The Proverbs of Scotland Part 48

He that never eats flesh thinks harigals a feast.

Parallel to the English proverb, "He who never eats flesh thinks pudding a dainty."

He that never rade never fell.

He that never thinks will ne'er be wise.

He that oppresses honesty ne'er had ony.

He that pays his debt begins to mak a stock.

He that pays last ne'er pays twice.

He that pities another minds himsel.

He that plants trees lo'es ithers beside himsel.

He that plays wi' fools and bairns maun e'en play at the chucks.

When a man mixes with children, or fools or rogues, he must adapt himself to them.

"What signifies what I desired, man? when a wise man is with fules and bairns, he maun e'en play at the chucks. But you should have had mair sense and consideration than to gie Babie Charles and Steenie their ain gate; they wad hae floored the very rooms wi' silver, and I wonder they didna."--_Fortunes of Nigel._

He that pleads his ain cause has a fool for his client.

He that puts the cat in the pock kens best how to tak her out.

He that puts on the public gown maun aff the private person.

A maxim of proverbial philosophy which many persons in petty authority might practise with advantage--to the public.

He that rides ahint anither doesna saddle when he pleases.

That is, he who is dependent on another must submit to his superior's authority.

He that rides or he be ready wants aye some o' his graith.

He that's angry opens his mouth and steeks his een.

That is, vents himself in abuse without looking into the details of the case.

He that's aught the cow gangs nearest the tail.

He that has most interest in an undertaking or property is willing to run a greater risk than he that has none.

He that says what he likes will hear what he doesna like.

He that's born to a plack 'll ne'er get a pound.

He that's born to be hanged will never be drowned.

He that's crabbit without cause should mease without amends.

He that seeks alms for G.o.dsake begs for twa.

He that seeks motes gets motes.

He that seeks trouble 'twere a pity he should miss it.

He that sells his wares for words maun live by the loss.

He that's far frae his gear is near his skaith.

A man who is away from his property, or not sufficiently careful of it, is liable to be wronged in his absence.

He that's first up's no aye first ser'd.

He that shames, let him be shent.

"An old Scottish proverb not now used, scarcely understood: a wish that he who exposes his neighbour may come to shame himself."--_Kelly._

He that shows his purse tempts the thief.

He that's ill o' his harboury is gude at the way-kenning.

He that is unwilling that a visitor or friend should remain in his house, is very ready to give information as to the way home, and the advantages of following it.

He that's ill to himsel will be gude to naebody.

He that sleeps wi' dogs maun rise wi' flaes.

Or, he who keeps bad company will be contaminated by it.

He that's mann'd wi' boys and hors'd wi' colts will hae his meat eaten and his wark ill done.

In sarcastic allusion to those who entrust matters of importance to youthful or inexperienced persons. "Because," as Kelly says, "the boy will neglect his business, and the colt will throw him."

He that's no my friend at a pinch is no my friend at a'.

He that spares to speak spares to speed.

That is, he who is afraid to speak for his own advancement when an opportunity occurs, does injury to himself.

He that speaks the thing he shouldna will hear the thing he wouldna.

He that speaks to himsel speaks to a fool.

He that speaks wi' a draunt an' sells wi' a cant, is right like a snake in the skin o' a saunt.