A few 17th century proverbs for the new year...

The beau's academy, 1699 Wing / 2854:35

In honor of the new year, I thought I'd offer some words of wisdom from the late 17th century. Granted, these words came from Edward Phillips, The beau's academy, or, The modern and genteel way of wooing and complementing after the most courtly manner (1699).

So basically a book on how to be witty with the ladies.

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 I selected a few of Phillips' -er- wisest statements and accompanying commentary (although a few are a tad hard to understand). 

On prudent spending:

He that spends beyond his ability,
may hang himself with great agility.
For he is lighter than he was by many a pound.
(I have to say, this is one of Phillips' more sensical statements!)

On the perils of whispering sweet nothings:

Good words cost nothing.
Unless it be love verses, for some men do pay.

On fighting:

He that cannot fight let him run.
Tis a notable piece of Machiavelian policy.
(I'm envisioning some poor battle-shocked Redcoats being relieved of their weapons and released to the elements....Machiavelian indeed!)

On cooking:

Better no pies, than pies made with scabby hands. (um, definitely one to keep in mind!)

He's an ill cook that licks not his own fingers.  (Methinks Tom Colicchio would concur!!!)

On being a good provider:

Good at meat, good at work.
Therefore, 'tis the best way always to eat stoutly in the presence of women.
(Got that, men?)

...and a few I can't easily categorize, but which sound a little naughty:

Of idleness, comes no goodness.
For that is the reason so many maids have the green sickness.
(The "green sickness" [chlorosis or hypochromic anemia] was once considered "pecuilar to virgins." So being idle won't do anyone any good!)

Hungry dogs love dirty puddings.
There's many a man hath lost his nose by verifying this proverb. (I'll let someone else interpret this one!)

Just a little something to ponder!!!