Matheson Collection > Gaelic proverbs and proverbial sayings, with English translations

INTRODUCTION
IN the preface to Henderson's " Proverbs of
Scotland" it is stated that "few countries
can lay claim to a more abundant store of
these pithy sayings than our own ; and no people
were at one time more attached to the use of
these significant and figurative laconisms than
Scotsmen. ' ' On the other hand, there are writers
who say that the Celtic races were not much
given to proverbs, and the explanation given is
that a people gifted with the power of speech,
like the Celts, are averse to their too frequent
use. A proverb clinches the argument too
abruptly, and gives no play to that metaphysical
science said to be so dear to the heart of every
Scotsman. The present writer would prefer to
accept Mr. Henderson's opinion on the matter.
From personal experience he can say that the