 Temp. I ii I 80: And by my prescience I find
my zenith doth depend upon A most auspicious star, whose in-
fluence If now I court not, but omit, my fortunes Will ever after
droop.
Cf. H235: Make hay while the sun shines; N54: He that will not
when he may, when he would he shall have nay (shall not when he
will); S23: Hoist your sail when the wind is fair; T283: The tide
must be taken when it comes; T311: Take time (occasion) by the
forelock, for she is bald behind; T312: Take time when time comes
(while time serves); T3 32: Time lost (past) we cannot win (recall).
T314 There is a TIME for all things (Everything has
its time)
[Eccl. iii 1: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every
purpose under the heaven] 1508 J. FISHER Sayings David in
Psalms, p. 174: Euery thynge hath a tyme. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship
Fools, II I 57: Remember: there is tyme and place for euery thynge.
[a1529] I545 SKELTON On Time I. 1: Wks., I 137: Ye may here now,
in this ryme, HOW euery thing must haue a tyme. 1573 G. HARVEY
Let. Bk., p. 104: Nothinge but hath his tyme. 1575 GASCOIGNE
Glass Govt. IV i, p. 60: There is time for all thinges. I594 LYLY
Mother B. V iii 15. 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum, s. EIV.
[c1614] 1639 FLETCHER Wit without Money IV, p. 186: There is a
time for all. 1616 BRET., p. 9: There is a time allowed for all
things. 1616 DR., no. 2134: Euery thing hath his time. 1616
WITHALS, p. 546: Every thing hath an appointed time. [1621—39]
1653 J. FORD Queen I, p. 6. 1639 CL., s.v. Tempestiva, Tempus,
p. 307. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 6: A time for all things. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 283: Every thing hath its time. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Scacchi, p. 181: [AS in 1659 How.]. 1721 KEL., p.
95: Every Thing has its time, and so has the Rippling-comb.
*Commonly spoken with a vindictive Mind, when injur’d by these
in Place or Power; hoping that we will have our Day about with
them. 1732 FUL., no. 1466: Every thing hath its Time, and that
Time must be watch’d.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. II ii 65: Well, sir, learn to jest in
good time. There’s a time for all things.
See DUR., II, no. 727. Cf. S190: Everything is good in its sea-
son; T316: There is a time to speak and a time to hold one’s peace.
(18)
T315 There is a TIME to spare and a time to spend
1535 COVERDALE Bihle Eccl. III, V I. 1599 RAINOLDS Overthrow
Stage Plays, p. 24: There is a time of sparing, a time of honest
spending. 1616 DR., no. 1216: There is a time to spend.
Cf. K176: Know when to spend and when to spare and you need
not be busy, you’ll ne’er be bare; S739: Spend not where you may
save, spare not where you must spend.
T321

T316 There is a TIME to speak and a time to hold
one’s peace
1485 CAXTON Life Chas. the Great II, p. 56: The comyn prouerbe . .
sayth that there is a tyme of spekyng and tyme of beyng stylle.
1523-5 BERNERS Chron. Froissart, III 77: John Lyon . . sayd, Ther
is tyme to be styll, and tyme to speke. 1590 NASHE Pasq. Apol.
Pt. I: Wks., I 123: I haue taken out this lesson from the Wise; there
is a time for speech, and a time for Silence. 1616 DR., no. 1976.
I670 RAY, p. 103: (to speak as well as to be silent).
Cf. T314: There is a time for all things (Everything has its time).
T317 There is a TIME to wink (gleyl) as well as to
see (look even)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1368: Ther is tymes to gley and tyms to look
even. 1721 KEL., p. 339: There’s a time to Glye, and a time to look
even. *There is a time when a Man must overlook things, which
at another time he would take notice of. 1732 FUL., no. 4885.
1747 FRANKLIN, p. 23.
[1squint]
T318 There needs a long TIME to know the world’s
pulse
1640 HERB., no. 886. 1659 N.R., p. 115.
1670 RAY, p. 30.
1664 COD., p. 222.
T319 The third TIME pays for all
1574 Qu. Elstride in Mirror for Magistrates I, I 68: The third payes
home, this prouerbe is to true. 1599 Warningfor Fair Women, s.
E3: Haue you forgot what the old prouerbe is, The third time payes
for all? 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 28 5: The third time, God gave a
blessing to it. 1721 KEL., p. 331: The third is a Charm. *Spoken
to encourage those who have attempted a thing once and again to
try a third time.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T .N. V i 40: The old saying is ‘The third
pays for all.’ The triplex, sir, is a good tripping measure.
See ST., no. 490. Cf. L582: There is luck in odd numbers; T175:
All things thrive at thrice (There are three things of all things).
T320 TIME and experience make men wise
1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. III ii, s. N2: A yong man can
not be perfectly wyse for wysdome requyreth experience, which for
lacke of tyme, younge men maye not haue. 1590 W. SEGAR Bk.
Honor and Arms V xxv, II 68: The experience of an old man maketh
him wiser than the yong, because he hath seen more. 1616 DR.,
no. 1545: Age and experience teacheth wisdom. Ibid., no. 2444.
1639 CL., p. 266.
Cf. E219: Experience is the father of wisdom and memory the
mother; T329a: Time is the father of truth and experience is the
mother of things (science).
TIME and straw make medlars ripe
1578 FLOR. First F. XIV, f. 14: With time and with straw, Medlers
are made ripe. 1611 COT., s.v. Temps: Time and straw doe make
greene medlers, which are as hard as Stones, as soft as roasted ap-
ples: We must attend with hope times operation. 1659 How. Fr.
Prov., p. 21: With time and straw, medlers and acorns grow ripe.
1659 N.R., p. 103. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 168: With time, and
straw, medlers ripen. I670 RAY, p. 149. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Time.
1710 BLOMER Full View Bentley’s Let., p. 50: But as Days come and
go, and Time and Straw make Medlars ripe. I732 FUL., no. 220:
(ripen Medlars).
See DI'IR., II, no. 736.
T322 TIME and thought tame the strongest grief
[ERAS. Adagia, 556B: Dies adimit aegritudinem.] 1539 TAV., f. 38:
[As in Eras.]. Tyme taketh away greuaunce. 1591 LYLY Endim.
I iv 46: This will weare out with time, that treadeth all things
downe but trueth. 1672 WALK. 60, p. 31: Sorrow will wear away
in time. 1721 KEL., p. 333: (tames). 1732 FUL., no. 5048: (the
greatest Grief).
SHAKESPEARE.~—1594 T.G.V. III ii 14: My daughter takes his
going grievously. —A little time, my lord, will kill that grief.
Cf. T325: Time cures every disease; T326: Time devours (con-
sumes, wears out) all things; T340: Time wears away love (fancies).

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
TIME 670
TIME

T323 TIME and tide (The tide) tarries (stays for) no
man
[01500] a1520 Everyman S, 3. A4: For wete you well the tyde
abydeth no man. 1546 HEY. I iii, 3. A4: The sure sea man seeth,
the tyde tarieth no man. [c1553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I ii 10:
Farewell .. the tyme away dothe waste And the tide they say,
tarieth for no man. 1562 HEY. Epig. I70, p. I54: The tyde taryeth
no man, but here to scan, Thou art tyde so, that thou taryst euery
man. 1580 G. HARVEY Two Commendaole Let., p. 20: The Tyde
tarryeth no manne, but manye a good manne is fayne to tarry the
Tyde. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. IV vi, 3. GI : Thou knowest
the paruerbe, no body taries for the tide. I591 LYLY Endim. IV ii
9: You knowe it is sayd, the tyde tarieth no man. —True. —A
monstrous lye; for I was tide two houres, and tarried for one to vnlose
mee. a1598 FERG. MS, no. I247: Tyde byds no man. 1611 DAv.
Prov., no. 417: Tyde tarries no man: But some are so tide That still
they must needes all commers abide. I611 GRUT., no. 279: The
tyde tarieth no man. 1614 CAM., p. 313: The tide staieth for no
man. 1639 CL., p. 308: Time and Tide tarry on no man. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: Time and Tyde stayes for no man. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Piena, p. 147: The English say, Time and Tide
stays for no body. 1668 R.B., p. 49: Tide and time bides na man.
1670 RAY, p. 149: Time and tide tarry for no man. 1721 KEL., p.
301: Time and Tide will stay for no Man. 1732 FUL., no. 5049:
Time and Tide tarry for no Man.
SHAKESPEARE.——1592-3 C.E. IV i 46: Both wind and tide stays
for this gentleman. I594 T.G.V. II iii 39: Away, ass! You’ll lose
the tide if you tarry any longer. ——It is no matter if the tied were
lost, for it is the unkindest tied that ever any man tied.
See DUR, II, no. 731. Cf. T283: The tide must be taken when
it comes; T327: Time flees away without delay (has wings); T334:
Time stays for no man. (24)
T324 TIME brings the truth to light
[ERAS.Adagia,528E:Veritatem . . dies aperit.] 1530 PALS., p. 470a.
1553 Respublica Prol., p. 2: Time bringeth truth to light. 1575
R.B. Apius and Virg., 5. D1: But hazard it is, least time will truth
tell. 01592 KYD Span. Trag. II v, s. D4: Time is the authour both
of trueth and right, And time will bring this treacherie to light.
1605 CHAPMAN All Fools IV i 212: Time will strip Truth into her
nakedness. 1610—25 Stony/zurst Pag. XVIII 750, p. 288: Tyme
truth will tell, and bringe all thinges to light. 1611 COT., s.v.
Rastelier: All things are, at the length, discouered, or brought vpon
the Stage. 1616 DR., no. 2136.
SHAKESPEARE.-~1593-4 Lac. 1. 939: Time’s glory is
mask falsehood and bring truth to light.
Cf. T333: Time reveals (discloses) all things; T336: Time tries
all things; T338: Time tries the truth; T382: He (Time) is Tom
Telltruth; T580: Truth is time’s daughter; T591: Truth will come
to light (break out).
.. To un-
T325 TIME cures every disease
[ERAS. Adagia, 556B: Dies adimit aegritudinem.] 1616 DR., no.
2150. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7: There is no ill but time may
ease the smart. 1664 COD., p. 213. 1694 ECHARD Self-Tormenter
III, p. 121: Time cures all things. I731 LILLO Lond. Merck. V ii,
p. 59: Time and reflection cure all ills. 1738 FRANKLIN, p. 15:
Time is an herb that cures all diseases.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI III iii 76: For though usurpers
sway the rule awhile, Yet heav’ns are just and time suppresseth
wrongs.
Cf. T322: Time and thought tame the strongest grief.
T326 TIME devours (consumes, wears out) all things
1578 T. PROCTOR ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 93: A proper Sonet, how
time consumeth all earthly thinges. 1590 W. SEGAR Bk. Honor and
Arms V xxii, II 62: Notwithstanding, time that weareth all things
away. 1591 1 Troublesome Reign 701m, s. F2: 0 tempus edax rerum.
I611 COT., s.v. Ouvrer: Time workes (or weares) out euerie thing.
1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess III iv 1: Time, that
devour'st all mortality, Run swiftly these few hours. 1616 BEAU-
MONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady II, p. 253: Time, that wears all
things out, wore out this husband. 1616 DR., no. 2146: (con-
sumeth). I640 JONSON Tale Tub III vii 21: Tempus edax. I646


T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. IV xii, III 61: (consumeth). 1666 TOR,
It. Prov. 35, p. 282: Time consumes everything. I732 FUL., no,
051.
5 SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. I i 4: Spite of cormorant devour~
ing Time. 1609 Son. 19, l. I: Devouring Time, blunt thou the lion’s
paws.
See OTTO, no. 530.
strongest grief.
Cf. T322: Time and thought tame the
(6)
T327 TIME flees away without delay (has wings)
1589 R. ROBINSON Etymology Peter Warberton: Gold. Mirr., p. 39:
Time flies apace she taries not. [01592] 1615 T. HEYWOOD Four
Prent. Lond., p. 22 5: And time hath fastned to him swallowes wings.
01600 Club Law I vi, p. 14: But I will hasten for time hath winges.
1613 DRAYTON Poly-Ola. X 322, p. 209: Wing-footed Time them
farther ofl" doth beare. 1630 SHIRLEY Grateful Serv. II i, p. 28:
Time has no feathers; he walks now on crutches. I633 FORD ’Tis
Pity III, p. 123: Time runs apace. 1639 CL., p. 308: (flyeth).
1672 WALK. 72, p. 48. 1732 FUL., no. 6090.
SHAKESPEARE.——1609 Son. 19, l. 6: Do whate’er thou wilt, swift-
footed Time.
Cf. T323: Time and tide (The tide) tarries (stays for) no man.
(6)
T328 TIME is a still file
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 41, p. 282.
T329 TIME is money
1612 BACON Essays, p. 162: On the other side, True Dispatch is a
rich Thing. For time is the measure of business, as money is of
wares; and business is bought at a dear hand where there is small
dispatch. 1748 FRANKLIN Advice to Tradesman: Wks., II 234:
Remember that time is money.
See ST., no. 647. Cf. T295: If you lose your time you cannot get
money or gain.
T329a TIME is the father of truth and experience is
the mother of things (sciencel)
1573 SANF., f. 52v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v: (of al things).
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 47, p. 27: (Science). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9,
p. 284: Time a Father of Truth, and Experience the Mother of
things.
Cf. E219: Experience is the father of wisdom and memory the
mother; E220: Experience is the mistress of fools; E221: Experience
is the mother of wisdom (knowledge); T320: Time and experience
make men wise; T580: Truth is time’s daughter.
[lknowledge]
T330 TIME is the rider that breaks youth
1640 HERB., no. 611. 1659 N.R., p. 102. 1664 COD., p. 220.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 39, p. 282: Time is the coult-breaker, which
tames youth. I670 RAY, p. 26. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Time. 1732
FUL., no. 5052: (in Youth).
T331 TIME is tickle
1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4. 1562 HEY. Epig. 190, p. 157. 1616 DR., s.v.
Time, no. 2143: (ticklish).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7.
1639 CL., s.v. Opportunitas, p. 237.
T332 TIME lost (past) we cannot win (recall)
01509 Pain Evil Marr., p. 17: Tyme passed wyl not agayne retourne.
1513 H. BRADSHAW St. Werkurge I II, p. 11: Tyme euyl spende in
labours vayne Is harde to be well recouered agayne. 1568 FUL-
WELL Like Will to Like, s. E1 v: But the time past cannot be called
again. 1574-5 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 149: Chastitie, they say, is
like unto time, which, being ons lost, can no more be recooverid.
1578 T. PROCTOR ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 102: Time past, may not
be calde agayne. 1579 GASCOIGNE Hemates: Wks., II 475: Tyme
past can not be called agayne. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng.,
p. 74: And time lost may well be repented, but neuer recalled.
1582 BATMAN Bartholome IX ii, f. 142: Time lost cannot be re-
couered. [1588] I617 GREENE Alcida, p. 9 5: Time past cannot be
recalled, nor actions performed reuoked, but repented. I595
SPENSER Amoretti 70: Wks., p. 731: For none can call againe the

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TIME 671 TINKER

passed time. 1596 DEL., s. N8v: The time lost, cannot be recouered ceiue, that his faith were tried lyke golde in the fire. .1596 DEL.,
againe. 1611 GRUT., no. 288. 1612 BRETON kVits Private Wealth: s. N7v: Gold is approued in the furnace, and the friend In troubles.
Wks., II 7: A Cat may lose a Mouse and catch her againe, but he
that loseth time can never recover it. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616
DR., no. 2139: The time past cannot be recalled. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 544: Time is irrevocable. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III II v 5,
p. 806: Time past cannot be recall’d. 1639 CL., p. 308. 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 16: Time that is past . . there is no
hope to recouer. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1664 COD., p. 212:
Time lost cannot be recovered. 1748 FRANKLIN, p. 24: Lost time
is never found again.
Cf. T203: Things past cannot be recalled; T313: Take time when
time comes lest time steal away; Y31: It is too late to call again
yesterday. (14)
T333 TIME reveals (discloses) all things
[ERAS. Adagia, 5271: Tempus omnia revelat.] 1539 TAV., f. 37:
(discloseth). 1553 Respuhlica III vi, p. 30: Tyme hathe this one
vngracious propertee to blab at length and open all that he clothe
see. 1596 Knack to Know Hon. Man, s. G2: Time shall discover all.
1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV x, II 128: Time the detector of
all things will disclose it. 1616 DR., no. 2138. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 544: Time bringeth all things to light. [1619] 1647 FLETCHER
AND MASSINGER Little Fr. Lawyer II, p. 398: And wonder on, till
time make all things plain. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 9: What is
nine dayes kept close, nine moneths discloseth. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
5, p. 283: Time discovereth every thing. 1690 LOCKE Human
Under. II xiv, p. 120: Time, which reveals all other things, is itself
not to be discovered.
SHAKESPEARE.~—1601 T.N. II ii 41: O Time, thou must untangle
this, not I; It is too hard a knot for me t’ untie!
Cf. N330: There is nothing so secret but it may be discovered;
$984: The sun sees all things and discovers all things; T324: Time
brings the truth to light; T336: Time tries all things; T338: Time
tries the truth; T580: Truth is time’s daughter.
T334 TIME stays for no man
a1529 SKELTON On Time 1. 9: Wks., I 137: Byde for tyme who wyll,
for tyme wyll no man byde. 1553 Respuhlica III vi, p. 30: Tyme
willnot tarye. 1568 FULWELL Like Will to Like, s. EIV: Time tari-
eth no man but passeth stil away. 1605 RF. Sch. Slov. II 2139,
p. 88: Time staies for no man, then of time tis good in time to thinke.
1611 GRUT., no. 289. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1659 N.R.,
p. 100.
Cf. T283: The tide must be taken when it comes; T323: Time
and tide (The tide) tarries (stays for) no man.
T335 TIME stays not the fool’s leisure
1611 COT., s.v. Iour: Time stayeth not on fools; or, though the foole
stay, time staies not. 1659 N.R., p. 112.
T336 TIME tries all things
1553 Respuhlica Prol., p. 2: Tyme trieth all and tyme bringeth truth
to lyght. 01569 ]. PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 368, s. C2: Time the
thinge shall trye. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [68], l. 9:
Thus tyme shall trie the thyng amisse. 1599 H. PORTER Two
Women Ah. xii, s. I3v: Time and truth tryes all, and tis an old
Prouerbe. 1607 MARSTON What You Will IV i 383. 1616 DR.,
no. 2137. [01616] 1639 FLETCHER M. Thomas IV ii, p. 145: Time
tries all then. 1639 CL., p.308. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw.,
p. 17: Time trieth what a man or woman is.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. I i 262: Well, as time shall try.
1599 A.Y. IV i 203: Time is the old justice that examines all such
offenders, and let Time try. 1602 T. C. IV v 225: That old common
arbitrator, Time, Will one day end it. 1611 W. T. IVi 1: I [Time],
that please some, try all.
Cf. T324: Time brings the truth to light; T333: Time reveals
(discloses) all things; T337: Time tries friends as fire tries gold;
T338: Time tries the truth; T580: Truth is time’s daughter. (9)
T337 TIME tries friends as fire tries gold
[ERAS. Adagia, 119D: Tempus indicare quis vere amet.] 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 164: But if at the last I should per-

Cf. T336: Time tries all things; T448: As the touchstone tries
gold, so gold tries men.
T338 TIME tries the truth
1546 HEY. II v, s. H4: Tyme trieth trouth in euery clout.
Time Trieth Truth in Tottel’s Misc., I 160: [Title].
100 Points Hush. I, p. 5: Time trieth the troth. 1577 GRANGE
Gold. Aphroditis, s. I3v: But yet time trieth truth. 1589 PUTTEN-
HAM Art Eng. Poesy III xvi, p. 174: Time tried his truth his trauailes
and his trust. 1591 STEP., p. 152: Time trieth trueth. 01594
BACON, no. 966: Tyme trieth troth. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1264.
1641 FERG., no. 693. 1668 R.B., p. 49.
Cf. B324: Deem the best (Judge nothing) till time has tried the
truth out; T324: Time brings the truth to light; T333: Time reveals
(discloses) all things; T336: Time tries all things; T580: Truth is
time’s daughter; T591: Truth will come to light (break out).
I557
I557 TUSSER
T339 TIME undermines us
1640 HERB., no. 917. 1659 N.R., p. 94. 1664 COD., p. 222: Time
undermines all.
Cf. T304: In time the sturdy oak will bend and bow.
T340 TIME wears away love (fancies)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 74: Loue which by time and
fancie is bred in an idle head, is by time and fancie banished from
the heart. Ibid., p. 108: Time must weare away loue. 1584 LYLY
Camp. III iv 120: Time must weare out that loue hath wrought.
1616 WITHALS, p. 555: Time wipes away fancies. 1639 CL., p. 308:
Time weareth out fancies.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-1 H. IV vii 112: Love is begun by time,
And that I see, in passages of proof, Time qualifies the spark and
fire ofit. 1610 Cym. II iii 47: Some more time Must wear the print
of his remembrance out, And then she’s yours.
Cf. T322: Time and thought tame the strongest grief; T343: Times
change, and we with them.
T341 When TIME has turned white sugar to white salt
1546 HEY. I ii, s. A3. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 228: Vntil
time might turne white salt into fine sugar.
T342 Who will in TIME present pleasure refrain shall
in time to come the more pleasure obtain
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 27.
T343 TIMES change and we with them
1598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men, s. E3v: Tempora mutantur et nos
mutamur in illis. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 34, p. 281: *Note 29, p. 292:
The Latin says the same, Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur 1n
illis.
Cf. T340: Time wears away love (fancies).
T344 As dry as TINDER
1632 T. RANDOLPH Yeal. Lovers III v, p. 121: Ah, Ballio! age has
made me dry as tinder And I have taken fire. I burn, I burn!
1672 WALK. 89, p. 19: As dry as a Kex; as tinder.
T345 As lazy as the TINKER who laid down his
budget1 to fart
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p.12: As lazy as he who laid down his wallet
to lett a fart. 1670 RAY, p. 205.
[lsack]
T346 A TINKER and a piper make bad music together
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 5.
T347 A TINKER stops one hole and makes two (three)
01576 Common Cond. l. 221, s. B1: Hay tifty tofty Tinkers, good
fellowes they bee. In stopping of one hole thei vse to make three.
1623 WOD., p. 492: Hee hath stopped one Hole for to fill-vp an
other. *So said of a Shifter from Hole to Hole, and Meanes not to
pay. 1630 Tinker Turvey, p. 10: Roome for a joviall tinker, He

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
mena’s
TOAD
672

1655-62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor,
p. 263: He that will be tinkering with his own heart . . will in the
end find, where he mends one hole he makes two worse. [I658]
I687 CLEVELAND Char. Lond. Diurnal: Wks., p. 91: Tinker-wise, in
mending one hole they made Three. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Stomaco, p. 205: To make a mischief worse than it was: the English
say, Tinkers play, instead of mending of one hole to make two.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Worse, p. 385: They mend all as tinkers
do old pans; stop one hole, and make two. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE
Fables 209, I 189: Till it comes at last to the Tinker’s Work of
Stopping One Hole, and Making Ten. 1704 T. BROWN Praise
Pov.: Wks., I 101: TO cure one Hole, like a fine Tinker, he here
makes two. 1705-7 HICKERINGILL Priest Craft II viii, p. 90: Lest
we make Tinker-like Work, like that of the Presbyterian-Directory,
mend one hole, and make two. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 418:
You have mended as a tinker mends a kettle; stop one hole and
make two.
SHAKESPEARE—I613 T.N.K. III v 82: I know you; y’are a
tinker. Sirrah tinker, Stop no more holes but what you should.
Cf. T351: Like Banbury tinkers, who in mending one hole make
three.
stop one hole, and make three.
T348 As rough as a TINKER’S budget1
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18. I670 RAY, p. 207.
[lsack]
T349 A TINKER’s budget1 is full of necessary tools
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 72.
[lsack]
I670 RAY, p. 149.
T350 As merry as TINKERS
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: As merry as Cup and Can, as merry as
Tinkers, as mice in malt. Ihid., p. 8: It is merry when Tinkers
meet.
Cf. C903: As merry as cup and can; M1242: As merry as mice in
malt.
T351 Like Banbury TINKERS, who in mending one
hole make three
1647 M. CORBET Speech at Westminster in Harl. Misc., I 266:
[They say] that we (in Imitation of our worthy Brethren of Ban-
bury) were intrusted to mend the said Kettle; but, like deceitful
and cheating Knaves, we have, instead ofstopping one Hole, made
three or four Score. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14: (in stopping one
hole, make two). 1670 RAY, p. 258. I732 FUL., no. 3227: Like
Banbury Tinkers; that mend one Hole, and make three.
Cf. T347: A tinker stops one hole and makes two (three).
T352 TINT for taunt
1620 T. GRANGER Syntagma Log. I 39, p. 124: Like for like, pin
driuing out a pin, tint, for taunt. I672 WALK. 26, p. 29: Give him
tint for tant; as good as he brings. a1700 B.E.: Tint for tant, hit
for hit, and dash for dash.
See New English Dictionary, s.v. Taunt, sb.1, sense 1. Cf. G122:
I shall give you (You shall have) as good as you bring; R195: To
give one a Rowland for an Oliver; T352a: Tip for tap; T356:
Tit for tat.
T352a TIP for tap
I575 GASCOIGNE Adv. F. 1: Wks., II 249, quoted from New English
Dictionary, s.v. Tip, sb.2: Much greater is the wrong that rewardeth
euill for good, than that which requiteth [pn requireth] tip for tap.
I577 H.I. Decades Bullinger II 5, I—II 9.83: Not to brag of any thing
over arrogantly, not to answer tip for tap.
Cf. T352: Tint for taunt; T356: Tit for tat.
T353 He has turned his TIPPET (coat)
1546 HEY. II i, s. F4: So turned they theyr tippets by waie of ex-
chaunge. I558 E.P. Confut. Verities Pref., marginal note, p. 15:
The priests, for the most part, were double-faced, turn tippets and
flatterers. I562 HEY. Epig. 68, p. 137. I573 GASCOIGNE Recant.
Lover: Posies, p. 52: All which I now recant, and here before you
burne Those trifling bookes, from whose lewd lore my tippet here I
turne. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal. To Rdr., I 6: You marvel . . thatI


should so soon turn my tippet and recant. 1577 GRANGE Garden,
s. O3v: Now must I turne my coate, and cleaue vnto my God,
Desiring pardon for my crime, that spared hath his rod. I611
DAv. Prov., no. 245: He turned his tippet: but as I descerne The
tippet still turned the Turner Perne. [I619] I647 FLETCHER Mad
Lover I, p. 10: Twenty of your trip-coats turn their tippets. 1641
FERG., no. 430: He has changed his tippet, or his cloak on the other
shoulder. I655 FULLER Church Hist. IX vii, III 103: That all the
protestants would either turn their coats, copies, arms, or fly away.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bandiera,
p. 10: To turn the Ensign, viz. for one to turn his coat, and to
desert his party, and forsake it quite. 1689 Pepys Bal. 183, IV 84:
But let me advise you . . your old Coats for to turn.
Cf. C420: He has turned his cloak on the other shoulder. (14)
T354 Though he be little he can TIPPLE
I611 COT., s.v. Boire. 1664 COD., p. 215.
T355 Little T 11:1 all tail
I546 HEY. I x, s. C3. 1566 G. HARVEY Marginalia, p. 139.
[1the long-tailed titrnouse]
T356 TIT for tat
I546 HEY. II iv, 3. G4: Tyt for tat (quoth I) on euen hand is set.
1562 HEY. Epig. 43, p. 186: Here is tyt for tat, measure met very
trym: First he hangd his house, now his house hath hangd him.
I589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 398: Come tit me come
tat me, come throw a halter at me. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER
North. Ho II, s. D3v: Come tit mee, come tat me, come throw a
kisse at me, how is that? 1611 COT., s.v. Beau: A tit for a tat, a
tut for a tush, as good every whit as was brought. 1697 VAN-
BRUGH I .desop II, p. 30: Tit for tat; that was Friendly. I721 KEL.,
p. 3 IO: Titt for tatt, quoth the Wife when she farted at the Thunder.
*A sensless Proverb spoken when we give as good as we get.
See ST., no. I 350. Cf. G122: I shall give you (You shall have)
as good as you bring; R195: To give one a Rowland for an Oliver;
T352: Tint for taunt; T352a: Tip for tap. (5)
T357 TITHE and be rich
1651 HERB., p. 371. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 9.2:
Pay tithes, and give almes, and be as rich as God would have thee.
165g N.R., p. 115. 1673 DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 121: The
Rabbins have a Proverb, and ’tis a true one, Pay thy Tithes and
be rich.
Cf. T358: A good tither a good thriver.
T358 A good TITHER a good thriver
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 10, p. 2 5: Ill tithers, ill thriuers most
commonlie bee. I678 RAY, p. 3 52: *Somerset.
Cf. T357: Tithe and be rich.
T359 TITTLE-TATTLE, give the goose more hay
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1670 RAY, p. 214. [a1701] 1719
[SEDLEY] Grumhler I vii 5: Bibble, babble: Give the Goose more
Hay! 1732 FUL., no. 5058.
Cf. P643: To as much purpose as to give a goose hay.
T360 Full as a TOAD of poison
1678 RAY, p. 284.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI II ii 137: Mark’d by the Des-
tinies to be avoided, As venom toads or lizards’ dreadful stings.
1597 Rich. HI I ii 147: Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
1599 .4.Y. II i I 3: Like the toad, ugly and venomous.
T361 To hate one like a TOAD
1550 LATIMER Serm. 15, p. 289: Indeed neither loved other, but
hated each other as a toad. 1616 DR., no. 944: He is hated like a
toad. I645 MILTON Colasterion: W ks., IV 252: Although there bee
not easily found such an antipathy, as To hate one another like a
toad or poison, yet . . there is 0ft such a dislike . . to conjugal love.
1672 WALK. 9, p. 7.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. 11nd. IV ii 67: As loathsome as a toad.
01595 RY. III v 31: Some say the lark and loathed toad chang’d
eyes.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TOAD
TOMORROW
673

T362 To swell like a TOAD
I546 HEY. I xi, S. E1: And streight as she Sawe me, she swelde like
a tode. 01550 GOSYNHYLI. Schoolhouse Wom. l. 41, p. 107: They
flush and flame, as hote as fire And swel as a tode for faruent ire.
1639 CL., s.v. Odium, p. 235: He swells like a toad. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 14: She swelld like a Toad. 1672 WALK. 4, p. 26:
She swells like a toad.
T363 As hot as a TOAST
a1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II 415: Chafyng lyke
myne hoste, AS hott as any toste. 1530 PALS., p. 498b: He was as
hote as a toste, but I have coled him well ynough. 1540 PALS-
GRAVE Acolastus III ii, p. 103: Is he in loue with me as hote as a
toste or not? 1546 HEY. II i, s. F3v: Hotte as a toste, it grew cold
as a kaie. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. IV vi 5: Never . . test
so hot. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 51: He that not ful two howers
before, in the hale, had bene as whot as a tost against me. 1580
BARET, V—256: Vrit absque torre. A Prouerbe applied vnto such
as are angrie Without a cause, whom we in our common speach
include, saieng: He is as hote as a toast: or, He hath neede of an
Ostler to walke him. 1639 CL., p. 286. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 10. 1670 RAY, p. 205. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Anger, p.
18. (8)
T364 When thou dost drink beware the TOAST, for
therein lies the danger most
01640 SMYTH 54, p. 31.
T365 TOBACCO hic, if a man be well it will make him
sick, tobacco hic will make a man well if he
be Sick
1678 RAY, p. 296.
T366 As long as you serve the TOD1 you must bear
up his tail
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 108. I668 R.B., p. 8: (As long as ye bear the
tod, ye). 1721 KEL., p. 26: *When you have engaged in any Man’s
Service, you must not think your self too good for any thing he
employs you in.
[lfox]
T367 He is a proud TOD1 that will not scrape (dig) his
own hole
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 493. 1668 R.B., p. 23. 1721 KEL., p. 146:
*A Reproof to them who refuse to do their own proper Business, or
an Excuse in them that do it. 1732 FUL., no. 2443: (dig).
[lfox]
T368 Here TODAY and gone tomorrow
1605 Capt. T. Stukeley, s. DIV. 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum.,
S. B2: For those are thinges are heere too day and gone to morrowe.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zingana, p. 240: Here to day, and there
to morrow, a Wanderer, a Vagabond, to have no fixt abode. 1721
KEL., p. 166: Here to Day, and away to Morrow. *Intimating
the Uncertainty of mortal Life, and indeed of all sublunary Things.
Cf. A109: Alive today and dead tomorrow; G469: Today above
ground tomorrow under; M402: Today a man tomorrow a cuckold;
M404: Today a man tomorrow none.
T369 If TODAY will not tomorrow may
1591 STEP., p. 150: That which is not done to day may be done to
morow. 1732 FUL., no. 2725.
Cf. T378: Defer not until tomorrow if you can do it today.
T370 One TODAY is worth two tomorrows
1640 F. QUARLES Enchyridion IV: Wks., I 43. 1660 SECKER Non-
such Prof. III II, p. 292: Many think not of living any holier, till
they can live no longer: but one to-day is worth two to-morrows.
1757 FRANKLIN, p. 33.
T371 TODAY for me tomorrow for thee
[1611 Apocrypha Ecclus. xxxviii 227.] 1580 G. HARVEY Marginalia,
p. 176: Hodie mihi, eras tibi. [01589] I633 MARLOWE Yew Malta IV

iv 20: Whom I saluted with an old hempen proverb, Hodie tibi, cras
mihi, and so I left him to the mercy of the hangman. 1596 SPENSER
VI i 41 : What haps to day to me, to morrow may to you. 1599
MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 61. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A5).
1616 DR., no. 81 8. I616 WITHALS, p. 573: I to day, and you to mor-
row. 1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, lxv, IV 215: To day for thee,
and to morrow for me. 1623 WOD., p. 476: To day mine, to morrow
thine. 1639 CL., p. 124: I to day, you to morrow. Ihid., p. 307:
To day me, to morrow thee. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 1 13. 1670
RAY, p. 77: [As in 1639 Cl., p. 307].
T372 TODAY is yesterday’s pupil
1732 FUL., no. 5153.
See OTTO, no. 533.
1751 FRANKLIN, p. 27.
T373 You touch on the sore TOE
1639 CL., s.v. Ad rem pertinentia, p. 1 1.
See ST., no. 2243.
T374 I will not make a TOIL of a pleasure
1603 BRETON Dial. Full Pith: Wks., II 7: I doo not loue so to make
a toyle of a pleasure. [1658] 1687 CLEVELAND Wife Hater 2: Wks.,
p. 267: And make a Toil of’s Pleasure. 1721 KEL., p. 192: (of a
Pleasure, quoth the good Man, when he buried his Wife). *A Man
going under his Wife’s Head to the Grave, was bid go faster, because
the Way was long, and the Day Short; answered, I will not make a
Toil of a Pleasure. .
T375 When you do hear a TOLL or knell then think
upon your passing bell
1624 DONNE Devotions xvii, p. 98: Never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; It tolls for thee. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. I670
RAY, p. 212.
T376 TOM, Dick, and Will (Jack)
1554 LINDSAY Dial. hetw. Experience and Courtier I, p. 19: Quhare-
fore to Colzearis, Cairtaris, and to Cukis,—To Iok and Thome,-—
my Ryme sall be diractit. 1622 J. TAYLOR Sir Greg. Nonsense:
Wks. F., p. 164: I neither care what Tom, or Iacke, or Dicke sed.
1655 FULLER Church Hist. X i, III 188: Then Jack, and Tom, and
Will, and Dick Shall meet and censure me and my Council. 1661
A. BROME Royalist’s Answer: Poems, p. 657: Though Dick, Tom and
Jack, Will serve you and your pack.
T377 As loud as TOM OF LINCOLN
[1604-17] 1647 FLETCHER Woman’s Prize III iii, p. 50: Had I not . .
a rare breakfast, Mixt with a learned Lecture of ill language, Louder
than Tom o’Lincoln. 1662 FULLER Worthies Lincolnshire, II 6:
*Tom of Lincoln may be called the Stentor (fifty lesser-bells may be
made out of him) of all in this County. 1670 RAY, p. 237: *This
Tom of Lincoln is an extraordinary great bell hanging in one of the
towers of Lincoln Minster.
T378 Defer not until TOMORROW if you can do it today
1530 PALS., p. 515b: It is folye to differ the thing tyll to morowe
that had nede to be doone by and by. 1541 COVERDALE Chr. State
Matr. XIX, f. 64v: Whatsoeuer thou mayest do to nyght dyferre it
not tyll to morowe. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 6: Qui non est hodie,
cras minus aptus erit. 1616 DR., no. 471. 1623 WOD., p. 521:
What thou canst do for the Present; deferre it not til to Morrow
lyke the Sluggish. 1633 J. HOWELL Let. II 17, II 407: Secretary
Cecil . . would oft-times speak of himself, It shall never be said of
me that I will defer till to-morrow what I can do today. 1664
COD., p. 190: Defer not till to morrow, if it may be done to day.
Cf. T369: If today will not tomorrow may.
T379 TOMORROW come never
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Never, p. 227. 1678 RAY, p. 343. 1725
N. BAILEY Commands Master: Familiar Col/09., p. 42: To-morrow
come never, a date that will never arrive. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
I, p. 397: I suppose you mean to-morrow come never.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
TOMORROW
TONGUE
674

T380 TOMORROW is a new day
61527 J. RASTELL Calisto and Mel., s. CW. 1594 LYLY Mother B.
V iii 19: Let vs not brabhle but play: to morrow is a new daie.
I603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne II, II 43: A letter . . being delivered
him . . at supper, he [Archias at Thebes, 379 13.0.] deferred the open-
ing of it, pronouncing this by-word: To morrow is a new day.
[01614] I640 FLETCHER Nightwalker II, p. 334. [01622] I647
FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Custom Country IV i, p. 363. 1672
WALK. 30, p. 23. 1685 C. COTTON Essay II 4, II 55. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 397.
T381 When TOM PITCHER is broken I shall have the
shards
1678 RAY, p. 351: *Kindness after others have done with it; or
refuse.
T382 He (Time) is TOM TELLTRUTH
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 180: As ye woulde saye in Englishe, Thom
trouthe, or plain Sarisbuirie. 1550 LATIMER Serm. 15, p. 289:
Master, we know that thou art Tom Truth, and thou tellest the very
truth . . Thou art plain Tom Truth. 1580 H. GIFFORD Farewell
Court: Gilloflowers, p. 147: Is not Tom teltroath everywhere, A busie
cockcombe deem[d]e? 1631 MABBE Celestina VII, p. 131: I will
therefore be now Tom-tell-troth. 1639 CL., p. 308: (Time). 1664
COD., p. 214: (Time). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Ronfa, p. 172: To
tell the truth, playing fair, to be Tom Tell-troth. 1678 RAY, p. 82.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 463: You know, I’m old Telltruth; I
love to call a spade a spade.
Cf. S699: To call a spade a spade; T324: Time brings the truth to
light.
T383 A false TONGUE will hardly speak truth
1616 DR., no. 110. 1659 N.R., p. 11: (can hardly speak truth).
T384 He has lost his TONGUE
I616 WITHALS, p. 562: He hath left his tongue at home.
s.v. Taciturnitas, p. 302.
1639 CL.,
T385 He that strikes with his TONGUE must ward with
his head
1640 HERB., no. 309. I659 N.R., p. 40. 1664 COD., p. 199. 1670
RAY, p. 26. 1732 FUL., no. 2319.
Cf. T408: The tongue talks at the head’s cost.
T386 Her TONGUE goes like a hand bell
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 591.
Cf. T387: Her tongue runs on pattens (wheels); T388: His tongue
is like a lamb’s tail or the clack of a mill.
T387 Her TONGUE runs on pattens (wheels)
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I2v. [01552] I575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt.
Needle II iv, 8. C2: How she began to scolde The tonge it went
on patins. [CI553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I iii 20: Yet your
tongue can renne 0n patins as well as mine. 1611 DAY. Prov., no.
211: Her tongue runnes on pattens as the world does on wheeles.
1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133: His tongue run’s on wheeles.
1670 RAY, p. 196: His tongue runs on wheels (or at random). 1676
HOBBES Odyssey XVII, p. 213: Your tongue so runs on wheels.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 384: Why, wench, I think thy tongue
runs upon wheels this morning.
Cf. T386: Her tongue goes like a hand bell.
T388 His TONGUE is like a lamb’s tail or the clack of
a mill -
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1721 KEL., p. 387: Your Tongue goes
like a Lamb’s Tail. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 399: Her tongue
runs like the clapper Of a mill; she talks enough for herself and all
the company.
Cf. T386: Her tongue goes like a hand bell; T411: Your tongue
goes like the clatterbone of a goose’s ass; W678: A woman’s tongue
wags like a lamb’s tail.

T389 His TONGUE is no slander
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1313: (Thy tongue). 01600 Cluo Law III ix,
p. 61: Ffie on thee, fie on thee, but thy tongue is no slander. 1616
DR., s.v. Slandering, no. 1993. 1639 CL., s.V. Calumnia, p. 53,
1668 R.B., p. 52: (Thy tongue). 1670 RAY, p. 196. 1692 R,
L’ESTRANOE Faales 500, I 475: The best on’t is Sirrah, Your Tongue’s
no Slander. 1721 KEL., p. 390: (Your Tongue). *Because you are
known to be a Lyar. I732 FUL., no. 2517. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
I, p. 390: Well, my comfort is, your tongue is no slander.
T390 Hold your TONGUE, husband, and let me talk
that have all the wit
1678 RAY, p. 84. 1732 FUL., no. 2521: (Hold your Tongue, Hus-
band; let).
T391 A honey TONGUE a heart of gall (poison)
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 148: A dissembler hath euer-more
Honnye in his mouth, and Gall in his minde. 1586 WITHALS, s. M7:
In hart and stomake poyson strong, But hony in mouth hee kepeth
long. 1603 [RALEIGH] Lady’s Prudent Answer 1. 8 in Roxk. Bal., II
5. 1611 GRUT., no. 14: (A home [honey] tounge). 1614 CAM.,p.
302. 1616 DR., s.v. Falshood, or Falsenesse, no. 660: Honie in the
mouth, and poyson in the heart. laid, s.v. Tongue, no. 2161: An
home tongue, is a tongue of gall. 1639 CL., s.V. Adulatio, p. 12.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 183. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 34, p. 57: Tongue of hony, heart of gall. 1670 RAY, p. 104.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Hony. I732 FUL., no. 610.
See DI'IR., I, no. 745. Cf. B211: Bees that have honey in their
mouths have stings in their tails; H561: Under honey ofttime lies
bitter gall (poison). ( 5)
T392 Keep your TONGUE within your teeth
1660 TATHAM Rump I, p. I I: You know, my Lord, I can keep my
Tongue within my Teeth, sometimes. 1672 WALK. 72, p. 18: I
shall keep my tongue between my teeth. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE
Fables 301, I 271: That have the Wit yet to keep their Tongues be-
twixt their Teeth. 1721 KEL., p. 225.
Cf. H207: It is good to have a hatch before the door; T424: Good
that the teeth guard the tongue.
T393 The lame TONGUE gets nothing
1636 CAM., p. 307. 1659 N.R., p. 109. 1732 FUL., no. 4619.
Cf. A344: He that cannot ask cannot live.
T394 Let not your TONGUE run at rover
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2v.
runs at random.
Cf. R194: To run at rovers.
T395 A lickerish TONGUE (mouth) a lickerish tail
1530 PALS., p. 535a: If the comen people speake wysely, so sure as
froste engendreth hayle, a lycorouse mouthe a lycorouse tayle.
I552 TAV., f. 36: Sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus . . Our Englysh
prouerbe confirmeth the same, whiche sayeth. A lycourouse
mouthe, a lycourouse tayle. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 1 19: Liker-
ish of tongue, light of taile. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (a
lecherous tail). I670 RAY, p. 16: [As in 1659 How.]. 1678 RAY, p.
169: (a liquorish lecherous tail). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Lickerish:
Lickerish Tongue, lickerish Tail . . he that loves sweet Things loves
Lechery. 1732 F UL., no. 3205: Lickerish Tongues, treacherous
Tails.
Cf. C211: Without Ceres and Bacchus Venus grows cold.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: His toung
T396 A lickerish TONGUE is the purse’s canker
I678 RAY, p. 169.
T397 A long TONGUE is a sign of a short hand
1640 HERB., no. 247.
short hand. *Meant of complements.
26. 1659 N.R., p. 12. 1664 COD., p. 186: (is Sign). 1670 RAY,
p. 26. 1721 KEL., p. 43: A long Tongue has a short Hand. *They
who are lavish in their Promises, are often short in their Perform-
ance.
Cf. P602: Great promise small performance.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: A long toung, a
1659 How. Span. Prov., p.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first). or by most important word.
TONGUE
TONGUE
675
T398 One TONGUE is enough for a woman
1659 N.R., p. 84. I678 RAY, p. 59. 1732 FUL., no. 3800: (for two
Women). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 434.
T399 Put your TONGUE in your purse
61540 HEYWOOD Wit and Folly, p. I I: Ye may now put your toong
in your purs. 1623 WOD., p. 499: Shee hath her Tongue in her
Mouth, not in her Purse. *Mealning] free, and enough of it, for
were it in her Purse (as her Mony is) must spend it.
T400 That TONGUE does lie that speaks in haste
1573 SANF., f. 107: (The tong is a lyar, that). 1578 FLOR. First F.
XIX, f. 31v. I611 DAV. Prov., no. '74. 1616 DR., no. 2046: The
tongue that speaketh in haste, lyeth. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 129:
The precipitating tongue is that which speaks in haste.
T401 To have a still TONGUE but a busy head
1562 HEY. Epig. 83, p. 214: Hauyng a styll toung he had a besy
head.
See SM., p. 28.
more.
Cf. L367: Though he said little he thought the
T402 To keep a good TONGUE in one’s head
1602 DEKKER [AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 1917, p. 56: Thou canst not
keepe a good tongue in thy head. 1606 Nobody and Somebody, s.
C2v: There’s one keepes a good tongue in his head. 1640 JONSON
Tale Tub II ii 50: Ile teach the Hine, To carry a tongue in his head,
to his subperiors. 1680 R. L’ESTRANGE Cit! and Bumpkin, p. 9: If
you stand fast, and keep your Tongue in your head, you shall want
neither Mony, nor Law.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. II ii 165: Father, in. I cannot get a
service, no! I have ne’er a tongue in my head! 1611 Temp. III ii
39: Trinculo, keep a good tongue in your head. laid. III ii 120:
But while thou liv’st, keep a good tongue in thy head.
T403 The TONGUE breaks bone though itself has none
[Prov. xxv 15: A soft tongue breaketh the bone.] 01450 Moral
Songs in Relig. flntig., II 167: Wykkyd tunge brekit bon, Thow the
self have non. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 216: For a fals
tunge . . infecteth eche degre Brekynge the bonys (god wot) Of many
one Howbeit the tunge within it hath no bone. a1529 SKELTON
Agst. V en. Tongues: W ks., I 134: Malicous tunges, though they haue
no bones, Are sharper then swordes, sturdier then stones. a1536
HILL 3 5, p. I 32: Tonge breketh bon wher bon he hathe non. 1546
HEY. II v, s. H2: Tong breaketh bone, itselfe hauyng none. 1591
FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 97: The tongue be without bone, Yet it breaketh
manie a one. 1611 COT., s.v. Casser: La langue humaine n’a point
d'Os, et casse poictrine et dos. *A Prouerbe expressing the force Of
a malicious, enraged, or infected tongue. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 53:
This tongue breakes the bone, itselfe hauing none. [1613-14] 1623
WEBSTER Due/z. Malfi I i 375: Woemen like that part, which (like
the Lamprey) Hath nev’r a bone in’t . . I meane the Tongue. 1616
DR., no. 2156: The tongue breaketh bones. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 2: (though it selfe have none). 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 4: The
toung hath no bones, yet it breaks the back and breast. 1659 N.R.,
p. 13: A tongue hath no bone in it, yet it breaks ones back. 1664
COD., p. 214. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 129: The tongue hath no
bone, and yet breaks the back. 1670 RAY, p. 26: (As in 16 59 How.
Eng. Prov.). I732 FUL., no. 4795: The Tongue breaketh the Bone,
tho’ it hath none it self. 1740 FRANKLIN, p. 17: Man’s tongue is
soft, and bone doth lack; Yet a stroke therewith may break a man’s
back.
See DUR., II, no. 744. Cf. T405: The tongue is not steel yet it
cuts; W839: Words hurt (cut) more than swords. (7)
T404 The TONGUE is ever turning to the aching tooth
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 201: According to the Prouerbe, The
tongue rolles there where the teeth aketh. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII,
p. 169: Your kinde tongue thether flies, whereas the toothach lies.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: Where the tooth pains, the toung is com-
monly upon it. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 27: There the tongue
goes where the tooth akes. 1664 COD., p. 229: [As in 1659 How. It.

Prov.]. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 65: The tongue goes where the
teeth ake. 1732 FUL., no. 4796. 1746 FRANKLIN, p. :3.
Cf. S648: Where the sore is there is the hand.
T405 The TONGUE is not steel yet it cuts
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3: Her tong is no edge toole, but yet it will cut.
1640 HERB., no. 832. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 6: The tongue hurts
more then the lance. 1659 N.R., p. 114: (cures [for cuts]). 1664
COD., p. 221. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 129: The tongue hath no
bone, yet it cuts both great and small. I670 RAY, p. 26. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Tongue: The Tongue cuts, though not of steel. 1732
FUL., no. 4797: (yet it cuts sorely).
SHAKESPEARE—I592 T. 4nd. I i 314: These words are razors to
my wounded heart. 1600-1 H. III iv 9 5: These words like daggers
enter in mine ears.
See DUR., II, no. 744. Cf. T403: The tongue breaks bone though
itself has none; W839: Words hurt (cut) more than swords.
T406 The TONGUE is the rudder of our ship
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 129: (of the body). 1732 FUL., no. 4798.
T407 The TONGUE stings (is more venomous than a
serpent’s sting)
[0160511630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 119: Thy blacke tongue
doth swell With venome, to hurt him that gaue thee bread. I606
Wily Beguiled ix, p. 33: Whose tongue more venome then the ser-
pents sting. 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s.,A4: Her tung
more venome then a Serpents sting. 1616 DR., no. 2157.
T408 The TONGUE talks at the head’s cost
1616 DR., no. 2163: Let not thy tongue speake, that thy head shall
smart for. I640 HERB., no. 308. 1659 N.R., p. 98. 1664 COD.,
p. 204: Let not thy hand write, nor thy tongue speak, what thy head
shall smart for. Ibid., p. 218. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 129: Let
not the tongue speak any thing that the head may be made to
answer for it. 1670 RAY, p. 26. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Tongue. I732
FUL., no. 4801.
Cf. T385: He that strikes with his tongue must ward with his
head.
T409 The TONGUE walks where the teeth speed not
1609 DEKKER Gail’s Horn-Bk. V: Non-Dram. Wks., II 241: It will
adde much to your fame to let your tongue walke faster then your
teeth. 1640 HERB., no. 102. 1659 N.R., p. 1O9.
T410 You eat above the TONGUE like a calf
1678 RAY, p. 348.
T411 Your TONGUE goes like the clatterbone of a
goose’s ass
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 592: Hir tong is maid of the clatter-bone of a
goose arse. 1721 KEL., p. 387: *Spoken to People that talk much,
and to little purpose.
Cf. T388: His tongue is like a lamb’s tail or the clack Of a mill.
T412 Your TONGUE runs before your wit
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4: Your tongs ron before your wits, by seynt
Antony. 1550 TAv. Flowers Sent., s. A6v: Lette nat the tonge
runne before the wytte. I562 HEY. Epig. 226, p. 163: Thy tounge
runth before thy wit. 1577 GRANGE Garden, s. Q3v: Whose tongue
dothe runne before your witte, and shewes, fooles boltes sone shotte.
1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 113: I must confesse my tongue ran
before my wyt, and my mouth vttered that which my heart neuer
thought. I602 JONSON Poetaster IV v 142: His tongue shall bee
gent’man vsher to his wit, and still goe before it. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 327: Some tongues runnes before some wits too and fro. 1616
DR., no. 2152: His tongue runneth before his wit. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 7: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1663 N. WAKER Refined Courtier
VIII, p. 219: Let me advise you not to . . suffer your Tongue to run
before your wit, but to speak with due deliberation. 1670 RAY, p.
196. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Tongue. 1721 KEL., p. 393. 1732 FUL.,
no. 6061: Your Tongue has got the Start of your Wit. I738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 388. (7)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
TONGUE’s 676
TOOTH (TEETH)
T413 To have it at one’s TONGUE’s end
1607 WA LKINC'I‘ON Optic Glass I, p. 2: Pythagoras . . had this golden
poesie ever on his tongues end. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh III i 35: I
ha’ it at my tongues end. 1644 K. DIGBY Nature Bodies: Two
Treatises, p. 348: As when in striving to remember a name, men use
to say, it is at their tongue’s end. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Lingua,
p. 90: *To have remembred, and call’d to mind anything forgotten,
but not so as to express it readily. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 415:
Well, I had that at my tongue’s end.
See OTTO, no. 894. Cf. F245: To have it at his fingers’ ends. (5)
T414 Foolish TONGUES talk by the dozen
I640 HERB., no. 641. 1659 N.R., p. 32. 1664 COD., p. 193.
T415 He lays it on with TONGUE POWDER
1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall, p. 15: He that hath most toong
powder hopes to driue the other out of the field first. 1616
WITHALS, p. 562. 1639 CL., s.v. Rixosus, p. 275: Hee peppers him
with tongue-pouder.
T416 To be TONGUE-TIED
I546 HEY. II v, s. H2v: Why thynke ye me so white lyuerd (quoth
shee) That I will be tong tied? 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 18: To be
tounge-tied, or frozen-tongued. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Filello,
p. 62: To speak freely, and not to be tongue-tyed.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI III iii 21: Those gracious words
. . give my tongue-tied sorrows leave to speak. 1592-4 1 Hen. V]
II iv 25: Since you are tongue-tied and so loath to speak. 1595
M.N.D. V i 104: Love, therefore, and tongue-tied simplicity In
least speak most, to my capacity. [Frequent elsewhere in Shake-
speare.]
See ST., no. 2274.
T417 Too HASTY burnt his lips
I623 WOD., p. 519: *Hastinesse.
T418 Any TOOTH, good barber
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. I678 RAY, p. 91: *Relating to several
trades.
T419 Better TOOTH out than always ache
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 116: The best charme for a
Toothe, is to pull it out, and the best remedie for Loue, to weare it
out. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 65: If
the teeth ake, pull them out. 1732 FUL., no. 869: Better a Tooth
out, than always aching.
See DtiR., I, no. 844. Cf. E226: Better eye out than always ache.
T420 To have a sweet (wanton) TOOTH
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 83: I am glad that my Adonis hath
a sweete tooth in his head. I590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. I36: I haue a
longing tooth, a longing tooth that makes me crie. I592 LYLY Mi-
das I ii 50: All her teeth are as sweet as the sweet tooth of a calfe.
I611 DAV. Epig., no. 65: She had a young tooth in her head. I612-
26 ]. HALL Contempl. I xi, II 128: A wanton Tooth is the Harbinger
to luxurious Wantonness. 1615 T. ADAMS Bad Leaven: Wks., p. 710:
Thou hast . . a sweete tooth in thy head, a liquorish appetite to
delicate meates, and intoxicating wines. I623 WEBSTER Devil’s
Law-Case III iii 151: Did you ever heare Of a mother that has kept
her daughters husband For her owne tooth? I631 JONSON Staple
News Intermean II 65, p. 325: I haue a sweet tooth yet, and I will
hope the best. 1732 FUL., no. 3219: Like a Calf, she has a sweet
Tooth in her Head. '
SHAKESPEARE.——ISQ4 T.C. V. III i 330: ‘She hath a sweet mouth.’
1596 K}. I i 213: Sweet, sweet, sweet poison for the age’s tooth.
I602 A.W. II iii 47: I’ll like a maid the better whilst I have a tooth
in my head. I602 T.C. IV v 293: But still sweet love is food for
fortune’s tooth.
Cf. C525: He has a colt’s tooth in his head.
T421 To have an aching TOOTH at one
1667 R. L’EsrRANGE Visions 3, p. 191: You have still . . an aching
tooth at those poor varlets. 1674 ALLEN Danger Enthus., p. 83:
One would think you have an aking Tooth against outward teach-

ing, when you build such Castles in the Air as ye do rather than
none, to batter it down. 1678 RAY, p. 274. I730 BAILEY, s.v,
Ake: *To be angry at, to have a Mind to rebuke or chastise one.
T422 TOOTH and nail
1533 UDALL Flowers Terence, f. 3: He doeth all thynges . . with tothe
and nayle, as moche as in him lyeth. I598 I.M. Health to Serv. Men,
s. F4v: He that hath endeuoured himselfe Manibus pedibusque,
with tooth and nayle. 1616 DR., s.v. Endeuour, no. 583: With
tooth and naile. 1639 CL., p. 61: [As in 1616 Dr.]. I666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Ugna, p. 231: To put nail and tooth to’t, viz. to do
all one might, ones utmost and endeavour; the English saith to the
same reverstly, Tooth and nail. 1670 RAY, p. 196. 1672 WALK.
61, p. 53: *With might and main. 1721 KEL., p. 327: *That is, with
the utmost Endeavour.
See ST., no. 790. Cf. M923: With might and main. (37)
T423 From the TEETH outwards
1532 T. MORE Conf. Tyndale’s Ans. II, II 148: He lawgheth but
from the lyppes forwarde. 01550 BECKE Two Dial., p. 19: It is . .
a poynte Of a pharesey . . when a man prayeth . . with the lyppes
only and from the tethe outward. I576 LAMBARDE Peramh. Kent,
p. 466: They met shortly after at London on al hands, and from the
teeth forwarde departed good friends againe. 1584 R. WILSON
Three Ladies Lond., s. E2v: Thou canst not loue but from the teeth
forward. I611 COT., s.v. Rire: Rire a grosses dents. From the
teeth outward, say we. I622 DEKKER AND MASSINGER Virgin
Martyr III, p. 57: Loves him from the teeth outward. [1640—4]
1692 L. STRAFFORD Last Speech in Rushworth Hist. Coll. III i, IV
268: A Forgiveness not Teeth outwards, as they say, but from my
Heart. 1721 KEL., p. 105: From the Teeth forward. *That is, not
inwardly, and from my Heart.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6O6—7 A.C. III iv 6: When perforce he could
not But pay me terms of honour, cold and sickly He vented them,
most narrow measure lent me; When the best hint was given him, he
not took’t, Or did it from his teeth [i.e., insincerely].
Cf. F691: A friend from the teeth outward.
T424 Good that the TEETH guard the tongue
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 279: We maye see the cunning and
curious worke of Nature, which hath barred and hedged nothing in
so stronglye as the tongue, with two rowes Of teeth, therewith two
lyppes. I587 GREENE Penelope’s Weh, p. 221: It seemeth (saith
Bias) that Nature by fortefying the tongue, would teach how pre-
cious and necessarie a vertue silence is: for she hath placed before it
the Bulwarke of the teeth. I592 LYLY Midas I ii 69: Tush, the lips
are no part of the head, only made for a double leafe dore for the
mouth. I606 CHAPMAN Sir G. Goosecap V ii 232: I should . . beat
thy colt’s teeth out of thy head for suffering such a reverend word to
pass their guard. [1616] I631 JONSON Devil Is Ass IV iii 33:
[Painting] decayes the fore-teeth, that should guard the tongue;
And suffers that runne riot euer-lasting! I641 JONSON Timber, p.
I 3: It was excellently said of that philosopher, that there was a wall
or parapet of teeth set in our mouth, to restrain the petulancy of our
words. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 10.
SHAKESPEARE.——1596 Rich. H I iii 166: Within my mouth you
have enj ail’d my tongue, Doubly portcullis’d with my teeth and
lips. I604 M.M. III ii 142: ’Tis a secret must be lock’d Within the
teeth and the lips.
Cf. T392: Keep your tongue within your teeth.
T425 If you cannot bite never show your TEETH
1615 CHAMBERLAIN in Court and Times fumes I, I 361: It were to
no purpose to show our teeth unless we could bite. 1639 FULLER
Holy War II viii, p. 54: Bernard . . set his title on foot, and then
quietly let it fall to the ground, as counting it no policie to shew his
teeth Where he durst not bite. I670 RAY, p. 63. I721 KEL., p.
258: Never shew your Teeth when you cannot bite. *Never shew
your Resentment when you cannot do it to purpose. I738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. III, p. 466: I’m sure you shew your teeth when you can’t
bite.
T426 My TEETH are nearer to me than my kindred
I599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 83. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Com-
monw., p. I: Charity euermore begins at a mans selfe, for a mans

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TOOTH (TEETH)
TOP
677

teeth are neerer to him than his kindred, and though his coat be
neere, yet is his Shirt much neerer. I732 FUL., no. 3503: (than my
Kindred is).
Cf. S3 56: Close fits (sits) my shirt (coat) but closer my skin.
Pull not out your TEETH but with a leaden in-
strument
I678 RAY, p. 351.
T427
T428 She smiles on everyone to show her fine TEETH
1735 FRANKLIN, p. 10: Sal laughs at every thing you say. Why?
Because she has fine teeth.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. V ii 331: This is the flow’r that
smiles on every one To Show his teeth as white as whalés~bone.
T429 To cast (hit) in the TEETH
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus Per., p. 180: Nor he doth not cast the
synner or the wycked person in the tethe. 1563 FOXE Acts and
Monum. VIII, V 432: Why then doth this glorious cockatrice crowe
so much against Barnes afterward and cast him in the teeth. 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 262: The trecheries of his parents . . wil
be cast in his teeth. 1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON
Patient Grissill, s. E2v: Hee shall neuer hit vs ith teeth with turning
vs, for tis not a good turne. I640 JONSON Tale Tuh IV V 15: And I
thinke she hit me i’ th’ teeth with you.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. II ii 22: Yea, dost thou jeer and
flout me in the teeth? 1599 7.C. IV iii 97: All his faults observ’d,
Set in a notebook, learn’d and conn’d by rote To cast into my teeth.
See ST., nos. 1622, 2449. (25)
T430 To have one’s TEETH to water at anything
01515 A. BARCLAY Eclog. II, p. 18: Though thy teeth water thou
eatest not a crume. 1530 PALS., p. 772b: My tethe waters to se
yonder fayre appels. 01540 Eng. Hist., VIII 303: Being pressed and
griped at home . . keepe there teethe watering at other mens goods.
I592 LYLY Gall. V i 59: My teeth still watred with hungar. 1594
LYLY Mother B. I iii 40: He is able to make-a Ladies mouth water if
she winke not. 1601 P. HOLLAND Hist. World XII i, p. 3751?: He . .
brought over with him drie Figs and Raisons . . to set their teeth a
watering. [01605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 155: His teeth
water to be nibbling at my gold. 1628 Robin Goodfellow II, p. 29:
At this Robin Good-fellowes teeth did water, for it looked so lovely
that hee could not keepe from it. 1656 R. SANDERSON Ad Aulam
v: Serm., II 125: Ahab’s sin was this, when first his teeth began to
water after Naboth’s vineyard. 1666 TOR. Pro v. Phr., s.v. Fiesole, p.
62. Ihid., s.v. Gorgozzale, p. 77: To find ones self to long, and teeth
to water, for the Stomach to ring all in. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heracli-
tus Ridens Feb. 22: My Teeth run over with water at it. 1699
FARQUHAR Love and Bottle V i, p. 103: Oh, my little green goose-
berry, my teeth waters at ye.
Cf. C275: You cannot see green cheese but your teeth (mouth)
must water. (31)
T431 To set one’s TEETH on edge
1532 LATIMER Let. 7: Serm. and Rem., p. 3 37: Lest peradventure we
take chalk for cheese, which will edge our teeth, and hinder diges-
tion. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. May 35, p. 23: Ah, Piers! bene not
thy teeth on edge, to thinke How great sport they gaynen with little
swinck. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 27: For they doe therby
sette other mens teeth on edge. 1590 R. HARVEY Plain Percevall,
p. 22: Their teeth water at reuenge, and are Sharpe set on edge.
[01605] I630 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 105: The yong beautifull
Grape sets the teeth of Lust on edge. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Agacciare i
denti, p. 14. 1626 BACON Sylva III 275, p. 61: But in Audibles the
Grating of a Saw when it is sharpened doth offend so much as it
setteth the Teeth on Edge. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Denti, p. 51:
*To put one into an humour an appetite.
SHAKESPEARE—I611 W. T. IV iii 7: Doth set my pugging tooth
on edge. F3(I3)
T432 Who has aching TEETH has ill tenants
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 11: Who hath sore teeth, hath ill neigh-
bours. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 8: Who hath sore teeth hath ill

Tenants. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 10: Who hath asore tooth hath
an ill neighbour. 1664 COD., p. 22 . 1670 RAY, p. 26.
Cf. E226: Better eye out than always ache; F225: Better finger
off than always aching.
T433 The TOOTHACHE is more ease than to deal with
ill people
1640 HERB., no. 554. I659 N.R., p. 100. 1664 COD., p. 220.
T434 He looks like a TOOTHDRAWER
[1610] 1620 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Philaster I, p. 80: The out-
landish Prince looks like a Tooth-drawer. 1678 RAY, p. 83: *Very
thin and meager.
T435 Too-Too will in two
1670 RAY, p. 149: *Chesh. 1678 RAY, p. 210: *Chesh. Strain a
thing too much and it will not hold.
T436 TOP = crown
T436 From TOP (head) to toe (heel)
[ERAS. Adagia, 84A: A capite usque ad calcem.] 1489 CAXTON
Blanchardyn XXXVII, p. I 39: And all armed fro top to too. 1520—
40 Songs in Rawl. .MS C813 VI, p. 319: They reve me from the toppe
to too. 1526 BONDE Pilgr. Perf, f. 231: In whose body from the
crowne of his head vnto ye soles of his fete there was not one place
lefte without payne. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Calx: From the top to the
toe .. A prouerbe sygnifiyng euerie whitte, al togither. 1562
BROOKE Romeus and 7ul. l. 2146, p. 210: With manly courage arme
thy selfe, from heele unto the head. 1590 SPENSER III xii 12:
Next him was Feare, all arm’d from top to toe. 1613 PURCHAS
Pilgrimage III vi, p. 304: Fifteene other most faire Camels . . being
couered from top to toe with Silke. 1639 CL., s.v. Ab initio, ad
finem, p. 3: From top to toe; cap a pie. Ihid.: From head to heele.
1659 T. BURTON Diary, IV 301: This Thomas was intrusted with
this business, from top to toe. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cesare,
p. 36: To be arm’d all over cap-a-pee. 1670 RAY, p. 196. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., p. 335: All over. From top to toe. Cap a pe.
1672 WALK. 18, p. 20: From top to tow; from head to foot; all over.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III III i 156: He is all the mother’s,
from the top to toe. 1600-1 H. I ii 200: Armed at point exactly,
cap-a-pe. Ihid. I ii 227: Arm’d, my lord. —From top to toe?
"My lord, from head to foot. 1605-6 M. I v 43: And fill me,
from the crown to the toe, top-full Of direst cruelty! 1608 C. II
ii 112: From face to foot He was a thing of blood. 1611 W.T. IV
iv 762: I am a courtier cap-a-pe.
Cf. C864: From the crown of the head to the sole of the foot.
(30)
T437 TOP = topsail
T437 With TOP and topgallant
1593 NASHE Christ’s Tears: Wks., II 137: Theyr heads, with theyr
top and top gallant Lawne baby-caps. 1639 CL., s.v. Sumptuosa,
p. 300. 1673 D’AVENANT Law agst. Lovers III, p. 156: I must hoist
sail, With top and top gallant.
T438-T44o TOP = toy
T438 As soon drive a TOP over a tiled house
1546 HEY. II v, s. H3v: I shall as soone trie hym or take hym this
waie, As dryue a top ouer a tyeld house. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 3: You may drive a Toppe over a tylde house as Soon. 1678 RAY,
p. 291: As good as ever drave top over til’d house.
T439 To be whipped like a TOP
[1618] 1647 FLETCHER Loyal Suhj. V iv, p. 161: He was whipt like
a top. 1639 SHIRLEY Ball IV i, p. 58: Thou art the town top; A
boy will set thee up, and make thee spin Home with an eel-skin.
1640 JONSON Tale Tuh III vii 42: I’ had whip’d ’hem all, like tops
In Lent. 1655—62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 238: Hypocrites are
like tops, that go no longer than they are whipped.
SHAKESPEARE—1613 T.N.K. V ii 49: And, for a jig, come out
and long-tail to him! He turns ye like a top.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
TOP
TOY
678

T440 To sleep like a TOP
1666 TOR. l’rov. Phr., s.v. Zocco, p. 240: To sleep like a logg, viz.
soundly, so as not to be sensible of any thing, to sleep like a Dor-
mouse, or a Town-Top. 1693 CONGREVE Old Bachelor I, p. 176:
Should he seem to rouse, ’tis but well lashing him, and he will sleep
like a Top.
SHAKESPEARE.—-—1613 T.N. K. III iv 26: I shall sleep like a top else.
T441 He is TOP-HEAVY
I678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk.
Heavy at the top, drunk.
1730 BAILEY, s.v. Top-heavy:
T442 A great TORCH may be lighted at a little candle
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. A3: Although I am a man of the
meanest making, yet a greate torche may be lighted at a litle candle.
1630 T. ADAMS Meditat. Creed: Wks., p. 1207: A superiour may
learne of an inferiour, as a great torch may be lighted at a small
taper. 1682 R. BOYLE New Exper. upon Icy Noctiluca Advt. to
Rdr.: Wks., IV 70: They have borrowed from his writings . . for
having lighted their candle at his torch .. they have made no
mention of him at all.
Cf. S714: Of a little spark a great fire.
T443 A TORCH turned downward is extinguished by
its own wax
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 18: The Torch tourned downe-
warde, is extinguished with the selfe same waxe which was the cause
of his lyght. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. CI: It is diflicult (Phi-
lotimus) to quench my queint loue, vnlesse as a torche that is turned
downewarde. I607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amh. V iv 215: As when the
flame is sufl'er’d to look up, It keeps his lustre, but, being thus
turn’d down . . His own stuff puts it out, so let our love!
SHAKESPEARE—1608 P. II ii 32: A burning torch that’s turned
upside down; The word, ‘Quod me alit, me extinguit.’
T444 TOTTENHAM1 is turned French
1546 HEY. I vii, s. B4: Their faces told toies, that Totnam was
turnd frenche. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 75: Whereat Totnam
was tourned into Frenche, and all ranne a repungnante course backe
againe againste the ale wife. I589 PUT'I‘ENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III
xviii, p. 189: Many such prouerbiall speeches: as, Totnesse is turned
French, for a strange alteration. 1662 FULLER Worthies Middle-
sex, II 36: *French Mechanicks swarmed in England .. which
caused the insurrection in London .. anno Domini 1517. Nor
was the City onely, but Country Villages for four miles about, filled
with French fashions and infections. I670 RAY, p. 239.
[*See Sugden, pp. 518—19, s.v. Totness and Tottenham.]
T445 When TOTTENHAM WOOD is all on fire then Tot-
tenham Street is nought but mire
1662 FULLER Worthies Middlesex, II 36. I670 RAY, p. 239.
T446 TOUCH: subst.
T446 As true as TOUCH
[Yo/1n xx 25: But he (Thomas) said unto them, Except I shall . . put
my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his
side, I will not believe] 1569-70 Love Me Little, Love Me Long in
Eliz. Lyrics, p. 57: If thou lovest me too much It will not prove as
true as touch. I590 SPENSER FAQ. I iii 2: To thinke how she through
guilefull handeling, Though true as touch . . Is from her knight
diuorced. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, li, IV 104: Of Sancho’s
proceeding in his Government, with other successes, as good as
Touch.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. IV iii 2: This pearl She gave me, I do
feel’t and see’t. 1611 Temp. II ii 104: If thou beest Stephano,
touch me and speak to me.
Cf. B267: I cannot believe it though I saw it myself; S212: Seeing
is believing.
T447 TOUCH: verb
T447 TOUCH and take
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 197: Touch and take, take and holde.
I620 J.C. Two .Mer. Milk-Maids IV ii, s. L4v: I know what the

Prouerbe saies, touch me and take me. 1639 CL., s.v. Proclivitas,
p. 260. 1673 D’AVENANT Law agst. Lovers IV, p. 183: My grandam
left me nothing at her death But a good old proverb, that’s Touch
and Take.
T448 As the TOUCHSTONE tries gold, so gold tries men
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 219: But as the true golde is tryed
by the touch . . so the loyall heart of the faithfull louer, is knowen
by the tryall of his Lady. 1593 GREENE Mamillia H, p. 215: The
touchestone trieth the golde. 1598 MERES Pall. Tamia, f. Dd4:
As golde tried by the touchstone: so riches do shew what iS in a man.
1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 627: Like as Gold is tryed with a
touchstone: Euen so is man tried by hauing Gold and much Riches.
1625 BACON Apothegms: Wks., XIII 375: Chilon would say, That
gold was tried with the touchstone, and men with gold. 1642 FUL-
LER Holy State IV vii, p. 271: Integrity is the proper portion of a
Judge. Men have a touch-stone whereby to try gold, but gold is
the touch-stone whereby to try men. 1732 FUL., no. 736.
SHAKESPEARE.——16o8 P. II ii 36: The fifth, an hand environed
with clouds, Holding out gold that’s by the touchstone tried.
Cf. G284: Gold is tried in the fire; T337: Time tries friends as fire
tries gold.
T449 A new TOUT1 in an old horn
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 125. I674 Row Life Rob. Blair, p. 540: The
Council emitted a proclamation against conventicles, which was
A new towit in an old horn. 1678 RAY, p. 361: (A new sound, in).
1721 KEL., p. 28: An old Tout in a new Horn. *Spoken when we
hear (perhaps in other words) what we have heard before.
[lblast]
T450 To have more Tow on one’s distafi than one
can spin
[To have work in hand or trouble in store.] [01521] 1533 ]. HEY-
WOOD Pard. and Friar, s. B4V: I haue more tow on my dystafl'e than
I can well spyn. 1523-5 BERNERS Chron. Froissart, V 436: In
shorte space he shall haue more flax to his dystaffe than he can well
spynne. I546 HEY. II v, s. H4V: More tow on their distaues, then
they can well spyn.
T451 To have other Tow on one’s distaff
1721 KEL., p. 182: I have other Tow on my Roke [distaff].
FUL., no. 4128: She hath other Tow on her Distafl’.
I732
T452 TOWERS build masons
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 8.
T453 He that is in TOWN in May loses his spring
1640 HERB., no. 981.
T454 He that passes through a TOWN and will throw
a stone at every cur that barks shall have in
the end but a weary arm
1574 B. RICH Dial. hetw. Mere. and Eng. Sold., 8. A3v: (It is an old
prouerbe, he that).
T455 A strong TOWN is not won in an hour
I599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 84: *Rome was not built in a day.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 45: No sudden storme or
afliiction dants a valiant minde: for a strong Towne is not wonne
in an houre, nor was Rome built vpon one day.
Cf. R163: Rome was not built in one day.
T456 A TOY1 to mock an ape
I571 THACKHAM Defence in Narr. Reform. V, p. 120: In deede S.
Paul (Whose examples for a shewe to mocke an ape Withall you bryng
in) was never a tyrant. 1579 FULKE Heskins et al. Overthr., p. 292:
He nameth the accidents of things for the thinges them selues,
which is a toy to mocke an ape. 1598 MARSTON Scourge V illainy
p. 362: Here’s a Toy to mock an Ape indeed. I599 NASHE Lenten
Stufl: Wks., III 212: As good a toy to mocke an ape as was it of hym
that shewed a country fellow the red sea, where all the red Herrings
were made. [1600] I659 DAY Blind Beg., s. E2v: Here’s ajest to

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TRACEYS
TRAVELER
679
mock an Ape withall. 1602 Workfor Chimney Sweepers, s. BI: But
t'is a toye to mocke an Ape in deed. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Befi'ana, p.
58: Beffana, a bug-beare, a scarcrow, a mockbegger, a toy to mocke
an ape. I616 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. IV ii 10: Mary, an Elegie,
an Elegie, an odde toy— —-To mock an ape withall.
[ltrifle]
T457 The TRACEYS have always the wind in their faces
1662 FULLER Worthies Gloucestershire, I 377: *Tradition .. re-
porteth, that, ever since Sir William Tracy was most active amongst
the four Knights which killed Thomas Becket, it is imposed on
Tracies for miraculous Penance, that . . the Wind is ever in their
faces. 1670 RAY, p. 229.
Cf. W447: The wind in one’s face makes one wise.
T458 He drives a subtle TRADE
I678 RAY, p. 91: *Relating to several trades.
T459 He that has no good TRADE, it is to his loss
1640 HERB., no. 556. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 23:
(no Trade). 1659 N.R., p. 58.
Cf. T461: He who has a trade has a share everywhere.
T460 He that learns a TRADE has a purchase made
(has an estate)
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: He that hath an occupation or
Office hath a benefite and a benefice. 1640 HERB., no. 971. 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 19: [As in 1599 Minsheu]. I658
[EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 23: He that hath a good Trade,
hath a Purchase made. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 8: Who hath a
trade, hath rent. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18: Who learns a
trade, a purchase hath made. 1659 N.R., p. 59. I742 FRANKLIN,
p. 19: He that hath a Trade, hath an Estate. 1756 FRANKLIN,
p. 32: He that has a Trade has an Oflice of Profit and Honour.
Cf. T461: He who has a trade has a share everywhere.
T461 He who has a TRADE has a share everywhere
1539 TAV., f. 22v: Art or kunnynge euery countrey nourysheth,
that is to say, kunnyge men and such as haue any facultie or science,
whether so euer they goo: shall lacke no liuyng. I560 BECON Cat.
VI, p. 35 5: According to this common proverb: Artem quaevis
terra alit; that is to say, A man having an occupation shall be able
to live wheresoever he become. I611 COT., s.v. Art: He that hath
wit, will haue a share in euery thing. I623 WOD., p. 512: Who can
a Trade can go over all. 1639 CL., p. 276: A tradesman will win
his bread any where. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 23: He that hath a
good trade will have his share. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 11: Who
hath a trade, may through all waters wade. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 19,
p. 14: Who hath a trade, or an art, every where claims a lively-hood.
1732 FUL., no. 2386.
Cf. M207: A learned man carries his treasure about with him;
M222: A man cannot be robbed of his learning; 020: He has a good
oflice, he must needs thrive; T459: He that has no good trade, it is
to his loss; T460: He that learns a trade has a purchase made (has
an estate); T461a: Learn a trade, for the time will come when you
shall need it.
T461a Learn a TRADE, for the time will come when
you shall need it
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31: Learne thou an art, and lay it aside,
for tyme wil come thou shalt have neede Of it. 1631 T. HEYWOOD
2 Fair Maid West IV, p. 393: I have a trade; and that, they say,
will stick by a man when his friends fail him. 1659 HOW. It. Prov.,
p. 10: ’Tis good to have some trade to serve at a pinch.
Cf. T461: He who has a trade has a share everywhere.
T462 A TRADE is better than service
1640 HERB., no. 998. I659 N.R., p. 18.
T463 TRADE is the mother of money
1616 DR., no. 2165.
Pleas. drt, p. 155.
1664 COD., p. 213.
1732 FUL., no. 5271.
1670 RAY, p. 27. 1705

T464 Either a TRADER or a stealer
1611 COT., s.v. Larron: *Either a marchant or a theefe; a speech
verie ordinarie in the mouthes of Shop-keepers, who thereby pre-
tend, that not comming to their wares so easily, they cannot sell
them so cheape, as theeues doe.
T465 TRADESMEN live upon lack
1639 CL., s.v. Fortunata stultitia, p. 125. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note
172, p. 165: Let us break glasses apace, all trades must live.
T466 Are there TRAITORS at the table that the loaf
is turned wrong side upwards?
1678 RAY, p. 82.
T467 A TRANSLATOR is an author as a cobbler is a
shoemaker
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 3. 1693 Humors and Conversa. Town
I, p. 77: Some are something humble .. in the reading of their
Works . . for they trouble none but the Judicious Baker, the Jolly
Translator, of Shoes, I mean, not Authors, to whom they read their
blundering passion of distress’d Innocence.
T468 TRAP = snare
T468 It is easy to fall into a TRAP (net) but hard to
get out again
[ERAS. Similia, 60313: In nassam facilis illapsus est, sed exitus
difficilis.] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 157: It is easie to fall
into a Nette, but hard to get out. 1732 FUL., no. 5072.
T469 TRAP = trickery
T469 To understand TRAP
[To know one’s own interest.] 1679 [LEANERD] Counterfeits III i,
p. 24: You’re deceiv’d in old Gomez, he understands Trap. 1699
FARQUHAR Love and Bottle III ii, p. 63: We understand trap, sir,
you must not catch Old birds with chaff. 1700 T. BROWN dmuse-
ments VIII, p. 67: Sir, you are a Fool, and don’t understand Trap,
the whole World’s a Cheat. 1719 Wit and Mirth, IV 218: But as
young as I was, I understood Trap.
T470 If you toil so for TRASH what would you do for
treasure?
1639 CL., s.v. Magni momenti, p. 194.
T471 TRASH and trumpery is the highway to beggary
1678 RAY, p. 211. I732 FUL., no. 6091: (the Way to Beggary).
T472 TRAVAIL but toil not
1639 CL., s.v. Mediocria tuta, p. 206.
T473 TRAVEL: subst.
T473 TRAVEL makes a wise man better but a fool
worse
I623 FELTHAM Resolves I 87, p. 121: Yet I think it not fit, that
every man should Travel. It makes a wise man better, and a Fool
worse. 1732 FUL., no. 5272.
T474 TRAVEL: verb
T474 TRAVEL (Go) whither thou canst but die where
thou oughtest
1611 COT., s.v. Mourir: Goe whether thou canst, but dye where
thou shouldest; goe any whether so thou dye at home. 1659 N.R.,
p. 107.
T475 Much spends the TRAVELER more than the
abider
1640 HERB., no. 272. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 24.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi’.
TRAVELER
TREE
680
T476 A TRAVELER may lie with authority
[a1521] c1545 J. HEYWOOD Four PP, 5. A3: The Pardoner tells the
Palmer that Ye May lye by aucthoryte And all that hath wandred
so farre That no man can be theyr controller. I594 MARLOWE
Edit). 11 I i 28: What art thou? —A traveller. —Let me see—
thou wouldst do well to .. tell me lies at dinner-time. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 39: Ane travilled man hes leaue to lie. I611 GRUT.,
no. 31. 1614 CAM., p. 303. 1616 DR., no. 2167: Trauellers may
lie by authoritie. 1632 MARMION Holland’s Leag. I i, p. 12:
Though he has not been Far from home yet will lie like a traveller.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 5: Who
come’s from far may safely lye. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 83, p. 33:
(by Authority). 1668 R.B., p. 5: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I683
DRYDEN AND LEE Duke Guise IV ii, p. 375: Ifhe has been a Travel-
ler, he certainly says true, for he may lye by Authority. 1721
KEL., p. 23: [As in a1598 Ferg.].
SHAxEsPEARE.—1602 A.W. II V 30: A good traveller is some-
thing at the latter end of a dinner; but one that lies three thirds . .
should be once heard and thrice beaten. 1611 Temp. III iii 26:
Travellers ne’er did lie, Though fools at home condemn ’em.
See DUR., I, no. 456; II, no. 60. Cf. M567: Old men and far
travelers may lie by authority; P28: Painters (Travelers) and poets
have leave to lie; W175: Long ways long lies. (7)
T477 TRAVELERS change climates, not conditions
1655 FULLER Church Hist. III ii, I 314: Coelum non animum.
Travellers change climates, not conditions. Witness our Becket;
stubborn he went over, stubborn he staid, stubborn he returned.
See SM., p. 554. Cf. W616: A wolf (fox) may change his hair
but not his heart (nature, malice).
T478 Much TRAVELING makes bad ways
1611 COT., s.v. Peler: (bad way). I659 N.R., p. 76.
T479 By TRE, P01, and Pen you shall know the Cornish
men
c1542 BOORDE Diet. Health I: Intro. and Dietary, p. 122: Another
pot of ale . . For my bedauer Wyl to London, to try the law, To
sew Tre poll pen, for waggyng of a straw. 1602 R. CAREW Surv.
Cornwall I, p. 149. 1662 FULLER Worthies Cornwall, I 210. I670
RAY, p. 222: *These three words are the Dictionary of such sirnames
as are originally Cornish. I732 FUL., no. 6289: (and Pen, You
may know).
T480 Old TREAOLE and a new confection
I573 SANF., f. 1 10. c1594 BAOON, no. 469: Old treacle new losange.
T481 Between TREASURE buried under the ground and
wisdom kept hidden in the heart there is no
difierence
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 32: (And thereof commeth the proverbe
Betweene treasure). I591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 83: Twixt treasure
hid, and wit concealed, Scarce anie difference is reuealed. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 285: Twixt a hidden treasure, and occult
knowledge, one can discern no difference.
T482 His TREASURE saw neither sun nor moon this
many a day
1616 WITHALS, p. 582.
T483 No such TREASURE as to live at ease
61594 BACON, no. 1482: Il n’est tresor que de vivre a son aise.
1616 DR., s.v. Education, no. 568. 1639 CL., s.v. Concordia, p.
63. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 4: To live at case is the greatest
treasure.
T484 The TREASURE consisted of coals
[ERAS. Adagia, 346E: Thesaurus carbones erant.] I616 JONSON
Mercury Vindicated 77: Masques at Court, p. 411: A child 0’ the
Scullery steales all their coales for ’hem too, and he is bid sleepe
secure, hee shall finde a corner 0’ the Philosophers stone for’t,
vnder his bolster, one day, and haue the Prouerbe inuerted.
See OTTO, no. 350.
1639 CL., s.v. Fortunata stultitia, p. 126.

T485 Where TREASURE is the heart is
[Matt. vi 21: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be
also.) 1508 ]. FISHER Sayings David in Psalms, p. 29: For our
sauyour sayd Ubi est thesaurus tuus ibi est et cor tuum. Where
thy treasure is, there is thyn hert. And saynt Austyn sayth.
Verius est ibi animus vbi amat; quam Vbi animat. The mynde of
a man is more there where it loueth than it is vpon hymselfe. 1625
T. ADAMS Holy Choice: W ks. , p. 947: Vbi thesaurus, ibi cor . . Where
the treasure is, there will be the heart. I640 BRATHWAITE Art
Asleep Husb., p. 133: Where the treasure, there the heart; but no
treasure like Love to enrich the Treasury of the heart.
Cf. L565: The lover is not where he lives but where he loves.
T486 An evil TREE brings forth ill fruit
[Luke vi 43: For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit;
neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.] I526 TYNDALE
New Test. Matt. 7, f. 6V: A corrupte tree bryngethe forthe- evyll
frute. 1537 W. TURNER Old Learn. and New, s. B4: Can an
euell tre brynge forth good frute? I539 TAV., f. 18v: An euyll
tre (sayeth Christ) can bryng forth no good frute. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Beginning, no. 131.
Cf. T494: Such as the tree is such is the fruit.
T487 He that leans on a good TREE a good shade Shall
cover him
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 84: Whosoeuer leaneth to a good
tree, getteth a good shadow, i. whosoeuer hath a sure man to trust
vnto, hath a great pleasure. 1616 DR., s.v. Friendship, friends,
no. 802. I620 SHELTON Don Quin. Pt. II, xxxii, III 238: Leane to
a good tree, and it will shadow thee. 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 20: It is good Wisdome, euer to haue a great friend
for whosoeuer leaneth to a good tree, hath a good shadow. 1659
HOW. Span. Prov., p. 12: Who gets under a good tree hath a good
shelter. 1732 F UL., no. 182: A good Tree is a good Shelter.
T488 He that loves the TREE loves the branch
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 6: (Who loveth
I640 HERB., no. 851.
236. 1659 N.R., p. 52.
the tree).
See DUR., II, no. 47. Cf. B508: If you love the boll you cannot
hate the branches.
T489 The highest TREE has the greatest fall
1576 WHETSTONE Rock Regard, p. 41: But highest trees in fine have
hardest fall. 1611 GRUT., no. 261. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1616 DR.,
no. 62: The higher that the tree is, the greater is his fall. 1639
CL., s.v. Fortunae commutatio, p. 122. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 10. I659 N.R., p. 113. 1670 RAY, p. 103. I672 WALK. 31,
P- 37-
See SK., no. 172. Cf. C414: The highest climbers have the great-
est falls (The higher he climbs the greater his fall); S823: The
higher standing (up) the lower (greater) fall.
T490 The most fruitful TREE (The ripest fruit) is eaten
by worms (the caterpillar)
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 27: You may be more fitly resembled to
the caterpillar which cleaveth only to good fruit. I578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 189: The Caterpiller cleaueth vnto the ripest
fruite. I591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 197: Wormes do eate the fruit-
fullest trees. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 143: Tendrest wood is
most annoyed of wormes. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 35, p. 12: The
fruitfuller a Tree is, the more it is hanted with the Worms. Ihid.
41, p. 302: The most fruitfull tree is pursued with the worm.
See DiiR., II, no. 328. Cf. C56: The canker soonest eats the
fairest rose (flowers); W734: Every wood has its worm.
T491 Remove an old TREE and it will wither to death
[ERAS. Adagia, I68D: Annosam arborem transplantare.] CI523 A.
BARCLAY Mirr. Good Manners, p. 67: An olde tree transposed shall
finde small auauntage. 1636 CAM., p. 304: (and it will dye).
1659 N.R., p. 88: [As in 1636 Cam.]. 1664 COD., p. 210. 1670
RAY, p. 22. I687 MIEGE, s.v. To remove. I721 KEL., p. 284:
Remove an old Tree, and it will wither. *Spoken by a Man who
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TREE 68 1 TREE

is 10th to leave a Place in his advanc’d Years, in which he had long
lived. 1732 FUL., no. 4016: (and you’ll kill it).
See DUR., I, no. 64; OTTO, no. 154; ST., no. 300. Cf. T499: A
tree often transplanted bears not much fruit.
T497 The TREE (fruit) is known by the fruit (tree)
[Matt. xii 33: The tree is known by his fruit. ERAS. Adagia, 3480:
De fructu arborem cognosco.] 01561 Life Man 1. 9 in Roxh. Bal.,
I 143: The tree likewise is knowne by’s fruit. 1564 BULLEIN Dial.
Fever, p. 85: You shal know that fruicte by the tree. [01565]
I595 Peddler’s Proph., S. BI: By the frutes a man may soon know
the tree. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 68, p. 160: How euer
tree groweth, the fruit the tree showeth. 1580 BARET, D—295:
AS euery tree is knowen by his fruite, so is a man knowen by his
T492 A shored1 TREE stands long
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 91. I668 R.B., p. 7. 1721 KEL., p. 25:
*Spoken when People threaten us, who we believe dare not execute
their Threatnings. 1732 FUL., no. 399: A shroved [sic] Tree may
stand long. . deedes, according vnto the saying of Christ, A good tree cannot
Cf. F425: Threatened folks (men) live long. bring foorth bad fruite, nor a bad tree, good fruite. 1609 Every
[1threatened] Woman in Her Hum., S. F3V: The fruite is knowne by the tree, by
gad I knewe by your aporn ye were a gentleman. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 31, p. 12: By the Tree the fruit is known.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 1 Hen. IV II iv 470: If then the tree may
be known by the fruit, as the fruit by the tree.
See DI'iR., II, no. 649; ST., no. 299. Cf. T498: A tree is known
by the fruits and not by the leaves (flowers). (I I)
T498 A TREE is known by the fruits and not by the
leaves (flowers)
I596 DEL., s. M3v: By the fruites and not by flowers, we do know
Airlie crookis the tree the good kammock sould be. 1616 DR., the good tree. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 49: By the fruit not the flowre,
no. 2164: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1636 CAM., p. 305: (that good we know well the tree: But We by the flowres know what gardens
Camerill will be). 1639 CL., p. 167: Timely crook’d is the tree, be. 1616 DR., s.v. Deeds, no. 463: A tree is knowen by his fruits,
that good cambrill will be. 01640 SMYTH 13, p. 27: (that a good and not by his leaues and flowres. 1664 COD., p. 185. I670 RAY,
cambrell will bee). 1668 R.B., p. 10: Airly crooks the Tree that p. 11: (fruit). 1732 FUL., no. 444: A Tree is known better by its
good Cammock should be. 1670 RAY, p. 75: (that good gambrel Fruit, than its Leaves. '
would be). *A gambrel is a crooked piece of wood, on which butch- Cf. T497: The tree (fruit) is known by the fruit (tree).
ers hang up the carcasses of beasts by the legs. 1721 KEL., p. 97:
Early crooks the Tree that in good Cammon will be. *Signif[ies]
T493 Soon (Timely) crooks the TREE that good cam-
mock1 (gambrel) will be
a1536 HILL 32, p. 129: (that crokid will be). 1546 HEY. II ix, s.
L1: Tymely crookth the tree, that will a good camok bee. I583
MELBANCKE Philot., s. CI: For true it is and an old said saw, that
timely growes the tree that good Cammock will be. 1591 LYLY
Endim. III i 36: But timely, Madam, crookes that tree that wil be
a camock. 1593 DRAYTON Idea 7, l. 62: Wks., I 79: And early
crook’d, that will a Camock bee. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 134:
T499 A TREE often transplanted bears not much fruit
that Children soon shew their Propensities and Inclinations. 1732
FUL., no. 6118: [As in 1670 Ray].
See DI'IR., I, no. 671. Cf. T232: It early pricks (It pricks
betimes) that Will be a thorn; T632: Best to bend while it is a
twig.
[1a curved stick used in playing hockey] (8)
1611 COT., s.v. Planté: The ouer-oft remoued plant’s not plentiful].
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 4. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 12: (is never
loaden with fruit). 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: I never saw an oft-
transplanted tree, Nor yet an oft-removed family, That throve so
well as those that settled be.
Cf. T491: Remove an old tree and it will wither to death.
T494 Such as the TREE is such is the fruit
01527 SKELTON Replycacion l. I 56: Wks., I 214: For it is an auncyent
brute [saying], Suche apple tre, such frute. a1536 HILL 18, p. 128:
Often times prowith the frwight after the stok that hit cometh off.
01550 Rohin Consc. l. 205 in Early Pop. Poetry, III 240: Svch a tree,
svch frvte from it dooth proceed. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34v.
1584 GREENE Mirror Mod, p. 10: Such tree, such fruit. 1591
FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 179: Such as is the tree, such fruits therof
wee see. 1611 COT., s.v. Fueille: (We say; such as the tree such).
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A6): As the tree is, so is the fruit.
1639 CL., p. 287: [As in 1616 Bret.]. 1670 RAY, p. 149. 1732 FUL.,
no. 4280: (Such as the Tree, such).
See ST., no. 95. Cf. F777: Good fruit of a good tree; T486: An
evil tree brings forth ill fruit. (6)
T500 The TREE that God plants no wind hurts it
1640 HERB., no. 687. I659 N.R., p. 100: (no wind rents-it).
The TREE that grows slowly keeps itself for
another
1640 HERB., no. 194.
T501
T501a The triple TREE
1619 H. HUTTON Folly’s Anat., p. 16: Tibornes triangle trees will
be the thing, Must send this knave to Heavens in a String. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Nicchio, p. 1 16: To have obtain’d the Gibbet,
the tripple tree.
Cf. C64: The three-cornered cap.
T502 When the TREE is fallen every man goes to it
with his hatchet
[ERAS. Adagia, 7381‘: Arbore dejecta quivis ligna colligit.] 1586
YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 172: This is a most true saying, That the
tree is no sooner fallen downe to the grounde, but everie one is
readie to runne uppon it with his Hatchette. 1640 HERB., no.
562: (fallen all goe with their hatchet). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 3:
When a tree is down every one runs upon it. 1664 COD., p. 229.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 5: (fallen, all run upon it with their
hatchet). 1670 RAY, p. 27. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 155: *When a
Man’s down, down with him. 1732 FUL., no. 4804: The Tree is no
sooner down, but every one runs for his Hatchet.
Cf. M559: Men use him ill that has ill luck; 0104: If the ox fall
whet your knife.
T503 Where the TREE falls there it shall lie
[Eccl. xi 3: Where the tree falleth, there it shall be.] 1549 LATIMER
Serm. 10, p. 162: Wheresoever the tree falleth . . there it shall rest.
1556 HEYWOOD Spider and Fly LXXXVIII, p. 409: Where the
tree falth, theare lithe it: clarks say so. 01561 R.C. [Life Man] 1.
27 in Roxh. Bal., I 143: And as he [the tree] falls, so doth he lye.
T495 There is no TREE but bears some fruit
1616 BRET., p. 8: (but beareth fruit). 1639 CL., p. 198. 1670
RAY, p. 149.
T496 The TREE (oak) falls not at the first stroke
(blow)
1477 E. BREW (to J. Paston, Feb.) in Paston Let. 896, V 266: It is
but a sympill oke, that [is] cut doun at the first stroke. a1536 HILL
19, p. 128: Hit is a febill tre that fallith at the first Strok. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1283. 1611 COT., s.v. Arbre: Though a little man
can fell a great Oke, yet falls it not at the first blow. 1616 DR.,
no. 1266: A tree will not fall at one blow. 1621 R. BURTON Anat.
M. I 11 iv 7, p. 318: An old oak is not felled at a blow. 1631
MABBE Celestina VIII, p. 154: It is not one stroke that can fell
an Oake. 1640 HERB., no. 177: One stroke fells not an Oke. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 2: (The tree falls not down at). 1659 How.
It. Prov., p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 208: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 19, p. 48: (blow). 1668 R.B., p. 50. 1732 FUL., no. 639:
An Oak is not fell’d at one Chop.
See DI'iR., I, no. 164; ST., no. 303.


” In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8'.
TREE
TRICKS
682

1615 T. ADAMS Mystical Bedlam: Wks., p. 480: As the tree fals, so
it lyes. I641 WENTWORTH Ofl. Exec. I, p. 8: As the tree falleth so
it will lie or rest.
Sec DUR., ll, Suppl., no. 16. Cf. M64: As a man lives so shall
he die, as a tree falls so shall it lie.
T504 You ask an elm TREE for pears
1620 SHELTON Don Quiet. Pt. II, lii, IV 114: To thinke that my
Lord the Duke will doe me justice, is to seeke Peares from the
Elme. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7: Seek not Pears of an Elme.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 69: Expect not pears of an Elm. I732
FUL., no. 5862.
T505 Great TREES are good for nothing but shade
1640 HERB., no. 542. I659 N.R., p. 39. 1664 COD., p. 194.
Cf. T506: Great trees bring forth more Shade than fruit.
T506 Great TREES bring forth more Shade than fruit
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 8: Those who like Cipres trees are
high and fayre, but beare no fruite. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 177:
More shade than fruit, do great trees bring forth.
Cf. T505: Great trees are good for nothing but shade.
T507 Great TREES keep under the little ones
1642 FULLER Holy State’IV iii, p. 254: Most of the Clergy (more
pitying his Profession then Person) were glad that the felling of
this oke would cause the growth of much underwood. 1732 FUL.,
no.1769.
Cf. F311: The great fish eat the small.
T508 He is doubly wet that shrouds himself under
TREES
1611 COT., s.v. Fueille: (shrowds him). 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. I: Who shelters himself under leaves is twice wet. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 6, p. 209: Who stands under a bough, hath that which
rains, and that which drops.
T509 The highest TREES abide the sharpest storms
(winds)
1557 Mean Estate Is Best 1. 35 in Tottel’s Misc., I 150: The highest
tree in all the woode is rifest rent with blustring windes. 1576
R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [55], l. 30: High trees by stormie
winds are shakt . . When little Shrubs in sauetie lurke. a1579 N.
BACON Commend. Mean Estate: Recr. Age, p. 5: By proofe we finde
in everye storme The hier tree the sorer torne. 1585 E. SANDYS
Serm. 5, p. 103: Thus, as the goodliest trees in a garden are soonest
blasted with red winds. 1592 GREENE Philomela, p. 192.
Cf. C208: High cedars fall (are shaken) when low shrubs remain
(are scarcely moved).
T510 Set TREES poor and they will grow rich, set them
rich and they will grow poor
1678 RAY, p. 350: *Remove them always out of a more barren into
a fatter soil.
T511 Straight TREES have crooked roots
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 99: For experience teacheth me,
that straight trees haue crooked rootes . . that talk the more it is
seasoned with fine phrases, the lesse it sauoreth of true meaning.
1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 176: As straightest trees haue still the
crookedst roots, So all dissemblers haue the craftiest trickes. I732
FUL., no. 4264. ~
T512 TREES eat but once
I640 HERB., no. 927.
T513 As trim as a TRENCHER
1538 BALE K. Yohan l. 2514, p. 128: Trymme as a trencher, hauynge
hys shoes of golde. 1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 246v: Fillyng vp as
trymme as a trencher the space that stood voide. [a1558] 1568
Yacok and Esau IV iii, s. E2: As trimme as a trencher, as tricke, as
swete, as cleane.

T514 An Uppingham TRENCHER
1678 RAY, p. 333: *Rutlandshire. 1787 GROSE Prov. Gloss., s.v.
Rutlandshire: *This town was probably famous for the art of
trencher-making. Here, by a statute of Henry VIII, the Standard
was appointed to be kept for the weights and measures of this
county; which might induce turners, and other makers ofmeasures,
to settle here.
T515 A good T RENCHERMAN
1616 DR., s.v. Gluttony, no. 879. 1629 SHIRLEY Wedding I i, p.
368: Oh, he is reported a good trencher-man, he has a tall stomach;
he shall be welcome. 1673 D’AVENANT Law agst. Lovers I, p. 119:
He is a valiant trencher-man, and has a good Stomach.
SHAKESPEARE—1598-9 M.A. I i 50: You had musty victual, and
he hath holp to eat it. He is a very valiant trencher-man; he hath
an excellent stomach.
Cf. W315: He is very good at a whitepot.
T516 To belong to the TRIBE OF GAD
[A play upon the word “gad.”] 1613 T. ADAMS Heaven Earth
Reconcil.: Wks., p. 68: He spake merrily that said, the Tribe of
Leui must haue no minde to the Tribe of Gad. I738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 416: I think your ladyship is one of the tribe of Gad.
T517 In a TRICE
[1503] CI545 SKELTON Phyllyp Sparrowe l. 1130: Wks., I 85: To
tell you What conceyte I had than in a tryce, The matter were to
nyse. 1616 DR., s.v. Quickly, no. 1788: At a trice. Ihid., s.v.
Speedinesse, no. 2050: With a trice. [I616] I631 JONSON Devil Is
Ass I i 45: I am with him in a trice. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 16:
I’le be with you in a trice. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mano, p. 98:
To do it in the turn of a hand, viz. in a trice, before you can say
Amen.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. IV ii 132: I’ll be with you again, In a
trice. 1610 Cym. V iv 169: O, the charity of a penny cord! It
sums up thousands in a trice. 1611 Temp. V i 238: On a trice . .
Even in a dream, were we divided.
Cf. T622: With the turning of a hand. (62)
T518 I know a TRICK worth two of that
1608 1. DAY Hum. out Breath IV ii, p. 56: Tut, I can tell you a trick
worth two of that. 1619 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Barnavelt IV
i, p. 272: I know a trick worth ten 0’ that. 1619 Two Wise Men
V i, s. H3. 1632 HAUSTED Rival Friends II iii, s. E2v: But I doe
know a tricke Worth twenty of that.
SHAKESPEARE.—1597 1 Hen. [V II i 40: Nay, by God, soft! I
know a trick worth two of that.
T519 TRICK for trick and a stone in your foot besides, _
quoth one pulling a stone out of his mare’s
foot when she bit him on the back and he her
on the buttock
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (pulling out a stone out of his Mares
hoof, when she bit him upon the back, and he her upon the buttock).
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Otta, p. 125: The English say, Trick for
Trick, and a stone in her foot-stile. 1670 RAY, p. 217.
T520 The TRICK the colt gets at his first backing will,
while he continues, never be lacking
1611 COT., s.v. Poulain: (The tricks a coult). 1721 KEL., p. 63:
*Give your Children Correction While they are young, or there is
a Hazard that they will outgrow it.
Cf. Y42: That which one learns in youth will continue till old
age.
T521 Do not put TRICKS upon travelers
1709 DYKES, p. 53: But, generally speaking there’s no putting of
tricks upon old Travellers. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 417.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. II ii 59: Have we devils here? Do
you put tricks upon’s with salvages and men of Inde?
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TRICKS
TROY
683

T522 He has as many TRICKS as (more tricks than)
a dancing bear
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Bazzica, p. 12: To be experienc’d, and
well vers’d in the world, to know the tricks Of a dancing bear, tO
have seen the Toombs in Westminster, and the Lions at the Tower;
in fine, to be no puny novice. Ibid., s.v. Scimia, p. 185: To be full
of ridiculous gestures and making of faces, more tricks than a
dancing Bear. 1670 RAY, p. 163. 1732 FUL., no. 1862. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 403: I wish you would be quiet, you have
more tricks than a dancing bear.
T523 He has as many TRICKS as a lawyer
1672 WALK. 19, p. 51.
Cf. H156: Take a hare without a meuse and a woman without a
’scuse.
T524 To have been at TRIG—STAIRS
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pezza, p. 144: As the English say of
drest Hats, To have been at Trig-stairs, New trimm’d up, but not
a new Hat.
T525 TRIMTRAM, like master like man
1617 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Fair Quarrel II ii I I 1: My name
is Trimtram, forsooth; look, what my master does, I use to do the
like. [1623] 1653 MIDDLETON AND W. ROWLEY Span. Gypsy IV iii
74: Trim Tram, hang master, hang man. 1639 CL., p. 288:
(Trintran). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
14, p. 195: TO such a Master, such a Servant. *Note 116, p. 225:
The English say, Trim tram, like Master, like Man. 1670 RAY,
p. I 15. 1672 WALK. 9, p. 21. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraelitus Ridens
June 7. 1681 ROB., p. 1246. 1721 KEL., p. 336.
Cf. M723: Like (Such a) master like (such a) man (servant).
T526 To take one in a TRIP
1546 HEY. II iii, s. G2: Also hardly, if ye can Take me in any tryp.
1549 N. UDALL ET AL. Paraph. Mark x, f. 68: The multitude sought
for health, and were desyrous to heare his doctrine: but the other
desired more to take hym in a trip, then to be healed: to proue him,
rather then to learne. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 351: Phryne is often
tane in a trip.
T527 TRIPE is good meat if it be well wiped
1678 RAY, p. 50.
T528 Like the TROJANS, we were wise too late
1539 TAV., f. 2v: Sero sapiunt phryges.
late . . Euen so it is of many at thys daye. They be wyse, but to
late. 1578 LYLY Eupb. Anat. Wit, p. 188: The Troyans repented
to late when their towne was spoiled. 1580 BARET, C—-1739:
Cumani serO sapiunt . . A Prouerbe aptly to be applied to those,
which neuer take heed, before it be too late. 1631 KNEVET
Rhodon and Iris II ii, s. D2v: Our friends will say (if we procrasti-
nate) That, like the Troians, we were wise too late.
See OTTO, no. 1410. Cf. E192: TO be wise after the event;
P649: An empty purse makes one wise, but tOO late.
The Troyans are wyse t0
T529 We were TROJANS
[ERAS. ddagia, 352E: Fuimus Troes.] c1594 BACON, no. 776: We
Trojans were—i.e. have now ceased to be.
SHAKESPEARE.—I604 M.M. II ii 41 : Ojust but severe law! I had
a brother, then.
Cf. T540: Troy was.
T530 He is happy that is wed and without TROUBLE
1623 CAM., p. 271. 1639 CL., p. 58.
T531 He that is not circumspect wants n0 TROUBLE
1611 COT., s.v. Advisé: (He thats vncircumspect).
197.
T532 He that seeks TROUBLE never misses it
1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, III vi, I 171: I heard oft-times the
Curate .. preach, That he which seekes the danger, perisheth
1664 COD., p.

therein. 1640 HERB., no. 41 2: He that seekes trouble never misses.
1664 COD., p. 199. Ibid., p. 228: Who seeks trouble, is seldome
without it. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 29: Who hunts after troubles,
soon finds them as he lists. 1670 RAY, p. 23: (He who). 1732
FUL., no. 2291: (never misseth Of it).
SHAKESPEARE.—I598-9 M.A. I i 96: Are you come to meet your
trouble? The fashion of the world is to avoid cost, and you
encounter it.
Cf. D32: He incurs no danger that comes not where it is; D33:
He that seeks danger perishes therein; T534: Search not too
curiously lest you find trouble.
T533 It is a great TROUBLE to ride and death to foot it
1611 COT., s.v. Aller: (and a death). *Some lazie fellow, belike,
inuented this prouerbe. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq.,
p. 175: ’Tis a trouble to ride, and death to go on foot. *What
a divelish lazy fellow was he that invented this Proverb. I659
N.R., p. 63.
T534 Search not too curiously lest you find TROUBLE
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17. I659 N.R., p. 106: The curious
searcher finds himself unfortunate.
SHAKESPEARE.—I600-I H. III iv 33: Thou find’st to be too busy
is some danger.
Cf. B759: Busy will have bonds (bands); C621: TO be too busy
gets contempt; T532: He that seeks trouble never misses it.
T535 TROUBLE brings experience and experience
brings wisdom
1550 COVERDALE Spiritual Pearl VIII, p. 120. [01560] I581
WOODES Confl. Cons. I ii, s. B2: For trouble bring forth pacience,
from pacience dooth insue Experience, from experience Hope, Of
health the ankor true.
Cf. A62: Age and experience teach wisdom.
T536 As sound (whole) as a TROUT
[c1517] I533 SKELTON Magn., 3. E3: I am forthwith as hole as a
troute. 1573 Twelve Mer. Yests Edyt/z 2 in Shale. jest-Bks., III 40:
And then forthwith [I am as hole as a trout]. 1584 T. COGAN
Haven Healtlz 177, p. 142. 1599 BUTTES Diet’s Dry Dinner, 3. M1:
That it is passing holesome, our vulgar prouerbe accordeth: As
sound as a Trout. 1635 SWAN Spec. Mundi VIII i, p. 389: When
we would speak of one who is sound indeed, we say that he is sound
as a Trout. I678 RAY, p. 289.
See ST., no. 693. Cf. F301: As whole as a fish.
T537 To catch one like a TROUT with tickling
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 177, p. 142: This fish ofnature loueth
fiatterie: for being in the water it will suffer itselfe to be rubbed
and clawed, and so to be taken. [1624] 1640 FLETCHER Rule Wife
II, p. 187: He is mine own, I have him, I told thee what would
tickle him like a trout. [a1654] 1689 SELDEN Table Talk, p. 116:
And like Trouts we love to be tickled to Death.
SHAKESPEARE—1601 T.N. II v 25: Here comes the trout that
must be caught with tickling.
Cf. P329: To sew pillows under one’s elbows.
T538 You cannot take TROUTS with dry breeches
I631 MABBE Celestina VII, p. 126: Trowtes cannot bee taken with
drie breeches. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7.
T539 To lay it on with a TROWEL
1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight II vi, p. 147: Flattery of the Roman
emperors . . so gross, that it seems . . dawb’d with a trowell. 1678
RAY, p. 89: That was laid on with a trowel. *A great Lie. 1698
CONGREVE Double Dealer III, p. 48: Paints, d’ee say? Why, she
lays it on with a Trowel. 1732 FUL., no. 5930: You lay on your
Butter, as with a Trowel.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1599 A.Y. I ii 112: Well said!
on with a trowel.
That was laid
T540 TROY was
1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, lxvi, IV 217: As they went out of
Barselona, Don Quixote beheld the place where he had his fall, and

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 8'.
TRUOKLE BED 684
TRUST
said, Hie Troia fuit, here . . my fortune fell, never to rise againe.
I732 FUL., no. 5277.
Cf. T529: We were Trojans.
T541 To stumble at the TRUOKLE BED1
I678 RAY, p. 81: *To mistake the chamber-maids bed for his wives.
Cf. T259: To stumble at the threshold.
[‘21 low bed on castors in front of a big bed]
T542 He is TRUE BLUE (Coventry blue)
1598 GREENE 7ames [V IV iii, p. 133: Edge me the sleeues with
Couentry-blew. 1599 [GREENE] George a Greene, s. CIV: Nay, twas
better than gold. —What was it? —Right Couentrie blew.
I601 JONSON Cynthia’s Revels V ii 33: Steale into his hat the colour,
whose bluenesse doth expresse truenesse. [1624] I640 JONSON
Masque Owls l. I 18: Later Entertainments, VII 784: And though his
hue Be not Coventrie-blue, Yet is he undone By the thred he has
spunne. [a1635] 1651 T. RANDOLPH Heyfor Honesty II iii 410: Be
merry, true-blue, be merry; thou art one of my friends too. 1650
COWLEY Guardian V v, p. 228: Bess, poor wench, is married to a
Chandler; but she’s true blue still. I662 FULLER Worthies War-
wickshire, II 405: He is true Coventry-blew . . the best Blews . .
are died in Coventry. It is applied to . . a fast and faithful friend.
1663 S. BUTLER Hud. I i 191, p. 26: ’Twas Presbyterian true Blue.
Cf. T543: True blue will never stain.
T543 TRUE BLUE will never stain
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 226: I finde it nowe for a setled truth,
which earst I accompted for a vaine talke, that the Purple dye will
neuer staine. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. I670 RAY, p. 166:
*Coventry had formerly the reputation for dying of blues; insomueh
that true blue became a Proverb to signifie one that was always the
same and like himself. I672 WALK. 30, p. 43. 1721 KEL., p. 303:
*A Man of fix’d Principles, and firm Resolutions, will not be easily
induc’d to do ill, or mean thing. 1732 FUL., no. 5279.
Cf. T542: He is true blue (Coventry blue).
T544 To turn up TRUMP
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III 111 i 2, p. 833: They turned up trump
before the cards were shufi‘led. 1640 SHIRLEY Coronation V, p. 292:
I know not how they have shuffled, but my head on’t, A false card
is turn’d up trump, but fates look to’t. I642 FULLER Holy State
IV viii, p. 276: The cards were so shufiied, that two Kings were
turn’d up trump at once, which amazed men how to play their
games. 1659 PEOKE Parnassi Puerperium 17, p. 5: Were Judgment
now reverst, the Golden Lump Would win: and Juno Money turn
up Trump.
Cf. M1064: Money is that which art has turned up trump.
T545 To put one to his TRUMPS
1559 jack Code in Mirrorfor Magistrates III, Pt. I, II 163: Ere hee
tooke me I put him to his trumps. I588 [MARPRELATE] Epitome:
Marpr. Tracts, p. 128: It would put a man to his trumps to answer
these things soundly. 1608 I. DAY Law Tricks V i, p. 73: Was euer
poore little knaue put to his last trumps as I am? what shall I do
now? 1616 DR., s.v. Shifting, no. 1965: He is put to his trumps.
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Rodere, p. 171: To put one to his trumps,
to give one a bone to pick, that will hold tack, or a Crow to pluck.
I678 RAY, p. 274.
Cf. B522: To give one a bone to pick; N206: He is put to a
nonplus. (37)
T546 To sound one’s own TRUMPET
I576 FLEMING Panoply Epp., p. 59: I will . . sound the trumpet Of
mine owne merites. [1614-33] 1637 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER
Elder Brother I ii, p. 10: But that modesty forbids, that I should
sound the Trumpet of my own deserts, I could say.
SHAKESPEARE—1598-9 M.A. V ii 85: Therefore is it most ex-
pedient for the wise . . to be the trumpet of his own virtues. 1602
T.C. II iii 164: He that is proud eats up himself. Pride is his own
glass, his own trumpet, his own chronicle.
T547 As hollow as a TRUNK1
1616 DR., s.v. Falshood, or Falsenesse, no. 662.
[‘a pipe or tube]

T551
fi
T548—T555 TRUST: subst.
T548 He that sells upon TRUST loses many friends
and always wants money
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 123: Who sells on trust, sone his ware
dispatcheth, But loseth friends, and monie seldome catcheth. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 1 1: Who sells upon trust brusheth many clothes,
loseth friends, and never hath money. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 56;
Who sells upon trust, puts off goods enough, loseth his friends, and
never hath his money. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 11.
T549 In TRUST is treason
01475 Mankind l. 743, p. 27. I531 ELYOT Governor II xii, II 139:
Ye, your truste is the cause that I haue conspired agayne you this
treason. 1546 HEY. II v, s. H1 v: Shall I trust hym, then? nay, in
trust is treason. I575 GASCOIGNE Ferd. and Leonora: Posies, p. 404.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Z3: He whose truste hath wrought him
treason. 1594 True Trag. Rich. III iv, s. C1 v: Let me seeke to saue
mine owne, in trust is treason, time slippth, it is ill iesting with edge
tooles, or dallying with Princes matters. I611 COT., s.v. Garder:
For, in trust is Treason, say we. 1611 GRUT., no. 143. 1614 CAM.,
p. 308. 1616 DR., no. 2180. 1628 Rous Diary, p. 30: In greatest
trust is often greatest treason. 1639 CL., p. 128. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 15. I659 N.R., p. 62. I670 RAY, p. 149. I732
FUL., no. 5287: Trust makes Way for Treachery.
Cf. F41: There is falsehood (flattery) in fellowship; T555: Trust
is the mother of deceit.
T550 In TRUST is truth
1639 CL., p. 116.
N0 TRUST is to be given to a woman’s word (a
woman)
1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., s. DIv: This is a true prouerbe, and
no fained fable, Few womens words, be honest, constant, and stable.
01594 BAOON, no. 526: There is no trusting a woman nor a tapp.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 20: Who takes an Eagle by the tail, and
a woman at her word, holds nothing. I672 WALK. 76, p. 12: There
is no hold to be ta’ne of (no trust to be given to) a womans word.
SHAKESPEARE.—I605-6 K.L. III vi 19: He’s mad that trusts in
the tameness of a wolf, a horse’s health [heels ?], a boy’s love, or a
whore’s oath.
Cf. H711: Trust not a horse’s heel nor a dog’s tooth; L23: Lad’s
love is a busk of broom, hot awhile and soon done; L526: Love of
lads and fire of chats is soon in and soon out.
T552 No TRUST to a dry stick
I616 BRET., p. 8.
T553 Sudden TRUST (friendship) brings sudden (sure)
repentance
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 86v. 1721 KEL., p. 285:
Suddain Friendship, sure Repentance. I732 FUL., no. 4281: [As in
1721 Kel.].
Cf. A23: Short acquaintance brings repentance.
T554 TRUST is dead, ill payment killed it
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 184.
T555 TRUST is the mother of deceit
1636 CAM. , p. 307. 01649 Wily Damsel 40 in Cav. and Pur., p. 297:
Much trusting breeds much danger. 1659 N.R., p. 106.
SHAKESPEARE—1611 Temp. I ii 93: My trust, Like a good
parent, did beget of him A falsehood in its contrary as great As my
trust was.
Cf. T549: In trust is treason.
T556—T559 TRUST: verb
T556 I will TRUST him no farther than I can sling
(throw, fling) him
1618 HARINGTON Epig. II 74, p. 121: That he might scant trust him
so far as throw him. 1660 TATHAM Rump I, p. 2: He told ’um a

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TRUST
TRUTH
685

fair Tale, but means to trust them no further then he can fling ’um.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fidare, p. 62: Not to trust any one his
oun length, Viz. not to trust any one farther than one can throw
him. 1670 RAY, p. 197. I678 RAY, p. 274: (then I can fling him,
or, then I can throw a millstone). 1732 FUL., no. 5286: Trust him
no further than you can throw him.
Cf. H792: He may be trusted with a houseful of unbored mill-
stones; T557: I will trust you no farther than I can see you.
T557 I will TRUST you no farther than I can see you
1594 True Trag. Rich. III iv, s. C1v: Ile trust neuer . . a Duke in
the world, further then I see him. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. C2:
Nay he deserues hanging to if he bee: but wil you trust him? —Yes
as farre as I see him. 1606 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You Know Not Me,
p. 272: You know the Chapmans word in London, Ile trust you,
but no further then I see you. 1611 COT., s.v. Croire: To trust no
man further than hee sees him. 1627 W. HAWKINS Apollo Shroving
Prol., l. 121, p. 102: As I’m a true woman, I’le trust you slippery
schollars no further then I see you. 1634 T. HEYWOOD Maidenhead
Well Lost III, p. 133: Yet farre as I can see you, I will trust you.
1639 CL., p. 90. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 3 5: A faithless fellow.
I’le trust him no further than I can see him. I694 ECHARD Eunuch
V, p. 91.
Cf. H792: He may be trusted with a houseful of unbored mill-
stones; T556: I will trust him no farther than I can sling (throw,
fling) him.
T558 If you TRUST before you try you may repent be-
fore you die
01560 Of Trust and Trial in Anc. Bal., p. 221: Who trusts before he
tries may soone his trust repent. 1670 RAY, p. 149. 1732 FUL.,
no.6084.
Cf. T59 5: Try (Try your friend) before you trust.
T559 He who TRUSTS not is not deceived
1616 DR., no. 2182: He that trusteth not, Shall not bee deceiued.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: Who doth not trust shall not be deceived.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7: Trust not and thou shalt not be
cousened. I732 FUL., no. 2406.
Cf. D181: Nobody deceived but he that confides (trusts).
T560 As innocent as TRUTH (silence, grace)
1600 Sir 7. Oldcastle, s. D4: [He] seemde as innocent as Truth it
selfe. 1622 G. MARKHAM AND SAMPSON Herod and Antipater I,
s. E2v: As innocent as silence.
SHAKESPEARE.——1599 A.Y. I iii 56: They are as innocent as grace
itself.
T561 As naked as TRUTH
1601 MARSTON 7ack Drum II, s. C4: This same boy’s as bare as
naked Truthe. 1618 N. FIELD Amendsfor Ladies V i, p. 161: AS
naked as this truth. 1647 J. BIRKENHEAD Assemhlyman in Somers
Tracts, V 491: Lest it Strip him as naked as truth. 1663 S. BUTLER
Hud. I ii 35, p. 57: But as for our Part, we shall tell The naked
Truth of what befel.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 716: The naked truth of it is,
I have no shirt.
Cf. T589: The truth Shows best being naked.
T562 As TRUTH gets hatred so flattery wins love
(friends)
[ERAS. Adagia, 675A: Obsequium amicos, veritas Odium parit.]
1539 TAV., f. 47v: [As in Eras.]. *Flatery and folowing of mens
mynds getteth frendes, where speakyng of trouth gendreth hatred.
[01560] I581 WOODES Confl. Cons. II i, s. B3v: Tirannie with flat-
terie is easely pacifyed, Wheras Tom tell troth shall feele of his
Sword. Ibid.: That olde said saw, and common by word: Obse-
quium amicos, by flateries friends are prepared: But veritas odium
parit, as commonly is seene, For speaking the trueth, many hated
haue beene. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 80. 1639 CL., p. 316:
F latterie gets friends, but truth hatred.
Cf. F349: Flattery gets friends; T569: Truth begets hatred;
T592: Who follows truth too close at the heels, she may chance
dash out his teeth.

T563 Better speak TRUTH rudely than lie covertly
1640 HERB., no. 763. I659 N.R., p. 22.
T564 Fair fall TRUTH and daylight
I678 RAY, p. 21 I.
T565 It is as true as TRUTH itself
01565 Bughears V ii 48: Tis as true as truth it self it booteth not
to fayne. 1616 DR., no. 2199: Trueth is alwayes like it selfe. 1616
JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. IV viii 88: Wilt thou be true, my
Thomas? —As truth’s selfe, sir. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 68,
. 33.
p SHAKESPEARE—I602 T.C. III ii 176: I am as true as truth’s
simplicity.
T566 Speak the TRUTH and shame the devil
1548 PATTEN Exped. Scot. in Eng. Garn., III 61 : An epigram . . the
which I had, or rather (to say truth and Shame the devil, for out it
will) I stale. 1552 LATIMER Serm. 27, p. 506: (There is a common
saying amongst us, Say the). 1576 GASCOIGNE Grief 70y IV:
Wks., II 55 5: I will tell trewth, the devyll hymselfe to shame, Al-
though therby I seeme to purchase blame. a1598 F ERG. MS, no.
1330: (Tell the veritie and). [1602] 1631 CHETTLE Hoflman V, s.
I3: I warrant you, tell truth and Shame the Diuell my boy. 1606
CHAPMAN M. D’Olive I i 203: Tell truth, and shame all travellers
and tradesmen. [01614] 1639 FLETCHER Wit without Money IV, p.
191: Speak bOldly, and speak truly, Shame the Devil. 1616 DR.,
no. 2193: (Speake truth). 1639 CL., p. 316: (Tell the truth). 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. I666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 303: Speak the
truth, and thou shalt not do amiss. *Note 89, p. 321: Speak the
truth, and shame the Devil, saith the honest English man. 1670
RAY, p. 150. 1721 KEL., p. 287: *Spoken to hearten People who
are afraid of offending some great Person by their Evidence. 1732
FUL., no. 4243.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1597 I Hen. IV III i 58: And I can teach thee,
coz, to Shame the devil—By telling truth. Tell truth and shame
the devil. 1600-1 IV ii 119: But ifit prove true, Master
Page . . Now Shall the devil be sham’d.
See PF., no. 299. Cf. T588: Truth shames the devil.
T567 They have neither TRUTH nor honesty in them
1639 CL., p. 128: He hath neither truth, nor honestie. Ibid., p. 248.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1597 I Hen. IV III iii 173: There’s no room for
faith, truth, nor honesty in this bosom of thine.
T568 TRUTH and oil are ever above
1620 SHELTON Don Quin. Pt. II, x, III 74: Truth . . tramples on
the lie, as oyle doth upon water. 1640 HERB., no. 230. 1658 [ED-
MONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 188. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 4: Truth like oyl swims always on the
top. 1664 COD., p. 214. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 302: Oyl and
truth return to the top. 1670 RAY, p. 27: *Hispan. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. Truth: Truth and Oyl are always uppermost. 1732 F UL., no.
5295. Ibid., no. 5312: Truth will be uppermost, one time or other.
T569 TRUTH begets hatred
1530 Glass Truth, p. 419: The wise man’s proverb, The telling of
the truth breedeth oft displeasure. 1538 BALE K. 7ohan l. 2208,
p. I 12: Truthe ingendereth hate. 1572 T. WILSON Disc. Usury, p.
188: It is a common saying, Veritas odium parit, Truth purchaseth
hatred. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II I 13: Truth getteth hatred.
1596 LODGE Wit’s Misery, p. 42: He will answere him in a sentence,
Veritas odium parat: Truth procures hatred. 1616 DR., no. 2194:
Truth is hated. 1623 WOD., p. 520: Truth breeds Hatred. 1660
J. HOWELL Parley Beasts IV, p. 51: Truth as the proverb runs, be-
gets hatred oftentimes in the minds of those to whom it is spoken.
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note I, p. 78: Truth begets hatred, true jests
are offensive.
Cf. M1206: Four good mothers beget four bad daughters: great
familiarity, contempt; truth, hatred; virtue, envy; riches, igno-
rance; T562: As truth gets hatred so flattery wins love (friends);
T570: Truth finds foes where it makes none; T592: Who follows
truth too close at the heels, she may chance dash out his teeth.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
TRUTH
TRUTH
686

T570 TRUTH finds foes where it makes none
1639 CL., p. 316. 1664 COD., p. 214. I670 RAY, p. 150. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Truth. 1732 FUL., no. 5298: (where it should find
none)
Cf. T569: Truth begets hatred.
T571 TRUTH has a good face but ill clothes
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 99: Vertue often times is hid, vnderneath
a base weede. I600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 14: Truth most de-
lights, when Shee goes meanest clad. 1639 FULLER Holy War III
xix, p. 141: Strange that any Should fall in love with that profession,
whose professours were so miserable! But truth hath alwayes a
good face, though often but bad clothes. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 27: (bad clothes). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Truth:
(bad Clothes). 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quix. I ii, p. 18: (a good
Face, tho the Quoif be torn). 1732 FUL., no. 5299.
Cf. T572: Truth has a scratched face.
T572 TRUTH has a scratched face
1584 LYLY Camp. IV iii 26: Truth is neuer without a scratcht face.
See APP., p. 649. Cf. T571: Truth has a good face but ill clothes.
T573 TRUTH has always a fast (sure) bottom
1678 RAY, p. 211. 1732 FUL., no. 5300: (sure).
T574 TRUTH has no answer
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 303: *Note 91, p. 321: As much as to say,
That truth is such a Flay], that there is no fence against it. 1732
FUL., no. 5294: Truth and Matter of Fact, have no Answers.
Cf. T583: Truth loves (fears no) trial.
T575 TRUTH (Plain dealing) has no need of rhetoric
(figures)
8.1597 Pilgr. to Parn. I, p. 2: Plaine dealing needs not Retoricks tin-
klinge bell. 1606 MARSTON Parasitaster I ii 186: Plain meaning
shunneth art; You are most welcome (Lord Granuflb, a trick, A
figure, note); we use no rhetoric. 1608 MIDDLETON Family Love
V iii 340: Truth needs not the foil of rhetoric. 1622 G. MARKHAM
AND SAMPSON Herod and Antipater I, s. B4V: Truth hath no need
of figures.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-1 H. II ii 95: More matter, with less art.
Cf. P381: Plain dealing is a jewel; T585: Truth needs no colors;
T589: The truth shows best being naked; T593: Truth’s tale is sim-
ple (Truth is plain).
T576 TRUTH is always the strongest
1623 WOD., p. 522. 1644 MILTON Areopagitica, p. 348: For who
knows not that Truth is strong next to the Almighty.
Cf. T579: Truth is mighty and will prevail.
T577 TRUTH is green
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 5.
T578 TRUTH is in ale as in history
1618-21 R. CORBET in Shak. Cent. Praise, p. 128: Mine host was
full of ale and history. 1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quite. IV
v, p. 195: That truth be in his Ale, as History. 1676 ETHEREGE
Man Mode I i 283: You know the old Proverb, Ale and History.
Cf. A102: Fair Cheve good ale, it makes many folks speak as they
think.
T579 TRUTH is mighty and will prevail
[1611 Apocrypha I Esd. iv 41: Great is Truth, and mighty above
all things] 1576 FULWELL Ars Adulandi IV, s. E4: Trueth in the
ende shall preuayle. 1585-1616 Shirhurn Bal. I, p. 16: Great is the
truth, and it will preuaile. 1616 DR., no. 2189: (and preuaileth).
Cf. T576: Truth is always the strongest.
T580 TRUTH is time’s daughter
1553 Respuhlica Prol., p. 2: Veritee, the daughter of Sage old Father
Tyme. 1567 J. PICKERINC Horestes, s. E4: Ye’e Truth, the daugh-
ter of Tyme, wyll it seke, And so in a tyme, it wyll be diseryde.
1599 SILVER Paradoxes Def, s. A4v: To this desire to find out truth

the daughter of time, begotten of Bellona, I was also moued. 1606
MARSTON Parasitaster V i 176: If Time be the father of her [truth],
I am sure Drunkenness is oftentimes the mother of her, and brings
her forth. 1622 G. MARKHAM AND SAMPSON Herod and Antipater
Prol., s. A4v: Times eldest Daughter (Truth) presents our Play.
1633 J. FORD Broken Heart IV i, p. 63: Truth is a Child of Time.
Cf. T324: Time brings the truth to light; T329a: Time is the
father of truth and experience is the mother of things (science);
T333: Time reveals (discloses) all things; T336: Time tries all
things; T338: Time tries the truth; T591: Truth will come to light
(break out).
T581 TRUTH is truth
1576 GASCOIGNE Philomene: Wks., II 192: But truth is truth, and
muste be tolde Though daunger keepe the dore. 1581 TRESHE Or-
der of Garter l. 224 in Bal.]rom MSS, Vol. II, Pt. ii, p. 123: Truth
wilbe Truth, in spite of all defame. 1595 CHURCHYARD Charity To
Gen. Rdrs.: For truth is truth, when all is saide and don. 1609
ARMIN Two Maids More., s. E2: Sir, trueth is trueth, my conscience
and religion Bindes vp in me. 1613 T. HEYWOOD Silver Age II, p.
108: You may say what you will, but a truth is a truth. I732 FUL,,
no. 5303: Truth is Truth, in spite of Custom’s Heart.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV i 48: It is so; truth is truth.
1596 K.7. I i 105: But truth is truth. 1597 I Hen. [V 11 iv 255:
Is not the truth the truth? 1602 A.W. IV iii 178: A truth’s a truth.
1604 M.M. V i 45: Truth is truth To th’ end of reck’ning. (6)
T582 TRUTH lies at the bottom of a well
1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. I v, II 40: Truth, which wise men
say doth lye in a Well. a1721 PRIOR Locke and Montaigne: Dia~
logues Dead, etc., p. 22 5: You know the Antient Philosophers said
Truth lay at the bottom of a Well. 1732 FUL., no. 5304: Truth
lieth deep, and must be fetch’d up at Leisure.
T583 TRUTH loves (fears no) trial
1639 CL., p. 316. I732 FUL., no. 5297: Truth fears no Trial.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. III iii 95: As gentle and as jocund
as to jest Go I to fight. Truth hath a quiet breast.
Cf. C597: A clear conscience laughs at (fears not) false accusa-
tions; T574: Truth has no answer.
T584 TRUTH may be blamed but cannot be shamed
61550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 6, p. 105: Wherby the truthe
is often blamed, Yet in no wise truthe may be shamed. I567 HAR—
MAN Caveat To Rdr., p. 28: All though truth be blamed, it shal neuer
be shamed. 1616 DR., no. 2190: (but it cannot be shamed). 1639
CL., s.v. Veritas, p. 316: (but never sham’d). I655 FULLER Church
Hist. IV i, I 471: (Here, if ever, did the proverb take effect, Truth
may be). 1659 N.R., p. 95: [AS in 1616 Dr.]. 1670 RAY, p. 150:
(but ’t shall never be shamed). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Truth: (but shall
never be shamed). 1732 FUL., no. 6083.
Cf. T586: Truth never shames the master.
T585 TRUTH needs no colors
1519 HORMAN V ulgaria, p. 91: Treuthe nedeth no peynted or col-
ored termes. [a1600] c1647 Edm. Ironside l. 1198, p. 54: Truth
needes noe cullors though I meane to lye. I631 MABBE Celestina
IV, p. 94: Because truth needeth no colours. I660 TATHAM Rump
Prol.: Truth doth need no Dresses.
SHAKESPEARE—1609 Son. 101, l. 6: Truth needs no colour, with
his colour fix’d.
Cf. T57 5: Truth (Plain dealing) has no need of rhetoric (figures).
T586 TRUTH never shames the master
1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 150: Trueth neuer defameth his Mais-
ter. 1616 DR., no. 2191. 1639 CL., p. 317.
Cf. T584: Truth may be blamed but cannot be shamed.
T587 TRUTH seeks no comers
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 89: In deed, truthe seketh n0 corners,
as these euill disposed, vile Theeues doe. I572 LEICESTER (to
Walsingham, Jan. 8) in Digges Compl. Amhass., p. 323: Truth will
seek no angles. 1576 FULWELL Ars Adulandi VIII, 3. KIV: Alwaies
regarde these wordes, veritas non querit angulos. Truth seeketh

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TRUTH
TRY
687
out no corners, nor searcheth for coulorable shiftes. 1578 WHET-
STONE 2 Promos and Cass. III ii, s. KI: Veritas non querit angulos.
1607 MARSTON What You IVi/l V i 296: ’Tis known, veritas non
quaerit angulos, truth seeks not to lurk under varthingalls. I611
CHAPMAN May Day IV iii 119: Truth seeks no corners, and ’t was
a true love’s kiss. 1611 COT., s.v. Vie: Lewdnesse aifecteth cor-
ners. 1616 DR., no. 2187. 1639 CL., s.v. Veritas, p. 316. 1732
FUL., no. 5311.
SHAKESPEARE.——I6I3 Hen. VIII III i 39: Truth loves open deal-
Ing.
Cf. C732: Full of courtesy full of craft; T593: Truth’s tale is sim-
ple (Truth is plain). (5)
T588 TRUTH Shames the devil
1611 GRUT., no. 292. 1614 CAM., p. 313. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. IO. 1659 N.R., p. 101. 1664 COD., p. 212. 1732 FUL., no.
5306: Truth makes the Devil blush.
Cf. T566: Speak the truth and shame the devil.
T589 The TRUTH shows best being naked
1578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit Ep. Ded., p. 181: A naked tale doth
most truely set foorth the naked truth. 01613 TAYLOR Waterm.
Suit: Wks. F., p. 338: Thus (because the truth shewes best being
naked) I haue plainely set downe how farre I proceeded. I732
FUL., no. 5305: Truth loves to go naked.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-4 1 Hen. VIII iv 20: The truth appears so
naked on my side That any purblind eye may find it out. 1605-8
T. Ath. V i 67: I am rapt, and cannot cover The monstrous bulk of
this ingratitude With any size of words. ——Let it go naked; men
may see't the better.
Cf. T561: As naked as truth; T575: Truth (Plain dealing) has no
need Of rhetoric (figures); T593: Truth’s tale is simple (Truth is
plain).
T590 The TRUTH, the whole truth, and nothing but
the truth
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 101: Speake no more then the
trueth, vtter no lesse. [I600] I659 DAY Blind Beg. V, s. I3v:
Reach him the Book, and thereon take thine Oath . . Speak truth,
and nought but truth, so help thee Heaven. 1631 JONSON Staple
News V ii 68: Speake what thou heard’st, the truth, and the whole
truth, And nothing but the truth. 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady V x
82: You good’y Keepe, confesse the truth to my Lady, The truth,
the whole truth, nothing but the truth. 1659 HEYLIN in Fuller
dppeal III, p. 651: Let us see therefore what he saith of this prel-
ate, and how far he saith truth, the whole truth, and nothing but
the truth.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 I Hen. [V II iv 190: If they speak more
or less than truth, They are villains and the sons of darkness. 1604
0. II iii 218: If partially affin’d, or leagu’d in Office, Thou dost de-
liver more or less than truth, Thou art no soldier. ( 5)
T591 TRUTH will come to light (break out)
[M600] 1662 I.T. Grim Collier Croydon II i, s. G10: It were a shame
to speak this, but Truth will come to light. 1606 Nobody and Some-
body, s. D3: [There’s] no extortion without Nobody: and but that
truth will come to light, few wenches got with child, but with NO-
body. 1609 Every Woman in Her Hum., s. B4: Truth will to light,
and the truth is, I haue an appetite tO kisse you. 1623 WOD., p.
520: Trueth loves Light. 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady V x 108: You
see the truth breaks out on every side Of you. 1640 JONSON Tale
Tub V x 38: He not long Holds, but betrayes all with trembling
tongues: As truth will breake out, and shew. 1732 FUL., no. 5313:
Truth will sometimes break out, unlooked for.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. Vi 129: Till truth make all things
plain. 1596 M. V. II ii 83: Truth will come to light; murder can-
not be hid long—a man’s son may, but in the end truth will out.
Cf. M1315: Murder will out; T324: Time brings the truth to
light; T338: Time tries the truth; T580: Truth is time’s daughter.
T592 Who follows TRUTH too close at the heels, She
may chance dash out his teeth
1614 RALEIGH Hist. World Pref., p. lxiii: To this I answer, that
whosoever, in writing a modern history, shall follow truth too near

the heels, it may happyly strike out his teeth. 1634 S. ROWLEY
Noble Soldier II, s. C3v: I will follow Truth at the heeles, tho her
foot beat my gums in peeces. 1651 HERB., p. 371: Follow not
truth too near the heels, lest it dash out thy teeth. 1655 FULLER
Church Hist. IX viii, III I 50: I know how dangerous it is to follow
truth too near to the heels; yet better it is that the teeth of an
historian be struck out Of his head for writing the truth, than that
they . . rot in his jaws, by feeding . . on the sweetmeats Of flattery.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1672 WALK. 3, p. 28: He that follows
truth too near the heels, shall have dirt thrown in his face; truth
gets enemies. I681 ROB., p. 619: He that follows truth too near
the heels, shall have durt thrown in his face.
Cf. H541: Honesty is ill for thriving; P382: Plain dealing is a
jewel but they that use it die beggars; T562: As truth gets hatred
so flattery wins love (friends); T569: Truth begets hatred.
T593 T RUTH’S tale is simple (Truth is plain)
[ERAS. ddagia, I45F: Veritatis simplex oratio.] 1539 TAV., f. 15:
Trouthes tale is simple, he that meaneth good fayth, goeth not
aboute to glose hys communicacion wyth painted wordes. 1546
HEY. II ii, s. F4: In playne terms, playne truth to you to utter.
1611 DAV. Epig., no. 135. 1616 DR., no. 2188: Truth is plaine.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 412: Henceforth my wooing
mind shall be express’d In russet yea’s and honest kersey no’s.
1597 Rich. [I] IV iv 358: An honest tale speeds best being plainly
told.
See JENTE 324, p. 438; PR, no. 140; T. 650, p.312. Cf. C732:
Full Of courtesy full Of craft; T575: Truth (Plain dealing) has no
need Of rhetoric (figures); T587: Truth seeks no corners; T589:
The truth shows best being naked; W828: Where many words are,
the truth goes by.
T594 All TRUTHS must not be told
01485 Early Eng. Misc. 8, p. 63: For soothe may not alle day be
sayd. [01497] a152o MEDWALL Fulgens, s. A4v: Trouth may not
be sayde alway. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 325: At eche
season: trouth ought nat to be sayde. 01510 Hickscorner, s. B3v:
All trouth is not best sayd. CI550 Parl. Birds 1. 36 in Early Pop.
Poetry, III 168: All soothes be not for to saye, It is better some be
lefte by reason Than, trouth to be spoken out of season. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 160: All the verity wold not be told. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Vray: All that is true is not to be told. 1623 CAM., p. 266.
1639 CL., p. 316. 1640 HERB., no. 89: All truths are not to be told.
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eleg., p. 176: Every truth is not to
be told. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 7: All truths are not good to be told.
1659 N.R., p. 12: [As in 1640 Herb.]. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 80,
p. 275: All truth must not be spoken at all times, to all persons, or
all places, one need not tell a lye, but use silence, and that doth as
well, when prudently. 1670 RAY, p. 150: All truth must not be
told at all times. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Truth: Truth ought not to be
told at all times, a Man may speak tOO much Truth. 1721 KEL.,
p. 37: All the Truth should not be told. *Because it may be ill-
natured, uncharitable, or unseasonable.
SHAKESPEARE—I606-7 H.C. II ii 110: That truth should be si-
lent I had almost forgot.
T595 TRY (Try your friend) before you trust
a1536 HILL 56, p. 47: Geve trust to them that thOW hast preved.
01565 Bughears IV v 62: As I trye so will I trust. 1577 GRANGE
Garden, s. R1 v: Trie therefore, and trust me, for time trieth truth.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 143: Friendes are tryed before
they are to be trusted. 1593 Life and Death Straw I, s. B4: Hee
will trie before he trust a foe. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1381: Trie 0r
ye trust. [1600] 1659 ] DAY Blind Beg. I, s. B4v: They say ’tis
good to try Friends, him I’ll try. 01600 Second Table of Good
Nurture l. 80 in Roxb. Bal., II 573: First trye thy friend before thou
trust. 1607 SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. III, p. 38: Indeede they say
tis good to trie before one trust. 1609 W.M. Man in Moon, p. 53:
It is an old saying, trie before you trust. 1616 BRET., p. 9: Try,
and then trust. 1616 DR., no. 2174. 1623 WOD., p. 505: Trust in
none, vntil thou hast tried him first. 1633 SHIRLEY Witty Fair One
IV ii, p. 330: Tutor Try me, and trust me after. 1639 CL., p. 24:
Try your frind before you trust him. Ibid., p. 305: First trie, and
then trust.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
TUB
TURK (TURK’S)
688

SHAKESPEARE.—-1600-I H. I iii 62: Those friends thou hast, and
their adoption tried, Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel.
Cf. F718: Prove your friend ere you have need; M198: It is good
to know what a man is to trust to; T558: If you trust before you
try you may repent before you die. (29)
T596 Every TUB must stand on its own bottom
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 65: Let euerie Fatte [vat] stande vpon
his owne bottome. 1583 BABINGTON Expos. Commandments VI, p.
119: They woulde haue euerle fat . . stande on his owne bottome.
1616 DR., s.v. Conscience, no. 306: (his owne bottome). 1639 CL.,
p.66: (his owne bottome). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17: Lett every
tubb stand upon his own bottom. 1670 RAY, p. 150: (Let every
tub stand). 1678 BUNYAN Pilg. Prog. I, p. 103: Sloth said, Yet a
little more Sleep; and Presumption said, Every fat must Stand upon
its own bottom. I732 FUL., no. 1472: (upon its own Bottom).
Cf. L194: To stand on his own legs; S7: Let every sack stand
upon its own bottom.
T597 To throw out a TUB to the whale
[To create a diversion.] 1651 TAYLOR Holy DyingI iii, p. 277: He
is at first entertained with trifies . . and little images of things are
laid before him, like a cock-boat to a whale, only to play withal.
1704 SWIFT Tale Tuh Auth. Pref., p. 50: Seamen have a Custom,
when they meet a whale, to fiing him out an empty tub . . to divert
him from laying violent hands upon the ship.
See SM., p. 548. Cf. T45: A tale of a tub.
T598 He is fed as full as a TUN1
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3V; WherofI fed me as full as a tunne. I562
HEY. Epig. 193, p. 158: He hath fed till he is as full as a toon. 1616
DR., s.v. Gluttony, no. 877. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Crespe, p.
48: (To fill ones belly as).
[lcask]
T599 They play one TUNE and dance another
1639 CL., s.v. Aliena a re, p. 18.
T600 As rotten as a TURD
I670 RAY, p. 207.
T601 Care not a TURD
1560-77 Misogonus I iV 28: Your conninge is good man care not a
tourde. 01576 Common Cond. l. 278, s. BIV; I pas not a turd for
thee. I578 WHETSTONE 1 Promos and Cass. IV vii, s. F1: Nay,
for my head, care not a Tinkers torde.
T602 He that wrestles with a TURD, fall he undermost
or uppermost, he shall be sure to be bedirten
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13: (turd Shall be beshitt fall he over or
under). 1670 RAY, p. 159: (t is sure to be besh whether he
fall over or under). *That is, he that contends with vile persons,
will get nothing but a Stain by it. 1697 MER., p. 166: (t d is
sure to be besh whether he fall ower or under). 1721 KEL.,
p. 130: *Intimating the Folly ofcontending with vile, or mean Per-
sons, by whom no Honour is to be gotten.
Cf. C514: Ifyou wrestle with a collier you will get a blotch; D348:
He that falls into the dirt, the longer he stays there the fouler he
is; P358: He that touches pitch shall be defiled; S862: The more
you stir the more (worse) you stink; T603: The more you stir a
turd (it) the more (worse) it stinks.




