A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs / Comprising French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and Danish, with English Translations and a General Index

DANISH PROVERBS.

Aaret har en vid Mund og en stor Mave. The year has a wide mouth and a big belly.

Adam fik en Hak og Eva fik en Rok, deraf er al vor Adels-Flok. Adam got a hoe, and Eve got a spinning-wheel, and thence come all our nobles.

Af Falsk og Svig vorder ingen riig. Deceit and treachery make no man rich.

Af LÆp vorder Hund lÆderaadig. By gnawing skin a dog learns to eat leather.

Af liden Gnist kommer ofte stor Ild. A large fire often comes from a small spark.

Af Ögler komme Ögleunger. Vipers breed vipers.

Af Skade bliver man klog, men sielden rig. Damage suffered makes you knowing, but seldom rich.

Af to onde Kaar skal man vÆlge det bedste. Of two evils choose the least.

Alderdom er ond Reisebroder. Age is a sorry travelling companion.

Alderdom giÖr mangen hvidere, men ikke bedre. Age makes many a man whiter, but not better.

Aldrig er Fugl saa liden, sÖger jo eget Bo. A bird may be ever so small, it always seeks a nest of its own.

Aldrig er saa gammel en KiÆrling, kommer der Ild i hende hun springer jo. A woman may be ever so old, if she takes fire she will jump.

Aldrig lÆges Saar saa vel, at Arret jo synes. A wound never heals so well that the scar cannot be seen.

Aldrig var fÆrre Adel, end naar hver vil vÆre det. There were never fewer nobles than when all would be so.

Alle Baader hiÆlpe, sagde Soen, hun greb et Myg. Every little helps, said the sow, when she snapped at a gnat.

Alle NÖgle ere ei bundne ved en Kones Laar. All keys hang not at one woman’s girdle.

Alle Qvinder ere gode lutherske de prÆdike heller end de hÖre Messe. All women are good Lutherans, they would rather preach than hear mass.

Alle see hans bolde Arm, ingen seer hans slunkne Tarm. Every one sees his smart coat, no one sees his shrunken belly.

Alle ville lÆnge leve, men Ingen vil gammel hedde. All wish to live long, but none to be called old.

Almisse tÖmmer ei Pung, og ei Messe DagsfÆrd. Alms do not empty the purse, and a mass does not exhaust the day’s duty.

Alting har en Ende—uden PÖlsen, den har to. Everything has an end—except a sausage, which has two.

Altid at spare, er altid at fattes. Always to be sparing is always to be in want.

Alt leer folsk Mand, naar Anden leer. A fool laughs when others laugh.

Alt Vand vil til Strand, og Pengene til rig Mands Haand. As water runs towards the shore, so does money towards the rich man’s hand.

Alt voxer Rakketand, mens gammel Hund bider Been. The teeth of the puppy are growing, while the old dog is gnawing bones.

Alvor og Gammen kunne bedst sammen. Earnestness and sport go well together.

Anden Tid giver andet Folk. Other times, other folk.

Arbeide har en bitter Rod, men sÖd Smag. Labour has a bitter root, but a sweet taste.

Arm er den Muus som kun har et Hul. It is a poor mouse that has but one hole.

Armod og KiÆrlighed ere onde at dÖlge. Love and poverty are hard to conceal.

Arne Bande bider bedst. The curse on the hearth wounds the deepest.

Arrig Quinde og bidsk Hund vogte Huset. A cross-grained woman and a snappish dog take care of the house.

At bede og smÖre sinker ei at kiÖre. To bait and to grease does not retard a journey.

At bie og lide, stiller mangen en Qvide. To wait and be patient soothes many a pang.

At sige Daaren Raad, det er som at slaae Vand paa en Gaas. To give counsel to a fool is like throwing water on a goose.

At skÆre i fremmed Öre er ikke anderledes end i Filtehat. To cut into another man’s ear is like cutting into a felt hat.

At tie Sandhed, er at begrave Guld. To withhold truth is to bury gold.

At vide Lov og giÖre Ret er tvende haande. To know the law and do the right are two things.

Ave er god naar hun kommer i Tide. Correction is good when administered in time.

Avind kommer ikke i Öde Huus. Envy does not enter an empty house.

Avindsyg er sin egen BÖddel. Envy is its own torturer.

Avind var aldrig god Talsmand. Envy was never a good spokesman.

Ærlig Mand er ei disvÆrre, at en Hund gÖer ad ham. An honest man is not the worse because a dog barks at him.

Bag efter kommer tyndt Öl. Small beer comes the last.

Bande bider ei Öie ud, uden NÆven fÖlger med. A curse will not strike out an eye, unless the fist goes with it.

Bange Hierte vandt aldrig fager MÖ. Faint heart never won fair lady.

Barneryg vil bÖies i Tide. A child’s back must be bent early.

Barn skal krybe til det lÆrer at gaae. A child must creep until it learns to walk.

Barne Sorg varer stakket. A child’s sorrow is short-lived.

BÆr Asenet en GuldsÆk, det Æder dog Tidsel. Though the ass may carry a sack of gold, it nevertheless feeds on thistles.

Beder Gud dig drage, han faaer dig vel Reb; beder han dig ride, han faaer dig vel Hest. If God bids thee draw, he will find thee a rope; if he bids thee ride, he will find thee a horse.

Bedre Ægget i Dag end HÖnen i Morgen. Rather the egg to-day than the hen to-morrow.

Bedre at Barn grÆder end at Moder sukker. Better the child cry, than the mother sigh.

Bedre at blÆse hart end at brÆnde sig. Better blow hard than burn yourself.

Bedre at gaae en liden Krog end at vÆde sin Brog. Better make a short circuit than to wet your hose.

Bedre at komme seent til Kirke end aldrig. Better come late to church than never.

Bedre at spare paa Bredden, end paa Bunden. Better spare at the brim than at the bottom.

Bedre at vÆre fri Fugl end fangen Konge. Better to be a free bird than a captive king.

Bedre brÆnder den vaade Green end den tÖrre Steen. The wet branch burns better than the dry stone.

Bedre een Fugl i Haanden end to paa Taget. One bird in the hand is better than two on the roof.

Bedre en salt Sild over sit eget Bord, end en fersk Giedde over et fremmed. Better a salt herring on your own table, than a fresh pike on another man’s.

Bedre er aaben Fjende end Hykle-Ven. Better an open enemy than a false friend.

Bedre er at Barn grÆder, end gammel Mand. Better the child cry than the old man.

Bedre er at gaae fri i en grÖn Eng, end at vÆre bunden til en Tornebusk. Better walk unshackled in a green meadow, than be bound to a thorn-bush.

Bedre er at lide for Sandhed, end at LÖnnes for LÖgn. Better suffer for truth, than prosper by falsehood.

Bedre er at stemme BÆkken end Aaen. It is easier to stem the brook than the river.

Bedre er at tinge ved Busken end ved Boien. It is better to make conditions in the bush than in prison.

Bedre er at Verden veed du er en Synder end at Gud veed du er en Hykler. Better the world should know you as a sinner than God know you as a hypocrite.

Bedre er BrÖd end Fuglesang. Bread is better than the song of birds.

Bedre er den Green der bÖier, end den der brister. Better is the branch that bends, than the branch that breaks.

Bedre er dyrt at kiÖbe, end ilde at svelte. It is better to buy dearly than to hunger direly.

Bedre er een Ko med Ro end syv med Uro. Better one cow in peace than seven in trouble.

Bedre er et magert Forliig, end en fed TrÆtte. A meagre compromise is better than a fat lawsuit.

Bedre er et Ord for, end ti Ord efter. One word beforehand is better than ten afterwards.

Bedre er grov Traad, end bart Laar. Better coarse cloth than naked thighs.

Bedre er heelt end med Guld bÖdet. Better whole than patched with gold.

Bedre er Held end hundrede Mark. Luck is better than a hundred marks.

Bedre er liden Nagle for Huus end slet ingen. A small bolt to the house is better than none at all.

Bedre er selv at have, end SÖster at bede. Better to have something yourself, than to beg of your sister.

Bedre er snild Tunge, end kÆmt Haar. A smooth tongue is better than smooth locks.

Bedre er strax at nÆgte, end lÆnge at love. Better to deny at once, than to promise long.

Bedre er svang Hest end tom Grime. Bedre er halvt BrÖd end Alt mist. Bedre er lidet Boskab end tomt Huus. Better a poor horse than an empty stall. Better half a loaf than none at all. Better a little furniture than an empty house.

Bedre er tiende Ord end tarvlÖs Tale. Speaking silence is better than senseless speech.

Bedre er tÖsser maalt, end eengang og galt. Better twice measured than once wrong.

Bedre er tyndt Öl end tom TÖnde. Better weak beer than an empty cask.

Bedre er Venne-Napp, end Fiende-Klap. Better a friend’s bite than an enemy’s caress.

Bedre i gammel Vogn end i nyt Skib. Better in an old carriage than in a new ship.

Bedre ingen Lov, end uden Fremgang. Better no law, than law not enforced.

Bedre lidt med Ro og Rette, end meget med Uro og TrÆtte. Better a little in peace and with right, than much with anxiety and strife.

Bedre noget paa Armen end alt i Tarmen. Better something on the arm than all in the stomach.

Bedre paa TrÆbeen at gaae, end paa Baar at bÆres. Better walk on wooden legs, than be carried on a wooden bier.

Bedre sildig end aldrig. Better late than never.

Bedst brÆnder Ild paa egen Arne. The fire burns brightest on one’s own hearth.

Bid byder anden. One bite brings another.

Blind Due finder ogsaa stundom Hvedekorn. A blind pigeon may sometimes find a grain of wheat.

Blodet er aldrig saa tyndt, at det jo er tykkere end Vand. Let the blood be ever so thin, it is always thicker than water.

Blomster er Frugtens FÆstepenge. Flowers are the pledges of fruit.

Bondens Fied giÖr Ageren fed. The foot of the farmer manures the field.

BÖn er dyrest KiÖb. What is got by begging is dearly bought.

BÖrn er fattig Mands Rigdom. Children are the riches of the poor.

BÖrn er vis Sorg, men uvis GlÆde. Children are certain sorrow, but uncertain joy.

BrÆndt Barn rÆdes gierne Ilden, og bidt Barn Hund. A burnt child fears the fire, and a bitten child fears a dog.

Bugen vil intet borge. The belly gives no credit.

Daare lader Raad gaae ind ad det ene Öre, og ud ad det andet. Advice to a fool goes in at one ear and out at the other.

Daarligt er at frygte det man ei kan flye. It is folly to fear what one cannot avoid.

Da begynde Svanerne at synge, naar Raagerne tie. When the rooks are silent the swans begin to sing.

Da er Ild god inde, naar Hunsegel hÆnger ude. The fire is welcome within, when icicles hang without.

Dagen er aldrig saa hellig at jo Gryden vil syde. The day is never so holy that the pot refuses to boil.

De ere ei alle JÆgere, som blÆse i Horn. All are not hunters that blow the horn.

De ere ikke alle gode Stegere som bÆr lange Knive. All are not good cooks who carry long knives.

De flye ei Alle, som vende Ryggen. It is not all who turn their backs that flee.

De gamle Stude har de stive Horn. Old oxen have stiff horns.

De Gamle til Raad—de Unge til Daad. The aged in council—the young in action.

Deilig er Frugten som Dyden er i TrÆet. As the virtue in the tree, such is the fruit.

Deilighed bÆr Medgiften i Ansigtet. Beauty carries its dower in its face.

De lumske Sviin Æde Masken, de galne lÖbe uden om. The still swine eat the mash, the wild ones run past it.

Den BÆnk er vel prydet (som) med gode Qvinder er sat. That bench is well adorned that is filled with virtuous women.

Den Dag kommer vel, at Koen haver sin Hale behov. The day is sure to come when the cow will want her tail.

Den der er slaaet til en Skilling bliver aldrig Daler. That which is stamped a penny will never be a pound.

Den der har Glastag paa sit eget Huus, maa ikke kaste Steen paa andres. He who has a glass roof on his own house, must not throw stones at others’.

Den der ikke sparer paa Skillingen, faaer aldrig Daleren. He that does not save pennies, will never have pounds.

Den der jager to Harer af een Busk, faaer sielden nogen af dem. He who hunts two hares from one bush, is not likely to catch either.

Den der tager en Enke med tre BÖrn, tager fire Tyve. He who marries a widow with three children, marries four thieves.

Den der venter paa dÖd Mands Skoe, kommer lÆnge til at gaae barfodet. He who waits for dead men’s shoes, may have to go long barefoot.

Den der vil have Hunden hÆngt, siger den bider Faar. He that wants to hang a dog, says that it bites the sheep.

Den Ene jager, den Anden Æder Haren. One hunts the hare, and another eats it.

Den ene Ravn hugger ikke Öinene ud paa den Anden. One raven does not peck out another’s eyes.

Den ene Stodder lider ikke at den anden har to Poser. One beggar likes not that another has two wallets.

Den er en Giek sig selv roser, og en Gal sig selv vil laste. He is a fool that praises himself, and he a madman that speaks ill of himself.

Den er god at borge Byg som eier Havre. It is safe to lend barley to him who has oats.

Den er ilde skikket til Bager, der har et Hoved af SmÖr. He is little suited to be a baker, whose head is made of butter.

