Arabian Proverbs
For no other reason than that I like them.
On camels
Better than beauty is a camel.
If a man is idle, give him a camel
If a camel once get his nose in your tent, his body will follow.
Trust in God, but tie up your camel.
Death is a black camel that lies down at every door. Sooner or later you must ride the camel.
It is easier to make a camel jump a ditch than to make a fool listen to reason.
Better a handful of dry dates and content therewith than to own the Gate of Peacocks and be kicked in the eye by a broody camel.
On other things
If you are a prince and I am a prince, who is going to lead the donkeys?
If begging should unfortunately be thy lot, knock at the large gates only.
Live together like brothers and do business like strangers.
A kind word can attract even the snake from his nest.
All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are moveable, and those that move.
A book that remains shut, is but a block.
One coin in the money-box makes more noise than when it is full.
Seek counsel of him who makes you weep, and not of him who makes you laugh.
Think of the going out before you enter.
Judge a man by the reputation of his enemies.
A woman can hide her love for years, but her disgust and anger not for one day.
Beware: some liars tell the truth.
Sad are only those who understand.
When you shoot an arrow of truth, dip its point in honey.
Write bad things that are done to you in sand, but the good things that happen to you on a piece of marble.
Sunshine all the time makes a desert.
If a pot is cooking, the friendship will stay warm.
It is wise to bring some water when one goes out to look for water.