‛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!