Quando el bazo crece el cuerpo enmagrece. When the spleen increases, the body diminishes.
Quando el cosario promete misas y cera, con mal anda la galera. When the corsair promises masses and candles, it goes ill with the galley.
Quando el diablo reza, engañarte quiere. When the devil says his prayers he wants to cheat you.
Quando el Español canta, ó rabia, ó no tiene blanca. When the Spaniard sings, he is either mad or has no money.
Quando el guardian juega á los naypes, qué haran los frayles? When the prior plays cards, what will the monks do?
Quando el hierro está encendido, entonces ha de ser batido. When the iron is hot, then is the time to strike.
Quando el necio es acordado, el mercado es ya pasado. When the fool has made up his mind the market is over.
Quando el rio no hace ruido, ó no lleva agua, ó va muy crecido. When the river makes no noise, it is either dried up or much swollen.
Quando el viejo no puede beber la huesa le pueden hacer. When an old man cannot drink, prepare his grave.
Quando el villano está en el mulo, ni conoce á Dios, ni al mundo. Set a peasant on horseback, and he forgets both God and man.