Better a near neighbour than a distant cousin.

Better a near neighbour than a distant cousin.

The poor man, while he apes the wealthy, effects his own ruin.
[The fable of frog and the cow.]

The poor man, while he apes the wealthy, effects his own ruin.
[The fable of frog and the cow.]

What will their masters not accomplish when low fellows are so
presumptuous?

What will their masters not accomplish when low fellows are so
presumptuous?

One slumber finds another.

One slumber finds another.

A scab'd horse cannot abide the comb.

A scab'd horse cannot abide the comb.

The finest edge is made with the blunt whetstone.

The finest edge is made with the blunt whetstone.

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles read more

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles to-day,
To-morrow may be dying.

Deception follows on the heels of deception.

Deception follows on the heels of deception.

Tender-handed stroke a nettle,
And it stings you for your pains;
Grasp it like a man of read more

Tender-handed stroke a nettle,
And it stings you for your pains;
Grasp it like a man of mettle,
And it soft as silk remains.
'Tis the same with common natures,
Use 'em kindly, they rebel;
But, be rough as nutmeg-graters,
And the rogues obey you well.