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.”