Den er ingen nyttig, som ei er sig selv nyttig. He who is of no use to himself, is of no use to any one.

Den er ingensteds som allesteds vil vÆre. He who would be everywhere will be nowhere.

Den er let at lokke, som efter vil hoppe. He is easy to lure, who is ready to follow.

Den er Mand, som giÖr Mands Gierning. He is a man, who acts like a man.

Den er nÆst Gud som mindst behÖver. He is nearest to God who has the fewest wants.

Den er Tingen nÆst, som har den i HÆnder. He is nearest a thing, who has it in his hands.

Den er ung nok som er sund, og rig nok som er uden Gield. He is young enough who has health, and he is rich enough who has no debts.

Den er vÆrd det SÖde som har smagt det Suure. He is worthy of sweets, who has tasted bitters.

Den Fattige fattes meget, men den Gierrige alt. The poor man wants much, the miser everything.

Den fede So veed ei hvad den sultne lider. The fat sow knows not what the hungry sow suffers.

Den fÖrste Fugl fanger det fÖrste Korn. The first bird gets the first grain.

Den Gaas kiÆkker hÖit, der har en god Gasse. The goose that has a good gander cackles loudly.

Den Gaas kiÆkker ikke mere som Hovedet er af. The goose that has lost its head no longer cackles.

Den Gamle skal man Ære, den Unge skal man lÆre. Honour the old, teach the young.

Den giemmer til Kat, som giemmer til Nat. He who puts by for the night, puts by for the cat.

Den glÆder sig meest, som selv qvÆder. He that sings himself is the best pleased.

Den har svÆrt LÖb, som nÖdes til at lÖbe. He runs heavily who is forced to run.

Den Hund man skal nÖde til Skovs, beder ikke mange Dyr. The dog that is forced into the woods will not hunt many deer.

Den kan snarest spilde, som har Karret i Haand. He is most likely to spill who holds the vessel in his hand.

Den Kloges Arv findes i alle Lande. A clever man’s inheritance is found in every country.

Den Korset haver signer sig selv fÖrst. He that bears the cross, blesses himself first.

Den lade Dreng og den varme Seng kunne ei vel skilles ad. A lazy boy and a warm bed are difficult to part.

Den Lade faaer ingen LÖn uden Last. Blame is the lazy man’s wages.

Den leder ikke gierne bag DÖren, som ei selv har staaet der. A man does not look behind the door unless he has stood there himself.

Den leer bedst som leer sidst. He who laughs last, laughs best.

Den lever ikke i al Verden, som kan flaae Huden af en Qvadsteen. He does not live in this world that can skin a grindstone.

Den Milde giver sig rig, den Gierrige tager sig fattig. The generous man grows rich in giving, the miser poor in taking.

Den Penge man sparer er saa god som den man avler. Money saved is as good as money gained.

Den Pung er tom anden Mands Penge ligge udi. That’s but an empty purse which is full of other men’s money.

Den QvÆrnsteen maler og, der under ligger. The millstone that lies undermost also helps to grind.

Den raader for Hesten, der rider ham. He who rides the horse is his master.

Den rÆddes at komme i SÆk, som fÖr har vÆret i. He fears the sack who has been in it.

Den sanker god Rigdom der varer sig for Skade. He that keeps out of harm’s way will gather goodly riches.

Den sene Ko faaer det sure GrÆs. The laggard cow gets the sour grass.

Den sidder vel, som kan selv reise sig. He sits well who can rise without help.

Den skal ei vÆre vaanden ad Svar, som giver andre onde Ord. He who abuses others must not be particular about the answer he gets.

Den skal endnu fÖdes, der kan befalde alle. He is not yet born who can please everybody.

Den skal have en lang Skee, der vil sÖbe af Fad med Fanden. He needs a long spoon that would eat out of the same dish with the devil.

Den skal have meget Meel der vil stoppe alle Munde. He must have much meal who would stop all mouths.

Den skal have rene Fingre som en andens NÆse vil snyde. He must have clean fingers who would blow another’s nose.

Den skal see ilde ud, som skal kyse Fanden. He must be ill-favoured who scares the devil.

Den skal sig selv love, der haver onde Grander. He who has bad neighbours is fain to praise himself.

Den skal staae paa et hÖit Bierg, der skal see sin Skiebne til Ende. He must stand high that would see the end of his own destiny.

Den skal staae tidlig op, der vil giÖre alle tilpas. He had need rise betimes who would please everybody.

Den skal vÆre en klog VÆrt, som vil tage Fanden i Herberge. He must be a clever host that would take the devil into his hostelry.

Den som ei vil lyde Fader, faaer vel at lyde Stivfader. He who will not obey father, will have to obey stepfather.

Den som er bidt af en Snog er bange for en Aal. He who has been bitten by a snake is afraid of an eel.

Den som HÖnen fÖder, bÖr at have Ægget. He who feeds the hen ought to have the egg.

Den som kaster sig selv under BÆnken, den lader de andre nok ligge. He who throws himself under the bench will be left to lie there.

Den som siger hvad han vil, maa hÖre hvad han ikke vil. He who says what he likes, must hear what he does not like.

Den som skal Æde af en Andens Haand, bliver sielden mÆt. He who is fed by another’s hand seldom gets enough.

Den som vel kan tigge, kan lade sine Penge ligge. He who knows how to beg may leave his money at home.

Den som vil gienne en anden over tre Gierder, maa selv over de to. He who would drive another over three dikes must climb over two himself.

Den Steen bliver eengang vaad, som Hvermand spytter paa. The stone that everybody spits upon will be wet at last.

Den Steen der ofte flyttes, bliver ikke mossegroet. The oft moved stone gathers no moss.

Den sviges vÆrst, som sviger sig selv. He is most cheated who cheats himself.

Den taber ei i TrÆtte, som tvinger sin Tunge. He loses least in a quarrel who keeps his tongue in check.

Den veed bedst hvor Skoen trykker, som har den paa. He knows best where the shoe pinches who wears it.

Den Vei er ond at kiende, som Skibet lÖber i Havet. It is hard to track the path the ship follows in the ocean.

Der ere tre onde Naboer: store Floder, store Herrer, og Alfarvei. There are three bad neighbours: great rivers, great lords, and great roads.

Der er haardt i Stivmoders Haand. A stepmother has a hard hand.

Der er ikke saa liden Fisk, han stunder jo til at blive en Hval. Every little fish expects to become a whale.

Der er ingen Ild som jo haver nogen SmÖg. There is no fire without smoke.

Der er ingen LÆgedom mod Bagvadskers Bid. There is no cure against a slanderer’s bite.

Der er mange Dage i Aaret, og end flere Maaltider. There are many days in the year, and still more meals.

Der er Raad mod Alt, uden mod DÖden. There is help for everything, except death.

Der gaae mange Ord i en SÆk. It takes many words to fill a sack.

Der hÖrer Lykke til at fange Harer med Tromme. You must have good luck to catch hares with a drum.

Der hÖrer mere til Dands end et Par Kork Skoe. A pair of light shoes is not all that is needed for dancing.

Der hÖrer Styrke til at drage om Reb med sin Overmand. You must be strong to pull a rope against a stronger.

Der hvor Forstanden slipper, tager Lykken ved. When wisdom fails, luck helps.

Der hvor Lov slipper bÖr HÆder at mÖde. Where law lacks, honour should eke it out.

Der kommer ingen Klogskab ud, hvor ingen er inde. Where there is no wit within no wit will come out.

Der kommer ofte Ild i Spotterens Huus. The scoffer’s own house is often on fire.

Der lÖber meget Vand i Dammen, medens MÖlleren sover. Much water runs by while the miller sleeps.

Der skal Ædes, vare end alle TrÆer Galger. People must eat, even were every tree a gallows.

Der skal en hÖi Muur til at holde Frygten ude. It needs a high wall to keep out fear.

Der skal vÆre mange Muus om at bide en Kat. It takes a good many mice to kill a cat.

Dersom HÖnen ikke kaglede, vidste man ikke hvad hun havde giort. If the hen did not cackle no one would know what she had been about.

Dersom SkiÆgget gialdt, kunde Giedebukken prÆke. If the beard were all, the goat might preach.

Der vil let Hu til tung SkiÆbne. It needs a light spirit to bear a heavy fate.

Der vil Salt til at drysse Sandhed med, om hun ellers skal ned. Truth must be seasoned to make it palatable.

Der vil skarp Lud til skurvet Hoved. A scald head needs strong lye.

Desmere man rÖrer ved Skarn desvÆrre lugter det. The more you stir filth the worse it stinks.

De sove ikke alle der snive og snarke. All who snore are not asleep.

Det Barn der faaer Stivmoder faaer ogsaa Stivfader. The child who gets a stepmother also gets a stepfather.

Det bedste GiÖdsel sidder under Bondens Sko. The best manure is under the farmer’s shoe.

Det bliver vel Dag om end Hanen ei galer. Daylight will come, though the cock do not crow.

Det den Ædru har i Hiertet, har den Drukne i Munden. What the sober man has in his heart, the drunken man has on his lips.

Det dig ikke brÆnder, behÖver du ei at blÆse paa. There is no need to blow what does not burn you.

Det duer ikke for Svanen, at lÆre Örneunger at synge. It is not for the swan to teach eaglets to sing.

Det duer til intet at gjÖre Skoe til GÆs. It is of no use making shoes for geese.

Det ene SvÆrd holder det andet i Skeden. One sword keeps another in the scabbard.

Det er bedre at mÖde vred Mand end fastende. Better cross an angry man than a fasting man.

Det er bedre at see ved Ord end ved Hugg. Better be convinced by words than by blows.

Det er bedre at spÖrge to Gange, end at fare vild en Gang. Better ask twice than lose your way once.

Det er daarligt at drukne paa tÖrt Land. It is folly to drown on dry land.

Det er daarligt at synge to Viser for den DÖve. It is folly to sing twice to a deaf man.

Det er daarligt at tage Tornen af en Andens Fod og sÆtte den i sin egen. It is folly to take a thorn out of another’s foot and put it into your own.

Det er dit som ingen kan tage fra dig. You may call that your own which no one can take from you.

Det er dyrt SmÖr som slikkes af en Hegle. It is dearbought butter that is licked off a woolcomb.

Det er ei alt Guld som glimrer. It is not all gold that glitters.

Det er ei Alt i Mave godt (som) i Mund sÖdt er. What is sweet in the mouth is not always good in the stomach.

Det er ei BÖrnevÆrk naar KiÆrling dandser. It is no child’s play when an old woman dances.

Det er ei for Koens Bedste, at hun kommer op at age. It is not for the good of the cow when she is driven in a carriage.

Det er ei hvert Slags TrÆ som duer til TrÆskoe. Not every wood will make wooden shoes.

Det er ei hvert Sviin Kragen vil ride. It is not every hog that the crow will ride.

Det er en arm Steg, som intet drypper af. It is a poor roast that gives no dripping.

Det er en dristig Muus der giÖr Rede i Kattens Öre. It is a bold mouse that makes her nest in the cat’s ear.

Det er en fattig Roes, man skal laane af ForfÆdre. Praise borrowed from ancestors is but very sorry praise.

Det er en lad Fugl, der ei gider bygge sin egen Rede. It is a lazy bird that will not build its own nest.

Det er en ond BrÖnd som man skal bÆre Vand udi. It is a bad well that needs water to be carried to it.

Det er en ond Haand, der ei vil sit Hoved vÆrge. It is a bad hand that refuses to guard the head.

Det er en ond Hest som ikke er Havren vÆrd. It is a poor horse that is not worth its oats.

Det er en ond Hielp, at hielpe een fra Dynen i Halmen. That is poor help that helps you from the feather-bed to the straw.

Det er en ond Skade som kommer ingen til Gavn. It is an ill turn that does no good to any one.

Det er en ond Smed der rÆddes for Gnister. He is a poor Smith who is afraid of sparks.

Det er en ringe Aarsag, hvorfor Ulven Æder Faaret. It needs but slight provocation to make the wolf devour the lamb.

Det er en slem HÖne, der giÖr Æg uden Gaarde. It is a bad hen that lays her eggs away from the farm.

Det er et klogt Barn der kiender sin egen Fader. It is a wise child that knows its own father.

Det er farligt at Æde KirsebÆr med store Herrer, de kaste een Stenene i Hovedet. It is dangerous to eat cherries with the great, they throw the stones at your head.

Det er for sildigt at raabe Kat, naar FlÆsket er Ædt. It is too late to cry cat, when the bacon is eaten.

Det er for sildigt at skyde BrÖnden igien naar Barnet er druknet. It is too late to cover the well when the child is drowned.

Det er for sildigt at slaae Vand paa Asken, naar Huset er brÆndt. It is too late to throw water on the cinders when the house is burnt down.

“Det er godt at gjÖre med god Rede,” sagde Fanden, han redede sin Moders Haar med en MÖghakke. ”It is easy to work with a good comb,” said the devil, when he combed his mother’s hair with a pitchfork.

Det er godt at laane Gud og Ageren, de give gode Renter. It is good to lend to God and to the soil—they pay good interest.

Det er godt at raade naar Lykken er med. It is easy to manage when fortune favours.

Det er godt at sove paa heelt Skind. It is good to sleep on a whole skin.

Det er godt at stange under anden Mands Blus. It is easy to poke another man’s fire.

