once upon a time all the rivers combined to protest against the action of the sea in making their waters salt. "When we come to you," sad they to the sea, "we are sweet and drinkable; but when once we have mingled with you, our waters become as briny and unpalatable as your own." The sea replied shortly, "Keep away from me, and you'll remain sweet.

Those who enter through the back door can expect to be shown out through the window

The grateful heart will always find opportunities to show its gratitude.

We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction.

False friends leave you in times of trouble.

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

A word in season is most precious.