_‛Ala ḳadar firâshak midd rijlayk_: “According to the measure of your bed stretch your legs.” This is quoted in favor of living within one’s means. _Il-ghâib jihathu ma‛hu_: “The absent one has his excuse with him.” _Fâlij la tu‛âlij_: “Palsy, don’t doctor it.” This one has a hopeless touch. _Ish-shay matta zâd nuḳṣ_: “Anything carried to excess diminishes.” This proverb advises against overdoing. _Mâ fy kabîr illâ il-jamal_: “Nothing is large except the camel.” Compare this with “Comparisons are odious.” _Il-walad walad walau kân kâḍy balad_: “The boy is a boy though he be judge of the country.” _In kân râyḥ kaththir min il-ḳabâyḥ_: “If one be going away, increase the mischief.” This may refer to an official who becomes reckless on the eve of his discharge, or possibly to the people who, in view of the near departure of their superior, take advantage of the fact to perpetrate mischief. Compare, “When the cat’s away the mice will play.” _Mâl il-majânîn lil-‛aḳâl_: “The wealth of the crazy is for the wise.” _Kalb hâmil khurj mâl_: “A dog carrying a saddle-bag of wealth.” This refers to an unworthy owner of wealth.[196] _In râḥat ghannat wan jât ghannat_: “Whether it goes or comes I shall sing.” The one so saying declares that he will be joyous despite circumstances. _Bayn hânâ wamânâ râḥat lihânâ_: “Between this and that the beard went.” In case a man is given conflicting orders he quotes the above to the effect that between coming and going one’s beard is in danger of flying off. The syllable _na_ on the end of the last word is added for euphony merely. _Hâfitha ‛ala iṣ-ṣadîḳ walau fil-ḥarîḳ_: “Succor your friend though he be in fire.” _Khayr il-âmûr l-wasṭ_: “The good of things is in moderation.”[197] _Ziyâdeh il-khayr khayr_: “Increase makes good better.” _Iṣ-ṣubr miftâh il-faraj_: “Patience is the key of relief.” _‛Allamnâk ish-shiḥdeh sabaḳthanâ ‛ala il-bâb_: “I taught you begging and you got to the door before I did.” This was a beggar’s proverb originally and illustrates the fact that the pupil may outdo his teacher. _Mithl azîmeh il-ḥamar lil-‛urs_: “Like the invitation of a donkey to a wedding.” This is applicable when one who is invited as a guest is asked to work. The donkey’s function on festive occasions is to fetch and carry. SONG OF THE ṢAḤJEH Good evening, all ye who are present; In the middle of the garden is a green bird chirping to you. O mother of the only one, bless thee for what thou didst for him. On his wedding day thou didst grind his flour at Zerḳâ. Were it not for love we’d not come walking, Nor would we tread on your ground. Good evening, thou owner of a silver rosary! After starting lovingly, why is there this hatred? Good evening, O possessor of an amber rosary! After starting lovingly, why dost thou fight? The sand cannot be kneaded, nor thorns trodden, Nor the secret displayed to all the people.