Det er godt at svÖmme, naar en anden holder Hovedet op. It is easy to swim, when another holds up your head.

Det er godt at vÆre kostfri af en andens Pung. It is easy to be generous out of another man’s purse.

Det er godt at vÆre PrÆst om Paaske, Barn om Faste, Bonde om Juul, FÖl om HÖsten. It is good to be priest at Easter, child in Lent, peasant at Christmas, and foal in harvest-time.

Det er haard Kost at Æde sine egne Ord. It is bitter fare to eat one’s own words.

Det er ikke enhver som veed at tage den rette So ved Öret. It is not every one who takes the right sow by the ear.

Det er ikke for ingenting naar Fanden lÆgger sig i GrÖften. It is not for nothing that the devil lays himself down in the ditch.

Det er ikke godt at kiende sit SmÖr i en andens Kaal. It is not easy to know your butter in another man’s cabbage.

Det er ikke godt at skride paa Fandens Iis. It is not easy to walk upon the devil’s ice.

Det er ikke godt at stinge BiÖrn med Skiev. It is not easy to sting a bear with a straw.

Det er ikke hver Mand der kan bÆre HÖg paa Haand. It is not every man that can carry a falcon on his hand.

Det er ikke lang Vei til Vennehuus. To a friend’s house the road is never long.

Det er ilde for HÖnen, naar Ægget vil lÆre hende at kagle. The hen is ill off when the egg teaches her how to cackle.

Det er ingen liden Skalk der kiender en stor. He is no small knave who knows a great one.

Det er Konst at lee, naar det gaaer een selv ilde. It is a great art to laugh at your own misfortunes.

Det er let at byde Fanden til GjÆst, men ondt at faae ham af Huset. It is easy to bid the devil be your guest, but difficult to get rid of him.

Det er let at krybe i TrÆ naar det er fÆldet. It is easy to stride a tree when it is down.

Det er let at lÆgge Riis til, naar en anden lÆgger Rumpen til. It is easy to find the rod when another finds the bottom.

Det er lige nÆr til Himmels, i hvor man dÖer. The road to heaven is equally short, where’er we die.

Det er ondt at faae mange Hoveder under een Hat. It is difficult to get many heads under one hat.

Det er ondt at gabe mod en Ovns Mund. It is useless to gape against an oven.

Det er ondt at giÖre Ild paa kold Arne. It is hard to make a fire on a cold hearth.

Det er ondt at lÆre gammel Hund at kure. It is hard to teach an old dog tricks.

Det er ondt at lokke HÖge med tomme HÆnder. It is hard to lure hawks with empty hands.

Det er ondt at plukke Haar af den Skaldede. It is not easy to pluck hairs from a bald pate.

Det er ondt at sidde imellem to Ilde. It is bad to be between two fires.

Det er ondt at skiule det hver Mand veed. It is difficult to hide what everybody knows.

Det er ondt at spytte Honning for den som har Munden fuld af Galde. It is difficult to spit honey out of a mouth full of gall.

Det er ondt at vogte den HÖne som borte vil vÆrpe. It is not easy to guard the hen that lays her eggs abroad.

Det er ondt Faar der ei gider baaret sit eget FÆt. It is a bad sheep that is too lazy to carry its own fleece.

Det er ondt Jern, som ikke er Staal udi. It is bad iron in which there is no steel.

Det er saa godt at ligge nÖgen som intet at have paa sig. It is as well to be naked as to have no covering.

Det er saa ondt at spytte Ilden ud og skiende sig, som at synke den og brÆnde sig. It is as bad to spit out the fire and be shamed, as it is to swallow it and be burnt.

Det er SÆd at BÖrn giÖre BÖrne-Gierning. From children you must expect childish acts.

Det er strengt at trÆlle med tom Tarm. It is hard to labour with an empty belly.

Det er ringe TrÖst for Beenbrud, at en anden har brudt Halsen. It is poor comfort for one who has broken his leg, that another has broken his neck.

Det er Tid at tage Hatten af, naar man seer Manden. It is time enough to take off your hat when you see the man.

Det fÖrste Raad af en Qvinde er det bedste. A woman’s first counsel is the best.

Det giÖres ei Behov at blÆse ad den Ild som selv brÆnder. There is no use in blowing a fire that burns well.

Det har blÆst haardt—Skarnet er flÖiet op i HÖisÆdet. It has been blowing hard—the dirt has been blown into high places.

Det hjÆlper ei at dÖlge for Ven det Uven veed. It is no use hiding from a friend what is known to an enemy.

Det hÖieste Bierg at komme over er DÖrtÆrskelen. The most difficult mountain to cross is the threshold.

Det kan snart skee, som lÆnge maa angres. That may be soon done, which brings long repentance.

“Det kommer igien,” sagde Manden, han gav sin So FlÆsk. ”It will come back,” said the man, when he gave his sow pork.

Det kommer op i TÖ (som) man fjÆler i SnÖ. Thaw reveals what has been hidden by snow.

Det kommer vel der skee skal. That which must be, will be.

Det Korn vorder ilde malet, som bÆres paa en ond QvÆrn. The corn that is taken to a bad mill, will be badly ground.

Det man adlyster kommer ikke far snart. A pleasant thing never comes too soon.

Det man Æder af Gryden, faaer man ikke paa Fadet. That which has been eaten out of the pot cannot be put into the dish.

Det man lÆrer med Skade, husker man lÆnge. What you learn to your cost you remember long.

Det Ord som er talt, sletter man ikke ud med en Svamp. Words once spoken cannot be wiped out with a sponge.

Det qvemmer bedre at skrabe Osten end skrÆlde den. It is better to scrape the cheese than to peel it.

Det Saar man ei kan hele, skal man ei rive op. If you cannot heal the wound, do not tear it open.

Det skal aarle krÖge, som god Krog skal vorde. The branch must be bent early that is to make a good crook.

Det skal vÆre en haard Vinter, om den ene Ulv Æder den anden. It must be a hard winter when one wolf devours another.

Det som er taugt kan siges; det som er sagt kan ei ties. That which is unsaid, may be spoken; that which is said, cannot be unsaid.

Det sÖmmer ikke Spurv at gaae i Tranedands. It does not become the sparrow to mix in the dance of the cranes.

Det spÖrger en Blind om, hvorfor den elskes som er smuk. It is only the blind who ask why they are loved who are fair.

Det staaer ikke til Hunde, naar Hors skal dÖe. It does not depend upon the dog when the horse shall die.

Det stille Vand har den dybe Grund. Still water runs deep.

Det Ung nemmer, Gammel ei glemmer. What youth learns, age does not forget.

De Unge skal man lÆre, de Gamle skal man Ære. Young people must be taught, old ones be honoured.

Det var Lyst at age, skulde man ikke vÆlte. It is pleasant driving when there is no danger of upsetting.

DÖden blÆser ei Lyd for sig. Death does not blow a trumpet.

DÖren lukkes haardt i Laas for sandfÖr Mand. A truthteller finds the doors closed against him.

Dristig Mand har Lykken i sit FÖlge. A bold man has luck in his train.

Drukken Mand kan snart komme op at dandse. A drunken man may soon be made to dance.

Drukken Mands GlÆde er tidt Ædru Mands Sorg. The drunken man’s joy is often the sober man’s sorrow.

Du har nok af Munden og lidt af Ulden, sagde Fanden, han klippede en So. Much noise and little wool, said the devil, when he was shearing the sow.

Duk dig, lad gaae over; Veiret vil have sin Villie. Stoop, and let it pass; the storm will have its way.

Dyden i Midten, sagde Fanden, han sad imellem to Procuratorer. Virtue in the middle, said the Devil, when seated between two lawyers.

Eed og Æg ere snart brudte. Eggs and oaths are easily broken.

Een er ikke ond fordi en anden er god. One man is not bad because another is good.

Een er skabt til Pengene, den Anden til Pungen. One man is born to the money, and another to the purse.

Een Fjende er for meget, og hundrede Venner ere ei nok. One enemy is too much, and a hundred friends are not enough.

Een Haand fuld af Penge, er stÆrkere end to HÆnder fulde af Sandhed. One hand full of money is stronger than two hands full of truth.

Een imod een, og to imod Fanden. One to one, and two to the devil.

Een Nar giÖr flere. One fool makes many.

Een plÖier, en Anden saaer, den Tredie veed ei hvo det faaer. One ploughs, another sows, who will reap no one knows.

Een Skalk skal man fange med en anden. Set a thief to catch a thief.

Een Skilling er bedre paa Land, end ti paa Havet. One penny is better on land than ten on the sea.

Een snakker tidt den anden af BÆnken, og sÆtter sig selv op. One man often talks another off his bench, and seats himself upon it.

Een Svale giÖr ingen Sommer. One swallow don’t make a summer.

Eet godt Raad er bedre end en Pose fuld. One piece of good advice is better than a bag full.

Eet Haar efter andet, gjÖr Bonden skaldet. Hair by hair, and the head gets bald.

Eet Jomfru Haar drager stÆrkere end ti Par Öxen. One hair of a maiden’s head pulls harder than ten yoke of oxen.

Eet skabet Faar fordÆrver en heel Flok. One mangy sheep spoils a whole flock.

Efter en god Avler kommer en god Oder. After one that earns comes one that wastes.

Efter god Mad og from Hustru tÖver man ei for lÆnge. For a good dinner and a gentle wife you can afford to wait.

Efter sÖd KlÖe kommer suur Svie. After pleasant scratching comes unpleasant smarting.

Egen Arne er Guld vÆrd. A hearth of your own is worth gold.

Egen Arne koger bedst. The pot boils best on your own hearth.

Elsk mig lidt og elsk mig lÆnge. Love me little and love me long.

En Ambolt er ikke rÆd for en god Forhammer. The anvil does not fear a good sledge-hammer.

En andens Hest og egen SvÖbe, kan meget taale. Another man’s horse and your own whip can do a great deal.

En Bonde bliver Bonde, sov han end paa Silkebolster. A boor remains a boor, though he sleep on silken bolsters.

En dÖv HÖrer giÖr en galen Svarer. A deaf auditor makes a crazy answerer.

En dÖv Sax giÖr en skievmundet SkrÆdder. Dull scissors make crooked-mouthed tailors.

End vinder folsk Mand fÖrste Leg. A fool only wins the first game.

Ene i Raad, ene i Sorg. Alone in counsel, alone in sorrow.

En Fisk og en GjÆst lugter ilde den tredie Dag. Fish and guests smell at three days old.

En Gaas drikker saa meget som en Gasse. A goose drinks as much as a gander.

En god Dag skal man rose om Aftenen. Praise a fair day in the evening.

En grÖn Juul giver en fed Kirkegaard. A green Christmas makes a fat churchyard.

Enhver bÆr sin Fjende i egen Barm. Every man carries an enemy in his own bosom.

Enhver Dag har sin Aften. Every day has its evening.

Enhver er sin Lykkes Smed. Every man is the architect of his own fortune.

Enhver faaer at bÆre sin egen SÆk til MÖlle. Let every man carry his own sack to the mill.

Enhver Fugl har sine Fieder behov. Every bird needs its own feathers.

Enhver Fugl synger af sit NÆb. Let every bird sing its own note.

Enhver mener hans Kobber er Guld. Every man thinks his copper is gold.

Enhver Tosse mener, han er klog nok. Every fool thinks he is clever enough.

Enhver vil gjerne over Gierdet hvor det er lavest. Every one tries to cross the fence where it is lowest.

Enhver vil rage Ild ad sin Gryde. Every one rakes the fire under his own pot.

Enhver Vind er lÆk Skib imod. Every wind is against a leaky ship.

En liden Ild at varme sig paa, er bedre end en stor at brÆnde sig paa. A small fire that warms you, is better than a large one that burns you.

En Nar kan spÖrge meer end ti Vise kunne svare til. One fool may ask more questions than ten wise men can answer.

En ond Hest Æder saa meget som en god. A bad horse eats as much as a good one.

En ond Mund skal lave sig paa en stÆrk Ryg. A foul mouth must be provided with a strong back.

En Skalk kan vel skiules under en MessesÆrk. There’s many a knave concealed under a surplice.

En Skilling er i Tide saa god som en Daler. A penny in time is as good as a dollar.

En So kan saa vel finde et Agern, som en Galt. A sow may find an acorn as well as a hog.

En Spurv har saa ondt af at bryde sit Laar, som en Friis Hest. A sparrow suffers as much when it breaks its leg as does a Flanders horse.

En villig Hielper tÖver ei til man beder. A willing helper does not wait until he is asked.

Er Fuglen af Haanden er den ond at faae tilbage. The bird once out of hand is hard to recover.

Et andet Aar kommer der en anden Juleaften. Another year will bring another Christmas.

Ethvert Kar maa staa paa sin egen Bund. Every tub must stand on its own bottom.

Et lidet Muln kan skiule baade Sol og Maane. A small cloud may hide both sun and moon.

Et skabet Faar fordÆrver den hele Hjord. One scabbed sheep will mar a whole flock.

Faaer man ei Fuglen, da faaer man vel en Fieder deraf. If you cannot get the bird, get one of its feathers.

Faa have Lykken, alle have DÖden. Few have luck, all have death.

Faa Qvinder graaner for Mandens DÖd. Few women turn grey because their husband dies.

