English 17th Century Proverbs Proverb Quotations

So many mists in March, so many frosts in May.

You never miss the water till the well runs dry.

Spare at the spigot, and let out the bung-hole.

There is reason in the roasting of eggs.

A swarm in May is worth a load of hay; a swarm in June is worth a silver spoon; but a swarm in July is not worth a fly.

Whom the Gods would destroy, they first make mad.

Why buy a cow when milk is so cheap?

Talk of the Devil, and he is bound to appear.

When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out of the window.

Whosoever draws his sword against the prince must throw the scabbard away.

Walnuts and pears you plant for your heirs.

You buy land, you buy stones; you buy meat, you buy bones.