PROVERBS : MUNSTER

(Mr. P. McCarthy, Clohane Castle)

(continued)

23. Is dall súil i gcúil dhuine eile.

Blind is an eye in another's heap, that
is, we are generous with what is not
our own.

24. Ní fíor cad do bheireann an té bhíos
amuigh.

Not true what befalls him who is out;
that is, he gives plenty of excuses for
his being out so late, half of which
are not true.

25. Tosach na dighe do'n éigcialluidhe
Agus a deireadh do'n té iarr í.

The first of the drink to the foolish,
Its last to him who asked it.

26. Ní fachtar (= faghthar) bainne beirbhthe
gan earball fliuch.

One doesn't get boiled milk without a
wet tail (= There are no gains with-
out pains.)

27. Adharc bó nó tón capaill.

A cow's horn, or a horse's hinder
part.

28. Ní i gcómhnuidhe thagann trom-chraobh
ó'n bhfairrge.

It is seldom a heavy branch is cast up
by the sea. (Don't let a good
opportunity slip.)

29. Cuid na caidhne-seo san gcadhain eile.

For difficulties have contivances
ready. (Cadhain, a measure con-
taining a little above a glass.)

30. Órdughadh an mháighistir bíonn sé láidir.

Let a servant be careful how he dictates
to his master.

31. Feoil do thabhairt do leanbh, feoil do
bhaint do leanbh.

To give meat to a child (is the same
as) to take it from him. (What a
child once tastes he must get again.)

32. Gach nídh ar deisiol acht an tseisreach
ar dtuathal.

All things (ought to go) sunwise, ex-
cept the yoke of horses for plough-
ing.

33. Muna bhfaghair othar, déin othar.

If you don't inherit disease, make it
for yourself, (by dissipation &c.
That is, few value health at its true
worth.)

34. Ní fhuil coill gan a losgadh críon.

There is no wood without its burning
of withered (sticks) (i.e., as much as
would burn it all.)

35. Seanbhean chríona an dranntáin, ní
stadann choidhche acht ag camhráil.

The querulous old woman never stops
(but) contending.