Proverbial Wisdom

Express the idea behind each of these proverbs using different words as much as you can.

Introduction

On this page you will a find a selection of brief sayings, including short quotations from English literature as well as traditional proverbs. Choose a saying, and try to express the idea in different words as much as you can. In what circumstances might you use this quotation?

Note: Many of these proverbs and quotations are in archaic English, and neither grammar nor spelling has been modernised.

1. Evermore thanks, the exchequer of the poor.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Richard II (Bolingbroke), Act II, Sc. III

2. Small things make base men proud.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Henry VI, Pt II (Suffolk), Act IV, Scene I

3. When lovely woman stoops to folly,
And finds too late that men betray,
What charm can soothe her melancholy
What art can wash her guilt away?
The only art her guilt to cover,
To hide her shame from every eye,
To give repentance to her lover,
And wring his bosom is — to die.

Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774)

The Vicar of Wakefield, Chap. XXIV

4. He who has the truth at his heart need never fear the want of persuasion on his tongue.

John Ruskin (1819-1900)

The Stones of Venice, Infidelitas, §99.

5. You must cut your coat according to your cloth.

Old Proverb

6. He is as cowardly
That longer fears to live, as he that fears to die.

Phineas Fletcher (1582-1650)

The Purple Island, Can. X, St. VIII

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Complete each of these statements with a little request for confirmation.