T603 The more you stir a TURD (it) the more (worse)
it stinks
1546 HEY. II vi, 5. I2: The more we stur a tourde, the wours it will
stynke. I579 GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 21: Hercules shoes on a childes
feete, amplyfying that which the more it is stirred, the more it
stinkes. 1586 WITHALS, s. D2: It is a thing well ynough knowne,
that turds the more they be stirred, the more they stinke. I596
HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 87: AS the proverb is Tis noted as the
nature of a sink, Euer the more tis stirde, the more to stinke. I611
GRUT., no. 270: (the worse it will stinke). I612 SHELTON Don Quite.
Pt. I, IV xx, II 239: Let it rest as it is, seeing it is the worse for the
stirring in. [1613-34] 1640 JONSON Underwoods 38, p. 307: A par-

cel of Court-dirt, a heap and mass Of all vice hurled together, there
he was, Proud, false . . And so I leave to stir him, lest he stink.
1614 CAM., p. 313: [As in 1611 Grut.]. 1639 CL., p. 200: (it and
worse). 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady IV vii 56: Repetitions Make
things the worse: The more wee stirre (you know The Proverbe,
and it signifies a) stink. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: (The more a
turd is stirred). 1664 J. WILSON Cheats V ii, p. 68: ’Tis a foul busi-
ness, the more you stir, the worse ’twill be. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
26, p. 271 : The more one Stirs in tirds, the more they’ll stink. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zibeto, p. 240: To meddle with a business
which is likely to prove ill, and that shall give trouble and Ofi'ence
to the Person so doing: the English say to that purpose, The more
ye stir, the more it will stink. I672 WALK. 60, p. 53: The more you
stir it, the worse it will stink.
See DUR., I, no. 808. Cf. S862: The more you stir the more
(worse) you stink; T602: He that wrestles with a turd, fall he un-
dermost or uppermost, he shall be sure to be bedirten; T604: The
more you tramp on a turd, it grows the broader.
T604 The more you tramp on a TURD, it grows the
broader
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1284: (it is the broader). 1641 FERG., no.
812: (in a turde). 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 20: On turd tread, the
more it will spread, (or) turd Stamp the more it stinks. I668 R.B.,
p. 50: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I721 KEL., p. 316: The longer you tread
on a Turd, it will be the broader. *Spoken when People make a
great Stir about scandalous Words which they are supposed to have
deserv’d.
Cf. T603: The more you stir a turd (it) the more (worse) it stinks.
T605 Not worth a TURD
cr547 BALE Tempt. Lord, 8. E2: It is not worth a torde. 1648 On
Death Warner in Cent. Broadside Eleg., p. 53: At a word, Their
Christmasse-dinner was not worth a T.
T606 There is not a TURD to choose
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. I678 RAY, p. 83: There’s not a t
to chuse, quoth the good wife by her two pounds of butter.
T607 A TURD in his teeth
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 195: A turd to pyk your teith withall. [1614]
I631 JONSON Barth. FairI iv 53: Good Master Hornet, turd i’ your
teeth, hold you your tongue. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: A turd
in your teeth, that’s no false Latin. Ibid., p. 1 I : A turd in his teeth
that owes no money.
T608 A TURD is as good for a sow as a pancake
1670 RAY, p. 144. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Turd: *La Truie aime mieux
le Bran que les Roses.

T609 To turn TURK
1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 59: If you turne Turke againe . .
Tho heaven cannot allure you to doe well From doing ill let hell
fright you. 1629 MABBE Devout Contempl., p. 403: The Souldier,
hee will turne Turke vpon point either of profit, or of honor. 1633
W. ROWLEY All’s Lost by Lust II vi 44: Perswade me to turne
Turk, or Moore Mahometan, For by the lustfull lawes of Mahomet
I may have three wives more. _
SHAKESPEARE.—I598-9 M.A. III iv 57: Well, an you be not
turn’d Turk, there’s no more sailing by the star. 1600-1 H. III
ii 287: If the rest of my fortunes turn Turk with me. 1604 0. II
iii 170: Are we turn’d Turks, and to ourselves do that Which heav-
en hath forbid the Ottomites? ( I I)
T610 Where the TURK’S horse once treads the grass
never grows
I639 FULLER Holy War V xxx, p. 282: The Turkish Empire is the
greatest . . the sunne ever saw . . Populous it is not; for . . It lieth
waste, according to the old proverb, Grasse springeth not where the
Grand Signors horse setteth his foot. 1642 D. ROGERS Matr.
Honor i, p. 12: One once said of the great Turkes horse that no
grasse grew after where he had once trod. [I658] I687 CLEVELAND
Char. Country C0mm.: Wks., p. 76: Of whom you may say, as of the
Great Sultan’s horse, where he treads the Grass grows no more.

ProverbsIare alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
TURKEY COCK
TURTLE
689

1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (doth once tread). 1670 RAY, p. 150.
1732 FUL., no. 5664: Where the Great Turk’s Horse treads, Grass
never grows.
T611 As red as a TURKEY COCK
1484 CAXTON Bk. La Tour-Landry 120, p. 168: He . . was reed as a
cok and had a good lyuynge colour. 1613-21 [BEAUMONT AND
FLETCHER] Faithful Friends III ii, p. 253: The very sight of his
scarlet gown made me blush as red as a turkey-cock. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Gambero, p. 70: (The English say, to be as). 1689
HICKERINGILL Ceremony-Monger: Wks., II 471 : The Lazy Fat Preb-
end and Ceremony-monger . . is as Red in the Gills as a Turkey-
cock, or his Scarlet-hood. I690 D’URFEY Collin’s Walk i, p. 33:
The Major at this devilish shock Look’d red as any Turkey-cock.
See ST., no. 752.
T612 He swells like a TURKEY COCK
I616 R.C. Times’ Whistle l. 1095, p. 37: And swell in big lookes like
some turkie cocke. 1616 DR., s.v. Pride, no. 1703. 1689 T. SHAD-
WELL Bury Fair III, p. 334: What, like one of those odious Creatures,
will you Dress at me? and strut like a Turky-cock, and prune your
self?
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. VV i 14: Why, here he comes, swell-
ing like a turkey cock. 1601 T.N. II V 34: Here’s an overweening
rogue! —0, peace! Contemplation makes a rare turkey cock of
him. HOW he jets under his advanc’d plumes!
T613-T619 TURN: subst.
T613 He that does his TURN in time sits half idle
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 536: (is half Idle). 1641 FERG., no. 365.
1668 R.B., p. 25. 1721 KEL., p. 148: *Because he is Master of his
Business.
T614 He that will do thee a good TURN, either he will
be gone or die
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 80: He that shall or will doe thee a
good turne, either he will be gon, or he will die. 1651 HERB., p.
368. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 185: (will either be
gone or dye first). 1659 N.R., p. 61.
T615 I will watch you a good TURN for it
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. x, s. I3v: Ile watch her a good
turne for it. 1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209: I’le watch you a good
turne.
T616 One good TURN asks (requires, deserves)
another
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 34: Ka me, ka the, one good tourne askth
an other. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. H2: As you sayde
before, One good turne requireth an other. 1606 Wily Beguiled
xi, p. 38. 1611 COT., s.v. Plaisir: (requires). 1611 GRUT., no. 209.
1616 DR., no. 147: One good turne asketh, or craueth another.
1616 WITHALS, p. 565: Ka me, Ka thee, one good turne requireth
another. 1639 CL., p. 246: (requires). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 11. 1670 RAY, p. 150. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Turn: (deserves).
1721 KEL., p. 269: (deserves). 1732 FUL., no. 3754: (deserves).
SHAKESPEARE.—16oo—I H. IV vi 20: They have dealt with me
like thieves of mercy; but they knew what they did: I am to do a
good turn for them. 1601 T.N. III iii 15: Oft good turns Are
shuffled off with such uncurrent pay. But, were my worth as is
my conscience firm, You should find better dealing. 1604 M.M.
IV ii 61: Truly, sir, for your kindness I owe you a good turn.
1605-8 T. Ath. III ii 67: I’ll look you out a good turn [for this
favour to me]. 1606-7 A.C. II v 58: He’s bound unto Octavia.
—For what good turn? —For the best turn i’ th’ bed. 1609
Son. 24, l. 9: Now see what good turns eyes for eyes have done.
Ibid. 47, l. 2: And each doth good turns now unto the other.
Cf. B643: Scratch my breech and I will claw your elbow; G94:
Giff gaff (Give gave) was a good fellow; KI: Ka me ka thee; K45:
Kindness cannot be bought for gear; K48: Kindness lies not aye
in one side of the house; K50: One kindness is the price of another;
N301: Nothing is more easily blotted out than a good turn; T617:
One shrewd turn follows (asks) another. (31)

T617 One shrewd TURN follows (asks) another
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 38: One yll turne requyreth,
another be thou sure. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. VIII xlv, p. 60:
For one ill turne alone is seldome done. 1602 CHAMBERLAIN
Letters 46, p. 126: One shrewd turne seldome comes alone. 1611
GRUT., no. 210. 1614 CAM., p. 310. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9.
1659 N.R., p. 81. 1664 COD., p. 208. 1670 RAY, p. 20: (asks).
I732 FUL., no. 3793: (asks).
Cf. M1012: Misfortune (Evil) never (seldom) comes alone; T616:
One good turn asks (requires, deserves) another.
T618 Take him in a good TURN and knock out his
brains
1639 CL., s.v. Improbi, p. I 50.
T619 Ten good TURNS lie dead and one ill deed report
abroad does spread
1578 WHETSTONE 1 Promos and Cass. III iv, s. D2v: The Prouerbe
saies, that tenne good turnes lye dead, And one yll deede, tenne
tymes beyonde pretence, By enuious tongues, report abrode doth
spread.
SHAKESPEARE.—-—I599 7.0 III ii 81: The evil that men do lives
after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.
T620 TURN: verb
T620 He will TURN rather than burn
1616 WITHALS, p. 576: Rather turne, than burne. 1639 CL., p.
282: [As in 1616 Withals]. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. To tem-
porize, p. 332. 1676 BUNYAN Saved hy Grace: Wks., I 351: They
now begin to see that they must either turn or burn. I678 RAY,
p. 346. 1732 FUL., no. 2432.
T621 A jolly (very) TURNCOAT
1616 WITHALS, p. 575. 1639 CL., s.v. Inconstantiae, p. 159.
Ibid., s.v. Mutati instituti, p. 223: (very).
T622 With the TURNING of a hand
1529 HYRDE Instr. Chr. W'om. VI, p. 49: How vain and foolish a
thing, which is not worth the turning of a hand. I569 UNDER—
DOWNE Aethiop. Hist. I, p. 23: But rather thou hast caused me to
lese, in the turning of an hande my most joye. 01569 W. WAGER
Longer Thou Livest, s. D4: I chaunge all in the turning of a hand.
1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes I i, p. 191: With the turning of a hand . .
he became Dulipo a serving man. 1603 KNOLLES Hist. Turks, p.
347: The rich and beautifull ornaments and jewels . . were in the
turning of a hand, pluckt downe and carried away to the Turkes.
1616 DR., s.v. Speedinesse, no. 2052. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Mano, p. 98: To do it in the turn of a hand, viz. in a trice, before
you can say Amen. 1672 WALK. 67, p. 24: In the turn Of a hand.
In an instant.
Cf. T517: In a trice.
T623 TURNSPITS are dry
1678 RAY, p. 83.
T624 As true as a TURTLE to her mate
1520-40 Songs in Rawl. MS C813 IV, p. 315: As true as turtyll that
syttes on a tree. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 54: The Turtle
hauing lost hir mate, wandreth alone, ioying in nothing, but in
solitarinesse. 1590 SPENSER III xi 2: That was as trew in
loue as Turtle to her make. [1607—16] 1652 MIDDLETON ET AL.
Widow I i 39: Mine own wit this, and ’tis as true as turtle. 1639
CL., s.v. Pudicitia, p. 268. '01640 Pepys Bal. 90, II 257: No turtle
to her mate could euer be more true. 1670 RAY, p. 203. 1682
J. BANKS Virtue Betrayed II, p. 27: Constant as the Turtle to its
Mate.
SHAKESPEARE—I602 T.C. III ii 184: As true as . . turtle to her
mate. 1611 W. T. V iii I32: I, an old turtle, Will wing me to some
wither’d bough, and there My mate, that’s never to be found again,
Lament till I am lost. (9)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
TUTOR
Two
690

T625 Well rhymed, TUTOR, brains and stairs
1639 CL., s.v. Contemptus, p. 70. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Scala, p. 181: To ramble out of one impertinency into another in
ones discourse, without head or tail; the English with some allusion
say, Well rhim’d Tutor, Brains and Stairs. 1670 RAY, p. 218:
(rhythm’d). 1678 RAY, p. 67: *Now used in derision of such as
make paltry ridiculous rhythmes.
T626 As good as (The worst that) ever TWANGED
1560-77 Misogonus II ii 14: I must nedes loue the,i faithe, thart as
good as ere twangde. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 24: Too make
his Scholer as good as euer twangde. 1667 R. L’ESTRANOE Visions
3, p. 193: As good a wench as ever twanged. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. Wicked, p. 371: The worst that ever twang’d. 1678 RAY, p.
285. 1681 ROB., p. 486: The worst that ever twang’d; He has all
the ill qualities that you can name.
T627 Tell TWAT and all the town must talk of it
1616 DR., s.v. A Blab, no. 166.
T628 At TWELFTH-DAY the days are lengthened a
cock’s stride
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 14: At Saint Thomas the day is lengthened
a cock-stride. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 131: From Saint Lucy’s
to Christmass, the daies lengthen a cocks Stride. 1678 RAY, p. 52:
*The Italians say at Christmas.
T629 TWELvE, quoth Twat when it rung noon
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19.
T630 As good TWENTY as nineteen
1670 RAY, p. I 50.
T631 He that is not handsome at TWENTY, nor strong
at thirty, nor rich at forty, nor wise at fifty,
will never be handsome, strong, rich, or wise
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 101 : And whois not at twentie, and knowes
not a thirtie, And hath not at fortie in Store, Will not be while he
lines. 1640 HERB., no. 345. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 12: Who
at thirty hath no wit, and is not rich at forty, raze his name out of
the book. 1659 N.R., p. 40. 1664 COD., p. 199: (will never be
handsome, Strong, rich, nor wise). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 243:
Who at twenty is not grown, at thirty knows not, and at fourty
hath not, shall never be, know, nor never have ought. I705
Pleas. Art, p. 157: [As in 1664 Cod]. 1721 KEL., p. 169: He that’s
not handsome at Twenty, Strong at Thirty, wise at Forty, rich at
Fifty, will never be handsome, strong, wise, or rich. 1732 FUL.,
no. 2287: [As in 1721 Kel.]. 1741 FRANKLIN, p. 19: At 20 years of
age the will reigns; at 30 the wit; at 40 the judgment.
T632 Best to bend while it is a TWIG
1530 PALS., p. 448b: A man mey bende a wande while it is grene,
and make it strayght though it be never so croked. 01569 PHILLIP Patient Grissell l. 812, 8. D4: In deede a man maye bowe a
Twigge which way he liste, So in Infancie a Childe with good man-
ners furnished, In aige in Vertue will willingly persist. 01570
INGELEND Disob. Child, S. G4: For as long as the twygge is gentell
and plyent . . With small force and strength it may be bent. I580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 88: Young twigges are sooner bent
then olde trees. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 18: I will bende the
tree while it is a wand. 1598 DICKENSON Greene in Conceit: Prose
and Verse, p. I 3 3: Tender twigges may with ease be bowed, the full
growen tree sooner broken, then bent. 1616 DR., s.v. Youth, no.
2538: It is good to take the twig while it will bend. 1631 KNEVET
Rhodon and Iris II i, S. D2v: The tender twig may easily be broke,
But who’s so strong to bow the sturdy Oke. 1639 CL., p. 168.
1667 Gt. Brit. Alarm l. 31 in Roxb. Bal., VII 696: A twig will bend
when it is young and weak. 1670 RAY, p. 61. 1672 WALK. 30,
p. 40. 1732 FUL., no. 494: A young Twig is easier twisted than an
old Tree. Ibid., no. 971: Best to bend it while a Twig. I733

POPE Ep. Cobham l. 150: Wks., III 64: Just as the twig is bent,
the tree’s inclined.
See DUR., I, no. 162. Cf. T493: Soon (Timely) crooks the tree
that good cammock (gambrel) will be; W27: Thraw the wand while
it is green; W136: Soft wax will take any impression; Y42: That
which one learns in youth will continue till old age. (11)
T633 Birchen TWIGS break no ribs
1639 CL., p. 75. 1670 RAY, p. 61. 1732 FUL., no. 6380.
Cf. R154: The rod breaks no bones; R155: Spare the rod and
spoil (spill) the child (He that spares the rod hates the child).
T634 In the TWINKLING of a bedstafi1
I660 Char. Italy, p. 78: In the twinkling of a Bedstaff, he disrobed
himself. 1676 T. SHADWELL Virtuoso I, p. 112: Gad! I’ll do it
instantly, in the twinkling of a bedstafl'. I685 WESLEY Maggots
Pindaric Poem, p. 163: In Bedstafl'e-twinkling I’ll be gone. 01700
E. WARD London Spy XI, p. 264: She could shake ’em 05. . in the
Twinkling of a Bed-Staff.
[1a stick to spread the bedclothes in making a bed]
T635 In the TWINKLING of an eye
[1 Cor. xv 52.] 1549 LATIMER Serm. 10, p. 161: I will not deny,
but that he may in the twinkling of an eye save a man. 1611 FLOR.,
s.v. Vn batter d’ occhio, p. 605: A moment, as wee say, the twinkling
of an eie. 1612 JONSON Alch. V v 58: All in a twinckling. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Mesci, p. 104: To do it in a trice, before you
can say what’s this, in the twinkling of an eye. 1670 RAY, p. 197.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M.V. II ii 177: I’ll take my leave of the
Jew in the twinkling. (39)
T636 It goes on a TWITTER1
1639 CL., s.v. Discriminis, p. 95.
[1thin and unequally spun part of a thread]
T637 TWITTLE-TWAT'I‘LE,1 drink up your posset drink
1670 RAY, p. 253: *Camb.
[lidle talk]
T638 If Two ride upon a horse one must sit behind
01640 SMYTH 67, p. 32: (an horse). *That in each contention one
must take the foile.
SHAKESPEARE.—I598-9 M.A. III v 40: An two men ride of a
horse, one must ride behind.
Cf. H659: He that hires the horse must ride before.
T639 That which Two will takes effect
1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XXVIII Moral, p. 232: Nought can
restraine consent of twaine. CI599 MARLOWE Eleg. II iii 16, p.
186: What two determine never wants effect. 1640 HERB., no.
701. 1664 COD., p. 221.
Cf. H436: Hercules himself cannot deal with two; T642: Two
are better than one; T644: Two to one is odds (is odds at football).
T640 To be Two (twain)
[To be unfriendly.] 1631 MABBE Celestina XVIII, p. 256: I have
nothing to say to him; as long as I live, he and I shall be two.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 425: When did you see your old ac-
quaintance, Mrs. Cloudy? you and she are two, I hear.
SHAKESPEARE.——01595 R7. III v 241: Go, counsellor! Thou
and my bosom henceforth shall be twain. 1602 T.C. III i 110:
No, she’ll none of him. They two are twain.
T641 Two and two make four
1696 J. TOLAND Christianity Myst. II, p. 1 1: First, When the Mind,
without the Assistance of any other Idea, immediately perceives
the Agreement or Disagreement of two or more Ideas, as that Two
and Two is Four, that Red is not Blew; it cannot be call’d Reason,
though it be the highest Degree of Evidence. 1697 COLLIER
Thought: Essays II, p. 85: The . . Notion . . is as clear as that Two
and Two makes Four. 1718 PRIOR Alma III: Poems, p. 240: She
doubts if two and two make four.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Two
TYRANT
691
T642 Two are better than one
[Eccl. iv 9: Two are better than one, because they have a good
reward for their labour.] 1615 T. ADAMS Black Saint: Wks., p.
359: Two are better then one. For if either fall, or be preuailed
against, the other will lift vp, or rescue him. 1639 CL., s.v. Con-
cordia, p. 62.
Cf. T213: Two good things (Shirts) are better than one; T639:
That which two will takes effect.
T643 Two of a trade seldom agree
[01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 154: It is a common rule,
and ’tis most true, Two of one trade neuer loue. I623 WOD., p.
493: There is alwayes Envy betwene those Of one Trade. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Aemulatio, p. I 3: Men of one profession are not one in aHection.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: He is thy enemy who is of thy profession.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 12: Who is thy greatest enemy? he
who is of thy trade. I659 N.R., p. 80: None so great an enemy
as he of ones own trade. 1678 RAY, p. 212. 1727 GAY Fables I
21, p. 60: In ev’ry age and clime we see, Two of a trade can ne’er
agree. 1732 FUL., no. 5332.
Cf. B227: A beggar can no beggar well abide; B237: One beggar
is woe (bides woe) that another by the door should go; P514: The
potter envies the potter, the smith the smith.
T644 Two to one is odds (is odds at football)
£11626 BRETON Daflodils II Tanner MS 1: Wks., I 24. 1639 CL.,
p. 56: (is advantage enough). Ibid.: (is Oddes enough). I654
GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. IV viii, p. 220: Three to one is
odds. I658 FRANCK North. Mem., p. 80: If two to one be Odds at
football . . the very thought on’t would make me blush . . if but
to think two anglers should at once consult together to encounter
one fish. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (is odds at football). 1670
RAY, p. 151: *Hard to resist the strength, or the Wit, or the im-
portunity of two or more combin’d against one. 1672 WALK. 78,
p. 48. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Two. 1732 FUL., no. 5337: (is odds at
Foot-ball).
Cf. H436: Hercules himself cannot deal with two; 012: Odds
will beat anybody; T639: That which two will takes effect.
T645 You Two are finger and thumb
1578 LYLY Euph. flnat. Wit, p. 214: In that thou crauest my aide,
assure thy selfe I wil be the finger next the thumbe. 1611 FLOR.,
s.v. Dito alato, p. 158: The finger next the thumbe. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 13. I670 RAY, p. 215. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v.
Acquainted with, p. 7: They are as great, as finger and thumb.
1730 BAILEY, s.v. Thumb: They are Finger and Thumb. *That
is, they are so great together, there is no parting them. 1732
FUL., no. 4952: (They are).
See DI'iR., I, no. 722; ST., no. 1212.
T646 To preach at TYBURN CRoss1
[To be hanged.] 01530 Youth, s. BI: To preche at Tybrone. I576
GASCOIGNE Steel Glass, p. 148: That Souldiours sterve, or prech at
Tiborne crosse.
[1the place of execution]
T647 A TYBURN TIPPET
[A halter.] 1549 LATIMER Serm. 8, p. 119: He should have had a
Tyburn tippet, a half-penny halter, and all such proud prelates.
01569-70 ELDERTON Northumberland News in Bal. and Broadsides
41, p. 115: A Tyborne typett a roope or a halter. 1662 TRAPP
Com. Old, New Test. I Cor. 13, V 545: How many of our popish
martyrs . . have worn the Tyburn tippet, as Father Latimer
phraseth it? 1680 NESSE Church Hist. XIV, p. 139: The Cart at
Tyburn drives away when the Tippet is fast about the Necks of
the Condemned.
T648 She has a TYMPANY1 with two legs (heels)
[She is pregnant.] 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii,
p. 15: I am afraid it is a timpany with two legges! I590 Tarlton’s
News out Purgatory, p. 78: Her disease was thought to be a timpany
with two heeles. 1678 RAY, p. 275: She’s cured of a tympany with
two heels. 01685 Innocent Country Maid l. 67 in Roxb. Bal., VII
28: When e’re they have been too free, And happen with child to
be, The Doctor, be sure, is sent for to cure This two-legged tym-
pany: And thus the physician Must hide their condition, For fear
they spoyl their sale. 1719 Wit and Mirth, V 60: My Belly’s as
big as two; ’Tis with a Two-legg’d Tympany. 1732 FUL., no.
4127: (two Heels). Ibid., no. 4372: That sort Of Tympany, which
requires nine Months for Cure.
[1a swelling]
T649 A TYRANT is most tyrant to himself
I640 HERB., no. 882. I659 N.R., p. 18.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.

An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
U
UNBORN
U1 Better (A child is better) UNBORN than untaught
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 109: It is comenly sayd. it is
better a chylde vnborne than vntaught. a1536 HILL 37, p. 129:
(Better it is to be). [01537] c1560 UDALL Thersytes, s. D3: (A
chylde is better). 1546 HEY. Ix, s. C3v. I573 TUSSER500 Points
Hush. 92, p. 183: Wee find it not spoken so often for naught, that
children were better vnborne than vntaught. I582 WHETSTONE
Hept. Civil Disc., s. U1: Senecas opinion that Children were better
t be dead borne then ignoraunt of good letters. I596 DEL., s.
N3v: It were better to be vnborne, then to be vntaught. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 261. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 383. I611 GRUT., no.
66. 1614 CAM., p. 304. 1616 DR., s.v. Education, no. 565: (It
is better to bee). 1639 CL., s.v. Docilitas, Doctrina, p. 101. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 7. 1662 FULLER Worthies England, I 32: Our
English Proverb, It is as good to be unborn as unbred. 1664 COD.,
p. 188: (Better to be). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 121: It is better
to be unborn, than to be untaught. 1668 R.B., p. 14. I670 RAY,
p. 152: (then unbred).
Cf. B402: Birth is much but breeding is more; U9: Better unfed
than untaught.
U2 An UNOH1 is a feast of bread and cheese
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 100. 1668 R.B., p. 7.
Cf. C270: Cheese is good that comes from a niggard (miser).
[lounce]
U3 He is my true UNCLE who fills my belly
1611 COT., s.v. Oncle: He is my neerest friend that fills my bellie;
or he is my kindest vnckle who doth feed me. 1658 [EDMONDSON]
Comes Fac. in Via, p. 192: He is mine Uncle that wisheth me well.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I.
Cf. F706: He is my friend that succors me.
U4 That is as true as I am his UNCLE
I678 RAY, p. 83.
U5 I am going to my UNCLE JOHN’S house
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Civillari, p. 41: To go to the house of
office, to the boggards, to ease ones body, to do his business; The
UNITY
BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p. 31: Let it now sufi’ice you, that
I am utterly undone by you. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 24: I am
utterly, altogether undone.
SHAKESPEARE—I597 I Hen. [V II ii 91: O, we are undone, both
we and ours for ever!
Cf. B47: I am beggared and all my bairns; H520: Not to have a
hole to put one’s head in; H655: He is undone, horse and man
(foot). (7)
U9 Better UNFED than untaught
[01550] 1560 Nice Wanton, title page, s. A1: Better vnborne, Better
vnfed, then naughtily taught. I557 SEAGER Sch. Virtue l. 724 in
Bahies Bk. etc., p. 348: The common prouerbe remember ye oughte,
Better vnfedde then vn-taughte.
Cf. F174: Better fed than taught; U1: Better (A child is better)
unborn than untaught.
U10 UNGIRT unblessed
01477-8 Bk. Courtesy l. 454, p. 45: Vngyrte, anlyssed, seruyng
atte table Me semeth hym a seruant nothing able. I596 SPENSER
IV v 18: Fie on the man, that did it first inuent, To shame vs
all with this, Vngirt vnblest. 1602 ROWLANDS ’T is Merry When
Gossips Meet, p. 41: How say’st thou, Besse? Shall it be so, girle,
speake? —-—If I make one, pray God my girdle breake. I634 HALL Contempl., III 94: Ungirt, unbless’d, was the old Word, as
not ready till they were girded, so not till they had prayed. 1635
F. QUARLES Emhlems (1643 ed.) III xiii: Wks., III 76: Am I a fit-
ting guest . . With hands and face unwash’d, ungirt, unblest?
1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. V xxii, III 146: As we usually say,
they are unblest until they put on their girdle. a1648 Phant. Age
1. 79 in Roxh. Bal., III 120: Ungirt, unblest, the prouerbe sayes,
And they, to proue it right, Haue got a fashion now a dayes That’s
odious to the sight . . Like Frenchmen, all on points they stand,
No girdles now they weare. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670
RAY, p. 153. 1686-7 AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and yudaism, p. 43:
It was accounted before the civill warres a very undecent and dis-
solute thing for a man to goe without his Girdle in so much that
’twas a proverbe, Ungirt and unbless’t.
SHAKESPEARE—1597 I Hen. IV III iii I70: Dost thou think I’ll
EngliSh Say, to go to_ Ones uanlci 01' COSln .thn’S house- I721 fear thee as I fear thy father? Nay, an I do, I pray God my girdle
KEL., p. 211: I am gomg the Errand you cannot go for me. Eng. break. (5)
I am going to my Uncle John’s House.
See ST., no. 2241. Cf. P478: To go where neither pope nor UII In UNION (concord) is Strength
emperor can send an ambassador.
U6 Who UNDERSTANDS ill answers ill
1611 COT., s.v. Mal: He that vnderstands ill answers vnfitly. 1659
HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 8: He answers ill who understands ill. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 11: (answers worse). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 13,
p. 121: Who understandeth amiss, answereth the worse. I730
BAILEY, s.v. Understand.
Cf. M283: A man must not shape an answer before that he know
the question (errand); T219: First think and then speak; W948:
Wrong hears, wrong answer gives.
U7 UNDERSTANDING and reason cannot conclude out
of mood and figure
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19.
U8 To be utterly UNDONE
01500 J. BLOUNT De Studio .Mil., p. 33: The comon welthe vtterly
vndone. a1542 WYATT 21, l. I 1: Poems, I 290: Alas, he saide I am
betrayde And utterly undone. 1616 DR., no. 2269: He is vtterly
vndone. I616 WITHALS, p. 537: I am utterly undone. I640

cr526 Dicta Sap., s. A4v: Concorde maketh those thynges that are
weake, mighty and strong. 1550 TAV. Flowers Sent., s. A8: The
concorde of brethren is surer then any stone wale. 1609 R. GRAY
Good Speed to Va., s. D4: For by concord small things increase and
growe to great things, but by discord great things soone come to
nothing. I624 WEBSTER Monuments Honor 1. 202, p. 322: By
unity the smallest things grow great. 01633 [CLAVELL AND MAR-
MION] Soddered Citizen IV v, p. 88: I hope . . you are close, and
firme, AS Aesopps faggott ere the band was looson’d. I651 HOBBES
Leviathan II 18, p. 92: The strength of an Army [consisteth] in the
union of their strength under one Command. I732 FUL., no. 5460:
Weak Things united become strong.
See ST., no. 529. Cf. K89: Every kingdom divided soon falls;
U12: Unity (Union) is the strongest building (bulwark) of cities.
U12 UNITY (Union) is the strongest building (bul-
wark) of cities
1616 DR., no. 2284. I623 WOD., p. 521: An Vnion is the Bulwarke
of Cities. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 314: In a City, union is better
than a rampire.

692
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
UNKISSED
USES
693

SHAKESPEARE.——1596 K._‘7. II i 446: This union shall do more
than battery can To our fast-closed gates.
Cf. C120: Better a castle of bones than of stones; K89: Every
kingdom divided soon falls; M555: Men (Men’s love), not walls,
make the city (prince) safe; U11: In union (concord) is strength.
U13 UNKISSED unkind
1584 PEELE Arr. Paris I V, s. B2v: And I will haue a louers fee:
they saie, vnkist, unkinde.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. II v 89: I would not tell you what I
would, my lord. Faith, yes! Strangers and foes do sunder, and
not kiss. —I pray you stay not, but in haste to horse!
U14 UNKNOWN (Uncouth) unkissed
I546 HEY. I xi, s. E1. 1562 HEY. Epig. 133, p. 148: Unknowen
vnkist, and beyng knowen I weene, Thou art neuer kist, where thou
mayst be seene. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Ep., p. 5: Uncouthe,
unkiste, sayde the olde famous poete Chaucer. 1595 [CHALKHILL]
Alcilia, p. 27: Vncouth, vnkist our auncient Poet [Chaucer] said.
1616 DR., s.v. Ignorance, no. 1083. 1617 MORYSON Itinerary III
1 iii, III 444: AS the Poet saith; Ignoti nulla Cupido: Unknowne,
undesired. 1639 CL., s.v. Ignoratio, p. 145: Unkith, unkist. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1664 COD., p. 223. 1669-96 AUBREY
Brief Lives, II 254: He .. ransackt the MSS. of the Church of
Hereford, there were a great many that lay uncouth and unkiss.
I670 RAY, p. 27. I721 KEL., p. 360: Unken’d unkist. 1732 FUL.,
no. 5403.
See ST., no. 1668.
U15 Better be UNMANNERLY than troublesome
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. I, p. 15: I am readie, goe before, and I will
folowe you. —I will rather showe myselfe vnmannerlie, than dis-
obedient. 1599 Warningfor Fair Women, s. D2: Ile rather be un-
manerly then ceremonious, Ile leave you sir to recommend my
thanks. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: (Better to be). 1670 RAY,
p. 153. 1721 KEL., p. 72: Better unkind, than o’er troublesome.
1732 FUL., no. 880. Ibid., no. 5404: Unmannerly a little, is better
than troublesome a great deal.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6oo-1 I i 322: Truly I will not go
first . . I will not do you that wrong. —I pray you, sir. —I’ll
rather be unmannerly than troublesome.
U16 UNMINDED unmoaned
1546 HEY. I ix, s. C2. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4.
p. 223. 1670 RAY, p. 27.
U17 UNSIGHT unseen
[I599] I656 MIDDLETON, W. ROWLEY, AND MASSINGER Old Law
III i, p. 426: Take that at hazard, sir . . Unsight, unseen, I take
three to one. 1632 R. BROME North. Lass II i, p. 23: I would I had
his Neece unsight and unseen I faith for her monies sake. 1663 S.
BUTLER Hud. I ii 637, p. 81: To subscribe, unsight, unseen, To an
unknown Churche-Discipline. 1664 J. WILSON And. Comnenius
II iv, p. 154: I had rather set my hand to ’t unsight and unseen.
a1700 B.E., s.v. Hab_nab: At Adventure, Unsight, Unseen, Hit or
Miss. 1710 PALMER, p. 351: A generous mind .. Gives Unsight
and Unseen, and Trusts the Divine Goodness for the Return.
Cf. H475: Hit or miss; H479: Hob nob (Hab nab, Hab or nab);
P304: I will not buy a pig in a poke.
U18 Better UNTAUGHT than ill taught
1678 RAY, p. 345. 1732 FUL., no. 938.
Cf. B647: Not where one is bred but where he is fed.
1664 COD.,
U19 To have many UPS and downs
1637 RUTHERFORD Let. 106, p. 177: But oh, the windings, the
turnings, the ups and the downs that he hath led me through.
1659 BUNYAN Doctrine Law and Grace: Wks., I 553: The very
saints of God have .. many ups and downs in this their travel
towards heaven. I666 Mite Three Mourners in Cent. Broadside
Eleg., p. 104: Vicissitudes of Ups and Down’s; Of Smiles, that
interfere with Frowns. 1680 NESSE Church Hist. XII, p. 96: In
the Devile 12th Design and Plot against the Church (which con-
tinued 450 Y. in its Ups and Downs).

U20—U24 USE: subst.
U20 Better is the USE of riches than the possessing
of them
1550 TAv. Flowers Sent., s. B3: It is farre better for a man to beare
a rule vpon men hauynge golde, then to haue golde hymselfe.
1631 MABBE Celestina II, p. 60. 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 11: The use
of money is all the advantage there is in having money.
Cf. M236: The man has no more goods than he gets good of
(has need of); U23: Use is all.
U21 Everything is of USE to a housekeeper
1611 COT., s.v. Poinct: He that keepes house makes vse of euerie
thing. 1640 HERB., no. 70. 1659 N.R., p. 30. 1664 COD., p. 192.
U22 Once a USE and ever a custom
1565 COOPER Thesaurus, s.v. Facere: Use maketh a custome. I591
STEP., p. 152: Vse bringeth a continuall custome. 1623 CAM., p.
275. 1639 CL., p. 100. 1659 N.R., p. 85: (Once at ease and).
1664 COD., p. 207. 1670 RAY, p. 153. 1721 KEL., p. 272: *There-
fore an ill Use ought to be early broken Off. 1732 FUL., no. 3733:
Once in Use, and ever after a Custom.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.C. V. V iv 1: How use doth breed a habit
in a man!
Cf. C551: The command of custom is great; C932: Custom (Use)
is another (a second) nature.
U23 USE is all
1631 JONSON Staple News V vi 26: The vse of things is all, and not
the Store. 1639 CL., s.v. Assiduitas, p. 35.
Cf. U20: Better is the use of riches than the possessing of them.
U24 USE (Practice) makes mastery (perfectness)
[ERAS. Adagia, 466A: Exercitatio potest omnia.] [1477] 1652 T.
NORTON Ord. Alchemy VII, p. 105. 1487 CAXTON Bk. Good Man-
ners, s. F2v: And as Geffrey sayth in his [po]etrye. vsage maketh a
maistre. and the exoersite maketh a man [re]dy and habyle in his
feates and dedes as the grekes sayen [in] theyr prouerbes. 1539
TAV., f. 31v: [As in Eras.]. Exercyse can brynge to passe a!
thynges. 1546 HEY. II ii, s. F4v. I564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p.
66: Vse maketh perfitenesse. 1574 B. RICH Dial. hetw. Marc. and
Eng. Sold., s. C7: For vse they say makes perfectnesse. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 92: Vse hath made me so expert in thy
dealyngs. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1491: (perfytnes). 1606 Wily
Beguiled iv, p. 17: (perfectnesse). I611 COT., s.v. Febvre: Con-
tinuall practise begets cunning. 1616 DR., no. 2318: (masteries).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 318: Use
makes any thing that is diflicult, easie. 1668 R.B., p. 55: (per-
fectness). I670 RAY, p. 153: (perfectness). 1732 FUL., no. 5411:
(Perfectness). (2o)
U25—U26 USE: verb
U25 Once and USE it not
1599 Warningfor Fair Women, s. B3v: How ere it be, weel take it
in good part For once and vse it not. 1678 RAY, p. 263.
Cf. O54: One is no number.
U26 Who USES me better than he was used (was
wont), by him I am or shall be abused (be-
trayed)
1573 SANF., f. 50v: He that useth me better than he is wont, Hath
betrayed me, or will me betray. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28:
Who doth vnto me better then he is woont, he hath betrayed me,
or els wyl betray me. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 84: It is a com-
mon saying, That hee which maketh more of thee then hee was
woont, either hath coosened thee alreadie, or els goeth about to
coosen thee. 1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy III xxiv, p. 289:
He that speakes me fairer, than his woont was too Hath done me
harme, or meanes for to doo. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 231. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Flatterie, no. 731: (He that vseth). I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 12,
p. 27: He that useth mee better than hee is wont, hath betrayed
me, or wil betray me. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 39: Who makes

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
USURER
UTHER PENDRAGON
694

much of thee, more than he was wont to do, either he hath betraid
thee, or will betray thee. Ibid. 26, p. 139: Who makes more of me
than my own mother, intends to deceive me. 1732 FUL., no. 2180:
He that is kinder than he was wont, hath a Design upon thee.
Cf. M1296: Whoso makes much of thee that was not wont
either will deceive or stands in need of thee; S727: He that speaks
me fair and loves me not, I’ll speak him fair and trust him not.
U27 To speak of a USURER at the table mars the wine
1659 N.R., p. 93.
U28 An USURER is one that puts his money to the un-
natural act of generation, and the scrivener is
his bawd
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. I iii 96: Is your gold and silver ewes
and rams? ——I cannot tell; I make it breed as fast.
Cf. P215: Put two pennies (halfpennies) in a purse and they
will draw together.
U29 An USURER is one that torments men for their
good conditions
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18: *The Conditions of their Bonds.
I640 HERB., no. 967.


U30 USURERS are always good husbands1
1616 BRET., p. 5.
[leconomists]
U31 USURERS’ purses and women’s plackets are never
satisfied
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Usurer.
U32 To borrow on USURY brings sudden beggary
1639 CL., p. 327. 1670 RAY, p. I 53. 1672 WALK. 84, p. 49. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Usury. 1732 F UL., no. 6089: T0 borrow upon Usury,
Bringeth on Beggary.
U33 Let UTHER PENDRAGON do what he can, the River
Eden will run as it ran '
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17: (what he can, Eden will run the same
way it ran). 1662 FULLER Worthies Westmorland, II 426: *Uter-
Pendragon had a design to fortifie the Castle of Pendragon in this
County . . whereunto, with much art and industry, he invited ..
the River of Eden to forsake his old channell, and all to no purpose.
1670 RAY, p. 254. 1732 FUL., no. 6326.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and 1) J, or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
VAIN
V1 In VAIN does the mill clack if the miller his hearing
lack
1631 MABBE Celestina XVI, p. 244: To what use serves the clapper
in the Mil, if the Miller be deafe? 1640 HERB., no. 324: (In vaine
is the mill-clacke). 1659 N.R., p. 68. 1664 COD., p. 223: Vainly
the Mill is said to Clack, where the Miller Ears doth lack. 1670
RAY, p. 121. 1732 FUL., no. 6388.
V2 In VAIN he craves advice that will not follow it
1611 COT., s.v. Croire. 1687
1664 COD., p. 200. 1670 RAY, p. 1.
MIEGE, s.v. Advice.
I705 Pleas. Art, p. 149.
V3 In VAIN the net is spread in the Sight of the birds
[Prov. i 17: Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.]
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 52: For that in vaine (as the Proverb
sayth) The net is pitcht in the sight of the birdes. [1588] I617
GREENE dlcida, p. 76: It is hard taking the fowle when the net is
descried. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 234: It’s in vain to lay a net
in Sight of the birds. 1687-8 Penal Laws Nottinghamshire, p. I I 5:
(In vain is the Net spread in).
Cf. N129: The rough net is not the best catcher of birds.
V4 In VAIN they rise early that use to rise late
1596 DEL., s. N4v: In vaine he rises early, that was wont to rise
late. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 216. 1616 DR., s.v. Custome, 0r vsage,
no. 413: (who vsed). 1639 CL., s.v. Consuetudo, p. 67: (They
can’t rise early that).
V5 TO labor in VAIN
[Ps. cxxvii 1: Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain.]
1591 [BRETON] Brittons Bower Delights, p. 49: Lucklesse my lot.
I labour but in vaine. 1593 R.S. Phoenix Nest, p. 84: Labor lose
in vaine. I602 Poet. Rhap. 9, I 41: Thy labour all is lost in vaine.
1639 CL., p. 153: You labour in vaine. 1672 WALK. 6, p. 34.
Cf. E186: To wash an Ethiop (blackamoor, Moor) white; L3:
Labor in vain is loss of time; L9: You lose your labor; W105: To
beat water in a mortar; W106: To cast water into the sea (Thames).
V6 VAINGLORY is a flower that bears no com
1611 COT., s.v. Gloire: Vaineglorie brings forth nought but flowers,
and leaues; or, vaineglorie hauing blossomd, perisheth. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Vanity, vain glory, no.‘ 2209. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 3:
VaimGlory doth flourish, but bears no grain. 1664 COD., p. 223.
1732 FUL., no. 5342: Vain-Glory blossoms, but never bears. 1756
FRANKLIN, p. 32: Vain-glory flowereth, but beareth no Fruit.
V7 The VALE best discovers the hill
01594 BACON, no. 145. 1597 BACON Essays, p. 249: TO take aduise
of friends is euer honorable . . And the vale best discouereth the
hill. I605 BACON ddv. Learning II, p. 111: A proverb more arro-
gant and sound, That the vale best discovereth the hill.
Cf. H467: There is no hill without its valley.
V8 The VALE OF HOLM SDALE never won nor never shall
1576 LAMBARDE Peramb. Kent, p. 520. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p.
21: *Holmesdale is near Rigat in Surrey. I662 FULLER Worthies
Surrey, II 3 5 5: *This proverbial Rhyme hath one part Of History,
the other of Prophecy therein; and if . . we find the first to be true,
we may believe the other the better. I670 RAY, p. 253: (Was
never won, ne ever shall). 1724 DEFOE Tour Letters 2, I 155: This
is Holmes Dale, Never Conquer’d, never shall.
V

VARIETY
V9 On VALENTINE’S DAY will a good goose lay; if she
be a good goose, her dame well to pay, She
will lay two eggs before Valentine’s Day
1678 RAY, p. 51. 1732 FUL., no. 6488.
V10 Assail who will, the VALIANT attends
1640 HERB., no. 95. 1659 N.R., p. 17.
V11 He that stays in the VALLEY shall never get over
the hill
1616 DR., s.v. Delay, no. 477.
p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 152.
V12 VALOR can do little without discretion
1664 COD., p. 223: Valour is little worth without Discretion.
RAY, p. 27. 1672 WALK. 13, p. 39: Parvi sunt arma foris, nisi est
consilium domi. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Valour: Valour can do but
little without Discretion. I732 FUL., no. 5343: Valour is brutish
without Discretion.
Cf. D354: Discretion is the better part of valor.
1639 CL., s.v. Ab initio, ad finem,
1732 FUL., no. 2314.
1670
V13 VALOR cannot harbor in base minds
1616 WITHALS, p. 540.
V14 VALOR (A castle, A city) that parleys is near
yielding
I567 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. II 24, III 48: For a Citty is halfe won
when they Within demaunde for parle. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III,
II 38: For in deed Castles that come to parley, are commonly at
the poynt to render. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. C3: Castles
that come to parlie do oftentimes yeald. 1596 DEL., s. P6V: The
Citie that doth parle, is more then halfe gotten. 1640 HERB.,
no. 582. I651 HERB., p. 369: A City that parlies is half gotten.
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: A Fort which begins to parly is half got.
1659 N.R., p. 116. 1664 COD., p. 223. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p.
93: A Fortress that comes to Parley, is neer a surrender. 1670
RAY, p. 27. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Valour.
Cf. C122: A castle that parleys and a woman that hears will both
yield; C402: Cities are taken by the ears.
V15 VALOR would fight but discretion would run away
1678 RAY, p. 214. 1732 FUL., no. 5344.
Cf. D354: Discretion is the better part of valor.
V16 He turns like a VA-NE on the housetop (with the
wind)
01475 Mankind l. 742, p. 27: As the fane that turnyth with the
wynde, so thou art conuertyble. 1616 DR., s.v. Vnconstancie, no.
2267.
SHAKESPEARE—1598-9 M.A. III i 66: If speaking, why, a vane
blown with all winds.
Cf. W223: As wavering (variable) as the weathercock; W653: A
woman is a weathercock.
V17 VANITY will prove vexation
1630 T. ADAMS Cosmopolite: Wks., p. 683: Vexation treads on the
heeles 0f vanity. 1732 FUL., no. 2168: He that hunts after Vanity,
shall take Vexation. Ibid., no. 5345.
V18 VARIETY takes away satiety
1639 CL., p. 315: (societie [for sacietie, a variant of satiety]).
COD., p. 223: (society).
SHAKESPEARE.——I606-7 A.C. II ii 240: Age cannot wither her
nor custom stale Her infinite variety.
1664

695
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi'.
VAUNTER
696
VESSEL

V19 A VAUNTER (boaster) and a liar are both one thing
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 4. 1668 R.B., p. 2. 1697 MER., p. 163: (is
baith yay thing). I721 KEL., p. 36: (are near akin). *They are
much the same; for when a Man once takes a humour of boasting
of what he has done or seen, he will not stop at the most palpable
Lies. 1732 FUL., no. 21: A Boaster and a Lyar are Cousin-
Germans.
V20 Raw VEAL and chickens make fat churchyards
1611 COT., s.v. Cimitiere. 1623 WOD., p. 522: Ill sodden Veale,
and rawe Hennes, make swollen Churchards Lust, and Death.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 12: Raw Veal and Pullets make the Church-
yard full of graves. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: Veal, poultry, and
raw fish do fatten the Churchyard. 1664 COD., p. 210: (and Chick-
in). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 312: Veal, chick, and fish raw,
fatten the Churchyard. I678 RAY, p. 41: Raw pulleyn, veal and
fish make the churchyards fat.
V21 VEAL will be cheap: calves fall
'1678 RAY, p. 83: * A jeer for those who lose the calves of their legs
by etc.
V22 I will VEASE1 thee
1678 RAY, p. 345: *Somerset.
SHAKESPEARE.——I594—8 T.S. Ind. i I: I’ll pheeze you, in faith!
[‘drive away]
V23 AS true as VELVET
I608 Mer. Devil Edmon., 5. E1: Thou speakst as true as veluet.
1678 RAY, p. 83: He’s a velvet true heart. *Chesh.
V24 VENGEANCE belongs only to God
[Ps. xciv 1: O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth] 1622 T.
ADAMS City of Peace: Wks., p. 1008: When the Italians heare how
God hath reserued vengeance to himselfe, they say blasphemously,
He knew it was too sweet a bit for man, therefore kept it for his
owne tooth. 01680 Pepys Bal. 106, III 89: Vengeance alone unto
God doth belong.
SHAKESPEARE.——-I596 Rich. II I ii 6: Put we our quarrel to the
will of heaven, Who, when they see the hours ripe on earth, Will
rain hot vengeance on ofienders’ heads.
V25 VENGEANCE (Divine vengeance) comes slowly but
surely
1560 DAUS Chron. 5, f. 58: Gods wrath is slowe, but yet sore. 1600
Sir Oldcastle, s. E1: There is due, Vengeance for Richards
murder, which although It be deferrde, yet will it fall at last. 1604
MARSTON Malcontent IV ii 158: For vengeance though’t comes
slow, yet it comes sure. 01605 Life and Death Ratsey, s. E4v:
Though God forbeare, yet will he strike at length. 1608 T.
HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece I iii, p. 176: Iove oft delayes his vengeance,
That when it haps ’tmay proove more terrible. 1613 STEPHENS
Cynthia’s Rev. I ii, s. B4: Destruction, though delai’d; yet deadly
sure. 1616 DR., no. 1852: Gods vengeance commeth softly, but
surely. 1633 J. FORD ’Tis Pity II, p. 110: But heauen is angry,
And be thou resolu’d, Thou art a man remark.’t to tast a mischiefe,
Looke for’t; though it come late, it will come sure. 1659 How. Br.
Prov., p. 1: The later that Gods vengeance is, The heavier far, and
sorer ’tis. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: Divine vengeance comes not
in hast. 1672 WALK. 21, p. 22: The Gods are slow, but sure pay-
masters. Ibid. 80, p. 54: Divine vengeance is long in coming, but
it surely comes. 1702 Mouse Grown Rat, p. 27: Tho it comes slow,
it comes sure.
Cf. G182: God comes with leaden (woolen) feet but strikes with
iron hands; G270: God’s mill grinds slow but sure; P639: Punish-
ment is lame but it comes; S544: Slow but sure.
V26 VENICE, he that does not see thee does not esteem
thee
1573 SANF., f. 110V. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34: Venise, woo
seeth thee not, praiseth thee not, but who seeth thee, it costeth
hym wel. 1595 A. COPLEY Wits, Fits IV, p. 107: It is the prouerbi~
all praise of Venice: Venice who neuer saw it, cannot esteeme it.

V31
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 128, p. 29. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 17: Venice,
Venice, none Thee unseen can prize, Who hath seen thee too much
will thee despise. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 10, p. 300: Venice, Venice,
who sees thee not, values thee not, but who sees thee too long,
undervalues thee. *Note 58, p. 320: Venice being a tempting and
severe place to live in, for one who hath not a wanton purse to hold
out with the place.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594—5 L.L.L. IV ii 96: Ah, good old Mantuan!
I may speak of thee as the traveller doth ofVenice: Venetia, Venetia,
Chi non ti vede, non ti pretia. Old Mantuan! Old Mantuan! Who
understandeth thee not, loves thee not. ’
V27 Never inquire whence VENISON comes
1630 T. ADAMS Medita. Creed: Wks., p. I 158: Many thinke of their
wealth, as they say of Venison; so they haue it, they neuer inquire
vnde, from Whence it comes.
See L., I 499.
V28 He has spit his VENOM
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: She wolde spit her venym. 1616 DR., no.
1347: He hath spit out his venome. 1639 CL., s.v. Calumnia, p.
54. 1670 RAY, p. 194. I701 FARQUHAR Sir H. WildairI i, p. 167:
Let ’em spit their Venom among themselves, and it hurts no body.
SHAKESPEARE.-1597 Rich. [H I ii 144: Why dost thou spit at
me? ——Would it were mortal poison for thy sake! 1608 P. III
i 7: Thou Stormest venomously; Wilt thou spet all thyself?
V29 There is no VENOM to1 that of the tongue
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
[llike]
V30 Many VENTURES make a full freight
1616 DR., no. 44. 1664 COD., p. 205. 1670 RAY, p. 17. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Many. 1694 D’URFEY 2 Don Quin. IV ii, p. 164.
I721 KEL., p. 282: Quick Returns make rich Merchants. Eng.
Many Ventures make a full Fraught. *Often ironically apply’d to
them, who having been drunk, and having slept themselves sober,
go to it again.
V30a VENUS always leaves an exquisite perfume be-
hind her
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. E4: Venus, who (as the greeke
Poetes afiirme) neuer departed from any place not leauing an
exquisite perfume and Odorous smell behinde hir in token of hir
presence. I598 MARLOWE Hero and Leander I 209, p. 39: This
sacrifice (whose sweet perfume descending From Venus’ altar to
your footsteps bending) Doth testify that you exceed her far.
Cf. D224: The devil always leaves a stink behind him; S571:
The smoke follows the fair.
VENUS was choice, yet a wart (mole) on her cheek
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit Ep. Ded., p. 3: Venus [was painted]
cunningly, yet with hir Mole. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3 5. 1705-7
HICKERINGILL Priest Craft II V, p. 52: Ay, Venus had her Mole, and
every Man has a blind side.
Cf. S782: There are spots even on the sun.
V32 As sour as VERJUICE
I600 DEKKER Shoe. Hol., p. 18: He look’t vpon me as sowre as
veriuice. 1616 DR., s.v. Sadnesse, no. 1905. 1678 RAY, p. 289.
V33 VERVAIN and dill hinder witches of their will
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 22, p. 41: Also one olde saying I
haue heard of this herbe, That whosoeuer weareth Veruine and
Dill, May be hold to sleepe on euery hill. I635 SWAN Spec. Mundi
VI iv, p. 250: We have an Old saying that Whosoever weareth
Vervine and Dill, May be bold to sleep on every hill. 1686-7
AUBREY Rem. Gentilism and Yudaism, p. 82: Vervaine and Dill
Hinder witches from their will. Dodonaeus Herball.
V34 Do not look upon the VESSEL but upon that which
it contains
1678 RAY Adagia Hehr., p. 404.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
VESSEL
VICTORY
697

V35 The VESSEL of an apothecary has oftentimes
poison in the bottom
1616 DR., s.v. Surgeon, no. 2087.
V36 Empty VESSELS sound most
[ERAS. Similia, 570B: Vascula inania maxime tinniunt: Ita quibus
minimum inest mentis, hi sunt loquacissimi.] 1547 W. BALDWIN
Treat. Mor. Phil. IV, s. Q4: As emptye vesselles make the lowdest
sound: so they that haue leaste wyt, are the greatest babblers.
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 194: The emptie vessell giueth a
greater sownd, then the full barrell. 1586 T. BOWES Fr. Acad. I
xii, p. 121: Such bablers .. are compared by Plutarke to empty
vessels, which give a greater sound than they that are full. 1616
DR., no. 2220: The emptie casket, or, vessell maketh the greatest
sound. 1639 CL., p. 143: Empty vessells make the greatest sound.
1640 HERB., no. 639. 1659 N.R., p.31. 1664 COD., p. 192. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 8, p. 296: An empty vessel sounds most. 1670
RAY, p. 85: [AS in 1639 CL].
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. V IV iv 71: I did never know so full
a voice issue from so empty a heart; but the saying is true, ’The
empty vessel makes the greatest sound.’ 1605-6 K.L. I i 154:
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least, Nor are those
empty-hearted whose low sound Reverbs no hollowness.
See ST., no. 2334. Cf. B488: Great boast (and) small roast;
V37: Full vessels sound least; W130: Shallow waters make the
greatest sound. (6)
V37 Full VESSELS sound least
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y2: It is not a Sharpe sounde, that
proues a full barrell. 1607 SYLVESTER Weeks I IV 633: As full
Vessels have thelessersound. 1639 CL., p. 139. 1677 E. RICHARD-
SON Cert. Mor. Sayings: Anglo-Belgica, II 26: Full vessels sound
not.
Cf. B488: Great boast (and) small roast; P602: Great promise
small performance; V36: Empty vessels sound most.
V38 Ill VESSELS seldom miscarry
[ERAS. Adagia, Ioo7D: Malum vas non frangitur.] I611 COT.,
s.v. Tomber: The best things runne more hazard then the worst; ill
vessels neuer, good ones often, fall. I hid, s.v. Vaisseau: That
oft proues best which we loue least; a course glasse neuer falls vnto
the ground. 1640 HERB., no. 87. 1659 N.R., p. 66.
V39 Old VESSELS must leak
1616 DR., s.v. Babbling, no. 164: Water will run out of a leaking
vessel. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 84, p. 163: (The English have a
saying .. Old). 1732 F UL., no. 3729.
V40 The VICAR or BRAY will be Vicar of Bray still
1662 FULLER Worthies Berkshire, I 79: *The vivacious Vicar hereof
living under King Henry the Eighth, King Edward the Sixth,
Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth, was first a Papist, then a
Protestant, then a Papist, then a Protestant again . . being taxed
. . for being a Turn—coat . . Not so, said he; for I alwaies kept my
principle, which is this, to live and die the Vicar of Bray. 1670
RAY, p. 219. 1707 DUNTON Athen. Sport, p. 400, title: The Vicar
of Bray; or a Paradox in Praise of the Turncoat Clergy. 1732
FUL., no. 4810.
The VICAR OF FOOLS (of Saint Fools) be your
ghostly1 father
1560-77 Misogonus II iv 270: The Vickar of S. fooles I am sure he
would crave. 1562 HEY. Epig. 19, p. 182: Whens come all these?
from the Vicar of sainct fooles. 1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 27:
(of S. Fooles). 1565 CALFHILL Ans. to Treat. Cross IV, p. 237:
Then .. a dolt with a daukin might marry togeather; and the
Vicar of Saint Fools be both minstrel and Minister. 1589 NASHE
Anat. Ahsurdity: W ks., I 10: I must needes sende such idle wits to
shrift to the vicar of S. Fooles, who in steede of a worser may be
such a Gothamists ghostly Father. 1616 WITHALS, p. 568. 1639
CL., s.v. Stupidi, p. 297. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (is his
ghostly father). 1660 TATHAM Rump V, p. 59: Sure the Viccar of
V41

Fools was his Ghostly Father: Be beat without a blow, there’s a
mystery indeed! I670 RAY, p. 176: [As in 1659 How.].
[lspiritual]
V42 No VICE but has its patron
1657 JACKSON Christ’s Session: [Com. Apos. Creed] XI cxviii, X 355:
Every other Vice hath its bawd or advocate to give it countenance.
1732 FUL., no. 3636.
V43 VICE corrects sin
1672 WALK. 58, p. 42. 1693 PENN Fruits Solicitude I 45: V’ks., I
823: But the Proverb is just, Vice should not correct Sin. 1730
BAILEY, s.v. Vice.
Cf. K21: The kettle calls the pot black ass.
V44 VICE is often clothed in virtue’s habit
1616 DR., s.v. Dissimulation, no. 523: Vice in vertues habite. 1664
COD., p. 223. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Vice.
Cf. D231: The devil can transform himselfinto an angel oflight.
V45 VICE is slippery like ice
1639 CL., s.v. Malitia, p. 197: Vice is like ice; slippery.
1664
COD., p. 223.
V46 VICE rules where gold reigns
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 210: Golde maketh an honest man
an ill man. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 222v. 1732
FUL., no. 5359. .
Cf. M489: A rich man’s money hangs him oftentimes (is his
enemy); M1054: Money breeds rage; love, marriage.
V47 VICE the more it is hid the more it increases
1616 WITHALS, p. 544.
hatched by concealing.
Cf. F265: Fire that’s closest kept burns most of all.
1639 CL., s.v. Vitium, p. 323: Vice is
V48 Where VICE is vengeance follows
1611 COT., s.v. Supplice: No vice without its punishment; or, each
vice is to it selfe a punishment. 1623 WOD., p. 505: No Vice with
[without?] Punishment. 1639 CL., p. 325. 1670 RAY, p. 152.
1672 WALK. 37, p. 37: Where vice goes before, vengeance follows.
1681 ROB., p. 1269: Where vice goes before, vengeance follows
after. 1721 KEL., p. 355. 1732 FUL., no. 5681: Where Villainy
goes before, Vengeance follows after.
V49 VICES are learned without a master
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 312. 1732 FUL., no. 5361.
V50 Do not triumph before the VICTORY
[1 Kings xx 11: Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast him-
self as he that putteth it off. ERAS. Adagia, 283D: Ante victoriam
encomium canis.] 1552 TAV., f. 63: Ye triumphe before the
vyctorye. Such there be not fewe whiche glory of thinges to sone,
before they haue fully brought them to efl'ecte. 1573 GASCOIGNE
Supposes III ii, p. 212: I triumphed before the victorie. 01576
Common Cond. l. 1315, s. E4: The wight that reckeneth before that
hee obtaine, May chance to recken twice, and then his reckning is
in vaine. So thou to vaunt of victory before thou gaine the same.
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 323: But I will not vaunt before the
victorie. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. S4: Yet those that laugh at
me, for triumphing before the victorie, and reckoning my shot
before mine hostesse .. maye deeme thee a light huswife. 1584
GREENE Card Fancy, p. 83: Hee that vaunteth of Victorie before
he hath wonne the fielde, may prove himselfe a foole. [a1588] I 598
Fam. Vic. Hen. V l. 1636, p. 685: Why, you may see—you will
make your selues sure before the victorie be wonne. 1595 [W.S.]
Locrine III v, s. F4V: You triumph sir before the victorie. 1596
DEL., s. N5v: We must not cry victorie, before we haue fought.
I596 SPENSER FAQ. IV i 50: He woxe full blithe, as he had got there-
by, And gan thereat to triumph without victorie. 1599 CHAPMAN
Hum. Day’s Mirth iv 223, p. 57: Triumph not before the victory.
1610-25 Stonyhurst Pag. XVII 427, p. 249: For many haue had the
foyle before the victory that bragged.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
VICTORY 698
VIPER

SHAKESPEARE.——I599 A.Y. I ii 220: You mean to mock me after.
You should not have mock’d me before. 1599 Hen. VIII vii: [In
this scene Shakespeare portrays the folly of the French who boast
before the battle].
Cf. H726: He that reckons without his (Reckoners without their)
host must reckon twice; L93: He laughs that wins.
V51 He gets a double VICTORY who conquers himself
1639 CL., p. 319: Selfe conquest is the greatest. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 10, p. 313. 1732 FUL., no. 1848: (who overcomes himself,
when he doth his Enemy).
V52 It is a great VICTORY that comes without blood
1632 MASSINGER Maid Hon. IV ii, p. 360: A victory without blood
is twice achieved. 1640 HERB., no. 223. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II,
p. 313: Great is the victory which is acquired without bloudshed,
and hath greatest glory.
SHAKESPEARE.—I598-9 M.A. I i 8: A victory is twice itself when
the achiever brings home full numbers.
Cf. C595: Safe conquest without bloodshed is the greatest.
V53 There is more good VICTUALS in England than in
seven other kingdoms
1639 CL., s.v. Copiae, p. 74.
V54 The VIEW of merchandise will cost a man nothing
1616 DR., s.v. Cattes, no. 237.
Cf. C141: A cat may look on a king.
Better to be first in a VILLAGE than second at
Rome
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 267: I for my parte . . had liefl'er to bee the
first or the chief man here, then the seconde manne in Roome.
1605 BACON Adv. Learning II, p. 378: Caesar, when he first went
into Gaul, made no scruple to profess, That he had rather be first
V55
V61
V62

first Pot quencheth thirst, so Panyasis the Poet determines in
Athanaeus, the second makes merry, the third for pleasure, the
fourth makes them mad. 61640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 31;
The excesse of wine bringeth forth three grapes: the first of pleasure,
the second of drunkennesse, and the last of sorrow. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 23, p. 318: A grape hath three grape-seeds, one of Health,
another of Mirth, and the third of Drunkenness. I673 D’AVENANT
News IV, p. 174: The third grape is for Bacchus, not for Cupid.
Besides, if I am drunk I Shall get wenches.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOOI T.N. I v 138: What’s a drunken man like,
fool? —Like a drown’d man, a fool, and a madman. One draught
above heat makes him a fool, the second mads him, and a third
drowns him. 1604 O. II iii 307: I am a drunkard . . To be now a
sensible man, by-and-by a fool, and presently a beast!
Cf. D296: There is a devil in every berry of the grape.
The VINE embraces the elm
1569 E. FENTON Certain Secret Won. Nat., f. 68v: As we may see of
the Vine, who imbraceth the Elme, ioying and reioycing much at
hes presence. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 171: The Vine and the
Elme, converse well together.
SHAKESPEARE.--1592-3 C.E. II ii 176: Thou art an elm, my
husband; I a vine. 1595 M.N.D. IV i 46: The female ivy so En-
rings the barky fingers of the elm.
The young VINE yields the most but the old one
yields the best
[ERAS. Similia, 619F: Novella vitis copiosius gignit vinum, sed
vetustior melius: Ita plura loquuntur juvenes, sed utiliora senes.]
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 76: It falleth out in loue, as it
doth in Uines, for the young Uines bring the most wine but the
olde the best. Ibid., p. 212: [God grant that the Queen may be]
fruitfull in hir age lyke the Uyne. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p.
3 3: As young vines yeeld most Wine, but Old brings best, So young
loue speaketh much, but Old doth most. 1608 MIDDLETON Family
Love I i 6: Yet young vines yield most wine. —But old vines the
in a village than second at Rome. 1668 COWLEY Essays 6: Essays, best
Plays, p. 434: I Should be like Caesar . . and choose rather to be the
First man of the Village, then Second at Rome. V63 AS sharp (keen) as VINEGAR
Cf. H240: Better be the head of the yeomanry than the tail of
the gentry.
V56 Set a VILLEIN on a mule and he knows neither
God nor the world
1616 DR., s.v. Villany, no. 2246.
Cf. B239: Set a beggar on horseback and he will ride to the
devil.
V57 A VILLEIN made a gentleman knows neither father
nor mother
1611 COT., s.v. Vilain: The base Clowne that hath got a little pelfe,
knowes neither friend, nor kinsman, (nor himselfe). 1616 DR.,
no. 2245. 1623 WOD., p. 520: An enriched Clowne knowes neither
Father nor Friend. 1732 FUL., no. 377: A Rascal grown rich has
lost all his Kindred.
Cf. H583: Honors change manners.
V58 Make the VINE poor and it will make you rich
1678 RAY, p. 3 5o: *Prune off its branches.
V59 Plant your VINE in a good soil and take a wife of
a good race
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 306: Of a
good soyl, take thee a vine-yard, and of a good Mother, the
Daughter. 1813 RAY, p. 45: Take a vine of a good soil, and the
daughter of a good mother.
V60 The VINE brings forth three grapes: the first of
pleasure, the second of drunkenness, the third
of sorrow
I585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. L3v: (A vine). 1586 YOUNG Civ.
Conv. IV, II 152: (The Vine carrieth likewise .. three sorts of
greapes). 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. Democr. to Rdr., p. 62: The

I607 [TOMKIS] Lingua II iii, s. D3: There’s a Musterd-maker lookes
as keene as Viniger. 1631 MABBE Celestina VI, p. I 10: And powre
forth words as sharpe as Vineger. I678 RAY, p. 288. 1693
D’URFEY Rich. Heiress II i, p. 24: She’s as sharp as Vinegar this
Morning.
SHAKESPEARE.—160I T.N. III iv 157: Here’s the challenge; read
it. I warrant there’s vinegar and pepper in’t.
V64 It is VINEGAR to the teeth
[Prov. x 26: AS vinegar to the teeth.] 1590 NASHE Pasq. Apol. Pt.
I: W ks., I 1 I7: Neuerthelesse, because the reading of the word hath
his place in our Church as well as preaching, it is vineger to his
teeth, and maketh him very sawcie with his g. of Cant. 1615 T.
ADAMS Wolf Worrying Lambs: Wks., p. 381 : As vineger to the teeth,
and as smoake to the eyes, so is a Sluggard to them that send him.
1670 T. CASE Mt. Pisgah III, p. 45: They now stop their cars at it,
it is vinegar to their teeth, they make faces at it.
V65 A VINEGAR CLOAK
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Tramontana, p. 219: To have a cloak
lined with the North-wind, viz. a thin cloak; the English say, A
pityfull Vinegar-cloak.
V66 The VINTNER fears false measure
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 99.
Cf. D432: Ill doers are ill deemers.
V67 No VIPER so little but has its venom
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 2 57: Every serpent hath its venom.
FUL., no. 3639.
Cf. F393: The fly has her spleen and the ant her gall.
1732
V68 T0 nourish a VIPER (snake) in one’s bosom
[ERAS. Adagia, 999B: Colubrum in sinu fovere . . i.e. Serpentem in
sinu fovere, diCItur, qui complectitur amore, studioque prosequitur
Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
VIRGINS
VIRTUE
699

hominem ingratum.] 1560-77 Misogonus IV ii 45: How say ye to
these vipers haue I brought them vp to this end. 1580 BARET,
C—784: Colubrum in sinu fouere. A Prouerbe applied to those
which foster and cherishe an vngratefull and thankelesse person:
who will breake out in the ende as a snake in a mans bosome.
1594 MARLOWE AND NASHE Dido V i 165: O serpent, that came
creeping from the Shore, And I for pity harbour’d in my bosom,
Wilt thou now slay me? [1596] 1633 SPENSER View Ireland, p.
147: Now hee playeth lyke the frozen snake, who beinge for Com-
passion releiued by the husbandman, soone after he was warme
began to hisse, and threaten danger even to him and his. 1606
DANIEL Arcadia II i, p. 230: The frozen Snake, which with our heat
once warmd, Will sting vs t0 the heart in recompence. I607
CHAPMAN Bussy D’flmb. III ii 361: That I may clear my bosom of
the snake I cherish'd there. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Serpe, p.
190: To bring up a Snake in ones bosome, viz. to entertain one,
thinking him to be a Friend, who afterwards proves a mortall
Enemy. 1670 RAY, p. 198. 1672 WALK. 68, p. 53: To nourish a
viper in ones bosome; keep a snake in ones breast. 1721 KEL.,
p. 61: Put a Snake in your Bosom, and it will sting when it is warm.
1732 FUL., no. 5210.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VI III i 343: I fear me you but
warm the starved snake, Who, cherish’d in your breasts, will sting
your hearts. 1596 Rich. II III ii 131: Snakes in my heart-blood
warm’d that sting my heart! Ibid. V iii 57: Forget to pity him,
lest thy pity prove A serpent that will sting thee to the heart.
1608 C. III i 263: Where is this viper That would depopulate the
city and Be every man himself?
See ST., no. 50. Cf. C846: Breed up a crow and she will peck out
your eyes. (14)
V69 VIRGINS are angel-like creatures
1616 BRET., p. 5. 1639 CL., s.v. Impudicitiae, p. 152.
V70 He that sows VIRTUE reaps fame
I573 SANF., f. 52v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28v: (Who soweth).
1604 DAN1EL V is. Twelve Goddesses, p. 202: Who sowes on Vertue
shall with glory reape. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 48, p. 27: (shall reape
fame).
Cf. V74: Only virtue (True fame) never dies.
V71 It is a VIRTUE to abstain from pleasures
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 221: It is pietie to abstayne from
pleasure. Ibid., p. 320: They saye, to absteine from pleasure is
the chiefest pietie. 1581—90 Timon V v, p. 90: Tis vertue t0 ab-
staine from pleasing things: Abstaine, good Olde man. 1590
GREENE Royal Exch., p. 252: ’Tis a great vertue, saith the Poet,
to abstaine from things that are pleasant. 1616 WITHALS, p. 547:
(from pleasant objects). 1664 COD., p. 201.
V72 It is a VIRTUE to hate vice
1616 WITHALS, p. 5 50. 1664 COD., p. 201.
V73 Make a VIRTUE of necessity
1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. DI: Let us make Vertue
our frend, of neare necessytie. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 92: The
King was fain to make a virtue of necessity. 1578 WHETSTONE 2
Promos and Cass. V v, s. MI: Wherefore make vertue of necessity.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 21: Therefore wee must force our will,
and make it sometime content it selfe with that it liketh not, wherot
followeth a vertue of necessitie. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1110: Of
neid mak vertue. 1616 DR., no. 1484: A man must make a bene-
fite of necessitie. I616 WITHALS, p. 557. 1639 CL., p. 224. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 167: One must make of necessity a virtue.
Ibid. 14, p. 310: A wise man makes of necessity a virtue. I668
R.B., p. 41: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 152.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. IV i 61: Are you content . . To
make a virtue of necessity And live as we do in this wilderness?
1596 Rich. [II iii 278: There is no virtue like necessity.
See OTTO, no. 1217; ST., no. 1644. Cf. M1018: Mister makes
men of craft; N80: Need makes virtue. (33)
V74 Only VIRTUE (True fame) never dies
1573 SANF., f. 52v: True fame ouercommeth death.
First F. XIX, f. 28v: [AS in 1573 Sanf.].
1578 FLOR.
1596 DEL., s. M4v:

Beauty of the minde maketh it selfe by vertue immortal. 1616
WITHALS, p. 539: Onely vertue shall never dye. 1633 HERBERT
Temple Vertue: Wks., I 99: Onely a sweet and vertuous soul, Like
season’d timber, never gives; But though the whole world turn to
coal, Then chiefly lives. 1639 CL., p. 321.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. find. I i 390: He lives in fame that died
in Virtue’s cause. 1594-5 L.L.L. I i I: Let fame, that all hunt after
in their lives, Live regist’red upon our brazen tombs And then
grace us, in the disgrace of death.
Cf. V70: He that sows Virtue reaps fame.
V75 There is no VIRTUE which poverty destroys not
1573 SANF., f. 108. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32: (but pouertie
wyl marre it). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 8, p. 27.
V76 VIRTUE and a trade are the best portion for
children
1640 HERB., no. 107.
Vertue and a trade are the best Portions.
1664 COD., p. 223. I705 Pleas. Art, p. I 56.
(are a Child’s best Portion).
Cf. E58: Good education is (The best bred have) the best portion.
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 237:
1659 N.R., p. 1 16.
1753 FRANKLIN, p. 30:
V77 VIRTUE flies from the heart of a mercenary man
1596 DEL., s. N6v. I651 HERB., p. 371.
V78 VIRTUE has all things in itself
1608 TUVILL Ess. Pol. Mor., f. 118: True Vertue is alwaies like
herselfe, she squares with euery accident. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Vir-
tue. I732 FUL., no. 5373: Virtue is built upon its self.
V79 VIRTUE is a jewel of great price
01594 BACON, no. 63: Vertue like a rych gemme, best plaine sett.
I6I6 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A7v).
SHAKESPEARE—1602 A.W. IV ii 46: My chastity’s thejewel of
our house.
V80 VIRTUE is found in the middle (mean)
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 49: Vertue consists in the midst, quoth
the diuell, when hee found himselfe between two Nonnes. 1605
MARSTON Dutch Courtesan III i I I4: I am, as many other are, pieced
above and pieced beneath. —Still the best part in the . I620
J.C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids V iii, s. P2: The Prouerbe, In Medio
consistet virtus. 1623 WOD., p. 522: Vertue lyeth in the Middest.
Pure, lyke the Heart. 1640 BRATHWAITE zirt dsleep H usb., p. 255:
But as Vertue receives her proper station in the Meane; so all
Extreames decline from that Marke. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. 310:
Virtue is fix’d in the very middle.
SHAKESPEARE.—I596 M. V. I ii 7: It is no mean happiness, there-
fore, to be seated in the mean. 1605-8 T. Ath. IV iii 300: The
middle of humanity thou never knewest, but the extremity of both
ends.
Cf. M792: The golden mean is best; M793: The mean (The merry
mean) is the best; M804: Measure is a merry mean; P292: The
worst piece is in the midst; R45: Reason lies between the spur and
the bridle.
V81 VIRTUE is its own reward
1596 SPENSER III xii 39: Your vertue selfe her owne reward
shall breed, Euen immortall praise, and glory wyde. 01606 Caesar
and Pompey III iv, s. F2: Vertue unto it selfe a Shure reward. 1606
MARSTON Sophon. Prol., l. 27: For just worth never rests on popu-
lar frown, To have done well is fair deeds’ only crown. [01619]
I639 MASSINGER Unnat. Combat II iii, p. 33: Good deeds being ever
in themselves rewarded. 1623 MASSINGER Duke Milan II i, p. 36:
AS, in virtuous actions, The undertaker finds a full reward. 1640
SHIRLEY Love’s Cruelty IV ii, p. 250: Good deeds reward themselves.
1653 WALTON Complete Angler I, p. 11: The Art will (both for the
pleasure and profit of it) prove like to Vertue, a reward to itself.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 310: Virtue bears witness to herself, and
unto herself is a reward. 1725 N. BAILEY Sober Banq.: Familiar
Collog., p. 351: [She] was honest of her own inclination, and upon
this notion, that Virtue was its own reward.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
VIRTUE
VOYAGES
700

SHAKESPEARE.—T1605-6 M. I iv 22: The service and the loyalty
I owe, In doing it pays itself. 1605-8 T. Ath. I i 130: His honesty
rewards him in itself; It must not bear my daughter. 1608 C. II
ii 131: [He] rewards His deeds with doing them.
See Orro, no. 1908; PR, no. 142. (13)
V82 VIRTUE is more important than blood
[01597] 1607 JONSON Case Is Alteredl x 37: Didst thou neare read
in difi'erence of good, Tis more to shine in vertue then in bloud?
I616 WITHALS, p. 539: It is more commendable to be vertuous,
than nobly descended. 1732 FUL., no. 5378: Virtue is of Worth by
it self alone; and so is not Birth. Ihid., no. 5388: Virtue respects
not Blood and Alliance.
Cf. B456: Blood is inherited but Virtue is achieved; V85: Virtue .
is the true nobility.
V83 VIRTUE (Valor) is the beauty (nobleness) of the
soul (mind)
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., S. A7): Valour is the noblenes of the minde.
I682 NORRIS Gold. Verses Pythag. Pref., s. A7: He says that Vertue
is the Image of God in the rational Soul. 1732 FUL., no. 5381.
V84 VIRTUE is the only ground for friendship to be
built upon
1596 SPENSER F92. IV vi 46: For vertues onely sake, which doth
beget True loue and faithfull friendship. I732 FUL., no. 5382.
V85 VIRTUE is the true nobility
1530 PALS., p. 536a: Onely vertue ennoblyssheth a man. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 223: For this must we all think . . that
vertue is most noble, by the which men became first noble. I596
DEL., s. M5v: Tis vertue onely that giues nobilitie. 1612 SHELTON
Don Quint. Pt. I, IV ix, II 119: True nobilitie consists in vertue.
1639 CL., p. 321: Virtus vera nobilitas. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20,
p. 169: From Virtue nobility comes. I732 FUL., no. 5383: Virtue
is the only true Nobility.
SHAKESPEARE—I592 T. And. I i 93: Sweet cell of virtue and
nobility.
See DUR., II, no. 489; T. 661, p. 317. Cf. C586: He is proper
(noble) that has proper (noble) conditions; P177: Never inquire the
pedigree of a good man; V82:Virtue is more important than blood.
V86 VIRTUE (Counsel) must be practiced (honored)
not praised
I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 149: The counsaile of a friend
must be .. followed, not praysed. I581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III,
II 24: This your rule is rather praysed then practised. 1594 LYLY
Mother B. II iii 26: Vertue is not to be praised, but honored. 1598
BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p. 297: Vertue is praised but not cherisht.
I616 WITHALS, p. 539: Honestie is praised, and little regarded.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 42: To prayse vertue, and not
approue vertue, is but an vniust commendation, for many doe com-
mend vertue, which are not vertuous. 1732 FUL., no. 1 I83: Coun-
sel must be followed, not praised. Ihid., no. 5379: Virtue is prais’d
by all; but practised by few.
Cf. D385: Plain dealing is praised more than practiced; P561:
He preaches well that lives well.
V87 VIRTUE never grows old
1611 COT., s.v. Menton: Vertue neuer grew old; the vigor thereof
did neuer decay. 1640 HERB., no. 64. 1659 N.R., p. 116. 1664
COD., p. 223. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Virtue. '
V88 VIRTUE now is in herbs and stones and words only
1640 HERB., no. 474. 1755 FRANKLIN, p. 32: Much Virtue in
Herbs, little in Men. ‘
V89 The VIRTUE of a coward is suspicion
1651 HERB., p. 373. 1659 N.R., p. 96.
V90 VIRTUE praised increases
1560 BECON Cat. VI, p. 351: (As the common saying is, virtue).

fl
V91 He cannot be VIRTUOUS that is not rigorous
I640 HERB., no. 660.
V92 A well-favored VISOR will hide her ill-favored face
1546 HEY. II i, s. F2v: Many men wishte, for beautifying that
bryde . . Some well fauourd visor, on hir yll fauourd face.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. V ii 387: That superfluous case
That hid the worse and Show’d the better face. 01595 R._'7. I iv 29:
Give me a case to put my visage in. A visor for a visor! Ihid. II
iv 112: My fan, Peter. —Good Peter, to hide her face; for her
fan’s the fairer face of the two. 1598-9 M.A. II i 97: When I like
your favour, for God defend the lute should be like the case!
V93 He has a good VOICE to beg bacon
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6.
V94 The VOICE is the best music
1639 CL., s.v. Clamor, p. 57.
V95 The VOICE of the people is the voice of God
1450 Bishop Boothe in Pol. Poems and Songs, II 227: The will or
expressed wish—The voice of the people is the voice of God—It is
all powerful in the Stars. 1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War: Posies,
p. 143: Yet could I never any reason feele, To thinke Vox populi
vox Dei est. 1600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will 1. 1427: Wks., III
278: The vulgars voice, it is the voice of God. 1608 MIDDLETON
Family Love To Rdr.: Now, whether vox populi be vox Dei or no,
that I leave to be tried by the . . six wits of the city. 1611 JONSON
Cat. III 61, p. 470: The voice of Rome is the consent of heauen!
[01613] I639 CHAPMAN Caesar and Pomp. I ii 30: Consuls, and
reverend Fathers, and ye people, Whose voices are the voice of the
gods, I here have drawn a law. 1613 CHAPMAN Rev. Bussy D’Amh.
V v 41: Now is the people’s voice the voice of God. 1615 W. SMITH
Hector Germ. V iv, p. I 3 3: The voyce of men is held the voyce of God.
1616 JONSON Epig. 67, p. 238: Which, by no less confirmed than thy
king’s choice, Proves that is God’s, which was the people’s voice.
1646 T. BROWNE Pseud. Epid. I iii, II 29: Though sometimes they
are flattered with that Aphorism, will hardly believe, The voice of
the people to be the voice of God. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 27.
See DUR., II, no. 566.
V96 Most VOICES carry it
1579 T. NORTH Lives, II 232: Aemylius triumphe was referred to
the most number of voyces of the people. 1616 WITHALS, p. 577:
It goes by most voyces. 1638 Common Council Aug. I in Archives
Galway, p. 48 5: It is agreed uppon in open Court by common con-
sent and most voice. 1639 CL., p. 56. I651 HOBBES Leviathan
I 16, p. 82: The voyce of the greater number, must be considered as
the voyce of them all.
V97 Vows made in storms are forgotten in calms
1639 FULLER Holy War II xlvi, p. 107: The Cardinals lamented out
of measure . . But their passion spent it self . . and these mariners
vow ended with the tempest. 1732 FUL., no. 5408: (forgot).
Cf. D270: The devil was sick, the devil a monk would be; the
devil was well, the devil a monk was he.
V98 He that goes and comes makes a good VOYAGE
1573 SANF., f. 103v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29: (He that
goeth, and returneth, maketh). I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 90, p. 28.
V99 That VOYAGE never has luck where each one has
one vote
1597 MONTGOMERIE Cherrie and Sloe l. 702: Poems, p. 26: They say
that voyage nevir luckis, Quhair ilke ane hes ane vote.
V100 Long VOYAGES depart1 friendship
1547 ]. WILKINSON Ethics Aristotle XL, s. H5: And therefore it is a
prouerbe, that long Viages depart friendshippe.
Cf. S438: Out of sight out of mind.
[lpart]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
W
WADING
W1 No safe WADING in an unknown water
1616 DR., no. 2234: It is not good to swimme in vnknowen waters.
1630 T. ADAMS Saints’ Meet.: Wks., p. 749: It is not safe wading
without a bottome. 1639 CL., s.v. Periculi, p. 250: (It’s no safe).
1670 RAY, p. 153. 1721 KEL., p. 261: (in uncouth Waters). *It is
no Wisdom to engage with Dangers that we are not acquainted
with. 51732 FUL., no. 3627.
W2 He who serves well needs not be afraid to ask
his WAGES
1640 HERB., no. 793. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 237:
He that serves well needs not ask his wages. 1664 COD., p. 200:
(He that serves well needs not fear to). 1670 RAY, p. 23. 1705
Pleas. Art, p. 154: *For his own Merit gives him boldness. 1732
FUL., no. 2296: (He that serves well, need not).
Cf. A343: Ask and have; S719: Speak and speed, ask and have.
W3 Mend my WAGES and I’ll mend my work
1616 DR., no. 1944. 1639 CL., p. 246. 1724 DEFOE Law Suh. IV,
p. 79: Mend your Pace, and I’ll mend your Pay.
W4 A WAGER is a fool’s argument
1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II i 297, p. 137: Quoth she: I’ve heard old
cunning Stagers Say, Fools for Arguement use Wagers. 1711
British Apollo 146, Feb. 28, Vol. III: Its an old saying (and I think
a True one) That none but Knaves or Fools lay Wagers. 1732
FUL., no. 452.
W5 To be angry at (laugh at, be afraid of) the WAG-
GING of a straw
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. C4: Somtyme I laughe at waggynge
of a straw. 1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 98: Of all the world
I hate suche cowardes that .. be aferde of euery waggynge of a
strawe. 1530 PALS., p. 468b: I can bring hym out of pacyence with
the waggyng of a strawe. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. I4v:
The wagging of a strawe .. hindreth the flight thereof. 1579
GOSSON Sch. Ahuse, p. 46: These think themselves no men, if for
stirring of a strawe, they prooue not their valure vppon some bodyes
fleshe. 1587 CHURCHYARD Worth. Wales, p. 9 5: The lads can laugh,
at turning of a strawe. I592 SYLVESTER Triumph Faith. (tr. from
Du Bartas, 1641 ed.) I 49: Wks., II 13: Forget then, Christians,
your un-Christian jars, your civill strife for wagging of a straw.
1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 219: Vppon the least wagging
of a straw to put them in feare where no feare is. 1605 Lond. Prod.,
s. C3: 0 for that Daflidill . . But ifyou be angry, and it bee but for
the wagging of a strawe, then out a doores with the knaue. 1616
WITHALS, p. 562: (Hee is afraid at every wagging). 1639 CL.,
p. 34: (Angry at). Ibid., s.v. Timiditas, p. 310: He is afraid of the
wagging of every straw. 1653 J. TAYLOR Cert. Trav. Uncert. journa-
Wks. Q, II 12: They quarrell not for wagging of a straw. 1672
WALK. 47, p. 58: (He is afraid of). 1678 RAY, p. 75: (He’ll laugh
at). 1681 ROB., p. 595: He fears the wagging of every straw.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-3 V.A. l. 302: Anon he starts at stirring of >
a feather. 1597 Rich. III III v 5: I can . . Tremble and start at
wagging of a straw.
Cf. L99: He will go to law for the wagging of a straw. (6)
W6 Merry WAKEFIELD1
1615 BRATHWAITE Strap. for Devil, p. 203: The first whereof that I
intend to Show, IS merry Wakefield and her Pindar too. 1662
FULLER Worthies Yorkshire, II 495: *What peculiar cause of mirth
this Town hath above others, I do not know. 1670 RAY, p. 256.
[lSee Sugden, p. 5 51.]

W11
WALKING STAFF
W7 It is evil (ill, not good) WAKING of a Sleeping dog
1546 HEY. I x, s. DIV. [01560] 1581 WOODES Confl. Cons. IV i,
s. F4V: (of a Dog that doth sleepe). 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. B4v: It is ill waking a Sleeping dog. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 820:
It is ill to waken sleiping dogs. 1608 TOPSELL Hist. Serpents, p. 93:
It is good therefore if you haue a Wife, that is . . vnquiet and con-
tentious, to let her alone, not to wake an angry Dogge. 1611 GRUT.,
no. 152. 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616 DR., no. 1798: It is not good to
wake a Sleeping dogge. 1623 WOD., p. 486: It is Folie . . To waken
the Dog, or Cat that sleepeth. 1639 CL., p. 158: [AS in 1616 Dr.].
Ibid., p. 184. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 22: Have a care thou wake
not a Sleeping mastif. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: Tis ill waking
of a sleepy dogg. 1670 RAY, p. 1 5 3: It’s not good to wake a sleeping
dog; or lion. 1721 KEL., p. 185: It is ill to waken sleeping Dogs.
*It is foolish to stir up a Quarrel, that has been long forgot; or
provoke a Person, to whom you are not a Match.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVI ii 173: But since all is well,
keep it so. Wake not a sleeping wolf. 1613 Hen. VIII I i 120:
This butcher’s cur . . best Not wake him in his slumber.
See DUR., II, no. 599; ST., no. 927. Cf. F616: When ill fortune
lies asleep let none awake her; H756: He pulls an old house on his
head; L317: Wake not a sleeping lion; W8: It is not good waking
of care when it is asleep; W79: To stir a wasp’s nest. (9)
W8 It is not good WAKING of care when it is asleep
1616 WITHALS, p. 561: (waking cares asleepe). 1664 COD., p. 202.
Cf. L317: Wake not a sleeping lion; S662: When sorrow is asleep
wake it not; W7: It is evil (ill, not good) waking of a sleeping dog.
W9 He that WALKS plainly walks safely
1549 LATIMER Serm. 7, p. 89: For, as they say commonly, Qui vadit
plane, vadit sane; that is, He that walketh plainly, walketh safely.
1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 49: He wisely walketh that doth
safely goe.
Cf. G165: He that goes Softly goes safely; P383: Plain dealing is
best.
W10 It is good WALKING with a horse in one’s hand
1591 LYLY Endim. IV ii 50: Is it not saide: It is good walking when
one hath his horse in his hand? 1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne
III, III 47: He may well walke a foote, that leades his horse by the
bridle, ’saith the proverbe. 1611 COT., s.v. Cheval: A l’aise marche
a pied qui mene son cheval par la bride: Troubles are but trifles
vnto them, that haue meanes enow to ease, or strength enough to
ouercome, them. 1616 WITHALS, p. 561: It is good going on foote,
when a man leadeth a horse in his hand. 1639 CL., p. 42: ’Tis good
going a foote when a man hath a horse in his hand. 1640 HERB.,
no. 799. 1653 J. TAYLOR Short Relation: Wks. Q, I A3: ’Tis merry
walking with a horse in hand. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: Good
walking with horse in hand. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 41, p. 10: He may
well go a foot, who hath a good horse in the stable. 1670 RAY,
p. 92: It’s good to go on foot, when a man hath a horse in his hand.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 276: ’Tis good going on foot with a horse
in’s hand. 1721 KEL., p. 196: *It is good when a Man of any Art,
Trade, or Profession, has an Estate to support him, if these should
fail. 1732 FUL., no. 5084: ’Tis good to go a Foot with a Horse in
Hand. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 435: I always love to walk
with a horse in my hand.
See L., IV 14. Cf. A364: It is good to hold the ass by the bridle.
The WALKING STAFF has caught warmth in your
hand
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4.

701
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
WALL 702
WAND

W12 Farther than the WALL we cannot go
1529 T. MORE Dial. Diverse Mat. II: Wks. 1557, p. 187:1 am in this
matter euen at the harde wall, and se not how to go further. 1546
HEY. II v, s. H3v: (he can not go). 1562 HEY. Epig. 129, p. 147.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 366. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 5.
W13 It is written upon a WALL in Rome, Ribchester
was as rich as any town in Christendom
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Lancashire, I 750. 1662 FULLER Worthies
Lancashire, I 539. 1670 RAY, p. 235.
W14 Look on the WALL and it will not bite you
1678 RAY, p. 83: *Spoken injeer to such as are bitten with mustard.
W15 To be driven (To go) to the WALL
I546 HEY. II v, s. H3v: That dede without words shal dryue him to
the wal. I583 BABINGTON Expos. Commandments VIII, p. 163:
God knowes and the world sees howe often They are wrecked and
wronged and set to the wall by cruel, vngodlie, and harde hearted
men. 1589 NASHE Ret. Pasq.: Wks., I 76: They neuer went to the
wall, till they grew to be factions. 1590 NASHE Pasq. Apol. Pt. I:
Wks., I 124: Yes I warrant you, either we goe to the wall nowe or
neuer. 1601 WHEELER Treat. Commerce, p. 111: Wee should go
to the walles, be wronged and exacted vpon euery where. 1644
PRYNNE AND WALKER Prosec. Fiennes, p. 34: The Colonell thus
driven to the wall and worsted on every hand, used two pleas more
for his last reserve.
Cf. WI 85: The weakest goes to the wall.
W16 To look upon a WALL
1678 RAY, p. 88: *To make water.
W17 A white WALL is a fool’s paper
1573 SANF., f. 108: (is fooles paper). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX,
f. 32. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 77: A Fooles paper is a white wall: But
it was not so in Baltazars hall. 1636 CAM., p. 292. I640 HERB.,
no. 833: (is the paper of a foole). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 16: (is
the paper of fools). 1659 N.R., p. 6. 1662 FULLER Worthies
Lancashire, I 539: Indeed the Italians have a Proverb, A Wall is
the Fool’s Paper, Whereon they scribble their fancies. 1664 COD.,
p. 186. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 28, p. 161: (is paper for fools). 1670
RAY, p. 155: *Some put this in rhyme; He is a fool and ever shall,
that writes his name upon a wall. Ital. 1732 FUL., no. 5692:
White Walls are Fool’s Writing-Paper. I733 FRANKLIN, p. 6:
Doors and walls are foolS’ paper.
W18 Bare WALLS make giddy housewives
1623 CAM., p. 267: (makes). 1639 CL., s.v. Parsimonia, p. 242.
1655 FULLER Church Hist. XI ii, III 380: If, in private houses bare
walls make giddy housewives, in princes’ palaces empty cofl'ers
make unsteady statesmen. I659 N.R., p. 21: (makes). 1670 RAY,
p. 59: *Idle house-wives, they have nothing whereabout to busie
themselves. 1721 KEL., p. 50: (a giddy Housewife). *Eng. 1732
FUL., no. 839: (gadding Housewives).
Cf. H773: A house well-furnished makes a good housewife.
W19 WALLS (Hedges) have ears (eyes)
1573 GASCOIGNE Supposes I i, p. 189: Within the house the tables,
the plankes, the beds, the portals, yea and the cupbords them
selves haue eares. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XXII xxxii, p. 171:
For posts have cares, and walls have eyes to see. 1596 DEL.,
s. OIv: The walles may haue some eares. 1604 MARSTON Mal-
content III i 213: Pale fears Suspect that hedges, walls, and trees,
have cars. 1606 Nobody and Somebody, s. BIv: But walls haue
eares and eyes. 1611 COT., s.v. Champ: Woods haue their cares,
and fields their eyes; so apt, and able is euery place to detect close
villanie. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xlviii, IV 83: They say
walls have eares. 1631 MABBE Celestina I, p. 38: And walls (they
say) have eares. 1633 SHIRLEY Bird in Cage I i, p. 378. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 20: Hedges have no eyes, but they have ears.
*This Proverb giveth caution, that we should be wary what to
speake, and in whose presence. 1672 WYCHERLEYLove in WoodIII,
p. I 11. 1680 BUNYAN Mr. Badman: Wks., III 606: We say, hedges

W21
W25

have eyes, and little pitchers have ears; and, indeed, children make
a greater inspection into the lives of fathers, masters, etc., than 0ft-
times they are aware of. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 463: Ay,
madam; but they say hedges have eyes, and walls have ears.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. Vi 211: No remedy, my lord, when
walls are so wilful to hear without warning.
See ST., no. 1581. Cf. F209: Fields have eyes and woods have
ears; P363: Small (Little) pitchers have wide ears.
W20 We see not what is in the WALLET behind
[ERAS. Adagia, 256C: Sed non videmus manticae, quod in tergo est.]
1552 TAV., f. 60v: We loke not what is in the wallet behynde.
Esope the wryter of fables feyned that euery man and woman hath
a wallet whereof the one parte hanged before vs on oure brest, and
the other behynde vs on oure shoulders. But into the syde which
hangeth before our eyen we put other mens faultes, and oure owne
faultes we put in the part behynde. By this he sygnifieth that we
wyl easely espy faultes in other men, but at our owne we be wont
to wynke. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng. To Ladies, p. 8:
Euphues thinketh them [love sleights] to hang at Venus back in a
budget, which bicause hee can-not see, hee will not set downe.
1616 WITHALS, p. 569: (what Sits on our shoulder). 1639 CL., s.v.
Caecutientia,p. 52: [Asin I616Withals]. I648HERRICKHesp.: Poet.
Wks., p. 253: Other mens Sins wee ever beare in mind; None sees
the fardell of his faults behind. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 3:
The crumpshouldered sees not his bunch, yet he sees that of his
companions. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 40, p. 244: Nobody sees the sack
which is behind him. 1732 FUL., no. 5453. I758 FRANKLIN, p. 34:
Happy Tom Crump ne’er sees his own Hump.
See OTTO, no. 1032. Cf. F107: He finds fault with others and
does worse himself (He that will blame another must be blameless
himself); M1191: You can see a mote in another man’s eye but
cannot see a beam in your own.
To swear WALSINGHAM
[To swear by our Lady of Walsingham; there is a noted shrine of
the Virgin at Walsingham, in Norfolk.] 1599 H. PORTER Two
Women Ab. x, S. I3v: I warrant, when he was in, he swore Walsing-
ham, and chafte terrible for the time. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub III
i 3: Now by our Lady 0’ Walsingham, I had rather be mark’d out
Torn Scavinger.
W22 As wise as WALTHAM’S calf
[a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 811: Wks.,I342. 1546 HEY.
II iii, s. G2v. 01550 BECKE Two Dial., p. 37. 1560—77 Misogonus
I ii 17: My master is waltum and I waltumes calfe. 01570 Brain-
less Blessing Bull in Coll. 79 Bl. Letter Bal., p. 226: For Waltams
calues to Tiburne needes must go To sucke a bull and meete a
butchers axe. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 365. I611 FLOR., s.v. In-
tendacchio, p. 262: A fellow as wise in understanding as Waltam’s
calfe. 1639 CL., p. 285. 1659 HEYLIN in Fuller Appeal III, p.
596: Our author Showed himself no wiser than Waltham’s calf, who
ran nine miles to suck a bull, and came home athirst, as the proverb
saith. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (calf, who went nine miles to
suck a Bull, and came home as dry as he went). 1670 RAY, p. 203:
(calf, that ran nine miles to suck a bull).
W23 As small1 as a WAND
1550 CROWLEY Epig. l. 1313: Wks., p. 45: Hyr mydle braced in,
as smal as a wande. 1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., 3. D1: In the
wast I wil haue ye as small as a wand.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. II iii 21: She is as White as a lily
and as small as a wand.
Cf. S915: As weak as a straw.
[Islender]
W24 He is sorest dungl whom his own WAND dings
1641 FERG., no. 388: (when his awn wand dings him). 1668 R.B.,
p. 26: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 150: *A Man is worst
punished, when he bears the Effects of his own Folly.
[1beaten]
He wags a WAND in the water
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 701.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WAND
WAR
703

W26 Let his own WAND ding1 him
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 747: (He gars [makes] his awin).
p. 233: *Let him reap the Fruits of his own Folly.
Cf. S802: To be beaten with one’s own staff.
[lbeat]
W27 Thraw1 the WAND while it is green
1457 HARDING Chron., p. 746: Men . . writhe the wande while it is
yonge and grene. a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 1260: Thraw the wand
quhill it is greein betuix three and threttein. 1641 FERG., no.
789. 1668 R.B., p. 52. 1721 KEL., p. 63: Between Ten and Thir-
teen, bow the Waind while it is green. *Give your Children Cor-
rection while they are young, or there is a Hazard that they will
outgrow 1t.
Cf. T632: Best to bend while it is a twig; W136: Soft wax will
take any impression.
[ltwist]
1721 KEL.,
W28 Born in the WANE of the moon
[ERAS. Adagia, 58A: Quarta luna nati, dicuntur qui parum feliciter
nati sunt.] I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 90: O infortunate
Philautus, born in the wane of the Moone. I595 [W.S.] Locrine
I iii, s. B4: I was begotten and borne in the wane of the Moone,
when everie thing as saith Lactantius in his fourth book of Constul-
tations dooth say, goeth asward. 1631 MASSINGER Believe as You
List IV ii, p. 447: Are you so coy? Thou art a man Of snow, And
thy father got thee in the wane of the moon! 1631 SHIRLEY Love
Tricks III v, p. 54: A younger brother, sir; born at the latter end of
the week, and wane Of the moon. 1639 CL., p. 22: Men not borne
to doe themselves good. Quarta luna nati. 1672 WALK. 50, p. 10:
Born under an ill planet; in the wain (arse) Of the moon; curs’d in
his cradle.
Cf. A397: He was born in August; P386: Born under an unlucky
planet.
W29-W3 5 WANT: subst.
W29 For WANT of a nail the Shoe is lost, for want of a
Shoe the horse is lost, for want of a horse the
rider is 10st
1615 T. ADAMS Bad Leaven: Wks., p. 714: The French-men haue a
military Prouerbe; The losse of a nayle, the losse of an Army. The
want of a nayle losseth the Shooe, the losse of a shooe troubles the
horse, the horse indangereth the rider, the rider breaking his ranke
molests the company, so farre as to hazard the whole Army. 1640
HERB., no. 495. 1664 COD., p. 193. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 46:
For one nail sake, one loseth a shooe; for one shooe, one loseth a
horse; and for one horse, one loseth a rider. I670 RAY, p. 27.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Want. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 155. 1721 KEL.,
p. 1 10: For want of a Nail the Shoe may be lost. *I have seen this
run out to a great length, but the meaning is, that a little Care,
early bestowed, may prevent a great Loss. I732 FUL., no. 1596:
(of a Horse the Man is lost). 1752 FRANKLIN, p. 28.
W30 For WANT of a wise man a fool is set in the chair
1508 HENRYSON Want Wise Men (Chepman and Myllar ed.) 1. 8:
Poems, III 170: Sen want of wyse men makis fulis to sit on binkis
[benches]. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 406: For fault of wyse men fools
sits on books [sic]. 1611 COT., s.v. Chaire: A foole, for want of
wiser, steps into the roome. 1616 DR., no. 752. 1623 WOD., p.
485: For faulte Of a Wise Man, they set a Foole in the Place, Or
Chaire. *SO said of Favorites, and not of the Worthie. 1639 CL.,
p. 137. 1641 FERG., no. 273: For fault of wise men, fooles sits
on binks. 1668 R.B., p. 19: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL., p. 105:
For fault of wise Men Fools sit on Benks. *Spoken when we see un-
worthy Persons in Authority.
W31 For WANT of company welcome trumpery
I678 RAY, p. 69. 8.1700 B.E., s.v. Trumpery: For want of good
Company, welcome Trumpery. 1721 KEL., p. 54: After Company
welcome Thrump’ry. *Spoken by them who are not well pleas’d
that you took not notice of them as soon as other Company. Or
when People come to visit us that we care not for. I738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. III, p. 461.

W32 He is in great WANT of a bird that will give a
groat1 for an owl
1678 RAY, p. 101. 1685-8 Directions/or Damosels l. 70 in Roxb.
Bal., IV 72: (They have need of). 1732 FUL., no. 2458.
[lfourpence]
W33 He that bewails his WANT has begged sufficiently
1611 COT., s.v. Assez: (He that bemones his wants). I623 WOD.,
p. 476: Who complaines, demandes enough. 1659 How. Fr. Prov.,
p. 6: Who complains, asks enough. I659 N.R., p. 41.
W34 WANT goes by such a one’S door.
I678 RAY, p. 347: *Somerset.
W35 WANT of money want of comfort
1616 DR., no. 273. 1664 COD., p. 226.
W36—W38 WANT: verb
W36 I will not WANT when I have and when I have
not too
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Oro, p. 124: To wax poor in the midst of
Gold, viz. to want when one hath, as well as when one hath not, to
die for love, and starve in a Cooks shop. I678 RAY, p. 344: *Som-
erset. 1678 Scourge Poor Robin, p. 5: Whilst still his word is, Let’s
not pinch whilst we have it, since ’tis time enough to want when we
have it not. 1732 FUL., no. 2650: (when I have it; and have it not
too). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 383: I don’t love to make two
wants Of one; want when I have it, and want when I have it not.
Cf. S663: Make not two sorrows Of one; T160: You want the
thing you have; W37: It is not good to want and to have.
1730 BAILEY, s.v. Want.
W37 It is not good to WANT and to have
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 832: (and have). 1600 NASHE Summer’s
Last Will: Wks., III 242: I haue all things, yet want euery thing.
1668 R.B., p. 31. 1721 KEL., p. 221: It is hard both to have, and
want.
Cf. W36: I will not want when I have and when I have not too.
W38 What you WANT up and down you have to and
fro (in roundabout)
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Scarpe, p. 183: To recover ones self from
any damage one way or another; the English say . . What one loses
in the Up and Down, to get it again in the T00 and Fro. I678
RAY, p. 346: What she wants in up and down she hath in round
about. 1721 KEL., p. 346: *Spoken to them who are low of Stat-
ure, but broad and squat.
W39 Advise none to marry or go to WAR
1640 HERB., no. 232. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
223.
W40 Clothe thee in WAR, arm thee in peace
1640 HERB., no. 382. 1659 N.R., p. 25.
Cf. M291: The man of God is better for having his bows and
arrows about him; P153: To make peace with a sword in his hand;
T300: In time of peace prepare (provide) for war.
W41
1640 HERB., no. 842.
He that keeps his own makes WAR
1659 N.R., p. 59.
W42 He that makes a good WAR makes a good peace
1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I II vi, I 188: They beget of a just war, the
best child, peace. 1640 HERB., no. 416. 1659 N.R., p. 56. 1664
COD., p. 199. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. II, p. 110: Who maketh a good
war, obtaineth a good peace. 1670 RAY, p. 28. I687 MIEGE, s.v.
War. 1732 FUL., no. 2230.
W43 In WAR it is not permitted twice to err
[ERAS. Adagia, 7240: Non licet bis in bello peccare.] I550 TAv.
Flowers Sent., s. A8: It is nat lawful! in battell to make a faulte
twyse.
See SM., p. 223.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xifi.
WAR
WARE
704

W44 N0 WAR without a woman
1639 CL., p. 117.
W45 WAR and physic are governed by the eye
I640 HERB., no. 900. 1659 N.R., p. 125. 1664 COD., p. 230.
W46 WAR, hunting, and law (love) are as full of trou-
ble as pleasure
1640 HERB., no. 224: In war, hunting, and love, men for one pleas-
ure a thousand griefes prove. 1664 COD., p. 227: (love and as of
pleasure). I670 RAY, p. 28. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. War: War, Hunt-
ing, and Law are' full of trouble. I732 FUL., no. 5416: War, Hunt-
ing, and Love have a thousand Troubles for their Pleasure.
Cf. H824: Hunting, hawking, and paramours, for onejoy a hun-
dred displeasures.
W47 WAR is death’s feast
1611 COT., s.v. Guerre: Warre is deathes holy-day. 1623 WOD., p.
487: Warre is the Feast of the Death. 1640 HERB., no. 817. I659
N.R., p. 124. 1664 COD., p. 230. 1670 RAY, p. 27. I687 MIEGE,
s.v. War. 1732 FUL., no. 5417.
Cf. W51: When war begins hell opens.
W48 The WAR is not done so long as my enemy lives
I651 HERB., p. 367.
W49 WAR makes thieves and peace hangs them
61594 BACON, no. 1535: La guerre fait les larrons et la paix les
moines au gibbet. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p. 382: And when
they returne from the warres, many . . became beggars or theeues,
and so lead and end their liues in myserie, of whom the Italian hath
a prouerb; Warres make thieues, and Peace hangeth them vp.
I640 HERB., no. 467. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. I: (and Peace brings
them to the gallowes). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12. I659 N.R., p.
125. 1664 COD., p. 229. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 110: (hangs
them up). *Note 69, p. I 12: For then the Laws come in force again.
1670 RAY, p. 27: *Gall. It. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. War. 1721 KEL., p.
358. 1732 FUL., no. 5418.
W50 WAR must be waged by waking men
1639 CL., s.v. Vigilantia, p. 318. 1670 RAY, p. 154. 1732 FUL.,
no. 5419: War must not be waged by Men asleep.
Cf. C69: A captain (ruler) should not sleep the whole night.
W51 When WAR begins hell opens
I651 HERB., p. 371: (then hell openeth). 1659 How.[t. Prov., p. 13.
1664 COD., p. 227. 1666T0R. It. Prov.35, p. 1 10: (then Hell opens).
Cf. W47: War is death’s feast.
W52 Who preaches WAR is the devil’s chaplain
1659 How. New Sayings, p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 229. 1670 RAY, p.
27. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. War: (He that preaches). 1732 FUL., no.
2251: (He that preacheth up War when it might well be avoided, is).
W53 Civil WARS of France made a million of atheists
and thirty thousand witches
1651 HERB., p. 373. 1659 N.R., p. 25.
W54 He that is not in the WARS is not out of danger
1640 HERB., no. 992. I659 N.R., p. 60.
W55 Of all WARS peace is the final end
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1145: Peac ends al warre. I641 FERG., no.
675. 1668 R.B., p. 41. I721 KEL., p. 275: (is the End). *Spoken
by them that would compose a Law Suit, or reconcile those who
have had an Outfall.
W56 WARS are good to talk of, not to try
I591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 99: Commend war, but peace maintaine.
1639 CL., p. 44. I732 FUL., no. 4319: Talk of Camps, but stay at
Home.
Cf. S177: Praise (Commend) the sea but keep on land (ashore);
W57: Wars are pleasant in the ear, not in the eye.

W57 WARS are pleasant in the ear, not in the eye
I616 WITHALS, p. 555: (but not). *Dulce bellum inexpertis.
CL., s.v. Uxor, p. 328.
Cf. W56: Wars are good to talk of, not to try; W58: Wars are
sweet to them who know them not.
1659
W58 WARS are sweet to them who know them not
[ERAS. Adagia, 951B: Dulce bellum inexpertis.] 1539 TAV., f. 49v:
[As in Eras.]. Batell is a swete thynge to them that neuer assayed it.
1560 E. MORE Def. Wom. l. 239, p. 1 18: Warre is counted pleasaunt
to them not trying the same. 1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War: Posies,
p. 170: Yet proves it still . . That warre seemes sweete to such as
know it not. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 49: I followed the
vaine of young Souldiours, who iudge nothing sweeter then warre
til they feele the weight. 1587 HUGHES ET AL. Misfort. Arthur II
iii, s. CIv: Warre seemeth sweet to such as haue not tried. 1617
T. ADAMS Soldier’s Honor: Wks., p. 1082: They that neuer tried it,
thinke it a pleasure to fight. [1624] 1654 GLAPTHORNE [AND CHAP-
MAN] Rev. for Hon. I i 350: War is sweet to those That never have
experienc’d it. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. II.
Cf. W57: Wars are pleasant in the ear, not in the eye.
W59 WARS bring scars
1639 CL., p. 44. I670 RAY, p. 154.
W60 When as WARS are (When all England is) aloft,
safe is he that is at Christ’s croft, and where
should this Christ’s croft be but betwixt Rib-
ble and Mersey
1636 R. JAMES [ter Lancast. l. 3 59, p. 12: When all England is aloft,
Then happie they whose dwellings in Christ’s crofte, And where
thincke you this crofte of Christe showld be But midst Ribchesters
Ribble and the Mercy? 1669 New Help to Discourse, p. I I 4, quoted
in App., p. 183.
Cf. W890:When all the world shall be aloft then Hallamshire
shall be God’s croft.
W61 All his WARDROBE is on his back
1591 LYLY Endim. IV ii 38: My wardrope [is] on my backe, for I
haue no more apparrell then is on my body. 1616 WITHALS, p.
573: He carrieth all his wardrobe on his backe. 1639 CL., s.v.
Paupertas, p. 245. a1640 1. DAY Peregr. XVII, p. 72: For as you
know, omnia mea mecum porto, is the olde worde amongst schol-
lers. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: He carrieth all his wardrobe
about him.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. Ind. ii 9: I have. . no more stock-
ings than legs, nor no more shoes than feet.
See OTTO, no. 1293.
W62—W68 WARE = merchandise
1732 FUL., no. 6096.
W62 Good WARE makes quick markets
1616 BRET., p. 5. 1616 DR., no. 2337: (good markets). 1639 CL.,
p. 106. 1664 COD., p. 194: (a quick Market). 1670 RAY, p. 153.
1672 WALK. 50, p. 16: Good ware will off; will sell it self; makes
quick markets. 1681 ROB., p. 677: Good ware will OH. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Market.
See OTTO, no. 1101. Cf. W63: Good ware will never want a
Chapman; W66: Pleasing ware is half sold.
W63 Good WARE will never want a Chapman
1611 COT., s.v. Marchand: Good chaffer cannot want a Chapman.
1623 WOD., p. 477: Good Marchandise finds alwayes her Marchant.
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8. 1672 WALK. 50, p. 16: Good ware will
Ofi"; will sell it self; makes quick markets; need seek no Chapman.
Cf. W62: Good ware makes quick markets; W66: Pleasing ware
is half sold.
W64 Ill WARE is never cheap
I611 COT., s.v. Mauvais: Bad ware is neuer cheape yneugh.
HERB., no. 61. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 20.
1640
I659

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WARE
WASTERS
705

How. Fr. Prov., p. 8: Bad ware is never too cheap.
6
1659 N.R., p.
5.
Cf. B319: The best is best cheap; C257: Good cheap is dear;
C258: Light cheap lither yield.
W65 One cannot live by selling WARE for words
1616 WITHALS, p. 568: I cannot line to sell my ware for words.
1639 CL., s.v. Inaequalis pensatio, p. 156: (I cannot). Ibid., s.v.
Ingratitudo, p. 169: [As in 1616 Withals]. 1670 RAY, p. 154. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Ware. 1721 KEL., p. 173: He that sells Wares for
Words, must live by the Loss. *Spoken when a Man refuses to
sell a Trust. 1732 FUL., no. 3741: (by selling Goods for Words).
W66 Pleasing WARE is half sold
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 942: Lyked gear is half coft [bought]. 1611
COT., s.v. Chose: (Ware that doth please). 1616 DR., no. 2338:
That ware that pleaseth is soone sold. 1623 WOD., p. 481: (A
Thing that pleases). I640 HERB.,no. I4. 1658[EDMONDSON] Comes
Fac. in Via, p. 19. 1659 N.R., p. 88. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p.
204: (A commodity that pleaseth). 1668 R.B., p. 35: Liked geir
is half bought. 1670 RAY, p. 132. 1721 KEL., p. 235: [As in 1668
R.B.]. *For in that Case a Man will give a little more for his Fancy.
1732 FUL., no. 5617: When Ware is lik’d, it is half sold.
See ST., no. 2470. Cf. W62: Good ware makes quick markets;
W63: Good ware will never want a Chapman.
W67 WARES overbought are seldom returned without
loss
1611 COT., s.v. Acheter: *Nor doe many things (on the getting
whereof haue bestowed much time or toile) gotten, quit the cost
wee were at about them. 1659 N.R., p. 1 17: (Wares dear bought).
W68 When the WARES be gone shut up the shop-
windows (shop)
1612 WEBSTER White Devil V iv 105: Now the wares are gone, wee
may shut up shop. 1639 CL., p. 119. 1670 RAY, p. 153. 1732
FUL., no. 5609: (are gone).
Cf. C802: He that has not the craft let him shut up Shop; S394:
He has shut up shopwindows.
W69 WARE=town of Ware
W69 WARE1 and Wadesmill1 are worth all London
1588 FRAUNCE Lawyer’s Log. I iv, f. 27: (bee worth al London).
1639 CL., p. 99. 1662 FULLER lVorthiesHartfordshire, I427: *The
Fallacy lieth in the Homonymy of Ware, here [taken] . . appella-
tively for all vendible Commodities. 1664 COD., p. 22 5: Ware and
Wades-Mill is worth London, meaning all Ware in Trading. 1670
RAY, p. 231.
Cf. SIO21: Sutton Wall and Kenchester Hill are able to buy Lon-
don were it to sell.
[lvillages close together near London]
W70 He WARMS too near that burns
1611 COT., s.v. Brusler: Hee warmes himselfe too neere that burnes
himselfe. 1640 HERB., no. 810.
Cf. L188: While the leg (foot) warms, the boot (shoe) harms.
W71 A Scotch WARMING PAN
1631 JONSON New Inn I iii 9: A wench, i’ the Inn-phrase, is al these;
A looking-glasse in her eye . . And a warming pan with her hips.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: Give me the Mayd that went to bed
to her Master to keep him warm; A Proverb in Beverley. 1676
WYCHERLEY Plain Dealer II, p. 138: Wou’d you have me your
Scotch Warming-pan? 1678 RAY, p. 83: *A wench. 1685 WES-
LEY Maggots Tobacco Pipe, p. 36: Twould better heat a man, Than
ten Bath Faggots, or Scotch warming Pan.
W72 He was slain that had WARNING, not he that took
it
1596 DEL., s. P3v: Wise is the man that beleeues him, that giues
him a good warning. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3.

W73 To have a fair WARNING
1581—90 Timon I ii, p. 6: Look to thy selfe; I gyue thee fayre warn-
ing. 1616 DR., no. 2360: You had a faire warning. 1639 CL.,
p. 54: He was fairely warn’d before. Ibid., p. 267: Say you have
had a faire warning.
W74 A WARRANT sealed with butter
1616 R.C. Times’ Whistle l. 276, p. 12: A warrant seald with butter!
as we say. 1616 WITHALS, p. 583: *Volaticum jusiurandum. 1639
CL., s.v. Perfidiae, p. 248: An obligation seal’d with butter. 1670
RAY, p. 198.
Cf. B769: As sure as if it were sealed with butter; B771: Butter
is good for anything but to stop an oven or seal a letter.
W75 For WASHING his hands none sells his lands
1611 COT., s.v. Main: Pour laver ses mains on n’en vend pas sa
terre. A cleane-washt hand makes no man sell his land. 1640
HERB., no. 54. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: (one never sells lands).
1659 N.R., p. 32. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 156.
W76 As angry as a WASP
1526 BONDE Pilgr. Perf, f. 65v: Touche hym with ony iniury and
he wyll be as angry as a waspe. 1546 HEY. I xi, 8. D2: Now mery
as a cricket, and by and by, Angry as a waspe. 01570 Marr. Wit
and Science II i, s. B2: No talke with our maister, but al for his
thrift, Solemne and sower and angry as a waspe. 1595 PEELE
Old Wives’ Tale 1. 277, s. B4: As curst as a waspe. 1611 DAY.
Prov., no. 186: Phryne’s as merry as a cricket sometimes; But
angry as a waspe, when she reads my rimes. 1639 CL., p. 286.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. 1670 RAY, p. 203.
See ST., no. 2129. Cf. W705: Women are wasps if angered. (7)
W77 She is as quiet as a WASP in one’s nose
1616 WITHALS, p. 566: A woman is as quiet, as a waspe in a mans
nose. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16. I670 RAY, p. 215. 1732
FUL., no. 4130: (in one’s Ear).
W78 To anger a WASP
[ERAS. Adagia, 50D: Irritare crabrones.] 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv.
II, I 162: It is a perilous thing to mock and scoffe at others and, as
the saying is, To anger a Waspe. [1619] I647 FLETCHER AND
MASSINGER Little Fr. Lawyer IV, p. 432: If you are well, rest so,
Provoke not angry Wasps. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8.
Cf. W79: To stir a wasp’s nest.
W79 To stir a WASP’S nest
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 18: Down now with the wasps nest. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Vespaio, p. 230: To stir a wasps-neast, viz.
to provoke an Enemy to do us a mischief. 1672 WALK. I, p. 13:
You will rave in a wasps nest; wake a sleeping Lion.
Cf. H756: He pulls an old house on his head; L317: Wake not a
sleeping lion; W7: It is evil (ill, not good) waking of a sleeping dog;
W78: To anger a wasp.
W80 Spend and be free but make no WASTE
1616 WITHALS, p. 564.
How. Eng. Prov., p. 16.
Spend. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 154.
W81 Willful WASTE makes woeful want
1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [96], l. 25: For want is nexte
to waste, and shame doeth synne ensue. 1721 KEL., p. 353. 1732
FUL., no. 5423: Waste makes Want. Ibid., no. 5755: Wilful Waste
brings woful Want.
1639 CL., s.v. Frugalitas, p. 129. 1659
1670 RAY, p. 24. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To
1732 FUL., no. 4247.
W82 It is well warit1 that WASTERS want gear
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 808: Its weill waird that waisters want.
1641 FERG., no. 503. 1668 R.B., p. 30. 1721 KEL., p. 198: (It is
well war’d that). *Spoken when we see them in Need, who have
squander’d their Patrimony.
[ljust, well deserved]

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
WATCH
WATER
706

W83 Good WATCH prevents misfortune
1611 COT., s.V. Guet: Good heed preuents misfortunes. 1623 WOD.,
p. 478: Good watch doth chase ill adventure. 1664 COD., p. 194.
1670 RAY, p. 28. 1721 KEL., p. 123: (prevents Harm).
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-4 I llen. VIII i 58: Had your watch been
good, This sudden mischief never could have fall’n.
W84 A WATCHMAN must never be unprovided of a
weapon for fear of the worst
1616 WITHALS, p. 570. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 6.
W85 All the WATER in the sea cannot wash out this
stain
1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 224: This once defilde, Not all
the Ocean waves can purifie Or wash my staine away. 1609
ARMIN Two Maids More., 3. E2: Scarlet is scarlet, and her Sin blood
red, Wil not be washt hence with a sea of water. [1609] I628
FLETCHER Faithful Shep. IV, p. 413: Not all the showers of Rain
The heavy clo[u]ds send down can wash away That foul unmanly
guilt, the world will lay upon thee. Ibid. V, p. 437: ’Tis holy water.
and will make me clear. My hand will not be cleans’d. I666
TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 143: (wash him). 1732 FUL., no. 557.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. IV i 140: She is fall’n Into a pit
of ink, that the wide sea Hath drops too few to wash her clean
again. 1599 Hen. V IV vii I I I: All the water in Wye cannot wash
your Majesty’s Welsh plood out of your pody, I can tell you that.
1605-6 M. II ii 60: Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood
Clean from my hand? No. This my hand will rather The multi-
tudinous seas incarnadine, Making the green one red.
See ST., no. 2534. Cf. W91: Fair water makes all clean.
W86 As good (false, unstable) as ever WATER wet
[Gen. xlix 4: Unstable as .water, thou shalt not excel.] 1526
BONDE Pilgr. Perf., f. 104: More flowynge and vnstable than the
waters of the see. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XVI xv, p. 122:
Vnchast and false, as ever water wet. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 13. I670 RAY, p. 205.
SHAKESPEARE.—1602 T.C. III ii 198: As false As air, as water,
wind, or sandy earth. 1604 O. V ii 134: She was false as water.
1611 W. T. I ii 131: False . . as Wind, as waters.
W87 As WATER in a smith’s forge, that serves rather-
to kindle than quench
1535 FISHER Serm. Good Friday: Eng. Wks., p. 424: The colde
water when it is cast into the Fyer, causeth the Fyer to be much
more fearse and violent. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 154: But as
the smith his forge, by casting on cold water, burneth more fiercely,
so their love by these delays increased more vehemently. 1578
LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 209: Hast thou not redde . . that he that
casteth water on the fire in the Smithes forge, maketh it to flame
fiercer? 1581 MARBECK Commonplaces, p. 682: Provoke me not
too much, that I throw water into the fire. [a1600] c1647 Edm.
Ironside l. 665, p. 32: Looke how Cold water Cast on burninge
Coles doth make the fier more fervently to flame. Even so your
tears doth adde vnto my rage. [1619] I647 FLETCHER AND MAS-
SINGER Little Fr. Lawyer III, p. 417: Like fire, a little sprinkled o’r
with water Makes the desires burn clear, and ten times hotter.
1629 D’AVENANT Albovine III, p. 49: But tears Were spilt like
water in the forge, only T’enrage the fire. 1639 CL., p. 158.
See T. 667, p. 320. Cf. W1 10: To mix water with fire.
W88 As weak as WATER
[Ezek. vii 17: All hands Shall be feeble, and all knees Shall be weak
as water.] 1545 ASCHAM Tox., p. 28: I found my good bowe clene
cast on the one side, and as weake as water. 1609 Every Woman in
Her Hum., S. A4: They are as weake as water, and indeede as strong.
1611 COT., s.V. Festu: As weake as a rush; or (as we say) water.
1631 SHIRLEY Love Tricks I i, p. 13: But in women’s matters as
weak as water. 1656 R. SANDERSON Ad Aulam xvi: Serm., II 358:
It is a common Proverb among us, as weak as Water. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1662 TRAPP Com. Old, New Test. Rom. 14, V
514: The Silly-simple believeth everything: weak as water on a table,
which with a wet finger may be led any way. I670 RAY, p. 203.

fl
W89 As welcome as WATER into a ship
1520 WHITTINGTON Vulgaria, p. 88: He is as welcome to many of vs
as water into the shyppe. [CI553] 1566-7 UDALL Roister D. III
ii 15: For it liked hir as well to tell you no lies, As water in hir
shyppe, or salt cast in hir eyes. I575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. III
iii, p. 46: We were as welcome as water into the ship. I580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 146: Seeing my counsell is no more welcome
vnto thee then water into a ship. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. F3v:
I am as welcome to her, as water into a Ship. [a1594] 1605 K. Leir,
s. D2v: I know he is as welcome to my sister, As water is into a
broken ship. a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 742: He is als welcom as water
in ane riven ship. 1623 CAM., p. 265. 1639 CL., s.v. Taedium ex
iteratione, p. 303. 1659 N.R., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 203.
Cf. W126: You are as welcome as water in one’s shoes.
W90 Cast not out your foul WATER till you have clean
a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 307: Cast not out the 01d water till the new
com in. 1641 FERG., no. 217: Cast not forth the old water while
the new come in. 1668 R.B., p. 16: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I710
PALMER, p. 89: Don’t throw away Dirty Water till you have got
Clean. 1721 KEL., p. 80: Cast not out the foul Water, till you
bring in the clean. *Part not with that way of living you have,
till you be sure ofa better. I732 FUL., no. 1068. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. III, p. 461: Why, the fellow’s rich, and I think she was a fool
to throw out her dirty water before she got clean.
Cf. K11: Keep some till furthermore come; W98: Let none say,
I will not drink of this water.
W91 Fair WATER makes all clean
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A5). 1639 CL., s.v. Conscientia, p. 66.
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 M. II ii 67: A little water clears us of this
deed. How easy is it then!
Cf. W8 5: All the water in the sea cannot wash out this stain.
W92 Foul WATER as soon as fair will quench hot fire
1546 HEY. I v, S. B2. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 156: Hoat
fire is not onely quenched by the cleere Fountaine, nor loue onely
satisfied by the faire face. 1594 LYLY Mother B. III iv 24: Foule
water will quench hot fire as soone as fayre. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 404: Foul water slokens fyre. 1601 MARSTON Yack Drum I,
s. B3: Oh but to hugge a fool is odious. —Foule water quencheth
fire well inough. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 388: Fowle waters good
ynough t’extinguish fire. 1611 GRUT., no. 100. 1614 CAM., p. 306.
1639 CL., s.v. Auxilium infirmum, p. 44: Foule water will quench
fire. I bid., p. 26 5: (quencheth hot fire). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes
Fac. in Via, p. 190: Foul water will quench fire. *Lust. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 193: Foul Water will quench
Fire, as soon as fair. I668 R.B., p. 18: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670
RAY, p. 154: [As in 1639 Cl., p. 44]. 1721 KEL., p. 104: [As in a1598
Ferg.]. *It has but a foul Meaning. 1732 FUL., no. 1607: [As in
1639 Cl, P- 44]-
W93 Foul WATER is thrown down the sink
1683 W. KENNETT Pr. Folly, p. 144: (I’ll take the Greek Proverb
for a satisfactory Reply; namely . . Foul).
W94 He was christened with pump WATER
1678 RAY, p. 79: *It is spoken of one that hath a red face.
W95 If you have increased your WATER you must also
increase your meal (malt)
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 407. 1732 FUL., no. 2761 : If you increase
the Water, you must increase the Malt.
W96 In the deepest WATER is the best fishing
1616 DR., no. 724: (waters, it is best fishing).
1670 RAY, p. 9. 1732 FUL., no. 2824.
Cf. F336: There is no fishing to the sea nor service to the king.
W97 It will cost hot WATER
01538 Lisle Papers, p. 423: If they be to be had, I will have of them,
or it Shall cost me hot water. 1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix.
III iii, p. 79: This same search hath not cost me hot water (as they
1664 COD., p. 201.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WATER 707 WATER

W101
say). 1655—62 GURNALL Chr. in Armor, p. 100: If the devil be so W105 To beat WATER in a mortar
mighty .. then sure it will cost hot water before we display our [ERAS_ Adagia, 429B: Aquam in mortario tundere_] 1576 LAM__
banners upon the walls of the New Jerusalem.
W98 Let none say, I will not drink of this WATER
1620 SHELTON Don Quite. Pt. II, lv, IV 139: Let . . no man say, Ile
drink no more of such a drinke. I640 HERB., no. 306: (drinke
water). 1710 PALMER, p. 236: Don’t say I’ll never Drink Of this
Water, How Dirty soevet [sic] It be. 1732 FUL., no. 5016: Tho’
thy Water be never so muddy, don’t say, I’ll never drink of it.
Cf. W90: Cast not out your foul water till you have clean.
W99 Much WATER goes by the mill that the miller
knows not of
1546 HEY. II v, s. H4v. 1572 T. SMITH (to Walsingham, Oct. 13)
in Digges Compl. Ambass., p. 274. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34v:
(Much water runeth by). 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Ee3: Muche
water passeth besides the mill that the milner seeth not, and much
hath happened within the compas of thy experience, whereof thou
tookest little keepe. 1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 81: Much
runnes by the mill that the Miller neuer knowes of. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 1009: Much water runs quhen the miller sleeps or much
water runeth by the mill that the miller knawes not of. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Ignorance, no. 1087: (neuer knoweth of). 1623 CAM., p. 269:
Goes much water by the Mill, that the Miller knowes not. 1630
Tinker Turvey, p. 29: The blind eates many a fly, and much water
runs by the mill that the miller wots not of. 1639 CL., s.v. Igno-
ratio, p. 145. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 4: There runs more water by
the Mill, then the Miller knows of. Ibid., p. 20: Much water pass-
eth by, the Miller knoweth not when nor why. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
6, p. 2: Much water passeth by the Mill, that the Miller is not
aware of. 1668 R.B., p. 38: Mickle water runs, where the Miller
sleeps. 1670 RAY, p. 121: (by the mill, the miller). 1721 KEL.,
p. 14: Mickle Water goes by the Miller when he sleeps. Ibid.,
p. 256: Mickle Water goes by that the Miller wats not of. *That is,
People who have much among their Hands, will have Things bro-
ken, lost, and purloyned, of which they will not be sensible.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1592 T. And. II i 85: More water glideth by the
mill Than wots the miller of; and easy it is Of a cut loaf to steal a
shive, we know.
W100 Muddy WATER is a bad looking glass
1565 NORTON AND SACKVILLE Gorboduc IV ii, S. F1: The water
troubled with the mudde Shewes not the face which else the eye
Should see. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1 I: Troubled waters will never
make a good looking-glass. 1732 F UL., no. 3490.
Often to the WATER, often to the tatter
1678 RAY, p. 347: *Of linnen. 1732 FUL., no. 6378: Linnen often
to Water, Soon to tatter.
W102 Pour not WATER on a drowned mouse (rat)
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 9. Ibid., s.v. Inanis opera, p. 153: (Ye
poure water on). 1670 RAY, p. 133: *Add not affliction to misery.
1672 WALK. 59, p. 24: (To pour water on). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To
pour: [As in 1672 Walk.]. a1700 B.E., s.v. Mouse-trap: ’Tis pitty
to fling Water on a Drown’d Mouse, or to depress the Miserable.
1721 KEL., p. 267: (Never pour Water on). *Never insult over
those who are down already. 1732 FUL., no. 3915: (on a drowning
Mouse). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 386: Take pity on poor miss;
don’t throw water on a drowned rat.
Cf. A52: DO not add affliction to the afflicted; M1237: To look
like (As wet as) a drowned mouse (rat).
W103 Running WATER is better than standing
I596 DEL., s. N8v: The standing water is worse then the water that
runneth. 1616 DR., no. 1048. 1657 LEIGH, p. 268: The standing
water is worse then that which runnes. 1664 COD., p. 210.
Cf. G184: God defend me from the still water and I’ll keep my-
self from the rough; M78: Beware of a silent man (dog) and still
water; P465: Standing pools gather filth.
W104 There was no more WATER than the ship drew
1546 HEY. II viii, s. K2v. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 14.
01594 BACON, no. 672.

BARDE Peramb. Kent, p. 469: The house Of Yorke had hitherto but
beaten water in a morter, and lost a1 their former labour. 1579
TOMSON 2 Ep. Paul to Tim. iv: Serm. Calvin, p. 988: As we say in a
common prouerbe, to beate the water, Saint Paule saith to beate
the ayre. 1623 WOD., p. 517: To beate the Water. Ibid.: To peele
Water in a Morter. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pietra, p. 148: To
labour in vain, TO beat water in a morter, the English would say.
Cf. V5: To labor in vain.
W106 To cast WATER into the sea (Thames)
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 166: Or in the se cast water, thynk-
ynge it to augment. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. EIV: As much alms or need,
As caste water in Thems. 1567 MAPLET Green Forest II, p. 162:
In Tropical! sense . . Of such as bestow largely vpon them that haue
no neede . . we say, to cast water into the Tems. I578 FLOR. First
F. XIX, f. 34: It is tyme lost, to put water into the sea. I580
BARET, M—172: Mari aquam addere. *It may also be taken when
as a man doth bestow his labour in vaine. 1585 DYER Praise
Nothing, p. 103: aness the casters of water into the Sea are to be
praised for their charitie. 1600 THYNNE Embl. and Epig. Ded.,
p. 3: Therfore in vaine for mee to bring owles to Athens, or add
water to the large Sea of your rare lerning. I607 Trag. Nero, s. B1 :
Adde not water to the sea, To make our sea of sorrowes ouerflow.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 164: To cast water in Thames is superfluous.
1625 PURCHAS Pilgrims I ii 1, II 55: Foolishly doc I further powre
Water into this Sea. 1654 GAYTON Pleas. Notes Don Quix. III ix,
p. 127: To doe good to men unthankfull, is to cast water into the
Sea. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 14: Tis to cast water into the
Thames. 1670 RAY, p. 243: (Thames). *That is, to give to them
who had plenty before; which notwithstanding is the Dole general
of the world. 1672 WALK. 59, p. 24: ’Tis all one as to throw water
into the Thames; the Sea; to pour water on a drown’d mouse.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI V iv 6: Is’t meet that he Should
leave the helm and, like a fearful lad, With tearful eyes add water
to the sea? 1592 T. And. III i 68: What fool hath added water to
the sea?
See ST., no. 2521. Cf. C466: To carry coals to Newcastle; 097:
You bring owls to Athens; S76: Cast brine salt into the sea; $179:
The sea complains it wants water; V5: To labor in vain. (5)
W107 To fetch (wring) WATER (blood) out of a stone
(flint)
[ERAS. Adagia, 174E: Aquam e pumice postulas.] 9.1542 WYATT
Defense: Wks., p. xxxii: Thou shalt as soon find out oil out of a flint
stone as find any such thing in me. 1559 COOPER, s.v. Pumex: A
pumice aquam querere, To seeke a thynge of a man that he hath
not. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 139: To wring water out
of the Pommice. 1589 GREENE Tully’s Love, p. 196: Thou doest
wring water out of the flint. 1599 [GREENE] George a Greene, s.
E4v: Faith I see it is as hard to get water out Of a flint, As to get
him to haue a bout with me. 1599 WEEVER Epig., p. 17: For
who’le wrest water from a flintie stone? 01600 I Ret. from Parn.
I, p. 30: Hoping to wringe some water from a flinte. 1623 WOD.,
p. 490: It is impossible to draw out Oyle of the Poncea Stone. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Acqua, p. 2: To live by ones wits, to get water
out of a flintstone. Ibid., s.v. Pietre, p. 148: To go about to fetch
bloud out of stones, viz. to attempt what is impossible.
See DER, II, no. 92. Cf. B466: There is no blood tO be got out
of a turnip.
W108 To lay a WATER
[To lay aside] a1529 [SKELTON] Image Hypocrisy: Wks., II 434:
And care not thoughe the matter Were clerely layde a watter.
1531 ELYOT Governor I xxiv, I 258: The lawes layde in water (as is
the prouerbe), affection and auarice subduinge iustice and equitie.
1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4v: The prouerbes, whiche I before them dyd
lay, The triall therof we wyll lay a water, Tyll we trie more. 1562
HEY. Epig. 127, p. 146: My matter is leyde a water, thats a false
tale: Thy matters lie not in water, they lie in ale. 1579 GOSSON
Sch. Abuse, p. 21: Ifhe had broke his arm . . either Apollo must have
played bonesetter, or euery occupation beene laide a water. 1592

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
WATER
WATER
708
LYLY Midas IV iv 10: I see all his expeditions for warres are laid in
water: for now when he should execute, he begins to consult.
W109 To look to one’s WATER
01527 RASTELL Calisto and Mel., s. C1: I haue shewid thy water
to thy phesycyon. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2: By my faith you come to
loke in my water. 1593 PEELE Edw. I viii, s. F2v: I haue cast
your water, and see as deepe into your desire, as he that hadde
diued euerie day into your bosome. I600 ROWLANDS Letting Hu-
mor’s Blood Sat. 6, p. 75: Heele looke vnto your water well enough.
1605 CHAPMAN All Fools V ii 195: Set rascals to undermine her, or
look to her water, as they say? 1616 DR., s.v. Gessing or coniec-
tures, no. 856: A man may know his disease by his water, and by the
feeling of his pulse. [1621] 1647 FLETCHER Pilgr. III iV, p. 189:
Yes still I’le watch his water, he shall pay for’t. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 14: Ile look into his water hereafter. 1670 RAY, p. 198.
1672 T. SHADWELL Miser IV, p. 74: This designe was well scaped;
but I’le watch your waters I warrant you. 1678 RAY, p. 342: I’ll
watch your water. 1700 T. BROWN Amusements III, p. 36: I ..
judged he had been whipping it in with the Gentlewoman before
mentioned, tho’ ’twas not convenient to tell him so, lest his Wife
should watch his Waters more narrowly than she had done.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598 2 Hen. IVI ii 1: Sirrah . . what says the
doctor to my water? —He said, sir, the water itself was a good
healthy water; but, for the party that owed it, he might have moe
diseases than he knew for. 1605-6 M. V iii 50: If thou couldst,
doctor, cast The water of my land, find her disease .. I would
applaud thee.
W110 TO mix WATER with fire
I580 BARET, A—5I I: Aquam igni miscere. A Prouerbe to be vsed
when we seeme to make things which be in nature contrarye one to
the other to agree togither, which is impossible: as fire with water.
Cf. F246: As contrary as fire and water; W87: As water in a
smith’s forge, that serves rather to kindle than quench.
W111 To pour WATER into a sieve
[ERAS. Adagia, 1710: Cribro aquam haurire.] [1477] 1652 T. NOR-
TON Ord. Alchemy I, p. 17: As he that fetcheth Water in a Sive.
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 245: Wymen ar no kepars ofcouncell
It goeth through them as water trough a syue. I586 WITHALS, s.
C8v: Hee drawes water with a siue that wil learne without a booke,
or without teaching. I591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XXXII xxxix,
p. 261: Whom your fair speeches might have made beleeve That
water could be carrid in a seeve. I623 WOD., p. 486: [It is Folie]
to draw Water in a Riddle. 1639 CL., p. 155: (You poure). 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 16: Hee that hopes to carry water in
a sieue, to root out a vice that hath been long planted, or to make
woemen good with stripes, may very easily be deceiued. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. I 8: You may as soon hold water in a Sive. I666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Acqua, p. I: To go fetch water with a sieve, viz.
labour in vain. 1670 RAY, p. 190. 1672 WALK. 51, p. 52: To draw
water in a sieve. 1732 FUL., no. 5979: (You pour).
SHAKESPEARE—I598-9 M.A. V i 3: Thy counsel, Which falls
into mine ears as profitless As water in a sieve. I602 A.W. I iii 208:
Yet in this captious and intenible Sieve I still pour in the waters of
my love.
See DUR., II, no. 361; PR, no. 277. Cf. M456: He that meddles
with another man’s trade milks his cow in a pannier; R27: While
the one milks the ram (he-goat) the other holds under the sieve;
W416: He catches the wind in a net. (8)
W112 To put WATER in one’s wine
1567 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. II 33, III 364: Which if he doe after hee
hath well mingled Water in his Wyne, he may chaunce to finde
cause of Repentaunce. I599 CHAMBERLAIN Letters 15, p. 39:
The cheife rebells . . began to put water in theire wine, and to pro-
ceed with more temper. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 18: To throw
water into ones wine, Viz. to abate his courage. 1659 How. Span.
Prov., p. 24: Pour no water in my wine, for there are worms that go
up and down the River. [1663] 1673 D’AVENANT Playhouse V,
p. 100: Faith, in your wine I perhaps may put water.
See ST., no. 2522.

_
W113 T 0 seek WATER in the sea
I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Acqua, p. 1: *To do an easie business.
Cf. 8182: Send him to the sea and he will not get water.
W114 To write in WATER (sand)
[ERAS. Adagia, 1701: In aqua scribis. .i.e. In aqua scribis, hoe est,
nihil agis] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 187: The counsaile
I haue alwayes giuen thee . . I meane no more to write in water.
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 305v: He that writeth in the
water, leaueth no characters behind him. 1623 WOD., p. 517: To
write vpon the Sand. [1624] 1654 GLAPTHORNE [AND CHAPMAN]
Rev. for Hon. V ii 156: Words writ in waters, have more lasting
essence, Than our determinations.
Cf. S89: T0 plow the sand (shore).
W115 Under WATER famine, under snow bread
I640 HERB., no. 512. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 14: Dearth under
water, bread under snow. 1664 COD., p. 223. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
8, p. 3: Under water there is hunger, but under snow, bread. Ibid.
26, p. 168: Under snow, bread, under water, famine. 1670 RAY,
p. 27. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Water. 1721 KEL., p. 358: (Under Water
Dearth). *Great Rains in Winter wash and impoverish the
Ground; but Snow is suppos’d to cherish it.
W116 WATER afar off quenches not fire
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 145: Water a farre of doth not quench
fier that is nigh. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 123: Water far of,
quencheth no fier neere. I605 DANIEL Philotas I i, p. 112: Water
farre ofif quenches not fire neere hand. I640 HERB., no. 394. I659
N.R., p. 119. 1664 COD., p. 228. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 31, p. I:
(not a neighbouring fire).
W117 WATER after figs and wine after pears
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 8: Pear, Peach, and Melon require pure
wine. Ihid., p. 22. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 201: A pear must
have wine after it, and a fig water.
Cf. P156: The peach will have wine, the fig water; P159: After a
ear wine or a riest.
3
W118 WATER bewitcth
I678 RAY, p. 84: *Very thin beer. 1711 T. BROWN Wealthy Miser
in R. L’Estrange Twenty-Two Sel. Collog., p. 361: The Broth was
nothing in the world but Water bewitched, if it deserved SO good a
Name. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 389: Your ladyship is very
sparing of your tea; I protest, the last I took was no more than
water bewitch’d.
W119 WATER, fire, and soldiers (war) quickly make
room
1640 HERB., no. 510. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 188.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6: (war). 1659 N.R., p. 122. 1664 COD.,
p. 226: (War). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 4, p. 2: Water, wind, and a
souldier, every where make their way.
W120 WATER in May, bread for all the year
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 21: May water bread for the whole year.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 135. .
W121 WATER is a waster
1672 WALK. 10, p. 27. 1681 ROB., p. 1297.
W122 WATER makes one ill, wine makes one Sing
1573 SANF., f. 106v. I578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31: (Th’ water
hurteth, wine). 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet I: Wks., p. 176:
Water duls the braine, and renders the spirits obtuse and heauie.
It is an enemie to literature, saith Horace merrily—Who in a
Rithme rehearses, That water drinkers neuer make good Vearses.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 20, p. 2: Water makes one to weep, Wine to Sing.
W123 WATER runs smoothest where it is deepest
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 6 5: Where the streame runneth
smoothest, the water is deepest. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 222:
A man might contrariwise apply another Proverbe to the learned,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WATER
WAY
709

That where the ryver is deepest, it runneth quietest. I584 LYLY
Sapho and Phao II iv 24. 1606 MARSTON Sophon. V iv 57: Small
rivers murmur, deep gulfs silent flow. 1616 DR., s.v. Reuenge,
no. 1853: Where riuers runne most stilly, they are the deepest.
1640 HERB., no. 171: Take heede of Still waters, the quick passe
away. 1659 N.R., p. 97: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
44, p. 2: Where the water is most still, there it is deepest. 1721
KEL., p. 287: Smooth Waters run deep. *Spoken to or of them who
seem demure, yet are suspected to be roguish. 1732 FUL., no. 5668:
Where the River is deepest, it runneth quietest.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590-1 2 Hen. VI III i 53: Smooth runs the
water where the brook is deep.
See DUR., II, no. 399; OTTO, no. 679; ST., no. 2531. Cf. M78:
Beware of a silent man (dog) and still water; W130: Shallow waters
make the greatest sound. (8)
W124 WATER trotted is as good as oats
1640 HERB., no. 131.
W125 Where the WATER is shallow no vessel will ride
1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 245. 1670 RAY, p. 154. 1732 FUL.,
no. 5682: Where Water is shallow, no Boat will ride.
W126 You are as welcome as WATER in one’s shoes
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II 11 i 2, p. 401: To some men nothing can
be more offensive; they had better . . pour so much water in their
shoes. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1678 RAY, p. 281: As wel-
come as water into ones shooes.
Cf. W89: As welcome as water into a ship.
W127 You have dived deep into the WATER and have
brought up a potsherd
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 407.
W128 You seek hot WATER under cold ice
01550 fohnny Armstrong in Evergreen, II 194: To seik het Water
beneath cauld Yce. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1537. 1668 R.B., p. 57.
I721 KEL., p. 364: *You court for Friendship from them that will
not befriend you. 1732 F UL., no. 5933: You look for hot Water
under the Ice.
W129 He would find WATERS with the first stroke of
his spade
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 131: He that looketh to haue
cleere water must digge deepe. 1732 FUL., no. 2416.
W130 Shallow WATERS make the greatest sound
1618 N. FIELD Amendsfor Ladies III ii, p. 130: ’Tis but Shallow woe
That makes a noise; deep’st waters stillest go. [1626] 1639 SHIRLEY
Maid’s Rev. II ii, p. 122: The shallow rivers glide with noise; The
deep are silent. 1663 N. WAKER Refined Courtier V, p. 116: He
talks lowdest that understands least (as the shallow stream makes
a greater noise than the deepest river). 1721 KEL., p. 289.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Lac. 1. 1329: Deep sounds make lesser
noise than shallow fords.
Cf. S664: Small sorrows (griefs) speak, great ones are silent; V36:
Empty vessels sound most; W123: Water runs smoothest where it
is deepest.
W131 Stolen WATERS are sweet
[Prov. ix 17.] 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet I: Wks., p. 168: Sinne
shewes you a faire Picture: Stollen waters are sweet. [01615] 1633
P. FLETCHER Purple Island VII 43, p. 202: Sweet are stoln waters
round about the marge he wrate. 1616 DR., no. 2291. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Lucrum ex scelere, p. 191: Stolne water is sweet. 1640 BRATH-
WAITE Art Asleep Hush, p. 154: Stolne Waters seemed to him the
sweetest. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens Feb. 22: But it will
tast the better; for you know stollen Waters are sweet.
Cf. B626: Stolen bread is ever sweetest; F779: Stolen fruit is
(Stolen apples are) sweet.