Faar som brÆge meest, malke mindst. The sheep that bleat the most give the least milk.

Fader og Moder ere gode, end er Gud bedre. Father and mother are kind, but God is kinder.

Fagerhed uden Tugt—Rose uden Lugt. Beauty without virtue is like a rose without scent.

Fagert Ansigt faaer Lov nok, dog man selv tier stille. A fair face will get its praise, though the owner keep silent.

Fagre BÖrn qvÆde fagre Viser. Pretty children sing pretty songs.

Fagre Ord fryde en Daare, og stundom fuldvis en Mand. Fair words please the fool, and sometimes the wise.

Fagre Ord uden Fynd naae ikke langt. Fine words without deeds go not far.

Falder Himlen ned, da briste mange Leergryder. Should the heavens fall, many pipkins will be broken.

Falskhed ligger ofte under fagert Haar. Falseness often lurks beneath fair hair.

Fattige FrÆnder faae liden HÆder. Poor relations have little honour.

Fattig Mand har faa Kyndinger. A poor man has few acquaintances.

Fattig Mands Hovmod varer stakket. The pride of the poor does not endure.

Fattig Mands KÆde haver mange UlÆde. A poor man’s joy has much alloy.

Fattig Mands Korn voxer altid tyndt. The poor man’s corn always grows thin.

Fattig Mand sÖger om Maden, den Rige om Lyst til at Æde den. The poor man seeks for food, the rich man for appetite.

Far som de Fleste, saa spotte dig de FÆrreste. Do as others do, and few will mock you.

Flere Folk drÆbes af Nadver end af SvÆrd. More people are slain by suppers than by the sword.

Flykket hÆnger ikke saa hÖit, at jo Hunden agter sig Benet. The flitch hangs never so high but a dog will look out for the bone.

Flyver end Fuglen over dit Hoved, saa lad den ei bygge Bo i dit Haar. Though the bird may fly over your head, let it not make its nest in your hair.

FÖl bliver ikke altid Faderen liig. Every foal is not like its sire.

Folsk Vise vorder mangelunde qvÆdet. A silly song may be sung in many ways.

Fordi er Verden vid, at hver haver sin Id. Every man has his lot, and a wide world before him.

FÖr een lÆrer at hÆnge er han halv dÖd. Before a man learns to hang he is half dead.

Forgieves er at mede uden Krog, at lÆre uden Bog. It is vain to fish without a hook, or learn to read without a book.

For Konst skal man Mesteren Ære. The master derives honour from his art.

Forliigt Venskab er som ilde lÆgt Saar. Reconciled friendship is like a badly healed wound.

For meget og for lidt fordÆrver alting. Too little and too much spoils everything.

For Vilkaar og VedtÆgt maa Loven vige. To circumstances and custom the law must yield.

“FrÆnde er Usle vÆrst,” sagde RÆven, han saae de rÖde Hunde. ”Own kin are the worst friends,” said the fox, when he saw the foxy dogs after him.

Freden fÖder, Krigen Öder; Freden nÆrer, Krigen tÆrer. Peace feeds, war wastes; peace breeds, war consumes.

Fred og velbygget Huus kjÖbes ei for dyrt. Peace and a well-built house cannot be bought too dearly.

Fred skal man dyrt kjÖbe. Peace must be bought even at a high price.

Fremmed Mad smager altid bedst. Strangers’ meat is the greatest treat.

Frisk vovet er halvt vundet. A bold attempt is half success.

“Fruer har Fruenoder,” sagde Gal’ Ane, hun slÆbte sin Kaabe i Rendesteenen. ”Ladies have ladies’ whims,” said crazy Ann, when she draggled her cloak in the gutter.

Fuglen flyver aldrig saa hÖit, han sÖger jo sit FÖde paa Jorden. However high a bird may soar, it seeks its food on earth.

Fuldt Kar skal man varligen bÆre. A full vessel must be carried carefully.

“Fy dig an, saa sort du er!” sagde Gryden til Leerpotten. ”Fie upon thee, how black thou art!” said the kettle to the saucepan.

Fyrm og Faste lÆger mangen Sot. Abstinence and fasting cure many a complaint.

Gaaer Lykkens Vogn vel, da hÆnge Skam og Avind ved Hiulene. When fortune’s chariot rolls easily, envy and shame cling to the wheels.

Gaasen gaaer saa lÆnge i Stegerset, til hun fastner ved Spedet. The goose goes so often into the kitchen, till at last she sticks to the spit.

“Gak med,” og “see til,” ere to gode Tyende i Bondens Gaard. ”I’ll go myself,” and “I’ll see to it,” are two good servants on a farm.

Galne Hunde faae revet Skind. Mad dogs get their coats torn.

Gamle Fugle fanger man ikke med Avner. Old birds are not caught with chaff.

Gamle MÆrker daare ikke. Old signs do not deceive.

Gamle Sviin har haarde Tryner, gamle Stude haarde Horn. Old swine have hard snouts, old oxen hard horns.

Gammel Giek er vÆrre end ung Daare. An old fool is worse than a young simpleton.

Gammel Green bryder naar den skal bÖies. The old branch breaks when it is bent.

Gammel Mands Sagn er sielden usand. An old man’s sayings are seldom untrue.

Gammel Ulv rÆddes ei ved hÖie Raab. An old wolf is not scared by loud cries.

Gavnet er bedre end Navnet. Profit is better than fame.

Giedden bliver stor af de smaae Fisk. The pike grows big on small fry.

Giem din Mund, og giem din Ven. Keep your mouth, and keep your friend.

Gien ei af dig det, der ei lÖber paa dig. Drive not away what never came near you.

Giensti vorder ofte Glapsti. A short cut is often a wrong cut.

Gierrig Mands Taske bliver aldrig fuld. The miser’s bag is never full.

Gierrig QvÆrn maler allehaande Korn. A greedy mill grinds all kinds of corn.

Giev Mand giÖr sig ikke til Hund for et Beens Skyld. An honest man does not make himself a dog for the sake of a bone.

Gift din SÖn naar du vil, din Datter naar du kan. Marry your son when you will, your daughter when you can.

GiÖr Ærligen, og svar diÆrveligen. Act honestly, and answer boldly.

GiÖr saa i Dalen, at du frygter ei hvo staaer paa Valden. Act so in the valley, that you need not fear those who stand on the hill.

GiÖr vel imod en Skalk, og bed til Gud, han lÖnner dig ikke. Do good to a knave, and pray God he may not do the same to thee.

Giort Gierning staaer ikke til at vende. What is done cannot be undone.

Giver Gud ei Skiepper fulde, saa giver han Skeer fulde. If God give not bushelfuls, he gives spoonfuls.

Giv Griis naar han grynter, og Barn naar det grÆder, saa faaer Du fager Griis og fuult Barn. Give a pig when it grunts, and a child when it cries, and you will have a fine pig, and a bad child.

Giv Skalken et Spand, han tager vel heel Alen. Give a rogue an inch, and he will take an ell.

Glad Aftensang giÖr ofte sorrigfuld Ottesang. A joyous evening often leads to a sorrowful morning.

GlÆde er som Koldesygen; een god Dag imellem to onde. Joy is like the ague; one good day between two bad ones.

Gode Ord lÆge Venne-Saar. Kind words heal friendship’s wounds.

Gode Raad rodne ikke, naar de komme tÖrre i Huus. Good counsel will not rot, if it be got in dry.

God Konge er bedre end gammel Lov. A good king is better than an old law.

God Nabo er bedre end Broder i anden By. A good neighbour is better than a brother far off.

God Styrmand kiendes ei naar Havet er stille og Veiret til Villie. A good pilot is not known when the sea is calm and the weather fair.

Godt er at have reent BrÖd i sin Pose. It is well to have clean bread in one’s wallet.

Godt er at hvile paa giort Gierning. Rest is good after the work is done.

Godt er at sidde ved Styret i stille Veir. It is easy to sit at the helm in fine weather.

Godt HaandvÆrk har en gylden Grund. A good handicraft has a golden foundation.

Godt kommer aldrig for tidt. Good never comes too often.

Gold So var aldrig Griise god. A barren sow is never kind to pigs.

Graa Haar ere DÖdens Blomster. Grey hairs are death’s blossoms.

Gud bedre Faarene naar Ulven er Dommer. God help the sheep when the wolf is judge.

Gud giver alle Mad som han giver Mund. God never sends mouths but he sends meat.

Gud giver hver Fugl sin FÖde, men kaster den ei i Reden til ham. God gives every bird its food, but does not throw it into the nest.

Gud giver hver saa Kuld, som KlÆder. God sends men cold according to their clothes.

Gud giver smaa Folk smaa Gaver. God gives little folks small gifts.

Gud giver Villien, NÖden giver Tvang. God gives the will, necessity gives the law.

Gud kommer tilsidst, naar vi troe han er lÆngst borte. God comes at last, when we think he is farthest off.

Guds Raadkammer har ingen NÖgle. To God’s council-chamber there is no key.

Guld bliver vel Guld, om end det ligger i Skalkepung. Gold is gold, though it be in a rogue’s purse.

Guld NÖgle lukker alle DÖre op uden Himlens. A golden key opens every door except that of heaven.

Gunst og Gave kommer Retten til at rave. Favour and gifts disturb justice.

Haabe og vente er Giekkerente. Hope and expectation are a fool’s income.

Haabet er de Vaagendes DrÖm. Hope is the dream of the waking.

Haabet er et Æg hvoraf Een faaer Blommen, en Anden Hviden, en Tredie Skallen. Hope is an egg of which one man gets the yolk, another the white, and a third the shell.

Haand skal anden toe, eller baade urene vÆre. One hand must wash the other, or both will be dirty.

Haardt Bidsel giÖr ikke Hesten bedre. A hard bit does not make the horse better.

Haardt er ufÖdt Hest at binde ved Krybbe. It is difficult to tie an unborn horse to the manger.

Halvt at rose er halvt at skielde. Faint praise is akin to abuse.

Han ager et godt LÆs i Gaard, som en god Hustru faaer. He drives a good waggonful into his farm who gets a good wife.

Han ager ikke ilde som veed at vende. He is not a bad driver who knows how to turn.

Han banker dristig paa, som bÆr godt Budskab. He knocks boldly at the door who brings a welcome message.

Han dandser og, som dandser nÖdig. A man dances all the same, though he may dance against his will.

Han drukner ikke, der hÆnge skal, uden Vandet gaaer over Galgen. He who was born to be hanged will not be drowned, unless the water go over the gallows.

Han er ikke bedre der fjÆler, end han der stjÆler. He that hides is no better than he that steals.

Han er ikke bedre der holder end den der flaaer. He that holds is no better than he that scourges.

Han er ingensteds, som er allesteds. He who is everywhere, is nowhere.

Han fÖler bedst hvor Skoen trykker, som har den paa. He knows best where the shoe pinches who wears it.

HÆng den unge Tyv, saa stiÆler den gamle ikke. Hang the young thief, and the old one will not steal.

Han kommer ei til Skov der rÆddes for hver Busk. He will never get into the wood who starts at every bush.

Han kommer og frem, der ager med Stude. Even he gets on who is drawn by oxen.

Han kom tidlig nok, der blev hÆngt ved Lys. He came time enough who was hung by candlelight.

Han maae have Skaden, som har sÖgt den. He that courts injury will obtain it.

Han raader for SÆkken, der sidder paa den. He has command of the sack who is seated on it.

Han skal have Fingre af Jern, som Fanden vil flaae. He must have iron fingers who would flay the devil.

Han skal have meget SmÖr, som skal stoppe hver Mands Mund. He must have plenty of butter, who would stop everybody’s mouth.

Han skal see grandt til, der Sanden skal sige. He must keep a sharp look-out who would speak the truth.

Han skal skrige hÖit, som vil skrÆmme Fanden. He must cry loud who would scare the devil.

Han skal vÆre skiÆr som en anden vil skielde. He must be pure who would blame another.

Han skiender, som ei kan skade. He scolds most that can hurt the least.

Han veed bedst af Vandet, som vadet har. He knows the water best who has waded through it.

Har du lÆrt at bie, kan du blive Dronning i Sverrig. If you have learnt to wait, you may be Queen of Sweden.

Har du sagt hvad du vil, skal du hÖre hvad du ikke vil. He that says what he should not, will hear what he would not.

HÆvd giÖr god Hest og ikke hÖre Stalde. Care, and not fine stables, make a good horse.

Havde nÆr ikke vÆret saa havde KiÆrlingen bidt en Ulv. Had it not been for an if, the old woman would have bitten a wolf.

Heiren straffer Vandet, fordi han ei kan svÖmme. The heron blames the water because he cannot swim.

Hellere seer jeg RÖgen af min egen Skorsteen, end Ilden paa en andens. I would rather see smoke from my own chimney than the fire on another’s hearth.

Hemmelig Gave faaer aabenbar LÖn. Secret gifts are openly rewarded.

HerrebÖn er Herrebud. Great men’s requests are commands.

Herrer og Narre have frit Sprog. Lords and fools speak freely.

Herre uden Land, er Fadet uden Viin. A lord without land, is like a cask without wine.

Hest skal gaae til Krybben, ikke Krybben til Hest. The horse must go to the manger, and not the manger to the horse.

Hielp dig selv da hielper dig Gud. Help yourself, and God will help you.

