Chi vuol assai, non dimandi poco. He who wants a good deal must not ask for a little.
Chi vuol con piacer mangiare, non veda cucinare. He who would relish his food must not see it cooked.
Chi vuol dar al cane, trova facilmente il bastone. He that would beat his dog can easily find a stick.
Chi vuol dell’acqua chiara, vada alla fonte. He who would have clear water should go to the fountain head.
Chi vuol esser lungo tempo vecchio, bisogna cominciar a buon’ora. He who would be long an old man must begin betimes.
Chi vuol esser mal servito tenga assai famiglia. He that would be ill served should keep plenty of servants.
Chi vuol goder la festa, digiuni la vigilia. He who would enjoy the feast should fast on the eve.
Chi vuol il lavoro mal fatto, paghi innanzi tratto. If you would have your work ill done, pay beforehand.
Chi vuol molti amici, non n’ha nessuno. He that seeks to have many friends never has any.
Chi vuol presto e ben, faccia da se. He that would have a thing done quickly and well must do it himself.