W132 A falser WATER—DRINKER there lives not
1546 HEY. II v, s. H3v.
Cf. W461: Good wine makes good blood.
W133 Although it rain throw not away your WATERING
POT
1640 HERB., no. 321. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 156.
W134 As close as Wu
1620 Descr. Love, S. B6: As close as wax Shee ioyneth things to-
gether. [1625] 1639 R. DAVENPORT New Trick to Cheat Devil II
ii, p. 217: ’Tis sign’d, seal’d, and delivered? ——As fast as waxe and
witnesse can make good.
W135 AS pliable as WAx
[ERAS. Adagia, 754C: Cera tractabilior.] 01594 BACON, no. 832:
More tractable than wax. 1616 WITHALS, p. 554. 1639 CL., p.
28 .
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI II i 169: Clifford and . . North-
umberland . . Have wrought the easy-melting King like wax.
1592 T. And. III i 45: A stone is soft as wax, tribunes more hard
than stones. 1599 Pass. Pilgr. 7, l. 4: Softer than wax.
Cf. W136: Soft wax will take any impression.
W136 Soft WAx will take any impression
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 187: The tender youth of a childe is
lyke the temperinge of newe waxe apte to receiue any forme.
1595 DRAYTON Endim. and Ph. 1. 279: Wks., I 136: O thou art
young . . Like wax which warmed quickly takes impression. 1672
WALK. 10, p. 35.
SHAKESPEARE.—1595 M.N.D. I i 49: You are but as a form in
wax, By him imprinted, and within his power To leave the figure,
or disfigure it.
Cf. T632: Best to bend while it is a twig; W27: Thraw the wand
while it is green; W135: As pliable as wax; W138: To work upon
one (anything) like wax; Y44: Youth and white paper take anyim-
pression.
W137 To melt like WAx
[Ps. xxii 14: My heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my
bowels. Ihid. xcvii 5: The hills melted like wax at the presence
of the Lord.] 1578 WHETSTONE 2 Promos and Cass. I iii, s. G4:
Her harte doth melt lyke waxe. 1580 BARET, M—68: [Goods]
which will soone vanish and decrease as waxe against the fire.
1608 Poet. Rhap. 181, I 261: I still consume Like wax gainst fire.
SHAKESPEARE—I596 K}. V iv 22: Have I not hideous death
within my View, Retaining but a quantity of life, Which bleeds
away, even as a form of wax Resolveth from his figure ’gainst the
fire?
W138 To work upon one (anything) like Wu
1546 HEY. II vi, s. II: At my wil I wend she wolde haue wrought,
like wax. I575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. II iii, p. 36: You shall see . .
how I will worke this geare lyke wax. 1591 LYLY Endim. V iii 6:
But wee see that Golde and fayre words are. .able to worke sillie
women like waxe. 01592 KYD Span. Trag. III iv, s. F2: This workes
like waxe. 1594 LYLY Mother B. III ii I: The time was Wherin wit
would worke like waxe. [1598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng. for My
Money, s. HIv: [As in c1592 Kyd]. 1616 DR., s.v. Yeelding, no.
2517: You may worke vpon him like waxe. 1640 JONSON Magn.
Lady II vi 20: That he may worke like waxe, and print upon.
See OTTO, no. 373. Cf. W136: Soft wax will take any impression.
W139 WAx, linen cloth, and fustian, a fair shop and
little gain
1573 SANF., f. 102v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28v.
Bk. Mer. Rid. 69, p. 28: A fayre shop, and little gaine.
1629
W140-W145 WAY = direction
W140 The best WAY to travel is towards heaven
1639 CL., p. 272.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
WAY 7 IO WAY

W147—W1 57 WAY = method, fashion
W147 The old WAY (fashion) is best
W141 He knows not which WAY to turn him
1616 DR., s.v. Doubting, no. 547. 1639 CL., s.v. Perplexus, p. 248.
W142 I am for which WAY the staff falls
1540 PA LSGRAVE Acolastus IV vi, p. 149: Whiche way so euer my
staffc falleth, that waye wyll I take. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. Ff3: As Cadmus directed his iourney that way towardes which
his stafl'e fell: SO I made my voiage thither, whither it pleased God
and destinie to guide me. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 219: I
warrant you are made while you liue, you neede not care which
way your Staffe falls. 1639 CL., s.v. Anceps et dubius, p. 29:
Which way soever the stafi’ falls. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub IV ii 13:
But as I am now here,just in the mid—way, Ile zet my sword on the
pommell, and that line The point valles too, wee’ll take. 1671 CL.,
Phras. Puer., s.v. To Doubt, p. 102: (I am for . . which way).
W143 They look one WAY and row another
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., 5. PW: I will not double withe you in
driuinge you ofwithe faire language, when my meaninge is nothinge
more then to disappoynte my appoyntment, and so Imitate the
waterman, whiche lookethe one waye, and roweth another. 01594
BACON, no. 90: A whery man, that looks one way and pulls another.
1606 DEKKER Newsfrom Hell: Non-Dram. Wks., II 123: Charon
looking before him (as Watermen vse to doe) that’s to say, behind
him, spied he was hard at shoare. [1623] 1636 DAY AND DEKKER
Wonder King. V, p. 285: Shee has but us’d you As watermen use
their fares, for shee look’d one way And row’d another. 1629
RM. Micrologia 4, s. B6: Or by his posture of going back-ward
when he looks forward; may claime affinity with the waterman,
who rowes one way, yet lookes another. 1630 T. ADAMS Spiritual
Eye-Salve: Wks., p. 664. 1639 CL., p. 289. [1641-8] 1699 HOLLES
Mem., p. 39: For the chief among them had always Grace . . not
to row the way they look’d. 1659 HOW. New Sayings, p. 5: The
Politician like a Sculler, he looketh one way, and roweth another.
1663 WAKER Refined Courtier VI, p. 135: Or not unlike to Barge-
men when they row, They look another way than that they go.
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Predicatori, p. 156: (To be one of the
false Preachers, viz. who speaks well, but do amiss, who look).
1678 RAY, p. 268: To row one way and look the other. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. To Row. 1732 FUL., no. 5221: To row one Way, and
look another. (6)
W144 To know which WAY the wind blows
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4: And knew, which waie the wynde blew, and
will blow. [01570] I599 Clyomon and Clamydes ii, s. BI: And who
so hath knowledge, what needs he to care Which way the Wind
blowe, his way to prepare. 01576 Common Cond. l. 577, s. C2:
Which waies so euer the winde blowes it is for my commoditie.
1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quin. III ii, p. 49: Why then I know where
the Wind sits.
See ST., no. 2583. Cf. G422: To pluck the grass to know where
the wind Sits; $924: Straws Show which way the wind blows;
1594 LYLY Mother B. II i 40: (fashion). 1616 DR., no. 1537,
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 13: Every one after the old fashion.
1672 WALK. 37, p. 57: I am for the old way; I like no changing.
Cf. W161: He that for the new leaves the old way oftentimesis
found to go astray.
W148 There is no WAY but one
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. 268v: Thinkyng to bee no waye but one,
Caesar opened who he was. 1560—77 Misogonus II v 87. [31588]
1598 Pam. Vic. Hen. V1. 531, p. 673: There had bene no way but
one with vs—we should haue bene hangde. I590 MARLOWE I
Tamburlaine V ii I 37: [They] march on us with such eager violence
AS if there were no way but one with us. I595 [W.S.] Locrine I
ii, s. A4v: Then worthie Lord Since ther’s no way but one, Cease
your laments, and leaue your grieuous mone. [1604-17] 1647
FLETCHER Woman’s Prize III v, p. 55: I saw the Tokens Sir.
—Then there is but one way. 1605 T. HEYWOOD 1 If You Know
Not Me, p. 240: I heard the doctors whisper it in secret, There is
no way but one. 1607 MIDDLETON Phoenix I vi 66: A shrewd Sign;
I knew then there was no way but one with him. [01612] 1647
FLETCHER ET AL. Capt. IV ii, p. 283: ’Faith he lyes drawing on a
pace. -——That’s an ill Sign. —-And fumbles with the pots too.
—Then there’s no way but one with him. [1621] 1658 DEKKER,
FORD, AND W. ROWLEY Witch Edmon. IV ii, p. 412: Yes, yes, and
there’s no way with thee but one. 1629 SHIRLEY Wedding I iii,
p. 375: I haue brought myself so low with a great diet, that I must
be temperate, or the doctor says there’s no way but one with me.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Hen. VII iii 14: For after I saw him fumble
with the sheets, and play with flowers, and smile upon his fingers’
ends, I knew there was but one way.
W149 This is the WAY (trick) to catch the old one
1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. E3: We are in the way to catch the old
one, and then our ayme deceiues not. 1608 MIDDLETON A Trick
to Catch the Old One: [Title]. [01626] 16 5 5 R. DAVENPORT K. john
and Matilda IV iii, p. 64: T’was well yet that the trick has catch’d
this Old one. 1639 CL., s.v. Fraus, p. 127. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer.,
s.v. To Deceive, p. 77: And thus he caught the old one. 1678
RAY, p. 87: That’s the way, to catch the old one on the nest.
W150 To go another WAY to work
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 173: But you say nothing of those,
who . . goe another way to woorke to hide their age. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. P3: But wicked Telamon went an other way to
work.
SHAKESPEARE—I601 T.N. IV i 35: Nay, let him alone. I’ll go
another way to work with him.
Cf. W168: To go the wrong way to work.
W151 The WAY to be gone is not to stay here
1678 RAY, p. 72.
W419: Is the wind in that door (corner)?
W145 To look nine WAYS at once
1542 UDALL Apoph., f. I80v: Squyntyied he was, and looked nyne W152 The WAY to be safe is never to be secure’ (He
wayes. 1639 Con., Clinches, Flashes and Whimsies in Shak. Yest-
Bks., III 29: A squint-ey’d man (says one) is the most circumspect
of all men, because he can look nine wayes at once. 1649 G. DAN-
IEL Trinarch. Rich. II, 326, III 218: Passion flyes Squinting, and,
as wee say, Nine wayes at Thrice. [a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen.
Rem., II 213: Which commonly is squint-ey’d, and looks nine Ways
at once. 1683 CROWNE City Politics I i, p. 109: He looks ten ways
at once. 1696 D’URFEY3 Don Quix. III ii, p. 247: I’ll make her
look nine ways at once before I have done with her.
W146 WAY = distance
W146 It is a great WAY to the bottom of the sea
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., S. A6). 1639 CL., s.v. Ab initio, ad finem,
p. 4. 1670 RAY, p. 154. 1732 FUL., no. 1850: He goes a great
Voyage, that goes to the Bottom of the Sea.
Cf. A207: To set all a going if it were a mile to the bottom.

that is secure is not safe)
[01613] 1632 T. HEYWOOD 2 Iron Age IV, p. 410: Obserue it, they
are Still securest whom The Diuell driues to mine. 1640 F.
QUARLES Enchyridion IV lxiii: Wks., I 45. 1732 FUL., no. 2195:
He that is too secure, is not safe. Ibid., no. 4820. 1748 FRANK-
LIN, p. 25: He that’s secure is not safe. 1757 FRANKLIN, p. 33.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II II i 266: And yet we Strike not,
but securely perish. 1602 T.C. II ii 14: The wound of peace is
surety, Surety secure. 1605-6 K.L. IV i 19: Full oft ’tis seen Our
means secure us, and our mere defects Prove our commodities.
1605-6 M. III v 32: And you all know seCurity Is mortals’ chiefest
enemy.
Cf. E137: An enemy (Adversity) makes a man to know himself
whereas a friend (prosperity) flatters a man and deceives him;
N314: Nothing secure unless suspected; T223: He that thinks him-
self surest is often deceived.
[lfoolishly overconfident]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WAY
WAY
711

W153 The WAY to make a woman a fool is to com-
mend her beauty
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 18.
is).
W154 The wholesomest WAY to get a good stomach is
to walk on your own ground
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
W155 Yours to command in the WAY of honesty
1616 WITHALS, p. 583. 1639 CL., s.v. Amicitia, p. 25.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 IVI. V. III iv 35: Madam, with all my
heart. I shall obey you in all fair commands. 1598-9 M.A. II i
157: We must follow the leaders. —In every good thing. 1600-1
H. I ii 120: I shall in all my best obey you, madam. 1610 Cym.
V i 6: Every good servant does not all commands! No bond but
to dojust ones. I613 T.N. K. V ii 71: Yours to command i’ th’ way
of honesty.
Cf. F690: A friend as far as the altar (as conscience permits).
W156 There are more WAYS to kill a dog than hanging
1678 RAY, p. 127. 1721 KEL., p. 253: Many ways to kill a Dog,
and not to hang him. *There be many ways to bring about one
and the same Thing, or Business. 1732 FUL., no. 4862.
W157 To him that wills WAYS are not wanting
1640 HERB., no. 726. 1659 N.R., p. 94. 1664 COD., p. 221.
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 318: Ways are not wanting to any body
who hath a mind. I670 RAY, p. 29. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. To Will.
1705 Pleas. Art, p. 155: (that is willing). 1732 FUL., no. 5183:
(are seldom wanting).
Cf. N299: Nothing is impossible (hard, difficult) to a willing
heart (mind).
W158—W180 WAY = road, track
W158 The farthest WAY about is the nearest way home
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 96: Thou goest about (but yet
the neerest way) to hang me vp for holydayes. 1600 KEMP Nine
Days’ Wonder, p. 17: Getting so into M. Mayors gates a neerer
way; but at last, I found it the further way about. 1606 T.
PALMER Essay Travels II, p. 47: Hereof the Germanes haue a
saying . . Wee haue a Prouerbe . . The farther way about, the neerer
way home. 1635 F. QUARLES Emblems (1643 ed.) IV ii: Wks.,
III 80: The road to resolution lies by doubt; The next way home’s
the farthest way about. 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, indecora, p. 5:
(The farthest about). 1655 FULLER Church Hist. IX ii, II 488: In
their return for England, these Jesuits have found the farthest way
about, for them the nearest way home. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 18: (is sometimes). 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 44, p. 111. 1670
RAY, p. 95: *What is gained in the shortness, may be lost in the
goodness of the way. 1681 ROB., p. 1300. 1721 KEL., p. 301:
(about, the nearest Way home). 1732 FUL., no. 4553.
(7)
Cf. R115: Ride softly that we may come sooner home.
W159 He goes not out of his WAY that goes to a good
inn
1611 COT., s.v Fourvoyer. I640 HERB., no. 826. 1658 E. PHIL-
LIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 179: (He never goes and house).
1664 COD., p. 200. 1670 RAY, p. 14. I705 Pleas. Art, p. 152.
1732 FUL., no. 1851.
W160 He tells me my WAY and does not know it
himself
1732 FUL., no. 2036: (and don’t know it himself).
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-I H. I iii 47: DO not as some ungracious
pastors do, Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven, Whiles
. . Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads And recks not his
own rede.
Cf. F107: He finds fault with Others and does worse himself (He
that will blame Others must be blameless himself); F110: He may
find fault that cannot amend; I27: He that speaks ill of another let
him first think of himself; M631: You know good manners but you
use but a few; P537a: Practice what you preach.
1664 COD., p. 219: (a Woman-fool,

W161 He that for the new leaves the old WAY often-
times is found to go astray
1573 SANF., f. 50. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. [28]: Who leaueth
an olde way for a new, Oftentymes doth finde hym selfe deceyued.
1596 DEL., s. 05v: Let vs not leaue a true way, to follow an vn-
certaine pathway. 1629 Bk. liter. Rid. 2, p. 26. 1659 How. It.
Prov., p. 9: Who leaveth the Old way for the new, is Oftentimes
cousened. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 271: Who leaveth the old way
for the new, will find himself deceived.
Cf. W147: The old way (fashion) is best.
W162 Next WAY, roundabout, in at the far door
1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 8.
W163 The plainest WAY has the surest footing
1549 LATIMER Serm. 2, p. 114: According to the proverb .. He
that walketh in the high plain way, walketh safely. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Tordre: Hee that goes on plaine ground spraines not his foot;
mischiefe attends those that take rugged wayes. 1616 DR., s.v.
Plainnesse, no. 1640. Ibid., no. 1642: Hee that goeth in the plaine
way, stumbleth not. 1623 WOD., p. 494: The Broad Way is the
best to follow.
W164 There is no safer (surer) WAY to follow than
that of the old fox
1596 DEL., s. N4v: (surer). 1639 CL., s.v. Imitandi, p. 146: Good
following the way where the old fox goes. Ibid., s.v. Securitatis,
p. 278.
W165 This is the WAY (He is brought) to Beggar’s
Bush
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 78: In the ende thei go home . . by
weepyng cross, by beggers Barne, and by knaues Acre. 1599 H.
PORTER Two Women Ab. viii, s. G4v: They haue daunst a Galliard
at Beggars bush for it. 1622 MABBE Rogue II 11 iv, III 250: Wee
were then driven very low, and almost brought to beggers bush.
1631 JONSON Staple News IV iv 121: I will . . leaue you my Cloak,
To trauell in to Beggers Bush! 1639 CL., s.v. Paupertas, p. 244:
(He’s brought). a1640 J. DAY Peregr. XIX, p. 7 5: Notwithstand-
ing the best that Industry could doe he was forct to take a napp at
Beggars Bushe. 1660 C. WALKER Hist. Independ. IV, p. 45: A
company of peasants whose Acts were no better than of an assembly
of rogues at beggars bush. 1662 FULLER Worthies Huntington-
shire, I 468: *It is spoken Ofsuch who use dissolute and improvident
courses, which tend to poverty, Beggar’s Bush being a tree notori-
ously known, on the left hand of London road from Huntington to
Caxton. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 26: GO hang your self, at Beg-
gars-bush. 1670 RAY, p. 232. 1732 FUL.,no. 4361 : (Thatis). (6)
W166 T 0 go the WAY of all flesh
[j‘osh xxiii 14: I am going the way of all the earth.] 1607 DEKKER
AND WEBSTER West. Ho II ii, s. DI: I saw him euen now going
the way of all flesh (thats to say) towardes the Kitchin. 1610—25
Stonyhurst Pag. XV 665, p. 223: Sonne Salomon into the way of all
flesh I do enter. 1611 T. HEYWOOD Gold. Age III, p, 46: IfI go
by land, and mis-carry, then I go the way of all flesh. [1621-39]
1653 J. FORD Queen IV, p. 30: Heark ye, your lady is going the way
of all flesh. 1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair Maid West IV, p. 393: She . .
by this is gone the way of all flesh. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Topi, p. 217: (To go the rats Country, viz. to dye, and go the).
See ST., no. 2550. Cf. M505: All men must die.
W167 To go the wrong WAY to the wood
1546 HEY. II ix, s. K4: Ye maie see, ye tooke The wrong waie to
wood, and the wrong sow by theare. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 66: Fidus you goe the wrong way to the Woode, in making
a gappe, when the gate is open. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 13:
He goeth the wrong way . . to the wood.
Cf. W168: To go the wrong way to work.
W168 To go the wrong WAY to work
1611 COT., s.v. Biais: He went not the right way to worke; he tooke
not a right course in the matter. 1616 DR., s.v. Absurdities, no. 13:

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
WAY
WEAKEST
712
(He goeth). 1639 CL., s.v. Absurda, p. 8: (You go). 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 22: You goe the clean contrary way to work. Ihid.,
p. 23: He went not the right way to work. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Sete, p. 191: To go the wrong way to work in any thing, to use
prepostrous means, as to work with blunt tools, when one can make
use of sharp. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 264.
Cf. H705: You bridle the horse by the tail; W150: To go another
way to work; W167: To go the wrong way to the wood.
W169 The WAY is an ill neighbor
I640 HERB., no. 909. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
231: (bad Neighbour).
Cf. H766: A house built by the wayside is either too high or too
low.
W170 The WAY to bliss lies not on beds of down
1639 CL., s.v. Afilictio, p. 16.
Cf. C839: No cross no crown; H352: To go to heaven in a feather
bed; W172: The way to heaven is not spread with rushes but set
with thorns.
W171 The WAY to heaven is as ready by water as by
land (alike in every place)
1533 STOW Chron. (1631), p. 562: The Earle of Essex tolde them,
that they had deserued to be put into a Sack and cast into the
Thames, whereunto Elstow smiling sayd . . we know the way to
heauen, to bee as ready by water as by land. 1551 RALPH ROBIN-
SON Utopia I, p. 30: The way to heauen out of all places is of like
length and distaunce. 1624 Nero II ii, p. 37: Where can I goe but
I Shall see thee, Sunne? And Heaven will be as neere me still as
here. 1662 FULLER Worthies Devonshire, I 286: A terrible Tem-
pest did arise; and Sir Humphrey said cheerfully . . We are as neer
Heaven here at Sea as at Land.
See SM., p. 468.
W172 The WAY to heaven is not spread with rushes
but set with thorns
1616 DR., no. 962: (but beset). 1664 COD., p. 215.
Cf. W170: The way to bliss lies not on beds of down.
W173 Whether I would not, I cannot the WAY
1616 DR., no. 2317.
W174 Which WAY (How many miles) to London?
A pokeful of plums
I542 RECORDE Ground Arts, p. 35: (How many miles). 1580 BAR-
ET, F—63: When a man asking a question, answere is made quite
contrarie to his demand: as thus: Which is the way to London?
answere is made, A poke full ofplumbes. I583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. L3: God geue you good euen, which is the way to Poclinton, a
pokeful of plummes. 1616 DR., s.v. Impertinent, no. 1091. 1639
CL., s.v. Aliena a re, p. 19. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Albanese, p.
3: To answer absurdly, and from the purpose, as, how many miles to
London, a poke full of plums.
W175 Long WAYS long lies
1614 CAM. Rem., Art. (1870), 224, quoted in Sm., p. 276: Some have
sailed .. as far as China, . . to fetch the invention of guns from
thence, but we know the Spanish proverb, Long ways, long lies.
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11: From long wayes, large lyes.
Cf. T476: A traveler may lie with authority.
W176 Many WAYS meet in one town (city)
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Hen. VI ii 207: As many arrows loosed
several ways Come to one mark, as many ways meet in one town.
1613 T.N.K. I v 15: This world’s a city full ofstraying Streets, And
death’s the market place, where each one meets.
See DUR., II, no. 604.
W177 There are many WAYS to fame
1640 HERB., no. 535. I659 N.R., p. 110. 1664 COD., p. 220.

W178 There are three WAYS, the university (church),
the sea, the court
I612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV xii, II 142: There is an old prov.
erbe in this our Spaine . . The Church, the Sea, or the Court.
1640 HERB., no. 379: (the vniversities). I659 N.R., p. 99.
W179 There be more WAYS to the wood than one
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L1. 1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 1 15: I am not
so far in, but I may easily escape out, there is more wayes to the
wood then one, and passages wherein are no peryll. I591 STEP.,
p. 152: (There are). 1597 T. MORLEY Intr. Music II, p. 74: But if
you like it not, there bee (as the Prouerbe sayeth) more wayes to the
Wood then one. a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 1300: (Thair is). 1608
MIDDLETON Family Love III iv 3: More ways to the wood than one;
there’s variety in love. 1611 COT., s.v. Martin. 1611 DAV. Prov.,
no. 282: (There be many more). 1611 GRUT., no. 280. 1614 CAM.,
p. 313. 1616 DR., no. 2362: More wayes to the wood then one.
1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. I ii, p. 20: Is there but one way to the
Wood? And but one Bucket that belongs to the Well? 1639 CL.,
p. 29. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (There are). *More means to
compass a business then one. 1668 R.B., p. 53: (There are mae
wayes). I670 RAY, p. 154: (There are). 1721 KEL., p. 319:
(There are). *If I cannot be serv’d this way, I’ll make a shift
another.
Cf. W180: You try all the ways to the wood. (12)
W180 You try all the WAYS to the wood
1616 DR., no. 2364: (He trieth). I616 WITHALS, p. 573. 1639
CL., p. 60: I’le try every way to th’wood. Ihid., s.v. Industriae, p.
163.
Cf. W179: There he more ways to the wood than one.
W181 A Yorkshire WAY-BIT
61589 NASHE Almond for Parrot: W ks. , III 34 5: My full points seeme
as tedious to thy puritane perusers as the Northren mans mile, and
a waybitte to the weary passenger. 61640 CLEVELAND Dial. Two
Zeal. l. 52: Poems, p. 121: A Yorkshire wee bit longer than a mile.
M655 1. HOWELL Let. IV xxviii, II 605: In the North Parts, where
there is a wea-bit to every mile. 1662 FULLER Worthies Yorkshire,
II 494: *That is, an Over-plus not accounted in the reckoning, which
sometimes proveth as much as all the rest. I670 RAY, p. 256.
W182 The WEAK may stand the strong in stead
1577 T. KENDALL Trifles: Flowers Epig., p. 249: (The prouerbe old
doth say: The weake).
Cf. F469: A fool may sometimes give a wise man counsel.
W183 The WEAKER goes to the pot
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2. 1562 HEY. Epig. 292, p. 171. 1601 MAR-
STON Yuck Drum I, s. B2v: A pale weake stripling, yet contend with
Ale. —Why the weakest go to the Pots still. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. I 5.
Cf. P504: To go to pot; W185: The weakest goes to the wall.
W184 The WEAKER has the worse
I481 CAXTON Reynard 14, p. 31: Hit went with hem as it Ofte doth
the feblest hath the worst. 1546 HEY. II x, s. C2v. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 156, p. 152. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 406: (The weake).
Cf. W185: The weakest goes to the wall.
W185 The WEAKEST goes to the wall
[a1550] I626 7ests Scogin in Shak. Vest-Bk., II 161: For ever the
weakest is thrust to the wall. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 201:
He that worst may is alwaye enforced to holde the candell, the
weakest must still to the wall. I586 WITHALS, s. E8v: The weake
goes by the wall. I593 GREENE Mamillia H, p. 241: The weakest
is thrust to the wall, and he that worst may, holdes the candle.
a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 1291: (walls). 1608 G. MARKHAM AND MA-
CHIN Dumh Knt. I, p. 124: The weakest must to the wall still. I611
COT., s.v. Mal-vestu: The weakest to the wall. 1611 DAY. Prov.,
no. 2: (The weake). 1616 DR., no. 2366: The weake goe to the
walles. 1623 CAM., p. 279: (goe to the walles). 1639 CL., p. 99:
(goe to the walls). 1640 DAINES Orthoepia Ang., p. 73: After the

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WEAL
WEAPON
713

common course of the world, the weakest goe by the walls. 01640
SMYTH 66, p. 32: Hee that worst may, must hold the candle, Or,
the weakest goes to the wall. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: (still to
the wall). 1668 R.B., p. 51: (walls). 1670 RAY, p. 154: (The
weakest must go). 1721 KEL., p. 322: *The least powerful are
thrust out from Profit or Preferment.
SHAKESPEARE—c1595 [3.7. I i I7: That shows thee a weak slave;
for the weakest goes to the wall.
See DiJR., II, no. 339. Cf. C40: He that worst may must hold
the candle; M235: A man has many enemies when his back is to
the wall; W15: TO be driven (To go) tO the wall; W183: The weaker
goes to the pot; W184: The weaker has the worse. (26)
W186 Be it WEAL or be it woe, beans blow before
May does go
1678 RAY, p. 351. I732 FUL., no. 6202: (Beans should blow before
May g0).
W187 He is worth no WEAL that can bide no woe
a1598 FERO. MS, no. 524: (quho is worth no wo). 1641 FERG., no.
353: (that may not byde na wae). 1668 R.B., p. 26: (that may bide
no wae). I721 KEL., p. 133: He’s worth no well, can bide no wo.
Cf. P412: He that will have the pleasure must endure the pain;
W188: NO weal without woe.
W188 NO WEAL without woe
[01470] I485 BIALORY Morte d’drthur XX v, p. 804: We wil take the
woo with the wele. a1542 WYATT Venomous Thorns l. 8: Poems,
I 54: Since every woe is joined with some wealth. 1573 SANF., f.
108v: I suffer the yl, hoping for the good. 1578 FLOR. First F.
XIX, f. 33.
Cf. L463: NO great loss but some small profit; M994: There is no
mirth without mourning; P412: He that will have the pleasure must
endure the pain; P420: There is no pleasure without pain; W187:
He is worth no weal that can bide no woe.
W189 WEAL and women cannot pan1 but woe and
women can
1639 CL., p. I I 8: Weale, and women, never sam, but sorow and they
can. 1678 RAY, p. 355. 1697 MER., p. 163: (but way and woemen
can).
[lget on together]
W190 Whom WEAL pricks sorrow comes after and
licks
1657 CAM., p. 305.
W191 Bear WEALTH, poverty will bear itself
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 233: Bear wealth. 1641 FERG., no. 166.
1668 R.B., p. 12. I721 KEL., p. 64: (Bear Wealth, for Poverty).
*Wealth is subject tO a great many more Tentations than Poverty.
1659 N.R., p. 125.
W192 Either WEALTH is much increased or modera-
tion is much decayed
1651 HERB., p. 371. I659 N.R., p. 29.
W193 Farewell WEALTH and welcome health
1639 CL., p. 314.
W194 The greatest WEALTH is contentment with a
little
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1664 COD., p. 214. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 28, p. 52: He hath enough who is contented with a little.
Mid. 34, p. 52: The contentment of things is a certain wealth.
1670 RAY, p. 28. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Contentment: Contentment is
the greatest Wealth. I732 FUL., no. 4581.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 0. III iii I72: Poor and content is rich,
and rich enough.
See DI'iR., II, no. 74I.
mind) is great riches.
W195 He that marries for WEALTH sells his liberty
1640 HERB., no. 779. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
234. 1659 N.R., p. 40. 1664 COD., p. 200: (doth sell). 1670
Cf. C629: Contentment (A contented

RAY, p. 17: (doth sell).
1732 FUL., no. 2238.
Cf. D577: A great dowry is a bed full Of brabbles (brambles).
1687 MIEGE, s.v. To Marry: (doth sell).
W196 In WEALTH (weal) beware of woe
15th c. drelz. Selden MS 338 in Early Eng. Caro/s, p. 231: In wele
be ware or ye be woo. £11500 Prov. Wisdom l. 54: And yn welth all
way be ware. 1508 STANBRIDGE Vulgaria, p. 26: Be ware in welthe
or thou be wo. a1529 SKELTON Agst. Garneselze no. 4, l. 124: Wks.,
I 130: Werefore in welthe beware of woo, For welthe wyll sone
departe the frOO.
Cf. C506: Much coin much care.
W197 Little avails WEALTH where there is no health
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17.
Cf. H291: Health without money is halfan ague (half a sickness).
W198 Little WEALTH (goods) little care
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 977: Littl compt littl cair.
Beggars, no. 144: Little goods, little cares.
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Foe. in Via, p. 20.
p. 13. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 16. 1659 N.R., p. 72. 1664
COD., p. 204. 1732 FUL., no. 3256: (Goods). Mid“ no. 3262:
Little Wealth brings little Trouble.
Cf. C88: Great cares are great merchandise; C194: NO (Mickle)
cattle no (mickle) care; C506: Much coin much care; R109: Riches
bring care and fears.
1616 DR., s.v.
1640 HERB., no. 497.
1659 How. It. Prov.,
W199 WEALTH is like rheum, it falls on the weakest
parts
I640 HERB., no. 471. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 21 .
1659 N.R., p. 119. 1664 COD., p. 229. 1670 RAY, p. 28. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Wealth: *Agreeable tO which is this other Proverb,
Fools have Fortune.
Cf. F536: Fools have fortune (are fortunate).
W200 WEALTH is not his who has it but his who en-
joys it
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31v: The ware is not his that gathers it,
but his that enioyes it. 1603 FLORIO Essays Montaigne I, I 303:
Whatsoever the goods of fortune are, a man must have a proper
sense to savour them: It is the enjoying, and not the possessing Of
them, that makes us happy. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 238: Wealth is his who enjoys it, and the
World is his who takes part of it. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 10.
Cf. G302: Goods are theirs that enjoy them; G387: The gown is
his that wears it and the world his that enjoys it; M236: The man
has no more goods than he gets good of (has need of).
W201 WEALTH makes (garsl) wit waver
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1474: (gars). 1668 R.B., p. 56: (gars). 1721
KEL., p. 340: *Spoken when People have many advantageous
Ofiers, and are at a loss which to take.
[1makes]
W202 WEALTH makes worship
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A7v): Wealth makes the worship of the
world. 1639 CL., p. 99. 1670 RAY, p. 154. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Wealth. 1732 FUL., no. 5464: Wealth wants not for Worship.
W203 There is no such conquering WEAPON as the
necessity of conquering
1651 HERB., p. 367.
W204 T0 beat one at his own WEAPON
01600 Birth Hercules I i, p. 10: For there is the credytt, to put a
man downe at his owne weopen. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Fare capellaccio,
p. 179: To put the same tricke vpon him that would put the like
vpon thee, or as we say in English, to beate one with his owne
weapon, to giue one as good as he brings. 1622 MABBE Rogue II
11 vi, III 297: He had beaten a master Of defence at his owne
weapon. 1639 CL., p. 319: TO cast a man in his own action. 1664
W. KILLIGREW Pandora IV, p. 58: I . . will now play with ’um, at

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation sec pp. xi 5.
WEAPONS
WEATHER
714

their own game. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cicala, p. 38: To beat
an Adversary with his own weapon. 1672 WALK. 12, p. 14: You
challenge me at mine own game; weapon.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-1 II. III iv 206: ’Tis the sport to have
the enginer Hoist with his own petar.
Cf. B563: He outshot him in his own bow; G122: I shall give you
(You shall have) as good as you bring.
W205 All the WEAPONS (arms) of war (Brescia, Eng-
land) cannot arm fear
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32:
(Al the weapons of London, wyl not). 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p.
107: (All the armes of Brescia, will not). 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 78:
(All weapons of warre will not). 1616 DR., s.v. Feare, or Feare-
fulnesse, no. 697: (All weapons will not). 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 15,
p. 27: (All weapons). 1640 HERB., no. 718: (All the armes of
England will not). 1659 N.R., p. 18: (All the arms in England will
not). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 29: All the Arms of Bressa are
not able to arm fear.
Cf. M860: There is no medicine (remedy) for fear.
1573 SANF., f. 50v: (Brescia).
W206 WEAPONS bode peace
a1536 HILL 13, p. 128: Wepin makith pese diwers times. 1574 B.
RICH Dial. betw. Merc. and Eng. Sold., s. B6: In deede we haue a
saying, that Weapon many times maketh peace. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1469: (bods). 1668 R.B., p. 56: (bodes).
Cf. P153: To make peace with a sword in his hand.
W207 Everything is the worse for the WEARING
[01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. B2v: All thynge is worse whan it
is worne. 1546 HEY. II i, s. F3v: (Al thyng is). 1553 T. WILSON
Rhet., p. 151: Your witte is good enough, if you keepe it still and
vse it not, for euery thing, as you knowe, is the worse for the
wearing. 1591 LODGE Catharos, p. 15: The prouerbe is olde, euerie
thing is worse for the wearing. 1599 ESSEX (to Willoughby, Jan.
4) in R. Cecil Cal. MSS, IX 10: Reasons are not like garments, the
worse for the wearing. 1616 DR., s.v. Time, no. 2147: All things
are the worse for wearing. 1639 CL., s.v. Longaevitas, p. 190:
Every thing is worse for wearing. I640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep
Husb., p. 161: He had an excellent Shap’t Legge, and a suflicient
Calfe, but every thing is worse for wearing. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 10: (Every thing is worse for). 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Torchio, p. 218: (for wearing). 1670 RAY, p. 159. 1721 KEL.,
p. 96: *Spoken of Persons, Beasts, and Things, when they are
grown old and decay’d. 1732 FUL., no. 1468: (for wearing).
W208 They win by WEARING their enemies out
1639 CL., s.v. Tarditatis, p. 303. 1664 COD., p. 213: (wearing out
their enemies). 1672 WALK. 22, p. 56: (Soft and fair goes far;
they win by).
W209 It is better to WEAR OUT than rust out
a1718 R. CUMBERLAND, quoted in Smiles Self-Help, XI 383.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVI ii 245: I were better to be
eaten to death with a rust than to be scoured to nothing with
perpetual motion.
See SM., p. 66. Cf. 191: Iron not used soon rusts; K26: The used
key is always bright.
W210 WEARY: verb
W210 Never WEARY of that which is good
1616 DR., s.v. Contentment, no. 356. 1639 CL., s.v. Iteratio citra
taedium, p. 179.
Cf. F491: I am a fool, I love anything that is good; W268: Never
be weary of well-doing.
W211 WEARY: adj.
W211 He is very WEARY
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk.

W212 When the WEASEL and the cat make a marriage
it is a very ill presage
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 406: *The meaning is that when evil
men, who were formerly at variance, and are of great power, make
agreement, it portends danger to the innocent and to others who
are within their reach.
W213 Calm WEATHER in June sets corn in tune
1557 TUSSER 100 Points Husb. 53, p. 117: (corne sets in time).
1732 FUL., no. 6207.
Cf. C660: Look at your corn in May and you’ll come weeping
away, look at the same in June and you’ll come home in another
tune.
W214 Cold WEATHER and crafty knaves come out of
the North
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 16: (come from). 1664 COD., p. 189:
(Cold weather and knaves). 1670 RAY, p. 19: [AS in 1664 Cod.].
Cf. I38: Three ills (evils) come out from the North, a cold wind,
a shrinking cloth, and a dissembling man; N213: Out of the North
all ill comes forth.
W215 Expect not fair WEATHER in winter on one
night’s ice
1640 HERB., no. 449: Trust not one night’s ice.
I670 RAY, p. 28.
1664 COD., p. 192.
W216 Fair is the WEATHER where cup and cover do
hold together
01640 SMYTH 81 , p. 32: *Where husband and wife agree.
Cf. C906: Such cup (pot) such cover (potlid).
W217 Fair WEATHER after you
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus I iv, p. 57: Fy on it, it is the byble boke,
fare well it, or fayre wether after it. 1592 Arden F., s. F4v: So
faire weather after you, For before you lyes black Will and shake-
bag in the broome close, too close for you. [1598] 1616 HAUGHTON
Eng. for My Money, s. F4v: Fare de well good frend . . —Faire
weather after you. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. iii, s. EIV:
Shall I fling an olde shooe after ye? —No, you should say God
send faire weather after me. 1606 Wily Beguiled v, p. 21: I, fare-
well, faire weather after you. 1608 MIDDLETON Family Love II iv
45: So, then, your best-beloved is gone; fair weather after him!
SHAKESPEARE.——1594-5 L.L.L. I ii 148: And so farewell. —Fair
weather after you!
Cf. F769: Farewell frost.
W218 It will be fair WEATHER when the shrews have
dined
1546 HEY. I xiii, s. F2: Whan al shrews haue dynd, Chaunge from
foule wether to faire is 0ft inclind. 1678 RAY, p. 243.
W219 Like ill WEATHER, you come (sorrow comes)
unsent for
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. F3v: I come like ill weather, vnsent
for. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1556: Ye breid of ill weather yow com
vnsent for. 1606 J. DAY Isle Gulls, s. E2v: Strangers . . are like
foule weather, come afore they be sent for. 1639 CL., p. 16 5:
(sorrow comes). 1664 COD., p. 204: [As in 1639 CL]. 1721 KEL.,
p. 290: Sorrow and ill Weather come unsent for. *Spoken when a
Person is coming to your House, Whose Company you do not care
for. I bid. , p. 362: (You breed of foul Weather, you). *Spoken to
them whose coming you could have excused. I732 FUL., no. 5853:
(You are like foul Weather; you).
Cf. N146: Ill news comes unsent for; S654: Sorrow comes unsent
for.
W220 There is no WEATHER ill when the wind is still
1623 CAM., p. 279. 1639 CL., p. 263: (N0 weather’s ill, when).
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 22: When it Snows it snows, when it rains
it rains, when the wind blusters ’tis ill weather. 1659 N.R., p. 103.
1664 COD., p. 213. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 300: When it rains,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WEATHER
WEDGE
715

it rains, when it snows it snows, but when the wind blows it is ill
weather. Ibid. 32, p. 300: When the wind blows, it cannot be said
to be good weather. 1670 RAY, p. 42: No weather’s ill, If the wind
be still. 1721 KEL., p. 266: No Weather ill, if the Wind be still.
1732 FUL., no. 6213: [As in 1670 Ray].
SHAKESPEARE.~—I594—5 L.L.L. IV ii 33: Being of an old father’s
mind—Many can brook the weather that love not the wind.
W221 To make fair WEATHER
1546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: Aboue all, with her I made fayre wether.
1547 GARDINER Letters March I, p. 270: Men made fayre whether
with me. 1562 HEY. Dial. II V, p. 54: They can currifauell, and
make faire wether, Whyle they cut large thongis of other mens
lether. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 91: Yet that her estate might be
hid still, shee made faire weather of it, and so let all passe. 1616
DR., s.v. Excuse, no. 621 : He would make faire weather ofit. I622
BACON Hist. Hen. VII, XI 111: To which message, although the
French King gaue no full credit, yet he made fair weather with the
King and seemed satisfied. 1639 CL., s.v. Laetitia, p. 184: He
makes all faire weather abroad.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590-1 2 Hen. VI V i 30: But I must make fair
weather yet a while.
W222 WEATHER meet to set paddocks1 abroad in
1546 HEY. I xiii, s. F2.
[1toads, frogs]
W223 As wavering (variable) as the WEATHERCOCK
1548 E. HALL Hen. IV: Chron., f. 28: Common people, which be
more variable then the Wethercocke. 1576 FLEMING Panoply Epp.,
p. 285: The wauering and wandering affections of people, as vn-
stable as the winde, or as variable as a weather cocke. 1577 T.
KENDALL Trifles: Flowers Epig., p. 286: Suche as like waueryng
whethercocks, with euery blast turne rounde. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 713: He is lyk ane widder cok in the Wind. 1615 TOFTE
Blazon j‘eal, p. 81: Since thou as Weather-cocke dost change.
1616 WITHALS, p. 575. 1631 FULLER David’s Heinous Sin: Poems,
p. 82: The subjects flockit king David to restore .. People like
weather-cocks wav’d with the wind. 1639 CL., p. 159. 1641
FERG., no. 429: He is like a widder cock. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Girella, p. 75: To be a weather-cock, Viz. unconstant in any
undertaking. 1672 WALK. 17, p. 14: You are as unconstant as the
wind; as wavering as the weathercock. One knows not where to
have you. 1683 D.A. Whole Art Converse I vi, p. 21: Some are as
changeable as weather-Cocks in their humours.
Cf. K186: One knows not where to have you; V16: He turns like
a vane on the housetop (with the wind); W41 2: As wavering (change-
able, fickle, inconstant) as the wind; W653: A woman is a weather-
cock; W698: Women are as wavering (changeable, inconstant) as
the wind.
W224 The WEAVERS’ beef of Colchester
I662 FULLER W orthies Essex, I 340: *These are Sprats, caught here-
abouts, and brought hither in incredible abundance, whereon the
poor Weavers (numerous in this City) make much of their repast.
1670 RAY, p. 227.
W225 It is hard to make a good WEB of a bottle1 of hay
CI640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 1: A strong web [is never
made] ofa bottell of hay. I670 RAY, p. 154. I732 FUL., no. 2950.
[lbundle]
W226 It will be an ill WEB to bleach
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 843. 1668 R.B., p. 32. 1721 KEL., p. 226:
(Kiss you me ’till I grow white, and that will be an). *A scornful
Answer to a saucy Proposal. -
W227 As the WEBSTERS1 stealing through the world
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 854: I am even steeling throw the world lyk
ane wobster. 1721 KEL., p. 34: *Stealing in this Proverb has a
double Signification.
[1weavers]
W228 You will be wiser now you are WED
1639 CL., s.v. Prudentia, p. 266.

W229 Who WEDs (marries) ere he be wise shall die
ere he thrive
I546 HEY. I viii, 3. C1. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 532: He that maries
or he be wyse wil die or he thrive. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 114: (wise,
nere thriues vntil he dyes). 1611 GRUT., no. 327. 1614 CAM.,
p. 315. 1616 DR., no. 2379: (He that marieth before and before
he thriue). 1639 CL., p. 328: They that wed, ere they be Wise,
shall die before they thrive. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1664
COD., p. 225: (Who weddeth before and before he thrive). 1668
R.B., p. 25. 1670 RAY, p. 48. 1697 Yorkshire Dial. in Yorkshire
Anth., p. 88: But they that wed before they’re wise, it’s said, Will
de before they thrive.
Cf. T264: First thrive and then Wive; Y12: It is hard to wive and
thrive both in a year.
W230 Never but once at a WEDDING (coronation)
[a1600] 1611 Tarlton’s jests in Shak. Yen-Bks., II 23 5: Did you see
the like before? —Never but once, in London. a1640 DAY
Peregr. XVI, p. 70: But being a scholler, and a poore one to, they
had noe vse for him except it were once in a coronation to make a
speech for the entertainement Ofa prince. 1678 RAY, p. 263. Ibid.
Once at a Coronation. Ibid., p. 346: I never see’t but once and
that was at a wedding. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 394: Did you
ever see the like? —Never, but once at a wedding.
W231 One WEDDING begets another
01634 M.P. Wooing Maid l. 28 in Roxb. Bal., III 54: ’Tis said that
one wedding produceth another. 1713 GAY Wife of Bath I i, as
quoted in Sm., p. 347: One Wedding, the Proverb says, begets
another.
W232 WEDDING and hanging go by destiny
1519 HORMAN Vulgaria, p. 37: It is my destenye to be hanged.
1546 HEY. I iii, s. A4v: Wedding is desteny, And hangyng lyke-
wise, sayth that prouerbe. 01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom.
l. 301, p. 116: Truely some men there be That . . say it gooeth by
destenye; TO hang or wed. 1562 HEY. Epig. 6, p. 129: Weddyng
and hangyng, are desteny I see. Weddyng or hangyng, which is
best, sir (quoth shee?) Forsooth good wife, hangyng I thinke best
(quoth hee) So helpe me god,” good husband, so thinketh mee.
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 241: Wedding and hanging the Destinies
dispatch. 1616 WITHALS, p. 561: (are both destiny). 1639 CL., p.
230: (Marriage and). 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 12:
Wedding, hanging, and thriuing are euermore gouerned by destiny.
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 5. I670 RAY, p. 48: [As in 1639 Cl.].
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M.V. II ix 82: The ancient saying is no
heresy, Hanging and wiving goes by destiny.
See ST., no. 831. Cf. B139: He that is born to be hanged
(drowned) shall never be drowned (hanged); M680: Marriage and
magistrate be destinies of heaven; M682: Marriage is destiny;
M688: Marriages are made in heaven. ' (3o)
W233 As your WEDDING RING wears, your cares will
wear away
1678 RAY, p. 344: *Somerset.
wear off your Cares).
W234 One WEDGE drives out another
1550 LATIMER Serm. 16, p. 297: Christ . . made them give answer
against themselves; and as it were with one wedge drived out
another. 1586 WITHALS, s. H7v: Steele ouercummeth steele, in
Stryking one wedge driueth out another. 1602 MARSTON Antonio’s
Rev. IV i 192: Why, thus should statesmen do .. Use men like
wedges, one strike out another. 1675 BROOKS Golden Key: Wks.,
V 45: A little wedge makes way for a greater and so do little sins
make way for greater.
- Cf. F277: One fire (heat) drives out another; L538: One love
drives out (expels) another; N17: One nail drives out another.
W235 There goes the WEDGE where the beetle1 drives
it
1640 JONSON Tale Tub I v 25: The Beetle and Wedges will, where
you will have ’hem. I678 RAY, p. 216. 1732 FUL., no. 4869.
[lmallet]
1732 FUL., no. 6146: (wears, You’ll

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
WEDLOCK 7 I 6
WEEPING CROSS

W236 WEDLOCK is a padlock
I678 RAY, p. 56. I732 FUL., no. 6261.
W237 He that bites on every WEED must needs light
on poison
I597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 155: (of euery weede may
light upon poison). 1639 CL., p. 211. I670 RAY, p. 63. I710
PALMER, p. 24. 1732 FUL., no. 2046: (may light on Poison).
W238 An ill WEED grows apace (fast, well)
a1500 Harl. MS 3362, p. 309: Ewyl weed ys sone y-growe. 1546
HEY. I x, s. C4v: lll weed growth fast. 1573 SANF., f. 106v: The
euyll herbe soone groweth, and is neuer destroyed. I578 FLOR.
First F. XIX, f. 31v. 1586 WITHALS, s. D7V. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 782: Ill weids waxes weel. I599 CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth
viii 215, p. 79: Whatsoever I say . . he shall say, Oh, sir, you may
see an ill weed grows apace. I611 COT., s.v. Croistre. I611 GRUT.,
no. 140: Ill weedes groweth fast. 1614 CAM., p. 308: Ill weeds grow
fast. 1616 DR., s.v. Vice, no. 2243. 1623 CAM., p. 266. 1639
CL., s.v. Ingenii malicia, p. 167: Ill weeds grow apace. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 8: [As in 1614 Cam.]. 1660 TATHAM Rump I, p. 2:
Ill Weeds grow apace, Brother, and thou art one of them, and in
time mayst reach the Gallows. I666 TOR. It. Prov., note 19, p. 58.
I668 R.B., p. 28: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY, p. 109: [As in
1639 Cl.]. 1721 KEL., p. 192: Ill Weed waxeth well. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3080: [As in 1639 CL].
SHAKESPEARE—1597 Rich. III II iv 12: ‘Ay,’ quoth my uncle
Gloucester, ‘Small herbs have grace; great weeds do grow apace.’
And since, methinks, I would not grow so fast, Because sweet
fiow’rs are Slow and weeds make haste. Ihid. III i 103: You said
that idle weeds are fast in growth. The Prince my brother hath
outgrown me far.
(17)
See ST., no. 1678.
W239 Neither WEED amongst corn nor suspicion in
friendship
1616 DR., s.v. Iealousie, no. 1066. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 1:
Nor weeds in thy corn, nor scruples in thy friend.
W240 One ill WEED (turd) mars a whole pot of pot-
tage (porridge)
1546 HEY. II vi, S. I2: One crop of a tourde marrth a pot of potage.
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 189: One leafe of Colliquintida
marreth and spoyleth the whole potte of porredge. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 143: Ane tuird wil spill ane potfull Of bruiss [broth].
1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man V, p. 439: For one droppe of poyson
spoyleth a great quantitie of good wine. I606 Arraignment Trai-
tors in Antiq. Rep., I 193: But last of all, to marre all the pottage
with one filthy weede, to mar this good prayers with an il conclusion.
1611 GRUT., no. 207. 1614 CAM., p. 310. 1615 T. ADAMS Bad
Leaven: les., p. 711: A little Coliquintida spoyles all the broth.
1616 DR., no. 691: A little Coloquintida marreth a whole pot of
pottage. 1639 CL., s.v. Morum, p. 216: (porridge). 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 9. 1664 COD., p. 208: (One evil weed). I670 RAY,
p. 154. I732 FUL., no. 3803: One wicked Weed spoils a Whole
Mess of Porridge.
SHAKESPEARE.—IOOO-I H. 1 iv 36: The dram of e’il Doth all
the noble substance often dout To his own scandal.
See ST., no. 96; TAY., p. 67. Cf. A294: One rotten apple cor-
rupts all those apples that lie near it; C585: One ill condition mars
all the good; S774: A spoonful of skitter will spill a potful of skink.
W241 WEEDS come forth on the fattest soil if it is
untilled
[ERAS. Similia, 573A: Ut terra quo melior est natura, hoc magis
corrumpitur, si negligatur.] I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 251:
Doth not common experience make this common vnto vs, that the
fattest grounde bringeth foorth nothing but weedes if it be not well
tilled? That the sharpest wit inclineth onely to wickednesse, if it
bee not exercised? Ihid., p. 263: The fertill soyle if it bee neuer
tilled doth waxe barren, and that which is most noble by nature is
made most Vyle by negligence. 1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f.
I: The fattest soile without husbandrie, is soone ouergrowen with

VV245
VV247
weedes: and the aptest wits without gouerment, soone corrupt
with Vice. I600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 221: As vntill’d fields
bring nothing forth but weeds, So vntaught youth yeelds all but
vanitie.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IV IV iv 54: Most subject is the
fattest soil to weeds; And he, the noble image of my youth, Is over-
spread with them. 1600-I H. I ii 135-: Fie on’t! ah, fie! ’Tis an
unweeded garden That grows to seed; things rank and gross in
nature Possess it merely. 1606-7 A.C. I ii 113: 0, then we bring
forth weeds When our quick minds lie still.
Cf. B595: If the brain sows not corn it plants thistles; G461: The
best ground is the dirtiest; W281: If wheat comes not up weeds
will.
W242 The WEEDS overgrow the corn
[01470] 1485 MALORY Morte d’Arthur VII viii, p. 223: It is shame
that euer ye were made knyghte to see suche a ladde to matche
suche a knyghte as the wede ouer grewe the come. 01510 Hicks-
corner, s. B2v: Lo, lordes, they may curs the tyme they were borne
For the wedes that ouer groweth the come. 01530 Youth, S. C1: Lo
maisters here you may see beforn That the wede ouergroweth the
come. I546 HEY. I x, s. C4v: The weede ouergroweth the come.
1567 MAPLET Green Forest II, p. 71: So that the old Prouerbe is
herein verified: the ill weede ouercroppeth the good corne. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 126 5: The weids overgangs the come. I629 TUVILL
Vade Mecum Of Respect, p. 95: But alas! the tares have over-
growne the Corne. 1721 KEL., p. 319: *The bad are the most
numerous.
Cf. G37: No garden (wheat) without weeds (darnel).
W243 WEEDS want no sowing
1659 N.R., p. 127: You need not sow weeds. 1732 FUL., no. 5466.
W244 He is in by the WEEK
I546 HEY. II vii, s. K1: Wherby this prouerbe Shewth the in by
the weeke. [01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I ii 4: He is in by the
weke, we shall have sport anon. I562 HEY. Epig. 60, p. 136:
Thou art in by the weeke, nay syr I am here, Not in by the weeke,
I am in by the yere. I576 WAPULL Tide Tarries No Man, s. D3:
Alas good Gentleman, he is serued but ill, In fayth he is in now by
the weeke. 1598 R. BERNARD Andria I i, p. 11: He is taken, he is
in the snare; he is in for a bird, hee is in by the weeke. I604 Wit
Woman, s. B4: And therefore since I am in by the weeke, let me
looke to the yeere. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 102: Some are in by the
weeke. I612 WEBSTER White Devil III i 11: What, are you in by
the weeke? So—I will try now whether thy wit be close prisoner.
1616 DR., s.v. Of carnall Loue, no. 1312.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. V ii 61: O that I knew he were
but in by th’ week!
Cf. B384: To be in for a bird.
Before I WEENED but now I wot
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 270: Before I wein and now I wot. I668
R.B., p. 15: Before I wein, but now I wat. 1721 KEL., p. 69:
*Spoken upon the full Discovery of some Malefice, which before we
only suSpeCted.
W246 WEENING is not measure
1640 HERB., no. 806.
T0 WEEP Irish
1589 LYLY Pappe with Hatchet: Wks., III 410: Ile make thee to . .
weep Irish. I612 WEBSTER White Devil IV ii 95: What? do’st
weepe? Procure but ten of thy dissembling trade, [W]ee’ld furnish
all the Irish‘funeralls With howling, past wild Irish. I650 FULLER
Pisgah~Sight II xii, p. 247: Surely the Egyptians did not weep-
Irish with faigned and mercenary tears. I681 ROB., p. 1305.
W248 To come home by WEEPING CROSS1
1564 BULLEIN Dial. Fever, p. 78: In the ende thei go home . . by
weepyng cross. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 46: They returne
home by weeping Crosse, and fewe of them come to an honest ende.
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 28: But the tyme will come when
comming home by weeping crosse, thou shalt confesse. 1603

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WEF'I.‘
WELL
717

FLORIO Essays Montaigne III, III 76: Few men have wedded their
. . paramours 0r mistresses, but have come home by weeping Crosse.
I610 ROWLANDS Martin Mark-rill, p. 29: In the end they come home
by weeping crosse, and crie Peccaui. 1615 BRATHWAITE Strap. for
Devil, p. 53: Goe not along, let my aduise enforce, Least thou re-
turne (my boy) by weeping crosse. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 12:
You are like to come by weeping cross. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note
200, p. 226: After a long pleasure, commonly one comes home by
weeping Cross. 1670 RAY, p. 199: *This weeping cross which gave
occasion to this phrase, is about two miles distant from the town
of Stafford. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 358: War comes home by
weeping-cross. 1681 HICKERINGILL News Dr.’s Commons: Wks.,
II 176: They always meddle with him to their hurt, as well as shame
and confusion, and come home by weeping-cross.
See New English Dictionary, s.v. Weeping Cross 2. Cf. L460:
He that goes out with often loss at last comes home by Weeping
Cross. (1 I)
[ISee Sugden, p. 5 59.]
W249 An ill-spun WEFT will out either now or eft1
1670 RAY, p. 154: *Weft, i.e. web. This is a Yorkshire Proverb.
[1afterwards]
W250 WEIGH justly and sell dearly
1573 SANF., f. 109: Make iust waight, and sell deere.
First F. XIX, f. 33: Weigh iust, and sel deere.
no. 191: [As in 1578 Flor.]. I640 HERB., no. 497.
SON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 19. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 8: Give
just weight and sell dear. 1659 N.R., p. 117. 1664 COD., p. 229.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 203: Weigh right, and sell dear. I732
FUL., no. 5467: [As in 1666 Tor.].
W251 WEIGH not what you give but what is given you
1659 How. Eng. Prov. into Fr. It. Span., p. 10: Weigh not what
thou giveth but what is given thee.
1578 FLOR.
1611 DAv. Prov.,
1658 [EDMOND-
W252 None knows the WEIGHT of another’s burden
I640 HERB., no. 874. 1659 N.R., p. 80. 1670
RAY, p. I. 1732 FUL., no. 3655.
Cf. M129: Every man (The wearer) knows best Where the shoe
wrings (pinches).
1664 COD., p. 207.
W253 TO be worth one’s WEIGHT in gold
15th 0. Sir Eger, Sir Graham, Sir Graysteel l. 431, p. 15: A bed then
I would had rather, Than my weight Of gold and silver. [01486-
1500] CI53O MEDWALL Nature I, s. C4v: Ye ar worth thy weyght
of gold. 1575 TURBERVILLE Bk. Falconry, Epil.: The haughtie
haggarde worth hir weight in golde. 1608 1. DAY Law Tricks IV
ii, p. 66: That boy is worth his waight in pearle. 1624 S. WARD
Peace Ofl'ering to God: Coll. Serm., p. 48: A Thankefull man is worth
his weight in the golde of Ophir.
W254 WEIGHT and measure take away strife
1640 HERB., no. 209. 1659 N.R., p. 124. 1664 Con., p. 227.
1670 RAY, p. 28. 1732 FUL., no. 5468: Weight, Measure, and Tale
take away Strife.
Cf. M907: Mete and measure make men wise.
W255 Great WEIGHTS hang on small wires
1639 CL., s.v. Magni momenti, p. 195. 1642 FULLER Holy State IV
viii, p. 275: The Counsell for the King, hanging as much weight on
the smallest wier as it would hold, aggravated each particular.
I670 RAY, p. 154. I732 FUL., no. 1773: (Great Weight may hang).
W256—W258 WELCOME: subst.
W256 Such WELCOME such farewell
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I4.
1639 CL., p. 288. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9.
1664 Con., p. 21 I. 1670 RAY, p. 28.
As is the Welcome, so is the Farewell.
a Welcome, such a F arewel.
1611 GRUT., no. 241. 1614 CAM., p. 312.
1659 N.R., p. 91.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Welcome:
1732 FUL., no. 4278: Such

W257 To bid one WELCOME to the fields
I546 HEY. I xi, s. E2: Byddyng me welcom straungely ouer the
feelds.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQ4-5 L.L.L. II i 93: Welcome to the wide
fields too base to be mine.
W258 WELCOME is the best cheer
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1338: Tak welcom for good cheer. 1611 COT.,
s.v. Chere: A heartie welcome is worth halfe a feast. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov., note 102, p. 60. 1670 RAY, p. 154. 1672 WALK. 85, p. 49.
I687 MIEGE, s.v. Welcome: (A good Welcome is). 1721 KEL., p.
349: (best Dish in the Kitchen). 1725 N. BAILEY Unequal Ban-
quet: Familiar Collog., p. 304: (You know the old proverb, A hearty
welcome is). 1732 FUL., no. 5470.
SHAKESPEARE.———1592-3 C.E. III i 21: I hold your dainties cheap,
sir, and your welcome dear.
Cf. G338: Good will and welcome is your best cheer; L424: A
cheerful look makes a dish a feast.
W259 WELCOME: adj.
W259 WELCOME when you go
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I3v. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 865: IfI be not wel-
com to come I am welcome to go. 1721 KEL., p. 370: You are wel-
come to go, and you are welcome to stay, and you are welcome
though you never come again. *The ambiguity Of the Phrase makes
it a Proverb, for it may be taken either in a good, or bad, Sense.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. II i 213: You are welcome, sir!
Adieu. -—Farewell to me, sir, and welcome to you.
W260 WELL: subst. (=fortunate condition)
W260 Let WELL alone
[ERAS. Adagio, 173A: Ohe actum, ajunt, ne agasl]
SHAKESPEARE.—I6o5-6 K.L. I iv 369: Striving to better, oft we
mar what’s well. 1609 Son. 103, l. 9: Were it not sinful then, striv-
ing to mend, To mar the subject that before was well?
See APP., p. 361. Cf. F223: Who finds himself well let him not
stir; H512: He is wise that when he is well can hold him so.
W261-W264 WELL: subst. (=water well)
W261 When the WELL is full it will run over
1641 FERG., no. 729. 1668 R.B., p. 44. I721 KEL., p. 357: *That
is, when People are much wrong’d they will shew their Resentments.
W262 Drawn WELLs are seldom dry
1611 TOURNEUR 11th. Trag. IV iii, p. 230: Your want of vse should
rather make your body like a Well; the lesser t’is drawne, the soon-
er it growes dry. 1639 CL., s.v. Exercitatio, p. 107. I648 HER-
RICK Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 273: Milk stil your Fountains, and your
Springs, for why? The more th’are drawn, the lesse they wil grow
dry. 1670 RAY, p. 83: *Puteus si hauriatur melior evadit .. All
things, especially mens parts, are improved and advanced by use
and exercise. 1672 WALK. 63, p. 42. I732 FUL., no. 1327.
Cf. W263: Drawn wells have sweetest water.
W263 Drawn WELLs have sweetest water
1639 CL., s.v. Exercitatio, p. 107. 1670 RAY, p. 83. I672 WALK.
63, p. 42: Drawn wells . . have the sweetest waters. 1681 ROB., p.
1196.
Cf. W262: Drawn wells are seldom dry.
W264 Many WELLS many buckets
I562 HEY. Dial. II vii,p. 70: Well well (quoth she) many wels, many
buckets. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 2 53: Well, well quoth some, many
wells many bucketts. 1616 DR., s.v. Women, no. 2454.
W265 WELL: adj.
W265 Never WELL, full nor fasting
1639 CL., s.v. Asperitas, p. 34: Neither pleased full nor fasting. I
know not how to serve them. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 2: You are

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi H.
WELLAND 7 I 8
WHARLERS
never wcll full or fasting. 1670 RAY, p. 176. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE
Fables 295, I 265: We are never Well, either with Much or Little.
1721 KEL., p. 376: You are never pleas’d fow [full] or fasting. I732
FUL., no. 5854: You are never pleased, full nor fasting. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. II, p. 444: You don’t know your own mind; you are nei-
ther well, full nor fasting.
Cf. EI56: You are a right Englishman, you cannot tell when
a thing is well (when you are well).
W266 WELLANDl shall drown all Holland2 with his
excrement
1596 SPENSER IV xi 35: And after him the fatall Welland went,
That if old sawes proue true (which God forbid) Shall drowne all
Holland with his excrement.
See APP., p. 441.
[1a river 2a district in Lincolnshire]
W267 If WELL AND THEM cannot then ill and them can
1670 RAY, p. 155: *Yorksh.
W268 Never be weary of WELL-DOING
[Gal. Vi 9: Let us not be weary in well doing] 1670 RAY, p. 154.
Cf. W210: Never weary of that which is good.
W269 WELL, WELL is a word of malice
1670 RAY, p. 154: *Chesh. In other places, if you say well well,
they will ask, whom you threaten. 1721 KEL., p. 243: Many say
well, when it never was worse. Spoken to them that say, Well, by
way of Resentment. Eng. Well, well is a Word of Malice.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II II iii 152: Well, well, I see the issue
of these arms. I cannot mend it, I must needs confess. Ibid. III
iii 170: Well, well, I see I talk but idly, and you laugh at me. 1597
Rich. III III v 33: Well, well, he was the covert’st shelt’red traitor
That ever lived. 1604 0. III iv 180: O Cassio, whence came this?
This is some token from a newer friend. To the felt absence now I
feel a cause. Is’t come to this? Well, well. 1606-7 A.C. III
vii 62: O noble Emperor, do not fight by sea! . . We Have us’d to
conquer standing on the earth And fighting foot to foot. —Well,
well. Away!
W270 The older the WELSHMAN the more madman
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 31.
W271 A WELSHMAN had rather see his dam on her
bier than see a fair Februeer
I678 RAY, p. 44.
W272 The WELSHMAN keeps nothing until he has
lost it
1662 FULLER Worthies Cardiganshire, II 578: *When the British re-
covered the lost Castles from the English, they doubled their dili-
gence and valour, keeping them more tenaciously than before.
W273 WELSH PARSLEY
[1614—33] 1637 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Elder BrotherI ii, p. 11:
In tough Welsh Parsly, which, in our vulgar Tongue, is strong
Hempen Halters. [a1635] 1651 T. RANDOLPH Heyfor Honesty I
i, p. 451: This is a rascal deserves . . To dance in hemp Derrick’s
coranto: Let’s choke him with Welsh parsley.
W274 Without WELT1 or guard2
1594 GREENE Friar Bacon, s. H4v: Marke you maisters, heers a
plaine honest man, without welt or garde. 1602 WATSON Decaeor-
don V, p. 139: Christ chose for his Apostles innocent, plaine, and
simple men, without gust or gaule, welt or gard. 1616 BRETON
Good and Bad: Wks., II II: An honest man is like a plaine coate,
which without welt or gard, keepeth the body from winde and
weather. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, v, III 47: I was Christned
Teresa, without welt or gard, nor additions of Don or Dona. 1639
CL., s.v. Aperte, p. 30. 1670 RAY, p. 199. (21)
[1fringe 2border]
W275 Young WENCHES make old wrenches
1639 CL., s.v. Intemperantia et libido, p. 174. 1670 RAY, p. 51

W276 Who goes to WESTMINSTER1 for a wife, to Paul’s2
for a man, and to Smithfield3 for a horse may
meet with a whore, a knave, and a jade
I585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. L3v: A man must not make choice
of 3. things in 3. places. Of a wife in Westminster. Of a
seruant in Paules. Of a horse in Smithfield. Least he chuse a
queane, a knaue, or a iade. 1593 Pass. Morrice in Tell-Trothes New
Year’s Gift, etc., p. 83: It is more vncertaine . . whether a Smith-
feelde horse will proue good or iadish. 1617 MORYSON Itinerary
III 1 iii, III 463: The Londoners pronounce woe to him, that buys
a Horse in Smyth-field, that takes a Servant in Pauls Church, that
marries a Wife out of Westminster. 1658 FLECKNOE Enig. Char.,
p. 51: That old saying of chusing a Horse in Smithfield, and a Serv-
ing man in Pauls. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 257.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IVI ii 55: Where’s Bardolph? . . I
bought him in Paul’s, and he’ll buy me a horse in Smithfield. An I
could get me but a wife in the stews, I were mann’d, hors’d and wiv’d.
[lsee Sugden, p. 560. 2Ibid., p. 395. 3Ibid., pp. 471—2.]
W277 When WESTRIDGE WOOD is motley then it’s
time to sow barley
01640 SMYTH 27, p. 29.
W278 He shrinks in the WETTING
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus IV vi, p. 147: Where is my golden chain
. . it is shrunk in the wetynge. 1577—87 W. HARRISON Descr. Eng.
II v, I I 1 1: Their . . ambitious titles are now decaied and worthilie
shroonke in the wetting. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. R3v: The
relation of my miserie . . was to perswade you not to shrinke in the
wetting, but like a Kentish cloth that Staines with nothinge, stande
inuiolated. 1592 NASHE Strange News: Wks., I 274: The fourth
[son] is shrunke in the wetting, or else the Print shoulde haue heard
of him. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER Sir Th. Wyatt, s. EIV: Such
as scornes to shrink for a wetting, who wil beare off any thing with
head and shoulders. 1616 DR., s.v. Shifting, no. 1960. 1639 FUL-
LER Holy War V xxii, p. 267: Andrew, who washed himself in Jor-
dan, and then shrinking in the wetting returned presently home
again. 1680 R. L’ESTRANGE Citt and Bumpkin, p. 8: Provided you
stand to your Tackle, y’are a Made man already; but if you shrink
in the wetting, y’are lost.
Cf. C432: Like Northern cloth, shrunk in the wetting; I38: Three
ills (evils) come from the North, a cold wind, a shrinking cloth, and
a dissembling man. (11)
W279 As white as WHALE’s-BONE
15th 0. Songs in Relig. Antiq., I 28: And sche be whyte as whales
bone. 1520-40 Songs in Rawl. MS C813 IV, p. 315: With tethe as
whyte as whalles bone. a1547 SURREY Irate Host 1. 8: Poems, p.
73: As who wolde say there is none here I trow, will me forsake, I
might parceave a woolfe, as whyte as whale his bone. 1566 L.
WAGER Mary Magd., s. D4: Your teeth as white as euer was the
whales bone. 1590 SPENSER III i 15: A goodly Ladie . . Whose
face did seeme as cleare as Christall stone, And eke through feare as
white as whales bone. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 204:
Herrings, which were as white as whales bone. 1609 T. RAVENS-
CROFT Deuteromelia, s. B4: His beard was all on a white a, as
white as Whale is bone.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. V ii 331: This is the flow’r that
smiles on every one To Show his teeth as white as whalés-bone.
W280 Carleton WHARLERS
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Leicestershire, I 57: AS for Carleton, . .
wherein . . all in manner that are borne . . have an ill-favoured, un-
tunable, and harsh manner of speech .. with a certain kind of
wharling. 1650 FULLER Pisgah-Sight II ix, p. 183: It is observed
in a village at Charleton in Leicestershire, that the people therein
are troubled with wharling in their utterance. 1700 J. BROME
Trav., p. 77: Not far from hence is Carleton . . most Persons that
are born there . . have an ill favoured . . manner of Speech, fetching
their words with very much ado, deep from out of the Throat, with
a certain kind of wharling, the Letter R being very irksome and
troublesome to them to pronounce.
See APP., p. 82.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.) , or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WHEAT
WHETSTONE
719

W281 If WHEAT comes not up weeds will
1616 DR., s.v. Vice, no. 2242.
Cf. W241: Weeds come forth on the fattest soil if it is untilled.
W282 No WHEAT (corn) without its chaff
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 184: The fairest flowre [has] his
bran. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1329: Ther is no come but [without]
chaff nor gold but dross. 1611 COT., s.v. Paille: N0 come without
some chalfe. 1623 WOD., p. 505: No Graine with out Chaffe, or
Strawe. 1630 T. ADAMS Saint’s Meet: Wks., p. 7 39: In Gods floore
there is chaffe mixed with the wheat. 1631 E. REYNOLDS Sinful-
ness Sin: Three Treat., p. I 39: As there is chaffe about every come
in a field. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 20: The finest wheat has its
refuse. 1672 WALK. 100, p. 55. 1681 ROB., p. 1312. 1730
BAILEY, s.v. Wheat: (There is no).
See DUR., II, no. 6; ST., no. 1053.
without weeds (darnel).
Cf. G37: No garden (wheat)
W283 Sow WHEAT in dirt and rye in dust
1557 TUSSER 100 Points Husb. 21, p. 223: Sowe wheate as thou
mayst, but sowe rye in the dust. 1721 KEL., p. 298: *A wet Sea-
son agrees with the one, and a dry with the other. 1732 FUL., no.
4135-
W284 WHEAT will not have two praises
I678 RAY, p. 348: *Summer and Winter.
W285 When WHEAT lies long in bed it rises with an
heavy head
01640 SMYTH 17, p. 28: *When wheat is sowne in October or NO-
Vember, and by reason of an heavy furrowe cast vpon it . . shewes
not above ground till December or January, Our plowmen say It
will at harvest have the greater eare.
W286 A fifth WHEEL to a coach
1631 DEKKER Match Me in Land. I, p. 149: Thou tyest but wings
to a swift gray Hounds heele, And add’st to a running chariot a fift
wheele. 1644 J. TAYLOR Crop-Ear Cur.: Wks. Q, II E1 v: As much
pertinent as the fifth wheele in a Coach. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Carro, p. 31: To go and look for five wheels in a cart, viz. to
seek for what is impossible, or improper, and impertinent.
See ST., no. 1910.
W287 The worst WHEEL of the cart makes most noise
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 222: Those whiche knowe least, speake,
contend, and crie the lowdest. Whereof belike ariseth this Prov-
erbe, That the brokenest wheele of the charriot maketh alwaies the
greatest noyse. 1611 COT., s.v. Crier: (of the wagon is that which
creakes most). *The most ignorant sot in assemblies talkes high-
est; and the veriest cow in a companie brags most. I623 WOD., p.
513: (of the Chariot cryeth the most). 1659 FULLER Appeal I, p.
305: That spoke in the wheel which creaketh most doth not bear
the greatest burden in the cart. The greatest complainers are not
always the greatest sufferers. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 42, p. 240: (of the cart, is that which creeks). 1692
R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 336, I 302: A Waggoner took Notice upon
the Creaking of a Wheel, that it was the Worst Wheel of the Four,
that made the most Noise . . They that are Sickly are ever the most
Piping and Troublesome. 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13. ‘
See DiiR., II, no. 229. Cf. S770: The worst spoke in a cart
breaks first.
W288 He who greases his WHEELS helps his oxen
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 241: Grease the wheel, if thou intend the
cart shall go. 1732 FUL., no. 2384.
W289 WHEELS within wheels
[Ezek. i 16: Their appearance and their work was as it were a
wheel in the middle ofa wheel] 1642 D. ROGERS Matr. Honor To
Rdr., s. a1: This wheele of our Conversation . . including many les-
ser wheeles in, and under it. 1679 PRANCE Narrative, p. 32: Pro-
fane Histories do afford us many Examples for the Confirmation of
this thing . . wherein, though Conquerours have aimed at nothing

but the Glory of their Names, and the enlargement of their Domin-
ions; Yet the Wheel within the wheel moved upon other grounds,
God making use of his Soveraignty over his Creatures, in raising
and stirring vp One Nation or Person to punish the Evils of Anoth-
er. 1709 SHAFTESBURY Freedom lVit and Humor: Char., I 113: In
a Body so unwieldy in its Limbs, and whose Members lie so remote
from one another, and distant from the Head . . strong Factions
are aptest to engender. The associating Spirits, for want of Exer-
cise, form new Movements, and seek a narrower Sphere of Activ-
ity . . Thus we have Wheels within Wheels. 1740 R. NORTH Lives
Norths, I 306: Wheels within wheels took place; the ministers turned
formalisers and the court mysterious.
W290 As drunk as a WHEELBARRow
1675 C. COTTON Scofler Scoft, p. 128: Besides, if he such things can
do When drunk as Drum, or Wheelbarrow. 1677 D’URFEY Madam
Fickle V ii, p. 52: ’Tis my F atherwand drunk as a Wheel-barrow.
1678 RAY, p. 87: *Of one drunk. 1694 MOTTEux Gargantua V
xxxix, III 362: A . . sottish Fellow, continually raddled, and as
drunk as a Wheel-barrow. 1697 DILKE City Lady I, p. 5: To have
made a German general as drunk as a wheel-barrow. 1745 FRANK-
LIN Drinker’s Dict.: W ks., II 134.
W291 As wanton as a WHELP (calf)
[01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 441 8, p. 540: Thir bony armis
. . Ar evin als wantoun as any whelk. 1546 HEY. I vii, 5. B4: As a
whelpe for wantonnes, in and out whipps. I589 NASHE Ret. Pasq.,
I 85: Like a wanton whelpe whose worme was not taken out of his
tongue. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1594: Ye ar als wanton as a May
calf. 1616 DR., no. 2336: (a whelpe, or calfe). 1670 RAY, p. 208:
(a calf with two dams).
W292 We may not expect a good WHELP from an ill
dog
I678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 398.
Cf. C759: Like cow like calf; F92: Such a (Like) father such a
(like) son.
W293 A WHELP of the same litter
1599 RAINOLDS Overthrow Stage Plays, p. 8: Were it not a whelpe
too of the same litter. 1616 DR., s.v. Likenesse, no. 1244. 1620
Swetnam, Woman Hater IV [iii], s. I3v: Here’s a Whelpe of the same
Litter too. 1639 CL., p. 288.
Cf. B365a: A bird (egg) of the same nest; B381: Such bird such
nest (egg).
W294 When the WHELP games the old dog grins
a1536 HILL 41, p. 132.
W295 He is WHERE he would be
1616 DR., no. 574: Where he would be.
tunae, p. 48.
W296 A WHET is no let
1616 DR., s.v. Recreation, no. 1826: Whetting (viz. of kniues and
sithes) is no letting. 1639' CL., p. 271: Whetting is no letting.
1642 D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 317: This whet every day will be no
let unto thee. 1654 FULLER Ruth: Serm., I 75: A whet is no let,
saith the proverb: Mowers, lose not any time, which they spend in
Whetting . . their Sythes. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,p. 2: Whett brings
no lett; viz. When a mower whets his sithe. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
113, p. 164: The English say of Mowers, A whet is no let. 1670
RAY, p. 155. 1732 FUL., no. 454: A Whet is no Let; said the Mow-
er.
1639 CL., s.v. Bonae for-
W297 A dry WHETSTONE does not its office
1586 WITHALS, s. F6v: As the prouerbe sayeth, a drie whetstone
doth not his office, it worketh not.
W298 He lies for (He deserves) the WHETSTONE
[A liar was punished by having a whetstone hung around his neck.]
a1536 HILL 92, p. 110: Yet ys not long syth I made a lye. I will
haue the whetston, and I may. 1562 HEY. Epig. 98, p. 195: Where

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi if.
WHETSTONE
WHISTLE
720

doth Frances fabler now lie, Iane? At signe of the Whetstone in
double tunge lane. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 24: IfI met
with one of Creete, I was ready to lye with him for the Whetstone.
1592 G. HARVEY Four Letters II, p. 165: Libles, Calumnies, Slaun-
ders, Lies for the Whetstone, what not. 1600 NASHE Summer’s
Last Will: Wks., III 242: O intolerable lying villayne, that was
neuer begotten without the consent of a Whetstone! 1607 TOP-
SELL Hist. Four-footed Beasts, p. 639: They will presently giue both
these Authors and me the Whetstone for rare untruths and fictions.
1610 A. COOKE Pope Yoan in Harl. Misc., IV 87: Now that this is
a Lye well worthy of a Whetstone, yourself (I hope) will acknowl-
edge. 1611 FLOR., s.v. Sciarpellone, p. 476: Also a grosse lye, as
wee say a gudgeon or lying for the Whetstone. 1616 DR., no. 1330:
(He will lie). 1639 CL., p. 53. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Farfal-
loni, p. 58: To string notorious lyes, viz. To utter things notoriously
false, to tell loud lyes, and stretching stories, to lye for the whet-
stone. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 207: (They deserve). 1678 RAY,
p. 89: (He deserves). *Said of a lier. I732 FUL., no. 5991: You
shall have the Whetstone. (9)
W299 A WHETSTONE cannot itself cut but yet it makes
tools cut
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 196: These nouises that thincke to
haue learning without labour . . not remembring, that the finest
edge is made with the blunt Whetstone. 1579 GOSSON Apol. Sch.
W305 A WHIP for a fool and a rod for a school are
always in good season
1605 S. ROWLEY When You See Me, 5. F1 v: A rod in scoole, a whip
for a foole, is alwaies in season. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 11: (is
alwayes). I670 RAY, p. 212: (Is always).
W306 The WHIP with six strings
1548 E. HALL Hen. VIII: Chron., f. 234: This act establyshed
chiefiy sixe articles, wherof. . of some it was named the whyp wyth
syxe strynges. 1655 FULLER Church Hist. V v, II 97: The Six Ar-
ticles . . that whip with six knots, each one, as heavily laid on,
fetching blood from the backs of poor protestants.
W307 To have the WHIP HAND of one
[To have the upper hand of one] 1680 ALSOP Mischief Impos.
ii. 8, quoted from New English Dictionary, s.v. Whip-hand 2:
When once they are got into the Saddle, and have the whip-hand
of the poor Laity. 1694 ECHARD Rudens IV iv, p. 204: They’re
quiet as Lambs, for a Silent Woman has always the Whip Hand
of a Talker. 1697 VANBRUGH Aesop Pt. I, V, p. 57: I Shall haue
the whip-hand of you presently. 1698 CHILD Discourse Trade
Pref., S. C6: Before the Dutch get too much the whip-hand of us.
1711 SWIFT four. to Stella 27, Aug. 2, II 312: The dog thinks
he has the whip-hand Of me: he begins to master me.
Abuse, p. 16: Blunt stones whette kniues. 1594 LYLY Mother B. II
i 31: Ther’s no better grindstone for a young mans head than to
haue it whet vppon an olde mans purse. 01600 BOURCHER Golden
Precepts in Select Poetry II 30, p. 297: A Whetstone cannot cut, Yet
sharpes it wel, we see. 1640 JONSON Art Poetry, p. 378: I’d rather,
I, Be like a whet-stone, that an edge can put On steel, though’t self
be dull, and cannot cut. I732 FUL., no. 455. I738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I, p. 393: [He] has a mind to Sharpen the edge of his wit on
the Whetstone of my ignorance.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 A.Y. I ii 58: For always the dulness of
the fool is the Whetstone 0f the wits.
Cf. K156: One knife Whets another.
W308 You shall have WHIPPING CHEER
1573 New Custom I i, s. A4: To have whipping cheere. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Correctio, p. 75.
W309 March WHISKER1 was never a good fisher
I641 FERG., no. 643. 1668 R.B., p. 38. 1721 KEL., p. 254: *An
old Proverb signifying that a windy March is a Token of a bad Fish
Year. 1732 FUL., no. 6127: (A March-Whisker, Is never).
[1a blustering wind]
W310 Where there is WHISPERING there is lying
1678 RAY, p. 348. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 409: There’s no
whispering, but there’s lying.
W300 Sit a WHILE and go a mile
1530 PALS., p. 436b: Rest a wher and ronne a myle. 1639 CL.,
p. 235.
W301 W311 WHISTLE: subst. (= small wind instrument)
W311 Not worth a WHISTLE
_ _ _ . . [a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute l. 1187: Wks., I 357: They set
H18 horse . . taught him, that discreete stayes makes speedie iour- not by vs a whystelL [61553] 1566-7 UDALL Roister D_ 1 iv 23;
11163- 1625 BACON AFN/leg???“ Wk-Y-s XIII 3461 (511‘ Amlce Paw" What meanest thou man [?] tut a whistle [I] 01565 Bugbears III
let, when he saw too much haste made 1n any matter, was wont ii I6_
to 811% Stay a Whlle, that)- 1651 HERB» P- 372- I658 [EDMOND- SHAKESPEARE.-~1605-6 K.L. IV ii 29: I have been worth the
SON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 186. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: (a whistle_
little). 1659 N.R., p. 92. 1732 FUL., no. 4263: (Stop a little, to
make).
Stay a WHILE (a little) that we may make an end
the sooner
01594 BACON, no. 105: (a little). 1598 SIDNEY Arcadia [1 I, p. 42:
W312 WHISTLE: subst. (=throat)
W302 Many tine1 the half-mark WHINGER2 for the
halfpenny thong (whangs)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1030: (tynes). 1641 FERG., no. 638: (tynes
and whange). 1668 R.B., p. 38: (times and whang). 1721 KEL.,
p. 248: (Many one tines and Whang). *Spoken when People lose
a considerable Thing, for not being at an inconsiderable Expense.
Ibid., p. 360: You tine the Tuppeny Belt for the Twapeny Whang.
Cf. H49 5: Lose not a hog (sheep) for a halfpennyworth of tar.
[llose, forfeit 2short dagger 3thong, strip of leather]
W303 A WHIP and a bell
[Something that detracts from one’s comfort or pleasure] [1658]
1687 CLEVELAND Char. Lond. Diurnal: Wks., p. 88: In all this tri-
umph there is a Whip and a Bell. 1684 OTWAY Atheist I, p. 7: To
get rid of that Whip and a Bell, call’d thy Wife.
W312 T0 wet one’s WHISTLE
1530 PALS., p. 780b: I wete my whystell, as good drinkers do. 1570
GOOGE Popish Kingdom IV, f. 50: To meate they go, and all with
wine their whistles wet. [1611] I630 MIDDLETON Chaste Maid in
Cheaps. III ii 77: Now the cups troll about To wet the gossip’s
whistles. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt. Burn. Pestle V
iii, p. 226: Though I want drink to wet my whistle, I can sing.
[01615-22] 1647 FLETCHER ET AL. Beg. Bush III i, p. 235: Give the
boys some drink there. Piper, wet your whistle. I653 WALTON
Complete Angler III, p. 75: Lets . . drink the other cup to wet our
whistles, and so sing away all sad thoughts. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr.,
s.v. Becco, p. 12: To wet ones whistle, to 102 in ones throat; in fine,
to take a good mornings draught. a1700 B.E., s.v. Whistle: Wet
your Whistle, to Liquor your T[h]roat. ( 5)
_ W313 WHISTLE: verb
W304 WHIP and whir never made good fur _ _
[01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I iii 11: No haste but good . . for W3I3 You may WHISTLE (g0 WhIStle) for It
whip and whurre The olde proverbe doth say, never made good 1548 HALL Edw. V: Chron., f. 9b: Ryche menne ronne thyther [to
furre. sanctuary] . . there they spend and byd their creditours goo whystle.


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most iInportant word.
WHIT
WHY
721

I602 Liherality and Prod. II iii, s. C1v: Cham afraid che may goe
whistle now for money. 1607 [TOMKIS] Lingua II i, s. C3v: The
senses might haue whistled for the victory.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6II W.T. IV iv 715: This being done, let the
law go whistle. 1613 T.N.K. III v 39: We may go whistle; all the
fat’s i' th’ fire.
See ST., no. 573.
W314 As good never a WHIT as never the better
1546 HEY. II xi, s. L4v. 1553 Respublica IV iii, p. 33. 1573 G.
HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 25. 1581 BELL Agst. Osorius III, p. 450: Ac-
cording as the Olde prouerbe sayth: as good neuer a whitt as neuer
the better: as iust as Germaines lipps. I597 BACON Col. Good and
Evil: Wks., XIII 288. 1639 CL., p. 84. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh
IV ii I: How do’st thou like 0’ this our good dayes worke? —As
good ene nere a whit, as nere the better. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 14. 1670 RAY, p. 125. (9)
W315 He is very good at a WHITEPOT
CI640 SMYTH 9, p. 27: *By white pot, wee westerne men doe meane
a great custard or pudding baked in a bagg, platter, kettle, or pan:
Notinge heerby, a good trencher man, or great eater.
Cf. T515: A good trencherman.
W316 How does your WHITHER GO YOU?
1678 RAY, p. 346: *Your wife.
W317 You are as fine as if you had a WHITING hang-
ing at your side or girdle
1678 RAY, p. 345.
W318 You have leaped a WHITING
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I3: There lepte a whityng. CI570 Marr. Wit
and Science IV i, s. C4: But he that takes not such time while he
maye, Shal leape at a whyting when time is a waye. 1597 BRETON
Wits’ Trenchmour: Wks., II 8: There are many such misfortunes
in the world, a man may . . leape a Whiting, whilst he is looking on a
Codshead. 1616 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornfal Lady IV i, p.
272: My little Levite hath forsaken me . . well fool, you leapt a
Haddock when you left him. [I626] I647 MASSINGER ET AL. Fair
Maid Inn IV, p. 397: It may prove so: when you’l say, You have
leapt a Whiteing. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: You have let leap
a Whiting. *You have let slip an opportunity. 1664 COD., p. 230.
I668 SKIPPON Diary, p. 163: Hee kept [for leapt] a whiting, i.e. mist
an opportunity. 1670 RAY, p. 199: To let leap a whiting. *TO let
slip an opportunity. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Whiting: To let go a Whiting.
*That is, to let slip an Opportunity. I732 FUL., no. 1898: He
hath slip’d a Whiting.
W319 Call her WHORE first
1608 Seven Days Week II, p. 142: He that committs the fault doth
call whoore first. 1639 CL., s.v. Maledicentia et obtrectatio, p.
196: Mother, call her whore, first. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Rifare, p. 168: Spoken, when any one that hath wrong’d and abus’d
us, doth vapour, as if he were the party injur’d; the English say,
TO call whore first. 1676 BEHN Town Fop IV iii, p. 69: She cries
Whore first, brings him upon his Knees for her Fault; and a piece
of Plate, or a new Petticoat, makes his Peace again. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 424: Nay, miss, you cried whore first, when you
talked of the knapsack.
Cf. C579: Some complain to prevent complaint; E10: He bites
the ear yet seems to cry for fear; N1 12: Who more ready to call her
neighbor scold than the arrantest scold in the parish?
W320 Hop WHORE, pipe thief
1546 HEY. II vii, s. KIv. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 258.
Cf. Q5: Gup, quean, gup.
W321 Once a WHORE and ever a whore
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15. I659 N.R., p. 82: (and alwaies a
whore). 1664 T. KILLIGREW I Thomaso II iv, p. 339: (and ever is
the world adage). 1670 RAY, p. 155. 1672 WALK. 87, p. 49.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Whore. 1721 KEL., p. 271: (and ay a Whore).
I732 FUL., no. 3731.
Cf. K133: Once a knave and ever a knave.

W322 She plays the WHORE for apples and then be-
stows them upon the sick
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 407.
W323 A WHORE is like a crow, the more she washes
the blacker she is
1611 COT., s.v. Corneille: (the more shee washes her).‘ ":The more
she excuses, the more she betraies, her selfe; or, in striuing to ius-
tifie, she condemnes, her selfe. 1623 WOD., p. 510: A Whoore doth
like the Crowe, the more shee washes her, to [the] more is fowle.
Cf. C850: A crow is never whiter for washing herself Often.
W324 A young WHORE an Old saint
1670 RAY, p. 1 5 5. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Young.
Cf. D31 1: A young devil an old saint.
1732 FUL., no. 495.
W325 Two WHORES in a house will never agree
1678 RAY, p. 217. 1732 FUL., no. 5338.
Cf. C186: Two cats and a mouse, two wives in one house, two
dogs and a bone never agree in one; F555: Two fools in a house are
too many; S717: Two sparrows on one ear of corn cannot agree.
W326 WHORES affect1 not you but your money (purse)
1611 COT., s.v. Aimer: Whoores affect your purse, not you. 1659
N.R., p. 120: [As in 1611 Cot.]. 1664 COD., p. 225: (purse). 1670
RAY, p. 28. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Whore: Whores dont love you, but
your Mony. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. I 5 5: Whores afi'ect not Men, but
their Money. 1732 FUL., no. 5726.
Cf. W327: Whores and dogs fawn upon a man no longer than
they are fed.
[llove]
W327 WHORES and dogs fawn upon a man no longer
than they are fed
1611 COT., s.v. Amour: (fawne on a man no longer then he feeds
them). Ihid., s.v. Pasture: (Whores loue no longer). 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 13: The frisking of a Dog, and love of a Punk, doth not
last unless you feed them. 1659 N.R., p. 123.
Cf. D459: The dog wags his tail not for love of you but Of your
bread; W326: Whores affect not you but your money (purse).
W328 WHOREDOM and grace can never bide in one
place
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1496.
(dwelt ne’er in one place).
1668 R.B., p. 24. I721 KEL., p. 355:
W329 WHORING and bawdry do Often end in beggary
1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet IV: Wks., p. 226: The old Prouerbe
conioynes venery and beggery. 1664 COD., p. 230: (does alwayes
end in beggary). 1670 RAY, p. 28. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. I 5 5.
W330 It will not be WHY for thy1
1678 RAY, p. 345: *SOmerset. Of a bad bargain or great loss for
little profit.
See JOSEPH WRIGHT English Dialect Dictionary (1905), s.v. Why
7 Comb. Why-for-ay.
[1therefore P]
W331 There is never a WHY but there is a wherefore
I573 GASCOIGNE Supposes I i, p. 189: I have given you a wherfore
for this why many times. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ah. viii,
s. G4v. 1634 R. SANDERSON Ad Clerum iv: Serm., I 200: Requir-
ing a why for every wherefore, and unwilling to stir until the un-
lawfulness and expediency of the thing commanded shall be dem-
onstrated. 1663 S. BUTLER Had. I i 132, p. 21: For every why
he had a wherefore. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 43, p. 32. 1678
RAY, p. 348.
SHAKESPEARE.—I592-3 C.E. II ii 44: Ay, sir, and wherefore.
For they say every why hath a wherefore. Ihid. III i 39: I'll tell
you when, an you’ll tell me wherefore.
Cf. W332: The why and the wherefore.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
WHY
WIFE
722

W332 The WHY and the wherefore
1481 CAX'I'ON Reynard 42, p. 113: They knewe none other thyng
why no wherfore! 1565 K. Darius, 8. G2: Thys is the cause where-
fore and why. [1658] I687 CLEVELAND Lenten Litany: Wks., p.
204: From the Death of a King without why or wherefore.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. VV i 3: There is occasionsand causes
why and wherefore in all things. 1600-I H. I iv 57: Say, why is
this? wherefore?
Cf. W331: There is never a why but there is a wherefore.
W333 The WICKED flee when no man pursues
[Prov. xxviii I: The wicked flee when no man pursueth.] 1611
COT., s.v. Meschant: The sinner flyes before he be pursued; selfe-
guilt, though nought else, makes a Sinner fly. Ibid., s.v. Poursuivi:
The wicked flies though no man follow him. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
20, p. 96: The wicked man flies without being pursued.
Cf. F139: He that lives ill, fear follows him; T112: The thiefdoes
fear each bush an officer.
W334 WIDE will wear but narrow will tear
1678 RAY, p. 217. I732 FUL., no. 6097. 1746 FRANKLIN, p. 23.
W335 He that marries a WIDOW and three children
marries four thieves
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 235: He that brings into
his house a step-mother and two children, brings three theeves.
1669 W[1NSTANLEY] New Help Discourse, p. 189: (and two Children,
marries three thieves). 1670 RAY, p. 51. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Wid-
ow: (with three Children). 1696 D’URFEY 3 Don Quix. I i, p.
221. I721 KEL., p. 137: (and two Daughters, marries three stark
Thieves). *Because his Wife will put Things away to them, or for
them. 1732 FUL., no. 2237: (He that marries a Wife and).
W336 He who marries a WIDOW will often have a dead
man’s head (death’s-head) thrown in his dish
1546 HEY. II vii, S. I3v: I haue sure a dead mans head in my dyshe.
1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess I i 104: As bold-
faced women, when they wed another, Banquet their husbands with
their dead loves’ heads. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17: Who mar-
rieth a widdow hath a deaths head often in his dish. 01659 HOWELL Let. Suppl. 16, II 666: You must also be wary how you
marry . . a Widdow, for so you will be subject to hava Deaths head
putt often in your Dish. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Widow: He that Mar-
ries a Widow has often a Death’s-head thrown in his Dish.
W337 Long a WIDOW weds with shame
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 19.
W338 Marry a WIDOW before she leaves mourning
[01597] 1619 DELONEY Yack Newberry XI, p. 65: He that will wooe
a widow, must take time by the forelocke. 1640 HERB., no. 248:
(leave). 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 235: (leave).
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17. 1659 N.R., p. 77. 1732 FUL., no.
17 5: A good Season for Courtship is, when the Widow returns from
the Funeral.
W339 A rich WIDOW a quiet house
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 16. 1664 COD., p. 184.
W340 The rich WIDow weeps with one eye and casts
glances with the other
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 14.
Cf. E248: To cry (look up) with one eye and laugh (down) with
the other.
W341 To make a WIDow’s fire (a crow’s nest)
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fuoco, p. 68: *A small fire; the English . .
when they see a remnant of a fire, they call it a Widows fire. Ibid.,
s.v. Vedoua, p. 226: *A pityfull little fire, that will hardly warm
one; the English say, A meer Crows-neast.

W342 WIDows are always rich (W ooers and widows
are never poor)
[01553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. I ii 89: Wowers and Widowes are
never poore. I678 RAY, p. 57. 1732 FUL., no. 5740.
W343 As busy as a good WIFE at oven
1670 RAY, p. 203.
W344 Choose a WIFE rather by your ear than your eye
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 268: A woman ought to become a spouse,
rather with her ears, than with her eyes. 1732 FUL., no. 462: A
Wife is not to be chosen by the Eye only. Ibid., no. I 107.
W345 Commend not your WIFE, wine, nor horse
(house)
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. I 2: Nor wife, nor wine, nor horse ought to be
praised. 1659 N.R., p. 56: He is a fool that brags of four things;
Good wine, a handsome Wife, a handsome Horse, and good store of
money. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 130: Thy wife, horse, arms, or
wine, never commend unless thou hast a mind to lend them out.
1732 FUL., no. 1126: (House).
Cf. H674: Lend not horse nor wife nor sword.
W346 The cunning WIFE makes her husband her apron
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 4: (the husband).
I670 RAY, p. 29: *Hispan.
See DUR., I, no. 479.
W347 A dead WIFE is the best goods in a man’s house
1611 COT., s.v. Femme: The wife of him whom God will helpe soone
dyes. 1633 W. ROWLEY Match at Midn. IV, p. 68: There’s thriving
in wiving: for when we bury Wives by half-dozens, the money makes
merry. I678 RAY, p. 58. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 423: (A
dead wife under the table is).
Cf. D147: The death of wives and the life (standing) of sheep
make men rich.
W347a Do not tell your WIFE all you know
1642 FULLER Holy State I iii, p. 9: He keeps her in the wholsome
ignorance of unnecessary secrets . . He knows little, who will tell his
wife all he knows. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. I: When thou art
with thy wife belly to belly, yet do not tell her all things thou know-
est. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Friend: With all thy Secrets trust neither
thy Wife, nor thy Friend.
Cf. SI 96: Trust no secret with a woman; W362: He that tells his
Wife news is but newly married.
1664 COD., p. 215.
W348 A fair WIFE and a frontier castle breed quarrels
1640 HERB., no. 103. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
234. I659 N.R., p. 15. 1666 TOR. It. Prev. 12, p. 74: Who hath a
handsome wife, and a Castle in a Frontier, hath never peace in bed.
Cf. W377: Who has a fair wife needs more than two eyes.
W349 A fat WIFE never loved a faint husband
161 I COT., s.v. Aimer. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 1 74.
W350 The first WIFE is matrimony, the second com-
pany, the third heresy
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 1: (is Heresie).
p. 155: (The first wife one takes, is).
Cf. W372: The second wife is best beloved; W706: Women are
young men’s mistresses, middle-aged men’s companions, and old
men’s nurses.
W351 A good WIFE makes a good husband
[1525-40] 1557 Mer. Dial., p. 63: It lieth great parte in the women,
for the orderinge of theyr husbandes. I546 HEY. II viii, s. K2v.
Ibid.: To make a good husbande, make a good wyfe. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 245: It is . . the loue of the woman, that maketh
the man. 1611 GRUT., no. 10. 1614 CAM., p. 302. 1616 DR., no.
2383. 1639 CL., p. 329. 1642 D. ROGERS Matr. Honor xiv, p. 297:
Its a Proverbe made in favour of a good wife that if the husband
looke well they say, He hath a good wife. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 7. 1664 J. WILSON And. Comnenius II i, p. 140: He that will
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WIFE
WIFE
723

make Aught Of the husband must begin with th’ wife. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 17, p. 155.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 M. V. V i 130: A light Wife doth make a
heavy husband.
Cf. H831: A good husband makes a good wife; J1: A good Jack
makes a good Jill; Y30: A good yeoman makes a good woman.
W352 The good WIFE of a willful man has many a
woeful day
1611 COT., s.v. Femme. 1659 N.R., p. 109.
W353 The good WIFE would not (No woman would)
seek her daughter in the oven if she had not
been there before
1520 Seven Wise Masters, p. 40: But it appereth by a comyn prou-
erbe, he that is defectyfe or culpable hymself in a synne, he iugeth
euery man to be in the same, or elles your fader soughte neder his
some in the ouen; but yf he had ben therin hymselfe. I530 PALS.,
p. 708a: The good wyfe wolde never seke her dougther in the oven
and she had nat ben there afore. 1546 HEY. II vii, S. K1: No man
wyll an other in the ouen seeke, Except that hym selfe haue been
there before. 1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 109: The mother would
neuer haue sought her daughter in the Ouen but that shee had
beene there her selfe. 1583 FULKE Dey’ense V, p. 230: It is a homely,
but a true proverb: The good wife would never have sought her
daughter in the oven, had she not been there first herself. 1586
WITHALS, s. G4v: Hee seeketh his fellow in the ouen Where himselfe
hath beene. 1596 NASHE Saflron-Walden: Wks., III 129: The
Good-wife . . would neuer haue sought her [daughter in the oven] if
she had not been there first her selfe. *A hackny prouerb in mens
mouths euer since K. Lud was a little boy, or Belinus, Brennus
brother, for the loue hee bare to oysters built Billingsgate. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 1089: Na man can seek his marrow [partner] so weil
in the kirne as he that hes bein in it himself. 1599 H. PORTER Two
Women Ab. x, s. I3v: (vnlesse she had been there her selfe). I611
GRUT., no. 198: NO man seeke an other in the ouen wich not hat
[hath] before be [been] there. 1614 CAM., p. 310: No woman seeke
another in the ouen which hath not before bin there. Ibid., p. 312:
[As in I 599 H. Porter]. 1639 CL., p. 217: The mother would never
seeke her daughter i’th oven, had not her self bene there first. 1640
HERB., no. 692: If the mother had not beene in the oven, shee had
never sought her daughter there. 1641 FERG., no. 664: Na man
can seek his marrow in the kirne, sa weill as hee that hes been in it
himself. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 194: [As in 1640
Herb.]. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 9: NO woman seeks another in
the Oven, which hath not before been there. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 7: If the mother had not been at the bakers, she would not seek
her daughter there. 1659 N.R., p. 65: If the Mother had never
been in the Oven she had never look’t for her daughter there.
Ibid., p. 96: The Woman had never lookt for her daughter in the
Oven if she had not been there her self. 1664 COD., p. 202: If the
Mother had not been in the Oven, she had never sought the Daugh-
ter there. 1668 R.B., p. 41: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 126:
The old woman would never have look’t for her daughter i’th’ oven,
had she not been there her self. 1721 KEL., p. 265: NO Man can
find his Marrow in the Kirn so well as he that has been there him-
self. *Spoken to those who suspect us guilty of a Thing, in which
they take measure of us by their Practices and Inclinations.
(5)
Cf. F117: Who isin fault (guilty) suspects everybody.
W354 He that fetches a WIFE from Shrewsbury1 must
carry her into Staffordshire2 or else shall live
in Cumberland3
1662 FULLER Worthies Shropshire, II 254: *The Staple-wit of this
vulgar Proverb, consisting solely in similitude of sound, is scarce
worth the inserting. 1670 RAY, p. 251: (or else he shall). 1732
F UL., no. 2323: He that takes a Wife at Shrewsbury, must carry her
to Staffordshire, else she’ll drive him to Cumberland.
Cf. W699: Women are born in Wiltshire, brought up in Cumber-
land, lead their lives in Bedfordshire, bring their husbands to Buck-
ingham, and die in Shrewsbury.
[lplay on “shrew” 2play on “staff” (a beating)
“cumber” (care)]
3play on

W355 He that has a WIFE and children wants not
business
1640 HERB., no. 774. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
232: (He that hath Wife). 1664 COD., p. 200. 1670 RAY, p. 29:
(He that hath wife). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Wife: (He that has Wife).
1732 FUL., no. 2157: (wants no Business).
Cf. W356: He that has a wife has strife (care); W379: Wife and
children are bills of charges.
W356 He that has a WIFE has strife (care)
1559 BERCHER Nobility Women 1. 21, p. 127: Thear is another com-
mon proverbe. who hathe n0 controversye hathe no wyffe. 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 10: Wherto maye be added this saying:
Haste thou taken one fayre? to thine owne care. 1611 COT., s.v.
Noise: He that a wife hath strife hath. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p.
31: Without wife, without strife. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: Who
takes a wife, takes care. 1721 KEL., p. 138: (has a Master).
1736 FRANKLIN, p. 10: He that takes a wife takes care.
Cf. W355: He that has a wife and children wants not business.
He that has no WIFE beats her often
1573 SANF., f. 103. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 28v: Who hath
not a wife, often beateth her. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 79, p. 28. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 154: Who hath not a wife, is every day a killing
of her.
Cf. B10: Bachelors’ wives and maids’ children are well taught.
W357
W358 He that kisses his WIFE in the market place
shall have many teachers
1636 CAM., p. 297. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 13. 1664 COD., p.
196: (He that lyes with his Wife in). 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 135,
p. 60: Who kisseth another mans wife in the open market, shall have
teachers enough. 1670 RAY, p. 110: (shall have enough to teach
him). I721 KEL., p. 173: (at the Market Cross, will have many to
teach him). *Spoken when People are ofliciously instructing us in
doing what we are about.
W359 He that lets his WIFE go to every feast and his
horse drink at every water shall neither have
good wife nor good horse
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. III, p. 41: Who lets his wife goe to euerie feaste,
And lets his horse drinke at euerie puddle, Shall haue of his horse,
a Starke iadish beast And of his best wife, a twang with a huddle.
I640 HERB., no. 430: (Who lets). I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac.
in Via, p. 233: (He who lets). 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 6: Who
letteth his wife go to every feast, and his horse to drink at all waters,
will have a jade to the one, and a whore to the other. 1659 N.R.,
p. 120: (Who lets his wife go to every Feast, and his horse to every
water and nor a good horse). 1664 COD., p. 199. I666 TOR. It.
Prov. 26, p. 88: Who permits his wife to go to every feast, and his
horse to drink at every water, of his horse he shall have ajade, and
of his wife, a whore. I 1670 RAY, p. 28: *Ital. 1678 RAY, p. 29:
He that lets his horse drink at every lake, And his wife go to every
wake, Shall never be without a whore and a jade. 1696 D’URFEY
3 Don Quite. IV i, p. 262: He that lets his Wife drink of every Cup,
ugh, and his Horse at every Water, shall be sure to have neither Of
’em good for any thing. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. 15 5. 1732 FUL., no.
61 87: He that lets his Horse drink at every Lake, And his Wife go to
every Wake; Shall never have a good Horse, Nor a good Wife, which
1s worse.
Cf. H676: Let a horse drink when he will, not what he will.
W360 He that loses his WIFE and Sixpence (a farthing)
has lost a tester1
1611 COT., s.v. Femme: (hath some losse by the money). 1658
E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Elog., p. 177: (loses by the money).
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7: Who loseth a wife and a peny, hath a
great loss of the peny. I659 N.R., p. 50: *F r. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
31, p. 154: Who loseth a wife, and a farthing, hath a great loss of the
farthing. 1670 RAY, p. 49. 1678 RAY, p. 58: (and a farthing hath
a great loss Of his farthing). I687 MIEGE, s.v. Wife. 1694 D ’UR-

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl'.
WmE
WIFE
714

FEY 1 Don Quix. I ii, p. 21: (and Six Pence loses). 1732 FUL., no.
2228. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 423: (He that has lost his).
Cf. M408: When a man loses his wife heloses his earthly treasure.
[‘sixpence]
W361 He that makes his WIFE his master had need
to be set a grazing
1616 DR., no. 2402.
W362
1639 CL., p. 329: (must bee set a grazing).
He that tells his WIFE news is but newly mar-
ried
I640 HERB., no. 980. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
192. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 18: (Who tells). I659 N.R., p.
40. 1664 COD., p. 226: (Who tells). 1670 RAY, p. 49. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Wife. 1732 FUL., no. 2330: (his Wife, is but lately
married).
Cf. 5196: Trust no secret with a woman; W347a: Do not tell your
wife all you know.
W363 He that will put away his WIFE ’cause She farts
and his horse ’cause he stumbles will be badly
horsed and worse wived
1639 CL., p. 202.
W364 He that would an old WIFE wed must eat an
apple before he goes to bed
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 100, p. 88: Apples . . are thought to
quench the flame of Venus, according to that old English saying,
He that will not a wife wed, must eate a cold Apple when he goeth
to bed, though some turne it to a contrarie purpose. 1659 HOW.
Eng. Prov., p. 17: He who will an old wife wedd, Lett him eat a cold
apple when he goeth to bedd. I670 RAY, p. 48: *Which by reason
of its fiatulcncy is apt to excite lust. I687 MIEGE, s.v. To wed:
(He that will an).
W365 An ill WIFE that grows not worse is not of
wives the worst
1611 COT., s.v. Femme. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p.
176: (is not the worst of wives). 1659 N.R., p. 12.
W366 Little kens the WIFE that sits by the fire how
the wind blows cold in Hurly-burly Swire1
1641 FERG., no. 600. 1668 R.B., p. 36. 1721 KEL., p. 229: (Little
knows and the Wind blows in). *The Meaning is, that they, who
are at Ease, know little of the Trouble that others are expos’d to.
Cf. B296: He whose belly is full believes not him that is fasting
(empty).
[’a pass between two hills]
W367 Little wots the ill willy WIFE what a dinner may
hold in
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 951: Litl wots ane evil hussie quhat a good
denner holds in. 1641 FERG., no. 589: Little waits an ill hussie
what a dinner holds in. 1668 R.B., p. 36: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. I721
KEL., p. 236: *For a handsome Treat may procure good Friends and
great Interest.
W368 My WIFE cries five loaves a penny
1678 RAY, p. 71: *She is in travel [travail].
W369 Next to no WIFE a good wife is best
1642 FULLER Holy State III xxii, p. 214: A Batchelour was saying,
Next to no wife, a good wife is best. Nay, said a Gentlewoman,
next to a good wife, no wife is the best. 01659 J. HOWELL Let.
Suppl. 16, II 666: Next to a single Life, a married Life is best. 1732
FUL., no. 3539.
Cf. M693: It is good to marry late or never.
W370 A nice WIFE and a back door do often make
a rich man poor
01450 Proverb. Counsel in Bks. on Courtesy, p. 69: (Makyth oftyn
tymus a). 1585 ROBSON Choice Change, s. L4v: Three thinges are

able to make a rich man poore. A proud wife. A wide house.
And a backe doore. 1639 CL., p. 218: (doore Oft doe make).
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 27: (A faire wife, a wide house,
and a back-doore, Will quickly make). 1670 RAY, p. 49. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Wife. 1721 KEL., p. 45: (will soon make). *The wife
will spend, and the Servants purloyn.
Cf. B21: The back door robs the house; D48: Two daughters and
a back door are three arrant (stark) thieves; D560: The postern
door (back door) makes thief and whore.
W371 Refuse a WIFE with one fault and take one
with two
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 13. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19: (Wave a
wife with no fault, and). *A British Proverb.
W372 The second WIFE is best beloved
1616 DR., no. 2389: The Second wiues are commonly best beloued.
1639 CL., p. 329.
Cf. L478: The first love is the fastest; W350: The first wife is
matrimony, the second company, the third heresy.
W373 Show me thy WIFE and I will tell thee what a
husband thou art
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 14.
thou art).
Cf. H831: A good husband makes a good wife.
W374 There is one good WIFE in the country and
every man thinks he has her
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxii, III 165: It was an opinion of
I know not what sage man, that there was but one good woman in
the world, and his advice was, That every man should thinke that
was married, that his wife was she. 1639 CL., p. 327: (thinks he
hath wed her). 1670 RAY, p. 49. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Wife. 1721
KEL., p. 315: (There is but one good Wife in the World and).
W375 When the good WIFE is away the keys are tint1
I668 R.B., p. 44: (Quhen the good-wife is fra hame the).
KEL., p. 352: *For if she be not at home you’ll get no Drink.
[110st]
W376 When the WIFE commands, thunderbolts fly
about the house
1616 DR., s.v. Wedding, no. 2403. 1664 COD., p. 223.
Cf. H778: It is a sad house where the hen crows louder than the
cock.
1664 COD., p. 210: (what Husband
1721
W377 Who has a fair WIFE needs more than two eyes
I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 234: He that hath a fair
wife, she is not all his own. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 14. Ibid.,
p. 26: A handsome wife, a vineyard and fig-tree are hard to be kept.
1664 COD., p. 226. 1670 RAY, p. 9. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Fair: (He
that hath a).
[SHAKESPEARE—I604 O. I i 21: A fellow [Cassio] almost damn’d
in a fair wife.]
Cf. H657: He that has a white horse and a fair wife never wants
trouble; W348: A fair wife and a frontier castle breed quarrels.
W378 Who will have a handsome WIFE let him choose
her upon Saturday and not upon Sunday
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 2: *When she is in her fine Cloaths. 1664
COD., p. 228. 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: If you want a neat wife, chuse
her on a Saturday.
W379 WIFE and children are bills of charges
I612 BACON Essays, p. 101: There are some other that account wife
and children but as bills of charges. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18.
I670 RAY, p. 29. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Wife. 1732 FUL., no. 5741.
Cf. W355: He that has a wife and children wants not business.
W380 WIFE and children are hostages given to fortune
1612 BACON Essays, p. 101: He that hath wife and children hath
giuen hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enter-
prises. 1678 S. BUTLER Hud. III i 809, p. 288: For what secures

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WIFE
WILL
725

the Civil life But Pawns of Children, and a Wife?
Hostages, at Stake, TO pay for all Men undertake.
5742~
W381
That lie, like
1732 FUL., no.
The WIFE and the sword may be Showed but
not lent
1574 HELLOWEs Guevara’s Fam. Epp., p. 314: (It is an Old Prouerb,
That the wife). 1575 G. FENTON Golden Epp., f. 300: A wife being
the dearest of the two things (according to the common saying)
which we ought not to lende. 1623 CAM., p. 279. 1639 CL., p.
329. 1659 N.R., p. 108: (are to be shew’d not lent). 1664 COD.,
p. 212.
Cf. C362: In choosing a wife and buying a sword we ought not to
trust another; H674: Lend not horse nor wife nor sword.
W382 A WIFE brings but two good days, her wedding
day and death day
01570 INGELEND Disoh. Child, s. D4: With a wyfe are two dayes of
pleasure The first is the ioye of the Maryage daye and nyght The
seconde to be at the wyfes Sepulture. 1577 T. KENDALL Flowers
Epig., p. 143: Although all women kinde be nought, yet two good
dayes hath she: Her marriage day, and day of death, when all she
leaues to thee. I586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 209: It is an olde
saying, that the wife bringes but two merrie daies to her husband,
the one when she is married, the other when she is buried. 1608
MIDDLETON Family Love I ii 6: Dost not yet know the Old saying,—a
wife brings but two good days, that is her wedding-day, and death-
day? 1621 TAYLOR Motto: Wks. F., p. 210: A married man (some
say) has two dayes gladnesse, And all his life else, is a lingring sad-
nesse: The one dayes mirth is, when he first is married, Th’ other’s,
when his wife’s tO burying carried. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 144:
A husband hath but two happy daies, the one when he brings his
wife home, the other when she goes out. *Note 66, p. 163: Meant,
that she goes to be buried.
Cf. D122: Two dismal days, the day of death and the day of
doom; D147: The death of wives and the life (standing) of sheep
make men rich.
W383 The WIFE (woman) is the key of the house
1616 DR., s.v. Hospitalitie, no. 1014: A woman is the key of the
house, and a man the soule ofit. Ihid., no. 2387. I640 HERB., no.
898. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 232: (A woman is).
1659 N.R., p. 104. 1664 COD., p. 222. 1670 RAY, p. 29. I732
FUL., no. 4828.
Cf. H765: A house and a woman suit excellently.
W384 The WIFE that bites her lips and treads askew
is to her husband or herself untrue
I611 COT., s.v. Femme. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq.,
p. 177: *Gentlemen, forwarn’d forearm’d These are signs easie
enough to be seen, take notice Of them. 1659 N.R., p. 108: (and
her self untrue).
W385 Long-tongued WIVES go long with bairn
I670 RAY, p. 49. I721 KEL., p. 239: *Apply’d to those who dis-
cover their Projects, Designs, and Intentions, long before they are
put in Execution.
W386 WIVES must be had, be they good or bad
1639 CL., s.v. Uxor, p. 328. 1670 RAY, p. 49. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Whether: (whether good or bad). I732 FUL., no. 6267.
Cf. W703: Women are necessary evils.
W387 WIVES of clouts
I542 UDALL Apoph., f. 106: We saie in our englyshe prouerbe,
wiues of cloutes.
W388 Old WIVES’ tales
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 72: A fole he is for his moste felycyte
Is to byleue the tales of an olde wyfe. 1537 W. TURNER Old Learn.
and New, s. C6: They bryng forth Old wyues fables for sounde and
true thynges. 1542 UDALL Apoph. Pref.: Old wiues foolyshe
tales of Robyn Hoode. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 116:

Thinking euery Olde wiues tale to be a truth. 1584 LYLY Sapho
and Phao II i 22: Children delight in nothing more then to heare
Old wiues tales. I611 FLOR., s.v. Fanfaluche, p. 179: Flimfiam
tales, old wiues fables. 1623 WOD., p. 515: Those be Old Wiues
Tales. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 12, p. 58: Old wives tales over a
cup Of Ale, as they say in England, In the chimney corner. 1672
MARVELL Rehear. Transprosed I, p. 39: Who will . . tax up an Old-
wife’s fable to the punctuality of History. 1703 DUNTON Athen.
Oracle, I 367: Popery . . is visibly founded upon interest and prac-
tice and Old wives tales.
(13)
See OTTO, no. 121.
W389 The most WILD are in least danger to be stark
mad
1615 T. ADAMS Mystical Bedlam: Wks., p. 498: (The Prouerbe
saith, that the most).
W390 To run the WILD-GOOSE CHASE
1604 MARSTON Malcontent I i 100: Here’s a knight of the land of
Catito shall .. run the wildgoose-chase even with Pompey the
Huge. 1606 I. DAY Isle Gulls, s. F3: But committing her and her
Asse to their wildgoose chase. 1616 CORYATE Trav. Eng. Wits,
p. 53: His head doth to run the wilde-goose chace, Swifter then
horse Of hunting race. 1639 CL., s.v. Frans, p. 126: Hunt the wild
goose chase. I645 WITHER Vox Pacifica 2: Misc. Wks., II 86: He
that was not mad enough to run Their wild goose-chase, and set the
world on fire. I670 RAY, p. 191. 1732 FUL., no. 5222.
SHAKESPEARE.—CI595 R]. II iv 75: Nay, if our wits run the
wild-goose chase, I am done.
WILES help weak folk
I668 R.B., p. 56.
W391
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1470. 1721 KEL., p. 341.
W392—W398 WILL: subst. ( = inclination, determination)
W392 To be wedded to one’s WILL
1546 HEY. II xi, s. MI: I was wedded vnto my will. I562 HEY.
Epig. 12, p. 130: Nay nay, Gill is wedded to wyll. 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., I 123: God hath endued women with this property, to be
wedded to their wills. I577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. A4v:
(Being somwhat wedded as most fooles are) to mine owne opinion.
1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 119: Shee is wedded to her will and
maried to her owne minde. 1607 SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. I, p.
13: Shee’s marryed best that’s wedded to her Will. 1671 CL.
Phras. Puer., p. 305: Every man is wedded to his own will.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1594-5 L.L.L. II i 211: Is she wedded or no?
—-TO her will, sir, or so.
W393 To take the WILL for the deed
01460 Wisdom l. 221, p. 43: Wyll, for dede oft ys take. I576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I I 3 5: Rather weigh the will Of the speaker, than
the worth of the words. 1592 SYLVESTER Weeks II 111 ii 453: Now,
of thy Faith I have had perfect proof; Thy Will for Deed I doe
accept; Enough. 1596 DEL., s. N6v: The will must be accounted
for the deede. 1600 DEKKER Shoe. Hal. [p. 3]: Take all in good
worth that is well intended. 1616 DR., no. 2406: The will for the
deede. 1619 J. TAYLOR Kick. Win. 2: Wks. F., p. 197: On hope
and expectation I will feede, And take your good endeauours for the
deede. I623 WOD., p. 501: Good Will is reputed for the Deed.
1639 CL., p. 221: The good will is worth acceptance. 1659 N.R., p.
82: One regards more the will then the deed. 1721 KEL., p. 393:
(You must take). 1732 FUL., no. 5101: ’Tis not the Action, but the
Intention, that is good or bad.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. V i 91: And what poor duty can-
not do, noble respect Takes it in might, not merit. 1606-7 A.C.
II v 8: And when good will is show’d, though ’t come too short, The
actor may plead pardon.
Cf. G339: The good will is all; M761: It is not the matter (words)
but the mind; S730: That is well spoken (There is nothing ill said)
that is well taken; T31: Everything is as it is taken.
W394 Where the WILL is ready the feet are light
1640 HERB., no. 444: Where your will is ready your feete are light.
1659 N.R., p. 124: Where you[r] will is ready your feet is light.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) Of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
WILL
WIND
726

1664 COD., p. 229: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Will. 1732 FUL., no. 5670.
Cf. M975: A willing mind makes a light foot.
I670 RAY, p. 29.
W395 WILL buys and money pays
1573 SANF., f. NOV. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 34: Wyl maketh
the market, but money maketh payment. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 133,
p. 29. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 64: The will makes the price, but
moneys pay.
W396 WILL is the cause of woe
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag, s. A7). 1639 CL., p. 200: His will is cause
of his own woe. Ibid., p. 253. 1664 COD., p. 197: His Will is the
cause of his own Woe. 1670 RAY, p. 155. 1732 FUL., no. 5757.
Cf. W397: Will will have will (wilt) though will woe Win.
W397 WILL will have will (wilt) though will woe win
1546 HEY. I xi, 3. D3v. 1611 GRUT., no. 328: (wilt). 1614 CAM.,
p. 315: (Wilt). 1616 DR., s.v. Wilfulnesse, no. 2412: (though will
win woe). 1639 CL., s.v. Pertinacia, p. 253: Will will have his will,
though will woe doth winn. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10: (Wilt).
I670 RAY, p. 29: (wilt). 1732 FUL., no. 5758: (Will will have its
Will).
Cf. W396: Will is the cause of woe.
W398 With as good a WILL as ever I came from school
1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War 171: Posies, p. 175: And home we came
as children come from Schoole. I591 STEP., p. 90: Will you pledge
me? —Yea, with as good a will as euerI came from schoole. 1639
CL., p. 186: With as good will as e’re boy came from schoole. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 01659 HOWELL Let. Suppl. 16, II 666:
(I would do it with as). 1670 RAY, p. 29. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Will:
(I did it with as good will as). 1732 FUL., no. 5794.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. III ii 151: Signior Gremio, came
you from the church? —As willingly as e’er I came from school.
W399 WILL: subst. (proper name)
W399 WILL is a good boy when Will is at home
1639 CL., p. 253.
W4oo-W401 WILL: verb
W400 He must neither WILL nor choose
1616 DR., s.v. Need, no. 1485. 1639 CL., p. 225.
W401 WILL he nill he
[01470] I485 MALORY Morte d’ArthurI viii, p. 45: Ye shal ouercome
hem all wether they wille 0r nylle. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 56:
Old age cometh vpon vs all, will we, or nill we. 1578 T. LUPTON
Allfor Money, s. E1: And then will he, nyll he, he must be com-
pelled. 1596 SPENSER EQ. IV vii 16: But whether willed or nilled
friend or foe, I me resolu’d the vtmost end to proue. 1610 P.
HOLLAND Brit. Hampshire, I 270: Constantine for his names sake,
they forced wild he, nild he, to usurpe the Empire. 1620 SHELTON
Don .Quix. Pt. II, lxx, IV 241: Willed hee, or nilled hee, they should
bring him to the Castle. 01640 SMYTH Lives Berkeleys, II 59: But
will hee nill hee, inforced the Said David to eat the subpena, wax
and parchment.
SHAKESPEARE.—-1594-8 T.S. II i 273: Will you, nill you, I will
marry you. 1600-1 H. V i 17: Will he nill he, he goes. (45)
W402 He is more WILLFUL than wise
1616 DR., no. 2411. 1639 CL., p. 253.
W403 T0 wear the WILLOW
1563 GOOGE Eclog. Epit. and S0nn., p. 52: Let Wyllows wynde
aboute my hed (A Wrethe for Wretches mete). 1578 T. PROCTOR
ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 84: Which makes mee to weare, the willow
Garland. 1597 J. HALL Satires I iv, p. 16: Yield up the lawrell
garland ye have lost: And let all others willow wear with me. 1605
BRETON Hon. Valor: IVks., I 5: Crying, Cupid doth but willow
weare, While worthy Mars is with the Lawrell crouned. 1612 N.
FIELD lVoman Is [Weathercock I ii, p. 25: There’s Lucida wears the

willow garland for you. [01629] I673 D’AVENANT 'Siege V, p. 436:
With a free-soul I wish All joy crown your union! I am content
To wear the willow now.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQI 3 Hen. VI III iii 227: Tell him . . I’ll wear
the willow garland for his sake. Ibid. IVi 99: ‘Tell him . . I’ll wear
the willow garland for his sake.’ 1598-9 M.A. II i 224: I off’red
him my company to a willow tree .. to make him a garland, as
being forsaken. 1604 0. IV iii 51: Sing all a green willow must be
my garland. (7)
W404 WILLows are weak yet they bind other wood
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12: (yet they tie
1664
I754
I640 HERB., no. 590.
Strong wood). I659 N.R., p. 120: (yet they bind others).
COD., p. 229. 1670 RAY, p. 29: *Ital. 1732 FUL., no. 5761.
FRANKLIN, p. 31: (but they bind the Faggot).
W405 WILLows will buy the owner a horse before
other trees will pay for his saddle
1662 FULLER IVorthies Cambridgeshire, I 153: [The willow] groweth
incredibly fast; it being a by-word in this County, that the profit by
Willows will buy the Owner a Horse, before that by other Trees will
pay for his Saddle.
See APP., p. 688.
W406 He has played WILY—BEGUILED with himself
1598 R. BERNARD Eunuch Prol., p. 99: He deceives himselfe he
playeth wilie beguile himselfe. 1616 DR., no. 454: He playeth wily
beguile you with himselfe. I618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.:
Wks., II 1 I: But what is the end of all wily beguily? seeking to de-
ceiue other, deceiu’d himselfe most of all. I639 CL., p. 101: Wilie
beguilie deceives himself. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 15: (Wily be-
guile with me). 1678 RAY, p. 84. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 378:
Wilie beguilie cozens himself. 1732 FUL., no. I 895: He hath play’d
a Wiley Trick, and beguil’d himself.
W407 The little WIMBLE1 will let in the great auger
1636 D. FEATLEY Clavis Myst. xxix, p. 377: AS the wimble bores a
hole for the auger, S0 lesse sinnes make way for greater. I732 FUL.,
no. 4632.
[1gimlet]
W408 WIN it! and wear it
01570 Marr. Wit and Science IV i, s. C3: Let him winne it and weare
it. 1573 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. I 14: Thou hast woone her—weare
her. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 19: You would confess, that by force
of love I had won you, and were worthy to wear you. [a1582] I63 5
Long Meg Westminster in Old Bk. Coll. Misc., II 28: Lay me down
the hundred marks to our gowns and our purses, and they that win
all wear all. [01589] 1633 MARLOWE 7ew Malta II iii 293: This is
thy diamond; tell me, shall I have it? —Win it, and wear it; it is
yet unsoil’d. [a1600] 1662 I.T. Grim Collier Croydon II iv, s. G9:
Win her, and wear her man with all my heart. 1612 JONSON Alch.
IV iii 74: Winne her, And weare her. 1616 DR., s.v. Victory, no.
2238: Let him winne it and weare it. [1621] 1652 FLETCHER Wild
Goose Chase II i, p. 330: Win ’em, and wear ’em, I give up my inter-
est. 1639 CL., p. 319. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1670 RAY,
p. 199. 1721 KEL., p. 351: *Spoken when a thing is propos’d to be
given, upon doing such a Task.
SHAKESPEARE—1598 2 Hen. IV IV v 222: You won it, wore it,
kept it, gave it me. 1598-9 M.A. V i 82: Win me and wear me!
Cf. G294: Win gold and wear gold; P640: Win purple and wear
purple; W731: Woo, wed, and bed (wear) her. (16)
W409 Ill WON, ill ward1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 787: Ill woon ill waired. I641 FERG., no. 481:
Ill win, ill warit. 1668 R.B., p. 28: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1721 KEL.,
p. 176.
Cf. G301: Evil-gotten (Ill-gotten) goods never prove well (pros-
per, endure).
[lspent]
W410 All this WIND shakes no com
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4. 1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, 3. A4: It is
a greate winde that shaketh com. 1579 G. HARVEY Let. Bk., p. 70:
Howe litle corne was shaken in the late greate outragious tempest

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WIND 727
WIND

you wott of. 01594 BACON, no. 514. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 668:
(His wind). 1604 Wit Woman, s. C4. 1616 DR., no. 2420: (This
wind). 1623 HALL Contempl. I vii, II 67: What Corn had this
Wind Shaken, when God meant to bless them? 1639 CL., p. 209.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3. Ibid., p. 4: (This wind). 1670 RAY,
p. 199. 1721 KEL., p. 370: (Your Wind). *Spoken to boasting
and pretending People whom the Scots call Windy People.
Cf. W415: Every wind blows not down the corn.
W411 As swift as the WIND
[01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates 1. 3240, p. 500: And swift as
winde. 1558 PHAER Aeneid I 278, s. A4v: Doune he flies him
through the skies, with wing as swift as wind. 1593 PEELE Edw. I
xxv, 5. L3: Let Spanish Steedes as swift as fleeting winde, Conuaie
these Princes to their funerall. 1616 BRET., p. 6: Nothing is swifter
then the winde. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 327: Swifter than the
Eastwind. 1672 WALK. 44, p. 16: As swift as a swallow; as the
wind. 1715-25 POPE Iliad VIII, p. 58: Swift as the wind, the vari-
ous colour’d maid From Ida’s top her golden wings display’d.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594—5 L.L.L. V ii 260: Their conceits have
wings, Fleeter than arrows, bullets, wind, thought, swifter things.
I595 M.N.D. III ii 94: About the wood! GO swifter than the
wind. 1613 T.N.K. II iii 75: I could have .. run Swifter than
wind upon a field of corn.
W412 AS wavering (changeable, fickle, inconstant) as
the WIND.
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 227: Vnstabyll as the wynde. 01530
Youth, s. A4v: Chaungable as the wynde. 1546 HEY. II i, s. F4:
Waueryng as the wynde. I562 HEY. Epig. 70, p. 114: Whose wit
like .the winde hath been wauryng euer. 01570 Marr. Wit and
Science I i, s. A2: Now fast, now lose, now hot, now cold, unconstant
as that wind. 1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. I ii, s. B4: More
fickle then the winde. I589 Triumphs Love and Fort. I i, 5. A4.
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. II vi 198: It seemes then, he beares
a very changing saile? —O, as the wind, sir. I600 [LYLY] Maid’s
Metam. V i 3 5: I see thou art as constant as the winde.
SHAKESPEARE—01595 R.7. I iv 99: Which [fantasy] is as thin of
substance as the air, And more inconstant than the wind.
Cf. W223: As wavering (variable) as the weathercock; W439:
To turn with the wind (tide); W449: You may as well turn the wind
as a woman; W698: Women are as wavering (changeable, inconstant)
as the wind.
W413 Blow the WIND ne’er so fast it will lown1 at the
last
01475 CAXTON Hist. Troy, II 472: Ther is no wynde so grete ne so
rygorous but hit attemperid. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 236. 1668
R.B., p. 12: (at last). 1721 KEL., p. 65: *Let the present Disturb-
ances be never so great, they will at length settle. 1732 FUL., no.
6306: (fast, It will fall at last).
[lturn calm]
W414 Come WIND come weather
01630 PARKER Honest Porter 64 in Pepysian Garl., p. 368: We needs
must drinke Come wind Come wether.
See S. MEECH, “A Collection of Proverbs in Rawlinson MS D
328,” Modern Philology, xxxviii, 2 (Nov., 1940), p. 132. Cf. W446:
Wind and weather, do your worst.
W415 Every WIND blows not down the com
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L1. 1616 DR., no.
2421: (downe corne).
Cf. W410: All this wind shakes no corn.
W416 He catches the WIND in a net
[ERAS. Adagia, I720: Reti ventos venaris (or captas).] a1542
WYATT Lover Despairing: Wks., p. 16: Since in a net I seek to hold
the wind. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 212: Magistrates .. very
often receive (as the Proverbe is) winde in a net. 1592 LYLY Midas
V i 24: As impossible it is to staye the rumor, as to catch the wind
in a nette. I598 SIDNEY Arcadia II Bk. II, p. 221: [He] hopes the
flickring winde, with net to hold, Who hath his hopes laid vpon wom-
ans hand. [1615] 1631 P. FLETCHER Sicelides II ii, p. 31: Yet I,
1611 DAV. Prov., no. 283.

W421
fond I, more fond and sencelesse more: Who striues in nets to prison
in the winde? 1623 WEBSTER Devil’s Law-Case V iv 143: Vaine
the ambition of Kings, Who seeke . . To leave a living name behind,
And weave but nets to catch the wind.
See PF., no. 31 1. Cf. H160: You shall as soon catch a hare with
a tabor; W1 11: To pour water into a sieve.
W417 He that weighs the WIND must have a steady
hand
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng. To Ladies, p. 10: Hee that weighes
wind, must haue a steadie hand to holde the ballaunce. 1732
FUL., no. 2345.
W418 If there be any WIND stirring it is most evident
about the church
1627 PERROT Yacob’s Vow, p. 25: (Wee have a common saying Of
the winde, that if there bee any thing stirring). 1655 J. HOWELL
Let. IV 29, II 607: But as we find the ruffling Winds to be commonly
in Cemeteries, and about Churches. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 8:
The Rufliingest Winds are commonly found in Church-yards, so
the greatest clashes are about Religion.
SHAKESPEARE.——16o5—6 M. IV i 52: Though you untie the winds
and let them fight Against the churches.
W419 Is the WIND in that door (comer)?
[01470] 1485 MALORY Morte d’Arthur VII xxxv, p. 269: What!
neuewe . . is the wynde in that dore? 1546 HEY. II v, s. H2: If
the wynde stande in that doore, it standth a wry. 01565 Bugbears
IV v 1. 1566—7 Mer. Tales Skelton 6 in Shak. fest-Bks., II 11:
What, sayde Skelton, is the winde at that doore? 1577 GRANGE
Gold. Aphroditis, s. F2v: Why Lady (quoth he) is the winde at that
dore now? 1588 [MARPRELATE] Epitome: Marpr. Tracts, p. 129:
Is the wind at that door with you, Brother Dean? [1600] 1659
J. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. I2: Is the wind ei’ that door, I’l take up
thy Gloue. [1614] 1631 JONSON Barth. Fair III v 305: Cry you
mercy, is the winde there? 1631 MABBE Celestina II, p. 63. 1636
W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker I i, p. 13: I thought the wind was in that
doore. I640 SHIRLEY Coronation II, p. 264: (corner). 1671
DRYDEN Evening’s Love IV iii, p. 339. 1678 RAY, p. 342: (corner).
SHAKESPEARE.~—1597 I Hen. IV III iii 102: Is the wind in that
door, i’ faith? 1598-9 M.A. II iii 102: Sits the wind in that corner?
Cf. W144: To know which way the wind blows. (I 1)
W420 It is a good WIND that blows a man to the wine
I594 LYLY Mother B. II V 5: (It was an olde prouerbe, when his
greate grandfather was a childe, that it was a good winde that blew
a).
It is an ill (evil) WIND that blows no man good
(to good)
1546 HEY. II ix, s. L1: An yll wynde, that blowth no man to good,
men saie. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. H1: (euyll).
1578 WHETSTONE I Promos and Cass. II v, s. C3: The wynd is yl,
blowes no mans gaine. 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. Wit and Wisdom
iii, p. 23: (to good). 1599 Warningfor Fair Women, s. Clv: I1] is
the wind doth no man profite blow. 1602 BRETON Wonders: W ks.,
II 10: (to good). 1604 Wit Woman, s. C4: It is an euill winde blowes
no man to goods. 1611 COT., s.v. Malheur: (to good). 1611
GRUT., no. 147: (euell). 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1616 DR., no. 2422:
(An ill wind that). [1621] I640 JONSON Gypsies Metam. l. 779:
Masques at Court, p. 591: (winde blowes no man to proflitt). 1632
HAUSTED Rival Friends IV vi, s. I3: (that blowes no body good).
1639 CL., p. 83: (wind blowes no man profit). 1655 FULLER Church
Hist. II ii, I 133: (which bloweth no man profit). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 8. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 27, p. 292: The English say,
That is an ill wind that brings no body no profit. 1670 RAY, p. 156:
(wind blows no body profit). 1721 KEL., p. 191: (that blows good
to no Body). *Things that are bad in general, may be good to some
in particular.
SHAKESPEARE.—159I 3 Hen. VI II v 55: Ill blows the wind that
profits nobody. 1598 2 Hen. IV V iii 89: What wind blew you
hither, Pistol? —Not the ill wind which blows no man to good.
Cf. A94: It is an ill air where nothing is to be gained; M337:
NO man loses (wins) but another wins (loses). (21)

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
WIND
WIND
728

W422 Keep (Save) your WIND (breath) to cool your
pottage (porridge, broth)
1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 147. 1581 BELL Agst. Ororiu: III,
p. 483: But you come to late gentle Symon with these fables and
bables: and may keepe your breath to keale your potage. 1591
FLOR. See. I". To Rdr., s. A4v. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ao.
iii, 3. E1 v: You may speake when ye are spoken to, and keepe your
winde to coole your pottage. 61600 Club Law III ix 1656. 1605
CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward Ho III ii 134: My
speeches were euer in vaine . . And therefore . . I will saue my
breath for my broth anon. 1608 G. MARKHAM AND MACHIN Dumb
Knt. II, p. 136: My lord, save your breath for your broth; I am not
now atleisure to attend you. 1613 BEAUMONT [AND FLETCHER] Knt.
Burn. Pestle IV i, p. 214: Come Micke, let him keep his wind to
coole his Pottage. [1614—33] 1637 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER
Elder Brother II i, p. 14: Keep your good morrow to cool your
Worship’s pottage. 1616 WITHALS, p. 573. 1620 J.C. Two Mer.
Milk-Maids II i, 5. E3: That breath were better kept, to coole your
Porredge. 1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133: Save your breath to
coole your porridge. Ibid., p. 143: (porridge). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 1: (breath). *Spoken to a busie pratler. 1670 RAY,
p. 165: (Spare your breath to). 1694 MOT'I‘EUX Gargantua V
xxviii, III 335: Spare your Breath to cool your Porridge. 1721
KEL., p. 229: Keep your Breath to cool your Brose. *Spoken to
them who talk much to little purpose. 1732 FUL., no. 4240: Spare
your Breath, to cool your Broth. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 401:
Pray keep your breath to cool your porridge.
W423 Let this WIND overblow
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 987: Let the wind
blow. 1616 DR., s.v. Danger, no. 426: Let this winde be ouer-
blowen. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 7: (blow over).
W424 A little WIND kindles, much puts out the fire
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 149: But a greate Goblet of Wine
being given him, and holding it betweene his handes, saide, Ladie
Lelia, a little wind kindleth a fire, but a great one doth put it out.
1640 HERB., no. 676. 1659 N.R., p. 17: (a fire). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 29, p. 300: A small wind kindles, a great wind putteth out the
fire. 1732 FUL., no. 253: (kindleth a great Fire; a great one bloweth
it out).
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. II i 135: Though little fire grows
great with little wind, Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all.
1596 KY. V ii 83: Your breath first kindled the dead coal of wars . .
And brought in matter that should feed this fire; And now ’tis far
too huge to be blown out With that same weak wind which en-
kindled it.
Cf. W448a: The wind puts out small lights but enrages great
fires.
W425 March WIND and May sun make clothes white
and maids dun
1670 RAY, p. 41. 1732 FUL., no. 6137.
W426 March WIND is a salt that seasons all pulse
1620 G. MARKHAM Farew. Huso. xviii, p. 117: It is an old saying
amongst the best Husbandmen, That a March wind is a salt that
seasoneth all Pulse.
W427 Piss not against the WIND
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 10: Who pisseth against the wind wets his
shirt. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 300: {As in 1659 How.]. 1670
RAY, p. 131: *It is to a mans own prejudice, to strive against the
stream; he wearies himself and looses ground too. 1687 MIEGE,
s.v. To Piss: *Strive not against the Stream.
Cf. H355: To spit against heaven (in heaven’s face); H356: Who
spits against heaven, it falls in his face.
W428 Pufi’ not against the WIND
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 228: He bloweth in the wynde, and
shall nat haue his thought. 1614 CAM., p. 311. 1639 CL., s.v.
Inanis opera, p. 154. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 19. 1659 N.R.,
p. 87. 1670 RAY, p. 156.
See ST., no. 1739.