Hielp er god, saa nÆr som i GrÖdfadet. Help is good everywhere, except in the porridge-bowl.

Himlen er dog blaa, om end den Blinde ei seer det. The sky is not the less blue because the blind man does not see it.

Hoflevnet er ofte Helvedes Gienvei. Life at court is often a short cut to hell.

Hold dig til de Smaae, saa bide de Store dig ikke. Keep to the little ones, and the big ones will not bite you.

Hold din NÆse fra andres Gryder. Keep your nose out of another’s mess.

Holder man ei Kieppen til, agter Hunden intet Bud. It is the raised stick that makes the dog obey.

HÖr en Mand fÖr du svarer; hÖr flere fÖr du dÖmmer. Hear one man before you answer; hear several before you decide.

Hovedkulds Raad—halslÖs Gierning. Precipitate counsel—perilous deed.

Hovmod gaaer for Fald. Pride will have a fall.

Hvad man med Synd faaer, det med Sorg gaaer. That which comes with sin, goes with sorrow.

Hvad skal Spurve i Tranedands, deres Been ere saa korte. Sparrows should not dance with cranes, their legs are too short.

Hvem der hvidsker, han lyver. He who whispers, lies.

Hvem der ikke seer sig for, maa tage Skade for HiemgiÆld. He who does not look before him, must take misfortune for his earnings.

Hvem der saaer Penge, hÖster Armod. He who sows money, will reap poverty.

Hvem der skammer sig ved at spÖrge, skammer sig ved at lÆre. He who is ashamed of asking, is ashamed of learning.

Hvem der vil hÆnge sig, finder nok en Strikke. He who would hang himself is sure to find a rope.

Hver er sin Synd sÖd og sin Anger led. Every one finds sin sweet and repentance bitter.

Hver hÖrer helst sin egen Lov. Every man likes his own praise best.

Hver i sin FÆrd, som han er hjemme lÆrt. A man conducts himself abroad as he has been taught at home.

Hver Mand siger det; ingen Mand veed det. Everybody says it; nobody knows it.

Hver Mand sin Lyst. Every man has his liking.

Hvermands Ven, hvermands Nar. Every man’s friend is every man’s fool.

Hver RÆv varer sin BÆlg. Every fox looks after his own skin.

Hver skal bÆre sin egen SÆk til MÖlle. Every man must carry his own sack to the mill.

Hvert Liv sin Lyst, hver Lyst sin Lov. Every life has its joy, every joy its law.

Hvo aarle riis, han vorder mangt viis. He who rises early will gather wisdom.

Hvo alle tiene vil, faaer Tak af Ingen. He who would serve everybody gets thanks from nobody.

Hvo avelÖs lever, han ÆrelÖs dÖer. He who lives without restraint, will die without honour.

Hvo der ei har Penge i Pungen, maa have gode Ord paa Tungen. He that has no money in his purse, should have fair words on his lips.

Hvo der ei kan faae FlÆsket, faaer at nÖies med Kaalen. He who can’t get bacon, must be content with cabbage.

Hvo der ei vil til Helvede, kommer ikke til Hove. He who would not go to hell, must not go to court.

Hvo der er fÖdt til Penning, bliver aldrig Dalers Herre. He who was born to pennies, will never be master of dollars.

Hvo der er langt fra sit Hjem, er nÆst ved sin Skade. He who is far from home, is near to harm.

Hvo der flyer, gjÖr sig selv sagfÆldig. He who flees, proves himself guilty.

Hvo der fÖder en Ulv, han styrker sin Fjende. He who feeds a wolf, strengthens his enemy.

Hvo der gaaer i Dands, see til hvem han tager i Haand. When you go to dance, take heed whom you take by the hand.

Hvo der gaaer i Seng med Hunde, skal staa op med Lopper. He that lies down with dogs, will get up with fleas.

Hvo der har mange Jern i Ilden, han faaer somme brÆndt. He who has many irons in the fire, will let some of them burn.

Hvo der haver en hvid Hest og deilig Kone, er sjelden uden Sorg. He who has a white horse and a fair wife is seldom without trouble.

Hvo der haver Giekken i Ærmet, der vil han alt kige ud. If a man has folly in his sleeve, it will be sure to peep out.

Hvo der hugger over sig, ham falder Spaanerne i Öinene. He that cuts above himself, will get splinters in his eye.

Hvo der ikke byger vel, han bleger ikke vel. They who do not wash well, do not bleach well.

Hvo der ikke har Falk, han skal bede med Ugler. He who has no falcon, must hunt with owls.

Hvo der ikke vil kjÖbe Raad for godt KjÖb, skal kjÖbe Anger dyret. He who will not take cheap advice, will have to buy dear repentance.

Hvo der jager med Katte, han fanger Muus. He who hunts with cats will catch mice.

Hvo der kan sidde paa en Steen og fÖde sig, skal ikke flytte. He who can sit upon a stone and feed himself should not move.

Hvo der kommer paa SÖen, maa enten seile eller synke. He that is once at sea, must either sail or sink.

Hvo der omgaaes med Ulv, han lÆrer at tude. He who herds with wolves, learns to howl.

Hvo der saaer Ærter ved Adelvei, faaer ei alle BÆlge i Laden. He who sows peas on the highway does not get all the pods into his barn.

Hvo der saaer Had, skal hÖste Anger. He who sows hatred shall gather rue.

Hvo der selv vil gjÖre sig til Giek, faaer mange til at hjÆlpe sig. He who would make a fool of himself will find many to help him.

Hvo der slaaer een paa Halsen, han slaaer ham ikke langt fra Hovedet. He who strikes another on the neck, does not strike far from the head.

Hvo der staaer hÖit, den seer man vidt. He who stands high is seen from afar.

Hvo der staaer Vedhuggeren nÆr, faaer en Spaan i Hovedet. He who stands near the woodcutter is likely to be hit by a splinter.

Hvo der tager Barnet ved Haanden tager Moderen ved Hjertet. He who takes the child by the hand, takes the mother by the heart.

Hvo der vil Æde Kjernen, faae bryde Skallen. He who would eat the kernel, must crack the shell.

Hvo der vil binde for en andens Mund, skal fÖrst snÖre for sin egen. He who would close another man’s mouth, should first tie up his own.

Hvo der vil have god Kaal, faaer at koste den. He who would have good cabbage, must pay its price.

Hvo der vil have godt af Ilden maa taale RÖgen. He who would enjoy the fire must bear the smoke.

Hvo der vil have Hunden hÆngt, finder nok et Reb. He that wants to hang a dog, is sure to find a rope.

Hvo der vil Honning slikke, maa ikke rÆddes for Bier. He who would steal honey, must not be afraid of bees.

Hvo der vil kjÖbe PÖlse af Hunden maa give ham Flesk igjen. He who would buy sausage of a dog must give him bacon in exchange.

Hvo der vil smage al Saad, brÆnder tidt sin Mund. He who tastes every man’s broth, often burns his mouth.

Hvo en anden vil rÆkke en Brand, vare sig at han ei brÆnder sin Haand. Let him who would reach another a brand, beware that he do not burn his own hand.

Hvo hÖit vil klyve, falder ofte ned. Those who climb high, often have a fall.

Hvo KjÆrnen vil Æde, skal NÖdden bryde. He who would eat the kernel, must crack the nut.

Hvo kommer fÖrst til MÖlle, faaer fÖrst malet. He who comes first to the mill is first served.

Hvo lidet forsmaaer, han bliver sjelden rig. He who despises small things seldom grows rich.

Hvo lidet saaer, lidet faaer. He who sows little, reaps little.

Hvo meget haver af SmÖrret, han kaster somt i Kaalen. He who has plenty of butter, may put some in his cabbage.

Hvo meget spÖrger, bliver meget viis. He that inquires much, learns much.

Hvor Aadselet er, forsamles Örnene. Where the carrion is, there the eagles gather.

Hvor der er Ave er Tugt; hvor der er Fred er Frugt. Where there is discipline there is virtue; where there is peace there is plenty.

Hvor der er Hierterum, er der Huusrum. When there is room in the heart, there is room in the house.

Hvo ret vil spare, skal begynde af Munden. He who would save, should begin with the mouth.

Hvor Mand ei selv kommer, der bliver ei heller hans Hoved tvÆttet. Where a man never goes, there his head will never be washed.

Hvor man ei kan komme over, maa man krybe under. Where you cannot climb over, you must creep under.

Hvor Mistanke gaaer ind, gaaer KjÆrlighed ud. When mistrust enters, love departs.

Hvor Penge fattes og Raad, er bedst, ikke at krige. Where money and counsel are wanting, it is best not to make war.

Hvor Villie er Ret, der er Loven landflygtig. Where will is right, law is banished.

Hvor Vrede blinder, der Sandhed forsvinder. When anger blinds the eyes, truth disappears.

Hvo sig blander med Saader, ham Æde Sviin. He who lies down in the wash will be eaten by swine.

Hvo sig selv kildrer, kan lee naar han lyster. He who tickles himself can laugh when he pleases.

Hvo sig selv laster, ham lover ingen Mand. He who speaks ill of himself is praised by no one.

Hvo som bygger efter hver Mands Raad, hans Huus kommer kroget at staae. He who builds according to every man’s advice will have a crooked house.

Hvo som har en god Nabo, har en god Morgen. He who has a good neighbour has a good morning.

Hvo som rÆdes for Ord, har ei Hierte til Gierning. He who is scared by words, has no heart for deeds.

Hvo som rÖrer ved Beg, han smitter sig. He that touches pitch defiles himself.

Hvo som Skalken kiender, han kiÖber ham ei. He who knows a knave, makes no bid for him.

Hvo som Synden saaer skal hÖste Skam. He who sows iniquity shall reap shame.

Hvo som vil gjÖre et stort Spring, skal gaae vel tilbage. He who would leap high must take a long run.

Hvo som vil hÆvne sig, skal vare sig. He who would seek revenge must be on his own guard.

Hvo som vil rÖre i Skarn, faaer og lugte det. If you will stir up the mire, you must bear the smell.

Hvo sorg elsker faaer altid noget at qvide. He who loves sorrow, will always find something to mourn over.

Hugg, saa falder Spaaner. Chop, and you will have splinters.

Hunden bliver ei lÖs, om han end bider i LÆnken. The dog will not get free by biting his chain.

Hund er Hund om han er aldrig saa broget. A dog is a dog whatever his colour.

Hundrede Vogne med Sorg betale ei en Haandfuld Gield. A hundred waggonsful of sorrow will not pay a handful of debt.

Hunger er det bedste Suul. Hunger is the best sauce.

Hungrig Hund og tÖrstig Hest passer ei om Hugg. A hungry dog and a thirsty horse take no heed of blows.

Hurtig til Hatten, og seen til Pungen, giÖr ingen Skade. Put your hand quickly to your hat, and slowly in your purse, and you will take no harm.

Huusbonds Öie giÖr en fed Hest. The eye of the master makes the horse fat.

IÆt har ingen Dyd uden det holdes. There is no virtue in a promise unless it be kept.

Idag Guld, imorgen Muld. To-day in gold, to-morrow in the mould.

Idig Gierning giÖr duelig Mester. Diligent work makes a skilful workman.

I Krig er bedst at binde sin Hest ved fremmed Krybbe. In war it is best to tie your horse to a strange manger.

Ilde giemmer man PÖlse i Hundehuus. The dog’s kennel is not the place to keep a sausage.

Ilden skrÖtter ikke, hvis Kappe den svier. The fire heeds little whose cloak it burns.

Ilde strider hovedlÖs HÆr. A headless army fights badly.

Ild Hund haver Ar i NÆse. An ill-tempered dog has a scarred nose.

Ild og Halm giÖr snar Lue. Fire and straw soon make a flame.

Ild og Vand ere gode Tienere, men onde Herrer. Fire and water are good servants but bad masters.

Ild prÖver Guld, og NÖd Vennehuld. Gold is proved in the fire, friendship in need.

Ildt er Rakke at lege med BiÖrnehvalp. It is bad for puppies to play with bear-cubs.

Ingen bliver greben paa det Sted, hvor han ikke kommer. No one can be caught in places he does not visit.

Ingen er mere dÖv end den som ikke vil hÖre. None so deaf as those who won’t hear.

Ingen er saa lang, han maa jo rÆkke sig, ingen saa liden han maa jo bukke sig. No man is so tall that he need never stretch, and none so small that he need never stoop.

Ingen er saa riig, han har jo sin Grande nÖdig. No one is rich enough to do without his neighbour.

Ingen faaer Skam, uden han selv hielper til med. Shame comes to no man unless he himself help it on the way.

Ingen falder siidt, uden han vil stige hÖit. No one falls low unless he attempt to climb high.

Ingen halter af Andres Skade. No man limps because another is hurt.

Ingen Helgen er saa ringe, han vil jo have sit Voxlys. Let a saint be ever so humble, he will have his wax taper.

Ingen kiender PrÆsten bedre end Degnen. No one knows the parson better than the clerk.

Ingen Ko kaldes broget, uden hun haver en Flek. A cow is not called dappled unless she has a spot.

Ingen kommer i Skaden, uden han selv hielper til. No one gets into trouble without his own help.

Ingen leder om en anden i SÆkken, uden han selv har vÆret der fÖr. No man looks for another in a sack, unless he have been there himself.

