Page:Hausa Proverbs.djvu/82

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Hausa Proverbs

399 Kwadaï ka kasshe'n karre, ba yungwa ba.

It is not liimger that kills the dog but continually hanging round for food; for people get angry and throw stones at it.

400 Da kurru gadda ta yi sunna.

The gadda has a reputation for courage, or on account of its small size.

Gadda, a very small antelope, duiker. Vide 394.

401 Koyanzu kasua ta tasshi, angulu ta sha jinni.

As soon as the market breaks up the vulture begins to drink blood.

402 Saba da maifito, tun kwoginshi ba kawo rua ba, randa rua ya bayenna kai ne fito'n farko.

Familiarity with a boatman, before his river fills with water, causes you to be the first to benefit by his boat when the water appears.

Maifito, a boatman, one who puts you out.

403 Saba da kwana'n rami, ko mutua ya sameka.

A man who is accustomed to hardship will not mind a little extra.

404 Kowa ta kai, gobarra yan bera.

Every one for himself.

405 Shi ke nan birni, en ji ba kowyé.

O see the city, so says the rustic!

Kowyé the small hamlets within a radius of ten miles or so from a walled town; in a larger sense, sometimes for all towns depending on the "birni."