W429 Sail with the WIND and tide
1546 HEY. I xi, s. D4: A tyme I will spy, To take wynde and tyde
with me. 1591 FLOR. See. F. VI, p. 97: For Wisdome sailes with
winde and tide. 1639 CL., p. 15. 1672 WALK. 35, p. 9: To go
with the stream; To sail with the tide.
Cf. S930: To go (swim) with the stream.
W430 That which comes with the WIND goes with
the water
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1351. 1721 KEL., p. 344: What comes with
the Wind, will go with the Water.
W431 To fight against the WIND
01500 Melusine XIX, p. 107: Wel fole is he that fighteth ayenst the
wynd, wenyng to make hym be styll. [c1537] C1560 UDALL
Thersytes, s. B 3v: Do not set your mynde To fyghte with the wynde.
W432 To go down the WIND
[CI597] I609 JONSON Case I: Altered IV v 6: For I goe downe the
wind, and yet I puffe. 1604 BRETON Grimellos Fort.: Wks., II 8:
My purse grew so bare . . two or three yeares brought me so clowne
the winde that I could neuer look up more. 1618 BRETON Court.
and Countrym.: Wks., II 5: I feare the place you line in is more
costly then profitable; where, for one that goes vp the weather a
number goe downe the winde. 1639 Con., Clinches, Flashes and
Whimsie: in Shak. fest-Bks., III 28: Tis impossible that Saylers
should be rich men, because they are ne’er so well pleased as when
they go downe the wind fastest. 1662-3 PEPYS Diary Jan. 25, III
24: I perceive he goes down the wind in honour as well as every
thing else, every day. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Fiumara, p. 64:
To fall to ruine; The English say, to go down the wind. I eie., s.v.
Settimana, p. 191: To decline mainly in ones Estate, and go down
the Wind, and spend more than one gets. 1678 R. L’ESTRANGE
Mor. I xviii, p. 270: When a Man goes down the Wind, no body
comes near him. I678 RAY, p. 277. I681 ROB., p. 501: They are
quite down the wind.
SHAKESPEARE—1604 0. III iii 26o: IfI do prove her haggard . .
I’ld whistle her ofi and let her down the wind To prey at fortune.
Cf. B282: To take 0H your bells and let you fly; H713: From the
horses to the asses.
W433 T o grind with every WIND
1631 JONSON Staple News III ii 295: H’has taken a gray habit, and
is turn’d The Churches Millar, grinds the catholique grist With
euery wind. I730 BAILEY, s.v. Grind.
W434 To have one in the WIND
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II iii, p. 78: I haue in the wynde, some
good sauour of gayne. I546 HEY. I xi, s. E1v: I smelde hit out,
and had her streight in the wynde. 1562 HEY. Epig. 276, p. 168:
I haue him in the wynde. 1587 CHURCHYARD Wort/z. Wales, p. 26:
That hardly we, shall haue them in the winde, To smell them forth.
1592 LYLY Midas I ii 62: No, she can smel a knaue a mile off.
—Let vs go farther Licio, she hath both vs in the wind. 1605
JONSON Sejanu: II 406, p. 388: They haue vs in the wind. 1611
DAv. Prov., no. 165: Classus of late had his whore in the winde.
1616 DR., s.v. Suspicion, no. 2088: [As in 1562 Hey.]. 1616 JONSON
Ev. Man in Hum. II iii 54: Shee has me i’ the wind! 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 14: I had him in the wind, and smelt him streight.
1670 RAY, p. 199.
SHAKESPEARE.—I602 A.W. III vi 121: I sent to her, By this same
coxcomb that we have i’ th’ wind.
Cf. S621: There is something (somewhat) in the wind.
W435 To live by the WIND
[ERAS. Adagia, 1145B: Vento vivere.] 1538 ELYOT, s.v. Vento: *A
prouerbe applyed t0 theym, whiche haue noo substance to lyue on.
Cf. M226: A man cannot live on air like a chameleon.
W436 To shoot between WIND and water
[To hit a ship just at the water line.] 1588 Certain Ad. out of Ire-
land in Harl. Misc., I 134: One of the Shot was between the Wind
and the Water. [1610] 1620 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Philaster
IV, p. 117: The wench has shot him between wind and water.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WIND
WINDMILL
729

I655 FULLER Church Hist. X ii, III 202: The good Old man was
shot between wind and water. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Pelo,
p. 140: TO shoot to the hair of the water, viz. twixt wind and water,
to hit and level right.
W437 To sow the WIND and reap the whirlwind
[Hos. viii 7: For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the
whirlwind] 1596 New Bk. Tahlature in Lyrical Poems, p. 3 3: For
he that sowed winde, Now reapeth storme for hire.
See ST., no. 2588.
W438 To talk to the WIND
01565 Bugbears IV iv 15: Trifle owt the tyme and tel a tale to the
winde. 1604 Wit Woman, s. C2: Nowe let mee talke a little to the
winde: for I hope there is no body heares mee. 1672 WALK. 19,
p. 22: To talk to no purpose; in vain. To talk to the wind. To
beat straws against the wind. 1711 SWIFT Your. to Stella 63, Apr.
10, II 146: This I tell her, but talk to the winds.
W439 To turn with the WIND (tide)
01576 Common Cond. l. 622, s. C2v: Roome for a turne coate, that
will turne as the wynde. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XXV lxxiv,
p. 203: Rogero loves to take the surer side, And turnes his sailes, as
fortune turnes her tide. 1670 RAY, p. 197: TO turn with the wind,
or tide.
See ST., no. 2590. Cf. S25: To set up his sail to (To sail with)
every wind; W412: As wavering (changeable, fickle, inconstant)
as the wind.
W440 To whistle after the WIND
01510 Cock Lorell’s Boat, p. 12: Some stered at the helme behynde,
Some whysteled after the wynde.
See SM., p. 551.
W441 What WIND blew (brought) you hither?
CI489 CAXTON Sons Aymon III, p. 106: Lordes, what ye be, and
what wynde dryveth you hyther. I546 HEY. I x, s. C3v: Ye hus-
wife, what wind blowth ye hyther thus right? 01579 [MERBURY]
Marr. Wit and Wisdom ii, p. 14: (brought). 1594 GREENE AND
LODGE Looking Glass, 5. B3: What newes with you, what wind
brings you hither? 1605 Fair Maid Bristow, 8. C2: Now with a
diuill what whirle wind blew you hether. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G.
Goosecap IV i 66: What wind blows you hither, trow? 1610-25
Stonyhurst Pag. XII 21 8, p. 142: What wynd hath you downe hither
blowne. 1616 JONSON Ev. Man. in Hum. III ii 40: S’light, what
breath of a coniurer, hath blowne thee hither in this shape? [1636—
42] 1657 COKAYNE Ohst. Lady II iii, p. 24: (brought). 1678 RAY,
p. 342: (wine [for wind]). 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 379.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. I ii 48: And tell me now, sweet
friend, what happy gale Blows you to Padua here from old Verona?
1598 2 Hen. IVV iii 89: What wind blew you hither, Pistol? (6)
W442 When the WIND is in the east it is good for
neither man nor beast
1600 CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 750: The cast wind is accounted
neither good for man nor beast. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 19.
1670 RAY, p. 41: (the East, It’s neither good for man nor beast).
I675 TEONGE Diary, p. 42: The Old proverb: The North-East wind,
neither good for man nor beast. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. East: Wind
from the East is good neither for Man nor Beast. 1721 KEL.,
p. 353: (it is neither good for Man or Beast). 1732 FUL., no. 6224.
W443 When the WIND is in the south it blows the
bait into the fish’s mouth
1653 WALTON Complete Angler IV, p. 114: Of the windes . . the
Southwinde is said to be best. One Observes, That—When the
winde is south, It blows your bait into a fishes mouth. 1678 RAY,
p. 46. 1732 FUL., no. 6226.
W444 When the WIND is in the south it is in the
rain’s mouth
1639 CL., p. 263. 1670 RAY, p. 42. 1678 RAY, p. 45.
p. 353: (the South, Rain will be fouth [abundant]).
no. 6225.
1721 KEL.,
1732 FUL.,

W445 When the WIND is in the west the weather is
at the best
1606 CHAPMAN Gent. Usher II i 36: The wind must blow at west
still or she’ll be angry. 1656—91 AUBREY Nat. Hist. kl"ilts. I i, p. 16:
(is north-west The weather). 1721 KEL., p. 353. 1732 FUL., no.
6223.
W446 WIND and weather, do your worst
I678 RAY, p. 277. I732 FUL., no. 5743: (do your utmost).
SHAKESPEARE.—1605-6 K.L. III ii I: Blow, winds, and crack
your cheeks! rage! blow!
Cf. W414: Come wind come weather.
W447 The WIND in one’s face makes one wise
1640 HERB., no. 717. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 5: Wind in the visage
makes one sage: viz. adversity. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 2, p. 301:
Wind in ones face, makes a body wise. 1710 PALMER, p. 190: The
wind in a man’s face makes him wise.
Cf. A42: Adversity makes men wise; C840: Crosses are ladders
that do lead to heaven; T457: The Traceys have always the wind
in their faces.
W448 The WIND keeps not always in one quarter
1616 WITHALS, p. 568: (in one corner). 1639 CL., p. 124. 1670
RAY, p. 156. 1732 FUL., no. 4831.
W448a The WIND puts out small lights but enrages
great fires .
[01605] I630 DEKKER 2 Hon. Whore, p. 133: Madnes nothing tames,
Winds wrastling with great fires, incence the flames. 1607 CHAP-
MAN Bussy D’Amh. Vi 65: They be fires in cities Enrag’d with those
winds that less lights extinguish. 1732 FUL., no. 4832: The Wind
that blows out Candles, kindles the Fire.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Luc. l. 647: Small lights are soon blown
out; huge fires abide And with the wind in greater fury fret.
Cf. W424: A little wind kindles, much puts out the fire.
W449 You may as well turn the WIND as a woman
1616 DR., no. 2468: (A man may). 1639 CL., p. 329.
Cf. F605: Fortune (Woman) is constant only in inconstancy;
W412: As wavering (changeable, fickle, inconstant) as the wind.
W450 Huge (High) WINDS blow on high hills
1484. CAXTON Curial, p. 5: The grete wyndes that blowe in hye
courtes. 1563 Shore’s Wife in Mirrorfor Magistrates III, Pt. I, II
472: The wynde is great vpon the highest hylles, The quiet lyfe is
in the dale below. 1578 T. PROCTOR ET AL. Gorg. Gallery, p. 10:
As highest seates wee see: he subiect to most winde. 1598 S.
BRANDON Vir. Octavia I, s. A7v: The tempest soonest teares The
highest towers. 1616 DR., s.v. Ambition, no. 63: Hie windes blow
on hie places. 1639 CL., p. 23. I670 RAY, p. 107. I672 WALK.
33, p. 37. I732 FUL., no. 2502: (High Winds).
W451 To plow the WINDS
[ERAS. Adagia, 17113: Ventos colis.]
Cf. S89: T0 plow the sand (shore).
01594 BACON, no. 787.
W452 He that is redd1 for WINDLESTRAws2 should not
Sleep in leas
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 500: (He that is feird for winnel stroes).
I641 FERG., no. 328. I668 R.B., p. 23. 1721 KEL., p. 134: (Should
not pish in Lays). *Spoken to those who are afraid Of small, and
far distant Dangers.
Cf. G416: He that fears every grass must not piss (walk) in a
meadow.
[lafraid 2loose grass or straw]
W453 You cannot make a WINDMILL go with a pair of
bellows
1640 HERB., no. 672. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 7: You may make a
windmill go with a pair Of bellows as soon. 1664 COD., p. 231.
1670 RAY, p. 29: (You can’t drive a windmill with). 1732 FUL.,
no. 5880: [As in 1670 Ray].

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) Of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
WINDMILL
WINE
73°

W454 Your WINDMILL is dwindled into a nutcracker
1678 RAY, p. 277: Your windmill dwindles into a nut-crack. 1732
FUL., no. 6064.
W455 He has WINDMILLS in his head
1612 SHELTON Don .Quix. Pt. I, I viii, I 71: For they were none
other then Windemils, nor could any think otherwise, unlesse hee
had also Windemils in his braines. I622 DEKKER AND MASSINGER
Virgin Martyr II, p. 28: Thy head is full of Wind-mils. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Inconstantiae, p. 158. 1639 SHIRLEY Ball II iii, p. 28: I do
love One that has windmills in his head. -—How, madam? ——Proj-
ects, and proclamation. 1665 J. WILSON Projectors 1, p. 220: If
they will set up windmills in their heads, contribute my assistance
to cut out the sails. 1678 RAY, p. 277: (To have). a1700 B.E.:
Wind-mills in the Head, empty Projects.
See ST., no. 1535.
W456 To come in at the WINDOW (o’er the hatch)
1551 CROWLEY Pleasure and Pain 1. 348: Wks., p. 119: And youe
were gladde to take them in, Bycause you knewe that they dyd
knowe That youe came in by the wyndowe. 1605 CHAPMAN All
Fools III i 422: Away, let him alone; though he came in at the
window he sets the gates of your honour open, I can tell you.
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho I, S. A3v: This wit taking
of long iourneys: Kindred that comes in ore the hatch, and sailing to
Westminster makes a number of Cuckolds. 1608 MIDDLETON
Family Love IV iii 113: Woe worth the time that ever I gave suck
to a child that came in at the window. [1621] 1662 MIDDLETON
Anything Quiet Life III ii 215: Then you keep children in the name
of your own, which she suspects came not in at the right door.
1634 R. BROME AND T. HEYWOOD Lane. Witches I, p. 174: It ap-
peares then by your discourse, that you came in at the window.
—I would have you thinke I scorne like my Granams Cat to leape
over the Hatch. —-He hath confest himselfe to be a Bastard. I639
SHIRLEY Ball II ii, p. 237: I came in at the wicket, Some call it the
window. 1664 C. COTTON Scarron. I, p. 25: And so she came in at
the window.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 K]. I i 170: Something about, a little
from the right, In at the window, or else o’er the hatch.
Cf. L502: Love comes in at the window and goes out at the door.
W457 To look through a hempen WINDOW
[To be hanged] 01579 [MERBURY] Marr. WitandWisdom iii, p. 28:
If we Should chance to looke through an hemp Windowe, and our
arse brake our necke. 01600 Club Law III ix, p. 65: If my child
miscarry, Ile make the proudest of you looke through a hemping
windowe. 1627 J. TAYLOR Armada: Wks. F., p. 77: And sometimes
making their wills at Wapping, or looking thorow a hempen window
at St. Thomas waterings. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sbatir, p.
180: To be hang’d, to look thorough a Hempen windoor.
Cf. H353: To go to heaven in a string.
W458 Drink WINE and have the gout and drink no
wine and have the gout too
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health Ep. Ded., s. iii v: I haue heard many
gentleman say ere now: Drinke wine and haue the gowte: drink
none and haue the gowt, AS who Should say, that it maketh no
matter what a man eateth or drinketh. I655 MOFFETT Health’s
Improvem. i, p. 5: (the gout; drink no Wine and have it too). 1670
RAY, p. 38: *With this saying intemperate persons that have or fear
the gout, encourage themselves to proceed in drinking wine not-
withstanding. 1699 Honor Govt. Philander Misaurus in Harl. Misc.,
II 49: The Proverb, Drink Claret, and have the Gout; and drink no
Claret, and Still have it. 1732 FUL., no. 1331: (the Gout; drink
none, and have it too).
W459 Drink WINE like a king, drink water like an ox
1611 COT., s.v. Taureau: Boy le Vin comme roy, boy l’eau comme
taureau. Drinke little wine, and much water; or, drinke wine
moderately, water abundantly. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 13. 1659
How. Span. Prov., p. 23: Drink water like an Ox, and wine like a
King, viz. Sparingly.
W460
W461

fi
Good WINE makes a merry heart
[Eccl. x 19: A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry.
Ps. civ 15: And wine that maketh glad the heart of man.] 1593
MUNDAY Def. Contraries VII, p. 62: Such was the opinion, of the
most wise and prudent king of all auncient memorie, who saide in
his Prouerbs, that wine comforteth and refresheth the hartes of
men. 1616 BRET., p. 5. 1616 DR., no. 2424: Wine is the leauen
of melancholy. Ibid., no. 2429: Wine maketh the heart of men
merry. 1631 T. HEYWOOD 2 Fair Maid West IV, p. 399: Your
onely way is to drink wine, if you be in grief, for that’s the onely
way, the old proverb saies, to comfort the heart. 1639 CL., p. 320.
Cf. W461: Good wine makes good blood.
Good WINE makes good blood
1560-77 Misogonus II i 25: Ith morninge to reviue his spirites I
thinke and to breade some goode bloude toth alhouse he went. 1584
LYLY Camp. V iii 11: Goode drinke makes good bloud. 1586
YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 161: Drinke neverthelesse, saide Ladie
Fraunces, for it will engender bloud in you in dispight oflove. I590
MARLOWE 2 Tamburlaine III ii 106: And yet at night carouse within
my tent, Filling their empty veins with airy wine, That, being con-
cocted, turns to crimson blood. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IV, p. 51: He
that drinks wine, drinks blood, and he that drinks water, drinks
fleame. 1596 SPENSER V vii 10: Therefore they mote not
taste of fleshly food . . Ne drinke of Wine, for wine they say is
blood. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 36. I600 NASHE Sum-
mer’s Last Will 1. 1043: Wks., III 266: Ran, ran, tarra, Cold beere
makes good bloud. 1601 P. HOLLAND Hist. World XXIII i, p.
1520: Wine . . engendreth good bloud. 1605 SYLVESTER Weeks
I 111 590: Whose sacred liquor, temperately ta’en, Revives the
spirits, and purifies the brain; Cheers the sad heart, increaseth
kindly heat, Purgeth gross bloud, and doth the pure beget. I607
JONSON Volp. V i 16: So, so, so, so. This heate [from drinking
Wine] is life; ’tis bloud, by this time. 1609 Every Woman in Her
Hum., S. G4v: Good drinke makes good bloud, Good blood needes
no Barber, Ergo, tis good to drinke good drinke. 1611 DAY. Epig.,
no. 265: In wine he wades . . which makes good bloud. 1616 BRET.,
p. 11: And what the best drinke? ——That that breedes the best
blood. 1616 DR., no. 2430: Good wine engendreth good blood.
1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, s. E2v: Yea, toot and spare not, it
will be your owne, Good drinke breeds blood, and bloud makes able
men. 1633 Costly Whore II ii, p. 254: So fill more wine, we use to
drinke up all; Wine makes good blood and cheeres the heart withal.
1659 How. Fr. Prov. Ded. Let. [p. 2]: In the morning white wine is
good, Claret at night to breed good blood. I660 TATHAM Rump I i,
p. 4: Blood requires blood, then from the Purple Grape I’le suck
my fill. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 309: Wine begets bloud, and
water flegm.
SHAKESPEARE.——I598 2 Hen. IV IV iii 95: Nor a man cannot
make him laugh. But that’s no marvel; he drinks no wine.
There’s never none of these demure boys come to any proof; for
thin drink doth so over-cool their blood. 1598-9 M.A. I i 252:
Prove that ever I lose more blood with love than I will get again
with drinking. 1613 T.N.K. III iii 17: Drinkagood hearty draught
[of wine]; it breeds good blood, man.
Cf. W132: A falser Water~drinker there lives not; W460: Good
wine makes a merry heart. (9)
W462 Good WINE needs no bush (ivy bush, Sign)
[ERAS. Adagio, 589C: Vino vendibili suspensa hedera nihil opus]
‘ 1539 TAV., f. 42v: Wyne that is saleable and good nedeth no bushe
or garland of yuye to be hanged before . . so all good thynges nede
no commendation of any outward badge or token. I566 HOL., p.
261. 1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. I i, p. 10: Now a dayes the good
Wyne needeth none Ivye garland. 1590 IGNOTO Ded. Son. in Spen-
ser FAQ, p. 140: For when men know the goodness of the wyne, ’Tis
needlesse for the hoast to have a sygne. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 438:
Good Wine neids not a wisp. 1608 J. DAY Law Tricks IV i, p. 51:
(no bush, nor a good face painting). I611 DAv. Prov., no. 51 : There
needs no signe at the best wine. 1614 T. ADAMS Fatal Banquet
IV: Wks.,-p. 221: Onely the Deuils Feast-house hath a faire bush at
the dore, (yet if the wine were good, what needs the Iuie?). 1616
DR., s.v. Wares, no. 2341: The best wine needeth no Ivie-bush.
1619 H. HUTTON Folly’s Anat., p. 27: (’Tis an olde proverbe, Good

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WINE
WINE
731

wine). 1623 CAM., p. 269: (no Iuy-bush). 1639 CL., s.v. Gloria,
p. 134: Good wine needs not an ivybush. 01640 W.S. Countrym.
Commonw., p. 12: (no bush, nor a good faith any signe but good works
only). 1668 R.B., p. 20: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 156.
1721 KEL., p. 117: Good Ale need no Wisp. *Apply’d when we
would signify that a Thing, excellent in its self, need but little Rec-
ommendation.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 A.Y. Epil., l. 3: Ifit be true that good wine
needs no bush, ’tis true that a good play needs no epilogue.
See ST., no. 2572. Cf. A10 5: Good ale makes good sale. (34)
W463 He cries WINE and sells vinegar
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 3.
1831.
1664 COD., p. 195. 1732 FUL., no.
W464 He that drinks not WINE after salad is in danger
to be sick
1611 COT., s.v. Vin: He that wine drinkes not after a (cold) sallate,
his health indangers (and does wrong to his pallate). 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 13. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 308: Who drinks not
wine after a sallad, let him look to be Sick. 1670 RAY, p. 39.
Cf. P156: The peach will have wine, the fig water; P159: After a
pear, wine or a priest.
W465 In WINE there is truth
[ERAS. Adagia, 26713: In vino veritas] I552 TAV., f. 61v: In wyne
is trouthe. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias, s. F2v: In Vino
Veritas. 1580 BARET, I—264: In vino veritas. *A Prouerbe vsed,
when as a man being ouerseene with wine, doth euen vtter the se-
cretes of his minde. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 155: This Prov-
erbe is verified, Truth is in wine. 01594 BACON, no. 999: In Wine
truth is spoken. I594 LYLY Mother B. III iii 31: I perceiue sober
men tel most lies, for in vino veritas. If they had drunke wine,
they would haue tolde the truth. 1611 COT., s.v. Mentir: Wine
telleth truth, and should not be belyed. 1616 WITHALS, p. 560:
When men are well whitled, their tongues run at randome. 1630
T. ADAMS Garden Graces: Wks., p. 1025: The lone of money hath
made him drunke. And though the Prouerbe bee, In vino veritas;
yet as drunke as he is, you shall neuer haue truth breake out of his
lips. 1639 CL., p. 320: Wine makes to tell true. 1659 PECKE
Parnassi Puerperium I 8, p. 5: Grant but the Adage true, that Truth’s
in Wine. 1675 WYCHERLEY Country Wife V, p. 78: By this brim-
mer, for truth is no Where else to be found. 1755 FRANKLIN, p. 31:
When the Wine enters, out goes the Truth.
See OTTO, no. 1900. Cf. A102: Fair cheve good ale, it makes
many folks speak as they think; C328: Children (Drunkards) and
fools cannot lie (Children and fools speak truth); W471: When wine
(ale) is in wit is out.
W466 No WINE without lees
[ERAS. Adagia, 2510: Fecem bibat, qui Vinum bibit.] I580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 100: No wine made ofgrapes but hath leese.
1584 GREENE Morando I, p. 52: The purest wine hath its lees. I600
CAWDRAY Treas. Sim., p. 660: No Garden without Weedes, no
Wine without Lees. 1616 DR., s.v. Faults, no. 681: (his lees).
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 39, p. 184.
See Di'IR., II, no. 615. Cf. R182: No rose without a thorn
(prickle).
W467 Of WINE the middle, of oil the top, and of honey
the bottom is best
[ERAS. Adagia, 469C: Vinum autem in medio saluberrimum opti-
mumque esse potu: quemadmodum summa pars olei potissimum
laudatur, mellis infima.] 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 219:
The oyle that swimmeth in the top is the wholsomest . . the honny
that lieth in the bottome is the sweetest . . the wine which is in the
middest [is] . . the finest. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: Wine in the
middle, oyle obove, and hony beneath. I662 FULLER Worthies
Hampshire, I 400: It is an old and true rule, the best Oyle is in the
top; the best Wine in the middle; and the best Honey in the bot-
tome. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 18, p. 309: Wine in the middle, oyl on
the top, and honey in the bottom. *Note 152, p. 322: Is best so.
1678 RAY, p. 41.
W468 Put not good WINE into an ill bottle (vessel)
[ERAS. Similia, 5610: Optimum Vinum, si in vas sordidum et im-
purum infusum sit, perdit gratiam.] 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p.
176: It is euill putting strong Wine into weake vesselles, that is to
say, it is euill trusting some women with weightie matters. 1580
LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 149: Mustie Caskes are fitte for rotten
Grapes. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 220: Knowledge is no better
in a naughtie man, then good wine put into a mustie vessell. 1586
YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 160: (Take heede . . that you put not good).
1611 COT., s.v. Lavé: Wine will not keepe in an vncleane vessell.
Cf. M834: Put not thy meat in an unclean dish.
W469 Spilt (Puddled) WINE is worse than water
1616 DR., s.v. Infection, no. 1105: (Puddled). 1721 KEL., p. 295:
*Spoken when a Thing is spoil’d and not put to its proper Use.
1732 FUL., no. 4249.
W470 The sweetest WINE makes the sharpest vinegar
1567 PAINTER Pal. Pleas. II 15, II 323: How mutch the sweter is
the wyne, the sharper is the egred [sour] sawce thereof. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. I 89: The sweetest wine tourneth to the sharpest
vineger. Ibid., p. 197: As the best wine doth make the sharpest
Vinaiger, so the deepest loue tourneth to the deadliest hate. I611
COT., s.v. Bon: Good wine (yeelds) good Vinegar. Ibid., s.v. Vin:
Good wine is made good vineger; good things transform’d retaine
part Of their worth. 1639 CL., s.v. Degenerantium in pejus, p. 83.
1642 J. HOWELL For. Trav. VIII, p. 55: Of the best wines you make
your tartest vinegar. 1664 COD., p. 213: (the sowerest Vinegar).
I666 TOR. It. Prov. 25, p. 1: Good Wine, makes a good Vineger.
1670 RAY, p. 156. 1672 WALK. 92, p. 49: *Corruptio optimi est
pessima. 1681 ROB., p. 1196: Sweetest wine makes sharpest vine-
gar. 1732 FUL., no. 733: [As in 1578 Lyly, p. 197]. Ibid., no. 4781.
Cf. H382: Take heed 0f the Vinegar of sweet wine. (5)
W471 When WINE (ale) is in wit is out
1562 HEY. Epig. 163, p. 153: (ale). I586 WITHALS, s. H3v: When
drinke commethin, then talking doth blin [cease]. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 1443. I611 DAV. Prov., no. 159: (then wit is out). [01613]
1632 T. HEYWOOD I Iron Age I, p. 281: Full bowles make empty
braines. 1616 DR., no. 558: When the Ale (Wine) is in, the witis
out. Ibid., no. 2425: When the wine is in, the Wit is out. 1616
WITHALS, p. 584: [As in 1616 Dr., no. 2425]. 1623 CAM., p. 280:
[As in 1616 Dr., no. 2425]. 1639 CL., p. 320. 1640 HERB., no.
183: Where the drink goes in there the wit goes out. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 7: (ale). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 15: Wine within,
and wit without. 1659 N.R., p. 124: Where the drink goes in the
wit goes out. 1664 COD., p. 226: (Ale). Ibid., p. 227: [As in 1640
Herb.]. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 309: Wine within, the Wit with-
out. 1668 R.B., p. 44: (Quhen wine is). 1670 RAY, p. 156: [As in
1616 Dr., no. 2425]. 1672 WALK. 43, p. 41: [As in 1616 Dr., no.
2425]. 1721 KEL., p. 340: When drink’s in Wit’s out. *A slender
Excuse for what People may say, or do in their drink. 1732 FUL.,
no. 5610: [As in 1616 Dr., no. 2425].
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. III v 36: A good old man, sir; he
will be talking. As they say, ‘When the age is in, the wit is out.’
Cf. W465: In wine there is truth; W491: Wine whets the wit
(valor); W563: They talk as their wit serves them. (7)
W472 WINE and wealth change wise men’s manners
1586 WITHALS, s. B7. 1639 CL., s.v. Arrogantia, p. 33.
Cf. H5 83: Honors change manners.
W473 WINE and wenches empty men’s purses
1639 CL., s.v. Amor, p. 28. 1670 RAY, p. 52. 1687 MIEGE, s.v
Wench.
Cf. W474: Wine and women make men runagates.
W474 WINE and women make men runagates
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho V i, s. G3: To see what wine
and women can do, the one makes a man not to haue a word to

throw at a Dogge, the other makes a man to eat his owne words.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
WINE
WINGS
732

1616 DR., s.v. Wine, no. 2428: (make wisemen runagates). 1639
CL., p. 320. 1664 COD., p. 225: (runagates, and beggars).
Cf. W473: Wine and wenches empty men’s purses; W696: Women
and wine make men out of their wits.
W475 WINE by the savor, bread (cloth) by the color
1573 SANF., f. 105. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29v: (and bread
by the heate). 1611 COT., s.v. Vin: Let wine good sauor, cloth
fresh colour, haue. 1623 WOD., p. 520: Take Wine by his Savour,
and Cloth by his Colour. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 109, p. 29. 1657
LEIGH, p. 270: Wine is known by its smell, and cloth by its colour.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 186: Bread by the colour, and wine by the
taste.
W476 WINE ever pays for his lodging
I640 HERB., no. 924. 1659 N.R., p. 125.
W477 WINE has drowned more men than the sea
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 241. 1732 FUL., no. 5744.
Cf. G148: Gluttony (Surfeit) kills more than the sword.
W478 WINE has no stern
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 151: Although, saide Cavaliero, That
Wine (according to the Proverbe) hath not a sterne, notwithstand-
ing I drinke it in a ship where I use my nose in stead of a helme.
1608 TUVILL Ess. Pol. Mor., f. 99: Wine, saith the Italian, hath no
sterne. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 308: Wine hath no rudder.
W479 WINE in the bottle does not quench thirst
I640 HERB., no. 612: (The wine). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 12:
(quencheth not thirst). 1659 N.R., p. 119: Winein bottels doth not
quench the thirst. 1664 COD., p. 229. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p.
89: (quencheth not thirst). 1670 RAY, p. 29: *Ital. 1732 FUL., no.
5745: Wine in the Hogshead quencheth no Thirst.
W480 WINE is a tumcoat, first a friend then an enemy
I640 HERB., no. 923. I659 N.R., p. 120.
1670 RAY, p. 29. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Wine.
(and then an Enemy).
W481 WINE is the glass of the mind
[ERAS. Adagia, 267E: Vinum hominis prodens arguit ingenium.]
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 279: Wyne . . is to be refrayned which
is termed to be the glasse of the minde. I580 BARET, V—87:
Vinum animi speculum . . The meaning of this Prouerbe is,
that as a looking glasse sheweth the blemishes in a mans face, so
doth wine disclose the secrets of the mind. 1580 LYLY Euph. and
His Eng., p. 83. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao II iv 80: Grapes
are minde glasses. 1732 FUL., no. 5749: Wine shews what a Man is.
Cf. W490: Wine wears no breeches.
1664 COD., p. 230.
I732 FUL., no. 5746:
W482 WINE is the master’s but the goodness is the
drawer’s
1639 CL., s.v. Malus vicinus, p. 204: (The wine is the masters, the
goodnesse). 1664 COD., p. 224. 1670 RAY, p. 29. 1678 RAY
Adagia Hehr., p. 401: The wine is the masters, but the goodness of
it is the butlers. 1732 FUL., no. 5747: Wine is the Vintner’s; but
the Goodness of it, the Drawer’s.
W483 WINE is the old man’s milk
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health 217, p. 11: To old men, wine is as
sucke to young children: and is therefore called of some, old mens
Milke. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 154: You are not ignorant
of the Proverbe, That wine is old mens milke. 1659 HOW. Fr.
Prov., p. 13. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 308: Wine is the mans
bubby. *Note 144, p. 322: Bristol Milk.
Cf. M932: Bristol milk.
W484 WINE makes all sorts of creatures at table
1640 HERB., no. 925. I659 N.R., p. 123. 1664 COD., p. 230.
W485 WINE makes old wives wenches
1639 CL., s.v. Luxus, p. 192.

W486 WINE makes one have courage
1565 COOPER Thesaurus, s.v. Vinum. 1611 COT., s.v. Vin: Apres
bon vin bon cheval: After a man hath drunke hard he dare any
thing.
Cf. W491: Wine whets the wit (valor).
W487 WINE neither keeps secrets nor fulfills promises
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xliii, IV 40: Too much wine neyther
keepes secret, nor fulfils promise. 1732 FUL., no. 5748.
Cf. P509: I hate a pot companion with a good memory.
W488 WINE of one ear, wine of two ears
I623 WOD., p. 506: *So Meant of the Bountie of the Wine. 1659
HOW. It. Prov., p. 19: Wine of the one care. *By this is meant,
that when ye drink good wine, you use to say Good, bowing one
care, but when it is naught, you shake both eares.
W489 WINE that costs nothing is digested before it
be drunk
1640 HERB., no. 926. 1659 N.R., p. 124. I664 C0D., p. 230. I670
RAY, p. 29: (e’re it be drunk). 1732 FUL., no. 5750: (drank).
W490 WINE wears no breeches
I611 COT., s.v. Chausse: *A drunkard conceales nothing. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 3: *Wine shews what a man is. 1664 COD., p.
224. 1670 RAY, p. 29. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Wine.
Cf. S600: What soberness conceals drunkenness reveals; W481:
Wine is the glass of the mind.
W491 WINE whets the wit (valor)
1581-90 Timon II v, p. 39: Wine’s valours Whetstone. 1623 WOD.,
p. 512: The Foxes Wine. Wine that sharpes the Spirit. 1699
POMFRET Choice: Poems, p. 307: Wine whets the wit, improves it’s
native force. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Whet: Wine is a Whetstone to [or
sharpens] wit.
Cf. W471: When wine (ale) is in wit is out; W486: Wine makes
one have courage.
W492 You cannot know WINE by the barrel
1611 COT., s.v. Cercle: The goodnes of wine is not known by the
fashion, or strength of the hoops that begird it. 1623 WOD., p.
520: Wine is not knowne by the Hoope. I640 HERB., no. 20. I659
N.R., p. 127. I664 C0D., p. 230. I670 RAY, p. 29. I732 FUL.,
no. 5884: (by the Cask).
W493 You praise the WINE before you taste of the
grape
I562 HEY. Dial. I x, p. 23.
W494 A great WINEBIBBER will buy no land
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 20, p. 308: A great wine-bibber never builds
bakehouse or mill. *Note 142, p. 322: The English say, Will buy
no land.
W495 To be under another’s (mother’s) WING
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus II i, p. 62: I haue euer be brought vp at
home .i. vnder my mothers wynge. I546 HEY. Ixii, s. F1 : Dwellyng
ny vnder theyr wyngs, Vnder theyr noses they myght conuey thyngs.
[a1558] I568 Yaeoh and Esau I i, 8. A3: Jacob must keepe home I
trow, vnder mothers wing. 01600 MARLOWE Mass. at Paris xvi
51, p. 231: Navarre, that cloaks them underneath his wings. [1621]
1662 MIDDLETON Anything Quiet Life IV i 134: What a comfort ’tis
to be under your wing!
W496 He covers me with his WINGS and bites me
with his bill
1616 DR., s.v. Hypocrisie, no. 1043.
RAY, p. 5. 1732 FUL., no. 1829.
1664 COD., p. 195. 1670
W497 It is better to have WINGS than horns
1640 HERB., no. 953.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl. ), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WINGS 733
WINTER

W498 To clip one’s WINGS
1600 DEKKER Old Fort. III ii 41 I: This policy shall clip his golden
wings. 1616 DR., no. 1263: His wings are clipped. 1631 JONSON
New Inn II vi 76: That is when his wings are cut, he is tame in-
deed. 1639 CL., p. 81: To clip his wings. 1662 N. ROGERS Rich
Fool, p. 377: The penurious Father, clips the Wings of his Riches;
but the Prodigal Son opens the Cage, and sets them going. 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Artigli, p. 7: TO cut ones tallons, viz. to pare
ones nails, to clip ones wings. 1670 RAY, p. 169. 1672 WALK. 8,
p. 50: *Cut him short. I697 DRYDEN Georgics IV 161, p. 103: To
clip the wings Of their high-flying arbitrary kings.
See OTTO, no. 1422; ST., no. 576. Cf. N12: TO pare one’s (the
p. 82: You may put your gaines in your eye, and yet see never the
worse. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: (I may). 1662 FULLER Wor-
thies Anglesey, II 571 : We have an English Proverb ofhim who mak-
eth a detrimental bargain to himself, That he may put all the gains
gotten thereby into his eye, and see nothing the worse. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Rifiesso, p. 168: The English say . . To put what one
gets, in ones eye, and see ne’r a whit the worse. 1670 RAY, p. 177:
(All that you get you may put in your eye, and). 1721 KEL., p.
37: All I got by him I may put in my Eye, and see nothing the worse
for it. *Intimating that I got nothing by him. 1738 SWIFT Pol.
Conv. I,p. 425: (All he gets by her he may put into his eye, and see).
Cf. P75: He may his part on Good Friday eat and fast never the
devil's) nails (10) worse for Ought he shall get. (5)
W499 To spread WINGS greater than the nest W507-W5I5 WINTER: subst.
[ERAS. Adagia, 257D: Pennas nidO majores extendere.] I581 PET- -
TIE Civ. Conv. II, I 18 5: He hath, according to the Proverbe, wings W507 A gOOd WHITER bnngs a gOOd summer
broder then the nest. 1605 DANIEL Philotas I, p. 112: Let not your 1616 DR, S-V' Begmmng> no: 118- I659 N:R-> P- 2- I664 COD'!
wings be greater than your nest.
W500 Although I WINK I am not blind
1566 I Smile to See in C. Robinson et al. Handf. Pleas. Delights,
p. 52. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [67], l. 23: I would it
were not as I thinke, I would it were not so, I am not blinde al-
though I winke, I feele what winds doe blowe. 1591 [BRETON]
Brittons Bower Delights, p. 37: I thought him blind when he did
onely winke. I606 DAY Isle Gulls, s. B4: Not blind, I see, altho
I winke. 1615 J. ANDREWS Anat. Base. in Ful. Misc., II 32: Tell
me, dost thinke that all are blinde that are content to winke?
[01620] I661 MIDDLETON Mayor Queenh. V i 18 3: Justice may wink
a while, but see at last.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. I ii 139: I see things too, although
you judge I wink. 1609 Son. 43, l. I: [A variant].
Cf. C169: Though the cat winks awhile yet sure she is not blind.
W501 You may WINK and choose
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. Democ. to Rdr., p. 64: Go backward or
forward, choose out of the whole pack, wink and choose, you shall
find them all alike. 1639 CL., s.v. Aequalitas, p. 14: Winke and chuse.
I678 RAY, p. 277. Mid, p. 347: (One may). 1732 FUL.,nO. 5958.
W502 WINKABANK and Temple Brough will buy all
England through and through
1678 RAY, p. 340.
W503 All the WINNING is in the first buying
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 99. 1668 R.B., p. 7. 1721 KEL., p. 4: *For
if you buy dear at first, you can hardly propose to gain by retailing.
W504 Light (Small) WINNING makes a heavy purse
81598 FERG. MS, no. 944. I641 FERG., no. 767: (Small). 1668
R.B., p. 35. Mid, p. 49: (Small). 1721 KEL., p. 235: *Because,
when Men sell at conscionable Rates, they make quick Returns, and
that makes a rich Merchant.
Cf. G7: Light gains make heavy purses.
W505 Your WINNING is not my tinsel1
1668 R.B., p. 57. 1721 KEL., p. 378: (not in my Tinsel).
[lloss]
W506 I might put my WINNINGS in my eye and see
never the worse
1530 PALS., p. 478a: Whan I have all caste my penyworthes, I maye
put my wynnyng in myn eye. 1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2v. 1576 FUL-
WELL Ars Adulandi II, s. C3: [I] may carry away my gaines in my
eye, and not blemish my sight. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 176: Phryne
may put her winnings in her eye And see nere the worse. 1614 T.
ADAMS Fatal Banquet III: W ks., p. 206: For thirtie siluerlings, hee
[Judas] sels his Master to the Pharises, himselfe to the Deuill. Yet
When all is done, hee might put his gaines in his eye. 1616 DR.,
no. 832: (Hee may put his winnings into his eye, and). 1639 CL.,

W511
p. 184. 1670 RAY, p. 29. I732 FUL., no. 183.
W508 A green WINTER (Christmas) makes a fat
churchyard
1635 SWAN Spec. Mundi V vi, p. 160: (They also say, that a hot
Christmas makes). 1642 FULLER Holy State III xix, p. 202: A
green Christmas is neither handsome nor healthfull. 1659 N.R.,
p. I I : A hot Winter makes a hot Churchyard. 1670 RAY, p. 42. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Winter. 1721 KEL., p. 30: (A green'yule makes).
I732 FUL., no. 205.
Cf. M642: March in Janiveer, Janiveer in March I fear; M766:
A hot May makes a fat churchyard.
W509 It is a hard WINTER (The hunger must be great)
when one wolf eats another
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 223: Men themselues haue by vse
obserued, that it must be a hard winter, when one Wolfe eateth
an other. 1611 COT., s.v. Loup: Hard is the time when Wolues doe
feed on Wolues; or, tis a hard time when one Wolfe eats another.
1616 DR., s.v. Tyranny, no. 2205-.(eateth vp another). 1623 WOD.,
p. 500: It is an evill Season when one Wolfe eateth vp an other.
1639 CL., s.v. Vis inj usta, p. 321. 1643 TAYLOR Let. to London:
Wks. Q, V 8: (hard world when). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 15:
The hunger must be great when the wolfs eat one another. 1664
COD., p. 201. 1670 RAY, p. 156: *This is a French Proverb. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Winter: (when Wolves eat one another). 1696 D’UR-
FEY3 Don Quix. V i, p. 287.
when wolves eat wolves.
See Dt'IR., II, no. 690.
1733 FRANKLIN, p. 6: Great famine
Cf. W606: One wolf (bear) will not eat
(bite, prey upon) another.
W510 WINTER eats that summer gets
01460 Good Wife Would a Pilgr. l. 155, p. 43.
133.
getts, Winter eats.
mer lays up.
mer laid in.
Cf. W511: Winter is summer's heir.
a1536 HILL 54, p.
01645 E. BROOKE Commonpl. Bk., p. 27: That which Summer
1678 RAY, p. 219: Winter finds out what Sum-
1732 FUL., no. 5753: Winter draws out what Sum-
WINTER is summer’s heir
1678 RAY, p. 218.
Cf. W510: Winter eats that summer gets.
W512 WINTER never rots in the sky
1612—26 HALL Contempl. I xiii, II 148: God . . chuses out a fit
Season for the Execution; as we use to say of Winter, the Judgments
of God do never rot in the Skie, but shall fall, if late, yet surely, yet
seasonably. 01640 SMYTH 92, p. 33: Winter never dies in her dams
belly. 1642 D. ROGERS Naaman, p. 264: Beware therefore of ex-
tremities, and till the Lord hath truly brought downe thy winter
out of the sky, know it will never rot there. 1655—62 GURNALL Chr.
in Armor, p. 80: May be . . no cloud to be seen that portends a
storm; but know, as you used to say, winter does not rot in the
clouds, you shall have it at last. 1670 RAY, p. 42.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
WINTER’S
WISE
734

W513 He that passes a WINTER’S day escapes an
enemy
1611 COT., s.v. Passer: A mortall foe he scapes who scapes a Win-
ters day. 1640 HERB., no. 858. I659 N.R., p. 59. I670 RAY,
p. 156.
W514 WINTER’S thunder and summer’s flood never
boded Englishman good
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 44. 1732 FUL., no.
6479-
W515 WINTER’S thunder is (makes) summer’s wonder
1605 R. ROWLANDS Rest. Intell. VII, p. 199: (Wee say, Winters).
1608 DAY Law Tricks V, p. 74: Ile tell you a strange[r] wonder
Then winter lightening or Christmas thunder. I611 COT., s.v.
Tonner. 1636 CAM., p. 310: (makes). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 20: (Winter thunder). 1659 N.R., p. 116: (Winter thunder
makes). 1670 RAY, p. 42: A winters thunder’s a summers wonder.
1686 JEVON Devil Wife II, p. 25. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Winter: A
Winters Thunder is a Summers Wonder. 1732 FUL., no. 6138:
[As in 1687 Miege].
Cf. T277: Winter thunder is old men’s wonder. (5)
W516 WINTER: verb
W516 To WINTER one and to summer one for to know
him perfectly
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 3, p. 303: One must dwell with him a winter and
a summer, who means to know what he is made of. *Note 86, p.
321: The English say, To winter one, and to summer one, for to
know him perfectly.
W517 To sit like a WIREDRAWER under his work
1670 RAY, p. 217: *Yorksh. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua V xxvii,
III 331: Like Wire-drawers under their Work, [they] fell to it.
W518 By WISDOM peace, by peace plenty
1611 GRUT., no. 72. 1614 CAM., p. 304. 1639 CL., s.v. Prudentia,
p. 266. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1659 N.R., p. 20: By wis-
dome Peace. 1664 COD., p. 186: By Wisdome cometh Peace, and
by Peace Plenty. 1670 RAY, p. 156.
Cf. P139: By peace plenty.
W519 No WISDOM to1 silence
I620 J.C. Two Mer. Milk-Maids II ii, S. F3: Silence Lady is the best
part of Wisdome. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 27. 1732 FUL., no.
4169: Silence is Wisdom, when speaking is Folly.
Cf. M1148: More have repented speech than silence.
[llike]
W520 There is no WISDOM (law) below the girdle
[1625] I647 MASSINGER ET AL. Love’s Cure II i, p. 178: Though she
continued a woman still above the girdle, beneath yet she was
monster. 1683 Eng.’s Vanity, p. 59: Among the Heresies . . that
arose very early in the Church, there started out a Sect, called [the
Paterniani] whose opinion was, that the upper Parts of a mans
Body were made indeed by God, but the lower Parts from the Gir-
dle, they held was made by the Devil. 1691 HARTCLIFFE Virtues,
p. 75: It was a favourable and merry Conceit ofa Cardinal of Rome,
that there was no Law beneath the Girdle. a1734 NORTH Lives
(1826), I. 124, quoted from New English Dictionary, s.v. Girdle:
This great man . . married his own servant maid and then for
excuse, said there was no wisdom below the girdle.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6o5-6 K.L. IV vi 126: Down from the waist
they are Centaurs, Though women all above. But to the girdle
do the gods inherit, Beneath is all the fiend’s.
W521 What is not WISDOM (discretion) is danger
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2: What is not wisdom (or discretion) is
danger.

W522 Who weens himself wise, WISDOM wots him
a fool
1562 HEY. Epig. I, p. 177. I598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p. 362;
Patrarke says, To beleeve that thou art wise, is the first degree to
foolishnesse: the next is to professe it. 1616 JONSON Epic. III
vi 48: That falls out often, madame, that he that thinkes himselfe
the master-wit, is the master-foole. I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 95, p. 28:
Folly is wise in her owne eyes. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 197: Who
christens himself wise, stiles himself a fool.
Cf. M425: The wise man knows himself to be a fool, the fool thinks
he is wise.
W523 WISDOM and haste may vary
1546 HEY. I ii, s. A3: Than seeth he haste and wisedom, thyngs far
odde. 1616 DR., no. 930.
Cf. H192: Make haste Slowly.
W524 WISDOM consists not in a beard
1581-90 Timon V iv, p. 86: Ile saye againe and againe that Aristotle
was a blockhead; besides his beard, he had not one hayre of learn-
ing. 1616 DR., no. 1040: More beards then learning. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 22, p. 21. 1732 FUL., no. 5102: ’Tis not the Beard, that
makes the Philosopher.
Cf. B736: Bush natural, more hair than wit; G169: An old goat
is never the more revered for his beard; H586: The hood (habit,
cowl) makes not the monk.
W525 WISDOM has one foot on land and another on
sea
1640 HERB., no. 607.
Sea).
Cf. C618: Constancy has one foot on land and another on sea.
W526 WISDOM (Knowledge) is better than riches
[Prov. xvi 16: How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!]
1599 MINSHEU Span. Gram., p. 83: It is better to have knowledge
than riches. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 20: Study to vn-
derstand all passages, for it is better to haue knowledge than riches.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 17: Better wise then wealthy. 1659 N.R.,
p. 120. 1732 FUL., no. 5767: Wisdom is more to be envyed than
Riches.
Cf. W534: He is Wise that is rich; W544: Better wit than wealth_
W527 WISDOM is better than strength
1611 COT., s.v. Engin: Better be wise then strong. 1616 DR., no-
2436. 1619 R. SANDERSON Ad Clerum i: Serm., I 112. 1623 WOD.,
p. 515: (then Force). 1664 COD., p. 224. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Wis-
dom: Wisdom goes beyond Strength.
Cf. P462: Policy goes beyond strength.
1659 N.R., p. 119. 1664 COD., p. 229: (at
W528 WISDOM is wealth to a poor man (He that is
wise is rich)
1581—90 Timon IV iii, p. 68: Hee that is wise is rich. 1594 CHURCH-
YARD Mirror Man, s. A4v: Wisdome is great wealth, sufi'erance win-
neth mitch, Who hopes to haue all, Shall seldome be ritch. 1597
[BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 38v. 1616 BRET., p. 9: He is rich
that is wise. 1732 FUL., no. 5764: Wisdom in a poor Man is a Dia-
mond set in Lead.
Cf. W534: He is wise that is rich.
W529-W531 WISE: subst.
W529 If the WISE erred not it would go hard with fools
1640 HERB., no. 506. I659 N.R., p. 62. I732 FUL., no. 2664: If
a wise Man Should never miscarry, the F 001 would burst.
W530 Think (Write) with the WISE (learned) but talk
with the vulgar
1545 ASCHAM Tox., p. 18: He that wyll wryte well in any tongue,
muste folowe thys councel of Aristotle, to speake as the common
people do, to thinke as wise men do. 1605 BACON Adv. Learning II,
p. 81: Although we . . prescribe it well loquendum ut vulgus, sen-
tiendum ut sapientes. 1662 FULLER W orthies London, II 59: Com-

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WISE
WIT
735

mon people (we must speak with the volge, and think with the
wise) call it Guttur Lane. 1688 NORRIS Theory Love II i, p. 76: I
remember an Old Rule, that we may talk with the Many, but must
think with the Few. 1732 FUL., no. 5837: Write with the Learned,
but speak with the Vulgar. 1738 FRANKLIN, p. 14: Write with the
learned, pronounce with the vulgar.
Cf. L64: That is not good language which all understand not.
W531 To the WISE it is no shame to enter (come out
of) a bawdyhouse, but not to know the way
out on it (but to go in)
[01602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal King III, p. 50: What Diogenes
have we here? I warrant the Cinnick himselfe sayd not so much
when he was scene to come out of a Bawdy house. —He sham’d
not to come out, but held it sinne Not to be pardon’d, to be seene
goe in. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER North. Ho I, s. C4: Art not
thou asham’d to bee seene come out of a prison. —NO Gods my
Iudge, but I was asham’d to goe into prison. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
27, p. 28.
W532—W534 WISE: adj.
W532 He is not WISE that is not wise for himself
[ERAS. Adagia, 229B: Nequicquam sapit, qui sibi non sapit.] 1539
TAV., f. 18: He is in vayne wyse that is not wyse for hym selfe . .
men of our tyme kepe this saynge so iompe, that he is not counted
worthy to be called a man whiche by anye meanes can not seke his
owne auantage. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 23: Their wisdom is
nothing worth which are not wise for themselves. I594 Knack to
Know Knave, s. B2: Then (father) thus liueI that vse my wit, Unto
my selfe I loue Still to be wise. [01614] I647 FLETCHER Bonduca
III iV, p. 117: He’s never Wise but to himself. 1616 BRET. (Hunt.
frag., s. A6v): (to himselfe). 1616 DR., no. 279. Ibid., no. 2127.
1639 CL., p. 22: He is wise that’s Wise for himself. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 37, p. 249: Take not him for a wise man, who is only wise for
others. 1681 ROB., p. 291: That wise man is little worth, who is
not wise in his own business.
Cf. F480: He is a fool that forgets himself; N57: I am nearest to
myself.
W533 He is WISE that is honest
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A7v). 1639 CL., p. 127. 1664 COD.,
p. 197. 1670 RAY, p. 13. 1705 Pleas. Art, p. I 52. 1732 FUL., no.
3646: None can be wise and safe, but he that is honest.
W534 He is WISE that is rich
01525 J. RASTELL Nat. Four Elem., s. A3: That man is holdyn
Moste wyse, whiche to be ryche studyeth only. 1616 BRET., p. 9:
He is wise that is rich. —No, he is rich that is wise. 1630 T.
ADAMS Cosmopolite: Wks., p. 677: (It is euen a maxime in common
acceptation; He is). 1662 N. ROGERS Rich Fool, p. 297: It passeth
for a Maxim in common acceptation and without Contradiction,
He is Wise who is Wealthy. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 17, p. 235: A rich
man knows, and cloth every thing. ,
Cf. W526: Wisdom (Knowledge) is better than riches; W528:
Wisdom is wealth to a poor man (He that is Wise is rich); W544:
Better wit than wealth; W869: He that has the world at will seems
wise (To have the world at will).
W535 If WISHES might prevail beggars (shepherds)
would be kings
1611 COT., s.v. Pastoureau: If wishes might succeed poore men
would Princes be. Ibid., s.v. Souhait: (poore shepheards would be
Kings). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 11: If wishes were true, Coblers
had been Kings. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Wish.
Cf. W538: If wishes would bide (were horses) beggars would ride.
W536 If WISHES were butter cakes beggars might bite
I678 RAY, p. 219.
W537 If WISHES were truths (thrushes) beggars
would eat birds
1623 CAM., p. 272. 1636 CAM., p. 300: (thrushes, then beggers).
1639 CL., p. 326. 1659 N.R., p. 67: [As in 1636 Cam.]. 1664 COD.,
W541
VV544
VV545

p. 188: Beggars would eat Larks, if wishes were Thrushes. 1670
RAY, p. 157: (thrushes). 1732 FUL., no. 2731: (Thrushes, Beggars
might eat Birds).
Cf. W 5 38: If wishes would bide (were horses) beggars would ride.
W538 If WISHES would bide (were horses) beggars
would ride
I670 RAY, p. 157. 1697 MER., p. 166. 1721 KEL., p. 178: (were
Horses). 1732 FUL., no. 6098.
Cf. W535: If wishes might prevail beggars (shepherds) would be
kings; W537: If wishes were truths (thrushes) beggars would eat
birds.
W539 WISHERS and woulders are never good house-
holders
1508 STANBRIDGE Vulgaria, p. 30: (be small hous holders). 1546
HEY. I xi, s. D2v: (be no good householders). 1590 GREENE Never
Too Late, p. 64. a1598 F ERG. MS, no. 1471: (ar poor housholders).
01600 I Ret.from Parn. II, p. 573. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 187: (are
no). 1611 GRUT., no. 329: (be not). 1614 CAM., p. 315: [As in
1546 Hey.]. 1616 BRET., p. 8. 1616 RC. Times’ Whistle l. 3276,
p. 103: But the olde proverbe is exceeding true, That these great
wishers, and these common woulders, Are never (for the moste part)
good householders. 1616 DR., no. 2441: (are no). 1639 CL., p.
327: (are no). 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,p. 2: (were never). 1666TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Tinazzo, p. 216: The English say, Wishers and
Woulders ne’r made good Householders. 1668 R.B., p. 56: [As in
a1598 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 157. 1697 MER., p. 166. 1721 KEL.,
p. 358: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. *This . . signifies the Vanity of empty
Wishes.
SHAKESPEARE.—16o6-7 A.C. IV xV 37: Wishers were ever fools.
(6)
W540 As wise as a WISP
1548-50 BALE Eng. Votaries II, f. 84: As wyse as ii wyspes, and as
godly as ii goselynges. 1639 CL., s.v. Similitudinis, p. 286. 1651
H. MORE See. Lash, p. 218: When we say that one is as Wise as a
wisp, does that imply the wisp is wise? 1670 RAY, p. 203: (a wisp,
or woodcock). 1682 J. GLANVILL Lux, p. 3 5: They would have
rose out of their sleep no more wise than a Wisp.
He would fain be forward if he WIST how
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 744. 1639 CL., p. 3 3: (be proud of something
if he knew what). 1721 KEL., p. 172: *Spoken of pert, aspiring
Fellows.
W542 As much WIT as three folks, two fools and a
madman
1670 RAY, p. 209. 1732 FUL., no. 716.
W543 Better a WIT coft1 than two for nought
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 252. 1668 R.B., p. 12. 1721 KEL., p. 269:
One Wit bought is worth two for naught. *Eng. Wit once bought
is worth twice taught. 1732 FUL., no. 6272: One Wit bought, Is
worth two for nought.
Cf. W545: Bought wit is best; W565: Wit bought is better than
wit taught.
[lbought]
Better WIT than wealth
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 17. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Better.
Cf. W526: Wisdom (Knowledge) is better than riches; W534: He
is wise that is rich.
Bought WIT is best
1585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. III ii, s. E3: Witte bought at this
rate is an excellent treasure. 1590 GREENE Mourn. Garm., p. 206:
Fooles are they which say, bought Wit is best; especially if it be
rated at my price. 1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s. I3v: T18
an old Proverbe, and not so old as true, Bought wit is the best.
1607 MIDDLETON Mich. Term III i 120: Wit, by experience bought,
foils wit at school. 1614 CAM., p. 304. 1639 CL., p. 109. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 4: Wit is best when it is bought. Ibid., p: 8.
1664 COD., p. 1 86. 1672 WALK. 91, p. 49. 1678 BEHN Sir Patient

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
WIT
WIT
736
II i, p. 38: ’Twas a saying of my grandmother's . . that bought Wit
was best. 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens Feb. 1: There you
have the best sort of it, if the Proverb speak truth, that bought Wit is
the best. 1721 KEL., p. 356: Wit bought makes Folk wise. *Spoken
when we are sensible of the Ill, or good, of a thing by Experience,
and to our Cost. 1732 FUL., no. 1011: (best, but may cost too
much).
SHAKE$PEARE.--16oo-1 IV v 60: One that hath taught
me more wit than ever I learn’d before in my life; and I paid noth-
ing for it neither, but was paid for my learning.
See DUR., II, no. 287. Cf. 087: An ounce of mother wit (dis-
cretion, Wit) is worth a pound ofclergy (learning, wit, folly); W543:
Better 21 wit coft than two for nought; W546: Bought wit is dear;
W556: It is good to buy Wit with other men’s money; W565: Wit
bought is better than wit taught; W567: Wit is never good till it
be bought (dearly bought). (7)
W546 Bought WIT is dear
1573 GASCOIGNE Memories: Posies, p. 66: Bought witte is deare,
and drest with sower salte. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. D3v: But
wit bought with the price of woe, is a litle to deare. 1590 SPENSER
FAQ. III iv 37: Deare wisedome bought too late. 1602 Poet. Rhap.
82, I 138: But Time, at last, hath taught me wit, Althoughl bought
my wit full deere. 1633 T. HEYWOOD Eng. Trav. IV, p. 82: Like
mis-spent youth, which after wit deere bought, Turns his Eyes in-
ward, sorrie and ashamed. 1732 FUL., no. 5788: Wit may be
bought too dear.
Cf. M615: It is good to (He is wise who can) beware by other
men’s harms; R81—2: To buy repentance too dear; W545: Bought
wit is best.
W547 Do not set your WIT against a fool’s (a child)
I551 RALPH ROBINSON Utopia I, p. 54: Certes more wisely, yf you
woulde not set youre witte to a fooles witte. 1616 BEAUMONT AND
FLETCHER Seornful Lady IV, p. 273: Why Mr. Roger will you set
your wit to a weak womans? 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 387:
Don't set your wit against a child. Ibid. III, p. 466: The colonel,
scorns to set his Wit against a Child.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. III i 137: For, indeed, who would
set his wit to so foolish a bird? 1602 T.C. II i 94: Will you set
your wit to a fool’s?
W548 He has more WIT in his head than you in both
your shoulders
1670 RAY, p. 217: *Yorksh. 1678 RAY, p. 84.
1874: (than Sampson had in both his Shoulders).
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. II ii 38: I shall seek my wit in my
shoulders. 1602 T.C. II i 47: Thou sodden-Witted lord! Thou hast
no more brain than I have in mine elbows. Ibid. 11 i 79: This lord,
Achilles, Ajax—who wears his wit in his belly and his guts in his
head—I'll tell you what I say of him.
Cf. W549: He has more wit in his little finger than you have in
your whole hand (body).
1732 FUL., no.
W549 He has more WIT in his little finger than you
have in your whole hand (body)
1591 H. SMITH Restitution Nehuehadnezzar: Wks., I 197: (than the
rest in their whole body). [1616] 1631 JONSON Devil Is Ass V vi
40: The spirit, that did possesse that flesh before, Put more true
life, in a finger, and a thumbe, Then thou in the whole Masse.
1618 HOLYDAY Technogamia I iv, s. B4: H’as more loue in’s little
finger, then both they in their Whole bodyes. 1670 RAY, p. 244:
(than thou in thy whole body). 1721 KEL., p. 173.
Cf. W548: He has more wit in his head than you in both your
shoulders.
W550 He has no more WIT than a stone
1591—2 WILMOT Tanered and Gism. IV ii, s. E2: As a senceles stone
I lay, For neither Wit nor tongue could . . expresse the passions of
my pained heart. 1672 WALK. 61, p. 1 1: He hath no more wit than
a stone; no more brains than a burbout. He is a very Cods~head.
SHAKESPEARE.—I6OI T.N. I v 90: I saw him put down . . with
an ordinary fool that has no more brain than a stone.
See OTTO, no. 911.

W551 He has some WIT but a fool has the guiding of it
1603 ]. MANNINGHAM Diary Apr. 14, p. 171: He hath a good witt
but it is carried by a foole. 1621 J. TAYLOR Motto: Wks. F., p. 21 1:
The wit I want, I haue, yet yeelds no profit, Because a foole hath
still the keeping ofit. 1659 How. New Sayings, p. 2: He hath good
parts, but a fool hath them in keeping. I721 KEL., p. I45: *It is
known that Wit, and good Sense may be separate. Spoken of
them that have some Flashes of Wit, but want Discretion. 1732
FUL., no. 1899: (the Guidance ofit).
Cf. W562: Such a one has a good wit ifa wise man had the keep-
ing of it.
W552 He has WIT at will
01475 Songs and Carols 32, p. 37: To have wit at will. 1590 GREENE
Mourn. Garm., p. 131: As a man that had wit at will. 1594 LYLY
Mother B. I iii 38. 1611 CHAPMAN May Day IV iii 104: Win her
and wear her; thou hast wit at will. 1616 DR., no. 2443. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. 23: He hath words at will, or he is tongue-tied:
the contrary. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Wise, Wit, p. 378. I738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 380: She’s very handsome, and has wit at will.
Cf. W553: He has wit (wisdom) at will that with angry heart can
hold him still; W564: To have wit (no Wit) in one’s noddle; W580:
He always has his wits about him.
W553 He has WIT (wisdom) at will that with angry
heart can hold him still
01450 Prov. Counsel in Bks. on Courtesy, p. 69: He hathe wysdom
at hys will that can with Angry harte be stylle. 1481 CAXTON
Reynard 40, p. 1 10: Therfore he is wyse that can in his angre mesure
hym self and not be ouer hasty. 1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 37: (He
maie shewe Wisdome at will and holde his tongue styll). I641
FERG., no. 389. 1668 R.B., p. 26. 1721 KEL., p. 159: (with an
angry Heart). 1732 FUL., no. 6434: (with an angry Heart).
Cf. W552: He has wit at will.
W554 He shows all his WIT at once
1616 DR., s.v. Follie, no. 767. 1664 COD., p. 198.
W555 His WIT is in the wane
1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 67. 1616 DR., s.v. Follie, no. 763.
Cf. W575: He is at his wit’s end.
1670 RAY, p. 199.
W556 It is good to buy WIT with other men’s money
1672 WALK. 36, p. 30: (’Tis good to learn by others tryals; to buy
wit with). 1681 ROB., p. 297: (Its good buying with).
Cf. W545: Bought wit is best.
W557 It is WIT to pick a lock and steal a horse but
wisdom to let them alone
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. I: (but ’tis Wisedom to let him alone).
1670 RAY, p. 30. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Wisdom: ’Tis Wit to pick a
Lock, but Wisdom to let it alone. 1732 FUL., no. 3031: (but it is
Wisdom to let it alone).
W558 Leave WIT before it leave you
1546 HEY. II ii, s. F4: Except I shall seeme to leaue my wyt,
Before it leaue me, I must nowe leaue it. 1562 HEY. Epig. 281,
p. 169: Leaue it or it leaue you.
Cf. C726: Leave the court ere the court leave thee.
W559 Little WIT makes mickle travel1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 932. I668 R.B., p. 35. I721 KEL., p. 230:
Little Wit as mickle Travell. *Spoken when People for want of
Skill, put themselves to more Trouble than they need.
[ltravail]
W560 Little WIT serves unto whom fortune pipes
1573 SANF., f. 109: A little Wit is inough for him to whom fortune
pipes. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 1:
Little wit will serve to have good fortune.
Cf. B535: A fortunate boor needs but be born; F598: Better to
have good fortune than be a rich man’s child; F61 1: He dances well
to Whom fortune pipes; M146: Give a man luck (fortune) and throw
him into the sea.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WIT
WIT (W ITS)
737

W561 No more WIT than a coot
I538 BALE K. 70han l. 178, p. 10: Thow semyste by thy wordes, to
haue no more wytt than a coote.
See SM., p. 321.
W562 Such a one has a good WIT if a wise man had
the keeping of it
1636 CAM., p. 305: (the keeping it).
p. 210.
Cf. W551: He has some wit but a fool has the guiding of it.
W563 They talk as their WIT serves them
1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 133.
Cf. W471: When wine (ale) is in wit is out.
1659 N.R., p. 92. 1664 COD.,
W564 To have WIT (no wit) in one’s noddle
1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 2: He hath no wit in his noddle. I666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Sale, p. 176: To have sound brains in ones
head . . To have wit in ones Noddle.
Cf. W552: He has wit at will.
W565 WIT bought is better than wit taught
1639 Con., Clinches, Flashes and Whimsies in Shak. Yen-Bks., III
32: (Stationers could not live, ifmen did not beleeve the old saying,
that Wit). 1670 RAY, p. 157: Wit once bought, is worth twice
taught. 1721 KEL., p. 269: [As in 1670 Ray]. 1732 FUL., no.
6495: An Ounce Of Wit that’s bought, Is worth a Pound that’s
taught.
Cf. W543: Better a wit coft than two for nought; W545: Bought
wit is best; W567: Wit is never good till it be bought (dearly
bought).
W566 WIT in a poor man’s head and moss in a moun-
tain avail nothing
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1490. I668 R.B., p. 55. I721 KEL., p. 347:
Wood in a Wilderness, Moss in a Mountain, and Wit in a poor
Man's Breast are little thought of.
W567 WIT is never good till it be bought (dearly
bought)
[1486—1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature II, s. I2v: Wyt ys nothyng
worth tyll yt be dere bought. 1546 HEY. I viii, s. B4v. 1562 HEY.
Epig. 14, p. 130. 1574 King Alhanact in Mirrorfor Magistrates
I, I 45: Wit nought auayles late bought with care and cost. 1576
R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [14], l. 32: Nought woorth is wit,
till it be dearely bought. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 185: It
hath bene an olde sayed sawe . . that witte is the better if it bee the
deerer bought. 1604 DEKKER I Hon. Whore, p. 40: Wit’s never
good, till bought at a deare hand. 1611 GRUT., no. 330. 1614
CAM., p. 315. 1616 DR., no. 2446: (vntill that it bee bought).
1616 WITHALS, p. 556: Wit is never so good, as when it is dearely
bought. 1630 T. RANDOLPH Conceited Peddler, p. 39. 1639 CL.,
s.v. Experientiae, p. 110: (Wit is naught till). 1651 J. TAYLOR
Epig.: Wks. Q, II 10: They say, Wit’s never good till it be bought,
And being bought too deare it proves stark naught. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 10. 1689 BUNYAN Accept. Sacrif.: Wks., I 704: We
say, Wisdom is not good till it is bought; and he that buys it . .
usually smarts for it.
Cf. W545: Bought wit is best; W565: Wit bought is better than
wit taught. (Io)
W568 The WIT of a woman is a great matter
1597 BRETON Praise Ladies and Gentlewomen in Will Wit (1 599 ed.):
W ks., II 59: (As the common proverbe is, The wit).
Cf. A367: When an ass climbs a ladder we may find wisdom in
women.
W569 The WIT (thrift)_of you and the wool of a blue
dog will make a good medley (web)
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: (of an Old dogg, will make a piece of
lincy-woolsie). 1678 RAY, p. 84. 1721 KEL., p. 331: The Thrift
of you, and the Wool of a Dog, would make a good Web. *Spoken

in jest to them that pretend to be thrifty. 1732 FUL., no. 4836:
(would make a very good Medley).
Cf. W752: He is not worth the wool of a dog.
W570 WIT, whither wilt thou?
[ERAS. Adagia, 4600: Lingua quo vadis?] 1600 KEMP Nine Days’
Wonder in Eng. Garn., VII 33. [01602] 1637 T. HEYWOOD Royal
King I, p. 18: Wit will to many ere it comes to you. 1602 DEKKER
[AND MARSTON] Satiro. l. 1869, p. 55: Th’ art within a haire of it,
my sweet Wit whether wilt thou? 1605 T. HEYWOOD 2 If You
Know Not Me, p. 302: A foole at three score? Whither wilt thou,
wit? 1639 CL., s.v. Garrulitas, p. 132. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.
Let. Advice: When you read this, I know you will be apt to say,
that a Fools Bolt is soon shott, or crie out, Witt whither wilt thou?
Ibid., p. 3.
SHAKESPEARE.—1599 A.Y. I ii 59: How now, wit? Whither
wander you? Ihid. IV i 167: A man that had a wife with such a
wit, he might say, ‘Wit, whither wilt?’
You have a little WIT and it does you good
sometimes
1639 CL., s.v. Stupidi, p. 298.
p. 30. 1732 FUL., no. 5911.
W572 You have WIT enough to drown ships in
1678 RAY, p. 277.
W571
1664 COD., p. 230. 1670 RAY,
W573 You may truss up all his WIT in an eggshell
1678 RAY, p. 84. 1732 FUL., no. 5957.
W574 You were born when WIT was scarce
1670 RAY, p. 199: (was scant). 1732 FUL., no. 6010.
W575 He is at his WIT’S end
1481 CAXTON Reynard 28, p. 72: (He was at). 1508 STANBRIDGE
Vulgaria, p. 22: I am at my wyttes ende. 1546 HEY. I viii, s. B4v:
Wherby, for lacke we bothe be at our witts ende. 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., I 181: I am at my wits’ end. 1594 LYLY Mother B. II i
28: Then are we both driuen to our wits endes. a1598 FERG. MS,
no. 547. I601 JONSON Ev. Man in Hum. I iv 61: I am eene at my
wits end. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 138: Some fooles do say at their
wits end they are. 1616 DR., s.v. Perplexity, no. 1611. 1639
CL., s.v. Perplexus, p. 248. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 15: He hath
put him to his wits end. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Piedi, p. 147:
At ones wits ends, to be at a stand what to do, meerly out of vain
irresolution. 1670 RAY, p. 276. 1688 Hist. William Pr. Orange,
p. 97: [They] were now at their Wits end how to save themselves.
1694 D’URFEY 2 Don Quix. II ii, p. 131: Now is Sancho at his Wits-
end to know, whether he may believe his Eyes and Ears or no.
Cf. W555: His wit is in the wane. (21)
W576 The finest WITS are soonest subject to love
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 3: The finer wit he was endued withal,
the sooner was he made thrall and subject to love. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 209: Loue easilye entreth into the Sharpe witte
without resistaunce, and is harboured there without repentaunce.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., S. U3v: But this I can aledg drawen from
Naturall Philosophie, that the wittiest sconce hath the greatest
inclination to Venerie. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb., p.
67: Ripe early Wits are soonest blasted; as rarest beauties quickliest
blemished.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G. V. I i 42: Yet writers say, as in the
sweetest bud The eating canker dwells, so eating love Inhabits in
the finest wits of all. —And writers say, as the most forward bud
Is eaten by the canker ere it blow, Even so by love the young and
tender wit IS turn’d to folly.
See JENTE 38, p. 404; T. 34, p. 76. Cf. C56: The canker soonest
eats the fairest rose (flowers); F391: The fairest flowers (freshest
colors) soonest fade.
W577 Good WITS have short (bad) memories
1597 T. MORLEY Intr. Music I, p. 5: And I see that by this I should
haue a verie good wit, for I haue but a bad memorie. CI600 [ Ret.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
WIT (W ITS) 738
WITNESS

from Parn. III, p. 57: It’s verie true, good witts have badd mem-
ories. 1661 R. BOYLE Sceptical Chymist: Wks., V 346: If it be
true, as it was lately rooted from the Proverb, That good wits have
bad memories, You have that title. 1668 DRYDEN Martin Mar-
All IV i, p. 67: He has forgot it, sir; good wits, you know, have bad
memories. 1721 SWIFT Let. Advice Poet, p. 191: A common-place
book is what a provident poet cannot subsist without, for this
proverbial reason, that great wits have short memories.
W578 Good WITS jump1
1618 BELCHIER Hans Beer-Pot, s. DI: Good wits doe iumpe. 1620
SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, xxxvii, IV 8: I have heard you say . .
Good wits will soone meet. 1638 T. RANDOLPH Muses’ Look.
Glass III iv, p. 237: Good wits may jump. 1640 MENNIS AND
SMITH W it’s Recreations: Facetiae, II 8 5: Like will to like: Good wits
will jump (quoth he). a1655 N. L’ESTRANGE in Anec. and Trad.
I, p. 21: For you know good witts will jumpe. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 17: Good witts commonly jump. 1678 RAY, p. 219.
1688 T. SHADWELL Sq. Alsatia III, p. 251: Say’st thou so my Girl!
good Witsjump. I had the same thought with thee. 1732 FUL.,
no. 1733. I738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 415: I had that at my tongue’s
end. —--Why, miss, they say good wits jump.
SHAKESPEARE.-—I594-8 T.S. I i 194: I have it, Tranio. ——Mas-
ter, for my hand, Both our inventions meet and jump in one.
[’agree]
W579 Great WITS (Poets) to madness sure are near
allied
1600 NASHE Summer’s Last Will: Wks., III 265: There is no ex-
cellent knowledge without mixture of madnesse. 1616 DR., no.
1661 : Poesie is a rage. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 127, p. 225: There’s
not a Poet, but his raptures are imputed to a kind of madness.
Ibid., note 131, p. 225: No great wit without a mixture of madness.
1681 DRYDEN Absalom and Achit. I 163, p. 239: Great Wits are sure
to madness near allied, And thin partitions do their bounds divide.
1732 FUL., no. 6430: (near allyed, And thin Partitions do their
Bounds divide).
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. V i 7: The lunatic, the lover, and
the poet Are of imagination all compact.
W580 He always has his WITS about him
1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. Ho III i, S. E1: He hath not his
wits about him to remember which of his friends is in the Subsedy.
1622 MABBE Rogue II 11 ii, III 206: I had my wits about me; and
a hand, that was able to finde me worke all the yeare long. 1671
CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Wise, p. 377.
Cf. W552: He has wit at will.
W581 He lives by his WITS
1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. I ii 184: By my Wits? No sir, I
scorne to liue by my wits, I. I haue better meanes. 1612 JONSON
Alch. III iv 52: How doe they line by their wits, there, that haue
vented Sixe times your fortunes? 1616 DR., s.v. Shifting, no.
1956. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Gain, p. 140: To live by his
wits—or by cheating. 1699 FARQUHAR Const. Couple Prol., p.
125: Your elbow-shaking fool, that lives by’s wits. 1705 HEARNE
Remarks and Coll. Nov. 17, I 84: He had rather live by his Wits.
W582 His WITS go a woolgathering
1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 107: Hackyng and hemmyng, as though
our wittes and our senses were a woll gathering. 1580 LYLY Euph.
and His Eng., p. 175: My witts were not al this while a wol-gather-
ing. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. G2v: Not wandering abroad
with wauering woolgathering thoughts. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VIII,
p. 133: Thy witts are gone a wooll-gathering, thou doost nothing
wel. 1597 BRETON To Rdr. in Will IVit (1599 ed.): Wks., II [5]:
When Witisawool-gathering. 1616 DR.,no. 2332. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 575: His wits be a woolgathering. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M.
I II iii 15, p. 262: Th. Aquinas, supping with King Lewis of France
. . cried, The Manichees are wrongl—his wits were a woolgathering,
as they say, and his head busied about other matters. 1639 CL.,
s.V. Oblivio, p. 231: [As in 1616 Withals]. Ibid., s.v. Stupidi, p.
298: You wise acre? your wit’s a wooll-gathering. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 10: His Witt goes a wool-gathering. 1665 PEPYS Diary

Oct. 5, V 105: My mind is run a wool-gathering and my business
neglected. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Cervello, p. 36: AS the saying
is, to have ones wits a wool gathering. 1670 RAY, p. 199: Your
wits are on wooll gathering. 1732 FUL., no. 6065: Your Wits are
gone a Wool-gathering. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 463: I think
my wits are a wool-gathering to-day. (5)
W583 To be frightened (scared) out of one’s WITS
(five wits and seven senses)
01534 BERNERS Huon 81, p. 242: I am in suche sorrowe . . that I
am nere hande out of my wyttes. 1606 Wily Beguiled xi, p. 39:
I would thou couldst scarre him out of his wits. 1640 JONSON
Tale Tub II ii 144: Hare the poore fellow out on his five Wits, And
seven senses? 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 9: Almost quite scared
out of his wits. 1694 MOTTEUX Gargantua IV xiii, III 92: The
Filly was . . scar’d out of her seven Senses. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv.
I, p. 387: Lord, madam, you frighten me out of my seven senses!
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-1 I i 178: I say the gentleman
had drunk himself out of his five sentences— —It is his five
senses. Fie, what the ignorance is! Ibid. II i 142: The humour of
it, quoth ’a? Here’s a fellow frights English out of his wits. (5)
W584 Aroint1 thee, WITCH, quoth Besse Locket to her
mother
1674 RAY Words Not Gen. Used, p. 60: *Chesh.
SHAKESPEARE.—16o5-6 M. I iii 6: ‘Aroint thee, witch!’ the rump-
fed ronyon cries.
[lbegone]
W585 I think you are a WITCH
[A comment made on a good guess, or the like; “Witch” could apply
to either a man or a woman] 1616 DR., s.v. Gessing or coniec-
tures, no. 859: He is a witch. 1618 N. FIELD Amendsfor Ladies
VI ii, p. 60: I foretold you this feigned mischance. —It is a tale
belonging to the Widow I think you are a Witch. 1634 R.
BROME AND T. HEYWOOD Lanc. Witches I, p. 174: I thinke you are a
Witch Master Whetstone. 1639 CL., s.v. Veneficia, p. 315: Be-
ware the witch. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 462: I believe you
are a Witch.
Cf. W587: To be no witch at anything.
W586 They that burn you for a WITCH lose all their
coals
1681 COLVILLE Mock Poem To Rdr., s. A4: Who ever shall take the
pains to burn them for witches, will lose both coals and labour.
I721 KEL., p. 332: (loses all the Coals). 1732 FUL., no. 4974.
W587 To be no WITCH at anything
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Regno, p. 166: (The English say, to have
no guts in his brains, or be no). Ibid., s.v. Scuola, p. 187: To be
learned and knowing in any thing, to be a Doctor at it, if on the
Contrary, then the English say, To be no Witch at it.
Cf. W585: I think you are a witch.
W588 There is WITCHCRAFT in fair words
01570 Marr. Wit and Science III i, S. B4v: Fayre wordes are wont
oft times, fayre women to allure. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s.
Ff3: We see . . that commonly faire wordes conuey the moste
witchcraft. 1680 DRYDEN Limberham III i, p. 50: Above all things,
have a care of him your self; for surely there is Witchcraft betwixt
his lips.
SHAKESPEARE.——16oo-1 H. I V 43: With witchcraft of his wit,
with traitorous gifts—O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power
So to seduce!
Cf. W800: Fine words dress ill deeds.
W589 The old WITHY1 TREE would have a new gate
hung at it
1678 RAY, p. 184. I732 FUL., no. 4691.
[1willow]
W590 There is a WITNESS everywhere
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. II 111 vii, p. 555: Think no place without
a witness. 1732 FUL., no. 4886.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Wrrmzss
WOLF
739

W591 With a VIITNEss
[With a vengeance.] 1592 NASHE Strange News: Wks., I 321:
Thou shouldst heare Tom a Lincolne roare with a witnes. 1608
T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 221: What a conjuring and catter-
walling keepe you here, that my Lady cannot sleepe: you shall
have her call by and by, and send you all to bed with a witnesse.
1622 MABBE Rogue I 111 x, II 264: Hee was powdred with a wit-
nesse, and quite blowne up. 1639 FULLER Holy War III xx, p.
143: When such Authours as These lie with a witnessee .. who
could disprove them. 1665 GLANVILL Seepsis Scient. XVI, p. 99:
Every Religion hath its bare Nominals: and that Pope was one
with a witness, whose saying it was. (47)
W592 In erme and thriving a man should take coun—
sel Of all the world
1591 H. SMITH Preparative Marriage: W ks., I 13: They say, that in
wiving and thriving a man should take counsel of all the world,
lest he light upon a curse while he seeks for a blessing. I678
RAY, p. 354.
Cf. L517: Love is without reason; YIQ‘. It is hard to wive and
thrive both in a year.
W593 He works his Own WOE
1546 HEY. I x, s. C4: She must nedes grant, she hath wrought hir
own wo. 1616 DR., no. 1887.
W594 There is no WOE to1 want
1623 CAM., p. 278. 1639 CL., p. 244: No woe to want.
p. 115. 1664 COD., p. 212.
like to Want.
[llike]
W595 WOE be to him that reads but one book
1651 HERB., p. 371. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7: From one that
reads but one book . . the Lord deliver us. 1659 N .R., p. 126.
See DiiR., I, no. 387.
W596 WOE be to him whose advocate becomes his
accuser
I678 RAY fldagia Heat, p. 403.
W597 WOE be to the wicked and woe be to them that
cleave to them or to their neighbors that live
near them
1678 RAY Adagia Heart, p. 412.
W598 WOE to him that is alone
[Eccl. iv 10: Woe to him that is alone when he falleth] 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. I, I 48: W0 be to the lone man, who when he
shalbe fallen downe, shall have none to helpe him up.
See SM., p. 594. Cf. M203: It is not good for a man to be alone;
S606: Soleness brings sadness.
W599 WOE to the house where there is no chiding
1640 HERB., no. 446. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
238. 1664 COD., p. 229. 1670 RAY, p. 4. 1732 FUL., no. 5801:
(Woe to that House where).
W600 WOE to the land (kingdom) whose king is a
child
[Eccl. x 16: Woe to thee, 0 land, when thy king is a child.] 1543
T. MORE Hist. Rich. HI: Wks., I 63: That the greate wise manne
well perceiued. When hee sayde . . Woe is that Realme that hathe
a chylde to theyre kynge. 1596 LODGE Devil Conj., p. 80: (Woe
. . to that land, whose). 1642 FULLER Holy State IV xviii, p. 331:
(W0 be to the kingdome whose).
SHAKESPEARE._1597 Ric/1. III II iii I I: Woe to that land that’s
govern’d by a child!
Cf. R40: Often rues the realm where children rule and women
govern; 51050: Put not a sword in the hand of a child.
W601 As hungry as a WOLF
I540 PALSGRAVE deolastus II iii, p. 76: I am more hungry than any
wolfe is. 1611 COT., s.v. Allouvi.
1659 N.R.,
I732 FUL., no. 4926: There is no Woe

W602 Give not the WOLF (fox) the wether (sheep) to
keep (Make not the wolf your shepherd)
[ERAS. Adagia, 1550: Ovem lupo commisisti.] 1576 PETTIE Pet.
Pal., I 60: But like a simple man he committed the silly sheep to
the ravening wolf. I583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. YIv: \Noe to . .
the Lambes that are nurst 0f the Wolfe. 1596 DEL., s. M7v: To
giue the sheepe to the wolfe to keepe. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 442:
(Give never the). 1616 DR., no. 2448: A man must not make a
wolfe a shepheard. 1639 CL., p. 95: (You have given the). 1664
COD., p. 185: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Lupo,
p. 93: To make the woolfones shepheard, viz. to trust in ones enemy.
1668 R.B., p. 20: (Give never the). 1670 RAY, p. 200: (You give
the). 1672 WALK. 52, p. 31: You have set the . . wolf to keep the
sheep. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Wolf: (To give a Wolf). 1694 ECHARD
Eunue/z V, p. 89: Oh you Jade, you set the Wolf to keep the Sheep.
1721 KEL., p. 368: [As in 1639 CL]. *You have entrusted a thing
to one who will lose it, spoil it, or use it himself.
SHAKESPEARE—*ISQO-I 2 Hen. VI III i 252: And were’t not
madness then To make the fox surveyor of the fold? 1594 T.C. V.
IV iv 96: Alas, poor Proteus! thou hast entertain’d A fox to be the
shepherd of thy lambs. 1604 M.M. Vi 300: Come you to seek the
lamb here of the fox?
See Di'IR., I, no. 254.
geese.
W603 He holds a WOLF by the ears
[ERAS. fldagia, Igor: Auribus lupum teneo.] 1538 ELYOT, s.v.
Lupus: Lupum auribus tenere, a prouerbe in thynges that be
daungerous, eyther to retaine, or to lette goo. 1548 COOPER, s.v.
Auribus provehi: To holde a wolfe by the cares, A prouerbe, which
dooeth signifie, to be in two sundry daungers, and knowe not what
is best, to bee dooen. 1557 Mean Estate Best 1. 24 in Tottel’s Misc.,
I 148: Who .. Shalbe as free from cares and feares, As he that
holds a wolfe by the cares. 1574 B. RICH Dial. betw. Mere. and
Eng. Sold., s. L3v: For he held (as they say) the wolfe by the cares,
not knowing howe to leaue him; nor yet with what assurance to
holde him. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Y2: Thou maiest aswell
be feareles, as he that holds the wolfe by the cares. I594 MARLOWE
Edw. II V ii 6: For now we hold an old wolf by the ears, That, if
he slip, will seize upon us both, And gripe the sorer, being grip’d
himself. 1598 R. BERNARD P/zormio 111 ii, p. 396: Verily as men
say I hold the wolfe by the eares; for I cannot find a deuise how I
may send her away, neither know I how to keep her. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Perplexity, no. 1606. 1631 F. QUARLES Samson 11: Wks., II
150: I haue a Wolfe by th’ cares; I dare be bold, Neither with
safety, to let goe, nor hold. 1642 F. QUARLES Obs. Princes and
States: Wks., I 53: A Prince . . that entertaines Auxiliaries, holds a
wolfe by the cares. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 9: (He hath the).
1668 SKIPPON Diary, p. 163: He hath gott a wolfe by the Bears, he
does not know whether he had better hold him or lett him goe.
1670 RAY, p. 200: (To have a). *When a man hath a doubtful
business in hand, which it is equally hazardous to pursue or give
over; as it is tO hold or let go a wolf which one hath by the ears.
1691 J. WILSON Belphegor II iii, p. 22: Ifever Man had a Wolfe by
the Ears, I haue one now. 1732 FUL., no. 5186: (To hold the).
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 K7. III i 258: Thou mayst hold a serpent
by the tongue, A chafed lion by the mortal paw, A fasting tiger
safer by the tooth, Than keep in peace that hand which thou dost
hold. 1598—9 M.A. V i 88: Villains, That dare as well answer a
man indeed As I dare take a serpent by the tongue.
Cf. L98: He that goes to law holds a wolf by the ears; M855: A
meddler is as he that takes a wolf by the cars. (22)
W604 It never troubles a WOLF how many the sheep
be
1625 BAOON Essays, p. 177: Nay, number (itself) in armies importeth
npt much, where the people is of weak courage; for (as Virgil saith)
It never troubles a wolf how many the sheep be.
See SM., p. 242.
W605 Keep the WOLF from the door
[a1525] c1545 SKELTON Colyn Cloute1._152: Wks., I 317: Lyke
Aaron and Ure, The wolfe from the dore To werryn and to kepe
Cf. F643: He sets the fox to keep the

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
WOLF
WOLF
74o

From theyr goostly shepe. 1546 HEY. II vii, s. I4v: (I wold haue
ye stur Honestly: to kepe). 1555 Instit. Gentlem., s. F4: This man
can litle skyl how to proffit his country or to saue himselfe harmlesse
from the perilous accidentes of this world, keping the wulfe from
the doore (as they call it). 1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 131:
(Dillygcnt industry keepes). 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 248: (Some
men can neuer keepe). 1611 FLOR., s.v. Trampellare, p. 573: (To
rub or hold out, to weare out ones life, as we say to keepe). 1616
DR., no. 1037: (A man must keepe). 1623 CAM., p. 273. 1639
CL., p. 283. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 10: (He hath enough to
keep). I659 N.R., p. 71. 1664 COD., p. 203. 1666 TOR. Prov.
Phr., s.v. Vita, p. 234: (To rub out, and shift any manner of way
to live, so as to keep). 1670 RAY, p. 30: (He hath enough to keep).
1687 T. BROWN Liberty Cons.: Wks., IV 234: I know with what
Difficulty you keep the Wolf from your Door. 1691 LOCKE Con-
sideration Conseq. Low. Int. and Rais. Val. Money: Wks., II 37:
’Till then, we in vain, I fear, endeavour with noise, and weapons
of law, to drive the wolf from our own, to one another’s doors.
I732 FUL., no. 1372: (Enough to keep). (7)
W606 One WOLF (bear) will not eat (bite, prey upon)
another
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 81: Wolves never prey upon wolves.
1586 WITHALS, s. C2: I neuer see one Woolfe eate an other before.
1596 DEL., s. N3v: A wolfe will neuer make warre against another
wolfe. 1611 COT., s.v. Loup: Vn loup ne devore iamais vn autre
loup. *Those that are like doe seldome disagree; one knaue will
euer beare with another. 1648 PARKER Free Trade, p. 18: When
Bears will not prey upon Bears, nor woolfes upon woolfes, man will
scarce prey upon any other then man. 1651 HERB., p. 370: [AS in
1596 Del.]. 1659 N.R., p. 83: (bite). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p.
132: One woolf eats not another.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598-9 M.A. III ii 80: The two bears Will not
bite one another when they meet. 1602 T.C. V vii 19: One bear
will not bite another, and wherefore should one bastard?
See DUR., II, no. 685; OTTO, no. 1838. Cf. C856: One crow
never pulls out another’s eyes; W509: It is a hard winter (The
hunger must be great) when one wolf eats another.
W607 Speak of the WOLF and he will appear
[ERAS. Adagia, 916A: Lupus in fabula.] 1538 ELYOT, s.v. Lupus:
Lupus est in fabula, a prouerbe, whan he cometh, Whiche is spoken
of. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 199: We saie whisht, the Woulfe is
at hand, when the same man cometh in the meane season, of whom
we spake before. CI565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. C3v:
Lupus est in fabula, no more woords. I580 BARET, L—73o: Lupus
est in fabula. *A Prouerbe, or as we may terme it a watche word
commonly vsed when as communication is vsed of a man, he
comming vnawares vnto them. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man IV, p.
356: But it happeneth to many of these men now adayes, as it doth
to him that commeth into the sight of a Wolfe, Whose propertie is
to take away his voyce; whereof came a common proverbe, Lupus
est in fabula, when something is spoken that every man may not
heare. 1599 CHAPMAN Hum. Day’s Mirth ii 51, p. 49: See where he
comes. Now must I say, Lupus est in fabula, for these Latin ends
are part of a gentleman and a good scholar. 1611 FLOR., s.v.
Zoccoli Zoccoli, p. 616: When speaking of any body in secrecy the
party by chance commeth in, as the Latins say, Lupus est in fabula,
so the Italians say, Zoccoli Zoccoli. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 78,
p. 134: Talk of the woolf and hel pops in upon you. Ibid. 16, p.
265: Who speaks of the woolf, hath him at his back.
Cf. D294: Speak of the devil and he will appear; N33: Sooner
named sooner come; W608: Speak of the wolf and you will see his
tail; W621: The wolves saw him first; W769: Not a word of the
pudding. (9)
W608 Speak of the WOLF and you will see his tail
1611 COT., s.v. Loup: Qui parle du loup on en voit la queue'.
*Appliable (as Lupus in fabula) when one thats spoken of as absent
suddenly appeares. 1623 WOD., p. 500: Who speakes of the Wolfe,
hee seeth his Taile. *So said of any seene presently after they
speake of him. 1657 LEIGH, p. 273: He that speaks of the Wolf,
sees his tail. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 26: As he spoke of the Wolf

he sees his tail. *The use of this Proverb is, when one comes un-
expectedly to a place where he is spoken of.
Cf. W607: Speak of the wolf and he will appear.
W609 To cry WOLF
1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 360, I 328: He would be Crying a Wolf, a
Wolf, when there was none, and then could not be Believed when
there was.
See SM., p. 507.
W610 Who has a WOLF for his mate needs a dog for
his man
1611 COT., s.v. Loup: He that hath a Wolfe to his mate had need
of a dog to his man. 1640 HERB., no. 57. 1659 How. It. Prov., p.
I: (for his companion, let him carry a dog under his cloak). 1659
N.R., p. 123. 1664 COD., p. 226. 1670 RAY, p. 30: *Ital.
W61 1 The WOLF and the fox are both of the same mind
1591 STE P., p. 152: (the craftie fox are both of one counsell). 01594
BACON, no. 606: El lobo et la vulpeja son todos d’una conseja.
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 14: (are of). 1732 FUL., no. 4837: The
Wolf and Fox are both Privateers.
Cf. W615: The wolf knows What the ill beast thinks.
W612 The WOLF eats oft of the sheep that have been
told1
1596 DEL., S. N7v. 1611 COT., s.v. Brebis: The wolfe eats counted,
as well as vncounted, sheepe. *Appliable vnto a beastly fellow,
that respects nothing but the glutting of his filthy appetite. 1639
CL., s.v. Rapacitas, p. 271: (The wolfe eateth often the). 1651
HERB., p. 371: (that have been warn’d). 1666 TOR. It. Pratt. 21,
p. 132: The wolf worries sheep, for all that they are told.
See Di'IR., II, no. 684; OTTO, no. 984.
[’Counted]
W613 The WOLF goes to Rome and there leaves his '
hairs and not his manners (conditions)
1611 COT., s.v. Loup: The wolfe Went to Rome, and left some of
his coat, but none of his conditions, behind him. Ibid., s.v. Poil:
A knaue will returne a knaue from the best place in the world.
1616 DR., s.v. Travellers, no. 2170. Ibid., no. 2450: (conditions).
Cf. B156: Who goes a beast to Rome a beast returns; W616: A
wolf (fox) may change his hair but not his heart (nature, malice).
W614 A WOLF in a lamb’s (sheep’s) skin
[Matt. vii I 5: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in
sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves] 01460
Wisdom l. 490, p. 51: Ther ys a woler in a lombys skyn. 1509
A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, II 7: She is perchaunce A wolfe or gote
within a Lammys skyn. 1526 BONDE Pilgr. Perf, f. 276v: These
be wolues in lambes skynnes. [01535] 1602 LINDSAY Three Estates
1. 4264, p. 534: Ane wolfe cled in ane wedders [ram’s] skin? 1546
HEY. I x, s. C4v: (Of trouthe she is a wolfe in). 1575 GASCOIGNE
Glass Govt. IV Chorus, p. 71: Wolves do walke in wethers felles.
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 223: The Wolfe weareth a faire face
to deuoure the Lambe. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Sept., 1. 157, p.
41: They [wolves] gang in more secrete wise, And with sheepes
clothing doen hem disguise. 1591 FLOR. See. F. XII, p. 171:
Ward your head from this Woolf lapt in a sheepes skin. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 766: (He is ane wolf in). 1611 COT., s.v. Beat:
(sheepes). 1616 DR., s.v. Tyranny, no. 2201. 1639 CL., s.v.
Hypocrisis, p. 141: A wolfe lap’t in a lambe-Skin. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 15. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 19: (a sheep skin, viz. an
hypocrite).
SHAKESPEARE.—-I590-1 2 Hen. VI III i 77: Is he a lamb? His
Skin is surely lent him, For he’s inclin’d as is the ravenous wolf.
1592-4 1 Hen. V] I iii 5 5: Thee I’ll chase hence, thou wolf in sheep’4
array. 1609 Son. 96, l. 9: How many lambs might the stern wolf
betray If like a lamb he could his looks translate!
See ST., no. 2601. Cf. A351: An ass in a lion’s skin.
W615 The WOLF knows what the ill beast thinks
1611 COT., s.v. Penser: Le loup scait bien que male beste pense:
One knaue can easily ghesse at the drift of another. 1623 WOD.,
(16)

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WOLF
WOMAN
741

p. 500: The Wolfe knowes well what an other evill Beast thinkes.
1640 HERB., no. 16. I659 N.R., p. 96. 1664 COD., p. 217.
Cf. T110: Set a thief (fool) to catch a thief (fool); W611: The
wolf and the fox are both of the same mind.
W616 A WOLF (fox) may change his hair but not his
heart (nature, malice)
[ERAS. Adagia, 787C: Lupus pilum mutat, non mentem.] 1581
PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 107: It is a thing too hard to change the
manners Of an Old serving man: who sooner changeth his haire, then
his habyte. 01600 I Ret. from Parn. V, p. 74: A fox may change
his heyre but not his minde. 1605 JONSON Sejanus IV 273, p. 384:
Wolues do change their haire, but not their harts. 1631 MABBE
Celestina XII, p. 207: For though the Foxe change his haire, yet
he never changeth his nature. 1639 CL., p. 248: (Hee may).
1659 N.R., p. 123: A Wolf casts his hair, but not his malice. 1664
COD., p. 198: (He may). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 132: The woolf
changeth its coat, but not its nature. 1755 FRANKLIN, p. 31: The
Wolf sheds his Coat once a year, his Disposition never.
Cf. F638: The fox may grow gray but never good; T477: Travel-
ers change climates, not conditions; W613: The wolf goes to Rome
and there leaves his hairs and not his manners (conditions); W620:
Wolves lose their teeth but not their memory.
W617 The WOLF must die in his own Skin
1611 COT., s.v. Mourir: Le loup mourra en sa peau qui ne l’escor—
chera vif. *A knaue will sleepe in a knaues skin, vntill he either
loose it, or his life. 1640 HERB., no. 843. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov.,
p. 34: In the skin, the Wolf goes in, The same no doubt, the Wolf
goes out. 1659 N.R., p. 114. 1664 COD., p. 221.
W618 The WOLF never wants for a pretense against
a lamb
1611 COT., s.v. Achoison: The Woolfe takes any small occasion to
seize on the Sheepe. I623 WOD., p. 500: For the least Choice the
Wolf tooke the Sheepe. 1732 FUL., no. 4839.
W619 T wo WOLVES may worry one sheep
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1280. 1611 COT., s.v. Brebis: Two wolues
deuour one sheepe with ease. Ihid., s.v. Loup: Deux loups man-
gent bien vne brebis: Two knaues with ease deuoure (or deceiue)
one sillie foole. 1668 R.B., p. 49.
W620 WOLVES lose their teeth but not their memory
1616 DR., no. 2449: The wolfe looseth his teeth, but not his mem-
orie. 1664 COD., p. 224. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 29, p. 132: A wool
loseth his tooth, but not his instinct. I670 RAY, p. 30. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Wolf.
See DUR., I, no. 97. Cf. F638: The fox may grow gray but
never good; W616: A wolf (fox) may change his hair but not his
heart (nature, malice).
W621 The WOLVES saw him first
[ERAS. Adagia, 296C: Lupi illum priores viderunt.] 1582 BATMAN
Bartholome XVIII lxxi, f. 372v: Husbandmen speake of him and
say, that a man leeseth his voyce, if the Woolfe seeth him first.
CI594 BACON, no. 838. 1600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. V xi 2:
Has the wolfe scene you . . hath Gorgons head made marble of you?
1601 P. HOLLAND Hist. World VIII xxii, p. 207B: It is commonly
thought . . in Italie, that the eye-Sight of wolves is hurtfull; in so
much, as if they see a man before he espie him, they cause him to
loose his voice for the time. 1607 TOPSELL Hist. Four-footed
Beasts, p. 735: It is reported that there are wolues in Italy who when
they looke vpon a man, cause him to be silent, that hee cannot
speake. 1610 GUILLIM Display Heraldry III xv, p. 191: Some
write, That those who suddenly look on a Wolf do lose their Voice.
1633 SHIRLEY Witty Fair One IV vi, p. 344: The fright . . like a
wolf that sees a man first, has taken away her voice. 1666 TOR.
Prov. Phr., s.v. Topo, p. 218: To be hoarse; for so we say when we
have seen the Woolf, or rather that the Woolf hath seen us first.
1697 DRYDEN Virgil’s Wks., XIII 394: My voice grows hoarse;
I feel the notes decay, As if wolves had seen me first tO-day.
Cf. W607: Speak Of the wolf and he will appear.

W622 A dead WOMAN will have four to carry her forth
1605 E. SANDYS Survey Rel, p. 194: (Seeing as the Proverbe is, a
dead woman). I678 RAY, p. 354.
W623 A dishonest WOMAN cannot be kept in and an
honest one will not
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 226: Be they [women] Chast, no
golde canne winne them, if immodest no griefe can amende them,
so that all mistrust is either needelesse or bootlesse. 1581 PETTIE
Civ. Conv. III, II 24: (and an honest ought not). 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 4, p. 74: Unto a loose woman, a guard signifies nothing. *Note
75, p. 79: For if she be bent tO be naught, no Locks will serve turn,
and if she be bent to honesty, she can overcome all temptations.
I732 FUL., no. 76.
W624—5 A fair WOMAN and a slashed gown find always
some nail in the way
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 234: (and a pink’d gar-
ment is ever meeting with some tenter-hook). 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 10: (and a Slash’d garment). 1664 COD., p. 184. 1670 RAY,
p. 9. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Fair: (always something in the way).
W626 Give a WOMAN her will and she will live the
longer
1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 140, p. 164: The English says, Let one
have his will, and he’ll live the longer, specially a Woman. Ibid.,
note 58, p. 293: (The English say of a woman, Give her her will).
Cf. W715: Women must have their wills while they live because
they make none when they die; W723: Women will have their wills.
W627 He that does not love a WOMAN sucked a sow
1667 R. L’ESTRANGE Visions 4, p. 216: My officious friend, said I,
he that does not love a woman sucked a sow. 1732 FUL., no. 2083.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 424: And they say, he that hates woman,
sucked a sow.
W628 An honest WOMAN is worth much (a crown of
gold)
1611 COT., s.v. Femme. 1613 E. CARY Mariam I vi, s. B4v: A
vertuous woman crownes her husbands head. 1623 WOD., p. 484:
A good Women is worth (if shee were sold) The fairest Crowne
that’s made of purest Gold. 1659 N.R., p. 11: (is much worth).
Cf. H800: A good housewife is a jewel (worth a diadem).
W629 I am very wheamow,1 said the old WOMAN when
she stepped into the milk bowl
1670 RAY, p. 217: *Yorksh.
[Inimble]
W630 If a WOMAN were as little as She is good a
peasecod would make her a gown and a hood
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 175: (If women were as little as they are
good and them). 1619 BASSE Help Discourse, p. 53: If Women
were as little as they’re good, A Pescod-shell would make them
Gown and Hood. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7: (her a cap and a hood).
1678 RAY, p. 64. 1732 FUL., no. 6446.
W631 If she (he) were the only WOMAN (man) in the
world
1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao IV iv 61: My mother will make muche
of you, when there are no more men than Vulcan. [a1600] 1639
DELONEY Gentle Craft II, p. 37: This were enough if there were no
more men in the world but one.
SHAKESPEARE.—I606—7 A.C. I ii 172: If there were no more
women but Fulvia, then had you indeed a cut, and the case to be
lamented.
Cf. M39: There are more maids than Malkin.
W632 In a black WOMAN there is turpentine
1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 22. I659 HOWELL Let. Suppl. 16,
II 666: A black woman hath Turpentine in her.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
WOMAN
WOMAN
742

W633 A journeying WOMAN speaks much of all and
all of her
1640 HERB., no. 275.
W634 An old WOMAN can do that the devil himself
cannot do
1518 Fred. 7ennen, f. 6v: (It is a commyn saiying of people that an
olde).
Cf. W648: A woman can do more than the devil.
W635 An old WOMAN in a wooden ruff
I678 RAY, p. 77: *In an antique dresse. a1700 B.E., s.v. Wooden-
ruff: He wore the Wooden-rufi’, he stood in the Pillory.
W636 A silent WOMAN better than a double-tongued
man
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11.
W637 To be born of WOMAN
1584 LYLY Camp. V iv 68: In mine opinion thou wert neuer born
ofa woman, that thou thinkest so hardly of women. 1596 SPENSER
VI iii 41: And tell withall, the lamentable plight, In which
this Lady languisheth forlorne, That pitty craves, as he of woman
was yborne. [1600] 1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. G2: As you
ever came of a woman. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 423: I suppose
the gentleman’s a woman-hater; but, sir, I think you ought to
remember, that you had a mother.
SHAKESPEARE.-—~1592—3 V.A. l. 201: Art thou a woman’s son,
and canst not feel What ’tis to love? 1598-9 M.A. I i 240: That a
woman conceived me, I thank her. 1599 Hen. VII i 122: As ever
you came of women, come in quickly to Sir John. 1602 T.C. V
ii 129: Let it not be believ’d for womanhood! Think we had
mothers .. —What hath she done, Prince, that can soil our
mothers? 1605—8 T. Ath. IV iii 500: Surely, this man Was born
of woman.
W638 Trust not a WOMAN when she weeps
1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 72: Trust not a woman when she
cries, For sheel pumpe water from her eyes. 1616 B. RICH Ladies’
Looking Glass, p. 34: There are three things that are not to be
credited, a Woman when she weepes, a Merchant when he sweares,
nor a Drunkard when he prayes. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 7:
(woman that weeps).
SHAKESPEARE.—I6o5-8 T. Ath. I ii 63: Immortal gods . . Grant
I may never prove so fond To trust . . a harlot for her weeping.
Cf. F520: The fool’s tears are not to be trusted; T81: Care not
for the tears of a whore or the bravadoes of a rufl-ian; W710:
Women have tears of dissimulation as well as sorrow; W716:
Women naturally deceive, weep, and spin.
W639 What should be done with an old WOMAN (wife)
but make gunpowder of her?
1611 T. HEYWOOD Gold. Age IV, p. 57: If the Princesse miscarry
we shall make gun-powder, and they say an old woman is better
for that then Saltpeter. 1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 170: (wife),
W640 Who has a WOMAN has an eel by the tail
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 239: You are .. an Ele which as
soone as one hathe holde of hir taile, will slippe out of his hand.
1599 H. PORTER Two Women Ab. x, s. I3v: Who so euer hath her,
hath but a wette Eele by the taile. 1600—15 New Metam.,
p. 216: Is not an Eles tayle a most slippery hold? whence comes
the proverbe that’s as true as Old. Y’are even as good hold a
wette Ele by the tayle as to repose a trust in Women fraile. 1616
BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER Scornful Lady II, p. 246: I will end with
the wise man, and say; He that holds a Woman, has an Eel by the
tail. 1616 DR., no. 2461: Women like to wet Eeles. 1618 N.
FIELD Amends for Ladies IV iii, p. 158: An eel by the tail’s held
surer than a woman. [1622] 1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER
Prophetess III ii, p. 354: Lay hold on her, And hold her fast, She’ll
slip thorow your fingers like an Eel else. 1640 SHIRLEY Arcadia
V i, p. 238: But I see a woman and a wet eel have both slippery

tails. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 174: He that hath
a Woman by the waste, hath a wet Eel by the tail. 1696 DILKE
Lover’s Luck V, p. 38: He that has holt on a young Woman has got
a slippery Eel by the Tail.
SHAKESPEARE—I613 T.N.K. III V 48: An eel and woman, A
learned poet says, unless by th’ tail And with thy teeth thou hold,
will either fail.
Cf. E60: As Slippery as an eel; E61: He holds a wet eel by the
tail; H508: AS much hold of his word as of a wet eel by the tail.
W641 A wicked WOMAN and an evil is three halfpence
worse than the devil
1639 CL., p. 118. 1670 RAY, p. 50. 1732 FUL., no. 6406.
W642 A wise (virtuous) WOMAN is the ornament of
her house
1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. IO. 1732 FUL., no. 447: A vertuous Woman,
tho’ ugly, is the Ornament of the House.
Cf. H800: A good housewife is a jewel (worth a diadem).
W643 A wise1 WOMAN is twice a fool
1659 N.R., p. 7: A learned Wife seldome proves good. 1680 R.
L’ESTRANGE Twenty Select Collog. 16, p. 213: I have often heard
that One Wise Woman is Two Fools. 1733 N. BAILEY Familiar
Colloq., p. 196: (I have often heard it said that a wise).
Cf. H375: Take heed of a young wench, a prophetess, and a
Latin woman.
[llearned]
W644 A WOMAN, a spaniel (an ass), and a walnut tree
(nut), the more they’re beaten the better they
be
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 39: A woman, an asse, and a walnut
tree, Bring the more fruit, the more beaten they bee. 1583 MEL-
BANCKE Philot., s. T2: The wallnut tree well bet when his nuts are
Shaken, beareth more fruit the yeare ensuing. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F.
XII, p. 175: Wiues, asses, nuttes, the more they beaten bee, More
good and profite they will yeeld to thee. 1605 RF. Sch. Slov. II
2522, p. 101: Three things, a nut, an asse a woman without store of
blowes, will nere be fit for any use, for so the proverb goes. I612
WEBSTER White Devil V i 1 8 3: Why do you kicke her? Say-—Do you
thinke that she’s like a walnut-tree? Must she be cudgel’d ere shee
beare good fruite? 1639 CL., p. 117: A woman, asse, and walnut-
tree, the more you beat the better be. 01640 SMYTH 83, p. 32.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 36, p. 87: Women, asses, and nuts, the more
they are beaten, the more fruit they yield. 1670 RAY, p. 50: (A
spaniel, a woman and a and the better Still they be). 1672 WALK.
23, p. 40: (A Spaniel, a Woman, and). 1732 FUL., no. 6404.
See TAY., p. 113. Cf. S705: The spaniel, that fawns when he is
beaten, will never forsake his master; S790: A spur and a whip for
a dull horse. (10)
W645 A WOMAN and a cherry paint themselves for
their butt -
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18: *The one to be tempted, the other
to be eaten. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 21, p. 75: A woman and a cherry
is coloured to its prejudice. *Note 8 5, p. 79: That causeth it to be
gathered, when the vermillion is on them.
Cf. W663: A woman that paints puts up a bill that she is to be
let. '
W646 A WOMAN and a glass are ever in danger
1535 BERNERS Gold. Bk., p. 241: There be some women so bryttell,
that as a glasse, with a fylloppe wyll breke. 1602 DEKKER [AND
MARSTON] Satiro. l. 1974, p. 57: These crackt Venice glasses shall
fill him out [of women]. 1612 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. I, IV vi, II
72: Truely woman is of glasse, Therefore no man ought to trie If
she broke or not might bee. 1631 DEKKER Match Me in Land.
I, p. 194: For women are Venice-glasses, one knocke spoyles em.
1640 HERB., no. 240. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p.
234. 1659 N.R., p. 11. 1664 COD., p. 186. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
25, p. 304: Glass, and a maid, ever in danger. 1721 KEL., p. 113:
Glasses and Lasses are bruckle [brittle] Wares. Both apt to fall,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WOMAN
WOMAN
743
and both ruined by falling. 1750 FRANKLIN, p. 27: Glass, China,
and Reputation, are easily crack'd, and never well mended.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Pass. Pilgr. 13, l. 10: As broken glass no
cement can redress: So beauty blemish’d once, for ever lost. 1604
M.M. II iv I24: Nay, women are frail too. —Ay, as the glasses
where they view themselves, Which are as easy broke as they make
forms. 1608 P. IV vi 151: Crack the glass of her virginity and
make the rest malleable. _
Cf. C814: Credit lost is like a Venice glass broke; G134: As brittle
as glass. (8)
W647 A WOMAN at a window as grapes on the highway
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 74. *Note 82, p. 79: Everybody will
be plucking, and gathering, and reaching at them.
W648 A WOMAN can do more than the devil
I559 BEROHER Noaility Women 1. 27, p. 140: (The people have a
common proverbe that a woman).
Cf. W634: An old woman can do that the devil himself cannot
do.
W649 A WOMAN conceals what she knows not
1589 NASHE dnat. Absurdity: W ks., I 14: Who will commit any
thing to a womans tatling trust, who conceales nothing but that
shee knowes not? a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1484: Women and bairnes
can keip counsell weil of that quhilk thay knaw not. 1606 MAR-
STON Parasitaster III i 171: How may I rest assured [that you will
conceal a secret]? ——Truly thus—d0 not tell it me. [1613-14]
1623 WEBSTER Due/1. Malfi V ii 260: The onely way to make thee
keepe my councell, Is not to tell thee. 1640 HERB., no. 1024.
1641 F ERO., no. 882: Women and bairns keeps counsel of that they
know not. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 190. 1659
N .R., p. 12. 1668 R.B., p. 56: Women and bairns keep counsell of
that they ken not. 1670 RAY, p. 50. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Woman.
1721 KEL., p. 347: Women and Bairns lain [conceal] what they know
not. 1732 F UL., no. 5806: Women conceal all that they know not.
SHAKEsPEARE.—I597 1 Hen. IV II iii 1 I I: Constant you are, But
yet a woman; and for secrecy, No lady closer, for I well believe
Thou wilt not utter what thou dost not know.
Cf. N32 5: Tell nothing to a woman and a pie unless thou wouldst
have all the world to know it; 8196: Trust no secret with a woman.
W650 A WOMAN does that which is forbidden her
a1536 HILL 39, p. 132: A woman oftymes will do that she is not
bede to do. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. C3: For women they say
do that-which is forbidden them. 01592 KYD Span. Trag. III v, s.
F 2: That they [women] are most forbidden, they will soonest at-
tempt. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 106: Women doe couet most,
what’s most denyed them. 1613 MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat.
Countess II i 13: DO you ask a woman that question, my lord, when
she enforcedly pursues what she’s forbidden?
Cf. F477: Forbid a fool a thing and that he will do; F585: What
is forbidden (baneful) is desired; F779: Stolen fruit is (Stolen ap-
ples are) sweet.
W651 A WOMAN either loves or hates to extremes
1576'PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 47: It is naturally incident to women to
enter into extremities, they are either too loving or too loathing.
1578 LYLY Euph. dnat. Wit, p. 238: I haue hearde that women
eyther loue entirely or hate deadly. I589 NASHE Anat. flasurdity:
W ks., I I 5: Seneca also saith this in his Prouerbs . . A woman either
loues, 0r hates, there is no third thing. I589 Triumphs Love and
Fort. IV i, s. E4: A right woman, either loue like an Angell, Or hate
like a Deuill, in extreames so to dwell. I611 CHAPMAN May Day
I i 326: Who would be cumbered with these soft-hearted creatures,
that are ever in extremes, either too kind or tOO unkind? 1639
CL., p. 118: Women are alwayes in extreams. I666 TOR. It. Prov.
29, p. 75: A woman either loves or hates.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 V.Al. l. 987: Thy weal and woe are both
of them extremes. 1598-9 M.fl. V i 178: If she did not hate him
deadly, she would love him dearly. - 1600-1 H. III ii 177: For wom-
en’s fear and love holds quantity, In neither aught, or in extrem-
ltY.
Cf. E223: Run not from one extreme to another.
W652 A WOMAN has nine lives, like a cat
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G2v. 1562 HEY. Epig. 174, p. 154: Wyfe, a
woman hath nine liues lyke a cat. Syr, you haue but one lyfe, and
yet inough Of that. 1570 W. BALDWIN Beware Cat in Coll. Anglo-
Poet., I I 14: For witches haue gone often in that likenes, and therof
hath come the prouerb as trew as common, that a Cat hath nine
liues, that is to say, a witch may take on her a Cats body nine times.
1595 COPLEY Wits, Fits V, p. 155: A Swaine saying to his wife, that
shee had as many liues as a Cat: she answered: And you but one,
and to many by that. [1599] I656 MIDDLETON, W. ROWLEY, AND
MASSINGER Old Law III i, p. 427: There’s two lives of the nine gone.
I600 JONSON Ev. Man out Hum. III ii 19: Your cat has nine hues,
and your wife ha’ but one. 1602 MIDDLETON Blurt IV ii 22: They
have nine lives a piece (like a woman), and they will make it up ten
lives, if they and I fall a-scratching. [01605] 1630 DEKKER 2 Hon.
Whore, p. 111: This Shee-cat will haue more liues then your last
Pusse had, and will scratch worse, and mouze you worse. 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 368: Some wiues (some say) haue nine lines like a
cat. 1640 JONSON Magn. Lady I iv 48: I sure thought She had a
Lease of talking, for nine lives. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 7: A
woman hath nine lives, and a cat so many. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
17, p. 268: Women have seven lives, and cats have nine. 1732
FUL., no. 34: A cat has nine Lives, and a Woman has nine Cats
Lives. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 423: They say, a woman has as
many lives as a cat. 1785 GROSE Glass. Diet, s.v. Cat’s foot: Cats,
according to vulgar naturalists, have nine lives, one less than a
woman.
Cf. C154: Like a cat, to have nine lives.
W653 A WOMAN is a weathercock
[I598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng.f0r My Money, 5. E2v: For a Woman is
like a Weather-cocke they say. 1612 N. FIELD A Woman Is a
Weathercock: [Title]. 1616 DR., no. 2460: Women are (oft times)
weather-cocks. 1636 W. SAMPSON Vow Breaker I iv, p. 22: (They
say, a woman).
Cf. V16: He turns like a vane on the housetop (with the wind);
W223: As wavering (variable) as the weathercock; W698: Women
are as wavering (change-able, inconstant) as the wind.
W654 A WOMAN is never without an excuse
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II I 57: (We ourselves have a common saying
amongst us, that women are never). 1631 DEKKER Match Me in
Land. I, p. 141: Weel try ifstill th’ old fencing be in vse, That faulty
women neuer want excuse. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 36: A womans
cause never wants excuse. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 8: He who
doth ill, an excuse never failes him. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 6, p. 254:
A woman hath no sooner committed a fault, but she hath got an ex-
cuse for ’t.
Cf. F421: Idle folks lack no excuse; H156: Take a hare without a
meuse and awoman without a ’scuse; M1317: Nought (Ill, Sad) is
that muse that finds no excuse; W659: A woman needs but to look
on her apron string to find an excuse; W670: A woman’s answer is
never to seek.
W655 A WOMAN is the weaker vessel
[1 Pet. iii 7: Giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel.]
I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 8 3: They shall see you [women], which are
the weaker vessels, strong in virtue and chastity. 1578 LYLY
Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 223: Men are alwayes laying baytes for women,
which are the weaker vessells. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 30:
The wife, as the weaker vessell, must obay the husbande. I584
LYLY Sapho and Plzao I iv 28: I cannot but oftentimes smile to my
selfe, to heare men call vs weake vesselles. 01592 Soliman, s. B1:
Each female is the weaker vessell. 1593 GREENE Mamillia I, p. 95:
They say, a woman is the weaker vessel, but sure in my judgment,
it is in the strength of her body, and not in the force Of her minde.
I6I6 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A5). 1639 CL., p. 118.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. Ii 275: For Jaquenetta (so is the
weaker vessel called) .. I keep her as a vessel of thy law’s fury.
01595 R7. I i 19: Women, being the weaker vessels, are ever thrust
to the wall. 1598 2 Hen. [V II iv 65: You are the weaker vessel, as
they say, the emptier vessel. I599 14. Y. II iv 5: I must comfort the
weaker vessel, as doublet and hose ought.


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An-asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
WOMAN
WOMAN’S
744-

W656 WOMAN is the woe of man
1551 T. WILSON Rule Reason, f. 14: A woman hath her name so
giuen her, because she bryngeth woe vnto man. 1562 HEY. Dial.
II vii, p. 68: A woman. As who saith, wo to the man. 1576 GAS-
COIGNE Steel Glass, p. 173: What be they? Women? . . They be so
sure even Wo to Men in dede. 1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 126: And
I think them [women] made of God only for a plague and woe unto
men, as their name importeth. 1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 233:
But howe can a man love them that are called women, of the woe
and hurt they bring to men? 1586 W. WARNER Albion’s Eng. VI
31: Poems, p. 581: Why what be women? Women, geld the latter
sillabell, Then are they nothing more then woe, their names remaine
doth tell. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. IX, p. 143: Woman was sometimes
called woe-man. 1594 Tam. Shrew, s. G1: A rib was taken, of
which the Lord did make, The woe of man so termd by Adam then,
Woman, for that, by her came sinne to vs. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort.
III ii 142: O women, wherefore are you born men’s woe, why are
your faces framed angelical? 1605 S. ROWLEY When You See Me,
s. A4: How ill did they define the name of women, Adding so foule
a preposition: To call it woe to man, tis woe from man. 1659 HOW.
Span. Prov., p. 7.
Cf. M701: Marrying is marring.
W657 A WOMAN kissed is half won
1607 SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. I, p. 13: (is halfe inioyed).
How. It. Prov., p. 11.
W658 A WOMAN, like a German clock, is still1 re-
pairing (never goes true)
1606 DEKKER Newsfrom Hell: Non-Dram. Wks., II 106: Their wits
(like wheeles in Brunswick clocks) being all wound vp, so far as they
could stretch, were all going, but not one going truly. 1607 DEK-
KER AND WEBSTER West. Ho I i, s. A3: No German Clock nor Math-
ematicall Ingin: whatsoeuer, requires so much reparation as a wom-
ans face. 1608 MIDDLETON Mad World IV i 20: Being ready, she
consists of an hundred pieces, Much like your German clock, and
near ally’d. [01614] 1639 FLETCHER Wit without Money III, p. 173:
You are not daily mending like Dutch Watches, and plastering like
old Walls . . Women are all these Vices. 1616 JONSON Epic. IV
ii 97: She takes her selfe asunder still when she goes to bed, into
some twentie boxes; and about next day noone is put together
againe, like a great Germane clocke. 01623 Welsh Ambass. IV, p.
49: Shees an engine driven by a thowsand wheeles, a german Clock
never goinge true.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594-5 L.L.L. III i 192: A woman, that is like a
German clock, Still a-repairing.
Cf. M951: Mills and wives are ever wanting; S350: A ship and a
woman are ever repairing.
[lever]
W659 A WOMAN needs but to look on her apron string
to find an excuse
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. C2: Who first fixed hir eyes vpon
hyr apernestrings .. straight foorth had a ready answere. 1607
SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. I, p. 15: Wit of a Woman now assist me,
O aperne stringes be now auspitious. 1615 H. CROOKE Descr.
Body Man V xi, p. 294: But it is great wonder that a Philosopher
would be so credulous to believe the excuse if a lightskirts, who to
saue her honesty deuised this excuse by looking vpon her apron
strings. 1620 Westw. for Smelts, p. 17: Excuses are never further
off women then their apron strings. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep
Husb., p. 45: A kind natur’d wench will . . with twirling of their
Apron-string, have as ready an answer, if at any time taken napping,
as if a longer time had given them provision. 1672 LACY Dumb
Lady I, p. 21: They say when a woman means mischief, if she but
look upon her apron-strings the devil will help her presently. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 464: (They say, a woman need but look).
Cf. F421: Idle folks lack no excuses; H156: Take a hare without
a meuse and a woman without a ’scuse; W654: A woman is never
without an excuse.
W660 A WOMAN says nay (no) and means aye
1509 HAWES Past. Pleas. 16, p. 75: Forsake her not, thoughe that
she say naye, A womans guyse is evermore to delaye. 1576 R.
1659

EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [74], l. 26: Some women maie saie
naie, and meane loue moste true. 1593 RS. Phoenix Nest, p. [98]:
The Lasse saith no, and would full faine. [1602] 1631 CHETTLE
Hofl'man IV, s. H4v: Women will like how euer they say noe. 1611
DAY. Epig., no. 277: A Woman’s nay’s a double yea (they say).
01634 Maiden’s Vow l. 91 in Roxb. Bal., II 201: A mayden’s no
proves often aye. I678 Loyal Garland 28, p. 31: A woman’s nay
is no denial.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. I ii 55: Since maids, in modesty,
say ‘no’ to that Which they would have the proi'ferer construe ‘ay’!
1599 Pass. Pilg. 18, l. 41: Have you not heard it said full oft, A
woman’s nay doth stand for naught?
Cf. M34: Maids say nay and take it; N101: Two negatives make
an affirmative; W672: A woman’s heart and her tongue are not
relatives. (8)
W661 A WOMAN that has an ill husband has sorrow
enough
1611 COT., s.v. Mari: The good wife of an ill husband hath often
a sorrowfull heart of her owne. 1616 DR., no. 2478. 1623 WOD.,
p. 484: (an euill Husband, is lesse in Peace then any in the Land).
W662 A WOMAN that has lost her shame has lost her
respect and her good name
1611 COT., s.v. Femme: (hath lost respect, esteeme, good name).
1659 N.R., p. 11.
Cf. M1033: She that loses her modesty and honesty has nothing
else worth losing (never finds them again); S271: Past shame past
amendment (Shame once found is lost).
W663 A WOMAN that paints puts up a bill that she is
to be let
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 217: The reason why they
[women] paint or patch is notorious to a Proverb, They who whiten
their house mean to let it. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: Who paints
her face thinks on her tail. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 311: Who
paints the face, thinks on the tail. 1732 FUL., no. 481.
Cf. W645: A woman and a cherry paint themselves for their hurt.
W664 The WOMAN that smells of nothing smells best
1529 HYRDE Instr. Chr. Wom. IX, p. 77: Plautus saieth, A woman
euer smelleth best whan she smelleth of nothing. 1607 [TOMKIS]
Lingua IV iii, s. H4: Hee smelleth best, that doth of nothing smell.
1619 BASSE Help Discourse, p. 89: As the Proverb is, They smell
best that smell of nothing. 1655 MOFFETT Health’s I mprovem. iii,
p. 19: As Tully saith of women, They smell best which smell of
nothing.
See OTTO, no. 1156.
W665 He has a WOMAN’S tongue in his head
1624 T. ADAMS Taming Tongue: W ks., p. 150: The Prouerbe came
not from nothing; when we say ofa brawling man, he hath a womans
tongue in his head.
W666 Let no WOMAN’S painting breed thy stomach’s
fainting
1611 COT., s.v. Femme. 1664 COD., p. 204.
1732 FUL., no. 6243: (thy Heart's fainting).
W667 Like an old WOMAN’S breech, at no certainty
167s RAY, p. 67.
W668 Take a WOMAN’S first counsel and not her sec-
0nd
1576 GASCOIGNE Philomene: Wks., II 192: No remedie remaynde
But onely womans witte, Which sodainly in queintest chance, Can
best it selfe acquit. I611 CHAPMAN May Day II i 166: Women do
best when they least think on’t. 1639 CL., s.v. Aliis sapere, p. 22: A
womans counsell is sometime good. Primo crede mulieris consilio,
secundo noli. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13: Upon a sudden women
are wise, and fools afterward. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 16: Take
thy Wifes first counsel, not the second. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 43, p.
51: Take a womans first counsel. Ibid. 33, p. 75: A woman is wise
on the sudden, and foolish upon deliberation.
1670 RAY, p. 20.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WOMAN’S
WOMEN
745

W669 A WOMAN’S advice (wit) helps at a pinch (is best
at a dead lift)
1576 GASCOIGNE Grief 70y II: Wks., II 532: A womans wytt, is best
at sodeyne call. [01608] 1638 W. ROWLEY A Shoe. a Gent. IVi 270:
(A womans wit must helpe). 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep Husb.,
p. 76: NO wit comparable to a womans at a dead lift. 1640 SHIRLEY
St. Pat.for Ire. IV ii, p. 426: They talk Ofwoman’s wit at a dead lift.
1659 How. Eng. Prov.,! p. 6: A womans advice is best at a dead lift.
1679 [LEANERD] Counterfeits I ii, p. 4: We Women seldom fail at a
pinch.
Cf. F699: A friend will help at a dead lift; L271 : To help at a dead
lift; W671: A woman’s counsel is sometimes good.
W670 A WOMAN’S answer is never to seek
[a1558] I568 Yacoh and Esau I iv, s. B4v: Yea, womens answeres
are but fewe times to seeke. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p.
72: She as not without an answere, quickly requited me.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 A.Y. IV i 175: You shall never take her
without her answer unless you take her without her tongue.
Cf. W654: A woman is never without an excuse.
W671 A WOMAN’S counsel is sometimes good
1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, vii, III 58: A womans advice is but
slender, yet he that refuseth it, is a madman. 1639 CL., p. 22:
(sometime good). 1664 COD., p. 224: Womens counsels are some-
times good.
Cf. W669: A woman’s advice (wit) helps at a pinch (is best at a
dead lift).
W672 A WOMAN’S heart and her tongue are not rela-
tives
1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 90. 1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s
Commonw., f. 26v: (Womens harts and their tongues). a1598
FERG. MS, no. 209: (ar not ay relatives). 1611 T. HEYWOOD Gold.
Age IV, p. 68: Womens tongues and hearts Haue difi'erent tunes:
for where they most desire, Their hearts cry on, when their tongues
bid retire. [01622] I647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Custom Coun-
try V i, p. 373: You men know, Between our hearts and tongues
there’s a large distance.
Cf. M34: Maids say nay and take it; W660: A woman says nay
(no) and means aye.
W673 A WOMAN’S mind and winter wind (Winter
weather and women’s thoughts) change oft
15th c. Sloane MS381 in Early Eng. Carols, p. 255: Wynteris wether
and wommanys thowt And lordis loue schaungit oft. 1590 GREENE
Royal Exch, p. 292: Wherevnto alludeth our Old English prouerbe.
Wynters wether, and womens thoght. And gentlemens purposes
chaungeth oft. 1616 DR., no. 2459: Womens thoughts oft change.
1639 CL., p. I I 8: Winter weather and womens thoughts change oft.
Ibid., p. 159. 1664 COD., p. 224: Winters weather, and Womens
words, Often change. 1670 RAY, p. 50. Mid: Winter-weather and
womens thoughts change oft. 1721 KEL., p. 17: A Winter’s Night,
a Woman’s Mind, and a Laird’s Purposes, change oft. Ihid.: A
Woman’s Mind is like the Wind in a Winter’s Night.
Cf. W674: A woman’s mind (A woman) is always mutable; W698:
Women are as wavering (changeable, inconstant) as the wind.
W674 A WOMAN’S mind (A woman) is always mutable
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 447, p. 122: Women alwaies
are variable. 1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [16], l. 2:
Vnconstant is the womans waueryng minde. 1607 [TOMKIS] Lin-
gua IV vi, s. I2v: Tis strange, that women being so mutable, Will
neuer change in changing their apparell? 1616 WITHALS, p. 545.
1633 P. FLETCHER Poet. Misc. 13: Poems, III 231: Then rains and
shines again, and straight it lowers, And twenty changes in one
hour doth prove; So, and more changing is a woman’s love. 1697
DRYDEN Aeneid IV, p. 177: Woman’s a various and a changeful
thing!
SHAKESPEARE.—1600—1 H. I ii 146: Frailty, thy name is woman!
See OTTO, no. 1153. Cf. W673: A woman’s mind and winter
wind (Winter weather and women’s thoughts) change oft; W698:
Women are as wavering (changeable, inconstant) as the wind.
W681

W675 A WOMAN’S strength is in (A woman’s weapon
is) her tongue
1546 HEY. II v, s. H2: My tung is a lym To matche and to vexe
euery veine ofhym. 1560 BECON Cat. VI, p. 345:They shame not to
answer: A woman hath none other weapon but her tongue. 1595
PEELE Old Wives’ Tale 1. 781, s. D4v: Woman without a tongue, is
as a souldier without his weapon. 1599 H. PORTER Two kVomen
Ah. i, 5. B4: T’is but a womans iarre, Their tongues are weapons,
words there blowes of war. 1610—25 Stonyhurst Pag. XVIII 786,
p. 289: I well perceiue a womans weapon her tongue is and her nayls.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 29: (strength in).
W676 A WOMAN’S tongue is the last thing about her
that dies
1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears IV ii 154: When a man dies, the last
thing that moves is his heart; in a woman her tongue. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. III, p. 466: (Well miss, they say a woman’s). I739
FRANKLIN, p. 16: When man and woman die, as poets sung, His
heart’s the last part moves,—her last, the tongue.
W677 A WOMAN’S tongue, like an aspen leaf, is always
in motion
1532 T. MORE Conf. Barnes in Conf. Tyndale VIII: Wks. 1557, p.
769: For if they [women] myghte be suffred to begin ones in the con-
gregacion to fal in disputing, those aspen leaues of theirs would
neuer leaue waggyng. 1546 HEY. II vii, s. KI: I wold Thy toung
were coolde to make thy tales more cold. That aspine leafe, such
spitefull clappyng hath bred, That my cap is better at ease than my
hed. 01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 541, p. 126: The aspin
lefe hanging where it be, With a little winde or none it shaketh. A
womans tung in like wise taketh Little ease and little rest. 1567-8
T. HOWELL New Sonnets: Poems, p. 150: In womens mindes: are
diuers winds, which stur their Aspin tunge, to prate and chat.
I580 BARET, C—567: His tongue waggeth like an Aspen leafe.
01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 31: A little winde shaketh an
Aspen leafe, and a little occasion moueth a Woman to most excessiue
scolding.
Cf. L140: He trembles (quakes, shakes) like an aspen leaf; W678:
A woman’s tongue wags like a lamb’s tail.
W678 A WOMAN’S tongue wags like a lamb’s tail
[01597] 1619 DELONEY 7ack Newherry VII, p. 50: Considering that
womens tongues are like Lambs tayles, which seldome stand still.
1612 [BRETON] Cornucopia 1. 70, p. 7: As womens tongues be like to
yong lambs tailes. 1670 RAY, p. 49. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Woman.
1721 KEL., p. 387: (Your Tongue goes like).
Cf. T388: His tongue is like a lamb’s tail or the clack of a mill;
W677: A woman’s tongue, like an aspen leaf, is always in motion.
W679 A WOMAN’S work is never done (at an end)
1629 A Woman’s Work Is Never Done in Roxh. Bal., III 302: [Title].
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Valeria, p. 224: To do and do, and then
begin again, nothing done; as the English say of a Womans work.
1670 RAY, p. 50: (at an end). 1678 RAY, p. 60: (at an end).
*Some adde, And washing of dishes. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Woman:
(at an end). 1721 KEL., p. 356: (Women’s Work). 1732 FUL., no.
5810: (Women’s Work).
W680 All WOMEN are good—either good for some-
thing or good for nothing
1678 RAY, p. 59. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 417: Which of the
goods d’ye mean? good for something, or good for nothing?
Cf. W708: Women have but two faults, they can neither do well
nor say well.
All WOMEN may be won
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 21 I: There is no woeman, Euphues,
but shee will yeelde in time. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. R4:
Wherefore neuer geuing ouer, which Ouid commaundes vs in his
Art of louing. I584 LYLY Sapho and Phao II iv 62: Imagine with
thy selfe all [women] are to bee won. I588 GREENE Perimedes, p.
68: A woman and therefore to be woone. 1600 F RAUNCE in Allot
Eng. Parn. 763, p. 107: In time a man may gaine any woman. 1611

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
WOMEN
WOMEN
746

CHAPMAN May Day I i 151: She’s a woman, is she not? . . then let
me alone with her. 1616 JONSON Epic. IV i 72: A man should not
doubt to ouer-come any woman. 1620 FORD Line Life, p. 59:
Women were in their creation ordained to be wooed, and to be won.
SHAKESPEARE—1592 T. And. II i 82: She is a woman, therefore
may be woo’d; She is a woman, therefore may be won. 1592-4 1
HM. V] V iii 78: She’s beautiful, and therefore to be woo’d; She is
a woman, therefore to be won. 1597 Rich. [111 ii 228: Was ever
woman in this humour won?
W682 Choose neither WOMEN nor linen by candle-
light (candle)
1573 SANF., f. 51: Choose not a woman, nor linnen clothe by the
candle. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v: Neither a woman, nor
lynnen, chuse thou by a candle. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VII, p. 125:
By candle light we Should not cheapen, Jewels, linnen cloth, or wom-
en. 1611 COT., s.v. Chevre: Hee that chuses a wife by candle-
light, or by other eyes than his owne,may perhaps be fouly deceiued.
I611 DAV. Prov., no. 79: (candle). 1616 DR., no. 2465: (by the
candle light). 1616 JONSON Epic. V ii 37: Here comes Mavis, a
worse face then shee! you would not like this, by candle-light.
1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 18, p. 27: Chuse not a woman, nor a linnen
cloth, by a candle. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 9, p. 76: Choose neither
jewel, linnen, nor a woman by candle light. 1678 RAY, p. 64:
Neither women nor linnen by candle-light. *Ital. 1732 FUL., no.
3528: Never chuse Linen nor Women by Candle-Light. 1737
FRANKLIN, p. 13: Fine linen, girls and gold so bright. Chuse not to
take by candle light. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 467: Women
and linen shew best by candlelight.
See DUR., II, no. 607.
W683 Discreet WOMEN have neither eyes nor ears
1640 HERB., no. 478. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p.
223: Alphonsus King of Arragon would use to say . . for discreet
women (and so men too) have neither eyes nor ears. 1659 How.
Fr. Prov., p. 15: (An honest woman hath). 1659 N.R., p. 28:
(neither keys nor ears). 1664 COD., p. 191. 1669 W[1NSTANLEY]
New Help Discourse, p. 192. 1670 RAY, p. 7. I732 FUL., no. 1295:
(Discreet Wives have sometimes neither).
SHAKESPEARE—01595 RY. III iii 62: Wise men have no eyes.
W684 From WOMEN light and liquorish good fortune
still deliver us
1611 COT., s.v. Femme. I659 N.R., p. 34.
Cf. H801: A liquorish housewife seldom makes thick pottage.
W685
1611 COT., s.v. Femme.
He is mad that quarrels with WOMEN or beasts
I659 N.R., p. 50.
W686 Many WOMEN many words
1492 Salomon and Marcolphus, s. A3v: Were erys are there are
causes, Where women be there are wordys. [a1600] I612 DELONEY
T. Reading 12, p. 260: (The old Prouerbe . . Many). 1616 DR., no.
2457. 1639 CL., p. 117. 1664 COD., p. 224: Women many in
number, make many words.
Cf. W687: Many women many words, many geese many turds;
W701: Women are great talkers.
W687 Many WOMEN many words, many geese many
turds
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Warn. 1. 481, p. 123: Where many
geese be, be many t
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1670 RAY, p. 214.
Cf. W686: Many women many words; W701: Women are great
talkers.
W688 The more WOMEN look in their glass the less
they look to their house
1623 DAWE Vox Grac., p. 43: So that I may iustly take vp this
Spanish Prouerbe . . That these painted Puppets, the more curious
they are about their faces, the more carelesse they are about their
houses. 1640 HERB., no. 246. 1641 JONSON Timber, p. 9: A wom-
an, the more curious she is about her face is commonly the more

ds, And Where be women, are many woords.

careless about her house. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via,
p. 232. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17: The more a woman looks
in her glass, the less she looks to her house. 1659 N.R., p. 97: (in
the glasse). 1664 COD., p. 218: The more that Women look in their
glasses, the less they look to their Houses. 1670 RAY, p. 50:
(glasses and houses). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Woman: [As in 1670 Ray].
1732 FUL., no. 4669: (into their Glass, the less they look into their
Hearts).
Cf. L435: She that looks too much at herself looks too little to
herself; M I 6: A gazing and gadding maid seldom proves good house-
wife.
W689 Of WOMEN and fish the middle is best
1623 WOD., p. 509: Fish and Women are best on the Belly.
How. Fr. Prov., p. 13.
I 19: (is the best).
Cf. B11: The back of a herring, the poll of a tench, the side of a
salmon, the belly of a wench are best.
1659
1685 CODRINGTON Coll. Proverbs 781, p.
W690 Three WOMEN (Three women and a goose)
make a market
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 240: Doe you not knowe the Proverbe,
that three women make a mercat? 1607 ROWLANDS Diog. Lant-
horn, p. 45: Three women make a Market, for They haue sufficient
voyce. 1640 HERB., no. 709. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in
Via, p. 233: Three women make a Market (some add a goose).
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 18: Three women and a goose make a
market. 1659 N.R., p. 110. 1664 COD., p. 221. 1665 J. WILSON
Projectors III, p. 249: If two women and a goose make a market,
I see no reason why three may not make a council. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. I 5, p. 76: Three geese, and three women, make up a market.
1670 RAY, p. 49: [As in 1659 How.]. *This is an Italian one. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Woman: Three Women and a Goose makes a Market.
1732 FUL., no. 5039: [AS in 1659 How.].
See DI'IIR., I, no. 304.
W691 Where there are WOMEN and geese there wants
no noise
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 16. I666 TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 75: Where
women and geese are, there are not few words. 1678 RAY, p. 64.
1732 FUL., no. 5684: Where Women are and Geese, there wants no
gagling.
W692 Without WOMEN we men cannot be
1639 CL., s.v. Mulier, p. 218.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 360: Or [for] women’s sake,
by whom we men are men—Let us once lose our oaths to find
ourselves.
Cf. W703: Women are necessary evils.
W693 Witty WOMEN are sweet companions
1616 BRET., p. 8. 1639 CL., p. 117.
W694 WOMEN and dogs set men together by the ears
a1500 Prov. IVisdom l. 112: Fore wymmen and howndis is ought
debate. 01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 689, p. 131: The
prouerb olde accordeth right: Women and dogges cause much strife.
1639 CL., p. 117. 1639 FULLER Holy War IV v, p. 262: Womens
jarres breed mens warres. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 3 5:
In woemen, wine and dogs, these vertues are. They seldom do
breed peace, but often warre. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 52: Many
women and dogs cause contention. 1670 RAY, p. 50.
W695 WOMEN and hens are lost by gadding
1591 STEP., p. I 56: A stragling henne and a wandring wife, deserue
small commendation of their life. 1611 COT., s.v. Femme: A gad-
ding henne, and houswife are soone lost. I bid., s.v. Poule: Women,
and hennes, that gad oremuch, are quickly lost. I620 SHELTON
Don Quix. Pt. II, xlix, IV 94: The honest Maid [is] better at home
with a bone broken, then a gadding: the Woman and the Hen are
lost with straggling. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 233.
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 177: A gadding hen and
a gadding wife will be soon lost. 1659 N.R., p. 7: A gadding Hen,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WOMEN
WOMEN
747

and a Housewife, are soon lost. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 42, p. 10:
Women and hens, by too much gadding are lost.
W696 WOMEN and wine make men out of their wits
1586 WITHALS, s. 02: Women and wine doe make a man, A doting
foole all that they can. 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 1 iii 13, p. 251:
Those two main plagues, and common dotages of human kind,
Wine and Women, which have infatuated and besotted myriads of
people. They go commonly together. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov.,
p. 4: (make a man swarve from his judgement). 1732 FUL., no.
5803.
Cf. W474: Wine and women make men runagates.
W697 WOMEN are ambitious
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 160: We say women are always desirous
of sovereignty. 1598 MARLOWE Hero and Leander I 428, p. 49: All
women are ambitious naturally. 1599 T. HEYWOOD I Edw. IV,
p. 60: That womens minds by nature do aspire. 1600 BODENHAM
Belvedere, p. 105: [As in 1598 Marlowe].
W698 WOMEN are as wavering (changeable, incon-
stant) as the wind
I546 HEY. II i, s. F4: For in one state they twayne could not yet
settyll, But waueryng as the wynde. 1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd.,
s. G3v: Womens heartes turne oft as doth the wynde. 1576 PETTIE
Pet. Pal., II 1 14: Canst thou [a woman] prefer before me a stranger
.. but wavereth with the wind? 1578 LYLY Euph. flnat. Wit,
p. 232: Canst thou be so lyght of loue, as to chaunge with euery
winde? 1581—90 Timon IV ii, p. 63: O woman, more inconstant
than the winde, The wether, fethers, or Ioues thunderbolt! 1620
Descr. Love, s. B8v: A woman may be faire, and yet her mind, Is as
vnconstant as the wauering wind. 1622 J. TAYLOR Sir Greg. Non-
sense: Wks. F., p. 164: Women and the winds were euer mutable.
See OTTO, no. 1153. Cf. W223: As wavering (variable) as the
weathercock; W412: As wavering (changeable, fickle, inconstant)
as the wind; W653: A woman is a weathercock; W673: A woman’s
mind and winter wind (Winter weather and women’s thoughts)
change 0ft; W674: A woman’s mind (A woman) is always mutable.
W699 WOMEN are born in Wiltshire,1 brought up in
Cumberlandfilead their lives in Bedfordshire,3
bring their husbands to Buckingham,4 and die
in Shrewsbury5
1658 MENNIS AND SMITH Wit Restored: Facetiae, I 216.
See SM., p. 595. Cf. B198: TO go to Bedfordshire; W354: He
that fetches a wife from Shrewsbury must carry her into Stafford-
shire or else shall live in Cumberland.
[1a pun on “wilt” (throw or fall down) 2a pun on “cumber”
(care) 3a pun on “bed” 4a pun on “buck” (cuckold) 6a pun
on “shrew”]
W700 WOMEN are forgetful, children unkind, execu-
‘ tors covetous and take what they find
a1536 HILL 107, p. 138: DO sum good, man, by thy lyffe, Whilis
thow hast thy mynde; Thy children will for-gete the sone, Thy
wylie will be vnkynd, Thy executowrs be covytes, And take all that
they fynde; Yff thow wilt not, while thow may, They will bryng the
behynde. 1598 STOW Surv. Lond., I 115: I wish men to make their
owne hands their Executors and their eyes their Ouerseers, not
. forgetting the olde Prouerbe: Women be forgetfull, children be
vnkind, Executors be couetous, and take what they find. 1605
-T. HEYWOOD 21f You Know Not Me, p. 279: Women be forgetful,
children be vnkinde, Executors be couetous, and take what they
can finde. [01607—25] 1632 W. ROWLEY New Wonder V, p. 200.
W701 WOMEN are great talkers
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 109: But [women] ar as coy and styll
As the horle wynde or clapper or a mylle. [a1558] 1568 Yacoh and
Esau II iv, s. D3: They say, women will euer be clattering. 01565
Bughears V ii 2: Youe know womens Clackes will walke with euery
wynde. 1578 T. LUPTON fill for Money, s. D4v: Olde women haue
much clitter clatter. 1606 MARSTON Sophon. I ii 183: My tongue
Swears I am woman still, I talk too long. 1611 JONSON Cat. III

679, p. 491: You say, Women are greatest talkers. 1616 DR., no.
2455: Women must haue their words. Ihid., no. 2456: Where there
are women, there is much tatling. 1616 JONSON Epic. II v 40:
Not taking pleasure in your tongue, which is a womans chiefest
pleasure. 1624 T. ADAMS Taming Tongue: Wks., p. 150: Woman,
for the most part, hath the glibbest tongue. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
34, p. 87: Women and magpies are alwaies prating.
Cf. W686: Many women many words; W687: Many women
many words, many geese many turds. (6)
W702 WOMEN are in church saints, abroad angels, at
home devils
c1550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 658, p. 130: As holy as
Saints in Church they be, And in street, as Angels they were, At
home, for all their hipocrisie. A Deuilish life they lede all the yeer.
1559 BERCHER Nohility Women 1. 27, p. 127: A woman is a furye
and an hurtfull Spyrite in the howse, an angell in the Churche, an
ape in the bedd, a mule vnbrideled in the ffelde, and a gote in the
garden. 1560 E. MORE Def. Wom. l. 474, p. 131: At home lyke
dyuelles they be, abrode lyke aungelles pure. I589 PUTTENHAM
drt Eng. Poesy III xxiv, p. 293: We limit the comely parts of a
woman to consist in foure points, that is to be a shrewe in the
kitchin, a saint in the Church, an Angell at the bourd, and an Ape
in the bed, as the Chronicle reportes by Mistresse Shore paramour
to king Edward the fourth. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. XII, p. 175: Women
are in churches, Saints: abroad, Angels: at home, deuills: at win-
dowes, Syrens: at doores, pyes; and in gardens, Goates. 1598
MERES Pall. Tamia, f. 48: The comelie partes of a Woman doe
consiste in foure poyntes, that is, to bee a Shrewe in the Kitchin,
a Saynt in the Church, an Angell at the bourde, and an Ape in bed.
1602 MIDDLETON Blurt III iii 154: [Women] be saints in the church,
angels in the street, devils in the kitchen, and apes in your bed.
1607 G. WILKINS Miseries Enf. Marr., s. A4: Marry none of them.
Women are in Churches Saints, abroad Angels, at home Diuels.
1639 PICK Festum Volup. in Shak. Allusion-Bk., I 442: Some women
are in Churches Saints or more, Angels abroad, at home too like the
Devill, At windowes Syrens, Parrots at the dore; And in their
gardens Goates, or more uncivill. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 76: The
Italian women are Saints in the Church, Angels in the street, Devils
in the house, Sirens at the windows, Magpyes at the door, and
Goats in the Garden.
SHAKESPEARE.—I604 0. II i 110: You are pictures out of doors,
Bells in your parlours, Wildcats in Your kitchens, Saints in your
injuries, devils being offended, Players in your housewifery, and
housewives in your beds.
Cf. B486: At the board be a maid but a clown in bed; S31: A
saint abroad and a devil at home.
W703 WOMEN are necessary evils
[ERAS. Adagia, 191D: Necessarium malum . . Nam nec tecum vivere
possumus, nec sine te.] 1547 W. BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. III
xv, s. O5v: A woman is a necessary euyll. I576 PETTIE Pet. Pal.,
II 166: You, Gentlemen, may learn hereby . . to use them [women]
as necessary evils. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. T2v: All Women
bee euills, yet necessarie euills. 1590 GREENE Never Too Late, p. 27:
Women are vniversally mala necessaria. 1590 LODOE Rosalynde,
p. 1 12: So men when they haue glutted themselues with the faire of
womens faces, holde them for necessarie euills. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F.
XII, p. 173: Women .. are indeed necessarie but euills. 1604
[DALLINGTON] View France, 5. P2v: Of which ofiicers, we may say,
as the Philosopher sayes 0f wiues, that they be Mala necessaria:
Necessarie euils. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A4v). 1639 CL.,
s.v. Foeminae, p. 1 18. I640 BRATHWAITE flrt Asleep Hush., p. 303:
Women were at best but Necessary Evils. 1687 MIEOE, s.v.
Woman: [As in 1547 W. Baldwin].
Cf. W386: Wives must be had, be they good or bad; W692:
Without women we men cannot be.
W704 WOMEN are tempted by gifts
1575 GASCOIGNE Glass Govt. I v, p. 2 5: Lyberall gyfts are the glewe
of everduring love. 1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies
Lond., s. E2v: Women weake are tempted soone with giftes. 1594
[WILLOUGHBY] .4visa 47, p. 122: Apply her still with dyvers thinges.
1600 THYNNE Emhl. and Epig., p. 58: Trust Ouid then, whoe spake