Ingen skal foragte lidet Saar, fattig FrÆnde, eller ringe Fjende. Despise not a small wound, a poor kinsman, or a humble enemy.

Ingen Veibyrde er bedre at bÆre end Viisdom. Wisdom is the least burdensome travelling pack.

Intet er saa nyt, at jo fÖr er skeet. Nothing is so new but it has happened before. (There is nothing new under the sun.)

Intet Svar er ogsaa Svar. No answer is also an answer.

I stille Vand gaae de store Fiske. In still water are the largest fish.

I tyst Vand ere Orme vÆrst. In still water the worms are worst.

“Jeg kiender nok Karsen,” sagde Bonden, han aad Skarntyde. ”I am a judge of cresses,” said the peasant, as he was eating hemlock.

“Jeg siger det ikke for min Skyld,” sagde RÆven, “at der er god Gaasegang i Skoven.” ”It is not for my own sake,” said the fox, “that I say there is a good goose-green in the wood.”

Jo Ædlere Blod, jo mindre Hovmod. The nobler the blood the less the pride.

Jo argere Skalk, jo bedre Lykke. The more knave, the better luck.

Jo flere Hyrder, jo vÆrre Vogt. The more shepherds the less care.

Jo flere Kokke, jo vÆrre Spad. The more cooks, the worse broth.

Jo kiÆrere Barn, jo skarpere Riis. The dearer the child, the sharper must be the rod.

Jo mere af Lov, jo mindre af Ret. The more by law, the less by right.

Jo mere Frygt, jo nÆrmere Skaden. The greater the fear, the nearer the danger.

Jorden er altid frossen for utrevne Sviin. The earth is always frozen to lazy swine.

Kald ikke paa Fanden, han kommer vel ubuden. Call not the devil, he will come fast enough unbidden.

Kappen giÖr hverken PrÆst eller Degn. It is not the surplice that makes parson or clerk.

Kast ei BulÖxe til Vor Herre, han vender det skarpe igien. Throw not thy hatchet at the Lord, He will turn the sharp edge against thee.

Kast ikke Barnet ud med Badet. Throw not the child out with the bath.

Kattens Leeg er Musens DÖd. What is play to the cat is death to the mouse.

KiÆrligheds VÆxt vil vandes med Graad, og dyrkes med Umag. Love’s plant must be watered with tears, and tended with care.

KiÆrt Barn har mange Navne. A pet child has many names.

Kiend Ulv Paternoster, han siger dog: “Lam! Lam!” Though you teach a wolf the paternoster, he will say: “Lamb! lamb!”

Kloge HÖns giÖr og i NÆlder. Even clever hens sometimes lay their eggs among nettles.

Koen malkes, og ei Oxen; Faaret klippes, og ei Hesten. The cow is milked, not the ox; the sheep is shorn, not the horse.

Koen veed ikke af, hvad hendes Hale duer til, fÖr hun har mistet den. The cow does not know the value of her tail till she has lost it.

Konst er Konst, om og ei Lykken er med. Art is art, even though unsuccessful.

Konst og LÆre giver BrÖd og Ære. Art and knowledge bring bread and honour.

Kragen er ikke des hvidere, at hun tidt toer sig. A crow is never the whiter for often washing.

Krage sÖger vel sin Mage. The crow will find its mate. (Like will be to like.)

Kroget Jern kan Hammeren rette. Crooked iron may be straightened with a hammer.

Krukken gaaer saa lÆnge til Kilde, til hun faaer knÆk. The pitcher goes so often to the well that it gets broken at last.

Kys er KiÆrligheds bud. Kisses are the messengers of love.

Laan din Ven, og krÆv din Uven. Lend to your friend, and ask payment of your enemy.

Laant Hest og egen Sporer giÖr korte Mile. A borrowed horse and your own spurs make short miles.

LÆnge at leve er lÆnge at lide. To live long is to suffer long.

LÆnge lever truet Mand, om han fanger BrÖd. A threatened man lives long, if he can get bread.

Lad Barn have sin Villie, da grÆder det ei. Let a child have its will, and it will not cry.

Lad den blive ved Aaren, som har lÆrt at roe. Let him stay at the oar who has learnt to row.

Lad din Hustru have den stakkede Kniv, og hav selv den lange. Give your wife the short knife, and keep the long one for yourself.

Lad Hund til Honningtrug, da springer han i med baade Been. Let a dog get at a dish of honey, and he will jump in with both legs.

Lands Skik, er Lands HÆder. National customs are national honours.

Langt fra Öine snart af Sinde. Out of sight, out of mind.

Lastelig er, at flye for en levende Fjende, og at skjelde den dÖde. It is discreditable to fly from a living enemy, or to abuse a dead one.

Lediggang er Fandens Hovedpude. Idleness is the devil’s bolster.

Legen gaaer bedst med JÆvnlige. It is best to play with equals.

Leger du med Narren i Huset, saa leger han med dig paa Gaden. If you play with the fool at home, he will play with you abroad.

Leergryde baader intet af at komme i Lag med Kobberpotte. The earthen pan gains nothing by contact with the copper pot.

Leilighed giÖr Tyve. Opportunity makes the thief.

Let er den Byrde som en anden bÆr. Another man’s burden is always light.

Liden Hvile er altid god. A short rest is always good.

Liden Tue vÆlter ofte stort LÆs. A little stone may upset a large cart.

Liden Vinding smager vel. Small profits are sweet.

Lide og bie, lyde og lÆre, hjelper fattig Barn til Ære. Suffering and patience, obedience and application, help the lowly born to honour.

Lige BrÖdre giÖre bedst Leg. Like plays best with like.

Lige Bytte giÖr mindst TrÆtte. A fair exchange brings no quarrel.

Liggende Ulv lÖber ikke Lam i Munde. Lambs don’t run into the mouth of the sleeping wolf.

List har liden Ære. Cunning has little honour.

LÖfter og raat KlÆde lÖbe meget ind. Promises and undressed cloth are apt to shrink.

LÖgn bliver ikke trÆt af at gaae lange Veie. Falsehood never tires of going round about.

LÖgn er Fandens Datter, og taler sin Faders Maal. Falsehood is the Devil’s daughter, and speaks her father’s tongue.

LÖgn og Dravel giver ond Avel. Lies and gossip have a wretched offspring.

LÖgn og Latin lÖbe Verden omkring. Lies and Latin go round the world.

LÖgn reiser om for hun vil voxe. Falsehood travels and grows.

LÖg og RÖg og en ond Qvinde komme god Mands Öine til at rinde. Onions, smoke, and a shrew, make a good man’s eyes water.

Lov baner Vei til Venskab. Praise paves the way to friendship.

Loven er Ærlig, Holden er besvÆrlig. To promise is easy, to keep is troublesome.

Loven er de Vaagendes, Lykken er de Sovendes. Law helps the waking, luck may come to the sleeping.

LovkiÖn og Maler kan snart giÖre hvidt til sort. Lawyers and painters can soon change white to black.

Luen er ikke langt fra RÖgen. The flame is not far from the smoke.

Lykken banker ofte paa, Tossen lader hende ved DÖren staa. Fortune often knocks at the door, but the fool does not invite her in.

Lykken bÆr en Mand over BÆkken, om han gider sprunget. Luck will carry a man across the brook if he is not too lazy to leap.

Lykken gaaer til DÖren, spÖrger om Forsyn er inde. Luck taps at the door and inquires whether prudence is within.

Lykken har meget til Mange, men nok til Ingen. Luck has much for many, but enough for no one.

Lykken haver skrÖbeligt Ankerhold. Luck has but a slender anchorage.

Lyst og Villie giÖr Arbeidet ringe. Cheerfulness and goodwill make labour light.

Mager Kalv glemmer at springe. A lean calf forgets to skip.

Magten gaaer ofte for Konsten. Power often goes before talent.

Magt og Mod vil have Vid med i FÖlge. Might and courage require wit in their suite.

Man angrer ofte sin Tale, men sielden sin Taushed. Speech is oft repented, silence seldom.

Man bliver ei snarere skiden end af Skarn. Meddle with dirt and some of it will stick to you.

Mand kysser ofte den Haand, han gierne saae af at vÆre. A man often kisses the hand he would like to see cut off.

Mands Ord, Mands Ære. A man’s word is his honour.

Mands Villie, Mands Himmerige. A man’s will is his heaven.

Man er dog ei Greve, for man Æder store Leve. A man is not a lord because he feeds off fine dishes.

Man faaer at bage af det Meel man har. You must contrive to bake with the flour you have.

Man faaer det for gode Ord, som man mister for onde. You may gain by fair words what may fail you by angry ones.

Man faaer ei Ko af kolÖs Mand. You cannot take a cow from a man who has none.

Man faaer ei meer af RÆven end BÆlgen. You can have no more of the fox than his skin.

Man fanger flere Fluer med en Draabe Honning end med en TÖnde Ædike. More flies are caught with a drop of honey than with a barrel of vinegar.

Man fylder fÖr Maven paa en Skalk end Öiet. It is easier to fill a rogue’s belly than his eye.

Mange BÆkke smaae, giÖre en stor Aa. Many little rivulets make a great river.

Mange have formeget, men Ingen har nok. Many have too much, but none have enough.

Mange Hunde ere Harens dÖd. Many dogs are the death of the hare.

Mange kysser Barnet for Ammens Skyld. Many kiss the child for the nurse’s sake.

Mange Sandkorn kommer Skib til at synke. Many grains of sand will sink a ship.

Mangen er god Ven, men ond Grande. Many a man is a good friend but a bad neighbour.

Mangen et Faar gaaer tykuldet ud og kommer klippet hiem. Many a sheep goes out woolly and comes home shorn.

Mangen giÖr megen Spad paa lidet KiÖd. Much broth is sometimes made with little meat.

Mangen Ko staaer i Vang, og kiger i FÆlled. Many a cow stands in the meadow and looks wistfully at the common.

Mangen qvider for den Dag han ikke bider. Many a man labours for the day he will never live to see.

Mangen saae gierne sin egen Skam paa en andens Ryg. Many a one would like to lay his own shame on another man’s back.

Mangen vil gierne rose Ret og giÖre Uret. Many love to praise right and do wrong.

Man giÖr ei god Erkebisp af en Skalk. You cannot make a good archbishop of a rogue.

Man giÖr ei godt Jagthorn af en Svinehale. You cannot make a good hunting-horn of a pig’s tail.

Man gnaver noget af Been, men intet af Steen. You may get something off a bone, but nothing off a stone.

Man har ei lÆnger Fred end Naboen vil. You cannot have peace longer than your neighbour chooses.

Man har Leiligheden i Ærmet, naar man vil. You may always find an opportunity in your sleeve, if you like.

Man hugger ikke Hovedet af fordi det er skurvet. A head is not to be cut off because it is scabby.

Man hvisker stundom een noget i Öret, og hÖrer det over den hele By. Many a thing whispered into one ear is heard over the whole town.

Man kan ei drage haardt med brudet Reb. You cannot pull hard with a broken rope.

Man kan ei seile hvorhen man vil, men hvor Vinden blÆser. You cannot sail as you would, but as the wind blows.

Man kan ikke bÆre al sin SlÆgt paa Skuldrene. A man cannot carry all his kin on his back.

Man kan ikke drikke og pibe paa eengang. You cannot drink and whistle at the same time.

Man kan ikke klippe Faaret lÆnger end til Skindet. You cannot shear the sheep closer than the skin.

Man kan ikke see en Anden lÆnger end til TÆnderne. No one can see into another further than his teeth.

Man kan lukke for en Tyv, men ikke for en LÖgner. You may shut your doors against a thief, but not against a liar.

Man kan nÖde en Hest til Vands, men ikke til at drikke. You may force a horse to the water, but you cannot make him drink.

Man kan nÖde en Mand til at blunde, men ikke til at sove. You may force a man to shut his eyes, but not to sleep.

Man kan nÖde en Oxe til Vands, men ikke nÖde ham til at drikke. You may force an ox to the water, but you cannot make him drink.

Man kan tÆnde et andet Lys af sit uden Skade. You may light another’s candle at your own without loss.

Man koger saa vel i smaae Gryder som i de store. You may cook in small pots as well as in large ones.

Man lader sig hellere bide af Ulve end af Faar. One would rather be bitten by wolves than by sheep.

Man maa bÆre sit Kors med Taalmodighed, sagde Manden, han tog sin Kone paa Ryggen. We must bear our cross with patience, said the man when he took his wife on his back.

Man maa ikke lade Narre see halvgiort Arbeide. Never let fools see half-finished work.

Man maa tage suur Sild af onde Gieldinger. Of bad debtors you may take spoilt herrings.

Man meder og den Fisk som nÖdig vil. Even that fish may be caught that strives the hardest against it.

Man skal bruge den Sol som nu skinner. Make use of the sun while it shines.

Man skal ei bÆre Segel i Anden Mands Korn. Take not your sickle to another man’s corn.

Man skal ei bide den Hund igien som bider. Bite not the dog that bites.

Man skal ei forsmaae gamle Venner eller gamle Veie. Old friends and old ways ought not to be disdained.

Man skal ei have to Tunger i een Mund. Keep not two tongues in one mouth.

Man skal ei kaste Steen efter den Hund som ligger stille. Throw no stones at a sleeping dog.

