136 



not be found altogether devoid of interest. They throw con- 

 siderable light on the history, manners, and customs of the 

 people amongst whom they are current, and while they serve as 

 exponents of their feelings and sentiments, they also afford a 

 clear insight into their national character. 



As I do not consider myself competent to translate these 

 proverbs in that terse and epigrammatic style in which they 

 should be rendered, I have only endeavoured to make the 

 translation as faithful as I can, leaving it to others to clothe 

 them in more suitable English. I have, in addition, appended 

 a few brief explanatory notes, wherever the application of the 

 proverb is not apparent ; and also added the stories on which 

 some of them are founded. 



L. DE ZOYSA. 



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4. 8d'B(^cd CQ3 9(^0 



' The Lula* that has escaped 

 is the bigger one.' 



A man is apt to magnify the 

 value of anything that he has 

 not obtained. 



' There is no smoke without 

 a fire.' 



There is no rumour, however 

 false, without some slight foun- 

 dation of fact, or supposed 

 fact. 



' Like a line described on 

 water.' 



It leaves no impression on 

 the water : applied to a thank- 

 less ingrate. 



' Like a the mad woman's basket 

 of herbs.' 



A writing abounding in in- 

 congruous, or heterogeneous 

 matter. 



* The name of a fish, 