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
WOMEN 748
WOMEN
what he did knowe: it shewes great Witt, large giftes for to bestowe.
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 26: All gifts plead during pleasure.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600-1 H. I v 42: Ay, that incestuous, that
adulterate beast, With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts—
0 wicked wit and gifts, that have the power So to seduce!
W705 WOMEN are wasps if angered
1616 BRET., p. 5: Woemen are like Waspes in their anger. 1639
CL., p. 217: (Women be).
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. II i 210: Come, come, you wasp!
i’ faith, you are too angry.
Cf. W76: As angry as a wasp.
W706 WOMEN are young men’s mistresses, middle-
aged men’s companions, and old men’s nu‘rses
1612 BACON Essays, p. 103: (Wives are young men’s mistresses;
companions for middle age; and). 1659 N.R., p. 122.
Cf. W350: The first wife is matrimony, the second company, the
third heresy.
W707 WOMEN be the devil’s nets
01527 J. RASTELL Calisto and Mel., s. A3v: Yt is an old sayeng That
women be the dyuelles nettes and hed of syn And mannys mysery
in paradyse dyd begyn.
W708 WOMEN have but two faults, they can neither
do well nor say well
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 978, p. 144: Twoo veniall
sinnes they haue . . They can neither doo, nor yet say we]. 1606
B. RICH Faults, f. 23: Amongest women (some will say) there is but
two Faults, and those are, they can neither doe nor say well.
Cf. M25: She is a good maid, but for thought, word, and deed;
W680: All women are good—either good for something or good for
nothing.
W709 WOMEN have no souls
1566 L. WAGER Mary Magd., s. E4v: Women haue no soules, this
saying is not newe. 1611 DAY. Prov., no. 25: (All women). 1613
MARSTON AND BARKSTEAD Insat. Countess V ii 38: And lastly, may
the opinion of philosophers Prove true, that women have no soules!
[a1680] 1759 S. BUTLER Gen. Rem., I 246: The Souls of Women are
so small, That some believe th’ have none at all.
Cf. M577: Poor men have no souls.
W710 WOMEN have tears of dissimulation as well as
SOI'I'OW
1587 GREENE Euph. to Philautus, p. 195: As womens eyes shed both
sorrowe and dissimulation. 1589 NASHE Anat. Absurdity: Wks.,
I 15: Two kinds of teares are common in their [women’s] eyes, the
one of true sorrowe, the other of deceipt. 1732 FUL., no. 5808.
Cf. W638: Trust not a woman when she weeps; W716: Women
naturally deceive, weep, and spin.
W71 1 WOMEN in mischief (in things ill) are wiser than
men
01526 Dicta Sap., s. D2v: (In thynges yll women are). 1547 W.
BALDWIN Treat. Mor. Phil. III xv, s. O5v.
W712 WOMEN in state affairs are like monkeys in
glass Shops
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. I2.
W713 WOMEN laugh when they can and weep when
they will
1611 COT., s.v. Femme: A woman laughes when she can, and weepes
when she will. 1640 HERB., no. 816. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes
Fae. in Via, p. 233. I659 N.R., p. 120: (they can[,] weep when
they will). 1664 COD., p. 230. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 32, p. 75: A
woman laughs when she can, and weeps when She lists. 1670 RAY,
p. 50. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Woman.
Cf. W720: Women weep and sicken when they list.
W715
W721

W714 WOMEN, money, and wine have their good and
their pine1
1611 COT., s.v. Argent: Money, wine, and women, haue good and
bad things in them. 1623 WOD., p. 484. 1657 LEIGH, p. 265: (and
their evil). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: Women, wealth and wine
have their good and their venome. 1659 N.R., p. 1 18: (have there
good and there evil). 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Women: Women, Wealth,
and Wine, have each two Qualities, a good and a bad.
[’pain]
WOMEN must have their wills while they live
because they make none when they die
1602 J. MANNINGHAM Diary Nov. 25, p. 92: Women, because they
cannot have their wills when they dye, they will have their wills
while they live. 1605 CHAPMAN All Fools III i 231: Why, then, sir,
should you husbands cross your wives’ wills thus, considering the
law allows them no wills at all at their deaths, because it intended
they should have their wills while they lived? 1678 RAY, p. 63.
1732 FUL., no. 5800: (Wives must).
Cf. W626: Give a woman her will and she will live the longer;
W723: Women will have their wills.
W716 WOMEN naturally deceive, weep, and spin
1589 PUTTENHAM Art Eng. Poesy I vii, p. 14: *This . . was written
(no doubt by some forlorne louer, or els some old malicious Monke).
See SK., no. 113. Cf. W638: Trust not a woman when She
weeps; W710: Women have tears of dissimulation as well as sor-
row; W720: Women weep and sicken when they list.
W717 WOMEN, priests, and poultry have never enough
1659 How. It. Prov., p. 7. 1664 COD., p. 228. 1670 RAY, p. 30:
*Ital. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Women. 1732 FUL., no. 5809.
W718 WOMEN receive perfection by men
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 156: Aristotle can make a better reason,
for that women by mutual conjunctions receive their perfections
from men. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 241: They [women]
were made of the perfection of men. 1598 MARLOWE Hero and
Leander I 266, p. 42: Even so for men’s impression do we [value]
you; By which alone, our reverend fathers say, Women receive
perfection every way. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 104: Women
by men receiue perfection. 1600 WEEVER in Allot Eng. Porn. 1083,
p. 147: Man to women giueth all perfection, And as our chiefe
Philosophers do say, Woman by man is perfect made each way.
1602 MARSTON Antonio’s Rev. III ii 12: I have read Aristotle’s
Problems, which saith that woman receiveth perfection by the man.
[1621] 1652 FLETCHER Wild Goose Chase I i, p. 319: My mind tells
me That I, and only I, must make him perfect. 1633 SHIRLEY
Witty Fair One I ii, p. 288: Come, remember you are imperfect
creatures without a man.
W719 WOMEN think place1 a sweet fish
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 204: What is the name of
that fish, which of all others, pleases women best? —Plase. 1678
RAY, p. 59.
[1a pun on “plaice”]
W720 WOMEN weep and sicken when they list
1611 COT., s.v. Femme: Women lament, weepe, sicken, when they
list. 1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 177. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 31, p. 75: A woman weeps, a woman complains, and is sick
when she lists.
Cf. W713: Women laugh when they can and weep when they will;
W716: Women naturally deceive, weep, and spin.
WOMEN will be quiet when they are well pleased
1616 DR., no. 2469. 1659 N.R., p. 36: Give a Woman what she
Should have, and what she would have, and she will be quiet.
Cf. W723: Women will have their wills.
W722 WOMEN will have the last word
01550 GOSYNHYLL Schoolhouse Wom. l. 76, p. 108: Yet wil the wom-
an haue the last woord. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., S. L2v: But I

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WOMEN 749
WOOD

am content that thou shalt be the scowld, and haue the last word.
1591 LYLY Endim. II ii 39: You meane to haue the last worde.
1600 DEKKER Old Fort. I i 54: And she shall have it [the last word]
because she is a woman. [1614] 1631 JONSON Barth. Fair V iv 189:
But there’s no talking to these watermen, they will ha’ the last
word. 1627 W. HAWKINS Apollo Shroving Prol., p. 102: Thou’lt
haue the first word and the last too. 1655 FULLER Church Hist.
IX iii, II 504: Whilst women strive for the last word.
Cf. W764: He will have the last word though he talk bilk for it.
W723 WOMEN will have their wills
1552 BOORDE Brev. Health 242, I, f. 82v: Let euery man please his
wife in all matters, and . . let hir haue hir owne will, for that she
wyll haue whosoeuer say ney. CI569 ~PHILL1P Patient Grissell
l. 1230, s. F1 v: I am kyn to a woman in all poynts ile haue my Will.
1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. S3: It must be as the woman will, when
all is said and done. 1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao IV iv 30: Come
Cyclops, my wife must haue her will. 1589 Rare Triumphs Love
and Fortune V 1557, s. F4v: A woman must a little haue her will.
[1598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng.for My Money, s. B3: But in our loues,
the prouerbe weele fulfill: Women and Maydes, must alwayes haue
their will. 1607 JONSON Volp. II vii 8: Doe not I know, if women
haue a will, They’ll doe ’gainst all the watches, 0’ the world? 1616
DR., no. 2466. 1639 CL., p. 329. 1664 J. WILSON Cheats V v, p. 73.
Cf. W626: Give a woman her will and she will live the longer;
W715: Women must have their wills while they live because they
make none when they die; W721: Women will be quiet when they
are well pleased.
W724 WOMEN’S passions are natural and can never
heal themselves
1616 DR., no. 2472. 1664 COD., p. 224.
Better plays (pleases) a full WOMB than a new
coat
a1500 Harl. MS 3362, p. 309: (Betyr plesyth).
no. 249. 1668 R.B., p. 13.
W726 From the WOMB t0 the tomb
1639 CL., s.v. Ab initio, ad finem, p. 3.
W725
a1598 FERG. MS,
W727 WONDER (Marvel, Admiration) is the daughter
of ignorance
1573 SANF., f. 52v: (Marvell). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32v:
(Marueile). I606 DEKKER News from Hell: Non-Dram. Wks., II
95. 1612 CHAPMAN Widow’s Tears II iv 239: Madam, ignorance
is the mother of admiration: know me better, and you’ll admire me
less. 1615 T. ADAMS England’s Sickness II: Wks., p. 345: Wonder
you at this? wonder is the daughter of ignorance, ignorance of
nature. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 44, p. 27: (Marvell). 1659 HOW. It.
Prov., p. 12: (Admiration). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 142: (Mar-
vel). Ihid. 7, p. 178: Opinion, the daughter of ignorance. 1732
FUL., no. 5811. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 10: (Admiration).
Cf. II7: Ignorance is the mother Of devotion.
W728 A WONDER lasts but nine days
1525 ARCHBP. WARHAM (to Card. Wolsey) in Original Let. [H 128,
I 375: It is a prouerbe not a wondre dureth but ix dayes. 1546
HEY. II i, s. F3v: This wonder, (as wonders last), lasted nine daies.
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit To Gentlemen Rdrs., p. 182: It is not
straunge when as the greatest wonder lasteth but nyne days: That
a newe worke should not endure but three monethes. 1591 FLOR.
Sec. F. XII, p. 175: And ifanyone chance tO loue, it may be counted
a wonder, and wonders last but nine daies. 01592 KYD Span. Trag.
III x, s. G2: Wich [murder] as a nine-day’s wonder, being o’erblown,
My gentle sister will I now enlarge. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1482:
Wonder lasts but nyne nights in ane toune. [1600] 1659 J. DAY
Blind Beg. III, s. F1: Till Strowd’s nine daies wonder of hanging be
past. 1603 CHETTLE, DEKKER, AND HAUGHTON Patient Grissill,
s. J4v: What wonders? wonders not of nine daies, but I 599, I have
seene under John Prester and Tamer Cams people with heds like
Dogs. 1605 J. HALL Medit. III 18, p. 192: So those things which
are but triuiall to the most ignorant, shall be wonders tO me; and

W73 I
that not for nine dayes, but for euer. 1611 GRUT., no. 32. 1614
CAM., p. 303. [I614] I631 JONSON Barth. Fair V iv 213: ’Tis but a
nine dayes wonder, man. 1616 DR., no. 1899. 1618 DEKKER
Destruction Yerusalem: Non-Dram. Wks., I 19: They counted it but
sportfull merriment. A nine dayes wonder that in short time dyes.
1628 WITHER Brit. Rememh. II v, p. 322: The mortall Story Of all
the glorioust actions, that are under The heav’ns large curtain, are
but nine daies wonder. 1633 MASSINGER New Way to Pay IV ii,
p. 176: Would that were the worst! That were but nine day’s
wonder. 1639 CL., p. 210. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 6. 1659
N.R., p. 5. I668 R.B., p. 55: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I670 RAY,
p. 157. 1721 KEL., p. 48: (but nine Days in a Town).
SHAKESPEARE.—I590-1 2 Hen. V] II iv 69: These few days’
wonder will be quickly worn. 1591 3 Hen. VI III ii 113: That
would be ten days’ wonder at the least. —-That’s a day longer
than a wonder lasts. 1599 A.Y. III ii 184: I was seven of the nine
days out of the wonder before you came. (21)
W729 Three WONDERS of England: the churches, the
women, the wool
1634 HALL Contempl. II, III 91: There were wont to be reckoned
three Wonders Of England: Ecclesia, Faemina, Lana, the Churches,
the Women, the Wool.
See SM., p. 491.
W730 WONT beguiled the lady
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1485: Wint beguyled the Lady. 1641 FERG.,
no. 883. 1668 R.B., p. 55. 1721 KEL., p. 306: Thoughts beguil’d
the Lady. *Taken from a Lady that did something amiss . . apply’d
to them who foolishly say, I thought so.
WOO, wed, and bed (wear) her
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 82: And if then shee looke as
fayre as before, wooe hir, win hir, and weare hir. 1585 [MUNDAY]
Fidele and Fort. V i, s. GIV: Woe her, wed her, bedde her, an vse
her as you list. 1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies
Lond., s. C4: Woo them and win them, win them and wear them
too. 1594 Knack to Know Knave, s. C4: SO may I see the Maid,
woo, wed, I and bed her to. [01597] I609 JONSON Case Is Altered
V i 19: Wed her, and bed her, and when that is done, Then say to
Iaques, shall I be your sonne? [I598] I616 HAUGHTON Eng.for My
Money, s. BI:_ They must not stay so long, For whiles they are a
learning Languages, My English Youths, both wed, and bed them
too. 1605 I Yeronimo II ii 19: I may Both wed, bed, and boord her.
1607 CHAPMAN Bussy D’Amh. I ii 70: If you have woo’d and won,
then, brother, wear him. 1607 T. HEYWOOD Fair Maid Exch.,
p. 54: She is a saint indeed; Zounds to her, court her, win her, weare
her, wed her, and bed her too. 1633 W. ROWLEY All’s Lost by Lust
IV i 184: Ile not compell her heart, wooe, win, and wed her. 01669
True Lover’s Happiness l. 75 in Roxh. Bal., VI I 18: He wedded her,
and bedded her, although his Master’s Daughter.
SHAKESPEARE-1594—5 L.L.L. IV iii 371: Shall we resolve to
woo these girls of France? *And win them too! 1594-8 T.S.
I i 149: That would thoroughly woo her, wed her, and bed her.
1602 A.W. III ii 23: I have wedded her, not bedded her; and sworn
to make the “not” eternal.
Cf. G294: Win gold and wear gold; W408: Win it and wear it.
W732—W733 WOOD: subst. (=forest)
W732 He has lost himself in a WOOD
[He is puzzled or bewildered] 1608 MIDDLETON Mad World V ii
146: Hark, the constable says ay, they’re in a wood. 1613 S. Row-
LANDS Knave Spades and Diamonds, p. 38: Faith I’m in a wood.
1639 CL., s.v. Perplexus, p. 249. 1659 T. BURTON Diary, III 415:
I am afraid we are in a wood, NO wonder the nation is puzzled.
1678 RAY, p. 278: To be in a wood. I681 ROB., p. 369: He is
confused; he has lost himselfin a wood.
SHAKESPEARE.—1595 M.N.D. III i 152: IfI had wit enough to
get out of this wood, I have enough to serve mine own turn.
W733 Not to be able to see WOOD for trees
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G3v: I see, ye can not see the wood for trees.
[01560] 1581 WOODES Confl. Cons. II iii, 8. C2v: You could not see

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
WOOD
WOODCOCK
75°

the wood for the trees. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 355: Some cannot see
the wood for trees. 1611 GRUT., no. 185: (Many kan not see).
1614 CAM., p. 309: (Many cannot see). 1616 DR., s.V. Blindnesse,
no. 172: (He cannot see). 1616 WITHALS, p. 560: (You cannot see).
1623 CAM., p. 281: (You could not see). 1630 T. RANDOLPH Aris-
tippus, p. 14: We cannot see wood for trees, nor scholars for gowns.
1639 CL., p. 75: (You can’t see). Ibid., p. 295: (He can’t see).
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 3: He cannot see the Wood for Trees, viz.
He is a blockhead. Ibid., p. 9: (Many cannot see). 1670 RAY,
p. 200: (You cannot see). 1721 KEL., p. 374: (You cannot see).
*Spoken when People overlook what is just before them.
(11)
See OTTO, no. 1650; ST., no. 302.
W734-W743 WOOD: subst. (=lumber, firewood, etc.)
W734 Every WOOD has its worm
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 55: No wood so sound but worms will
putrify it. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 219: The worme entereth
almost into euery woode. Ibid., p. 259: The Oke wil soone be
eaten with the worme. 1579 GOSSON Sch. Abuse, p. 46: The woode
is eaten by the worme, that breeds within it.
See DUR., I, no. 843. Cf. C56: The canker soonest eats the
fairest rose (flowers); T490: The most fruitful tree (The ripest fruit)
is eaten by worms (the caterpillar).
W735 Green WOOD makes a hot fire
1477 RIVERS Dictes [p. 65]: The grene Wode is hotter than the other
Whan it is Wel kyndeled. 1553 T. WILSON Rhet., p. 84: In greene
wood we may see, that where as the fuell is not most apt for burn-
ing, yet the fire lasteth longer. 1586 G. WHITNEY Choice Emblems
II, p. 173: Greenest wood, though kindlinge longe, yet whottest
most it burnes. 1611 COT., s.v. Busche: (A greene log makes).
1623 WOD., p. 522: Greene Wood maketh hoatest Fire, Strenth of
yong Folkes. 1640 HERB., no. 856. 1659 N.R., p.38. 1664 COD.,
p. 195. 1670 RAY, p. 30. 1732 FUL., no. 1774: Green Wood
makes hot Fires.
W736 He knows not of what WOOD to make his arrows
1604 [DALLINGTON] View France, 8. G3: (AS their prouerbe is . . He
knewe not). 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 16: (arrow).
W737 He that lives longest must fetch his WOOD
farthest
I607 NORDEN Surv. Dial. V, p. 213: We may say as the Prouerbe is,
Let them that line longest, fetch their wood farthest. 1623 CAM.,
p. 271. 1625 PURCHAS Pilgrims II ix 2o, XIX 247: Herein we may
verifie the old Proverbe, That he which liveth longest, shall fetch
his wood furthest. 1639 CL., s.v. Longaevitas, p. 190. 1670 RAY,
p. 116: They that live longest, must go furthest for wood. 1721
KEL., p. 309: They that live longest, fetch Wood farthest. *Spoken
when we make use of what we have, and leave our Heirs to do the
best they can. 1732 FUL., no. 4983: [AS in 1670 Ray].
W738 Lay on more WOOD, ashes yield money
1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fac. in Via, p. 194: Lay on more wood,
hang it, the Ashes will yeeld money. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 16:
Put on wood enough, for the ashes will yield money. 1678 RAY,
p. 65: (wood, Ashes give money). 1732 FUL., no. 3152: (the Ashes
will yield Money).
W739 Like WOOD like arrows
1616 DR., no. 1236. 1639 CL., p. 287.
W740 Old WOOD best to burn, old wine to drink, old
friends to trust, and old authors to read
1574 HELLOWES Guevara’s Fam. Epp., p. 125: The good king Sir
Alonso that tooke Naples, did use to say that all was but trash,
except drie wood to burne, an olde horse to ride, olde wine to
drinke, old friendes to be conuersant, and olde bookes to read in.
1589 L. WRIGHT Display Duty, f. 10v: In chusing a friend is chiefly
to be obserued that as old wood is best to burne: old horses to ride:
old books to read, and old wine to drinke: so are olde friends alwayes

most trusty to vse. 1595 COPLEY Wits, Fits I, p. 10: Alonso King
of Arragon vsed to say, that fiue olde thinges pleased him passing
well, viz. Olde wood for fewel; an olde horse for easie riding; wine
of a yeare old; olde friendes, and olde books. 1607 DEKKER AND
WEBSTER West. Ho II ii, s. C4v: IS not old wine wholesommest,
olde Pippines toothsommest, old wood burne brightest, old Linnen
wash whitest, old souldiors Sweet-hart are surest, and olde Louers
are soundest. 1625 BACON Apothegms: Wks., XIII 350.
W741 There is no WOOD so green but it will set itself
on fire
1616 DR., s.v. Youth, no. 2531: (but that it).
Cf. W742: Wood half-burned is easily kindled.
W742 WOOD half-burned is easily kindled
[a1561] 1641 G. CAVENDISH Life Wolsey, p. 136: Now ye may per-
ceive the old malice beginning to break out, and newly to kindle the
brand that after proved to a great fire. 1611 COT., s.v. Allumer:
Old loue and brands are kindled in all seasons. 1640 HERB., no.
602. 1659 N.R., p. 124. 1664 COD., p. 229. 1666 TOR. It. Prov.
20, p. 126: Wood once burnt is easily rekindled. 1670 RAY, p. 30.
1732 FUL., no. 5812: Wood half-Coal is easily kindled.
Cf. W741: There is no wood so green but it will set itself on fire.
1639 CL., p. 183.
W743 WOOD in wilderness and strength in a fool
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 887. 1668 R.B., p. 56. 1721 KEL., p. 347:
Wood in a Wilderness, Moss in a Mountain, and Wit in a Poor
Man’s Breast are little thought of.
W744 WOOD: subst. (proper name)
W744 I will tent1 thee, quoth WOOD; if I can’t rule
my daughter, I’ll rule my good
1670 RAY, p. 52: *Chesh.
[lgive heed to]
W745 WOOD: adj.
W745 Once WOOD,1 aye the worse (never wise)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1115: (never wise). Ibid., no. 1116. 1668
R.B., p. 4: Anes wood, never wise, ay the worse. I721 KEL., p.
271: Once wood and ay the warr. *They who have once been mad
will seldom have their Senses sound and well again.
[lmad]
W746 AS wise as a WOODCOCK
01510 Hickscorner, s. C3: (I was as). 1520 WHITTINGTON V ulgaria,
p. 60: He hath a heed as grose as a malle and as many braynes as a
wodcok. 1534 J. HEYWOOD Play Love, s. B2: I shall proue you
playne as wyse as a woodcock. 01570 INGELEND Disob. Child,
s. D4: As wyse a Wodcocke, without any wytte. 1583 MELBANCKE
Philot., s. L3. 1586 WITHALS, s. F8v: Such greate buildinges will
make you as wise as a Woodcocke, or will make you mad. 1616
WITHALS, p. 581: (He is as). 1639 CL., s.v. Stupidi, p. 297. I670
RAY, p. 203: AS wise as a wisp, or woodcock. 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., s.v. Unlearned, p. 3 5o.
Cf. S788: A springe to catch a woodcock.
W747 One WOODCOCK does not make a winter
1636 CAM., p. 303: One swallow maketh not summer; Nor one
Woodcocke a winter. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11. 1659 N.R.,
p. 84: [As in 1636 Cam.]. 1664 J. WILSON Cheats I ii, p. 5: One
Woodcock makes no Winter. 1670 RAY, p. I 28: One swallow makes
not a spring nor one woodcock a winter. 1685 Mother Bunch’s
Closet, p. 26: One swallow never makes a summer, nor one wood-
cock a winter.
Cf. 81025: One swallow makes not summer.
W748 To play the WOODCOCK
[ERAS. Adagia, 8890: Asinus avis.] 1590 R. WILSON Three Lords
and Three Ladies Lond., s. C1: It is spoken [like a Woodcocke].
I611 COT., s.v. Beccassé: Gulled, abused, woodcockised, made a
woodcocke. I666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Natiche, p. 115: To cover

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WOOINO
WORD
75I

ones head, viz. to play the fool, or to play the woodcock; to do
worse and worse.
SHAKESPEARE.—ISQ4-8 T.S. I ii 161: O this woodcock, what an
ass it is!
W749 Happy (Blessed) is the WOOING that is not long
a doing
1576 R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [79], l. 26: (Thrise happie is
that woyng, That). [a1594] 1605 K. Leir, s. C3v: I like the wooing,
that’s not long a doing. 1598 T. MORLEY Madr. Five Voices VII,
p. 171: Thrice happie, men do say, is that sweet wooing, Where
loue may still bee noted Swift in doing. 1606 CHAPMAN Sir G.
Goosecap III ii 98: (Blest). 1619 T. LORKIN in Court and Times
7ames I, II 146: (Blessed). 1642 THOMAS BARROW (to Henry
Oxinden, July 3) in Oxinden Let. 238, p. 310: (that woynge that).
1661 [T. F LATMAN] Don yuan Lamherto in Somers Tracts, VII 116:
Often hath my nurse spoken proverbially unto me, saying, happy
is that wooing which is not long a doing. 1670 RAY, p. 48: (in
doing). 1721 KEL., p. 153. I734 FRANKLIN, p. 7. (6)
W750 The WOOING was a day after the wedding
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 228: I cannot but smile to heare,
that . . the woeing should bee a day after the weddinge. 1632
HAUSTED Rival Friends V vi, s. M1v: But father, ifI marry her
to day, When must the wooing be? to morrow sir? 1732 FUL.,
no. 4840.
SHAKESPEARE—61595 R._‘7. III v 119: I wonder at this haste,
that I must wed Ere he that should be husband comes to woo.
W751 As warm as WOOL
1593 PEELE Edw. I ii, s. B3v: Heeres a wholsome Welsh wench,
Lapt in her Flannell as warme as wooll. 1639 CL., p. 286. I640
JONSON Tale Tuh I i 77: A testie Clowne; but a tender Clowne, as
wooll. 1658 FRANCK North. Mem., p. 163: Her body was as warm
as wool. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 16. 1670 RAY, p. 203. 1692
R. L’ESTRANOE Fahles 438, I 411: A Vengeance on ye, says he,
Y’are as warm as Wooll.
W752 He is not worth the WOOL of a dog
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 720. 1639 CL., s.v. Nugalia, p. 228: (Not
worth the).
Cf. W569: The wit (thrift) of you and the wool of a blue dog will
make a good medley (web).
W752a I have other WOOL to toze1
1639 CL., s.v. Occupatio, p. 234. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Busie,
p. 41: *Something else to do.
[160mb]
W753 Lemster WOOL (orel)
1521 A. BARCLAY Eclog. IV, p. 32: Cornewall hath tinne and lymster
wools fine. I593 DRAYTON Idea 8, l. 150: Wks., I 88: Her skin as
soft as Lemster wooll. 1613 DRAYTON Poly-01h. VII 152, p. 131:
To whom did never sound the name of Lemster Ore? That with
the Silke-wormes web for smalness doth compare. 1648 HERRICK
Hesp.: Poet. Wks., p. 165: A banke of mosse . . farre more Soft
then'the finest Lemster Ore. 1662 FULLER Worthies Herefordshire,
I 446: As for the Wool! in this County, it is best known, to the
honour therof, by the name of Lempster Ore.
Cf. B22: Dunmow bacon and Doncaster daggers, Monmouth
caps and Lemster wool, Derby ale and London beer.
[1Leominster wool (see Sugden, p. 304)]
W754 Many go out for WOOL and come home shom
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 61: You will goe for wool, and re-
turne home shorne. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt. II, lxvii, IV 227:
She is handsome, and you have shepheards more knaves then
fooles, and I would not have her come for wooll, and returne shorne.
1631 MABBE Celestina III, p. 74: Goe not to fetch wooll, and come
home shorne your selfe. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 11: He went
for Wool, and he returned shorne. 1678 RAY, p. 220. I694
D’URFEY 1 Don Quix. IV i, p. 69: Several come for wool that return
shorn. 1732 FUL., no. 3360: Many, that go out for W001, come
home shorn.
W755 There is no WOOL so white but a dyer can
make it black
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., II 69: I see there is no wool so coarse but
it will take some colour. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 101:
(but the Diar can make blacke). 1732 FUL., no. 4927.
W756 You were better give the WOOL than the sheep
1573 SANF., f. 107v: (It is better to give). 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 76:
It’s better to give the fleece then the sheepe. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 14: (Better give). 1664 COD., p. 231. 1670 RAY, p. 30. 1732
FUL., no. 896: Better give VVOOl than the whole Sheep.
W757 A WOOL SELLER knows a wool buyer
a1598 FERO. MS, no. 51. 1668 R.B., p. 4. 1670 RAY, p. 159:
*Yorksh. 1697 MER., p. 163: A woolseller kens whore a wool
buyer lives. 1721 KEL., p. 341: Wool Sellers kens ay Wool Buyers.
*Roguish People know their own Consorts. 1732 FUL., no. 484.
Cf. T115: A thief knows a thief and a wolf knows a wolf.
W758 After WORD comes weird1
a1598 FERO. MS, no. 136. 1668 R.B., p. 18. 1721 KEL., p. 2:
After Word comes Weird, fair fall them that call me Madam.
*A facetious answer to them who call you by a higher Title than
your present Station deserves; as calling a young Clergyman
Doctor, or a young Merchant Alderman, as if you would say, all
in good time.
SHAKESPEARE.—I605—6 M. I v 6: Whiles I Stood rapt in the won-
der of it, came missives from the King, who all-hail’d me Thane of
Cawdor, by which title, before, these Weird Sisters saluted me.
[lfate]
W759 Every WORD requires not an answer
1573 SANF., f. 51v: (not answere). 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f.
32v.
Cf. F442: Answer a fool according to his folly; Q9: Every ques-
tion requires not an answer.
W760 A good WORD is as soon said as an ill (a bad)
1616 Ad Lectorum in RC. Times’ Whistle, p. 1 1 1: (is as soone spoken
as a bad). 1668 R.B., p. 11. 1721 KEL., p. 29: *Spoken to dis-
suade Men from passionate Words, which may mar their Business;
whereas mild Words may do better.
Cf. 5112: Say well or be still; W807: Good words cost no more
than bad.
W761 He has his saying WORD and his denaying
word
1623 WOD., p. 491: *Meant of false and double Folkes.
SHAKESPEARE.-—1600-I III i 107: He gives me the pro-
verbs and the no-verbs.
W762 He has not a WORD to cast at a dog
1593 G. HARVEY Pierce’s Super., p. 53: Shall not be allowed a word
to cast at a dog. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 9: I ha not an
oate to throw at a horse. 1607 DEKKER AND WEBSTER West. H0 V
i, s. G3: To see what wine and women can do, the one makes a man
not to haue a word to throw at a Dogge, the other makes a man to
eat his owne words, tho they were neuer so filthy. 1607 T. HEY-
WOOD Fair Maid Exch., p. 54: I am not furnish’d of a courting
phrase, to throw at a dogge. I616 WITHALS, p. 564: He hath not
a word to cast at a dog, no more words than the poast. Magis
mutus quam piscis. 1639 CL., s.v. Taciturnitas, p. 302. 1738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 382: Here’s poor miss has not a word to
throw at a dog. Come, a penny for your thought.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 .4.Y. I iii 2: Not a word? —Not one to
throw at a dog. —NO, thy words are too precious to be cast away
upon curs.
Cf. M131 1: Mumbudget; 5880: He has not a stone (bone) to cast
(throw) at a dog.
W763 He is but a WORD and a blow
01569 W. WAGER Longer Thou Livest, s. DI: Let there be but a
worde and a blow. 01570 Marr. Wit and Science I i, s. A4v: I am

plaine I tell you at a worde and a bloe. I594 NASHE Unfort. Trav.,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5. j
WORD
WORD
752

p. 286: Why, it was but a word and a blowe . . and he was gone.
I611 DAv. Prov., no. 170: That epigram passeth all that I know
With which there is But a word and a blow. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 582. 1639 CL., s.v. Ira, p. 178. Ibid., s.v. Temeritas, p. 306:
But a word and a blow. 1670 RAY, p. 200: A word and a blow.
1678 BUNYAN Pilg. Prog. I, p. 118: He was but a word and a blow,
for down he knocked me, and laid me for dead. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Word: ’Tis but a Word and a Blow with him.
SHAKESPEARE.—01595 R._7. III i 43: Make it a word and a blow.
Cf. W824: To come from words to blows.
W764 He will have the last WORD though he talk
bilk for it
1640 JONSON Tale Tub I i 60: Hee will ha’ the last word, though he
talke Bilke for’t. —Bilke? what’s that? —Why nothing, a word
signifying Nothing; and borrow’d here to expresse nothing. 1678
RAY, p. 228: *Bilk, i.e. nothing.
Cf. W722: Women will have the last word.
W765 If a WORD be worth one Shekel silence is worth
two
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 405.
Shflhng)
W766 An ill WORD is always ready (never to seek)
1616 DR., no. 2491: (neuer to seeke).
2509. 1639 CL., s.v. Calumnia, p. 53.
W767 N o WORD but mum
I523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel]. II 18: Wks., I 406: There was amonge
them no worde then but mum. 1553 Respublica I iii, p. 8: Whiste,
scilence! not a worde Mum. 01558 Wealth and Health I. 461, s. CI:
Peace no mo wordes but mum. 1576 WAPULL Tide Tarries No
Man, 3. B2: But husht syrs I say, no moe wordes but mum. [01587]
I599 GREENE Alphonsus I i, p. 82: What, nere a word but Mumme?
1590 R. WILSON Three Lords and Three Ladies Lond., s. I2: But
mum, no words ofit. 1594 Con. York and Lan., s. B1v: No words
but mum. I594 GREENE AND LODGE Looking Glass, s. F1 v: Alasse,
my husband comes. ——-Strike vp the drum, and say no words but
mum. 1611 L. BARRY Ram-Alley IV, S. G3v: No word but mum,
My warrant you shall have when time shall come.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. V] I ii 89: Seal up your lips and
give no words but mum. 1597 Rich. III III vii 3: The citizens are
mum, say not a word.
Cf. M1310: Mum is counsel (the word); M1311: Mumbudget;
N279: I will say nothing (nought) but mum.
W768 Not a WORD of Penzance
[A reference to the glaring cowardice of the Penzance men when
Cornwall was invaded by the Spanish in 1595.] 1678 RAY, p. 350.
See APP., p. 491.
W769 Not a WORD of the pudding
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Zoccoli, p. 240: No more of that: the
English say to that purpose Not a word of the Pudding. *Spoken
when the Person of whom we are speaking of, pops in all on the
sudden.
Cf. W607: Speak of the wolf and he will appear.
W770 One ill WORD asks another
1562 HEY. Dial. I ix, p. 18: (axeth an other, as folkis speake).
1564 Child Mar., p. 122: Whie, quod she, one foule word askis an
other. 1591 HARINGTON Orl. Fur. XXVI lxxvii, p. 21 1: Thus one
ill word another doth draw on. 1611 GRUT., no. 208. 1614 CAM.,
p. 310. 1616 DR., s.v. Prouokement, no. 1778. 1639 CL., p. 275.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 9. I659 N.R., p. 82. I670 RAY, p. 30.
1685 Mother Bunch’s Closet, p. I 5: One evil word brings in another.
Cf. W771: One ill word meets another and it were at the Bridge
of London.
W771
1732 FUL., no. 2665: (be worth a
Ibid., s.v. Wrangling, no.
One ill WORD meets another and it were at the
Bridge of London
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 40: (Ane evill word). 1641 FERG., no. 41.
1662 FULLER lVorthies London, II 56: *London-Bridge is noto—

riously known for a narrow passe and numerous passengers; so that,
people meeting thereon, a quarrel will quickly be engendred. 1668
R.B., p. 4: (begets another).
Cf. W770: One ill word asks another.
W772 There is many a true WORD spoken in jest
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1270: Thair ar many sooth words spoken in
bourding. 01665 T.J. Merry Man’s Resolution in Roxb. Bal., VII
366: Many a true word hath been spoke in jest. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 6, p. 303: Jestingly, jestingly, oft times the truth is spoken.
I668 R.B., p. 50: [As in a1598 Ferg.]. I721 KEL., p. 305. I738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 427: (They say, many a true word's).
SHAKESPEARE.—16o5-6 K .L. V iii 71 : Jesters do oft prove proph-
CtS.
Cf. B 5 59: Sooth bourd is no bourd; J43: True jests are the worst;
J44: The truest jests sound worst in guilty ears.
W773 There was never a fair WORD in flyting1
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1275. 1668 R.B., p. 50. 1697 MER., p. 164:
Neay faire words in flighting. 1721 KEL., p. 303: *An Excuse for
what a Man might say in his Passion, upon Provocation.
[lscolding]
W774 To speak a cold (cool) WORD with one
[“Cold words” often preceded an insult or a challenge] 1599 H.
PORTER Two Women Ab. viii, s. G4v: Praye yee giue me leaue to
talke two or three colde words with my young Maister. [1600]
1659 J. DAY Blind Beg. IV, s. H2v: I do but stay here to talk three
or four cold words in hugger-mugger with the Blind-beggars Daugh-
ter. 1605 Ratsey’s Ghost, S. C4v: It was maister Ratsey . . who her
husband so much desired to haue three or foure cold words withall.
1608 T. HEYWOOD Rape Lucrece, p. 169: Nay, soft, soft good blood
of the Tarquins, lets have a few cold words first, and I am gone in
an instant. 1613 T. HEYWOOD Silver Age II, p. 104: Shall I speake
a few coole words, and bar buffeting? [1625] 1661 WEBSTER Cure
for Cuckold III ii 40: I know what belongs to a Calm and a Storm
too. A cold word with you. 1635 SHIRLEY Traitor IV ii, p. 166:
One cold word,——y0u are a villain! I do not flatter. 1637 SHIRLEY
Hyde Park IV iii, p. 520: By your favor, sir, shall I speak a cool
word with you? 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II iii 2: But one friend (as
they zay) desires to speake A word, or two, cold with you.
W775 To speak a good WORD for one
1540 PALSGRAVE Acolastus III i, p. 99: Thanke Pantolabus, which
dydst make intercession for me .i. dyddest speke a good word for
me. 01600 Club Law I iv, p. 3: Pic speake a good word for you.
1684 LACY Sir Hercules Buf. V iv, p. 299: I doubt, Cousin, thou’ll
speak ean word for me, and twea for thyself.
W776 While the WORD is in your mouth it is your own,
when it is once spoken it is another’s
1646 BROME Safety for Politician l. 7 in Roxb. Bal., VIII Ci": Our
words are our own, if we keep them within. 1672 WALK. 13, p. 36.
SHAKESPEARE.—1600—1 H. III ii 101: I have nothing with this
answer, Hamlet. These words are not mine. ——No, nor mine now.
See DI'JR., II, no. 391. Cf. W777: A word and a stone let go (A
word spoken) cannot be called back.
W777 A WORD and a stone let go (A word spoken)
cannot be called back
1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 108: A worde ones spokyn reuoked
can nat be. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 279: Whatsoeuer is
babbled out cannot agayne be recalled. 1586 WITHALS, s. I4v: If
a word, flit, no calling back serueth, no reuoking ofit. 1596 DEL.,
s. P4v: Euen as the winde passeth away, without returning any
more, so flie away our words, without any hope to call them backe
againe. 1616 DR., no. 2482. 1639 CL., p. 51: A word Spoken is
past recalling. 01640 W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 16: A word
once spoken, there is no hope to recouer [it]. 1659 How. Br. Prov.,
p. 24: A word gone neve[r] recalled. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: (A
word spoke, and a Stone hurled cannot). 1659 How. Span. Prov.,
p. 27: The stone and the word returns not when once out. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 23, p. 207: A stone once cast, and a word once spoken,

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WORD
WORDS
753

cannot be recall’d. 1725 N. BAILEY Lover and Maiden: Familiar
Colloq., p. 1 18: But words, when they are once out, cannot be called
in again. 1732 FUL., no. 485.
See DUR., II, no. 391. Cf. T200: Things done cannot be undone;
W776: While the word is in your mouth it is your own, when it is
once spoken it is another’s; W780: A word spoken is an arrow let
fly; W838: Words have wings and cannot be recalled.
W778 A WORD before (in time) is worth two behind
(afterwards)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 47. Ibid., no. 147: Ane word in Tym is worth
tuo syne. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 17: Better one word in time,
then afterwards two. 1668 R.B., p. 6. 1721 KEL., p. 23.
W779 A WORD is the shade (shadow) of an action
CI535 ELYOT Educ. 10, s. E1: For as Democritus saith: Speche is
the shadowe of dedes. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 278: As
Democrates sayth, the worde is the shadowe of the worke. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 7, p. 191. 1694 Court. Oracle 202, p. 182: Words are
the shadow of actions.
W780 A WORD spoken is an arrow let fly
1596 LODGE Devil Conj., p. 8 3: Words are like to arrows, which are
easily shot out, but hardly got in againe. 1732 FUL., no. 486:
(spoke).
Cf. W777: A word and a stone let go (A word spoken) cannot be
called back; W8 38: Words have wings and cannot be recalled.
W781 A WORD to a wise man is enough (Few words
to the wise sufiice)
1546 HEY. II vii, s. I4v: Fewe woords to the wise suflise to be
spoken. 01565 W. WAGER Enough Good as Feast, s. A2v: Few
woords to wise men are sufficient. 1566 HOL., p. 261: Few wordes
among wise men sufiiseth. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon and Pithias,
s. C4: Dictum sapienti sat est. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31:
Few wordes suflice among wise men. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His
Eng., p. 141: I will not use many words, for if thou be wise few
are sufficient. 1583 STUEBES Anat. Ahuses I, p. 66: For pauca sa-
pienti, To a wiseman few woords are sufficient. 1591 STEP., p. I 56:
A word is inough to a wise man. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 414: Few
words sufl-ices to a wise man. 1611 COT., s.v. Bon: The wise vn-
derstand a man by one word. 1611 GRUT., no. 97: [AS in I 546
Hey.]. 1614 CAM., p. 306: Few words to the wise suffice. 1616
DR., no. 2434. 1623 CAM., p. 266: A word to the wise sufl-iceth.
1639 CL., s.v. Breviloquentia, p. 51: [As in 1614 Cam.]. Ibid.: A
word to the wise. I641 FERG., no. 281: Few words sufliceth to a
wise man. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8: [As in 1614 Cam.]. 1659
N.R., p. 8: A word’s enough to the wise. 1664 COD., p. 184: A
word to the wise if well Observed is of great use. Ihid., p. 193: Few
Words to the wise are sufficient. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 1: Give
but a wise man a hint; and let him alone. 1670 RAY, p. 158: A
word is enough to the Wise . . The Italians say, A few words; we say
one word; and the French say, half a word is enough to the under-
standing and apprehensive. 1672 WALK. 45, p. 10: A word to the
wise. 1732 FUL., no. 6164: To the Wise, A Word may suffice.
Cf. H39: Half a word (tale) to a wise man (a good understander)
is enough; M371: Send a wise man on an errand and say nothing
unto him; W799: Few words Show men wise. (20)
W782 He is (is not) his WORD’S master
1616 DR., s.v. Truth, no. 2195. 1639 CL., s.v. Perfidiae, p. 248:
(He’s not).
W783 At three WORDS he is at the top of the house
[He is quickly in a state of excitement.] 1546 HEY. II v, s. HI: He
is at thre words vp in the house roufe. 1616 DR., s.v. Anger, no.
89. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: In three words she is at the roof
of the house. 1664 COD., p. 184: (on the top).
Cf. H797: To be on the housetop in anger.
W784 Bad WORDS find bad acceptance
1611 COT., s.v. Meschant: Bad words doe find but bad acceptance.
1659 N.R., p. 20.
W785 Bad WORDS make a woman worse
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 8.
W786 Bare WORDS are no lawful (good) bargain
1597 [BODENHAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 154. 1639 CL., p. 85: (no good
bargaine). Ibid., p. 144. 1721 KEL., p. 72: Bare Words make no
Bargain. *A Preface to the demanding of Earnest.
Cf. W820: Not words but deeds.
W787 Evening WORDS are not like to morning
01594 BACON, no. 1478: Les paroles du soir ne sembles a celles du
matin. 1611 COT., s.v. Matin: Les paroles du soir ne resemblent
pas a celles du matin. He that giues thee a good morrow, may yet
before night procure thy sorrow. Ibid., s.v. Parole: The euening
chat’s not like the mornings tattle. 1640 HERB., no. 65. 1659
How. Fr. Prov., p. I: The morning words agree not with those of
the evening. 1659 N.R., p. 29.
Cf. S633: His evening song and morning song are not (are) both
alike.
W788 Fair WORDS and ill deeds deceive both wise
and fools
1573 SANF., f. 102: Fayre wordes and wicked deedes, deceyue wyse
men and fooles. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 27v. 1591 FLOR.
Sec. F. VI, p. 103: Faire words and deedes vile, Wise and foolish
doe beguile. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 228: Good words and ill deeds
deceaue wise and fooles. 1616 DR., s.v. Flatterie, no. 730: Faire
words, and foule deedes deceiue many. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 63, p.
28: Fayre words and wicked needs [for deeds] deceive wise men and
fooles. 1639 CL., p. 289: [As in 1616 Dr.]. 1659 How. It. Prov.,
p. 3: Many words, and few deeds deceive wise men and fools. 1666
TOR. It. Prov. 33, p. 85: (both wise men, and fools).
W789 Fair (Soft, Good) WORDS break no bones
I596 DEL., s. M5v. 1611 COT., s.v. Doux: (Wee say, good). 1611
DAV. Prov., no. 52. 1616 DR., no. 846: Good words doe no harme.
1662 FULLER Worthies York, II 542: Seeing such soft preaching
breaks no bones. I670 RAY, p. 158: (Soft), 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Word: (Good). 1732 FUL., no. 4204: (Soft).
Cf. W790: Fair words broke never bone, foul words break many
one; W793: Fair words hurt not the mouth (tongue); W801: Foul
(High) words break no bones.
W790 Fair WORDS broke never bone, foul words break
many one
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 403. 1668 R.B., p. 19: (foul words many ane).
1721 KEL., p. I 10: Fair Words break no Bone: But foul Words many
a one. *Solomon hath it, A soft Answer turneth away Wrath: But
grievous Words stirreth up Anger. 1732 FUL., no. 6183: Fair
Words never break a Bone, Foul Words have broke many a one.
Cf. W789: Fair (Soft, Good) words break no bones; W801: Foul
(High) words break no bones; W822: Soft (Fair, Gentle) words
pacify (appease) wrath.
W791 Fair WORDS butter no parsnips
1639 CL., s.v. Ingratitudo, p. 169. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v.
Conio, p. 44: Fair words without performances; the English say,
fair words butter no parsnips. 1670 RAY, p. I 58. 1672 WALK. 46,
p. 41: (Less of your courtesie, and more of your purse; fair). 1676
WYCHERLEY Plain Dealer V, p. 191: (no Cabbage). 1680 R. L Es-
TRANGE Twenty Select Colloq. 9, p. 131: Your Charity upon Earth
will be rewarded in Heaven. —-—Those words Butter no Parsnips.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Word. 1697 MER., p. 164.
Cf. W809: Good words fill not a sack.
W792 Fair WORDS did fet1 gromwell seed2 plenty
1546 HEY. II i, s. F3v: His wife was set, In suche dotage of hym,
that fayre wordes dyd fet, Gromelsede plentee.
[1fetch 2hard seeds used in medicine]
W793 Fair WORDS hurt not the mouth (tongue)
1562 HEY. Dial. I ix, p. 18: It hurteth not the tounge to gene fayre
wurdis. I605 CHAPMAN, JONSON, AND MARSTON Eastward H0 IV


In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
WORDS
WORDS
754

ii 147: O Madam, Faire words neuer hurt the tongue. I611 COT.,
s.v. Escorcher: Faire words flay not the tongue; teare no skin,
breake no bones. 1614 CAM., p. 306. 1623 WOD., p. 500: A sweete
Speech doth not flay the Tongue. *A good word doth neither
breake Bone nor Fleshe. 1639 CL., s.v. Mansuetudo, p. 204. 1640
HERB., no. 794: Faire language grates not the tongue. 1658 [ED-
MONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 190: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1659
How. Eng. Prov., p. 5: Smooth Language grates not the toung.
Ibid., p. 8. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 8: Fair words blister not the
tongue. 1664 COD., p. 216: The words that be fair hurt not the
mouth. 1670 RAY, p. 158: (Soft words). 1732 FUL., no. 4205:
(Soft Words).
Cf. W789: Fair (Soft, Good) words break no bones; W822: Soft
(Fair, Gentle) words pacify (appease) wrath. (6)
W794 Fair WORDS (promises) make fools fain
01485 Early Eng. Misc. 4, p. 25: Fayre promese ofte makyth foollis
fayne. [01500] a1520 Everyman S, s. BIv: [maketh]. a1536 HILL 11, p.
128: (Faire behestis). 1546 HEY. II V, s. H2v. 1552 HULOET Abced.,
8. D3: Brynge into fooles paradyse, or make fooles fayne. 1562
HEY. Epig. 180, p. 155. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 394: Fair haichts
[promises] maks fools fain. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 197. 1611 GRUT.,
no. 96. Ibid., no. 101: Fools with fair words are pleased. 1614
CAM., p. 306. 1639 CL., s.v. Adulatio, p. 12: Faire words make
fooles faine. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 1: A fair promise makes a
fool merry. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 193: Fair
Words deceive Fools. 1668 R.B., p. 18: Fair heights makes fools
fain. 1670 RAY, p. 157: *Glad. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Word: Fair
Words make Fools glad. 1697 MER., p. 164: Faire words macks
feauls faine. 1721 KEL., p. 102: (Fair Heights). 1732 FUL., no.
1492: Fair Words please Fools.
SHAKESPEARE—I599 Y.C. III i 42: That which melteth fools—I
mean, sweet words.
Cf. B287: The belly is not filled (fed) with fair words; F530:
Fools are fain of nothing (right nought); N333: To promise and give
nothing (nought) is a comfort to (is to comfort) a fool; S575: To
feed oneself with smoke. (3o)
W795 Fair WORDS make me look to my purse
1640 HERB., no. 544. I659 N.R., p. 32.
Cf. F2: A fair face and a foul bargain.
W796 Few WORDS among friends are best
1568 FULWELL Like W ill to Like, s. B2v: Few woords are best among
freends this is true. 1580 MUNDAY Zelanto II, p. 73: Fewe woords
among freendes (they say) is fittest. 1602 Poet. Rhap. 128, I 186:
The firmest faith is in the fewest wordes. 1611 DAv. Epig., no.
163: With true friends, few words are best.
SHAKESPEARE.——1594-8 T.S. I ii 65: ’Twixt such friends as we
Few words suffice.
Cf. C732: Full of courtesy full of craft.
W797 Few WORDS and many deeds
1596 DEL., s. O7v. [01607-25] 1632 W. ROWLEY New Wonder III,
p. 136: Short words and large deeds are best pleasing to women.
1611 COT., s.v. Besongner: The fewer words the more worke. 1616
DR., no. 460. I631 DEKKER Match Me in Lond. I, p. 139: She
would haue you doe much but say little. 1659 N.R., p. 32:
(deeds is best). 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 189: Do much, and
say but little. 1755 FRANKLIN, p. 31: Speak little, do much.
SHAKESPEARE.——I602 T. C. IV v 98: Speaking in deeds and deed-
less in his tongue; Not soon provok’d, nor being provok’d soon
calm’d.
Cf. T58: Least talk most work; T64: The greatest talkers are the
least (not the greatest) doers; W820: Not words but deeds.
W798 Few WORDS are best
1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 117: A-vyse thee well, what euer thou say,
And haue few wordis, I thee pray. 1594 R. HOOKER Eccles. Pol. I
2, p. 71: It behoveth our words to be wary and few. 1602 Poet.
Rhap. I 1, I 50: Few words beene always best. 1616 DR., no. 1978.
01629 I Know What I Know 1. I in Roxb. Bal., I 116: (It is an old
saying, that few). 1660 TATHAM Rump II, p. 22: Well, I know
W801
what I know; few words are best. 1678 RAY, p. 220: *A fools voice
is known by multitude of words.
SHAKESPEARE—1599 Hen. VIII ii 37: For Nym, he hath heard
that men of few words are the best men.
Cf. L358: Little (Nothing) said, soon amended; W799: Few words
Show men wise.
W799 Few WORDS show men wise
[ERAS. Similia, 570F: Ita sapit, qui pauca loquitur, sed ad rem.]
01475 Mankind l. 102, p. 5: Few wordis; few and well sett! 1562
HEY. Epig. 95, p. 119: Few woords Shew men wise, wise men doe
deuise. 1606 MARSTON Parasitaster I ii 183: Wise heads use but
few words.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV ii 82: Vir sapit qui pauca
loquitur. 1600-1 M.W.W. I i 121: ’Twere better for you if it were
known in counsel. You’ll be laugh’d at. —Pauca verba, Sir John;
goot worts.
See ST., no. 2376. Cf. H39: Half a word (tale) to a wise man
(a good understander) is enough; M1284: Much in little; W781: A
word to a wise man is enough (Few words to the wise suflice); W798:
Few words are best. (15)
W800 Fine WORDS dress ill deeds
I640 HERB., no. 475. 1659 N.R., p. 32.
Cf. F2: A fair face and a foul bargain; W588: There is witchcraft
in fair words; W81 1: Good words make some amends for ill deeds.
Foul (High) WORDS break no bones
1584 GREENE Arbasto, p. 231: Wordes breake no bones, so we cared
the lesse for hir scolding. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep H usb., p.
220: Seeing your cares are so well acquainted with the noise of the
Canon abroad, you may well endure a little haile-shot at home;
Words breake no bones, husband, would to God, your Enemy would
use you so. 1697 MER., p. 164. 1734 FIELDING Don Quint. II vi,
p. 41: (High).
Cf. W789: Fair (Soft, Good) words break no bones; W790: Fair
words broke never bone, foul words break many one.
W802 From WORDS to deeds is a great space (dis-
tance)
1573 SANF., f. 104. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29v: Betwene do-
ing and saying ther is great space. 1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p.
11: There is a great distance betwixt the worde and the deede.
1611 COT., s.v. Traict: There is ’tweene (most) mens word and deed,
great space, and but a little speed. 1620 SHELTON Don Quix. Pt.
II, xxxiv, III 260: For to doe and to say, goe a severall way. 1629
Bk. Mer. Rid. 94, p. 28. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 7: There’s a good
distance ’twixt the word and the deed. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov.,
p. 11: There is a large distance betwixt the saying and the deed.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24, p. 66: Ther’s a great space twixt saying and
doing.
Cf. D333: There is a great difl’erence between word and deed.
W803 Good WORDS anoint us and ill do unjoint us
1573 SANF., f. 107: Good woordes do annointe, the Shrewde do
pricke. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 31v: Good woords annoynt a
man, the yl woordes kyl a man. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 72. 1623
WOD., p. 478: Good words do annoynt, and euill disapoint. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 6: Good words do anoint, but bad do prick.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 41, p. 191: Good words anoint, bad words gore.
W804 Good WORDS are good cheap
1639 CL., s.v. Magnifica promissa, p. 194. 1656 R. SANDERSON
Ad Aulam xiv: Serm., II 318: They wish us well and pity our case,
(good words are good cheap,) but do little or nothing for us.
W805 Good WORDS are worth much and cost little
I640 HERB., no. 155. 1659 N.R., p. 36. 1732 FUL., no. 1736:
Good Words cost nothing, but are worth much.
Cf. W808: Good words cost nought (nothing).
W806 Good WORDS cool (quench) more than cold (a
bucket of, a caldron of) water
1616 DR., no. 2481: A good word doeth coole more then a cauldron
of water. 1639 CL., p. 205. 1640 HERB., no. 259: Good words


Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WORDS
WORDS
755

quench more then a bucket of water. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p.
5: A mild word quencheth more then a whole cauldron of water.
1659 N.R., p. 36: [As in 1640 Herb.]. 1664 COD., p. 191: Beware
of Impatience, for fair words do cool more than a Caldron of Water.
1666 TOR. It. Prov. 12, p. 191: A good word quencheth more than
a pail of water. 1670 RAY, p. 158. 1732 FUL., no. 1734.
Cf. W822: Soft (Fair, Gentle) words pacify (appease) wrath.
W807 Good WORDS cost no more than bad
1704 R. L’ESTRANOE Fahles 276, I 249: A Good Word, they say,
Costs no more then a Bad. I732 FUL., no. 1735.
Cf. W760: A good word is as soon said as an ill (a bad).
W808 Good WORDS cost nought (nothing)
1599 H. PORTER Two Women .dh. x, s. I 3v: Good wordes cost nought,
ill words corrupts good manners. 1611 COT., s.v. Langue: Good
words cost nothing (say we). 1614 CAM., p. 306. 1658 E. PHILLIPS
Myst. Love and Eloq., p. 179: (nothing). 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p.
8. 1659 N.R., p. 37. 1670 RAY, p. 158. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Word:
(nothing). 1721 KEL., p. 124: (nothing). *And therefore may be
the freelier given.
Cf. W805: Good words are worth much and cost little.
W809 Good WORDS fill not a sack
1678 RAY, p. 220. 1732 FUL., no. 1737.
See DiiR., II, no. 715. Cf. W791: Fair words butter no parsnips;
W817: Many words will not fill a bushel (fill not the firlot); W829:
Who gives good words feeds with an empty spoon.
W810 Good WORDS help sick minds
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. II, I 120: According to the Old saying, That
to a diseased minde, the wittie woordes of Others serve for a Phi-
sition. 1616 DR., no. 2490: Good words can helpe a sicke minde.
1639 CL., p. 112. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 13: The vertue of the
mouth healeth what it toucheth.
W811 Good WORDS make some amends for ill deeds
1604 Wit Woman, s. A3v: It is an olde saying, I heard my Grand-
mother speake it many a daie agoe, that good wordes makes amendes
for misdeedes. 1611 COT., s.v. Exploicter: Good words after euill
deeds. 1613 T. ADAMS White Devil: Wks., p. 52: Smooth words
will smother rough deeds. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 8: (Fair words).
Cf. W800: Fine words dress ill deeds.
W812 Good WORD s without deeds are rushes and reeds
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 17. 1670 RAY, p. 30. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Word. 1705 Pleas. flrt, p. 1 5 5. 1732 F UL., no. 6247.
Cf. M296: A man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full
of weeds.
W813 He spares no WORDS that brings good news
1611 COT., s.v. Nouvelle. 1664 COD., p. 196: (who brings).
Cf. N140: He that brings good news knocks boldly.
W814 It is good to find modest WORDS to express im-
modest things
01645 E. BROOKE Commonpl. Bk., p. 27.
See APP., p. 420.
W815 Many WORDS breed a brawl
1616 WITHALS, p. 562: Multiplying of words breeds a braule.
CL., s.v. Rixosus, p. 275.
Cf. “7816: Many words many buffets.
I639
W816 Many WORDS many buffets
1562 HEY. Dial. II vii, p. 70. 1616 DR., no. 2483. Ihid., no. 2499:
Many words, many blowes.
Cf. W815: Many words breed a brawl.
W817 Many WORDS will not fill a bushel (fill not the
firlotl)
a1598 FERO. MS, no. 1018: Mony words fils not the sack. 1641
F ERo., no. 627: Mony words fils not the furlot. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 9. 1668 R.B., p. 39: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 30.

1692 BUNYAN Christ Complete Sav.: Wks., I 213: For the more
compliment, the less sincerity. Many words will not fill a bushel.
1721 KEL., p. 251: Many Words fill not the Farlet. 1732 FUL., no.
3 6 .
3Sic Di'JR., II, no. 715. Cf. C581: Complimenting is lying; C732:
Full of courtesy full of craft; W809: Good words fill not a sack.
[1a dry measure]
W818 Many WORDS would have mickle drink
a1598 FERO. MS, no. 1015: Mony words requyrs much drink.
1641 FERG., no. 624. 1668 R.B., p. 39.
W819 More WORDS than one go to a bargain
1580 MUNDAY Zelanto III, p. 119: There goeth more woordes to a
bargayne then one, and other prayers to be vsed beside the Pater
noster. 1590 LODGE Rosalynde, p. 82: There goes more words to
a bargaine than one. 1606 Nobody and Somebody, 5. F2: Thats but
one word, let two go to the bargaine if it please you. [1611] I630
MIDDLETON Chaste Maid in Cheaps. II i 56: The poor wenches . .
us’d to have more words than one to a bargain. 1632 HAUSTED
Rival Friends III viii, S. H1: Arrest mee Sir? soft, and easily Sir,
more words to a bargaine. 1670 RAY, p. 58. 1732 FUL., no. 3465:
(one to a Bargain).
Cf. W827: Two words to a bargain.
W820 Not WORDS but deeds
61527 J. RASTELL Calisto and Mel., s. A6: I have herd his wordes
but where be his dedes. 01534 BERNERS Huon 100, p. 327: Ye
may say your pleasure, but in the doynge is all the mater. 1576
R. EDWARDS Par. Dainty Dev., p. [17], ballad title: No woordes, but
deedes. 1597 LYLY Woman in Moon II i 149: He that will pur-
chase things Of greatest prize, Must conquer by his deeds, and not
by words. [1602] 1631 CHETTLE Hoflman V, s. L1: Cease words,
vse deedes Reuenge drawes nigh. 1611 DEKKER AND MIDDLETON
Roaring Girl, s. F2v: Your loue is all words; giue mee deeds. [1623]
1647 FLETCHER AND MASSINGER Lovers’ Prog. III, p. 120: Like to
a torrent, deeds, not words shall speak me. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh
II iv 68: I have heard much 0’ your words, but not 0’ your deeds.
1663 S. BUTLER Had. I i 867, p. 52: For now the Field is not far
off, Where we must give the World a Proof of Deeds not Words.
[a1667] 1698 LACY Sauny the Scot II, p. 13: ’Tis Deeds not Words
must win the Prize.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-4 IHen. VI III ii 49: Let no words, but
deeds, revenge this treason! 1602 T.C. III ii 58: Words pay no
debts, give her deeds. 1605-8 T. 4th. V i 28: The deed of saying is
quite out of use.
Cf. D402: It is better to do well than to say well; P602: Great
promise small performance; T58: Least talk most work; T64: The
greatest talkers are the least (not the greatest) doers; W786: Bare
words are no lawful (good) bargain; W797: Few words and many
deeds.
W821 Soft WORDS and hard arguments
1670 RAY, p. 158. 1732 FUL., no. 4203: Soft Words are hard
Arguments.
W822 Soft (Fair, Gentle) WORDS pacify (appease)
wrath
[Prov. xv 1: A soft answer turneth away wrath.] 1573 SANF., f. 104:
Fayre speache breaketh anger. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 29:
Pleasant woords appease wrath. 1590 SPENSER II viii 26:
Words, well dispost Haue secret powre, t’appease inflamed rage.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 154: Ane gentill ansueir pacifies wrath. 1605
RF. Sch. Slov. I 999, p. 48: Since hottest anger unto gentle words
oft giveth place. 1611 COT., s.v. Doux: Gentle words appease the
irefull. 1616 BRET., p. 5: (Faire). I629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 97, p. 28:
Fair speech subdueth anger. 1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep H ush,
p. 104: It is the Wise mans Observation: Soft speech mitigates
wrath. 1659 N.R., p. 33: Fair words and large promises pacifie
anger.
See Dr'sR., II, no. 718; T. 173, p. 377. Cf. W790: Fair words
broke never bone, foul words break many one; W793: Fair words
hurt not the mouth (tongue); W806: Good words cool (quench)
more than cold (a bucket of, a caldron of) water.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 6.
WORDS 7 56
WORDS

W823 There are many fair WORDS in the marriage
making but few in the tochergood1 paying
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1308. 1668 R.B., p. 52. I721 KEL., p. 246:
Many fair Promises in Marriage making, but few in Togher paying.
I"People will flatter you with fair Promises and Proposals; ’till they
get you cngag’d in some Project for their Interest, but after alter
their Tune.
['dowry]
W824 To come from WORDS to blows
1611 COT., s.v. Plouvoir: Of big words come bloudwipes; after much
consultation round execution. 1623 WOD., p. 518: After great
Words come Stroakes. 01625 Hist. Bermudas I, p. 18: Quickly
they came from wordes to blowes. 1639 CL., s.v. Minantis, p. 209:
If words will not serve blowes shall. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 17:
(They come from).
Cf. W763: He is but a word and a blow.
W825 To eat one’s WORDS
1571 GOLDING Psalms lxii 12, I 236v: God eateth not his word when
he hath once spoken. 1580 BARET, P—136: [They] promise verie
great rewards: but when they come to performance of such things,
they seeme to eate their words. 1597 LYLY Woman in Moon IV
i 128: Let women learne by me to be reuengd. Ile make them bite
their tongues and eate their wordes. 1600 Sir Oldcastle, s. C3:
0 sir, let me go no further Ile eate my word. 1616 JONSON Epic.
V iv 90: I’ll eate no words for you. [01633] 1662 R. BAKER Thea-
trum Redivivum To Rdr., s. A3: We must eat our words, or be weary
of our lives. [1641—8] 1699 HOLLES Mem., p. 121: The Parliament
it self made to eat its own words, break its faith, deceive them
who trusted it. 1670 RAY, p. 173.
SHAKESPEARE.—1598—9 M.A. IV i 280: Will you not eat your
word? 1599 A.Y. V iv I55: I will not eat my word, now thou art
mine. (7)
W826 To speak nine WORDS at once
1565 T. COOPER Thesaurus, s.v. Conuoluo: To tumble up woordes
hastely: to speake nine wordes at thrise. 1611 COT., s.v. Tost:
To speake thicke, or fast, or (as we say) nine words at once.
W827 Two WORDS to a bargain
1597 BACON Col. Good and Evil: ths., XIII 289: In such cases the
second degree seems the worthiest, as . . The second word makes
the bargain. 1598 Mucedorus, s. B2: Nay, soft, sir, two words to a
bargaine. [1607-16] 1652 MIDDLETON ET AL. Widow V i 313:
There’s two words to a bargain ever . . and if love be one, I’m sure
money’s the other. 1618 BRETON Court. and Countrym.: Wks., II
12: We make but two words to a bargaine. 1619 Two Wise Men
III iii, s. F1. [1621] I652 FLETCHER Wild Goose Chase II iii, p. 341:
Yet two words to a bargain. 1636 King and Qu. Entertain. l. 92,
p. 8: Zoft and vaire M. Yedward, two words to a bargaine. 1639
CL., p. 222: (There goes two). 1639 SHIRLEY Ball III iv, p. 53:
But two words To such a bargain. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II iv
76: (There goe two). 1641 T. HERBERT News Islington, p. 25.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 18. 1679 DRYDEN Troil. and Cress. I ii,
p. 293: Haue I not stay’d. —Ay, the spitting. But there are two
words to a bargain. I697 VANBRUGH Relapse III, p. 36. I721
KEL., p. 326: Two Words to that Bargain. *That is, I will not be
easily induc’d to it. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. III, p. 465: Colonel,
there’s two words to that bargain.
Cf. W819: More words than one go to a bargain.
W828 Where many WORDS are, the truth goes by
1548 E. HALL Chron. Pref., f. A2v: In many woordes, a lye or
twayne sone maye scape. 01550 Parl. Birds 1. 28 in Early Pop.
Poetry, III 168: Where is many wordes the troueth goeth by. 1552
TAV., f. 13v: Oure Englysh prouerbe is not to be forgotten, whyche
sayeth: where many wordes be, the trueth goeth by. 1597 [BODEN-
HAM] Wit’s Commonw., f. 154: Where many wordes are spoken, truth
is held in suspition. 1616 DR., no. 2047. 1659 N.R., p. 119: (the
truth often goeth by). 1732 FUL., no. 3364: Many Words and
many Lies look much alike.

W83 1
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. III ii 102: Few words to fair faith!
Cf. D384: In too much dispute truth is lost; T593: Truth’s tale
is simple (Truth is plain).
W829 Who gives good WORDS feeds with an empty
spoon
I659 N.R., p. 126.
Cf. M1262: To fill the mouth with empty spoons; W809: Good
words fill not a sack.
W830 Wise WORDS and great seldom agree
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 6.
WORDS and feathers the wind carries away
1591 STEP., p. 54: I see that words are more light then feathers,
that are caried with euery swift winde. 1599 MINSHEU Span.
Gram., p. 84: (carrieth away, i. words are but winde). 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 45: Vaine braues or threatnings neuer
scare a valiant man, for words and feathers the winde carrieth away,
and words indeed are but winde. 1651 HERB., p. 369. 1659 How.
Span. Prov., p. 2: Words and feathers are tossed by the air. Ibid.,
p. 7: (the wind whirles them about). 1659 N.R., p. 126. 1664
COD., p. 230: [As in 1659 How., p. 2]. 1670 RAY, p. 30: Words and
feathers are tost by the wind.
Cf. W833: Words are but wind.
W832 WORDS are but sands (words), it is money buys
lands
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 11: (but ’tis money buyes lands). 1666
TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. N espole, p. 1 16: To bring the business to pass,
there goes more to it than so, words are words, but money buys
Land, saith the English. 1670 RAY, p. 30. 1732 FUL., no. 6166.
W833 WORDS are but wind
[70b vi 26: Do ye imagine to reprove words . . which are as wind ?]
[01486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature I, S. B3v: Theyre wordys be
but wynde. 1509 A. BARCLAY Ship Fools, I 207. 01547 BALE
Tempt. Lord, s. E3: I . . take thy wordes but as wynde. 1573 GAS-
COIGNE Supposes V viii, p. 240: Words, let them passe like wind.
1577 GRANGE Gold. Aphroditis, s. I 3v: Thought is free, and wordes
are but winde. 1579 SPENSER Shep. Cal. Oct., 1. 36, p. 44: Sike
words bene wynd, and wasten soone in vayne. 1592 Arden F.,
8. B4: Tush, Mosbie Oathes are wordes, and words is winde, And
winde is mutable. 1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 170: Words are
but wind, they bid, but doe not buy. 1616 DR., s.v. Threatning,
no. 2126. 1639 CL., s.v. Magnifica promissa, p. 194: Words are
winde. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 15: (Womens words). 1732
FUL., no. 5813: Words are but Wind; but seeing is believing.
SHAKESPEARE.—1592-3 C.E. III i 75: A man may break a word
with you, sir; and words are but wind. 1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 68:
Vows are but breath, and breath a vapour is. 1598-9 M.A. V ii
52: Foul words is but foul wind, and foul wind is but foul breath,
and foul breath is noisome. Therefore I will depart unkiss’d. 1602
T. C. V iii 108: Words, words, mere words, no matter from the heart;
Th’ effect doth operate another way. [Tears the letter.] Go, wind,
to wind! there turn and Change together.
See D1"IR., II, no. 704. Cf. W831: Words and feathers the wind
carries away; W834: Words are but wind, but blows are unkind
(but dunts are the devil). (42)
W834 WORDS are but wind, but blows are unkind
(but dunts1 are the devil)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1472: Words is but wind but dunts is the devill.
1616 DR., no. 1108. 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 14. 1668 R.B.,
p. 56: (but dunts are the Devil). 1670 RAY, p. 157: (but blows
unkind). 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Word. 1721 KEL., p. 340: Words go
with the Wind, but dunts are the Devil. Ibid.: Words go with the
Wind, but Strokes are out of play. 1732 FUL., no. 6165: [As in
1670 Ray].
Cf. W833: Words are but wind; W840: Words may pass but
blows fall heavy.
[lhard blows]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WORDS
WORKMAN
757

W835 WORDS are wise men’s counters but the money
of fools
I651 HOBBES Leviathan I 4, p. 15: Words are wise mens counters,
they do but reckon by them: but they are the mony Of fools.
See SM., p. 597.
W836 The WORDS ending in -ic do mock the physi-
cian, as hectic, paralytic, apoplectic, lethargic
1651 HERB., p. 366. 1657 LEIGH, p. 269: (in ique do mock the
Phisician. Such be Hectique, Paralitique, Apoplectique. Lathar-
gique, because they are hardly or never cured). 1659 HOW. Fr.
Prov., p. 12: Diseases ending in ik shame the Physitian, as Para-
lytik, Hydropik, etc.
W837 WORDS have long tails and have no tails
1678 RAY, p. 221.
W838 WORDS have wings and cannot be recalled
I590 GREENE Royal Exch., p. 232: Words had wings, which once
let slyp could never be recalled. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 5: A word
once out flyes every where abroad. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Word.
See OTTO, no. 1871. Cf. W777: A word and a Stone let go (A
word spoken) cannot be called back; W780: A word spoken is an
arrow let fly.
W839 WORDS hurt (cut) more than swords
1523 SKELTON Garl. Laurel l. 567: W ks., I 384: Wordes be swordes,
and hard to call ageine. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 152:
Wordes haue no points, yet they pearce. 1582 WHETSTONE Hept.
Civil Disc., s. IiI: The dashe of a Pen, is more greeuous then the
counterbuse Of a Launce. 1586 WITHALS, s. N3v: A faulty tongue
and wicked word, Cuts more than doth an edged sworde. 1591
FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 97: And longer bleedes a wound made with a
quill, Then any made with sword or lance. I591 STEP., p. 154:
Euill wordes are worse then wounds to be cured. 1611 COT., s.v.
Coup: A word is (oft) more dangerous then a wound. 1616 DR.,
no. 2485: A wound giuen by a word, is often-times more hardly
cured, then that is giuen by a sword. Ihid., no. 2486: (Sometimes
wordes). 1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. I 11 iv 4, p. 289: It is an Old
saying, a blow with a word strikes deeper than a blow with a sword.
1639 CL., p. 20 5: Many words more hurt than swords. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 13: (cutt). 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 5: An ill word
hurts more then a sharp sword. 1664 COD., p. 210: (Sometimes
words). 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note 4, p. 123: Oft the Pen kills more
than the Sword. 1670 RAY, p. 158: (Many words). 1732 FUL.,
no. 5832: Wounds may heal; but not those, that are made by ill
Words. Ibid., no. 6370: (Sometimes Words).
Cf. T403: The tongue breaks bone though itself has none; T405:
The tongue is not steel yet it cuts. (7)
W840 WORDS may pass but blows fall heavy
1678 RAY, p. 354: *Somerset.
Cf. W834: Words are but wind, but blows are unkind (but dunts
are the devil).
W841 Account not that WORK slavery that brings in
penny savory
I557 TUSSER 100 Points Hush. 9, p. 17: To count no trauell slauerie,
that brings in penie sauerlie. 1678 RAY, p. 221. 1732 FUL., no.
6371: (Account not that Slavery, That).
W842 All WORK and no play makes Jack a dull boy
1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12. 1670 RAY, p. 158.
Cf. B561: A how long bent at, last waxes weak; E43: He that
never eases himself faints.
W843 Everybody’s WORK is nobody’s work
1611 COT., s.v. Ouvrage: Euerie bodies worke is no bodies worke . .
or, as good doe nothing as worke for a multitude. 1659 HOW. Fr.
Prov., p. 10: The work of the Common is no mans work. 1659
HOW. Span. Prov., p. 7: A work of the commons is no mans work.
Cf. S244: He that serves everybody is paid by nobody.

W844 He begins his WORK today but God knows
when he will end
1639 CL., p. 322.
W845 He that pays beforehand has his WORK ill done
1591 FLOR. Sec. F. III, p. 39: (afore hand hath neuer his worke well
done). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 3: Who payes before, is served be-
hind. Ihid., p. 6: (Who payeth). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 14, p. 184:
Who pays before hand, is serv’d behind. 1721 KEL., p. 278: Pay
before hand was never well serv’d. *It is common to see Trades-
men, and Labourers, to go about a piece of Work with great Un-
easiness, which is to pay a just Debt, and say, grudgingly, I work
for a dead Horse. 1732 FUL., no. 2245: (shall have his). 1739
FRANKLIN, p. 15: He that pays for work before it’s done, has but a
pennyworth for two pence.
Cf. H699: To work for a dead horse; MI 103: When the money is
paid the arms are broken.
W846 If anything stay let WORK stay
1678 RAY, p. 278. I732 FUL., no. 2671.
W847 One’s own WORK fouls not one’S fingers
1654 WHITLOCK Zootomia, p. 347: She doth not set Business back by
unquiet branglings . . and can answer . . with that Italian Proverb
. . Ones owne work foules not ones fingers.
W848 Some WORK in the morning may trimly be done
that all the day after can hardly be won
1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 75, p. 167.
See SM., p. 398.
W849 They that can cobble and clout shall have
WORK when others go without
1670 RAY, p. 72. 1732 FUL., no. 6454: (They that cobble and).
W850 WORK bears witness who well does
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1473: (quho so best does). 1668 R.B., p. 56.
1721 KEL., p. 349: *A Man’s Diligence in labouring is best known
by the Effects.
Cf. W860: The workman is known by his work.
W851 A WORK ill done must be twice done
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 3.
Cf. T153: A thing well done is twice done (is ever done).
W852 The last WORKS of men (God) are best
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 216: Artificers are wont in their last
workes to excell themselues. 1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p.
86: Thou a woman, the last thing God made, and therefore the best.
1584 LYLY Camp. V iv 89: Your Maiestie knowes that painters in
their last works are said to excel themselues. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F.
XII, p. 173: And louing serue these last, and therefore best and per-
fect creatures of God. 1671 CL. Phras. Puer., p. 116: Men’s last
works are usually the best.
Cf. M542: Men are made of clay but women are made of men.
W853 He that kills himself with WORKING must be
buried under the gallows
1658 E. PHILLIPS Myst. Love and Eleg., p. 175: He that loves an-
other better then himself, starves in a Cooks shop. Comment.
And ought to be buried under the Gallows. 1678 RAY, p. 221.
Cf. C638: He that loves another better than himself starves in a
cook’s Shop.
W854 WORKING and making a fire do discretion re-
quire
I640 HERB., no. 221: (doth).
W855 As is the WORKMAN so is the work
1611 COT., s.v. Ouvrier: Like workeman, like worke. 1623 WOD.,
p. 516: Such Worke-Man such worke. 1732 FUL., no. 702.
Cf. W860: The workman is known by his work.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ti.
WORKMAN 758 WORLD

W856 The better WORKMAN the worse husband1 16416 F Srg-lil d1670 RQYL P- 89- f1g96WCIIIZER Love’s}?! II,
. p. 9- : TIC a as gOO COUtO t C 01' ,asouto t C as 1011.
1616 DR" no’ 685' (the worser hUSband)’ 1639 CL" p' ’8' I659 I721 KEL., p. 63: Better be of? the World, as out of the Fashion.
N.R., p. 100: The best workmen are commonly the worst Husbands.
1670 RAY, p. 158: *Though this be no Proverb, yet it is an observa-
tion generally true (the more the pity) and therefore, as I have
found it, I put it down. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Work. 1732 FUL., no.
4414- _
Cf. W861: Good workmen are seldom l'lCl‘l.
[’economist]
W857 An ill WORKMAN quarrels with his tools
1611 COT., s.v. Outil: A bungler cannot find (or fit himselfe with)
good tooles. 1640 HERB., no. 404: (An ill labourer quarrells).
1664 COD., p. 186: (An evil Workman). 1670 RAY, p. 158. I687
MIEGE, s.v. Work: (does ever quarrel). 1696 D’URFEY 3 Don
Quite. I i, p. 291: ’Tis an ill Workman that quarrels with his own
Tools. 1721 KEL., p. 13: (A bad Workman). 1732 FUL., no. 521:
All ill Workmen quarrel with their Tools.
Cf. S290: An ill shearer never got a good hook; W858: Never had
ill workman good tools.
W858 Never had ill WORKMAN good tools
1640 HERB., no. 67. 1659 N.R., p. 79. 1664 COD., p. 207: (Never
had an ill). 1732 FUL., no. 5: A bad Workman never gets a good
T001. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 450: This knife . . is so blunt . .
—They say an ill workman never had good tools.
Cf. S290: An ill shearer never got a good hook; W857: An ill
workman quarrels with his tools.
W859 What is a WORKMAN without his tools?
1546 HEY. II ix, s. LIV. 1559 BECON Displ. Popish Mass: Prayers,
p. 260. 1599 NASHE Lenten Stufl: Wks., III 176: A workman is
nothing without his tooles. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 273: What are
workemen without tooles. 1611 GRUT., no. 300. 1614 CAM., p.
314. 1616 DR., no. 1365. 1639 CL., p. 9. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
p. 10. 1659 N.R., p. 119: (without tools). 1664 COD., p. 225.
I670 RAY, p. 30.
W860 The WORKMAN is known by his work
1596 DEL., s. M3v: At the end of his worke, we iudge of a worke-
man. 1611 COT., s.v. (Euvre: One may discerne a workman by his
worke. 1623 WOD., p. 505. 1639 CL., p. 180: A workeman is
known by his tooles. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27, p. 177: The work com-
mends the Master.
See DUR., II, no. 630. Cf. H772: The house shows the owner;
W850: Work bears Witness who well does; W855: As is the workman
so is the work.
W861 Good WORKMEN are seldom rich
I640 HERB., no. 752. I659 N.R., p. 36.
Cf. W8 56: The better workman the worse husband.
W862 There be more WORKMEN than masters (skill-
ful workmen)
I611 COT., s.v. Maistre: (skillfull workmen). Ibid., s.v. Ouvrier:
(then worke-maisters). 1623 WOD., p. 489: *So said of those that
ought to Worke.
W863 The WORKMANSHIP is better than the stuff
1616 WITHALS, p. 546: (The workmanship was better). 1664 COD.,
p. 213.
W864 All the WORLD cannot save him
1616 DR., s.v. Vndone, no. 2270. 1639 CL., p. 165.
W865 All the WORLD is too little for him
1556 RECORDE Castle Know. I, p. 5: (That common Prouerbe of a
couetous manne: All).
W866 As good be out of the WORLD (Better be dead)
as out of fashion
1639 CL., p. 171: (As good out and o’th’ fashion). 1641 FERG., no.
209: Better be dead as out of the fashion. 1668 R.B., p. 14: [As in

*A Proverb used by, and often to, vain Girls, and empty Beaus.
1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 429: It is better to be out of the world
than out of the fashion.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. III iii 151 ff.: [An extended develop-
ment of the theme].
W867 Had you the WORLD on your chessboard you
could not fill all to your mind
1640 HERB., no. 697.
W868 He that deals in the WORLD needs four sieves
1640 HERB., no. 893.
W869 He that has the WORLD at will seems wise (To
have the world at will)
1535 Dial. Creatures 71, s. AA3v: He that is prosperous and hath
the world at wyl. 1573 SANF., f. 101v. 1577 GRANGE Gold.
Aphroditis, s. H2v: Yet hope I still a blisfull lyfe to leade. Who
answered, They line not most at ease that haue the world at will.
1581 PETTIE Civ. Conv. III, II 92: Men having the world at wil, as
he hath, are never but merry. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. I, p. 11: Who
liueS content hath all the world at Will. 1629 Bk. Mer. Rid. 52, p.
28. 1680 R. L’ESTRANGE Tully’s Oflices I, p. 74: Take a wise man,
that has the World at Will.
Cf. T184: He seems wise with whom all things thrive; W534: He
is wise that is rich.
W870 He that is giddy thinks the WORLD turns round
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III IV i 3, p. 912: Though .. the whole
world contradict it, they care not . . and as Gregory well notes of
such as are vertiginous, they think all turns round and moves.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. V ii 20: He that is giddy thinks the
world turns round. —Roundly replied.
Cf. A160: All looks yellow to the jaundiced eye.
W871 He that trusts to the WORLD is sure to be
deceived
1566-8 WILMOT ET AL. Gismond I ii 2: Who trustes the world doeth
leane to brittle stay. 1732 F UL., no. 2336.
W872 He will find it in another WORLD
1611 COT., s.v. Trouver: (We say of one that does a good and chari-
table deed, He will).
W873 I hate no one but love all the WORLD
[Rom. xiii 8: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another.] 1576
PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 144: Woe! woe be to them that hate! Thou
[God] hast commanded us all to love one another. 1607 G. WIL-
KINS Miseries Enf. Marr., s. G4: Can you loue me then? —I can
for I loue all the world but am in loue with none. 1609 Every
Woman in Her Hum., s. A2v: Prethee I hate none, but heauen hate
me ifI be in loue with any. 1640 JONSON Tale Tub II iv 72: Love
you? I cannot tell: I must hate no body, My Father sayes. I738
SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 384: But, Mrs. Betty, I hear you are in love.
—My lord, I thank God, I hate nobody; I am in charity with all the
world.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 363: It is religion to be thus
forsworn; For charity itself fulfils the law, And who can sever love
from charity?
W874 I wot well how the WORLD wags, he is most
loved that has most bags
1639 CL., p. 97: I wot well how the world wags. I670 RAY, p. 158.
1672 WALK. 93, p. 49. 1721 KEL., p. 199: (I wat how the World
wags, He is best belov’d that). 1732 FUL., no. 6452.
W875 If the whole WORLD does not enter yet half of
it will
1678 RAY Adagia Hebr., p. 406.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WORLD
WORLD
759

W881
W876 If the WORLD will be gulled let it be gulled
1621 R. BURTON Anat. M. III W i 2, p. 881: Austin censures Scae-
vola saying . . that it was a fit thing cities should be deceived by
religion, according to the diverb, If the world will be gulled, let it be
gulled.
See SM., p. 211.
W877 In the WORLD who knows not to swim goes
(The world is round and he that cannot swim
Sinks) to the bottom
1599 MINSHEU Span. Dial., p. 84: Round world, he that cannot
swim let him sinke to the bottome. 1640 HERB., no. 281. 01640
W.S. Countrym. Commonw., p. 45: With a valiant man the world
goes round: and he that cannot swimme, let him sinke to the bot-
tome. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 17: The world runs round, who
cannot swim goes to the bottom. 1659 N.R., p. 106: The world is
round, and he that cannot swim sinks to the bottom.
Cf. S485: Sink or swim.
W878 It is a WORLD1 to see
01525 J. RASTELL Nat. Four Elem., s. C5v: It is a worlde to se her
whyrle Daunsynge in a rounde. 1530 PALS., p. 615b: It is a worlde
to se him lowte and knele. 01569 W. WAGER Longer Thou Livest,
s. D4: It is a world to see the fooles greedines. 1578 LYLY Euph.
Anat. Wit, p. 2 54: It is a worlde to see how commonly we are blynd-
ed with the collusions of woemen. 1589 Martin’s Month’s Mind,
p. 149: It is a world to see this world. 01605 Ratsey’s Ghost, s. CIV:
It is a world to see how little regard is now a dayes had of Schollers
and Souldiers.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. II i 313: ’Tis a world to see How
tame . . -A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew. 1598—9
M./I. III v 38: God help us! it is a world to see! (7)
[1a marvel]
W879 Let the WORLD wag (slide, pass)
01525 RASTELL] Gentleness and Nobility, s. C2v: I wyll let the
world wagg and home wyll I goo. 01525 J. RASTELL Nat. Four
Elem., s. B2v: Synge tyrll on the bery, And let the wyde worlde
wynde! 1546 HEY. II v, s. B2: Resty welth wylth me . . To let the
worlde wag, and take myne ease in myne yn. I550 CROWLEY Epig.
l. 361: Wks., p. 16: Let the worlde wagge, we muste neades haue
drynke.
as a clubb Naue let the world wagge. 1602 BRETON Packet Letters
Pt. I: Wks., II 18: But let the world wag, as it list. 1611 COT., s.v.
Chargé: To take no thought, passe the time merrily, let the world
slide. 1616 DR., s.v. Security, no. 1920: He letteth the world wag,
or slide. 1616 WITHALS, p. 573: (slide). 1656 R. SANDERSON Ad
Aulam v: Serm., II 136: Let no man . . please himself . . in his own
sloth and supinity, with Solomon’s sluggard, whom that wise man
censureth as a fool for it, who foldeth his hands together and letteth
the world' wag as it will, without any care at all what shall become
of him and his another day. 1680 DRYDEN Limberham V i, p. 1 15:
A match, i’ faith: and let the world pass. 1693 ROB., p. 1 139: Let
the world slide, or go as it lists. 1721 KEL., p. 240: Let the World
shogg. *Spoken by them who have a Mind to do as they have
resolv’d, be the Issue what will.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594-8 T.S. Ind. ii 145: Come, madam wife, sit
by my side and let the world slip. 1597 1 Hen. IV IV i 94: Where
is his son . . And his comrades, that daff’d the world aside And bid
it pass? (10)
W880 A mad WORLD, my masters
[1603] 1635 BRETON A Mad World My Masters: Wks., II: [Title].
1608 MIDDLETON .4 Mad World, My Masters: [Title]. 01629 It Is a
Hard World My Masters 1262 in Rollins Analyt. Index, p. 109:
[Title]. 1649 TAYLOR Wand. to West.: Wks. Q, I B1: ’Tis a mad
world (my masters) and in sadnes I travail’d madly in these dayes
of madnes.
This is the WORLD and the other is the country
1678 RAY, p. 84.
1560-77 Misogonus II v 83: His lands are myne as sure '

W882 This WORLD is a stage and every man plays his
part
1549 N. UDALL ET AL. Paraph. Matt. v, f. 39: Ye haue a parte to
playe in the stage of the whole worlde. 1571 R. EDWARDS Damon
and Pithias, s. C2: Pythagoras said that this world was like a stage,
whereon many play their parts. 1586 WITHALS, s. I5: This lyfe is a
certaine enterlude or playe, the world is a stage full of change
euerye way, Euerye man is a Player, and therein a dealer. 1605 HALL Medit. II 30, p. 102: The world is a stage; Every man an ac-
tor; and playes his part heere either in Comedic or Traj edy. 1608
TUVILL Ess. Pol. Mor., f. 57: This world is a Theater, wherein noth-
ing is represented vnto vs, but in a personated fashion. 1629
MASSINGER Roman AlctorI iii, p. 15: Are you on the Stage You talke
so boldly? -—The whole wor[l]d being one This place is not ex-
empted. 1639 CL., p. 322: We all must act our part.
SHAKESPEARE.~*ISQ6 M. V. I i 77: I hold the world but as the
world, Gratiano—A Stage, where every man must play a part, And
mine a sad one. 1599 .4.Y. II vii 139: All the world’s a stage, And
all the men and women merely players. 1605-6 K.L. IV vi 186:
When we are born, we cry that we are come To this great stage Of
fools. 1605-6 M. V v 24: Life’s but a walking Shadow, a poor
player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is
heard no more.
W883 This WORLD is nothing except it tend to another
1640 HERB., no. 378. 1659 HOW. Span. Prov., p. 15: All is nothing
in this world, unless you direct it to the other. 1659 N.R., p. 99.
1664 COD., p. 219. 1670 RAY, p. 31.
W884 This WORLD will not last aye
1615 T. ADAMS Wolf Worrying Lambs: Wks., p. 385: (last euer).
1616 DR., no. 1429: What can last alwaies? 1639 CL., p. 123: This
will not last alwayes. Ibid., p. 233: (last alway). 1641 FERG., no.
861. 1668 R.B., p. 54.
W885 To be beforehand with the WORLD
1647 HOWELL Let. III 5, II 519: He is the happy man who can
square his mind to his means . . he who is before-hand with the
world. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Salci, p. 176: To lay up moneys
like a good Husband, and be before-hand with the World.
W886 To have the WORLD (fortune) in a string
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 92: Al fire is not quenched by
water, thou hast not loue in a string. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot.,
s. I1: [They] walke as they will, wallowing in their beastly sensual-
itie, perswading themselues that they haue the worlde in a string.
1584 LYLY Sapho and Phao I i 39: They say she hath her thoughtes
in a string, that she conquers affections, and sendeth loue vp and
downe vpon arrandes. 1584 R. WILSON Three Ladies Lond., s. E1:
I thinke you lead the worlde in a string, for every body followes you.
1591 GREENE Fare. to Folly, p. 256: He thought Fortune had beene
tied to his thoughtes in a string. 1600 DEKKER Old Fort. II ii 37:
He’ll lead the world in a string. 1601 P. HOLLAND Hist. World
XXVI iii, p. 2430: An old fellow . . should onely (for to enrich him-
selfe) lead the whole world in a string. 1616 RC. Times’ Whistle
l. 1307, p. 44: In a golden string a man may lead the world to any
thing. [1621] 1658 DEKKER, FORD, AND W. ROWLEY Witch Edmon.
II ii, p. 375: You hold yours [fortune] in a string though. 1631
SHIRLEY Love Tricks I i, p. 9: They have their conscience in a string
and can stifle it at their pleasure. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Map-
pamondo, p. 99: To have had, and enjoyed, and still to enjoy the
delights Of this World, to have the World in a string. Ibid., s.v.
Mondo, p. 107: To have what heart can wish for, to have the world
in a string, at will. Ibid., s.v. Posta, p. 155: To do what one lists . .
and have the World in a sling. 1670 RAY, p. 200. 1671 CL. Phras.
Puer., p. 153: Fortunes favorite. He has the world in a band.
1672 WALK. 24, p. 153: He hath the world in a band; in a string; at
will; all runs on his side. 1703 DUNTON Athen. Oracle, I 334: [The
tale of Atlas] the poet never believed would be so taken [i.e. liter-
ally] any more than we fancy . . a man [can] guide the world which
way he pleased, as if he had the world in a string, as we phrase it.
See T. 717, p. 340. Cf. D1 16: Halcyon days.

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part) mitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
WORLD
WORLD
760

W887 To think that all the WORLD is oatmeal
1542 UDALI. Apoph., f. 296: Leosthenes had persuaded the citee of
Athenes to make warre beeying sette agog to thynke all the worlde
otemele. 1583 MELBANCKE Philot., s. Cc3: All the world is ote-
meale, and my poke left at home. 1615 SWETNAM Arraign. Wom.,
p. xvi: Doe not thinke . . the world is not made of otemell. 1673
Vinegar and Mustard in Old Bk. Coll. Misc., III 9: (You think . .
that).
W888 To traverse (travel through) the WORLD safely
one must have the eye of a falcon, the ears of
an ass, the countenance of an ape, the tongue
of a mountebank, the shoulders of a camel,
the mouth of a hog, and the feet of a hind
1580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p. 25: Recorde with thy selfe the
inconueniences that come by trauailing . . when at all times thou
must haue the back of an Asse to beare all, and the snowt of a
swine to say nothing. 1591 FLOR. Sec. F. VI, p. 93: Ifyou will be a
traueller . . haue alwayes the eies of a Faulcon . . the cares of an
Asse . . the face of an Ape . . the mouth ofa Hog . . the shoulder of
a Camel! . . the legges of a Stagg . . and see that you neuer want
two bagges very full, that is one of pacience .. and another of
money. 1594 NASHE Unfort. Trav., p. 297: A traueller must haue
the backe of an asse to beare all, a tung like the taile of a dog to
flatter all, the mouth of a hogge to eate what is set before him, the
care of a merchant to heare all and say nothing. 1611 CORYATE
Crudities, I 44: Note reader that a traveller must have the backe
of an asse, the mouth of a sow, the eye of a hawke, a merchants eare,
etc. 1617 MORYSON Itinerary III 1 iii, III 453: We in England
vulgarly say, that a Traveller to Rome must have the back of an
Asse, the belly of a Hogge, and a conscience as broad as the Kings
highway. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 13. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 15, p.
157: To travel through the World, it is necessary to have the mouth
of a Hog, the legs of a Stagg, the eyes of a Faulcon, the ears of an
Asse, shoulders of a Camel, and the face of an Ape, and over-plus, a
satchell full of money and patience. 1671 E. LEIGH Hintsfor Trav.
in Eng. Garn., p. 418: Men that travel must be very cautious both of
speech and demeanour. The Italian proverb saith, For a man to
travel safely through the world, it behoveth him to have a falcon’s
eye, an ass’s ears, a monkey’s face, a merchant’s words, a camel’s
back, a hog’s mouth, and a deer’s feet. 1678 RAY, p. 296: To
travell safely through the world a man must have a Falcons eye,
an Asses eares, an Apes face, a Merchants words, a camells back,
a hogs mouth, and a Harts legs. 1737 FRANKLIN, p. 13: A traveller
should have a hog’s nose, deer’s legs, and an ass’s back.
W889 We weeping come into the WORLD and weeping
hence we go
1576 PETTIE Pet. Pal., I 50: If we consider the whole course of our
life, we begin with cries, and end with cares. 1577 T. KENDALL
Trifles: Flowers Epig., p. 2 59: We weping come into the world: and
weping hence we goe: And all our life is nothyng else, but grief,
payne, toyle, and wo. 1590 SIDNEY Arcadia I Bk. III xii, I 227:
The man that feeling knowes, with cries first borne, the presage of
his life. 1590 SPENSER HQ. II ii 2: Such is the state of men! thus
enter wee Into this life with woe, and end with miseree. 1596
LODGE Marg. America, p. 9: Who in his cradle by his childish crying
Presageth his mishaps and sorrowes nying. 1598 BARCKLEY Fel.
Man V, p. 375: [Other creatures than man] weepe not when they be
borne, nor waxe sad when they shall die. 1601 P. HOLLAND Hist.
World VII, Proem, p. 152: Man alone, poore wretch, she [nature]
hath layed all naked upon the bare earth, euen on his birth day, to
cry and wraule presently from the very first houre that hee is borne
in such sort. 1612 WEBSTER White Devil V vi 196: Wouldst have
me dye, as I was borne, in whining? 1631 DEKKER Match Me in
Land. IV, p. 190: When we are brought forth to the world, we cry
and bawle as if we were vnwilling to bee borne; and when we are a
dying we are mad at that. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 30, p. 115: Man
comes into the World weeping, lives laughing, and dyes sighing.
1732 FUL., no. 5427: We are born crying, live complaining, and die
disappointed. Ibid., no. 5621: When we first see the Light, we
weep; and when we leave it, we groan.

SHAKESPEARE.—16o5-6 K.L. IV vi 182: Thou must be patient.
We came crying hither; Thou know’st, the first time that we smell
the air We wawl and cry. I will preach to thee. Mark.
Cf. D82: I wept when I was born and every day shows why.
W890 When all the WORLD shall be aloft then Hal-
lamshire1 shall be God’s croft
1678 RAY, p. 340.
Cf. W60: When as wars are (When all England is) aloft, safe is he
that is at Christ’s croft, and where should this Christ’s croft be but
betwixt Ribble and Mersey.
[ISheffield and its surroundings]
W891 When I die the WORLD dies with me
1615 BRATHWAITE Strap. for Devil, p. 225: Since as the Prouerbe is,
when he is gone, The world’s gone with him, as all in One. 1639
CL., p. 264.
W892 When the WORLD is at the worst it will mend
1616 DR., no. 2502. 1639 CL., s.v. Fortunae commutatio, p. 122.
Cf. T216: When things are at the worst they will mend.
W893 The WORLD goes (runs) on wheels
1546 HEY. II vii, s. 12v: As folk ring bees with basons, the world
ronth on wheles. 1560-77 Misogonus I iv 13: I may hange for yow
the lett all go a wheles. 01580 Wife in Morel’s Skin 1. 531 in Early
Pop. Poetry, IV 201: Nay, nay, deare mother, this world goeth on
wheeles. 1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, 11 117: Seeing the world to
goe on wheeles, and backward in his course, in exalting the wicked.
1598 GREENE 7ames IVI ii, p. 101: And next a traine of gallants at
my heeles, That men may say, the world doth run on wheeles.
1607 SHARPHAM Cupid’s Whirl. IV, p. 47: They say, 'twill shortly
runne vppon wheeles with me, for my Maister sweares a will haue
me carted. 1616 DR., no. 2500: (runneth). 1630 T. ADAMS Wks.,
p. 61 I: The proud Gallant . . and his adorned Lady . . are Riders
too . . the world with them runnes vpon wheeles; and they . . out
runne it. 1631 DEKKER Penny-Wise l. 828, p. 205: The world is
changed with him, it runs not now vpon wheeles. 1673 Vinegar
and Mustard in Old Bk. Coll. Misc., III 9: N ow you are come ashore,
you think the world runs on wheels, and that all the world is oat-
meal.
SHAKESPEARE.—1594 T.G.V. III I 317: Then may I set the
world on wheels. 1606-7 A.C. II vii 97: The third part [of the
world] . . is drunk. Would it were all, That it might go on wheels!
(14)
W894 The WORLD is a long journey
1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. A6).
Cf. W895: The world is a wide parish.
W895 The WORLD is a wide parish
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 12. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Uno, p. 23 5:
Every where a body may live, and pick out a livelyhood, the World
is wide. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. II, p. 445: The world’s a wide
place.
Cf. W894: The world is a long journey.
W896 The WORLD is full of fools (knaves)
1596 HARINGTON Metam. Ajax, p. 55: And for the foole, the olde
prouerbe may serue vs, Stultorum plena sunt omnia, the world is
full of fooles. 1616 WITHALS, p. 582: (knaues). 1639 CL., p. 127:
(knaves). 1743 FRANKLIN, p. 21: (of fools and faint hearts).
See OTTO, no. 1701.
W897 The WORLD is like a ladder, one goes up, the
other down
1481 CAXTON Reynard 38, p. 97: I wente dounward and ye cam
vaard . . thou saidest thus fareth the world that one goth vp and
another goth doun. 1659 HOW. It. Prov., p. 1. 1666 TOR. It.
Prov. 3 5, p. 156: The World is made ladder fashion, some go up,
some go down. 1732 FUL., no. 4841: The World is a Ladder for
some to go up, and some down.
Cf. B695: Like two buckets of a well, ifone go up the other must
go down; R136: The rising of one man is the falling of another.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WORLD
WORST
761

W898 The WORLD is not always at a stay
1616 WITHALS, p. 568: The world stands not alwayes at a stay:
The weather hath many forwards in a day. 1639 CL., p. 124.
1672 WALK. 23, p. 29: The world will not be always at one stay;
things will not be alwayes at one pass; the world is subject to
changes.
W899 The WORLD is nought
1639 CL., p. 219.
W900 The WORLD is nowadays, God save the con-
queror
I591 STEP., p. 150.
I651 HERB., p. 368. 1659 N.R., p. 93.
W901 The WORLD is round (turns as a ball)
8.1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 33: The world turnythe, as a ball. 1613
T. ADAMS White Devil: Wks., p. 57: For (as it is well obserued) the
world is round. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 26: The world about is but
a ball. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 2: The world’s round, and after
night comes day. 1732 FUL., no. 5001: This World is ever running
its round.
W902 The WORLD is well amended with him
1616 DR., no. 37: The world is somewhat amended with him.
CL., p. 123: (with me). 1659 N.R., p. 95.
1672 WALK. 96, p. 26.
1639
1670 RAY, p. 200.
W903 The WORLD may be topsy-turvy in an hour
1616 WITHALS, p. 569. 1639 CL., p. 124: (The world may turn).
Cf. H741: It happens in one hour that happens not in seven
years; T165: All things are turned topsy-turvy (upside down).
W904 The WORLD still he keeps at his staff’s end that
needs not to borrow and never will lend
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E2v: I lyue here at Staues ende, Where I nede not
borrow, nor I will not lende. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 177: (neede).
1616 DR., no. 2037: (The world he holdeth at the staues end and
nor nothing will lend).
Cf. A317: To keep (hold) one at arm’s end'; N264: He need not
borrow nor nothing will lend; S807: To hold one at staff’s (stave’s)
end.
W905 The worst WORLD that ever was, some man won
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1262. 1668 R.B., p. 52. I721 KEL., p. 318.
Cf. W906: The worst world that ever was, the maltman got his
sack again.
W906 The worst WORLD that ever was, the maltman
got his sack again
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1382: (the maltman wil gait). 1721 KEL.,
p. 308: *It is hard when People get no Satisfaction for What they
have sold, no, not so much as the Bag that carried it.
Cf. W905: The worst world that ever was, some man won.
W907 He has a WORM in his brain
1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Grilli, p. 79: To be whimsycal, to have
worms in his pate. 1678 RAY, p. 278.
Cf. M6: To have maggots in the brain.
W908 A little WORM may lie under a great stone
1640 BRATHWAITE Art Asleep H ush., p. 57: Being asked by one, how
She, being so small and slender, durst adventure on a Man so strong
and of so large a stature? O, quoth she, a little Worme may lye
under a great stone! 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Macina, p. 94:
To lye under a mill-stone, to let a man do her; the English usually
say, a little worm Will lye under a great stone. 1721 KEL., p. 30:
A wie Mouse will creep under a mickle Corn—stack. *An Apology
for a little Woman’s Marriage to a big Man.
W909 Tread on a WORM and it will turn
1546 HEY. II iv, s. G4v: Treade a worme on the tayle and it must
turne agayne. 1562 HEY. Epig. 2 5, p. I 32: Treade a worme on the
tayle, and it turneth agayne. 1580 BARET, V—23: Our common
saieng, Treade a worme on the taile, and it turneth againe. 1583

MELBANCKE Philot., s. Bb3: A worme trod on will turne againe.
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1254: Tramp on a worme and Sho wil steir
hir taill. 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 116: Presse a worme on the taile
and t’will turne againe. 1611 GRUT., no. 291: [As in 1546 Hey.].
1614 CAM.,p. 313: [As in 1546 Hey.]. 1616 DR., no. 1859: Tread
vpon a worme, and it will turne and wreath. 1616 WITHALS,
p. 559: Tread upon a worme, and shee will turne her tayle. 1639
CL., p. 324: A worme ifit bee trod on will turne again. 1641 FERG.,
no. 784: (and she will steir her tail). 1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 10:
Tread a worm on the tail, and she will turn again. 1659 N.R.,
p. 101. 1668 R.B., p. 51: [As in 1641 Ferg.]. 1670 RAY, p. 159:
*The meanest or weakest person is not to be provoked or despised.
1721 KEL., p. 302: Tramp on a Worm, and she’ll turn her Head.
SHAKESPEARE—1591 3 Hen. VI II ii 17: The smallest worm will
turn, being trodden on.
Cf. F393: The fly has her spleen and the ant her gall. (Io)
W910 There cannot lightly come a WORSE except the
devil come himself
1594 Con. York and Lan., S. E4: Theres two of you, the diuell
makes the third. 1604 DEKKER 1 Hon. Whore, p. 50: I dare the
divell himselfe to match those two. 1616 DR., no. 2072.
SHAKESPEARE.—I590-I 2 Hen. VI III ii 303: There’s two of you;
the devil make a third. 1596 M.V. III i 80: A third cannot be
match’d, unless the devil himself turn Jew.
W911 If the WORST come to the worst
1597 E.S. Disc. Knights Post, S. C3v: For if the worst comes to the
worst. 1607 MIDDLETON Mich. Term III iv 187: Since the worst
comes to the worst, I have those friends i’ th’ city, I hope, that will
not suffer me to lie for seven hundred pound. 1616 DR., s.v.
anortunate, no. 2279: The worst is come to the worst. 1620 J.C.
Two Mer. Milk-Maids II i, s. E3v: If the worst come to the worst,
’tis but a foolish Louer cast away. 1633 SHIRLEY Witty Fair One
V ii, p. 351: An the worst come to the worst, it is but a hanging
matter, and I’ll get a pardon first or last. 1660 TATHAM Rump V,
p. 60: Nay, and the worst come to the worst, I can teach to Dance.
1671 CL. Phras. Puer., s.v. Save, p. 289. 1694 ECHARD Fair
Adrian III, p. 24: Why, when the worst is come to the worst . .
they can but part.
SHAKESPEARE.—1596 M. V. I ii 94: When he is best, he is a little
worse than a man; and when he is worst, he is little better than a
beast. An the worst fall that ever fell, I hope I shall make shift
to go without him.
Cf. B328: We must hope for the best and fear the worst.
W912 It is good to fear the WORST
[01486-1500] c1530 MEDWALL Nature II, 5. HI: I dont and drede
The wurst as wyse men do. [c.1553] 1566—7 UDALL Roister D. II
iii 10: It is good to cast the wurst. 1596 Edw. III, s. E4v: We
cannot tell, tis good to feare the worst. 01596 MUNDAY ET AL.
Sir T. More IV ii-43: To doubt the wurst is still the Wise mans
sheeld That armes him safely. 1616 8.8. Hon. Lawyer I, s. B3:
It’s good doubting the worst. 1639 CL., s.v. Consilium, p. 66:
(’Tis good to). -
SHAKESPEARE—1596 K]. IV ii 135: But if you be afeard to
hear the worst, Then let the worst, unheard, fall on your head!
1596 M.V. I ii 103: Therefore, for fear of the worst, I pray thee set
a deep glass of Rhenish wine on the contrary casket. 1597 I Hen.
IV IV iv 34: I hope no less, yet needful ’tis to fear; And, to prevent
the worst, Sir Michael, speed. 1597 Rich. III II iii 31: Come,
come, we fear the worst. All will be well. 1599 ?.C. V i 95: But
since the affairs of men rest still incertain, Let’s reason with the
worst that may befall. 1602 T.C. III ii 78: To fear the worst oft
cures the worse.
Cf. B325: I see the best but follow the worst; B328: We must
hope for the best and fear the worst; F135: Fear (Suspicion) is one
part of prudence; W913: It is good to fear (Provide for) the worst,
the best will save itself; W915: To know the worst is good.
W913 It is good to fear (Provide for) the WORST, the
best will save itself
I538 GARDINER Letters Aug. 20, p. 89: For, as tholde proverbe of
England ys, the best wil save ytself, the worst had nede of pro-

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fi.
WORST 762
WOTTON UNDER WEAVER

vysion. 1546 HEY. I v, s. B2: To prouide for the worst, while the
best it selfe saue. 1604 Wit Woman, 3. F2: In the meane Time,
let vs hope the best, the worst will helpe it selfe. 1611 DAY. Prov.,
no. 297: Provide for the worst, the best itselfe saues. 1616 DR.,
s.v. Warinesse, no. 2342. 1639 CL., p. 322. 1659 HOW. Eng.
Prov., p. 17: (Provide for). 1670 RAY, p. 89. 1680 R. L’ESTRANGE
Citt and Bumpkin, p. 6: ’Tis good however to prepare for the worst,
and the best (as they say) will help its self. 1721 KEL., p. 200:
(the best will be the welcomer). *Fearing the worst will make us
careful, and cautious; and if Things succeed better than we expected,
the Surprise will be pleasant.
Cf. B325: I see the best but follow the worst; B328: We must
hope for the best and fear the worst; W912: It is good to fear the
worst.
W914 Let him do his WORST
1616 DR., s.v. Contempt, no. 336. 1639 CL., p. 72.
W915 To know the WORST is good
1639 CL., p. 199.
SHAKESPEARE—1595 M.N.D. I i 62: I beseech your Grace that
I may know The worst that may befall me in this case. 1596 K.7.
IV iii 27: We know the worst. 1605-6 M. III iv 134: For now I
am bent to know By the worst means [witches] the worst.
Cf. W912: It is good to fear the worst.
W916 The WORST can fall is but a denial
1546 HEY. I xi, s. E3v: I thought er we came there, That yf the
worst fell, we coulde haue but a naie. 1575 R.B. Apius and Virg.,
s. E2: The worst that can hap is but a noo. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov.,
p. 14.
W917 The WORST goes foremost
[1599] 1656 MIDDLETON, W. ROWLEY, AND MASSINGER Old Law
III ii, p. 428: You shall be first; I’ll observe court rules: Always
the worst goes foremost. 1672 WALK. 68, p. 32: The worst is at
first: you will find it easier afterward.
Cf. B318: The best is behind; W918: The worst is behind.
W918 The WORST is behind
1546 HEY. II ii, s. GI. 1562 HEY. Epig. 138, p. 149: The woorst
is behynde. There art thou assynde. 01571 Adver. to Eliz., p. 292:
But here is not all: the worste is behynde. 1596 GRIFFIN Fidessa
39, p. 39: But ah the worst and last is yet behind, For ofa Gryphon
she doth beare the mind. 1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 29: Bear the
worst behind, let him go and be hang’d. 1659 How. Eng. Prov.,
. 6.
p SHAKESPEARE.—16oo—1 H. III iv 179: Thus bad begins, and worse
remains behind.
Cf. B318: The best is behind; W917: The worst goes foremost.
W919 The WORST of law is that one suit breeds
twenty
I640 HERB., no. 249. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 5: The worst of
Law-suits is, that of one there grow a hundred. 1659 N.R., p. 97.
1664 COD., p. 218. I670 RAY, p. 15: *Hispan. 1732 FUL., no.
3796: One Suit of Law breeds twenty.
W920 Hot WORTS1 make soft crusts
15th c. Burlesques in Reliq. Antig.,I 82: This is to saye to yourlewde
undurstandyng, that hoote wortes erased crusstes makeyn $0th
hard wortes. a1536 HILL 37, p. 132: Whote wortis make softe
crustis.
[’a thick soup]
W921 Great WORTH is often found in things of
small appearance (in little boxes)
[01589] 1633 MARLOWE Yew Malta I i 36: Inclose Infinite riches in
a little room. 1611 COT., s.v. Bieure. Ibid., s.v. Onguent: Men
put in little boxes precious ointments; little men haue many times
rare gifts. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 10: The best ointments are
put in little boxes. 1732 FUL., no. 3928: Precious Things are not
found in Heaps.
Cf. M12: Magnitude is no virtue.

W922 We never know the WORTH of water till the
well goes dry
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 594: He wots not quhair of the well savours
quhill it go dry. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 24: Of the Well we see no
want, till either dry, or Water scant. 1721 KEL., p. 351: (We’ll
never and go dry). 1732 FUL., no. 5451: (till the Well is dry).
1746 FRANKLIN, p. 22: When the well’s dry, we know the worth of
water.
Cf. C749: The cow knows not what her tail is worth till she has
lost it; W924: The worth of a thing is best known by the want.
W923 The WORTH of a thing is as it is esteemed
(valued)
1611 COT., s.v. Pris: All things are sold at the price th’ eye sets on
them. 1616 DR., no. 597: (Euery thing is as). 1623 WOD., p. 513:
Nothing is no Thing worth but what it is estimed worth. 1641
JONSON Timber, p. 8: There are men, I confess, that set the caract
and value upon things as they love them. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 24,
p. 270: (So much is a thing worth, as). 1732 FUL., no. 4376: That,
which hath its Value from Fancy, is not very valuable.
SHAKESPEARE—1602 T.C. II ii 52: What is aught but as ’tis
valu’d? 1604 M.M. II ii 150: Or stones whose rates are either rich
or poor As fancy values them. 1605-8 T. Ath. I i 169: You well
know Things of like value, difiering in the owners, Are prized by
their masters. 1610 Cym. I iv 83: I prais’d her as I rated her.
So do I my stone.
Cf. B495: A body is esteemed according as he values himself;
F54: Fancy may bolt bran and think it flour; W925: The worth of a
thing is the money it will bring.
W924 The WORTH of a thing is best known by the
want
1606 CHAPMAN M. D’Olive III i 65: The value of a good Wife (as all
good things else) are better known by their want than by their
fruition. 1611 COT., s.v. Cogneu: The worth of things is knowne
when they be lost. 1611 TOURNEUR Ath. Trag. V ii, p. 253: The
price of things is best knowne in their want. 1616 DR., no. 7:
A man knoweth not the worth of a thing before that he wanteth it.
1639 CL., p. 75: A man knowes not the worth of a thing till he want
it. Ibid., p. 224: Worth of things is knowne by th’ want. 1657
LEIGH, p. 271: One knows not what a thing is worth till he have
lost it. 1659 N.R., p. 5: A man knowes not the worth of a thing,
till he wants it. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 22, p. 31: Good is not known
till it be lost. 1670 RAY, p. 159. 1694 D’URFEY 1 Don Quix. V ii,
p. 89: (by its Want). 1721 KEL., p. 335: (the want ofit). 1732
FUL., no. 989: Blessings are not valued, till they are gone.
SHAKESPEARE.——01595 R]. I i 239: He that is Strucken blind
cannot forget The precious treasure of his eyesight lost. 1598-9
M.A. IV i 219: What we have we prize not to the worth Whiles we
enjoy it, but being lack’d and lost . . we find The virtue that pos-
session would not Show us Whiles it was ours. I602 A.W. V iii 53:
She whom all men prais’d, and whom myself, Since I have lost, have
lov’d, was in mine eye The dust that did ofifend it. 1606—7 A.C.
I ii 127: What our contempts do often hurl from us, We wish it ours
again. The present pleasure . . does become The opposite of itself.
She’s good, being gone; The hand could pluck her back that Shov’d
her on.
See DUR., I, no. 286. Cf. A12: The abundance of things en-
genders disdainfulness; C749: The cow knows not what her tail is
worth till She has lost it; M1015: He will be missed when he is gone;
W922: We never know the worth of water till the well goes dry. (5)
W925 The WORTH of a thing is the money it will bring
1664 S. BUTLER Hud. II i 465, p. 142: For what is Worth, in any
Thing, But so much Money as ’twill bring?
See SM., p. 472. Cf. W923: The worth of a thing is as it is
esteemed (valued).
W926 WOTTON UNDER WEAVER Where God came never
1610 P. HOLLAND Brit. Stafford, I 586: It keepeth snow lying upon
it a long while: in so much as that of a little country village named
Wotton lying here under Weverhil the neighbor inhabitants haue
this rime in their mouths .. Wotton under Wever, Where God

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.) , or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
WOUND
WRONG
763

came never. 1662 FULLER Worthies Staffordshire, II 303: *This
prophane Proverb . . took it’s wicked original from the Situation of
Wotton, so covered with Hills from the light of the Sun, a dismal
place, as report representeth it. 1670 RAY, p. 252.
W927 A green WOUND is soon healed
I578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 249: Searche the wounde while it is
greene, to late commeth the salue when the sore festereth. 1639
CL., p. 283. 1664 COD., p. 185. 1670 RAY, p. 31. 1732 FUL.,
no. 206.
SHAKESPEARE.—1590-1 2 Hen. VI III i 285: Stop the rage be
time, Before the wound do grow uncurable; For, being green, there
is great hope of help.
Cf. H283: It is ill healing an old sore.
W928 An ill WOUND is cured, not an ill name
1640 HERB., no. 241. 1659 N.R., p. I: (An ill wound may be cured,
not). 1664 COD., p. 218: The evil wound is cured but not the evil
Name. 1670 RAY, p. 18: [As in 1664 Cod.]. 1687 MIEGE, s.v.
Name: A Wound may be cured, when an ill Name cannot. I705
Pleas. Art, p. 153: (is more easily cur’d than an ill Name). 1732
FUL., no. 3083: Ill Wounds may be cured; but not ill Names. 1753
FRANKLIN, p. 29: An ill Wound, but not an ill Name, may be
healed.
W929 Though the WOUND be healed yet the scar
remains
1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War: Posies, p. 159: Striketh with a sting,
And leaves a skarre although the wound be heald. 1612 HALL
Contempl. I iii, II 27: As Wounds once healed leave a Scar behind
them; so remitted Injuries leave commonly in the Actors a guilty
Remembrance. 1660 SECKER Nonsuch Prof. IV 4, p. 358: It is
best that dissension should never be born among brethren . . Mem-
bers rent and torn, cannot be healed without a scar. 1679 OLDHAM
Sat. Yesuits (1685 ed.) III: Wks., p. 70: A wound tho cur’d, yet
leaves behind a Scar. 1732 FUL., no. 5013: Tho’ the Sore be healed,
yet a Scar may remain.
SHAKESPEARE.—1593-4 Luc. l. 731: Bearing away the wound
that nothing healeth, The scar that will despite of cure remain.
W930 The WOUND that bleeds inwardly is most
dangerous
1578 LYLY Euph. Hnat. Wit, p. 210: Seeing the wound that bleedeth
inwarde is most daungerous . . it is high time to vnfolde my secret
loue, to my secrete friende. 1631 MABBE Celestina I, p. 24: It is
generally received, that the wound which bleedes inward, is ever
the more dangerous. I732 FUL., no. 4852.
SHAKESPEARE—1594 T.G.V. V iv 71: The private wound is
deepest.
W931 Green WOUNDS will not be touched
1616 DR., s.v. Conscience, no. 310. 1639 CL., s.v. Metus poenae,
p. 208.
W932 He that is afraid of WOUNDS must not come
nigh a battle
1639 CL., p. 310: They that are afraid of wounds, must not come
neare a battell. 1670 RAY, p. 56.
W933 WRANGLERS never want words
1616 DR., no. 2510: A wrangler neuer wanteth words. 1664 COD.,
p. 224. 1670 RAY, p. 31. 1732 FUL., no. 5834: Wranglers never
want Words, though they may Matter.
W934 Where WRATH is joined with power there are
thunderbolts
1616 DR., s.v. Tyranny, no. 2203. 1664 COD., p. 225. I666 TOR.
It. Prov. 2, p. 233: The wrath of a King, is a messenger of Death.
Cf. H383: Take heed Of the wrath of a mighty man and the
tumult 0f the people; J81: Far from Jove (Jupiter) far from thunder
(lightning).

Everything helps, quoth the WREN when she
pissed in the sea
1542 BRINKELow Lament. Chr., p. 90: Riche commoners, which
haue as greate neade of your feastes as hath the see at the highest
of the springe tyde, of the pissynge of the wrenne. a1598 FERG.
MS, no. 127: (All thingis helpis). 1623 CAM., p. 268. 01640 W.S.
Countrym. Commonw., p. 4: Many a little makes a mickle, as the
Wren sayd when he pist into the sea. 1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 18:
At the pissing of the Wren, the sea doth roar. 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 12: (Every thing must leak and into the Sea). 1659
N.R., p. 31. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Acqua, p. 2: The Ren
piss’d into the Sea. 1668 R.B., p. 9: (All things helps). 1670
RAY, p. 8 5: (All ekes as the Geniwren said, when). *Many littles
make a mickle, the whole Ocean is made up Of drops. 1721 KEL.,
p. 13: (All things helps). *Spoken when we make a little Addition
to a great Heap.
Cf. L362: Many a little (Every little) makes a mickle (a great).
W936 The WREN is Our Lady’s hen
[1503] c1545 SKELTON Phyllyp Sparrowe l. 598: Wks., I 68: That
Phyllyp may . . treade the prety wren, That is our Ladyes hen.
1551-9 Harm. Birds, p. 10: Then sayd the wren, I am called the
hen Of our Lady most cumly.
See APP., p. 534.
W935
W937 It is fair before the WREN’S door where there is
nothing within
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 873: (the wrans door quhar no man haunts).
1721 KEL., p. 179: *An Answer to them who tell us that their
House or Doors are not clean enough, as if we should say you have
Children, Cattel, and Things going out and in.
W938 As sore fight WRENS as cranes
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 74. 1668 R.B., p. 5. 1721 KEL., p. 36:
*Little People (if rightly match’d) will fight as bitterly and eagerly
as those who are stronger or bigger. 1732 FUL., no. 5835: Wren’s
Battles are as eagerly fought, as Crane’s are.
W939 He is not the best WRIGHT that hews the
maniest1 speals2
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 508: (quho hewes moniest spails). I668
R.B., p. 24. 1721 KEL., p. 146: (that casts the manyest Speals).
*A Return Of a Man that wants Children, to him that upbraids him
with it. 1732 FUL., no. 2467: He’s not the best Carpenter, that
makes the most Chips.
Cf. C93: The best carpenter makes the fewest chips; C94: Such
(Like) carpenter such (like) chips.
[1most 2chips]
W940 Before you WRITE receive and before you give
wnte
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 19. 1678 RAY, p. 348: Recipe scribe,
scribe solve. *A good rule for stewards. 1736 FRANKLIN, p. 11:
Receive before you write, but write before you pay.
W941 You may WRITE on it if he say it
1639 CL., s.v. Fides, p. I 16.
W942 All WRONG comes to wrack
1659 HOW. Br. Prov., p. 31. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Wrong.
W943 Do WRONG (ill) once and you will never hear
the end of it
1618 DYKE Philemon, p. 200: To hit men in the teeth with that base
estate wherein once they were . . is the common practise Of many,
insomuch, that the prouerb is true, Once I did ill, etc.
See SM., p. 87. Cf. N246: It will be a nosegay to him as long
as he lives.
W944 He that wreaks himself at every WRONG shall
never sing the rich man’s song
a1536 HILL 112, p. 140: He that will venge euery wreth, the longer
he levith, the lesse he hath. 01640 SMYTH 85, p. 32. 1659 N.R.,

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi fl.
WRONG
WYCH-WALLER
764

p. 53: He that will revenge all wrongs shall sooner end himself then
them.
Cf. W945: IfI had revenged all wrong I had not worn my skirts
so long.
W945 If I had revenged all WRONG I had not worn my
Skirts so long
1573 GASCOIGNE Fruits War: Posies, p. 147: This old sayde sawe,
Had I revenged bene of every harme, My coate had never kept me
halfe so warme. 1623 CAM., p. 272: (euery wrong). 1639 CL., s.v.
Aequanimitas, p. 15. 1670 RAY, p. 136. I732 FUL., no. 6462:
(Had I revenged every Wrong).
Cf. W944: He that wreaks himself at every wrong shall never
sing the rich man’s song.
W946 To forget a WRONG is best revenge (remedy)
1639 CL., p. 324. 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 11: The best remedy
against injuries, is to forget them. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 5, p. 120:
The remedy for injuries is forgetfulnesse. 1670 RAY, p. 92. 1672
WALK. 74, p. 43. 1732 FUL., no. 4684: The noblest Remedy of
Injuries is Oblivion.
SHAKESPEARE.—1608 C. V iii 154: Think’st thou it honourable
for a noble man Still to remember wrongs? .
See OTTO, no. 866. Cf. E208: Some evils are cured by contempt;
H170: To be able to do harm and not to do it is noble; I71: Injuries
are written in brass; I72: Injuries slighted become none at all;
M898: It is in their mercy that kings come closest to gods; N102:

Neglect will kill an injury sooner than revenge; R90: Revenge is
sweet; R91: Revenge is womanish; R92: To pardon is a divine
revenge.
W947 WRONG has no warrant
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1467. 1721 KEL., p. 349: *No Man can pre-
tend Authority to do an ill thing.
W948 WRONG hears, wrong answer gives
1611 COT., s.v. Respondre: He that mistakes the question cannot
speake to purpose; he that conceiues amisse answers amisse. 1641
F ERG., no. 876. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 17: Who hearkens well
answers well.
Cf. H299: Ill (Wrong) hearing makes wrong rehearsing; M283:
A man must not shape an answer before that he knows the question
(errand); T219: First think and then speak; U6: Who understands
ill answers ill.
W949 The WRONGS of a husband or master are not
reproached
1640 HERB., no. 139. 1664 COD., p. 217.
W950 To scold like a WYCH-WALLER1
1670 RAY, p. 208: *Ches. That is, a boiler of salt; wych houses are
salt houses, and walling is boiling.
[1a boiler of salt]

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
Y
YARD
Y1 You measure everyone by your own YARD
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 210: Did not Giges cut Candaules a
coate by his owne measure? I580 LYLY Euph. and His Eng., p.
219: I had as liefe an other shold take mesure by his back, of my
apparel, as appoint what wife I shal haue, by his minde. 1589
LYLY Pappe with Hatchet To Rdr.: W ks., III 396: They measure
conscience by their owne yard. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 12.
1633 SHIRLEY Witty Fair One I iii, p. 284: He measures my affection
by the length of his own. 1666 TOR. Prov. Phr., s.v. Passetto, p.
I 3 5: To measure Others with ones own yard, Viz. to be partial, and
self-ended. 1678 RAY, p. 260: To measure his cloth by anothers
yard.
Cf. C663: You measure everyone’s corn by your own bushel;
F567: Measure yourself (not another) by your own foot; M447:
Every man’s censure is first molded in his own nature; M1318:
You muse as you use.
Y2 A YARMOUTH CAPON
1662 FULLER W orthies Norfolk, II 126: *That is, a Red~herring . . I
believe few Capons (save what have more fins then feathers) are
bred in Yarmouth. 1670 RAY, p. 245. a1700 B.E.: Yarmouth-
Capon, a Red Herring.
Y3 One YATE1 for another, good fellow
1678 RAY, p. 263: *They father the originall of this upon a passage
between one of the Earls of Rutland and a Countrey-fellow. The
Earl riding by himself one day overtook a Countrey-man, who
very civily open’d him the first gate they came to, not knowing who
the Earl was. When they came to the next gate the Earl expecting
he should have done the same again, Nay soft, saith the Countrey-
man, One yate for another, Good fellow.
[1a pun on “yate” meaning “gate” and “concession”]
Y4 Peradventure YEA peradventure nay
CI570 Marr. Wit and Science I i, s. A4: Trust not to that, paraduen-
ture yea, paraduenture noe. I585 [MUNDAY] Fidele and Fort. IV
v, s. F3: Shall I kill him then? preaduenture yea: shall I let him go?
Preaduenture I may, preaduenture no. 1592 Arden F., s. G2:
Perhaps, I, perhaps no: For my wyfe is as other women are, that
is to say, gouerned by the Moone. 01600 Birth Hercules I iii, p.
27: If yt haue a stone nou, as parenter I parenter no: what manner
of stone maie yt be. 01600 Charlemagne l. 1816, p. 64: Dist neare
take physsycke. ——Peranter I haue; peranter I haue not. 1602
Liherality and Prod. IV iii, s. D4: I cannot tell ye, tis hard to say;
Peraduenture yea, peraduenture nay. 1640 JONSON Tale Tuh II
Vi 8: How then, Sir? what ifI doe? peradventure yea: Peradventure
nay.
Y5—Y27 YEAR: subst.
Y5 Afraid of him that died last YEAR
1670 RAY, p. 161: *Chesh. 1732 FUL., no. 5478: (What! are you
afraid of).
Y6 As the YEAR is, your pot must seethe
I640 HERB., no. 331. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via, p. 24.
Y7 A cherry YEAR a merry. year, a'plum year a dumb
year
1664 Poor Robin’s Almanac, quoted in Lean, I 419: A cherry year’s
a merry year, a Sloe year’s a woe year, a haw year’s a braw year,
an apple year’s a drappin’ year, a plum year’s a glum year. 1678

YEAR
RAY, p. 52: *This is a puerile and senceless rythme without reason,
as far as I can see. 1732 FUL., no. 6139.
Y8 Feed me this YEAR is feed you the next
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 420.
Y9 He that lives not well one YEAR sorrows for it
seven
1640 HERB., no. 558: (sorrows seven after). 1659 N.R., p. 57:
He that lives [not] well one year sorrows seven year after. 1664
COD., p. 200: (seven years after). 1670 RAY, p. 16. I732 FUL.,
no. 2221.
YIO An ill YEAR and a wife do never fail
1573 SANF., f. 107v. 1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 32: (and a bad
wife is neuer wantyng). I666 TOR. It. Prov. 26, p. 136: Ill years,
and a woman Without reason, are every where to be found, and in
every season.
YII The ill YEAR comes in swimming
I611 COT., s.v. An: Th’ ill (or vnseasonable) yeare comes swimming
in; viz. begins with much raine. 1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 21:
*With too much rain.
Y12 It is hard to wive and thrive both in a YEAR
[01497] a1520 MEDWALL Fulgens, s. C1v: Ye god sende us mery
wether I may not wed and thryue all to gether. 1546 HEY. I xi,
s. D3v. 1573 TUSSER 500 Points Hush. 67, p. 153: It is too much
we dailie heare, TO wiue and thriue both in a yeare. 1580 LYLY
Euph. and His Eng., p. 222: Although in one yeare to mar[r]ie and
to thriue it be hard. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 822: (and thryv in on
yeir). 1611 DAV. Prov., no. 338: (and thriue in one yeare). 1611
GRUT., no. 159. 1614 CAM., p. 308. 1639 CL., p. 28. 1659 How.
Eng. Prov., p. 8. 1664 COD., p. 201. 1668 R.B., p. 31: (and thrive
in a year). 1670 RAY, p. 48. 1721 KEL., p. 49: A man cannot
Wive and thrive in a Year. *For Courting, Marriage, and their
Appurtenance, occasions an Expence that one Year cannot retrieve.
Cf. H749: Before thou marry be sure of a house wherein to tarry;
T264: First thrive and then wive; W229: Who weds (marries) ere
he be wise shall die ere he thrive; W592: In wiving and thriving a
man should take counsel Of all the world.
Y13 None so old that he hopes not for a YEAR of life
CI527 J. RASTELL Calisto and Mel, s. B3: None so old but may lyff
a yere. 1555 Instit. Gentlem., s. F2v: NO man is SO olde, (saith
Tully) but he thynketh hymselfe able to lyue one yeare longer.
01577 NORTHBROOKE Treat. agst. Dicing, p. 14: As Cicero saith, no
man is so old and aged, that he perswadeth not himselfe that he
may line a whole yeare. 1630 T. ADAMS Cosmopolite: Wks., p. 684:
No man is so Old, but still he thinkes he may liue another yeare.
1631 [BRATHWAITE] Whimzies 8, p. 45: Hee seemes to verifie the
proverbe: There is none so desperately Old, but he hopes to live one
yeere longer. 1631 MABBE Celestina IV, p. 86: There is no man so
Old, but hee may live one yeere more. 1666 TOR. It. Prov., note
38, p. 320: None is so Old, but may be older yet, and desires to be
older, according to that Latin, Nemo est tam senex, quin optet
unum diem videre. 1678 RAY, p. 353. 1732 FUL., no. 3653: None
is so old, but he hopes for a year longer.
YI4 Once a YEAR a man may say, on his conscience
1640 HERB., no. 964. I658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in Via,
p. 184: Once in a year a man may say, On my conscience. 1659
N.R., p. 85.

765
In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form. An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi ff.
YEAR
YESTERDAY’S
766

Y15 Once a YEAR Apollo laughs
1586 YOUNG Civ. Conv. IV, II 156: Go to Lord John, be of good
cheere, and remember that Apollo laughed once a yeere. 1630
BRATHWAITE Eng. Gentlem. Recreation, p. 174: Once in the yeare
Apollo laughes; this approves the use of moderate Recreation.
1638 BRATHWAITE Barnabee’s Your. IV, II K3v: Semel in anno ridet
Apollo Once a yeare laughs wise Apollo.
Y16 One YEAR a nurse and seven years the worse (a
daw’)
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 30: Ane year [a nur]ishe seuen yearis a da.
1668 R.B., p. 4: Ane year a Nurish, seven years a Daw. 1678 RAY,
p. 182: *Because feeding Well and doing little she becomes liquorish
and gets a habit of idleness. 1721 KEL., p. 270: (a Daw). *Be-
cause that Year will give her a Habit of Idleness. 1732 FUL.,
no. 6377: (And seven the worse).
[’slut, or lazy drab]
Y17 One YEAR of joy, another of comfort, and all the
rest of content
1678 RAY, p. 63: *A marriage wish. 1732 FUL., no. 3806: (of
Comfort, the rest of Content, make the married Life happy).
YI8 A snow YEAR a rich year
1580 FRAMPTON Bk. Snow: Yoyful News, II 162: For this it is said:
The yeere of Snow, the yeere of fertilitie. 1640 HERB., no. 125.
1659 HOW. Fr. Prov., p. 21: A snowie year, a fruitful year. 1659
How. It. Prov., p. 14: A year of snow, a year ofplenty. 1659 N.R.,
p. 18. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 16, p. 168: A snowy year, a plentyfull
year. 1670 RAY, p. 42. 1687 MIEGE, s.v. Snow. 1732 FUL.,
no. 416.
Y19 The YEAR does nothing else but open and shut
1640 HERB., no. 895. I659 N.R., p. 106.
Y20 He will spend a whole YEAR’S rent at one meal’s
meat
1640 HERB., no. 301.
Y21 In a hundred YEARS, from the plow (wheelbarrow)
to the spear (banner)
I598 BARCKLEY Fel. Man III, p. 273: Once in an hundred yeares
from the plough to the speare, and from the speare to the plough
again. 1611 COT., s.v. An: En cent ans civiere, en cent ans ban-
niere. Sometimes a wheelebarrow, sometimes a banner; those that
are poore now, may be potent hereafter; no family holds very long
at one stay. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. I: In a hundred years a wheel-
barrow may be a banner.
See SM., p. 243.
Y22 It will be all one a hundred YEARS hence
01675 T. JORDAN Careless Gallant in Bagford Bal., II 722: (’Tis all
one a). 1681 E. RAWLINS Heraclitus Ridens Apr. 19. 1738 SWIFT
Pol. Conv. I, p. 402: preople will be rude, I have done; my comfort
is, ’twill be all one a thousand years hence.
Cf. D143: Death is the grand leveler; G428: We shall lie all alike
in our graves.
Y23 The more thy YEARS the nigher (nearer) thy
grave
1611 GRUT., no. 269: (The more the jeares [yeares]).
p. 313. 1639 CL., s.v Senectus, p. 280: (nearer). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 10. 1659 N.R., p. 102: (the grave). 1664 COD., p. 212:
(nearer). 1670 RAY, p. 31: (nearer). 1732 FUL., no. 6248: The
more Years you have, The nearer your Grave.
1614 CAM.,
Y24 Once in ten YEARS one man has need of another
1578 FLOR. First F. XIX, f. 33. 1658 [EDMONDSON] Comes Fae. in
Via, p. 194: (Once in ten year). 1659 How. It. Prov., p. 4: Every
ten years one hath some use of another. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 27,
p. 11: Every ten years one hath need one of another. 1732 FUL.,
no. 3732: (hath need o[f] another).
Cf. N119: One may need one’s neighbors sometime.

Y25 This seven YEARS
[For a long period.] [1475—1500] 1572 Rau/ Coilyear l. 725, p. 25
Thair suld 11’ man be sa wyse, To gar me cum to Parise, To luke
quhair the King lyis, In faith, this seuin yeir! [01521] I533 HEYWOOD Pard. and Friar, s. B4: Ye had none suche this .Vii. yere.
01525 J. RASTELL Nat. Four Elem., s. E6v: That is the best daunce
with out a pype That I saw this seuen yere. 1546 HEY. II v, s.
H3v: This seven yeres, daie and night to watche a bowle. [01552]
I575 [STEVENSON] Gam. Gurt. Needle II i, s. B2: Twas not so well
washt this .Vii. yere as I wene. 1674 J. HOWARD Eng. M. II, p. 25:
I have not seen you this seven years.
Cf. H741: It happens in one hour that happens not in seven
years.
Y26 Three dear YEARS will raise a baker’s daughter
to a portion
1678 RAY, p. 86: *’Tis not the smallness of the bread, but the knav-
ery of the baker.
Y27 YEARS know more than books
1640 HERB., no. 922. 1659 N.R., p. 127.
(than Books, or Proverbs).
Y28 YEAR: verb
1664 COD., p. 231:
Y28 It is YEARED
1678 RAY, p. 344: *Spoken of a desperate debt.
Y29 You must not count your YEARLINGS till May Day
1659 How. Br. Prov., p. 2.
Y3o A good YEOMAN makes a good woman
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 82. 1668 R.B., p. 6. 1721 KEL., p. 40: *As
if a good Husband would make a good Wife; but I never saw this
effected; many a good Woman have I known to have reclaimed a
bad Man, but never a good Man to have reclaim’d a bad Woman:
Either they must have more enticing Charms, or more perverse
Humours.
Cf. H831: A good husband makes a good wife; W351: A good
wife makes a good husband.
Y31 It is too late to call again YESTERDAY
[1611 Apocrypha 2 Esd. iv 5: Then sayde he vnto me . . call me
againe the day that is past.] [01517] 1533 SKELTON Magn., s. F4:
Yesterday wyll not be callyd agayne. 1538 LATIMER Let. 3 3: Serm.
and Rem., p. 398: It is now too late to call yesterday again. 1546
HEY. II ix, s. K3v. 1552 TAV., f. 35v: Howe great foly than is it
for a mortall creature to call agayne (as they saye) yesterdaye.
1560 I mpat. Poverty, S. B 3v: Yesterdaye thou canst not agayne call.
1606 Capt. T. Stukeley, S. F3: But that it is too late To call back
yesterdate I would haue wisht: That you had dealt more kindly
with my Lord. 1607 T. HEYWOOD Woman Killed with Kind,
p. 138: O God, O God, that it were possible To vndo things done;
to call backe yesterday. 1616 BRET. (Hunt. frag., s. H4v): No
man can call againe yesterday. 1616 DR., no. 2140. 1620 Descr.
Love, s. CIV: But fortune cannot giue him yesterday. 1639 CL.,
p. 308: [As in 1616 Bret.]. 1639 R. DAVENPORT Too Late to Call
Back Yesterday, p. 309: [Title]. 1676 DRYDEN Aureng. V, p. 282:
To love, once past, I cannot backward move; Call yesterday again,
and I may love. 1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables 205, I 184: ’Tis to
no Purpose to think of Recalling Yesterday.
SHAKESPEARE—1596 Rich. II III ii 67: One day too late, I fear
me, noble lord, Hath clouded all thy happy days on earth. 0, call
back yesterday, bid time return, And thou shalt have twelve
thousand fighting men!
Cf. T200: Things done cannot be undone; T203: Things past
cannot be recalled; T332: Time lost (past) we cannot win (recall).
Y32 YESTERDAY’S bread, and this day’s flesh, wine of
the year past bring health
1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 23: (brings). 1744 FRANKLIN, p. 22:
Give me yesterday’s Bread, this Day’s Flesh, and last Year’s Cyder.
Cf. B614: Bread of one day, an egg of one hour, wine of one year,
'fish of ten, a woman of fifteen, and a friend of a hundred.

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
YEw BOW
YOUTH
767

Y33 There is more than one YEw BOW in Chester
1662 FULLER Worthies Flintshire, II 591: More than one Yugh-Bow
in Chester. *Modern use applieth this Proverb to such who seize
on other folks goods, (not with intent to steal, but) mistaken with
the similitude thereof to their own goods.
Y34 A YORKSHIRE TIKE
[A native of Yorkshire] [a1600] 1612 DELONEY T. Reading 5,
p. 230: DO you thinke that any can beare the flirts and frumps,
which that N ortherne tike gaue me the last time he was in towne.
1659 How. Eng. Prov., p. 21: Yorkshire tikes. a1700 B.E.: York-
shire-Tike, a Yorkshire manner of Man.
Y35 YOUNG: subst.
Y35 The YOUNG are not always with their bow bent
1678 RAY, p. 353: *Under rule.
Y36 YOUNG: adj.
Y36 You shall never be (labor) YOUNGER
1562 HEY. Dial. I ix, p. 17: Set forward, ye shall neuer labour
yonger. 1566 L. WAGER Mary_Magd., s. B2: One thyng is this,
you shal neuer be yonger in dede. 1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit,
p. 212: Take hart at grasse, younger you shalt neuer be. 1605 Fair
Maid Bristow, s. B1: Welsed harts youle neuer be yonger, Lets in
to get all things in readines. 1611 DAv. Prov., no. 400: Faire
Candida can neuer labour yonger. 1616 DR., s.v. Youth, no. 2536:
You can neuer labour yonger. [1616-24] 1639 FLETCHER ET AL.
Bloody Brother III ii, p. 285: Come, Boys, sing chearfully; we shall
ne’r sing younger. 1732 FUL., no. 4308: Take Heart of Grace;
younger thou shalt never be. 1738 SWIFT Pol. Conv. I, p. 400:
Let’m laugh, they’ll ne’er laugh younger.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-8 T.S. Ind. ii 146: Sit by my side and let
the world slip. We shall ne’er be younger.
Y37—Y48 YOUTH =ear1y period of life
Y37 He that in YOUTH no virtue uses, in age all honor
him refuses
15th 0. Proverbs in Relig. Antig., I 92. a1500 Prov. Wisdom l. 9.
1526 W. MORE 7ourn., p. 34: (no Vertu will youse in age all honour
will hym Refuse).
Y38 An idle YOUTH a needy age
1611 COT., s.v. Ieunesse. 1623 WOD., p. 490: (makes a needy Old
Aage). 1651 HERB., p. 366. 1657 LEIGH, p. 266: [As in 1623
Wod.]. 1659 N.R., p. 17: [As in 1623 Wod.]. 1664 COD., p. 393:
A lazy youth, a lousy age. 1666 TOR. It. Prov. 19, p. 297: In old
age, he is a tatterdy-mallion, who in his young daies was an idle
fellow. I bid. 3 5, p. 297: Old age tedious, that follows an idle youth.
1687 MIEGE, s.v. Idle. 1732 FUL., no. 489: A young Man negli-
gent, an old Man necessitous.
Cf. Y40: A reckless youth makes a gousty age; Y47: Youth
riotously led breeds a loathsome Old age.
Y39 If YOUTH knew what age would crave it would
both get and save
1611 COT., s.v. Vieillesse: If youth were cunning, and age able,
poorenesse would soone be but a fable. 1670 RAY, p. 160. 1673
DARE Counsellor Manners, p. 80: ’Tis an old Saw. If Youth did
know what Age would crave, Many a Penny he would save. 1687
MIEGE, s.v. Youth: (they would). 1732 FUL., no. 6085.
Cf. S710: He that spares when he is young may the better spend
when he is Old.
Y4o A reckless YOUTH makes a gousty1 age
01520 DUNBAR Fain WouldI Love 1. 29: Poems, II 309: Misgovernit
yowth makis gowsty age. a1598 FERG. MS, no. 139. 1668 R.B.,
p. 46: Rackless youth makes a goustie Age. 1721 KEL., p. 284:
Rackless Youth makes rueful Age.
Cf. Y38: An idle youth a needy age; Y47: Youth riotously led
breeds a loathsome old age.
[Iwasted]

Y41 Rule YOUTH well, for (and) age will rule itself
8.1598 FERG. MS, no. I 159: (and eild wil rewl the self). 1668 R.B.,
p. 46: (and eild). 1721 KEL., p. 283: *Youth is rash and head-
strong, but Age sober and stedfast. 1730 BAILEY, s.v. Rule.
Y42 That which one learns in YOUTH will continue till
old age
1616 DR., no. 562: As children are vsed in youth, such will they be
in old age. 1657 LEIGH, p. 262. 1659 How. Fr. Prov., p. 5: What’s
learnt in youth doth last to the grave. 1659 N.R., p. 107. 1677
E. RICHARDSON Cert. Mor. Sayings: flnglo-Belgica, I 23: What one
in youth well learn can, That hangs him all his life time on.
Cf. L333: With what liquor a vessel is first seasoned, it will long
keep the scent ofit; T520: The trick the colt gets at his first backing
will, while he continues, never be lacking; T632: Best to bend while
it is a twig.
Y43 YOUTH and age will never agree
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1541.
Yowth hardly can obey an old decree.
HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 19: (not agree).
MER., p. 165. 1721 KEL., p. 393.
SHAKESPEARE.—I594-5 L.L.L. IV iii 217: Young blood doth not
obey an old decree. 1599 Pass. Pilgr. 12, l. I: Crabbed age and
youth cannot live together.
1600 BODENHAM Belvedere, p. 220:
1641 FERG., no. 902. 1659
1668 R.B., p. 58. 1697
Y44 YOUTH and white paper take any impression
1578 LYLY Euph. Anat. Wit, p. 187: The tender youth of a childe is
. apte to receiue any forme. 1630 BRATHWAITE Eng. Gent/em.
Youth, p. 4: Youth, being indeed the Philosophers rasa tabula, is
apt to receive any good impressure. 1659 HOW. Eng. Prov., p. 13.
1670 RAY, p. 31. I687 MIEGE, s.v. Youth. 1732 FUL., no. 6066.
Cf. W136: Soft wax will take any impression.
Y45 YOUTH must not have its will
1616 DR., no. 2528: Youth must be brideled. Ibid., no. 2532: (it
will). 1639 CL., p. 183.
Cf. N48: Nature will have her course; Y48: Youth will have its
course (swing).
Y46 YOUTH never casts for peril
a1598 FERG. MS, no. 1536: Youth casts for no perrils. 1641 FERG.,
no. 895. 1668 R.B., p. 57. 1721 KEL., p. 374: (for Perils).
*Signifying that Youth is rash and headstrong.
Y47 YOUTH riotously led breeds a loathsome old age
1584 T. COGAN Haven Health Ep. Ded., p. iiii v: (That saying not so
Common as true: Youth).
Cf. Y38: An idle youth a needy age; Y40: A reckless youth makes
a gousty age.
Y48 YOUTH will have its course (swing)
1578 LYLY Euph. flnat. Wit, p. 261: We haue an Olde (Prouerb)
youth wil haue his course. 1585 E. SANDYS Serm. 8, p. I 52: Youth,
they say, must haue his swing: let old age wax holy. [1588] 1617
GREENE Alcida, p. 61: Youth must haue his course. Ibid., p. 97:
(his swinge). 1594 LYLY Mother B. I i 100: Your sons folly ..
being naturall, it will haue his course. 1605 Land. Prod, s. BI: Ile
serue his youth, for youth must haue his course. 1615 BEAUMONT
AND FLETCHER Cupid’s Rev. I, p. 234: But he is a young man. Let
him have [his] swinge. 1616 DR., no. 2526: (it swinge). 1617
MORYSON Itinerary I 1 i, III 359: Many returning from forraigne
parts .. [having] satisfied their disordinate appetites, by giving
youth his swinge (as the Proverbe is) doe at home cast off their
vices. 1633 MARMION Fine Companion I vi, p. 123: Troth, uncle,
youth will have his swing. 1639 CL., p. 183: (swing).
See APP., p. 721; SM., p. 610; T. 725, p. 343. Cf. N48: Nature
will have her course; Y45: Youth must not have its will. (5)
Y49-Y51 YOUTH =a young person
Y49 A growing YOUTH has a wolf in his belly
1607 Mer. Conc. Yests G. Peele in Shak. Yen-Bks., II 303: After his
apparrell and mony was gone, he made bold with the Feather bed

In partial quotations wording (not spelling) of part omitted matches entry form.
An asterisk indicates a comment in the original. For full explanation see pp. xi 5.
YOUTH
ZEAL
768

he lay on, which his friend slily conueyed away, hauing as villanous
a Wolfe in his belly as George. 1611 COT., s.v. Ieune: A youth in
growing hath a Wolfe in his guts; viz. eats rauenously, greedily, or
verie much. [1622] I647 FLETCHER Women Pleased I ii, p. 245:
This ravening fellow has a Wolf in's [belly]. I623 WOD., p. 490:
Yong Men growing are as Wolues chawing. So said of greedy
Eaters in yong Aage. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 23. 1666 TOR.
It. Prov. 12, p. 56: (A young man who still groweth, hath).
Y5o A well-bred YOUTH neither speaks of himself
nor, being spoken to, is silent
1640 HERB., no. 274. 1659 How. Span. Prov., p. 6: A youth well
bred neither speaks of himself, nor holds his peace being asked.
Y5I YOUTH in a basket
1606 BRETON Choice, p. 29: I . . was fallen vpon, by a young gallant
in shewe . . this youth in a basket with a face of Brasse . . comes
to me, with this salutation. [01607-25] 1632 W. ROWLEY New
Wonder IV, p. 163: Speak, sweet Mistress, am I the youth in a
basket?
SHAKESPEARE.——1600-1 IV ii 121: Set down the basket,
villains! Somebody call my wife. Youth in a basket!
ZEAL
ZI Banbury1 ZEAL (veal), cheese, and cakes
1596 HARINGTON Anat. Metam. Ajax, p. 116: O that I were at
Oxenford, to eate some Banberie cakes. 1662 FULLER Worthies
Oxfordshire, II 220: *I admire to find these joyned together in so
learned an Author as Mr. Camden . . But .. no such words are
extant in the Latine Camden . . in the . . last Edition, anno 1637
. . the error is continued out of design to nick the Town of Banbury,
as reputed then a place of precise people. 1670 RAY, p. 249:
(veal). *In the English edition of Camdens Brit. it was through
the correctours mistake, printed Banbury zeal.
[1See Sugden, pp. 43-4.]