Man skal ei skue given Hest i Munden. Look not a gift horse in the mouth.

Man skal fire den Stub, man har Ly af. Honour the tree that gives you shelter.

Man skal ikke agte Hunden efter Haarene. Do not judge the dog by his hairs.

Man skal ikke troe en springsk Hest, eller en stor Herre. naar de ryste paa Hovedet. Trust not a skittish horse, nor a great lord, when they shake their heads.

Man skal ikke svide alt det som loddent er. All hairy skins must not be singed.

Man skal lÆnge gaae bag en Vildgaas fÖr man hitter en Strudsfieder. You must walk a long while behind a wild goose before you find an ostrich feather.

Man skal lÆnge gabe, fÖr en stegt Due flyver een i Munden. A man must keep his mouth open a long while before a roast pigeon flies into it.

Man skal lÆnge hugge paa en Elletrunte, fÖr man faaer en BisvÆrm deraf. You must knock a long while against an alder-bush before you get a swarm of bees out of it.

Man skal meget lide, eller tidlig dÖe. We must suffer much, or die young.

Man skal og saae efter en ond HÖst. We must sow even after a bad harvest.

Man skal rÆvse godt Barn at det ikke bliver ondt, og ondt Barn at det ikke bliver vÆrre. Chastise a good child, that it may not grow bad, and a bad one, that it may not grow worse.

Man skal SÆd fÖlge, eller Land flye. Follow the customs, or fly the country.

Man skal sÆtte TÆring efter NÆring. Live according to your means.

Man skal skiemte med sin Lige. Jest with your equals.

Man skal skue en Pige i et Trug Deig, og ikke i en Springedands. You must judge a maiden at the kneading trough, and not in a dance.

Man skal smede Jernet medens det er hedt. Strike while the iron is hot.

Man skal tude med de Ulve man er iblandt. You must howl with the wolves when you are among them.

Man skal Vidien vride medens hun er ung. Bend the willow while it is young.

Man prÆdike aldrig saa lÆnge for Ulv, han siger dog Lam ad Aften. You may preach ever so long to the wolf, he will nevertheless call for lamb before night.

Man tÖr ei ved at hÆnge Klokke paa Giekken, han ringer sig nok selv. There is no need to fasten a bell to a fool, he is sure to tell his own tale.

MÆt Mave roser Fasten. A full stomach praises Lent.

Medens grÆsset groer dÖer Horsemoder. While the grass is growing the mare dies.

Medens Hundene veire, lÖber Haren ad Skoven. While the dogs yelp, the hare flies to the wood.

Med Lov skal man Land bygge. With law must the land be built.

Med Ondt skal Ondt fordrives. Evil must be driven out by evil.

Med RÆv skal man RÆv fange. Set a fox to catch a fox.

Mellem sige og giÖre er en lang Vei. Between saying and doing there is a great distance.

Mennesket spaaer, Gud raa’er. Man proposes, God disposes.

Mistanke er for Venskab Gift. Distrust is poison to friendship.

MÖlleren er Aldrig saa drukken, at han glemmer at tolde. The miller is never so drunk that he forgets to take his dues.

Morgenstund har Guld i Mund. The morn hour has gold in its mouth.

Mude volder at Venskab holder. Gifts make friendship lasting.

Munden taler tidt det Halsen maa gielde. The mouth often utters that which the head must answer for.

Musen veed meget, men Katten veed mere. The mouse is knowing, but the cat more knowing.

Naar de store Klokker gaae hÖrer ingen de smaae. While the great bells are ringing no one hears the little ones.

Naar der regner paa PrÆsten saa drypper det paa Degnen. When it pours upon the parson, it drops upon the clerk.

Naar det regner VÆlling, saa har Stodderen ingen Skee. When it rains porridge the beggar has no spoon.

Naar det skal vÆre Held, kÆlver Tyren saa godt som Koen. If it is to be luck, the bull may as well calve as the cow.

Naar een Fod snubler er den anden nÆr ved Fald. When one foot stumbles, the other is near falling.

Naar Enden er god er alting godt. All’s well that ends well.

Naar Enhver faaer sit, faaer Fanden intet. When every man gets his own the devil gets nothing.

Naar Gaasen troer RÆven, saa vee hendes Hals. When the goose trusts the fox then woe to her neck.

Naar Giekken kommer til Torvs faaer KrÆmmeren Penge. When fools go to market the huckster gets money.

Naar GlÆden er i Stuen, er Sorgen i Forstuen. When joy is in the parlour, sorrow is in the passage.

Naar Hovedet vÆrker da vÆrke alle Lemmer. When the head aches all the limbs ache.

Naar hver agter sit, bliver Gierningen giort. When every one minds his own business the work is done.

Naar jeg har Penge i min Pung, da har jeg Mad i min Mund. When I have money in my purse, I have food in my mouth.

Naar Kat og Muus giÖr eet, har Bonden tabt. When cat and mouse agree, the farmer has no chance.

Naar Katten er borte, lÖbe Musene paa BÆnken. When the cat’s away the mice will play.

Naar Knarren er rorlÖs, gaaer den for Vrag. When the helm is gone the ship will soon be wrecked.

Naar Kokken steger for Kieldersvenden, saa gielder det Herrens Vinfad. When the cook is roasting for the butler, woe to the master’s wine-cask.

Naar Krybben er tom rives Hestene. When the manger is empty the horses fight.

Naar lade Heste ville afsted, gamle Qvinder dandse, og hvide Skyer regne, da er intet OphÖr. When lazy horses begin to start, old women to dance, and white clouds to rain, there is no stopping them.

Naar Legen er feirest, er han bedst at lade fare. When the game is most thriving it is time to leave off.

Naar man er i SÆkken, skal man ud af Munden eller af Bunden. When a man is in a sack, he must get out at the mouth or at the bottom.

Naar man seer Ulvens Ören, er han selv ikke langt borte. When the wolf’s ears appear, his body is not far off.

Naar man selv gaaer, sparer man Budleien. He that performs his own errand saves the messenger’s hire.

Naar man vil fange RÆven, spÆnder man GÆs for. If you would catch a fox you must hunt with geese.

Naar Musen er mÆt, er Melet bedsk. When the mouse has had enough the meal is bitter.

Naar Öllet gaaer ind, da gaaer Viddet ud. When the beer goes in the wits go out.

Naar RÆven prÆdiker for Gaasen, staaer hendes Hals i vove. When the fox preaches to the goose her neck is in danger.

Naar RÆven slikker sin Fod, maa Bonden agte sin Gaas. When the fox licks his paw let the farmer look after his geese.

Naar Saaret er lÆgt er Svien glemt. When the wound is healed the pain is forgotten.

Naar Skarn kommer til Ære, veed det ei hvad det vil vÆre. When dirt comes to honour it knows not what to be.

Naar Stolen raver bliver der ei lÆnge SÆde af. A rickety chair will not long serve as a seat.

Naar StrÆngen er stindest, da brister han snarest. When the cord is tightest it is nearest snapping.

Naar SvÆrdet er i Munden, skal man klappe Balgen. When the sword is in the mouth you must caress the sheath.

Naar to Uvenner blÆse i et Horn gaaer det over den Tredie ud. When two enemies blow one horn, the third will have to suffer for it.

Naar Tranen gaaer i Dands med Stodhesten, faaer hun brudne Been. When the crane attempts to dance with the horse she gets broken bones.

Naar TrÆet falder, vil alle sanke Spaaner. When the tree falls every one runs to gather sticks.

Naar Tyvene trÆttes, faaer Bonden sine Koster. When thieves fall out the peasant recovers his goods.

Naar Verten leer gladest, da mener han GiÆstens Pung. When the host smiles most blandly he has an eye to the guest’s purse.

Naar Vognen helder, vil enhver skyde efter. When the waggon is tilting everybody gives it a shove.

Nabos Öie er avindsfuldt. A neighbour’s eye is full of jealousy.

NÆr hielper mangen Mand. All but saves many a man.

Narren er andre Folk liig saa lÆnge han tier. A fool is like other men as long as he is silent.

NÆrved slaaer ingen Mand ihiel. Almost kills no man.

Nei er et godt Svar naar det kommer i Tide. No is a good answer when given in time.

Nei og ja giÖre lang TrÆtte. No and yes cause long disputes.

NÖd bryder alle Love. Necessity knows no law.

NÖd kommer gammel Kierling til at trave. Need makes the old wife trot.

Nok er en stor Rigdom. Enough is great riches.

Nye Koste feie vel. New brooms sweep clean.

Nye Viser hÖres helst. New songs are liked the best.

Nykommen er altid velkommen. New comers are always welcome.

Nyt er altid kiÆrt, Gammelt er stundom bedre. The new is always liked, though the old is often better.

Ofte bedes det igien som bort kastes. That which has been thrown away has often to be begged for again.

Ofte er Skarlagens Hierte under reven Kaabe. A royal heart is often hid under a tattered cloak.

Ofte er Ulvesind under Faareskind. Wolves are often hidden under sheep’s clothing.

Ofte finder Muus Hul, om Stuen end var fuld af Katte. The mouse may find a hole, be the room ever so full of cats.

Ofte gielder Griis det gammel So gjorde. The young pig must often suffer for what the old sow did.

Ofte kommer Regn efter Solskin, og efter Muln klart Veir. Rain comes oft after sunshine, and after a dark cloud a clear sky.

Ofte sidder rigt Barn paa fattig Moders SkjÖd. A rich child often sits in a poor mother’s lap.

Öientieneste er Hofmands Art. Eye-service is the courtier’s art.

Ond Afkom brouter mest af god Æt. Unworthy offspring brag the most of their worthy descent.

Onde Tunger onde Ören, de ene saa gode som de andre. Between evil tongues and evil ears, there is nothing to choose.

Onde Urter voxe mest, og forgaae senest. Ill weeds grow the fastest and last the longest.

Ond GiÆst er velkommen som Salt i suur Öie. An unpleasant guest is as welcome as salt to a sore eye.

Ond Gierning har Vidne i Barmen. An evil deed has a witness in the bosom.

Ond Kone Önsker Mandens HÆl til Gaarde og ikke hans Taa. A bad wife wishes her husband’s heel turned homewards, and not his toe.

Ond Qvinde er Fandens DÖrnagle. An ill-tempered woman is the devil’s door-nail.

Ond Rod giver ei godt Æble. A bad tree does not yield good apples.

Ondt Barn skal man ilde vugge. A naughty child must be roughly rocked.

Ondt bliver aldrig godt fÖr halv vÆrre kommer. Bad is never good until worse happens.

Ondt er at gildre for gammel RÆv. It is difficult to trap an old fox.

Ondt er at sanke Ax efter gierrig Agermand. It is hard to glean after a niggardly husbandman.

Ondt er at sejle uden Vind og at slibe uden Vand. It is hard to sail without wind, and to grind without water.

Ondt er at stÖtte sig til ludende VÆg. It is bad to lean against a falling wall.

Ondt er snart giort, men seent bodet. Evil is soon done, but slowly mended.

Ondt Öder sig selv. Evil wastes itself.

Ondt Öie skal intet Godt see. An evil eye can see no good.

OpÆdt BrÖd vil nÖdig betales. It is hard to pay for bread that has been eaten.

Ord binde en Mand og Hampereb Oxen. A man is bound by his word, an ox with a hempen cord.

“Peder, sagde Gaasen, “jeg ager,” der RÆven lÖb ad Skoven med hende. ”Peter, I am taking a ride,” said the goose, when the fox was running into the wood with her.

Penge tale meer end tolv TingmÆnd. Money is more eloquent than a dozen members of parliament.

PrÆsten Bogen, Bonden Plogen. The priest to his book, the peasant to his plough.

PrÆstesÆk er ond at fylde. A priest’s pocket is not easily filled.

Raad efter giort Gierning er som Regn naar Kornet er hÖstet. Counsel after action is like rain after harvest.

Raad efter Skaden er som LÆgedom efter DÖden. Advice after the mischief is like medicine after death.

Raad er ei bedre end Uraad, uden det tages i Tide. Good counsel is no better than bad counsel, if it be not taken in time.

RÆd Mand har tynd Lykke. A timid man has little chance.

RÆven gaaer ei to Gange paa eet Gilder. The fox does not go twice into the same trap.

Ravnen synes altid at hendes Unger ere de hvideste. The raven always thinks that her young ones are the whitest.

Ravn er fager, naar Raage ei er hos. The raven is fair when the rook is not by.

Red Hunden fÖr end Haren lÖber. Hold your dog in readiness before you start the hare.

Reen Haand fÆrdes tryg giennem Land. A clean hand moves freely through the land.

RetfÆrdig bliver aldrig braadrig. The upright never grow rich in a hurry.

Rigdom bliver vel lastet, men aldrig forkastet. Riches are often abused, but never refused.

Rigdom har Sorg, og Armod har Tryghed. Riches breed care, poverty is safe.

Rigdom og Gunst gaaer for Visdom og Kunst. Riches and favour go before wisdom and art.

Rig Hustru er TrÆttetynder. A rich wife is a source of quarrel.

Riig Enkes Taarer tÖrres snart. The rich widow’s tears soon dry.

Riis er bedre end RÆvesvands. A rod is better than a fox’s brush.

Ringe Mistanke kan spilde godt Rygte. A slight suspicion may destroy a good repute.

