Maxims & Wise Counsel

Ogal neach re ráidhtear olc.

Ogal neach re ráidhtear olc.

(riled-up * one * to-whom * is said * evil)

One spoken harshly to will take offence.

 
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Armad ard in crand…

Armad ard in crand is móide co mór benaid* na gaetha fris.

(so-might-be * high * the * tree * tis * the-more * greatly * strike * the * winds * against-it)

The higher the tree is, the greater the winds beat upon it.

 
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Nád-bí caínfoltach ní-bí caínfuillmech.

Nád-bí caínfoltach ní-bí caínfuillmech.

(that-not-is * well-wealthy * is-not-usually * well-profited)

Whoever is not wealthy is not likely to profit.

 
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Con·éitet nád fúacair.

Con·éitet nád fúacair.

(goes-along * that not * discloses)

Whoever does not denounce accepts.

 
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Nárab cumthach duit ainfhial.

Nárab cumthach duit ainfhial.

(let-not-be * companion * to-you * ungenerous-one)

Do not make a friend of an ungenerous person.

 
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Ní saithi cen aipgitri.

Ní saithi cen aipgitri.

(is-not * sages * without * alphabets)

There are no sages without alphabets.

 
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Mairg faemas a anfine.

Mairg faemas a anfine.
Mairg móras a mogduine.

(woe betide * (who) accepts * his * outsiders)
(woe betide * (who) exhalts * his * vassal)

Woe to him who welcomes outsiders.
Woe to him who raises the status of his serf.

 
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Nárbat soithiuch senáruscc.

Nárbat soithiuch senáruscc.

(be-not • vessel • of old-maxims)

Don’t be a bowl of old saws!

 
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An tan is caeine an cluiti…

An tan is caeine an cluiti is and dlegur a discur.

(the * time * is * more beautiful * the * game * is * then * it is proper * its * ceasing)

The best time to give up the game is when it’s at its best.

 
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Nípa deoladacht acht bid fiach.

Nípa deoladacht acht bid fiach.

(will-not-be * favour * but * will-be * debt)

There are no favours without debts.

 
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