Y52 At YULE and Pasch1 and high times
a1598 FERG. MS, no. I 55. 1721 KEL., p. 45: *That is, such a Thing
must be done, worn, or expended only upon extraordinary Occa-
sions.
[’Easter]
Y53 It is easy to cry YULE at other men’s cost
1562 HEY. Dial. I xi, p. 28: To flee charge, and fynde ease, ye wold
now heere ofte. It is easy to cry vle at other mens coste. a1598
FERG. MS, no. 801: (on ane other mans cost). 1659 How. Eng.
Prov., p. 14. 1668 R.B., p. 29: (on another mans cost). 1670 RAY,
p. 129: (costs). 1678 RAY, p. 186: (good to and costs). *Ule that is
Christmas. 1721 KEL., p. 183: It eith crying Yule, under another
Man’s Stool. *The Words are hardly Sense; but it is spoken when
we see People spend liberally, what is not their own.
__ Cf. M613: He fares well of other men’s costs.
Y54 YULE is good on Yule Even
1639 CL., s.v. Tempestiva, Tempus, p. 307.
is, as I understand it, every thing in his season.
mas.
I670 RAY, p. 44: *That
Yule is Christ-
ZEAL
Z2 ZEAL has wings (will fly)
1616 DR., no. 2540: Zeale will flie. Ibid., no. 2541.
Cf. N148: Ill news has wings (comes apace).
Z3 ZEAL without knowledge is the Sister of folly
[Rom. x 2: They have a zeal of God, but not according to knowl-
edge] 1563 F OXE Acts and Monum. XI, VII 467: Such are zeals
without knowledge and iudgment, to our Lady’s displeasure. 1611
DAv. Prov., no. 57: (is Sister of Folly). 1616 DR., no. 2539.
[01633] 1662 R. BAKER Theatrum Redivivum, p. 21: IS it not said,
that some Zeal is not good, if it be without Knowledg?

Proverbs are alphabetized by first substantive (sg. and pl.), or by first finite verb (infinitive form first), or by most important word.
works.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
NOTE.——ASt€rlSl(S indicate proverb collections, dictionaries, and various similar
The italicized notations immediately following the authors’ names or
initiating anonymous entries are the first or first few words of the short titles used
in the text citations; they are arranged alphabetically and are designed solely as a
Brackets around the author’s name mean that the
cue for speedy identification.
attribution is in doubt. If several editions of a single work were used, they are in-
dicated in parentheses at the end Of the bibliographical entry. The abbreviations A
employed in connection with certain series Of texts commonly cited are listed below:

B.S. . . . . . . Ballad Society Hist. MSS Com. . Historical Manuscripts Rylands F. . John Rylands Facsimi-
Berk. Ser. . . . . Berkshire Series Commission les
Cam. Misc. . . . Camden Miscellany Hunt. Cl. . . . . Hunterian Club S.H.S . . . . . Scottish History Society
Cam. S . . . . . . Camden Society Mal. S. Coll. . . . Malone Society Collec- S.P. . . . . . . Studies in Philology
Ch. S . . . . . . . Chaucer Society tions S.T.S. . . . . . . Scottish Text Society
E.D.S. . . . . . English Dialect Society Mal. S. R. . . . . Malone Society Reprints Sch. Fac. R. . . . Scholars’ Facsimiles and
E.E.T.S. . Early English Text SO- N. Sh. S . . . . . . New Shakspere Society Reprints
. ciety O.H.S. . . . . . Oxford Historical SO- Sh. Ass. Fac. . . . Shakespeare Association
Eliz. Cl. R. . Elizabethan Club Re- ciety Facsimiles
prints P.S. . . . . . . Parker Society Sh. S . . . . . . . Shakespeare Society
F.L.S. . . . . . . Folk Lore Society R.E.S. . . . . . Review of English Sp. S . . . . . . . Spenser Society
F .T.S. . . . . . Facsimile Text Society Studies T.F.T. . . . . . Tudor Facsimile Texts
Hakl. S . . . . . . Hakluyt Society Roxb. Cl. . Roxburgh Club T.T. . . . . . . Tudor Translations


A., D. Whole: The Whole Art of Converse, 1683.
A., R. V al.: The Valiant Welshman. Written by R. A. Gent,
T.F.T., 1913.
Acad. Drama: The Academic Drama at Cambridge, ed. G. C.
Moore Smith, Mal. S. Coll., Vol. II, Pt. 2, 1923.
Acct.: An Acct. of the Tryalls at Manchester in Remains Historical
and Literary, ed. A. Goss, Chetham S., 61, 1864.
ADAMS, THOMAS. Expos.: An Exposition upon the Second Epistle
General Of St. Peter, ed. J. Sherman, 1839.
— W ks.: The Workes Of Tho. Adams. Being the Svmme of His
Sermons, Meditations, and Other Divine and Morall Dis-
courses. Collected .. in One .. Volume, I630.
—- W ks. (186I): The Works of Thomas Adams, with Memoir by
J. Angus, 3 vols., 1861—2.
ADDISON, JOSEPH. Drummer: The Drummer, I771.
Whig: The Whig-Examiner in The Works Of .. Joseph Ad-
dison, ed. R. Hurd, 1811, Vol. V.
——AND STEELE, RICHARD. Spect.: The Spectator, 8 vols., 12th
ed., 1739.
ADLINGTON, WILLIAM. Gold.: The Golden Ass of Apuleius, Trans-
lated out of Latin by William Adlington (1639 ed.), T.T., 4,
1893.
Adver.: An Advertisment of a True and Christian Subject to Queen
Elizabeth in A Tract on James VI’S Succession to the English
Throne, ed. J. P. R. Lyell, Eng. Hist. Rev., 51, 1936.
Agreement: Agreement betwixt the Present and the Former Govern-
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A
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_._




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DRUMMOND, WILLIAM. Conversations: Ben Jonson’s Conversations
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—— Albion: Albion and Albanius in The Works of John Dryden,
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——-—-— All: All for Love, ibid., Vol. V, 1882.
—— Amboyna: Amboyna, ibid.
—— Amphit.: Amphitryon, ibid., Vol. VIII, 1884.
—— Apol.: Apology for Heroic Poetry, ibid., Vol. V, 1882.
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—— Assig.: The Assignation, ibid., Vol. IV, 1882.
-—— Aureng.: Aurenglebe, ibid., Vol. V, 1882.
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DRYDEN, JOHN. Ep.: Epistle the Ninth. A Letter to Sir George
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Essay Essay of Dramatic Poesy, ibid., Vol. XV, 1892.
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-——— Heroic: Heroic Stanzas [to Cromwell], ibid., Vol. IX, 1884.
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I nd.: The Indian Emperor, ibid., Vol. II, 1882.
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—— Let.: Letters, ibid., Vol. XVIII, 1893.
—— Limberham: [Mr.] Limberham, ibid., Vol. VI, 1883.
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— Mac Flecknoe: Mac-Flecknoe: A Satire against Thomas Shad~
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—- Rival: The Rival-Ladies, ibid., Vol. II, 1882.
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_ Span.: The Spanish Friar, ibid., Vol. VI, 1883. .
—— Thren.: Threnodia Augustalis, ibid., Vol. X, 188 5.
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—— Vindication: The Vindication: or the Parallel of the French
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—— V irgil’s: The Works of Virgil . . Translated into English Verse
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—— Don Sebast.: Don Sebastian, ibid., Vol. VII, 1883.
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l





llll


__.-_.


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—— City: The City Madam in Philip Massinger, ed. A. Symons,
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Duke Milan: The Duke of Milan, ihid.
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—— Maid: The Maid of Honour, ibid., Vol. I, I887.
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-_-.~.





[MEREURY, FRANCIS]. Marr.: The Contract of a Marige betweene
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—— Mad: A Mad World, My Masters, ihid., Vol. III, I885.
— Mayor: The Mayor of Quinborough, ihid., Vol. II, 1885.
—— Mich; Michaelmas Terme, ihid., Vol. I, 1885.
—— More: More Dissemblers besides Women, ibid., Vol. VI, 188 5.
N0 Wit: No Wit (Help) Like a Womans, ihid., Vol. IV, 1885.
—— Phoenix: The Phoenix, ibid., Vol. I, I88 5.
Trio/e: A Trick to Catch the Old-One, ihid., Vol. II, I88 5.
——- Witch: The Witch, ibid., Vol. V, 1885.
—Wk:.: The Works of Thomas Middleton, 8 vols., ed. A. H.
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———W0men: Women Beware Women, in The Works of Thomas
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———— Your: Your Fiue Gallants, ihid., Vol. III, I885.
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—-— AND ROWLEY, WILLIAM. Changeling: The Changeling in The
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_— —— Span. Gypsy: The Spanish Gipsie, ibid., Vol. VI, 1885.
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——- ROWLEY, WILLIAM, AND MASSINGER, PHILIP. Old: The Old
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*MIEGE, GUY. Miege: The Great French Dictionary, 1687.
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—— T.N.K.: The Two Noble Kinsmen, ibid.
—- T.S.: The Taming of the Shrew, ibid.










—-- Aliser: The Miser, ibid., Vol. II.
Temp.: The Tempest, ibid.
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WILSON, JOHN. And.: Andronicus Comnenius in The Dramatic
Works of John Wilson, ed. Maidmcnt and W. H. Logan,
1874.
Belphegor: Belphegor, I691.
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WILSON, ROBERT. Cohhler’s: The Cobler’s Prophecy, T.F.T., 191 1.
Three Ladies: The Three Ladies of London, T.F.T., 191 I.
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T.F.T., 1912.
WILSON, THOMAS. State: The State of England Anno Dom.
1600, ed. F. J. Fisher, Cam. Misc. 16, Cam. S., Ser. 3, 52,
I 36.
WILSON?SIR THOMAS. Disc.: A Discourse upon Usury (1572 ed.),
ed. R. H. Tawney, 1925.
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I o .
Ric: The Rule of Reason, Conteinyng the Arte of Logike,
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—— Three Orations: The Three Orations of Demosthenes .. in
Fauour Of the Olynthians [tr.], 1570.
Wily Beguiled: Wily Beguiled, Mal. S. R. [1913].
Wine, Beer: Wine, Beere, Ale, and Tobacco, 2d ed., ed. H. Han-
ford, Stud. Phil., I2, 1915.
Wine, Beer, Ale: Wine, Beere, Ale, and Tobacco, a Dialogue (2d ed.),
1630, in The Literature of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth
Centuries, ed. O. Halliwell, 1851.
WINSTANLEY, WILLIAM. Eng. Worthies:
I660.
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16 6.
[ ] Pogr: Poor Robin’s True Character of a Scold, I678.
Wisdom: A Morality of Wisdom, Who Is Christ in The Macro Plays,
ed. F. Furnivall and A. W. Pollard, E.E.T.S., E.S. 91, 1904.
Wisdom of Doctor Dodypoll: The Wisdom of Doctor Dodypoll,
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Wit and Mirth: Wit and Mirth, or Pills to Purge Melancholy, 6 vols.,
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W ithals: A Short Dictionarie in Latine and Eng-
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. . Trans-

. . Trans-




England’s Worthies,


\


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Youth: Youth, T.F.T., 1908.

SHAKESPEARE INDEX
NOTE.—Tl’1iS index lists Shakespeare’s works and gives after each title the proverbs
in this Dictionary in which quotations occur. References to the proverbs accord
with the system Of numbering set up in the Dictionary proper (for an explanation
of the order in which the proverbs appear in the Dictionary, see pp. xi—xii). Indica-
tions of act, scene, line, and so on, are based on The Complete Works of Shakespeare,
ed. G. L. Kittredge, 1936. Quarto and Folio quotations that do not appear in the
Kittredge text are indicated by and F. in parentheses before the citations. Ref-
erences to a few Shakespeare quotations that were added in page proof are given
at the end of the listings for the plays from which they are cited. The number
in brackets at the end of the listing for each work gives the total number of citations.

COMEDIES
All’s Well That Ends Well: title (A154); I i 47 (B456); I i 73 (F741);
I i 75 (F752,L4o7); I i 96 (S825); Ii I48 (M1196); Ii 168 (M670);
I i237 (L286);Iii I (E23);Iii 58 (O29);Iiii 19 (S253);Iiii 26 (C331);
I iii 31 (D278); I iii 46 (L57); I iii 53 (F369); I iii 56 (H341);
I iii 64 (M682); I iii 135 (R182); I iii I88 (T252); I iii 208 (W111);
II i 27 (C505); II i 73 (F642); II ii3 (F174);II ii 17 (B74); II ii 22
(P620); II ii 60 (G58); II iii 34 (L419); II iii 47 (T420); II iii 125
(D335); II iii 132 (M238); II iii 216 (L454); II iii 315 (M701);
II iv 2 (H347); II iv 28 (C828); II v 6 (B722); II v 17 (T17); II v
30 (T476); II v 53 (G318); II v 89 (U13); III ii 8 (S636); III ii 23
(W731); III ii 39 (D79); III v 7 (L9); III vi 40 (J12); III vi 91
(F327); III vi 121 (W434); IVi 19 (M100); IV ii 46 (V79); IV iii
I78 (T581); IV iii 290 (D383); IV iii 318 (B365a); IV iv 31 (R182);
IV iV 35 (A154, E116); Vi 25 (A154); V ii 45 (F224); Viii 6 (030);
V iii 9 (F597); V iii 34 (C441); V iii 39 (T311); V iii 53 (W924);
V iii 105 (K175); V iii 321 (067). See also IV i 30 (S577). [65]
As You Like It: I i 33 (M48); I ii 40 (B163); I ii 58 (W299); I ii 59
(W570); I ii 81 (M326); I ii 112 (T539); I ii 119 (B318); I ii 220
(V50); I ii 298 (S570); I iii 2 (W762); I iii 13 (B724); I iii 56 (T560);
I iii 104 (G447); II i 2 (C933); II i 12 (A42); II i 13 (T360); II i 33
(D189); 11 i 51 (P529); II iii 75 (D165); II iv 5 (W655); 11 iv 54
(M502); II iv 57 (M1158); II v 15 (S482); II vi 10(A3I7);II vii I8
(G220); II vii 27 (T48); II vii 39 (B404); II vii 50 (J42); II vii 63
(F107); II vii 79 (099); II vii I39 (W882); II vii 146 (S579); II vii
I63 (M570); II vii 184 (B309); III ii 109 (C135); III ii 115 (N360);
III ii 117 (R182); III ii 121 (F546); III ii 124 (M863); III ii 137
(L249, L251); III ii 184 (W728); III ii 186 (D158); III ii 194 (F738);
III ii 216 (M162); III ii 263 (H334); III ii 317 (09a); III ii 345
(F560); III ii 376 (P271); III ii 418 (R98); III ii 434 (H665); III iii
2 (I88); III iii 28 (B163); III iii 35 (M834); III iii 42 (B65); III
iii 52 (E122); III iii 80 (T303); III iii 101 (040); III iv 7 (B143);
III iv 33 (L570); III v 57 (K175); III v 59 (M670); III v 82 (L426);
III v 133 (F584); IVi 52 (S580); IVi I23 (T142); IVi 141 (T240);
IVi I43 (D74);1Vi I48 (M44); IVi 154 (H839);1Vi 156 (H844);
IV i 167 (W570); IV i 175 (W670); IV i 177 (C579); IV i 203
(T336); IVi 206 (B377); 1v ii 14 (H625); Iv iii 11 (M905); IV iii
14 (A172); IV iii 16 (P256); IV iii 129 (H170); Vi II (M842); Vi
33 (M415): V i 44 (H115); V i 47 (I88); V ii 33 ((3540); V ii 118
(D449); V iii 11 (S482); V iii 29 (B165); V iii 31 (T312); V iv 60
(M131); V iv 61 (B389); V iv 67 (F515); V iv 94 (M239); V iv 111
(S816); Viv 125 (S212); V iv I55 (W825); Epil., l. 3 (W462). See
also III iv 10 (J92); V iv 114 (M688). ' [100]
The Comedy of Errors: I i 30 (R89); I ii 35 (D613); I ii 44 (S872); I ii
45 (N210); II ii 66 (B287a); II i 34 (A124); II i 40 (F496); II i 57

II ii 38 (W548); II ii 44 (W331); II ii 48 (R98); II ii 65 (T314); II
ii 70 (T311); II ii 83 (B736); II ii 89 (M360); II ii 107 (T311); II
ii 127 (D613); II ii 132 (Q13); II ii 176 (V61); II ii 194 (B160); II
ii 196 (S579); II ii 205 (F229); III i 11 (K173); III i 21 (W258);
III i 26 (G338); III i 39 (W331); III i 51 (8804); III i 52 (T88);
III i 55 (T225); III i 69 (5621); III i 72 (B692, B787); III 1 '75
(W833); III i 79 (F766); III i 80 (C855); III i 105 (E172); III ii 9
(T140); III ii 13 (F3); III ii 105 (S380); III ii 122 (H86); IV i 46
(T323); IV i 50 (C579); IV i 57 (B641); IV ii 27 (L68); IV iii 51
(D231); IV iii 64 (S771); IV iii 72 (5616); IV iii 81 (P157); IV iv
44 (E125) [53]
Cymbeline: I ii 13 (H246); I ii 31 (B164); I iii 35 (N213); I iv 83
(W923); I vi 16 (P256); I vi 20 (P80); I vi 39 (M1030); II i 3 (099);
II i 22 (B306); II ii 15 (C446); II ii 31 (S527); II ii 33 (G375); II
iii 47 (T340); II iii 71 (P664); II iii 72 (M1050); II iii 99 (S446);
II iv 107 (Egg); II v 12 (II); III 1 22 (C540); III ii 19 (I73); III
ii 33 (A53); III iii I (D555); III iii 45 (C412); III iv 139 (8985);
III v 167 (L1); III vi 9 (A53); IVi 5 (R93); IV ii 4 (A119); IV ii
21 (L517); IV ii 81 (T17); IV ii 132 (B27); IV ii 243 (G446); IV
ii 246 (A119); IV ii 252 (D143); V i 6 (W155); Vi 29 (A285); V iv
I59 (D148); V iv 169 (T517); V iv 204 (D554); V v 18 (547); V v
40 (M514); V V 43 (H94); V V 75 (C223); V v 105 (L526); V v 417
(H170). See also I vi 186 (F156). [46]
Love’s Labour’s Lost: Ii 1 (V74); I i 4 (T326); I i 26 (P123); I i 44
(H169);1i99 (R99);Ii I78 (M985);Ii 2<>4(1V1633);I'1175 (W655);
I i 283 (B333); I ii 22 (T188); I ii 77 (S85); I ii 112 (R99); I ii 146
(T89); I ii 148 (W217); I ii 151 (B289); I ii 160 (P401); Hi 13 (F7);
II i 15 (P546); II 1 56 (H170); II i 93 (W257); II i 105 (07); II i
120 (M989); II i 201 (M1193); II i 211 (W392); II i 213(W259); IIi
238 (H198); III i 102 (B80, F345); III i 104 (P401); III i 154
(M283); III i 173 (M239); III i 192 (W658); III i 200 (E254); IV
i 23 (F24); IV i 48 (T581); IVi 68 (C540); IVi 90 (L316); IVi 109
(M628); IVi I30 (O62); IVi 133 (P571); IV i 135 (B567, H67);
IVi I36 (P336); IVi 137 (H67); IVi I40 (B569); IV ii 22 (C511);
IV ii 33 (W220); IV ii 82 (W799); IV ii 90 (F371, P165); IV ii 96
(V26); IV ii 113 (B339); IV ii 155 (C520); IV iii 2 (P358); IV iii
7 (A95); IV iii 12 (T268); IV iii 20 (P333); IV iii 49 (C571); IV
iii 51 (F295); IV iii 68 (W833); IV iii 72 (B26); IV iii 81 (812);
IV iii 89 (C207); IV iii 107 (A88); IV iii I27 (C571); IV iii I29
(N36—7); IV iii I31 (F107); IV iii 161 (M1191); IV iii 191 (M48);
IV iii 207 (F621); IV iii 217 (Y43); IV iii 226 (E3); IV iii 23o
(M1120); IV iii 239 (P546); IV iii 247 (E56a); IV iii 254 (H397);
IV iii 257 (D231); IV iii 327 (T240); IV iii 335 (F134); IV iii 36o
(W692); IV iii 363 (W873); IV iii 368 (5987); IV iii 371 (W731);
IV iii 383 (T228); V i 1 (E158); V i 30 (P595); Vi 81 (F245); V ii
17 (H32oa); V ii 22 (S598); V ii 28 (C921); V ii 41 (I73); V ii 43

803
(H628); II i 92 (S878); II i 1 10 (192); II ii 22 (T429); II ii 24 (J46);
(D165); V ii 46 (P537); V ii 61 (W244); V ii 70 (M321); V ii 109
804
SHAKESPEARE INDEX

(E100); V ii 112 (C529); V ii 208 (M1128); V ii 212 (M1111); V ii
214 (M240); V ii 256 (H32, R36); V ii 260 (W411); V ii 261 (T240);
V ii 272 (C705); V ii 285 (B83); V ii 309 (R158); V ii 315 (C333);
V ii 321 (F32); V ii 331 (T428, W279); V ii 333 (D165); V ii 335
amus V ii 337 (V91); V ii 395 (F8); V ii 411 (T593); Vii 474
(L202); V ii 475 (A290); V ii 480 ($1054); V ii 490 (K173); V ii
528 (M162); V ii 533 (C223); V ii 585 (D42, M148); V ii 586
(M183); V ii 611 (C705); V ii 648 (G230); V ii 706 (P181); V ii 716
(T561); V ii 732 (D99); V ii 810 (B702); V ii 825 (L565); V ii 879
(C529); V ii 883 (A164). See also title (L9); III i 199 (P357); V
ii 905 (S453). [137]
Measurefor Measure: title (M800); I i 33 (C39); I ii 26 (P36); I ii
130 ($1011); I ii 132 (F585); I iv 31 (L68); II i 19 (T119); II i 33
(L249); II i 61 (E102); II i 91 (R93); II i 98 (P334); II i 228 (P73);
II i 256 (8111); II i 299 (P50); II ii 37 (P238); II ii 39 (C391); II
ii 41 (T529); II ii 59 (M898); II ii 75 (M895); II ii 77 (M170); II
ii 99 (E200); 11 ii 107 (H170); II ii 117 (A402); 11 ii 136 (I27); II
ii 150011993); 11 ii 176 (T 119); II iv ss (M505); II iv 57 (5475);
II iv 76 (N276); II iv 121 (F363); II iv 124 (W646); III i 2 (H602);
III i 39 (C774); III i 4O (D143); 111i 54- (H347);111i 109(NQ4I);
llli 134 (N41); III i 215 (I82); llli 249 (S929); III i 268 (E112);
III ii 36 (M927); III ii 40 (S214); III ii 142 (T424); III ii 161
(K173); III ii 185 (S715); III ii 191 (M1338); III ii 195 ($111);
lll ii 197 (E175); IVii 61 (T616); IVii 162 (F5); IVii 221 (D418);
IViii I89(13714);IV vi 7 (P327); V i 44 (5914); V i 45 (T581); V
i 63 (S934); Vi 166 (M341); Vi 179 (M26); Vi 263 (H586); Vi
286 (N279); V i 300 (W602); V i 412 (B458); V i 415 (L286); Vi
416 (M800); V i 433 (L9); V i 444 (M116); V i 458 (T244); Vi
54o (M980). [68]
The Merchant of Venice: I i 6 (K175); I i 17 (G422); I i 42 (A209); I
i47 (S14); I i 77 (W882); I i 88 (P465); I i 93 (D526); 1 i 95 (F531);
I i 140 (A325); I ii 7 (V80); I ii 15 (P537a); I ii 30 (M514); I ii 60
(M162); I ii 66 ($262); I ii 94 (W911); I ii 103 (W912); I iii 22
(M502); I iii 33 (J50); I iii 47 (H474); I iii 96 (U28); I iii 99 (D230);
I iii 102 (A300); I iii i I4 (099); I iii 179 (F3); 11 i, first stage direc-
tion (M1130); II i 27 (S292); II i 36 (F604); 11 ii 26 (R93); II ii
54 (S114); ll ii 64 (S490); II ii 80 (C309); II ii 83 (M1315, T591);
11 ii 97 (F366); 11 ii 113 (R100); II ii 135 (L419); II ii 138 (C191,
R93); II ii 144 (M472); II ii 158 (G393); ll ii 165 (T402); II ii 177
(T635);11i'1 187 (M1331);11v 41(153);IIV 47 (5579);11v53
(B352); II vi 3 (L568); II vi 16 (A88); II vi 36 (L506); II vii 65
(A146); II vii 69 (S225); II vii 74 (F769); II ix 61 (M341); II ix
79 (F394); 11 ix 82 (W232); III i 40 (F366); III i 80 (W910); III
ii (J55); III ii 16 (M980); III ii 34 (C587); III ii 43 (81028); III
ii 63 (L501); III ii 86 (M931); III ii 111 (L559); III ii 313 (D12);
III iv 22 (M476); III iv 35 (W155); III v 18 (8169); IVi31 (H311);
IVi 47 (P310); IVi 163 (M500); IVi 196 (M898); IVi 200 (M895);
IV i 216 (E112); IV i 334 (H474); V i 90 (S713); V i 92 (8988); V
i 95 (R140); V i 102 (L70); Vi 112 (B365); Vi 130 (W351); Vi
229 (E254); V i 242 (B8). See also I i 50 (137); III i 41 (1109).
[85]
The Merry Wives of Windsor: I i 19 (L471); I i 24 (M701); I i 60
(P189); I i 77 meis 1 i 107(6590);Ii111 (W799); I i 130(C268);
I i 178 (W583); I i 186 (D129); I i 203 (F732); I i 251 (L534); I i
257 (F47); I i 267 ($68); I i 275 (A93); I i 303 (B134); I i 306
(M842); I i 322 (U15); I iii 17 (B607, S255); I iii 32 (F210); I iii
34 (H389); I iii 38 (B397); I iii 68 (8982); I iv 6 (K80); I iv 14
(M116); I iv 15 (F106); I iv 26 (H429); I iv 50 (H628); I iv 90
(F230); I iv 111 (H438); 1 iv 115 (M852); I iv 118 (8880); I iv 127
(A164); I iv 128 (L458); I iv 133 (F519); I iv 156 (T48); I iv 160
(M68);11 1 5 (14517);IIi 54 (D113);11i68 (G433);Ili 137 (L419);
II i 142 (W583); II ii 3 (M777); II ii 35 (M14); II ii 39 (B4); II ii
60 (L419); ll ii 61 (Q1); II ii 112 (G266); II ii 123 (A203); II ii 174
(M1050); 11 ii 190 (I27); II ii 215 (L518); II ii 224 (G470); II ii
327 (H745); II iii 8 (T291); II iii 12 (H446); II iii 29 (H309); II iii
41 (H18); III i 37 (F351); III i 107 (W761); III ii 13 (H128); III
iii 27 (19); III iv 24 (S264); III iv 47 (C938); III iv 67 (M158);
III iv 88 (M125); lll iv 106 (F285); III v 51 (F363); III v 106
(C889); III v 115 (G433); III v 116 (K31); III v 118 (B780); III v
129 (F235); III v I44 (H522); III v 154 (H628); IV ii 3 (H29);
IVii 109 (S681); IVii 119 (T566); IVii 121 (Y5I); IVii 184 (E107);
IV iv 11 (E223); IV v 60 (W545); IV v 79 (C739); IV v 100 (D616);
IV v 109 (D225); IV v 115 (B160); IV v 119 (C519); Vi 2 (L582);

132 (R98); V v 134 (19); V V 144 (T200); V V 155 (H274);
V v 162(160);V v 170 (S828); V v 197 (S861); V v 209 (M1311);
V v 245 (M682); V v 251 (C922). [102]
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: I i 49 (W136); I i 62 (W915); I i 145
(L279); I ii 80 (M1202); I ii 83 (D573, L34); I ii 88 (S967); II i 33
(R147); II i 121 (H327); II i 196 (S840); II i 203 (S705); II ii 115
(R43); II ii 137 (H560); 111 i 75 (M1202); III i 119 (A388); llli
137 (W547);IIIi 152 (W732); III ii 47 (S380); III ii 84 (S662); III ii
94 (W411); III ii 101 (A322); III ii 191 (S725); III ii 260 (B724);
III ii 296 (M778); lll ii 338 (C263); 111 ii 364 (S527); III ii 435
(S662); III ii 458 (A164, M209); III ii 463 (A153); IV i 35 (F175);
IV i 46 (V61); IVi 142 (S66); IV ii 38 (L419); V i 2 (8914); V i 7
(W579); V i 11 (B738); V i si (M1316); V19I (W393); Vi 104
(L165, T416); Vi 129 (T591); Vi 198 (T27); V i 211 (W19); Vi
245 (H625); V i 249 (M240); Vi 253 (S598); Vi342 (L176); Vi 343
(5490); V i 344 (M931); V i 365 coma V i 379 (D449)- See also
I ii 114 (C502). [53]
Much Ado ahout Nothing: title (A38); I i 8 (V52); I i 50 (T515); I i 60
(M502); I i 68 (K10); I i 78 (B534); I i 96 (T532); Ii 104 (M1193);
I i 114 (M500); I i 240 (W637); I i 252 (W461); I i 262 (T303,
T336); I i 271 (H628); I i 290 (F107); I ii 15 (T311); I iii 51 (H73);
II i 24 (G217); II i 42 (M37); II i 51 (D57); II i 73 (M806); II i 76
(H196); II i 97 (V92); II i 157 (W155); II i 182 (L549); II i 221
(H151); II i 224 (W403); II i 317 (L165); II i 321 (M1264); II iii
46 (S482); II iii 65 (C618); II iii 84 (R33); II iii 102 (W419); 11
iii 113 (F306); III i 26 (F306); III i 61 (P559); III i 66 (V16); III
i 77 (F265); III i 107 (E14); III ii 9 (C864); III ii 12 (B272, H334);
III ii 29 (A124); III ii 50 (S558); III ii 80 (W606); III iii 14 (G102);
III iii 22 (C616); III iii 55 (M852); III iii 59 (P358); III iii 92
(C682); III iii 106 (E98); III iv 25 (M475); III iv 29 (M683); III
iv 31 (R93); 111 iv 32 (L65); III iv 54 (H833); 111 iv 57 (T609);
III iv 87 (A250); III v 13 (S506); III v 18 (C576); III v 23 (C832);
III v36 (W471); III v38 (W878); III v39 (G195); III v 40 (T638);
III v 41 (M68); III v 65 (C582); IV i 35 (B480); IVi 101 (F29);
IVi 140 (W85); IV i 219 (W924); IVi 253 (D357); IVi 280 (W825);
IV i 305 (H94); IV ii 62 (M1160); IV ii 75 (C582); Vi 1 (D126);
V i 3 (W111); V i 20 (M182); V i 27 (A124); V i 39 (D125); Vi
82 (W408); Vi 88 (W603); Vi 132 (C84); Vi 141 (B698); Vi 178
(W651); Vi 207 (H323); V i 313 (B439); V ii 32 (C98); V ii 52
(W833); Vii 76 (N117); V ii 85 (T546); Vii 98 (0505); V iv 29
(M683); V iv 63 (L374); V iv 72 (S601). [96]
Pericles, Prince of Tyre: I Prol. 15 (C39); I Prol. 29 (C934); I i 137
(E196); I ii 7 (K87); I ii 42 (E179); I ii 107 (T249); I iv 4 (F251);
I iv 63 (M1012); I iv 75 (C732); I iv 78 (G464); II i 21 (P483); II
i 29 (F311); II i 119 (T202); II ii 32 (T443); II ii 36 (T448); 11 iii
12 (G337); II v 28 (G337); III i 7 (V28); IV Prol. 22 (M931); IV
Prol. 32 (C853); IVi 8 (G251); IVi 52 (N213); IV iii 1 (T200);
IV vi 151 (W646); IV vi 159 (C740); V ii 9 (T264). [26]
The Taming of the Shrew: Ind. i I (V22); Ind. i 4 (C594); Ind. i 14
(I52); Ind. i 41 (B247); Ind. i I24 (067); Ind. ii 9 (W61); Ind. ii
49 (R158); Ind. ii 70 (S212); Ind. ii 135 (M866); Ind. ii 145 (W879);
Ind. ii 146 (Y36); I i 3 (L414); I i 64 (H270); I i 78 (F229); I i 106
(M328); I i 109 (C12); I i 138 (C358); I i 144 (M158); I i 145
(R130); I i 149 (W731); I i 194 (W578); I i m (B354); I 1131
(064); I ii 48 (W441); I ii 55 (T264); I ii 65 (W796); I ii 161
(W748); I ii 186 ($117); ii 211 (B703); I ii 267 (I3); II i 32 (D22);
II i 33 (M37); II i 66 (S724); II i 72 (M1183); IIi 135 (W424); II
i210 (W705); 11 i 214 (S858); II i 225 (B534); II i 259 (C245); II
i 267 (K10); II i 273 (W401); II i 295 (D573); II i 297 (G456); II
i 313 (W878); II i 335 (L413); 11 i 393 (M609); 11 i rion (F571);
II i 407 (C75); III ii io (H196); III ii 114 (S451); III ii 151 (W398);
III ii 212 (D556); III ii 213 (B536); IVi 5 (P497); IVi 9 (C460);
IVi 22 (A64); IV i 31 (C542); IVi 60 (T48); IVi 130 (F488); IV
i 193 ff. (T298); IVi 211 (K51); IV ii 46 (N36—7); IV ii 53 (T89);
IV ii 59 (D441); IV ii 99 (A291); IV iii 37 (H323); IV iii 133 (T268);
IV iv 51 (P363); IViv 96 (D74); IViv 109 (C529); IVv20 (M1111);
Vi34 (M1193); Vi 145 (C12); Vi 156 (L85); Vii 20 (W870). [75]
The Tempest.-Ii21 (N57);Ii30 (B139);Ii61 (B139); Iii 55 (M1193);
I ii 93 (T555); I ii 120(C761); I ii 146 (M1243); I ii 180 (T313); I
ii 214 (H403); I ii 440 (L426); I ii 468 (F562); I ii 498 (A88); II i
32 (L93); II i 65 (I70); II i 137 (S649); II i 159 ($1031); II i 249
(M240); II i 287 (C167); 11 ii 55 (M49); II ii 59 (T521); II ii 62

V i 24 (L250); V ii 15 (D252); V v 14 (T66); V v 73 (S277); V v
(M66); II ii 72 (M66); II ii 85 (A99); II ii 102 (S771); II ii 104
SHAKESPEARE INDEX 805

(T446); II ii 132 (F328); II ii 133 (C909); II ii 142 (M240); II ii
188 (M723); (F.) III i, p. 10 (A228); III i 29 (D407); III ii 21
(R208); III ii 39 (T402); III ii 58 (N279); III ii 78 (S867); III ii
120 (T402); 111 ii 130 (T244); III ii 138 (T27); III ii 140 (D148);
III iii 26 (T476); III iii 39 (P83); III iii 49 (B318); III iii 72
(G224); III iii, following 1. 82 (M1030); IV i 9 (P546); IV i 46
(M1030); IVi 164 (T240); IVi 188 (N47); IVi 196 (18); IVi 233
(C864); IV i 235 (B62); IV i 239 (L305); IV i 246 (F236); V i 25
(Q13); V i 27 (H170); V i 238 (T517); V i 256 (M112); V i 281
(P276); Epil. 15 (P557). See also V i 39 (M1319). [60]
Twelfth Night; or, What You Will: I i 9 (5181); I ii 32 (F422); I ii 48
(F1); I iii 2 (C84); I iii 5 (C579); I iii 11 (G42);I iii 20 (M163); I
iii 42 (P57); I iii 68 (F514); I iii 72 (T244); I iii 77 (F537); I iii 83
(F245); I iii 115 (B465); I iii 118 (L265); I iii 122 (C578); I iv 36
(A228); I v s (C520); I V 2o (HI30); I v 24 (R119); I V 36 (C582,
M425); I v 56 (B165); I v 66 (H566); I v 76 (H347); I v go (W550);
lv 138 (V60); I v 169 (M1204); I v 211 (D556); I v 270 (D273);
Iv 287 (L565);I v 305 (H311); I v 315 (L501, M682); I v 329
(M1331); II i 48 (C529); II ii 26 (I88); II ii 41 (T333); II iii 1
(B184); II iii 63 (D506); II iii 123 (C211); II iii 134 (E16); II iii
181 (H665); II iii 202 (C940); II iii 204 (T27); II iv 71 (P420); II
iv 78 (E194); II iv 103 (5181); II iv 113 (G449); II v 12 (B160);
II v 25 (T537); II v 34 (T612); II v 136 (F628); II v 140 (D460);
II v 180 (S868); III i 30 (N256); III i 43 (8985); III i 55 (P215);
III i 67 (M321); III i 74 (M428); III i 109 (C581); llli 134 (P370);
III i 138 (P474); III i 139 (L36); llli 141 (D556); III i 159 (L500,
M1315); III ii 22 (M98 5); III ii 30 (P462); III ii sy (F711); 111 iii
15 (T616); 111 iv 61 (M1117); 111 iv 137 (E107); 111 iv 157 (V63);
III iv 171 (T268); III iv 214 (C495); III iv 263 (H479); III iv 356
(M184); III iv 401 (D410); III iv 420 (HI47); IV i 7 (N2I5); IV
i14 (C501); IVi 19 (M901); IV i 32 (C473); IV i 35 (W150); IV
i 62 (L565); IV ii 41 (E5621); IV ii 50 (H397); IV ii 68 (C421); IV
ii 125 (B597); IV ii 132 (T517); IV ii 139 (N12); IV iii 2 (S212,
T446); IV iii 26 (B663); Vi7 (T129); Vi 13 (G212); Vi21 (E137);
Vi 23 (N101); V i 35 (F367); V i 40 (T319); Vi 127 (H311); Vi
267 (B338); V i 29I (5307); Vi 295 (AI47); V i 334 (188); V i 362
(M341). See also III iv 388 (I66). [107]
The Two Gentlemen of Verona: I i 2 (N274); I i 24 (S379); I i 25
(B537); I i 42 (C56, W576); I i 74 (8312); Ii 101 (M1338); I i II9
(N199); li 149 (5839); I i 156 (B139); lii 22 (B179); I ii 30 (F265);
Iii 31 (L165); I ii 55 (W660); I ii 57 (R156); I ii 67 (M187); I ii
137 (M1109); I iii 84 (L92a); II i 30 (B289); II i 73 (L506); II i
141 (N215); II i 150 (R99); II i 175 (M239); II i 178 (M226); II
ii 1 (C922); II ii 16 (L165); II iii 21 (W23); II iii 24 (L296); II iii
39 (T323); II iv 23 (C222); II iv 26 (M226); II iv 29 (S117); II iv
96 (L506); II iv 149 (P326); II iv 177 (L510); II iv 192 (F277,
N17); II v 20 (F301); II vi 11 (07); II vi 12 (B26); II vi 23 (N57);
II vii 19 (F284); II vii 25 (S929); II vii 45 (L571); II vii 55 (P334);
II vii 75 (M458); III i 95 (5150); llli 156 (5825); III i 250 (M931);
III i 287 (173); III i 293 (M1193); III i 304 (B450); III i 317
(W893); III i 330 (T420); III i 361 (B736); III i 367 (G437); III
i 378 (N299); III ii 14 (T322); IV i 61 (V73); IV ii 14 (S705); IV
ii 19 (K49); IV ii 26 (514); IV iv 14 (D506); IV iv 18 (L374); IV
iv 21 (P355); IV iv 96 (W602); Vi 4 (L568); V ii 12 (M79); V ii
49 (L479); V iv I mm); V iv 54 (L549); Viv 67 (H73); V iv 71
(W930); V iv 165 (B480). See also I ii 139 [75]
The Two Noble Kinsmen: I i 19 (R33); I ii 7 ($930); I iii 3 (8903); I
iv 4 (G224); I iv 37 (A93); I v 13 (D140); I v 15 (W176); II ii 34
(E3); 11 ii 150 (L92); II iii 17 (C529);II iii ss (T7);IIiii75 (W411);
II iv 18 (C505); II vi34 (S263); III iii 17 (W461); III iii 24 (H819);
III iii 39 (T48); III iv 25 (N183); III iv 26 (T440); 111 v 39 (F79,
W313); III v 40 (T289); III v 48 (W640); III v 56 (N132); III v
72 (H148, N160); III v 82 (T347); III v 114 (P328); III vi 127
(C529); IV i 130 (C499); IVi 139 (H67); IV iii 103 (D174); V i
95 (L134); Vi 137 (5591); V ii 49 (C938, T439);Vi'17I (W155);
V iii 97 (F255); V iv 65 (F247). [39]
The Winter’s Tale: I ii 129 (E66); I ii 131 (W86); I ii 134 (C517); I ii
160 (E90); I ii 162 (M158); I ii 190 (C571); I ii 217 (C877); I ii
295 (N285); I ii 304 (H285); I ii 305 (G132); I ii 388 (B99); II i 73
(E175); II i 121 (A53); II ii 33 (R84); II iii 95 (L290); II iii 181
(M874); lll ii 31 (C597); III ii 105 (A93); III ii 110 (5917); III ii
223 (G453); III iii 81 (M562); III iii 142 (D60); IVi 1 (T336); IV

IV iv 220 (5591); IV iv 221 (C844); IV iv 222 (RI78); IV iv 374
(5591); IV iv 455 (5985); IV iv 565 (T240); IV iv 583 (P611); IV
iv 596 (T239); IV iv 709 (F366); IV iv 715 (W313); IV iv 762
(T436); 1V iV 737 (L9); IV iv 832 (N433); V i 29 (H347); V i II9
(R89); V i 199 (D651); V ii 54 (5507); V ii 80 (E248); V ii 142
(5451); V ii 177 (M163); V iii 18 (5527); V iii 132 (T624). [49]
HISTORIES
King Henry the Fourth, Pt. I: I i 105 (N307); I ii 35 (M1111); I ii
38 (691); I ii 41 (E56); I ii 45 (H544); I ii 59 (D634); I ii 69
(T119); I ii 75 (5962); I ii 82 (B35, C129); I ii 87 (H151,
M1134); I ii 116 (C23); Iii 228 (D68); Iii 130 (D273); Iii 162
(C529); I iii 6 (025); I iii 40 (S598); I iii 94 (C223); I iii 194 (5485);
I iii 218 (F345); I iii 265 (B546); II i 4o (T518); II i 42 (T88); II
i 52 (H65); IIi67 (S54); II ii 1 (T8); II ii 29 (T121a); 11 ii 46 (G42);
II ii 80 (M158); II ii 81 (M104); II ii 91 (U8); II ii 114 (T112); II
ii 115 (D616); ll iii 10 (D28); II iii 108 (M1331); II iii 111 (W649);
II iv 17 (D649); II iv 51 (P31); II iv 100 (C825); II iv 132 (F34);
ll iv 133 (B780); ll iv 141 (H447); 11 iv 168 (L329); II iv 186
(S443); II iv 190 (T590); II iv 214 (C940); II iv 235 (H300); II iv
241 (T240); II iv 255 (T581); II iv 264 (B442); II iv 285 (B715);
II iv 345 (M633); II iv 356 (C513); II iv 441 (C34); II iv 442
(MI 193); II iv 454 (P358); II iv 469 (F5); II iv 470 (T497); II iv
515 (R93); II iv 534 (D263); II iv 560 (B767); III i 58 (T566); III
i 140 (H32); III i 159 (5574); III i 167 (L308); III i 252 (L374);
III ii 55 (M20); III ii 61 (B107); III ii 71 (51011); III ii 157
(D148); III iii 21 (C577); III iii 35 (F248); III iii 56 (B299); III
” iii 75 (C579, Q3); III iii 92 (E42); III iii 102 (W419); III iii 144
(F319, K186); III iii 155 (L553); III iii 170 (U10); III iii 173
(T567); III iii 183 (I70); III iii 188 (F363); III iii 192 (F116); III
iii 205 (H125); IV i 82 (T165); IV i 94 (W879); IVi 103 (G167);
IV ii 41 (F345); IV ii 64 (C167); IV ii 85 (C547); IV iv 34 (W912);
Vi 1 (M1175); V i 76 (E100); V i 127 (G237, T290); V ii 8 (51017);
V ii 16 (M533); V iii 34 (L134); V iii 47 (A206); V iv 25 (H278);
V iv 65 (5992); V iv 75 (C324); V iv 83 (M514); V iv 85 (M253);
V iv 113 (5159); V iv 120 (D354); Viv 126 (A206); V iv 139 (5212).
[111]
King Henry the Fourth, Pt. II: I i 17 (M1308); I i 117 (L134); I i 161
(N307); Ii 166 (C223); Iii 1 (W109); I ii 55 (W276); I ii 77 (H295);
1593(T168);Iii144(1591160);Iii167(5649);1ii173 (W7);I
ii 176 (C41); I ii 220 (513); I ii 245 (W209); I ii 256 (M568); I ii
264 (P263); I iii 27 (M226); I iii 33 (L429); l iii 97 (D455); II i 46
(M657); II i 79 (H784); II i 202 (M723); II ii 44 (F106); II ii so
(E116); II ii 70 (M163); II ii 80 (B480); II ii 110 (H285); II ii 159
(B483); II ii 169 (B716); II ii 182 (H457); II iv 27 (R177); II iv 34
(H305); II iv 65 (W655); II iv 113 (L140); II iv 134 (M837); II
iv 1y1 (H589); II iv 188 (D509); II iv 195 (F614); II iv 212 (5490);
II iv 262 (M1333); II iv 267 (M655); II iv 302 (E125); II iv 329
(G266); III i 31 (C863); III i 88 (D180); III ii 41 (M505); III ii
137 (M1193); III ii 186 (B715); III ii 211 (N184); III ii 250 (G237,
M219); III ii 254 (D148); III ii 356 (F311); IVi 159 (S6); IVi 188
(R151); IV i 221 (B515); IV ii 35 (H278); IV ii 81 (L277); IV iii 36
(T240); IV iii 44 (C540); IV iii 47 (G337); IV iii 95 (W46I); IV
iv 54 (W241); IV iv 105 (M366); IV v 92 (B269); IV v 222 (W4o8);
V i 33 (F687); V i 72 (M536); V ii 3 (H347); V iii 30 (M845); V iii
37 (H55); V iii so (H32oa); V iii 56 (A207); V iii 89 (W421, W441);
V iii 122 (188); V iii 125 (D567); V iv 14 (D88); V iv 27 (M922,
5955); V v 30 (A133); V v 90 (M184); V v 94 (C520); V v 102
(F614); V v 111 (B374). [86]
King Henry the Fifth: I i 29 (A29); I i 35 (H278); I i 45 (G375); I i
47 (A88); I ii 86 (5969); I ii 93 (N130); I ii 154 (A55); I ii 166
(F663); I ii 172 (C175); I ii 207 (W176); II Prol. 16 (B501); II i
22 (T202); II i 25 (T202); II i 80 (K116); II i 91 (C860); II i 98
(5523); II i 122 (W637); II ii 54 (F123); II ii 82 (M258); II iii 9
(A8); II iii 11 (B4); II iii 14 (W148); II iii 24 (5876); II iii 51
(P360); ll iii 53 (B588, P605); ll iv 69 (D528); III Prol. 1 (T240);
III ii 37 (W798); III ii 48 (C464); III ii so (I70); III ii 125 (L419);
111 vi 29 (F606, F617); III vi 30 (F604); III vi 33 (F604); 111 Vi
49 (T249); lll vi 60 (F210); III Vi 66 (5967); III vi 88 (H522);
III vi 157 (E155); III vii (V50); III vii 3 (D634); III vii 33 (B186);
III vii 68 (D458); III vii 123 (I41); III vii 124 (F41); III vii 126
(D273); III vii 131 (F515); III vii 155 (M1231); IV Prol. 43

iii 7 (T431); IV iii 134 (M71); IV iv 10 (C934); IV iv 205 (C519);
(5985); IV i 4 (N328); IV i 6 (N107); IV i 154 ff. (M387); IV iii
806
SHAKESPEARE INDEX

20 (D35); IV iii 28 (H566); IV iii 93 (8132); IV iv 71 (V36); IV
iv 74 (N12); IV v 23 (H576); IV vii 44 (T50); IV vii 47 (C911);
IV vii 102 (M1105); IV vii 111 (W85); IV vii 147 (M66); IV vii
168 (M66); IV viii 17 (T268); IV viii 21 (5967); IV viii 32 (M184);
V Pro]. 15 (T240); V i 3 (W332); Vi 14 (T612); V i 32 (N311);
V ii 14 (I399); V ii 34 (P139); V ii 164 (R98);Vii184(M980);Vii
327 (L506). See also III vii 20 (H646); III vii 68 (D455). [80]
King Henry the Sixth, Pt. I: I i 33 (T249); I i 75 (F164); I i 174(123);
Iii 12 (M1237);I ii 38 (H811);I ii 131 (D116);Iiii 52 (G366); I iii
55 (W614); I iii 89 (C469); I v s (D225); II i 58 (W83); II ii 55
(G475); II iv 18 (D50); II iv 20 (T589); II iv 25 (T416); II iv 31
(R182); II iv 69 (R182); II v 5 (H31); II v 8 (029); III ii33 (D195);
III ii 49 (W820); III ii 59 (T275); III ii 80 (L374); III iii 3 (C83,
C921); IV ii 35 (G132); IV iv 12 (B787); IV vi 32 (A209); V iii 78
(W681); V iii 84 (C644); V iii 107 (F295); V iii 141 (S725); V iv
18 (C517); V iv 144 (A117); V v 61 (L499)- [35]
King Henry the Sixth, Pt. I]: I i 21 (B168); I i 109 (R144); I i 180
(P576); I i 208 (E235); I ii 59 (G156); I ii 89 (W767); I ii 99 (K122);
I iii 144 (C553); I iii 148 (M727); I iii 155 (N307); I iii 174 (A392);
I iv ly (S641); I iv 45 (I58); II i 33 (P153, P155); II i 53 (P267);
II i 98 (C412); II i 106 (D56); 11 i 109 (B455); II i 111 ([49); II i
127 (M80); II i 194 (P358); II iii 67 (F210); II iv 1 (D92); II iv 69
(W728); III i 53 (W123); III i 69 (D572, L33); III i 77 (W614);
III i 89 (B702); llli 158 (S825); llli 165 (H280); llli 170 (T138);
III i 182 (L458); III i 185 (L458); III i 225 (C831); III i 228
(S585); III i 247 (S725); III i 252 (W602); III i 264 (D182); llli
171 (P587); 111 i 285 (W927); 1111301 (F785);111 i331 (N351);
III i 343 (V68); III i 347 (P669); III i 380 (S691); III ii 40 (R33);
III ii 52 (B99); III ii 76 (A32); III ii 97 (H311); III ii 153 (L374);
III ii 232 (181); III ii 303 (W910); III ii 375 (C696); 111 ii 402
(C529); IV i 1 (B546); IV ii 17 (C23); IV ii 31 (T249); IV iv 59
(182); IV vii 34 (B682); IV vii 86 (K87); IV viii 33 (M112); IV viii
60 (H280); IV x s (M327); IV x 30 (I97); IV x 42 (D567); V i
30 (W221); Vi 100 (S731); Vi 151 (M258); Vi 182 (07); V ii
28 (E116); V ii 54 (F278, 030). [74]
King Henry the Sixth, Pt. II]: I ii 16 (K90); I iv 40 (D216); I iv 125
(B238); I iv 145 (R16); I iv 146 (T275); II i 53 (H436); II i 54
(8941); II i 91 (E3); II i 129 (L279); II i 169 (B393, W135); II i
101 (S839); 11 ii 17 (W909); 11 ii 45 (G301); 11 ii 47 (c305); 11 ii
137 (T360); II v 55 (W421); II v 85 (T275); II vi 1 (C41); II vi
27 (A93); II vi 55 (M800); III i 24 (A42); III i 38 (D618); 111 i 64
(C623); III ii 50 (D618); III ii 51 (F248); III ii 90 (SI 16); III ii
113 (W728); III ii 161 (S284); III ii 182 (F16); III ii 187 (Egg);
III ii 191 (C222, S285); III iii 21 (T416); III iii 76 (T325); III iii 104
(D162); III iii 161 (B393); III iii 200 (F597); III iii 227 (W403);
IVi 18 (H196); IVi 83 (L367); IV i 99 (W403); IVi 113 (H54);
IV iii 31 (C111); IV iv 30 (D180); IV vi 87 (S84); IV vii 10 (T259);
IV vii 25 (F655); IV viii 7 (S714); IV viii 60 (H235); V i 49 (194);
V i 70 (D35); Vi 89 (07); V ii 28 (M505); V iii 13 (C443); V iv 1
(M99911); V iv 6 (W106); V iv 37 (C922); V iv 70 (F785); V v 13
(T232); V v 23 (B645); V v 62 (C341); V vi 11 (F117, T112); V
vi 13 (B394); V vi 45 (R33); V vi 84 (D88); V vii 31 (C312). [68]
King Henry the Eighth: I i 52 (F228); I i 83 (B16, L452); Ii 109 (K87);
I i 120 (B764, W7); I i 157 (S878); I i 208 (B440); I iii 48 (C525);
II i 153 (S520); II ii 22 (K175); II iii 31 (C608); II iv I59 (D539);
III i 23 (H586); III i 39 (T587); llli 100 (H348); III ii 40 (D133);
111 ii 139 (L251); III ii 153 (D402); III ii 365 (M170); IV ii 45
(I71); Vi 175 (194); V ii 29 (A392); Viii 10 (F363, M544); V iii 103
(8889); V iii 126 (S704); V iv 74 (H99); V iv 78 (M541). [29]
King fyo/ms 1 i 19 (B458); 1 i 105 (T581); 1 i 113 (0765); I i 145
(S861); Ii 154 (P89); I i 170 (W456);Ii 173 (H215); I i 187 (H583);
Ii 213 (T420); I i 234 (P75); II i 69 (L452); II i 82 (C715); II i
137 (H165); II i 143 (S366); II i 288 (S42); II i 329 (B458); II i
335 (8929); II i 446 (U12); III i 94 (B261); III i 128 (A351); III
i 174 (F33); 111 i 200 (170); III i 242 (P401); III i 258 (W603); III
i 270 (07); III i 275 (L237); III i 277 (D174, F277); III i 324
(T311); III iii 12 (B276);III iv 48 (F480); III iv 90 (C341); IV
i 18 (D57);1Vi 55 (M1331);1Vi77(8879);IVi79(L34);IV1
116 (M258); IV ii 13 (C519); IV ii 14 (8988); IV ii 30 (E215); IV
ii 135 (W912); IV ii 163 (F248); IVii 170 (F570); IV ii 174 (T240);
IV iii 27 (W915); IV iii 30 (L458); V ii 12 (S647); V ii 64 (A242);
V ii 83 (W424); V iv 10 (B787); V iv 22 (W137); V iv 26 (M514);
V vii 21 (81028); V vii 28 (E104); V vii 42 (C542). [55]

King Richard the Second: I i 125 (T268); I i 156 (F597); I i 174
(L206); I ii 6 (V24); I iii 79 (L279); I iii 95 (T583); I iii 144 (8985);
I iii 166 (T424); I iii 208 (E231); I iii 221 (029); I iii 236 (M1265);
I iii 275 (M426); I iii 278 (V73); I iii 280 (I72); I iii 292 (I72); ll
i 5 (M514); II i 34 (N321); II i 36 (S794); II i 91 (H285); II i 153
(R133); II i 154 (L249); II i 174 (L34); II i 209 (T27); II i 266
(W152); II ii 97 (M1004); II ii 120 (A208); II ii 144 (09, 591); II
iii 6 (C566); II iii 58 (F248); II iii 144 (C110); II iii 145 (E203); II
iii 152 (W269); II iii 171 (C921); III ii 8 (L92a);III ii 19 (S585);
III ii 29 (G236); III ii 67 (Y31); III ii 103 (M505); III ii 110
(S839); III ii 131 (V68); III ii 135 (H210); III ii 178 (M99911); III
iii 17 (H348); III iii 62 (M1175); III iii 68 (E6); III iii 164 (D618);
III iii 170 (W269); III iii 207 (B354); III iv 3 (B569); III iv 5
(B339); III iv 28 (M1012); IVi 11 (K87); IVi 64 (G173); IVi 101
(L374); IVi 103 (A8); IVi 160 (H97); IVi 184 (B695); IV 1 194
(C863); IV i 317 (R136); IV i 322 (T230); V i 3 (H311); V i 31
(R156); Vi 88 (E27); V iii 57 (V68); V iii 103 (D201); V iii 117
(S396); v iii 146 (M170); v v 16 (C26); v v 13 (F295); v v 87
(P581); v vi 39 (K64). mi
King Richard the Third: I i 116 (P111); I i 160 (M649); I ii 5 (K23);
Iii 68 (G318); I ii 73 (D266); I ii 93 (T268); I ii 104 (G251); I ii
144 (V28); I ii 147 (T360); I ii 148 (B99, E246); I ii 203 (L565); I
ii 228 (W681); I iii 72 (13); I iii 239 (C924); I iii 259 (S823); I iii
290 (C732); I iii 324 (C579); I iii 335 (G318); I iii 350 (T64); I iii
353 (M967); I iv 86 (L191); I iv 243 (M967); I iv 246 (S590); I iv
260 (K64); I iv 286 (M1315); 11 i 91 (K38); II i 104 (T244); ll ii
30 (E198); II ii 36 (D126); II ii 130 (F138); II ii 151 (F696); II iii
4 (B332); II iii 11 (W600); II iii 31 (W912); II iii 41 (M475); II
iv m (W138); 11 iv 37 (P363); III i 79 (L384); 111 i 94 (F774);
III i 103 (W238); III i 156 (T436); III iv 73 (116); III iv 83
(T259); III v 5 (W5); III v 33 (W269); (Qq) III vi 12 (S206); III
vii 3 (W767); 111 vii 50 (M34); III vii 56 (A392); III vii 144 (S446);
IVi 55 (C495); IV i 101 (T188); IV ii 63 (C826); IV iii 38 (A8);
IV iii 53 (S579); IV iv 20 (M800); IV iv 37 (H95); IV iv 47 (T234);
IV iv 83 (M246); IV iv 111 (N69); IV iv 174 (D637); IV iv 218
(F83); IV iv 223 (C739); IV iv 291 (T200); IV iv 358 (T593); IV
iv 364 (S934); IV iv 385 (M253); IV iv 462 (F180); V ii ly (C601);
V iii 19 (S515); V iii 73 (M475); V iii 92 (M554); V iii 194 (C601);
V iii 281 (D88); V iii 305 (B787); V iii 326 (S380). [77]
TRAGEDI ES
dntony and Cleopatra: I ii 41 (C696); I ii 52 (H86); I ii 61 (I55); I ii
109 (M755); I ii 113 (W241); I ii 127 (W924); I ii 133 (113); I ii
172 (B607, W631); I ii 175 (067); I ii 192 (S244); I iii 3 (H839);
I iii 13 ($964); I iv 43 (M1015); II 142 (G446); II ii 89 (K175);
II ii 110 (T594); II ii 240 (C930, V18); II v 8 (W393); II v 31
(H347); II v 58 (T616); II v 67 (M905); II vi 104 (F3); II vii 46
(C831); II vii 89 (N54); II vii 97 (W893); II vii 127 (D362); III ii
20 (B221); III ii 43 (S411); III iv 6 (T423); III iv 19 (E223); III
vii 62 (W269); III xiii 63 (M1243); III xiii 111 (G257); III xiii 141
(8936); III xiii 176 (L265); III xiii 191 (L265); IVi 8 (N307); IV
ii 34 (067); IV iv 20 (D407); IV iv 32 (S842); IV ix 13 (A93); IV
xii 20 (S704); IV xii 25 (P401); IV xiv 27 (M219); IV xiv 120
(M475);1V xiv 135 (E136); IV XV 37 (W539); IV xv 84 (C41); V ii
1so (M980); V ii 235 (F213). [52]
Coriolanus: I i 23 (R22); I i 148 (M785); Ii 181 (M211); I i 209 (D533,
H811, M828); I i 216 (C60); I i 237 (E23); I i 263 ($989); I iii 62
(F97); I iii 92 (P186); I iv 46 (P504); I viii 3 (A56); I ix 87 (A88);
II i 75 (K175); II i 192 (S447); II i 207 (S699); II ii 112 (T436);
II ii 117 (P389); II ii 128 (M1298); II ii 131 (V81); IIiii ly (M1308);
II iii 124 (C933); II iii 239 (G404); II iii 259 (S936); III i 70
(T228); III i 91 (H278); III i 152 (L386); III i 197 (F251); III i
199 (M555); III i 218 (S214); III i 247 (T10); III i 249 (8929);
III i 257 (H312); III i 258 (H334); III i 263 (V68); III i 304
(G158);III i 312 (L136); III iii 129(E220);IV i 3 (C15a); IV i 6
($174); IVi 15 (M1015); IV v 114 ($1052); IV v 156 (S451); IV
v 197 (5160); IV v 234 (191); IV vi 117 (H99); IV vi 133 (H30);
IV vii 10 (C234); IV vii 11 (A231); IV vii 54 (F277, N17); Vi 18
(H170); Vi so (M187); v iii 44 (R90); v iii 64 (11); v iii 140
(C223); V iii 154 (W946); V vi 145 (B326). See also I ix 45
(S449). [601

SHAKESPEARE INDEX
807

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: I i 112 (M1189);I i 162 (P389);I ii 11
(E248); I ii 65 (K38); I ii 72 (D142); I ii 92 (D126); I ii 106 (C921);
Iii 120 (W155); I ii 135 (W241); I ii 143 (A286); I ii 146 (W674);
Iii 161 (F696); I ii 200 (T436); I ii 227 (T436); I ii 257 (M1315);
I iii 19 (C110); I iii 24 (8121); I iii 34 (G482); I iii 38 (E175); I
iii 47 (W160); I iii 59 (T219); I iii 61 (F741); I iii 62 (F752, T595);
I iii 64 (H68); 1' iii 68 (M299, M1277); I iii 70 (C541, E217); I iii
72 (A283); I iii 75 (F725); I iii 79 (N164); I iii 115 (S788); I iv 15
(C931); I iv 36 (C585, W240); I iv 57 (W332); I iv 65 (P334); I v
29 (T240); I v 42 (W704); I v 43 (W588); I v 107 (F16); I v 128
(M104); I v 188 (F239); I v 189 (J75); II i 64 (L237); II i 81
(C446); II i 102 (N321); II ii 7 (D592); II ii 90 (B652); II ii 95
(T575); II ii 173 (G473); II ii 178 (M217); II ii 188 (S936); II ii
209 (A93); 11 ii 255 (M254); II ii 396 (H226); II ii 403 (M570);
11 ii 593 (J64); 11 ii 599 (T268); II ii 604 (D574); II ii 621 (M1315);
II ii 625 (Q13); II ii 626 (D231); III i 59 (M1004); III i 65 (R196);
III i 70 (Q16); III i 78 (H166); III i 83 (C606); III i 99 (G97);
III i 102 (8163); III i 136 (A67); III i 140 (II); III i 158 (K70);
III ii 36 (M162); III ii 70 (P613); III ii 97 (M226); III ii 101
(W776); III ii 177 (W651); III ii 217 (T301); III ii 240 (P614);
III ii 253 (H700); III ii 259 (B333); III ii 261 (M65); III ii 264
(R33); III ii 282 (D189); III ii 287 (T609); III ii 358 (G423);
(Q. 1) III ii 1216 (M81); III iii 45 (S591); III iii 68 (B380); III iii
ex (11763111111 94 (H397); III iv 93 (R31); m iv 33 cum
III iv 37 (C934); III iv 84 (G433); III iv 95 (T405); III iv 161
(C934, C936); III iv 168 (C932); III iv I79 (W918); III iv 206
(F626, W204); IV i 7 (5170); IV i 9 (R31); IV ii 9 (C682); IV ii 19
(N363); IV iii 9 (D357); IV iii 24 (D143); IV iv 39 (D571); IV iv
40(T183);IV v35 (S591); IV v 78 (M1012); IV v 83 (H805); IV
v 135 (C529); IV v 157 (F389); IV v 195 (S591); IV vi 20 (T216);
IV vii 112 (T340); IV vii 119 (N54); IV vii 135 (T221); IV vii I65
(M1012); IV vii 189 (C934); Vi 17 (W401); V i 63 (B602); V i 64
(A369); V i 76 (C933); V i 79 (A70); V i 224 (3549); Vi m
(081); V i 309 (D573); V i314 (D464); V ii 138 (D383); V ii
145 (K175); V ii 189 (N117); V ii 193 (L69); V ii 222 (M475);
V ii 282 (P166); V ii 316 (F626). [1401
Yulius Caesar: I i 23 (A406); I i 28 (M66); I ii 52 (E231a); I ii 122
(C773); I ii 128 (S828); I ii 185 (E255); I ii 192 (F419); I ii 194
(M96); I ii 260 (T10); I ii 282 (G439); I iii 26 (R33); (R) I iii 74
(C328); II i 22 (L26); II i 81 (F3); II i 147 (M533); II i 175 (K64);
II i 224 (F16); II i 271 (H49); II ii 26 (F83); II ii 32 (C774); II
ii 128 (A167); 111 i 49 ($704, W794); 111 i 67 (F367); 111 i 98
(N311); llli 1y1 (F277); III i 189 (L82); III ii 79 (E18); III ii 81
(T619); III ii 117 (B332); III ii 121 (F248); IVi 21 (A360); IVi
24 (E16); IV i 50 (F16); IV ii 6 (T200); IV ii 20 (C732); IV iii 27
(D449); IV iii 97 (T429); IV iii 110 (F371); IV iii 158 (F732); IV
iii 190 (M505); IV iii 218 (T283); IV iii 222 (A54); V i 95 (W912);
Vi 124 (D70); V iii 19 (T240). See also V i 34 [47]
King Lear: I i 63 (L165); I i 85 (L82); I i 92 (N285); I i 154 (V36); I
i 205 (T28); I i 296 (A72, K175); I ii 121 (B339); I ii 195 (T221);
I iii 18 (M570); I iv 34 (T38); I iv 112 (S25); I iv 118 (A187); I iv
131 (A202); I iv 141 (L125); I iv 145 (N285); I iv 181 (F535); I
iv 189 (R153); I iv 213 (C391); I iv 215 (N279); I iv 244 (C103);
I iv 271 (K175); I iv 281 (H311); I iv 337 (K129); I iv 351 (F135);
I iv 369 (W260); I v 15 (K173); I v 23 (S558); I v 29 (S580); II
ii 4 (D643); II ii 18 (F180); II ii 30 (F8); II ii 60 (T17); 11 ii 75
(L458); II ii 79 (M1235, 030); II ii 164 (H389); II ii 167 (G272);
II iv 70 (N230); III i 25 (S598); III ii 1 (W446); III ii 10 (H532);
III ii 27 (H749); III ii 31 (H317); III ii 63 (S878); III iii 26 (R136);
III iv 8 (G446); III iv 19 (M866); III iv 138 (P465); III vi 19
(H711, L526, T551); III vi 55 (M897); III vi 56 (F1); 111 vi 65
(D526); III vi 89 (B197); III vi 110 (C571); IVi 19 (W152); IV
i 49 (C529); IV ii 29 (D488, W311); IV ii 38 (F219); IV iii 19
(L92a); IV iv I (8170); IV vi 73 (M471); IV vi 8O (T244); IV vi
102 (E137); IV vi 109 (M161); IV vi 120 (M553); IV vi 126
(W520); IV vi 168 (A284); IV vi 182 (W889); IV vi 186 (D82,
W882); 1v vi 206 (L265); 1v vi 264 (B637); 1v vii 85 (F597); v
iii 3 (F295); V iii 71 (W772); V iii 72 (L498). See also I i 38
(K89); I iv 279 (M875). [82]
Maeoet/z: I i 10 (F29); I ii 16 (C110); I ii 67 (M337); I iii 6 (W584);
I iii 38 (F29); I iii 43 (F239); I iii 97 (H11); I iii 107 (D266); I iii
116 (B318); I iii 146 (C529, D90); I iv 11 (F1); I iv 22 (V81); I

Iv66 (S585);I vi 22 (L481); I vii 1 (T149); I vii 21 (B137);I vii
25 (A235); I vii 44 (C144); I vii 82 (F3); II ii 53 (S527); II ii 60
(W85); II ii 67 (W91); II iii 41 (T268); II iii 55 (D407); 11 iii
81 (S527); II iii 142 (F3); II iii 146 (K38); III i 91 (M541); llli
113 (M874); III ii 4 (S742); III ii 11 (C921); III ii 34 (F3); III ii
55 (C826); III iv 74 (S818); III iv 78 (B597); III iv 122 (B458);
III iv 134 (W915); III iv 136 (G152); III iv 141 (S80); III v 32
(W152); IV i 39 (P24); IVi 52 (W418); IV i 85 (C609); IVi 148
(5117); IV ii 24 (T216); IV ii 83 (B376); IV iii 12 (R84); IViii 52
(S591); IV iii 81 (M1144); IV iii 176 (H347); IV iii 204 (C341);
IV iii 209 (G449); IV iii 213 (D357); IV iii 239 (N164); V i 75
(T200); V i 80 (C696); V i 87 (T220); V iii 14 (F180); V iii 50
(W109); V v 22 (C41); V v 24 (W882); V v 27 (P619); V viii 28
(D651); V viii 39 (D148); V viii 48 (H30). [71]
Othello, the Moor of Venice: I i 5 (D592); I i 21 (W377); I i 43 (M107);
I i 49 (P664); I i 116 (8151); I iii 55 (G446); I iii 67 (L111); I iii
106 (81019); I iii 172 (B326); I iii 202 (G453); I iii 206 (H305);
I iii 23o (C933); I iii 290 (D410); I iii 293 (D180); I iii 345 (M1090);
I iii 350 (B262); I iii 394 (F135); I iii 405 (N233, T221); II i 110
(B486, W702); II i 130 H. (F28); II i 155 (H161); II i 187 (8908);
II i 223 (F239); II i 259 (H86); II i 314 (H474); II iii 73 (L251);
11 iii 105 (H348); II iii 17o (T609); II iii 173 (C110); II iii 182
(P389); II iii 218 (T590); II iii 241 (M335, M541); II iii 247
(M755); II iii 259 (C817); II iii 270 (M254); II iii 275 (D443); II
iii 307 (H278, V60); II iii 327 (B515); II iii 357 (D231); III '1 8
(T48); III i 20 (P345); III i 52 (T311); III iii 17 (F596); III iii
126 (8214); III iii 134 (T244); III iii 157 (N22); IIIiii 172 (W194);
III iii 202 (L381); III iii 210 (01); III iii 26o (W432); III iii 268
(M682); III iii 275 (C889); III iii 322 (A90); III iii 330 (1101);
III iii 342 (L461); III iii 403 (G167); III iv 36 (H86); III iv 148
(M593); 111 iv 180 (W269); IVi 20 (R33); W i 38 (C587); IVi 98
(D179); IVi 125 (L93); IVi 153 (D225); IV i 256 (C831); IV ii
39 (H398); IV ii 78 (A88); IV ii 184 (P602); IV iii 47 (D618); IV
iii 51 (W403); IV iii 58 (H438); V i 4 (M48); Vi 104 (A93); Vi
125 (T49); V ii 4 (8591); V ii 21 (G251); V ii 74 (H30); V ii 93
(D135); V ii 134 (W86); V ii 156 (T268); V ii 205 (T249); V ii 247
(81028); V ii 272 (C446); V ii 286 (D252); V ii 303 (K173); V ii
317 (N160). [90]
Romeo and 7uliet: character of nurse (N355); I i I (C464); I i 3
(C513); I i 6 (N69); I i 17 (W185); I i 19 (W655); I i 46 (T27); I
i 51 (T273); (Q) I i 133 (A228); I i 186 (L505a); I i 239 (W924);
I i 244 (D165); I ii 13 (M701); I ii 32 (052); I ii 39 (C480); I ii 46
(F277); I ii 47 (G446); I iii 19 (G251); I iii 29 (B596); I iii 36
(G157); I iii 67 (E198); I iii 75 (D453); I iv 29 (V92); I iv 39
(D644, P399); I iv 41 (D642, R93); I iv 43 (D123); I iv 99 (W412);
I iv 106 (M475); I v 16 (L395); I v33 (D118); I v 50 (B435); I v
82 (C493); 1 v 83 (188); I v 91 (P111); I v 121 (P399); II P101.
13 (D357); II ii 19 (S988); II ii 43 (R178); II ii 92 (182); II ii 109
(M1111); II ii 119 (L279); II ii 157 (L514); II ii 186 (P82); II iii
1 fi'. (E32); II iii 3 (M399); II iii 9 (E31); II iii 17 (N327); II iii 19
(N317); II iii 87 (R38); II iii 93 (H198); II iv 15 (P336); II iv 73
($1046); II iv 75 (W390); II iv 82 (G349); II iv 83 (M839); II iv
87 (C608); II iv 99 (H18); II iv 112 (V92); II iv 128 (F106); II
iv 175 (F523); II iv 207 (T257); II iv 209 (S840); II iv 218 (C446);
II iv 221 (R1); II v 17 (L134, L135); II v 23 ($1038); II v 44 (L34);
II v 64 (C740); II vi 9 (B262, N321); II vi 11 (H560); II vi 14
(1359). III i 93 (K111911111 i 43 (W763>;1111 79 (C154>;III i 99
(B93); III i 112 (M253); llli 177 (L279); llli 194 (A159); III ii
9 (L506);111ii I9 (B4359 S591); 111 ii 46 (C495);111ii 54 (A339);
III ii 73 (S585); III ii 77 (S408); III ii 84 (F3); III ii 85 (F34);
III ii 90 (R84); III ii 116 (C571); III iii 22 (G19); III iii 62 (W683);
III iii 92 (M505); III iv 4 (M505); III v 31 (T361); III v 52 (R73);
III v 57 (S656); III v 119 (W750); III v 141 (G426); III v 221
(E6); III v 241 (T640); IVi 21 (M1331); IV i 27 (P548); IV i 68
(D357); IV ii 6 (C636); IV ii 46 (L277); IV iv 11 (C136); IV v 28
(F391); IV v 75 (H347); IV v 96 (P345); IV v 133 (S458); Vi 2
(L277); V i 15 (H347); V i 22 (M905); V iii 88 (L277); V iii 294
(F123). See also III v 150 (L412). [120]
Timon of [ft/zens: I i 22 (F371); I i 24 (S929); I i 93 (F562); I i 100
($1026); Ii 130 (V81); Ii 169 (W923); I i 214 (P381); I i 226 (P28);
I ii 13 (F24); I ii 15 (C732); I ii 22 (C587); I ii 28 (A246); I ii 57
(H292); I ii 58 (M989); I ii 63 (W638); I ii 105 (B141); I ii 114

iv 33 (J87); I v 6 (W758); I v39 (R33); I v 43 (T436); I v 63 (F3);
(B8); I ii 150 (5979); II i 23 (B16); II i 30 (B375); II ii 71 (M202);
808 SHAKESPEARE INDEX

II ii 90 (D509); II ii 178 (F762); III i 29 (M116); III ii 67 (T616); POEMS
III iii 42 (H246); III iv 101 (C62); III v 3 (P50); III v 104 (A67);
III vi 31 ($1026); IV i 25 (8927); IV iii 28 (B440); IV iii 172 A Lover’s Complaint: 1. 198 (B455); l. 290 (D618). [2]
(P540); IV iii 300 (V80); IV iii 500 (W637); V i 28 (W820); V i
40 (F107); V i 67 (T589); Vi 134 (R84); Vi 180 (T27); V iii 3
(L251). See also I i 70 (1109); V i 53 ($184). [43]
Titus dndronieus: I i 81 (H533); I i 117 (M898); I i 176 (M333); I
i 201 (A343); I i 264 (C223); I i 280 (M209); I i314 (R36, T405);
I i 390 (V74); I i 486 (D136); I ii 90 (T49); II i 82 (W681); II i
The Passionate Pilgrim: 7, 1. 2 (D573); 7, l. 3 (G134, G135); 7, l. 4
(W135);9,1. 3 (M931); 12,1. 1 (Y43); 13,1. 10 (W646); 18,1. 10
(H60); 18,]. 29 (A318); 18,]. 41 (W660); 20,1. 7 (N183); 20,1. 35
(R103); 20, 1. 51 (F693); 20, l. 55 (G447). ' [14]
The Phoenix and Turtle: l. 13 ($1028). [1]
The Rape of Luereee: I. 29 (B177); 1. 87 (I82); 1. 88 (B394); 1. 98
85 (W99); II i 86 (T34); 11 i 95 (S587); II i 106 (M554); II iii 96
(R33); II iii 140 (D618); II iii 145 (E198); II iii 149 (E2); 11 iii
151 (L316); 11 iii 192 (F570); II iii 287 (M1315); II iv 14 (P389);
II iv 36 (F265, G449); II iv 44 (L140, L296); III i 45 (S878,
W135); III i 68 (W106); III i 89 (D189); III i 233 (L458); llli
268 (C84); III ii 66 (M1130); IVi 102 (I71); IV ii 67 (T361); IV
ii 73 (T200); IV ii 97 (5245); IV ii 99 (B436, 0171); IV ii 126
(M1205); IV ii 144 (T257); IV ii 172 ($1023); IV iii 46 (S842);
IV iii 63 (M1114); IV iv 36 (Q13); IV iv 82 (E1); Vi 13 (M738);
V i m (M79); Vi 57 (c549); Vi loo (C74); Vi 121 (D507); V ii
50 (J49); V ii 171 (D345); V iii 17 (5992); V iii 66 (M800); V iii
116 (N117); (Q. 2 and Ff.) V iii 169 (C571). See also I i 93
(V85); IV ii 42 (3199); IV ii 99 ((3458); IV ii 176 (S337)- [631
Troilus and Cressida: Prol. 31 (C223); I i 14 (M852); I i 39 (L277);
I i 67 (M872); I i 70 (L1); I i 85 (M852); I i 108 (B179); I ii 15
(A275); I ii 27 (H18); I ii 30 (E254); I ii 70 (M243); I ii 83 (H348,
M874); I ii 116 (M901); I ii 156 (M967); I ii 224 (L131); I ii 296
(A250); I iii 33 (C715); 1 iii 34 (S174); I iii 89 (5985); I iii 101
(S848); I iii 116 (M922); I iii 240 (F239); I iii 316 (P289); I iii
384 (H475); I iii391 (C918>411147 (W548); II i 51 (B787); ni
79 (W548); II i 94 (W547); II ii 14 (W154); II ii ge (W913); II ii
144 (H556); II ii 171 (A32); II ii 173 (D634); II iii 164 (A26, T546);
II iii 205 (F785); II iii 218 (R34); llli 110 (T640); III i 112 (F40);
III i 155 (H26); III ii 58 (W820); III ii 78 (W912); III ii 91
(L570); III ii 97 (P83); III ii 102 (W828); III ii 119 (B724); III
ii 162 (L558); III ii 176 (T565); III ii 181 (S840); III ii 184 (T624);
III ii 193 (D618); III ii 198 (W86); III iii 105 (E2312); III iii 151
H. (W866); III iii 257 (F371); IV i 75 (B445); IV i 77 (P546);
IV ii 11 (T240); IV iv 55 (R16); IV iv 58 (M901); IV v 98 (W797);
IV v 143 (I88); IV v 224 (E116); IV v 225 (T336); IV v 293
(T420); V ii 129 (W637); V ii 191 (R33); V ii 193 (A220); V iii 27
(H565); V iii 37 (L316); V iii 108 (W833); V iv 5 (E180); V v I8
(8579); v vii 19 (W606); v x 44 (8858); v x 54 cessa [781

(M1287); ]. 181 (F371); 1. 258 (R177); 1. 268 (B177); 1. 272 (D216);
1. 492 (R182); 1. 527 (S477); 1. 528 (E112); 1. 540 (C495); 1. 554
(C127); 1. 560 (D618); 1. 577 (D345); 1. 588 (D618); 1. 600 (T199);
1. 612 (F107); 1. 615 (K70); 1. 638 (P252); 1. 645 ($929); 1. 647
(W448a); 1- 649 (R140); 1- 663 (G437); lo 699 (M1165); 1- 731
(W919); 1- 746 (N179);14 79O (0571);1- 79I (0566); l- 876 (070);
1- 894 (N311); 1- 939 cmra M570, T324); 1- 97I (B733); 1- 978
(H311); 1. 1021 ($918); 1. 1118 ($929); 1. 1135 (N183); l. 1216
(T240); 1. 1329 (W130); l. 1337 (D357); 1. 1342 (F117); 1. 1530
(F5); 1. 1581 (F295); 1. 1611 ($1028); 1. 1687 (P50); 1. 1730 (S879);
1. 1774 (K23); 1. 1788 (R16); 1. 1821 (G446). See also 1. 407
(1109). [52]
Sonnets: 3,1. 9 (A310); 5,1. 13 (S408); 7,1. I (8979); 17,1. 9 (M567);
18,1. 5 (S978); 19, 1. 1 (T326); 19,]. 6 (T327); 21,1. 14 (P546); 22,
l. 5 (L565); 24,1. 9 (T616);35,1. 2(R182);35, 1. 4(C56);35,1. 5
(M116); 39,1. 1 (F696); 42, l. 13 (F696);47,1. 2 (T616); 59,1. 1
(T147); 66 (D206); 70, l. 2 (E175); 70,1. 7 (C56); 90,1. 7 (N166);
94,1- 1 (H170); 94,1- 13 (L197); 9641- 9 (W614); 98,1- 9 (L196);
99,1. 8 (T239); 101,1. 6 (T585); 102,1. 3 (P546); 102,1. 12 (F47);
103,1. 9 (W260); 104,1. 9 (D321); 112,1. 10 (A32); 114,1. 7 (B316);
116, 1. 2 (L539); 119, l. 9 (F40); 121,1. 1 (D336, T140); 126,1. 11
(Q16);131,1.10(M1013); 135,1. 1 (L506); 135,]. 9 ($181); 136, l. 7
(052); 145,1- 9 (N164); 147,1- 9 (C911); 147,1- 14 (H397); 151,
l. 5 (F107). See also 43, l. 1 (W500); 73 (N124). [48]
Venus and Adonis: 1. 35 (F248); 1. 199 (S839); 1. 200 (D618); 1. 201
(W637); 1. 203 (M1196); 1. 220 (M341); 1. 302 (W5); 1. 329 (G449);
l. 331 (F265, 8929); 1. 413 (B640); 1. 453 (M1175); 1. 457 (R16);
1. 525 (K175); 1. 527 (R133); 1. 567 (N299); l. 569 (H302); 1. 574
(R182); 1. 580 (L565); 1. 707 (P468); 1. 720 (N167); 1. 724 (P570);
1- 755 ((339); l- 768 (M1053); 1. 772 (S917); 1- 773 (070); l- 799
(R8); 1. 887 (P89); 1. 909 (H198); l. 987 (W651); l. 1021 (L507);
1. 1053 (L296); 1. 1137 (L510, L513); 1. 1158 (D216). See also 1.
363 (1109); l. 1032 (S826). [37]

INDEX OF
THE PROVERBS
SIGNIFICANT WORDS IN
Nora—This index lists alphabetically the important words in the entry form of
each proverb. Where compound terms are concerned, those in which the first ele-
ment is followed by a space or a hyphen precede those written as solid words.
When there is more than one grammatical function or one meaning for a word in
any group of references, the differentiation is noted. The various tenses of the
verbs that appear in the proverbs are not distinguished; references to them are
all listed under the infinitive forms. Verbal nouns constitute separate entries. Pos-
sessive forms of substantives are not distinguished from the nominatives, but the
comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs are indicated after
the positive forms. The references accord with the system of numbering in the
Dictionary proper; for an explanation of the order of the proverbs, see pp. xi-xii.
A: C365
A per se: A275
Abate: $990
Abb: A1
Abbess of Shaftesbury: A5
Abbey: A2, A3
Abbot: (sg.) A4, K139, M1305, (pl.) H614.
Abbot of Glastonbury: A5
Abed: N27, 81002
Aberdeen: A6
Abergainy Hill: N1 1 1
Abergavenny: See Abergainy Hill.
Abide: B227, E171, F682a, H343, H689,
M673, M1283, P310, P470, S6, T207
Abider: R118, T475
Ability: A7, G62
Able: A2, B31, C44, H170
About: B413, H459
Above: subst. M388; prep. H348, T206
Aboveboard: D128
Abraham: A8
Abroad: B618, C344, C557, M1232, S31
Absence: A9, A10, S238
Absent:F109,F596,L318,M591,M725,P86
Abstain: B119, V71
Absurd: F466
Abundance: A1 1—A13
Abuse: N317, U26
Accept: B194
Acceptance: W784
Accipe: A1,,r
Accord: subst. A15; verb R99
Account: subst. (sg.) D552, (1)1.) A16—17;
verb A18, W841
Account book: A19
Accursed: GI 20
Accusation: (sg.) S1019, (pl.) C597
Accuse: E215, K134, T108
Accuser: P239, W596
Ace: (sg.) A20, (pl.) B322
Ache: subrt. (5g.) SI, (pl.) A66; verb B185,
C545: E226: H275) H3102 T419
Achieve: B456
Achilles: S731


Aching: F225, T404, T421, T432
Acold: C460, C881
Acorn: (:g.) H708,01 1, (pl.) A21, A22, H492
Acquaintance: A23, F741
Acquittance: F584
Acre: (sg.) A24, H40, (pl.) A25
Act: subst. decree C457, P229, deed C392,
U28; verb M553, S477
Action: (sg.) W779, (pl.) A26, A27, C254,
C837, L160, M616, R43
Active: M62
Adam: A28—A31
Add: A52, F785, O30
Adder: (sg.) A32, A33, H89, (pl.) A34
Addle: B599
Admiration: W727
Admire: M517
Admonish: F683
Ado: A35—A41
Adry: D607
Advantage: F615, S745
Adverb: (1)1.) 6198
Adversity: A42, A43, E137, P106, P450,
P610, P611, P613, T301
Advice: T159, V2, W669
AdVise: A44: A45:
Advisement: I 34
Advocate: (sg.) A46, W596, (pl.) A47
Affair: (pl.) S833, W712
Afiect: W326
Affection: fondness, love A48, H344, passion
(1g) A234, (pl.) A49, A50
Affirmative: N101
Afliict: H600, P610
Afiicted: subst. A52; adj. A51
Afiiction: (sg.) A52, T297, (1)1.) A53, M138
Afloat: A54, E56
Afraid: A55, B737, E238, F58, F67, F728,
H208, L143, L556, S227, S261, T132,
T154, W1, W5, W931, Y5
Africa: A56
After: P576
After you: A61
Afterclap: A57
Aiterlove: $150
Afternoon: C295, F592, O33

Afterwards: W778
Afterwit: (sg.) A58~A60, (pl.) F595
Again: C226, C538, C717, D396, L227, P1 18
Against: G238
Age: era L267, years A62—A77, A310, B46 5,
E5, E96, M287, M1147, P11, T84, Y37—
Y43, Y47
Agility: A7 ‘
Agree: B281, B699, C184—C186, C426,
D544, F531, F734, H173, H341, L97,
$717, T643, W315, W830, Y43
Agreement: A78
Ague= (1e) A79—A81, F339—40, H191,
M324, (pl.) A83, A84
Aim: subst. A85, A86, A313, C612, M669;
verb M1 1 15
Air: A87—A94, B357, C126, F152, M226,
P312, S798
Ajax: A95
Akin: L203
Alarm: A96
Alchemy: A97
Alderman: A98
Ale: A99—A107, B22, B217, B450, B624,
B653, 158, L52, P369, S71, T578, W471
Ale clout: F19
Ale drinker: (pl.) C482
Ale tankard: S421, T67
Alehouse: P192, $58
Alewife: C516
Alexander: A108
Alike: A134, A167, G428, S286
Alison: See Alyson.
Alive: A109, A110, H604
Alive-like: A1 10
All: subst. (sg.) A111—A217, A406, B190,
B631, (315, C479, (361% C691, D97.
D142, D406, D539, E116, E117, E211,
F262, F265, F474, F698, G229, G250,
6315, 6339, H348. H776, H838, J7.
1103, L31, L75, L115, L395. L504, L517.
M95, M113, M114, M194, M196, M285,
M357, M1135, M1186, M1274, O42, O49,
O51, P530, 8985, T116, T187, T319, U23,
W91, W633, (1)1.) A407; adj. F219, M526,
T161—T177, W864; adv. E20, L87

809
810
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

All one: A218
Allhallontide: A299
Allow: B283, C879
Allowance: 8322, G403
All’s out: A219
Allure: H111
Almanac: C720, M571
Almond: A220
Almost: A221, A222
Alms:A223—A225, D553, G364, H498, M869
Almsdeed: A225
Almsgiving: A226
Almsman: (pl.) A227
Aloft: M43, W60, W890
Alone: A228, C490, C570, D628, E7, E205,
F495, H188, 132, M203, M216, M1004,
M1012, P48, W260, W598
Aloof: D531, P29
Altar: A229, A230, C610, F690
Alter: A231, C111
Altringham: M773, M774
Alway: A144
Always: F499
Alyson: M902
Amate: A232
Amaze: A232, L465
Ambassador: A233, P478
Amber: H679
Amberley: L404
Ambition: A234, A235, P576
Ambitious: H817, W697
Ambry: F9, G249, H262, K6
Amen: A137
Amend: A236, A237, B321, F110, L358,
M200, O45, W902
Amendment: A238, C588, S271
Amends: C200, C589, W811
Amiens: A239
Amiss: adj. G332; adv. D411, K36, L391,
N265, P367, T222
Amuck: R209
Anchor: (sg.) A240, A241, (p1.) R119
Ancient: G60
And: (1)1.) 116
Andiron: (p1.) B108
Angel: celestial being (sg.) A242, D231,
M380, P27, (pl.) M544, W702, coin (pl.)
0
27
Angel-like: V69
Anger: subst. A243—A247, H788, H797,
M846, N307; verb W78, W705
Angle: D106, F312, F333
Anglesey: A248
Angling: E113
Angry: B698, C200, E37, F144, G155,
M159, M172, M187, N131, W5, W76,
W553
Annoy: J85
Annoyance: L555
Anoint: O26, W803
Anon: (121.) A249
Another: pron. A250, A325, B419, B454,
D174, D179, D287, D290, D401, E223,
F10, F484, F556, F567, H698, H830,
M337, M343, Mssl, M358, M717,
M1013,M1251,M1257,N17,O46——7,O62,
O89, P136, P200, R136, S309, S549,
T501, W231, W770, W776; adj. F32,
5637
Answer: .mbst. A251—A255, D199, M283,
M379, 99—911, T574, W670, W759,
W948; verb F442, F510, L66, M1052,
Mi 160, U6
Ant: A256, 1'9393, G398

Anvil: (1g.) A257—A261, H62, S1052, (pl.)
M
55
Anybody: L211, 012
Anything= (3473, D406, D486, F491, 63,
L144, M579, M1084, W587, W846
Anywhere: H306
Apace: N148, W238
Ape: subst. (1g.) A262—A274, C813, D247,
H619, J10, M1095, T456, W888, (pl.)
A227, B420, E153, M37; verb A330
Apollo: A276, Y15
Apoplectic: W836
Apothecary: (sg.) A277—A281, V35, (1)1.)
A282
Appair: A237
Apparel: A283, A284, G206, 3959
Appeal: P252
Appear: C630, D294, W607
Appearance: (sg.) W921, (pl.) A285
Appease: W822
Appetite: A286—A289, M831, S870, T173
Apple: (sg.) A290—A295, M177, M191,
P418, W364, (pl.) A296—A302, C358,
C788, E85, F779, W322
Apple-squire: A303
Apple tree: A304, A305
Appleby: L60
April: subst. A306—A31 1, D73, M644, M767;
adj. C415, F379, H827, S410, S411
Apron: W346
Apron string: (sg.) W659, (pl.) A312
Archer: A313
Architect: M126
Arden: B147
Argument: (sg.) W4, (pl.) A50, W821
Argus: A314, E254
Arm: subst. upper limb (5g.) A315-A317,
B523, G227, N64, 8127, S531, T454,
(pl.) K87, M1103, weapon (1)1.) A318,
M83, W205; verb S845, W40, W205
Armful: H127
Armor: A319, A320, H489, 8351
Army: S500
Aroint: W584
Arquebus: S733
Arrest: B38
Arrow: (sg.) A321—A325, B511, F161, 8265,
W780, (pl.) A313, C913, M291, W736,
VV739
Arse: A216, A326, N225. See also Ass.
Arse beating: A327
Arsie versie: A328
Art: (5.1-) A319—A335, M1064, (21-) H584,
P527
Arthur: A336, A337, K88
Arthur Bradley: A3 38
Arundel: L404
Ascend: D204, L535, S848
Ash= (111-) A300, A339—A341, D457, F164,
M135, W738
Ashamed: A342, M431, M553, M830
Ashore: 8177
Asiden: H499
ASk: A343) A344) D201: E169: F2712 F453)
F722, F723, H725, K9, L41 8, L427, M76,
M272, M508, M1193, N39, N113, 09a,
88, S719, T225, T504, T616, T617, W2,
W770
Asker: A345
Asking: A346, A347, M264
Asleep: F616, S662, W8
Aspen: L140, W677
Asquint: L498
Ass: donkey (sg.) A348—A371, B748, C487,

H685, M1306, 0109, S233, T11, W644,
W888, (1)1.) A372, H713, numskull (sg.)
A373-A378, D141, E110, H567, K69,
L74, M531, 048, 8135, (pk) A379, N334,
rump A38o—A387, B391, B650, C106,
D54, F70, H208, K21, N151, 8900, T258,
T41 I. See also Arse.
Ass-a-peak: D317
Assail: D259, V10
Assault: G73
Assaulted: M218
Asshead: A388
Assurance: (11].) P132
Astray: W161
Astrologer: (pl.) A389
Astrology: A389
Astronomer: A390
Atheism: D2 34
Atheist: (pl.) W53
Athens: A391, 097
Athirst: D607
Atilt: B217
Attain: H138, T201
Attend: G314, V10
Attendance: A392
Attention: P650
Attorney: (5g.) A393, C411, (12].) B108
Auger: W407
Aughfl A394, A395, (3316, M437, N346,
$103. See also Ought subst.
August: A396, A397, 1102
Aunt: (pl.) A398, A399
Aurora: A400
Author: (13:) A401, T40, T467, (1)1.) W740
Authority: A402, M567, T476
Autumn: S784, T194
Autumnal: A84
Avail: W197
Avarice: P530
Aver: A403, I57
Avicen: 81004
Avoid: D29, F83, M997, 8273
Awake: D589, F616
Away: C175, H157, H515, M646, M1092,
N367, $587
Awe: A404, A405
Awl: (sg.) A406, C479, (pl.) A407, A408
Awry= 5367, $373
Ax: A409-A411, P339
Axletree: F179
Aye: A326, W660, W884. See also Yea.
B
B: B1
Bab: (pl.) C785
Babbler: B2
Babbling: B3, F465
Babe: (sg.) B4, B5, K132, (pl.) B703
Baby: (1g.) B6, B7, (PL) B8, B96
Bacchus: C211 '
Bachelor: (sg.) B716, S630, (pl.), B9, B10,
5944
Back: subst. back of body, etc. (131.) B11—
B17, B288, B414, B437, B728, C238,
C434, C470, D260, D264, D269, D316,
F158: F742) H2672 H4492 H7002 H7122
L262 L452: M235: M256) P467: 8233)
S283, S580, S842, 8971, T519, W61, (pl.)
B151,F704,M565,reverseB18;verb L181
Back-beat: B19
Back door: B21, D48, D560, W370
Backare: M1183
Backbiter: (5g.) B158, (121.) H297
Backbone: B20

Anthony, Saint: $3 5
Backing: T520
H16, H239, H376, H552, H656, H667,
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
811
Backward: B513, C770, F594, G152, H507,
P101, P559
Bacon: B22—B25, C321, D306, F375, H425,
L353, V93
Bad: subst. B26, B27; adj. (1101.) B316,
B735, C771, M1100, N298, N328, O61,
P542, R162, T156, T478, W386, W760,
W784, W785, W807, (compan) A237,
B333, D71, E29, E52, H108, 140, L290,
L584, M47, M551, 038, P646, R68, 5431,
T156, T168, W207, W365, W745, W785,
(superl.) C668, D519, H807, M86, M316,
P79, P228, P292, S770, T178, W287,
W905, W906
Badge: C471, H574, M1336
Badger: B28
Badger-like: L182
Bag= (12-) A134, B12331, B135, B344,
3511, 3548, B550, (3407, C744, F610,
L31, M957, M1133, N159, P350, P632,
83, (pl-7 B33, M466, W874
Bag pudding: D175, 81039
Baggage: R107
Bagpipe: (sg.) B34, (1)1.) B35
Baikie: H66
Bailiery: B36
Bailiff: G85
Bailiff of Bedford: B37
Bailiff of Marshland: B38
Baim= (52-) B19, B39—B45, W385, (PL)
B46—B49, D292, M570, M984
Bait: subst. B50, B730, F306, F316, F324,
H644, M1056, M1228, W443; verb B51
Baited: C132
Baiting: B721
Bake: A382, B52, B548, B654, D536, E106,
M783, T210
Baker: A204, B53-B55, L171, Y26
Bakestone: C131
Baking: B56
Balance: B57, B58
Bald: B597, C645, H237, T311
Baldwin: L448
Bale: B59
Balk: (12].) B60
Ball: proper name A198, SI32, sphere B61—
B63, T253, W901
Ballast: S24, S347
Balthasar: M83
Ban: F632, 8118
Banbury: A100, C268, T351, ZI
Band: bond (pl.) B759, D203, decoration
B64,F6,I{205
Bane: subst. 81043; verb B51
Baneful: F585
Bang: P361
Bank: side 5156, swelling L67
Bankrupt: B226
Banner: Y21
Banning: B65
Bannock: (sg.) B66, P293, (pl.) B67
Banquet: B68
Barber: (sg.) B69—B74, T418, (pl.) B75
Bare: B18, B356, B391, B551, B650, C190,
F561, J60, K176, M884, M1095, N4,
S299, S706, W18, W786
Bare-assed: B644
Bareback: S19
Barefoot: C793, D22, F74, M619, P365,
P574, T135
Barefooted: M507
Bargain: (sg.) B76—B80, B326, F2, M259,
N63, S564, W786, W819, W827, (121.)
B81, B82

Bark: subst. bark of tree B83, H88, L280,
barking of dog D525, boat C666; verb
1384, C915, D445, D448, D449, D461,
D471, D482—D484, D498, D515, D526,
D528, D530, D531, D539, L587, M1123
Barker: (p/.) B85, B86
Barking: M1119
Barley: B87, C546, S40, S540, W277
Barley straw: B89
Barleycorn: grain of barley B88, proper
name 167, S487, S488
Barm: B601
Barn: B90, C130, G398, L341, M764, R9
Barn door: B93
Barnabas, Saint: S36
Barnaby: B91
Barnaby Bright: B92
Barnwell: A80
Barrek B94, H445, W492
Barren: C748
Barrow: A216, B95
Bartering: B413
Bartholomew, Saint: S37
Bartholomew baby: (pl.) B96
Base: (1)01.) S523, V13, (superl.) N312
Bashful: D229, M970
Bashfulness: B97, B98, B480, 8144
Basilisk: B99
Basin: D335
Basket: B100—B102, E89, M391, M621, Y51
Basket justice: B103
Basketful: G400
Bastard: subst. (sg.) L443, (PL) B104; adj.
C764, C799
Baste: beat C787, ]13, moisten G361, H487
Bat: 092
Bate: A20
Bath: ablution B105, M1107, name of city
B250
Batt : (5;) W932, (10].) B106
Battledore: B1
Bauble: (sg.) F476, F509, F511, (1)1.) F528,
F548
Bavin: B107
Bawd: (sg.) O70, U28, (pl.) B108
Bawdry: W329
Bawdy: B760
Bawdyhouse: F566, W531
Bawling: 8146
Bay: B109, B182
Bayard: B110—B112
Be: B65, M1331, S214
Be still: B329
Bead: (pl.) B113
Beadle: F137
Beam: M1188, M1191
Bean: (sg.) B114—B118, B345, P134, P319,
(pl.) B119—B125, D645, H822, M372,
S67, 8188, W186
Bear: subst. (5g.) B126—B132, B738, C717,
D467, G486, H551, N9, T522, W606,
(121.) A41, B133, B134, K85; verb to
carry A178, A341, B13, B14, B275, B596,
B711, B725, C245, C464, C910, D309,
D318, F10, F159, F167, F741, H94,
H616, H653, H683, I81, M256, P646, to
endure A128, A172, A231, B135, B136,
B245, B444, E195, I68, M1006, W191,
to produce A397, B5, B137—B142, B468,
B478, B535, B555, (3197, 6301, (1301,
D82, D327, D502, F176, F513, F682a,
F740, H505, H738, H740, L2, L373, M27,
M73, M331, M442, M550, M728, M940,
M1196, P386, P387, P448, P451, S671,

Bear garden: B146
Bear-land: B60
Bear of Arden: B147
Bear pie: B148
Beard: (1g) B143, B144, C140, F80, G169,
H22, H165, I89, R37, S754, W524, (1)1.)
13145, H55
Bearded: B149, F768, M155
Beast: (sg.) A64, B149—B156, M306, M380,
M862, M1308, N38, S296, W442, W615,
(PL) B157—159,W685
Beat: B160, B602, B739, B740, B742,
C561, D443, D463, D517, D614, E155,
F677, 6185, 6376, H390, H587, H656,
H706, I96, M396, M1244, P636, S705,
S746, S800, S802, S867, 81047, W105,
W204: W644
Beating: A327, B161
Beauchamp: B162
Beauty: comeliness B163—B177, F55, G395,
M623,V84,W153,aperson ofbeauty B178
Because: B179
Beccles: B180
Beck: B181, B182
Become: to change M170, to suit C30, C758
Bed: subst. furniture (1g) A114, A166,
A315, B183—B197, B486, B661, C335,
D513, D537, D570, D577, E68, F371,
F507, F576, H352, L17, M349, M774,
M984, M1146, M1 157, N28, N170, P597,
S547, S678, S875, S932, T541, W285,
W364, (p1.) W170, garden B6; verb W731
Bedfellow: (sg.) E98, (pl.) H568
Bedford: B37
Bedfordshire: B198, W699
Bedirt: T602
Bedlam: B199
Bedminster: B676
Bedstafi: B200, T634
Bedstraw: B201, F272
Bee: (sg.) B202—B209, H553, H558, M738,
S49, (1)1.) B210—B213, H255, P452, 8321,
$1029, $1044
Beef: B214—B216, B616, B719, H573, T179,
W224
Beelzebub: B7
Beer: A101, B22, B217, B218, H440, S404,
T195
Beetle: insect B219—B22I, 013, mallet
G308, W235
Before: adv. C303, F570, G156, L433,
P576, R94, W778; PreP- (3144
Beforehand: W845, W885
Beg: B222, B223, B644, B783, C735, D201,
E139, F496, 6193, S740, 8901, V93, W33
Beget: B43, B195, M1053
Beggar: subst. (sg.) A345, B224—B242,
C737, H314, K67, K93, L471, M378,
M10071 M13422 P523: P572) 8255: 8256:
(pl) A39, B243—B252, C617, D13, E189,
F557, G1 10,178, K66, P382, P470, W535—
W538; verb B47
Beggars’ Inn: B252
Beggars of Bath: B250
Beggars of Bologna: B251
Beggary: B176, G62, 112, M1316, P94,
T471: U32)
Begging: A399, E94, M1172
Begin: B253, B254, D43, D214—15, E115,
E118, E123, E128, E150, F455, G273,
G316) M2341 M1328: 8634-5: T217)
VV844
Beginning: (sg.) B255—B262, C547, C548,
E114, E119, E127, E202, F512, L513,

Bargh: B608
L555, S69, 8166, 5358, (p1.) B263, B264
5771, T77, W18, W574, W637, W699
812
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Begot: See Beget.
Beguile: [)179, M1268, S653, T221, W730
Begun: See Begin.
Behead: M229
Behind: adv. B318, C303, E236, G151,
6156, L433, W778, W918; prep. D224,
(i244
Beholden: L315, M174, N90
Being: T170
Belfry: D235
Belie: S470
Believe: A185, A202, A371, B265—B269,
B196: D419: F456) 6143: H164:
L217, L234, M603, M1116, T52
Believer: (p1.) B270
Believing: S212
Bell: (sg.) B271-B277, C699, F377, F445,
@181, L464, P303, 534, T 375, W303.
(pl.) B278—B282, H434
Bell rope: (p/.) J48
Bellerophon: L214
Bellow: mbst. (p/.) W453; verb B709
Bellwether: F376
Belly: (sg.) B11, B34, B283—B304, B608,
C18, C57, D25, D316, E261, G146, G398,
M372, M1270, P479, S283, S351, S872,
T246, U3, Y49, (pl.) E71, F56, M587
Belly-beat: B19
Bellyful: B305, B306, D331
Bellywark: C824
Belong: I28, M595, M1156, M1157
Beloved: A157, B82, D566, N118, W372
Belt: subst. E257, M166, T271; verb M166
Beltan: B493
Beltless: B40
Bemoan: M99921
Benacre: C779
Bench: F505, P187
Bench whistler: B307
Bend: H476, T304, T632
Benedict, Saint: S38
Benefice: B308
Benefit: (1g) B230, C619, (p1.) B309—B311
Benison: A215
Benson: B312
Bent: subsl. B313; adj. B561, Y35
Benting: P316
Beray: C554
Berry: fruit B314, D296, proper name S304
Berwick: B315
Beshit: B710
Beside: B531, C929
Besom: B682, L366, N82
Besse Locket: W584
Best: subst. B316—B328, C280, C668, C786,
L291, N275, P140, S461, S939, V62,
W445,W913; adj. (see Good adj. [superLD
Best bred: E58
Bestir: S946
Bestow: M1218
Bethink: F495
Betide: B343
Betimes: D45, D47, N86, 034, T232
Betray: U26
Better: .mbst. (sg.) B26, B330—B332, F106,
G313. M65, W314, (PL) B346, B417,
M560, M856, S230; adj. and adv. (see
GOOd adj. and adv. [compar.])
Between: H429
Betwit: S588
Bever: B336
Bewail: C847, C920, D160, L248, W33
Beware: A57, B263, B337, B646, B788,
F656. 6177, H8, H373, H470, M78.

Bewitched: W1 18
Bias: B338, B339
Bible: B340
Bid: B34I, B444, B784, C848, D446, 6264,
6179, W157
Bidding: B342
Bide: B343, C146, F682a, S375, W187,
W538
Bier: W271
Big: subst. (121.) B344; verb E34, F147; adj.
(pm) B224, P133, (compan) E261,
M961, 5595
Bigger: (5.1-) B345, 6013346
Bilberry: B422
Bilk: W764
Bill: ax, pickax, or the like B347, beak
B348, W496, written document (5g)
W663. (PL) W379
Billesdon: B349
Billingsgate: subst. F128; adj. B350, M798
Billingsgate language: B350
Billy: B351
Bind: B134, B310, B352—B354, D203, G1 18,
R44, 51, W404
Binder: B612
Bink: (1)1.) B355
Birch: B3 56
Birchen: T633
Bird: (sg.) B357—B392, B740, C320, C851,
C892, E77, F152, F153, J69, L586, N138,
P85, 8140. $349. 5389, T170, W31, (111-)
B393—B401, C10, D98, F163, G36, M450,
N129, S66, S694, T209, V3, W537
Birth: B402, B648
Birthright: B403
Biscuit: B404
Bishop: (sg.) B405—B411, D240, D274,
K68. (PL) H434
Bit: part ofbridle B424, small amount (sg.)
A372, B412—B421, N356, S241, S297,
T126, (1)1.) B422, B423, S401
Bitch: B425, D483, D527, G261
Bite: A33, B66, B86, B129, B426-B429,
B571, B590, B656, B670, B731, C915,
C918, D445, D446, D448, D461, D463,
D499, D503, D531, E10, F401. F531,
F774. 6349, H13, M5, M191, M158,
M510, M744, M1235, M1260, N241,
P410, R18, S227, T273, T425, W14,
W237, W384,W496, W606
Biter: (sg.) B426, B429, (1)1.) B85, B86
Biting: subst. B430, B431, 8165; adj. S296
Bitter: subst. B432; adj. A282, G11, M558,
N360, P327, S871
Bittem: K114
Blab= B433, B434
Black: subst. B115, B435—B441, G172; adj.
(pox) B143, B147, B160, B389, (1394,
C458, C646, C844, D88, D217, D255,
D297, D310, D507, E56a, E252, F15,
F28, F167, H359, H397, H418. H500, I73,
174,149,K11,M79,M395,M710,M1 130.
0103, P357. P439. 5196, $305, 5316,
8363, S459, 5539, $561, 5593, 5641,
S1027, T197, W632, W755, (compan)
C8491W313
Black brows: F782
Blackamoor: B105, E186. See also Moor.
Blackberry: (sg.) C489, (11].) B442
Blackness: R34
Bladder: (sg.) 3124, (19].) B443
Blade: grass, etc. C656, C658, sword F372
Blake: P13
Blame: subst. B444, C641; verb A231, B445,

Blameless: F107
Blank: B446
Blanket: B447
Blast: subst. B167, B448, 011; verb G395
Blate: C134, P665
Blaze: flame B107, B167, white spot M656
Bleach: W226
Bleating: S297
Bleed: A159, D608, M270, N2, S201, W930
Blench: B449
Bless: B405, C836, E228, G120, M1113,
P155) S61: W749
Blessing: (5g.) B168, B450, C299, G266,
6171, M796, N83, P553. (pl) 6177
Blew: See Blow verb.
Bliborough: B180
Blind: subst. B451, B452, E240; verb B659,
G105; adj. A48, B112, B219, B251, B425,
3507, B791, C130, C169, D195, E117,
F604, G84, G96, G386, H175, H176,
H523: H634: H834: L506: M74:
M8O—M81, M177, M303, M446, M494,
M540, M690, M737, M909, M1034, 091,
S200, S206, S429, S836, W500
Blindman: B452a
Bliss: W170
Blister: R84
Blithe: H301, R146
Block: B453, B454, C352, F765, 8922
Blood: subst. (sg.) A205, B45 5-B467, C394,
D190, F366, F367, G298, M411, M1049,
N312, V52, V82, W107, W461, (pl.)
D335; “41- D436
Blood pudding: D436
Bloodshed: C595
Bloody: D88
Bloodybone: (1)1.) R35
Bloom: M1303
Blossom: subst. (sg.) B169, B468, B702,
(1)1.) B469, H31; verb K165, S784
Blot: subst. B470, B471; verb N301, P183
Blotch: C514
Blow: subst. (sg.) B472—B475, E78, T496,
W763. (111-) A157, B106, B150. M339.
M637, W824, W834, W840; verb B476,
B477, 0459, C460. C465, D648. F151,
GI, H616, H618, M689, M1122, M1251,
M1158, S914, S9981W144, W413, W415,
W420, W421, W441 '
Blowpoint: B581
Bloxham: B478
Blue: subst. M632, T542, T543; adj. B124,
B160, C436, C471, W569
Blue coat: C471, H574
Bluely: C534
Blurt: M739
Blush: subst. B190, B479; verb D507, M431,
Blustering: N166
Bo: B481
Boar: B131, B482—B484, R7 '
Board: lumber B485, I61, table B486, B487,
P394
Board cloth: G333
Boast: subst. B488; verb T140
Boaster: (sg.) V19, (19].) B489
Boat: B490—B492, C666, D282, F569, 04,
Bobtail: T10
Booking: B603
Bode: subst. (1)1.) B493; verb B29, W206
Boden: G52

M612, M615, W196
Bodied: M156
F43, F107, S57, T584
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
813

Bodkin: B494
Body: animal or human body (sg.) A74,
B496—B501, C816, D381, F227, F655,
635. H175, L186. M304. M305. M974,
P73, P647. R114. 81, S413. S668, W549.
(p/.) B502, B503, M977, S832, human
being 13495. Mass
Body louse: B 504
Bog: F763
Boil: P505, 8594
Boiled: H378, L405
Boiling: P503
Boisterous: H684
Bold: subst. F601; adj. (pan) B112, B162,
B346, B505, B506, G110, I82, M178,
(superl.) B489
Boldness: B507
B011: B508
Bologna: B251
Bolster: B509, B510
Bolt: subst. B511-B513, F370, F515, F516,
114, S264; verb F54
Bolton: A20, B513
Bon voyage: L579
Bond: (sg.) M458, (pl.) B759
Bondage: F130, P590
Bone: (5g.) B514—B525,C186, D237, D451,
D463, D468, 13470—13471, D518, D544,
D545, F365, M689, M1253, N260, S880,
T403, W790, (pl.) A376, B185, B303,
B526—B528, C120, C311, F435, H822,
L52) M349: M571: R154) S44: W789:
W801
Bonnet: B529
Bonny= B334, F431, $454
Book: (sg.) A19, A401, B276, B530—B532,
P71, W595, (Pl-l B533, B534. (376, F731,
P280, Y27
Boor: B535
Boot: subst. (sg.) B59, L188, (pl.) B536,
B537. 8379; verb B538
Booted: D264
Bootless: E180
Booty: B539
Bopeep: B540
Borage: L141
Bore: N229
Born: See Bear verb.
Borough: See Burrough.
Borough-man: (pl.) B541
Borrow: B223, B542—B544, B783, D372,
F147, H217, H650, M176, M1104, N73,
N89: N264: P447: 5266: S693, U32: W904-
Borrowed: T125
Borrowing: B545
Borsten: S566
Bosom: A8, B546, C885, H624, 131, L467,
M487, M1233, 81018, V68
Bossing: O82
Botch: B547
Botcher: G199
Both: A173—4
Bottle: bundle N97, P520, W225, glass con-
tainer (sg.) B548, D579, D629, W468,
W479, (111-) 13549
Bottom: lowest part A207, B550—B552,
B674, F302, S7, S461, T573, T582, T596,
V35, W146, W467, W877, ship A209,
skein of thread B553, H802
Bottomless: B242, G47
Bough= (53-) B359, 3554, B608, F84, (PL)
Bsss—B557
Bought: W545, W546.
Bonk: C285
See also Buy.

Bounce: B701, G481
Bound: See Bind.
Bounty: B174, B558
Bourd: subst. B559, B560; verb B66, B571,
E242
Boume: L404
Bout: B95
Bow: subst. (sg.) B313, B561—B565, D437,
R148, $937, Y33, Y35, (pl.) M291; verb
B566, B636, T304; adj. B567
Bow bell: S671
Bow hand: B567
Bowden: M108
Bower: B7, M1274
Bowl: subst. (sg.) B568, (p/.) B569; verb
H465
Bowleg: (pl.) B54
Bowler: M183
Bowman: B570
Bowty: B571
Bowwow: (pl.) B572
Box: subst. blow B573, F128, M373, meas-
ure B574, place B575, receptacle (sg.)
H257: 116a JIOO, P40:
(pl.) W921; verb F85
Boy: (sg.) B576—B581, B666, C320, H480,
W399, W842, (pl.) B582, B583, C337,
L17, L24, T209
Brabble: (pl.) D577
Brabbling: C917
Brack: B584
Brackley breed: B585
Bradley: A338
Bradshaw: B586
Brae: B731
Brag: subst. B587—B590; verb G334, M601;
adj. B504
Bragger: (pl.) B591, M564
Brain: (sg.) B592—B597, E267, H344,
LI58—9, M6, W907, (pl.) B598—B602,
G484, G485, M587, M626, M1029, T618,
T6
Braintree: B603
Bramble: (pl.) D577
Bran: B604, F54, F383, M784, M785
Branch: (5g) T488, (pl.) B508
Brand: (sg.) C461, (pl.) $168
Brandy: B605
Brasenose: ' See Brazennose.
Brass: B606, B607, F8, I71, I93, M438
Bravado: (pl.) T81
Brave: C15a, C774, MS3
Brawl: W815
Brawn: P299
Bray: subst. V40; verb A359, A374, M531
Brayton: B608
Brazen: F8
Brazennose: T92
Brea: H326
Bread: A21, B67, B412, B421, B541, B609—
B635, B778, B791, C1 1, C68, C427, C869,
D65: D459: D485: D598: D600) D605:
E184, F189, F271, F362, G185, G323,
6417. G451, H36, H603, K5. K157, M68,
M193, M395, M589, M783, M841,
M1339, P288, $415, $555, $557, $901,
8904, U2, W115, W120, W475, Y32
Breadth: H28, H29, N7
Break: B16, B566, B630', B636, C4, C114,
C584, C604, C650, C679, C814, C931,
E99) F92 F372) G44: 6106: G449: H241:
H265! H269: H403: H494: H605: H609:
H673, H711. H739, H768, H811, 13, 154,
K4, K90, L118, L187, L529, M256,

P351, P499, P507. P595, P604. P605.
R154, 5770. T133, T151, T381, T403,
W789, W790, W801
Breakfast: (5g.) D343, D505, H154, H601,
H826, L246, (p1.) F649
Breaking: F141, H632
Breaking open: B637
Bream: (sg.) B608, (pl.) B638
Breast: B386, C837, D476, H325, L156,
L481, N183
Breath: B238, B639—B642, F46, M482,
8998, W422
Breathe: A91, M168
Bred: See Breed verb.
Breech: (5g.) A381, B643, B644, B651,
@795, M717, M746. W667, (PL) A386.
B645, D491, 679, M18. M751, M774,
P652, T538, W490. See also Breek.
Breed: subst. B585, B646; verb to produce
B144, B647, B753, (3195, D131, F365,
G384, L282, M963, M1231, O78, P299,
8124, W666, Y47, to raise C343, C846,
E58
Breeding: B402, B648
Breek: (sg.) B649, (p[.) B650. See also
Breech.
Breeze: B651
Brescia: W205
Brevity: B652
Brew: B52, B450, B548, B653, B654, E106,
T210
Brewer: B55, B655, B656, M621
Brewing: B657
Bribe: subst. (5g) B658, D149, P650, (pl.)
B659; verb R125
Brick: (5g) M1181, (pl.) B660
Bridal: M201
Bride: B661—B664, D593, I27, M1302
Bridge: (sg.) B665—B667, F169, F473,
H251, H320, L416, L417, M210, W771,
(pl.) B502, B668
Bridle: subst. A364, B669—B671, H673,
H684, H693, M307, O48, P612, R45; verb
H705, P90
Bridport: D5
Brier: (sg.) B359, (pl.) B672, B673
Bright: B92, D55, F248, G135, 193, K26,
S343, S453
Brightness: M1080
Brim: subst. B674; adj. B482
Brimmer: D176
Brinded: P299
Brine: S76
Bring: A3, B372, B565, B675, B696, C82,
6259. C340, C531, C745, C798, C936,
D65, D223, E187, F507, F523, G122, H5,
H503, M816, N140, N194, P4, P5, P489,
R24, T26, T284, T486, W165, W441,
W507, W813. W915
Brisk: B504
Bristle: (pl.) H484
Bristol: B676, M932
Brittle: G134
Broad: B13, B93, B677, S407
Broadgates: F73
Broadside: B678
Brock: B679
Brod: B680
Broil: H449
Broke: See Break.
Broken= B515, F759, 53, 5344, $353, 5531
Broker: K122, K147
Brood: F379
Brook: subst. (sg.) C809, H482, (pl.) B681,

Boulogne: F100
R139; verb F457
M300, M1 103, N67, N68, N96, 07, P314,
814
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Broom: implement for sweeping (1g) B682,
(pl) B683, the shrub F790, G112, L23
Broth: B215, B684, C642, D291, S461,
W422
Brother: (1g) B685—B688, E241, M378,
P190, S526, (pl) B689, H211
Brought: See Bring.
Brow: (pl) F782, S506, $1031, $1032
Browm 8314, F171, M395, 5945
Browse: 6168
Bruise: S897
Bruit: B690
Brush: B437, B691, G114
Brusher: (pl) C829
Brust: B49, E52
Brute: M380
Bubble: M246
Buck: B692, B693
Bucket: (sg) B694, R173, W806, (pl)
B695, W264
Bucking: S567
Buckingham: W699
Buckinghamshire: B616
Buckle: :ubst. (1g) B696—B699, (pl) S382,
S383; verb B700
Buckler: E28
Buckram: B701
Bud: B702
Budge: I52
Budget: F187, K118, L543, T345, T348,
T349
Bufi: S819
Bufiet: (5g) B416, M494, (pl) W816
Bug: (pl) B248, B703, L310
Bugbear: (1g) B738, K142, (pl) B703
Build: B547, C125, C126, C347, C857,
F619, @159, G470, H766, H768, H770,
H790, M1039, P76, P97, P225, P635,
R163, S88
Building: constructing B704—B707, C244,
N278, S761, edifice B708, U12
Bull: subst. the animal B709~B717, R59,
T303, blunder B718, papal edict P480;
verb C765
Bull beef: B719
Bull of Stamford: B721
Bullet: B720, C57
Bullimong: D301
Bulrush: B709, K168
Bulwark: U12
Bum: P73
Bumstead: N359
Bun: B55
Bunch: G116, K28
Bundle: (pl) C246
Bungay: B180, C123
Bunghole: S750
Bunny: C717
Bunting: B722, G376
Bur: (5g) R181, (pl) B723, B724. See
also Burr.
Burbolt: B598
Burden: (1g) A350, A363, B725—B728,
C899, P174, P544, T256, W252, (pl)
A365, B729, H582
Burford bait: B730
Burglary: B637
Burial: (pl) M687
Burn: subst. B731; verb B107, B732, C41,
C47, C48, D113, E14, F140, F149, F157,
F265, F274, F281, F289, F665, H487,
H751, H758. H763, P1768, H783, 1100,
M497, M692, M1048, N116, 031, P74,
S357, T417, T620, W70, W586

Burnt-house: K33
Burnt-tail: K33
Burr: B733. See also Bur.
Burrough: B734. See also Borough-man.
Bursen: D76
Burst: B291, B678, E72, H605, L94
Burton: B608
Bury: A2, C385, M699, T481, W853
Bush: bunch ofivy 096, W462, shrub (sg)
B363, B735—B742, F630, G28, G30,
H358, T112, T113, (pl) B394, tail F633
Bushel: B743, B744, C663, F685, G80,
H126, L275, W817
Business: (1g) A1, B745—B756, C393,
D353, F455, H102, L491, M104, M195,
M301, W355, (pl) B757
Busk: subst. L23; verb B662
Buskin: B758
Busy: subst. B759; adj. B202, B504, C621,
D281,H415,K176,L164,T94,T401,W343
Butcher: B760—B765, R26
Butchery: F337
Butler: B766
Butt: D656
Butter: subst. B53, B767—B780, D54, K155,
M841, P519, R172, $904, W74; verb B623,
5415, W79I
Butter cake: (pl) W536
Butterfly: (pl) H231
Butterwhore: (pl) B781
Butterwife: (pl) B781
Buttock: (1g) B74, T519, (pl) H685
Button: excrement (pl) A381, fastening
(5g) B782, (pl) D655
Buttonhole: P181
Buy: A59. B81, B151, B445, B510, B558.
B676, B691, B783-B787, C170, C259,
C683, C689, C816, D12, F25, G32, G170,
G286, G410, H546, H570, H573, H759,
K45, K185. L51, L111, L141, 1459,1440,
M8, M257, M648, M807, M886, N85,
P212, P304, P416, P653, R81—2, S221,
S576, S593, S627, S636, S651, T97, W395,
W494, W556, W565, W567. See also
Bought.
Buyer: B788, W757
Buying: B789—B791, C362, W503
Buzzard: bird B792, H223, worthless per-
son M481 '
By-and-by: A249
By-blow: B763
Bye: .M46
Bygone: (pl) B793
Byre: C752
C
Cab: (1g) C1, C28, (pl) C2, C3
Cabbage: C511, G38
Cabinet: J55
Cable: C4, M1235
Cackle: C7
Cackling: C5, E82
Cadger: (pl) C6
Cadiz: See Cales.
Cadowe: C7
Caesar: C8, C9
Cage: (5g) B361, C747, (pl) C10
Cake: (5g) B633, C11-C15, C931, D238,
M358, (pl) ZI
Calamity: C15a
Caldron: W806
Cale—Hill: C16
Calendar: D144
Calends: G441, J36

Calf: (sg) B711, B712, B765, C17—C20,
C748, C759, C761. C764, C765, L574.
M930, P69, T410, W22, W291, (pl) C21,
C22, C230, V21
Call: B278, C22a, C739, C940, D508, G178,
H519, L136, M435, M1313, 039, $131,
$486, S699, S713, W319, W777, Y31
Calling: summoning M999, vocation C23,
(3145
Calm: :ubst. (1g) C24, 5908, (pl) V97;
adj. (pm) 5174, (superl) H840
Calumny: E175
Calve: C756
Cam: G158
Cambridge: subst. C25; adj. H686
Cambridgeshire: C31
Came: See Come.
Camel: (1g) C26—C30, G150, W888, (pl)
C31, C32
Cammock: C33, T493
Camomile: C34
Camp: C35
Can: subst. receptacle C902, C903, H27,
skill C36; verb H829, M197, M554, T151,
W267
Cancel: 145
Candle: (5g) B214, B276, B762, C37—C49,
C53, C461, F394, G328, L275, P596, S29,
S776, 3988, T6, T114, T442, W682, (pl)
C50
Candleholder: C51
Candlelight: W682
Candlemas: A299, B123
Candlemas Day: C52—C5 5
Candlestick: C53. See also Canstick.
Canker: C56, T396
Cannon: C57, F100
Cannon bullet: C 57
Cannot: W267
Canstick: C512. See also Candlestick.
Canterbury: C58, C59
Cap: (1g) B336, C60—C66, C613, F157,
H250, H471, M1081, R187, S497, (pl)
B22, F549, K160, M1105
Caper: subst. (pl) M1047; verb F395
Caple: (pl) T308
Capon: (sg) C67, C68, C288, C518, M1024,
Y2, (pl) C291
Captain:(sg) B64, C69-C71, (pl) P253
Captain Drake: C72
Capuche: B1 13
Carcass: C73
Card= (5.1-) C74, C75, C596, C644, (pl)
C76—C80, F88, M67
Carding: C81
Care: subst. (1g) C82—C87, C194, C506,
C722, C921, F290, M532, P23, P518,
R108, R109, R135, 8103, W8, W198,
W356, (pl) C88, C330, C728, C863,
M973, W133; verb C89, 6306, C355,
D600, E130, G244, G374, M600, M1026,
N256, P333, P481, S917, T127, T601
Care not: C90
Careful: L155
Careless: H843
Carl: C91, C92, C449, H21
Carleton: W280
Carp: H440
Carpenter: (5g) C93, C94, (pl) B525
Carper: C95
Carpet: C96—C98
Carrier: J71
Carrion: C99
Cam" A119, B184, 3521. B533, 1357?.

