This is a proverb of the Scotch, and they tell a story about it similar to the first of the two above related of Plowden. Hackerton was a lawyer, whose cow had gored a neighbour's ox. The man told him the reverse. "Why, then," said Hackerton, "your ox must go for my heifer—the law provides that." "No," said the man, "your cow killed my ox." "The case alters there," said Hackerton. Many a one exclaims in secret with the Spaniard, "Justice, but not brought home to myself!"[414] "Nobody likes that" (Italian).[415]
Close sits my shirt, but closer my skin.
That is, I love my friends well, but myself better; or, my body is dearer to me than my goods.
Near is my petticoat, but nearer is my smock.
Some friends are nearer to me than others. There are many proverbs in various languages similar to the last two in meaning and in form, but with different terms of comparison. They are all modelled upon the Latin adage, "The tunic is nearer than the frock."[416]
FOOTNOTES:
[398] Prima sibi charitas.
[399] Trage Jeder seinem Sack zur Mülle.
[400] Ogni volpe habbia cura della sua coda.
[401] Zelf is de Man.