Page:Excellent ancient adages, together with notes on the writings of Chinese romanized in the Hokkien dialect.djvu/70

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149. We get mens’ hatred while supporting many of them,
When there are full of workmen we gain their compassions.

150. To revenge in three days is the term of a scamp,
But of superior man, three years’ retaliation.

151. While in his youth, he steals needles to practice,
Robs gold at manhood, he turns to be a thief.

152. When sons encourage father, the family seems to be prosperous,
And it likely to be accomplish’d, when the youngers strengthen elders.

153. While two ploughs set up, family is harmoniz’d,
When a household is to be ruin’d, keeping two wives.

154. In return gratitude the lamb kneels to suck,
The Crow justly turns feeding back to its mug.

155. When a snake has no head cannot go,
While the grass has no root cannot grow.

156. At meal need not consider, how much food you are taking,
And on journey need not mind, how far that you are going.

157. Man is seldom getting rich, without th’ crosswise coming gains,
As a horse does not fatten. without feeding him with night grains.

158. Distant water can hardly help a burning fire at hand,
A near neighbour is better far than outports’ relation.

159. Better to be upright with poverty,
Than depraved with abundance stiffly.

160. The complaints of all mouths cannot be exempted,
As an inch of shallow water has no fishes.

161. A small boat is unable to carry a load too heavy,
We need not venture to go into a dismal path lonely.

162. ‘Tis better to die in accordance with propriety,
Than that to live in pursuance of absurdity.