Burnt: C297, S341
B711, B726, C36, C100, C464, C466,
Cales: K163
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
815

C907, D298, D374, E21, F20, F267, F414,
G137, G140, G313, G466, G486, H683,
H693, M1, M751, M816, P174, V96,
W622
Carrying: T43
Cart: subst. (sg.) A40, C101—C106, E129,
6140. H658, M495, $769. $770, T308,
W287, (pl) C107, C108; adj. C758
Cartload: H720
Cartway: C109
Carver: C110
Case: container S6, situation C111-C113,
C401, M464
Cask: C114, P353
Casket: J55
Cast: subst. extremity C1 I 5, quantity C1 16,
taste C117, turn C118, venture C119;
verb A16—17, A180, A241, B454, B518,
C60, C62, C106, C791, D177, D237,
D316. D571, D650. F307, H709. M46,
M74, M1017, M1114, N50, O32, P165,
P394) P613: 8148: $323: $372: S880, 8989, T155, T429, W90, W106,
W762, Y46
Casticand: S498
Casting: S596
Castle: (sg.) A356, B564, C120—C123,
K100, M473, S581, V14, W348, (pl)
C124—C126
Cat: subst. (sg.) A99, B277, B418, B431,
C37, C84, C127—C180, C284, C376,
(360381, C874, D436, D457, D492, L353.
M1167, M1231, M1232, M1239, P291,
P406, R32, S441, S519, W212, W652,
(pl) C50, C181—C186, C713, 8165; adj.
(3187, N73
Cat dish: N73
Cat harrow: C187
Catch: subst. C188; verb B132, B240, B368,
B396. B398. B401, B740. (3145, C166,
C183, C189, C750, C763. D469, D480,
D486, D540, E1, F298, F312, F315—
F317, F314. F319—F331, F397. F616.
F637, F651, F767, H160, H167, H450,
H558, K138, M171, M996. 059, P319,
81024, T12, T15, T73, T537, W416
Catcher: N129
Catching: subst. C190, C796, E113, N251,
T241; adj. H131, SI52
Cater—cousin: (pl) C191
Caterpillar: T490
Caterwauling: C192
Cato: A276
Cattle: C193—C195, S597
Caudle: C196
Caul: C197
Cause: subst. C198-C2o4, L590, M242,
M341, M540, $956. 81043, T91, W396;
verb C198, M258, M387
Caveat: C205
Cavil: subst. C206, M157; verb C95
Cease: H580, S596
Cedar: (sg.) C207, (pl) C208, S211
Cell: H444
Cellar: ]18
Cellarage: C209
Censure: C210, M447
Cerberus: S643
Ceres: C211
Certain: N311, N316
Certainty: C212, W667
Chad, Saint: D49, S39, S67
Chaie: A279
Chafi: husks B396, G401, K78, L48, W282,

Chafing: D377
Chain: (sg.) C213, D501, (pl) C214
Chair: B73, B74, C215, W30
Chalk: C216—C218, T71
Chalked: L47
Challenge: M732, P395
Chamber: (sg.) C219, H679, M301, (pl)
C220
Chambermaid: (pl) H187
Chameleon: C221, C222, M226
Chance: subst. B104, C212, C223—C227,
E235; verb M406
Chandler: (pl) P178
Change: subst. C228—C233; verb B26, C222,
C363, C403, C648, L450, L488, M943,
M1314) N248: P374: R3: T343:
Changeable: C221, W412, W698
Changeful: M1111
Changeling: C234, G200
Changing: C235
Chapel: C219, C236, G259
Chaplain: L442, W52
Chapman: (sg.) C237, W63, (pl) C238
Chapping= F544
Chapter: C239, C240
Char: subst. C241; verb C241
Char-folk: (pl) C242
Charcoal: C216
Charge: expense (5g.) C243, (pl) C244,
C245, M982, M1096, W379, responsibil-
ity C246, C147, M437
Chargeable: B707
Charily: L381
Charing Cross: P119
Chariot: (pl) Mg81
Chariot wheel: D652
Charitable: subst. C248; adj. M509
Charity: C249-C254, G322
Charon: F569
Charren: S573
Charter: P488
Charterhouse: S489
Charybdis: S169
Chase: W390
Chaste: 11, L33, S608
Chastely: L381
Chasten: C255, O44
Chastening: (pl) C655
Chastise: L102, 045
Chastity: B163
Chat: (pl) L526
Chatter: P285
Chatting: C256
Chawbent: C283
Cheap: subst. B87, B319, C257—C259, C264,
L425, W804; verb M1154; adj. (pan)
B319: B442: F711: L320: L425: S495:
V21, W64, W804, (compan) D130; adv.
B81, C259, 5120, T132
Cheapside: C260
Cheat: F88
Cheater: K91
Check: C261
Checkmate: C262
Cheek: C263, C323, V31
Cheer: B701, C264—C266, G338,
M1108, M1153, W258, W308
Cheerful: L424
Cheese: B611, B615, B779, C218, C267—
C276, K79, L400, M1 116, M1221, M1238,
M1245, P288, U2, Z1
Cheiny: P251
Cherry: subst. (sg.) B423, C277, M1267,
W645, (pl) C278-C280, D361, P318;
H794,

Cherry tree: C281
Cheshire: C282, C283
Chess: M497
Chessboard: W867
Chester: E46, R167, Y33
Chestnut: (pl) C284
Cheve: A102, A177
Cheverel: C608
Chevin: C285
Chew: C896
Chewet: C256
Chichester: L404
Chick: chicken C307, child C286, proper
name H432
Chicken: (sg.) C287—C290, C307, E79,
F650, H415, H424, (pl) C291, C292,
C327, E88, E93, H415, T96, V20
Chide: C293, C294, R34
Chiding: subst. C256, W599; adj. H781
Chief: C282
Child: (5g.) B4, B726, C295-C324, D312,
F598, 6185, H631, K47, K131, M484,
M487,M1193,M1202,N356,R155,S249,
5366, 5977, 51050, T11, U1, W547,
W600, (pl) A31, B10, B46, B704, C325-
C346, F94, F98, G406, H181, M421,
M547, M570, R40. 5555, 5673, V76,
W335, W355, W379. W380, W700
Chimney: (sg.) B25, C265, S452, (pl)
C347, C348, S605
Chin: C349, H606
Chink: C350, M1088
Chip= (-11.) 635143355, 5866, (PL) C93,
C94. 0356. ($357
Chirurgeon: P270, S1013
Choice: C358, F464, H481, M234
Choir: See Quire.
Choke: C384, 6145, L233, M1180, M1190,
0110
Choking: 0115
Choler: C359
Choleric: subst. C360; adj. M145, M302
Choose: C361, E207, F464, F731, G18,
H635. H636, H753, M134, P367, 5130.
T606, W344, W400, W501, W682
Chooser: (pl) B247
Choosing: C362, T123
Chop: C363, L412
Chopped: H234
Chopping block: F765
Chrisom-child: B4
Christ: C364, C365, 191, W60
Christen: C318, C319, W94
Christendom: D590, K16, W13
Christian: subst. (sg.) C366, (pl) C887,
154; adj- S67o
Christmas: B701, B747, B766, C367—C373,
E47, W508
Christmas pie: C374, D258
Chronicle: (pl) C375
Church: subst. (sg.) A116, B278, B457,
C376-C383, C610, F76, G259, H823,
1108, K93, N309, P247, S409, W178,
W418, W702, (pl) H791, N278, P97,
W729; adj. E99. See also Kirk.
Church mouse: C382
Church rat: C382
Church work: C383
Churchman: C381
Churchyard: (5g.)C379,C384,C385,M766,
P273, P290, W508, (pl) V20 I
Churl: (sg.) C386—C388, M743, M1108,
(pl) B336
Churlish: D446

jaw (pl) P348
Churn: M1226, S519
adj. C281, Y7
816
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Churning: D117
Cider: C389
Cinque cater: C390
Cipher: C391
Circumspect: T531
Circumstance: (pl.) C392
Cite: D230
Citizen: C393, C394
City= (11-) C189, (3395-(3401, (3715, G43.
M555, P366, R95, V14, W176, (pl.)
C402, C403, U12
Civil: W53
Clack: T388
Clad: S546, T21
Clap: subst. C404, E48, L123, R187, T278;
verb C92
Clapper: (pl.) B280
Claret: $13
Clatterbone: T411
Claw: subst. (sg.) K115, L313, (pl.) D252;
verb B17, B643, C386, C405, C407, M49,
M1306, N6
Clay: C406, C410, 6196, M542, S40, S67,
S90, 8980
Clayton: C407
Clean: verb C655; adj. C423, L306, P188,
W90, W91; adv. G158
Clean-fingered: H798
Cleanse: C655, H1, H109
Clear: adj. A92, B4, B271, C469, C875,
D56, D92, G74, G135, M1178, N5, 8969;
adv. N182
Cleave: B723, C451, P336, W597
Cleaver: C637
Clemmed: S566
Clergy: O87
Clerk: (1g.) A170, C408, C425, D285,
F172, G65, P55, P56, P585, (1)1.) C409,
D258, S54
Cleveland: C410, R187
Clew: (sg.) L14, (p1.) C434
Client: (1g.) C411, P369, (pl.) B108
Climate: (1)1.) T477
Climb: C412, C414, F131, M1211
Climber: (p1.) C413, C414
Cling: C415, H549
Clink: C416
Clip: K75, W498
Clipping: A264
Cloak: subst. B607, C417—C422, G342,
H357. P4431, P579. 5968, V65; verb F64
Clock: (sg.) B28721, C423—C425, C485,
K145, L568, W658, (p1.) C426. See also
O’clock.
Clog: encumbrance J10, N347, shoe (p1.)
K103
Cloister: M275
C1056: adj. B426, C499, H445, M1247,
N289, OI, W134; adv. S356
Cloth: subst. A103, C427—C433, C472, 138,
L120, M528, M827, S222, S758, S781,
W475; adj. C438
Cloth market: C438
Clothe: L343, W40
Clothes: A283, C368, C399, C434—C437,
C829, D570, G218, M224, M811, R7a,
S451, T571, W425
Cloud: (sg.) C439-C441, M751, (p1.) C442—
C445. D91, E197
Cloudy: M1178
Clout: subst. blow S5, cloth, patch (sg.)
C446, C447, Gz77> M1069, (PL) W387;
verb W849
Clouted: C800

Clove: C448
Clown: (1g.) B486, C449, C450, (p/.) C451
Cloy: H560
Club: (:g.) C452, (pl.) C453, C454
Clude: C455
Cluster: (p/.) C456
Coach: W286
Coach-and-six: C457
Coal: (sg.) C458—C461, F251, M894, (pl.)
C462—C468, C885, T484, W586
Coal-black: N59
Coast: C469
Coat: (sg.) C470—C476, C916, H522, H574,
15. L307. L469. P150. P664. $356. W715.
(1)1.) B145, C477. C478
Cobble: W849
Cobbler: (5g.) A406, C479-C481, P441,
T467, (11].) C482
Cob’s pound: L403
Cobweb: subst. (1g.) L567, (pl.) L17; adj.
F736
Cock: male fowl (sg.) B88, C227, C288,
C483—C491, H422, H778, T628, (11].)
C492, spigot C493, H220, stack C494
Cock—and-bull: S910
Cockatrice: C495, C496, E79
Cooker: C308
Cockle: darnel, etc. C497, C659, depths
(pl.) C498, oyster, etc. (sg.) L404, (3)1.)
499
Cockleshell: SI 83
Cockloft: C500
Cockney: a born Londoner C501, an egg
D77, place name C123
Codpiece: C502, D492
Codpiece point: C502
Codrus: C503
Cofier: (1)1.) E264
Coft: W543
Coggeshall: B603, C504
Coil: C505
Coin: C506—C508
Colchester: W224
Cold: subst. coldness D58, F790, G85, G218,
H343, M1227, P575, common cold (12].)
S482; adj. (par) A353, C163, C249, C253,
C171, C316, C406, C414. C459, C541,
C58O.F579a,H731.H731.11. K13.L137,
L483, M853, P622, S876, W774, (super!)
F371
Cole-prophet: C510
Coleman hedge: C509
Colewort: (pl.) C511
C011: C512
Collar: C513, M372, N69
Collier: C514—C516, L287
Collop: C517, C518
Color: (sg.) B480, C431, C773, G172, H646,
H665, 184, L120, M261, W475, (121.)
C222, C519, C520, F391, M80, M632,
P596. T585
Coloring: C649
Colston: P10
Colt: (1g.) C521—C525, K30, M650, T520,
(11].) B582
Comb: subst. cock’s crest C526, toilet comb,
etc. H264, H689; verb C527—8, H270
Combat: C698
Come: A34,A123,A186, A217, B194, B264,
B467, C168, C226, C237, C529—C540,
C594, C678, C685, C771, C938, D6, D61,
D145, D295, D400, E81, E92, E196,
E203, F140, F283, F577, F580, F581,
G74, G156, 6161-2, G180, G181, G320,

H319, H411, H410, H439, H463, I34,
K41, K42, L79, L80, L191, L408, L423,
L475, L534. M59. M388. M765. M904.
M941, M1012, N33, N56, N91, N92,
N145: N146: N285: P151 P315: P496)
P516. P533. P634, P639. 91. Q4. R80.
R1 15, S207, S232, S436, S654, S659, S692,
5713. S799, S856. S995, T171. T178,
T196, T283, T299, T312, T313, V25,
V17, V98, W219. W398, W414, W430.
W456, W824, W911
Comely: C541, C747
Comfit: B114
Comfort: subst. (1g) C121, C542, C543,
E106, M1057. N333. W35. YI7. (21-)
C330, C338, C544; verb D212, H310
Comfortable: M749, 8981
Comforter: (pl.) C545, 162
Coming: C546—C549, N311
Coming in: C550
Command: subst. C551, C681, F586; verb
C245, C552, M84, M160, M711, R113,
5146. $513. W155. W376
Commandment: (1)1.) C553
Commend: A124, A198, C554, C635, F683,
6131, $177, W345
Commendable: ]105, P417
Commit: F104, F105, F111, F121, P515
Commodity: (sg.) C555, C556, (11].) C557
Common: subst. M876; adj. B73, C109,
C508, C509, D142, F729, H457, H637,
17, P222, P223, S231, T142. See also
Commons.
Commonalty: P226
Commons: C508
Commonwealth: P600
Communication: (12].) C558
Companion: (sg.)C559-C561,E171a,F177,
L471, P89, P104, P509. (PL) D461, S949.
W693, W706
Company: companionship, society C562—
C574, C861, D206, H409, M248, M382,
M535, M536, M822, P529, R168, W31,
W350, guild B246, social group (sg.) B2,
C914: D347) F149) F450: K146: (pl.) F178, M233
Compare: C578
Comparison: (sg.) C575, N298, (1)1.) C576
Compass: C577 -
Compeer: (pl.) C578
Compel: L499
Compelled: S475
Complain: A126, B161, B216, C579, E41,
G183, $172, 8179
Complaint: C579
Complexion: C580
Complimenting: C581
Comprehend: I66
Comprise: 1105
Conceal: C885, C923, W649
Concealed: C544
Conceit: C582, M127
Conceited: obstinate F527, imagined G300
Conceive: 19 5
Concern: C583
Conclude: T222
Concord: U11
Condemn: M229
Condition: subst. (sg.) C580, C584, C585,
T116, (PL) (3586. F5, 671.14285, T477.
U29, W613; verb B610
Confection: T480
Conference: R39
Confess: A238, C587

Clouting: S6, S8
Confession: C588—C592
G344, G478, H9, H188, H195, H271,
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
817

Confessor: M703, P261, S303
Confide: D181
Confidence: S500
Confusion: M1309
Conger: B55
Conjunction: 81056
Conjurer: C593
Conquer: H305, V51
Conquering: W203
Conqueror: C594, L554, W900
Conquest: C595
Conscience: C 596-C61 1, F690, G59, H408,
13% R79, 5143,3514
Consent: S446
Consider: K170, L428, P610
Consideration: C612
Considering cap: C613
Constable: C614—C617, M739, S860
Constable of Oppenshaw: C617
Constancy: C618, C619
Constant: D618, F605
Constitution: D381
Construe: C252
Consume: A211, C39, C428, T326
Consumption: C620
Contain: V34
Contemplate: D78
Contempt: C621, C631, E208, F47, M1206
Contending: C622
Content: subst. C623—C627, Y17; verb F614,
M1291; adj. B379, C623, C628, E162,
H81, H183, M332, N45, N257, T196
Contented: C629, M969, N89, N266, N294
Contention: E109, T2
Contentment: C629, W194
Continue: C381, T520
Contrary: subst. (pl.) C630, D588; adj.
F146. 8353
Control: F122
Controller: C631
Conversation: C632
Converse: M527
Conversion: (pl.) S832
Conway: C455
Cony: (sg.) C171, (pl.) C633
Cook: (sg.) A108, C634—C639, H814, (pl.)
C640—C642, G222, M102
Cook-ruflian: C643
Cooking: M843
Cool: verb C716, H391, 1100, L530, W806;
adj. C895, M1248, W774
Cooling card: C644
Coop: (pl.) C492
Coot: C645, C646, W561
Cope: cloak S215, great amount G271
Copy: C647, C648
Coral: C649
Corbie: M903
Cord: C4, C650, C757
Core: A300
Corinth: M202
Corn: grain A311, B595, B625, C497,
C651-C663, C893, E8, F274, F669, G80,
G219, H184, H662, K78, L43, L48,
M947: M1094: N115: S3: 8209: S420:
S717, T90, V6, W213, W239, W242, W282,
W410, W415, growth on foot (pl.) H694
Com—fed: C665
Cornelius: $1034
Comer: (1g.) C664, F692, H753, W419,
(pL) L541, T587
Cornish: G78, H804, T479
Cornwall: C666
Cornwallis: P93

Corpse: A130, B663, D585
Correct: C303, C342, F122, MIo, M11
Corrector: (pl.) B75
Corrupt: verb A294, C558, F400; adj. B639
Corruption: C667, C668
Cossingland: C779
Cost: subst. (sg.) A140, C243, C669—C672,
D610, J80, L208, M613, M847, T208,
T408, Y53, (pl.) C673; verb B609, K42,
L331. L370, L561, M1143, N87. P415,
R78, W97, W489, W805, W807, W808
Costermonger: P342
Costly: L97
Cotswold: C546, L323
Cottage: (sg.) C674, (pl.) C626, L519
Couch: :ubst. C675; verb H504
Cough: subst. C676, C677, F64, L490, N71;
verb F508, P511
Counsel: subst. advice (sg.) B294, B593,
C67843700, (3704, D193, D484, F469,
G133, G450, L208, M182, M616, M1310,
N70, R46, T257, V86, W592, W668,
W671, (pl.) C701, N174, assembly of
advisers C727; verb C113, C702
Counselor: (sg.) C411, C545, C691, C703,
(pl.) C704
Count: .subst. C137, M1014; verb C80, C292,
C673, F620, P232, R100, Y29
Countenance: subst. C647, C705, S469,
T248, W888; verb M525
Counter: coin (pl.) W835, prison (sg.)
C416, (PL) 5543
Counterfeit: F707
Counterpoise: B58
Counting: C706, C707
Countor: S331
Country: subst. nation, native land (13:)
B154, C708—C710, L100, M329—30, M426,
M468, M512, M1087, $571, W374. (pl)
C477, C711, rural area C289, C651, C712,
C725, E146, W881; adj. S409
Countryman: C485, C713
Couple: (sg.) C714, S272, (pl.) S66
Courage: C715, C716, M289, W486
Courageous: D216, N62
Course: customary sequence N48, N81,
‘ T282, Y48, track C717
Court: subst. of law W178, of royalty (sg.)
C718—C727, D229, F687, K71, K96,
M173, M175, M177, M556. M581. P534,
(pl.) C728, L519; adj. H532
Courtesan: (sg.) C729, (pl.) S75
Courtesy: (sg.) C730—C735, L208, (pl.)
C736
Courtier: (sg.) C737, (pl.) S75
Courting: C738
Cousin: (sg.) C739, C740, S526, (pl.) G78
Cousin-german: (pl.) C741
Covenant: (sg.) H71, (pl.) $1051
Covent Garden: A81
Coventry blue: T542
Cover: subst. C742, C906, D365, P502,
W216; verb C743, H242, H545, L503,
811: S332: T487:
Coverlet: H579, L189
Covet: A127, M1273
Covetous: M85—M88, M359, M568, P473
Covetousness: C744—C746, L173, ‘P530,
S479
Cow: subst. (sg.) B89, B773, B775, C18,
C18a, C516, C747-C770, C893, G217,
H706: M103: M385) M456: M484,
M661, M919, M1133, P14, P69, R214,
559, 5103, $307, $677, (Pl-l C771, C771,

Cow turd: C780, C781, H806
Coward: (sg.) C773—C777, M150, M496,
N62, P93, V89, (pl.) C778, D216
Cowardly: D528
Cowhithe: C779
Cowl: H586
Cowlstafi: B473, C171
Cowquake: M765
Cowshard: B221
Coxcomb: C782
Coy: C833
Cozen: C739, D279, D505
Crab: crab apple C783, C784, crabstick
C784, crustacean (sg.) C784, (pl.) C785,
C786
Crab tree: C788, D473
Crabbed: C199, M976
Crabstick: C787
Crack: A128, K19, L201, N359, N361,
N362, N364
Cracked: B274, C789
Cracker: (pl.) B489
Craddock: C790
Cradle: (sg.) C791—C794, F563, K166,
(pl.) P430
Cradle straw: (pl.) C795
Craft: guile C732, C796*C800, C822, F648,
R110, trade, skill (.131) C801—C8o3, F648,
M334, M663, M1018, (pl.) C804
Crafty: C561, F629, M393
Crag: D76
Crane: (sg.) C805, C806, (pl.) P106, W938
Crave: B322, C304, N291, P128, V2, Y39
Craver: C807, P129
Craving: C808
Crawley brook: C809
Crazy: S353
Creak: C810
Cream: C167, C811
Cream pot: C139
Creature: (sg.) C812, C813, (pl.) M1304,
N175, V69, W484
Credit: A50, C814—C817, H377,
M326, R64, S268
Creditor: C818
Creed: C819, 198, P96
Creel: H78, H89
Creep: A382, B546, C332, C820, D491,
H518, K49, M1250, P630
Creeshie: K7
Cress: (pl.) C821
Cressid: K116
Cretan: (pl.) C822
Crew: C823
Crick: C824
Cricket: C825
Crime: (1;) M153, (pl.) B75, C826
Crinckams: C826a
Cripple: (sg.) C827, C828, H60, (pl.) N66
Cripplegate: S43
Critic: (pl.) C829
Croak: C854
Croaking: R33
Crock: C830, S906
Crocodile: L518
Crocodile tears: C831
Croesus: C832
Croft: W60, W890
Croker’s mare: C833
Crook: subst. H588; verb T493
Crooked: A71, C33, C809, E149, L411,
S801, S850, T511
Crop: M820
Cross: subst. coin C834—C836, crossed lines
L240,

Coronation: W230
C842, market cross, etc. C841, D428, L460,
L302; adj. C780, C781
818
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

W248, misfortune L457, religious symbol
(1g.)C.365,C837—C839,0156,133093596,
(pl) C840; verb H150; adj. K43
Cross garters: S868
Crossbow: A87, R204
Crotchet: (pl) C843
Crouse: N329
Crow: rubst. (1g) B376, C99, C844—C860,
K32, 1.46, M74, M81, M720, P283—4,
P317, S272, W323, W341, (pl) E262;
verb B600, C484, C491, H778, M820
Crow-trodden: L436
Crowd: C61, C861
Crowland: C107
Crown: subst. coin H417, M730, S338,
diadem (1g) A75, C623, C839, C862,
M1027, W628, (pl) C863, head (pl)
H405, top C864; verb E116, E190
Crow’s-foot: C865
Cruel: C778, C867, O84
Cruelty: C866, C867, G322
Crumb: subst. (1g) M1325, (pl) C868;
verb B617
Crupper: M651, M685, P582
Crush: C496
Crust: (1g) C138, C869, C870, D474,
D487, H820, (pl) W920
Crusty: N88
Crutch: (pl) F568
Cry: rubst. (3g) C871, (pl) S332; verb
B39, B301, B362, B640, C306, C810,
C841, C872, C873, D463, E10, E248,
L68, L9H, M315, M849, M939, N147,
P170, QI8, W463, W609
Cry you mercy: C874, M896, M897
Crystal: C875
Cuckold: subrt. (5g) B312, C876—C886,
H622, H835, M214, M390, M402, M1313,
P118, S270, (pl) C565, C887—C889, R12,
5913; verb C878
Cuckoo: A309, C890—C894, N181
Cucumber: (5g) C895, (pl) G385
Cud: C896
Cudgel: subst. (pl) C897, C898; verb B602
Cufied: C157
Cumber: C611
Cumberland: W354, W699
Cumbersome: C730, C914
Cunning: subst. B744, C225, C899, C900;
adj. C72, C790, C878, W346
Cunt: (1g) C901, (pl) A215
Cup: (1g) C742, C902—C910, D615, H262,
L332, T191, W216, (pl) C911, P458
Cupboard: (1g) B301, (pl) L520
Cupboard love: C912
Cupid: C913, N167
Cur: (5g) C914—C916, D447, T454, (pl)
C917—C919
Cure: subst. C83, C920, C921, D357, P272,
P569, R68; verb C862, C922, D358, D424,
E208, F513, F672, L132, P262, T325,
W928
Curing: C923
Current: S929
Curry: H691, 113
Curse: subst. (pl) C924; verb B276, C57,
C924, F632, M1110
Curst: C751, D447
Curtain lecture: C925
Cushion: B531,C926—C929, 110, M398,
M896, N239
Custard: D550
Custom: habit (5g) C114, C551, C930—
C936, D530. H494. L183, Um, (PL)

Cut: Jubst. bobtail dog, horse, etc. C938—
C940, T9, slice C941, wrong, injury C942;
ml) 3190, B347, 3554, C433, C471,
C502, C517, C526, C782, D520, F16, F36,
F160, F171, F250, F479, F521, G375,
G419, G420, H85, H243, L183, L184,
M807, O2, 8149, S360, S463, S843, T229,
T405, W199, W839
Cutpurse: C943, C944, G16
Cutthroat: C600, I85
Cutting: T20
Cutwell: K155
Cypress tree: (pl) C945
D
D: (pl) D324
Dab: D54
Dabo tibi: A14
Dafling: D1
Daft: L210, S734
Dagged: D2
Dagger: (1g) A212, D3-D7, M777, 51048,
(M) B11, D9, M857, P405
Dagger hand: D8
Daggers’ drawing: D9
Dainty: subst. (sg) D10, P425, P426, (pl)
DII—DI3, D344, E38; adj. H817, N87,
T126
Daisy: D14, D420
Dale: (pl) M1216
Dally: E138, M1038
Dallying: C738
Dam: mother B378, C18a, D15, D16, D223,
D215, K30, L35, L37, L337, W171,
water held by dam D17
Dame: D18—D20, D221, M746, V9
Damming: D21
Damnation: P395
Dance: subrt. H134; verb A155, A392, B91,
C30, D22, D23, D26, D232, D233, D406,
E134: F522: F611: J56, K103, K190, M32, M488, N130,
P343, P346, T599
Dancer: (1g) D24, (pl) H777
Dancing: rubst. D25, D26; adj. D118, T522
Danger: (5g) A148, C715, D27—D37,
D166, D195, D450, F138, F487, (3193,
H631, M150, M451, N342, S306, T364,
W54, W389, W464, W521, W646, (pl)
R73
Dangerous: D195, D196, E218,
0109, M909, P267a, R62, W930
Dare: subst. D38; verb B41, B590, C201,
E15, H246, L335, M436, S667, T220
Dark: subst. D39, D40, H500, 157, L148,
M547, N13, 8713; adj. (PM) H397,
M469, P357, (super!) D84
Darling: M444—5
Damel: D41, G37
Dash: D42, M316
Dasnell: D52
Date: fruit (pl) C2, point of time S384
Dauber: M773
Daubing: C803
Daughtefi (Is) C394, D43—D46, G335,
I67,L132,M912,M1198,M1199,M1201,
P606, S626, S628, S629, S639, S658,
T126, T580, W353, W717, W744, Y16,
(pl) D47, D48, M1206
Daughter-in-law: M1208
Daunt: P522
David, Saint: D49, S40
Daw: (1g) D50, D51, F508, H786, P282,
S552, Y16, (pl) D428
F272,

Dawkin: D53
Dawkins: D54
Dawn: D84
Daws’ Cross: D428
Day: (1g) A121, A134, B92, B414, B614,
B664, B745, (3483, 1355-13113, D137,
D161, D464, E47, E166, E190, E191,
F444, F481, F614, F679, H38, H63,
H141, H417, H468, H530, H739, H743,
H751: L43: L462 L256: M17;
M98, M173, M163, M334, M618, M959,
M1142, M1169, M1170, M1172, M1175
N2, N164, N166, N167, N179, P554,
R142, R163, S40, S41, S45, S62, S66, S67,
$515, $548, $967, 5978, S994, T186,
T380, V9, W351, W513, W750, W848,
Y32, (pl) A307, D114—DI22, D352,
F170, F310, H159, H468, L551, M919.
M1178, R180, 562, S592, T628, W382,
W728
Daylight: D123, H133, T564
Dead: subst. D124—D126, G427, N70, Q12,
S375; adj. A109, B206, B597, B726, C196,
C543, C817, D111. D144, D193, D307,
D448, D567, F63, F400, G31, (3127,
H446, H699, L171, L448, M151, M377,
M381,M436,M491,M510,M511,M562,
M591,M619, M657, M725,M1227,N123,
N323: P279: P384, P589) 82292 T5542
W336, W347, W622, W866
Dead lift: W669
Dead Sea: D222
Deaf: subst. D127; adj. A32, D127, D567,
E13, H136, H195, H834, M115, M499,
M737, N365, P490, 8877, T 51, T56
Deal: subsl. F274; verb A25, A175, D128,
F486, F 5% F747, H436, T433, W868
Dealing: D129, P78, P381—P385
Dean: D227
Dear: adj. expensive (p01) C257, E83,
F71 1, M887, S345, W546, Y26, (compar)
D130, (super!) P341, precious (p01)
A91, A290, T145, (compar) N302; adv.
A59, B81, B558, B609, B785, C683, C815,
N87, P415, R78, R81—2
Dear bought: subst. D12; adj. H554
Dearth: (5g) D10, D131, D622, T137,
(pl) D132
Death: (1g) A76, B745, C677, D122,
13133—13163, D198, D554, E139, F119,
G237, H31, H340, L245, L248, L258,
L159, L163, L177, L518, M333, M348,
M480) M482) M547: M572: M614)
N311, N316, P142, R33, R69, R170,
5516, $517. 5733, $783, $1028, T491.
T533, W47, (101-) C774
Death day: W382
Death’s-head: W336
Debate: H211
Debauchery: B756
Debt: (1g) B183, B510, D163—D169,
D559, H146, L351, M451, P518, P603,
8660, 5948, (pl) D148, D170, D171,
S476
Debtor: (1g) C818, D165, (pl) D172,
D173
Decay: T210, W192
Deceit: A333, D174-D177, D182, M89,
T 555
Deceitful: A285, M89 .
Deceive: D178—D182, F645, G164, H608,
M344, M424, M1296, N295, P261, S267,
T186, T223, T559, W716, W788, W871
Deceiver: D182

C711, C937, toll P6
Deceiving: L221
Dawcock: D52
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
819

December: M768
Decide: D330
Dee: R76
Deed: (1g.) B323, D60, D183—D185, D333,
F693, 1103, L103, M15, T619, W393,
(pl) C611, D186, D187, M296, W788,
W797, W800, W802, W811, W812,
W820
Deem: B324, D18, T201
Deemer: (pl) D432
Deep: (por) D222,
(superl) W96, W123
Deer: D189, D190, R158
Deer-stealer: (pl) D191
Defend: C378, D192
Defense: 181
Defer: T378
Defile: B377, P358
Deformity: A284
Defy: P269
Degenerate: S762
Degree: D193
Deity: C619 _
Delay: subst. (sg.) D194—D197, D213,
T327, (pl) D198; verb T95
Delight: subst. D28, D582, H254, M115;
verb L476
Deliver: W684
Demand: subst. (5g) D199, (pl) D200;
verb C695, D200, F485
Demanding: M264
Den: F639
Denaying: W761
Denial: (5g) A345, D150, D201, M1292,
W916, (pl) D202
Denshire: L55
Deny: A213, F104
Depart: V100
Depth: (pl) M1174
Derby: A101, B22, D203
Descend: B232, D204, F256, L535
Descent: D205, M1212
Desert: (sg.) D206, G337, (pl) D207
Deserve: B342, C927, D208, D209, D470,
D487, F6, L114, M673, P367, 51035,
T616, W298
Deserver: (pl) D210
Desire: subst. (sg.) D211, D212, (pl) B97,
D213, D214—15, H328; verb A65, B269,
D208. F585. L346, L347a, M1144. P303.
T290
Despair: Jabst. D216; verb N306
Desperate: D216, D357
Despise: K184, R105
Destiny: (sg.) C889, F83, M469, M682,
W232, (pl) M680
Destroy: N124, V75
Destruction: D324
Deuce ace: S496
Devil: (sg.) B113, B239, B594, C42, C76,
(3305, C643. C714, C777. C779. 6837.
D36, D53, D217—D318, D467, E154, F10,
F348, G21, G130, G194, G219, G222,
Gm, 6239. G159. (3160. @274. H400,
H530,110, L21,L133, L287, L371,M105,
M114, M216, M247, M380, M443, M706,
M784, N12, N362, P27, P62, P455,
P596, 530, $31. $33. S470. S616, S669,
S771, 8973, T128, T566, T588, W52,
W634, W641: W648: W707: W834: W910:
(pl) D319, E110, K95, W702
Devonshire: L5 5
Devotion: C219, 117, P552, S873
Devour: H715, L354, R102, T326
(compar.) D1 88,

Dew: S37
Diabolical: E179
Diadem: H800
Dial: D320
Dial hand: D321
Diamond: (Jg.) B88, D322, (pl) D323
Dice: See Die subst.
Dicing: D324
Dick: T376
Dickson: T154
Die: subst. (5g.) D325, D326, (pl) D250,
P394; verb A46, A187, A196, A244, B140,
B154, B231, B241, B519, C302, C567,
C723, C774, D165, D189, D214—15,
D327, D328, D509, E52, E138, E172,
F100, F441, F539, F654, G153, H565,
H576,K179,L11,L81,L129, L295, L385,
L389, L391, L392. L546, M64, M73,
M85, M105, M205, M219, M230, M324,
M350, M505, M550, M566, M609,
M1005, M1127, M1164, M1316, O42,
P384, P513, P539, P567, 847, $381, T190,
T474, T558, T614, V74, W229, W617,
W676, W715, W891, Y5
Diet D319. D417, F93, H598. L361, R97
Dieted: B502
Dieugarde: B181
Difference: A31, D330—D336, T481
Diflicult: N299, $91, T181
Dig: M762, P356, T367
Digest: C269, 197, P326, W489
Dight: F726
Dighton: D337
Dike: E34, K4, L284, M549. M935, $593
Dike side: D293
Diligence: D338, D339
Diligent: 8133, S757
Dill: V33
Dim-sighted: D41
Dine= C430, D637, L344, L449, M365,
W218
Ding: B39, D287, W24, W26. See also
Dung adj.
Dinging: B342
Dinner: (5g.) A183, C490, D340—D343,
F57, F348, F726, G213, H826, L356,
M457, M709, W367, (PL) D344, H821
Dint: M983
Diocese: D240
Direct: M1118
Dirt: C806, D51, D345—D350, F654, L492,
M135, P225, P232, W283
Dirt owl: D351
Dirtbird: D351
Dirten: A326
Dirty: (par) C740, D538, H485, L348,
T56, (superl) G461
Disarmed: P151
Disclose: T333
Discontent: M470
Discontented: M90
Discourse: C231, D352
Discourtesy: C734
Discover: C743, N330, 5984, V7
Discreet: D353, W683
Discretion: D354, L486, O23, 087, R112,
V12, V15, W521, W854
Disdain: K134
Disdainfulness: A12
Disease: (13".) D355-D358, F93, G189,
M760, P267a, R62, R68, 5990, T325,
(21-) D359, 13360.1)378
Diseased: A93
Disgrace: (5g.) F457, (pl) D361

Dish: (5g.) A143, B234, D363—D376, D478,
F226, F303, H123, L222, L424, M834,
N73, P510, T126, T155, W336, (pl)
A198, D377—D379
Dish-thrower: (pl) A118
Dishclout: D380, F21, T146
Dishonest: W623
Disorderly: G255
Disparagement: P538
Displease: T143
Displeasure: (pl) H824
Dispose: M298, M605
Disposition: D381, D382
Dispraise: subst. D383, P540; verb A26
Dispute: subst. D384, T1; verb A378
Disputing: D385, 1108
Dissemble: D386, H316
Dissembled: S466
Dissembling: F410, I38
Dissimulation: W710
Dissolve: S975
Distafi: Saint Distaff’s Day $41, staff to
hold flax F563, P254, S753, S755, T450,
T451
Distance: F281, F342, F734, W802
Distress: T154
Distrust: R72
Ditch: B452, D293, D387, D388, F654,
S827
Diurnal-maker: D389
Dive: W127
Diversely: I46
Diversity: D390
Divide: D391, F142, F257, K89
Divided: B144
Divine: A340, E179, G390, R92, V25
Diviner: D392
Divulge: I69
Dizzy: G346
Do: A101, 13154.13341, B750, B755, (5337.
D64, D177, D393—D419, E196, E199,
E203: F294: F422) F7512 G183, G250, G318, G319, H79, H170,
H216, H306, H462, H829, I25, 129, K58,
K59, L164, L215, L234, L357, L371,
L444, L504. M84, M91, M195, M387,
M512. M513. M553, M554, M560,
M698, M1102, M1143, N118, N307,
099, R126, R165, $115—$117, 8125—6,
82171 S618: S734: T871 T134: T148: T149:
T152, T153, T159, T185, T200, T613,
T614, W634, W648, W679, W708, W848,
W850: W851: W914:
Do well: 8122, 8123
Dock: D420, D421—2
Doctor: (sg.) A278, D133, D423—D426,
P222, (pl) D52, D427, D428
Doctor Diet: D427
Doctor Doddypoll: D429
Doctor Merryman: D427
Doctor Quiet: D427
Dodkin: D430
Doe: D431
Doer: (pl) B489, B591, D432, 5821, T64
Dofi: D490
D0g= (1g) 13587—13590, B631, B764, B777,
C143, C159, C163, C184, C304. C395.
C573, C916, 13433—13525, F364, F431,
G38, G70, H23, H152, H491, H496, H562,
H660, H673, H711, H716, H736, H823,
K14, L587, M78, M87, M147, M258,
M4OO> M454: M463: M963) M1119:
M1253, M1329, P112, P193, P302, P625,
R1, S563, S880, T35, T138, T139, T157,

Devout: L155
T208, W7, W156, W292, W294, W569,
Disguise: D362
82o
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

W610, W752, W762, (pl.) A117, C182,
C184, C186, C709, D526-D545, D564,
D604, F76, F206, F347, F528, G438,
H715, L238, M689, M1259, S79, 8165,
W317, W694
Dog trick: D546
Doing: acting, performing A252, C738,
D547-D549, H108, $119, $121, W749,
event (pl.) D550, D551
Dole: F524, M158, 8164
Dolor: D66, H325, M261
Dolphin: P483
Domestic: (p1.) M517
Dominion: 8983
Doncaster: B22
Done: subst. L30; verb (see Do)
Doom: D122
Doomsday: D161, P520
Door: (1g.) A186, B21, B23, B90, B93,
B233, B236, B237, C248, C828, D38,
D48, D138, D162, D253, D254, D269,
D376. D465, D475. D551-D563. E99.
E225, F608, H207, H788, K25, L21,
L502, M415, M480, M499, M1301,
M1305, S58, S232, S806, S838, S846,
W34, W161. W370. W419. W605, W937,
(PL) D140. D551. D564—D566, D594,
H781, H795, J22, P531, S469
Doornail: D567
Dormouse: D568
Dorser: (1)1.) D569
Dorsetshire: D569
Dotage: L486
Dote: A68, F509
Dotterel: (p1.) D364
Double: verb F138, J88; adj. $1017, V51;
adv. F725
Double-tongued: W636
Doublet: D452, D490, D570, D655, M350
Doubt: subst. (pl.) D571; verb D425, M91,
N268
Doubtful: C252, P241
Dough: C12, 142, T306
Dove: bird (sg.) C210, D572, D573, E2,
M1162, (121.) D574, P319, P588, name of
river A308
Dover: B315, J20
Dovercourt: D575
Dow: D576, F173
Down: subst. fall (pl.) U19, feathers, etc.
W170; adv. B695, F39, N287, T30, W38
Downwards: C770
Dowry: D577
Dozen: T227, T414
Drab: C784
Drabbing: D324
Drachm: coin (p1.) D578, dram D579.
See also Dram.
Drafi: D580, D581, S674, S681
Dragon: S228
Drake: (5g.) S283, (p1.) D632
Dram: D582. See also Drachm.
Draught: D583
Draw: subst. $901; verb to displace water
W104, to eviscerate L590, to pull, drag
B166, B419, C187, C213, D642, E197,
F573, H180, H647, H666, H677, N92,
S402, to take cards H510, N343
Drawer: W482
Drawing: D9, D584
Drawlatch: J68
Drawn: W262, W263
Dread: subst. L36; verb A33, A326
Dream: subst. (1g.) D585, D586, (pl.)
D587—D591, J64; verb A201, D592, $966

Dree: H325
Dreich: L83
Dress: subst. D593; verb B96, B496, E74,
635, L239. R134. 8849, W800
Dresser: (pl.) D593
Dressing: D594
Drew: See Draw.
Drift: D595
Drink: subst. A103, B291, B541, C563,
D516, D581, D596—D605, F204, G185,
M56, M813, M824, M833, M836, M842,
M845, M1088, W818; verb B411, B654,
B731, C29, C908, D606—D608, D658,
E51, E265, F147, F216, F325, F732,
G40, G345, G381, G474, H50, H155,
H169, H179, H292, H676, H682, H838,
K172, L207, L327, L343, M211, M262,
M410, M1041, M1149, M1170, M1271,
09, P205, P409, P51 1, S280, 81000, T146,
T364, T637, W98. W459, W464
Drinker: (1g.) C422, (pl.) C482
Drinking: D324, D609—D611, E54
Drite: B529
Drive: C108, D174, D278, F277, G446,
H500, H501, 148, L138, L538, N14,
N15, N17, N20, P298, P431, S582, 8928,
T438: T458: W151 W234)
Driven: S591
Driver: D612
Drop: subst. (1g.) D613-D615, F403, (1)1.)
D616, D617, M1049; verb F242, G360,
H813, L474, M1261
Dropping: (sg.) D618, (pl.) D619
Dropsy: D620, M211
Dross: G289, S457
Drought: D597, D621, D622, M1266
Drown: B139, D7, D516, R138, S474,
810411
Drowned: M1237
Drowning: subst. D623; adj. M92
Drum: musical instrument (sg.) F473,
(pl.) D624, proper name J12
Drunk: A265, B195, B225, D625, F299,
K57! L145: L439, M1751 M1219, P252:
$1042, W290
Drunkard: (sg.) B180, D626—D629, H333,
(pl.) C328, D630, P274
Drunken: C901, M93, M94, M399, N168
Drunkenness: S600, V60
Dry: verb N288; adj. B404, B514, B618,
C351, C494, D433, D625, D647, F576,
F579. H767. K11. M637. 09. S656. S851.
5966. T344, T538. T551. T613. W161;
adv. S689
Duck: (sg.) D636, F328, P550, (1)1.) D156,
D631, D632, G407
Ductile: G291
Dudgeon: A212, T212
Dudgeon dagger: T212
Dudman: D633
Due: D273, D634, D635
Dug: E198
Duke: D636
Duke Humphrey: D637
Duke of Vandosm: T226
Dulcarnon: D638
Dule: F682
Dull: A348, B220, B453, D568, D654, P631
Dull-edge: K155
Dumb: F418> G295: M95: P490,
Dummy: D639
Dump: (pl.) D640
Dumpling: (1)1.) D641
Dun: subst. A404, D260, D642—D644; adj.
M1220

Dunder: D645
Dung: subst. M1071; verb 0102; adj. B41
Dunghill: (sg.) C486, $982, (111.) S556
Dunmow: subst. F375; adj. B22
Dunstable: D646
Dunstable Highway: D646
Dunt: (1)1.) W834
Durable: M623
Dure: J90
Dursley: M635
Dust: subst. A119, B743, D647—D653, E30,
R15, S974, W283; verb J13
Dutchman: (sg.) D654—D656, I89, (1)1.)
D657
Duty: D658
Dwarf: D659
Dwell: C396, C724, C828, C939, M415,
M1335, N117, R190
Dwindle: W454
Dye: C431
Dyer: W755
Dying: subst. C314; adj. M514
Dysart: S77
E
Each: M450
Eagle: (sg.) E1-E6, 120, 81013, (111.) C73,
E7
Ear: of animal or of human (sg.) B573,
C133, E10—E14, F128, F134, F354, H630,
K99. M373. M1131. M1311. P666. 5599>
8684-8686: W344, W488, A355. A371. A379. B186. 617. (3158.
C402, C815, C917, D62, E15—E26, F30,
F209, H186, H268, H502, J44, K87, L98
M855) N44) T19: T41:
T56, W19, W603, W683, W694, of corn
(1g.) C656, S717, (pl.) E8, of pitcher,
etc. E9
Earl: P65
Early: adj. B368, R135, S693; adv. B184,
E17. F337. M765. 56881131. V4
Earnest: D532, J42, J46, P163
Earth: A391, C673, D424, E28—E34, F582,
1104, M13, M169, M1285—6, P464, S592
Earthen: P495
Earthly: A340
Earwitness: (pl.) E274
Ease: subst. C65, D521, E35—E42, H568,
1106, M526, M858, P21, P219, 8955,
T433. T483; verb A395. E43. N336. P15
Easily: D419
East: E44, E45, N211, R11, W442
Easter: C368, E46, E47, E75, J54, L204
Easter Day: E48
Easy: (pea) C933, D178, D205, D363,
D407, D418, H64, S202, (compan) D204,
P635
Eat: A183, A216, A292, A342, A354, A359,
B52, B148, B185, B201, B345, B411,
B415: B428: B451: B719: C151 C137)
C271, C276, C279, C280, C374, C429,
C490, C658, C821, C847, D41, D51,
D191. D343. D513. D533. D538, D658,
E49—E52, E157, F22, F311, F678, F744,
G36, G126, G353, G368, H146, H159,
H330: H6511 H654) H7841 J29: K19) L101
L142: L163: L207: L334: L343:
M135, M690, M817, M830, M1149, N13,
N19. N159. P75, P315. P409, PMs—P615.
P631, P632, S22, S78, 8100, S228, S280,
S300, S584, S681, S771, S810, S853, T410,
T512, W509, W510, W606, W612, W825
Eaten: B620, M814
Eater: (1)1.) E53

INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
821

Eating: subst. A286, B153, E54, E55, F200,
P608, 5166; adj. H696
Ebb: (sg.) E56, F378, F380, T284, (pl.)
F381
Ebony: E56a
Ecce: S443
Eden: U33
Edge: B12, B15, E57, F98,114, S542, T431
Edged= J45
Education: E 58
Eel: (sg.) E59—E63, H89, H508, H516,
L404, W640, (pl.) T174
Eelskin: (pl.) M882
Effect: (5g.) C202, E64, T639, (pl.) 183,
P327
Eft: (pl.) T174
Egg: (Jg.) A293, A295, B365a, B376,
B381, B614, C496, E65-E81, E95, H37,
H418, H421, K149, M622, M1271, (pl.)
A196. B110, B370, Cs, E83—E93, F504.
(3363. H164, H503, H757, L51, M658.
P550: R49) V9
Egg pie: M177
Egging= E94
Eggshelh E95, M31, 5175. W573
Egypt: D604
Eild: E96
Either: A176 -
Elbow: (sg.) A383, B643, C179, D360,
E97—E101, L187, M487, S786, (pl.)
E102, P329
Elbow grease: E103
Elbowroom: E104
Elden Hole: E105
Elder: E106
Element: E107, E108, I36
Elephant: F398, R59
Eleven: T265 *
E11: (Jr) 147, I49, 150, 156, M546. (Pb)
E109,13o
Elm: V61
Elm tree: T504
Eloquence: L491
Embrace: G437, M1295, V61
Emperor: E1 10, L439, P477, P478
Empty: verb SI 83; adj. B30, B242, B296,
C220, D233, E110a, F303, H110, H111,
128, L175, P648, P649, P662, V36, W829
Enchantment: S250
Encounter: (pl.) E111
End: subst. aim (sg.) E112, E113, L369,
L533, (PL) M515, extremity (1a) A317,
B734 (9), E130—E134, L62, M1000, S798,
S807, T413, W575, W904, (pl.) C48.
E135, F244, F245, G328, H380, finish
(sg.) B258, B262, C547, C548, D90,
E114—E129, F296, F512, G23, G180,
H131. 178, L147, L163. L533, L555,
M136, M479, 0101, R180, 8124, 5634—5,
T149, W55, W301, W679, W943, (pl.)
F770; verb A154, B253, F269, F455, G273,
146, M63, M234, M874, M1165, M1328,
W319, W844
Endeavor: G342
Ending: B259—B261, L513, P230, S615
Endure: A124, A350, C922, E136, G301,
1105, L114, M317
Endways: G166
Enemy: (sg.) A331, B98, B665, C308,
E137—E144, F212, F707, F712, F721,
6219') MI4I_2>
M452, M489, P243, 8142, $1018, T52,
W48, W480, W513, (pl.) A243, E145,
F739, F747, G109, H287, H378, 143,

Engender: A12, B293, T166
Engine: (pl.) B757
England: A5, A391, B145, C143, C375,
E48, E110, E146—E151, F51, F358, G147,
H414, H440, 1104, K95, M1266, N212,
P320, S90, S325, S498, V53, W60, W205,
W502, W729
English: subst. English language E152,
K75, K80, English people D655, E153;
B747) S404
Englishman: E154—E156,
M1016, M1132, W514
Enjoy: G302, G387, L350, W200
Enough: subst. E36, E157—E169, G326,
H2143: MI152> N163) P149;
adv. S640
Enrage: W448a
Enrich: E173, M250, P221
Enriched: P572
Ensign: B64
Enter: B278, B658, C205, C206, G107,
G108, H788, L13, N289, W875
Enterprise: subst. E170; verb N267
Enterprising: F448
Entertainment: ]12
Entice: P570
Entry: D557
Envious: M96, M97
Envy: subst. E171—E176, L493, M1206;
verb E177, P514
Epitaph: L216
Equal: subst. A104, E178; adj. C25, E117,
F582
Equality: F761
Equity: L112
Eradicate: M584
Mm 5597
Err: E179: G232: S703: S729: W43:
W
H313, 189,
529
Errand: (sg.) D581, E180, M283, M309,
M371. M491, M917, 057, 078, (PL)
79
Error= (3935, M374
Escape: subst. C693; verb E1 8 1, F207, H51 6,
H666, P601, 8163, S510, T276, W513
Escaped: M1228
Escorial: H780
Escutcheon: B470
Espy: L550
Essay: subst. E182; verb M949
Essex: C21, L321, S857
Estate: B188, E183—E185, F776, K37, R85,
T460
Esteem: B495, B684, L370, M450, V26,
W923
Ethiop: E186
Eve: evening R21, period immediately
preceding an event P607, proper name
A30, P418
Even: subst. B356, E187—E189, G269, S61,
Y54; adj. R54; adv. (pox) C907, P498,
(super/J C910
Evening: subst. (5g) D656, E190, E191,
L525, M1173, M1174, S515, (pl.) M1178;
adj. 079, R20, S633, W787
Evensong: D59
Event: E192
Ever: C142, D74, L432, T153
Every: M112, M1202
Everybody: A60, B746, D481, F117, N86,
P190, 5144, W843
Everyone: B725, C23, C663, C718, D23,
D366, D634, F65, F101, F451, F499, G2,
664. H14, H487, M713, P192, P443,

Everything: B257, D418, E9, E120, E121,
E193. E193a, F456. M35, M1087, N138.
N317, R70, 8190, T31, T314, U21, W207,
W935
Everywhere: E194, M1061, M1068, W590
Evident: C630, W418
Evil: subst. (sg.) C746, E118, E195—E205,
G309, G310, G314, G317, G318, G322,
H137, 113, I26, I28, I31, M317, M470,
M475, M512, M1012, S277, (pl.) E206—
E2o8, G306, I38, W703; adj. A77, B376,
D383: 141: L154: M997, N25: P449:
P540, T486, W7, W641; adv. G90
Evil-gotten: G301
Ewe: E209, E210, F377, L39
Exact: R39
Examined: E170
Example: (5g.) C112, E211, E212, G240,
165, (pl.) E213, R206
Excellency: E171
Except: M624
Exception: E213a, R205
Exchange: C228, M1081
Exchequer: C364
Excrement: W266
Excretion: T270
Excuse: subst. (sg.) E214, F109, H156,
M1317, W654, W659, (pl.) F421; verb
E215, F104,119, L355
Execute: L115
Executor: (sg.) E216, (pl.) H793, W700
Expect: D578, E195, F488, G98, N135,
P416, 5954, W292
Expeh L538. P457
Expense: E217
Experience: A62, A135, E218—E221, T302,
T320) T329211
Expound: G281, 8168
Extinct: L268
Extinguish: F273, T443
Extol: S518
Extreme: subst. (sg.) E222~E224, (pl.)
E44, W651; adj. R122
Extremity: C15a, E224, M471
Eye: (sg.) A160, A272, A287, A290, B99,
B387, (316. 0354, (3357, (3598, 6719,
C865, D152, D336, D360, E6, E225—
E253, F229, F590, G96, G146, G371,
H47) L157: L498: M276)
M733, M840, M962, M1024, M1188,
M1191, M1322, P179, R64, S218, S323,
88449 81013: W451 W340:
W344; W506: A43: A219,
B8, B371, B378, B615, (3174, 6180, @549.
C815, C846, C856, D62, D648, D650,
E254—E271, F99, F124, F209, G105,
H153. H607, ho. L174, L501. M97.
M137, M303, M465, M538, M1017,
T83, W19. W377, W683
Eyelet hole: (pl.) S508
Eyeservant: E272
Eyesore: E273
Eyewitness: E274
F
Fa: D185
Face: (sg.) B479, C19, C71, C389, E230,
F1—F19, F487, F681, G396, H87, H335,
H355. H356. 189,184, K94, M156, M165.
M455, M656, N215, N221, N227, P648,
S971, T571, T572, V92, W447, (pl.)
F20, F21, G230, T457
Fact: 1103

M235, M1073, S242, W208
Faction: C823
R190, S391, S624
822
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Fade: BI65, F386, F391
Fagot: F22
Fail: A129, F23, F613, H649, L550, R119,
Y10
Fain: adj. D379, F529, F530, N117, S881,
W794; adv- M537, W541
Faint: verb E43, F697; adj. H302, P538
Fainting: W666
Faintly: D201
Fair: subst. beauty F24, S571, market
B710, C237, D112, D494, F25, F26,
G394, L457, M557; adj. beautiful, pleas-
ing (pas) B142, B371, C52, C792, C812,
FQ—Fs, F17-F19, F163, H99, H159, L30,
L451 L545: M38: P368: R8) R14) R20:
S908, 8942, T161, T194, T198, W91, W92,
W216—W21 8, W221, W348, W377, W788—
W795, W822, W937, (compar) H730,
(super!) A270, C851, K40, R180, S450,
market F444, F624, open, just H112,
M794, W73, W773; adv. A102, A112,
A177, B610, G72, L128, L152, M530,
S720, S727
Fairness: M36
Faith= F sch34, H34, L497, L551
Faithful: F419, L477
Falcon: F35, W888
Falconer: A4
Falkland Wood: F36
Fall: subst. (sg) C414, P581, S823, T489,
(pl) C413, C414; verb to drop, fall down
A169, B451. B557, (3153, Cm, (7780,
D348, D387, D618, F37-F39, F560,
F653, G152, G464, H720, K89,L71,L431,
L434, M64, M194, M386, M1211, 0104,
P2, P356, R116, R117, S289, S339, S491,
S516, S570, S798, S827, T468, T502, T503,
to happen, befall B12, D83, S267, S276,
T191, W916, to rush E23
Fall out: F689, T122
Falling: F131, F141, R136
Falling-out: F40, F558
Fallow: $943
False: adj. A96, D218, F583, G173, H398,
L88, M300, R83, 8154, T198, T383,
V66, W86; adv. B84
Falsehood: D174, F41, F42
Fame: renown F45, F46, V70, V74, W177,
report F43, F44, N26
Familiar: subst. (pl) M517; adj. P243
Familiarity: F47, M1206
Family: F48, F49, G255
Famine: F50, F51, F441, W115
Famous: M342
Fan: F52
Fancy= (11-) Fss—Fss, (PL) T340
Far: adj. (pas) A391, C722, F27, F413,
F625, S389, (super!) W158; adv. (pas)
B727, G72, P3, S207, S847, (eompar)
0151, G160, N220, (super!) G180, M539
Far enough: F58
Far fetched: D12
Farcy: F259
Fare: subst. F56, F57, F204, M1153; verb
B68, F413, F416, F632, G160, M613,
MS49, N335, P592, 81001, T176
Farewell: subst. W256; interj. D115, F59,
F618, F733, F769, G81, W193
Farly: (pl) F60
Farm: (pl) F61
Farmer: F62
Fart: subsl. F63—F70, N155, T47; verb
F666, H322, P354, T345, W363
Farthing: (sg) F71, M313, P104, P194,

Farthingale: (pl) F73
Fashion: C708, F74—F76, H509, M100,
T24, W147, W866
Fast: subst. N67, S61, $1011; verb B289,
B296, E49, G323, L246, M787, N122,
P75; adj. (pos) F77, H595, (super!)
L478; adv. quickly (pvs) F141, G161—2,
P401, W238, (super!) G465, securely,
tightly B352, H516
Fast and loose: subst. F78; adv. P401
Fasten: G2
Fasting: B292, M314, W265
Fat: subst. F79, F80, J25, adj. A78, B45,
B216, B293, B767, C346, D616, E55,
F419: F443: H416: H483) H490:
H793, L91, L421, P123, P150, R2,
S650, S676, W349
Fate: F81—F83
Father: (sg) B42, B606, C298, C305,
C309, C321, C334, C806, D19, E219,
F84—F97, F740, 6105. H790, L47, L537,
M1093,M1193,M1194,N142,P41,P216,
S108, S249, T329a, V41, V57, (pl)
F98—F100
Fatten: P273
Fault: (sg) A120, A238, C589, C590, E224,
F101—F119, F553, F710, M374, P421,
P638, 3108, W371, (pl) D202, D460,
F120—F124, G212, 166, L550, M116,
M200, M429, M524, W708
Faultless: L270
Faulty: subst. F125; adj. F102, P86
Favel: C724
Favor: subst. (sg) F126—F128, G395, K81,
K108, (pl) F541; verb F600, F601, F613,
H470, K135. M1147
Fawn: D445, S705, W327
Fawning: subst. T208; adj. S704
Fazart: (pl) F129
Fear: subst. (sg) C606, C866, D27, D259,
E10, F130-F141, G293, 195, L507, L555,
M860, M1098, P23, P525, 8185, S281,
W84, W205, (p!) F142, R109; verb A69,
B318, 3394, (3510, C597, D155, D613,
F165, F721, G317, G416, H729, H808,
I24, K56, L318, L464, M230, N252,
N331, R123, T583, W911, W913
Feared: afraid D111, F68, held in fear
M515
Fearful: H147, M515, P442
Feast: (1g) C388, C547, C548, C572, C605,
D329, D331, E114, E158, F143—F146,
F681, L424, M516, M969, P10, P508,
519. 8157, U1, W47, W359, (Pl-l F147,
F206, F540
Feast-making: F149
Feasting: F148
Feather: subst. (sg) B369, B393, B717,
F150—F161, G365, M592, S603, T267,
(PL) A159, B371, B375, C643, F162—
F166, F625, K77, P158, W831; verb
N125—6
Feather bed: F372, H352, S678
Feathered: F649 ‘
February: subst. D121, F167—F170, J33,
M767, M1110; adj. R9, S483. See also
Februeer.
Februeer: F171,W271. See also February.
Fee: F172, F205, G190, L125
Feed: subst. F173; verb B138, B244, B287,
B483, B585, B647, C346, D485, F61,
F174, F188, F195, G31, H76, M463,
M801, M977, N365, P539, $575, 5773,
T96, T598, W327, W829, Y8

Feeling: F175
Feign: M18
Felicity: F176
Fell: F357, S301
Fellow: (sg) B327, C556, D518, F175,
F177—F1 81, F493, 694. 6317—6330, H14,
H15, M1037, S898, T146, Y3, (pl) F182,
F183, G399, K66
Fellow ruler: F184
Fellowship: F41, L495, P529
Female: D187
Fence: F185, F186
Fencer: F187
Fennel: F188
Fern: F189—F191
Fern bush: F630, G359
Fembrake: F630
Ferret: E255
Ferry: 091
Festival: F192—3
Fet: W792
Fetch: C467, D275, F283, F375, M920,
814-7: 82231 T2842 W107:
Fetching: F194
Fetter: (pl) J32, M338
Fever: F195, F196, L413
Fever-lurden: F197
Few: subst. not many F198—F200, J107,
parcel F201; adj. (pas) M517, M631,
W781, (compar) M40, 056
Fewer: M1153
Fewest: M512
Fickle: A200, F606, W412
Fiddle: subst. B577, F1 1, F202, F203, F450,
J38: P343: S679; 0676
Fiddler: (sg) F204, F205, F498, H777,
P347, (pl) F106
Fiddlestick: D263
Fidge: D379
Fie= H435, P474
Field: (sg) B735, C236, C497, C662, D529,
F207, F208, H143, H194, L311, M206,
M276, M756, S943, T262, (pl) F209,
VV157
Fierce: (pas) C132, G347, L308, L314,
L323, (compar) M742
Fierceness: D530
Fifteen: B614, P134
Fifth: I36, W286
Fifty: T631
Fig: (sg) F210—F213, P156, (pl) F214,
G411
Fig leaf: E62
Fight: subst. C375; verb A318, B295, D79,
D450, D467, G155, L108, M289, P80,
S262, V15, W431, W938
Fighten: H499
Fighting: F192—3, P29
Figure: (sg) U7, (pl) T575
File: T328
Fill: subst. A261, F215; verb B287, B298,
B592, E51, F216, GI46, H750, L365,
L372, M1262, M1270, S674, W809, W817,
W867
Fill-dike: F167
Fill full: F217
Filling: E105
Filly: M656
Filth: F218, H753, P465
Filthy: F219
Find: to discover A195, B351, B352, B407,
D39, D412, F103, F107, F110, F118,
F119, F220—F224, F326, F587, G114,
6311, G455, H385, H453, H518, L8,

W360, (pl) F72
L433, L454, L531, M895, M1033, N93,
Feel: B786, D416, E140, P240
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
823

N315, N341, P502, R70, R138, S213,
S271, S622, S724, S883, T29, T1 17, T135,
T182, T534, V80, W872, to support P212
Finder: F634a
Findy: M764
Fine: (1)05.) A266, E193, F163, F202, F341,
F426—7, L443, T133, T252, W317, (com-
par.) B622, (superl) L120
Finger: (532) C449, F225—F234, F472, F492,
6117, H555, H575. K157, P58, T645.
W549, (111-) C636, D158. F135~F145.
F326, G88, H549, 026, 8168, S897, T90a,
T236, W847
Finish: H748, M1039, T217
Fire: (sg.) A214, C284, C297, C300, C335,
C468, F79, F130, 18246—11193. F351, F371.
F374. F784—F786, 677, 6284, H757, 199.
1100, 134, K34. L301, L516. M1233.
M1279, N308, O30, O32, P171, P628, Q7,
5354, S452, S511, S514, S568, S569, S570,
5571. $714, 5851. T 337. T445, W91.
W1 10, W1 16, W1 19, W341, W366, W424,
W448a, W735, W741. W854, (PL) L411
Firlot: M1241, W817
Firm: F81, R151
Firmness: L497
First: subst. F 294—F297, V55; adj. B472,
C314, F773, G66, 145, L416, L478, P341,
5191, T496; adv. B138, C318, C530, R134,
T151, W319, W621
Fish: subst. (sg.) A136, B614, C144, C190,
C400, C713, D45, F48, F298—F331, F369,
F538.G59.H7,H33.M315,MII79,N117,
N128, N149, R138, S81, 5180, W443,
W689, W719, (pl) L401; verb F335,
F767, H450, H591, NI 17. 059, 111043141
Fish market: F337
Fisher: fisherman F332, F333, P41, W309,
proper name K100
Fishing: D21, E113, F334—F336, W96
Fishing net: T211 ~
Fishmonger: B55
Fist: F338, F482, G260, M397
Fit: subst. (pl) F339-40; verb H26, K27,
S364, S366, 8960, T167, T207; adj. C236,
C552, D325, F52, F202, L523, P4, P620,
R169, R200, S399
Fitly: S721
Fitting: G183, M1140—1
Five: subst. E78, F622, T265; adj. E92,
W583
Fivepence: F341
Fix: P36a
Fixed: R151
Flagon: L525
Flail: F185, N348
Flame: F786
Flanders landscape: (pl) F342
Flanders piece: (pl) F 342
Flanders reckoning: F343
Flap= F344, F 404
Flat F345, F350, F381, M933. P39
Flatter: E137, M18, N89
Flatterer: (1g.) B158, F346, F411, F709,
(PL) F106, F347, F348
Flattering: S704
Flattery: F41, F349, T562
Flawn: F350
Flax: F255, F262, F268, F278, F351, H827,
L196, 5753
Flay: F352, F373, F652, G370, L473, S329,
S895
Flayer: F631
Flea: (sg.) C46, F353, F354, (pl) D537,

Flea-bitten: H640
Fleabiting: F355
Flee: F164, H601, L479. N347, T317, W333
Fleece: subst. F356, F357; verb H103, S329
Fleet: F358, K154
Fleming: (pl) S404
Flesh: A376, B101, B520, C517, D616,
F308, F314, F319. F359-F369, F435, L51,
L468, M1339, S79, S760, W166, Y32
Flet: S252
Fletcher: arrow-maker F370, proper name
114
Fling: :ubst. E149; verb B680, D468, D542,
T556
Flint: (sg.) F18, F371—F373, H311, S878,
W107:
Flit: subst. R199; verb B547, M1036
Flitch: F375, L353
Flitting: F529
Flock: .rubst. F376, F377, F549, H422,
S308, S328; verb B393, S314
Flock bed: N170
Flood: (sg.)A308,D617,F378—F380,M771,
W514, (pl) D120, F381
Flounder: F382, F784
Flour: F54, F383
Flower: (sg.) B165, B221, F384-F388,
P117, V6, (pl) B205, B311, C56, E175,
F389—F391, G39, L566, S411, S602, T498
Fly: subst. (1g.) B451, D652, F392—F399,
H622, M152, S1029, (pl) E1, F206,
F298, F400-F405, H545, L116, M1247,
0102, P503; verb A89, B221, B282, B295,
B364, B393, B606, C344, C858, E4, E7.
F164, F406, G12, 114, L46, L518, L554,
N147, 093, 095, P80, P312, P410, $1024,
S1026, W780, Z2
Flyer: (pl) F737
Flying: subst. F407; adj. B665, C762
Flyting= W773
Foal: saber. F408; verb H708
Foam: B484
Fodder: B89, 079
Foe: (sg.) F409—F412, F686, F697, F727,
M164, (pl) H212, K62—3, S242, T570
Foil: F475
Foisting: H735
Fold: subst. D552, S313; verb L121
Folk: (sg.) F413—F416, M94, W391, (pl)
A102: B161) F4I7_F4302 F543: G459)
H381, H769, M676, W542
Follow: B325, C762, C858, D485, F139,
F306, F489, L441, L479, N41, N230, P19,
R137, 535, $163, $309, $339, T591, T 617,
V2
Follower: (pl) M1082-3
Folly: (5g.) B164, D193, D355, F113,
F43I-F437, F442, F447, J76, K100,
K189, M1321, O87, Z3, (pl) F438, F439
Fond: A267, F440
Fondness: F440
Food: E32, F441, H493
Fool: (sg.) A142, A187, C151, C322, C582,
C697. D73. D113. D353, E163, F53,
F442-F514, F727, (3191, H10. H144,
H312, H490, H572, H585, H607, H641,
K127, K129, L49, M99, M125, M148,
M172, M173, M321, M420, M421, M424,
M425, M428, M430, M702, M1283, N72,
N198, N224, N333, N349, P77, P911.
P393, R37, R113, T105, T110, T267,
T335. T473, W4. W17, W30, W153,
W305, W522, W547, W551, W643, W743,
(pl) A111, A129, A284, B69, B668,

C336, C699, E220, F431, F525-F557,
F600, G220, H381, K144, L130, L417,
M601—M606, M610, M617, N334, T53,
T189, V41, W519. W542, W788, W794,
W835, W896
Foolery: F558
Foolhardy: C776
Fooling: P645
Foolish: D200, F28, F112, F138, F466,
F559, I94, 5249, T56, T414
Foot: subst. part of body, bottom (sg.) A83,
B63, B406, C284, C618, C672, C805,
C864, E257, F412, F560—F573, H161,
H162, H655, K115, L181, L185, L188,
L101, M346, M975, 0103, P69, R48,
S283, $364-$366, S441, T231, T519,
W525, (pl) B388, C144, D252, D653,
F505, F574—F580, F627, G182, G419,
H124, H253, H498, H663, L241, M70,
M1248, P34, P158, S272, S318, W394,
W888, unit of measure (sg.) F581, 153,
(pl) F582; verb T533
Football: F182, T644
Footing: L469, W163
Footman: F583
Footstep: (pl) M734
Forbear: B135, S694
Forbearance: F584 '
Forbid: F477, F585, W650
Force: subst. A163, F257, F586, L487,
P4771 S439: 8952: T148; 087% F2841
Forced: P668
Ford: (1g) F587, P549, 8926, (pl) G226
Fore part: F593
Forearmed: H54
Forecast: subst. F588, O85; verb B193
Forehead: (sg.) F589, F590, H416, (pl)
F120
Foreheet: N278
Forehet: F591
Forehorse: F52, R120
Forelock: T311
Forelooking: S567
Foremost: D469, R88, W917
Forenoon: C295, F592
Foreroom: (pl) F594
Forerunner: F768
Foresee: D29, D132, S202
Forest: (pl) C124
Foretell: M1175
Forever: L382
Forewarned: H54
Forewit: F595
Forfeit: A323, E260
Forge: W87
Forget: B309, B620, D31, F480, F596,
F597,L542,M1325,P19, P56, S208,W946
Forgetful: M569
Forgetfulness: F787
Forgive: A171, A199, F597, T150
Forgo: A194
Fork: (sg.) N50, R23, R25, (pl) F235
Forsake: H230, M24, M671, M803, 898,
S705
Fortunate: subst. P241; adj. B535, F536,
H140
Fortune: (5g.) D338, F186, F536, F598—
F617, F653, G102, G220, G303, H305,
I64, M126, M146, M467, M679, M1011,
085, R107, S768, W380, W560, W684,
W886, (pl) M630
Forty: sabst. F454, T631; adj. B243, F581
Forty pence: F618
Forward: adj. W541; adv. E130, F570,

N251, R18
G152, P101, S431
C212, C231, C239, C240, C328, C329,
824 INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Foster; F714 Froth: N162 M675,P116, P117,R198, S70, T78, T190,
Foul: verb B755, F238, H117, W847; adj. Frown: F727 (pl) C244
(PO-L) B377: C797") D105: D594, F291
F580. L545. M794. P588. W90. W92.
W93, W790, W801, (eompar) D348; adv.
(superl) D460
Found: L577
Foundation: B708, F619
Fountain: (1g) D609, (pl) M1173
Four: subst. E92, F620—F622, O58, S460,
T641, W622; adj. E78, E268, M1206
Fourpence: F623
Fowey: G13
Fowl: (5g) F165,F624,R63, (pl) F163,F625
Fowler: F626
F011: (1g) A121, A239, F263, F627—F660,
6358, 6359, H435. L100. L319. M1163.
N155, S442, T15, W164, W602, W611,
W616, (pl) C411, F661,1102, T11
Fox cub: (pl) B327
Foxtail: F344
Foy: See Fowey.
Frail: F363
France: E110, F662, F663, 1104, W53
Franciscan: (1g) C607, (pl) F664
Frank: B483
Frankincense: F665, F666
Fraud: F770
Fray: subst. B475, C547, C548, E1 14, S257,
T261; verb K142
Free: (p01) A88, A268, B246, B357, C213,
F667, F788, H638, H642, L325, P90,
S243, T244, W80, (compar) G103
Freedom: F668
Freeholder of Macclesfield: F669
Freeze: B185
Freight: V30
French: subst. language J4, P175, people
F670, 1103; adj- B473, T444
Frenchify: F670a
Frenchman: (5g) F671, G86, (pl) E153,
E155
Frenzy: F672, H441
Frequent: K112, M597
Fresh: A93, B311, F389, M763, R176
Fret: sabst. (pl) L121 a; verb F764,'T8
Friar: (1g) D308, F673—F677, N352, P620,
(pl) F678
Friday: F 679—F682, N10, P75
Friend: subst. (5g) A400, B415, B614,
B638, E137, E139, F212, F321, F409,
F410, F671, F682a—F727, G212, H373,
H509: J40: K141: L251 L259) M164)
M413, M821, M936, M990, N110, N263,
P239, P373, P656, R104, S236, T595,
W480, (pl) A112, B627, B683, C266,
C706) E1451 F347) F349: F728HF758>
G242, H212, H378, I87, K53, K62—3,
K97, L122, M591, M687, M878, M1073,
P205, P468, P529, P61 1, P667, R54, R56,
R103, 81026, T301, T337, T548, T562,
W740, W796; verb M63
Friendly: C686, F745
Friendship: F173, F759—F762, L549, T553,
V84, V100, W239
Fright: H752
Frighten: W583
Frisking: P230
Frist: T150
Fro: W38
Fr0s= (1.1-) F333. F379, F763—F767. 131.
(pl) F322, G381
Frontier: W348
Frost: (5g) F768—F772, G254, H12, P575,

Frugality: F776, I64
Fruit: (1g) B173, B468, B690, C945, D186,
F777—F780, G283, H842, S224, S784,
T486, T490, T494, T495. T497, T499,
T506, (pl) T498
Fruitful: 8695—6, T490
Fruitfulness: H86
Fry: subst. F781; verb E87, F313, G433
Frying pan: F385, F782—F784
Fuel: F276, F548, F785, F786
Full: (p01) A72, B289, B294—B296, B303,
B304, E8, E110a, E253, F217, G41,
H106, H114, H214a, H303, J27, K149,
M622, M1112, N259, P318, P350, P650,
P651, R39, S2, S5, S869, 81045, T281,
T598, V37, W261, W265, (superl) C910
Fullness: F787
Fulsome: F463, L421
Fumbler’s Hall: F788
Fur: (5g) W304, (pl) C653
Furmity-kettle: F789
Furrier: L200
Furrow: 0105
Furthermore: K1 1
Fury: P113
Furze: F790
Furze bush: H358
Fustian: W139
Fusty: F466
G: G138
Gabriel: G1
Gad: T516
Gadding: subst. W695; adj. M16
Gain: subst. (5g) D177, G2—G5, M1131,
P16, P19, S866, T295, W139, (pl) G6,
G7, P24; verb A19, A94, C80, C86, D80,
G8, G23, G124, G163, H401, H535, L151,
M888, M889, M1011
Gainful: (p01) N297, (superl) B729
Gaining: G9, S712
Gait: C904
Galen: G10, 51004
Gall: subst. bile D574, F393, G11, H556,
H557, H561, T391, a sore lG12;'verb
K123
Gallants of Fowey: G13
Galled: H689, H700
Gallon: G14, G472
Gallop: B238, F181, S583
Gallows: C569, G15—G20, M556, P30, $178,
T109, T121, W853
Gally: D645
Gambrel: T493
Game: subst. G21—G23, P399, S390; verb
vV294
Gamester: (5g) C51, G24, (pl) G2 5,{G26,
S822
Gaming: F351, G27
Gander: G345, G348, G351, G362, M433,
S102
Gang: C104
Gansel: G350
Gaol: See Jail.
Gaoler: See Jailer.
Gap: (5g) B584, G28, H136, (pl) G29,
G30
Gape: B308, B390, G31, G473, 0114
Gapeseed: G32
Gaping: subst. G33, M797; adj. P310
Garden: (1g) B146, B148, C260, F387,

Gardener: G34, G38
Garland: F387, F388, G39
Garlic: G40, H7, M1182, S78, S556
Garment: O22
Garner: G41, T137
Garter: (pl) G42, S868
Gate: door, barrier (1g) C842, D558, E143,
6182. H794. L11. P557. 8855. W589.
(pl) G43, road G44, G45, M268, M311
Gatepost: G46
Galgher: C73, C868, H72, 039, P144, P147,
25
Gathering: G47
Gaudy: C541
Gaunt: G444,
Gaunting: G48
Gauntlet: G49
Gaw: SI 10
Gar C474, C478. 639. 136. T161
Gaze: E3, G50
Gazing: M16
Gear: G51—G58, G393, H135, K45, W82
General: subst. F754; adj. R205
Generality: P81
Generate: 5986
Generation: C667, U28
Genoa: G59
Gentility: G60—G62
Gentle: subst. (pl) C451, G63; adj. C801,
F35, G71, G81, H225, H304, H643, H799,
L34, L521, P591, W822
Gentlefolk: (pl) G382
Gentleman: (sg) A30, B688, C387, C474,
664—677. J 2—15. 111. K163. M7411.
M1051. S451. V57. (Pl-l G78. P593
Gentleman Jack Herring: G79
Gentleness: H837, S258
Gentry: G80, H240
Geoffrey: G81
Geometry: G82
George, Saint: S42
George of Green: G83
George of Halloway: G84
Gerard: G85
German: subst. (1g) G86—G88, (pl) 1103,
T209; adj. W658
Germany: E110
Get: A163, B240, C89, C905, D37, D164,
F291, F293, F565, F695, F752, G20,
G89—G91, G102, G288, G465, G483, H95,
H1931 H349: H478, L484: M772:
M945, N273, N305, P191, P206, P207,
P246, 016, R130, S405, S738, S828, 8987,
T154, W510
Get out: T468
Getter: G92, K12
Getting: (1g) H546, S712, (pl) G4, G209
Ghostly: V41
Giant: D659
Gibbed: C129
Giblet: (pl) G93, G364, H161
Giddy: W18, W870
Giff gafi= G94, G95
Gift: (1g) F757, G96—G104, L355, M117,
M472, M498, M868, (pl) G105—G113,
W704
Giglot: P137
Gilbert: B28, G114
Gild: P325
Giles: man’s name G115, Saint S43
Gill: H448
Gilt: S501

(PL) F773—F775
Gimmingham: G116
G34—G37, G432, L58, L414, M296,
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
825

Gip: B28
Gird: subst. (pl.) F339—40; verb C524
Girdle: B698, F644, G117, H248, H547,
K29, MI, R74, T272, W317, W520
Girl: B195
Girn: G118, S324
Give: A14, A131, A187, A213, A224, A292,
Baa, B416, B519, B511, 13537. B633.
B671, C112, C117, C262, C688, C700,
C757, D109, D198, D474, D510, D634,
E13: E72: F85: F205) F213: F344: F453, F534, G98, G113, G117, G119—
G126, G129, G171, G239, G308, H68,
H71, H90, H144, H719, 149, 191. L38,
L114, L199. L399, M11, M14, M1195,
M1290, N49, N84, N189, N296, N333,
023: 046—7) 01151 P471) R171, 556, 5338, $417, 5446, S616, 3741’,
S917, T26, T128, T129, T180, W251,
W940: W948
Give gave: G94
Given: H678
Giver: G97, G101
Giving: G127—G130, P607
Gizzard: G131
Glad: F444, F624, 514., T285
Gladness: M290, S21
Glance: (pl.) W340
Glass: hourglass G132, magnifying glass
F45, mirror B639, G133, W481, W688,
the substance F607, G134—G136, H789,
table glass, etc. (sg.) B639, C814, W646,
(pl.) G137, the word G138
Glass shop: (pl.) W712
Glastonbury: A5
Glastonbury Tor: G139
Glazier: F95
Glean: P266
Gleaning: G140
Gley: T317
Glimmer: G141
Glister: A146
Glitter: A146
Glory: A75, K100, L479
Gloss: G281
Gloucestershire: G174
Glove: (sg.) G49, G142, H92, (pl.) B411
Gloved: C145
Glowing: C463
Glowworm: (pl.) G143
Glutton: (1g.) G144—G146, M789, M1341,
(pL) E53
Gluttony: B285, G147, G148, P617
Gnat: G149, G150
Gnaw: B516, D451, D518
Go: A123, B27, B36, B150, B156, B183,
B187, B197, B198, B266, B742, B750,
B754, C49, (3108. (3331, C533, C536,
C568, C820, D115, D236, D274, D278,
D387, D476, D543, E16, E30, E111,
E130, E170. F208. F185. F337. F354,
G45, G89, G140, G151—G166, G389,
G404, G451, G462, G475, H18, H157,
H195, H318, H352—H354, H402, H428,
H507. H533, H697, H761, K49, L14,
L27. L41, L441, L460, L474, L475, M4,
M608, M649, M949, M1015, N14, N51,
N53, N56, 0111, P2, P3, P101, P435,
P504, R13, R162, R208, S60, SI 10, $195,
$131, $334, $341, $559, 5578, S601. 5708,
5751. S847, S855, S874. S930, T87, T187.
T474) T614: U5: V981 W12: W151
W150, W151, W159, W166—W168, W259,
W300, W431. W754, W897

Goat: G167—G17o, M1304, S298
GOb: G99
God: (sg.) A53, A137, A138, A161, C248,
C333, C380, C662, D31, D61, D247,
D259, D300, D388, D605, F10, F199,
F739, G130, G172—G275, G393, G394,
H348, H808, L291, L352, L371, M113,
M154, MI62, M231, M241, M247, M285,
M291, M298, M380, M422, M443, M471,
M740, M760, M796, M1113, M1290,
N263, N300, P22, P141, P143, P246,
P471, 5176, $185, 5315, $319. $743, $753,
T179, T299, T500, V24, V56, V95, W844,
W852, W890, W900, W926, (pl.) M593,
M898
God-a-mercy: G276
God-bless-you: F703
God—have-mercy: G278
God-help-you: F 703
Godfather: (pl.) C319, G277
Godspeed: G279
Going: subst. M945; adj. F565
Gold: A134, A146, A263, A297, A349,
A351, A356, A360, B57, B665, B770,
C214, C625, E29, F279, F790, G176,
G280—G296, 192, 135, L223, L406, M171,
M257, M294, M338, MI 102, N22, 088,
5457, 5501, T118, T337, T448, V46,
W253, W628
Golden: D589, G363, H591, L267, M792,
M953, M1216, M1217, P458, R74, 81048
Goldfinch: M1020
Golgotha: G297
Good: subst. belongings, property (1g.)
A308, B465, E118, E122, E127, G298,
(3199, M231, (PL) B499, F599, 610,
G300—G308, M236, M250, M264, P424,
T122, W198, W347, benefit, virtue, good
deed A53, A77, B154, (3353. E195, E199.
E203, E204, E206, F409, G309-G323,
G418, H137. 135, 172 L336, M136,
M519, M1005, M1071, N328, T25, T136,
W421, W571, W714, virtuous persons
E200, G251, P466; adj. (pan) A45, A89,
A110. A137, A138. A197, A334. B549.
C272, C571, C585, C690, C771, D248,
E140, E211, F23, F491, F612, F638,
F676, F748, F749, F766, G83, G122,
6166, 6195, 6314. @367, G431, H199.
H282: I47: J47) K181: L461 M14,
M66, M85, M86, M103, M148—M151,
M165—M169, M184, M198, M199, M203,
M317, M343, M374, M391, M506,
M518-M512, M534, M535. M603, M638,
M673, M815, M863, M1100, M1135,
M1281, N139—N141, N147, N152, N156,
N258, N297, N298, N317, N324, N327,
019, O50, OI 17, P177, P392, P542, R120,
5190, S326, S407, S870, T42, T130, T131,
T142, T157, T162, T181, T195, T619,
T626, W37, W86, W210, W314, W315,
W386, W442, W463, W567, W577, W578,
W671, W680, W775, W786, W789,
W803~W813, W866, W912, W913, W915,
(amaze) A14, 13333—3335, 0178, C436.
C570, D60, E214, E227, G1 19, H49, M47,
M351, P64, P189, P396, P646, S412,
S428, S432, S641, T142, (superl.) B395,
F75, F755. Gs. 6391, H540. H543, M77,
M130, M792, N152, P383, P399, P407,
8960, T178, T247, W369, W545, W798,
W852; adv. (pox) D393, K119, N13,
(compan) E239, P54, (superl.) F413,
F416

Good cheap: See Cheap.
Good day: M309
Good enough: G326
Good even: E188
Good fellow: (sg.) G327—G330, (pt) K66
Good Friday: P75
Good morrow: (1g) C848, S307, (pl.) G334
Good mother daughter: G335
Good-natured: F419
Good night: N170
Goodwill: G338—G342
Goodman: G331—G333, H190
Goodness: B175, E127, G336, G337, 115,
M518, W482
Goodwife: (sg.) C181, C238, G331, G333,
W343. W353, W375. (PL) 5361
Goodwin (Goodwin’s) Sands: S393, T91
Goodyer: G343, G344
Goose: (5g.) B481, B605, B790, C335,
C411, F118, F151, F181, F339—40, F675,
6345—6368, H493, K77, L339, P315,
P6431 R19) R47: 8102) S499:
T359. T41 1, V9, W690, (PL) F 549, F643.
F656, 6369, 6370, 6377, M433, P641,
T211, W687, W691
Goose eye: G371, M840
Goose giblet: (pl.) G93, H161
Goose pan: G372
Goose-quill: G69
Goose skin: (pl.) G373
Goose turd: G374, R202
Goose wing: E149
Gordian knot: G375
Goshawk: G376
Gosling: (sg.) G351, G356—7, R19, (pl.)
G377, T218
Gospel: A147, G378—G380
Gossip: (5g.) A107, (pl.) G381—G383
Got: See Get.
Gotham: M636
Gotten: See Get.
Gouk: G384
Gourd: (pl.) G385, G400
Gousty: Y40
Gout: C401, G386, P18, W458
Govern: C552, F89
Governor: (sg.) C396, (pl.) P178
Gown: F289, G387—G389, M20, R145,
T18, W624—5, W630
Grace: B480,F13,G267,G390—G396,H332,
K189, M740, S669, 5697—8, T560, W328
Graceless: G396
Graft: F589
Grafting: G397
Grain: bit, particle, single seed (sg.) G398—
G402, (pl.) G403, fast color K128, fiber
ofwood, etc. G404, wheat, oats, etc. G405
Gramercy: F618, G276 _
Grandame: G406—G409, J26. See also
Grandmother, Grannam.
Grandchild: G410
Grandmother: N11.
Grannam.
Grange: A3
Grannam: G407.
Grandmother.
Grant: A188, E160—1
Grantham: G472
Grantham steeple: H396
Grape: (1.1-) D296, P439, W493, (PL) F98.
F642, F657, G41 1, L144, V60, W647
Grasp: M1295
Grass: C22, F359, G412—G424, H464,
M169, S51, S585, T610
See also Grandame,
See also Grandame,

Go-by: G171
Grasshopper: G425
Good and all: G325
826
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Grateful: M394
Grave: subst. (sg) A130, B669, C1, D556a,
E57, P1143, F778. 63511. 6416, G417,
H360, H687, M346, N11, P63, P511, Y23,
(PL) P353, G418; 441- (346, J 93
Gravel pit: G429
Gray: subst. color G430, proper name J69;
adj. C82, F638, G362, G430, G431, G458,
H31, H626, M647, P428
Gray’s Inn: G432
Graze: G352, G353, P380
Grazing: W361
Grease: subst. E103, G433; verb C386,
K123, M397, S682, W288
Great: subst. large amount L362, 8554, the
mighty, the powerful D11, G434, G435,
the piece G436; adj. (pas) B503, C365,
C551, C902, D540, F102, F311, F329,
F422, G111, I78, L354, M152, M523—
M515, M531, M598, M611, 063, $940,
T119, T505—T507, W830, W921, (eom-
par) G446, M153, (super!) B729, 5186
Great Glen: G438
Greater: G437
Greatness: G336, N211
Grecian: F31
Greece: S75
Greed: G306
Greedy: D434, G483, H696, K102, M42,
M154
Greek: the language G439, T37, the na-
tionality G440, M901
Greek calends: G441
Green: subst. G430, G442, L301; adj. B536,
(3175, C697, G411. H516—7, L95. L176,
L177, 8851, T161, T145. T577. W17.
W508, W735, W741, W917, W931
Greet: to bail M155, to weep B41, C754,
(3443,1’398
Gregory: D550
Grew: See Grow.
Greyhound: G77, G444, M743, 8283
Grice: (pl) S683
Grief: (sg) C203, C923, D91, D596, F434,
6445-6451, H139, H581, J86, L480,
L555, M1098, P108, P374, R108, SI,
8197, T322, (pl) A130, G452, R89,
S664
Grieve: C224, G453, M603
Grig: G454
Grin: B9, W294
Grind: C657, F220, F221, F705, G270,
G455, M941, M944, M947, M956. M966,
N105, W433
Grindstone: M367, N218
Grip: M1295
Grissel: G456, M660
Grist: A122, H664
Grit: (pl) G472
Grizel: See Grissel.
Groan: G15
Groat: coin B329, F623, G457, G458,
M1278, N188, N249, P210, P387, Q6,
W32, grain (pl) B461, G459, J35
Groby Pool: D152, G460
Grogram: T8
Groin: A384
Gromwell: W792
Grope: D39, G407
Ground: B60, D651, G461—G470, H63,
H390, H764. H779, L46, M813. N115,
P644, R66, S602, 8695—6, S811, 8900,
T481, V84, W154
Groundsel: G471

Grow: C770, F430, F431, F638, G414,
G415, G417, G411, G413, H17, H171,
K162, L196, M742, N135, N176, P37,
P534, S602, T168, T190, T501, T510,
T604, V87, W238, W365
Grubber: S511
Gruel: G472
Gruellie: M434
Grunt: P309
Guard: subst. border on garment W274,
posture of defense F125; verb T424
Gudgeon: D106, G473
Guess: J55, K8
Guest: (sg) D114, G474-G476, H727, J41,
(pl) F310, M822
Guide: (sg) S330, (pl) G477
Guiding: S854, W551
Guilty: C606, F117, J44
Guise: S547
Gull: subst. G478; verb $137, W876
Gully: S854
Gummed: T8
Gun: G479—G481
Gunpowder: W639
Gunshot: G482
Gup: Q5
Gut: (5g) G483, S551, (pl) B300, D313,
G484—G486
Gutter: C185, C845, C852
Gutter Lane: A132
Gyges: R132
H
Hab nab: H479
Habit: H1, H586, V44
Hack: $1012
Hackney: subst. F664, H2; adj. M1019
Had I fish: H7
Had I wist: H8—H10
Haddock: H3—H5
Haddum: H6
Hae: L22. See also Have.
Haft: A212, H472
Haggard: T298
Hail: H11—H13
Hail fellow well met: H14, H15
Hair: (sg) A115, B736, C82, F682, F766,
H16—H29, H277, H704, M165, M556,
S275, T250, W616, (pl) H30—H32, H626,
W6
13
Hake: H33
Halcyon: D116
Haldin: G53
Hale: R143
Halesworth: B180
Half: subst. A249, A333, C54, F4, H34-
H49, H480, 1104, K1, M393, 058, 5338,
S528, W875; adv. E110a, H214a
Half-armed: H54
Half-burned: W742
Half-hanged: E183
Half-seas: H53
Half taken: M218
Half-warned: H54
Half-yard: A100
Halfpence: W641
Halfpenny: subst. (sg) C836, H50, H51,
H80, H135, H315, H610, P194, P210,
(pl) P215; adj. H2, P517
Halfpennyworth: H52, H495
Halgaver: M775
Halifax: subst. H399; adj. L590
Hall: subst. C752, F50, F788, G432, H55,
H56, H462, M309, M1274, R200; adj.

Hallamshire: W890
Halt: C828, H57
Halter: C513, C523, G19, H58, H59, H666,
H673, H696, 118, M193, M400, P169,
8938, T103, T107
Halting: subst. H60; adv. H736
Halve: J88
Hambleton: B608
Hameald: C193
Hamlet: H61
Hammer: subst. (sg) A259, A261, H62,
(pl) S563; verb A258, 198
Hampshire: H488
Hampshire ground: H63
Hand: (sg) A145, A301, B18, B113, B360,
B363, 13567, B634, B689, C386, 6449,
D8, D321, D531, D542, E138, E257,
F152, F228, F231, F267, F514, F563,
F641) 6194: 6243) 6309) G329: H48:
H64—H108, H315, H339, H386, H680,
I64, I89, L49, L111, L156, M269, M278,
M368, M750, M1081, N289, P38, P153,
P664, P669, 5427, S648, S783, $886,
81013, 81050, T90a, T397, T622, W10,
W11, W417, W549, (PL) 3755. (3511,
C920, D657, E264, F235, F241, G182,
G226, H109—H125, H263, H546, H763,
H803, K87, M163, M165, M872, M954,
M1268, N304, P286, S545, T209, W75
Hand bell: T386
Handful: B744, H126, H127
Handicraft: M663
Handle: subst. (pl) T193; verb H549,
M1028, N133, P633, T209, T236
Handling: H803, 192
Handsaw: H226
Handsel: F517
Handsmooth: C293
Handsome: C385, D410, T631, W378
Handsome—bodied: M156
Handsomely: B126, G159
Hans= A7,A111,A384, B139, B177. B179,
B555, B585, 685. C587, 6601. D466,
D473, D477, D601, E8, E22, E183, F48,
F746) G18) G19: G42, G82) H58:
H59, H128-H130, H174, H201, H209,
H362, H388, H448, H612, K29, L299,
L330, L377, L590, M175, M489, M905,
M1312, N25, N142, N172, N208, N231,
P91, P169, P331, P337, 8193, 5335, 5336,
S533, S993, T48, T104, T119, T250, W255
Hanging: B281, D505, H42, H131, H132,
5962, T120, W156, W232
Hangman: H133, H134
Hansel: M41
Hap: subst. H135, H136, H326, H370,
M271, M320; verb C529, H137
Happen: D412, H741, K180, M406, T191,
T192
Happiness: C624, H138, H139
Happy: (pos) C255, C305, C575, C719,
F438, F740, H140, H767, K54, K181,
M157, M158, M333, M612, M1010,
M1107, N254, P66, T530, W749, (com-
par) H113
Happy-go-lucky: H141
Harberie: H142
Harbor: subst. H219, R121, R161; verb
B501, B741, V13
Harborough field: H143
Hard: subst. H144—H146; adj. difficult
B256, D489, E76, H816, K126, N299,
P88, solid, unyielding (pas) B514, H31 1,
H326, H621, N360, S839, 5878, (eompar)


Grove: B741
196
Bass
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
827

Hard—baked: N88
Hardhearted: 815 5
Hardy: subst. F601; adj.
(superl) H634
Hare: (:g.) C750, C763, D469, D480,
D540, F630, H147—H162, H737, M81,
(pl) H163—H165
Harlot: L525
Harm: (sg.) A396, C353, C684, G187,
H166—H171, H253, H371, H622, 170,
M94, M149, M232, M510, P368, 8445,
T57, T221, (pl) M612, M615
Harmless: D572
Harness: H172, H707
Harp: subst. A366, H173, H174; verb 8934-
S936
Harper: (sg.) H175, (pl) H176
Harpocrates: H177
Harrington: H178
Harrow: subst. C187, F764, H173, H179,
H180, H701, M735, 0106; verb H400
Harry: G467,H181,H468, K92—K94,M813
Hart: (pl) H729
Hartlepool: M776
Harvest: (sg.) A396, F148, H182-H184,
H502, S210, S420, S590, (pl) H185
Harvest ear: (pl) H186, H502
Harvest time: H187
Haste: B748, F518, H188—H202, M339,
T400, W523
Hasten: 6145
Hastily: N251
Hastings: H203
Hasty: B425, C413, G26, M159, 089, P55,
P224, Q11, S294
Hat: B762, H204—H2o6, H250, S550
Hatch: subst. opening D562, H207, W456,
proper name M746; verb B370, C292, E2,
M996
Hatchet: H208, H209, H413, P45, T502
Hate: subst. H210, H211, L477; verb B508,
C914, D518, F602, G231, G468, H168,
126,1164.047.M154,M115.M598,016,
P238: P459: P509, P589: R155: S950,
T309, T361, V72, W651, W873
Hatred: D125, H212, M1206, T562, T569
Have: A171, A191, A192, A194, A343,
A347: B102) B265: B306) B439: B458:
13544, C151-C90, CI77, D184, D398,
D4051E36. E149, F115, F514, F749, G54,
G122, G229, G435, H95, H104, H114,
H176, H213—H218, H282, H336, H451,
H474, H513. H611, 176, K186, L197,
L351, M1, M228, M580, M1041, M1272,
M1282, N270, N291, N319, P102, P103,
216. $117, 5310. $534, 5684, S719, S742.
S865, 51033, T124, T160, T292, W36,
W37, W434, W580, W907. See also Hae.
Haven: (sg.) C886, H219, R121, S345,
(pl) G226
Haver: P35
Having: $107
Havoc: H220
Haw: H221
Hawk: (1g) H222—H228, K114, P454,
(pl) H111, H229, H230, T298
Hawking: H231, H824, P453
Hawthorn-quick: A299
Hay: A134, A311, B101, B305, C54, C654,
D173, F669, G413, G420, H232—H235,
H662, L298, M1307, N97, 080, P520,
P643, 81029, T359, W225
Hazard: (sg.) A148, (pl) F129
He-goat: B714, R27
Hea: H236
(POL) P454:

Head: subst. (sg.) A370, B53, B143, B155,
B463, B529, B693, C20, C65, C285, C468,
(2525, C545, C679, C781, C791, C843,
C864: E2592 F143: F304, F519) F562,
F576, F577, F655, F659, G66, G79, G101,
G308, G448, H30, H70, H71, H124,
H161, H237—H277, H520, H624, H710,
H756, H789, L69, L177, L587, M110,
M182, M244, M409, M500,M634,M1042,
MI201, N15, N16, N210, O83, P288,
P310, P376—7, P595. R153, R164, 5183,
S580, S617, S791, 5889, T11, T305, T385,
T401, T402, T408, T436, W285, W336,
W455. W548, W566. W665. (21-) C697,
C924, H278—H281, H341, L130, M1029,
M1308, P452; verb M905
Headache: C862
Headpiece: (1g) H282, (pl) H405
Heal: G190, H90, M252, P267, S153, S731,
W714, W917, W919
Healing: H283
Health: B574, B611, C397, H34, H284—
H293, 143, K15, L6, M558, M786, N211,
P274, P528, S423, W193, W197, Y32
Healthful: F258, M182 ,--"’
Healthy: B184, B187
Heap: :ubst. B87, C177, D265, H428,
M1222, 8158; verb C468, M799, M1154,
O81
Hear: A202, B48, B191, B374, C122, C300,
@3117, 0344, C491. E11, E15, H113.
H236, H294—H296, H502, H617, K58,
L336: L563: L590) M452 M277: M299,
M551, M553, M596, M1061, M1207,
M1274, M1277, N275, P87, P140, R42,
5115, S726, T42, T124, W943, W948
Hearer: (pl) D575, H297
Hearing: H298—H300, V1
Hearken: R42
Hear“ (5.1-) A13. B450, B479, (3498, C913,
D94, E206, E231, E244, E247, E251, F1,
F3, F590, G54, (3194, G166, G449, H83,
H84, H113, H301—H340, H600, H605,
J83, J84, M115, M601, M915, N299.
P655. $363, $603, $764, 51013, T83,
T214, T141, T391, T481, T485, V77,
W460, W553, W616, W672, (pl) B9,
C235, F758, H341, H342, L521
Heartsease: A243
Hearty: H77
Heat: subst. B153, C359, F261, F264, F277,
F772, H343, H344; verb M237, P512
Heath: M1171
Heating: A327
Heave: H345, P516
Heave and ho: H346
Heavem A391, C549, C840, F749, GI75,
G201, G252, G282, H347—H356, H406,
H410, H841, L128, M13, M275, M576,
M680, M688, M1285—6, P555, P557,
P593, R12, S517, W140, W171, W172
Heavenly: H455
Heavy: (pan) B727, G7, L134, N322,
P655, P659, W840, (superl) S4
Heavy-heeled: M1198
Hectic: W836
Hector: H357
Hedge= (Ir) B584, @509, H358—H364,
H662, H692, L132, N109, S327, S428,
S811, (pl) H365, W19
Hedgehog: (sg.) F636, H366, H367, (pl)
H368, H369
Hedging= G49
Heed: E238, G310, H370—H386, T32, T33,
T36

Heel: (sg.) C824, G421, H317, H318,
H387, H711, ]10, S369, S791, T436, (pl)
F338. H314, H336. H388—H394. H733,
L63, L136, M661, N65, P30, P31, P34,
P644, T591. T648
Heifer: H395
Heigh-ho: H833
Height: (sg.) H396, (pl) MI 174
Heir: A5, F483, G305, L54, M208, M323,
M364, M421, MI230, W511
Heirship: D138
Held: See Hold verb.
Hell: D205, D283, E147, F749, G323,
H397—H410, 124, L16, L21, L127, M37,
M417, R60, T129, W51
Helm: S347
Help: subst. A36, G268, G269, G275, H41 1;
verb A145, C702, D479, E200, E262, F39,
F603, F699, 653, 6191—6193, 6136,
G243, G263, G453, H116, H412, L271,
M1320, T256, W810, W935
Helping: H97
Helve: A409, A41 1, H208, H413
Hemp: D53. See also Hempe.
Hempe: H414. See also Hemp.
Hempen: W457
Hen: (sg.) C483, C484, C488, D77, D156,
D583, E70, E80, E82,-G398, H415—H428,
$177678, N353, S416, S632, W936, (pl) 124,
Hence: H429
Hengston Down: H430
Henry: H431
Henry Chick: H432
Henry sophister: H433
Henry the Eighth: H434
Henry the Ninth: H434
Hep: (sg.) R180, (pl) H435
Heraldry: M906
Herb: grass (pl) V88, personification
170
Hercules: A188, H436, S366
Herd: (pl) H437
Here: H438, 8109, S611, 81008, T62, T368
Hereafter: H439
Heresy: F672, H440—H443, W350
Heretic: (sg.) M144, (pl) F33, G380
Heritage: B171, S253
Hermit: H444
Herring: (5g.) B11, B20, B94, F319, F320,
H332 H101, 13445—13450: L404: P460:
(pl) M1171
Herrit: H451
Herself: L435
Hertfordshire: C454, H369, K44
Hest: (pl) L447
Hew= C357, W939
Heyden: P93
Hickledy-pickledy: H452
Hide: subst. L230, M165; verb A335, A379,
B50, E63, F255, F586, G437, H453, L275,
L490, L500, M780, M818, M1006, N286,
$194, T113, T152, T481, V47, V92
Hidebound: H454, H810
High: adj. (pan) B708, H455, H456, H484,
H721, I84, P283—4, R175, W450, W801,
(compan) H464, M1212, (superl) C414,
T489,T509; adv. (PM) (3354, (3357,1194.
L431,S493, (compar.) A27I,C414,M1211,
S823
High-lone: G157
Highgate: A391, H669
Highway: G415, H457—H460, M281, T471,
W647
Hilary term: H461

828
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Hill: (1g) F155, H462—H471, N111, V7,
V11, (pl) C445, M756, M1216, P184,
S498: W450
Hilt: (pl) H472
Himself: M112, M132, O14
Hinckley: M206
Hind: W888
Hinder: G263
Hindmost: subst. D267; adj. D480
Hinge: (pl) G471, H473
Hip: (1g) H474, (pl) L325
Hire: Jubsl. H69, LI2; verb G36, H659, L108
Hired: H661
Historian: D389
History: T578
Hit= A324, B387. B471. H16. H475. H476.
M110, M667, N16, S388, T274, T429
Hither: W441
Ho: G264, H477
Hoard: subst. (pl) H478; verb M1044
Hob: H479
Hobbledehoy: H480
Hobson: H481
Hock Norton: See Hogs Norton.
Hockley brook: H482
Hog: sheep H495, swine (1g) C143, D306,
D493, H483_H494> H496HH498: M1005:
M1107, 011, R131, W888, (pl) F436,
H499—H503, L302, M206, T211
Hogs Norton: H505
Hogshead: H504
Hoist: S23
Hoisting: (pl) H506
Holbom: H507
Hold: subst. H120~1, H508, H509; verb
A179, A312, (A317, A364, B43, B298,
B449: B696: B697, B713: C40) C42: C441
C147. C349, C437, (3501.138. D510. E61,
E62, E222, F61, F783, G425, H101,
H104, H129, H158, H272, H510—H515,
H589, H606, M95, M171, M328, M608,
M618, M782, M876, M1155, M1295,
N218, N232, P144—P149, P308, P431,
P435. P453. R119, R171, 5371. 8531.
S807, S864, T316, T390, W603
Holdfast: B588
Holding: H516
Hole: (11-) C106, (3447, D99, F471, F 639,
H384,H517—H522,M1230,M1236,P181,
T347. T351.T367. (Pl-)H5231H51415508
Holiday: .mbst. B452a, D68, 594, S548; adj.
D20
Holiness: H525
Holland: W266
Hollander: (pl) D657
Hollen: H526—7
Hollow: B400a, G479, K22, T547
Holloway: G84
Holmsdale: V8
Holy: B583, H1, H528, H629
Holy day: 5994
Holy Ghost: H529
Holy Scripture: H531
Holy water: D220, H532
Holyrood Day: H530
Home: subst. A314, B48, B618, C251, C344,
D243) D465: F25, F502: C7332:
6333. Hsss—Hsss, H784. H823. H836,
L74, M413, P625, R191, S31, S968,
W399, W701; “(111- 6159. C745. C771.
C798, E187, F460, H346. H485, H693,
H736, J33, J80, K151, L402, L460, M70,
N274, P69, P501, R115, R162, S269,
T125, W158, W248, W754
Homely: H534

Homer: H536, H537
Honest: (p01) C804, G4, G438, M67—M69,
M148, M183—M185, M190, M458, M459,
M528, M529, P211, P229, S506, T118,
T136, W533, W623, W628, (campar)
G205, M360
Honestly: L392
Honesty: B163, H538-H543, K150, L360,
M288, M1033, T567, W155
Honey: subst. B204—B209, B211—B213,
F403, G112, H544—H562, S455, W467;
adj. T391
Honey bird: 81040
Honeymoon: C714, H563, H564
Honeypot: B130, H491
Honor: saber. (5g) A402, B64, D35, D184,
E96, E171a, E242, H565—H581, L518,
M326, M1032, M1125, P598, P599, Y37,
(pl) G10, H582—H584; verb D151, M238,
P89, P264, R105, V86
Honorable: E96, M683, M684
H00: H241
Hood: (1g) B117, B524, F20, H17, H250,
H585,H586,M133,R142,W630,(pl)B145
Hoof: H587
Hook: (1g) B50, C190, F306, F316, F324,
G434, H588—H591, L126, M177, S290,
(pl) H592
Hooly: M530
Hoop: C493, H220, H593, H599
Hop: subst. (1g) H594, (pl) H595, S45;
verb H469, R130, W320
Hop-o’-my-thumb: H613
Hope: subst. C674, D212, F614, H335,
H596—H610, L269; verb B312, B328,
C148, G275, G317, H611, L291, M189,
M190, R123
Hopkin: H612
Hopper: S53, S64
Hopton: H614
Horn: animal’s horn (1g) B773, C652,
H133, L573. M385, R28. (PL) A371,
C27, C751, D252, G217, H620, the
material H621, musical instrument AI 13,
A311, C657, E132, F682, G1, H615—
H619, T449, symbol of cuckoldry (1g)
H622, (pl) C882, E245, H623—H626,
M465) 0107) S384:
Horn-mad: H628
Homer: dealer in horn H266, proper name
H614
Hornet: (1g) H627, (pl) L116
Horologue: D302
Horse: (5g) A158, A349, A358, A361,
A403, B238, B279, B655, B656, B662,
B765, @103. ($395, C490. C515. C511.
C676, C680, F63, F158, F408, F414,
G276, G423, H21, H222, H239, H376,
H629—H712, J29, K76, L89, L284, L357,
L398. L451. M193. M161. M307, M647.
M659. M733, M909. M1306. N99, P35,
815, 816, $19, 8132, S269, S399, S619,
S790, 8838, T11, T44, T610, T638, W10,
W19. W176. W345. W359, W363. W405.
W557, (pl) A362, E147, F401, H713-
H717. L575. P431. 517. W538
Horse kiss: (pl) H719
Horse loaf: (pl) H721
Horse manger: D131, F51
Horse marshal: (pl) M862
Horse nail: (pl) N19
Horse turd: (pl) A302
Horseback: A83, B238, B239, H718, K137,
S42
Horsefiesh: L575, S499

Horseload: H720
Horseshoe: M1177
Horton town: R187
Hose: C599, H314, H722, H723, M244, P652
Hosed: C539
Hospital: F566, H724, $961
Hospitality: 5469
Host: innkeeper G474, H725—H728, T208,
multitude H729
Hostage: (pl) W380
Hostess: H728, H730
Hot C462. Fm. H514. 11731—11734. 194.
L23, L232, L482, L483, M766, M853,
M1331. Nsm, P351. P497. $997, T363.
W97, W128
Hot and cold: M1258
Hot shot: H733, H734
Hound: (5g) D499, H158, H224, H735,
H736. (101-) C10, F635, H737. M575, P519
Houndless: M186
Hour: (1g) A249, B614, F191, F468, H41,
H42: H738_H744a M265) 8162, S410,
S9621 T455) W903) E71: H745—
H747, R2, R11
House: subst. (1g) A255, B21, B635, C186,
C164. D160. D557, D594, D598. F434.
F467, F555, F715, G208, G262, G389,
H59, H521: H748_H79o> 1107: K481
K111, L13, M29, M31, M123, M266,
M347. M473, M497. M715. M719.
M1066,M1239,M1243,N82,N116,Slo6,
S572, S574, S580, S653, $1040, T438, U5,
W315. W339. W345, W347, W376. W383.
W599, W642, W688, W783, (pl) F358,
6203) H791: L130: P5881 $913;
verb A67; adj. H402
Houseful: H792
Household: subst. H799; adj. F266
Householder: (pl) W539
Housekeeper: (1g) H793, H794, U21, (pl)
H795
Housekeeping: H796, M684
Housetop: H797, V16
Housewife: (5g) C461, F563, H743, H773,
H798—H802,M16, N354, R191, (pl) W18
How: C89, M759
Howl: C574
Huckster: (pl) H803
Hue: B436
Hued: F362
Hug: subst. H804; verb D299
Huggermugger: H805, M1002
Hugh: man’s name G84, Saint S44
Hull: place name C276, D337, H399, shell
(PL) 593
Human: E179
Humble: H328, L35, N195, P248
Humblebee: H806
Humor: (1g) M121, (pl) D390, H807
Humphrey: D307
Hundred: subst. number (1g) B100, B614,
F501, H808, M354, (pl) 061, political
division H809; adj. Y21, Y22
Hungarian: H810
Hunger: suth. B55, D521, F200, F790,
H228, H81 1—H822, L13, W509; verb F772
Hungry: A227, B628, C138, C382, D538,
D589: F4021 G155: H222) H654:
H668, M187, M188, M789, N19, 5853,
W601
Hunt: subst. chase C136, proper name
H823; verb D460, F405, H154, H158,
H163, L198
Hunter: (1g) C20, C157, N185, (pl) A113
Hunting: H824, H825, M186, W46

INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
829

Huntington: 8947
Huntsman: B737, H826
Hurdle: D16
Hurds: H827, H828
Hurly-burly Swire: W366
Hurt: subst. A256, H829, W645; verb A55,
A377, B204, C873, E200, G263, H830,
M51, M252, M389, P400, R87, S365,
T155. W793, W839
Hurtful: D126, D339, F258
Husband: (sg.) C784, H831—H839, P66,
P564. T390, W346, W349, W351, W373,
W384, W661, W856, W949, (Pl-l 3178,
H840, H841, M35, U30
Husbandman: H842, L4
Husbandry: F776, P94
Hussy: (sg.) H843, (pl.) C181
Husting: (pl.) H506
Hutch: L440
Hydra: H278
Hyena: H844
I
-ic: W836
Ice: F263, 11—13, N180, P642, V45, W128,
W215
Idle: subst. distemper (pl.) 14, proper name
15; verb N281; adj. B593, B594, C675,
D435, F420, F421, H128, H257, H798,
16—18, M62, Y38; adv. T613
Idleness: H344, 19—I15, S541
Idol: (pl.) M523
If: (pl.) 116
Ignorance: A331, 117—119, M1206, W727
Ignorant: 120, 8142
Ilchester: 121
Iliad: (pl.)122
Ill: subst. (sg.) C345, D547, E195, E203,
F409. F417, 6383, H137, 113—137, K58,
M230, M1 143, N213, T221, W267, W943,
(pl.) D141, E207, I38; adj. A78, A93,
A94, B48, B376. B580, B675, 6585. H500,
H541. 139. 140, L576, L577, L583. L584,
M98, M108, M374. M536. M559. M789,
N25, N139, N144—N148, R66, S287,
5353, S716, S811, S871, T431, T433.
T619, V38, W7, W122, W220, W226,
W71 1, W760, W766, W770, W771, W803;
adv- F139, G90, M169. M559, M565,
R208, S200, S484, S711, T134, U6
Ill-faced: B42
Ill-gotten: G301, G305
Ill-married: S484
Ill-spun: W249
Ill will: I41
Ill-won: P195
Image: 142, S527
Immoderation: (pl.) 143
Immodest: W814
Imp: (pl.) M706
Important: V82
Imposing: L221
Impossibility: (pl.) 144
Impossible: F83, L558, N299, N300
ImP0verishing: B705
Impression: 145, W136, Y44
Imprisonment: M1009
Impudence: 118
In: verb I46; adj. W244; adv. E12
Inch: (sg.) E109, 147—160, M161, (pl.)
130, M546
Inch board: ‘161

Income: E217, F776
Incommodity: C555
Inconstancy: F605
Inconstant: M1111, W412, W698
Inconvenience: I62, M995, P526
Increase: G1 28, R1 14, V47, V90, W95, W192
Incur: D32
Indeed: F693
Indenture: (pl.) 163
Index: F1, S735
Industry: I64
Infant: (pl.) 165, 8146
Infect: E246, S308
Infirmity: (5g.) M1336, (pl.) A72, L503
Ingenuous: F 12
Ingleborough: P184
Ingratitude: I66, I67
Inherit: B456
Inheritance: B171, K81, L253, S253
Iniquity: H525
Injury: (sg.) D127, 168—170, N102, R122,
(pl.) 171, 172
Injustice: R122
Ink: 173—176, P46, P182
Inkhorn: 177 -
Inkle-weaver: (pl.) 178
Inkling: 179
Inn: B252: E42)
Inner Temple: G432
Innocence: 180—182
Innocent: B4, D219, D572, T560
Inquire: P177, V27
Inscription: C838
Inside: I83
Instep: I84
Instrument: M982, T427
Intemperance: I85
Intent: M970
Intention: (pl.) H404
Interest: (sg.) 186, (pl.) D359
Intermeddling: 187
Interpret: L115
Inundation: T297
Invent: M41, M603
Invention: N61
Invisible: G154
Invita: N51
Invitation: T208
Invite: 168, J50, S549
Inwardly: W930
Ipse: 188
Ireland: D158, E150
Irish: W247
Irishman: 189
Iron: subrt. (sg.) C214, H113, 190—198,
M237, 51053, (pl.) 199, 1100; adj. G182,
K14. L167, N9, S375
Irus: 1101
Island: E148
Isle of Wight: 1102
Issue: P384
Italian: (sg.) G86, (pl.) 1103
Italianate: E154
Italy: 1104, L414, M308, S75
Itch: subst. 1105—1108, L490; verb E98,
F137, M49, M105, N114
Itself: A73
Ivory: subst. 1109; adj. 51048
Ivy bush: O96, W462
Ivy leaf: 1110
1
Jack: A164, F618, J1-J9, J11, J15—J23,
J63, M746, T 376. W84.2

Jack-at-a—pinch: J11
Jack Drum: J12
Jack Fletcher: J14
Jack Herring: G79
Jack—hold-my-stafi: J15
Jack-in-a-box: J16
Jack-in-an-office: J17
Jack-in-the-cellar: J18
Jack Noble: F618
Jack-of-all-trades: J19
Jack of Dover: J20
Jack-on-both-sides: J21
Jack-out-of-doors: J22
Jack-out-of-oflice: J23
Jack Sprat: J25, J26
Jackanapes: A41, J2, J10
Jacket: J13
Jackson: J24
Jade: H645, J27-J29, W276
Jag= J3o
Jail: H612,121
Jailer: J31, J32
James: JamesI H431, man’s name F677,
Saint S45
Janiveer: G417, M642. See also January.
January: H422, J33—J36, M768. See also
Janiveer.
Janus= 137
Jaundiced: A160
Jay: (sg.) J38, L283, (pl.) C281
Jaylor: See Jailer.
Jealous: L498, M465
Jealousy: F672, L510
Jeer: F417
Jeering: C504
Jeopard= J74r
Jericho: J39
Jest: subst. (sg.) C811, D199, D532, F708,
140—141, P163, P399, W771. (PL) B13,
J43, J44, N223, P537; verb B583, E242,
P400
Jesting= 145-148
18’“ J49
Jew: (sg.) G96,J41,J50—J53, (pl.) J54, T21 1
Jewel: (sg.) H288, H800, J55, L223, M79,
P381, P382, S883, V79, (pl.) M450
Jig= 156
Jill: A164, J1, J6
Jo= 1\41343
10am 157.158
Job= 159-162, M173
Jock: F183
Jocund: A76
Jog= 135363432
Johm 115, 119,163—171,173. M746. Us
John-a-dreams: J64
John-a-Droynes: J65
John-a-nods: J64
John-a-Nokes: J66
John-a-Stiles: J66
John Barleycorn: J67
John Drawlatch: J68
John Gray: J69
John Herb: J70
John Long: J71
John of Cumber: D226
John Thomson: J73
Johnson: J72
Joint 174,175,18119
Joint stool: M897
Jollity: J76
Jolly: D576
Journey: (1g.) H675, J77—J79, M825,
P556, R10, $1022, W894, (pl.) J80,

Include: G437
M530, S780
Jack-a-Lent: J9
83o
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Journeying: W633
Jove: 19198, J81, J82
Jowl: C263
Joy: 6215: H814: J83'dj89) L547)
P408, P414, S507, Y17, (pl) J90
Joyful: R73
Judas: J91
Judas kiss: J92
Judse= mm D96, F87. 193—195, M341,
M750, P139; verb B314. 1396.195, M199,
T20
Judgment: (sg) A78, J96, J97, (pl) A27
Judicare: J98
Jugglemear: J99
Juggler: J100
Juice: J101
Julie: T90
July: J102, 51029, T90
Jump: verb W578; adj. G87
June: A309, C660, J102, W213
Juniper: L174
Jupiter: J81, J103, L409
11111" 1104
Just: close G87, fair P154
Justice: B103, C408, F604, J105—J107,
L112, M8, M992, R122
Justify: E112, F440
Justinian: G10
Justly: W2 50
K
Ka: K1
Kail: See Kale.
Kaiser: K55, K56
Kale: G459, K2—K5
Kale-pot: K6
Kamester: (pl) K7
Kate: K8
Keek: K6
Keen: M1332, V63
Keep: A317, B348, B632, C183, C301,
C372, C505, C682, C694, C767, C931,
D481, D603, E185. F165. F579, F643,
F752, G102, G356—7, H171, H260, H443,
H461, H754, K9—K11, K13, L266, L407,
M278, M1041, N84, O7, 076, P148, P213,
P604: S302: S305: S391: S392: T96: T141)
T392, T402, W41, W272, W422, W602,
W623, W904
Keeper: (sg) J106, K12, S669, (pl) K13, K85
Keeping: W562
Kelvedon: B603
Kemper: (pl) C651
Ken: C730, W366
Kenchester Hill: 81021
Kennel: K14, M1329, P519
Kent: K15, K16, K163, L73
Kentish: A80, J104, K17, 8857
Kernel: K18, K19, M3
Kettle: proper name K20, utensil F782,
F789, K11, P495
Kex: K22
Key: (sg) A306, 112, K23—K27, K109,
L4071P47, P554, P637, W383. (pl) K28,
K291 K104:
Keyhole: P637
Kick: subst. K30; verb B680, F433, H392,
H700
Kid: P291
Kidney: K31
Kifi: K117
Ki11= B400. C57, C84, C496, D414. D456,
F404, 6154. 6341, 6363. J 86, K51. M70.
M175, M180, M398, P317, R26, R87,

Killing: K32
Kiln: K33, K34, P74, P171
Kim-kam: K35
Kin: B410, C11, F49, K36—K4o, K117,
K141
Kind: subst. nature C135, C136, C167,
K41, K42, K49, K116, sort J87, M1292;
adj. C888, D245, H340, H342, K43, K113,
M522, N40
Kindle: F273, N308, S851, S852, W87,
W424, W742
Kindly: A403
Kindness: A264, C707, K38, K44-K51,
K107
Kindred: F557, F746, K52, K53, M580a,
M878, S273, T426
King: (sg) A5, A79, A308, A362, 8149,
B232, B408, B743, C123, C141, C832,
E110, E240, E260, F320, F336, G65,
H493, H641, H806, K54-K83, M111,
M123, M281, M1330, N66, N74, N221,
N338, 094, P477. P591, 5139, 5151, S950.
W459, W600, (pl) E110, H825, J106,
K84—K87, L446, M67, M898, P253,
less
King Arthur: K88
King Harry: H468, K92—K94
King of Cockney: C123
King of England: A5, K95
King Petaud: K96
Kingdom: (sg) C623, C674, K89—K91,
L528, M972, W600, (pl) H431, V53
Kinkcough: T12
Kinsfolk: K97, M687
Kinsman: K98, K99, N110, S236, S526
Kirbie: K100
Kirk: A107, D227, D476, K101, K102,
M266, P259. See also Church.
Kirkham: K103
Kirkyard: L295
Kirtle: B607, P250
Kiss: subst. (sg) F727, J92, (p!) H719,
K104; verb A386, C92, C312, C416, C909,
D651, F414, F753, H64, H85, H161,
K105, K106, K121, L28, L76, M103,
M746, M1021, M1139, N224, P494,
R156, W358, W657
Kissing: K107, K108
Kit: cat C135, proper name K109
Kitchen: subst. D462, H56, K110—K112,
S452, T74; adj. P260
Kitchen meat: H815
Kite: (sg) E267, K113—K115, L186, (pl)
K116
Kith: K117
Kithe: L548
Kitling: B431
Kitty Sleitchock: P293
Knack: (pl) K118
Knapton: G116
Knave: (sg) D241, F446, H746, K119-
K142, M712, 057, S800, 8899, T111,
W276, (pl) C232, K143—K148, M528,
M603, O78, W214, W896
Knavery: C419, K149—K153, L360
Knavishly: S726
Knee: (sg) L187, N96, (pl) D522
Knell: T375
Knife: (sg) B761, F479, K154—K158,
L107, L345, M395, M491, 0104. P565,
(21-) F135, K159
Knight: (sg) C98, K126, K137, K160,
K161, L352, S488, (pl) K162
Knight of Cales: K163

Knit: D492, G118, K165
Knitter: K160
Knock: subst. (sg) B416, K166, M735,
(p!) M620; verb B487, F608, M499,
N140
Knocking: B658, G108
Knot: subst. (sg) G375, K167—K169, (pl)
F545; verb K165
Knotty: P289
Know: A18, A201, A202, A355, B1, B234,
13173, B661, (3171, C435, C568, C703,
C749: C877! D802 D107:
D184, D358. D386, D397, D409, D611,
D626, E122, E137, E163, E164, F119,
F127: F465: F467: F694,
G45, G129, G204, G209, G288, G321,
6332: G422: G476: H45: H46: H51: H74:
H166, H226, H707, H718, J98, J102,
K119, K125, K170—K187, L149, L202,
L251, L157, L341, L349, L393. M30.
M124,M129,M130,M176,M197,M198,
M248: M249: M311: M425: M440: M527:
M631, M676, M797, M867, M887,
M1137, M1187, M1276, N154, N268,
N269, N276, 010, P14, P98, P146, P214,
P302, P454, P484, R104, 5185, S197,
8246) S316: S416: S425: S477,
S676, S780, T13, T115, T140, T152,
T169, T146, T497, T498, T518. V57,
W58, W141, W144, W160, W252, W347a,
W492: W516) W615: W649: W757, W860, W877, W915, W914, Y17,
Y39
Knowing: K188
Knowledge: A331, C899, D246, D259,
E221, H298, H580, K189—K191, L494,
W526, Z3
Known: See Know.
L
L: G138
Labbe: B433
Labor: subst. A140, A198, A370, E35, F420,
F780, H458, LI_L9> L532 L158_9> M342,
M1215, M1293, N296, N305, P580, T93,
T94; verb C23, G287, L10, L11, M603,
0111, V5, Y36
Laborer: L12, L13
Labyrinth: L14
Laced: M1338
Lachrymae: L15
Lack: subst. L16—L19, L485, T465; verb
to disparage M537, to want K8, L20,
L172, L324, P263, 519, S603, S866,
T288
Lackey: L21
Lacking: C266
Lad: (sg) B580, L22, L23, (pl) C785,
L24» L77:
Ladder: (sg) A367, H775, L2 5—L27, S848,
W897. (101-) C840
Lade: A352,195
Laden: C536a
Ladle: D375, F190, 8131
Lady: (sg) H38, H302, H764, J57, L28—
L30, M309, N169, P560, S1013, W730,
W936, (pl) D12, F528, H187, K162,
M627
Lady Day: E48
Lady Done: L30
Lag: L31
Laird: D292, F183, K163, L32
Lake: G362
Lamb: (sg) B186, E209, L3’3—L37, L39,

5389, $1004, W853
L258, L311, M641, S293, S442, T388,
Knight of the post: K164
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
831

W614, W618, W678, (pl) D139, D599,
E209, F635
Lamb pie: L38
Lambskin: H610, L39, L40
Lame: subst. L41, L42, N75, R88; adj.
G115, H57, L185, M650, P489, P639,
543.1193
Lament: subst. P419; verb D125, D126
Lamentable: T84
Lammas: L43, L90
LamPi (343, L44, 029
Lancashire: subst. L45; adj. M177
Land: subst. (5g) A5, A24, C618, G286,
H4O. H779, K153. L46—L58. L62, N203.
P436) 8171) 8177: S344: T59: W171:
W494, W525, W600, (pl) F418, H116,
L59, L60, W75, W832; verb H320
Landlord: L51, L61, L162
Landscape: (pl) F 342
Land’s end: L62
Lane: D236, H755, L63, M678, R207
Langelt: L470
Language: (sg.) B350, E256, L64—L66,
(pl) N318
Languor: S437
Lank: subst. L67; adj. H447
Lantern: (sg.) N177, 8988, (pl) G143
Lap: subst. (sg.) E48, M1233, T69, (pl)
L327; verb L40, M1203
Lapwing: L68, L69
Lard: C164
Lark: (5g.) B186, B722, L70, L186, (pl)
L71, L569, 5517
Lash: L72
Lass: (sg.) L73—L76, (pl) L77
Last: subst. the end, the final one C877,
D59, D96. F194,F295, F197, (31801L78-
L81, L423, shoemaker’s form C480, S370;
verb C370, C731, E52, F26, G25, G58,
G395, L539, M532, N309, 024, S528,
W728, W884; adj. B191, C115, F773,
H533, H602, L82, L193, M206, M442,
P558, W676, W722, W764, W852; adv.
A186, P127
Lata: L83
Latchet: L84, L238
Late: adj. B551, C224, D403—4, L153,
M875, R77, Y31; adv. A58, B362, C685,
D108, D110, G45, H9, H411, L85, L408,
M693, M697, R80, T159, T263, T528
Lath: L86
Lather: L87
Latin: subst. B605, L88, L89, T6; adj. H375
Latin-bred: S977
Latter Lammas: L90
Lauch: L48
Laugh: B9, B560, B640, C306, D154, E248,
F16, F462, G27, G1 18, H159, H673, H844,
J82, K190, L91—L93, L151, M22, M658,
M890, M1176, P117, P398. S430, 5535.
W5, W713, Y15
Laughing: subst. L94; adj. L402, P397
Laughter: S560, S658
Laundress: R79
Laurel: L95
Lauvellin: S498
Lave: subst. L334; verb S183
Lavender: L96
Laying: D21
Lavishly: S726
Law: (sg.) A162, A393, C481, C584, C708,
F137, G281, 119, 154, K65, K72, K90,
L97—L112, L590, M63, M375, M543,
N46, N76, N103, P487, P517, S219, S808,
5901, $961, W46, W520, W919, (pl)

C711, C937, D624, K84, L113—L118,
L445—L447, M625, P228, R206
Lawful: A139, M1140—1, W786
Lawing: L119
Lawless: L508
Lawn: L120—L121a
Lawsuit: (pl) L122
Lawton Gate: L123
Lawyer: (sg.) G445, H407, H826, L124—
L127, M1065, P261, P265, P266, P369,
T513. (PL) A47. C713, D158, F 517, 1101,
L128—L130
Lay: B454, B528, B728, C5, C387, C430,
C897, D89, D319, F239, H80, H83, H280,
H418, H421, K25, L96, L131, L215,
N343, P197, P201, R15, 516, 8125—6,
8919) T155: T4151 T5391 W108
Laying: subst. L132; adj. H417
Layton: M1159
Laziness: P573
Lazy: F28, L421, L587, T345
Lea: (sg.) L133, (pl) W452
Lead: subst. B57, B770, L134—L137; verb
B452, D501, H682, L138, M37, M738,
N233, P298; adj. C6
Leaden: GI82, H247, $1048, $1054, T427
Leaf: of a book L146, of a tree (1g.) E62,
F778,11 10, L139—L141, L567, S51, W677,
(pl) B173, C945, D186, H360, L142—
L145, T498
Leak: subrt. (sg.) L147, (pl) C588; verb
V39
Lean: .mbst. J25; verb R61, S395, S805,
T487; adj. alone C193, thin A78, E270,
F401, H447, H487, J28, L86, M96, P150,
R2, R22, R100, S586, S650, S676
Leap: subst. L148; verb C487, C489, C870,
D14, D444, F784, H361, H363, H365,
H820, 159, L369, L429, 8507, S856, S922,
W318
Learn: B44, B69, C332, C820, C828, D500,
D547! D548) F648: 15: 14149-14154) M1288, N114, N143, R38, 8173, T13,
T80, T151, T460, T461 a, V49, Y42
Learned: subst. W530; adj. K131, L390,
M207
Learning: A331, H126, K69, L155—L161,
M222, M292, M627, M1168, M1316,
O
87
Lease: L162, M327
Leasing: M407
Least: subst. E207, L163—L165, M1187,
M1273; adj. (see Little adj. [superlD
Leather: L166, L167, M66, N310, S368,
S376, T229
Leave: subst. permission L168—L170, L458,
separation L171; verb B207, B581, B673,
C105, C430, C726, D562, E139, E167,
E168: F224) F495, H748) J46: K8: L51:
L71, L133. L172, L334. L588, M785,
M989, M1164. N93, P399. P651, RIO.
S890, 8953, T28, T296, W161, W558
Leaving: (pl) L77
Lecherous: G167
Lechery: L173
Lecture: C925, F590, L174
Lee: sediment from wine (pl) L179, W466,
shelter B448
Leech: L175
Leek: (sg.) L176, L177, L567, 066, (pl)
L178, L569
Lees: L179, W466
Left: H74, H84, H100, 164, S405, S426,
S427
Left-handed: L578

Leg: (sg.) A293, A315, B515, B523, B525,
C67, D221, F570, I89, L180—L188, L235,
(Pl) B184, B758. (3153. F364, H61.
H336, 163, L189—L195, L241, M66,
M871, M1146, M1157, N214, P34, T243,
T648
Legion: (sg.) D281, (pl) C622
Leicestershire: M372, P429
Leigh: H181
Leisure: H191, H196, L196—L198, M824,
T335
Leman: (sg.) F714, P68, (pl) M877
Lemster: B22, B624, W753
Lend= A385. B543. E18, F552, F713, F715,
H97) H674: LI99> N264: 046—71
P471, R21, S338, S742, W381, W904
Lender: (pl) S744
Length: the end D59, K151, L200, L201,
S278, extent L202
Lengthen: D58
Lenson Hill: L203
Lent: C367, L204, M640, M1047, S74
Leominster: See Lemster.
Leonard, Saint: S46
Leopard: L205, L206
Less: subst. G437, L207, L208, L344,
M1136, M1145, M1295, P424, R41; adj.
(see Little adj. [compar.])
Lessen: C243, G447
Let: subst. D194, L209, W296; verb to ap-
pear L210, to permit L211, L380, W876,
W879, to rent F594, W663
Let alone: L212
Lethargic: W836
Letter: of alphabet (1g) D227, R1, 8122,
(pl) M295, missive (sg.) B771, F12,
L174, L213, M1085, (pl) B637, E264,
L214
Letters of Bellerophon: L214
Lettuce: L326
Level: L305
Leveler: D143
Lever: (pl) L215
Liar: (sg.) F44, F674, L216—L22o, V19,
(pl) C822, D172, L221
Liar Lick-dish: L222
Liberal: subst. M313, M1151; adj. L509,
M466, P473
Liberty: B114, C735, G104, L223—L226,
M474)
License: L226
Lick: C133, C140, C636, D363,D370, D379,
D478, D651, F80, H554, H555, H559,
H630, L127, L198, L319. L345, M819.
S284, T13
Lick-dish: L222
Lick-the-widdy: L229
Lickerish: T39 5, T396. See also Liquorish.
Licking: A198
Lickpenny: L228
Lide: L178, L230
Lie: subst. (sg.) A221, L231—L240, M401,
S520, T99, (pl) D587, L241, L242,
M1025, W175; verb to recline A159, A294,
B188, B189, B193, C188, D388, D565,
F352, F594, G428, G464, H561, H704,
H760, L92, L211, L243, L588, M64,
M989, N18, P313. R4, R186, 5953, T503,
W908, to tell a falsehood B40, B459,
C328, D478, D639, H303, H526-7, H660,
186, L211, L329, M18, M176, M567,
M632, M753, MI256, P28, P653, 81030,
T268, T400, T476, T563, W298
Lief: M950
Lier-by: (pl) M877

832
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Life: (1g) A332, B613, B745, D140, D147,
D151, D157, D521, E139, F126, H126,
H742, J78, K188, L192, L244—L269,
L507, M327, M715, M1108, M1165,
N296, P66, R65, S301, S528, S574, S628,
S652, $1003, T123, T214, T293, Y13,
(pl) C154, C329, M625, W652
Lifeless: L270
Lift: subst. F699, L271, W669; verb P522,
P613, S883
Light: subst. (1g) C359, D40, D231, H783,
I26, L272-L276, L330, N286, T324,
T591, (pl) W448a; verb to alight B221,
L430, to illuminate C39, F281, to kindle
C45, C48, T442; adj. easy L170, frivolous,
wanton L488, W684, not heavy A90,
A319, B727, F150, F392, G7, G450, L139,
L420, M911, P659, Q6, 81003, 81005,
W394, W504: pale G442
Light-fingered: L278
Light-heeled: M1198
Lightening: C235, L277
Lightly: C533, C685
Lightning: H380, J81, L277, L279-L281,
T276
Like: subst. L282—L288; verb D605, M101,
M131; adj. B438, E66, F623, I29, L289,
L290, P136
Like to die: L295
Likeliest: L291
Likely: subst. L292; adj. C178
Likeness: L293, L294
Liker: (pl) M877
Liking: L255, L294
Lily: L296, L297
Lim hay: L298
Livab: (1.1-) 174. (PL) L589
Lime: subst. B380; verb B394, T270
Lime twig: (pl) F236
Lincoln: D277, L299, L300, T377
Lincoln green: L301
Lincoln’s Inn: G432
Lincolnshire: B35, L302
Lind: L139
Line: subst. cord B62, H589, L303—L305,
M454, mark (sg) D584, (pl) S459, verse
D93; verb P664
Linen: L306, W682
Linen cloth: W139
Lingering: L489
Lining: C439
Link: loop L307, torch K171
Lion: (sg) A239, A351, B101, B128, C132,
D443, D465, D495, D515, F653, F659.
H82, H238, H729, K60, L36, L308—L320,
M242, M641, 053, S439, 51013, (pl)
H165, L321, L322, T11
Lion of Cotswold: L323
Lip: (5g) L324, M744, T191, (pl) C140,
F80. F239. G87. Lass—L330. M963. T417.
W384
Lip honor: L331
Lip wisdom: A135
Lippen: P436
Liquor= A99. L331. L333
Liquorish: C155, H801, W684. See also
Lickerish.
Lisping: L76
List: subst. L334; verb L335, 099, T27,
W720
Listener: (p1) L336
Lithe: L73
Lither: C258, H775
Litter: L337, P300, W293
Litting: M632

Little: subst. C80, G434, G435, L331, L338-
L37I> M272: M9141 M1284)
M1285-6, M1294, N45, N275, N336,
P424, S690, S844, W194, W301; adj.
(pas) B751, D540, E142, E151, F28,
F422, H751, L421, M212, M389, M532,
O63, P363, P497, S845, S851, 5928, S957,
T143, T188, T189, T354, T507, V67,
W559, W560, W865, (compar) G446,
G452, (super!) B577, E207, L82; adv.
H411, L435. L559
Little and often: L372
Little Witham: L373
Live: A162, A196, A205, A217, A230, A342,
A344. A373, 3131. (3577, D79. D107.
D153, D155, D386, D566, E50, E193a,
F60. F139. F415. F419. F539. 6113.
62511 G330) G427: G429, H46: H98:
H320a, H423, H565, H576, H597—H599,
H609, K179. L81, L139, L343, L374-
L394, L444, L459, L494, L541, L565,
M64, M71, M168, M189, M192, M205,
Mun Mme M%n Mme Mwa
M1288, M1289, M1316, M1333, M1335,
N946: P140: P149: P258: P403:
P561, P592, Q12, R188, R206, S22, S441,
$1031, $1032, T183, T465, W65, W132,
W435, W581, W626, W715, W737, Y9
Liver: one who lives L395, part of body
H338, M934
Living: subst. existing L255, L396, income
A226, C797, G68, L268, those who live
D126, QI2; adj. D495, M315
Living well: L397
Lizard: A33, H238
Load: subst. A158, J30; verb H658
Loader: L398
Loadstone: L514
Loaf: (sg) C941, D238, H36, L399, L400,
P193. $359, 5360, T34, T466, (PL) B621.
C368, H721, L401, W368
Loam: T289
Loan: L402
Loath: B192, D602, M943, S547, S812
Loathsome: Y47
Lob’s pound: L403
Lobster: L404, L405
Lochaber: A410
Lock: subst. fastening K24, K27, L406,
L407, P554, W558, tuft 8976; verb B627,
L520
Lodge: B252
Lodging: K14, L408, W476
Loft: S224
Log: (sg) L409, L410, (pl) L411
Logic: L108, L412
Loiterer: L198
Lombard fever: L413
Lombardy: L414
London: subst. A391, C426, C712, F476,
L299, L300, L415, L449, M624, $1021,
W69, W174, W771; adj. A101, B22, C501,
J104, K159, L228, M798
London Bridge: L416, L417
London Town: H430
Londoner-like: L418
Lone: M213, S306
Long: subst. the gist L419, proper name
J71; verb I6, P654; adj. (p05) A84, BI45,
B556. B570. B67716179. D57. D59. F28.
6129, H184: J47: L831 L192:
L260, L420, L421, M370, M865, N64,
P176, T397, W175, W337, (super!) D90;
adv. (pas) D436, E47, L79, L378, L384,
L386, L388, L559, 034, S812, S813,

(evmpar) F60, L393, P346, (super!)
L81; prep. E262
Long-gathered: D17
Long-lived: L11
Long looked for: L423
Long-nosed: M214
Long-tongued: W385
Longing: L422
Longtail: dog or horse C938, T9, native of
Kent (pl) K17
Look: subst. appearance (sg) L424, (pl)
F199, L425, N227, glance L426, L427,
M496; verb to appear B201, B719, C860,
D475, D511, F342, H27, H159, H419,
H489: J51: L32: L436_L4-38> M1237:
M1333, 096, P278, 530, S586, to care for
6147, D399, Bass. 635. W109, W795. to
observe, see, gaze B8, B194, C141, C354,
C764, C780, D277, E241, E248, E259,
F243, H492, H678, H692,161, L428—L435,
L438, M43, M287, M838, P223, S622,
S825, S827, T183, T292, T317, V34, W14,
W16, W143, W145, W457, W688
Looker-on: (pl) 8822
Looking: L501
Looking glass: M448, S836, W100
Looking to: L17
Loose: subst. F78; verb G118, L84; adj.
A387, F77, H66, H403, H472, K169,
S812; adv. P401
Lord: nobleman (sg) A4, A15, C279, C280,
6172. Hm. H367, L439-L443. L580.
M107, M1085, M1232, P130, (pl) L444—
L447, the Savior H399
Lord Baldwin: L448
Lord Judge: M750
Lord Mayor: L449-L451, M624
LordshiPI L451, L453. L495
Lose: A127,A140—A143,A148,A180,A190,
A192) A195, A235: A346: A387: B417:
C61,C378,C749,C814, C817, D129, D183,
D384. D511. D549. D619. D635. E183.
E138. F197, F399, F435. F550. F552.
F646, F695, F708, F725, G5, G304, G329,
H33, H163. H319. H535. H539. H590.
H639, H809, J40, J41, K18, L8, L9, L54,
L80, L411. L437, L454—L456, L461. L544,
M46, M264, M337, M671, M888—M890,
M1011, M1033, M1062, M1145, N331,
N331. R115. 815. $157. $197, 5301. $740.
58881 $951: T43: T182: T187,
T292, T295, T332, T384, W272, W662,
W732
Loseham Fair: L457
Loser: (pl) L458, S433
Losing: B789
Loss: (sg) L3, L459—L464, S266, T36,
T459, W67, (pl) L465
Lost: D613, T127
Lot: fate, share B516, M332, tax $159
Lottery: M681
Loud: F28, H615, L421, 060, T377
Loup: L430, L434, 8864
Louping: N278
Louse: (sg) B230, B240, B504, F402,
L466—L473, N329, R161, S511, S512,
(PL) 13249, L474, N191
Lout: M731
Love: subst. A10, A139, A177, C341, C912,
D196, D216, D459, E109, E233, F40,
F260, F262, F437, F761, G241, H210,
H557. K49. L13, LQ94. L475-L555. L569.
M134. M348. M555. M1054. P370. P517.
P531. P565. P566. P621. 81, 8358. S555.
T208, T340, T562, W46, W576; verb B5,

INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
833

B367, B400a, B508, C150, C286, C312,
C342, C638, C748, D13, D26, D220,
D496, D512, D538, D562, F11, F13,
F198, F227, F327, F491, F676, F710,
G51, G70, G251, G261, G262,G468, H264,
K64: LI 65> L248: L347) L426: L546: L564, M23, M101—M103, M132, M539,
M695, M819, M820, M1023, M1338,
M1339, N109, 016, P82, P313, P470,
P623. $545, 5717, T195, T309, T488,
T583, W349. W617. W651, W873. W874
Loved: A91
Lovel: C143
Lover: (sg.) L565—L567, (pl.)IB178, F40,
J82, L568—L570
Lover’s knot: L571
Loving: subst. L119; adj. D573
Low: adj. (p01) D555, F293, H361, H456,
M212, M370, P283—4, S813, (compan)
H464, M966, (superb) H364; adv. (pan)
D437, (eompar.) M1211, (super/J B555,
E8 '
Lowest: M549
Lowly: S492
Lown: W413
Lubber: M373
Lucifer: L572
Luck: C225, D312, D338, D346, G221,
K130, L573—L584, M146, M360, M559,
P278, S372, T120, V99
Lucky: F517
Lucy-light: L585
Ludgate bird: L586
Ludlam: L587
Lue: M705
Luke, Saint: S47
Lump: (pl.) L541
Lurch: L588
Lurdan: L212
Lure: H230, T298
Lurk: D256, P579
Lust: 19, L589, M249, M407
Luster: N23
Lustful: S715
Luter: A281
Luxury: P530
Lydford law: L590
Lying: subst. C581, L110, W310; adj. H417
M
M: M1
Macclesfield: subst. F669; adj. M799
Mackerel sky: M2
Mad: A95, B199, B721, B772, D477, H148,
H381, L161, M978, M1101, 073, P53,
P112, 8170, W389, W880
Madam Parnell: M3
Made: See Make verb.
Madge Whitworth: M4
Madman: L156, P669, W270, W542
Madness: A191, A246, M290, M462, M866,
M993. W579
Maggot: (sg.) M5, (pl.) M6
Magician: (sg.) M7, (pl.) M1326
Magistracy: M8
Magistrate: M680
Magnificat: M9-MII
Magnify: C240
Magnifying glass: F45
Magnitude: M12
Magpie: P281. See also Pie.
Mahomet: M13, M1213
Maid: maiden (sg.) B486, D522, D590,
L396. MI4—M31. M1305, $907, 5963,

M32—M40, M850, W425, servant C151,
M1019, M1021—M1023
Maiden: type of guillotine M41, unmarried
woman (1g.) M42, M43, (pl.) A1 15, M44,
M
45
Mail: armor L307, pack, bag H529
Main: force M923, principal part M46
Maintain: C347, F89, L383
Maintenance: H574
Make: subst. C14, G362; verb A1, A35,
A206, A273, B100, B189, B206, B326,
B366, B407, B440, B527, B686, C418,
C564, C584, C632, C888, D392, D489,
D523, E135, E157, E211, E212, F269,
F275: F293) F7II> G49: H99: H102:
H145, H189, H190, H192—H195, H276,
H496, H7713 L118: L362) M47_M49>
M320, M666, M672, M677, M852, M914,
M1099, M1263, M1281, M1282, N178,
N201, P122, P164, R149, R174, S264,
S300, S432, S554, S639, S663, S775, T133,
T156, T641, W42, W221, W361, W602
Making: M162, M443, W823
Malady: M829
Malcontented: C8 8 3—4
Male: D187
Malice: M50-M54, W269, W616
Malkin: M39, M1023
Mallet: (1g) F482, (pl.) M55
Malt: B218, C215, F280, K34, M56—M58,
M1242, P171, W95
Malt heap: C177, M1222
Maltman: (sg.) D288, M59, W906, (pl.)
M60
Malvern: See Mavem, Mavom Hill.
Mammering: M61
Mammon: G253
Man: subst. (5g.) A6, A15, A63, A64, A93,
A130, A153, A155, A165, A226, A235,
A244, A254, A283, A402, B78, B184,
B233: B580: B644) B648: B716, (3301, C331, (3385, C564, C569,
C733, C774, C804, C813, D229, D253,
D341: D382: D453, D491: D497:
D610, D650, E55, E137, E173, F32, F34,
F63, F207, F217, F368, F461, F467—F469,
F504, F512, F526, F572, F598, F608,
F694, G24, G40, G95, G96, G115, G195,
G105, 6106, (3373. (3391, 6391, H39,
H68, H102, H132, H236, H265, H333,
H383, H432, H480, H522, H602, H603,
H655, H679, H680, H742, H781, H820,
119, 138. I44. 155, 188, 1106, 173. K19.
K47, K73, K82, K92, L28, L132, L156,
L256, L328, L352, L471, L476, L493,
L529, M31, M62—M500, M629, M702,
M710, M715, M723, M752, M825, M827,
M838, M844, M847, M862, M868, M965,
M991, M997, M1008, M1076, M1144,
M1145, M1190, M1191, N49, N77, N169,
N198, N203, N212, N215, N217, 04, 05,
073, 0107, P16, P63, P77, P106, P115,
P177: P219) P221: P421: P549: R39: R44:
R66, R113, R136, R162, S86, 8164, 5174,
8180, S218, S231, S270, S349, S351, S414,
S439, S565, S572, S619, S676, S845, S961,
8986, $1018, T17, T23, T51, T123, T152,
T186, T313. T334, T365, T473, T501,
T515, V54, V77. W30, W276, W317,
W336, W347, W351, W374, W410, W421,
W442, W483, W528, W562, W592, W610,
W631, W636, W656, W781, W882, W905,
W944) YI‘lo YQ'4: A42: A43: A82)
A284: B9: B244: B489: B560: B61 I:

C567, C575, C687, D127, D129, D147,
D173, D187, D383, D589, E110, E167,
I1187, F415, F470. F517. F532, F533,
F538. F540, F543, F545, F581. F678.
F738, G27, G59, G111, G209, G213,
G241, G438, H71, H185, H201, H284,
H287, H364, K78, L24, L161, L417, L522,
M501—M620, M704, M876, M877, M907,
M935, M1018, M1044, M1259, M1281,
M1193, N114. N347, P88. P155, P397,
P4473 P5403 P5422 P6621 R701
R114: R119: 8134: S780: 81032, T63, T122, T209, T229, T277,
T320, T448, T479, U29, W50, W472—
W474, W556, W692, W694, W696, W71 1,
W718, W835, W852, Y53; verb B582,
11225
Man of Dursley: M635
Man of Gotham: M636
Man of war: M637, MS85
Manchester: C617
Manchet: M621
Mandragora: J101
Mandrake: J101
Manger: C58, D131, D513, F51, H668, R4
Manifest: M461
Manna: J87
Manner: behavior (pl.) A61, C558, G391,
H583, 165, L453, M440, M611—M631.
M826, M827, M1051, S241, 81056, W472,
W613, kind M632, sinful act M633, way
IV1634
Many: pron. A260, C78, C312, D611, E80,
F501, L354, M566, 045, P638, T255,
W754; adj- (PM) D541, D617, F555,
H30) H119) L236: L445: M309: M311:
M537, M581, M583, M587. M638. M735,
M788, M1192, 056, P201, P213, S857,
W176, W177, W790, W818, (super/J
M564, 5979, V96
Mar: C585, C692, G152, G219, H799, M48,
M843, 8308, 5775, T38
Marble: H311, M639
March: subst. A307, F169, F775, J33,
M640~M644, M767; verb M645; adj.
B743) G418: H148: H827: 8974—
$976,1V309,VV415
Mare: (5g.) A153, B28, C833, F408, G341,
H149, H685, K20, K30, M4, M646-
M659, M960, M1077, M1185, M1254,
N3, N51. R171. 8188. $387, T47, T519.
(pl.) M660
Margery: M661
Marham: M876
Marigold: (pl.) M662
Mariner: (pl.) M383, M663
Marion: M664
Mark: subst. line M666, target E175, F516,
M81, M667—M669, trait M665; verb to
designate S304, S891, to disfigure G177,
H372, to note E125
Mark Lane: M678
Market: (:32) B326, C32, C438, F76, F502,
F503, F551, G80, G415, H401, H501,
H503! L511: M284: M649)
M670—M676, M1058, T97, W690, (pl.)
M677, W62
Market folk: (pl.) M676
Market place: W358
Marriage: subst. (sg.) B465, D137, M355,
M679—M686, M1054, M1074, M1146,
W212, W823, (pl.) J54, M687, M688,
M1210; adj. B661
Marriage bed: B661

(pl.) B10, B304, C220, F362, H254,
Marriageable: D44
B630, B668, C282, C326, C331, C409,
834
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Married: 81), 8142, M312, M538
Marring: M701
Marrow: L280, M689, M690
Marrowbone: M691
Marry: verb A5, C714, D45, D47, D51,
13178, F494, (3164, G416, H194, H196,
H749: L251 L741L534: L552, M442 M529:
M692—M699, M917, M918, M978, MI 107,
P606, R106, S422, S484, S626, W39,
W195. W119, W335, W336, W338, W361;
interj. C740
Marrying: B704, M700, M701
Marshal: (pl) M862
Marshland: B38
Martin: man’s name H16, M702, Saint S48
Martyr: (sg) D36, M703, 8956, (pl) B457
Marvel: M704-M706, W727
Mason: (sg) M707, (pl) T452
Mass: M708, M709, M825, M950, P584
Mast: food for swine 011, ship’s mast (p!)
S27
Master: (sg) A334, A357, B666, C274,
C622, D627, E243, E272, F490, G210,
6135, @155. G457. H647, H649, K96,
L28, L400, M107, M123, M310, M334,
M384, l.\/l412, M459, M498, M7IO—M734,
M837, M1055, M1058, P124, P130, P163,
P658, 5133, 8136, 8138, S235, S237, S238,
S524, S702, S705, T525, T586, V49,
W361, W482, W782, W949, (pl) F253,
M322, M735—M737, M1075, 8944, W862,
W880
Master bee: M738
Master constable: M739
Master craft: C804
Master of arts: H686
Master Vier: M740
Masterpiece: F187
Mastery: mastership M741, M1075, skill
U24
Mastiff: (sg) D501, M742—M744, M1259,
(PL) C919
Match: subst. equal M745, M747, mate
(pl) E271, union M443, M686, M746;
verb B164, M748, M768
Mate: F644, T624, W610
Matin: (pl) M9, M708, M825
Matrimony: M749, P636, W350
Matter: affair (sg) F17, F228, M493, M634,
M691, Mao—Mus. N19. W568, (PL)
M617, M756—M758, significance C690,
M759, M760, subject M1293, substance
M54, M761
Matthee, Saint: S49
Matthew, Saint: S49
Matthias, Saint: S 50—853
Matthie, Saint: S50, S52
Mattho, Saint: S53
Maulkin: See Malkin.
Mavern: S259
Mavom Hill: M762
Maw: H816, M1265
Maxfield: M799
May: subst. A306, B358, B469, C660, F389,
F390, F775, H131, 135, 136, L178, M644,
M763—M768, M1106, S22, S311, 81029,
T194, T453, W120, W186; verb M554,
M769—M770, M1149, N54, T202; adj.
S41 1, W425
May Day: Y29
May flood: M771
May Hill: M772
Maybe: M770
Maser: L449—L451, Mm, M775—M777

Mayor of Halgaver: M77 5
Mayor of Hartlepool: M776
Mayor of Northampton: M777
Mayor of Over: M773
Maypole: M778
Mead: M779
Meadow: F662, G416, M741, M780, M781,
S36
Meal: ground grain A340, B56, B604, D457,
D536, M58, M453, M782—M785, M948,
S3, W95, repast (sg) K2, M661, M786,
M787, Y20, (pl) M788, M789
Meal-poke: M790
Mealymouthed: M791
Mean: subst. method, way (pl) E112,
M794—M796, M1328, middle course, mid-
dle M792, M793, M804, M806, V80,
resource (p!) E217; verb F489, H44,
N272, 8199, S676; adj. P498
Meaning: (11-) M797, (PL) H404
Meason: P618
Measure: subst. act of measuring M907,
W246, W254, limit M993, measuring de-
vice L305, M798—M801, V66, moderation
B619, M802—M806, P409, S315, order,
rhythm A260; verb C254, C663, F288,
F567, M546, M807, M808, M844, 026,
1
Meat: (sg) A103, A218, A395, B291, B397,
B526, B582, B611, B618, B684, C633,
C786, C880, F204, F744, G93, G207,
Gm. H151. H378, 174, K1, K149, L37,
M87: MI47: M2131 M2531 M483,
M490, M516, M809—M849, M861, M868,
M935, M971, M1300, M1341, 0118,
P432) P627: S981 S747: 8871, S8759
T527, Y20, (pl) M850
Medal: M851 '
Meddle: F546, M493, M747, M758, M852—
M854, 51177, T118
Meddler: M855
Meddling: J45, M856-M859
Mede: (pl) L113
Media: C28
Medicine: (sg) M860, M1091, N122, P112,
(pl) M861
Mediciner: (pl) C640, M862
Medlar: (pl) M863, T321
Medley: G430, P168, W569
Meek= L34, L35, M44
Meet: verb D472, E135, F554, F738, F750,
F758, G311, G382, K143, K148, L62,
M60, M745, M864, P484, W176, W771;
adj. M201, R169, S672, T106
Meeterly: M36
Meg of Westminster: M29, M865
Megse: K100
Meinie: P251
Melancholic: C360
Melancholy: subst. M866; adj. C129, C515,
D438: F481: H151) M1134:
Melody: 8935
Melon: M867
Melt: B774, B776, B780, .M1254, W137
Melteth: H77, M868
Memory: (sg) C818, E219, L219, M50,
M292, M869—M871, P509, W620, (pl)
VV577
Men of Marham: M876
Men of Tividale: M877
Mend: subst. (pl) M872, M873; verb A106,
C437) D221: E124: F103: F370:
6132, H774, L195, M196. M618. M874,
M875, N55, P2, T216, W3, W892

Mense: subst. M826; verb M1260
Menseful: F415
Mention: H59
Mercenary: V77
Merchandise: C88, M878, M879, V54
Merchant: H746, M880—M892, M1078,
P665, T108
Merciful: M895
Mercury: image of the god Mercury M893,
quicksilver M894
Mercy: C874, F254, G186, H107, M895—
M899, S670
Merlin: (pl) C116
Merry: (pas) B243, B292, B358, B359,
(3356, (5559, C815. (3903. D13, D57, D98,
F149, F750, G324, G382, G454, H55,
P132021: H839: K542 K143: L261: L476:
M33, M60. M71. M590, M788, M793.
M804, M815, M864, M1242, P281, P335,
T350, W6, Y7, (eampar) M1153
Merry-go-down: M900
Merry Greek: M901
Merryman: D427
Mersey: W60
Mess: F621, M180, M902
Messan: H737
Messenger: (sg) M903, M904, (pl) M905
Met: See Meet verb.
Metal: J32, M501, M906, 8842
Metaphor: S460
Mete: subst. M907; verb M801
Methuselah: M908
Mettle: C777, M909
Meum: M910
Mense: H156
Mew: gull M911, son-in-law (pl) M912
Mice dirt: P232
Michaelmas: subst. F669, L207; adj. R75,
R189
Michaelmas Day: D120
Mickle: subsl. L362, M913—M916, P348;
adj' A36, (3194. W559
Midday: S826
Midden: M917, M918. See also Midding.
Midding: $191. See also Midden.
Middle: subst. G432, L555, M919, V80,
W467, W689; adj. N212
Middlesex: C450, J104
Midge wing: M1200
Midnight: subst. H744, 070; adj. 031
Midst: F142, P292
Midsummer: M1117, R75
Midwife: (sg) M920, (pl) P224
Mifgaeus: S418
Might: L352, M921-M923
Mighty: subst. P422; adj. H383, T579
Mild: H627, L34
Mile: (sg) A207, C904, D340, M924—
M926, T195, W300, (pl) B315, C566,
H42, H714, M155, M927, M928, S857,
I74
Milesian: subst. (pl) M929; adj. L242
Milk: subst. C160, C167, C755, C767, C768,
D583, F189, 6409, M661, M930-M939,
M1204, $902, W483; verb B714, C762,
M456, P14, R27
Milk bowl: W629
Mill: (sg) A122, F 705, G270, H664, H697,
M94O_M9502 M951: M1213: N105: N143)
812, S928, T102, T388, V1,;W99, (pl)
C445: M9512 P247)
Miller: (sg) M952—M963, V1, W99, (pl)
T22
Million: L553

Mayor of Altringham: M773, M774
Millpost: M964
Mending: subst. T351; adj. H93
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
835

Millstone: (sg.) M965, M966, SI 89, (pl)
H75, H791, M967, M968
Mince: M755
Mind: subst. (sg.) A234, B304, C15a, C623,
C629, C686, D381, E231, F1, F590, G97,
H315, H314, L103, LI57, M405, M410,
M475, M761, M870, M969—M975, M981,
M991. M1109, N194, N299. P374. S438,
V83> W481: W611) W674:
W867, (pl) B502, M583, M976—M978,
81056, T189, T245, V13, W810; verb
B302, B752, M563, M979
Mindful: M52
Mine: M980, M1290, P197
Minerva: N51, S680
Mingle: 81038
Minister: (pl) M981
Minstrel: M982
Mint: subst. intending M983, M984, place
for making coins M985; verb M986
Minute: M987
Mire: D458, D642, D643, F571, H647,
H677, L292, M988, M989, T445
Mirror: M990—M992
Mirth: M993, M994, O86
Miscarry: V38
Mischief: (sg.) B530, D276, E205, E245,
G343: H471) I62! M995_MIOO3) M1094:
M1200, W711, (pl) C826, M1004
Miscreant: M892
Misdeed: (pl) M873
Miser: C270, D314, F145, M1005
Miserable: C575, M313, M363
Misery: (sg.) C571, E245, L260, M1006—
M1010, (pl) S875
Misfortune: F610,
W83
Mislead: G477
Mislike: L489
Misreckoning: M1014
Miss: subst. I56; verb C928, D200, H475,
H832, M669, M1015, N104, T532
Mist: M1016, M1017
Mistaken: S728
Mister: F713, M1018
Misterful: F415
Mistress: (sg.)A156,E220,M1019—M1024,
(pl) W706
Misunderstanding: M1025
Mite: M1026
Miter: M1027
Mitten: (pl) C166, M1028
Mix: W110
Mob: M1029
Mock: C827, F497,M1030,M1031, M1313,
P41, T456, W836
Mocking: H131, $152
Moderate: A288, B97
Moderation: W192
Modest: W814
Modesty: M1032, M1033
Moist: F579, H86
Mold: (pl) E166
Mole: animal A314, M1034, skin blemish
V31
Molehill: (5g.) K55, M1035, (pl) M1216
Molt: C488
Mome: F508
Moment: M757
Monarch: M1060
Monday: subst. M59, M1036, M1037, 894,
$993; adj. F682
Money: A11, B172, C481, C943, D632,
E90, F204, F452, G68, G206, G216, G234,
M101 1—M1013, R33,

L89, L122, L125, L204, L484, L504, L512,
L540. Lssa, L577. M305. M361, M394,
M4551M489,M795.M883,M884. M1038—
M1104, M1297, N283, P46, P114, P268,
P662, S86, 8139, S455, S503, T59, T163,
T164, T215, T295, T329, T463, T548,
U18, W35, W316, W395. W556. W714,
W738, W831, W835, W925
Monk: (5g.) B117, D270, E176, F593,
F640, H376, H586, K139, (pl) H434, 1102
Monkey: (1g) T215, (pl) W712
Monmouth: B22
Monmouth cap: (pl) M1105
Monster: (pl) A56
Month: (5g.) C714, H493, M1106—M1109,
N181, 0117, (pl) C375, M1110
Mood: U7
Moon: B121, B733, C60, C475, D120,
D449, G303,M24o,M1111—M1126,N170,
033a T482; W28
Moon-mist: M1127
Moonshine: M1128, M1129
Moor: an African (5g) E186, M1130, (pl)
154, M1131, M1132, wasteland M917,
M1 133. See also Blackamoor.
Moorditch: M1134
Mope-eyed: L396
Mora: M1135
More: C45, C687, H43, H144, L367, M220,
M265, M362, M1136—M1168, M1287,
N39) P424-
Mom: F682, N111, Q8
Morning: subst. (1g) A400, B39, B414,
B770, C710, D656, E191, H612, H786,
L105, L246, L356, L525, M9, M1169—
M1177, N107, N139, N155, N168, O33,
W848, (pl) M1178; adj. D591, 079, R10,
8633, 5977, $978. W787
Morrow: N106, R21
Morsel: (sg.) M1179, M1180, M1269, (pl)
339
Mort Stone: M1184
Mortal: A84, G413, M249, M502
Mortar: building material F241, G470,
M1181, vessel, bowl A281, F447, M1182,
R164, W105
Mortimer: M1183
Moss: G267, G421, M917, S885, W566
Mosse: M1185
Most: B555, L163, M1186, M1187, V62.
See also Many adj. (superl).
Mote: (sg.) M1188—M1191, S218, (pl)
M1192
Moth: (5g.) F394, (pl) C428, C429
Mother: (sg.) A248, B6, B49, C57, C299,
C323: C334, D43: D72, E219:
E221, F93, F609, F682a, G335, 113, 117,
118, L35, M14, M179, M665, M1007,
M1193—M1105, N61, N174, P517. P518,
$591, T319a. T463, T555. V57. W495,
W584, (pl) G277, M1206
Mother-in-law: M1208
Mother wit: O87
Motherhood: M1207
Motion: (1g) M1209, W677, (pl) M1210
Motley: W277
Mould: See Mold.
Moult: See Molt.
Moulter: M954
Mount: M302, M1211
Mountain: (1g) M1035, M1212—MI215,
W566, (pl) F738, G59, H202, M1173,
M1216, M1217, 8187
Mountebank: W888

Mourner: M1218
Mourning: M994, M1218, W338
Mouse: subst. (1g) C127, C128, C134,
C142, C152, C176, C186, C382, D644,
H238, L315, L318, L468, M297, M403,
M1215, M1219-M1241, P433, W102,
(pl) C145, C168, C175, C183, H752,
M1242, M1243; adj. C136
Mousehole: M1244
Mouser: C157
Mousetrap: M1245
Mouth: facial feature, opening (sg.) A13,
A141, A147, A301, B390, B432, B517,
B511, B619, B761, B774, C175. D314.
E144, E166, E270, F492, F579, F657,
G207, G316, G379, H82, H98, H105,
H176, H311, H321, H331, H333, H547,
H550, H552, H651,H678, I31,L71,L127,
M287, M453, M461, M476, M602, M782,
M816,M823,M963,M1246—M1268,N356,
0113, P234, P620, P651, 810, S430, S772,
T50, T395, W443, W444, W776, W793,
W888, (pl) B211, M810, M828, M1269,
grimace (pl) N271
Move: B503, D321
Mow: subst. stack C760, morsel of food
(pl) M1270; verb to cut down M781,
S688, S690, S905, tojest M1030
Mower: (pl) M832
Mowing: M832
Much: subst. C744, L331, L342, L346,
1434726 L350, L351, L356, M595. M1151,
M1271—M1296, S56, T158; adj. C900,
C905, E141; adv. L435, S718, S728
Muck: M918, M1297—M1300
Muckhill: (sg.)M1301,M1302, (pl.)M13o3
Mud: B122, F305, P225, T174
Muddy: W100
Muffled: C157
Mule: F593, H685, M1304—M1306, V56
Mullet: L404
Mulligrub: (pl) M1307
Multitude: M1308, M1309
Mum: M1310, N279, W767
Mumbudget: M1311
Mumchance: M1312
Mumford: M1313
Mumhazard: M1312
Mumping: M797
Mumpsimus: M1314
Murder: M1315
Murderer: C775
Murray: M438
Muse: subst. goddess of arts (pl) A400,
M1316, musing M1317; verb M1318
Mushroom: M1319
Music: A281, H597, M225, M132o—M1323,
5935, S940, T346, V94
Musician: (5g.) M1324, M1325, S260, (pl)
M1326—M1328
Musk: F69, M1329
Mussel: (Jg.) L264, (pl) B126
Must: subst.M1330;verbB653,E30,M1331,
T202, W400
Mustard: C150, H7,'_M180, M809, M1332-
M1334, T179
Mustard pot: H733, M1129
Muston: M1335
Mutability: M1336
Mutable: W674
Mute: subrt. M1337; adj. A378, F300,
M1224, S834
Mutter: M7
Mutton: C680, M1338—M1341, R159, S399,

G296, H34, H286, H291, H517, 15, L19,
S402, S404, S406
Moum: 813
836
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Mutton-tafiety: M1342
Muzzle: subst. M1305; verb 0113
Muzzled: C157
My Jo: M1343
Myrtle: M1344
Mystery: M1345
Nab: N1
Nag= C559,157, L89. N1. N3
Nail: fingernail 0r toenail (1g) N4—N7,
P164, T422, (pl) N8—N13, P52, P463,
S783, metal nail (sg) H759, M110, N14—
N18, W29, W624—5, (pl) N19, N20
Naked: B137, H103: M345) N41
N77, N94, R7a, T561, T589
Name: subst. (sg) C399, G265, G273,
6317. H374, H738. H740. NQI—Nso.
W662, W928, (pl) N31, N32; verb D95,
N31. N33
Naming: N34
Nan: L285
Nap: N35
Napkin: L240
Napping: M1185, N36—7
Narrow: subst. W334; adj. C664, H381
Nativity: I65
Natural: B736, D327, M930, S832, W724
Nature: innate character (sg) B104, B255,
C932, F458, H20, H86, H127, M447,
M568. N38, N357. W616. (PL) 1831,1839.
N40, natural order A330, D168, G199,
N4I-N51> P155. P477. P485. 5119
Naught: See Nought.
Naughty: C313
Naunt: N52
Nay: (sg) C808, M34, N53, N54, W660,
Y4. e1.) N55
Naysayer: A345
Nazarite: N56
Nean: N3
Neapolitan: S417
Near: adj. (pas) B83, F281, F342, F728,
M72, S505, (compar) B520, E27, E189,
K38, K39, (super!) H321, N57; adv.
B 6
42
Neat: subst. M66; adj. N187
Neatness: N211
Necessary: S673, W703
Necessity: F720, N58—N63, N76,
W203
New B177. C604. E237. @355. H244.
H267, L469, L470, M959, M1013, N64—
N69. P303. 5183. $938
Necromancer: N70
Need: subst. F622, F693, F694, F718, L548,
M236, M779, M1296, N71—N85, P208,
P264, W361, Y24; verb A37, B177, B632,
H217: M391! M441: M8871 M1043:
M1291, N86—N90, N119, P562, S201,
Tam. W377
Needham: H460
Needingworth: N91
Needle: (sg) C26, C754, N92—N98, S844,
(pl) N99. N100, P364
Needy: M699
Negative: (pl) N101, P486
Neglect: N102
Nego: N103
Neigh: L357
Neighbor: subst. (sg) F48, F271, F671,
G341, L124, M97, M448, N104—N116,
P53115651T57.W169. (PL) A157, M1197.
M1214, N117—N120, S375, W597; adj.
V73.

