PROVERBS. 



331 



Looking to what took place in other parts of Europe, we find that pro- 

 verbial literature was alike fruitful, though in each case the produce was of 

 native growth, Spain and Italy being the countries whose proverbs have the 

 greatest similarity to those of France. England had not so many proverbs, 

 but those of English origin are specially remarkable for that Britannic 

 humour which is not to be met with elsewhere, and which lends great ori- 

 ginality to her proverbs. Such are : " If one knew what prices were going 

 to rise, one would not need to be in trade more than a year ; " " Exchange 

 is no robbery;" "God sent us meat, and the devil sent the cooks;" "The 

 devil makes his Christmas pudding with attorneys' fingers and lawyers' 

 tongues." 



Fig. 286. The Shoemaker and his Customer. Copied after one of the Stalls called Mistricordei 

 in the Choir of Rouen Cathedral (Fifteenth Century). 



In painting, sculpture (Figs. 285 and 286), and in nearly all other 

 branches of art were reproduced the figurative expressions implied by pro- 

 verbs. Pictures, drawings, engravings, and tapestry were all employed in the 

 interpretation of these proverbs, which were also to be found engraved upon 

 the blades of swords and of daggers, and upon the helmets and breast-plates. 

 Medals and counters were coined with proverbs on them, and they were also 

 worn in the shape of embroidered sashes and scarfs by persons of both 



