A FIG FOR PROVERBS

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 7, 18 February 1909, Page 277

A FIG FOR PROVERBS

At every turn of ' life's dull- round ' (I've heard good people say), - ! A wholesome proverb may be found To light one on the way. But though. I've often sought the aid Of maxims old and trite In application, I'm afraid, They've seldom worked out right. ' Faint heart fair lady never won ' — What courage'in the thought Till some one adds, and not in fun, ' O'er-coufidence wins naught!' To ' wed in hasto,' says the old song, Is to ' repent at leisure,' While others sing, " Engagements long Ne'er end in wedded pleasure.' That ' absence makes hearts fonder ' might Seem clear and wall defined Until we're told that 'out of sight' Means also ' out of mind.' ' Fine feathers make fine birds,' 'tis urged, Yet that, we, too, must ban; The maxim is at. once submerged In Clothes don't make the man.' 'Home, home sweet homo! No place like home!' What joy those. w>tds impart! Though some confess who sadly roam 1 Home is where rests the heart.' ' 'Tis money makes the mare to go,' Of course you all know that; Yes, ' 'tis the root of evil,' too, So what would you be at? ' Silence is golden' may be true Where wordy warfare spreads, Yet there's another adage, too — ' Still tongues lie in calves' heads.' Again, 'Time will for no man stay,' To suit liis loves or hates, But ' All things come,' they also say, ' To him who calmly waits.' When proverbs thus in puzzling maze Each other contravene, Where lies the wisdom that we praise? What do their teachings mean? Where's so much choice there must be flaw, Or I'm a senseless elf. 'Tis therefore best to simply draw The one that suits yourself.