Neighbor quart: N121
Neither: H438
Neive: M790
Nella Booth: N122
Nest: (sg) B365a, B377, B379, B381,
B385, B392, E81, L68, M658, N123—
NIQ'S—6a W79: W341, W499, B399
Nestle: M1231
Net: (sg) A136, F330, F335, F626, F644,
K138, N127—N130, T468, V3, W416,
(pl) W707
Nettle: subst. (1g) D421—2, NI3I—NI35,
(PL) M1344; verb 141
Never: E115, E123, L85, M693, N351,
T379, W916
Nevermass: N136
New: (pas) A56, B682, E193, J58, L446,
M170, M985, T147, T161, T380, (com-
par.) N137
New College: 8944
New-gelt: D439
New-shorn: S295, S299
Newborn: B4
Newcastle: subst. C466; adj. M367
Newgate: E56
Newgate bird: N138
Newing: B657
Newmarket: M1171
News: C278, C712,
P489, W362, W813
Next: N157
Nibble: D156
Nice: H52, N158, N353
Nichil: (pl) N159
Nicholas: man’s name L285, N170, Saint
554
Nick: critical moment N160, man’s name
J63, Satan N161
Nick and froth: N162
Nifier: B331
Nifies: N159
Niggard: C270, M1151, N163
Nigh: A221, S207
Night: (sg) A201, B39, B92, B196, B770,
C50, C69, D62, D70, D78, D81, D87,
D100, D106, H242, L43, L105, L356,
L585.M17.M1731M987.MII76.M1319.
N351 N164qNI8OJ O70: 0941 P5541
W215, (pl) D352, L552
Nightcap: A63
Nightingale: N181—N183
Nightwork: N184
Nile: D604
Nill: W401
Nimble: (pos) C130, C131, C747, D439,
E59, S797, (super!) F583
Nimrod: N185
Nine: subst. S257; adj. C154, H365, M608,
P62, T23, W145, W652, W728, W826
Ninepence: N186—N188, N194
Nineteen: subst. T630; adj. B422
Ninth: H351
Nip: subst. N189; verb B702
Nit: (1g) N190, (pl) N191
Nitty know: P532
N0: N201, W660
No I thank you: N201
No man’s land: N203
L364) N139_N156>
Nob: H479
Nobility: N192, V85
Noble: subst. (sg) N193, N194, (pl)
M730; adj. A228, C586, H170, H795,
N1951P39O
Nobleman: (sg) C394, (p!) C829

Nobody: A406, B746, C8, C538, D181,
F428: H310: H409, K174: I:
N74, N90, N130, N196, S244, S487, W843
Nock: N197
Nod: subst. (sg) N198, (p!) J64; verb H536
Noddle: W564
Noddy: N199
Noise: H753, N200, S563, W287, W691
Noli me tangere: N202
Non est inventus: N204
Non placet: N205
None: A176, A197, C388, D119, D309,
D409: E781 E214: F499) F500) F616:
F698, F728, G41, G144, H203, H695, 172,
M861 M404: M728: 014) 052:
P621, P638, T403, W98, Y13
Nonplus: N206
Nonsuch: N207
Nook: M790
Noon: B197, B770, D656, F191, M987,
N26, N172, N208—N210, S872, T629
Norfolk: D641, S857
North: D551,I38, N211—N213, 8863, W214
North Country: K163
North Repps: G116
Northampton: F22, M777, N214
Northeast: E197
Northern: C432
Northward: M143
Norway: F358
Nose: B473, B667, C296, C323, D522,
D619, D626, F655, H262, H517, H531,
H813. 151. 155. 163. L104. L140. M170.
M449, M1204, M1260, M1334, N215—
N245: P231: S304: 8764:
Nosegay: N246
Notable: P338
Notch: 8160
Notchel: N247
Note: A309, B365, M1325, N248, N249
Nothing: A38, A94, A182, A185, A201,
A212, A346, B175, B281, B323, B324,
B414: C259) C267: C300: C415:
(3568. (3703. (3745. C798. DI. D547. E160—
1, E164, E165, E168, F270, F530, F599,
F657, G60, G233, H35, H144, H377,
H539, H794, I28, I92, K42, K65, K98,
K188, K191, L338, L358, L461, M35,
M85. M145. M197, M153. M339. M371.
M454. M509, M517, M976. M1033.
M1257, M1291, M1312, N24, N29, N43,
N66, N186, N250—N340, N343, P17,
P103, P226, P353, S56, S623, S657, T97,
T158, T180, T206, T237, T393, T505,
T590, V54, W272, W489, W664, W680,
W808, W883, W937, Y19
Nottingham: S565 '
Nought: subst. A194, B174, B317, C174,
E168. F530. 6310, H319. H759, L338.
L347. M1175. M1180. N14. N179. N319,
N316, N333. N335. N338. N340—N347.
P424, W543, W808; adj. A219, D246,
D336, F108, L154, L274, M1317, S302,
VV899
Noun: (p!) GI98
Nourish: D213, H584
November: D121, F296, N348, T226
Novice: N349
Now: N350, N351
Nowadays: M148, W900
Nowhere: E194
Nowt: N99
Number: subsl. (sg) M535, M536, 054,
(pl) C391, L582; verb $91

841305
Nun= (3719. N351. N353
Nobleness: V83
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
837

Nunnery: (pl.) D590
Nun’s hen: N353
Nurse: (sg.) C312, 113, N354, N355, Y16,
(pl.) N356, W706
Nurture= G391,I\147,I\1357
Nut: (5g.) A291, A295, K19, M3, N358—
N362, W644, (pl.) A296, A298, C284,
N200, N363—N366
Nutcracker: W454
Nutshell: N366, $183, T148
Nutting: C456, H530
Nyas: N367
0
Oak: (sg.) A299, H309, M212, M926, OI,
01, T304, T496, (PL) A12, 03, 5941
Oak tree: G424
Oar: B490, 04, O5
Oat: (pl.) B790, C676, D173, G368, J35,
M825, 06, 079, S40, W124
Oath: K82, O7
Oatmeal: M622, 8906, W887
Obedient: T163
Obey: B354, M160
Oblige: S701, T286
Observe: 077
Obstinate: F461
Obtain: L487, S835
Occasion: I37, 08, T311
Occupied: I7, 18
Ocean: 09
O’clock: D108, 09a, 010. See also Clock.
October: L145, 011
Odd: not even (of numbers) L582, peculiar
M27
Odds: probability B739, quarrel D206,
superiority E201, 012, T644
Odious: C576
Odor: (pl.) 013
Ofi: F27, F225
Off-falling: (pl.) G63
Offal: E74
Ofiend: D454, F702, 014
Offender: (5g.) 015, (pl.) L117, P50, S478
Offense: B3, 08, 016
Offer: :ubst. 017; verb D516, F338, M626,
M1292, P308
Offering: H51, 018, P586, S32, S824
Ofl‘ice: employment 019—022, function
W297, position of authority or trust (sg.)
A402, C117, J17, J23, (pl.) 023, service
M492
Officer: T112
Ofispring: O24
Often: E55, L372, W101
Oil: C43, F287, F321, 025—032, T568,
W467
Oil pot: T211
Ointment: (pl.) F400
Old: .mbst. O33; adj. (pox) A28, A29, A44,
A155, A394, B212, B396, C16, C160—
C162, C272, C352, C491, D246, D328,
D506, D565, F369, F430, F506, F755,
G139, G368, K131, K132, L74, L153,
L377, M37, M197, M187, M346~M35<>.
M410, M478—M48 1, M566—M574, M609,
M610, M616, M620, M696, M704, M908,
N161, 024, 034—036, 0105, P119, P185,
P511, P534, R55, R186. 81, S8, S9. 5471,
8644—5, S710, S716, 8863, T209, T277,
V39. V61, V87, W147, W364. W388.
W639, YI3, (compan) O37, O38
01d Nick: N161
Old one: W149
Old Rose: R183

Olive: 039
Oliver: 040, R195
Omittance: F584
Omnipotent: B172, L512
Once: B409, C369, F481, K133, M219,
M221, M318, M1010, M1121, O41, P472,
U25, W230, W321
One: subst. (sg.) A273, A398, A399, D119,
K103, M112, M217, 042-062, 8193,
T257, T258, T642, T644, (pl.) 063; adj.
E141, E268, H79, M351—M354, M406,
M482, M483, M729, M788, N20, S234,
S663, T213, W148, W819, Y22
One-and-thirty: O64
Onion: C68, 065—067
Only: L560
Open: verb D553, M1249, P308, P660, Y19;
adj. B735, C591, C592, D558, D563,
D564: F4IO> G371:
Operation: P234
Opinion: D426, M 584, 068, 069
Oppenshaw: C617
Opportunity: (sg.) M471, M674, O70, O71,
(le M417
Oppression: O72, O73
Oracle: 074
Orange: C448
Orator: (pl.) L522, P451
Orchard: 075, 076
Order: subst. kind (pl.) 078, regular ar-
rangement D593, 077, R57; verb C614
Ordinary: S161
Ore: W753
Organ: (pl.) H505, P306
Ornament: S447, W642
Orphan: C310
Ort: (pl.) O79, O80
Ossa: O81
Ossing: O82
Ostrich: I97, O83, 084
Other: pron. (1g.) D298, E12, E248, M72,
N345, W881, (pl.) A18, A27, A123, B278,
D399, F107, F684, M848, N282; adj.
E87, F313, H713
Otherwise: S612
Ought: subst. G320, P75 (see also Aught);
verb D400, D412, D414, M1211, T474
Ounce: (sg.) 085—088, P517, P518, (pl.)
M998
Our Father: P97
Our Lady: L29, W936
Ourself: (pl.) B141, T98
Out: subst. O88a; verb F365, M1315; adj.
B672, C50, D42, E102, E107, H389, 041;
adv. B433, E12, F784, S558
Outbid: 089
Outface: C75
Outrun: C615
Outshoot: B563
Outward: S431
Outwardly: A300
Outwards: T423
Oven: (1g) A382, B621, B771, D550, F179,
G33, K33. N143, 09o, T306, W343,
W353, (PL) B747, G414
Over: subst. excess (pl.) 091, proper name
M773; verb H364
Overblow: W423
Overbuy: W67
Overcome: A318, C540, E136, H305, H307,
L5, L139, L387. L527
Overdo: D408
Overfat: 51043
Overgentle: P591
Overgrow: W242

Overhead: H767
Ovemarrow: C707
Overruler: F184
Oversee: G26, M432
Overstrain: L201
Overtake: F500, L78
Overtaking: C62
Overthrow: C101, E129
Overturn: H102, S884
Owe: D238, D261, G237, H808, M1138,
M1275, N254, N271, P268
Owing: $1006
Owl: subst. (sg.) 120, K40, 092—096, W32,
(pl.) 097; verb SI37
Owl-light: 098
0wn= mm A375, A388. A395, 3505, 0339,
C812, D245, E19, F519, F534, G123,
G213, H217, H451, J96, M209, M450,
M452, M508, M628, M1191, M1251,
N115, 099—0101, S616, T122, W41,
W776; verb C753; adj. B375, E216, M131,
VV847
Owner: E185, F136, H772, W405
Ox: (1g.) C400, E67, E69, E73, H376,
M1271, N212, 0102—0111, S677, T303,
W459, (pl.) B166, C10, H20, H458, 0112,
0113, P434, W288
Oxford: subst. F73, T92; adj. C375, K159
Oyster: (sg.) A291, M178, 0114—0116,
(pl.) M777, 0117, 0118
P
P: (pl.) P1
Pace: subst. P2, P3; verb A98
Pacify: W822
Pack: eabst. M537, P4—P7, P78, P173, S4;
verb A408, C78
Pack pin: P5
Packing: F42
Packsaddle: A349, H656, P8
Packstaff: P322
Pad: P9, 519
Paddock: (5g.) H5, M735, (pl.) W222
Padley: P10
Padlock: W236
Page: P11, P12
Paigle: P13
Pail: M661, P14
Pailful: (pl.) P15
Pain: subst. (sg.) A368, C867, D582, P16—
P19, P408, P412, P420, P575, P637,
R108, (pl.) F420, G6, L1, M1010, M1044,
N305, P20—P24, P419, S778; verb 5167
Painful: P17
Painfulness: P25
Paint: subst. F7; verb D255, L293, L314,
W645, W663
Painted: S291, $1048
Painter: (sg.) G230, P26, P27, (pl.) P28
Painting: M446, M639, P29, W666
Pair: subst. B500, F338, N151, P30—P36,
S604, W453; verb H774
Palace: (pl.) C626
Palate: M304
Pale: subst. P36a; adj. A339, C406, C446,
D134, L135, M395, M1111
Palm: P37
Palsy: P38
Pan: rubst. B607, C172, F784, G372, W71;
verb W189
Pan pudding: P42
Pancake: (1g) P39, T608, (pl.) G460
Pancras: See Pancridge.
Pancridge: P65
Pandora: P40

838
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Pannier: M456, P301
Pannierman: P41
Pannock: P340
Pant: I1‘159
Panther: L206
Pantofie: (pl) P43
Pap! P44, 1’45
Paper: P46, P248, W17, Y44
Papist: C366
Paradise: E147, F523, L155, M474, M1327,
P47, P48, P536
Paragon: P49
Paralytic: W836
Paramour: (pl) H824, P633
Pardon: subst. (sg) F105, F116, P50, P198,
(pl) P51; verb A199, C294, C590, F115,
015, R92, S472
Pare: N10, N12
Parent: (pl) C331, C336, G210, I65
Paring: (pl) K79, P52
Parish: subst. (sg) N112, P53, P54, P64,
W895, (1)!) E184; adj. H791
Parish priest: P55, P56
Parish top: P57
Park-keeper: (pl) D191
Parley: C122, V14
Parliament: C457, P229
Parnell: M3, P58
Parrot: (sg) A220, P59, P60, (pl) M1327
Parsirnony: P61
Parsley: P62, P63, W273
Parsley bed: B6
Parsnip: (pl) W791
Parson: (sg) H376, L575, P64—P69, (pl)
P70, S824
Parson of Saddleworth: P71
Parson Smith: P72
Part: subst. (sg) A133, A329, C252, D354,
E234, F135, F593. 6188, @340, H337.
H551, M422, M913a, M916, N212, P73—
P79, P628, W882, (pl) C598, M299,
W199; verb C830, F452, F733, H80,
M864, P52, P369
Parthian: (pl) P80
Particularity: P81
Parting: H538, I87, P82, P83
Partridge: P84, P85
Party: (sg) P86, (pl) P87, P88
Pasch: F146, F214, Y52
PasszA165,D27,D31,E47,F55,F591,N92,
N357, P321, R197, W513, W840, W879
Passage: P89
Passing bell: T375
Passion: (1g) E119, N307, (pl) P90, S26,
W724
Passionate: M575
Past: adj. L7, T203-T205, T332; prep.
C921, 8271
Paste: P91
Pastime: H821, P92
Paston: P93
Pasture: C230, S597
Patch: subst. P94; verb B547
Patching: S8
Pate: (sg) C904, (pl) P123
Paternoster: A274, D315, P95—P98, P199
Paternoster while: P99
Path: P100, P101
Pathway: M281, M866
Patience: endurance A124, G252, P102—
P115, P142, R71, 8956, T172, species of
dock P116, P117
Patient: subst. P268, P369; adj.
13573, 6456.159, 8147
C315.

Patten: (pl) T387
Patter: D315
Paul: church P119—P122, man’s name
P118, P245, Saint P244, S55-S57, walk
W276
Paunch: (pl) P123
Pause: B79
Paw: (sg) C284, L313, (pl) R32
Pawn: P124
Pay: A149, A203, A204, B230, B542, C242,
C507, D97, D102, D148, D168, D171,
D261, D268, D288, D372, F631, G98,
H346. 113, 133, K151, L75, L317, L351,
M357, M814, M885, M1096, M1103,
M1168, N18, N234, P6, P125—P128,
P220, P272, P349, P360, 8101, $147,
$159, 8199, S244, S266, S398, S523, S660,
5948, $965, $1009, $1037. T319, W395,
W476: W845
Payer: C807, P129, P130
Paying: W823
Paymaster: G197, P130—P132
Payment: G340, M1014, T554
Pea: subst. (sg) B116, H38, P133—P135,
(Pl-l 63311, D49, P136—P138. 538; Mi-
F208, $93
Peace: concord E67, N113, P139~P143,
S605, T300, W40, W49, W55, W206,
W518, Easter F214, silence E164, M260,
M1240, P144—P149, T316, treaty of
peace P15o—P154, W42
Peaceably: A205
Peacemaker: (pl) P155
Peach: F212, P156
Peacock: P157, P158
Pear: (sg) P159—P161, (pl) A298, A299,
C280, P162, P163, T504
Pearl: (sg) B88, E230, L223, M79, P164,
(pl) P165, P166
Pearmonger: P167
Pease: See Pea.
Pease pottage: L496, P168
Pease straw: P296
Peasecod: subst. W630; adj. P10
Pebble: (pl) P169
Peccavi: P170
Peck: subst. E106, M135, P35, P171, P172;
verb C846, D156
Peddler: P7, P173—P175
Pedigree: (sg) P176, P177; (pl) P178
Pedley: G191, P179, R171
Peel: 8923
Peep: K136
Peer: (sg) P12, (pl) P180
Peerless: P49
Peg: P181
Pelf: P78
Pelion: O81
Pen: name T479, writing instrument (sg)
G61, I75, L126, L160, P182, P476, (pl)
P183 3
Pen powder: P220
Penance: C592
Pence: N188,P476.
Pendle: P184
Pendle Hill: P185
Penelope: P186
Penigent: P184
Penknife: F36
Penniless: M678
Penniless Bench: P187
Penny: (sg) B120, C560, C767, C836, E83,
E92, F687, M93, M313, P188—P214,
P219, P287, P506, S338, S561, S772,
See also Penny (pl).

Penny father: P216
Penny-white: P217
Penny-wise: P218
Pennyworth: (sg) B79, P219, (pl) R149
Pension: P221 ’
Pent: G449
Penzance: W768
People: E14, E146, F46, F420, G214, H377,
H383, K70, M1308, P222—P230, P295,
P583, 5139,1133, V95
Pepper: subst. G400, P231—P235, S593;
verb P236
Pepper-proof: P237
Peppergate: D46
Peradventure: Y4
Perfect: L539
Perfection: W718
Perfectness: U24
Perfidious: T286
Perforce: P111, P112
Perform: H337
Performance: P602
Performing: P606, P645
Perfume: (sg) V3oa, (pl) 013
Peril: A148, Y46
Perilous: S296
Period: (pl) S832
Perish: D33, D36, F126, L231, 042
Perishing: M623
Perjury: (pl) J82
Permanent: N321
Permit: F121, W43
Persevere: E179
Persian: (pl) L113
Person: (1g) D375, G388, H372, M1109,
P238—P240, P449, (pl) L505, T167
Persuade: F646, L101
Persuasion: P241
Pert: P167
Perverseness: P242
Pestilence: P243
Pestle: L186
Petard: (pl) P557
Petaud: K96 '
Peter: church S58, man’s name D33
P245—P247, Saint P244, S56, S 57
Petition: P248
Petticoat: L75, P249, P250
Philip: P251, P252
Philosopher: (1g) C625, L106, (pl) P253,
575
Philosophy: P254, P255
Phlegmatic: C360
Phoenix: F688, P256
Physic: A79, B611, D133, D305, D356,
P257-P260, W45
Physician: (sg) B72, C396, C401, C635a,
D356, D424, D553, F148, F483, G190,
G278, G445, M125, M760, M802, P261—
P273, P369, S47, W836, (pl) B502,
D427, D630, G386, L129, L178, P274
Physician of Valencia: (pl) P275
Pick: B372, B378, B522, C280, C327, E244,
H5221 P445_6> Q3: S702 S925
Pickle: P276, R157
Pickpurse: B77, H65, P277
Picture: (sg) P278, S735, (pl) A297,
P279, P280
Pie: magpie N325, P281—P285, S512, pas-
try (sg) B148, C374, D258, F228, L38,
P621, P623, S777, (pl) M1159, P286
Pie lid: P295
Piece: (sg) H338, M191, P287—P293, (pl)
F341, P294

Patron: V42
Piecrust: P605
W368, W841, (pl) N188, P215, P476
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
839

Pierce: H811
Pig: animal (sg.) C321, G343, H619, J50,
P296—P310, P315, R131, S35, S95, S265,
(pl) G261, G344, H505, P311—P313,
crock P314
Pigeon: (1g) D573, P315—P317, (pl)
C333, D574, P120, P318, P319, P588
Pike: fish H259, P320, hill R142, weapon
(5g.) G61, (pl) P321
Pikestafi: P322
Pilate: P323
Pile: C834, C835
Pilgarlic: P324
Pilgrim: (pl) G204
Pilgrimage: L249
Pill: subst. (sg.) P325, P326, (pl) A282,
P327; verb L230
Pillar: P328
Pilling Moss: G267
Pillory: L171, P328
Pillow: (:g.) B509, B510, C696, (pl) P329
Pilot: 8174
Pilsen Pen: L203
Pilvall: R67
Pin: subst. (sg.) B351, B757, C46, H759,
L229, P5, P330—P336, (pl) N99; verb
F32
Pinch: subst. J11, P202, W669; verb B160,
M129, P67
Pinching: P337
Pinchpenny: P338
Pine: subst. tree P339, woe W714; verb G27,
G55) L493
Pinnock: P340
Pint: P341, P342
Pip: H423
Pipe: subl't. (sg.) F522, H619, M488, P343,
P344, (pl) P345; verb F611, 1110, L324,
P10, P346, W320, W560
Piper: P347—P350, T346
Piping hot: P351
Pipkin: P352
Pippin: P342
Pirate: P353
Piss: subst. R157; verb A181, F67, G367,
G416, G443, H322, K120, N27, N30,
N131: N132> P269: P354: 917: R47: W417, W935
Pissing-while: P355
Pit: G429, P356
Pitch: subst. M1234, P357—P359; verb P360
Pitcher: (5g.) E9, E21, E33, P361, P362,
P501, (pl) P363
Pith: P364
Pitiful: L427, M520, M1201, P270
Pity: subst. L32, P365—P370; verb E177,
P371, P372
Place: (sg.) A214, B720, F487, H381,
M238, P373~P376—7, T1, T169, W171,
W328, W719, (pl) M221
Placebo: P378
Plack: P379
Placket: (sg.) D232, (pl) U31
Plague: 8167
Plain: subst. H466, P380, S73; verb P523;
adj. (pan) D646, E152, F75, M185,
N215, P8, P322, T593, (superl) W163
Plain dealing: P381—P385, T575
Plainly: W9
Plaint: K3
Planet: (5g.) P386, P387, (pl) P388
Planet-struck: P389
Plank: B666
Plant: subst. (pl) P390, P391; verb C788,
M584, P438. T135

Plaster: (sg.) D141, H269, P107, S646,
(pl) $1014
Platter: (sg.) M754, (pl) J25
Play: subst. action, dealing (sg.) H112,
(pl) P364, drama P392, P393, gaming
617, K86, P394—P397. S614. $625, 5815.
sport B581. (3324, P398, P399. S776,
W842; verb B539, B540, B569, C78,
C127, C165, C175, C510, D128, D300—
. D302, D649, E17, E182, E260, F286,
F493, F502, G21, G115, H115, J8, M191,
M321, M891, M1045, N72, N199, N236,
N340, P180, P306, P400—P404, P445—6,
P483, P498, R96, 541, S383, S440, S796,
T599, W322, W406, W725, W748
Player: (pl) S822
Playfellow: (pl) F528
Playing: M497, P405, P406
Plea: argument B177, lawsuit P407
Plead: L125
Pleasant: B628, L7, P415
Pleasantness: P51
Please: A193, B311, C200, D249, E162,
E244, F24, F534, G258, G385, H81,1106,
J46, J103, J107, K126, M526, M810, N86,
P26, P88, P428, S747, T27, W721, W725
Pleasing: W66
Pleasure: (sg.) B619, G75, H747, I50,
K100, L479, P408—P421, P600, 8197,
T341, T374, V60, W46, (pl) D359,
M1010, P422, P423, S859, V71
Pleat: (pl) M185
Pledge: H293
Plentifulz B442, H776
Plenty: subst. P139, P424-P427, W518;
adj. T301
Pliable: W135
Plover: P84, P428, P429
Plow: subst. (sg.) A405, C673, F84, G223,
H179, M1156. P181, P430—P435, S677,
Y21, (pl) P436; verb B625, H395, 0109,
0112, S89, 8184, S325, W451
Plowden: C111
Plowmam M767, P4351P437
Pluck: C855, F151, G422, H323, H620,
P438, R184
Plum: subst. (sg.) P439, (pl) S700, W174;
av. 199,117
Plum tree: K141, P441
Plummet: P440
Plump: P84
Plutus: P442
Ply: N313
Plymouth cloak: P443—4
Pocket: subst. (5g.) D233, F72, H81, H623,
M1048, M1155, P204, P445—6, (pl)
P447; verb I70
Poet: (sg.) P448—P45o, (pl) P28, P451,
P452, W579
Point: subst. part (1g.) N103, P453, P454,
(pl) P487, sharp end (sg.) N192, T234,
(pl) N100, small particle P331, P455,
P456, string, fastening C502; verb S825
Poison: subst. B208, E32, H561, 1104,
M483, P457-P459, $219, T360, T391,
V35, W137; verb M977, $551
Poke: (1g) C170, M963, P304, P308,
P460, (pl) N159
Pokefulz W174
Pol: T479
Pole: H594
Polecat: P461
Policy= C799, P15433461, P463
P011: B11
Pomfret: L466

Pomp: P464
Pond: B638
Pontefract: See Pomfret.
Pool: (pl) F305, F307, P465
Poor: subst. B180, B603, C250, D11, E69,
E74, G128, G192, G193, G274, H107,
M525, M578, P422, P466—P471, P580,
R50, R102, 858; adj. (pan) A223, C331,
C382, D253, F416, F423, G96, G231,
H325, H603, 1101, J60, K162, L346,
M151. M105, M336. Mass—M359. M365,
M366. M484—M486, M576. M577. M1087.
N217, N261, P115, P427, P472—P475,
8220: T510) V58: W342) W370:
W528, W566, (campar.) C503; adv.
T510
Poorly: S492
Pope: G65, K60, M1137, P476—P48o,
R166, T57
Popinjay: P481
Porcupine: P482
Pork: J50
Porpoise: P483
Porridge: B617, C830, F423, N227, P484,
S553, W240, W422
Porridge pot: C3 53, H491
Porter: C901
Portion: E58, F4, P485, V76, Y26
Portuguese: M1132
Positive: P486
Possess: M1290, P424
Possessing: U20
Possession: A24, C674, F78, H596, P487,
P488
Posset curd: P58
Posset drink: T637
Post: subst. messenger L213, P489, stake
P328, P490—P494, S814, whipping post
K164; adv. P629, R83, T61
Postem: D560
Pot: (sg.) A100, C139, C353, C906, D365,
E21) F361) G445: H5501J34> K21: L332:
L468, M1086, P137, P138, P362, P369,
P495—P507, P513, R189, 8644—5, W183,
W240, Y6, (pl) P508
Pot companion: P509
Potent: B172, L512
Potful: S774
Potion: (pl) M558
Potlid: C906
Potsherd: W127
Pottage: C353, C672, D369, F423, H801,
J70, L328, N227, P168, P510—P512,
P568, S553, W240, W422
Pottage dish: P484
Potter: G196, P513, P514
Potteme: R188
Pouch: F226
Poulter: C806
Poultry: P515, W717
Pound: subst. monetary unit (lg) P195,
P196, P202, P213, P331, P332, (pl)
H272, prison L403, unit of weight (sg.)
D54, D582, O85—O88, P516—P519, (pl)
M998, P520; verb S594, S746
Pound-foolish: P218
Pour: G290, 030, 032, W102, W111
Poverty: B98, P115, P521-P531, V75,
W191
Pow: P532
Powder: P220, P533, T253, T415
Powdered beef: T179
Power: L406, P534, P5351153. W934
Powl: T210
Powys: P536

840
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Pox: P537
Practice: subst. K191, P609, U24; verb
M1001. N339. P385, P537a, V86
Praise: subst. (1g) A276, D383, M476,
M478. 1’538-P545, P553. (111-) W184;
verb A26, A200, C478, D100, Elgo, H466,
M210, N117, P83, P385, P513, P546—
P548. 557, $177, $518. V86. V90. W493
Praising: P549
Prate: subst. P550, T59; verb P60
Pray: G243, L11, P125, P126, P551, 8173
Prayer: (1g) H110, M478, P552—P555,
(p!) M11595 P556—P56o
Praying: G245
Preach: A224, F656, F675, K68, L332,
P537a, P561, T646, W52
Preacher: (5g) P562, (pl) S94
Precept: (pl) E213
Precious: N302
Precise: N158
Predicament: P563
Prefer: P154, P600
Prepare: P259, T300
Presage: subst. W212; verb P230
Presbyter: P564
Present: subst. gift (sg) P565, (pl) H537,
P566, time at hand T310; verb C695; adj.
contemporary T205, not absent F109,
L318
Presume: N306
Presumer: (pl) D210
Presumptuous: L155
Pretended: H525
Pretense: W618
Prettiness: P567, P568
Pretty: L421, T188
Prevail: M794, T579
Prevent: C 579, E202, M199
Prevention: P569
Prey: subst. B157, C161, F658, P570; verb
W606
Price: C278, K50, M109, M1087, P22, P49,
S787, T132, V79
Prick: subsl. goad B680, F433, mark P571,
skewer P624; verb A358, F670, H631,
N134, P615, T232, T236, W190
Prickle: (sg) R182, (pl) R179, T228
Prickly: H368
Pride: C250, D271, H442, H542, 167,
P572—P582, P617
Priest: (1.5-) C377, D175. F593. H51.
M1000, M1107, M1161, P53, P55, P56,
P159, P583—P587, (pl) H405, P588,
S824, W717
Primrose: (p!) C781
Prince: (sg) K64, K70, L156, M555,
M992, P589—P592, $386, 51055: (pl)
H119, P155, P593, P594. 5795
Print: M239
Priscian: P595
Prison:B114, B497, C675,G203,L545,O88a
Prisoner: (sg) $195, (pl) A219
Private: G388, P600
Privately: P548
Privy: subst. F720; adj. N189
Prize: S610
Procession: P596
Proclamation: (p!) H256
Procrustes: P597
Prodigal: F91, H185
Prodigality: 111
Produce: A56, C203, E31
Profess: D193
Profi‘er: P308
Proffered: S252

Profit: E258, H224, H402, H569, H575,
150, L463, M561, M1125, P24, P574,
P598—P600
Profitable: S414
Prologue: S69
Prolong: P601
Promise: subst. (sg) A24, M128, P602,
P603, (pl) P604, P605, W487, W794;
verb A149, M885, M1216, M1217, N261,
N171, N333, 5187, T95
Promising: P606, P607
Pronounce: F670
Ptoof: P608, P609, $1019
Proper: (pas) C586, M9, (compar) M360
Prophesy: M514
Prophet: (sg) A390, M329—30, (pl) 8104
Prophetess: H375
Propose: M298, M605
Prosper: C701, G301
Prosperity: E137, P610—P613, T297, T301
Prosperous: S473
Protestant: C366
Protesting: P614
Proteus: S285
Ptoud: A277, A341, B161, C486, C536,
F18, H3145 H3155 H6835 L421. L443.
L572: N312, P157) P474: P475: 829I
Prove: to show itselfsto be, turn out B578,
C51, D13, G301, N313, $124, to test
E213a, F718, S732, to verify B266
Provender: H683, P556, P615
Proverb: (sg) N185, (pl) M604
Provide: F212, G211, M1047, W913
Providence: P616
Provident: H185
Provision: P617, P618
Provoke: P113
Prudence: F135
Prune: (pl) C279
Pry= C440
Public:subst. F683; adj. G388, M461, M519
Publicly: P 548
Pudder: P619
Pudding: subst. (sg) B460, B467, B610,
C13, C394, C407, C860, D175, D436,
D491, E121, F675, G68, P42, P344,
P608, P620—P632, W769, (p!) D538,
P633; adj. P634
Pudding-prick: M964
Pudding time: P634
Puddle: P100
Puddled: W469
Puff: W428
Puind: D169, M340
Pulborough: L404
Pull: subst. C650; verb C856, F231, H21,
H206, H620, H756, H770, N109, N237,
P97, P635. R170. 5815. T131. T 417
Pulling: M1097
Pulpit: G16
Pulse: leguminous seed W426, throbbing
of arteries P240, P636, T318
Pump water: W94
Pumping: C588
Punish: A225, A247, G257, L101, L564
Punishment: F1 12, F114, P637—P639, R95,
51545 S467
Punk: A170
Pupil: T372
Puppy: A270
Purchase: subsl. P395, T460; verb H194
Pure: subst. B603; adj. (super!) G291,
L121a
Purgation: P663
Purgatory: subsl. E147; adj. P277

Puritan: B180, C366
Purple: A266, P640
Purpose: F449, M431, N250, P20, P619,
P64I—P644
Purposins= P645
Purse: (sg) A151, B242, B297, B576,
D314: D497, D629: E244: E2451 E2571
F622, F687, F736, G278, H123, H324,
L127, L208, L372, L567, M455, M1042,
M1043, M1048, M1090, M1275, N280,
P130, P205, P215, P219, P646—P666,
S424) S455: SIOSIs T399,
W316. W504, W795. (pL) E264. G7.
P667. U31. W473
Purse net: K138
Purse-sick: P263
Pursue: L518, W333
Put: subst. C102, P668; verb to place B31,
B406, B524, B552, C162, C205, C613,
C705, D38, D570, F201, F229, F230,
F278, F571, G244, G388, H75, H511,
H520, M834, M1150, M1155, M1279,
N206, N219, N238, P138, P179, P345,
P669. 816. 5337. S403. 8410. $531. $769.
T231, T399, T521, T545, W112, W506,
to push C104
Put out: W424, W448a
Putting: P669
Putting on: 022
Pyralis: J89
Pyrausta: J89
Q
Q: (p!) P1
Quake: L140, 090
Quality= <41.) 057
Quandary: Q1
Quarrel: subst. (sg) F269, G445, Q2, Q3,
(pl) L59, R55, W348; verb W685, W857
Quarreler: (p!) F527
Quart: C767, N121, 8189
Quartan: A82
Quarter: direction W448,
(sg) M730, (pl) H41
Quartermaster: Q4
Quatre trey: S496
Quean: F262, N78, N352, Q5
Queen: subst. K66, Q6, T 226; adj. A305
Quench: F251, F287, O32, W87, W92,
W116, W806
Quenching: Q7
Quem: Q8
Question: subst. (sg) G1, M283, Q9—Q11,
(pl) F468; verb M388
Quething: Q14
Quick: subst. the living Q12, sensitive part
Q13; adj. B203, B270, M835, Q14
Quickly: subst. G311; adv. A244, G125
Quicksand: (pl) M369
Quid significat: M10
Quiet: subst. D427, L361; adj. A166, F494,
L341 L244) 85291 W721;
adv. C345
Quietness: H834, L350, L536, Q15
Quietus: Q16
Quill: hollow tube Q17, pen for writing
T243, spine of porcupine P482
Quire: K101
Quit: subse‘. (pl) Q18; verb C669, D214—15,
G6. P373
Quittance: F584, Q18
R
fourth part
R: 0117, R1
Rabbit: R2, R3

INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
84.1

Race: V59
Race horse: (pl.) G25
Rack: C58, R4
Raddle: R5
Raddleman: R6
Rag: (sg.) R48, R160, T9, T10, T76, (pl.)
S546
Rage: M1054, R7
Ragged: C476, C521, C522
Rail: H297
Raiment: R7a
Rain: subst. B663, B733, C52, C417, C443,
C854, D67, D114, D351, D621, F537,
G256, G478, H63, H781, L92a, M280,
R8—R19, S574, $1022, T275, W444; verb
C182, C418, M968, M1122, M1126,
P388, P510, R11, R21, S62, S204, S973,
W133
Rainbow: C519, R20, R21
Rainy: D89, H427
Raise: C919, D319, D652, 8975
Raisin: (sg.) P439, (pl.) L178
Rake: H400, L366, R22—R25
Ram: R26—R28
Ramhead: D633
Ramsey: R29
Rancor: R30
Rank: F628
Ransom: B743
Rap: C155
Rapper: M480 1
Rare: adj. P256, 81027, T136, T145; adv.
(eompar.) P417
Rat: (1g) C143, C162, C382, D159,
M1219, M1237, R3, R31, R32, W102,
(pl.) D158, M1243
Rate: subst. (pl.) M284; verb C557
Rath: S693
Ratsbane: $958
Rattle: B33, B124
Raven: B382, C210, C859, R33, R34
Ravine: R201
Raw: L167
Rawhead: R35
Razor: H547, R36, R37
Reach: subst. M282; verb F642, H435, S825
Reacher: (pl.) H761
Read: D423, R38, R211, W595:
Reading: R39
Ready: A253, B538, D105, G56, H776,
I58, M1091, M1092, P560, R39, W394,
W766
Realm: R40
Reap: R41, S209, S687, S691, W437
Reaper: (pl.) R41
Rear: P577
Reason: (sg.) A48, B179, C935, F681,
L517, M306, M401, R42—R49, R98, U7,
(PL) R50
Reasonable: (pen) S414, (superb) SI 39
Reave: G239
Reaver: (pl.) R51
Rebellion: 072
Rebuke: D262
Recall: T203, T204, T332, W838
Receive: C736, E31, G104, G119, W940
Receiver: (sg.) R52, (pl.) R53
Reck: F173
Reckless: H843, Y40
Reckon: C292, F170, H726, H728, 8162
Reckoner: (pl.) H726
Reckoning: (5g.) D101, F149, F343, H260,
It173<>,0101, 1154,5965, (PL) F471, R55,
R56
Recoil: L369

Recommendation: F12
Reconciled: H373, H378, H384
Recorder: R57
Recumbentibus: R58
Red: subst. R59; adj. B143, B455, C66,
C277, C768, F189, F248, L75, L405,
M155, M395, M767, M1122, M1175,
P249, R177, T611
Redd: W452
Rede: M395, T33
Redeem: S279
Redemption: R60
Redouble: S279
Reed: advice (see Rede), grass (sg.) R61,
(pl.) 03, W812
Reel: M227
Reflection: E231a, P541
Refuge: K88
Refuse: F541, H100, M707, M1080, 017,
$178, 8181, W371
Regard: G310
Rehearsing: H299
Reign: P591
Rein: (pl.) B671
Rejoice: A125, C498
Relapse: R62
Relation: F701
Relative: (pl.) W672
Religion: C403, E242, M307, P463, P599,
R63—R65
Rely: D401, J96
Remain: G4
Remedy: D30, G189, M860, M999a, P108,
P115, R66—R71, W946
Remember: E125, M607, M1208, P1,
P372, R72
Remembrance: M1010, R73 '
Remove: C202, C741, M1184, S897, T491
Render: C9, E204
Renewing: F40, R89
Renown: R74
Rent: F61, K163, M740, P616, R75, R76,
Y20
Repair: P76, S350, W658
Repay: D382
Repeat: L349, M604
Repent: A65, E179, G17, H191, H196, J91,
L121, M23, M694, M875, M1148, R32,
T204, T558 .
Repentance: A23, A211, C689, E119, J97,
M685, P142, P413, P419, R77—R81—2,
S471, T553
Report: noise F100, rumor F44, R83, R84,
T619
Reputation: R85
Require: T616, W759, W854
Requite: C736, G210
Resolve: D571, H191
Resolved: M973
Resort: 5991
Respect: Jubst. C399, L505, W662; verb
M362, R86
Rest: relaxation A114, A166, B303, B751,
D211, H327, L122, M858, N175, P25,
P140, R17, remainder F746, H48, H243,
H153. YI7
Restorative: C768, P166
Restoring: G127, R87
Resty: H684
Retain: B683, T201
Retreat: R88
Return: B156, C924, F503, H329, L42,
N50, W67
Reveal: S600, T333
Revealing: R89

Revenge: subst. (sg.) D125, L397, N102,
R90—R92, S625, W946, (pl.) P51; verb
169, P371, W945
Revenue: P61
Reverence: R93
Reverend: subst. R94; adj. G169
Reverse: M851
Reversion: C674
Review: S905
Reward: subst. D206, F172, G100, H571,
L515, R95, 8144, S254, V81; verb D207,
D209
Rex: R96
Rhetoric: T575
Rheum: W199
Rhubarb: R97
Rhyme: subst. G384, R98; verb D158, R99,
T625
Rib: (pl.) A385, R30, R100, R101, T633
Ribble: W60
Ribchester: W13
Rich: subst. G192, G193, P466, P580,
R102—R104; verb C91; adj. B244, B375,
B685, (3831, D147, D164. 6113, H577.
M88, M205, M363—M366, M416, M484,
M489. M576, M578-M58oa, M699,
M1273, N163, N172, N262, P472, P473,
P593, 1119,8164, 5195-. T357, T510, V58,
W339. W342. W370, W518, W534, W861,
Y18; adv. T510
Riches: C331, C629, C746, G60, H288,
L155, M1206, N22, P522, P525, R105—
R114, U20, W526
Rick: S38
Rid: D535, P654
Ridder: S434
Ride: A361, C524, D263, G56, G265,
H659, H672, H708, H716, 160, M652,
M655, M920, N284, P629, R83, R115—
R117, R150, 819, S42, S46, S504, S793,
T129, T533, T638, W125, W538
Rider: M700, R118, R212, T330, W29
Ridge: M266
Riding: subst. H42, R1 19-R121; adj. M1 194
Rifle: M345
Right: subst. justice M922, R122—R124,
legal title, due N338, R125, virtuous be-
havior R126, R127; adj. opposite of left
H73, H74, H100, S426, true, proper,
correct C649, D603, E156, G480, L180,
M730, M928, M1072, R28, R159, S684
Rigorous: V91
Ring: subrt. (1g) H575, L4, R128—R13o,
R132, T128, W233, (pl.) S48; verb N210,
S872
Ring of Gyges: R132
Ringing: subst. R131; adj. E148
Riotously: Y47
Rip: S649
Ripe: subst. H146; adj. (7)01.) B468, F642,
G283, 039, R133, (superl.) P162, T490
Ripon: S841
Rise: A289, A380, B184, B187, C393,
D104, D108, D110, D279, D537, F37,
F645, G298, L26, M386, N86, N208,
N312, P375, R134, 8176, S426, S491,
S617, S990, $1002, T265, V4
Riser: N26, R135
Rising: subst. G187, G268, R136; adj. $979
Riven: A143, B649
River: (1g) B666, D31, M988, M1214,
R137~R139, 8181, S352, (pl.) B681,
G226, R140, R141
River Eden: U33
Riving Pike: R142

842 INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Roach: R143 Ruff: W635 Saint Hugh: S44
Roam: M282 Ruffian: T81 Saint James’s Day: S45
Roar: B715 Ruffian’s Hall: R200 Saint Laurence: D289
Roast: subsl. B488, G372, R144; verb H757, Ruin: R201 Saint Leonar 1: S46
S892 Rule: subst. authority R202, measure R203, Saint Luke: S47
Roast meat: B618, C633, M147, M817, precept, guide (sg) E213a, R65, R204, Saint Martin: H486, S48
M848, M849 R205, (pl) R206; verb D19, D386, D391, Saint Matthee: S49
Roasted: L71, T44
Roasting: R49
Rob: B21, B288, M222, O76, P244, R145,
5134, S292, S766, T3, T108
Robbery: C228
Robe: (1g) R145, (pl) P275
Robert, Saint: S59
Robin: R146
Robin Goodfellow: R147
Robin Hood: E188, R148, R149, T53
Robin redbreast: (pl) B741
Rochester: P485
Rock: subsl. distaff M292, R150, stony
mass (sg) R151, S878, (pl) G106; verb
C794
Rocking: R152
Rod: (sg) N198, P481, R153—R156, S524,
W305, (pl) R157
Rode: See Ride.
Roe: R158
Roger: R159
Rogue: (sg) R160, R161,
T121a
Roll: M1063, S595
Rolling: S885
Rome: B156, F74, H529, M251, M268,
M1137, R124, R162—R166, S582, T164,
V55. W13, W613
Rood of Chester: R167
Rook: (pl) N124
Room: chamber D517, space M472, R168,
W119
Roost: R144
Root: subst. (sg) C746, 113, P339, P545,
P578, S798, (pl) T511; verb C936
ROW (1.1-) 13694. E133. E134, H59,
M1165, R169—R174, S34, S227, T103,
T104, (111-) J48, R175
Rose: subst. (sg) C56, N134, N135, R176—
R185, T233, (pl) F436, H431, R186;
verb (see Rise)
Roseberry Topping: R187
Ross of Potteme: R1 88
Rot: subst. R189; verb L37, W512
Rote: A309
Rotheras: R190
Rotten: A294, B557, C358, E92, M863,
P160, P492, R133, T600
Rough: D322, GI84, N129, T348
Rouk-town: R191
Round: adj. B61, H593, M1063, T1, W877,
W901; adv. W870
Roundabout: W38, W162
Roundhead: (pl) R192
Rout: subst. R193; verb H497
Rover: (sg) T394, (pl) R194
Row: W143
Rowel: (pl) S841
Rowland: R195
Royston: H686
Rub: subst. (sg) R196, (pl) B569; verb
C119, C156, E100, G12, H700, S649
Rubicon: R197
Rudder: T406
Ruddy: R177
Rude: F144
Rue: subst. R198; verb E247, R40, R199
Ruer: (pl) R51
(pl) T120,

L109, L528, R43, R144, R193, V46,
W744) Y4I
Ruler: C69, F184
Rump: C156
Run: subst. H540, R207; verb B339, B464,
B641, C152, C757, D17, D79, D164,
D534, D545: E223, F627: 61321 G465)
H151. H155, H158, H173, H393, H783,
J97. L11, L69, L190, L568, L583, M488,
M649, M1252, N171, N209, P630, R130,
R140, R194, R208—R211, S317, S460,
8931, T68, T101, T294, T387, T394,
T412, W123, W261, W390, W893
Run through: N239
Runagate: (pl) W474
Running: H687, H688, S376, W103
Ruse: F587
Ruser: R212
Rush: (sg) K168, M92, R128, 8917, S918,
T148, (pl) G29, R213, W172, W812
Rushbush: R214
Rust: 114, 191, W209
Rusty: $1051
Ruth: T83
Rutland: R6
Rye: grain W283, town L404
Rye dough: I42
S
Sabbath: S1
Sack: bag (sg) B30, C744, D318, E63,
E106, G219, G399, H91, H569, N326,
P660, S2—SI 1, W809, W906, (pl) 512,
wine G93, $13
Sad: H839, M71, 061, P276, SI4, T285
Saddle: subst. (sg) C524, C758, C792,
H639, H653, H654, H656, M685. P63,
P582, 515—818, S46, S672, W405, (pl)
C6, 819; verb H667, S20
Saddleworth: P71
Sadness: S21, S606
Safe: (pas) C845, L440, M1221—M1223,
T102, W152, (compar) D197, S428,
W164
Safely: G165, W9
Safety: D146
Sage: S22
Said: See Say.
Sail: subst. (sg) S23—S25, S348, S351,
(pl) S26; verb C666, D34, N348, $171,
5175, S686, W429
Sailing: S27
Sailor: B448
Sain: D292
Saint: (sg) D311, D558, G258, M216,
M147. M380, 528-534, 547, W314, (PL)
A116, B583, W702 --
Saint Anthony’s pig: S3 5
Saint Austin: H425
Saint Barnabas: S36
Saint Bartholomew: S37
Saint Benedict: S38
Saint Chad: S39, S67
Saint David’s Day: S40
Saint Distaff’s Day: 841
Saint Fools: V41
Saint George: S42
Saint Giles: S43

Saint Matthew: S49
Saint Matthias: S50—S 53
Saint Matthie: S50, S52
Saint Mattho: S53
Saint Nicholas: S54
Saint Paul: M383, S55—S57
Saint Peter: S56—S58
Saint Robert: S59
Saint Savior: S60
Saint Stephen: N2, S61
Saint Swithin’s Day: S62
Saint Thomas a Waterings: S63
Saint Valentine: S64, S65
Saint Valentine’s Day: S66, S67.
Valentine’s Day.
Sair: B41
Sake: C312, D300, F76, F199, G130,
L28, L299, M1290, S68, 5319
Salad: S69, S70, W464
Sale: A105, D303, S71, S72
Salisbury Plain: S73
Salmon: B11, F329, H590, S74
Salt: subst. B401, C695, C880, E65, F685,
F744, G172, G402, M135, M626, M836,
575—580. 5555. $557, T341. W416; adj-
B214, C641
Salt box: G77, H96
Salt fish: H33, S81
Salute: K177
Salve: M899, $82—$84, S647
Same: subst. A167, E44, L288; adj. A119,
B491, M144, 5638
Sampson: $85, 886
Sand: (sg) 083, R174, 887—590, W114,
(pl) 891, 892, 5953, W832
Sandbag: E59
Sang: See Sing.
Sap: S52, S93
Sark: P250
Sarum: $198
Satiety: V18
Satin: (sg) S451, (pl) S452
Satire: P543
Satisfy: M1294
Saturday: R13, 894, W378
Sauce: C635, C784, E35, H819, M839,
595—8102, S778, S870
Saucer: C146
Saucy: S448
Saught: 5103
Saul: 8104
Savage: S292
Save: to keep D342, G457, 050, P191,
P206, P207, P210, S619, S739, W422,
to rescue B24, P562, T109, W864, W913
Saver: (sg) 5105, (pl) $106
Saving: subst. A97, 8107; prep. R93
Savior, Saint: S60
Savor: subst. G172, N290, S108, S555,
S620, W475; verb G3, P460
Savory: W841
Saw: See See.
say: B374: B441: B481, D394: D402)
E144, EI6O—I, E151. F673, (3331. 133,
I41: L150: LI65> M342 M204:
M513, M581, M1142, M1197, M1275,
M1343. N255. N175. N18“, N307,
N323, P95, P140, P418, P559, 8109—81 18,
See also

INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
843

S667, S730, T99. T144, W708, W760,
W941
Say well: 8122, $123
Saying: subst. 5119—8121; adj. W761
Scab: B434, 1108, 8124, S541
Scabbard: 8125—6, 81047—81049, $1055
Scabbed: C22a, C890, H689, H690, S308
Scabby: B463, H264, M1201, P286
Scald: verb C643, L328; adj. C22a, H265,
H690, M1201
Scalded: C163
Scanderbeg: 8127
Scant: C508
Scar: (sg.) S522, W929, (pl) W59
Scarborough: 8128
Scarce: M521, M1281, N142, W574
Scare: B373, B703, S665, W583
Scarf: A315
Scarlet: A262, A263
Scarting: B430
Scathe: (1g) G57, N114, $129, $151, (pl)
$130
Scatter: R25
Scent: L333, M575
Scepter: SI 31
Scholar: (:g.) D24, F187, H746, M714,
M724, P437, $132—$138, (pl) A121,
M721: 8944
School: H442, T54, W305, W398
Schoolboy: (pl) SI 39
Schoolbutter: 8140
Schooling: M1168
Schoolmaster: (5g.) T5, (pl) F90
Schoolmistress: N60
Science: H127, P110, 8141—8143, T329a
Scoff: D199, 8144
Scoggin: P222
Scold: saber. (sg.) F494, N112, 8145, (pl)
$146; verb B781, C944, W950
Score: subst. mark S522, reckoning (1g)
SI47, (pl) 5148, twenty O58, P486; verb
5149
Scorn: subst. M20, 8129, 8150, $151; verb
M1209, S503, T157
Scorning: 8152
Scorpion: 8153, 8894
Scot: native of Scotland $154—$158, proper
name G341, reckoning S398
Scot and lot: 8159
Scot—free: E181
Scotch: M1016, W71
Scotch and notch: SI 60
Scotch ordinary: 8161
Scotchman: (pl) B430
Scotland: F663, J91, P184, 8155
Scotsman: (pl) 8162
Scottish: M367, M368
Scourge: subst. L107; verb G285
Scouring: 8163
Scout: S863
Scrambling: $164
Scrape: H420, T367
Scratch: B200, B241, B643, E100, F143,
M49, M205, M1306, N9
Scratched: T572
Scratching: B431, 8165-8167
Scripture: D230, H531, 8168
Scrivener: U28
Scrub: M1306
Scrufiel: S497
Scrupulous: M369
Scum: H400
Scummer: H524
Scurvy: C916

Scylla: 8169
Scythe: D264, S36, S421, S422
Sea: (5g.) C618, C784, D34, D222, D613,
D614, F310, F336. G47, 659, 6226,
K124, K153, M146, M1305, R137, R140,
S77, 891, 8170—8185, S352, W85, W106,
W113. W146. W178, W477, W515, W935,
(pl) 8186, 8187
Seal: B769
Seam: (pl) 5188
Seaman: 8189
Seamark: S355
Search: T534
Season: subst. (1g) F550, F653, M306,
M1079, P618, S74, 8190, W305, (pl)
C619; verb S80, S747
Seasonable: S590
Seasonably: L355
Seat: 8191
Second: B475, F121, F696, H351, T247,
W372
Secret: subst. (sg.) F683, $192—$196, (pl)
P255, 8197, S357, W487; adj. M461,
N165, N330
Secundum usum Sarum: 8198
Secure: C826, N314, W152
Security: A27, S199
See: A217, B267, B268, B325, B353, B421,
B685,C142, C317,C540, C661, D81, D99,
D111, D321, D659, E140, E231a, E232,
E239, E247, E251, E260, E268, F30, F57,
F60, F724, G84, G181, G248, G442, H35,
H47, H294, H196, H513. H617. 151, L57,
L185: L322, L394: L540: M201 M45, M821
M188, M190, M267, M277, M442, M965,
M1289, N64, N130, N220, N275, 083,
P140, P311, SI 13, 5200—8208, S781, S822,
8967, S984, T317, T557, V26, W20,
W506, W608, W621, W733, W878
Seed: (1g) B457, C816, G405, S209, S210,
W792, (pl) S211
Seedtime: H182
Seeing: S212
Seek: B46, B584, B644, C47, D33, D81,
D412, F96, F222, G314, G396, H385,
H566, K9, K135, K168, L8, L383, M345,
M818, M1041, N30, N315, N341, S83,
S213, S318, S943, T135, T180, T532,
W113, W128, W670, W766
Seem: S214, S550, S849, T199
Seen: See See.
Seethe: Y6
Segging: S215
Seil: (1g) S216, (pl) $130
Seldom: B332, C527—8, D472, S419, 5793
Self: D405, F696, S217
Self-accuser: C606
Self-love: S218
Self-preservation: S219
Sell: A182, B80, B81, B132, B152, B403,
B631, B653, B676, B785—B787, C215,
C735, C755, (3766, D653, F15, F188,
F551, H428, L121, L141, L459, M24,
M670, M886, N85, P416, P546, S220,
S221, S576, S636, T548, W66, W250,
W463
Seller: W757
Selling: B789, W65
Selsey: L404
Selvage: S222
Send: B750, C164, C535, C886, D73,
F354, F488, F489, F503, G221, G228,
G247, H790, K124, M285, M371, M1100,
P533, 8182, S223, S436

Sensible: L461
Sentence: J94
September: 8224
Sepulcher: (sg.) F346, (pl) S225
Sergeant: S226
Sermon: (sg.) H425, S74, (pl) G358
Serpent: (sg.) M1162, M1233, 8227—8229,
T407, (PL) A56
Servant: (sg.) B578, B666, D44, D286,
H691 L421 L345) M7131 M719)
M720, M722, M723, M726, M731,
M1055, M1305, 8192, 5230—8241, S456,
S543, S702, T179, (pl) E147, E243,
F253: H715: 5242
Serve: AI75> A1301 BI94, B474, B758,
C530, D350, D371, D382, D546, E169,
6179. 6134, 6135, 6245. 6153, M311,
M717, O67, P208, P226, R113, 899,
5143—5148, 5333. 5414. T311. T366,
W2, W560, W563
Server: S105
Service: (sg.) C322, C377, C719, F336,
K161, 8249—5254, T462, (pl) M736
Servingman: B55, S255, S256
Set: fix F18, go down 5983, mend B515,
plant, set out $689, T510, put C42, C630,
C763, C929, E23, F17, F161, F504, F505,
F570, F643, 6318, H317, H316, H317,
H717. K137, R57, 816, $18, $431, 8769,
S804, T431, W222, W547, put in opera-
tion S393, value L561, N270
Setting: S979
Settle: P622, 8171
Seven: subst. A208, S257, T265; adj. M265,
T141, W583, Y9, Y16, Y25
Sever: B689
Severity: S258
Severn: E228, P36a, S259
Sew: P329, T25
Sexton: S260
Shade: T487, T505, T506, W779
Shadow: H25, L272, L518, M481, M1229,
P541, 8261—8263, S801, 8951, 8989, 8996,
VV779
Shaft: (sg.) M141—2, S264, S265, (pl)
S700
Shaftesbury: A5
Shake: A169, B669, E16, E101, H443,
L140, M372, W410
Shallow: R139, W125, W130
Shamble: (pl) 075
Shame: subst. C641, D261, F132, G57, G59,
H335, H576, L462. M533, P77, P576,
P582, R110, $266—$281, S334, S471,
W337, W531, W662; verb C87, G457, P124,
P400, 8282, T566, T584, T586, T588
Shameful: C808
Shape: subst. (131.) S283, S284, (pl) S285;
verb C475, 15
Shard: (pl) T381
Share: subst. G208, S286, T461; verb H551,
J88, P163
Sharp: (pan) A168, N95, R36, S340,
S873, T230, V63, (superl) W470
Sharpen: A10
Shave: B69—B71, E76, H237
Shaving: B69, S287
She-ape: M149
She-bear: S292
Sheaf: C371, S288, S289, T288
Shean: N352
Shear: C428, C651, F14, F171, S310, S311,
S322, T210
Shearer: S290

’Scuse: See Excuse.
Shears: C217, P36, T19
Sense: (sg.) F485, G304, (pl) W583
844
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
Sheath: D3, S291, $1048, $1049
Shed: S275
Sheep: A95, 8120, B375, B734, C847,
C8571 C8931 D1391 D1461 D1471 E209,
I"356. F635. H103. H495. L39. L309.
11339. M149. M479. M1339, NM. 8133.
8293—8322, 8328-8330, S412, S413,
W602, W604, W612, W614, W619, W756
Sheep’s eye: S323
Sheepshead: S324
Sheet: (sg) S540, (pl) D330, L530, S604,
8100
Sheflield Park: S325
Shekel: W765
Shell: (sg) A295, H37, K18, L69, N360,
(p!) L52, P314
Shelter: subst. E28, S326; verb H358
Sheltering: S327
Shend: S282
Shepherd: (sg) S312, $328—$330, W602,
(pl) W535
Sheriff: S331
Shew: T25
Shield: S332
Shift: garment S757, trick (sg) E214,
$333. 8334. (pl) $335-$337
Shilling: (sg) N194, P214, S338, (p!)
5339
Shin: (p!) F141, F543, G44, G55, S340—
S342, S511, S882
Shine: B732, G126, S343, S713, S968,
5985,599I.5992
Shining: subst. 5982; adj. G280
Ship: subst. (1g) B491, C588, L147,
MI1435 516, S915 5344-535351’406, W895
W104, (pl) N348, S354, W572; verb D280
Shipman: (sg) C599, (pl) D257
Shipwreck: subst. M740, 8172, S355, S521;
verb H219
Shire: H809
Shirt: (1.1.) H818. P564, $356. 8357. (PL)
R160, S567, T213
Shit: A385, D265, H106
Shitten: L581
Shitten come shites: S358
Shive: (sg) L399, S359, S360, T34, (pl)
S361
Shoat: (pl) S362
Shod: C539, C793. See also Shoe verb.
Shoe: subst. (sg) F574, H709, L188, M129,
M659, $363—$373, W29, (pl) C800, F74,
L84, M619, N151, 8374—8381, W126;
verb 6354. H637. M651, M655. $387,
T218, T238. See also Shod, Shoon.
Shoe buckle: (pl) S382, S383
Shoe leather: M66
Shoeing-horn: (sg) M449, (p!) S384
Shoemaker: A407, C480, S38 5—S387, T467
Shoon: C454, P574. See also Shoe subst.
Shoot: A323, A325, B512, C612, E174,
F166, F515, F781, G72, H476, M141—2,
M667, M668, M1115, P317, P571, R148,
S388, W436
Shooter: A324
Shooting: S389, S390
Shop: (sg) B594, c638, C639, C802,
M376, M674. $391—$393. W68. W139,
(pl) W712
Shopkeeper: S226
Shopwindow: (p!) S394, W68
Shore: C159, 889, S395
Shored: T492
Shorn: verb (see Shear); adj. W754
Short: subst. L419; adj. (pas) A23, A168,

H711. L161. M373. P405. P555. R56.
510, S390, S396, T397, (super!) A252;
adv. D447, M400, S586
Short-heeled: S397
Shot: subst. C481, C548, H733, S398; verb
(see Shoot)
Should: B283, B335
Shoulder: subst. (sg) C420, C680, D659,
8399—8406, (p!) B270, D534, H267,
H274, H6355 M430, M5005 M1041, 54°75
W548, W888; verb K137
Shovel: R24
Show: subst. L297, 8408, S409; verb C77,
D82. F745. H44. H771. L210. M374,
M375, M414, M838, P31. P654. T415.
T418. T589, W373. W381. W554,
W799
Shower: (sg) C52, D67, D617, H63,
H204, S410, (p!) R8, S411
Shred: (pl) T20
Shrew: (sg) A9, E229, I59, M106, M684,
8412-8414, (p!) 8933, W218
Shrewd: A253, B580, T617
Shrewsbury: W354, W699
Shrift: S415
Shrine: S29, S32
Shrink: C432, W278
Shropshire: S340
Shroud: T508
Shrovetide: S416
Shrub: (sg) P339, (pl) C208
Shuflie: P105
Shun: P459, S570
Shut (3801. D554. D563. 849. $394, 8838,
W68, Y19
Shuttle: L250
Sibbed: S434
Sichem: S418
Sicilia: 196
Sick: subst. M182, W322; adj. C313, C824,
C926, D270, D440, F197, F641, G127,
H284: 141 L413, M151: M7043
M1307, P257, P271, P551, S399, S419,
S464, 8964, T365, W810
Sicken: W720
Sicker: F77
Sickle: ' S420—S422
Sickness: (sg) A73, C219, H287, H290-
H292, H379, S423, S424, (pl) A83
Side: (sg) B11, C731, D293, E11, F760,
H206, K48, L112, M118, M177, M1205,
P67, S5, $425—$432, W317, (pl) B106,
B613. F593. 111. L481. 8433
Sieve: (sg) H523, R27, S434, S435, W111,
(p!) W868
Sift: G401
Sigh: GI44, S436
Sight: (sg) B659, C495, L426, M17, M50,
$437—$440, V3, (pl) $351
Sign: (sg) B480, E191, F563, H244, M347,
$58. $441, 54415 $5155 T3975 W462,
(p!) P508
Signify: C130
Signum: S443
Silence: F510, M1148, 8444—8447, T560,
W519. W765 ‘
Silent: D135, F531, G295, M78, M606,
M1224, N165, S448, S664, S721, W636,
Y50
Silk: subst. (sg) A31, A262, L142, S449-
S451, S455, (p!) S452; adj. P666
Silken: G19

Silver: subst. A297, B665, B770, C107,
F790, P190, P194, $453-$459, S651; adj.
A318, C439, D620, H591, K24, S772
Similitude: S460, 81056
81111011: S461
Simondsall: N153, S96
Simony: H570
Simper: B664, D373, F789, M653
Simper de cocket: S462
Simple: subst. (p!) S463, S464; adj. T593
Sin: subst. (sg) C934, D167, D262, F132,
G147, 113, K104, L102, L107, L555,
N252, P526, P578, R106, $465-$474,
S657, V43, (p!) L117, S475-S479; verb
$1020
Sinew: (p!) M1067
Sins= B119. B366. B367. B374. B383.
C891, D351, F505, F670, L15, L70, L150,
M4991 M1324: NI8I-NI83: N249: R183, S240, S400, S480, S481, S607,
S637, S638, S665, Sloo3a, 81028, W122
Singed: C178
Singer: (pl) M1328, S482
Singing: subst. S483; adj. M376
Single: C527—8, L262, S278, S484
Sink: subst. W93; verb L147, L341, 592,
S468, S485. W877
Sion: N352
Sip: B476, S259
Sir: S486
Sir John Barleycorn: S487, S488
Sire: L337
Sirrah: D502
Sister: (sg) B685, S489, Z3, (pl) S490
Si" A255 B5475 B6495 C1155 C5375 D340,
F765, G21, G476, H463, H829, L283,
M90, M301, M711, M1036, N183, P187,
P375, R166, R199, $491—$494, S513,
S881, T239, T294, W300
Sitting: S495
Six: subst. A208, T256; adj. F582, W306
Sixpence: M313, W360
Size: (p!) G297
Size cinque: S496
Skail: B635, 89
Skaith: See Scathe.
Skiddaw: S497, S498
Skill: C899, F290, P275, S499—S502,
T173
Skillfulest: S503
Skimmington: S504
Skin: subst. (sg) A351, B132, C149, C473,
C608, D497, F631, H675, L280, L319,
L320, L473, M1016, M1163, M1167,
N151, N260, P625, P657, S356, S505-
S510, S530, W614, W617, (pl) C32,
G373, S511; verb F373
Skin-deep: B170
Skink: S774
Skip: (pl) S512
Skirt: (pl) D235, S513, S514, W945
Skitter: S774
Skittish: L451
Skull: (5g) P480, (pl) G297
Sky: (sg) H343, M2, 5515—5517, W512,
(p!) S518
Slack: S519
Slain: See Slay.
Slander: subst. (sg) $520—$522, T389,
(pl) P51; verb P548
Slash: 81012
Slaughter: T226
Slave: K55, M1055, S192, S523, S524
Slavering: F424

B556, D63, E16, F4395 F4715 H691.
Slavery: W841
Silly: B44, S669
INDEX SIGNIFICANT WORDS
845
O

Slay: C495, D190, F352, H432, L243,
M1256, S525, 51054, W72
Sleep: subst. C805, D524, F660, H744,
M249, S526—S528, S549; verb B194, B510,
(369, C31 1.6609, 13536.13537, 13568314,
E250, E258, F190, F191, F331, F412,
F657, H153, H169, H746, L410, M409,
M1125, M1172, N26, N273, R152, S321,
5519, 5563, $894. $999, $1006, T440,
W452
Sleeper: N128
Sleeping: subst. M859, S530; adj. L317,
M377, 5105, W7
Sleepy: F649, M731
Sleeve: (sg.) A316, C607, F32, F451,
F675, L140. M487. N143, $531-$536.
(pl.) B500, T18
Sleeveless: E180
Sleight: M921
Slender: H598, M919
Slew: See Slay.
Slice: S406
Sliddery: B355
Slide: W879
Slight: I72, P330
Sling: subst. K32; verb T556
Slip: subst. counterfeit coin (pl.) S537,
mistake S538; verb F242, F575, H633,
N69, R172, S820 '
Slippery: E60, V45
Slit: subst. S552; verb N240
Sloe: S539
Sloetree: S540
Sloth: S541, S542
Slothful: subst. F602, S543; adj. M378
Sloven: (pl.) S553
31°W= adj- C734, G390, H194, 5544. S579;
adv. G270
Slowly: H192, V25
Sluggard: (sg.) 8545—8547, (pl.) S548
Slumber: S549
Slur: P642
Slut: (1g) D51, 159, 5550—8552, (pl.)
A196, B159, 5553
Smack: J76, S593
Small: subst. (pl.) S554; adj. B264, B397,
C179, F311, F361, G100, H328, N190,
P133, P363, R15, R16, S646, S664, W23,
W504, W921; adv. A175
Smart: 1105,1107
Smell: subst. (sg.) F384, L297, S555, S556,
T74, (PL) 5557; verb B148, B391, C43,
E103, F65, F289, F304, F310, F665, 177,
L44, M1182, M1245, 055, R31, 8108,
8558) S746:
Smelt: (pl.) S559
Smick smack: C714
Smile: subst. (sg.) S560, (pl.) F727; verb
A156, B655, F16, F615, T428
Smiling: B578
Smite: F374, T254
Smith: blacksmith P514, S387, $561—$563,
W87, proper name P72
Smith of Nottingham: S565
Smithfield: W276
Smithfield bargain: S564
Smithwick: S566
Smock: (5g.) M1203, P250, (pl.) P485,
S567
Smoke: subst. C348, F270, F275, F282,
H781, K1 12, L490, $568—$576; verb F292,
s577
Smoking: H781
Smooth: adj. C96, D325, 6136, 025, S886;

Smyth: H614
Snack: (pl.) S578
Snail: 8579—8583
Snake: S283, S349, S584, S585, V68
Snap: N241
Snapper: H663
Snapping: S 586
Snare: subst. (sg.) F626, F647, (pl.) M89;
verb B394
Snarling: C916
Snatch: subst. S587; verb T131
Sneeze: rubst. F703; verb G178, H724
Snite: S588
Snot: S589
Snotty: C296, F424
Snout: D626, S233
Snow: subst. C55, C653, F218, F284, F678,
11, I2, M767, P233, S590—S594, W115;
verb M1126, T86; adj. Y18
Snowball: (sg.) N150, S595, (pl.) S596
Snowdon: S597
Snuff: C49, S598
Snug: M1221, P296
Soap: subst. A370, L302, S599; adj. N225
Sober: not drunk H333, L145, M175,
M379, P252, solemn J93 .
Soberness: S600
Sobriety: M477
Socket: B498, C38, C41
Sod: verb B684, M938; adj. M848
Sodden: C511
Sodom: A300
Soft: B768, F280, P3, P44, P376—7, S449,
W789, W821, W822
Soft and fair: S601 _
Softly: F560, G165, L128
Soil: subst. M734, P390, S602, V59, W241;
verb S450
Soking: S72
Sol-fa: S607
Sold: See Sell.
Solder: F759
Soldier: (sg.) C70, H681, 8137, S603,
S604, (pl.) M1056, S605, W119
Sole: subst. (5g) C864, S371, (pl.) C410,
S370; verb B568
Soleness: S606
Solicit: S608
Solitary: M380
Solitude: C398
Solomon: S86, S609, S610
Solstice: A353
Some: D248, K11, P621, S313, S611—S613
Some and some: S614
Somebody: D88
Someone: N244
Somerton ending: S615
Something: A56, H782, L576, M136, N327,
N328, P17, R135, S486, S616—S623,
T170, W680
Somewhat: S620, S621, S623
Son: (1g) B579, F84, F91, F92, F97,
H490, L29, L47, M1202, S386, S624—
S632, (pl.) F89, M611
Son-in-law: (pl.) S639
Song: A309, C894, E126, G384, M1324,
$633—$638, W944
Soon: (par) D393, G91, N145, S640,
S659, (compan) S641
Soot: S642
Sooth: B559
Soothsayer: D392
Sop: bribe S643, food dipped in liquid (pl.)
5145, 5644—5, S661

Sore: subst. (5g.) H283, M899, P270, S83,
S84, 5646—8648, 8903, (pl.) D170, P107,
882, S649, $1015; adj. A315, C807, C917,
E246, H387, L274, T373; adv. B39, C527—
8, D499, L175, S419
Sorrow: subst. (sg.) A368, C85, C588,
F260, G86, G215, G446, H581, J88,
L480, M151, N77, 086, P108, P408,
P410, R73, R89, 8130, $141, 8145, S216,
S650—S662, V60, W190, W219, W661,
W710, (pl.) H307, P411, $663—$665;
verb Y9
Sorrowful: L476
Sorrowing: B545
Sorry: C872, G361, M1275, S481, S625
Sort: (pl.) S666, W484
Sot: (pl.) F525
Sought: See Seek.
Soul: (sg.) A49, A74, B496—B498, B501,
B652, C591, C655, C704, D627, H1,
190, L266, L359, M305, M1256, S423,
$667—$669, V83, (pl.) C246, C368,
M577, M981, P70, S670, W709
Soulcake: S670
Soulgrove: F168
Sound: subst. body of water D282, P440,
noise (1g) B273, S458, S671, W130,
(pl.) G351; verb B274, T546, V36, V37;
adj- B171, B474. E146, F759, L541, M76,
M974, R143. T536
Sour: subst. 81035, 81038, T75; verb S674;
adj. C783, F642, L513, M1265, 597,
$1016, $1037, T75, V32
Souter: (pl.) D257
SOllthi N211, N212, W443, W444
South Repps: G116
Southwark: A107
Sow: rubst. B776, C386, C516, C760, C845,
D454, D458, M1183, M1340, N217,
P297, P305, P309, P666, R159, S265,
S599, 8672—8686, 81042, T608, W627;
verb B122, B123, B125, C662, D49, H91,
H458, 06, P147, 553, $67, $87, 5109,
8687—8692, T190, V70, W437
Sower: S693
Sowing: S694, 8695—6, W243
Space: B745, 8697—8, W802
Spade: S699, W129
Spade shaft: (pl.) S700
Spain: C125, E110, M308, N293, R14
Span: 148, 157, L251
Spaniard: G86, 8701—8703
Spaniel: S704, S705, W644
Spanish: S983
Spar: S756
Spare: B551, B674, C181, F678, G130,
K176, L316, M508, P207, P209, R155,
5706—5711. 5734, S739, S741. S750.
T315, W813
Sparing: subst.
M1170
Spark: S562, S713, S714
Sparkle: C463
Sparrow: (pl.) S715—S717
Spatter: P547
Spawn: S226
Speak: A99, A102, A112, A202, A242,
A280, B146, B320, B337, B532, C118,
C201, C444, C612, D124, D171, D266,
D294, D611, E64, E152, F111, F449,
F459, F474, F670, F704, G285a, G295,
G471, H105, H334, H782, I27, I36, I41,
J4, L88, L168, L458, L563, M28, M53,
M111, M192, M314, M381, M514,
S712; adj. D329, F91,

adv. (superb) W123
M565, M596, M648, M710, M756, M916,
Sophister: H433
846
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

M1187, M1238, M1249, M1250, M1274,
M1277, M1293, N242, N250, N255,
N19201:!» 074, P60. P146, P147, P313,
P491, P651, R148, 5391, 5664, 5709,
8718—3730, T130, T219, T220, T296,
T316, T400, T563, T566, U27, W607,
W608, W633, W771, W774. W775. W780,
W826, Y50
Speaker: (pl) D575, P279
Speal: (pl) W939
Spear: N192, S731, S732, S756, Y21
Special: F754
Spectacles: C794, S733
Spectator: (pl) S779
Speech: C3, M1148, S734, S735
Speed: subst. F518, H197, H198, H200,
P4, 8736; verb G223, S709, S719, T32,
T409
Speer: M268, M311, M913a, S737
Speir: See Speer.
Spell: R38
Spend: A7, A19, B642, B786, C564, D192,
G8, G57, G90, G91, G247, G271, G299,
G300, K176, L252, M1150, M1151,
M1165, M1166, M1275, M1279, P209,
P210, R75. R76, 5454, S707. S708, S710.
S7111 8738—8742: T260: T315: T475)
W80, Y20
Spender: (a) 691, 5743, (PL) 8744
Spending: subst. C86, G9, S745; adj. F91
Sphere: $992
Spice: S746, S747
Spick-and-span: S748
Spick-and-span-new: S748
Spider: B208, M152, S749
Spigot: S750
Spill: H750, M916, R155, S751, S774, S794
Spilsby: S752
Spilt: M939, W469
Spin: C343, G50, G287, G408, H414,
K105, M227, N78, S655, S755, S767,
T249, T252, T450, W716
Spindle: (sg) M292, $753—$756, (pl) 043
Spinner: S757
Spinning: S758
Spinola: K100
Spirit (1.1-) D319, M434, 5759-57611. (PL)
D319, S26, S762
Spit: subst. E86, M147, M819, S763; verb
B432, B447, C610, H120—1, H355,
H356, M269, M1246, M1255, M1259,
S536, S887, V28
Spital: See Spittle.
Spite: L529, S764
Spitting-place: S765
Spittle: F566, G203, S766
Spleen: F393
Split: H32
Spon: C6421 L225) M1294: N354: P437:
R7, R155. 5767
Spoke: subst. $768—$770; verb (see Speak)
Spoon: (sg) F191, SI 83, $771-$773, W829,
(p!) H52, M1262
Spoonful: S774
Sport: subst. (sg) A76, B323, S775—S779,
(pl) S780; verb C161
Spot: subst. (sg) B479, S781, (pl) L205,
L206, 8782, S783; verb P359
Sprat: herring H450, proper name J25, J26
Spread: C34, M1071, P545, T2, W499
Spring: source (sg) D609, M679, R141,
(pl) 8931, spring season (sg) A79, S65,
S784, S785, T453, (pl) F774, springincss
S786, tune (pl) S787. See also Springe.

Spruce: O65
Spun: See Spin.
Spur: subst. (sg) C227, H648, H684,
H688, R45, 5789—5791, 51046, (pl) L481,
P35. 5736, $791, $793; verb H638. H643,
$1046
Spurn: F433
Spurred: D264
spurrins= 5794
Spy: subst. (pl) L257, S795; verb F124
Square: I 54, S796
Squeeze: E132
Squint-eyed: P242
Squire: H690
Squirrel: S797, T215
Stabbed: D5
Stable: B111, H710
Stable door: S838
Stafi: B613, E131, J15, K125, M74, M312,
M480, R153, $798—$807, S809, T138,
W142, W904
Stafford law: S808
Stafiordshire: W354
Stage: W882
Stagger: M399
Staggerer: L41
Stain: subst. W85; verb B639, L120, T543
Stair: (pl) L26, N68, T625
Stake: subst. staff or post B127, M312,
$809—$814, wager (sg) S901, (pl) S815;
Stall: F50 _
Stamford: B721
Stamp: E210
Stand: subst. 8817; verb B30, B554, B751,
C345, C365, C376, C762, F578, F760,
G21, G157, G467, H703, K83, L194,
L276, M61, M946, M1296, N100, P42,
P43, P121, P433, S345, S806, S812, S813,
5818*8820, S836, T7, T239, T272, T492,
T596, W182
Stander: (pl) $821
Stander-by: (pl) S822
Standing: subst. D147, S495, S823, S824;
adj. P465, W103
Star: (sg) S825, (pl) E265, I65, S826,
S827
Stare: E265, P307
Staring: subst. D334; adj. M1170
Stark: adj. B317, F217, L492; adv. C543,
W389
Stark-blind: D334
Stark-mad: D3 34
Starling: B382
Start: subst. $828; verb to begin G275, to
jump P132, to start up B739, D540
Starve: C204, C638, C639, G423, P647
State: eminence 088, 8829—8831, political
division (pl) S832
State affair: (pl) S833, W712
Statue: 8834
Stave: S807
Stay: subst. W898; verb B749, D348, F658,
F717. Gm, 6315, H76. H698, L79,
L113, L364, P355. 5835, S938. T171,
T313, T334. T335. VII. W151, W301.
W846
Stead: S836, W182
Steal: A70, B222, B712, D46, D80, D599,
E73, 6364, 6365. H498. H691, H693,
K4, M416, M621, N53, N304, P332,

Stealer: T464
Stealing: subst. F675, 5837; adj. W227
Steed: G423, H272, S794, S838
Steel: M545, M726, P287, S839—S845,
51053, T405
Steeple: H396, L464, P119, P223, T91
Steersman: S347
Step: subst. S374, $846-$848; verb M169,
5921, W629
Stepdame: D19
Stepfather: D19
Stephen, Saint: S61
Stepmother: F609, H374, S592
Stepmotherhood: M1207
Stern: S347, W478
Stew: G433
Steward: (pl) M578
Stick: subst. (sg) E149, F203, H559,
S849, S850, T552, (pl) B108, F544,
S851, S852; verb B15, B380, B723, B724,
B778, D349, 6131, 636s, H136. N39,
R30, R101, S853, 8976, T266
Sticking: S854
Stickler: (pl) 8911
Stiff: B485, L368, S809, S839
Stile= (111-) D444, D479. H363, 5855, 5856,
(pl) 8857
Still: verb E269; adj. (pas) D503, G184,
M78, M1224, 8112, S681, S809, S879,
T401, W220, W553, (super!) H807; adv.
B649
Stilt: (pl) F568
Sting: subst. (sg) B207, 5858, S859, T407,
(pl) B211; verb H553, N133, N134, $153,
T407
Stinging: S483
Stink: subst. C350, D224, D517, S556;
verb B679, D350, G40, G52, G126, O55,
P461, S252, S502, S862, T307, T603
Stinking: M325
Stint: G225
Stir: subst. $860; verb F223, H28, N7, S861,
S862, S946, T307, T603, W79
Stirring: S863
Stirrup: S864
Stitch: S865
Stock: alms box 018, card (pl) S627, fund
S866, instrument of punishment (pl)
A39, C617, J31, S385, trunk D28, G397
Stockfish: S867
Stocking: (pl) I83, S868
Stolen: B626, F779, G307, P423, W131
Stomach: (sg) E54, E257, G14, H560,
197, M366, M409, M1265, N292, S869—
S875, T267, W154, W666, (pl) F56
Stone: subst. (sg) B340, B400, B414,
B634, C55, C124, C625, C805, D542,
D618, F470, H311, 196, L106, M707,
M1184, P362, P467, S410, $876—$895,
T139. T454, T519. W107, W550. W777.
W908, (pl) C2, C120, G47, G470, H789,
L52, M369, P144, S896, 5897, V88; adj.
H273, H811, L532
Stone-dead: S898
Stool: (sg) G476, H270, M373, M897,
5899, (Pl) F543, 5900
Stool foot: C672
Stoop: D489, D555, M29, P331, T305
Stop: B549, G29, G30, M1264, M1269,
5919,1147
Stopford law: 8901
Stopping: 0115
Store: F270, G128, G242, H557, M902,
8902—8907, 81014

Springe: S788. See also Spring.
StOI'k: L409
S269, S319, S838, T313
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
847

Storm: subst. (sg.) C24, D72, 03, P483,
S326, 5908, $909, (pl) C443, 8186, T509,
V97; verb G73
Stormy: (pox) M1175, (superl) H840
Story: E126, $910, $911
Stout: A341, D465, M343
Straight: A321, B20, C207, H482, L180,
L303, 022, R28, S801, S850, T511
Strain: G150, M270, M561
Strained: H27
Strait: R129
Strait-laced: 8912
Strand on the Green: S913
Strange: B155, K31, 8914
Stranger: (sg.) R213, (pl) M582, P566
Stratagem: (pl) A139
Straw: (1g) B89, B660, C54, C654, C661,
C713, D173, D151, F155, F170, F179,
F566, J77, L99, L415, M31, M92, M208,
M294, M396, M726, M1316, P9, P296,
P406, S514, 8915—8922, T258, T321,
“’5. (PL) (3795, 13163.5913—8915
Strawberry: (1g.) 02, (pl) P235
Stray: S312
Strea: L415
Stream: (sg.) $926—$930, (pl) 8931
Street: (1g.) $933, T445, (pl) S509
Strength: P462, S478, S854, U11, W527,
W675, W743
Strengthen: D58
Stretch: A316, L167, L189
Stretching: H131, S932
Stretton in the Street: 8933
Strew: R213
Stricken: See Strike.
Stride: S763, T628
Strife: D237, G225, H190, P524, T166,
W254)
Strike: A260, A261, B62, B347, D53,
D189, D463, F332, G224, G226, G227,
H41, 194, M586, M986, P362, 5872,
81047, T280, T385
String: (sg.) D501, H353, K169, L201,
$934—$936, W886. (pl) A311, 5937,
W306
Stringer: S938
Strip: S519
Strive: B380, B417, D545, M716, M1128,
R166, $927
Striving: 5939
Stroke: (5g.) A87, F557, T496, W129,
(pl) 5940, 5941
Strong: subst. R102, W182; adj. (pan)
3157, B197, B713, H711, M1331, 585,
S86, S839, (compar.) B515, H790,
(superl) T576
Strumpet: $942
Strut: C852
Stubble: C793, 5943
Stubborn: subst. F82; adj. P390
Student: (pl) L155, S944
Study: rubst. S945; verb B285, C627
Stuff: F266, M292, W863
Stumble: F543, H663, H670, N171, P2,
S882, 8922, T259, T541, W363
Stump: (pl) 8946
Stung: See Sting verb.
Sturgeon: H259, 8947
Sturt: 5948
Style: $949
Subamner: D389
Subject: subst. (sg.) M144, (pl) 5950;
adj. K65
Substance: L141, S408, S951

Subtlety: $952
Succeed: S21
Successful: S473
Succor: subst. H212; verb F706
Such: A254, M382—M384
Suck: D16, E198, F244, L35, L175, W627
Sud: (pl) 8953
Sudden: J86, L232, T553
Sue: B240
Suet: B460, C394, G68
Suffer: A124, A172, A187, E136, 123, L388,
M138, M1140~1, M1266, 042, R126,
8172, S954, T171
Sufierance: F584, 895 5
Suffering: S956
Suffice: M506, 8957, W781
Suffolk: C273, M38, M937
Sugar: subst. A282, S75, 5958, T341; verb
P325
Suit: subst. apparel S959, S960, lawsuit
(sg.) A46, 5961, W919, (pl) J54, 5962;
verb H765, P390
Suitor: (sg.) 8963, (pl) D198
Sullen: (pl) 8964
Sum: 8965
Summer: subst. A106, L574, S590, S605,
5966, 8967, 81025, W507, W510, W511,
W514, W515; verb W516; adj. A353
Summon: H139, M775
Sumpsimus: M1314
Sun: (sg.) B663, B780, C147, C710, D85,
D320, D424, E3, F218, F700, G252,
627% H135, H149, H444, 133, L273,
M69, M1115, M1118, M1120, M1125,
M1192, R8, SI, S782, S899, 8968—8991,
T147, T482, W425, (pl) 8992
Sunday: (sg.) D61, D67, D68, F680,
F682, H63, M293, M1037, M1161, N10,
5993. S994, W378, <le $995
Sung: See Sing.
Sunshine: L92a, R12, S826, $996
$111" A183. C755, G409, H166, L344,
3461, 5997—5999
Supemaculum: 51000
Superstition: D234
Supper: (sg.) D340, D342, H601, H776,
M181, S69, $1001—S1oo3a, (pl) H821,
$1004, $1005
Supperless: B183, B196
Supping: 81006
Supple: 0142
Suppliant: L3 16
Sure: subst. $1007; adj. (par) A206, B769,
C74, C149, C261, C452, C819, D136,
F81, G480, H672, J100, L466, L467,
M640, M1225, N157, N316, S544, S803,
S830, 5840, (compan) M1205, W164,
(superl) T223, W163; adv. B352, C470,
E84. 6174. @175. 6170. L374, 8493,
$1008
Surely: V25
Surety: C212, P131, P525, $1009, $1010
Surfeit: subst. G148, $1011; verb M288
Surfeiting: N292
Surgeon: (sg.) P270, 51012—51014, (pl)
81015
Surly: B764, N131, $1016
Surpass: F55
Surplice: P564
Surprise: F771, M218
Suspect: D180, F117, N314, P614, T221
Suspicion: F135, P521, 81017—81020, V89,
W239
Sutton Wall: $1021

Swallow: subst. (1g.) 81023—81025, (pl)
$1026; verb D451, G150, G473, K158,
0110, P316, 5159, $749. S810. S997. T79
Swan: (sg.) 51027, $1028, (pl) G369
Swarm: M738, 81029
Swear: A4, B105, B248, D3, D283, F315,
I61, M176, P395, S28, S341, 81030, W21
Sweat: subst. 81031, 81032, $1036; verb
B185, B713, N27, $1033
Sweatland: $1034
Sweep: B682, B683, D561, M29
Sweet: subst. 81035—81038, T75; adj.
(pan) B209, B432, C229, C788, F65,
F69, F424, F586, H544, H553, L254,
L261, L505a, L513, M1265, N358, N360,
N362, P276, P439, R90, R178, S97, S396,
T75, T420, W58, W131, (eompar.) B520,
D188, (superl) B626, P423, S779, W263,
W470
Sweetheart: (sg.) 81039, $1040, (pl) B178
Swell: H710, N235, 8176, $929, T362,
T612
Swift: A322, L279, R158, 81023, T240,
W411
Swim A140, A301, 3443. C315, C349,
F301, F309. F313, F318. $474, $485,
S893. S930. W877
Swimmer: (pl) 81041 ‘
Swimming: Y11
Swine= B383, D458, D535. D580, F436,
P162, P165, S233, S362, S680, 81042-
$1044
Swinesty: B23
Swing: S1045, Y48
Swiss: M1089
Switch: 81046
Swithen, Saint: S62
Switzer: (pl) L108
Sword: (sg.) C362, F96, F250, 6148,
H674, L156, L528, M167, M481, M496,
P153, P669, 8125—6, 8127, 81047—81055,
W381, (Pl-l W839
Sympathy: 81056
T
Table: (1g.) A319, B487, F572, G333,
M381, M485, M711, T1—T3, T466, U27,
W484, (pl) T4
Table'talk: T5
Tablecloth: D3 80
Tabor: H160
Tace: T6
Tackling: T7
Taffety: T8
Tag: T9, T10
Tail: (sg.) A268, A271, A381, B128, B155,
B589, B776, C105, C156, C165, C304,
(3386, @749, C753, C770, (3818, D171.
D459, D466, D511, D519, D520, E61,
F262, F613, F633, F641, F646, F783,
H12, H21, H238—H240, H243, H258,
H259, H508, H558, H619, H651, H671,
H705, 160, L177, M751. M1095, N364,
048, 0110, R153, S265, S283, S599,
S682, S858, S859, 8900, T11—T16, T76,
T355, T366, T388, T395, W608, W640,
W678, (pl) B211, B401, C148, L17,
P312, T197, W837
Tailor: (sg.) F72, M957, T17—T21, (pl)
D551, T22—T25
Tailorlike: P475
Take: A14, A172, A203, A204, B131, B282,
B361, B373, B388, B414, B436, 3551,
B629, B650, B712, B722, B730, C87,

Subtle: A92, P297, T458
C402, C517, C518, C688, C700, C735,
Swain: $1022
848
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

C816, C898, D7, D86, D102, D109,
D267, E42, F571, F599, F615, F626,
F634, F647, F786, 0119-6121, G340,
G402, H48, H100, H120—1, H156, H332,
H394, 149, 1.65, L131, L318, L363, L395,
L418, M22, M24, M34, M218, M633,
M1096, M1124, M1179, M1185, M1236,
M1334. N11, N35. N36—7, N49, N343,
08, 017, P181, P319, P330, R7a, S274,
S288, S289, S427, S598, S685, S730,
S831, S865, $1038, T26—T31, T50, T72,
T128, T129, T180, T196, T283, T312,
T313: T447: T526: T538: T618: W72:
W
393
Take after: F86
Take heed: T32, T33
Taken: See Take.
Taking= T34. T35
Taking heed: T36
Tale: (sg) C59, F583, H39, M486, 8910,
T37—T51, T593, (pl) M511, T52-T54,
W388
Taleteller: T55
Talk: subst. B365, M75, T56—T60, T65;
veré A34: B34: E14: F4221 G381:
H139. L458, M561. M606, N355, P146.
R148, S703, S833, T61, T62, T390, T408,
T414, W56, W438, W530, W563, W764
Talker: (p!) T63, T64, W701
Talking: 8167, T65
Tall: C207, M29, M163, M778
Tallow: T66
Tame: verb C918, L465, S716; adj. B158,
B159. D573 '
Tan: S368, S972
Tankard: 8421, T67, T85
Tap: T68—T70, T352a
Taper: S988
Tapster: T68, T71
Tar: H495
Tarbox: F395
Tarrowing: B45
Tarry= 117493313
Tarrying: T72
Tartar: T73
Taste: subst. (sg) D385, M1228, T74, T75,
(pl) S557; verb B617, F219, H842, 8140,
T1
97
Tat: T356
Tatter: T76, W101
Taunt: T352
Taunton Dean: T77
Tavern: G203, S58, T78
Tavern token: T79
Tawny: subst. P168; adj. M1130
Te Deum: M10
Teach: A184, E213, F94, F174, F323,
F490, G8, G406—G409, 8138, S680, U18,
W565
Teacher: (p!) H761, W358
Teaching: E134, H632, L524, T80
Team: B608
Tear: subst. (pl) C831, D11, F520, N288,
P422, T81—T85, W710; verb W334
Tear-eyed: M42
Tedder: M4
Teddering: H66
Tedious: P82
Tell: count S302, T90a, W612, inform,
disclose, recount B190, F412, F428, G123,
G133, H524, K106, L237, M401, N139,
N141, N154, $111, 8192, T37—T42, T49,
T511 T541 T891 T594) T627:
W160, W347a, W362, W373, recognize

Telling: N150, N332, T38, T43
Telltruth: T382
Temperate: M585
Tempest: G478, M286, S521, T90
Temple: (p!) D272
Temple Brough: W502
Tempt: D281, D558, W704
Temptation: S608
Ten: subst. B363, B614, C75, T90a; adj.
C55:;
Tenant: (sg) L61, (p!) T432
Tench: B11
Tend: W883
Tender: C287, C598, N8, 035, P58, P68
Tenderly: N133
Tenham: M1335
Tent: W744
Tenterden steeple: T91
Term: H461
Term day: D137
Testament: K110
Tester: H277, S537, W360
Teston: (pl) T92
Testy: C634
Tether: H652
Tewkesbury: M1333
Thames: D631, G374, R202, W106
Thank: subst. (sg) T93, (p!) C733, D635,
G190, T72, T94—T97; verb N157, N201,
N277, T98
Thankless: M310, M492
Thatch: G460, H761, H775, H787
Thatcher: M773
Theave: H345
Them: W267
Thence: T82
There: B133, H438, P72, S611, $1008
Thereabouts: P72
They say so: T99
Thick: adj. B210, H11, H595, T100; adv.
S692
Thick and thin: T101
Thief: (5g) B229, B706, B739, D560, F49,
F177, H519, H796, L218, L220, M812,
M881. M955, M957, M959. 071. P570,
R51. R169. 873, 5837. T3. T55. T70.
T102—T118, W320, (pl) A117, D48,
H843: K145: L224: L398) T22, T119—T122, W49, W335 __
Thig: F147
Thigging: M1194
Thigh: P85
Thimble: F72
Thin: subst. T101; adj. A92, C268, M781,
T260; adv. S690, S692
Thing: (sg) E156, F477, F668, G351, H99,
H122, H268, H602, H667, I79, M131,
M239, M1109, N108, P82, P332, 5121,
8131, T33, TI23—T16o, V19, W676,
W923—W925, (pl) A12, A86, A125, B194,
B257: B264: B407: c9: C2331 C252:
C933: E311 E124: E232: F219: F729:
H718, L5, L492, M264, M315, M318,
M359, M557, M806, M1041a, M1046,
M1052, N317, 077, P22, P114, R69, S80,
8119, S545, S668, S984, T161—T218,
T314. T316. T319111. T333. T336, V78.
W814, W921
Think: A102,A129,A165, A373, B25, B79,
B290, C812, C892, D412, E40, E128,
E251, F484, F577, F670, G466, H169,
H334, H667. H806, 117. L367. M154.
M581, M588, M1283, M1343, N120,
N130: N173) P12: P54: P194: R171:

5740. T 2194115, W374. W530. W585.
W615, W870, W887
Third: subst. H478, T226; adj. H351, T319
Thirst: D611, G445, M1127, W479
Thirsty: B187
Thirteen: T227
Thirty: D121, T631
This: M654
Thistle: (sg) N83, 02, (p!) A360, B595,
G411, H183, M653, T228
Thole: M915
Thomas a Waterings, Saint: S63
Thomson: J73
Thong: (sg) B696, B697, B699, W302,
(pl) T229
Thorn: (sg) C893, F565, H554, H818,
N183, R182, T230—T234, (pl) D26,
F384, G411, H368, M507, M1344, R186,
T228, T235—T239, W172
Thombush: M415
Thought: subst. (sg) K127, M25, P203,
T240-T244, T322, (pl) A228, H113,
T245—T248, W673; verb (see Think)
Thousand: C601, C687, F200, M217, P520 '
Thrash: J13
Thraw: W27
Thread: F736, H304, L303, M1225, N92,
N98, T249-T252
Threadbare: C476, P579, P661
Threading: P364
Threat: (pl) T253
Threaten: M586, T254, T255
Threatened: F425, M589
Three: subst. O48, O56, 058, $193, T256—
T258; adj. C356, E78, F310, M352,
M590. $134, $490, T18, T13. T175,
W783
Three-cornered: C64
Three Cranes: P106
Threefold: C4, T100
Threepence: M1278
Thresh: B90, G342, H492
Threshold: K154, S846, T259
Threw: See Throw verb.
Thrice: subst. T175; adv. F309, F662, M807
Thrift: S321, T260—T262, W569
Thrive: F417, G287, G290, G305, G307,
L169, M293, M716, O20, P431, S422,
S740, T175, T184, T263—T265, W229,
Y12
Thriver: T358
Thriving: H541, W592
Throat: (sg) B290, B517, B777, C389, F16,
F346, F521, M376, M1325, S562, $1054,
T109, T266—T268, (p!) F99
Throng: M323
Through: L438
Through-stitch: B754
Throw: subst. A180; verb A361, B454, C79,
D349. H143. H413. H785. H787. R173.
S589, S880, S889, 3896, T269, T556,
T597. W133
Thrown: See Throw verb.
Thrush: (sg) T270, (p!) P104, W537
Thrust: F231, F572, H274, M799, S855
Thumb: (sg) C769, F233, M654, M953,
M961, P441, R203, T271, T272, T645,
(pl) T173. T174
Thump: B414, P467
Thunder: subst. C609, F68, F557, H13,
J81, L280, L281, M274, T275—T277,
W514, W515; verb T118
Thunderbolt: (sg) C440, F66, T278, (pl)
W376. W934

E156, M228, N216, T88
Thursday: T279
S4, S276, S277, S476, S494, S720, S725,
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS 849

Thus: M654 Tomorrow: subst. (eg) F722, T369, T371, Tratler: T55
Thwick thwack: C714 T378-T380, (pl.) T370; adj. M1177; Travail: T472
Thwite: M964 adv. A109, B398, D103, E70, F38, G469, Travel: subst. journeying T473, travail
Thy: W330 140, K43, M402—M404, M694, M892, W559; verb M367, M1276, T474, W140,
Thyme: B205, R198 P410, S20, S480, T368 W888
Thynne: H614 Tong: M1335 Traveler: (sg.) H746, M1059, T475, T476,
Thyself: C682 Tongs: P32, S324 (pl.) M567, N318, P28, T477, T521
Tib: T280 Tongue: (.1g.) A336, C298, E17, E26, E64, Traveling: T478
Tick: T281 F196, F521, F575, G194, G295, H312, Traverse: W888
Tickle: verb T267; adj. T331 H333, H334, K167, L168, M260, M602, Tre: T479
Tickling: T537 N44, N355, 0107, P146, R84, S233, Treacherous: C389
Tide: M177, 0114, S929, T282—T284, S455, S538, T52, T243, T383—T413, Treacle: T480
T313. W419. W439
Tiding: (pl.) T285
Tie: subst. T286; verb A304, A357, B277,
D447. @168. G336. H304. 144. M741.
T287
Tight: R129
Tike: B669, Y34
Tile: T288, T289
Tiled: T438
Till: verb 0109; adj. M392
Timber: D76, P289
Time: (1.1-) A337. B314. B574. C86. D104.
D381. F264. F735. 6118. H187. H745.
L3, L122, L548, M177, M227, M260,
M441, M1235, N139, N160, N175, N302,
N393. N311. P114. P955. P399. P634.
8136, S758, T290—T342, T382, T580,
T613, W277, W778, (pl.) C272, F101,
M335. P61. T343.Y51
Timely: B468
Tinder: T344
Tine: subst. M735; verb C92, C754, F751,
654. G55. M880. S793. W301. W375
Tingle: E14
Tinker: (5g.) A4, B606, T345—T349, (pl.)
C482, T350, T351
Tinsel: W505
Tint: subst. T352; verb (see Tine verb); adj.
T127
Tip: T352a
Tippefl T353. T647
Tipple: T354
Tire: H640, H642, H661, L78
Tit: T355, T356
Tithe: T357
Tither: T358
Tittle-tattle: T359
Tividale: M877
To and fro: W38
Toad: P657, T360—T362
Toast: P369, T363, T364
Toasted: C274
Tobacco: T365
Tochergood: W823
Tod: H619, T366, T367
Today: saber. T368—T372; adv. A109, E70,
E182, F38, G469, 140, K43, M402—M404,
M694, M892, Q8, S20, S480, T378
Todd: G246
Toe: subst. (5g.) G260, M436, T373, T436,
(pl.) B110, G44; verb M666
Together: A173—4, H280, S995
Toil: subst. T374; verb T470, T472
Told: See Tell.
Toll: subst. knell T375, tax M671, T65;
verb M958
Tom: T280, T376
Tom Long: J71
Tom of Lincoln: T377
Tom Pitcher: T381
Torn Telltruth: T382
Tom Thumb: T46
Tomb: M13, W726

T424, V29, W665, W672, W675—W678,
W793, W888, (pl.) D258, G295, M618,
P33. T414
Tongue powder: T415
Tongue-tied: T416
Too hasty: T417
Too-too: T435
Took: See Take.
Tool: (pl.) 145. T349. W199. W8s7—W859
Toom: B33, P665
Toot: See Tout.
Tooth: (sg.) B131, C525, H711, T404,
T41 8-T411. (PL) B424. C1759 E53. F98.
F691, K167, M1097, M1099, M1124,
S510, S563, S764, T392, T409, T423—
T432, T592, T607, V64, W620
Toothache: M1320, P18, T433
Toothdrawer: T434
Top: crown of head T436, highest point or
Part A356. G414. 517. W467. W783. rop-
sail T437, toy P57, T438—T440
Top-heavy: T441
Topgallant: T437
Topsy-turvy: T165, W903
Torch: C39, T442, T443
Torment: subst. L505a; verb D212, F614,
U29
Toss: B196, P328
Totness: See Tottenham.
Tottenham: T444
Tottenham Wood: T445
Touch: subst. M498, T446; verb H387,
H700, J42, P32, P358, P506, Q13, R64,
T373. T447. W931
Touchbox: G141
Touched: C789
Touchstone: C15a, L516, T448
Tough: L166, 035, 5839
Tout: T449
Tow: F268, F278, Q7, T450, T451
Tower: (sg.) S581, (pl.) T452
Tower of London: F476
Town: subst. B526, B603, C712, C721,
C771. C939. D337. D598. G73. L138.
L311, M1025, T262, T453—T455, T627,
W13, W176; adj. B716
Toy= (1.1-) T456. (PL) C337
Toze: W752a
Tracey: (pl.) T457
Trade: (1g.) C943, H133, M456, M1345,
N155. T458—T463. T643. V76. (PL)
Trader: T464
Tradesman: (pl.) T465
Traitor: (sg.) K64, (pl.) T466
Traitor’s Bridge: H320
Tramp: T604
Transform: D231
Transitory: T177
Translator: T467
Transplant: T499
Trap: snare D159, T468, trickery T469
Trash: T470, T471 -

Tread= C34. F 573. F574. G468. M194.
0103, 0108, S373, 8916, W384, W909
Treason: 1104, K64, T549
Treasure: F719, M207, M408,
M870. QIs. T470. T48I—T48s
Treasurer: S743
Tree: (sg.) B83, C281, C788, F777, G424,
H88, J91, K141, L280, M64, M1115, S52,
T186, T486—T504, W589, W644, (pl.)
C945, S211, T505—T512, W405, W733
Tremble: L140
Trencher: subst. L365, M457, M1302,
T513, T514; adj. F762
Trencherman: T515
Trent: H529, M143, P184
Trial: F87, T583
Tribe of Gad: T516
Trice: G125, T517
Trick: (5g.) B143, F187, T518—T520,
W149, (pl.) D500, F636, T521—T523
Trifle: F689
Trig-stairs: T524
Trim: verb to dress up H367, to make level
B492, to shave B71; adj. T513
Trimmingham: G116
Trimtram: T525
Trip: T526
Tripe: T157, T527
Triple tree: T501a
Triumph: V50
Trod: See Tread.
Trodden: See Tread.
Trojan: (pl.) T528, T529
Trot: SubJ'l. A369; verb A358, D110, D431,
H660, N75, N79, W124
Trotter: (pl.) S319
Trouble: subst. (sg.) C571, G293, H657,
L350, L507, T60, T530—T535, W46, (pl.)
P172; verb C29, F612, G410, H694, K121,
W604-
Troubled: F334
Troublesome: U15
Trough: S675
Trout: subst. (sg.) C285, F399, L404, T536,
T537, (pl.) T538; adj. H61
Trow: S700
Trowel: T539
Troy: T540
Truckle bed: T541
Trudge: T144
True: adj. (p013) C37, C819, D586, D591,
E97: 6173’ 61752 G378: G480: J43)
M143. M104. M503. N144. N156. R77.
S506, S818, S840, S841, 5914, T25, T122,
T446: T624: U41 V231 W772,
(eompar.) N137, (super!) J44; adv.
M514, W658
True blue: T542, T543
Trull: P480
Trumrv (52-) C453. M1064. T544. (PL)
T545
Trumpery: T471, W31
Trumpet: T546
h1805,

850
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Trumpeter: C677
Trunch: G116
Trunk: T547
Truss: W573
Trust: subst. D103, L551, T548-T555;
verb B557, C362, D181, E241, F520,
F712, F721, F724, G211, G296, H711,
H792: K187: L231: L570: M198, M534,
N180, P492, R61, 5196, S701, S727,
S805, T105, T556-T559, T595, W638,
W871
Trusty: 8840
Truth: (sg) B324, C328, D266, D384, E28,
G383, H83, L217, L231, L235, L237,
M504, M1206, P614, S538, T324, T329a,
T338. T383. T550, T séstas. W465,
W818, (21-) T 5% W537
Try: E116, G284, K28, P611, $1052, T336—
T338, T448, T558, T595, W56, W180
Tryst: (pl) F542
Tub= D614. 51034, T45, T596. T 597
Tug of war: G440
Tumble: B196
Tumor: (pl) D390
Tumult: H383
Tun: B55, F403, T598
Tune: A309, C660, T599, W213
Turd: (1g) C238, C780, C781, G374,
H548, H562, H794, H806, M1254, R202,
T600—T608, W240, (pl) A302, H761,
W687
Turf: N82
Turk: T57, T609, T610
Turkey: H440
Turkey cock: T611, T612
Turn: subst. (sg) A26, D371, K150, M139,
N301, S276, T613—T618, (pl) D549,
T619; verb B338, B698, C172, C272,
C420, C648, C664, E13, E104, F617,
G355, H724, I35, L26, L146, L477, M255,
M1178, M1272, N216, P211, R207, R210,
5I044, T4, T16, T3 53, T404, T443, T444,
T544, T609, T620, V16, W141, W439,
W449, W870, W901, W909
Turnagain Lane: H755
Turncoat: T621, W480
Turner: (pl) A118
Turning: T622
Turnip: B466
Tumspit: (pl) T623
Turpentine: W632
Turtle: T624
Tutor: T625
Tuum: M910
Twa: S552
Twain: T640
Twang: T626
Twat: T627, T629
Twelfth-day: T628
Twelve: S872, T629
Twenty: subst. O44, T630, T631; adj. SI 34,
W919
Twice: A14,B772,C511,F309,F316,G125,
H726, M570, P127, P207, S881, S882,
T39,T144,T153,T185,T224, W43, W851
Twig: (sg) M92, T632, (pl) T633
Twinkling: T634, T635
Twist: R174
Twitter: T636
Twittle-twattle: T637
Two: subst. H436, M390, M1235, O48, 058,
$193. T257, T435. T518. T638—T64s;
adj. B363, B472, E78, E83, E268, F374,
M506, M591. M914. P136. 5134, $663,
$717. S937, S995. T113. W817

Two-faced: J37
Twopence: B576, P207
Twyford: N29
Tybum: subst. E56, 8962; adj. J56
Tybum Cross: T646
Tybum tippet: T647
Tympany: T648
Tyrant: (1g) B158, C866, T649, (pl)
5478
U
Ugly: P502, S465
Ule: See Yule.
Ulysses: B562, M273
Unalterable: L113
Unbestowed: $907
Unbidden: G475, G476
Unblessed: U10
Unborn: U1
Uncalled: C537, C678, F206
Unch: U2
Uncle: A399, U3, U4
Uncle John: U5
Uncouth: U14
Under: C441, R185
Underboard: P402
Undermine: T339
Undermost: T602
Understand: D239, L64, P493, S722, T469,
U6
Understander: H39
Understanding: G257, M871, U7
Undertake: A193
Undeserving: P543
Undo: B474: B791, C900: D64: F83:
H655, M15, 0116, P397, T200, U8
Undone: D393, 0116
Unfed: U9
Unfortunate: N267
Unfurnished: C500
Ungirt: U10
Ungrateful: F730
Unhanged: S436
Unhappy: B580, M4952 M1304: P472
Union: H431, U11, U12
Unity: U12
University: W178
Unjoint: W803
Unjust: P154
Unkilled: F207
Unkind: F723, U13
Unkindness: C942, D169, M340
Unkissed: F59, U13, U14
Unknown: U14, W1
Unlawful: 07, S859, 8916
Unlearned: P280
Unlikely: L292
Unlooked: T192
Unlucky: F679, N10, P386
Unmanned: H230
Unmannerly: U15
Unmeet: J38
Unminded: U16
Unmoaned: U16
Unseemly: H572
Unseen: S472, U17
Unsent: N146, S654, W219
Unserved: C537
Unseyed: T162
Unsight: U17
Unsought: L455
Unsound: M977
Unspoken to: S751
Unstable: W86
Unsure: $1007

Untaught: U1, U9, U18
Untilled: W241
Untimeous: S794
Untrue: W384
Untumed: S890
Unwashed: H125
Unwholesome: F46
Up: subst. (pl) U19; verb N284; adj. N28;
adv. B695, N287, T30, W38
Upbraided: M1180
Upholding: P573
Upper: H95, M966
Uppermost: T602
Uppingham: T514
Upright: B30, C38, C108
Upside down: T165
Upstairs: N68
Urinal: S961
Use: subst. A375, C932, H132, 193, T141,
U20—U24; verb C361, D514, H13, 191,
152, L195, L197, M461, M559. M597,
M631, M1318, U25, U26
Used: K26
Usurer: (sg) G203, U27—U29, (pl) U30,
U
31
Usury: M879, U32
Uther Pendragon: U33
V
Vacuum: N42
Vain: B642, D498, L3, N21, N43, P20, V1—
V
5
Vainglory: V6
Vale: B336, V7
Vale of Hohnsdale: V8
Valencia: P275
Valentine, Saint: S64—S67
Valentine’s Day: S66, S67, V9
Valiant: subst. F 601, V10; adj. L308, M426,
M496
Valley: (sg) H467, V11, (pl) H202
Valor: A245, D354, V12—V15, V83, W491
Value: B495, G97, H290, M1045, W923
Van: P577
Vandosm: T226
Vane: V16
Vanity: A152, S474, V17
Variable: W223
Variety: V18
Varlet: A262
Vaunter: V19
Vavasor: S331
Veal: C17, S401, V20, V21, ZI
Vease: subst. P134; verb V22
Vein: M411
Velvet: subst. B701, M1342, T8, V23; adj.
H308
Vengeance: L482, V24, V25, V48
Venice: subst. G137, V26; adj. C814
Venison: F360, P593, V27
Venom: V28, V29, V67
Venomous: T407
Venture: subst. (sg) K124, (pl) V30; verb
A190, A109. E88. F319. 17% J74, N319,
N320
Venturous: M279
Venus: A227, C211, V3oa, V31
Verdingale: (pl) F73
Verjuice: D473, V32
Verse: (pl) P450
Vervain: V33
Ve ry: K120
Very nigh: A221
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
851

Vessel: container (:g.) L333, 8158, V34,
V35. W468, W655, (pl) V36—V39, ship
(sg.) W125, (pl) V39
Vex: D491, E244
Vexation: V17
Vicar: D235, D285
Vicar of Bowden: M108
Vicar of Bray: V40
Vicar of Fools: V41
Vicar of Layton: M1159
Vice: (sg.) A288, E224, 113, P238, P526,
5474, V41-V48, V72, (Pl) 166, V49
Victory: M1131, P150, P152, V5o—V52
Victual: subst. (pl) V53; verb C35
Vie: M140
Vier: ,M740
View: V54
Vigil: P607
Village: M276, V55
Villein: V56, V57
Vine: V58—V62
Vine garden: T78
Vinegar: F403, H382, V63, V64, W463,
W470
Vinegar cloak: V65
Vineyard: F136, N56
Vintage: B556
Vintner: P342, V66
Vintry: P106
Violent: N321
Viper: V67, V68
Virgin: (1g.) M19, (pl) V69
Virginity: M1196
Virtue: (sg.) A288, B255, B456, B480,
E175. F599, H571, L516. M112. M374.
M1206, N80, P101, P109, P541, R105,
5473, $1018, V44, V70-V9O, Y37, (pl)
1105
Virtuous: A75, V91, W642
Visage: H301
Visit: F717
Visor: V92
Vocation: C23
Voice: (1g) A298, P323, V93—V95, (pl)
P477. V96
Void: verb L142; adj. D259
Vomit: D455, D458
Vote: V99
VOW: (sg.) T297, (pl) L570, V97
Vowel: (pl) M1337
Voyage: (1g) V98, V99, (pl) V100
Vulgar: W530
Vulture: B360, 013
W
Waddle: B123
Wade: 8926
Wadesmill: W69
Wading: W1
Wag= D519, H55. H671, W15, W874, W879
Wage: subst. (pl) G234, H69, M718,
S509, W2, W3; verb W50
Wager: W4
Waggins= L99, W5
Wagon: C559
Wagoner: (pl) P70
Wagtail: M1020
Wail: M999a
Wain: S884, T129
Waist: M919
Waistcoat: M959
Wait: C640, H118, 021, R170
Waiting: I58
Wake: D525, L317, S321, S662, 81006

Waking: subst. W7, W8; adj. D515, D586,
S205, W50
Wales: A248, E151, K163, P536, S597
Walk: subst. (pl) G432; verb C23, E91,
G416, K140, M678, N100, 098, P500,
R206, $972, T409, W9
Walking: subst. W10; adj. F565
Walking staff: W11
Wall: (1g) A181, G432, H145, H273, L304,
L415, L587. Mass. 5731, T35, T189,
W12—W17, W185, (pl) H811, L532,
M555, R95, W18, W19
Wallet: (sg.) F620, K91, S799, W20, (pl)
E184
Walnut tree: W644
Walsingham: W21
Waltham: W22
Wamb: M1270.
Wame: F564
Wan: L135
Wand: W23—W27
Wander: F578
Wane: B121, W28, W555
Wanswell: M32
Want: subst. A346, F106, G79, H190, L54,
M1062, W29—W35, W81, W594, W924;
verb B631, C627, G56, L268, L324, M821,
M822, M951, M1041, M1046, N262,
P348, T160, T531, W36—W38, W157,
VV933
Wanting: G48
Wanton: T 420, W291
War: (sg.) A139, C223, C375, E67, G440,
1104, L59, M637, M885, M1067, P141,
P152, P154, T300, W39—W52, W119,
W205, (21-) F358, L554. Wss—W6O
Ward: T385. See also Ware verb to spend.
Wardrobe: R161, W61
Ware: subrt. merchandise (1g) F551,M674,
M883, M884, S48, 8252, W62—W66, (pl)
M284, W67, W68, place name W69; verb
to beware H227, S511, to spend W409;
adj. M1158, T291
Warily: D18
Warit: W82
Warling: M444—5
Warm: verb A320, F249, F758, H758, H763,
L188, W70; adj. A189, F168, F576, H172,
H253, K10, M224, M1226, M1248, P227,
S491, W75I
Warming pan: W71
Warmth: W11
Warn: M574
Warned: F429
.Warning: M475, 5128, W72, W73
Warp: sabre. A1; verb N245
Warrant: subst. 8168, W74, W947; verb E75
Wart: V31
Wary: M223, T291
Wash: A370, E186, F19, F21, F99, H87,
H109, H118, H122, H124, I76, M934,
T289, W85, W323
Washing: C849, H252, W75
Washing block: F 765
Wasp= (1.1-) W76-W79, (PL) W705
Waste: C46, H189, H190, W80, W81
Waster: (1g.) W121, (pl) B704, W82
Watch: subst. timepiece M439, vigil W83;
verb C128, F716, H167, M1125, T615
Watchman: W84
Water: subst. (1g) A240, B89, C29, C163,
D345, D613, D656, F21, F246, F253,
F254, F260, F267, F285, F308, F318,
F317, F538. 6184, 6214. 6377. G472.
See also Weamb, Womb.

M705, M944, Mg46, M952, MI128, N352,
091, P156, P499, P501, 881, 8179, 8182,
S354, S594, S850, T226, W1, W25, W85—
“71281 W171: W263: W430: W436:
W459, W469, W806. W911, (p1) C315,
C421, F334, R140, S346, W129—W131;
verb C275, H669, M662, P391, S814, T430;
adj. M798
Water-drinker: W132
Watering: F431
Watering pot: W133
Waterpot: M1129
Waterstock: N30
Waur: B493
Wave: (pl) M1004
Waveney: C123
Wavering: F162, W223, W412, W698
Waw: L415
Wax: subst. D453, G410, H249, H531,
L104: N226) S980: T443: \NII34:~
W139; verb B561, T260
Way: control (P) P594, direction (sg.)
F783, S924, W140—W144, (pl) A218,
W145, distance W146, method or means
C921 6130: H516: W147_W1551
(pl) W156, W157, road, track (1g) B228,
B454, (3567, D197. D556. D603, H45,
H150, H171, H193, H679, L50, L256,
L312, L457, L496, L531, M122, M280,
M1070, N41, P101, S349, S884, W158—
WI74, W614, (pl) H379, M1050, T 478,
W175—W18o
Way-bit: W181
Way-kenning: H142
Wayside: H766
Weabley: B624
Weak: subst.R102,W182;adj. (pea) B561,
B709, H653, M118, M594, P151, S760,
8915, W88, W391, W404, (compan)
W655, (superl) T251, W199
Weaken: P535
Weaker: subst. W183, W184; adj.
Weak adj. [compar.])
Weakest: subst. W185; adj. (see Weak adj.
[super/.1)
Weakness: F195
Weal: M254, W186—W190, W196
Wealth: B245, H289, K15, K190, M336,
M548, N211, T171, W191—W202, W472,
W518.W544
Wealthy: B184
Weamb: H449, N3.
Womb.
Weand: H701
Weapon: (sg.) M418, N58, W84, W203,
W204, W675, (pl) M289, W205, W206
Wear: B437: B645: B717: C4351 D4) D618, G294, G387, H618, H622, H625,
H722, 183, L452, M20, P640, R129, R142,
$575, T340, W233, W334, W403, W408,
1
(see
See also Wamb,
73
Wear out: T326, W209
Wearer: M129
Wearing: G79, W207, W208
Weary: verb B2, D413, W210; adj. D114,
D441, G95, 0108, P16, P466, R188,
W211, W268
Weasel: W212
Weather: (1g.) C231, C316, C421, C442,
C488, D114, F296, J36, N111, P368, R8,
R14, R20, S908, W213—W222, W414,
W445, W446, W673, (PL) M643
Weathercock: W223, W653
Weaver: (5g.) D272, M957, W926, (pl)

Wakefield: W6
178, T22, W224
H419, H532, H682, M57, M78, M262,
852
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Web: P186, W225, W226, W569
Webley: See Weabley.
Webster: (p!) N77, S655, W227
Wed: H130, M271, N347, T530, W228,
W119. W337. W364. W391, W731
Wedding: B572, D585, W230—W232, W750
Wedding day: B664, W382
Wedding ring: W233
Wedge: (sg) F482, W234, W235, (p!)
P289
Wedlock: A63—A65, W236
Weed: (5g) W237—W240, (pl) G37,M296,
W241—W243, W281
Week: D67, M 1107, T279, W244
Ween: E199, W245, W522
Weening: W246
Weep: C295, C326, D82, E269, H310, J87,
M967. M1176, 067. P365. S480. W147.
W638, W713, W716, W720
Weeping: C660, L151, W889
Weeping Cross: L460, W248
Weet: F424
Weft: W249
Weigh: C100, F288, P486, R50, W250,
W251, W417
Weight: (sg) G186, P37, W252—W254,
(pl) W255
Weird: W758
Welcome: subst. B638, G279, G338, W256—
W258; adj. B506, C536a, E49, F390,
G475, H284, H612, M1068, M1069,
M1174. Q1, S590, 59°95 W89. W116.
W259; interj. D159, E205, M936, R67,
W193
Well: subst. fortunate condition W260,
good W267, well for water (1g) B695,
D345, D504, F470, G214, M1305, P501,
S888, T582, W261, W922, (pl) D623,
W262—W264; adj. A150, A153—A157,
A164, B300, D270, D415, E156, F223,
F487. H347. 1115115111761. K183, L375—6,
O34, T365, W265; adv. B254, B265, D396,
D398, D399, D402, D403—4, D409, D41 1,
D413, D415, H306, 124, K58, L378, L382,
L386, L390, L391, L432, M91, M513,
P404, P561, 8106, SI 12, S640, S718, T134,
T153. V9, W138
Well and them: W267
Well-bred: S762, Y50
Well-doing: W268
Well-fumished: H773
Well mounted: M302
Well-nigh: A221
Well remembered: M664
Well well: W269
Welland: W266
Wellhead: D609
Wellington: R192
Welsh: A233, B462, M925, P176
Welsh bait: H644
Welsh parsley: W273
Welshman: H313, 189, W270-W272
Welt: W274
Wench: (sg) B11, D114, H375, M29, SI,
(PL) W175. W473, W435
Went: See Go.
Wept: See Weep.
West: E44, E45, N211, W445
Westminster: M29, M865, W276
Westminster Hall: 8962
Westridge Wood: W277
Westward: S559
Wet: verb W312; adj. F234, H101, M1237,
SI 1, $887, T508 (see also West); adv. S689
Wether: W602

Wetting: C432, W278
Whale: T597
Whale’s-bone: W279
Whang: W302
Wharler: (p!) W280
What: H218, K178, L20, M1331
Wheamow: W629
Wheat: B87, B622, G37, M58, W281—
W285
Wheat mow: C760
Wheat-sowing: F296
Wheatear: L404
Wheel: (sg) F617, M87, S403, S768, S769,
W286, W287, (pl) A40, S460, T387,
W288, W289, W893
Wheelbarrow: H354, M1323, W290, Y21
Whelp: (sg) P300, W291-W294, (p!)
B425, S292
Whemling: C102
When: K20, T 88
Where: G202, W295
Wherefore: W331, W332
Wherever: M415
Wherewithal: L530
Whet: subst. W296; verb 191a, K154, K156,
0104, W491
Whether: M759
Whetstone: S876, W297—W299
Whey: H679
While: B79, L234, P99, W300, W301
Whiles: B36
Whine: B427
Whinger: W302
Whinny: H671
Whip: subst. A267, D512, 028, S790, T19,
W303-W306; verb C173, T439
Whip hand: W307
Whipping cheer: W308
Whir: T19, W304
Whirl: E267
Whirlwind: D228, W437
Whisk: B662
Whisker: D15, W309
Whispering: W310
Whist: B392, M1240
Whistle: subst. act of whistling E129, small
wind instrument H619, M488, W311,
throat W312; verb D481, D606, W313,
W440
Whistling: D488, M767, M1156, S400
Whit: W314
White: subsl. color B435, B438—B441, C222,
R59; target F516; adj. (pas) B579, C19,
C446, C853, C859, D310, E106, E186,
F167: F271) H254) H418: 180, 1109, L177, L296, M720, M931,
M9115. M1116. N5. P439, 8305, S453,
8459. 5591, $593, 5619. $631. 5891. W17.
W279, W755, (compar) C849, (superl)
C8
51
White-foot: H641
White leather: L166
White-livered: C71, F180
Whited: S225 -
Whiten: B105, T237
Whitepot: W315
Whither: W570
Whither go you: W316
Whiting: W317, W318
Whitsuntide: C368
Whitworth: M4
Whole: subst. H43, H44; adj. C313, C433,
C827, F301, L227, P271, P507, T536
Whoop: O96
Whore: (sg) A368, B180, B603, C721,

D560: F49: L341: L525: M143: S631:
T81, T111, T208, W276, W319—W324,
(pl) F557, K145, T121, W325—W327
Whoredom: O70, W328
Whoring: W329
Why: K181, W330—W332
Wicked: subst. P535, W333, W597; adj.
M364, M4175 M4985 T137, T140, W641
Wickedly: L392
Wickedness: S466
Wickham: M629
Widdy: K71, T106
Wide: subst. W334; adj. B513, B567, C6o3a,
D330, E26; adv. M668
Widow: (sg) C550, H372, M17, M18,
M16. M700. W335—W341. (v15) W342
Wife: (sg) A255, B55, B312, B411, C320,
C362, C729, D54, D307, E245, G385, H190,
H194. H636. H649. H657. H674. H771.
H779. H781. H831. H834. H835, H837—
H839, J25, J72, J102, K52, L18, L25,
L169, L575, M26, M65, M72, M93,
M119—20, M134, M391, M395, M408,
M446, M460, M467, M492, M746, M1020,
M1077, M1313, N79, N169, N225, P66,
P118. P330. P564. 5387, S418. 5574,
S610, S628, S652, S949, S973, T21, T123,
T135. T179. T114. V59. W176, W343-
W384, W639, Y10, (pl) B10, C186,
DI47: D536: F1991 H840: H841: K1591
M670, M951, S863, W385—W388, W485.
See also Goodwife.
Wight: subst. 1102; adj. M418
Wild: subst. W389; adj. B158, B692, C376,
F165, 06
Wild cat: C376
Wild-goose chase: W390
Wilderness: W743
Wile: (pl) F659, M599, S857, W391
Will: subst. determination, intention (sg)
B42, G338—G342, I41, 150, K46, S236,
V33, W391—W398. W551, W553, W616,
W869, Y45, (pl) W715, W723, proper
name T376, W399, testament K110,
M1150; verb D414, F216, H366, H676,
K72> M554, M580) M7691 M1195: N54»
062, P102, S115, T27, T639, W157,
W173, W295, W400, W401; adj. M392
Willful: M419, P298, W352, W402
William of Wickham: M629
Willing: subst. F82; adj. A158, H337, M975,
N299, S760
Willingly: B127, D407
Willow: (sg) H174, W403, (pl) W404,
W405
Willy: H695
Wiltshire: W699
Wily: F629
Wily-beguiled: W406
Wimble: G107, W407
Win: A151, A295, B78, D43, E150, F297,
F663, G294, G316, H302, H639, H809,
L935 L437. M337, M880. N40. N310.
N345) P4O4> P640: S792: T260:
T331. T455. V8. W208. W397. W408.
W409, W657, W681, W905
Wince: H700
Winchester: C58, G366
Wind: subst. (sg) A88, A90, B125, B175,
B641. B733. C655, E46. E197. F161.
F262, F288, G256, G422, H206, H257,
I1384,116<>9.138. L63. M255. P311. 513.
S25, S315, S621, S896, 8924, 8971, S974,
T275, T457, T500, V16, W144, W220,
W366, W410—W449, W673, W698, W831,

INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS
853

W833, W834, (pl.) G256, M942, R16,
S353, T509, W450, W451; verb B553,
F232, H623, H802
Windlestraw: (pl.) W452
Windmill: (5g) B586, S869, W453, W454,
(PL) W455
Window: (1g.) A87, C248, C721, D105,
E231, L502, W456, W457, W647, (pl.)
H785. P531
Wine: A104, B175, B214, B592, B614,
B615, B619, C508, C701, D610, D656,
627: H382: H725: L442 L179:
L525, M936, P156, P159, P342, P397,
T209, T211, U27, W112, W117, W122,
W345. W410. W458-W493. W696. W714.
W740, Y32
Wine-bred: 8977
Winebibber: W494
Wing: (1g.) B348, C67, E149, F154, F156,
G425, W495, (pl.) A49, A256, C849, E4,
F133, F394, F407, F650, 120, L241, N148,
R1 1 1, T14, T327, W496—W499, W838, Z2
Wink: C152, C169, C174. C176, E241,
F123, G40, G248, R19, T317, W500,
W501
Winkabank: W502
Winning= (1.1-) B744. B789. Wsos—Wsos.
(pl.) W506
Winter: subrt. A64, C52, D72, D98, F700,
F771, H702, L256, L566, L574, M924,
N350, S785, $1026, W215, W507—W515,
W747; verb W516; adj. T277
Winter wind: W673
Wipe: D271, F21, N221, N222, N228,
N243, N244, S378, T527
Wire: (pl.) W255
Wiredrawer: W517
Wisdom: A62, A135, A367, C113, C476,
E219, E221, G102, H34, H837, M477,
5819. T481. T535. W518—W518. W553.
W557 ,
Wise: subst.W529—W531,W788;adj. (par)
A42, A44, A269, A284, B184, B506, B659,
B668, C239, C309, C582, D50, D193,
D657, E157, E163, E192, F112, F332,
F414. F449. F458. F460. F467-F47O.
F500, F504, F512, F526, F531, F532,
F533. F538. F540. F543. F545. F559.
G324, G348, H39, H140, H512, H607,
K10, L384, L417, L558, M127, M160,
M164, M173: M321: M331) M344:
M368, M371, M419—M431, M439, M461,
M481, M529, M543, M574, M599—M606,
M617, M636, M907, M1070, N158, N198,
N347: PI45> P295) P297: P649:
R113, R131, S86, S610, S612, S737, T184,
T185, T291, T320, T473, T528, W22,
W30, W229, W402, W447, W522, W528,
W53Q—W534. W540. W561. W641. W643.
W745. W746. W781. W799. W830. W835.
W869, (compan) F478, 037, S613, W228,
(superb) C409, M432, M585, T63
Wish: subrt. (pl.) D590, W535—W538; verb
B199. B524. D417. E47. G383. H106.
H113. H349. M574. P546. 8205. $508.
$1001
Wisher: (pl.) W539
Wishing: (pl.) H404
Wisp: A134, W540
Wist: B433, H8—H10, W541
Wit: subrt. (5g.) A60, B293, B652, B687,
C153: C616: C883_4> F4481 F537, G88, G216, H245, H247, H261,
114, M263, M913a, N84, O85, O87, P182,

W542_W575> H279! H281)
W576-W583, W696; verb H79, K173,
W245. W367
Witch: (sg.) D299, W584—W587, (pl.)
G165. I83. V33. W53
Witchcraft: W588
Wite: T176
Witham: L373, P320
Withdraw: D189, M145
Wither: F386, R180, T491
Withhold: H107
Within: adj. P79; prep. D566
Without: D566
Withy tree: W589
Witness: (sg.) C603, L238, L259, W590,
W591, W850, (pl.) C601
Witt)" F494. H3. M587. M594. P641. W693
Wive: T264, Y12
Wiving: W592
Woe: (sg.) B237, B410, 122, K98, M151,
M159, M254, P316, S90, W186—W189,
W196, W396, W397, W593—W600, W656,
(pl.) A69, P411
Woeful: W352
Wogan: K59
Wolf: (1g.) B129, C574, D145, D442, D449,
D456, F639, H812, K60, L36, L98, L258,
L339) M245, M247: M552: M855) 83001
S303, S306, T115, W509, W601—W618,
Y49. (.91.) A354. D146. F347. H437.
M213, S301, W619—W621
Woman: (sg.) A336, B179, B614, C122,
D232, F593, F605, H20, H156, H375,
H765, K88, L518, M79, M155, M255,
M274, M294, M443, M686, M867, M1001,
M1304. N315. P63. P137. P365. 8196.
S350, S351, S447, S977, T18, T195, T215,
T398. T551. W44. W153. W353. W383.
W449: W568: W622—W679> W785: Y3°9
(Pl-l A367. Cs. (3131. D187. E147. G17.
659. L45. M541. M548. M553. M1038.
P397, R40, S225, 81044, U31, W189,
W474. W673. W680-W724. W719
Womanish: R91
Womb: M407, W725, W726. See also
Wamb, Weamb.
Won: See Win.
Wonder: (sg.) L470, M423, T277, W515,
W727, W728, (pl.) W729
Wont: rubst. W730; adj. G451, M1296, U26
Woo: C671,M17,M271,M917,P421,W731
Wood: subst. forest (sg.) A409, B122, B361,
B363, C784, F36, G59, H812, L143, M660,
R7, S240, S434, T445, W167, W179,
W180, W277, W732, W733, (pl.) F209,
lumber, firewood, etc. C784, M893, W404,
W734—YV743, proper name H823, P247,
W744; adj- W745
Woodcock: 083, P85, S588, S788, W746—
W748
Wooden: C699, D4, D6, H247, H708, M754,
$1048, W635
Wooer: (pl.) W342
WOOing: B4301 c738: W749:
Wool: B22, C63, C431, C871, F14, G170,
M1339, P480, S287, S298, S320, S502,
S976. W569. W719. Vl’7511-W756
Wool buyer: W757
W001 seller: W757
Woolen: G182
Woolgathering: W582
Woolpack: (pl.) L416
Word: (5g.) A6, A251, C766, D333, F449,
G76. H39. H449. H508. K74. K81. K83.

M458, M459, M1066, M1310, 0107, T50,
T551, W269, W722, W758—W782, (pl.)
A276, B287, C333, C558, D186, D187,
D552, M296, M761, V88, W65, W588,
W686, W687, W783—W840, W933
Work: subrt. (1g.) B70, B528, B582, C383,
C943: D941 D113, F588) 61591
G243, H108, H119, H133, L523, M601,
M835, N2, P122, S240, S565, T58, W3,
W150, W168, W517, W679, W841—W851,
W855, W860, (pl.) A276, C235, S624,
W852; verb B185, B601, E40, F233, F290,
F772, G85, G436, H699, L305, M199,
M574, M634, N2, N281, N340, P259,
541. W138. W593
Work-hard: F588
Workfolks: M824
Working: W853, W854
Working day: 894
Workman: (5g) L209, W85 5—W860, (pl.)
W861, W862
Workmanship: W863
World: A69, A108, B144, B525, C3, C817,
D234, D336, E39, F368, G387, H46,
H135) H1381 Illa 1104:1781J901 K144,
K153, L2, L89, L155, L267, L414, M367,
M410, M412, M833, M1001, M1059,
M1298, N325, 068, R188, 8139, S666
T318, V56, W227, W592, W631, W864—
W906
Worldling: M444— 5
Worldly: T177
Worm: (1g) B368, W734, W907—W909,
(pl.) M253, T490
Worry! D493. D541. W6I9
Worse: subst. B27, M65, W184, W910; adj.
(see Bad adj. [compar.]); adv. F107,
G160, I25, M1154
Worship: subst. C670, W202; verb 8979
Worst: subst. B325, B328, B689, F464,
T216, T626, W84, W446, W892, W911—
W919; adj. (see Bad adj. [wiper/J); adv.
C40. D209. I44
Wort: (pl.) W920
Worth: subst. M285, M884, W921—W925;
adj. B1 18, B329, B782, C749, D430, D488,
E95. F71. F111. F353. F396. @149. G191.
G458, G462, H4, H19, H178, H221, H300,
H426, J53, L472, M884, M1026, M1138,
M1278, M1299, N34, N269, N283, N366,
066, P135, P161, P200, P334, P379, P387,
P456, P488, P626, 8143, S382, S413, S512,
S651, S918, T103, T605, W187, W253,
W311, W752, W805
Worthy: B533, C742, D95, G486, H566,
L12, L84, M607, P232, S378
Wot: See Wit verb.
Wotton Hill: R187
Wotton under Weaver: W926
Would: See Will verb.
Woulder: (pl.) W539
Wound: subst. (sg.) H90, P270, W927-
W930, (pl.) W931, W932; verb D305,
E174. $731 '
Wounded: A93
Wrack: M412, W942
Wrangler: (pl.) W933
Wrap: A210, F426—7, L306, M1203
Wrath: G186, H383, W822, W934
Wreak: W944
Wrekin: F756
Wren: (1g.) E4, F70, W935—W937, (pl.)
W938
Wrench: (pl.) W275

85421 T390: T412: W201: W471) W491:
Wrestle: C514, T269, T602
M25, M148, M184, M300, M319, M385,
854
INDEX OF SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Wretch: C91 Yawning: $932 Yoke: subst. H20, T303; verb F661, T308
Wretched: T140 Yea: N55, Y4. See also Aye. Yolk: (p!) E93
Wright: W939 Yeaning: E210 Yore: M929
Wring: A210, M129, W107 Year: subst. (sg) A306, A333, B399, B614, York: L300
Wrinkle: (pl) P648
Writ“ F 670, F 743, I71, 5444, WI 14, W530,
W940, W941
Writer: (pl) T24
Writing: F458, R39
Written: See Write.
Wrong: subst. (sg) I23, I70, K61, P469,
R122, R123, R126, R127, W942—W948,
(pl) W949; verb H342, M181, M598; adj.
B575, M1014, M1072, 069, S395, S426,
S684, S685; adv. W948
Wrote: See Write.
Wroth: P496
Wrought: H430
Wych-waller: W950
Wye: E228
Y
Yard: enclosure H760, unit of measure
M546, Y1
Yarmouth capon: Y2
Yate: Y3

B701. B771, B773, C369, C370, 6371.
(3437, 6483. (3619, C891, D83, D355,
F26, F296, F535, F662, G330, G417,
H1492 H440, H751, 1332 L178: M730:
M740, M767, M887, M1107, M1110,
N335, S50, S55, S785, S811, 8962, W120,
Y5—Y20, Y32, (pl) C654, D219, D304,
F468, H626, H741, S476, T141, Y21—-
Y27; verb Y28
Yearling: (pl) Y29
Yeld: S683
Yellow: A160, G280, K115, N193, S783,
S868
Yelping: C919
Yeoman: K163, Y30
Yeomanry: H240
Yesterday: D69, T372, Y31, Y32
Yew bow: Y33
Yield: to give way C122, H537, 152, L368,
M21, M286, to produce B212, C258,
C857, E32, V62
Yielding: V14

Yorkshire: W181
Yorkshire tike: B669, Y34
You: A61
Young: subst. A264, Y35; adj. (pas) A82,
A236, C160, C491, D328, E262, F369,
G251, G368, H263, L152, L377, L589,
M197, M443, M444~5. M500, M533,
M566, M572—M574, M609, M610, M616,
M620, M696, 024, 034—036, P221, P273,
P309, P421, R186, S33, S68, S479,
S710, T209, V62, (campar) B686—B688,
Y36
Yours: B499, M980, W155
Yourself: B341, C361, M563, S248
Youth: early period oflife A11, A77, F351,
F438) M1147: T330: Y37—Y48: young
person Y49—Y51
Yowl: D463
Yule: B356, F146, N350, Y52—Y54
Z
Zeal: Z1—Z3



THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
DATE DUE

t 112,911. 1990





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