Here the proverb was used to imply an unfair division of spoil, or what was called, in the duchy of Bretagne, "A Montgomery distribution—all on one side, and nothing on the other."[203] (The powerful family of Montgomery were in the habit of taking the lion's share.) It may also be applied to the manner in which confederates play into each other's hands. "The dog that starts the hare is as good as the one that catches it" (German).[204]
The receiver is as bad as the thief.
"He sins as much who holds the sack as he who puts into it" (French).[205] "He who holds the ladder is as bad as the burglar" (German).[206]
Lie for him and he'll swear for you.
Speir at Jock Thief if I be a leal man.—Scotch.
"Ask my comrade, who is as great a liar as myself" (French).[207]
The lion had need of the mouse.
The grateful mouse in the fable rescued her benefactor from the toils by gnawing the cords. "Soon or late the strong needs the help of the weak" (French).[208] "Every ten years one man has need of another" (Italian).[209]
Two to one are odds at football.
"Not Hercules himself could resist such odds" (Latin).[210] "Three helping each other are as good as six" (Spanish).[211] "Three brothers, three castles" (Italian).[212] "Three, if they unite against a town, will ruin it" (Arab).
When two ride the same horse one must ride behind.