[118] This proverb is certainly of West Indian origin, though I first obtained it from a Louisianian. In consequence of the depredations committed by rats in the West-Indian cane-fields, it is customary after the crop has been taken off, to fire the dry cane tops and leaves. The blaze, spreading over the fields, destroys many rats, but also a variety of harmless lizards and other creatures.
283. Ravett pas janmain asséz fou pou li allé lapòte pouleillé. (Le ravet n’est jamais assez fou pour aller à la porte du poulailler.)
“The cockroach is never silly enough to approach the door of the hen-house.”—[Martinique.]
284. * Ravette pas jamain tini raison douvant poule. (Le ravet n’a jamais raison devant la poule.)
“Cockroach is never in the right where the fowl is concerned”—(lit.: before the fowl.)[119]—[Trinidad.]
[119] I find this proverb in every dialect I have been able to study. In Martinique Creole the words vary slightly: “Douvant poule ravett pas ni raison.”
285. Rasiers tini zoreïes. (Les [rosiers?] buissons ont des oreilles.)
“Bushes have ears.”—[Trinidad.]
286. * Rendé service, baille chagrin. (Rendre service donne du chagrin.)