Roes Ganten saa faaer du gavn af ham. Praise a fool, and you may make him useful.

Runde HÆnder gjÖre mange Venner. Liberal hands make many friends.

Rust Æder Jern og Avind Æder sig selv. Rust consumes iron, and envy consumes itself.

Rygtet kommer fÖr til Byes end Manden. A man’s character reaches town before his person.

Ry og Rygte fÖlger Mand til DÖr. Fame and repute follow a man to the door.

Saa er hver hÆdt som han er klÆdt. As a man dresses so is he esteemed.

Saa flyver hver Fugl som han er fiedret. According to his pinions the bird flies.

Saa grynte Griis efter som gammel Sviin fore (fÖr dem). Young pigs grunt as old swine grunted before them.

Saa kan man bÖie Bue, at den brister. The bow may be bent until it breaks.

Saa lÆnge en Mand er unÆvnt er han uskiÆndt. A man who is not spoken of is not abused.

Saa lever HÖnen af sit Skrab, som LÖven af sit Rov. The hen lives by pickings, as the lion by prey.

Saa mange Hoveder saa mange Sind. So many heads, so many minds.

SÆl er den, der kan see ved anden Mands Skade. Happy he who can take warning from the mishaps of others.

SÆlg ikke BÆlgen fÖr du har fanget RÆven. Don’t sell the skin till you have caught the fox.

Sammen sÖge Sellige, et skabbet Ög og et sandigt Dige. Like seeks like—a scabbed horse and a sandy dike.

Sandhed er en suur Kost. Truth is bitter food.

Sandhed og Daarskab sidde begge i Viinfadet. Truth and folly dwell in the wine-cask.

Sandhed skal man lÆre af BÖrn og drukne Folk. Children and drunken men speak the truth.

Sandtalende Qvinde har faae Venner. A truth-telling woman has few friends.

See Dig vel for, Fraade er ikke Öl. Beware, froth is not beer.

Seil mens Vinden blÆser, BÖren bier efter Ingen. Sail while the breeze blows, wind and tide wait for no man.

Selvgiort er velgiort. What you do yourself is well done.

Sielden bliver blu Hund fed. A modest dog seldom grows fat.

Sielden dandser bold Kiortel saa vel som mÆt Bug. A full belly dances better than a fine coat.

Sielden er Grenen bedre end Bullen. The branch is seldom better than the stem.

Sielden kommer Sorg ene. Sorrow seldom comes alone.

Sielden skiÆrer man godt Korn af ond Ager. Good corn is not reaped from a bad field.

Sielden sukker glad Hierte, men tidt leer sorrigfuld Mund. A glad heart seldom sighs, but a sorrowful mouth often laughs.

Silde Bod er sielden god. Late repentance is seldom worth much.

Silketunge og Blaargarns Hierte fÖlges ofte ad. Silken tongue and hempen heart often go together.

Skaden kommer ei gierne ene til Huus. Misfortune seldom comes alone to the house.

Skal LÖgnen troes, da maae den flikkes med Sandhed. If lies are to find credence, they must be patched with truth.

Skindtiig faaer ei sÖd MÆlk uden der er druknet Muus i. The watch-dog does not get sweet milk unless there be drowned mice in it.

Skjorten er Kroppen nÆrmere end Kiortelen. The shirt is nearer to the body than the coat.

Skov haver Ören, og Mark haver Öien. The forest has ears, and the field has eyes.

Slagt ei meer end du kan salte, eller du faaer sure Stege. Kill no more than you can salt, or you will have tainted meat.

Smaae BÖrn, smaae Sorger; store BÖrn, store Sorger. Little children, little sorrows; big children, great sorrows.

Smaae Helgen giÖre og Jertegn. Little saints also perform miracles.

Smaae Sorger tale, de store tie. Little sorrows are loud, great ones silent.

SmedebÖrn rÆdes ei for gnister. Blacksmith’s children are not afraid of sparks.

Smiger er sÖd mad, hov den gider Ædt. Flattery is sweet food for those who can swallow it.

SmÖr fordÆrver ingen Mad, og LemfÆldighed skader ingen Sag. Butter spoils no meat, and moderation injures no cause.

Smuler ere og BrÖd. Even crumbs are bread.

Snart og vel ere sielden sammen. Quick and well seldom go together.

SÖde Ord fylde kun lidt i SÆkken. Fair words won’t fill the sack.

Soen er helst i SÖle. The sow prefers the mire.

SÖg Raad hos LigemÆnd, og Hielp hos OvermÆnd. Ask advice of your equals, help of your superiors.

SÖlv og Guld er hver Mand Huld. Silver and gold are all men’s dears.

Som de Gamle siunge saa tviddre de Unge. As the old ones sing, the young ones twitter.

Som Herren er saa fÖlge ham Svende. As the master is, so are his men.

Som Manden, saa og hans Tale. As the man is, so is his speech.

Som man reder til, saa ligger man. As you make your bed so you must lie on it.

Sqvalder drukner for god Kones DÖr. Slander expires at a good woman’s door.

Stagrende Mand skal sig ved Kiep stÖde. A tottering man must lean upon a staff.

Stakkarl er Staadder vÆrst, naar han Magt fanger. No one so hard upon the poor as the pauper who has got into power.

Stakket er HÖneflu, uden Hane fluer med. The hen flies not far unless the cock flies with her.

Stakket HÖr giver og lang Traad. Short flax makes long thread.

Stakket Hund, kuldet Ko, og liden Mand ere gierne hovmodige. A little dog, a cow without horns, and a short man, are generally proud.

Stakket Lyst har tidt lang anger. Short pleasure often brings long repentance.

StÆrke Mands Spil er kranke Mands DÖd. What is play to the strong is death to the weak.

Store Drikke, og lang MorgensÖvn, gjÖre snart fattig. Deep draughts, and long morning slumbers, soon make a man poor.

Store Herrer have lange HÆnder, men de naae ikke til Himlen. Great lords have long hands, but they do not reach to heaven.

Store Herrer ville have meget, og fattigt Folk kan lidet give. Great lords will have much, and poor folk can give but little.

Store Ord giÖre sielden from Gierning. Big words seldom go with good deeds.

Styr Hest med Bidsel og ond Kone med Kiep. Govern a horse with a bit, and a shrew with a stick.

Svig og Sqvalder have lang Alder. Treachery and slander are long lived.

Sygdom er hver Mands Herre. Sickness is every man’s master.

Sygdom kommer selvbuden—man har ei nÖdig at sende efter den. Sickness comes uninvited—no need to bespeak it.

Sygen lÖber til og kryber fra. Sickness comes in haste, and goes at leisure.

Syn gaaer altid for Sagn. Sight goes before hearsay.

Taalmodigheds Urt groer ikke i hver Mands Have. The herb patience does not grow in every man’s garden.

Tag GÆssene vare naar RÆven prÆdiker. Take care of your geese when the fox preaches.

Tag Mange til Hielp og Faa til Raad. Take help of many, advice of few.

Tag Raad af rÖdskjÆgged Mand, og gaae snart fra ham. Take advice of a red-bearded man, and be gone.

TakkelÖs Mand giÖr aldrig tÆkkelig Gierning. A thankless man never does a thankful deed.

Tal sagte om din Skade, og roes ikke din Lykke. Speak little of your ill luck, and boast not of your good luck.

Tanden bider ofte Tungen og dog bliver de eens. The tooth often bites the tongue, and yet they keep together.

Taus Mand troes mest. The silent man is most trusted.

Tiden bier efter ingen Mand. Time waits for no man.

Tiden er ei bunden ved PÆl, som Hest ved Krybbe. Time is not tied to a post, like a horse to the manger.

Tidt er Gift og Galde under Honningtale. Honeyed speech often conceals poison and gall.

Tidt er vanskabt Sind under fagert Skind. A fair skin often covers a crooked mind.

Tidt faaer man det Tungt paa sin Ryg, som man tog let paa sin Samvittighed. You may often feel that heavily on your back which you took lightly on your conscience.

Tidt forer man Sandheds Kaabe med LÖgn. Truth’s cloak is often lined with lies.

Tidt gaaer Retten frem som Pungen veier til. Justice oft leans to the side where the purse pulls.

Tidt meder man ei did som man vil skyde. A man does not always aim at what he means to hit.

Tidt nok galer Hanen uden Seir. The cock often crows without a victory.

Tidt vil den du sÆtter paa din Axel, sidde paa dit Hoved. He that you seat upon your shoulder will often try to get upon your head.

Tiende Mands Ord komme ei til Tinge. A silent man’s words are not brought into court.

Til Hove ere hale Trapper. The steps at court are slippery.

Til Hove sÆlges megen RÖg uden Ild. At court they sell a good deal of smoke without fire.

Til NabotrÆtte bÆre flere Ild end Vand. When neighbours quarrel, lookers-on are more apt to add fuel than water.

Til Udyd behÖves ingen Skolemester. Vice is learnt without a schoolmaster.

Ti Nei er bedre end een LÖgn. Ten noes are better than one lie.

To ere een Mands Herre. Two are the masters of one.

To Hund og kÆm Hund, dog er Hund som han fÖrre var. Wash a dog and comb a dog, he still remains a dog.

To maae saa lyve, at den tredie hÆnger. Two may lie so as to hang a third.

Tom Kjelder giÖr galen Rede-Svend. An empty cellar makes an angry butler.

Tomme TÖnder buldre mest. Empty barrels give the most sound.

Tomme Vogne buldre meest. Empty waggons make most noise.

Tordenregn og Herregunst falder altid ujevnt. Thundershowers and great men’s favour are always partial.

TÖr Ved giÖr rask Ild. Dry wood makes a quick fire.

Trang og NÖd bryde Tro og Ed. Want and necessity break faith and oaths.

TrÆet bliver vel stÆkket fÖr det voxer til Sky. The tree is sure to be pruned before it reaches the skies.

Tre ere onde i Huus: RÖg, Regn og en ond Qvinde. Smoke, rain, and a scolding wife, are three bad things in a house.

Tre Qvinder og een Gaas gjÖre et Marked. Three women and a goose make a market.

Tre Ting giÖre ikke godt uden Hugg: ValnÖdtrÆet, Asenet, og en ond Qvinde. There are three things from which no good can be got without a beating: a walnut-tree, a donkey, and a shrew.

Tro alle vel, men dig selv bedst. Trust everybody, but thyself most.

Tro ei stille Vand og tiende Mand. Trust not still water nor a silent man.

Tungen slides ei af gode Ord. Kind words don’t wear out the tongue.

Tyv tÆnker Hvermand stiÆler. A thief thinks every man steals.

Udi sÖd Tale ligger Falskhed i dvale. Treachery lurks in honeyed words.

Uglen mener hendes BÖrn ere de fagerste. The owl thinks her children the fairest.

Uglen priser ei Dagen, eller Ulven ei Hunden. The owl does not praise the light, nor the wolf the dog.

Ukrud forgaaer ikke. Weeds never die out.

Ulv tager ei Brad paa sin egen Mark. The wolf preys not in his own field.

Under hvid Aske ligger ofte gloende Kul. Under white ashes lie often glowing embers.

Under hvide Liin, skiules tidt skabet Skind. Fine linen often conceals a scabby skin.

Unge Hunde har skarpe TÆnder. Young dogs have sharp teeth.

Ungt FÖl og gammel Hest de drage ei tillige. A young foal and an old horse draw not well together.

Uraad kommer tidligt nok. Mischief comes soon enough.

Uvillig Gierning tiener ingen Tak. Unwilling service earns no thanks.

Vad ikke over Vand, hvor du ei seer Bund. Do not wade where you see no bottom.

Vandet lÖber, mens MÖlleren sover. The water runs while the miller sleeps.

Vaer dig for Hunden, Skyggen bider ikke. Beware of the dog himself, his shadow does not bite.

Var Avind en Feber, var al Verden syg. If envy were a fever, all the world would be ill.

Var det giort med SkiÆgget, da vandt Giedebukken. If a beard were all, the goat would be the winner.

Vare Tanker Tingsvidne, da blev mangen, Ærlig Mand til en Skielm. If thoughts were legal witnesses, many an honest man would be proved a rogue.

VÆlsk Andagt og tydsk Faste gjelder intet. Italian devotion and German fasting have no meaning.

Var LÖgn Latin, da var der mange lÆrde Folk. If lies were Latin, there would be many learned men.

Varp ei mere op end du kan vÆve. Do not put in more warp than you can weave.

VÆrge byder Landefred. The sword keeps the peace of the land.

Vee vorde ondt Öie. Woe be to an evil eye.

Vel begyndt er halv fuldendt. Well begun is half done.

Velgiort skal man aldrig angre. Never repent a good action.

Venlige Ord og faa ere Qvinders Pryd. Kind words and few are a woman’s ornament.

Venners Feil maa man mÆrke, men ei laste. A friend’s faults may be noticed, but not blamed.

Vigtig Gierning vil drives med faa Ord. Weighty work must be done with few words.

Vi sidde nu alle vel, sagde Katten han sad paa Flesket. We are all well placed, said the cat, when she was seated on the bacon.

Vognen faaer at gaa, hvor Hestene drage ham. The waggon must go whither the horses draw it.

Vor Herre kommer nok, om han end ikke kommer til Hest. The Lord will not fail to come, though he may not come on horseback.

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