There are many proverbs associated with the oak. Referring to its growth, we are told that "The willow will buy a horse before the oak will pay for a saddle," the allusion being, of course, to the different rates at which trees grow. That occasionally some trifling event may have the most momentous issues is thus exemplified:—
"The smallest axe may fell the largest oak;"
Although, on the other hand, it is said that:—
"An oak is not felled at one chop."
A further variation of the same idea tells us how:—
"Little strokes fell great oaks,"
In connection with which may be quoted the words of Ovid to the same effect:—
"Quid magis est durum saxo? Quid mollius unda?
Dura taneu molli saxa cavantur aqua?"
Then, again, it is commonly said that:—
"Oaks may fall when seeds brave the storm."