WAKATAUKI, OR PROVERBS. 
301 
75. Ngahuru ki runga, ngahuru ki raro ; ma te paroparo e aki. 
There are ten teeth above, and ten below ; let the strength of 
the jaw bring them together. — When food is tough and 
only half cooked, it will be necessary to use more force in 
chewing it. 
76. E moe ana te mata hi tuna, e ara ana te mata hi awa. 
The eyes of those who fish for eels are closed, but the eyes 
of those who fish for the awa are opened. — Eels bite 
during the night when the lines are laid, but the awa only 
by day. Some persons sleep during a siege, while others 
are watching ; they who keep awake prevent the pa being 
surprised by the enemy. 
77. Tama tu, tama ora ; tama noho, tama mate kai. 
The man who stands up to work will be satisfied ; but he who 
sits down will want food. 
78. Tu ke raumati, wakapiri ngahuru. 
You keep at a distance in summer, but stick close in harvest. — 
This is used for a lazy fellow, who runs away during the 
working season, and does not return till the crops are dug 
up. 
79. Me te tarakihi e papa ana i te waru. 
Like the cicada chirping in the eighth month, or spring. — A 
saying when there is much food, there is also much talking. 
80. He urunga ekore e wakaarahia hau kino. 
A pillow that is not raised by a tempest. — This saying is 
applied to the top of Tongariro, which is so lofty and 
difficult of access, that whoever takes refuge there is safe 
from his enemies. 
81. Ekore e hohoro te opeope o te otaota. 
The weeds will not be soon eradicated. — Applied to a large 
war party, which will not be easily vanquished. 
82. Haere e wai i te waewae o Uenuku, kia ora ai te tangata. 
By going to the feet of Uenuku, a man’s life may be saved. — 
Uenuku was famed for his wisdom ; therefore, to sit at his 
feet implied to learn wisdom, by which a man might be able 
to preserve his life in the midst of danger. 
88. Ehara te urunga tangata, he urunga panekeneke. 
It is not good to lean upon a man, for he is a moving bolster. 
84. E hara te toa taua, he toa pahekeheke ? Ko te toa ngaki kai 
ekore e paheke. 
