The looker-on is quite sure he could do better than the actual players. In Connaught, which is as renowned for its neck-or-nothing riders as Munster is for its vigorous hurlers, they have this parallel saying,—
The best horseman is always on his feet.
In the same sense the Dutch aver that "The best pilots stand on shore."[396]
In a calm sea every man is a pilot.
Every man can tame a shrew but he that hath her.
Bachelors' wives and maids' children are always well taught.
"He that has no wife chastises her well; he that has no children rears them well" (Italian).[397]
I ask your pardon, coach; I thought you were a wheelbarrow when I stumbled over you.—Irish.
An ironical apology for offence given to overweening vanity or pride.
The pride of the cobbler's dog, that took the wall of a wagon of hay, and was squeezed to death.
FOOTNOTES:
[392] Il y a fagots et fagots.